Looks like Crap/Tastes Great!

"Looks Like Crap but Tastes Great!" This pretty much describes how most of my cooking adventures turn out.

Now the last time I experimented with food I discovered my banana-chocolate-peanut butter spread after watching "Julie and Julia" and which I eat more times than I should now.

Funny enough I haven't been experimenting too much since then but now I'm READING Julie and Julia and it inspired me to try experimenting again.

After a morning of reading about gelee's and other random things I suddenly decided I wanted to try making omu-rice. Omu-rice is kind of like a Japanese omelet that a friend of mine (fabulous cook) introduced me to a while back.

I didn't have the right ingredients but I decided to try it anyway.




I started sauteing frozen vegetables with three breakfast sausage links. I added a tablespoon of pesto in to the mix to add some delicious flavor.

While the vegetables were warming up I whipped up the omelet batter. Two large cage free eggs and a splash of Almond Breeze almond milk. I had accidentally bought the Vanilla flavored milk rather than the original and this ended up making the final result taste slightly sweet. I'm trying to watch my sugar in take (unsuccessfully so far) so the milk is unsweetened.







After the vegetables were done I re-buttered the pan and added the omelet batter. I let the egg cook to the size of the pan and made sure the sides didn't stick.

 

 After the egg cooked a bit I added the vegetable mixture. I realized when I added all the ingredients that this fake 'omu-rice' was going to be WAY too big but I said "F-it. Too late to go back now!" After letting everything cook for a bit longer I attempted the trickiest part: putting a plate face down on the pan and flipping the whole thing over.

I can tell you that I ALMOST made it.

The egg ended up sticking right at the center, the egg layer was too thin anyway and so there was a bit of a fiasco when I removed the pan.

No worries though. I again said "f-it" and added the final touches of some oyster sauce and since I didn't have Japanese mayo, BBQ ranch. LOL

I got my frankenstein's monster of an omelet, grabbed a fork, and poured myself a small cup of Cacao Bean flavored "Hazelnut Milk". I got the milk because I wanted to try it and also it was so local the guy who made it soaked his nuts AT the store where I bought it. Talk about minimal importing. LOL





And you know what you guys? It was DELICIOUS! It was also huge. I wasn't hungry at all for most of that day.

I decided to do the math myself and count up the calories it took for this meal. At the end the omelet and drink was 646 calories.

If you take away some of the sausage links and go easy on the bbq-ranch sauce it could go down to 525 calories.

This omelet was also big enough to split in to two and have two servings which would equal it to being around 330 calories.

Not bad!

It's interesting that Julie and Julia have that affect on me and I'm noticing this habit I'm getting of coming up with disgusting looking concoctions that turn out tasting amazing.

I should keep going and come up with new "ugly but tasty" recipes. What do you think?

Until we meet again

love
-w0rld

Quick Check in from the Bay Area

It's Wednesday and I've been here since last Saturday. I'm having a blast and I'm living up to my promise to "go primal" and walk everywhere. For the most part I spent all of Monday, yesterday and now today walking around. One of them was an official hike.

I have a small blister on my pinkie toe (who gets a blister on a pinkie toe??) and I feel like stretching my legs every five seconds. It's awesome.

Here's a sneak peek of my hike yesterday. I'll do a thorough report when I get back home this weekend.

~on the way up the mountain~

Until we meet again

love
-w0rld

My first 5k race is tomorrow morning...

My first 5k race is tomorrow morning ...

and I don't feel prepared.

I know I'll probably make it in around 45 minutes.
I know I can make it without an mp3 player since I've been running without one for the last couple of weeks.
I know the route (through looking at a map) and I know that I'll be in flat, paved ground, which should be easy.
I know that I've been running in 4,500 ft elevation so far and the race will be closer to sea level; which means I'll have more air to work with.
I know I'll wake up early enough to take care of business (i.e. bathroom, stretching and other lil things)
I know I could probably push myself but I also know I can keep a pretty even pace the whole way.
I know I'm running this race with awesome co-workers that will meet me at the finish line.
I know the weather is supposed to be 67 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny.
I know I can do this...

...but I'm still anxious. I'm nervous. I'm worried that I DON'T have butterflies right now. Does that make any sense?

