So where I live, a quarantine has been in place for 2 weeks now. I now work from home, at least for the meantime. The first week felt weird, like I felt aimless and lost for a while. Then I decided that I needed to have a routine so that my days would have some semblance of a structure.
This is what my typical day looks like:
- Wake up, take the dog out, and get some morning sun
- Work out then take a bath
- Make coffee then start working
- Have an early dinner then go back to work
- End the work day then take the dog out again
It has helped that one week into the quarantine I caved and ordered a pair of dumbbells and a slam ball so I could do more movements and not just burpees, lunges, and squats. I now have workout buddies -- my sisters and my nephew usually join me. Though the space is cramped, we still manage to get a good sweat going.
Maintaining my IF routine during weekdays has also helped. There are days when it takes enormous willpower to resist the breakfast laid on the table, but so far I've been able to do it. I just make coffee and go about my day. I usually am still able to do 20:4 on weekdays.
Another thing I'm glad I've done is switch to using a menstrual cup. I don't have to worry anymore about running out of pads. This is my second cycle with the cup and I've certainly gotten more comfortable with using it.
I do miss the outside world. After all this is over, I don't think things will go back to being how they were before the pandemic. Maybe that's a good thing. We'll come out of this kinder, more compassionate, more appreciative.
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Friday, August 3, 2018
My experience with intermittent fasting so far
Early this year, I had some bad episodes of hyperacidity and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). So I did what anyone would do -- I turned to good ole Dr. Google. One of the things I read about was intermittent fasting, or IF. It seemed too hard for me to do, loving breakfast food as much as I do, but I was desperate and willing to try anything.
I started the first week of May, if I'm not mistaken. I remember because my son and I watched Infinity War and I remember taking out my food in the cinema as soon as my app (Zero, if you want to know what it's called) notified me that I'd completed my fast.
Anyway, I started with 16 hours. Since I finish work late, my last meal is also usually consumed late -- around 9pm. So I'd have my first meal at around 1pm the next day. What I found was, I'm more productive when I fast because (duh) there's nothing else to do but work. Here's how a typical work day would look like for me:
10am - work out
12:30pm - arrive at the office
1pm - eat first meal
1:30pm - work
8pm - eat last meal
9pm - start fast
I allowed myself to eat anything I wanted, but found that my body seemed to crave healthy stuff (gasp!). Of course, I still ate a little bit of junk like cookies and chips, but I found that I couldn't stuff my stomach as much as I used to. And maybe that's why my hyperacidity is almost gone -- because my stomach doesn't have to work as hard as it used to when I was eating all the time.
Nowadays, I do 18-20 hour fasts. I usually stop eating by 8pm and then have my first meal at 2 or 4pm the next day. Since weekends are more challenging for me, I'm usually able to complete 16 hours on Saturday and Sunday, but when Monday rolls around I try to do a 24-hour fast. This means I stop eating at 6pm on Sunday and then have my first meal at 6pm on Monday.
So here are the good things that IF has done for me:
I started the first week of May, if I'm not mistaken. I remember because my son and I watched Infinity War and I remember taking out my food in the cinema as soon as my app (Zero, if you want to know what it's called) notified me that I'd completed my fast.
Anyway, I started with 16 hours. Since I finish work late, my last meal is also usually consumed late -- around 9pm. So I'd have my first meal at around 1pm the next day. What I found was, I'm more productive when I fast because (duh) there's nothing else to do but work. Here's how a typical work day would look like for me:
10am - work out
12:30pm - arrive at the office
1pm - eat first meal
1:30pm - work
8pm - eat last meal
9pm - start fast
I allowed myself to eat anything I wanted, but found that my body seemed to crave healthy stuff (gasp!). Of course, I still ate a little bit of junk like cookies and chips, but I found that I couldn't stuff my stomach as much as I used to. And maybe that's why my hyperacidity is almost gone -- because my stomach doesn't have to work as hard as it used to when I was eating all the time.
Nowadays, I do 18-20 hour fasts. I usually stop eating by 8pm and then have my first meal at 2 or 4pm the next day. Since weekends are more challenging for me, I'm usually able to complete 16 hours on Saturday and Sunday, but when Monday rolls around I try to do a 24-hour fast. This means I stop eating at 6pm on Sunday and then have my first meal at 6pm on Monday.
So here are the good things that IF has done for me:
- Much fewer episodes of hyperacidity - I think I've had only one since I started fasting, and it was because I'd eaten too much cake on my birthday weekend.
