Vanessa's Journal

[Vanessa120]

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending."
Maria Robinson

I love the idea of new beginnings, clean slates & fresh starts! I am back!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Hey Sweets! I have missed you soooo much! You need to PM me your email so we can keep in touch!!

Welcome Back

[Vanessa120]

Originally Posted by Livywilltim-mom

Hey Sweets! I have missed you soooo much! You need to PM me your email so we can keep in touch!!

Welcome Back

You are way too sweet to me! Check your PM's.

[NewYorkGiants32]

Welcome back!! Where did you disappear to? I love that beginning quote you have.

[Vanessa120]

I got a new cell phone a few weeks ago...and let me tell you this thing is amazing. Some of the apps that are available are simply unbelievable.

My son and I went hiking (MN hiking) this morning and I used an app called Cardio Trainer. I told you it was cool!

The never ending hill...my heart rate at the top...at the finish line!


As you can see, the camera on the phone is OK. But with the right lighting you can get a nice picture.

Yummy! Lunch.

Chipotle Salad (Romaine, Beef & Guacamole) 336 cals | 20g fat | 10g carbs | 6g fiber | 32g prot

If you haven't read up on Chipotle lately, I encourage you to. They are really doing a lot to change the face of "fast food".

Off to meet a friend for a glass of wine...Cheers!

[Vanessa120]

and I am ready to saw some logs!

Food
Ended up being low cal/carb...not intentionally just how it played out.

1273 cals | 72g fat | 29g carbs | 11g fiber | 121g protein

• coffee w/coconut milk, 2 local cage-free pastured eggs sunny-side up w/sea salt & 2 organic nitrate free chicken sausages
• a couple scoops of BCAA's w/a scoop of D-Ribose during my hike
• Chipotle (see above)
• a short vodka diet coke w/friend
• 2 local cage-free pastured eggs scrambled w/organic shrooms & onions and a couple slices nitrate-free uncured turkey bacon
• lindt 85% dark chocolate
• unsweetened almond milk & protein powder

Fitness
Late morning hike w/my son (see above).

Fun
Texting w/a friend this afternoon and meeting another friend for a quick happy hour!

[wishbonez]

Hi Vanessa! Good luck!

[Vanessa120]

after a very restless night of sleep and a early morning client I was awaken from an afternoon nap by a houseful of family. My M & D, my sister and her three little ones (2, 4, 6), were here to visit. It got loud quite fast. They just left and the quiet is welcome. I am waiting for DH to get home from an out-of-state trip and then we are going to the gym. I might curl back up on the couch and pick up my nap where I left off.

[Vanessa120]

on Wednesday I was offered a new job and yesterday we found out our offer on a new home was accepted. New job starts a week from Monday we move into our new place Oct 1st. Chachachachanges.....are coming!

We ditched the gym and took the kids over to our new home to take a peek and then decided on a celebratory dinner of pizza & ice cream. Yummy!

Food

• coffee w/coconut milk + 2 pkts splenda
• organic greens w/all natural chicken, organic strawberries & my all time favorite dressing + 2 sq lindt 85% dark chocolate
• organic greens w/chicken salad (I whipped it up w/free range pastured chicken, organic diced apple, onion & celery and organic canola mayo) + 2 sq lindt 85% dark chocolate

598 cals | 43g fat | 21g carbs | 8g fiber | 40g prot
(totals do not include pizza and ice cream!!!!! )

Fitness
None, although I did welcome my husband home from his trip .

Fun
Went through my old jewelry box with my 6 yo niece and gave her everything she fancied!

[Vanessa120]

Did you know, in addition to gluten (found in cereal grains), casein (I always thought it was the lactose) is a common allergen for many? I have been working with a new Dr. (to fix my broken metabolism) for a few months and he strongly believes these two things should be removed from "most" people's diet. Allergens cause inflammation which is not good for many reasons, especially when wanting to lose weight.

Ever notice how many people on the main board say cheese stalls them?

With that being said, I have one more Fage Yogurt in my fridge and then I am done. Switched to coconut milk in my coffee awhile ago. Stopped eating the TJ's sprouted grain bread w/butter (which I miss). It was suggested I eat potatoes for my carbs on days I lift weights. I don't normally put cheese on much but picked up some raw goat's milk cheese at the co-op yesterday and it was delicious.

Food

• coffee w/coconut milk & 2 pkts Splenda
• fage 2% yogurt w/raw cocoa nibs, organic unsweetened coconut & stevia
• organic lettuce greens w/hormel 100% natural chicken, organic strawberries & my favorite dressing
• 2 scoops BCAA's while working out
• kind nut + protein bar
• amish chicken thighs & tj's organic green beans
• grass-fed beef w/raw goat milk mild cheddar cheese
• endangered species 88% dark chocolate
• marantha almond butter

1463 cals | 82g fat | 92g carbs | 36g fiber | 110g prot
(ecc 56g)

Fitness
Hit the gym for a lower body workout with DH.