I took a shower tonight and I'm wearing comfy clothes. I'll be going to sleep soon to be up early tomorrow.

All will be well. Right?

Wish me luck!

love

-w0rld

Quick Update: Juice Fast Day 1

Yesterday I started my juice fast. The day before I went out and bought a TON of produce to use for the juicer. I felt bad because I ended up using a large space in the fridge. Thankfully we have 2 refrigerators.


I'm shocked to see how much food you use just to make 16 oz of juice. The concoctions I've created so far have been good, and last night I was fine. Today is day two. I'm feeling the effects today.

I have low energy and I just want to go to sleep. It's also been interesting being around my co-workers during meal hours. Watching them eat while I'm drinking a brown looking concoction is a little odd. But not as hard as I thought it would be.

It's the energy zap that's taxing me. I also know that a couple of people I work with aren't exactly thrilled with my decision and I have no desire (or energy HA) to defend myself. I don't plan to either. They seem to respect my choices anyway. So I'll take advantage of that.

In reality it isn't that bad. I'm just adjusting.

Wish me luck! And have a great up coming weekend!!

-w0rld

I've been sick... but getting better

Hello Everyone,

It's been a few days since I've checked in. Sad to say it but since last weekend I've been fighting a cold semi-successfully. Honestly, I seriously think my body has commitment issues because it looked like I was getting a fever but then it calmed down. And then it felt like I was going to get a sore throat but then it went away. Now I have this whinny half-ass cough that sometimes shows up and sometimes doesn't. I mean, cmon body! Either go all out and be over with or go away. Right? Right!

 The only thing that refuses to go away so far is my stuffy nose. My voice has also decided to leave me. Which isn't really helpful when you have to yell at 5th graders all week to stay in line and pay attention. LOL

The weather has also been pretty rainy, cold, and windy. Mixed in with a busy day and a wounded immune system and I haven't been able to work out AT ALL. All week! :(

I'm worried about my weigh in. I'm just hoping that my lack of appetite has kept my calories at bay.

Today is a good day. I feel better and the day is chilly but sunny. Aaah what you pay for living in the beautiful mountains.

I hope this week is going well for you and good luck to all this weekend.

-Elina

Update..Finally!

Hello Everyone!

I can't believe it's already the belly button of the week and I STILL haven't gotten a chance to properly update this blog!

I have a few minutes before afternoon classes start so let's do this!

So last week, like I mentioned, I did great in work outs but pretty much mediocre in everything else. I need to really get cracking on counting my calories and reading my book and that is the goal for this week.

On Monday I spent the day packing and getting ready to start my new adventure at the Pathfinder Ranch Outdoor Education School.. where I'm learning to work as a Teacher Naturalist and teach outdoor classes to visiting 5th and 6th graders from different school districts in the Southern California area. I'm pretty much a year round camp teacher!

This is pretty awesome and it's very new to me so I'm hoping I can live up to the hype. Keeping up with 5th graders is hard work! My first full day yesterday left me completely exhausted and since I have to attend EVERYTHING (so I can learn it and then teach it) it was pretty hectic.

But this place is beautiful. The staff here is so far absolutely awesome and the routine is understandable. I'm having a hard time finding enough time to exercise but I'm sure once I get a routine going I'll be fine.

This week I'm just going to try and NOT eat everything at the dining hall. LOL.. which is going to be a challenge since this afternoon I already had 3 chimichangas for lunch! THREE! This pretty much means dinner is going to be carrots. LOL

Wish me luck and I hope your weeks are going well. I'm going to do my best to check out everyones blog and jot down my support. You guys are amazing and I thank you for all your kind words!

Hopefully later this week I'll have a chance to take pictures and then I can update with some cool images!

love
-w0rld

Weigh In... tomorrow

I said I would do a proper complete recount of last week but honestly I'm SUPER tired right now. I spent the whole morning packing, then driving, then getting oriented but I  made it to my new job and this place is beautiful. I admit I'm a little lost right now but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon.

Tomorrow is the first day. They have a pool here but I think I read that they have it closed for the fall/winter session. I guess it's time to find a new jogging route. A nice 3 mile loop would be awesome. Looking at the schedule it looks like early evenings are going to be the best time.

The people I'm living with so far seem pretty nice, energetic and roudy.. just the way I like them! LOL.

