Saturday, March 20, 2010
Everyone loves BUFFALO!
Not New York, no one likes that place. I mean the sauce! I crave buffalo sauce on a regular basis. Once someone mentions it or I even smell it, that is all I can think about. I am not ashamed to admit (although maybe I should be) that the sweet spiciness of buffalo sauce has lured me into KFC and other fast food restaurants before. This was actually not something I considered but has haunted me over the past few weeks. I passed on a vegan buffalo chicken wrap because I strongly felt there was no substitute that could even come close. But I was wrong. I have found two products that satisfy the urge. One is a chicken-style seitan and the other is tofu. Both aren't terrible any even got approval of my meat-eating friends. For this, I am very thankful.
Running...
It is very early and the weather has taken an ugly turn. Just two days ago I was running at record speed (for me, which still isn't that fast) through unbelievable 65 degree weather. Now I am running from my car through sleet. That's fine, beause it will make me go to bed earlier so I will be ready for the Shamrock Shuffle tomorrow. The Shuffle is an 8k (about 5 miles) run through downtown Chicago. It is a great time because it is fun (despite the weather) and is one of the rare moments when you get to run, legally, down the center of the streets. Last year was cold and snowing with two inches of slush on the ground that had everyone's feel soaking wet long before the start. Tomorrow will be almost the same, but with only one inch of slush. woo hoo, I guess. Tomorrow will also mark the end of week 3. Since I will be running in the morning, I am preparing my first Engine 2 brunch. This should still be delicious, but we'll see. I have settled into the rest of the diet and feel pretty good. Last night's exploration of vegan pizza was less than satisfying, but it got me through some rough cravings. The re-test is scheduled for 9 AM on March 29. I can totally do this.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Half way there!
Today is Monday, March 15 and that means I have successfully completed two weeks of the Engine 2 Diet. Yes, there are things that I miss, but overall I feel great. I have total confidence that I can survive another two weeks. Over the next two weeks I have to run an 8k, move, and keep up with my actual job. Now that I am settled into the program, I think I will be ok. But I am already starting to think about how this month will effect my long-term life. I definitely have added a few foods and recipes to my general kitchen skills. I have also developed good habits like: eating breakfast ASAP, taking daily supplements, avoiding certain foods, and cutting back on late night snacks. Several people have told me that if I do eat meat again it will probably make me sick. A few others have shared stories of the opposite, so I am still planning a feast of meat and cheese (followed by a nap and then a serious work-out).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Things that have kept me going...
With all of the items on my bad list, here are some delicious ideas that have kept me sane:
1. Frozen grapes. I discovered this when I moved to Missouri in high school. Maybe it is a southern thing? Frozen grapes are a great dessert and don't need any added sugar.
2. Smoothies. Everyone loves smoothies. I typically use a tropical frozen fruit blend from Whole Foods Market (the 365 brand includes strawberries, mangos, and bananas). I add the whole package to a blender with soy milk, SoDelicious plain soy yogurt, and either kale or spinach. Adding greens to the smoothie may seem gross but I tried a sample of it before finding out there were hidden greens inside and couldn't tell. It is sad that I have to play tricks on myself but one salad a day seems like enough to me. I try to get in a serving of greens at dinner too but the smoothie is a good trick.
3. Dark chocolate. It feels like a reward and it isn't terrible for you. The regular bar comes with 18 little squares (6 rows of 3) so I eat three for dessert if I have really deserved it.
4. Whole Foods garden salad- don't forget to switch the dressing to a healthy oil free balsamic but this salad has been a great source of daily veggies and is colorful enough to not feel like punishment.
5. Salsa. I am basically putting salsa on everything. It adds moisture, flavor, and spice to everything.
6. Support. People at work, friends, family, and my partner have been incredibly supportive. I get recipe ideas, a few have decided to eat what I cook, and one even took the time to make a meal for all of us that fit my restrictions (thanks MG!) We have been to more vegan cafes in two weeks than I have in the four years since moving to Chicago. The positive energy has been incredibly helpful.
Only two more weeks!
1. Frozen grapes. I discovered this when I moved to Missouri in high school. Maybe it is a southern thing? Frozen grapes are a great dessert and don't need any added sugar.
