Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What Do I Do Now?

I’m feeling a bit of a letdown from the whole race scene.  I’ve been thinking to myself all day… now what?  It’s been a long time leading up to doing this race and I had so many emotions about it all.  But, I made it through and now, I can’t help thinking about what I can challenge myself with next!  Is this weird?  I’ve never been this tough with myself, so it’s a very strange feeling for me.  I embraced slackerdom with arms wide open in the past.  But, now I feel the need for challenge;  the need to spur myself on to see what else I could do.  Maybe it’s not too weird;  seems Carolina Girl was going through the exact same thing!  We both did our first 5K races this Saturday, so maybe it’s a first timer response!  I left her a comment that we are thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies now!  I agree with her that it is time for some new goals.  I think I have pushed one to the wayside while “trying a new way of eating”, but it looms in the back of my mind often…GOAL WEIGHT.  I have lots to tell you all about my experience with intuitive eating.  I know I haven’t mentioned much about it and honestly, I’m kinda saving it up for a big post.  But, along with intuitive eating, I need to find the right way to get myself to reach my goal weight like I initially intended.  So, my focus…my challenge for myself will be to get there.  Hopefully, soon :)

I was excited to get back to the gym today.  My body is a little sore, so I decided to take it easy.  I did a 30 minute stint on The Arc Trainer , but at a slower pace then I normally do.  Still worked up a good sweat though!

This time I remembered to grab breakfast before I left…

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I have to say that I have been spoiled by greek yogurt!  I bought this Stonyfield fat free yogurt that was on sale at the supermarket to try out and I did not care for it at all.  The texture was all wrong, but I think it’s because I have become accustomed to the thickness and creaminess of greek yogurt.  It’s much more filling than regular yogurt, too!

After errand running and blogging, I finally got around to lunch.  I went with a Health is Wealth Chicken Free Patty on an Ezekiel Sesame Hamburger Bun (my new fave!) topped with my new go-to condiment – Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Tapenade.  It tastes good on everything!  I’m thinking of using it as a pizza topping next!  Alongside, I had a beautiful red pear…

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I felt a little munchie this afternoon, but not exactly hungry.  The Cheez-Its were calling, so I put a small amount in a bowl along with a string cheese for snacking…

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And I kept it at that.  Mainly because I had a reminder staring at me…

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I decided to hang my bib number from the race in my pantry (right next to the deadly Cheez-Its) to remind me of what I can do if I put my mind to it…

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Gotta take inspiration to conquer munchies wherever you can get it!!!

I had a nice, healthy dinner planned – Apricot Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin, roasted butternut squash and something new… kale chips!

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I have been seeing kale chips all over the blogworld for a long time, but was always hesitant to try them.  Something about “crunchy leaves” did not appeal to me.  But, kale was dirt cheap at the produce store (1.50 for 2 huge bunches), so I thought I would give it a try.  They were…interesting.  Crunchy, but melt in your mouth and salty like a chip.  I wasn’t completely sold, though.  I couldn’t get the ‘raked leaves’ thought out of my head!  The daughters weren’t sold either.  Big daughter even tried dipping them in ranch dressing and still ended up spitting it out!  Now, here’s the kicker.  THE HUSBAND came home a bit later due to meeting up with a friend from out of town.  I had saved him dinner and gave him a heaping pile of the kale chips on his plate.  I went about cleaning up and he called out to me to ask what they were.  I started laughing, knowing full well that he was going to hate these, but to my surprise , here’s how it went down…

The husband:  “These are great!  They taste like a potato chip!”

Me:  “Are you serious?”

The husband:  “Yeah, really!  I think they are really good!”

Me:  *moving closer to smell his breath*  “Are you drunk?” I knew this wasn’t a possibility since he doesn’t drink, but I was just checking :)

The husband:  “No, really!  I like them! I don’t like the butternut squash though.”

Me:  “Oh no, girls!!!!  Daddy has swine flu and is hallucinating with a high fever!!!!”

Who knew??!!!

I enjoyed most of my plate…

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Maybe, I’ll give kale chips another try… :)

I ended the night with some dark chocolate…

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Good stuff!

