Busy Beast

WHEW, WHAT A BUSY DAY!! This post is going to be super fast because my time is precious and limited today. To be honest, I'm sort of losing my mind. GO-GO-GO! YEAH-YEAH-YEAH! WEEEEEE!

I woke up, tossed in a load of laundry, tidied up the house, read a few blogs and then made a delicious bowl of oats.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:00am.

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• (topped with 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter, and a sprinkle of Udi's Au Naturel Granola, and 1 tbs sugar free strawberry preserves)

I love the addition of Udi's granola. You could really taste the wildflower honey and it had a great chewy texture. Sometimes granola is TOO crunchy (which I hate) but this was nice. I seriously can't wait to try the other varieties. The Au Naturel flavor gets a 10 out of 10.


After breakfast I put some laundry away and then changed for the gym. I was feeling motivated to sweat today and I ended up having a stellar (exhausting) workout.

WORKOUT!

Leg Extensions (cable)
90lb x 15 (x2)
80lb x 15
Seated Leg Curls (cable)
90lb x 15 (x2)
80lb x 15
Outer Thigh Machine (cable)
75lb x 20 (3 sets)
Inner Thigh Machine (cable)
65lb x 20 (3 sets)
Hack Squat (plate loaded)
60lb x 15
50lb x 15 (2 sets)
Single Leg Press
100lb per leg x 15 (3 sets)
Stiff Legged Deadlifts (straight bar)
45lb x 15 (3 sets)
Squats
Body weight x 15 (3 sets)
Abs
I did 20 minutes or random ab workouts, including ab machine, floor crunches, sit-ups, two 1 minute planks, side twists, dumbbell side bends and the bar torso twist.
Elliptical Cross Trainer
20 minutes, 2 minute intervals of levels 6-8

Total time spent at gym = 1:36
Max HR = 170
Average HR = 139
Total Calories Burned = 725

After the gym I ran to the pharmacy, the bank and then went straight to Ann's new apartment to help her move furniture around, decorate and organize. WEEEEE.... I WAS STARVING! Ann had no comfort food to offer me. Basically, she had NO food to offer me at all. She did manage to find me this delicious Braeburn apple though, which I INHALED!


She also made me a quick chocolate whey protein shake which I drank in maybe 10 seconds flat. I was NOT fulfilled but it was enough to get me going.


I also snacked on some wheat thin crackers, another apple and a cup of coffee throughout the afternoon. I didn't take any pictures though. I had my hands full!

We spent the next four and a half hours (YES, FOUR and a half!) pushing furniture, cleaning, putting things away, decorating, hanging things and organizing. At about 6:00 I decided I had enough and called it quits. I flew home, devoured a banana and a handful of pretzels (which I forgot to photograph) and quickly wrote up this blog.

Now I must rush off again, clean my messy self up and get ready for my friends 30th Birthday dinner. I can't wait to eat some tasty Middle Eastern food.

A. Because I LOVE the restaurant we're going to! Aladdin's Eatery!
B. Because I'm completely and utterly starving for REAL FOOD!
C. Because I don't have to cook it! I'm exhausted!!

I'll be back with a regular (FULL) foodie post tomorrow. Have a great Saturday night!

Gotta GO GO GOOOOOOOO......

XOXO
Ildie

Machine Girl...

I'm just Chug Chug Chugging along on the crazy train today. WHEW what a busy day. I'm convinced that I'm part machine. It's the only thing that makes sense!! No ordinary human being could handle the insanities I juggle every day. Meaning work, life, love life and what's left of my sanity. It all makes sense now! I think my bionic mechanical parts are beginning to squeak and rust though. I seem out of whack like my system is malfunctioning. Perhaps I need a tuneup? My bits and pieces lubricated? HA. That just sounded filthy! Please pardon my nastiness.

Okay, moving on....

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:15am.

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. A MOMENTOUS OCCASION OCCURRED IN BREAKFAST LAND TODAY! I had my very first OIAJ (oats in a jar)! I used my empty Better N' Peanut Butter jar. I went through it pretty fast.