I'm glad I have ok wifi here. Which means I'll be able to keep up with the blogging world better.

I promise I'll spend time with a proper post tomorrow.. and hopefully once I get going I'll have some great pictures too!

Have a great week!

-w0rld

My crazy week so far.

What an interesting (to say the least) week I'm having so far!

The biggest thing is my return to the gym. I managed to go three times so far. Two times I went specifically to time my progress while I attempted to finish a 5k on the treadmill. My best time was yesterday where I finished a 5k in 37 minutes and hardly felt it. I was amazed to see that I can now keep a steady 5mph pace when before I used to dream of the day when I could make it to 5mph~ LOL. Now I think it's a little slow. LOL


Apart from that I was able to go to a Zumba class. Let me just say that things have changed at my gym since I was there last. I got there early to make sure I had a good spot but when it finally came time to go inside the room I was stopped because I didn't have a stamp on my hand.
 me:"What stamp?"
girl at door: "You need to reserve your spot and get a stamp. Most people come an hour early to reserve their spot. Why don't you go to the front desk and ask. Someone might have cancelled and you might get lucky."
me: "Well isn't that a bit of terrific, since when did these classes get so full?"
girl: "Please step aside ma'am I need to let others in. Go check the front."

I, disgruntled and a little embarrassed, moved away and was pretty pissed that I was going to miss my Zumba class. I went up to the front, not to ask for a stamp but to ask what gives. Though I hardly phrased my question when the girl at the front went, "Oh you're interested in the Zumba class? You're in luck I have a space today! But you do have to sign for a stamp to reserve your place. The best thing to do is to come an hour early."

An HOUR early? Are you kidding me? I couldn't believe it. I later learned that they had cut back on Zumba classes and now only had them a couple of times a week in the late evening and because of that most classes were now full and in demand. I never had to worry about that before because there used to be multiple Zumba classes a day. Not anymore.

So long story short I got to go to Zumba afterall. I was now late so I got a crappy spot in the back and they had already started. It took me a second to find and then follow the instructor but soon enough I was following along. By the end of the night I was closer to the middle of the group (how did I maneuver myself up there, I don't know but there you have it) and got my groove on. Man, I've missed Zumba.


The following day I was so busy baby sitting my little nephew and working like mad on re-writing my resume I didn't make it to the gym. When I realized I wasn't going to make it I asked my mom if she knew where her Zumba DVD's were. She said she couldn't remember but then suddenly ordered my little sister to set up the Wii. I was confused. (disclamer: I am NOT a gamer. I have no interest in video games and have trouble keeping up with what's what and who is who) I then realized my family had the Just Dance 2 game on Wii and that I could use the Wii control to dance and compete to get a high score. I laughed at the idea but went for it.

My mom and I competed and in a second I ended up winning the competition in almost every category. Before I knew it I had been playing 'Just Dance 2' for over an hour and a half (mom had long ago stopped playing) and I had a nice sweat going. LOL. Talk about an interesting work out!

It's safe to say that my work out routines are coming back to life. I'm happy about that. What I'm not so happy about is my calorie intake. I've been calorie counting all week and I've been ending up around a 1900-2000 calorie range. I now know what my body is currently comfortable with but I have to start bringing that number down. I want to make a smooth transition because I know I'm prone to binge-ing the second my body feels (or *I* subconsciously feel) deprived. It's an interesting dynamic really and I'm trying to take the time to really listen to my body and try and figure out WHY I do this.

On that note I was actually pretty happy to get the opportunity to attend an OA (Overeaters anonymous) meeting last night. An old friend of mine invited me to join her and I was happy to take her up on the opportunity and learn something new. I actually didn't know that OA really existed. I'd heard of it but I didn't think it was real. I wasn't sure what to expect, although I was happy to see that people actually do go up to each other and introduce themselves before they talk;
me:"Hi I'm Elina and I'm a compulsive overeater."
group: "Hi Elina!"

That sort of thing,

Being my first time to a meeting I received a token similar to this one:

 I spent most of the meeting trying to figure out what was going on and how things worked but in the end I was happily surprised at the open-ness of the group and very interested in listening to the stories people shared. I don't know yet if this would be a group I might follow but I wouldn't mind going to a meeting again. 

