Picture Perfect

Hello bloggies. Today has been a SUPER long and busy day so this is going to be a be a pictorial recap only. A super duper informative, picture perfect story of foodie perfection.

I wish I had more time to elaborate but it's late and my bed is calling out to me.



That's all she wrote today. I hope to be back with a full post tomorrow. Have a great night.

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! I seriously can NOT WAIT!!

XOXO
Ildie

270 hours and counting!

Why hello my little bloggettes.

To start this post off right, let us discuss my impending and brilliant vacation. We officially leave in 11.5 days (9 of which are working days), which also translates to a grand total of 270 hours. Obsess much? Why yes... Yes I do. Thanks for noticing. How can I not? I'm SO excited. My list making is completely and hopelessly out of control. I've already started buying and packing a few MUST HAVE necessities. Toothbrushes, soap, butter pretzels, bottles of wine, oatmeal, peanut butter and shot glasses etc... I would HATE to forget something critically important. Groceries on the island will be limited and I MUST BE PREPARED! HA!

Ocracoke island is super small, quaint, low key, relaxing and laid back. This map is all there is. LOVE it. See that green square on the right. That's our rental house. :)


I've been to the Island before and I loved it. So peaceful.



OKAY, I'm veering off topic here... MUST FOCUS!

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

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tbs unsweetened dark cocoa
• Splenda
• (Microwaved and topped with 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter and organic raisins.)

Eaten while I worked. La La La, La La, La Laaaaaaaa...

I wish I could get this excited about work. HA! :)

LUNCH (meal #2) at 12:30.

A simple salad of spinach + tomatoes + sugar snap peas + acorn squash + spray butter. The combo of cold spinach and hot, sweet acorn squash is ridiculous. SO good!


I managed to sneak in a break today and left the office for a bit to get gas (EXCITING I know!!) and to pick up the cheapest, fitted, king sized sheets I could find. The rental house comes with everything EXCEPT linens. Sort of annoying but what can you do? I know, you can put on your brave face, go to Walmart and leave a bit of your soul behind while you spend your hard earned money in evil land. HA! Now I can cross sheets off of my list. EXCITING!

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

The very predictable bowl of yogurty goodness. A plain Dannon Greek yogurt, a juicy red pear and a sprinkle of Udi's cranberry granola and cinnamon.


And then, like a sneaky, stealthy falcon, 5:00 o'clock swept through the land and it was time for the gym.

WORKOUT!

Tricep Pulldown Machine (cable)
80lb x 15
70lb x 15
70lb x 15
Bicep Curls (barbell)
45lb x 12 9I need some manly wrist wraps, these REALLY hurt my wrists!!)
40lb x 15
35lb x 15
Front Shoulder Raise (barbell)
30lb x 15
25lb x 15
20lb x 15
Tricep Bench Dips
Bodyweight x 15 (3 sets)
Hammer Curls (dumbbell)
15lb x 15
15lb x 15
12.5lb x 15
Bicep Machine (cable)
15lb x 15 (this thing was ODDLY heavy)
15lb x 11
15lb x 10
Overhead Shoulder Press (dumbbell)
15lb x 15
15lb x 15
15lb x 15
Treadmill
I was trying to surpass my last 13 min. mile. I did 1 mile in 12:41. Not bad, not great. I'll take it. I've only been running 2 weeks. I did intervals between 3.2 and 7.0.
Elliptical
15 minutes, 1.3 miles, level 6

Total Time at gym = 1:22
Max HR = 186
Average HR = 143
Total Calories Burned = 686

WHOOOOOPED!

We ran to feed the Babushka family kitties afterwards and then I hustled home to prep a quick protein shake.

SNACK (meal #4 at 7:30pm.

I just made a fast shake with unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and 1 scoop of chocolate peanut butter whey protein. I shook it.... I shook it like a polaroid picture. :)


I was a nasty HOT mess after the workout. I cleaned my sweaty self up after the shake session and started prepping dinner.

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

TACO SALAD TIME YALL! Did you miss it? I sure did! I followed the usual recipe (you can view it ***HERE***) but added a bit more corn and left out the beans. It was tasty. I had it with blue corn chips as well. I was craving something salty and crunchy.


And this makes us current. It's nearing 11:45 and my eyes are feeling heavy. I would love to catch up on some blogs but time has run out on me today. Perhaps tomorrow will be less crazy at work and I can catch up with all of you brilliant beauties then. Until tomorrow my lovelies. Until tomorrow......

XOXO
TRILLIONS OF HUGS!

Ildie

Real Realizations

I realized two things today and I would like to share them with you.

DISCLAIMER: I'm going to keep it PG but also keep it real. For I have no shame.

