Protein Packed

The green beans in the fridge have been left untouched. I didn't want it to go to waste so I thought I'd put them to good use.

Green Beans sauteed in garlic, onions, oyster sauce and peanuts

I had mine this way but my aunt who is also in a diet had hers with some parmesan cheese.

Not bad at all.

Ceasar Salad

I wish I could say this is all I had for breakfast but no. I also had ham, egg and toast. Just half though, because someone else ate my meal. I have a photo, but I feel guilty, so I'm just sharing this lovely Ceasar Salad from Butter Diner.

New Approach

Denver signed up as my trainer for this 12 week challenge but he has been inactive in my life so I have part time consultants.

Coach Surf has given me his insights and I am very excited because I have seen results with his approach. He lost a lot of weight and brought his blood pressure from 170/100 to normal. His apprentice, Shayne, also lost a whopping 20 lbs in 2 months, just by changing her diet.

I should be on a high protein diet, and started on that this week, but it has been quite a challenge to stick to it because my food has not been 100% home prepared.

I've made the following major adjustments though:

• I quit Starbucks Hot Mocha and switched to Black Coffee with a pinch of cinnamon. Yes. That's black without the sugar or cream. Not even a packet of Equal or Splenda.
• I started loading on H2O and Green Tea.
• I quit butter and replaced it with parmesan cheese.
• I started drinking red wine for its Resveratrol benefits. I absolutely hate any kind of wine.
• My grocery cart is now filled with fish, chicken breast fillet, brocolli and spinach. And yes, I have eaten them.

Eating the food is not a problem. I just have to make sure I prepare something daily so I don't run out of food and have an excuse to buy something thats not part of my diet.

Water Training

Despite the heat, I went swimming yesterday and today. I may not be losing as much weight as I would like, but I feel that I have better endurance each time I swim.

On my first Ultra visit, I did 12 laps. Yesterday and today, I did 22 laps. The pool is closed to the public at 4:30pm. If I had more time, I think I still have the strength to do more laps. I'm really into this. Oh, and I walked from Ultra to Silver City after today's workout.

I wonder if I can do 40 laps? That would be awesome!

The Biggest Loser of XPS Week 2

I did not work out much on Week 2. It was cheat week for me. I had rice a few times and started drinking lots of starbucks again (but no whip and drizzle). Still, I lost 2 lbs. I also did more laps at the pool and it was a lot easier for me this time even if I did not cut back on my smoking.

I really want to swim now, but its so hot outside. A little less sun please.

Boxer's Fracture

Paraffin Wax

While I need to rest my hands for two weeks, Doc still encourages me to continue boxing. She says its a really good workout and she tried it herself to lose her post baby weight.

For now, I think I'll focus on swimming.

Today at the Ultra

Unwell

Today I had planned on swimming in the morning and then going to Ippo's Kinder graduation in the afternoon.

But I am sick. No fever, but my throat hurts and I've got a stuffy nose. I don't think I can go to the pool today. Maybe I can just take a walk. I probably will since I have some errands that I can't dodge anyway.

A massage would be really great.

The Biggest Loser of XPS Week 1

I lost 5 lbs since I first weighed in for the biggest loser. It was a surprise. I have been checking the scale daily for a week and it was only last night when I saw a big drop. Of course, I starved myself before getting on the scale for the official weigh in, but even after I had already eaten, it was still 5 lbs lost.

To celebrate, I had chicken inasal, garlic rice and some ensaladang talong. Haha. I only had half of my rice and did not order ice tea or coke!

I only had a couple of hours sleep before starting my 9pm shift. I was supposed to be logged out of the office at 6am. But ended up working overtime until after 11am. I left my workout clothes at home, and I still feel like I'm about to have a flu. I've had this feeling for days.

I decided to just accompany Denver and our DSS friends to the gym. I fell asleep with my head rested on my bag. Kind of embarrassing. Denver said he had already finished two rounds with our boxing trainer when I woke up.

I know that all the workout and overtime in the office is making me tired. I have to make a few changes very soon or else I don't think I will last until Week 12.

Tsk tsk tsk

Today was supposed to be swimming day but when I got to Ultra, I found out that Monday is pool treatment day. I didn't want my effort to go to waste. Good thing I thought to bring extra clothes in anticipation of such an event.

Although I dread running, I had nothing else to do there.