- No after-lunch drowsiness - My energy level tends to stay stable the whole day.
- Inch-loss - I don't weigh myself but my clothes have gotten looser especially in the waist area. Also, my tummy is flatter and there's even a ghost of some abs.
- Savings - Since I don't eat much during the day, I've saved money on food and groceries. Now, I only buy groceries for my son and I buy food outside the office when it's time for me to eat.
For me, these have been key: I only drink water, green/chamomile/turmeric tea, or black coffee during my fasting window. Gone are the days when I'd take XCT oil and collagen peptides with my coffee before having my first meal. Also, as much as possible, I don't binge and I eat healthy food during my eating window.
This has been the best thing I've tried for my health, truly. I always want to learn more about it so I watch videos by Dr. Jason Fung and Dr. Eric Berg, and I also listen to the IF Podcast by Melanie Avalon and Gin Stephens. What I love most about it is the idea of autophagy -- it's when your cells look for dead cells and "eat" them and use them for energy or to make new cell parts. Look it up and be amazed!
I'll probably (and hopefully) have an update on my IF journey in a few months.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 16, 2012
Post-challenge Day 33 + Apr 16 WOD: Twofer wall balls
Today's meals
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter and coconut nectar
Lunch: Chicken fingers, stir-fried eggplant slices with adobo seasoning
Dinner: Same as lunch, plus sauteed spinach
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo cupcakes, apples
Again, yesterday I did the faileo diet. Hence, no post about my meals because it just makes me feel bad. But in other food-related news, an aunt is arriving from the US at the end of the month and I'm planning to order the donut maker I've been eyeing on Amazon. So excited to make paleo donuts!
WOD
For the 2-4-1 wall balls, you bounce the ball off the wall and do an extra squat before catching the ball. I tried it out but maybe I'm just too uncoordinated to do it so I scaled down. But I used a 10# ball so I wouldn't feel too bad about scaling.
For the burpee broad jumps, we had to do a burpee first then leap forward until we do 60 feet (3 laps across the box). My time: 11:10.
After the workout, Tere and I worked on our jump ropes then our dead lifts. My dead lift PR last year was 125#. But this morning we worked up until 135#! I think I could do a teensy bit more though, because I was able to lift it 3 times. So maybe my 1RM now is around 140#.
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter and coconut nectar
Lunch: Chicken fingers, stir-fried eggplant slices with adobo seasoning
Dinner: Same as lunch, plus sauteed spinach
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo cupcakes, apples
Again, yesterday I did the faileo diet. Hence, no post about my meals because it just makes me feel bad. But in other food-related news, an aunt is arriving from the US at the end of the month and I'm planning to order the donut maker I've been eyeing on Amazon. So excited to make paleo donuts!
WOD
For the 2-4-1 wall balls, you bounce the ball off the wall and do an extra squat before catching the ball. I tried it out but maybe I'm just too uncoordinated to do it so I scaled down. But I used a 10# ball so I wouldn't feel too bad about scaling.
For the burpee broad jumps, we had to do a burpee first then leap forward until we do 60 feet (3 laps across the box). My time: 11:10.
After the workout, Tere and I worked on our jump ropes then our dead lifts. My dead lift PR last year was 125#. But this morning we worked up until 135#! I think I could do a teensy bit more though, because I was able to lift it 3 times. So maybe my 1RM now is around 140#.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Post-challenge Day 30 + Apr 13 WOD: Josh
Today's meals
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter, coconut nectar, and banana
Lunch: Sweet potato hash with fried eggs
Dinner: Sweet potato hash with pork sisig
Snacks: Singkamas, apple and pear slices
Hoping that when I come home tonight I'll be strong enough to resist the temptation of that Bizu Mango Chiboust Cake in the fridge...
WOD
I missed the box too much! The past three days I hadn't worked out felt like a month (ok, exaggeration) and it was sooo good to be back. Even though it was benchmark day and I met this boy named Josh. Since I wasn't doing the workout Rx'd, there was a 20 min time cap to do:
- 21 overhead squats
- 42 pull ups
- 15 overhead squats
- 30 pull ups
- 9 overhead squats
- 18 pull ups
I used a 35 lb bar for the OHS and the ever-reliable green band for the pull ups. That's a lot of gosh-darned pull ups there. My time: 9:01.