2. Smoothies. Everyone loves smoothies. I typically use a tropical frozen fruit blend from Whole Foods Market (the 365 brand includes strawberries, mangos, and bananas). I add the whole package to a blender with soy milk, SoDelicious plain soy yogurt, and either kale or spinach. Adding greens to the smoothie may seem gross but I tried a sample of it before finding out there were hidden greens inside and couldn't tell. It is sad that I have to play tricks on myself but one salad a day seems like enough to me. I try to get in a serving of greens at dinner too but the smoothie is a good trick.
3. Dark chocolate. It feels like a reward and it isn't terrible for you. The regular bar comes with 18 little squares (6 rows of 3) so I eat three for dessert if I have really deserved it.
4. Whole Foods garden salad- don't forget to switch the dressing to a healthy oil free balsamic but this salad has been a great source of daily veggies and is colorful enough to not feel like punishment.
5. Salsa. I am basically putting salsa on everything. It adds moisture, flavor, and spice to everything.
6. Support. People at work, friends, family, and my partner have been incredibly supportive. I get recipe ideas, a few have decided to eat what I cook, and one even took the time to make a meal for all of us that fit my restrictions (thanks MG!) We have been to more vegan cafes in two weeks than I have in the four years since moving to Chicago. The positive energy has been incredibly helpful.
Only two more weeks!
What I miss most...
This will be torture, but I will be honest. These are the things I crave on a daily basis:
1. French fries. I would kill for a side of fries any time of day. Sweet potatos are great and I have always loved sweet potato fries but I want greasy, heart-stopping, salty french fries.
2. Cheese. I didn't think this would be that hard but I want a chunk of fresh mozzarella to gnaw on, a bowl of pasta with tons of parmesan, and a freshly grilled lump of haloumi with lemon juice.
3. Butter. Again, I didn't think this would be rough but I want to melt butter and dip everything from broccoli to artichokes in it.
4. Ice cream. Sorbet is actually helping with this one so I will be ok.
5. Knives. Of course I use knives when chopping veggies for all of my recipes but I haven't had to use one while eating since starting this. I want to cut into a steak or chicken or something like that. The soft textures of everything I am eating feels weak.
6. Breakfast. This is one sad meal. I don't mind the cereals and I feel much better starting my days with a healthy meal. But I want eggs, bacon, pancakes, and chorizo. Substitutes for these suck. I would rather go without than suffer through a "fake" version. I almost threw that fake bacon out the window. The chorizo was ok though.
7. Ranch dressing. Do not come near me with a vegan version because I find it offensive. Nothing can replace the artery-clogging goodness of real ranch dressing on pizza, onion rings, french fries, chicken strips, etc.
I can't keep this list going, it hurts too much. Time to focus on the positive...
1. French fries. I would kill for a side of fries any time of day. Sweet potatos are great and I have always loved sweet potato fries but I want greasy, heart-stopping, salty french fries.
2. Cheese. I didn't think this would be that hard but I want a chunk of fresh mozzarella to gnaw on, a bowl of pasta with tons of parmesan, and a freshly grilled lump of haloumi with lemon juice.
3. Butter. Again, I didn't think this would be rough but I want to melt butter and dip everything from broccoli to artichokes in it.
4. Ice cream. Sorbet is actually helping with this one so I will be ok.
5. Knives. Of course I use knives when chopping veggies for all of my recipes but I haven't had to use one while eating since starting this. I want to cut into a steak or chicken or something like that. The soft textures of everything I am eating feels weak.
6. Breakfast. This is one sad meal. I don't mind the cereals and I feel much better starting my days with a healthy meal. But I want eggs, bacon, pancakes, and chorizo. Substitutes for these suck. I would rather go without than suffer through a "fake" version. I almost threw that fake bacon out the window. The chorizo was ok though.
7. Ranch dressing. Do not come near me with a vegan version because I find it offensive. Nothing can replace the artery-clogging goodness of real ranch dressing on pizza, onion rings, french fries, chicken strips, etc.
I can't keep this list going, it hurts too much. Time to focus on the positive...
Still going strong!
Ok, I know I have not kept up on my daily food journal. The truth is, the journaling is more difficult than the eating. For some reason writing it out makes it seem so much more difficult. If I read one of you was eating tofu and bean sprouts over brown rice, I would laugh and then order a pizza. Sticking to the diet has not been as hard as I thought. I have severely cut back on all cooking oils but know I probably could have had even less. Tomorrow will mark the end of two weeks, which is my half way point. Half way there!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Food Journal 6
For breakfast I switched up my cereals and tried something called Kashi nuggets. They looked funny but they were ok.
