It’s funny you don’t really think about stuff that you have all the time until you decide to take it away. My “cleanse” has nothing to do with caffeine, its all the sugary shit I put in my coffee! And look what’s out now??!!
Um, not sure about you guys, but I’ve already fallen in love with all things pumpkin! I am not worried, I know I’ll bring the sugar free version into the house after my cleanse is over. But holy yum.
So I put on my Healthy for the Holidays Facebook page Sunday that I would be switching things up – the biggest thing was getting up and getting my ass to the gym. I purposely put that out there because I didn’t want to look like an asshole when I wrote to you today that I didn’t get up.
I was at the gym by 7:20 – I was actually surprised at how much traffic there was that early – who knew? It normally takes me 25 minutes to get to work, but it took me 35 yesterday morning.
For my pre-workout fuel I had a handful of almonds and 8 ounces of this drink – I bought it at Whole Foods because it was on sale – it was on the sweet side, but it was the right amount of fuel I needed. My insulin reacts differently when I work out in the morning. Loving the fish sauce in the background – ha!
It was dark when I left the house, but the sun started to rise on my way.
I ended up doing 35 minutes of back exercises, then finished up with 30 minutes on the StairMaster.
I had every intention of heading back to the gym for a nice swim or bike ride, but a work project took me out of the office for two hours – the same two hour window I work out in. It was too late by the time I got back, which made me all the more happy I got out of bed. At least if I get a good workout in before work, if something gets in the way of my plans, I don’t freak out as much!
I have a new lunch bag that I am loving. It’s pretty big, could probably fit a couple six packs in there – but I like that it holds all my containers and shit. I just put in two flat freezer bags, and all my stuff stayed cold all day – even my apple when I felt it at 4:30 in the afternoon!
Even though it was treat day at the office, and I actually brought stuff, I didn’t have one lick. Not one! That is HUGE for me. I might not take a whole piece of something, but usually half a donut, or muffin. Those are those mindless licks and tastes that never seem to get written down!
I made Renee’s pumpkin scones with cinnamon glaze – they smelled so good! There was only one left at the end of the day, so I hope they were as good as they looked.
I however, stuck with my plan and had my version of the beef and sweet potato hash I had at the Beef Counsel weekend. I found these sprouted tortillas when we were at Whole Foods. While they kind of looked like ass, I was pleasantly surprised that I loved not only the flavor, but the texture – a bit chewy?
I made mine simple though – 4 ounces diced sweet potato, 4 ounces diced lean sirloin steak that I sautéed in 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper. I added some of my tomatillo salsa to the taco – and the combination of the salsa against the sweet potato was amazing!
I was way too hungry after working out to take a decent picture, but trust me, this is a winner! The strawberries in the back were delicious too – are we coming into strawberry season?
Lunch was delicious – I didn’t even miss the tortilla chips I usually have on the side for dipping! Leftover Cincinnati Chili over a cup and a half of spaghetti squash.
My goal was to drink a gallon of water yesterday too – my cup at work is 24 ounces – there are 128 ounces in a gallon. I have a water app on my phone, and I had 4 cups at work so I only had to drink 36 ounces last night after dinner – no problem.
I had BLT burgers on the menu, but my plate was a bit different from Tony’s. I didn’t have a bun, and I had raw jicima “fries” and spicy cucumbers on the side. Peggy, I love this mustard hot sauce – thank you! The lettuce was on the bottom and I had bacon and diced tomato on top.
Wait, it’s missing something? Mustard! Ah, that’s better.
My evening snack with my tea was an ounce of unsalted almonds.
Stats for the Day:
- 1560 calories, 143 carbs, 117 protein, 58 fat, 31 fiber
- A- grade on Calorie Count
- 33% of calories from fat, 30% from protein and 36.5% from carbs
- 35 minutes of back strength, 30 minutes cardio StairMaster
Alright, time to go into the dark and head to the gym. BBBRRRRR!!! It’s only 28 degrees – not ready for the cold yet!
Make it a great day!
GOOD JOB BIZ!! So proud of you. Those little things you don’t even notice can be so hard to skip! Good for you.
oh you had a goooood day! The scones look fantastic!
Thanks again for the recipe Renee – they were a big hit at my office!
Are you sure that sprouted tortilla didn’t taste like ass? Because any “healthy” tortilla I’ve ever tried is ass-a-horrible!
I was totally expecting it to taste like ass, but it doesn’t. I microwaved it for 30 seconds and as it cooled off it kind of got crispy like a hard shell taco – swoon!
You want to know what I do with the pumpkin creamer? I pour a splash of it over my cinnamon oatmeal. It’s so creamy and so good!
That sounds delicious Cory – great idea!
I tried the Goodbelly and after about 8 days. it um stopped me up. Like haven’t gone for days…. just wanted to throw that out there to you just in case you have that side effect.
That’s so funny Julia, because isn’t it supposed to get you moving??!! They have a money back guarantee!
Yummy creamer!!! I’ve only ever had it in the small cups that I swiped from the gas stations (bc I couldn’t find them to buy in the store). I had a pumpkin donut today and it was def insulin worthy!
For the record, any donut is insulin worthy in my book! 😀
Getting my workout done in the morning means that I can sit and knit later on and not feel a bit guilty about sitting around – I think you’ll like this change!
So far I do Shelley!