ONE GOOD THING:  I was able to control the munchies this afternoon.  The box of Cheez-Its is still intact – lol!!!

Question of the Day?  Have you ever tried kale chips?

37 comments:

MIchelle @Eatingjourney said...

1. kale chips are good.
2. good job on the munchies. munchies for me are emotions/bordem/avoidance/tired
3. start a challenge on your blog, do the 30 day shred, do yoga, do some sort of fitness goal. I say this becuase I have recently shifted my focus from weight loss to fitness. that is what you want to be--fit and healthy.

GOod luck. Keep this momentum going. What an amazing example you've set for yourself!

Manderz said...

I've never tried kale and honestly never want to :)

Unknown said...

I will pass on the Kale chips. lol
No way can I have a box of cheez-its in my pantry! You have GREAT control! lol Great idea to post your bib next to them! :) I'm a greek girl myself- I hate regular yogurt. Also I just found out that lactose intolerant peeps (like me) can eat it without problems! Guess thats why I like it better!

NO JEANS TODAY! Thanks for the reminder. :) Maybe you need to find/plan a second race? humm

Manderz said...

Are there any large 5ks in your area? I think you should do another one :)

Graze With Me said...

I made kale chips once before and I liked them ok. They turned to dust pretty quickly though which I thought was strange. "Raked leaves" HAHA!

I know what you mean about needing something to work towards. I started my blog in preparation for my wedding but all my motivation to work out flew out the window after the big day.

I love your method of putting a reminder next to those evil cheez-its! Great idea. :)

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

Michelle - A fitness goal is a great idea!

Manderz - LOL about the kale! I've been pondering doing another 5K. I don't think I will be able to live with "the police escort" incident forever! I would only do another if I get my speed/pace to be better, so I'll have to work on that! Then, I'll have to figure out how to control the nerves during the race!

TJ- Cheez-Its are made by the devil! Good luck today!

Graze with Me - I know! Keeping up motivation is hard!

Michelle said...

Kale chips is one thing I have yet to try!! How can your husband like that but not butternut squash?!?!? I’ve converted my carnivorous boyfriend into a squash fries LOVER and now he can’t get enough. Hahaha

Hmmm the bib next to the Cheeze-its is an interesting concept! It’s two opposite forces no?? Maybe just hide the Cheeze-its. Hahaha :P

P.s. I feel like I’ve been spoiled by Greek yogurt too!!! YIKES, that’s a bad thing for my wallet.

Reen said...

Marisa, you crack me up about the kale chips. Can't say they'd appeal to me, although I love greens, but chips?

By the way, I tried something I learned about on your blog, Portobello Gardenburger. Yum! Love them. Lunch yesterday and againt today. Thanks!

I am feeling the same thing since my first 5K on Saturday, what can I do next. I'm thinking on shooting for another 5k. Will have to be in the spring since surgery is in a couple weeks. My challenge will to be to beat my time from this race. That's all. Also, I'm told that if you can run a 5K, you can run a 10K, but I'm not so sure I'll be ready for that.

Maybe you could try to get a running group together for the next one. I'm betting that would help with the nerves, and count me in! We could run it together!

Oh, and another thing. My bib number from my 5K has been hanging on the side of my refrigerator since Saturday as a reminder!

Thinspired said...

I remember that feeling after my race. Almost like a post-race depression. There is so much leading up to it and then the day after is sort of anti-climactic.

I think I need to give kale chips another try. I made them once and just didn't know what to expect. I have a hard time getting kale to taste good!

Sarah said...

Haha I was the same way after my first race. I kept running new races to see how much faster I could get. I didn't run longer ones I just stuck to 5K and was able to shave more and more time off.

Never tried kale chips, sounds good though.

Great idea to put your number along with the munchies!

Jen, a priorfatgirl said...

I am laughing out loud knowing that your hubby love kale chips!

Girl in Carolina said...

AHAHAHA I love the location of your bib! I was wondering what to do with mine! Maybe I'll copy your idea :) Or I could wear it out to the park on my runs, and freak people out. They'll think I'm crazy and in a race all on my own. haha

Thanks for the shout out! Now pass those cheezits... :)

OldGoogleAccount said...

