Beating cravings

30 Day Shred - Day 5

After last night's rich French 3-course meal, I needed to get back on track today.

I woke up at 10:30am. The week must have taken a toll on my body because I was absolutely exhausted. Was it the shred or my brain sucking week? It didn't matter now because I'm not at work and I have two full days of beach time ahead of me.

I started my day with a huge bowl of quinoa with shredded coconut, one green apple, soy milk and cinnamon. It took me over an hour to eat!

Breakfast

Coconut Quinoa Bowl

After, loading the laundry cleaning up the kitchen and making Dave a beetroot juice...and then cleaning up that too, I was finally outside by 11:30am. I met Dave at the beach volleyball courts. He was already playing a game so I chatted to some of his mates. They're encouraging me to play a game with actual players. I told them I wasn't ready yet because I had only started playing at the net last weekend. If I want to get good though I'm going to have to jump into a game. Soon.

My friend met me at the beach and we had a good catch up. I had to leave her early because I wanted to get a new bathing suit, meet my other friend for a coffee and also do my shred training all before 5:30pm.

I was in the market for a one piece, but I managed to find three bikin bottoms and a bikini top. There's something about the shred that makes me want to show off my body...soon to be bikini beach volleyball body. A girl can dream right? It's unrealistic to think I'll have ripped abs in 30 days, but after five days, I can already tell a difference. There's less flab around my waist, chest and arms.

I managed to see my friend for afternoon tea at her place while her kids were asleep and had enough time to meet another friend at beach who brought along her little brother and niece. Three separate dates in one afternoon - is this what being single is like?

By the time I got home, I was hungry again. It's 4pm and I've only had breakfast. The 30 Day Shred requires you to eat five times per day, but to be honest the day itself gets in the way. I can't seem to find time to eat all the meals nor am I hungry enough to eat them all. But after only having breakfast today, I was ready for my daily salad. I had to multi-task because I knew if I didn't get my daily shred workout in, I'd fall behind the next day. So I lifted those dumb bells while the broccoli steamed. I made a double portion of salad so Dave could have some and I could take the rest to the game. I managed to do the entire workout except one set of abs which I'll squeeze in tomorrow.

Off to the game!

Asian Cup Final

Australia v South Korea

Outside of Stadium Australia

There was so much traffic on e way to the game. It took us nearly an hour to get to the stadium when it would usually take 30-40 minutes. The entire time, I was thinking about eating. After blasting through my workout, by body was hungry for sustenance. Those two boiled eggs I didn't eat at work yesterday are sounding real good right about now.

We got to the game 40 minutes before kick off. While the boys ate food truck wraps and gozleme, I ate half my salad and one of two boiled eggs. I was full, but I knew I'd be hungry in an hour or two so I saved the other boiled egg and last half of my salad for half time.

It was so worth it because I was hungry again as predicted. 

The best outcome so far is that I don't crave typical late night food. I have curbed my appetite after dinner. And I no longer want sweets!

Australia defeated South Korea, the better team (with better chants and fan unity!), but I am beating late night cravings and my sweet tooth. Not gonna lie though...at the half time I was tempted to get fries, but I'm glad I didn't.

Australia wins 2-1 in overtime

76,000+ attendees

A French treat or cheat?

30 Day Shred - Day 4

Today's a rest day woohoo!

Actually, it's not. I didn't do yesterday's arm workout, so I get to start my day with doing a circuit of four exercises with light dumbbells. It's actually a good way to start the day. I love going for runs in the morning. It gets my blood pumping. It wakes me up and the endorphins start to get going. I didn't wake up early enough to go on my usual run. I blame soccer...or work...or soccer.

It's Friday. Why was work so tough today? I had not only back to back meetings, but was often times double booked. I started my day with another five egg omelet. It was the protein I needed to prepare me for my day. I kept my calm and in the end got through all my meetings and got some wins for some of the projects I'm on. Told ya, it's time to kick some goals!

After a long week of work and shredding, I couldn't wait to see Dave for ou date night. But before we went, I joined my colleagues for a drink. I of course didn't drink and that was just not OK to them. They understood my personal challenge, but they kept teasing me about it. What is it about the idea of taking a break from drinking that gets people all stirred up? I told them I was on the shred and that wasn't enough for them.

