Hi all,
Apologies for being out of touch for a couple days. The first week is going pretty well over all -- the half portions hasn't been nearly as difficult as I imagined, given how much I've always detested dieting. We've been doing OK with the exercises. I am still doing table push-ups and Ramiro kinda f*cked up his right calf jumping rope, so he's been instructed to take a *brisk* 30-min walk until he feels up to jumping again. I don't think either of us realized how important this jumping rope thing is.. We live on the 3rd floor in an old house with hardwood floors -- awesome, but creaky so you gotta find the perfect spot to jump without being über-annoying. I haven't approached the downstairs neighbors yet, but that conversation is bound to happen soon..
So, I got a ride to run a few errands today and took advantage of the opportunity to go out to one of the bigger grocery stores around town (as opposed to the local coop). I asked Patrick what sort of stuff should go on my shopping list and, as per his instructions, bought lots of fruit, a bunch of single-serving yogurts (and one of those awesome-but-pricey Greek yogurts) and then got kinda stumped in the meat department.. (Patrick -- I'm gonna wait til the Saturday farmer's market to stock up on local veggies & eggs).
So here was the question I stood there asking myself: What exactly makes a meat "lean"? Is it just that it's low in fat? (Turns out, YES -- it's just that simple!) I guess I expected everything to be labeled "lean!" and was just looking for that. In the end, I only found that word on a package of ground turkey and had to end up asking the guy at the butcher counter. I bought the turkey, some 85% lean chunks of steak, a package of chicken breasts and some shrimp (don't really know about this last one, but I really like this stuff and my friend just brought me some homemade pesto which goes great with pasta & shrimp.. Well, I've got a sneaking suspicion pasta won't be an option next week given the lack of carbohydrates in Patrick's suggested shopping list.. I hope that doesn't last too long!).
OK -- so, now I'm starting to get REALLY sad that I didn't order that rib-eye I really wanted when Ramiro took me out to eat at this new place, Farmhouse Tap & Grill a couple weeks ago. I love fatty meats and was really looking forward to enjoying an order of one of my favorite meals, mofongo, on my next trip home, but I'm pretty sure the key ingredient (deep-fried pork rinds) is gonna be a big no-no. DANG. Anyways, I can certainly live without it for 3-months (it's usually a special treat now that I don't live in the city anyhow), but going without bacon for that long is going to make life hard indeed... I'm honestly starting to look at my fridge and say, what should I make before Day 8 rolls around so I don't have it sitting around staring at me in the face over the next 3 months..? lol. Hot dogs & leftover mac & cheese tonight. Well.. I guess just 1 hot dog (as I would usually eat two or more).
OK -- I worry Kim & Stu are gonna get bored reading the same ol' story for every post, so a prize for those who stuck it out to the end! Check out this cool resource I found on lean meats. I gotta go re-connect with some of those hunter friends..
Over & Out!
Nat
I haven't been bored yet--you'll have to try harder next time. Shrimp should definitely be a good choice for lean protein. I'm so impressed with you guys for foresight in grocery shopping.
ReplyDeleteOn the jumping location, I'm in an apartment, too. I got a bunch of those foam puzzle pieces that are usually marketed for kid playrooms (they're really cheap in HK) and put them together 2 across and 6 long, then threw a hall runner carpet scrap over them. It's a great jumping location. Gentle on the knees and ankles, and no noise for the folks downstairs, as long as the floor underneath isn't creaky.
Shrimp is a great choice. Can you find a place downstairs to jump? You'll need carbs too, but not so many as a usual person. I'm ready to get you guys started!
ReplyDeleteTwo words of advice for jumping: OUT SIDE! Is there any place outside of your apt house that would work? A driveway? Alley? Sidewalk? Yard? As long as it's relatively level, it should work.
ReplyDeletehey all! This is the best part about blogging -- the comments. I really appreciate the feedback, folks!
ReplyDeleteKim, it wouldn't work for us to add another 1/2 inch, we're already hitting the ceiling with the rope a bit.. Sarah -- yes, outside is definitely the best option, it just feel a little pretentious, you know? I wish I had an alley.. My driveway is rock and the rest of the open spaces around the house are grass except for the sidewalk. I guess I could just do that, but since i'm out with the dog anyways, I've just been taking the jump rope to the park.
Patrick, i'm glad i won't have to give away these lovely local potatoes. :) glad shrimp are in -- we love those!
heers all! (nat)