How to Order When Eating Out or Eating Potluck

Tonight I had dinner at a potluck. I took my steamed veggies so that I had a Zone friendly choice. I talked myself into dessert because of Dr. Sears advice, that it can be done reasonably. Hmm. I'm trying to give up sugar, but I am also trying to be reasonable. So, here's what I did, based on his rules:

1. Avoided all bread (this included all casseroles for me!)
2.Chose my protein option first: baked curry chicken
3. Then gave up all carbs in order to substitute dessert (Tirimisu), however, I put a spoonful of broccoli on my plate and a small square of homemade pizza with mushrooms.
4. Drank water and decaf coffee


Someone might think that I failed because I had dessert or the pizza, but I am actually very happy with my choices. I didn't deprive myself enough that I kept going back for more, and I chose a dessert that was high in fat in order to side step too big of an insulin dose (I know it still had sugar) and i know I am trying to justify my decision, but I feel like I made progress by thinking it through and not just throwing all reason aside because of the vast array of choices! Tomorrow I will go to a brunch. I plan to find some sort of egg dish and eat fruit and coffee. So, if you are facing an upcoming gathering while trying to Zone, don't beat yourself up, just attempt to stick to it as best you can and allow yourself a little leeway without beating yourself up. I would highly recommend reading "A Week in the Zone" by Dr. Barry Sears. These points I took away from his book, but there are more helpful tips that I did not list.

Recipe: Tuna Salad

Today I looked in my refrigerator for what needed to be eaten and I found 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup celery, and half a cucumber. I mixed it with light tuna from a can, added salt, pepper, curry, 2 tbs. avacado chunks and 1 1/2 tbs. vinegrette. Then I steamed some fresh broccoli for the rest of my carbs that came in one of those small steamer bags already. Sounds easy, right! It took me a little while to do the math to make sure I was substituting blocks correctly. I exchanged one block of carbs for 3 extra blocks of fat. I did this because I have been really hungry lately and I am hoping that this helps. It took me long enough to eat it all- I was ready to be done! So, here are my measurements for you for a 3 block protein, 2 block carb, 6 block fat lunch, just in case you are feeling hungry today too! You can change it up and add more tomato than cucumber, or whatever you prefer; same with fats.

TUNA SALAD

2 celery stalks diced= 1/4 block
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes= 1/4 block
1/2 cucumber= 1/2 block
Total: 1 block carbs

Add to 1 can light tuna (or solid albacore,
but read the label for how much of the can)=
3 blocks protein
Add salt, pepper, curry powder

Add 2 tbs. avocado chunks= 2 blocks
1 1/2 tbs. Simply Dressed Vinegrette
by Marzetti= 4 blocks
Total: 6 blocks fat

Steam 1 1/4 cup of broccoli in a steamer bag in the microwave= 1 block carb
Drink: Glass of unsweet decaf tea (flavored with a spice tea bag while steeping)

Recipe: Chicken Marinara- EASY!

This recipe is great for one, or make as many as you want and the cleanup is a cinch!

Chicken Marinara (From "A Week In the Zone" p.49)
Cut boneless skinless chicken breast into cutlet strips, ounces depends on your RX
Put in foil, Cover with 2 tbs. tomato sauce, garlic powder to taste, sprinkle with dried basil and shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese. Seal ends of foil and bake for 20 minutes @ 450.

Then I steamed zucchini and squash in the microwave (I just know I'm going to find out this is bad for me since it is so easy...) for my side and cut up fruits for a fruit salad. I measured out my 3 block portions and guessed on the kids. Everyone loved it!

Good Hormones, Bad Hormones- Must read Crossfit article!

Good Hormones, Bad Hormones From the Crossfit Journal

The Zoners

Xanna, Myself, Jennifer, Nicole, Lacey, and Jennifer Barham had already left.


This is a sort of Zone support group, but I don't really want to call it that because it's not like we sit around and cry. It is not a pathetic sob story gathering. It is a fantastically fun and encouraging group of Crossfit athletes that are learning to eat smart and want to share and learn with others along the way! So we will be the "Zoners!" We watched Nicole Carroll's video from the Crossfit mainsite, "Nutrition: The Teeter Totter"

We talked about how we individually tweek the Zone to fit our schedules; the Zone and diabetes; foods we like to eat on the go; and a lot more. Whether you want to know more, have wisdom to share, or are just up for some good company with fellow Crossfitters, come join us again this Saturday at 11am (BYOL= Bring your own lunch). :)

Post:
- any topics you would like to see discussed next week.
- how the weekend went with the Zone
- any favorite recipes or zone foods

We'll also watch another video next week. This one will be with Dr. Barry Sears of the Zone and Tony Budding of Crossfit.

Hunger Strikes

Last night I went to bed hungry. Today I woke up hungry, ate breakfast, still felt hungry, and feel hungry now! I think that on days I don't exercise, 10 blocks a day works for me. But on days that I do, it is not enough. This is the conclusion I have made for now, so I have added that block in today. We'll see how the day pans out. It is quite a contrast to be hungry! Last week I couldn't remember what that felt like!

Ok, Let's Be Honest- on Motivation

Here's another thought I had today as I reread my goals for this redo Zone excursion: I don't have any performance goals, I mean as far as what I do in the gym, and honestly, those are not my priority. I want to feel good in my clothes dad gum it! (sp?) This drives me. Maybe my goals SHOULD be about performing better on WOD times and loads. But really, I think that my motivation to do well in the gym comes from my motivation to feel good in my clothes, in my skin. I know that muscle burns fat faster and is healthy to carry, a healthy look. I want to be healthy. I want to be fit. I want to feel good. I want to be the best that I can be. So if anyone wonders why I didn't put performance goals down, it is because I know that it is part of the whole process, it is fun, but it is honestly not at the top of my list when I think about why I Zone. It is a natural consequence that I enjoy. This is a journey and maybe my motivation will shift. I don't know if it the healthiest frame of mind, but I am just being honest. Motivation. What's yours?