Omni Day 6

Is now complete. This morning got in my workout and realized once again, its not that hard if you just get up, get in your gym clothes and do it!
Thank you for a great morning TAM. I am off to take my test at work...

Knight and Day

One word: Fail.
No need for detail...Adam laughed a little...me...no interest.

Omni Day 6...Not

So, today Adam and I walked about 8 miles and I did not workout. So, today is my rest day...in addition to yesterday's rest day...so tomorrow will be my day 6 and well...I will continue on until my day 14 rest day.
Confused? Me too.
I am not really getting this workout much, but it could be because I am not as dedicated for some reason this week. Hmm...
Tomorrow, I swear it.
I am not eating poorly, today I wanted breakfast so instead of a puree, I made 1 egg and 2 slices of turkey bacon with oatmeal and blueberries and I loved every second of it. We went out for lunch and I split a sandwich and salad with Adam. The sandwich had a ton of calories, but even after myfitness pal, I clocked in under 1000 for the day which was where I wanted to be....even without my workout.
I am not going to weigh or measure until next Thursday...which will give me plenty of days into the exercise and hopefully at the end of my lady time so my numbers will be more accurate...we shall see.

Jodi Picoult...you never disappoint

Today was 80 degrees and beautiful! I laid down in Cheeseman Park with Olive, Adam and an apple and read. This book touches on so many hot topics its ridiculous. Gay marriage, divorce, invitro, church and state, suicide and oh my god the list goes on. Many times I can predict Picoults books, but this one had a very nice twist and was quite unpredictable.
If you have never read her books before, each chapter is written from a different characters point of view, in a different font and the story becomes 3 dimensional.
Great great great book.

New kicks

Finally! I bought a new pair of sneakers. I absolutely loved them. They are so coushiony and will definitely help with my dance cardio. I put them on and jumped around the store to see how they felt. I got them at outdoor divas. However, when I left the store, and looked them up online I realized I could get them in pink and not blue like the store had! So, tomorrow I will bring them back and either have them order me a pink pair or I will order them myself online.

Omni Day 5

Today is a bust...in a nutshell.
I had to work today from 10:15-6 which means I left around 9:15. We had a huge family issue last night and I didn't sleep well. Then, this morning I was on the phone and talking through all of it.
I had carrot and parsnip puree for breakfast. For lunch I had a COBB salad with no dressing and I haven't even begun to think about dinner.
I did not work out and doubt I will get it done tonight.
Most of my premade foods are gone. A few actually went bad in the fridge.

owning it

This is something that is very simple. I learned long ago that only you can change your life. Everything that happens requires a response and then the result is what you own. You made it happen.
Life really gives you what it believes you can handle, regardless if it is good, bad, easy or hard. It is what you do with these challenges that determines what happens, how it effects you and truly who you are as a person..inside.
I think it is really hard for some people and some instances to see clearly the owning aspect of a situation and how it effects the people around you and most importantly yourself.
To me, I have become accepting of this idea of owning problems, situations, emotions, outbursts, consequences etc. I am by no means perfect and make mistakes and the wrong choices often, but I know that the result is definitely mine and what I deserve.
Our first reaction is blame or denial. Some people get stuck here in this spot and can't move on. They don't understand or know how to reach the real source of the issue so they are unable to own the outcome whether it be a reward or consequence.
Recently there has been quite a bit going on with people around me. The idea of stepping back and owning the problem and the outcome comes nowhere near their train of thought, only blames and excuses. Personally I believe that there is no place for this in life. Nothing will ever get solved or prevented from happening again until the root of the issue is taken to heart, owned and resolved internally so that the outcome is more of a positive then a repeating negative.
This kind of sounds like a math equation or a science lesson, but in a way...maybe it is easier to look at it that way then a personal one.

Hell's Corner

I have been trying to get into David Baldacci's Hell's Corner. Usually his books suck me in and I can't stop reading. However, this one is not so hot. I don't know if because 70 pages into the book I realize that it is about Osama Bin Laden or that it is just not as enticing of a read.
Therefore, it is going back to the library, not completed and definitely not recommended by me.

Kale Chip

Kale Chips

A new favorite snack of mine is Kale Chips. The TAM menu requests lots of Kale in many items. Since I don't have a juicer and a blender really isn't the same, I have begun making Kale Chips. I think they taste great and have a nice crunch.

I take bunches of Kale (super cheap at the grocery) cut them up, pour over a little olive oil (wish I had an oil spritzer) then add pepper and cayenne to the top. Bake at 300 for 20 minutes, then mix them around and cook for longer until they are all crunchy. I love the stalk part the most. They are a bit chewy but really have a nice flavor.