Realization #1: Phantom boobies. They do exist. I've seen them. Ladies and gentlemen, I have them. Where boobs once lay in all their fatty tissue splendor, I am now left with.... well.... a MUCH smaller version of what once was. I have literally "exercised them away". LET ME CLARIFY! This was not my goal or intention! None of my bra's fit. Not even Victoria with all her damn expensive secrets! BAH! Sometimes, late at night, in the dark, I think back fondly of what we once had and I miss them. They don't "pop" out to say hello as much as they used to anymore but I know they still love me. They're just a little more shy now. Reserved if you will! HAHAHA! I had to share. Forgive me.

Realization #2: I have the thighs of a Greek God. As in a manly, overly meaty and plump Greek God. No matter what I do, there they are. Shimmy shaking in the mirror and laughing back at me. Damn you thunders..... Damn you. I work my legs hard (I think anyways) and do cardio 5x a week. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong? Maybe it will just take longer? Maybe it's in my genes and I should embrace the jiggle? HA! If you know any tricks to leaning out thighs, PLEASE share. I feel like I'm running in circles sometimes. Maybe I need to spice things up a bit.

Okay, realizations and deep thoughts with Ildie on a Wednesday is officially over. I would also like to add that I don't hate my body. I'm just dealing with the changes that have been happening throughout my weight loss journey and sharing them with you. I'm sure more fun changes will follow. I hope the next change involves my incredible shrinking ass. Because that would be lovely. :)

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

• 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
• (Microwaved and topped with 1 tbs ground flax, 2 tbs sugar free strawberry preserves and 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter.)

I contemplated life, mortality, our role in the universe and subatomic particles while enjoying breakfast. Nah, not really. I was just fantasizing about vacation again while drooling over the pictures of the rental house. Ahhhhh. Can't wait!

How was work today you ask? Well it was work! And I was there, working on a big pile of work. Yeah, that about sums it up.

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

Ann and I learned about sharing today. I gave her half of my fruit salad today and she gave me half of her roasted veggies and egg salad wrap. I think we managed to cover all of the food groups with this feast. Our combined powers EXPLODED into a perfectly nutritious meal. I was in love with this lunch.

The fruit salad had 1 small kiwi + 1/2 banana + 1/2 red pear + pineapple + mango.


Ann's egg salad wrap was made with 1 whole egg + 3 egg whites + fat free Miracle Whip + S&P and maybe some mustard. I think that was it right Ann? Stuffed inside a FlatOut wrap. I ate half along with roasted broccoli and cauliflower. YUM!!!


During our break, we invaded Macy's like it was our job. I was on a mission to find some "casual" t-shirts and/or tops for vacation. After trying on at least 8 tops, I left with just one $10 dollar red t-shirt. Not bad, not bad! I had fun just trying things on. Why? Because they ALL FIT that's why! They didn't look right on me though so I didn't get them. Just the fact that everything fit made me giddy though. Such a great feeling!

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:00.

I had a strawberry Dannon Greek yogurt sprinkled with Udi's original granola. I wanted to keep it light since lunch was heavier than usual. I forgot how much I like the strawberry Dannon. I wish they made peach or pineapple though. I bet they would be delicious!


After work it was time to party at the gym. Just think of it as a club. Without fun lights, cute boys, cocktails or pumping music. Other than that, it's almost exactly the same. You move, you sweat, you feel good and you go home happy. :)

WORKOUT!

Advance Chest Press (plate loaded)

40lb x 15

50lb x 15

50lb x 15

Lat Pulldown with V-bar (cable)

80lb x 10

70lb x 10

60lb x 15

Face Pull with rope grip (cable)

85lb x 15 (3 sets)

Seated Chest Press (plate loaded)

70lb x 15

60lb x 15

50lb x 15

Seated Row (cable)

40lb x 15

50lb x 15

60lb x 15

Dumbbell Fly

10lb (each hand) x 15

12.5lb (each hand) x 15

12.5lb (each hand) x 15

Treadmill

10 min, 3.2 speed, 10 incline, .55 miles

Elliptical Cross Trainer

20 min, intervals at levels 6 & 8, 1.8 miles

Total time at gym = 1:12

Max HR = 166

Average HR = 133

Total Calories Burned = 530

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:15.

I made a quick protein shake when I got home. Chocolate Peanut Butter whey protein + 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond breeze + 1 cup water + 1 tbs sugar free chocolate Torani syrup + 1 tbs sugar free coconut Torani syrup + ice + cinnamon. I don't know what possessed me to mix all of these ingredients together but it worked. This was delicious!


After my sweet concoction, I cleaned my nasty self up and dove right into dinner. I was STAAAAAAAVING! Only one thing could cure my empty tummy woes. TACO SALAD!

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:30pm.

I followed the usual recipe. Per the usual, I made two batches, one with ground beef for Nick and one with Morning Star grounds for me.

• 1 serving Morning Star Grounds
• 1/4 cup butter beans
• 1/4 refried beans
• 1 tsp Taco Seasoning
• dash cayenne
• 1/2 small yellow onion
• splash water

I cooked this on medium low heat until everything was heated through. Not like I'm using real meat so it only takes a few moments. Just long enough for the onions to get nice and tender.

