My Amazing Adventures to a Size 6

30-Day Callanetics Challenge - Day 2

2009-09-01T22:13:00.000-07:00

I did SuperCallanetics for the first time today. It's a tough one! There are so many exercises for the hips and behind. I can see why it's supposed to work the fastest of all, but it's definitely an advanced tape.

30-day Callanetics Challenge - Day 1

2009-08-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've only done Callanetics twice in the past 10 days. I'm challenging myself to do it every day for the next 30 days. I know I'll lose inches, but I really need to make Callanetics a habit. I'm also going do the 100 pushups challenge.

Today, I completed Callanetics Evolution and Day 1 of the 100 pushups challenge.

Quick Callanetics Stomach

2009-08-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

Completed Quick Callanetics Stomach. It's amazing to me how the pictures of people's progress by hour 19 that are on 10/10 are so accurate. It's amazing to think that such progress can be made in such a short period of time, but I'm definitely experiencing it for myself. It's so nice!

Callanetics - Hour 14

2009-08-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hour 14 of Evolution done.

I'm getting bored with Evolution. I find it more challenging than Callanetics 10/10, so I think I'm going to have to switch to Supercallanetics for a while. I don't want to stop my progress or reverse my results simply because I'm bored.

Callanetics - Hour 13

2009-08-13T19:21:00.001-07:00

I just finished Evolution. I really want to start doing an hour of Callanetics every day like I started out doing. I feel better when I do it daily and the results come faster.

This weekend, I got a dress for my event at the end of September. I got it a size smaller. With the changes I had already had with 11 hours of Callanetics, I imagine I'll need a smaller size in another 6 weeks. I'd love to need it to be 2 sizes smaller, but we'll see...

Callanetics - Hour 12

2009-08-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting to post. Last night was the first time I've been able to get in a full workout. I was doing 20 minutes here and there every day for the week prior. Even just that little bit of time has been producing results. People are noticing a difference. My clothes are fitting much more loosely. It's really nice to see visible results so quickly. It makes it easier to stay motivated and keep working out when you can see results daily versus having to wait 6 weeks to notice a change.

Callanetics - Hour 11

2009-08-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Another hour of Evolution done. I had to break it up into two parts because my muscles were so tired I couldn't stand after the leg exercises. It really worked deeply today!

I'm thinking of getting Super Callanetics for something a little more advanced.

Callanetics - Hour 10

2009-08-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

I did it really late and couldn't finish again because I was falling asleep. This time I made myself go all the way through the stomach exercises since that's my main problem.

Callanetics - Hour 9

2009-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hour 9 of Evolution completed.

I've missed the past couple of days. I forgot how good my back feels when I do the Callanetics. During one of the stretches, I felt all of the tension just ease away. It was a wonderful feeling.

Callanetics - Hour 8

2009-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Hour 8 of Evolution completed. I had to stop when I reached the stomach exercises - I simply couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

Callanetics - Hour 7

2009-07-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

7 hours of Evolution done!

My flexibility is really starting to improve. I'm also notice my face, neck and shoulders are a lot slimmer. My shoulder pronation is almost gone. My stomach is pulling in a little more and my thighs are starting to slim down.

breakfast: yogurt, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries
lunch: broccoli soup with walnuts and goat cheese, brie and black pepper panini
snack: almonds
dinner: molten chocolate cake, milk (nice and healthy :) )

Callanetics - Hour 6

2009-07-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I put on a pair of pants that were tight on me last week. Today, they're loose. I wasn't expecting that!

The saddlebag on one of my legs is completely gone. My waist is getting smaller. My abs in general are flatter. My obliques are starting to show - you know that line you can get down along the side of them? - it's there. My triceps are tightening up. My back is stronger and feels so much better. My shoulder pronation is disappering.

And I haven't changed what I eat. Yesterday, I had raspberry creme brulee!

When I first did Callanetics Evolution, I didn't like it all. I still have some issues with it - no counter so you don't know how fast you need to do the pulses, the moves don't flow together as easily as they do in 10/10, and such. But now, I love it! I'm seeing faster results with it than I ever saw with 10/10. It is more challenging and should only be done by someone after they've done 10/10 for a while because the instructions are better on 10/10. But the results I'm getting are truly amazing.

You always here about how you can't spot reduce. Or you have to lose 10 pounds to lose a clothing size. Or you have to work out for a minimum of 1 hour 5-6 days a week and do a ton of cardio. Or you can only eat 1500 calories a day, or so many carbs, or low fat, or whatever.

It's all so wrong!

I've spot reduced with Callanetics. I'm easily fitting into pants I couldn't fit in before and I haven't lost a pound. I'm not doing Cardio - gosh, I'm just starting to be able to walk again - no bouncing around or running for me! I haven't counted a single calorie, fat gram, or carb. If I see it and want it, I eat it.

Okay, I'm happy. I'm sure you can tell.

Callanetics 10/10 has so many dramatic photos on it of how people have transformed their bodies in 19 hours. I can't wait to see what 19 hours brings to me!

Still working

2009-07-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

I keep forgetting to post.

I did Evolution 4 days in a row and took yesterday off. My posture is really improving nicely. I can tell the left side of my body is tightening up faster than my right side - it must be stronger.

My foot doesn't feel as good today. I think it's because I didn't do Callanetics yesterday. I really think it's been helping it.

Off to do Evolution now.

Callanetics amazes me!

2009-07-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

I actually think Callanetics is healing my foot. Call me crazy, but I really think it is.

I was really hesitant to do Callanetics yesterday, but I'm so tired of not being able to do anything that I did it regardless of what it might do to my foot. I can't believe I just said that. Me? Who has always hated to work out all my life? I actually wanted to work out.

Well, I avoided any exercises yesterday that involved standing/sitting on my toes. But I did everything else. At the end, my foot felt more, well, relaxed. I can't think of any other way to describe it. I haven't had an ace bandage on it since. For the first time, there's been no pain or irritation.

I just did CardioCallanetics again today. My foot feels like it's at about 90%. Yesterday, before working out I would have said it was only 60%. There's no pain. It's more flexible. I can almost walk on it. The bruise from where I hurt it has refused to go away, but now it's smaller.