The coaches probably thought that 35 lbs was too light for me and Miggy thought that I could probably increase my OHS weight so I tried using Lala's 55 lb bar but I couldn't stabilize it. Maybe a 45 lb bar would've been better. Till next time, Josh!
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter, coconut nectar, and banana
Lunch: Sweet potato hash with fried eggs
Dinner: Sweet potato hash with pork sisig
Snacks: Singkamas, apple and pear slices
Hoping that when I come home tonight I'll be strong enough to resist the temptation of that Bizu Mango Chiboust Cake in the fridge...
WOD
I missed the box too much! The past three days I hadn't worked out felt like a month (ok, exaggeration) and it was sooo good to be back. Even though it was benchmark day and I met this boy named Josh. Since I wasn't doing the workout Rx'd, there was a 20 min time cap to do:
- 21 overhead squats
- 42 pull ups
- 15 overhead squats
- 30 pull ups
- 9 overhead squats
- 18 pull ups
 |
| Nice to meet you, Josh! |
The coaches probably thought that 35 lbs was too light for me and Miggy thought that I could probably increase my OHS weight so I tried using Lala's 55 lb bar but I couldn't stabilize it. Maybe a 45 lb bar would've been better. Till next time, Josh!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Post-challenge Day 29
Today's meals
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter, coconut nectar, and sliced bananas
Lunch: Singkamas, black coffee
Dinner: Chicken fingers, stir-fried eggplant slices with adobo seasoning
Snacks: Paleo tablea cupcakes, walnuts, apple and pear slices, paleo pancakes, non-paleo crepe cake
Yesterday was a big fat faileo diet day. My father celebrated his 80th birthday, and in the morning some of his friends came and prepared a surprise breakfast for him. They brought lots of cake, native bread products, coffee, and dinuguan (everybody loves this stuff but I can't eat it because the thought of eating pork with pig's blood is just... I can't).
In the evening, there was a big party and again, lots of faileo food there. My biggest transgression was eating chocolate cake and buko pandan salad. When we came home, my sisters decided to have some slices of this very special crepe cake that we received. Man, I need to get back on track!
Breakfast: Paleo pancakes with coconut butter, coconut nectar, and sliced bananas
Lunch: Singkamas, black coffee
Dinner: Chicken fingers, stir-fried eggplant slices with adobo seasoning
Snacks: Paleo tablea cupcakes, walnuts, apple and pear slices, paleo pancakes, non-paleo crepe cake
Yesterday was a big fat faileo diet day. My father celebrated his 80th birthday, and in the morning some of his friends came and prepared a surprise breakfast for him. They brought lots of cake, native bread products, coffee, and dinuguan (everybody loves this stuff but I can't eat it because the thought of eating pork with pig's blood is just... I can't).
In the evening, there was a big party and again, lots of faileo food there. My biggest transgression was eating chocolate cake and buko pandan salad. When we came home, my sisters decided to have some slices of this very special crepe cake that we received. Man, I need to get back on track!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Post-challenge Day 27
Today's meals
Breakfast: Singkamas, orange juice
Lunch: Meatballs, green salad, black coffee
Dinner: Burgers, ampalaya with scrambled eggs
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo tablea cupcakes, carrot sticks, apples, banana
I've gotten lazy about preparing my meals. Need to do something about it quick.
Breakfast: Singkamas, orange juice
Lunch: Meatballs, green salad, black coffee
Dinner: Burgers, ampalaya with scrambled eggs
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo tablea cupcakes, carrot sticks, apples, banana
I've gotten lazy about preparing my meals. Need to do something about it quick.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Post-challenge Day 26 + Apr 9 WOD: Partner WOD
Today's meals
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried egg, black coffee
Lunch: Sweet potato hash, pork chops, paleo tablea cupcake
Dinner: Non-paleo savory and dessert crepes
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo cupcakes, almond milk, coconut water with coconut meat
WOD
I almost didn't go to the box today out of laziness. But I forced myself to go because I knew I'd regret not working out if I didn't. I guess a lot of people had missed WOD-ing too, because the box was full! Today's WOD was fun, though. Hard as always, but fun. We were partnered up and had to do 3 different AMRAPs.
1) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 100m sprint
- Kettlebell swings
* 3 min rest
2) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 7 lateral burpees
- 10 hand-release push ups
* 3 min rest
3) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 15 box jumps
- 10 pull ups
At the end of the first AMRAP, my partner Gil and I were able to do a total of 144 kettlebell swings. For the second AMRAP, we were able to complete 6 rounds + 2 lateral burpees and 9 hand-release push ups (113 reps). For the last AMRAP, we were able to do 9 rounds (225 reps). Our total score was 482. Not bad... I probably wouldn't have pushed myself as hard as I did if I wasn't partnered with someone I'd just met. It would've been way too embarrassing if we got a low score because of me!
