Party Dish #3 & The measure of a woman

When I was working my butt off, at work, yesterday (and don't we wish that was literally possible) people didn't understand my being disturbed by one day away from the gym. I don't want to come off as obsessive, but I do want to be diligent when it comes to my health - I spent many years ignoring it and I am still paying.

When I was last at Fitness World West on Monday, Trainer Traci and I did measurements again. It's been about 7 weeks since we did them last. My weight hasn't changed - 153. But my inches have - down by at least 1/2 inch everywhere and in my arms and my thighs, even more.

However Traci and I talked and I want more. I truly believe there is more fat to be removed from my body, I want to be leaner and more athletic. While I have made great strides in these areas, it's time to try some different tricks.

My food - Traci believes and I concur, I have gotten in a rut. Now I am going to do smaller snacks throughout the day and make my way to more whole foods. I have become too dependent on protein bars. While they are great for convenience and portion control, Traci thinks my body is used to burning them and isn't challenged to use extra calories for digestion. I can proudly say, I only had half a protein bar yesterday.

My workout - Traci thinks my body has become used to that as well. It's not that I don't trade out on cardio or that she doesn't give me a different set of exercises each time we train, it's that I am not surprising my body anymore. I guess it's like any relationship - you have to shake things up once in a while to keep the fire.

The fire is the key. I need to require my body to burn my stored fat to both get the most from my food and my workout. So, I am going to do more interval training. 5 minutes of cardio, some weights, 15 minutes of cardio, core work, etc. Each time will be different. I am looking forward to this next step. I want that silly scale to move.

Please note, while I have said that the number on the scale is not important, it is in so far as it taunts me knowing I am not getting at the last of the fat stores. Once I have my body shaped the way I want it, I truly will not care what that number on the little machine that provokes us all says.

As for a party dish, this is uber healthy and you can have half a cup!

Zesty Corn Salsa
Serve at a party or as a condiment with your favorite Mexican meal.

Servings: 4
Yield: 2 Cups

1 1/4 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons chopped seeded jalapeño chili

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.)

Per Serving: 53 Calories; trace Fat (6.3% calories from fat); trace Saturated Fat; 2g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 3mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat.

This is from Lowfatlifestyle.com

Yours in health, Kate

Stress

It has been a long day. I have been here at work since 4 a.m., it's now 4:27 p.m.

The weather is not cooperating and being the news director, I have to stick around and get the closings and delays updated.

But other things have come to bear over the last few days as well. I am in the business of communication, but I have two situations where words have failed me and terse discussions have ensued. I am not that person.

It has lead me to want junk food. I have held back simply by being too busy to find my way to the junk. The only upside to having no time is I can't run away to the pastry shop. I don't like thinking I would do that. I thought I was past that.

But that urge and one to drink have both held sway in my mind the last couple of days. I don't drink because they told me it would increase my acid reflux, but weeks like these, I am awfully tempted to "take the edge off" with a shot. It wouldn't even have to taste bad because since I quit imbibing 8 years ago, they have created some wonderfully fruity (read: girly) liquors. Hopefully blogging about it will be enough.

Well, I am going to go work on my MySpace page. Yes, due to networking needs, I have succumbed. I still don't know where I sit with that decision.

Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 153 pounds (Yes, I seem to forever be at 153, I'm working on it)

Another Step

I know it has been months since I have posted here. I have been posting on another blog that I have created for work and my gym.

You should check it out. It's different. It's very user friendly and goes heavy on fitness.

People ask me all of the time how I have lost so much weight - I eat right and exercise. And while I firmly believe no one plan works for the same for anyone else - combining those two things - in whatever form, does work for everyone.

So, I hope you enjoy that blog as well. I will still post here on occassion, because the more personal stuff needs an outlet too.

Best Always, Ms_H
Weight - 153 pounds

"Don't you think you should stop now?"

Yesterday I put in a killer hour and a half at Fitness World West, it was awesome! I love it when I am able to put in the ultra effort without Trainer Traci along for the ride, I always feel empowered. Though I certainly wouldn't give up my time with her for anything.

I went out with Lori and Linda last night. We went to dinner at Raccoon River and then next door to Little Big Fest at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. It was a American roots rock event. We only went to see one band, Jim the Mule. (I've mentioned them before, they are very, very good.)

After the show we went to Zanzibar's and on the way there Linda asked me if I was done losing weight. I said "no", I have a ways to go. She seemed concerned. I assured her, I still weigh 153 pounds at 5' 4", I still have fat to lose and more muscle to put on. While I may appear to be skinny to her, (and to a number of others who have expressed concern) I am not.

I am losing weight healthfully and slowly, the only way to do it and keep it off. I still have at least 25 pounds of fat to take off. That being said, once it is off and the muscle is on, I may end up back at the weight I sit at now. And that's o.k., it's not about what I weigh, it's how I feel and how my clothes fit.

So, no, I don't think I should stop now. But I will stop trying to lose at some point and then I will go down the road I fear the most - Maintenance. That's the place I will be the rest of my life and I am looking forward to building a lovely house to grown old in there.

Yours in fitness, Kate