August 13 - Popcorn and a smile!

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg. Vitamin C, 600 mg. Calcium Caltrate
Other medications: 0

Ugh. It's one of those days where there is a throbbing sensation at the back of my head (left side). It's like a migraine starting but really it's because of the heat or some hormonal change or something... If you know what I mean? Hahaha!

Anyway, I had a tiring workout today. I don't know if it was still because of the boxing training last night, but when I got home from the gym I was knocked out at 10am!

My activities for today:

- Circuit training with my personal trainer
Time: 45 minutes

- Elliptical Machine
Time: 20 minutes
Level: 3-5

Ok. I tripped a little on my diet, but I needed a little cheering up. I am having a little bit of emotional imbalance because of that time of the month (sorry, over share!) but Chimara popcorn always cheers me up! I didn't feel guilty at all because I know that I am good with my diet the rest of the week!

My menu for today:

BREAKFAST
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with
1/4 cup low fat milk
1 banana

LUNCH

1 cup Easy Almond Pesto with Blanched Squid (Recipe at the bottom)
1 tsp. Parmesan Cheese

SNACK
Chimara light weight popcorn popped in olive oil, sour cream flavor

SNACK 2
1 cup plain frozen yogurt

DINNER (@ Kikufuji)
3 pcs. Salmon sashimi
A little of spicy tuna sashimi
shared some grilled Hamachi head with Raul

*****

Easy Almond Pesto with Blanched Squid Recipe

Serving Size: 2

4 pcs. small squid, pealed and sliced into rings. Include head minus the eyes.
3 Tbsps. Chopped Garlic
1/2 cup Olive Oil
2 Tbsps. Dried Basil Leaves
10 pcs. chopped unsalted almonds
Pinch of salt
Fresh ground pepper mill
2 cups Uncooked Wheat Spiral Pasta Noodles (when cooked, should make about 2 1/2 cups)

Cook noodles and set aside. In a small pot, boil 3 cups of water. When the water comes to a rolling boil, add the squid and blanch for 3 minutes. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, almonds and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a saute pan and add cook the basil sauce for about 2 minutes and add the squid. Saute for a minute and quickly add the cooked wheat spiral pasta noodles. Don't fry the noodles, just stir quickly until all the noodles are coated with the sauce and remove from the pan. Serve with 1 tsp. parmesan cheese.

August 12 - Boxing Girl

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg. Vitamin C, 600 mg. Calcium Caltrate
Other medications: 120 mg. Arcoxia

- Treadmill (Brisk Walking)
Time: 30 minutes
Speed: 5.5 - 6.5
Elevation: 5-10%

- Elliptical Machine
Time: 20 minutes
Level: 3

- Boxing with personal trainer
Time: 1 1/2 hours

I still had a little trouble running today at the gym. My trainer said to just take it easy and be patient. It will really take time for my shins to heal but brisk walking and stretching will help it heal faster. It's therapy so it's good.

My menu for today:

BREAKFAST
1 cup oatmeal with 1 tsp pure honey
1/4 cup low fat milk
1 banana

SNACK
1 cup summer pasta salad with corn kernels

LUNCH
Healthy Shabu Shabu, Chicken Breast Fillet & Vegetable Set

SNACK
1 Banana

DINNER
1 Banana
1 glass of low-fat milk

I had a lot of fun with boxing at Punch Out! Ashley was right, it really is a workout. I think I must have burned a million calories! Haha! I registered for a 3 month unlimited boxing program. I really loved the people there. Everyone does their own thing and everyone is so serious with their workout. I also loved my trainer and he is good. He was able to teach me the moves in layman's terms. Haha!

August 11 - My Test Run

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg. Vitamin C, 600 mg. Calcium Caltrate
Other Medications: 0

I tested my shins today at the gym. I felt a little conscious about running/jogging with it, and it still felt a little bit tender so I decided to do brisk walking instead before training. According to RJ, my friend who's an orthopedic doctor, told me it was ok to do the treadmill but to keep it a little inclined to lessen the impact.

I was actually quite disappointed when my trainer weighed me today. I didn't lose weight since I last weighed a week ago. Well, I did splurge this weekend, so maybe that could be a factor? Anyway, I'm not going to dwell on it because I know that I have been trying my best, and it's only been 3 weeks since I started my fitness and healthy eating regime.

I had a great workout today too! I struggled a little bit during my weight training with my trainer but after the first set, I improved. I have to stop eating out for a while until I lose another pound. That is going to be my goal for this week!

My activities for today:

- Treadmill (brisk walking)
Time: 15 minutes
Elevation: 4%
Speed: 5.5

- Circuit training with my personal trainer
Time: 45 minutes

- Elliptical Machine
Time: 5 minutes
Level: 3

- Iyengar Yoga (Morning)
Time: 55 minutes

- Iyengar Yoga (Evening)
Time: 45 minutes

I am kind of annoyed today. I was hungry every hour and a half! Probably it's cause I was so bored today that all I was thinking about is the next meal! Hahaha!

