Fitness and Diet..

Part of my New Years Resolution was working out more, etc etc.  I have been working out more, but haven't seen a lot of results..so I went to a nutritionist.  She was helpful in determining how many calories I should cut from my diet, but overall..I wasn't eating awful food to start with.  She told me most folks drink 2 liters of soda a day, eat nothing but cookies, candy, etc. 

Now my new plan is down to 1200 calories a day to see if I can lose weight and get in better shape.  I have been doing this a week, and have already noticed some results, so I hope I can keep this up.  I have an app for my phone that is called "calorie counter" and it is so helpful.  I have done everything in the book before this..weight watchers, other websites to track, etc.  The app helps me keep track of the breakdown of fat, calories, and protein in my diet.  Awesome.  So much easier when I can just barcode scan something into my phone.

I also did spin yesterday, and am starting Bikram yoga Saturday.  Starting slow..

I found this article online, so I will try some of the recipes they posted. 

When I was doing some research online, I noticed that most people eat between 2000-3500 calories a day.  My fav sandwich from JJ's is over 600 calories.  Combine that with chips and a diet coke..holy crap that is more than half of what I really needed.  Week 1 is done...lets see how long I can do this before I turn into the moodiest, craziest person on the planet.  :)  I will also keep updating the low cal yummy meals I make..

Last night was Baked Halibut, rice pilaf, steamed corn, and a dinner roll. 

Break down is 7 g of fat, 70 g of carbs, 47 g of protein, and 500 calories. Wasn't a cheap meal because halibut is uber expensive, but the bf loved it. 

Margarita Chicken

I went to Chili's last week for dinner since I was at Gurnee Mills shopping.  I ordered the "healthiest" thing on the menu...which was their Margarita Grilled Chicken. I decided I could make this at home, and make a smaller, healthier portion.

Recipe for Margarita Chicken:
Makes 2 Servings

1 can of black beans
1 cup of white rice
1 grilled chicken breast
2 tbs of pico de gallo/salsa

That is it.  I ate one serving for dinner last night, and brought the other portion for lunch today. I layered the beans and rice on the plate, topped it off with strips of grilled chicken, and a tbs of salsa.

Breakdown: 3.5 g of fat, 43 g of carbs, 42 g of protein, and 350 calories.  I used some Tastefully Simple salsa on top, and it was amazing!

Japan 2

My grad school prof just sent me this link. 

Really puts the damage in Japan in perspective.

Scroll over the photos to see the before and after.  They just had another big earthquake (6.5) last night. 

Glad that I have so many friends there helping with the relief efforts!

Tilapia

I made some of the best fish this evening!  I bought some Tilapia at DiCola's yesterday after I was on the South Side of Chicago for a dear friend's baby shower.  Such amazing seafood, and so afordable!

I baked a filet at 400 F for 17 minutes marinated in World Harbor's Marinade (Lemmon Pepper and Garlic)

I served it with some steamed broccoli and cheese, along with a cous cous and bean salad. 

Breakdown: $4 total cost , and 350 calories.

Yum.

Favorite Things Friday..

This post is most certainly different for good reason this week.  I missed last week in the midst of travel, but this week I have been inspired.

I am a girl who usually always speaks my mind, but this one post I read this week definitely did it for me.

You can read Clover Lane here.

Her post on the 23rd was about little girls growing up too fast.  I see it every day.  When I went Christmas shopping for my 12 year old niece, wow.  Those clothes in the stores were more scandalous than anything I have ever owned.  I am almost 30.  I work with 18 year olds on a daily basis and the language I hear out of their mouth shocks me as well..and I am a Sailor.  What happened to letting little girls be little girls, and teaching them how to be a lady.  Teaching them about respect, manners, how to treat others, how to have goals to be successful.  They are surrounded in a world of famous people, awful novels, and even worse tv shows. I am so proud of my SIL for teaching her daughter as well as she has, and trying to keep her as a kid.  12 year olds don't need to watch certain shows, or wear certain clothes, etc etc.  Parents need to be parents, and not the child's friend.  They have friends.  Parents need to make "tough" decisions.  I was fortunate that I saw my older siblings go through their teen years while I was just a tike.  I remembered the "that isn't fair", the "you are grounded", etc etc talks.  I didn't want to be a strain on my parents, have them worry, go around their back, etc.  I knew I could go to them if I had a problem, and I also knew that if I screwed up, I would get punished.  I know it is tough to be a role model, but if you set the example for others to follow, such as treating yourself and others with respect in the way you talk, act, dress, etc..that is one helluva start.  I just hope that if I am ever blessed with a daughter, that I can make sure she has the childhood that I had, with Barbies, American Girl Dolls, Nancy Drew books..the list goes on.  Not "shelter her", but teach her what is important in life. 

**End Rant**

Resolutions Update #2

So I know if I don't keep revisiting my "Resolutions", I will never do them.  Luckily for me, it is the end of March, and I am still going strong.

You can read about last months update here.

1. Make a cook book.  I started it, and wow is it a task..but well worth it.  If anyone has any recipes they would like me to try or contribute to the "book", let me know!

2. Invite friends over more often.  I was doing well with this until March hit because of travelling.  I am trying to set up a brunch for the ladies for April as soon as I get my calendar straightened out.

3. Work out more.  Definitely going well on this with the exception of the last week.  Its ok, got a run scheduled today. :)  I signed up for a 5K for April, and a Half Marathon for September!  I also got an appointment with a nutritionist just to see if there is anything else I can do to be "healthier". 

Still going strong on these 3, as well as my 30 for 30 challenge.  I have probably only spent $300 on clothes the past 4 months.  Just keep wearing what I have, and it saves me money and time doing laundry, etc.  I never realized how much money I spent on clothes until I did this.  I would buy an outfit for an occasion, and wear it once.  Not anymore!! 

Although, Spring/Summer are here..kind of.  So that means new clothes.  Lets see if I can pick up some awesome basics soon!  Watch out Jcrew..

Spring!!

I am excited that it is Spring, yet I have a feeling we will get at least one or two more snowfalls in the Windy City:(

I am looking forward to long walks with the pup, running outside again, Cubs games (bought a ton of tickets..some women spend money on clothes, I spend money on Sports and Food), wearing sandals, wearing Nautical stripes :),  and having my family visit soon!!

What are you looking forward to??

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