New-agey drink

After my morning workout, I had to drop by Wholefoods to pick up a few things for lunch when I noticed a strange new drink by the Bragg Company.  I use their apple cider vinegar all the time in my salad dressings, so I thought I'd give their drink a try.

First of all, the price tag on this thing was $2.69.  Uh yea, not worth it.
Second, it has sweetener in it.  Agh! I only noticed this when I was halfway through it, at which point I didn't want to waste any, so I drank it all.
Third, it basically tasted like their apple cider vinegar, diluted in water, and drowned with a ton of sweetener.

So it suffices to say- I will not be repurchasing this one again.

However, after perusing their website, I'm definitely interested in their "Sea Kelp Delight Dressing" and their Nutritional Yeast, so I requested free samples (give it a try if you're interested!).

It takes the first step

Like a lot of you out there, I have a little 'extra' in the belly/hip area and I'm ready to get rid of it!  Weight loss (at least for me) is no fling though- it takes serious commitment, planning and follow through; otherwise, you shouldn't be surprised when you see the same number on the scale.  For a few weeks now, I've been brainstorming ways to structure a healthy weight loss plan and garnering the balls to step on my scale.  I literally avoided looking in the direction of this thing:

Until Yesterday.  I finally stepped up to the plate.  What I read wasn't actually as bad as I thought: 130.2.  I thought I had put on several more and was up to ~134-136.  I've developed a lot of muscle mass over the summer so I guess all that muscle burned up my massive caloric intake- yay!  Still, it doesn't undermine the fact that my comfortable weight is around 115 lbs.  I'm only 5' 2" and 130 lbs isn't huge by any means but it certainly doesn't feel like "me."  Everyone has their "comfortable" or "healthy" weight and sometimes it's over or under statistics.  I believe being at that weight which feels personally right for you is perfectly fine as long as it's achieved through healthy means.

So the reality now is I have 15 lbs to lose.  Many folks might think that's not too bad and I can easily do that by the year's end.  My reality however is that with my roller-coaster-diet-ridden history, my metabolism is a little j@cked up, and it's going to take a lot more work.  I need to feed my body the right things at the right times in the right quantities, continuously and without fail or excuses.  The truth is I have my self-doubts.  I'm pretty good about exercising but the food part is where I get stumped.  I know nutrition to the T, but my achilles heel is being self-controlled not to pig out and diligent enough in preparing my eats for the following day, every day.  No skipped day(s).  That's what it's going to take.  There is just no denying that.

So the question now is: How badly do I want it?

Moving on after a breakup

Today I'll be sharing something personal with you.  A little over a year ago, I broke up with a guy with whom I'd been sharing my life for over two years.  We had been having issues for some time, so maybe it shouldn't have lasted so long, but nonetheless, we had some very good times and went through a lot together.  During the span of our relationship, my mother got sick twice with tumors, my paternal grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and forgot who I am, a close family friend and both my maternal grandparents passed away.  Yea, a lot.  Considering how much we had gone through, I knew he and I weren't right for one another.  Not only was there a glaring, 10-year age difference, cultural divide, but most importantly, we came to realize we had divisively contrasting opinions on key life views/issues such as the role of family (parents and siblings), career ambitions, work ethic and optimism/pessimism.  We never betrayed one another but knew that if we kept trying to make the relationship work, we would betray ourselves.  The break up was made even more painful when a side of him I had never seen or known surfaced.  He began stalking me, and dragging out the break up.  Initially I pleaded him to stop his behavior, but eventually I had to put my foot down and be much more stern.  During this time, I lost a lot of trust in my own 'people-skills'; I couldn't believe how wrong I had been about him, and that this side of him had ever been there.  It goes without saying, I wasn't in any position to date anyone for a while.  Any date I was asked out on, I turned down.  I said was very busy with work, but that wasn't the real reason why I couldn't and wouldn't. 

Now, over a year later, an old acquaintance has asked me out and I realize, I am no longer immediately repulsed by the prospect of getting back out there.  A year can seem like a long time but guess what, that's what it took.  I'm not sure if I'm going to take him up on his offer but I'm certainly considering it.  So guys and girls, give yourself time.  Not only is there  no quick fix but also the grief from the failed relationship doesn't just stop when you find someone new.  It takes time to let the wound heal, to come to appreciate the scar and then be able to face a whole new world of opportunities. 