Does this mean that if I had just did Callanetics over a month ago I wouldn't have needed a cast? Okay, maybe not. I couldn't even begin to put weight on my foot then. But there's no way my foot should be this good so fast. I'm supposed to need another 8 weeks for it to heal all the way. I'm dumbfounded.

If that isn't enough, I just found out what I love the most about Callanetics. I get visible results right after doing a workout. I love looking at my stomach in the mirror and being able to tell it's smaller.

I didn't measure before I started yesterday because I wasn't even sure I'd be able to get through the warm-up. Now, I really wish I had. Between my posture being tremendously better and the tightening that's now occurred, both in maybe 24 hours, I can really tell a difference. It looks like I've lost inches. I don't know if it is that many. But I'm happy. :)

Now, I'm tempted to do Callanetics every day for the next 8 weeks for an event I have coming up to see how much smaller I can get it. I'm tempted to do it every day just because my foot feels so good.

Happy Happy Happy

Breakfast: whole milk plain yogurt, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries

Lunch: provolone-avocado-tomato-artichoke heart panini, cucumber, canteloupe

Dinner: lentil and barley soup

Workout: CardioCallanetics

I'm back

2009-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I sprained my foot really badly (it's amazing what can happen when you drop a book on your foot) and have had to take time off from pretty much all physical activity. My foot isn't completely healed, but I can now put some weight on it. I have gained a few inches over the weeks. I'm starting back with Callanetics. I still can't do a lot of the exercises, especially anything that bends the toes. Callanetics Evolution has more exercises that I can do, so I'm starting back with it. I did it for the first time in ages yesterday. My back, arms, hips, and butt are soooo sore today! I'm so glad it's already working.

I love surprises!

2009-05-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

I had the most amazing surprise on my doorstep - chocolate covered caramels from Devil in an Apron - made just for me.

When Rob at Devil in an Apron heard that I found a bacon caramel in a non-bacon bag many months ago (packaging has been changed to correct this so you don't have to worry about the same thing happening to you), he graciously offered to make me my favorite candy - chocolate covered caramels.

And let me tell you, they are so good! Truly, the best I've had.

I think my favorites are the chocolate covered rose caramels and lavender caramels. It's amazing how the flowers bring out the flavors of the chocolate and the chocolate the flavors of the flowers. Everything is intensified into the most amazing taste experience!

Rob also included some delicious jellies/gummies. I'm not sure what flavor they were (maybe citrus?).

And to make things even better - Devil in an Apron is now available at foodzie - so I no longer have to drive around to multiple Whole Foods stores, all of which carry different items, and none of which can keep Devil in an Apron in stock.

Oh, happy day!

March 19

2009-03-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

breakfast: toast with almond butter

lunch: masala dosa, salad

dinner: pecans, 2 tangerines

March 18

2009-03-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

breakfast: toast with smoked mozzarella

lunch: steamed cauliflower, hummus, sauteed mustard greens

dinner: veggie burger, fries

workout: Callanetics 10/10

My stomach is getting smaller! I think the time off was just what my body needed to start losing inches again.

March 17

2009-03-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: kohlrabi and carrot slaw, hummus

snack: strawberries

dinner: kohlrabi and carrot slaw, cabbage salad, baked potato

March 16

2009-03-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

breakfast: apple, raw milk

lunch: tom kha vegetable, thai iced tea

dinner: broccoli soup with creme fraiche and toasted walnuts

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I feel so much better since I've started eating healthier again. It's amazing what a difference fruits and vegetables can make.

March 15

2009-03-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink - strawberries, hemp seed, flax seed, almonds, raw milk

lunch: dried apricots, garlic sauteed kale, steamed tofu

dinner: broccoli soup, baked sweet potato

Errands galore

2009-03-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

breakfast: vegetarian quesadilla loaded with zucchini, swiss chard, and tomatoes

lunch: black bean tamale

snack: strawberries

dinner: toast with stewed apricots

Organic strawberries appeared at the farmer's market today. Even though they're the first of the season, they still taste amazing. Whole Foods has been trying to sell some pretty pathetic mostly yellow organic strawberries for weeks (Haven't they ever heard of quality? Guess making a buck is more important than anything.). It's nice to finally see great produce and signs that spring is starting.

Spent the day running errands. About 8 hours of them. Crazy! Glad that today was a rest day for Callanetics. It was nice to just sit and doing nothing for a few minutes tonight.

Day 3 Complete

2009-03-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

breakfast: granola with raisins

lunch: salad, hummus

dinner: fried egg, steamed broccoli

workout: Callanetics 10/10

3 days done! I've now done the minimum number of days in a row you're supposed to do when you take a week or more off from Callanetics. It's nice to be taking some time for myself again. Granted, there has been a moment when working out wasn't my first choice, but I'm glad I did it because the results are worth it.

Day 2 Complete

2009-03-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

breakfast: buckwheat granola with raisins

lunch: roasted vegetables, Tuscan chard soup

dinner: broccoli soup with goat cheese and walnuts, sauteed apples

workout: Callanetics 10/10

2 days down! It feels great to be working out again. Callanetics is so nice and relaxing. I like that I can even do it at the end of the day and have no problems going to sleep.

Day 1 Complete

2009-03-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink - banana, raw milk, hemp seed, almonds, flax seed, carob

lunch: tuscan swiss chard soup

dinner: roasted vegetables with riccotta salata, scrambled egg

workout: Callanetics 10/10

One day of Callanetics and healthy eating done. It's kind of nice to think of it as being a third of the way to the finish line.

Let's Get Back on Track...

2009-03-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I've been really busy lately and I haven't been making my health a priority. I haven't been eating well. I haven't been working out. I've been lazy. I've been doing the "easy thing." That's not fair to me. I should place myself higher on my list of priorities - at the very top and no lower. After all, I'm stuck with me forever. The work going on in my life right now is only temporary. I'll always be around. If I keep putting myself last, I'll have to deal with the consequences. No one put me in this position but myself. No one can make the changes for me but me. No one is responsible for my health or body but me.

So I'm taking charge.

Starting today, I'm doing Callanetics for a minimum of 3 days in a row. Want to join me?