I made the usual mix of microwaved oats with...

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

I wept with excitement as I filled up my little peanut butter laden jar of creamy wonder.


With wild eyes I began to consume scoop after scoop of ooey-gooey, nutty decadence. One thing is a given, I've been missing out BIG TIME. It had no idea it would be so glorious!

After scrapping the last bit of life out of my jar, I dove head first into work. My mechanical brain was computing and problem solving with incredible speed. I was processing data like nobodies business.

Around lunchtime my (hard) drive to work started failing. I shut down my "work mode" manually and decided to consume some nutritional goodness. Feed the beast if you will.

LUNCH (meal #2) at 12:15pm.

Yep, that's right, ANOTHER salad. Am I BLOWING your mind yet with my repetitiveness this week? Don't get me wrong, I love a good salad, but this lunch right here was the creation of pure laziness. I always pack my food at night for the following day. I was tired and this was the best I could come up with. It was still tasty though!

• Spinach
• Morning Star Farms black bean burger
• Tomato
• Chick Peas
• Broccoli
• Sriracha
• Spray Butter

My robotic sidekick (Ann) and I shimmied out of the office around 12:45 for our break. Ahh fresh air, I've missed you!! We ran to Giant Eagle so I could IMMEDIATELY pick up another jar of my beloved Better N' Peanut Butter! I was feeling naked and lost without it! We also ran to scary Marc's because they advertised Dannon Greek yogurt in their add for 88 cents. IT WAS ALL LIES! They had signs up saying production was down (??) and they had none available. I despise Marc's even more now. Why do I keep going back? It's a mystery!

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:00pm.

Another yogurt concoction. I sliced a Fuji apple and topped it with plain Yoplait Greek yogurt and cinnamon. Simple perfection.


And then at 5:00 we were off to the gym. It was extra special hot in there today. Sweat was dripping into my eyes and it STUNG! My hair was sticking all over my neck and I looked like I just got out of the shower. My clothes were soaked. Basically, I was a sexy hot mess. ;)

WORKOUT!

Bicep Curls (barbell)
40lb x 15
35lb x 15 (2 sets)
Tricep Pulldown (cable with straight bar)
80lb x q15
70lb x 15 (2 sets)
21's (barbell)
30lb (3 sets)
Overhead Tricep Extension (cable)
60lb x 15 (3 sets)
Hammer Curls (dumbbells)
15lb x 15 (2 sets)
12.5 lb x 15
Tricep Extension (dumbbell)
15lb x 15 (3 sets)
Bicep Curls (barbell)
25lb x 20 (3 sets)
Elliptical Cross Trainer
30 minutes, 2.6 miles
Uphill challenge, levels 6-18 (WHEW, it whooped me today!!)

Total time at gym = 1:13
Max HR = 174
Average HR = 146
Total calories burned = 642

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:30pm.

I refueled with a simple shake as soon as I got home. Made with unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and chocolate peanut butter whey protein powder. I didn't feel like fussing with the blender. My upper body feels super tight today. It buuuuuuuuuurns!


Before heading up to soak in a nice hot bath, I started prepping dinner. I was RABID with hunger. I didn't want to come down from my bath and have to start cooking from scratch. I haved no patience for such nonsense today!

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:00pm.

I cleaned and sliced a ton of carrots, zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms, seasoned them with spray butter, S+P, garlic powder, cayenne and rosemary and popped them into a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.

I took a nice relaxing bath while they cooked to perfection. They smelled like heaven by the time I came back downstairs. I made a quick sandwich to go with the veggies. I toasted a whole grain Ezekiel bun, smeared swiss laughing cow cheese on one half, superfruit jam on the other and added the last of my smoked turkey lunch meat. Done and done.


I don't know what it was about this sandwich but I was in LOVE with it. SO so good!

Time to unplug machine girl now and get some R&R. Stop crying!! I'll be back tomorrow. ;)

XOXO
Ildie

Brain Pain

Oh hay there. Today has been a hectic, hot mess. I felt like I had 999 things to get done and not enough time in the day for even half of it. Still super busy at work. My brain hurts!!!