For lunch I had my typical salad.
For dinner I made this crazy pasta: whole wheat penne pasta is great because there is no difference in taste from regular pasta. For the sauce I used a low sodium red pepper sauce and added garlic, basil leaves, diced tomato, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash. It tutned out awesome.
No dessert tonight.
For lunch I had my typical salad.
For dinner I made this crazy pasta: whole wheat penne pasta is great because there is no difference in taste from regular pasta. For the sauce I used a low sodium red pepper sauce and added garlic, basil leaves, diced tomato, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash. It tutned out awesome.
No dessert tonight.
Food Journal 5
Breakfast and lunch were the same again and I am so bored with that. I need to have some variety or I will go crazy.
For dinner, we had taco night. I used a fake ground meat on soft whole corn tortillas with a ton of salsa, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. I also stopped by the produce department and got some mango kiwi salsa and mixed that with kale and black beans for a spicy salad. That was a good meal, and I felt full afterwards so that is a good sign.
For dinner, we had taco night. I used a fake ground meat on soft whole corn tortillas with a ton of salsa, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. I also stopped by the produce department and got some mango kiwi salsa and mixed that with kale and black beans for a spicy salad. That was a good meal, and I felt full afterwards so that is a good sign.
Food Journal 4
Breakfast- standard shredded wheat with ground flax seed and soy milk
Lunch- standard garden salad with vegan oil-free dressing
Dinner- friends came over and wanted to order take-out. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to resist and would be stuck with more salad. Instead, since they chose a great Chinese place, I was able to find something that was probably a little high in sodium, but otherwise safe. Tofu and bean sprouts in a garlic sauce over brown rice (last week that would have sounded disgusting but I loved it).
Dessert- some dark chocolate and frozen grapes.
Lunch- standard garden salad with vegan oil-free dressing
Dinner- friends came over and wanted to order take-out. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to resist and would be stuck with more salad. Instead, since they chose a great Chinese place, I was able to find something that was probably a little high in sodium, but otherwise safe. Tofu and bean sprouts in a garlic sauce over brown rice (last week that would have sounded disgusting but I loved it).
Dessert- some dark chocolate and frozen grapes.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Exercise Journal 3
Chicago hit 41 degrees today so I ventured out for my first outdoor run. I used mapmyrun.com to plot my course before leaving (I tend to get lost) so I prepped for an exact 5 mile course. The goal was 50 minutes but, since I also used the imapmyrun app on my iphone, I had to sprint the end to barely hit that. It could have been the wind, the cold, or the shock of real pavement but I hope the weather gives me another shot at the same course soon.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Food Journal 3
Typical breakfast: shredded wheat, a banana, ground flax seed, and soy milk.
Snack: an orange
Post work-out snack: a small trail mix of dried mango, strawberries, banana chips and raw almonds
Lunch: minestrone soup
Dinner: Vegan Boca burger with avocado, homemade baked sweet potato fries and onions, a crazy salad. The salad was mixed greens, extra kale, a sliced cucumber and carrot, tomato, the rest of the avocado, kidney and garbanzo beans with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Dessert: frozen grapes (which are amazing!) and a little bit of dark chocolate (72%) with dried cranberries.
Snack: an orange
Post work-out snack: a small trail mix of dried mango, strawberries, banana chips and raw almonds
Lunch: minestrone soup
Dinner: Vegan Boca burger with avocado, homemade baked sweet potato fries and onions, a crazy salad. The salad was mixed greens, extra kale, a sliced cucumber and carrot, tomato, the rest of the avocado, kidney and garbanzo beans with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Dessert: frozen grapes (which are amazing!) and a little bit of dark chocolate (72%) with dried cranberries.
Exercise Journal 2
I didn't really do anything yesterday. Work required me to walk about 3.5 miles throughout the an 8 hour shift and I did some light stretching after but that doesn't really count.
Today, I walked three miles outside, mainly to and from the gym. While at the gym I made several trips up and down the stairs. I wasn't in the mood for a full run but I also didn't want to do a full lifting day because I was concerned about the diet aspect. Friends have warned that I will get light-headed because of my diet change. I don't think that will really be an issue because I am still eating large portions of a pretty diverse diet (well, diverse other than meat, oils, dairy, and processed grains).