Starting today, I'm committing to eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Want to join me?

Today is a new day with no mistakes on it. Let's keep it that way.

February 25

2009-02-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

breakfast: english muffin, raw milk

lunch: artichoke heart and fresh mozzarella panini

dinner: gnocchi neopolitana, salad, tiramisu

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I've been so busy lately I feel like I'm about to crack. Between running my own business, starting another, helping my mother with hers, and doing a friend with his, I literally feel like a chicken running around with it's head cut off. Okay, so mine is still attached, but I'm not sure it would be if it wasn't screwed in so well when I was born.

Been having an interesting experience with a neighborhood cat. It's figured out how to get under my house through an access panel. It likes to bring back it's dinner and/or breakfast - still alive. It seems to prefer food that smells like skunk.

I've tried so many things to keep it out from under the house. It's a great digger - imagine a 3-foot long entrance tunnel being dug in an hour). It can move boulders with feats of strength a cat shouldn't possess. It doesn't mind cayenne. Chicken wire staked into the ground with 5-inch long stakes isn't a problem.

I find it quite ironic that at a time I've gotten so busy, a neighborhood cat has decided to deprive me of sleep. It really isn't fun to be awoken by death screams and skunk stench.

So, if you have an outdoor cat, for the sanity of your neighbors, I beg of you to make sure it's inside at night.

February 24

2009-02-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: broccoli soup with goat cheese and walnuts, crostini with swiss chard

dinner: toast, raw milk

What a Weird Day or Grocery Stores Giving Everything Away for Free

2009-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raw buckwheat granola, raw milk

lunch: salad, gf margarita pizza

dinner: salad, english muffin with smoked mozzarella and fried egg

I went to the grocery store today. The teller was someone who's been there for ages. A friend of hers was in front of me. I noticed she was only ringing up about half of her friend's items. Kind of odd! I wasn't sure what was going on.

When it was my turn, she again missed a few things. Then she said the total was "$45.71. Wait, I forgot the two bottles of olive oil." They wouldn't scan so she keyed them in manually and said, "$45.71." The exact same amount. I told her the olive oil didn't go in. She said, "No, I got them." Okay, then. I just got over $30 off at the grocery store.

Now, the store didn't have one key item I needed so I went to another store to get it. I saw a couple of other things while I was there - shopping while hungry produces interesting purchases. When I went to check out, the same thing happened. This time I got about $5 off.

I guess money can come to you in some pretty unexpected ways.

February 20

2009-02-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

breakfast: apple, sao jorge cheese

lunch: gf panini with provolone, avocado, tomato, japanese eggplant, and cucumber; salad with sesame vinaigrette

dinner: quesadilla de maize y queso

workout: Callanetics 10/10

February 18

2009-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raw milk

lunch: masala dosa

dinner: carrots, apple, green beans, tofu

workout: Callanetics 10/10

It's so nice to go on a weeklong holiday - just to get away from everything. A change of venue, new people to see, new things to do, new foods to eat - it's just great to experience something different every now and then.

February 10

2009-02-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: portabello and chickpea tart, salad

dinner: peas, cabbage, macaroni and cheese

My results with Callanetics are slowing down. I know it's because I'm so close to my goal. How much is half a size really? However, I can see more toning going on so at least changes are still happening. Too bad clothing size isn't affected by whether your triceps are tightening up.

February 9

2009-02-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raw cheese, apple

lunch: giant salad

dinner: raw milk

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I wasn't hungry for dinner. I've never had a salad fill me up so well before. Usually I'm hungry shortly after eating just a salad. Interesting change.

Danish

2009-02-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

breakfast: pear, raw milk

lunch: mushroom and chickpea tart

dinner: broccoli, roasted turnips, kale with garlic, half cheese danish

I made danish for the first time today. I changed the recipe a lot - replacing the wheat flour, using maple syrup instead of sugar, cream cheese instead of ricotta - and they came out perfectly. They are so light, fluffy, and delicious. No one could tell they weren't made with wheat and sugar.

I'm so surprised how easy danish are to make. You'd think it's be this intense laborious process, but you just throw some ingredients together, chill them, roll out, chill, turn into danish, let rise, and bake. Most of your time is spent doing nothing. I think the total amount of labor involved is about 40 minutes and that's spread out over hours.

February 7

2009-02-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: quesadilla de maize queso frioles

lunch: falafel, hummus, baba ganoush

dinner: yogurt with dried apricots

My legs are feeling better today. It's so nice to be able to sit/stand/walk like a normal person again.

February 5

2009-02-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola, pear

lunch: kale and cannelini soup

dinner: egg burrito

It's so nice to have some rain. I think this is the first real rainstorm we've had. All of the other couple of days have been soft drizzles, but this is the nice pounding kind where you can actually hear the rain coming down as it hits the roof of the house. Does this mean that winter finally decided to start after groundhog day this year?

Squeeze by Tracy Effinger

2009-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I did Tracy Effinger's Squeeze for the first time. It's a combination of Callanetics, yoga and isometrics.

The Callanetics related movements use far less than 100 movements, but I believe are just as effective as those found on Callanetics 10 Years Younger in 10 Hours, if not more so. The arm, inner thigh and outer thigh movements are definitely better than those in Callanetics.

There is one movement on Squeeze called "the L" which works the thighs and buns. My legs were shaking so badly during the move that it was like watching the ground during an earthquake. I've never had my legs shake so much. I could barely do any of the thigh movements 20 minutes later in the bun & thigh section. It's been 2 days and I can still barely move my legs.

For the arm section, she recommends 2 pound weights, but says that even if you don't have weights you'll get an effective workout. I agree! If you really focus on isometrics (stretching yours arms as far as possible and resisting the movement - what Tracy calls squeezing), you'll probably never need weights.

My only complaint about the workout is that Tracy is more flexible than the average person and it would have been nice if she had shown how to do some of the stretches at different levels. Modifications are pretty easy to figure out, but I think most people would like to see someone demonstrating modifications just to make sure that they're picking the best way to do it.

The first time you do this workout, you might want to take it a little bit easier. For me, my muscles are sorer today even though it's been two days since I did the workout. If I had known this would happen, I would have worked out a little less intensely so that I could pace myself better, workout again today, and slowly build up my strength.