"Why do you need to do a shred Shady?"

"Why aren't you drinking?

"Can't you have a vodka, lime and soda?"

Is eating healthy for 30 days such a big deal? I know they tease me in good fun, but it almost feels like they don't support me. It's a tough road, but at the end of the day, I have to remember that this is my challenge and mine alone. I have persevere and get through the adversity.

But now Dave and I are off to a French restaurant. You know what that means...butter, butter and more butter.

I was feeling guilty all day about cheating on the 30 Day Shred. But it's one meal.

Our last restaurant voucher expires on the 10th Feb. This was the only day we could book it in.

Am I cheating on challenge or is it a treat for getting this far? I've been so good so far. One meal isn't going to reverse all my good work is it?

In the end, Dave and I enjoyed our meal and I stopped worrying about its effects on my body. I needed this date night with our rich delicious dinner and dessert. Sometimes you have to reward yourself and enjoy the good things in life. I'm loving the way my body feels so far on the 30 Day Shred, but I also love spending quality time with Dave just enjoying ourselves with no care in the world. Bon appetit!

Restaurant: The Little Snail

Location: Pyrmont near Darling Harbour

Price: $$ (but we had a voucher for a 3 course dinner for 2 with wine)

Best dish: snails - delicious buttery garlicky goodness

Worst dish: profiteroles - really dry pastry

1st Course

Bouillabaisse de Marseille

Traditional French seafood soup of mussels - fish fillets and prawns - cooked in tomato and seafood broth - served with garlic baguette

1st Course

Escargot de Bourgogne

Dozen snails marinated in herb-infused court bouillon, oven baked in garlic butter

(Lots of butter and garlic yum!)

2nd Course

Salmon served with crab meat risotto

2nd Course

Cote de Veau

Veal tenderloin with champignon and chardonnay beurre blanc - served with potato croquette and seasonal greens

3rd Course

Handmade Profiteroles

With creme patissiere and mint chocolate sauce

(Very dry)

3rd Course

Classic Creme Caramel

Kicking goals

30 Day Shred - Day 3

I'm feeling good so far today. I'm a little sick of eggs for breakfast, but lucky me I get to eat quinoa with bananas and cinnamon. I'm actually used to bland porridge for breakfast because I eat regular oats anyways. By regular, I mean no added sugar, honey etc - just oats and milk heated up in the microwave.

I have an incredibly busy day. On top of back to back meetings, I'm travelling to Burwood for work from 12-2. Thank goodness that quinoa  bowl was so filling because I missed my morning tea and ate my beet root and pumpkin salad on the train. 

I made the huge mistake of adding uncooked beetroot into my salad thinking I could eat it like apples. Knowing how hard the beetroot is when I cut it, I couldn't stomach eating them so I left them in my plastic container to take home. I got some good advice from my colleague that they are better baked if anything.

On my way back from Burwood, it finally hit...I was fading. Was it the lack of carbs? My body was adjusting to it's new fuel - mostly eggs, beans, spinach and pumpkin. I was ravenous by the time I got back to my desk at 2:30pm. Those two boiled eggs never looked so good. I try not to peel and eat boiled eggs in the office (ya know - that smell). This time I didn't care. I ate them like a vulture finding it's first meal in days and I instantly felt better.

That afternoon, I was hoping to leave on time but since I was out of the office so long, I had tons of emails to catch up on. I was planning on going to my first outdoor soccer training session, but the mountain of emails were weighing heavy on my mind. I ended up leaving at 6:30pm because I knew I good kick around was what I needed to clear my head.

It was the pacifier I needed. I played for an hour with my old teammates and a lot of new faces. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to commit to an entire outdoor season (Jan-Sept), but getting a touch on the ball felt amazing...despite my heavy panting. I wasn't thinking about work anymore...just good ol' game of soccer with my friends. 

By the time I got home, I was exhausted. Today's shred workout was definitely not happening. My legs were jello from wearing cleats on long grass for the first time in over a year.

Tomorrow is a rest day, so my plan is to do the upper arms workout in the morning before work. Although it's only been a four day work week, it feels like the longest week ever. It could be a combination of starting the shred and having to cram in five days into four. I got over the three day hump still feeling light with lots of energy. I can't wait until tomorrow afternoon because by then, I'll have met my deadlines, finished day four and have date night with Dave. Time to kick some goals!