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried egg, black coffee
Lunch: Sweet potato hash, pork chops, paleo tablea cupcake
Dinner: Non-paleo savory and dessert crepes
Snacks: Singkamas, paleo cupcakes, almond milk, coconut water with coconut meat
WOD
I almost didn't go to the box today out of laziness. But I forced myself to go because I knew I'd regret not working out if I didn't. I guess a lot of people had missed WOD-ing too, because the box was full! Today's WOD was fun, though. Hard as always, but fun. We were partnered up and had to do 3 different AMRAPs.
1) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 100m sprint
- Kettlebell swings
* 3 min rest
2) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 7 lateral burpees
- 10 hand-release push ups
* 3 min rest
3) 6 mins AMRAP of:
- 15 box jumps
- 10 pull ups
At the end of the first AMRAP, my partner Gil and I were able to do a total of 144 kettlebell swings. For the second AMRAP, we were able to complete 6 rounds + 2 lateral burpees and 9 hand-release push ups (113 reps). For the last AMRAP, we were able to do 9 rounds (225 reps). Our total score was 482. Not bad... I probably wouldn't have pushed myself as hard as I did if I wasn't partnered with someone I'd just met. It would've been way too embarrassing if we got a low score because of me!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Post-challenge Day 24
Today's meals
Breakfast: Non-paleo waffles with butter and honey, black coffee
Lunch: Sweet potato hash, chicken afritada, singkamas
Dinner: Chicken and pork adobo, stir-fried bean sprouts, non-paleo crepes with apple filling topped with vanilla ice cream
Snacks: Saba con hielo (non-paleo), bananas, singkamas
I feel so bad from eating all this non-paleo stuff. I've also developed itchiness on my shoulders, neck, and even my scalp. I still don't know if it's from the very hot and humid weather we've been having or if it's an allergy I've developed from eating stuff I hadn't eaten in a month. Will observe it for a week.
Workout
After a gazillion years, I ran again this afternoon. It was just a short 3 km run. I've found that I get bored with running now that I do CrossFit. When I run, I find myself running faster than I used to because I want to get the workout over and done with. I think I need to rediscover the joy of running.
Breakfast: Non-paleo waffles with butter and honey, black coffee
Lunch: Sweet potato hash, chicken afritada, singkamas
Dinner: Chicken and pork adobo, stir-fried bean sprouts, non-paleo crepes with apple filling topped with vanilla ice cream
Snacks: Saba con hielo (non-paleo), bananas, singkamas
I feel so bad from eating all this non-paleo stuff. I've also developed itchiness on my shoulders, neck, and even my scalp. I still don't know if it's from the very hot and humid weather we've been having or if it's an allergy I've developed from eating stuff I hadn't eaten in a month. Will observe it for a week.
Workout
After a gazillion years, I ran again this afternoon. It was just a short 3 km run. I've found that I get bored with running now that I do CrossFit. When I run, I find myself running faster than I used to because I want to get the workout over and done with. I think I need to rediscover the joy of running.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Post-challenge Day 22
Today's meals
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with leftover ground beef lettuce wrap, black coffee, singkamas
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, banana, singkamas
Dinner: Burgers, stir-fried eggplant with seasoning, ampalaya with scrambled eggs
Snacks: Oranges, banana, paleo carrot cupcakes
My tummy got mad at me yesterday for having 2 pieces of non-paleo pancakes. I got an awful tummy ache, which totally made me regret having those pancakes. So this morning, even though I was very tempted to have a piece of chocolate, I stopped and reminded myself about what's going to happen if I did.
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with leftover ground beef lettuce wrap, black coffee, singkamas
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, banana, singkamas
Dinner: Burgers, stir-fried eggplant with seasoning, ampalaya with scrambled eggs
Snacks: Oranges, banana, paleo carrot cupcakes
My tummy got mad at me yesterday for having 2 pieces of non-paleo pancakes. I got an awful tummy ache, which totally made me regret having those pancakes. So this morning, even though I was very tempted to have a piece of chocolate, I stopped and reminded myself about what's going to happen if I did.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Post-challenge Day 21 + Apr 4 WOD: SWOD (shoulder press)
Today's meals
Breakfast: Non-paleo pancakes with butter and honey
Lunch: Burgers, stir-fried kalabasa (squash) with adobo seasoning, singkamas
Dinner: Ground beef lettuce wraps
Snacks: Boiled sweet potatoes, paleo carrot cupcakes
I couldn't resist the lure of non-paleo pancakes this morning. I just couldn't.