February 4

2009-02-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: apple, sao jorge

lunch: ravioli di spinaci

dinner: kale and cannelini bean soup

workout: Tracy Effinger's Squeeze -- The Compete Workout

February 3

2009-02-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

breakfast: quinoa flakes, raw milk

lunch: tempeh and vegetables in lemon-coconut sauce

dinner: bread with raw butter, apple, yogurt with dried apricots

Okay, that's a pretty strange dinner. But it's what I really, really wanted. And it tasted soooo good.

February 2

2009-02-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

breakfast: apple, manchego

lunch: really bad Indian

dinner: tempeh and vegetables in a lemon-coconut sauce, chocolate bread and rice cake

workout: Callanetics 10/10

January 28

2009-01-28T19:16:00.000-08:00

breakfast: split pea soup, bread

lunch: vegetable pad thai

dinner: remainder vegetable pad thai, raw milk

workout: Callanetics 10/10

January 27

2009-01-27T20:12:00.000-08:00

breakfast: oatmeal

lunch: yogurt with apricots, baby bok choy with garlic, rice

dinner: split pea soup, bread with raw butter

Winter Lament

2009-01-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

breakfast: gluten-free french toast

lunch: pasta primavera

dinner: sweet potato, cabbage, raw milk

Today feels like the first day of winter since winter actually started. It's cold and windy. There have been a few raindrops. Winter is always my favorite season, so it's kind of sad to not have it this year.

Whenever I drive by the reservoir near my house, I can see the bottom. I don't know what this bodes for this spring/summer. It would be nice if it would start to rain more, if winter would truly appear.

January 24

2009-01-24T21:22:00.000-08:00

breakfast: gluten-free english muffin, raw cheese, raw milk

lunch: salad, rice with cabbage and yogurt

snack: peanuts

dinner: baked chickpeas, fried potato, cauliflower with tomato sauce

January 20

2009-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: aloo gobi

snack: popcorn

dinner: eggplant with ginger-garlic sauce, tempeh with stir-fried vegetables

Today's supposed to be the last day of the heat wave. It's so strange to look outside and see Spring. All the plants are sprouting new growth. Blooms are open. It's absolutely gorgeous. But thankfully, the warmth is going to end and be replaced by some much needed rain.

I've always loved the rain. I love the sound of it. I love how it cleans everything off. It just relaxes me. :)

Heavenly Caramels

2009-01-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

Devil in an Apron's caramels are so good. They're traditional caramels made with sugar and cream - NO corn syrup! Yeah! That alone makes them taste better than virtually every other caramel on the market. But when you add in the flavors - real vanilla bean, cocoa nibs, dried lavender, and many more - they're simply amazing. They're definitely the best I've had.

My only complaint with the caramels is that one of the flavors isn't vegetarian - bacon. It's very easy to tell from the other flavors (the bacon is almost black while the others are a light brown), but it would be nice if the company would sell bacon-free packages of their caramels for vegetarians.

I secretly hope that one day Devil in an Apron decides to do to their caramels what they do with practically everything else they make - cover them in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate covered caramels have always been my favorite candy and so few people do it well. These caramels with the quality of chocolate that Devil in an Apron uses would be a guaranteed success.

January 7

2009-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

breakfast: gluten-free muffin, raw milk

lunch: stomach didn't feel well, so I didn't eat

dinner: lentil and farro soup

I skipped working out today. My stomach just isn't feeling right. Hopefully, it'll be back to normal soon.

I haven't really know what to write in these posts lately. Maybe something will come to me... If you have any ideas, let me know.

Perfecting Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free Muffins

2009-01-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: salad, roasted cauliflower and potatoes

snack: muffin with raw butter

dinner: baked unstuffed shells, swiss chard, carrots

I think I've finally perfected a gluten-free/wheat-free muffin recipe. The key seems to be soaking the grains in either buttermilk or yogurt to soften them and bring out the flavor. It also has the added benefit of reducing phytic acid and increasing mineral absorption. This time I soaked them for 24 hours and they came so soft, tender and fluffy - just like the real thing.

January 26

2009-01-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: oatmeal

lunch: vegetable soup

snack: yogurt with dried apricots

dinner: cabbage, baked sweet potato

workout: Callanetics 10/10

January 5

2009-01-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raw milk, apple

lunch: quinoa, cannelini beans, salad

dinner: lemon-herb tofu, roasted cauliflower and potatoes, garlic spinach

workout: Callanetics 10/10

This new year is flying. It's amazing how fast everything is going by. Do you remember how when you were growing up things just took forever? The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to last for months. Now, it's just over before you know it.

January 3

2009-01-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raw milk

lunch: falafel salad

snack: gluten-free chocolate chip cookie

dinner: mu shu tofu (no wrap), tofu and broccoli

January 2

2009-01-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

snack: manchega, peanuts

lunch: lemon kale, fried potato, buffalo mozzarella, sauerkraut, tangerine

snack: gluten-free foccoccia, avocado

dinner: cornbread, collard greens, pinto beans, sauerkraut, avocado

workout: Callanetics 10/10

Constantly hungry today.

January 1

2009-01-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: pasta primavera, salad

dinner: sauerkraut, olives, lemon kale, cannelini beans, baked potato

December 31

2008-12-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: roasted cauliflower and broccoli, lentil salad

dinner: pizza bomba, chocolate pot de creme

workout: Callanetics 10/10

Pizza bomba is just amazingly delicious. But then again, when isn't fried food tasty?

Things are beginning to quiet down. I haven't posted much for the past week or so, but I've been doing Callanetics every other day. It's nice just to be able to stretch and move my body. It just feels so much better.

December 30

2008-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: atter kik, vegetable wat

dinner: baked sweet potato, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, custard

December 23

2008-12-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

breakfast: pear, beaufort

lunch: huevos rancheros, salad

dinner: cranberry beans, baked potato, broccoli, passionfruit

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I've switched to workout out every other day. It's nice to have a couple of days off a week now, especially as the holidays come closer and the weather gets colder. I think my body enjoys have the days off. I'm seeing more changes in my legs, hips, and back.

