Since my last post...

Dear Internet,

Since my last post, many changes have occurred in my dietary and fitness life. For one I lost a weight loss competition at work. I lost 6% body weight when the goal was 8%. That was a grand total of 8 pounds for me. This morning I weighed 0.7 less than my final weight for the competition 2 months later.

During all that time, I vowed to be a runner, which failed, I tried lifting weights...which failed mostly because I did not feel comfortable in a gym full of bulky men while lifting a pink 5 pounder. It was not enjoyable so I quit. Meanwhile, my diet was compromised of very small meals. I tried to make them as healthy as possible but cheating always happened at least once every two days.

Then I discovered yoga and hot yoga. Yoga definitely has transformed my body. For one, it's not boring like running is, and two mostly girls do yoga so there was no awkwardness in the studio. These two aspects kept me going. My weight didn't change after the end of the competition as I started eating like a piggy again but I was able to keep muscle tone and maintain the weight of 127 lbs! Success! But alas I won't be happy with myself until I reduce more in weight. I know 127 would amazing for some and may call me a cry baby, but for me I am not comfortable.

Now to try and continue to lose weight, I've decided to change my eating habits again. A slight change is that working so far. I've given up on grains and most dairy. All grains including bread/rice/pasta/desserts, and most dairy such as butter and whole milk. I'll have yogurt and cheese in my salads, but my main source of nutrition is ideally coming from lots of vegetables, lean meats, and fruits. And my snacks consist of healthy trail mixes.

That's it for now, let's see where it gets me.

Healthy Fast Food

So here is my take on 'fast food'

Background story: just like most of us out there, I'm trying to be as healthy as can be while missing and/or craving all those yummy foods! So! I decided to curb those cravings by enjoying those foods in a healthier way!

I present spinach burgers (http://thevillagecook.com/spinach-burgers/)

And my very own zucchini pizza!

I used the above spinach burger recipe minus the red pepper flakes to avoid too much spice.

The zucchini pizza was the easiest in the world to make:

1 medium zucchini sliced in half the long way

2 or 3 tbsp or olive oil

Your favorite marinara sauce

Your favorite shredded cheese (I used a 6 cheese Italian blend)

First off, I cooked the zucchini halves over medium heat with the olive oil. I kept spooning the oil over the zucchini until the zucchini became nice and soft (about 10 minutes)

Afterwards, place zucchini on cookie sheet and top with sauce and cheese. Then broil in oven until the cheese is nice and melty!

Enjoy!!