Anyway, my work-out started with a half-mile jog. Then I went upstairs to the weights. I did 3 sets in rotation of the following warm-up: 20 push-ups, 15 30lb standing cable curls, and 20 crunches.
I then went back downstairs and jogged one mile. Then I went back upstairs for another 3 sets in rotation of: 12 standing barbell curls with 40 lbs (50 on last set), flat bench press with 35 lbs on each side (40 each on last set), and 20 knee to chest things (I don't know what they are called, but it is an ab thing).
Again, back down stairs for another mile run before heading back upstairs. Next 3 set rotation of each: 15 seated curls with 25 lb dumbbells, 15 flat butterfly with 25 lb dumbbells, and 15 standing oblique bends with 1 35 lb dumbbell (this one looks like you are in the "I'm a Little Teapot" pose so it is fun to see big guys do it).
One last mile but I was barely jogging this time and feeling it. Back upstairs for a bicep exhaustion. Basically, I grabbed a 20 lb dumbbell and curled until I couldn't control my form. Then switched arms and repeated. Then switched arms again but dropped to a 15 lb dumbbell and repeated. From there, I walked home so I could still get a cool-down completed with stretching. I am never at the gym for more than an hour and a half so this was pretty typical.
Today, I walked three miles outside, mainly to and from the gym. While at the gym I made several trips up and down the stairs. I wasn't in the mood for a full run but I also didn't want to do a full lifting day because I was concerned about the diet aspect. Friends have warned that I will get light-headed because of my diet change. I don't think that will really be an issue because I am still eating large portions of a pretty diverse diet (well, diverse other than meat, oils, dairy, and processed grains).
Anyway, my work-out started with a half-mile jog. Then I went upstairs to the weights. I did 3 sets in rotation of the following warm-up: 20 push-ups, 15 30lb standing cable curls, and 20 crunches.
I then went back downstairs and jogged one mile. Then I went back upstairs for another 3 sets in rotation of: 12 standing barbell curls with 40 lbs (50 on last set), flat bench press with 35 lbs on each side (40 each on last set), and 20 knee to chest things (I don't know what they are called, but it is an ab thing).
Again, back down stairs for another mile run before heading back upstairs. Next 3 set rotation of each: 15 seated curls with 25 lb dumbbells, 15 flat butterfly with 25 lb dumbbells, and 15 standing oblique bends with 1 35 lb dumbbell (this one looks like you are in the "I'm a Little Teapot" pose so it is fun to see big guys do it).
One last mile but I was barely jogging this time and feeling it. Back upstairs for a bicep exhaustion. Basically, I grabbed a 20 lb dumbbell and curled until I couldn't control my form. Then switched arms and repeated. Then switched arms again but dropped to a 15 lb dumbbell and repeated. From there, I walked home so I could still get a cool-down completed with stretching. I am never at the gym for more than an hour and a half so this was pretty typical.
Food Journal 2
Day 2 was actually easier than Day 1, maybe that trend will continue?
Breakfast was shredded wheat, a banana, ground flax seed, and soy milk.
Lunch was left-over stir-fry from dinner.
Snack of dried fruit and pistachios.
Dinner was a cilantro/lime tofu burrito with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapeno, and hot sauce on a whole wheat tortilla.
Dessert was a cup of mango sorbet.
Breakfast was shredded wheat, a banana, ground flax seed, and soy milk.
Lunch was left-over stir-fry from dinner.
Snack of dried fruit and pistachios.
Dinner was a cilantro/lime tofu burrito with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapeno, and hot sauce on a whole wheat tortilla.
Dessert was a cup of mango sorbet.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Exercise Journal 1
At the gym by 8:15 AM. Ran for 45 minutes covering 4.3 miles followed by basic ab series and stretching.
Food Journal 1
I woke up this morning ready for a challenge. I hope that continues for at least 27 more days. I started with a snack of a banana, a handful of pistachios and dried cranberries (all raw and unsweetened). Technically, I am supposed to start with a solid breakfast but I was headed to the gym and couldn't handle something heavy. After the gym, I had a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries (see, I'm still doing ok).