Do Nothing Day

2008-12-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

breakfast: vegetarian sope

snack: pecan pie larabar

lunch: salad, brown rice pasta with marinara sauce and mozzarella

dinner: cereal

It was so nice not to workout today. A bit strange, but nice. I am glad I did Callanetics for 19 days in a row. I used to never exercise, hated in fact. So to do such a big committment, to put up with the soreness, and to be maybe half a clothing size from a size 6 is amazing to me. I started this blog less than six months ago at a size 12. I'm almost at my goal. I'm really in awe that it's happened and that it's been so fast and easy. There were some setbacks along the way where I couldn't work out because I messed up my back and what not. But I'm here now. The finish line is so clearly in sight. I don't know or care how long it takes because I know I'll get there.

Callanetics - Day 19

2008-12-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cream of brown rice with toasted cashews, raw milk

snack: apple

lunch: sushi, gomae

dinner: cereal

workout: Callanetics 10/10

Today's the last day of the 19-day Callanetics bootcamp. It's so nice to be done. However, it's going to be a bit strange not to workout tomorrow because it's starting to become a habit. I'm sure that's a good thing because it will make it easier to be consistent with workouts.

Doing 19-days of Callanetics is tough, especially during the holidays. It's a big time committment, but it does work. I can tell my body has changed and my form has gotten better. You don't have to do 19 consecutive days to get visible results, but Callan is right that 19 hours of Callanetics can produce big changes.

My friend, who I did this challenge with, has lost over 3 dress sizes. That's over a size a week that she's lost. And she's only lost 2 pounds. She's wearing clothes she hasn't worn in years, clothes she never thought she'd wear again. Best of all, she hasn't changed a single thing about how she eats.

It's hard to imagine why people slave away for hours in the gym and starve themselves on diets when you can transform your body in less than an hour a day with Callanetics.

Callanetics - Day 18

2008-12-18T19:11:00.000-08:00

breakfast: oatmeal, apple, raw milk

lunch: tofu, broccoli, brown rice

dinner: pasta primavera

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I think 19 consecutive days of Callanetics would be a great way to prepare for bathing suit season. It's definitely a lot shorter than the weeks people usually prepare, and based upon my results, it works even better. You know all those dramatic photos on the 10/10 dvd, they're true. I've noticed similar changes in my body in the past 19 days. It's quite nice.

Callanetics - Day 16

2008-12-17T21:52:00.000-08:00

breakfast: gluten-free bagel, raw milk

lunch: sauteed cabbage and carrots, brown rice pizza

dinner: steamed vegetables, lemon herb tofu, millet

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I really like the definition I'm starting to get in my arms. They've never looked this nice. Who knows what the next 3 days has in store?

Callanetics - Day 16

2008-12-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: egg in purgatory

lunch: vegetable soup

dinner: tofu rice ball, greens

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I can really tell I've gotten stronger. The muscles in my back, arms and legs feel so completely different. It's really nice.

Callanetics - Day 15

2008-12-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

breakfast: ginnger-egg drop soup

lunch: tofu rice ball, pickled vegetables

dinner: cereal, apple

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm actually posting two days in a row. Wow! That's pretty good for this month. I know it was the norm until recently and it will become the norm again, but to have managed it is quite impressive to me.

4 more workouts to go!

Callanetics - Days 12-14

2008-12-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry to everyone who has been trying to follow these posts about doing 19 straight days of Callanetics. I've read all of your messages. I'm still doing the 19 days. I've just been incredibly busy lately between birthdays, holidays, work, everything...posting has just taken a backseat.

I'm really glad there are only 5 days to go. It'll be nice to have an extra hour on day 20. Doing Callanetics for this many days does produce results. I'm so close to my goal (size 8's are loose now) that my results are slowing down now, but I'm getting a lot more muscle definition and posture improvements. I'm really happy with how things are going. This has definitely been worth it. If you can find the time to do Callanetics for 19 days in a row, go for it. If not, you can still get amazing results doing it 3-4 times a week. Whoever said you can't spot reducer was wrong.

Callanetics - Day 11

2008-12-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

breakfast: 2 pears

lunch: lentil soup

dinner: egg in purgatory, greens with garlic

workout: Callanetics 10/10

My food today looks so meager. I had very little hunger, but I did eat high quality so that makes me feel good.

8 more days of Callanetics to go. I'm not sure that 19 consecutive days of Callanetics is the best way to go. I think the body needs a break in there not only for the muscles to rest, but to encourage it to tighten up a little more.

Callanetics - Day 10

2008-12-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cream of rice cereal with apricots and toasted cashews, raw milk

lunch: lentil soup

snack: 2 pears

dinner: pasta primavera

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I can't believe this is only day 10. This month has been so absolutely crazy. With everything that's happened, I'd ordinarily have skipped a couple of days, but my friend drastically needs to lose weight and if doing Callanetics every day with her for 19 days helps, then it's worth it. She's gone down almost a clothing size already without changing how she eats. She also has a lot to lose so I imagine she'll lose the first couple of sizes pretty quickly. At least it's great motivation for her to keep going. Also, the workout doesn't have all the jumping and stuff that many cardio programs do, so it's easier on her joints.

Callanetics - Day 9

2008-12-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

breakfast: ginger-egg drop soup

lunch: tofu and carrot scramble, avocado maki

snack: pear

dinner: lentil soup

workout: Callanetics 10/10

Callanetics - Days 7 & 8

2008-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

I've been too busy to post much lately. I've now completed 8 continuous days of Callanetics. Definitely noticing a lengthening and overall slimming of entire body from head-to-toe. Working out for so many days in a row isn't easy, especially this time of year, but it's definitely producing visible results.

Callanetics - Days 5 & 6

2008-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Working out so many days in a row is starting to get easier. I think my body is adjusting and getting in the groove. I'm actually starting to get some definition in my arms. That's really a shocker to me because there was a time when I thought Callanetics wasn't much of an upper body workout. It's really proving me wrong.

Callanetics - Day 4

2008-12-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cream of brown rice with toasted cashews and dried apricots

lunch: honey-lime marinated carrots, pickled cucumbers, pasta with pepper

dinner: vegetable soup

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm tired today. I wonder why. I'm guessing the tiredness will go away as my body gets used to working out every day. We'll see...