Beans, beans, the more you eat them...

30 Day Shred - Day 2

It's raining again...

No 'light cardio' until this evening I guess. I'm going to miss my project team's weekly lunch time boot camp too due to a concurrent meeting. Looks like I'm cramming in an entire workout tonight after work.

I arrived at work really looking forward to my 5 egg breakfast. This time it has pears - something I would have never added to an omelet. It was salty and sweet delicious!

Again, due to all the meetings, I didn't eat my morning snack until lunch time. That banana and walnuts sure kept my blood sugar levels stable.

And again, lunch was eaten at afternoon snack time. Today's lunch was harder to swallow. Half can of chickpeas and half can of four bean mix...that's a lot of beans!

I made the mistake of announcing to my team that I'm 'shredding'. One of our more outspoken team members makes a point to remind everyone I'm 'shredding' - all in good fun of course. I'm actually relieved it's out there. It kind of makes me accountable to stick to it. My team is so supportive and I know they'll have my back on this. The looks and questions I get though...

"10 walnuts?! Like 10 pieces of 10 whole ones?"

"You're going to make a lot of music later with all those beans you've eaten."

"I can't stand next to you after you've eaten all those beans."

"I'm shredding too. I have a salad with a side of pork belly and rice."

My colleagues keep me on my ties and definitely my mood light. I'm glad they know because when I can't eat out with them, they'll know why. I keep reminding myself - just 30 days. Well 29 now.

Off to the gym...

I've started 30 minutes earlier than yesterday. I still have to do my 'light cardio' so I'm back to 20 minutes on the elliptical and 1km at 10km/hour on the treadmill. 

Today's focus is biceps, triceps and abs. I surprisingly struggled with 4kg dumbbells so downgraded to 3kgs. Also using the yoga ball for crunches made me nauseous - I get motion sick very easily. My favorite workout were the roman twists. I didn't enjoy the triceps workout but glad I did them. It's a big problem area and I want to get rid of those tuck shop lady arms!

So tonight was better...I got home at 8pm. This time Dave was home. At least the tennis was on, but I did feel bad about not spending much time with him. He's so supportive of my journey though. He even wanted to cut back on his food intake eating a quarter of his pad Thai instead of a regular serving.

I loved my big eggy breakfast, but I really enjoyed my mexi bowl dinner. After two big workouts on Day 1 and Day 2, this dish was very satisfying - although it called for more beans. That's 3 different kind of beans in one day!

I also made Day 3 meals rather quickly because there's no soup tomorrow. I really need to make time to make soup in bulk this weekend.

Now to watch the video tutorials on tomorrow's circuit training. I'm also going to soccer practice eek!

That's a lot of eggs

30 Day Shred - Day 1

It's like D-Day. I've committed and it's time to attack. I spent nearly $200 on Week 1 groceries and my little fridge can't fit everything. I'm a little worried about things going bad because I haven't pre-cooked everything. I'm already noticing how much time it takes to prepare my meals, but I'm just going to have to tough it out this week until the weekend when I have more time. Poor Dave can already sense we don't hang out enough. After a long day at work, I'm off to the gym by 6:30pm and getting home around 8pm. Then I have to make my dinner, eat it and then prepare all my meals for the next day. Should have planned this out a little better.

Today's breakfast was not 1, but 5 eggs! Actually 1 whole egg and 4 egg whites. I've never eaten so many eggs. I have to admit I wasn't so hungry for breakfast because of my massive last meal of tofu pad khee mao. Nevertheless, the more I ate the eggs with cottage cheese, the more I liked it. It also kept me full until lunch time when I finally got to eat my apple and nuts. I consumed my lunch salad meant for lunch time more like snack time. Working a bank with back to back meetings, I find it hard to sit down and have a meal. Thankfully my meals are already prepared and often times don't need heating. So no snack today. The tomato soup recipe looked way too involved and after preparing all breakfast and lunch, I didn't have the energy to make the soup. I'll take the shred's advice and prepare the soup on the weekend enough for the entire month.

So with very little carbs in today's meals, I surprisingly felt OK. I anticipated headaches, but was perfectly fun...in fact feeling light and less bloated.

Off to the gym...