Lunch was a very simple WFM pre-packed garden salad. The salad contains a ridiculous amount of greens- it might not look like much until you open it and try to stir in some dressing and then it is some serious business. The salad also includes tomatoes, cucumber slices, A (1) tiny piece of broccoli, shredded carrots, and strips of green and red bell peppers. Unfortunately, there is also a small container of ranch dressing, but that would be like inviting your priest over for Friday night's pot roast. Instead, I got a small container of vegan oil-free balsamic dressing. From this point on, I am just going to call this the WFM garden salad or this will go on forever.
Dinner took longer than I thought. I made a simple stir fry. The brown rice I bought apparently takes FIFTY minutes. Seriously. For rice? I had no idea. The white stuff takes 20. So I ate later than I should but it was good so I was fine. The stir-fry included broccoli, red bell peppers, yellow squash (crooked-neck), zucchini, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, onion, and ginger. Serious business. I also added some ginger-teriyaki cubes from Tempeh-tations.
I stopped eat at 9pm after a small snack of dried fruit and a pear.
I'm sure my cholesterol dropped 1000 points already.
Lunch was a very simple WFM pre-packed garden salad. The salad contains a ridiculous amount of greens- it might not look like much until you open it and try to stir in some dressing and then it is some serious business. The salad also includes tomatoes, cucumber slices, A (1) tiny piece of broccoli, shredded carrots, and strips of green and red bell peppers. Unfortunately, there is also a small container of ranch dressing, but that would be like inviting your priest over for Friday night's pot roast. Instead, I got a small container of vegan oil-free balsamic dressing. From this point on, I am just going to call this the WFM garden salad or this will go on forever.
Dinner took longer than I thought. I made a simple stir fry. The brown rice I bought apparently takes FIFTY minutes. Seriously. For rice? I had no idea. The white stuff takes 20. So I ate later than I should but it was good so I was fine. The stir-fry included broccoli, red bell peppers, yellow squash (crooked-neck), zucchini, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, onion, and ginger. Serious business. I also added some ginger-teriyaki cubes from Tempeh-tations.
I stopped eat at 9pm after a small snack of dried fruit and a pear.
I'm sure my cholesterol dropped 1000 points already.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Prepare your kitchen!
The following is a list of basic items to get your kitchen ready for the Engine 2 Diet. If you know will-power is a problem for you, set aside some time to purge your kitchen of all temptations. Get rid of the candy stash, ice cream, potato chips, etc. However, if you live with someone else, keep in mind that he/she might not want to participate. The idea is to better ourselves, not to force our significant others to play along. My first grocery bill was expensive ($295) but that included several frozen pizzas and dinners for my supportive but non-participating partner and $25 donation to the Whole Planet Foundation. “What’s the Whole Planet Foundation?” WPF is an amazing non-profit that helps empower the poor through micro-lending. You can learn more about them and donate by going to the following site:
http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/get-involved/campaign/help-lincoln-park-eliminate-poverty
Produce- stock up on greens, fruits, and veggies of all types. Variety is the key but you know you have to include kale, spinach, and other dark greens.
Apples, oranges, bananas, berries, pears, and grapes
Romaine lettuce, spring mix, bagged salads, pre-washed greens, spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes
Bulk- watch out for salt content, added sweeteners, and roasting oils. Going raw is your safest bet.
Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pistachios (beware of all of the calories. Rip suggests no more than a handful a day.
Dried cranberries, cherries, strawberries, mango, banana chips (these make a perfect snack)
Granola and trail mix (should not include candy!)
Frozen- A loaded freezer provides options, so load up!
“Meats”- Boca burgers, chik’n strips, meal starters (beware of oils and “vegetarian” because it will contain egg parts)
Veggies- corn, broccoli, spinach, stir fry mixes
Fruits- Get smoothie ready with a wide variety here
Breads- The Ezekiel 4:9 varieties are safe and not bad either
Sorbet- go easy on the sugar but sometimes you need a cold dessert
Grocery Aisles- be careful here and really read the labels. Whole grains means the first ingredient should be a “whole” grain. Also sodium is dangerous here!
Brown rice (cook some every few days and keep it handy in the fridge)
Canned tomatoes and sauces (low or no sodium)
Canned soups (low or no sodium)
Honey or agave for sweeteners
Dark chocolate (at least 70%) for those sweet tooth moments
Whole grain pastas (see above note)
Prepared Foods- Whole Foods Market made this one easy!
Check out the new menu items with “Health Starts Here” labels and enjoy!