Just so you know, Kale is a huge source of Vitamin A, K, full of B-Carotine, B6 and Iron. It is also a big anti-oxydent and provides rich nutrition ingredients that offer protection from vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anaemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers.

 

PS. It does smell a little :)

Omni day 4

Ok, so today is Day 4. I wizzed through my workout and actually replayed the first 10 minutes (abs and arms) and then attempted to step touch the dance cardio. Well, that is impossible because you just want to jump all the time. So, I stopped. My knee is being a bitch and I am food running tonight at work so I should get some cardio in there :) Also, when I get new sneakers I know it will help, but I really need money before that happens...maybe in June then.
In the meantime, I am eating well. I absolutely love making kale chips and eating them like crazy.
I have started using myfitnesspal.com and the app on my phone. It really shows you how much you burn, take in, should lose etc. It says if I follow along this path, in 5 weeks I should have my 10 lbs gone. The TAM menu is very low cal...but I am not ever hungry so I think it is okay.
I am not overly sore, but I feel a difference in my legs mostly. I can also see a difference in the skin above my knee. It looks like it is tighter and not so wrinkly...which I love because I hate wearing shorts and maybe this summer I will buy my first pair in years.

avatar

I didn't want to rent Avatar. I was concerned since everyone said it was such a great movie, in the theatre. I was afraid that at home wouldn't have the same effect and we never made it to the theatre to see it.
Since we have netflix, I added it to our Que and it came yesterday.

What an absolutely beautiful movie. It was nothing like what I thought. There were real people acting, it wasn't just a "cartoon"
The movie stars Sam Worthington (super cute) as a soldier named Jake who is paralyzed from the waist down. His brother was a scientist who went to Pandora (another planet) to help with the Avatar program. The Avatar program uses human DNA and Na'Vi DNA (the local blue people) to create Avatars. The scientists kind of Matrix themselves into the Avatars bodies and use them to try to befriend the Na'Vi.

The whole premiss is that the Avatar's home is a huge tree which grows atop a part of land that grows Unubtanium, a new gemstone worth tons of money. The military and the scientists are on a quest to get the Na'Vi to move so that the skypeople, Americans, can get to the gemstone. The military want to do it violently and use Jake to scope everything out.
However, things get tricky when Neytiri, Zoe Salanda, basically the princess of the Na'Vi discovers Jake and well things get really good.
If you haven't seen this yet, you must!

Omni Day 3

This morning I got up and had my MS work done in time to then get ready for work. It wasn't so difficult, but I may run through the arms and abs portion twice...I feel like Im not getting a good enough workout with them. I ate all my puree's and stayed within my cleanse even though I went to work.
However, my knees are acting weird. I have never had an injury or anything before so I don't know why they hurt. I definitely know that I need new shoes and my work ones should be in soon. Hopefully that will help. I am not going to do my DC tonight. I know that that is bad, but I just don't want to ruin something. Maybe it is an excuse but throbbing knees is not something a 30 year old should have.
If Adam goes to the gym tonight, I will go and walk on the treadmill while he works out to stay moving, but I don't want to do any jumping. Maybe I should just step touch the DC...who knows.
So, that is day 3. It is going by quickly. I can't wait to be a part of the real weeks of food, I don't think my cravings will be as bad then. We shall see.

Morning Glory Muffins

Here is one more of my favorite recipes. Morning Glory Muffins from Whole Foods. I make these regularly and leave them for Adam. He loves them too. You can switch it up and add other dried fruits and such into the mix. When I cook it, it usually makes 8. I like to overflow my cupcake pans so that the muffins are big.

Makes 16

Whole wheat pastry flour combines with apples, raisins, carrots, coconut and walnuts in these nutritious and satisfying muffins. You can also try our Gluten-free Morning Glory Muffins.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed natural brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2/3 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Fuji apple, cored, peeled and diced
1/2 cup seedless raisins
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dried flaked unsweetened coconut, divided

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; break up any brown sugar lumps with your fingers or a wooden spoon.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil and vanilla, then add to flour mixture and stir just until combined. Add apples, raisins, carrots, walnuts and 1/4 cup of the coconut and stir gently until well combined.

Spoon batter into 16 paper-lined muffin tins, filling each about 2/3 full. Top evenly with remaining 4 teaspoons coconut and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Nutrition

Per serving (1 muffin/about 2oz/55g-wt.): 200 calories (110 from fat), 12g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 21g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 14g sugar), 3g protein

Strawberry Pie

Since Strawberries are almost out of season, I wanted to share with you my favorite Strawberry Pie recipe that my Mom has made since I was young. I am copying this from our travel blog for you.
If made right you can make it low fat low sugar :)

So, Here is what you need:

1 cup of cut up strawberries (or more if you love them)

2 cups of ice

1 8oz container of cool whip (you can use fat free or sugar free)

2/3 cup of water

1 package of jello (strawberry or strawberry banana)

1 pie crust (shortbread or graham cracker is the best)

Then:

Boil 2/3 c. of water...take off heat and add the jello packet.