Let's start from the beginning.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:45am.

Yeah, that's right. I didn't get around to breakfast until almost 10:00 and I was still finishing it up at 10:30. It was that kind of a morning!

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash pumpkin pie spice
• pinch salt
• Splenda to taste

And of course, I topped it with the usuals.

• 2 tbs peach preserves
• 1 tbs flax
• 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter

Never gonna give you up. Never gonna let you down. Never gonna run around or desert you. (I just wanted to sing a little ditty for Better N' Peanut Butter because I LOVE IT!)

Breakfast calmed me down a bit, but not much! My hair ripping, mind unraveling, stress party continued all the live long day.

LUNCH (meal #2) at 1:00pm.

It seems that all my meals were late today. SIGH! At least they were delicious!

I had an everything bagel thin sandwich with smoked turkey and romaine. On the side I had roasted garlic hummus with green peppers and carrots. SO GOOD!


SOMEHOW, by luck and a hint of black magic, I managed to sneak out of the office today. I HAD TO! Nick's Birthday is this Thursday and I had yet to buy him anything. I worked quick like a bunny and managed to find him the perfect present. He'll be so excited! :)

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:00pm.

I had a Dannon Greek yogurt with cinnamon and pomegranate granola. I have decided that I LOVE this yogurt. It's so creamy, thick and DELICIOUS! It's officially my second favorite after plain Oikos.


We hit the gym after work for biceps, triceps, shoulders and cardio day. My favorite. ;)

WORKOUT!

Tricep Pulldown Machine (cable)
80lb x 15
70lb x 15 (2 sets)
Skull Crushers (barbell)
25lb x 15 (3 sets)
Seated Barbell Military Press
25lb x 15 (3 sets)
Barbell Curls
40lb x 15
35lb x 15 (2 sets)
Barbell Front Raise
20lb x 15 (3 sets)
Upright Row (barbell)
35lb x 15 (3 sets)
21's
20lb barbells (3 sets)
Hammer Curls
12.5lb x 15 (2 sets)
Barbell Curls
35lb x 15 (snuck one more set it)
Elliptical Cross Trainer, 30 minutes, 2.62 miles
Min. 1-2 (level 6)
Min. 3-4 (level 8)
Min. 5-6 (level 6)
Min. 7-8 (level 8)
Min. 9-10 (level 6)
Min. 11-12 (level 8)
Min. 13-14 (level 10)
Min. 15-16 (level 8)
Min. 17-18 (level 10)
Min. 19-20 (level 8)
Min. 21-25 (level 11)
Min. 26-30 (level 8)

Total Calories burned during my workout was 664. My max heart rate was 171 and my average was 144.

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:15pm.

I indulged in another delicious recovery smoothie the second I got home.

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 scoop peanut butter chocolate protein powder
• 1 banana
• LOTS of ice

I'm loving this new protein powder flavor. Even the smell is amazing! YUM!

Nick and I were giddy with anticipation all night. We had planned on watching the last episode of Dexter Season 3 tonight. This meant Dinner would have to be QUICK! I'm not known for my patience, you see.

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:00pm.

Nick was having leftover pizza. I should add that it was several days old. He's a brave little soldier. OLD leftovers freak me out. It's why I always eat them as soon as possible or freeze them, if they can be frozen.

I took a whole wheat and flax Flat Out and stuffed it with leftover tofu from last night, fat free american cheese, green onions and roasted garlic hummus. I folded the FlatOut in half and toasted both sides in a frying pan. URGENT ANNOUNCEMENT! This was delicious! I topped it with Trader Joe's smoky peach salsa and devoured it.


I also enjoyed some green beans with spray butter and garlic and sea salt sunflower seeds.


Oh so good! I licked the plate clean.

Alright lovelies. It's Dexter time. Going to finish the season while I cuddle with the Mr. and then call it a night. Time to unwind!