I wasn't able to do my 20 minute walk tonight but I did do my yoga :)

My menu for today:

BREAKFAST
1 cup Nestle Honey & Almond Cereal
1/2 cup Low Fat Milk

SNACK
125g. Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt (Melon Nata)

LUNCH

Grilled Kalbi Fish Fillet with Seaweed Nori Wrap (Recipe at the bottom)
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup corn kernels

SNACK
1/2 serving of Goolai's pre-packed salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette (lettuce, mangoes, raisins, almonds)
2 Tbsps. Century Tuna Chunks

SNACK 2
1 cup Summer Pasta Salad with corn (recipe of summer pasta salad in my list of recipes)

DINNER
The other half of Goolai's pre-packed salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette (lettuce, mangoes, raisins, almonds)
5 pcs. whole unsalted almonds
1 banana

*****

Grilled Kalbi Fish Fillet with Seaweed Nori Wrap Recipe

Marinade:
1 Fish Fillet
1 tsp. Kim's Dweaji Kalbi Sweet & Spicy Seasoning Mix
1 tsp. Sesame Oil
1/2 tsp. sesame seeds
8 small slices of Seasoned Seaweed Nori

Combine all ingredients (except seaweed nori) in a bowl, and coat both sides of the fish. Marinate the fish overnight for a richer Kalbi flavor. Grill for 3 minutes on each side.

How to eat:

On a sheet of Nori, put a little brown rice and a cut of small grilled fish on top. Fold once and enjoy! Yum!!

August 10 - My Yoga Therapy for Shin Splints

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg. Vitamin C, 600 mg. Calcium Caltrate
Other Medications: 120 mg. Arcoxia

It's amazing what information you'll find in the internet. I didn't want to be idle today so I researched what exercise I could do for my shin splints. The doctor advised me to stay home and rest, but he did tell me to stretch it, careful as to not overdo it still. So, I decided to practice Yoga.

I found a site that help patients with shin splints do therapy with yoga. I was able to do my regular yoga and added a few poses that would target my injury. It felt really good. I did Iyengar instead of my usual Ashtanga practice. According to what I read about Shin Splints, I have to take it slow. Hatha is way too slow for me, and Iyengar Yoga was just right, but I didn't make use of any blocks or straps. The medication also helped with the pain and thank goodness my legs didn't flare up.

My activities for today:

- Iyengar Yoga (Morning)
Time: 50 minutes
- Iyengar Yoga (Evening)
Time: 53 minutes

I feel great even though that I wasn't able to go to the gym today. I was able to rest my shins and stretch it... I think I will be all better tomorrow, I hope!

Anyway, I bought boxing gloves today! One of my best friends Ashley and I are going to enroll at Punch Out this Wednesday! I can't wait!! We'll box 2-3 times a week. I was able to buy Everlast's Women's Boxing Gloves. I was looking for white ones but the store only had them in red! Then I saw in the internet, it comes in pink (sold in the US only)!! Damn!

BREAKFAST
1 cup Nestle Honey Almond Cereal
1/2 cup Low Fat Milk

LUNCH

3 sticks of Grilled Chicken Breast Satay
1/2 cup brown rice
1 cup broccoli and eggplant in garlic sauce

SNACK

Grilled Chicken Burger Sandwich (Recipe at the bottom)

SNACK 2
1/2 serving of Goolai's pre-packed salad with garlic dressing

DINNER
Other half of Goolai's pre-packed salad with garlic dressing

*****

Grilled Chicken Burger Sandwich Recipe


Pattie:
Ground Chicken (about 1/8 cup)
minced carrots and onions
1 Tbsp Bread Crumbs
1 Egg white
Salt & Pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:
2 pc. Multi-grain wheat bread
Onion slices
Tomato slices
Cucumber slices
1 pc. American Low-Fat White Cheese
T tsp. Spicy Brown Mustard

To make the Pattie, in a bowl add all the ingredients and roll into a ball after you've mixed well. Flatten to make a Pattie. Set your grill in medium heat (so that you won't burn the outside quickly). Grill until cooked. Build your sandwich with the other ingredients.

August 9 - Shin Splints, Arcoxia, and an Orthopedict Surgeon's Order

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1.000 mg. Vitamin C
Other Medications: Arcoxia 125 mg.

I was so excited to test-run my new Mizuno running shoes that I was awake at 5:30AM! I didn't get out until 6:30 though... When I got down at to the park, I already knew my route. I was really excited to just run and listen to my music! I did a some stretching before warming up (usually a 5 minute brisk walk) and went on my way... As soon as I started jogging though, my sore shins from the last jog I did bothered me still... I did last jogging for about 20 minutes, but after that... I really had to go home because the pain was becoming a little too much. As soon as I got home, I rubbed Efficascent Oil on my shins and calves and wore 2 layers of over-the-knee socks to keep it warm.

Don't get me wrong! The shoes are great! I actually didn't have sore heels, ankles or other foot soreness after jogging, but my legs still bothered me. My cousin who is a Physical Therapist, and was incidentally spending the night, advised me to stay away from pavement or concrete jogging for a little while, and just do the treadmill first, or rest if I can. I guess I have to do what she advises first... I have to be fit to run for the Urbanite Run on the 15th!