So I discovered a new way to eat kalabasa. Just stir-fry it and season with adobo seasoning. I got the adobo seasoning recipe from allrecipes.com and it can pretty much go with anything. It makes stuff so tasty.
WOD
Finally, a day when strength is the focus! I'm guessing they programmed the SWOD today because tomorrow is a holiday, which means the WOD will probably be more challenging than usual (gulp!).
We worked on shoulder presses today and had to do 3 sets of heavy 5 reps. And for me, "heavy" was 45 lbs. What? They were strict presses -- no dipping -- so they were more difficult!
After that, cash out was 5 rounds (with 12 min cap) of:
- 12 dead lifts
- 20 double unders
I used a 105 lb bar for the dead lifts and did 80 singles instead of 20 double unders. My time: 10:33.
How great is it that I can dead lift 105 lbs for 5 sets of 12 reps?! My 1RM for dead lifts last year was 115 lbs, so I must be getting stronger!
How great is it that I can dead lift 105 lbs for 5 sets of 12 reps?! My 1RM for dead lifts last year was 115 lbs, so I must be getting stronger!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Post-challenge Day 20
Today's meals
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried egg, a piece of chocolate, black coffee
Lunch: Hard boiled eggs, banana fritters
Dinner: Sweet potato hash, seasoned squash with leftover ground beef, orange
Snacks: Paleo carrot cupcakes, bananas
I could eat sweet potato hash for breakfast everyday. I had a late breakfast so I wasn't hungry yet when lunchtime rolled around.
I'm currently reading Robb Wolf's The Paleo Solution. So far, so good. I like the funny and interesting way he writes.
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried egg, a piece of chocolate, black coffee
Lunch: Hard boiled eggs, banana fritters
Dinner: Sweet potato hash, seasoned squash with leftover ground beef, orange
Snacks: Paleo carrot cupcakes, bananas
I could eat sweet potato hash for breakfast everyday. I had a late breakfast so I wasn't hungry yet when lunchtime rolled around.
I'm currently reading Robb Wolf's The Paleo Solution. So far, so good. I like the funny and interesting way he writes.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Post-challenge Day 19 + Apr 2 WOD: Monday Mash
Today's meals
Breakfast: Homemade bacon, fried egg
Lunch: Burgers, curried cauliflower, chicken fingers, banana
Dinner: Ground beef lettuce wrap, curried cauliflower
Snacks: Hard boiled eggs, carrot sticks, paleo carrot cupcakes
Homemade bacon was a success! I'd bought a few pork bacon cut slices a while ago and couldn't figure out how to turn them into bacon. Finally, our cook suggested simply rubbing salt and sugar on them after they've defrosted. So that's what I did. Once they'd defrosted, I laid them flat then rubbed salt on one side. I flipped them over then rubbed salt on the other side. Then, I rubbed coconut sugar on that side, flipped them over and rubbed sugar again on the other side. I put them back in the ref and in the morning I had them cooked like regular bacon. It was good. I must buy more bacon slices next time.
WOD
I wasn't really in the mood to workout today. I felt tired and heavy (I blame those cookies), but I still went. It seems not a lot of people felt like working out either, because there were only 4 names on the board this morning. Anyway, we were given a time cap of 15 mins to do 4 rounds of:
- 45 ft. shuttle run
- 5 ground-to-overheads (clean and jerk or snatch)
- 10 overhead squats
- 5 box jumps up and overs
- 45 ft. shuttle run
We were also given a 45 second rest after each round. It was actually supposed to be a team WOD, but since there were only 3 of us in the class, we did it individually.
I used a 45 lb bar for the ground-to-OH, and was able to use it for the OHS for a few reps but it felt wobbly so I settled for the 35 lb bar. For the box jumps, I used a 12" box. My time: 11:39.
After the class, I practiced doing double unders a little bit. I also practiced kipping so that next time I'd be able to do knees-to-elbows!