I've never tried Kale chips. Is this one of those "only available in the States" items that us Canadians gnash our teeth over or is it a recipe? I'd love to try them.

That pear was beautiful by the way. I want to go buy some now.

I think you should find another 5k to do. Capture the momentum!

Diane, Fit to the Finish said...

You've done a great job. I've never tried kale and don't think I will! (sorry.)

After one race I immediately start looking for another one. That keeps me focused.

katecooks said...

i definitely laughed at my computer when i saw your race # next to the cheez-its. crazy but that stuff actually works!! i love kale chips, i won't confuse them with lay's salt & vinegar or anything but i think they are pretty delicious. i bet they'd be great on sandwiches too!

Reen said...

Love, Love, Love Carolina Girl's idea about wearing her bib from the race when she goes to the park for her runs! Hee hee

Di said...

I have not tried kale chips yet...I am still trying to mentally recover from saute'd kale. It did not fly here at all ! Butternut Squash is a real favorite in this house !

As for a new challenge, have you ever considered rock climbing ? You know, at one of those places where it has a huge indoor wall, lots of safety ropes and so forth ? I have thought about trying it myself. To me it looks like great fun !

Amanda said...

Marisa - I hope you see this.

I wasn't able to post about your race until now. And I didn't read anyone else's comments so I hope I don't repeat too much.

Please DON'T compare yourself to others when doing the runs. I was doing the runs when I was 250 (163 now) and I never did good compared to others. What I did learn was that I needed to compete against myself ONLY. Improve yourself.

And the police escort...they have those at the end of all the runs. Is so that the streets are now clear for cars to pass through. And even though you were at the end, it was a smaller run. Don't feel bad about it. I do big runs in the City and so I'm not last but was usually closer to the end than the beginning!

Congratulations on your run! Do more, they are so much fun. Try to improve your time each time. And 41 mins, that's excellent! I'm so proud of your accomplishment!

Amanda said...

Oh and Marisa - I live in Chicago and did what's called the "Shamrock Shuffle" at end of March (usually). This year it was about 30 degrees and a slushy snowy mess! I couldn't believe it. I got up and looked out the window and thought "Should I go? What should I do?" Well, being as competitive as I am, went. No way was I not going! And you know what? I ran faster b/c it was so cold and my feet were wet that I just wanted to get it over with! lol. It was my best time to date with that run!

I don't know. Just a funny story. Thought you might enjoy.

Tami@NutmegNotebook said...

I recently found your blog and I enjoy your writing and the pictures of your healthy meals.

Congrats on your run. Time for a new goal to set your sights on. It could be fitness related or perhaps it is time to learn a new hobby or to take a class in something that would interest you.

I am taking an on line computer class and enjoying it.

I have had the kale chips a few times and I like them. My foodie friends who are not into eating healthy also like them. Crunchy, salty and low cal-works for me. I usually have my kale in a smoothie-you would never know it was in there and it is an easy way to get in some healthy dark leafy greens.

I was at Whole Foods today and I found the Applegate Farms Organic beef hot dogs you posted about. I had one for lunch on a sprouted bun and it was very good.

I like Greek yogurt for certain things but I usually go with Nancy's non fat plain yogurt for my oatmeal and fruit bowls. If I want a carton of flavored yogurt I like the Cascade Fresh fat free yogurts that are sold at Whole Foods.

I love that you hung your bib next to those evil Cheez-Its. I can't eat just a few of those things.

Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) said...

My boyfriend loves kale chips...pretty sure they are the only veg I don't have to force him to eat!

Men.

Anonymous said...

The funny snippet of you and your husband's conversation cracked me up. Too funny.

If I accomplished a feat like running a 5k I would keep the bib as a memento too.


Things to do:
1) Make myself some kale chips.

Jess! said...

Haha - I took a pic of that same dark chocolate (partnered with a caramel one...) on my blog yesterday! Thanks for your comment - it easily made my whole day!