Callanetics - Day 3

2008-12-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

breakfast: granola

lunch: 1/2 egg salad sandwich, carrots

snack: apple

dinner: brown rice cream

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm really liking the changes I'm seeing in my obliques. They're really starting to get some nice definition.

One thing doing this bootcamp has really shown me is how much easier, yet intense, Callanetics becomes the longer you do it. I'm so much better at relaxing with every move than when I first started all those months ago. It really allows me to work mucles much more intensely and deeply. I can only imagine that this means that if you ever took an extended time off from Callanetics that when you started again not only would your muscles be a lot sorer, but your results would come even faster.

I wish Callan was still putting out books, etc. so that I could get more info on exactly how Callanetics works - the theory and science behind it.

Callanetics Day 2

2008-12-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

breakfast: buckwheat granola

lunch: kitsune soba, sauerkraut

dinner: open-face gf peanut butter-broccoli sandwich, raw cheddar

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm wiped from everything I did yesterday. Still got in a workout today. It's managed to wipe me out even more. It's 5:30 but I feel like going to bed. My arms, back, and legs are feeling tonight's workout. Interesting to see what the next 17 days will bring. I realized today I should have measured before starting, but as usual I didn't. At least the results of Callanetics are so visually obvious it doesn't matter. Size 6 here I come!

Callanetics - Day 1

2008-12-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

breakfast: gluten-free pancakes, raw milk

lunch: falafel salad

dinner: gluten-free peanut butter toast

workout: Callanetics 10/10

Today is the first day of the 19 day Callanetics bootcamp. I have to admit that if I hadn't agreed to do this with my friend, I wouldn't have worked out today. Between doctor appointments, taking my mother to the airport, and a myriad of other things, I would have just gone to bed without doing a bloody thing. So, I guess this bootcamp is just as good for me.

19 Days of Callanetics

2008-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

breakfast: sope

lunch: no time/opportunity

dinner: gluten-free pizza

Okay, very unhealthy eating today. I think my eating has been suffering a bit recently anyways.

A friend of mine wants to start doing Callanetics because of the great success I've had. The thing is she wants to do the "19 hour promise of drastically reshaping the body" in 19 days starting Monday, December 1. She wants me to do it with her to help motivate her. I have no problem motivating her, but 19 days in a row? I'm sure I'll get great results, but 19 days in a row? It's probably something that'll help me to get my eating back on line, but 19 days in a row? I know I'm going to do it with her because she really needs to get rid of a lot of body fat for health reasons. But 19 days in a row?

Not Gonna Do It

2008-11-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cereal, apple

lunch: cumin-lime chickpeas, corn tortilla, roasted parsnips and carrots

dinner: eggplant with basil-garlic sauce, lemon tofu, brown rice, pickled cucumber, steamed kale

I'm not working out today. It feels kind of rebellious. I think sometimes you need a day where you just say no...let the little gremlin inside of you out to be mischevious.

November 24

2008-11-24T19:26:00.000-08:00

breakfast: corn tortilla with tahini sauce, pear

lunch: roasted potatoes, sauteed spinach, chickpeas

dinner: salad, steamed kale, baked potato

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I know you're supposed to do Callanetics for 3 days straight after you've taken a week off from doing it, but I just don't feel like it. I had tremendous results in the very beginning without ever knowing about the 3-day-rule. I think I might just skip it this time and see what happens. Although, this is only day 1 so who knows how I might feel tomorrow.

November 23

2008-11-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

breakfast: oatmeal with peanut butter

lunch: vegetarian chili

dinner: baked sweet potato, sauteed cabbage, apple

Milk Toast

2008-11-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

breakfast: milk toast

lunch: vegetable soup

snack: milk toast

dinner: fried potato, steamed broccoli with tahini sauce, buffalo mozzarella

I know, it's really odd food today with all that milk toast. I haven't been able to eat for the last two days with the cold a cashier was so kind to give me on Saturday. Why didn't she stay home from work?

I've been wanting milk toast for days and finally had some today. It's the perfect comfort food. The only thing that would have made it better (a lot better, really) was if it had been made with bread made from my grandmother's recipe. Milk toast just never tastes right to me unless it's made with that bread.

Ouch!

2008-11-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

breakfast: raspberries, granola with yogurt

lunch: sunshine burger, salad

dinner: roasted vegetables with thyme, cumin and orange juice; ginger-garlic tofu; chocolate pudding cake with raspberries

I've had a very sore throat since I woke up today. I was at a store yesterday and the cashier had strep throat. I hope I haven't caught anything from her. I think there's something to be said about not going to work when you're sick - all you do is infect everyone else.

So Hungry...

2008-11-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cereal

lunch: sope, 1/2 quesadilla de maize

snack: granola with yogurt, raspberries

dinner: broccoli, chickpea and carrot bake, cereal, raw milk

I was so hungry today. It felt like just a few minutes after I was done eating, I was hungry again. I'm not sure what caused it. I haven't been more active lately or eating less than normal.

November 10

2008-11-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

breakfast: banana, raw milk

lunch: huevos rancheros, spanish rice, salad

dinner: salad, brown rice tortilla pizza

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I had huevos rancheros for the first time today. I've never tried them before because I don't really like eggs, but my only other option was a chili rellono. I hate peppers more than eggs, and I can't have the wheat. I was quite surprised that it was actually good. The salsa completely covered up the flavor of the egg.

November 10

2008-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cereal

lunch: baked sweet potato, cauliflower, tofu

dinner: brown rice pasta with marinara, salad

November 8

2008-11-08T17:23:00.001-08:00

breakfast: pear, raw milk, gf peanut butter toast

lunch: sope

dinner: hummus, salad, piece Jaques Torres dark chocolate covered coconut

I think I'm going to have to buy new pants. I've been putting it off because shopping has never really been my thing. However, my pants are so loose they're now making me look fatter than I am. It's nice to think I have to go shopping for a size 8 - a single digit. I'm fairly certain I'm that size now given how droopy all of my pants are. I think it's still something that I'll have to see to believe, but it's nice to know that I'm either there or extremely close.