FM Squats 120x8x3
RDL's 95x8x3
SL Leg Press 90x12x2
SL Hamstring Curl 20x12x2
Calf Raises 140x8x3
TRX Pikes 10, 8, 6

Walked for 10 min. after while DH was finishing up.

Fun
Went to the farmer's market in the morning and talked with the farmer who raises our grass-fed beef. What a wealth of information he is.

Along for the ride.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Wow, Vanessa, I am so inspired by your journal. We have a new Chipotle here, and the first few times it was fantastic...then once I got sick after, so I haven't been back. I LOVE their philosophy, so when we get some extra cash, I will try it again.

YEAH about your job! That is wonderful! Are you happy about your move? I know how long you have been looking YEAH!

Gotta get to church, I will BBL.

Hugs

[hummingbird11]

Hola Moo-cha-cha! Here you are!

You have a nice new Blog, too!

Yes, my sister & her immediate family avoid gluten & casein; their DO feels it is no good for anyone; esp their Autistic son. The entire family is Vegan.

Welcome Home

Originally Posted by Vanessa120

[SIZE="3"][FONT="Arial Narrow"]
Did you know, in addition to gluten (found in cereal grains), casein (I always thought it was the lactose) is a common allergen for many? I have been working with a new Dr. (to fix my broken metabolism) for a few months and he strongly believes these two things should be removed from "most" people's diet. Allergens cause inflammation which is not good for many reasons, especially when wanting to lose weight.

[Vanessa120]

Will be back to post later with my details. Today is Day 1.

For now...I am enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before the house becomes a flurry of getting the boys ready for school! Have one client this morning and then my own workout. BBL...

[Lisa46]

Day 1 for me too, girl! I'm praying for the strength to be consistent on this journey! I love that you are here again!

[Vanessa120]

I have yet to disclose my nutrition plan....and it's not because I am sneaky! I just need to take the time to type it all out. For now I will say I am on Day 2 of gluten & casein free with very controlled carbohydrates (gotta have energy to lift weights)!

Yesterday I went to the farm to pickup our weekly supply of cage-free pastured chicken eggs...5 dozen. That usually lasts us a little over a week. Each time I go to the farm, I am amazed by how simple the life seems for these animals. As soon as I pull in the long driveway, the chickens are at my car door, waiting to greet me with a peck at my red toenails. Mrs. Farmer says they think my toes are bugs.

In addition to chickens there are pigs, ducks, turkeys and angus cattle. They had just moved the cattle to some fresh pasture behind their home, so I got to see those. They are beautiful.

The feeling of knowing exactly where my family's food comes from is simply amazing!!!

From this...


To this...


Cage free pastured eggs are GOOD FOR you.....

Hiking this morning with a friend.

[Lisa46]

You literally drive to a farm to get your eggs???

How did school go for your guys yesterday? My 12 year old had FB practice right after so there are big changes for him this year. But both of mine were happy--I love that! I need to get my 11th grader involved in lots of extra curricular things this year as college is right around the corner and service/involvement matter as well as grades. He is not very assertive, so gentle pushing from mom sometimes works.

Hope you have a great hiking day!

[Vanessa120]

Originally Posted by Lisa46

You literally drive to a farm to get your eggs???

How did school go for your guys yesterday? My 12 year old had FB practice right after so there are big changes for him this year. But both of mine were happy--I love that! I need to get my 11th grader involved in lots of extra curricular things this year as college is right around the corner and service/involvement matter as well as grades. He is not very assertive, so gentle pushing from mom sometimes works.

Hope you have a great hiking day!

Literally! 8 min. south on Cedar to the edge of Farmington and Lakeville. You want me to pick you up some?!

School was good for my boys. They had nothing exciting to report. Right back into the routine! No after school activities this fall for either. J is a "skater" though, so I am always driving him to area skateparks. B plays baseball, that's his sport of choice. He played all summer but not fall ball.

Hey, you have a great day too!

[Vanessa120]

Day 1 9/8/09 through Day 100 12/16/09

Food
Calories 1500-1800
Carbs Controlled
Gluten & Casein Free

Fitness
3-4x/week weights (lower/upper split)
3-4x/week cardio

Tracker is in the sidebar of my blog.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Sweet Vanessa,

Oooh, a 100 day Challenge...you are fantastic!
How do you find your grocery bill changing with all the organic and local foods? Do all the guys in your family eat what you eat? Hmmmmmm, my DH has a group of friends that are all interested in and researching eating locally year round...I am excited to find out what they uncover...

Hugs

[Vanessa120]

Originally Posted by Livywilltim-mom

Sweet Vanessa,

Oooh, a 100 day Challenge...you are fantastic!
How do you find your grocery bill changing with all the organic and local foods? Do all the guys in your family eat what you eat? Hmmmmmm, my DH has a group of friends that are all interested in and researching eating locally year round...I am excited to find out what they uncover...