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

Michelle - haha! I know - they are opposite forces! Unfortunately, I can't ditch the Cheez-Its b/c they are the daughters' favorite snack - Boo!

Reen - YES! Maybe we can find a race to do together!!!

Thinspired - I agree with you on the kale! I really want to love it, but sadly I haven't found a way yet either:(

Sarah - I'll probably stick to 5K's too. Can't imagine running more than that at this point!

Jen - I KNOW!!!

Carolina Girl - I love it! You should definitely do that -LOL!

Tamara - I cut up the kale leaves (make sure to cut hard stems off) into bite sized pieces, drizzled with about 1 tbsp. olive oil and seasoned with salt. Bake on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until slightly browned and crunchy, but not burnt (be careful - it's a fine line- LOL!) Crunch away!

Diane, FTTF - I did immediately think about another race, but then thought I might be crazy!!!

katecooks - LOL, yeah not to be confused with Lay's for sure!

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

ISF - ooooh, rock climbing! Never thought of that one!

Amanda - thank you so much! You have been a great encouragement from the start with my running. I really appreciate your input! And thank you for sharing your story!!

Tami - Welcome and thank you! I'm so glad you liked the hot dogs! I had one today, too :)

Vanessa - Men!!!

theskinnyplate - try the kale chips!

Jess - Glad to visit your blog! You're doing great!

Unknown said...

Awe, post-race depression. I could see how that would happen. You'll find something new to focus on, don't worry!
Kale chips - nope. Not sure I would. You're a braver woman than I.
Oh, and I can NEVER eat regular yogurt again. I'm totally spoiled by greek yogurt!!!

Just Us... said...

I just tried kale chip this weekend after seeing them all over. I LOVED them...ate them all. ;)

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

I have been meaning to make kale chips. Now I have to make some and see what the toddler, the teenager, and hubby think. And what I think of course! I'll let you know!

Can't wait for you intuitive eating, etc. post... :)

Mom on the Run said...

I have tried Kale Chips but don't really care for them

Great Job on the race. I want to do one but I am no where near the shape I need to do it. You are an inspiration!!

Miz said...

LOVE that idea about the bib.

now to get me a bib number...


ICanDoThisICanDoThis :)

Sign me:

Never Had Kale

Joanna Sutter (Fitness & Spice) said...

You are fantastic!

I love that you've already set a new goal! And, I love that you put your bib up in your pantry...what an awesome motivator.

I totally know what you mean by greek yogurt...they only sell it at a few stores in my neighborhood and if they just have regular yogurt, I usually pass it up.

Leslie said...

Hi - I just found your blog from comments on others. Love it. I have to try the crispy kale - I bought some last week to do it but ended up steaming the kale instead. Next time! I'm afraid something crispy and chip like could send me into binge territory. Loved reading about your meals, and congratulations on the 5 K you apparently just ran. I'll be back to read more!

Leslie said...

Sorry to double dip, but I forgot to say I'm with you about yogurt. Once you go Greek, there's no going back.

Yum Yucky said...

That Chicken Free sammich sure is purrr-dee. I want it.

Anonymous said...

Your race post made me smile! I am training for a half marathon with 3 friends (all moms in our 30/40s). I have never run in my life (except for training these last 7 weeks). We did a 10K "race" last weekend (2 5K loops). We ran our regular (slow) pace - 12 to 13 minute miles. We were lapped by the winner of the race at 1.5 miles! And then... the race coordinator was riding around the course on her bike checking on people, etc.. Halfway throught the last loop (about mile 4.5), she rode past us and said "so you ladies are already cooling down". We (nicely) told her we were still running and this was our race pace, not cool down. We finished last and were actually surprised the finish line and clock weren't torn down by the time we got there :) We had fun, ran the whole time, and met our goal of finishing!
Julie - jlhaverdink (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

d.fine09 said...

Never tried Kale Chips.

BTW you pantry is so beautifully clean. Your inspiring me!

Sarah said...

that is awesome about the kale chips! i still haven't taken the plunge to try them.......

i did make a VEGAN pumpkin cheesecake that I'm SHOCKED the hubby liked - who knew :-p