Stir for 3 minutes

Add in 2 c. of ice

Stir until the jello gets thick

Take out the remaining ice

Mix in Cool Whip

Mix in Strawberries

Put the the fridge for 30 minutes or so, until it is thick

Then pour it into the pie crust

Let it sit for 3 hours...

YUM!

Celestial Seasonings

One day soon, we will have to head to head to Boulder which is home to Celestial Seasonings Tea (you can take the bus). You can take a free tour and have tea in their little cafe.

This is my absolute favorite tea...it is so delicious. The smell of it is just a perfect awakening of green tea goodness.
I am becoming somewhat of a tea connoisseur now that I have cut coffee out of my daily routine. The other one I tried this shopping trip was by Stash Tea This time I picked up their Chai Spice Black Tea. The Chai is very mild but it is nice for an evening cup of relaxing tea.

Once I run out, I will pick up something new to try to tell you about. My favorite is Mint, but lately I haven't found a brand that I love yet.

The Perfect Beach Vacation

I absolutely love this commercial. The mom's laugh at the end gets me every time.

Omni Day 2...Day 1 Floor Training

Today I woke up early so I could be sure to get my TAM in before work. I managed all of the muscle work and 15 minutes of the cardio. After that, I just couldn't lift my legs anymore. I should have just tapped it out but instead gave it up.
I ate my corn puree and blueberry applesauce. Then, I was craving turkey bacon...since Ad was having it for his breakfast, he made me a slice.
I went to work and had my first on the floor training day. It has really been 9 months since I have worked. I was exhausted. My back hurt and honestly, my left knee was throbbing as I sat on the bus on the way home. While at work, the trainer ordered Spaghetti Carbonara. I did try it, but kept my serving to about 3/4 a cup. It was good, but definitely not my favorite dish in the place.
Adam was as sweet as could be. I got home, climbed on the couch and fell asleep. Adam made a frozen BBQ chicken pizza and added some cauliflower to it. I had my pieces with hot pepper on top and loved it. I also had 1/2 a pack of 100 calorie popcorn. So, as you can see, I didn't follow my cleanse or complete my workout fully. I still don't see the day as a failure. I see it as one that I will just have to do better tomorrow.

the tourist

We just finished our newest netflix movie, The Tourist. As one who loves Venice, beautiful and funny actors and action movies with twists...this was awesome. I loved it. It was funny yet serious, had great action, suspense and twists. A little romance and always a question in the back of your head. A fun watch, not too violent and definitely not too goorey which is always good. 4 stars from me :)

Meta Omni Day 1

Today I began Meta (metamorphosis) Omni (Omnicentric) by Tracy Anderson. I successfully finished the 30 day bootcamp and am very happy with the food menu, workout and results. So, I spend $89.00 and bout the 90 day program. It basically consists on a menu and DVD's along with a few paper pamphlets and a tape measure.
Each day you work out for an hour..30 minutes muscle work and 30 minutes dance cardio. The cardio is actually pretty fun and the muscle work is over before you know it. The food choices are pretty easy to follow...the only difference I have done since we don't have a juicer is make kale chips and eat them with beets and spinach...no juicer.
The workout is basically 6 days on, 1 day off and every 10 days of workout you switch to the next level. You can have 1 glass of wine, 3 nights a week, drink as much tea as you want and well that is about it when it comes to straying from the menu.

Week 1 is a cleanse of sorts...she calls it a Nutriet Boost Week....basically I have one serving of Power Juice (which I explained what I do instead), Blueberry Applesauce (Blackberries were cheaper this week, so I bought them instead), Sweet Potato Corn Pudding (yum!), Carrot Parsnip Puree (tastes like my mom's mashed potatoes and carrots and potatos), Gazpacho (tomato yumminess), Chicken Protein Soup and Chocolate Pudding (homemade). Work out each day...easy enough.

So, Day 1 down. On day 10 I will measure again to see what is going on. But, each morning as I step on the scale, I tend to be .5 lbs lighter...it is pretty cool. Today I put on a pair of jeans that haven't fit in years and I weighed less than I did when I graduated College in 2002. I am very excited to see what changes are still to be made. My lower body still needs some work, but I totally trust the workouts and feel that this lifestyle change is one that I can keep up with...very easily.

Maru the Cat

This is hysterical. Everyone wants a cat like Maru. It was the daily youtube video on our news this morning and I just had to share.