A part from all that aweomeness there have been some set backs. Last night I received a disturbing email pretty much saying the project I was hoping to join fell through and so I was now left job-less and have to start over in my job search. Talk about frustrations! I'm trying not to go to food to deal with my disappointment and trying to be pro-active and not get myself too stressed out over this. The life of a roving biologist has it's set backs. Especially when I got a little too comfortable believing things would just work themselves out and I became lazy in my search earlier this summer. 

Damn. 

Things are over all going well! I swear! 

Until we meet again.

-w0rld

Bought a New Dress for the Challenge!

Today I ended up trying out the work out videos found in my family's On Demand cable. I tried out a couple of dance work out vids and kind of fell for belly dancing. It's a fun core work out.

There's been a major heat wave these last couple of days and I admit I've been lazy going outside to get some cardio in. However I'm hoping my work out video sessions will help a little bit.

On the upside I found a new, better dress for the Xmas Dress Challenge. I'll post pics on Sunday when I start my official challenge Weigh In.

I'm getting super excited!

I wish every challenger good luck!

-w0rld

I miss the gym.

It's true. I've been having trouble coming up with new strength training work outs and have been lazy doing cardio once the weather turned warmer. In other words I've been slacking. I promised myself I was going to get better and I went out yesterday to look for books to read.

I wanted to focus on books that dealt with WHY we over eat and HOW we can work on our mental state rather than just worry about calories in vs. calories out. One thing I ended up looking at were magazines. I picked up a copy of Men's Health.

This copy to be exact. I admit a big part of me picked it up because it had a picture of Stephen Moyer, but that's beside the point.

I read an article while standing by the rack and it made me miss the gym.

I was never a huge fan of the gym but now that I don't really have the option of going to a gym (I move every few months, and usually to places that don't have a 24 Hour Fitness so my membership is kind of pointless) I kind of realize how convenient they can be and how much more challenging it can be without one. The 24 Hour Fitness has classes that would usually cost a ton of money each on their own. There are trainers and machines that help you with different body parts etc. It's pretty useful to have everything in one place. You can move from station to station and get a full body work out in an hour or so. It's nice.

I'm not saying I can't do it without a gym. I've lost 50 lbs, most of those pounds without a gym. But when I'm struggling with coming up with new work out routines, especially in strength training (my weakness) it would be nice to have a membership and someone to help me define a work out just for me.

That's what I got when reading Men's Health... and other books and magazines with similar-yet-slightly-different advice. Though I steer clear of anything that promises losing weight fast with minimal effort, or any magazine that focuses more on looking beautiful with make up and fashion rather than hard work and sweat. I don't want to delude myself in to thinking there's a magic pill.

There is no magic pill.

I'll figure this out.

love
-w0rld

Quick Update: I'm back from Mexico!

Just spent a week in Mexico and let's just say I took complete advantage at the awesome food found there. Most Americans think that Mexican food is full of grease and cheese. Real Mexican food has very little (or very proportioned sizes) of both.

Don't believe Taco Bell for a second people! Real (and very late) updates to come!

I am not dead! I'm still here!

love
-w0rld

Apologies: I've Been AWOL

Hello Everyone,

Ok so I was supposed to post about my epic adventures last week. As well as a Weigh In and post my August weight. But I haven't.

All I could say is that I had (and am having) a bit of an emotional, off the wagon, mini break down these last couple of days and, in all honesty, I'm too ashamed to post my weight after what I did (a binge or two) or why I did it (mainly because I'm not really sure myself.)

This is really putting in to perspective how much I still have to learn about my emotional response to food, my subconscious sabotaging, and figuring out what exactly is wrong.

In all honesty I don't really know. I overall feel fine but a little bit empty. My creativity is a bit dry and I don't feel as lively or passionate as I used to be. This isn't to say I'm sad or depressed. I've been very happy for the most part.

But something is missing. And my old stand by of not dealing with it by shoving food down my throat is coming out.

I really need to reflect and work on me right now. I'll try to make up for going AWOL by posting pictures of my epic adventures last week but I think I'll give myself a break and NOT post my August weigh in. For now.

I will figure this out. Thanks for sticking with me. You have no idea how your comments and support have led me this far.

love
-w0rld

Just got back!