Before getting into my running gear, I had to address my hunger. As usual, I only ate half of my lunch at work, so I had a little picnic before my exercise.

leftovers - mushroom, scrambled eggs and wheat bread

dressing room

syempre katirikan na naman ng araw

Lame workout. I couldn't do 50/50. I walked most of the time. I used the heat and my aching calves as excuses. But I know in my heart I just didn't push myself.

super tired after only 5 laps

getting bored here

I remember I was texting here. On my 7th lap. Ayoko na.

When I got home, I had this:

Tsk tsk tsk.

Keep Moving

Denver told me I should take a break today. I'm still lacking sleep. One day to go and and its the first week weigh in of TBL-XPS. Although I have not lost weight, I feel good because all the physical exercise is making me stronger.

I've been neglecting my Catholic duties. Its a Sunday and figured its about time I show up in church. And so I went to St. Pio Chapel for the 12:30PM mass. After the service, I was tempted to take a cab going home, but it just didn't feel right to have no physical activity today. I willed myself to ride a jeepney from Libis to Ortigas Extension, got off at Jenny's Ave and decided to walk from there to my house. It took me 18 minutes of slow walking. I know its so not enough but better than nothing right?

I'm Guilty

After work, Denver took me to Marikina for a run in the oval. Denver was really on trainer mode today, pushing me to run and even timing me. We were there around 10am. Heat was terrible. My throat felt really dry. I kinda feel like I'm going to be sick but I have to fight it because I can't slow down now that I am doing good.

I did 10 laps and achieved my goal of 50% walk and 50% jog. I actually ran the entire first lap and clocked under 2 minutes. That's a big deal for someone who weighs 190 lbs.

Denver is telling me not to stress over the fact that I haven't lost weight. Yes, all this work and no weight loss.

We went to Toby's for my swim gear. Goodness I am spending so much on sports gear! Last Wednesday I bought my own boxing gloves. Today I bought goggles because my eyes were so red from my first Ultra swimming. I also got myself an expensive speedo pullkick and a swim cap. I hope I didn't waste all my money on all this stuff!

I did something bad though. Denver took me to Mcdonald's and I had a filet-o-fish meal. Denver ate most of the fries but I feel guilty. I can't let this happen again!

Getting Serious

Plan A was to go badminton with my XPS friends. Plan B was to box with my DSS friends. I woke up wanting to try something else.

I found myself at the Ultra once again. Alone.

This time I went swimming!

Dive Pool

Olympic Size Swimming Pool

Shower Room

A view of my goal

(the other end)

After my first lap, I thought I wouldn't make it to my 10 lap goal. I wanted to vow never to puff a cigarette again but I didn't. Last time I used an Olympic-size pool and did 10 was over a decade ago as a swimmer in College.

This is me after 6 laps

After 10 laps, I was still alive so I did 2 more!

I guess I really am serious about this. It feels good to do this by myself.

Because I Can't Box

3rd Boxing Day

March 3, 2011

This was my best boxing workout because my right hand felt fine, unlike my first two boxing sessions. I threw my strongest punches on this day.

4th Boxing Day

March 8, 2011

Slow workout. My right hand is in pain again. It started on the first round and still hurts as of writing. I must have thrown a very wrong straight punch.

Running Day

Today

My right hand is still in pain. I have a strong feeling I won't be able to box anytime soon. I decided to run instead.

We went to the Marikina Sports Complex hoping to run in the oval but it was closed for the day because of some film shooting (I think). We ended up at the Ultra oval.

These are my very supportive loved ones - Alice, Denver and Roanne.

Posing at exactly 12 noon, just before our run.

And here I am after 7 laps of very slow jogging and walking.

I ended the day with 10 laps, breaking my 7 lap record from my first visit to Marikina Sports Complex. Thanks to these 2 wonderful thin ladies who ran past me a few times, and to Denver who is the first person who will be really happy with me losing weight!

Next running goal is to jog 50% of the time instead of 30% jog/70% walk.

Now I'm Having Fun

February 26, Saturday - 1st Boxing Day

February 27, Sunday - Body Pain at home

February 28, Monday - Jogging, Aerobics at the Marikina Sports Complex, Home Service Massage

March 1, Tuesday - Boxing

March 2, Wednesday - Rest from all the activities. Thank goodness.

March 3, Thursday - Chose to go boxing instead of playing badminton

March 4, Friday - Can we rest again?