Breakfast: Homemade bacon, fried egg
Lunch: Burgers, curried cauliflower, chicken fingers, banana
Dinner: Ground beef lettuce wrap, curried cauliflower
Snacks: Hard boiled eggs, carrot sticks, paleo carrot cupcakes
Homemade bacon was a success! I'd bought a few pork bacon cut slices a while ago and couldn't figure out how to turn them into bacon. Finally, our cook suggested simply rubbing salt and sugar on them after they've defrosted. So that's what I did. Once they'd defrosted, I laid them flat then rubbed salt on one side. I flipped them over then rubbed salt on the other side. Then, I rubbed coconut sugar on that side, flipped them over and rubbed sugar again on the other side. I put them back in the ref and in the morning I had them cooked like regular bacon. It was good. I must buy more bacon slices next time.
WOD
I wasn't really in the mood to workout today. I felt tired and heavy (I blame those cookies), but I still went. It seems not a lot of people felt like working out either, because there were only 4 names on the board this morning. Anyway, we were given a time cap of 15 mins to do 4 rounds of:
- 45 ft. shuttle run
- 5 ground-to-overheads (clean and jerk or snatch)
- 10 overhead squats
- 5 box jumps up and overs
- 45 ft. shuttle run
We were also given a 45 second rest after each round. It was actually supposed to be a team WOD, but since there were only 3 of us in the class, we did it individually.
I used a 45 lb bar for the ground-to-OH, and was able to use it for the OHS for a few reps but it felt wobbly so I settled for the 35 lb bar. For the box jumps, I used a 12" box. My time: 11:39.
After the class, I practiced doing double unders a little bit. I also practiced kipping so that next time I'd be able to do knees-to-elbows!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Post-challenge Day 18
Today's meals
Breakfast: Non-paleo waffles with butter and honey
Lunch: Grilled chicken with veggies
Dinner: Meatballs in tomato sauce
Snacks: Non-paleo cookies, singkamas, bananas, cassava cake
It's a good thing I save my cheat cards for the weekend or I'd feel totally horrible about indulging. I got the usual tummy ache after eating sweets, but it's always worth it. See, this is why I can't get my body fat percentage below 20...
I also made paleo carrot cupcakes yesterday but I still can't decide if I like it. I tasted it after consuming cookie upon cookie, so of course I couldn't help but compare it to non-paleo goodies.
Breakfast: Non-paleo waffles with butter and honey
Lunch: Grilled chicken with veggies
Dinner: Meatballs in tomato sauce
Snacks: Non-paleo cookies, singkamas, bananas, cassava cake
It's a good thing I save my cheat cards for the weekend or I'd feel totally horrible about indulging. I got the usual tummy ache after eating sweets, but it's always worth it. See, this is why I can't get my body fat percentage below 20...
I also made paleo carrot cupcakes yesterday but I still can't decide if I like it. I tasted it after consuming cookie upon cookie, so of course I couldn't help but compare it to non-paleo goodies.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Post-challenge Day 17
Today's meals
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried eggs, black coffee
Lunch: Pork chops, ampalaya with eggs
Dinner: Tilapia and pechay cooked in coconut milk
Snacks: Singkamas, bananas, non-paleo cookies (M&M's, which my niece made, and peanut butter, which I and my son and nephew made)
The sweet potato hash recipe I'd gotten from Nom Nom Paleo was sooo good, if I may say so myself! It was also my first time to fry eggs, believe it or not. I rarely fry stuff because I'm afraid the oil will jump out at me and go into my eyes. Weird, I know. Anyway, it wasn't that bad. I followed the instructions and just waited until the eggs looked done. Et voilà !
Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
For the hash:
2 medium sweet potatoes, grated
Salt
Ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Beef fat for cooking
For the fried eggs:
2 eggs
Salt
Ground black pepper
Coconut oil or animal fat for cooking
Breakfast: Sweet potato hash with fried eggs, black coffee
Lunch: Pork chops, ampalaya with eggs
Dinner: Tilapia and pechay cooked in coconut milk
Snacks: Singkamas, bananas, non-paleo cookies (M&M's, which my niece made, and peanut butter, which I and my son and nephew made)
The sweet potato hash recipe I'd gotten from Nom Nom Paleo was sooo good, if I may say so myself! It was also my first time to fry eggs, believe it or not. I rarely fry stuff because I'm afraid the oil will jump out at me and go into my eyes. Weird, I know. Anyway, it wasn't that bad. I followed the instructions and just waited until the eggs looked done. Et voilà !
 |
| Halfway through the meal was when I thought about taking a photo |
 |
| With my mug of coffee on the side |
For the hash:
2 medium sweet potatoes, grated
Salt
Ground black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Beef fat for cooking
- Place grated sweet potatoes in a large bowl and toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
- Heat the fat in a skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add the seasoned sweet potatoes.