I don't really know how it makes me feel. My goal is still a size 6 and give the lumps I still have in some places I definitely think it's the right goal for me. I think because it's what I'm focused on, a size 8 just seems like part of the journey and is simply a signpost along the route. Don't think I'm complaining or upset because it is a very nice sign. I think I'm just experiencing a happy ambivalence. I think that if I do find that I am an 8 I will be quite ecstatic. It's just today I'm in droopy 10's.

Devil in an Apron

2008-11-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

breakfast: cereal

lunch: Madras thali

dinner: rasberries, cottage cheese

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I went to two different Whole Foods today trying to find Devil in an Apron's chocolate covered pecan pie. Both stores have decided not to carry it anymore. However, I was told that if I wanted to drive several hours away, I could find a store that had it. Instead, these stores near me have decided to carry an extremely poor quality chocolate. I won't put the name on here because I'm sure the creator is proud of the product and doesn't think it sucks as badly as I do (as well as everyone I know). Why replace a locally made, organic product that can compete internationally for awards with something that makes Hershey's look like it's equivalent to La Maison du Chocolat and Michel Chaudin?

I remember when Whole Foods first started. It really tried to be about organic, quality food. Now the shelves are filled with conventional products. As the company evolves, every time I go into a new store, I can really tell the company has never had a business plan and understand why the owner did some illegal activities to promote his business that's gotten him to trouble. I wish Whole Foods hadn't put so many good health food stores out of business.

November 4

2008-11-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

breakfast: banana, peanut butter

lunch: potato and bean enchilada

dinner: butternut squash with mint and toasted cashews, chard a la Lucy's teahouse, steamed tofu, quinoa

I'm so glad the election is over after today. Regardless of the outcome for anything, it's going to be so nice not to hear about it anymore, not to see commercials...just for everything to be gone. Living in a country obsessed with an election for 2 years has been tiring. I understand how important everything is, but I'm glad it's over.

Dirty Politics Disgust Me

2008-11-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

I just discovered today that group that supports California proposition 8 (to prohibit gay marriage) has bought Google ads to support their political position. The ads are only showing in California. I have blocked them, but they make continue to show for a few hours.

I apologize for the political ads appearing on my blog for anyone in California. I do not support them in any way, shape, or form.

I never intended for this blog to be political. It is a diary for me. My diary would never be opposed to gay marriage. I believe all people should have equal rights, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else I might be leaving out.

I strongly support the Declaration of Human Rights which states that people should be able to marry whomever they desire regardless of gender.

I would never have posted my political beliefs on this blog, but I am so disgusted by the dirty politics being employed by a poltical group that I find morally offensive that I feel I have no choice but to state what I truly believe. I do not want to be associated with this group or their dirty political tricks.

November 3

2008-11-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

breakfast: apple, pear

lunch: teahouse greens, buffalo mozzarella, tofu salad

dinner: potato and bean enchilada

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm Thin?

2008-11-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

breakfast: beaufort and manchego with oat crackers, orange juice

lunch: lentils with rice and tomatoes, kale

dinner: steamed tofu, teahouse greens, maple-glazed carrots with dill, fried potatoes

I looked in the mirror today and I looked thin. That's never happened to me before. I've always been the fat one. It's really surreal. I don't know if it'll happen again tomorrow. It's definitely something that will take awhile to get used to. If you're life, you've been overweight to suddenly see yourself one day and see a thin person, it's strange. It doesn't seem real. I don't really know what to think of it. I definitely feel good about it, but I still haven't gotten my mind around it. I think I still think of myself as the fat one. I wonder when that will go away.

October 30

2008-10-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

breakfast: oatmeal, banana

lunch: tofu with carrots and sesame seeds, pickled cucumber, rice

dinner: vegetable soup

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I'm really starting to get some nice definition in my legs. I haven't really been paying attention to changes in them because I'm more interested in my stomach. But it's nice to see cuts developing, inner thighs toning up, etc. I'm becoming a whole new person.

How to Be Naturally Thin by Eating More

2008-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

breakfast: stewed fruit

lunch: tofu salad

dinner: vegetable biryani, dal, rice

snack: baked tortilla ships, salsa

I've eating dinner around 4:30pm the past couple of days. I keep getting hungry for a meal around then. It's been leading me to have after-dinner snacks, which I normally never want. I don't feel bad about it since I'm eating such an early dinner.

I remember reading a book a few years ago How to Become Naturally Thin by Eating More by Jean Antonello. It's the book that convinced me to stop dieting. It presented a lot of evidence on what diets do to the body, why they don't work, as well as explaining how to be naturally thin without dieting. I will admit I wasn't very good at implementing the techniques on how to be naturally thin. I'm finding myself doing them automatically now and I am getting thinner.

But back to my story. Jean spoke about how as you become naturally thin you'll begin to want dinner at around 4 pm with just a snack afterwards. My body is doing that. Also, as she mentioned, I've lost all desire for sweets. I just don't want them anymore. It's strange to go from wanting something sweet several times a day my entire life to not wanting any at all. Even if I see something that I enjoy - brownie, cookie, whatever - I don't care. I pass because I don't want it.

She also spoke about how when you're dieting, you can lose all desire to exercise. But when you get out of the dieting cycle, you'll just naturally want to move more. That's so true for me. I used to hate to exercise. Now, I can hardly sit still. I'm constantly finding things to do because I want to get up and move. It's really kind of interesting to think back on her book and how it's all coming true for me.

I've lost 15 pounds since starting this blog. I eat what I want when I want it. Since starting Callanetics, I can tell I'm gaining muscle and toning up. It's just nice to know that I can be thin by eating to my heart's content. It really feels good. I wish had the words to express this feeling better.

I recommend Jean's book if you're looking to change how you look and feel too. It's out-of-print so you might have to get a used copy of Amazon. She came out with another book - Breaking Out of Food Jail: How to Free Yourself from Diets and Problem Eating, Once and for All. Personally, I think her first book is better, but that could just be because I read it first.