HUGS!
Ildie

Phantom Farter

I'm reporting to you live from Sunny (YES, SUNNY) Ohio today. The weather is gorgeous, the snow has melted and people of all ages have been rejoicing wildly in the streets. You can smell the sweet scent of Spring in the air. It's ripe aroma has caused mass delirium amongst the locals! It has spread the disgusting disease known as "joy and laughter" like wildfire. Showing no mercy to even women and the children. I myself have been afflicted by this "disease" and my face is sore from all the smiling. AHHHH! I LOVE THE SUN!

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:00am.

I welcomed the sun with my new favorite oatmeal combo.

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash pumpkin pie spice
• pinch salt

Topped with.....

• 1 tbs flax
• 2 tbs sugar free cherry preserves
• 1 tbs Better N. Peanut Butter

Like dessert in a bowl. I kid you not. How can anyone hate oatmeal? The concept of such insane hate blows my mind!

LUNCH (meal #2) at 12:15pm.

One of my favorite at work lunches ever. Spicy breakfast wrap. LOVE!

• 4 egg whites
• 1 whole wheat and flax FlatOut
• 1 cup spinach
• 2 tbs hummus
• Drizzle of Sriracha

Gently rolled together to produce a perfectly wrapped, sexy, spicy, amazing lunch!! I could eat these every day! This had me full for hours.


On our break, we made the now monthly pilgrimage (CRACK RUN) to Super Walmart to stock up on Greek yogurt. I've got an addiction and I need to feed it! I picked up some chocolate Oikos to try as well as some plain Dannon Greek yogurt. I also picked up a non Greek variety. Walmart's off brand name had a banana cream pie flavor and it had me INTRIGUED! I had to get some.

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:00pm.

I tried the chocolaty crack (Oikos) that I picked up at lunch today. So what did I think? Eh, not bad. I think I prefer the plain. It was good but not as creamy and the flavor was a TAD artificial. I had it with a bit pomegranate granola. Trust me, I ate it all and will eat the others as well. NEVER HATE ON OIKOS!


I was feeling pumped for the gym today. No idea why. As a general rule I LOATHE Cardio day! However, I now have the power of my amazing Polar watch which makes me want to keep pushing to see how many calories I can burn. I'm telling you. This thing is MAGICAL motivation! I made SURE to turn it on correctly this time so I could track ALL of my progress correctly!

WORKOUT!

Elliptical Cross Trainer
60 minutes

634 calories burned

Max HR 173

Average HR 159

I was covered in sweat. The workout felt like a long one. Probably due to the SILENT and FOUL smelling Phantom Cardio Room Farter. OMG! Whoever it was kept doing it. Over and over and over again. You couldn't get away from the aroma. It was OUT OF CONTROL BAD! It had my eyes stinging. HA! Soooooo disgusting!

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:15pm.

I tried a new to me flavor of whey protein powder today. I picked it up at Walmart for only $12. Can't beat that! Chocolate peanut butter just sounded too good to pass up.

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 scoop chocolate peanut butter whey protein powder
• 1 banana
• 1 1/2 cups ice

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! I love this new flavor. SO glad I decided to pick it up to try. Mmmmmm!

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:00pm

I was craving Tofu. And a salad. I decided to marry the two together this evening in a little kitchen experiment. MUWAHAHAHAHAHA!

I seasoned the tofu with sea salt, pepper, key lime seasoning mix and spray butter. I tossed them into a 450 degree oven for 30 minutes, flipping them once. They came out nice and golden.

I tossed them on a bed of crisp romaine and baby spinach. Toppings included green bell pepper, avocado, tomato, garlic & sea salt sunflower seeds, Spray Butter and Sriracha. Delicious!


Lost was on earlier tonight and we have it recorded. My endless love of confused jungle mania and mayhem continues. Only 10 more episodes left. So exciting! I have to watch it right now!! I can't stand it anymore!!! ;)

Bye for now.....
XOXO
Ildie

The Juggler!

First of all. HI!

Second of all. It was above 50 degrees today. OMG. So exciting!