Hugs

No, you are FANTASTIC!

Our grocery bill is about the same. Believe you me, when we made the committment I scoured and searched high and low for the best price(s) I could find. First we joined a health food co-op. Members get 10% off 1x/per month. Second I found local farmers for meat & eggs. Third we go to the farmer's market. The kids don't eat all "whole foods" as DH and I do (most of the time). I still buy them SOME "processed stuff" but I look for organic, gluten free and non-GMO. I stopped buying diet pop and never ever bought regular pop for the kids. But that was a savings of $40/month. 1lb. of grassfed ground beef is $4/lb. I suppose for my family the cost difference may not be as dramatic as it may be for some. On a scale of 1-10 from processed diet to 100% organic/natural/etc. diet we were close to a 6-7. I'd say we are 8-9 now. Hope that answers all your questions!

[Vanessa120]

My body called my mind and said I know you want to work out today but I need a day to repair. So I obliged. No exercise today. Shhhh don't tell anyone....I am still in my pj's!

Made an super easy pumpkin soup for lunch. Check my blog if interested.

[Lisa46]

Okay, first...you have GOT to change your avatar...it is making me giggle every time I see your posts.

Do you like using FitDay to track nutrition? I thot DP was supposed to be the best, but I'm not sure now...I signed up for SparkPeople just to try it and they send me at least 3 emails a day. Crap.

What are you going to do when the Farmer's Market closes...Yikes!

Love your blog, too.

Lastly...still jammied up at 2:35???

[Vanessa120]

Originally Posted by Lisa46

Okay, first...you have GOT to change your avatar...it is making me giggle every time I see your posts.

Do you like using FitDay to track nutrition? I thot DP was supposed to be the best, but I'm not sure now...I signed up for SparkPeople just to try it and they send me at least 3 emails a day. Crap.

What are you going to do when the Farmer's Market closes...Yikes!

Love your blog, too.

Lastly...still jammied up at 2:35???

Ok, I'll change up my avatar.

I have used fitday for like 8+ years. Yes I like it. I've tried others as well, but always come back to FD.

St. Paul Farmer's Market is open in the winter.

Well, the guilt got to me, rather my son, when he came home from school and said, "mom, have you showered today"? So I cleaned up and went for an active recovery walk.

[Lisa46]

Stop it...you're killin' me...

[Vanessa120]

I've got 3 minutes to finish up my coffee and hit the shower.

Busy morning but not so busy afternoon. 2 clients, my own workout & a Dr. app't.

Day 4 of 100.....all 's so far!

Mmmmmm Breakfast!


Now I just need to figure how to make bacon for the boys & I in the morning without stinking up the house!

Time's Up!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Originally Posted by Vanessa120

No, you are FANTASTIC!

Our grocery bill is about the same. Believe you me, when we made the committment I scoured and searched high and low for the best price(s) I could find. First we joined a health food co-op. Members get 10% off 1x/per month. Second I found local farmers for meat & eggs. Third we go to the farmer's market. The kids don't eat all "whole foods" as DH and I do (most of the time). I still buy them SOME "processed stuff" but I look for organic, gluten free and non-GMO. I stopped buying diet pop and never ever bought regular pop for the kids. But that was a savings of $40/month. 1lb. of grassfed ground beef is $4/lb. I suppose for my family the cost difference may not be as dramatic as it may be for some. On a scale of 1-10 from processed diet to 100% organic/natural/etc. diet we were close to a 6-7. I'd say we are 8-9 now. Hope that answers all your questions!

Thanks for all this great information! I know it is where we are headed, but it will be a long process. It's nice to know that you are able to do it for about the same amount of money.

Enjoy your Fat Burnin' Friday!

[Vanessa120]

This will make you smile!

[Lisa46]

Hey Blondie...(if you change your avatar again, which is entirely possible, ignore that comment)!!!

Have you ever tried baking your bacon on a cookie sheet in the oven? It works pretty well if you have a little extra time. And it doesn't stink up the house as bad as frying.

I love, love, love your info about eating organic. Such awesome tips. You have got me thinking that it really IS possible AND necessary. I am starting my lists...THANK YOU!

Love your photoshopping skillz, girl! My daughter does it all the time--she just put my DIL's head (who cannot get enough of the Twilight series) into a "New Moon" promo picture withe Edward...it is hilarious!

Try to get out of your jammies today, mkay???

[hummingbird11]

that was phenomenal.

Originally Posted by Vanessa120

This will make you smile!

[Vanessa120]

Originally Posted by Lisa46

Try to get out of your jammies today, mkay???

Listen here Missy, I was at the gym at 8:30am this morning. No sitting around in my pj's today!