October 27

2008-10-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

breakfast: brown rice cereal with cashews and apricots

lunch: baked tofu, rice, cucumber, sauteed cauliflower

dinner: brown rice tortilla pizza, napa cabbage

snack: raw milk

workout: Callanetics Evolution

I know Callanetics Evolution is supposed to produce faster results than 10/10, but I really think the instruction could be better. For example, on one of the standing leg moves, two of the demonstraters have their legs at completely different angles and the instructor never tells you which way you should be pointing your leg. Both angels work different muscle groups.

I also feel like it's really taught as if it's expected that you've attended a class. Form isn't really discussed. It really just leaves you to figure out what to do. And they don't even tell you how many reps you should do for most of the moves. I really think it could be better. Give me bad 80's clothes and production with an understanding of what I should and shouldn't do, over a pretty set and confusion any day.

Whole Foods Prairie Bread

2008-10-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

breakfast: Whole Foods prairie bread with peanut butter, banana

lunch: pasta primevera, salad

dinner: 2 taquitos, avocado, carrots

I tried Whole Foods' gluten free prairie bread today. Big Mistake! I can only imagine that eating it is just like eating a sponge in terms of both taste and texture. I thought that since it had sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc. it would have a nice flavor. Boy was I wrong!

Whole Foods carries a lot of brands of gluten free bread. The store brand looked like people bought it the most. If that's so, I really can't imagine what the other brands must be like. If real bread even remotely resembled Whole Foods' bread, bread wouldn't be so popular around the world. It probably wouldn't have taken off at all.

Lemon Tarts

2008-10-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

breakfast: apple

lunch: cucumber maki, inari, 1/4 gf lemon tart

dinner: salad, buffalo mozzarella

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I tried Crave Bakery's gluten free lemon tart today. The filling was tart and lemony - not the best I've had, but it worked. I suppose that for gluten free the crust was okay. The crust was as thick as the filling and seemed more like a sweet cookie, almost a shortbread it was so dense. It really competed with the filling in terms of flavor, and simply disappointed me. I think the tart might do better if the name was changed to lemon bar.

Japanese Cooking

2008-10-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink

lunch: teriyaki tofu, potato, napa cabbage

dinner: corn tortilla, chickpea and potato curry, cauliflower

I really like Japanese Cooking - Contemporary & Traditional by Miyoko Schinner. It has the best tasting and easiest to make teriyaki sauce you can imagine. I've never really cared for bottled teriyaki sauces because the flavors can be so thick and cloying, too overpowering for the food. But Miyoko's is great.

I found her cookbook several years ago when I was trying to learn how to make vegetarian Japanese food. It's the only vegetarian Japanese cookbook I've found by someone who is actually from Japan. It really makes a difference in the recipes.

Everything I have tried is so good. From the Carrot and Tofu Scramble (not a Japanese version of scrambled eggs made with tofu, but a dish the author grew up eating as a child) to the Roasted Asparagus with Lime Ponzu Sauce. Her salad dressing recipe is my absolute favorite.

I hadn't picked this cookbook up in a couple of months and I don't know why. As I'm flipping through it now, I keep finding recipe after recipe that I truly love. I think I'm going to have to start using this book more often.

October 21

2008-10-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

breakfast: brown rice spaghetti with brie, broccoli, and walnuts

lunch: smoothie

dinner: hummus vegetable wrap in a brown rice tortilla

workout: Callanetics 10/10 through stomach

Weird breakfast today, but it's what I really wanted. I added some more brie to the pasta and it helped. The broccoli still tasted a little odd in it.

I meant to do more Callanetics today, but it take me 1 1/2 hours to get that much done. I think once I started working out everyone decided to call me. I finally just gave up. I worked out for less than 20 minutes, but once I decided to quit the phone stopped. Who knows if it would have continued if I had kept working out, but I suspect it would have.

Brie and Walnut Bread - How I Miss Thee

2008-10-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

breakfast: fruit

lunch: chickpeas in a mint sauce, salad

dinner: brown rice spaghetti with broccoli, brie, and walnuts

I love brie, especially on walnut bread. It's one of my favorite foods that I can't have anymore. So tonight I decided to try to throw together something that might come close to being a gluten-free version. I sauteed the broccoli in olive oil with garlic, then threw in some cooked spaghetti, toasted walnuts, and brie. The brie melted and formed a really nice sauce on everything. The broccoli was a little strong flavored for the dish. While it didn't come anywhere close to brie on walnut bread, it did turn out to be a fairly descent dish.

October 19

2008-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink

lunch: ribolita

dinner: baked potato with broccoli and vegan cheese sauce

I'm shrinking

2008-10-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink

lunch: chili, cucumber, salad

dinner: vegetable ragout

workout: Callanetics 10/10

My clothes are looser. My weight has stayed the same. I'm not counting calories, carbs, fat, tablespoons, or anything. Yet, my pants are looser in the thighs and waste, and my shirts are looser all over. I don't need to go buy new clothes yet, but I can see how that's eventually going to become a possibility. I've never cared for shopping for clothes. Darn Callanetics.

October 14

2008-10-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

breakfast: protein drink

lunch: tofu salad

dinner: chili, steamed cauliflower

workout: Callanetics warm-up

The interesting thing to me about the warm-up to Callanetics is that even though it's called a warm-up, it's a full body workout that takes less than 10 minutes. You work your legs, waist, back, arms, and even neck. The moves in the warm-up alone can cause tightening and toning.

I've also noticed that the longer I do Callanetics, the more difficult it becomes. It makes me wonder if the impact I now receive from the warm-up is equal to what the entire workout gave me when I first started. I know I do the movements better, relax more, stretch more...everything more.

It makes me wonder why Callanetics disappeared over the years. It's effective, easy, and fast. Maybe people really just want to spend endless hours in the gym. I don't know... I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

October 13

2008-10-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

breakfast: oatmeal, apple

lunch: rice, tofu, pickled vegetables

snack: peanuts

dinner: pasta primavera

October 11

2008-10-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

breakfast: sope

lunch: gordita

dinner: sushi

workout: Callanetics 10/10

I really didn't feel like cooking today and it shows. The sope and gordita were made with several servings of vegetables so I still got in a pretty healthy diet. Vegetarian sushi never really seems to contain enough vegetables to really count like anything to me. I think you just end up filling up on rice, but it sure does taste good when made well.