- Toss everything in the fat and stir-fry for a minute, then cover for a few more minutes while the sweet potatoes cook.
- The hash is ready when the texture is soft.
For the fried eggs:
2 eggs
Salt
Ground black pepper
Coconut oil or animal fat for cooking
- Heat the oil or fat in a pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, crack 2 eggs into a bowl and pour into the pan.
- Season the eggs with salt and pepper, and cover for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on how runny you want your eggs.
- Once they're done, slide the eggs onto your mound of sweet potato hash.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Post-challenge Day 16 + Mar 30 WOD: TGIF Bash
Today's meals
Breakfast: Leftover paleo pancakes, banana
Lunch: Chicken fingers, singkamas
Dinner: Leftover ground beef lettuce wrap, orange
Snacks: Banana, carrot and cucumber sticks, leftover paleo pancakes, raisins
One of the many things I've learned from doing paleo, having leftovers are good -- it saves you tons of time you'd otherwise spend planning and preparing your meal. Something I will do this weekend is prepare my food for the week (I always say I'll do that but I never do!).
WOD
The WODs today were on promo -- 2 for the price of 1! First, there was the "main bash," which was 3 rounds of:
- 25 double unders
- 25 hand-release push ups
- 60m sprint
Modification for those who can't do double unders was squat jumps. The 60m sprint was 6 laps of the box from end to end. My time: 7:16.
After a few minutes of rest, we did the "after-bash," which was a descending 30-20-10 ladder of:
- Kettlebell swings
- Sit ups
I used the 12 kg kettlebell. My time: 5:06 (or thereabouts, I don't remember exactly).
Was I ever so wasted after that. I didn't even have the energy to work on my double unders.
Breakfast: Leftover paleo pancakes, banana
Lunch: Chicken fingers, singkamas
Dinner: Leftover ground beef lettuce wrap, orange
Snacks: Banana, carrot and cucumber sticks, leftover paleo pancakes, raisins
One of the many things I've learned from doing paleo, having leftovers are good -- it saves you tons of time you'd otherwise spend planning and preparing your meal. Something I will do this weekend is prepare my food for the week (I always say I'll do that but I never do!).
WOD
The WODs today were on promo -- 2 for the price of 1! First, there was the "main bash," which was 3 rounds of:
- 25 double unders
- 25 hand-release push ups
- 60m sprint
Modification for those who can't do double unders was squat jumps. The 60m sprint was 6 laps of the box from end to end. My time: 7:16.
After a few minutes of rest, we did the "after-bash," which was a descending 30-20-10 ladder of:
- Kettlebell swings
- Sit ups
I used the 12 kg kettlebell. My time: 5:06 (or thereabouts, I don't remember exactly).
Was I ever so wasted after that. I didn't even have the energy to work on my double unders.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Post-challenge Day 15
Today's meals
Breakfast: Paleo banana pancakes, black coffee
Lunch: Hard-boiled egg, singkamas
Dinner: Ground beef (with adobo seasoning) lettuce wrap
Snacks: Paleo pancakes
I need to try new paleo recipes soon. My lunch and dinner is a cycle of burgers, chicken fingers, chicken nuggets, and fish. The lettuce wrap I'd brought to work was supposed to be paleo tacos, but I was too lazy to look for and try a salsa recipe. I did try a different seasoning, though, which was equally tasty. Next time I should try adding egg and some veggies too.
Breakfast: Paleo banana pancakes, black coffee
Lunch: Hard-boiled egg, singkamas
Dinner: Ground beef (with adobo seasoning) lettuce wrap
Snacks: Paleo pancakes
I need to try new paleo recipes soon. My lunch and dinner is a cycle of burgers, chicken fingers, chicken nuggets, and fish. The lettuce wrap I'd brought to work was supposed to be paleo tacos, but I was too lazy to look for and try a salsa recipe. I did try a different seasoning, though, which was equally tasty. Next time I should try adding egg and some veggies too.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Post-challenge Day 14 + Mar 28 WOD: Tabata
Today's meals
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tomato
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, singkamas
Dinner: Chicken fingers, fried eggplant
Snacks: Orange, carrots and cucumber sticks, boiled sweet potato
WOD
Today was Tabata Wednesday. A Tabata exercise is doing 8 sets of a certain exercise; a set is 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. For today's WOD, we did 3 different exercises:
- Sit ups
- Barbell floor wipes
- L-sit or hold
You compute your score by adding the lowest number of reps you were able to do for each exercise. For the L-sit, you use the least number of seconds you were able to do it.