Third of all. I WAS SO BUSY TODAY! Work was cray-zaaaay. As you know, I left at noon last Friday instead of 5:00. Boy, people sure did MISS me. HA! I came in to 100+ emails at work. It took me until noon to get (somewhat) caught up. At least the day flew by. SWOOOOOSH!

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:30am. (I was trapped at my desk which is why I ate later than usual)

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash pumpkin pie spice

I topped my sexy, steamy and tasty bowl with....

• 1 tbs flax
• 2 tbs sugar free cherry preserves (Smucker's)
• 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter

HEAVEN!!! I am officially IN LOVE with BNPB! Thick, creamy and decadent. I don't know if it's just me but I think it tastes damn good considering it's only 50 calories and 1 gram of fat per tablespoon!

I ate my breakfast while juggling work, phone calls, emails and faxes. I should be in a circus. My skills are amazing!

LUNCH (meal #2) at 12:30pm.

I swear the morning was over in like 30 minutes. Ann said she was ready for lunch and I thought she was kidding. Then I realized it was past noon. WOW!

I had the best little veggie packed feast for lunch. I loaded up an everything bagel thin with a wedge of light, swiss Laughing Cow Cheese, baby spinach, tomato slices and yellow bell peppers.


On the side I had the rest of the tomato and peppers, some sugar snap peas and a green pear. Sadly the pear was not ripe and hard. I still ate most of it though. NO FOOD GETS LEFT BEHIND!


We busted out of the office for an hour today. AHH, GLORIOUS SUN! I was on a "find small hair clips" mission. I realized that my hair is now short enough to just clip back and off of my face for the gym. NO need for ponytails. I FEEL SO FREE!

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:15pm.

TRAGICALLY I have no Greek Yogurt so I had a Weight Watchers peach yogurt instead. I was going to have this pretty little apple too but somehow, I just never got around to it. I was doing some more of that there "juggling" and lost track of time.


WORKOUT!

We barely made it out of work on time today. BARELY! I was excited to see what my new Polar watch would have to say today. I swear that wearing it makes exercising more exciting. Like a game. CAN YOU BEAT THE HIGHEST SCORES!? I'll surely try!

SADLY! I didn't turn it on correctly and I didn't notice until 25 minutes into the workout. I still managed to burn 487 calories in the 54 minutes that the watch did keep track of.


The total workout was roughly 1:20 minutes long so I'm guessing I burned close to 600 calories total. ??? Anyways, here's the workout.

Lat Pulldown with V bar (cable)

70lb x 15

60lb x 15 (2 sets)

Seated Chest Press (plate loaded)

60lb x 5 (2 sets)

50lb x 15

High Row (plate loaded)

100lb x 15 (3 sets)

Advanced Chest Press (plate loaded)

30lb x 15 (3 sets)

Seated Row (cable)

50lb x 15 (3 sets)

Seated Chest Press (cable)

75lb x 15

60lb x 15 (2 sets)

Elliptical Cross Trainer

30 minutes, 2.63 miles

Min. 1-10 (level 8)

Min. 11-30 (2 minute intervals at levels 8 & 10)

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:15pm.

I made a quick recovery smoothie as soon as I got home.

• 1 cup vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 small banana
• 1 cup ice
• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder

Yummy-Yum-Yum....

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:00.

I actually pre-planned tonights dinner. Can you believe it? I usually just wing it! Pork loin was on the menu tonight. Nick loves it and I haven't made it in a while. I seasoned the loin with pink salt, red pepper, black pepper, oregano and rosemary. I covered it with foil, pierced a few holes in the foil and baked it at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.


I also roasted some broccoli and asparagus to go with it. I seasoned the veggies with the same exact seasonings and baked them for maybe 15 minutes. I also sprinkled some parmesan on the veggies when they were done.


Dinner was super delicious. I also had Sriracha on the side for some spicy dipping. So good!


Now it's time to continue my affair with my TV Mister (Dexter). Oh how I love you Dexter!! We're almost done with season 3 and It's getting so good! I may be up until 2:00am so we can finish it tonight. I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN STAND WAITING UNTIL TOMORROW!!

Night night!
XOXO
Ildie