Don’t forget about the pre-pack garden salad (but swap out that nasty Ranch for some oil-free vegan balsamic)
Ask the Team Members about the items in the vegan chef case set, check for added oils
Whole Body- check the E2 book and consult your doctor for suggested supplements
Ground Flax seed (for cereals, salads, and smoothies)
Vitamin D
Calcium
http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/get-involved/campaign/help-lincoln-park-eliminate-poverty
Produce- stock up on greens, fruits, and veggies of all types. Variety is the key but you know you have to include kale, spinach, and other dark greens.
Apples, oranges, bananas, berries, pears, and grapes
Romaine lettuce, spring mix, bagged salads, pre-washed greens, spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes
Bulk- watch out for salt content, added sweeteners, and roasting oils. Going raw is your safest bet.
Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pistachios (beware of all of the calories. Rip suggests no more than a handful a day.
Dried cranberries, cherries, strawberries, mango, banana chips (these make a perfect snack)
Granola and trail mix (should not include candy!)
Frozen- A loaded freezer provides options, so load up!
“Meats”- Boca burgers, chik’n strips, meal starters (beware of oils and “vegetarian” because it will contain egg parts)
Veggies- corn, broccoli, spinach, stir fry mixes
Fruits- Get smoothie ready with a wide variety here
Breads- The Ezekiel 4:9 varieties are safe and not bad either
Sorbet- go easy on the sugar but sometimes you need a cold dessert
Grocery Aisles- be careful here and really read the labels. Whole grains means the first ingredient should be a “whole” grain. Also sodium is dangerous here!
Brown rice (cook some every few days and keep it handy in the fridge)
Canned tomatoes and sauces (low or no sodium)
Canned soups (low or no sodium)
Honey or agave for sweeteners
Dark chocolate (at least 70%) for those sweet tooth moments
Whole grain pastas (see above note)
Prepared Foods- Whole Foods Market made this one easy!
Check out the new menu items with “Health Starts Here” labels and enjoy!
Don’t forget about the pre-pack garden salad (but swap out that nasty Ranch for some oil-free vegan balsamic)
Ask the Team Members about the items in the vegan chef case set, check for added oils
Whole Body- check the E2 book and consult your doctor for suggested supplements
Ground Flax seed (for cereals, salads, and smoothies)
Vitamin D
Calcium
The original numbers
As of February 9, 2010:
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 149 lbs
BMI: 23.5
Body Fat: 12.5%
Nicotine levels in saliva: level 1 (level 1 and 2 are acceptable for non-smokers due to second hand smoke- I know who to blame)
Blood pressure: 136(systolic) over 78 (diastolic)
Total cholesterol: 223
HDL (the good kind) cholesterol: 61
LDL (the bad kind) cholesterol: 152
Before I begin...
Over the next 28 days I will take on an aggressive diet plan with the goal of lowering my cholesterol considerably. I assume I will also lose some weight, but that is not the goal. This blog, inspired by my mom ( http://sizematters0-12.blogspot.com/ ), will provide me a place to post my food journal, discuss how the diet affects my exercise habits, track my progress, and whine about the difficulty so that I can appear much more positive and committed in public. I have worked for an all-natural grocery store for over seven years, so the availability of healthy foods is clearly an advantage for me. The people I work with are as diverse as our city, so they will provide plenty of temptation as well as encouragement.
First, let me say that I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I have always been fairly active and even earned a BFA in dance almost a decade ago. In good weather, I bike the four miles to work. I hit the gym 2-4 times each week. I run 3-5 miles at least once a week. I consider myself to be an average looking 29 year-old gay man (but please consider that gay guys are generally in better shape than our straight peers).
Earlier this year, my company announced a new program to encourage the health of our employees. The plan is fairly simple: once a year we are each invited (so it is 100 percent optional) to participate in a free health screening. The screening first rules out smokers. Honestly, how can you even pretend you are healthy with a pack of cigarettes in your pocket? The second test is your Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is somewhat controversial as it is a standard height to weight ratio. The BMI has been considered by many to be unfair to women but it also does not take muscle mass into consideration. Luckily, our screening also provided body fat percentage, and that is much more reliable. The third test was a basic blood pressure test. Finally, the scariest one, the finger prick that reveals cholesterol.