My activities for today:

- Outdoor jogging
Time: 24 minutes

I would have lasted longer but my shin was so sore. I suspected Shin Splints because I researched on the internet my symptoms and google came up with a bunch of sites indicating SHIN SPLINTS. So I texted one of my best friend's boyfriend RJ who is an Orthopedic Surgeon to get a little consult. He diagnosed me over the phone and prescribed anti-inflammatory meds and bed rest for 2 days!! AAAARGH!! That means I have only 3 days to train for the Urbanite Run this Saturday!

My menu for today:

BREAKFAST

3 pcs. small size Blueberry Wheat Pancakes
1 Tbsp Pure Honey

LUNCH
Healthy Shabu Shabu at Tong Yang
Grilled baby squid and cuttlefish
Grilled Salmon Head
3 cubes Papaya
4 slices Watermelon

DINNER
125g Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt in Berry Mix
1 Banana


I also bought a box of Caltrate Calcium Supplements this afternoon. According to my cousin and some health sites, calcium is crucial for women my age. It won't hurt right?

So, this box should last me a month. I just hope I won't forget to buy the next batch before it gets finished! I tend to do that! Haha!

August 8 - Healthier Choices

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg. Vitamin C
Other Medications: 0

My activities for today:

- Walking at the mall
Time: 4o minutes

Today was the day where I would just eat whatever I want but still stick to healthier choices. It was my niece's baptism today and the food that was served at the reception was a choice of cream based carbonara pasta, and a tomato based bolognese, so clearly -bolognese was the healthier choice. A choice of a prosciutto pizza and a plain one.

I was also able to buy Himalayan Pink Salt from the Salcedo Market. It's supposed to be good salt. All natural, and apparently does not cause hyper tension. I included a few information at the bottom about this product.

Raul bought me a new pair of running shoes from Mizuno. I can't wait to test drive it tomorrow morning at the Fort! I just hope and pray that it doesn't rain!

BREAKFAST
1/2 cup Springfield Oats & More Sweetened Multi-grain cereal
1/2 cup Skim Milk

SNACK
1 Chicken Shawarma with veggies

SNACK 2
1 Chicken Shawarma with veggies

LUNCH
3 small slices of pizzas
1 1/2 cup bolognese pasta (tomato base)

DINNER
1/2 serving of Roka Salata Salad (Cyma)
1/2 serving of steamed mussels

SNACK
1 cup Frozen Yogurt

*****

Benefits of Chlorophyll Manila's Himalayan Pink Salt

• Promotes vascular health
• Supports Respiratory System
• Helps regulate blood pressure and does not contribute to high blood pressure
• All its inherent minerals and trace elements are available in colloidal form which means they are so small your cells can readily absorb them
• Promotes a healthy PH balance in brain cells
• Fights aging and encourages blood sugar health
• Prevents muscle cramps
• Regulates the body's water content
• Naturally promotes sleep
• Promotes strong bones
• Improves absorption of food particles through the intestinal tract

Where to buy: Salcedo Market on Saturdays
www.chlorophyllmanila.com

August 7 - The Kung-Fu Workout.. Hi-Yaaa!

Weight: 162 lbs.
Height: 5'5

Cigarettes: 0
Alcohol: 0
Vitamins: 1,000 mg Vitamin C
Other Medications: 0

Today was a good day to finally do that Kung-Fu workout video that I bought about 4 years ago! I bought the disc but I never got around to doing it! Maybe I tried it once but I never did it again... Too much effort! But today was THE day I completed it!!

I did pause a little bit during the workout but not exceeding a minute to catch my breath. But the overall experience was fun and i would definitely do that again!

My activities for today:

- Outdoor Jogging (for warm-up)
Time: 20 minutes

- Cardio Kung Fu Workout
Time: 45 minutes (high-impact)

- Stretching
Time: 15 minutes

I am still having a bit of palpitations. I feel that I have yet to do the complete blood tests for this but I would like to give this a month before I do. I would like to see what I will feel in a month's time of diet and exercise. I just wish this could go away because it's really annoying!

Although, I had a good sleep last night. I no longer wake up in the middle of the night breathless and as I am gasping for air.

My heels are a bit sore and are feeling tender when being pressed. I should also start looking into Mizuno running shoes for better staying power on the treadmill and on the pavement. I was told before that it also prevents sore knees. Something that I really need.

BREAKFAST
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with milk mixed with 125g Nestle Yogurt Berry Mix

SNACK
1 mini corn cob

LUNCH
Healthy Shabu Shabu - Pork Tenderloin and Vegetable Set

SNACK
1/2 of Goolai's Pre-packed salad with Greek Vinaigrette (Lettuce, red peppers, melon seeds, olives, tomatoes)

DINNER
Dinner at Kai - Grilled Hamachi head (yes, again!)
3 pcs. soft shell crab sushi
2 pcs. Salmon Sashimi

I feel a little guilty about eating out twice today, but I did eat wisely and healthily. I will abstain in dining out tomorrow. Well, except for the baptism reception of my sister's baby... So I'll be good the rest of the day!