I just came back from a most epic Catalina adventure! Will post all the details and pics soon! (hint: My knees are killing me but I'm SUPER Happy!) Have a great early start to your weekend!!

love
-w0rld

How Things Have and Haven't Changed

I went home for a couple of days this week. It ended up being a well needed break from island life, a chance to chill with my family, and a fantastic opportunity to get errands done.

This morning, after a day of binge eating (yes I admit. I completely over ate on Wednesday) I put on my old running shoes (my new ones were left behind on the island) and went for a jog along the old route I used to take my dog (RIP Lucky). The route is a total of +2.5 miles roundtrip. Maybe closer to three miles.

I remember that the route used to be a bit of a challenge because the way out was a slow incline the whole way. When I would finally reach the end I'd be tired and sweaty.

Today's run was a cinch. I got up there with hardly any effort and once I got to the top I didn't know what to do with myself. I literally said "That's it?"

So after standing around for about a minute I just turned around and headed back. Easiest jog I've done in a while.

It's amazing how things change. How things that were once hard and extreme are now a walk in the park.

Of course that nice jog came with a price. I had decided to wear shorts (I NEVER wear shorts) and a sleeveless shirt (I NEVER wear sleeveless shirts in public) as my workout outfit, thinking "Hey it's summer, and no one knows me anymore. I'll wear what I want."

However, what I didn't anticipate was that my shorts kept riding up my inner thighs the whole time I was jogging. In order to not stop and pull my shorts down every minute I started doing this weird leg movement to get my shorts to behave and lo and behold I misstep-ed, lost my balance and fell.

BAM. I scraped my hands and my left knee. The same knee that got hit the last time I tripped and fell.

It pretty much reminded me how much things HAVEN'T changed on this journey. I'm still a klutz. I'm still lazy and I still binge when I'm home.

BUT:
I never quit just because of a few scrapes. (I brushed myself off and kept jogging of course)
I like to think of myself as a "recovering procrastinator."
and I'm learning to control my urges, one day at a time.

Today was a good reminder day. My knee definitely doesn't let me forget. Over all it was a great day.

I'm back on the island now. Back on track. Back on top!

Have a great week everyone!

-w0rld

I'm feeling better.

After my crazy frustrated post in the 4th I'm happy to report that I'm feeling better. Reading your blogs, your encouraging comments either here or on facebook. Taking initiative and looking for inspirational stories, books, and videos (and a couple of jogs thrown in between then and now) have helped me to move past my frustrations and keep on with my journey with re-charged enthusiasm.

Thank you.

Back on top with a view of the Catalina vineyard with the coast in the background. Beautiful isn't it?

love,
-w0rld

Weigh In: My first week on the Island

Happy Monday! This week has been so long and so much has happened that I'm not sure I could fit it all in this post so I think I'll just do the main highlights. Let's start!

Current Weight: 198.8 lbs (-4.6 lbs from last week, thank goodness!)

Work Out Achievement(s): I'm SO happy to see this loss. I've experienced so many levels of soreness that I haven't felt in months. I've also done a lot of different things I haven't done in a while. I'm trying to see how I can break down last week. I think I'll go chronologically.

Sunday: I arrived on the island this night.

The town of Avalon from a distance. Imagine the ferry ride view of the famous Catalina Casino and the dock full of boats, as well as the mass of petite buildings going up hill with the mountain background. Then imagine realizing that this will be "home" for the rest of summer... Yeah

I was the last to arrive and by a large margin of time. So it felt a little awkward since everyone else had time to get acquainted with each other and slightly acclimated to the island (not to mention I'm the oldest person in the crew. This feels like being a freshman R.A. again LOL). Let's just say that I was trying really hard not to over eat at the Chinese restaurant the boss took us to that night. But all was fine.

Monday: I was dead today. No work out. I was spending more time trying to get caught up with the little everyone was able to learn the first day and training, training, training. I hadn't taken my vitamins in a few days and I felt it. I was seriously trying REALLY HARD not to fall asleep in the middle of it all. I was soo drained.

Tuesday: The first night I found out we lived on top of a hill at the very end of a 1 mile (or so) stretch. Pretty much a long a canyon. So this morning I got my running shoes out of my bags and went for a jog. Completely downhill to start and of course completely uphill on the way up. I was a red sweaty mess by the end of it but I was happy with my time: 2 miles in 30ish minutes. I also finally bought groceries and started going back to my cereal, fruit salad/sandwich, and saute' menu. I really need to spice my food choices up a bit.

