Monday Milestones: 29 Days!

October 24, 2011 at 4:49 pm | Filed under health & fitness, milestones

Once again, that’s technically incorrect since I bought an electronic cigarette last week and because I had two cigarettes last Friday night.

I’m still undecided on whether this electronic cigarette was a good decision or not. It’s basically just nicotine and vapor (none of those other additives/abrasives/chemicals!)… but it’s still nicotine, ya know? I try not to use it too much because I don’t want to be dependent on it. Unfortunately, the amount of work and stress I’ve been under lately has me reaching for it every two seconds.

It’s scary to think how much cigarettes I smoke in a month. Close to 400! Crazy. I’m glad I quit.

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Monday Milestones: 22 Days!

October 17, 2011 at 2:36 pm | Filed under health & fitness, milestones

Technically, that’s incorrect but the My Last Cigarette app has no way of tracking days when you falter and give in. In the past 22 days, I have only smoked on three occasions (socially) and I’m quite proud of that.

This is my first real attempt (since I picked up the nasty habit over 10 years ago) at quitting. My skin is breaking out, I can’t stop eating (I’m feeling a bit chunky these days), and I came down with a fever over the weekend (most likely caused by walking in the typhoon, really) but I’m not too concerned. I know my ~quality of life~ will eventually improve as long as I stay quit (and stop looking at cigar deals online!).

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For November: Jillian Michaels Ripped In 30

October 16, 2011 at 6:13 pm | Filed under health & fitness

Last year, I was doing Shaun T’s Insanity and like all things I start, I failed to well, finish it. Don’t get me wrong— I enjoyed every excruciating second of Insanity and it was one of the most rewarding workouts I’ve ever done. Unfortunately, a five-day trip to Cebu (without thebest appetite suppressants) a month into the program broke my momentum. That, and month two’s workouts were almost an hour long. I just din’t have the time (excuses, excuses!).

I’ve been inactive for way too long so it’s about time to give this whole fitness thing another shot. I’ve heard good things about Jillian Michaels Ripped In 30 (and how it’s better/less boring than the 30-Day Shred) so I have high hopes for this. From the Amazon page:

Features 4 levels of workouts over a four week period. Each level incorporates Jillians’s best-selling 3-2-1 interval system: 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. The 3-2-1 system is repeated three times in each workout and is designed to get you ripped in 30-days

Begin with week 1 and when ready, progress to the next week. Each week will get progressively more difficult, however each workout offers modified moves ideal for both beginners to those more advanced students.

Why wait until November? I guess to prepare (I’m considering following the diet plan, too). I’m a little excited, though! I definitely miss the high one gets from working out.

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On Quitting Sugar

October 7, 2011 at 5:15 pm | Filed under health & fitness

Photo credit

Back in July, I decided to cut out processed/refined sugar from my diet. It was originally supposed to be a three-week long sugar smackdown but I decided to make it a lifestyle; permanent, albeit not very strict (in the sense that I have cheat days; I did eliminate all processed sugar the first three weeks).

By the way: I must mention as early as now that I never gave up beer. I did some research (on the internet lol) and found that most beers don’t have processed sugar. If anyone there has a reputable source saying otherwise, please let me know.

Read More: On Quitting Sugar

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Livestrong, Working Out, Tracking What I Eat

June 15, 2011 at 11:55 am | Filed under health & fitness

I know, I know— it seems like every month (or every other month), I write about my resolution to eat better, to exercise constantly, and to work myself towards being a HPOA. This time, though, I AM SERIOUS!

Last week, I talked about quitting rice. Save for cheat days (weekends, never more than a cup of rice), I’ve been successful so far. It’s tough and unnatural and the smell of cooked rice alone has my senses going crazy. I think I might have to get rid of my cheat days just so I can stop craving for it.

Yesterday, I signed up for a Livestrong account. It’s been months since I touched the calorie counter app I have on my phone and I am hoping I don’t tire of updating my food diary. Last night, while reviewing what I ate, I realized that I had ZERO FIBER. My protein intake is good, as I am always mindful of this but I need to start including fruit, veggies, and whole-grain cereal in my diet!

Yesterday’s food log.

I have been working out. On Monday, I did 300 squats, 100 jacks, and 100 side crunches. I gave my legs “a rest” last night to do The 100 Workout. BOY, AM IN PAIN TODAY (I also overextended my left arm while doing jacks so that arm is kind of injured right now).

Truthfully, I was feeling lazy and had planned on just walking from the bus stop at Kamias all the way to my apartment in Anonas but the air pollution and the fear of getting mugged held me back. I honestly think that if the MMDA wants to “transform Metro Manila into a smoke-free, healthy, and progressive community”, they should focus first on decongesting our roads. I would love to be able to bike or walk to and from work but breathing in all that exhaust and smoke will probably kill me faster than I can say “Isang kaha nga po ng Marlboro Reds.”

My biggest challenge is quitting alcohol/beer (maybe I need my tush shipped to malibu rehab), which is a must if I want to streamline my diet. So far, though, I think I’m doing okay. Every night, I’ll be asking myself “What did I eat today and how can I improve on it?” Right now, I’m a little obsessed with Livestrong and checking the nutrition facts of everything I think of eating; I hope this obsession lasts more than a week.

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