ilubmoney

I gotta say, joining SparkPeople has been really helpful for me. The whole tracking business has been really helpful with getting me into the habit of going to the gym consistently for the past three weeks (and they say it takes at least 21 days to make/break a habit).

A couple of notes about my experience over the last few weeks:

• I gained about 5 lbs. since I measured myself about a month ago. I now officially weigh the most I have ever weighed thus far. When I saw the new number on the gym scale this past Monday, I freaked out a little and went home to grab my measuring tape. Funnily enough, my bust-waist-hip measurements are identical to what they were a month ago. Maybe I've gained more muscle mass, but I'm inclined to wonder if it's just more water weight due to my just drinking more water in general. I don't think the increased water intake has happened long enough for me to rule it out for my recent weight gain.
• I don't know if I necessarily feel more energy after working out, but I definitely feel more accomplished. Generally, I've been in a great mood, but I can't attribute that entirely to exercise and nutrition alone. :)
• I've concentrated the past 2 weeks or so on nutrition. Part of it was to cut down on dining out and save expenses that way, and part of it was just because I missed cooking meals and have time for it now. I definitely feel more aware about not just my general calorie intake but my general nutritional breakdown in general. I still have trouble getting enough protein, carbs, and calcium in my diet. I'd like to think I've been better about replacing sweets with fruits, though sweets haven't been cut completely (FBers know, but Albert brought me some ice cream cupcakes earlier this week <3).
• I'm still waiting to notice differences in my physical appearance. I notice small differences in strength and endurance when I'm consistent with my workouts, like my body is getting better at tolerating the discomfort of cardio and weights. I can lift slightly more than I used to a month ago, and my legs are generally making much more improvement than my upper body.
• I'm definitely learning a lot more about exercise and nutrition through reading their articles daily. Some of my favorite interesting/useful articles so far: "Workout ideas for couples," "20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1," "Optimism and the Power of Positive Thinking."
• My main goal is to get accustomed to the habit of getting to the gym and/or exercising, so I make my regimen as simple as possible.  I aim to do 20 minutes of cardio a day for 4 days a week, 2 days of strength training (in which I go through 10 of the exercise stations/machines, 2 sets of 15-20 reps at each station, more if I do crunches). 
• A good workout mix really helps me stay on track with cardio, especially if there's a song or two I love to dance to, but I lost my earphones recently and have had trouble on the treadmill this week.  Today I skipped out on the gym but did my cardio at home using two SparkPeople workout videos and a jump rope.  Pretty awesome workout, too.

Also, due to my renewed interest in food, I've rediscovered a love for making food.  Things I have cooked over the past two weeks:

• Japanese-style curry with rice
• Lasagna (with mushrooms, zuchinni, and chicken)
• Japanese-style rice omlettes ("omurice")
• Baked chicken drumsticks using Panko breadcrumbs for the first time
• Restyled "mac and cheese" using rotini, leftover fancy cheeses from a potluck (apple smoked gruyere, havarti, and shredded mozzarella), homemade breadcrumbs (also leftover from said potluck), and leftover chicken breasts
• Chicken pot pie (I bought a Betty Crocker mix for the crust and tossed in some leftovers for the filling; burnt the crust a bit, but because it was flaky, I was able to peel off some of the burnt layers)

Over the next few days, I plan on making Korean tofu soup/stew (partly for Albert's birthday), possibly chili dogs with homemade chili, and chocolate covered cherry cookies.  Recipe for the cookies will make about 3 dozen, so if you're in the area and would like some next week, let me know! :)