Wednesday: I decided I was going to alternate between running and strength training. I found a simple to follow, no equipment needed, beginners 15 minute work out and adjusted it to my liking. It pretty much involves:
3 sets of wall push ups and
3 sets of core work outs. Pilates arm pumping, crunches and glute lifts.
Simple. Quick. Do-able. We also did a hike up a hill while identifying native and non-native plants and so that was added to the mix.

Thursday: Today was a mix of extremes. I woke up sore from yesterdays strength training. My abs really felt the burn and reminded me how out of shape I've become. I ran again. 2 miles (1 mi down/ 1 mi up) in 31 minutes. The job training has been intense. So much information in so little time my head was swimming. There was a pot luck with live music hosted by my boss and the rest of the department. I GORGED myself with food. Cookies and cheese galore. I was so disgusted with myself at some point I left the party and went to the back of the building and started running up and down the steps a few times chanting to myself
"If I can just get rid of one cookie!" and "Every little bit helps. Every little bit helps!"

I also decided to walk back to the house instead of taking the golf cart. (By the way did I mention that this town is run by golf carts and my crew and I get this sweet electric one for our general use? Awesome!) and got a nice stretch of uphill walking.

I'm starting to really fall in love with this place at this point. Walking in the middle of a calm street without a sweater and staring at stars and maybe a passing fox can do that to you.

Friday: I do my strength training and up the number of reps. I feel good at this point. I also forgave myself for the night before and congratulated myself for taking the initiative to do something about it (steps and walking back and throwing away that last cookie). Later that afternoon after work my crew and I decide to hike another local hike called Hermit Gulch. 1.7 miles up hill in a dry trail with a lot of switch backs. I was drenched in sweat by the time we got to the top but it was very worth it. I can't wait to do it again. LOL

I made it to the top!

Saturday: I took a break. I finally got a chance to check out the town of Avalon. It was killing me that I had been on the island almost a whole week and had spent all of my time stuck inside a building with my nose in a book. It was great finally getting to know the little town:

At the center of Front Street showing off my Wrigley's gum. Wrigley owned/owns Catalina and his son created the Conservancy in 1972 and donated 88% of the island to it in order to conserve and keep the island natural and not developed. I thank Wrigley for giving me a job by supporting my benefactor. Go Wrigley's gum!

Tonight was also the night my crew and I went out and I had my little reflection on my (lack of) discipline and how it relates to my relationship with alcohol. We also all walked down and walked back up the house so I guess I could add another mile of power walking in there too. Not to mention a little dancing. LOL

Sunday: I finally went swimming! So close to the ocean and my goggles in my bag since Monday I finally got a chance to jump in the ocean. After the initial shock of the freezing waters (think of me slowly walking deeper in to the water going "Cold, cold, cold!" and you'll get a picture of what I looked like 'jumping in.') I finally got a good rhythm going and swam from one pier to another. Definitely not a mile long but a nice enough stretch. I definitely have to get used to the tide moving me around and kelp getting in my way. It was such a refreshing experience though. It felt so GOOD being back in the water. I've really missed swimming.


That bring us to today, Monday: Strength training and my arms can really feel it. I'm getting really tired of having that saggy bag arm thing going on and so I'm going to look for different things I could do to work my arms. Though if I return to swimming (even once a week would be enough!) I'm sure that would help too. I also finally feel much more comfortable and ready to take on the public with my new island knowledge. If anyone comes out to the island this summer let me know. By then I'll be an amateur expert and can tour you around! (especially if you're interested in an eco-tour. I AM a naturalist.) LOL

Leave the town of Avalon and join me in the Garden. I'll show you what 90% of the island is REALLY about

Goal(s): Again I've been worrying and trying to focus on my portion control and food choices. I'm going to focus more on that this week. I'll continue to work out and try to up my reps and sets in my strength training but I think this is a good start. My calves are sore. My abs are sore, and my arms are sore. So I must be doing something right. Right?

Have a great week everyone! I'll try my best to update more often (and avoid super long posts like these). Until next time!

love
-w0rld