I also chopped up some fresh romaine, tomatoes & 1/2 of an avocado. Then I began to layer like a madwoman. Check out these sweet layering skills!

1. Romaine
2. Bean/meat mixture
3. 1/4 low fat shredded cheddar cheese
4. Tomato
5. Avocado
6. Salsa
7. Fat free sour cream
8. Fresh cracked black pepper
9. Red pepper flakes

I PRESENT TO YOU, TACO PERFECTION. No chips needed. ;)


I think we're about to watch Mad Men. The lovely Mr. Netflix visited today and Nick is itching to watch something.

Goodnight my lovelies. Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday. Tomorrow is already Thursday! Weeeeeeeeeee.....

XOXO
Ildie

Surfing the Event Horizon...

OYE, what a day!! It being the last day of the month and quarter almost killed me at work today. I'm convinced of it! I could feel my mind melting into the deep abyss of never ending emails. My computer screen was like a joy sucking massive black hole. Somehow I managed to swirl around in the event horizon without slipping into the blackness. I guess Lady Luck was on my side today. If you can call my close encounter with a mental breakdown, luck. Anyways, I'm rambling. SHOCKING I know!

I promise to stop now. Let's move on now so I can BLOW YOUR MIND with my healthy meals.

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

I had my daily fix of creamy goodness. Naturally! What else were you expecting?

• 1/2 cup of old fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash pumpkin pie spice
• pinch salt
• Splenda to taste
• (Microwaved and topped it with 1 tbs ground flax, 2 tbs cherry preserves which I microwaved for 20 seconds to make it syrupy and 1 tbs of Better N' Peanut Butter)

Oatmeal makes the world go round! Plain and simple!

I juggled work in-between bites. What can I say. I have the rare multitasking gene. I jug-jug-juggled clear through till lunchtime. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

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

I had a very messy wrap today. I stuffed a honey wheat FlatOut with spinach, roasted garlic hummus, red bell peppers and warm pinto beans. It was super tasty but fell apart as I was eating it. Don't worry, not a morsel was left behind! I also had two fuzzy little kiwis. Tasty, tasty.


How I managed to leave the office today for a quick 30 minute break is beyond explanation and all human comprehension. Yet I pulled it off. I ran to Target and picked up a lovely new BRIGHT orange purse and a new water bottle. I was in desperate need of BOTH!


Shopping makes me happy. I INSTANTLY felt better. Sadly though, I had to go back to work. THE HORROR!

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:50pm.

I lost complete track of time and almost ended up skipping my pre-workout snack. I sort of wish I had because it left me feeling full and "off" during most of my workout. Sigh. It was tasty though!

• Plain Dannon Greek yogurt
• Crispy Pink apple
• Udi's vanilla granola

WORKOUT!

I arrived at the gym feeling full and 20 minutes later than usual. Not a good start! Somehow I managed to work through it though and by the time I was done I felt amazing. The stress was gone and so was that nasty "off" feeling in my stomach. I love sweat therapy!!!

Elliptical Cross Trainer
45 minutes, 3.82 miles,
Hill Climb, Levels 6-18

The Elliptical WHOOPED my but today!!!

Ab workouts, 20 minutes
I did a mix of crunches, alternate heel touches, dumbbell side bend (with 10lb dumbbell), sit-ups, scissor kicks, oblique twists, reverse crunches and a 1 min. plank.

Total time at the gym = 1:05

Max HR = 172

Average HR = 144

Total Calories Burned = 559

I wasn't craving a smoothie when I came home. What I was craving was coffee. Yeah, I did the UNTHINKABLE and loaded up the French Press. I know my goal is to only have 1 cup a day but I DON'T EVEN CARE! It's been a rough day! I needed caffeine therapy!


And look what was waiting for me from the AMAZING people at Stonyfield!!! They sent me the most adorable box of Oikos Greek yogurt to try. Isn't it the cutest?


I received two of their caramel flavor and two of their chocolate flavor.


LOOK, they had each yogurt cup tucked inside a cupcake liner. ADORABLE!


I'll probably try the caramel one tomorrow!! They also sent me some lovely coupons. Thank's Stoneyfield! You know I love you! Oikos is by far my favorite Greek yogurt! Hands down.

DINNER (meal #4) at 10:00pm (I only had 4 meals today. :-o )

I ate dinner way later than I wanted to. Sort of lost track of time when I got home. It just felt so good to sit down and do NOTHING for a while. We watched an episode of Mad Men while I sipped on my coffee. Before I knew it, it was 9:00 and I still smelled like the gym (not good) so I cleaned up before dinner.

I was having serious cravings for taco salad tonight. MM, I love it! I made the usual recipe (found ***HERE***) but I used pinto beans instead of black beans. This hit the spot!


I think we're about to watch more Mad Men. We just started watching it today. I guess it got great reviews? Not bad so far. The Mr. ordered it on NetFlix. Gotta go. Time to relax and do nothing for a bit. My favorite! :)

XOXO
Ildie