My score: 8 + 7 + 12 = 27. Yuck!
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with tomato
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, singkamas
Dinner: Chicken fingers, fried eggplant
Snacks: Orange, carrots and cucumber sticks, boiled sweet potato
WOD
Today was Tabata Wednesday. A Tabata exercise is doing 8 sets of a certain exercise; a set is 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. For today's WOD, we did 3 different exercises:
- Sit ups
- Barbell floor wipes
- L-sit or hold
You compute your score by adding the lowest number of reps you were able to do for each exercise. For the L-sit, you use the least number of seconds you were able to do it.
My score: 8 + 7 + 12 = 27. Yuck!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Post-challenge Day 13
Today's meals
Breakfast: Bananas with coconut butter, ponkan orange, black coffee
Lunch: Fish fillet in non-paleo batter
Dinner: Green salad with fruits and nuts, paleo brownies
Snacks: Carrot and cucumber sticks, apples, singkamas, non-paleo rainbow cupcake, a piece of chocolate
I feel bad now every time I eat non-paleo stuff. I don't just mean physically bad, but also mentally bad. I know I don't want to go back to rollercoaster sugar highs and lows, so I definitely am not going back to how I used to eat. Maybe I just have to be more forgiving of myself whenever I slip.
Breakfast: Bananas with coconut butter, ponkan orange, black coffee
Lunch: Fish fillet in non-paleo batter
Dinner: Green salad with fruits and nuts, paleo brownies
Snacks: Carrot and cucumber sticks, apples, singkamas, non-paleo rainbow cupcake, a piece of chocolate
I feel bad now every time I eat non-paleo stuff. I don't just mean physically bad, but also mentally bad. I know I don't want to go back to rollercoaster sugar highs and lows, so I definitely am not going back to how I used to eat. Maybe I just have to be more forgiving of myself whenever I slip.
Post-challenge Day 12 + Mar 26 WOD Another triplet
Today's meals
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bananas with coconut butter
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, singkamas, iced black coffee
Dinner: Burgers, chicken nuggets, singkamas
Snacks: Paleo brownies, apples
I guess I paid the price for my indulgences during the weekend. Apparently, my tummy didn't like what I ate and a lot of it went down the toilet this morning. Note to self: Indulge, not binge! I admit I went a little crazy on the cassava cake and desserts at Old Vine. So I won't be doing that again anytime soon.
WOD
Call me a nerd, but I got a bit excited when I saw that we'll be doing dead lifts today. We were given a 20 min time cap to do 5 rounds of:
- 6 dead lifts (Rx: 95 lbs)
- 9 toes-to-bar
- 12 weighted push ups (Rx: 25 lbs)
I was a little iffy about going Rx on the dead lifts, but I figured it's doable since the time cap was 20 mins. I did knees-to-chest instead of toes-to-bar. For the weighted push ups, we had to put the plate on our back (like a turtle) and do regular push ups. I used the 10 lb plate, and even that became a struggle by the 4th round. Push ups, I will own you one day. My time: 8:46.
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bananas with coconut butter
Lunch: Boiled sweet potato, singkamas, iced black coffee
Dinner: Burgers, chicken nuggets, singkamas
Snacks: Paleo brownies, apples
I guess I paid the price for my indulgences during the weekend. Apparently, my tummy didn't like what I ate and a lot of it went down the toilet this morning. Note to self: Indulge, not binge! I admit I went a little crazy on the cassava cake and desserts at Old Vine. So I won't be doing that again anytime soon.
WOD
Call me a nerd, but I got a bit excited when I saw that we'll be doing dead lifts today. We were given a 20 min time cap to do 5 rounds of:
- 6 dead lifts (Rx: 95 lbs)
- 9 toes-to-bar
- 12 weighted push ups (Rx: 25 lbs)
I was a little iffy about going Rx on the dead lifts, but I figured it's doable since the time cap was 20 mins. I did knees-to-chest instead of toes-to-bar. For the weighted push ups, we had to put the plate on our back (like a turtle) and do regular push ups. I used the 10 lb plate, and even that became a struggle by the 4th round. Push ups, I will own you one day. My time: 8:46.
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