I like pumpkin stuff okay, but I don’t get as crazy about it as a lot of people do! That being said, we went out last night for $2 burger night at Capital Ale House (which I’m pretty sure is local to VA), and I ordered an Ace Pumpkin Cider… it was FANTASTIC. I really hope I can find it in stores somewhere!
OMG, that sounds amazing! After my cleanse, I’ll check it out in my neck of the woods. Your crock pot pho soup looked so good!
You got up and went-in the dark. That is HUGE! Great start!
Thanks Abbe! OMG, I made your pumpkin baked oatmeal – it was amazeballs! Totally giving you a shout out tomorrow – I want the world to make this!
Way to go Biz! Own this! and BTW – International Delight should never under any circumstances be ingested (by anyone)….it is just not good stuff. (I am sorry to be a preacher on that one, but try to stay away from that stuff.) I am totally getting that water app, I drink tea all day but need more water.
You have me curious now – I’ll have to figure out why you feel that way! Although I am contemplating adding unsweetened almond milk to my coffee 😀
How did you feel after your clean eating food day? The vanilla soy creamer isn’t bad. I only drink iced coffee and I use the sugar free flavored syrup and a small bit of half and half. I cant stomach black unsweetened coffee. Strawberry season is long over, but with all the greenhouses these days( and our hot weather that we STILL HAVE), I still see California strawberries at the market.
I feel great Randi! Day 3 and going strong. You know, never thought about unsweetened almond milk – I could probably add that to my coffee! I am jealous of your year round farmers markets!
So late to the party…again! Good luck on your clean cleanse. Looks so healthy and do-able!
Thanks Roz! Still loving all your autumn photos – you can never have too many pictures of leaves and clouds. Just don’t tell Tony that – ha!
When I did the Slow Carb diet a few years ago, I was so miserable without my coffee creamer!
I am having my coffee with splenda and its not bad, but I do miss the cream! 😀
Not even close to strawberry season! Maybe in South America…
Ha – thanks Kris – I had no idea 😀
BTW, didn’t get to mention yesterday, but I love the cleanse you are doing! So much better than those fads out there!
Thanks Carrie – Day 3 – so far so good!
I really wish I could workout in the morning. I’m just NOT a morning person. I usually want to kill people that early in the morning. lol.
I’ve been searching for Ezekiel wraps – I can find the bread in my area but not the wraps!
I was never a morning person either Heather – but I’ve “trained” myself to be one and I love it.
The Ezekiel wraps were at Whole Foods, but in the refrigerated section, not the freezer section where the bread is at – hopefully you’ll find it, they are really delicious!
Yea, it is a chilly one! Great job on day one. Kudos to no coffee! Took me about a year to wean myself from Splenda, then sugar, to just black coffee. Don’t miss the sweetness abit. Sometime I brew the coffee with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if I want more flavor. The new office I am in has the BEST coffee I have ever had. Stay warm and keep up the awesome work!
Can I ask what kind of coffee you have at work? I buy the coffee for our office – right now we’ve settled on a kona blend, but I am always looking. Love the idea of adding cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the coffee though, totally going to try that!
I have to ask, been meaning to anyway. It is just so good, at least it is something to look forward to in the morning.
I am back on the coffee Jacky – just using almond milk, and much to the dismay of your sister Jody, half a packet of Splenda – it’s actually really good that way!! I hope you had a ton of fun at your block party – sounds like so much fun!
You have amazing will power. I bet you will notice a difference in your sugar readings during your cleanse. The pumpkin scone looks delicious. I love the photo skills and how you placed it on top of the leaves. You are getting so creative 🙂
Thanks Kym! My brother, sister and I said that our Dad would have been the best food blogger – he loved photography and food too! Just wish I would have paid more attention to his photography skills when he was alive!
I have no problem at all refusing food at work – and there is most always something around every single day. I have more of a problem of taking a handful of this or that while I’m getting dinner ready – so I’ve been keeping some sort of beverage nearby and every time I’m tempted to take a couple pieces of pepperoni, I take a swallow of my coffee/tea/whatever.
That’s what I didn’t realize I was doing so much was picking while cooking too! Great idea to have a cup of tea or water nearby to stuff my mouth with!
I always have my coffee black, I don’t like making it sweet – I guess that is a good thing! More power to you for not eating that scone, I do not have that control 😉
Today I am drinking my coffee with 1/2 a splenda, and I have to say its not bad!
Good for you for starting your Monday with a workout. I told you yesterday why I love working out in the morning. One of the reasons is indeed what happened to you: you were busy but we’re okay with it because you already got your workout in.
And passing on that delicious looking scone: you’re a rock!
You are correct Fran – at least I know I have that workout in the bag in case life gets in the way – thanks for cheering me on!
28 degrees? OMGOSH! Brrrrrr! Stay warm. Way to get to the gym in the AM! I love love love morning workouts. Feels so good to just get it done.
I couldn’t agree more – this morning was day 3 and I even got up before me alarm went off – what??!! 😀
Dang – look at you – early morning workouts, no samples during treat day, skipping the chips!!! You have amazing self-control. I’m guessing that you are going to see some big results at your next weigh in!!!
Go big or go home, right Kim?! 😀
All things pumpkin are good, and even better with a bit of caramel drizzled over!
OMG, yes! I wonder if I could make a sugar free caramel sauce?? Hmmmm…