So, test day was quickly approaching. I put in my usual time at the gym but did some extra running to be sure my BMI was as good as possible. A friend also suggested taking an aspirin the night before to help my blood pressure. The test went terribly. My BMI was awesome, my non-smoking was obvious, but my blood pressure was borderline. Then that lady jammed a needle into my finger and it was like my blood oozed bacon fat. The goal in cholesterol is lower than 150, but 190 would match the level of my blood pressure. Apparently, my heart is ready to burst because I scored a 223. The nurse said, "Honey, I don't know what the targets are for this program, but this isn't good."
So here I am, the healthiest looking out of our leadership group, trying to support this big program, and I failed. Luckily, there is still hope. Along with this incentive program, we are doing a lot to help reach these goals, including promoting two books. I checked out the first and ruled that one out before I finished glancing over the cover. The guy is clearly focused on losing weight and you know he is a doctor by the tone of his writing. Which means the author is obviously smart, but kind of boring. The other option is the Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn. This guy is a former-triathlete and Austin, TX, firefighter. He is a guy's guy and his program is designed to lower cholesterol and improve over-all fitness. I don't know if he has any kind of doctorate (judging his writing style, I am guessing no), but his program makes sense and his book is encouraging.
Starting tomorrow, I will outline the diet, admit to my current testing numbers, post pictures to track my progress throughout the week, and openly discuss how I feel throughout the 28 days. I have stocked my kitchen with the items Rip suggested and I am ready to begin. But I don't start until tomorrow, so last night we went to Morton's Steak House and tonight I think I will have some pork tacos for dinner...
I feel the need to include this as well: this blog is in no way sponsored by or connected to my job, I am in no way a professional anything (nutritionist, dietitian, personal trainer, food critic, chef, etc), everything included is either my experience or my opinion.
First, let me say that I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. I have always been fairly active and even earned a BFA in dance almost a decade ago. In good weather, I bike the four miles to work. I hit the gym 2-4 times each week. I run 3-5 miles at least once a week. I consider myself to be an average looking 29 year-old gay man (but please consider that gay guys are generally in better shape than our straight peers).
Earlier this year, my company announced a new program to encourage the health of our employees. The plan is fairly simple: once a year we are each invited (so it is 100 percent optional) to participate in a free health screening. The screening first rules out smokers. Honestly, how can you even pretend you are healthy with a pack of cigarettes in your pocket? The second test is your Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is somewhat controversial as it is a standard height to weight ratio. The BMI has been considered by many to be unfair to women but it also does not take muscle mass into consideration. Luckily, our screening also provided body fat percentage, and that is much more reliable. The third test was a basic blood pressure test. Finally, the scariest one, the finger prick that reveals cholesterol.
So, test day was quickly approaching. I put in my usual time at the gym but did some extra running to be sure my BMI was as good as possible. A friend also suggested taking an aspirin the night before to help my blood pressure. The test went terribly. My BMI was awesome, my non-smoking was obvious, but my blood pressure was borderline. Then that lady jammed a needle into my finger and it was like my blood oozed bacon fat. The goal in cholesterol is lower than 150, but 190 would match the level of my blood pressure. Apparently, my heart is ready to burst because I scored a 223. The nurse said, "Honey, I don't know what the targets are for this program, but this isn't good."
So here I am, the healthiest looking out of our leadership group, trying to support this big program, and I failed. Luckily, there is still hope. Along with this incentive program, we are doing a lot to help reach these goals, including promoting two books. I checked out the first and ruled that one out before I finished glancing over the cover. The guy is clearly focused on losing weight and you know he is a doctor by the tone of his writing. Which means the author is obviously smart, but kind of boring. The other option is the Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn. This guy is a former-triathlete and Austin, TX, firefighter. He is a guy's guy and his program is designed to lower cholesterol and improve over-all fitness. I don't know if he has any kind of doctorate (judging his writing style, I am guessing no), but his program makes sense and his book is encouraging.
Starting tomorrow, I will outline the diet, admit to my current testing numbers, post pictures to track my progress throughout the week, and openly discuss how I feel throughout the 28 days. I have stocked my kitchen with the items Rip suggested and I am ready to begin. But I don't start until tomorrow, so last night we went to Morton's Steak House and tonight I think I will have some pork tacos for dinner...
I feel the need to include this as well: this blog is in no way sponsored by or connected to my job, I am in no way a professional anything (nutritionist, dietitian, personal trainer, food critic, chef, etc), everything included is either my experience or my opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