Although the program is entirely digital including the shopping lists, recipes, workout plans and tutorials, I wasn't going to show up at the gym with my IPAD to read over exercises in iBooks. Instead I printed today's meal and workout plans and took it to the gym.

Each day I'm supposed to do 'light cardio' but the last few days have been absolutely bucketing down rain. So I'm going to have to do cardio plus the weight training.

20 minutes on the elliptical and 1km at 10km/hour on the treadmill, I'm finally ready to go. Puffed but ready to go.

The night before I watched the tutorials on her YouTube channel so I would know exactly what to do when I got to the gym. Patting myself on the back because the names of the exercises are not intuitive at all.

My first set was squats with a bar, with plates...this was no longer child's play. I haven't done serious weights with a bar and plates since high school soccer. I was intimidated at first because guess where the apparatus was? Of course amongst all the buff dudes. Lucky me there was an extremely tan body builder next to me. Not sure I was inspired, but at least he was so focused on himself that I didn't need to worry about his potential judgement of my bar + 10kg plates on each side.

I switched to lunges and that's when the tremors hit. I got through all the exercises and felt amazing. One mood killer was when I got the courage to step on the scales. It was eye opening. But I had to do it. This was D-Day and it's important for me to measure my success. It's also motivation. Hopefully by Day 30, the dial will have gone down.

The workout was about 30 minutes, but on top off cardio, I was at the gym for over an hour. I got home at 8:30pm. I just want to watch Girls.

Dave was away at D&D (Dungeons & Dragons for you non-nerds) night so I had the apartment to myself. I cooked my dinner and was quite pleased with how filling it was. There were so many textures and flavours together made my hungry exhausted body nourished and satisfied. I even made an extra one for Dave so he could feel included.

Portobello Stack

Grilled quinoa, red onions, cherry tomatoes, spinach and cottage cheese on a portobello mushroom

So D-Day wasn't as bad as I thought. Pressed for time in the evening to cook, wash dishes and blog...this is going to be the tough part. Looking forward to arms and abs tomorrow! 

Time for a change

It's a new year and I'm ready for a challenge. It's not just because I'm getting that new year's resolution itch...I've been floating along nicely for a while and it's time to shake things up.

Being a vegetarian since 1 Jan 2013, my food choices have drastically changed my body. I feel light, but I know I've lost muscle mass. My skin is a bit flabby especially in that anti-gravity defying upper arm and inner thigh area.

I also stopped playing outdoor soccer and running long distance. Don't get me wrong. I ran a half-marathon in May 2014 and the gruelling City2Surf in August 2014. I tend to train hard for these races and once they're over, so is the training. I didn't play competitive outdoor soccer last year but I replaced it with 2x week indoor soccer and 90 minute vinyasa yoga every Sunday. I've also picked up beach volleyball courtesy of Dave's Ultimate Beach Volleyball Training. Thank goodness for Dave's patience and kindness to teach my girlfriends and I the basics for free!

So my challenge...

This month, I'm taking on Emily Skye's 30 Day Shred. The program was recommennnded to me by one of my beach volleyball mate's who's getting ready for her wedding. I'm not getting ready for a wedding, but I view this as a kick-start back into healthy living. There are a lot of programs out there, but the main reason I chose this program is because there are full meal plans and shopping lists, workouts and supportive videos and Facebook community to keep you motivated. It's all planned out and all I have to do is find the time to do it. I foresee a lot of time consumed by cooking.

That's $200 of groceries for Week 1

(minus the helmet)

Another part of the challenge is there's no drinking. February is a good month for me to stay off the grog, but I won't lie...there will be some cheat days. Mine and Dave's 6th anniversary is on the 10th followed by a girl's night out on the 13th to see Fifty Shades of Grey in Gold Class and there's of course Valentine's Day. I also have a big soccer weekend away at the start of March followed by a lot of birthday parties and big 3 week holiday to Sri Lanka and Fiji. Sounds like a lot of excuses or perfect timing, but I'm going to try my hardest to keep on track and minimise the indulgences.

The final challenge is to write a blog for everyday I'm on the 30 day shred. So here goes my first post on the challenge and my last meal of delicious Pad Khee Mao with tofu.

Best Thai for value in Randwick - Blue Monkey

Loving the Australian Open