What do you eat for breakfast?

You know what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, except... when it's a sugar and fat-ridden pastry like a donut, muffin, croissant, or scone.   Although it is important to eat within an hour of waking up, if your only option is a sugary and/or fatty option, then skip it and wait for a better option.  As long as you have options though, try to go for something with protein and a lower glycemic index; here are some healthy breakfast options:

At home:

1. Oatmeal: Steel-cut oats are great but instant will do when in a pinch; top it with a few tablespoons of nuts, dried/fresh fruit and maybe a little honey/agave (if you need a little extra sweetness).

2. Greek yogurt with fruit  and again a little honey/agave (optional).  It takes no heating up, and it's easy to whip up.

3. Sprouted whole grain bread with some nut butter.  You can easily eat it in the car or in the bus, and it'll keep you roaring for a while.

4. Egg white veggie omelet.  If you have a little more time for breakfast and crave something more savory, try a veggie omelet and hold the cheese if you can.  Go easy on the salt and ketchup (if you use it), and try out new flavors in the form of a little hot sauce, peppers or herbs.

5. Pancakes. Yes, you heard that right, pancakes.   Just keep out the white flour and butter.  Try a mix of whole wheat flour, protein powder, egg whites, almond milk and a little olive oil.  Add a little mashed up banana, apple sauce or even pumpkin puree- whatever you're craving!

At Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts/Another coffee bar:

1. Whole grain bagel with light cream cheese or peanut butter.  Just eat half of the bagel; they're loaded with carbs!

2. Nonfat milk/ Soy milk Latte with a banana.  You get protein from the milk and healthy carbs from the fruit.

At a diner:

1. Egg whites, turkey/canadian bacon with some dry whole wheat toast.  Make sure to ask for it "dry"; otherwise, most diners add generous amounts of butter before serving it to you.

2. Oatmeal with toppings on the side.  I specify "on the side"; otherwise, they often dump way too much stuff onto the oatmeal, making the meal actually unhealthy.

Now, I only listed healthy options here but remember unhealthier options are okay too but make sure to limit the amount and the frequency.  You've gotta indulge once in a while; you're human!

Handling Stress

Woooaahh yea, this is a large topic.  We all have stress in our lives, and sometimes stress escalates even though you do your best to handle it.  This is all normal and human.  Reacting poorly and not handling stress well all the time is human.  When it gets to that explosive point, recovery from our poor behavior is the only thing we can control.  That begins with forgiving yourself for getting that stressed out, and then to apologizing to whomever you may have lashed out on and finding a solution to the stress.  I should note that not every stress-causing problem has an immediate solution, but you can dissolve the stress- whether that's through getting involved in a new activity like volunteering, becoming more spiritual, pampering yourself, or seeking out friendly support.  A change in perspective will naturally help you see that stress-causing problem differently.  The hardest part is forcing yourself to get out of your rut of stress escalating misery and getting yourself out there.  However, when there is a solution to your problem, repeat to yourself, you can do this and start with step 1 towards the solution.  Oftentimes, a change of scenery can help.  For example, if it's refinancing you have to tackle, take all of your paperwork to the local library, or to a new room in your house.

Today, I had a very stressful day- I consulted my advisor regarding grad schools.  I'm super eager to apply but he wasn't very optimistic; actually, he was pretty pessimistic.  It felt like a hard blow to my spirits, but after the meeting, I tried to figure out what other resources I had.  Subsequently, I went to another appointment I had, but by the end of that, I was wiped.  Mind you, it was only 3:30 in the afternoon.  I knew I had to get away from it all, at least for a brief moment, before I re-faced everything my advisor had laid out on the table.  The result of this decision to 'get away' was this:

I went home satisfied, talked with my family a bit about what happened, and now I'm ready to handle it.  It doesn't always go so hunky-dory, but I'm telling you, sometimes it works.  So ladies, don't always be so hard on yourself; treat yourself during your most trying times- sometimes the silliest things work.  

Back to school

Post- Labor day, many of us are back to school.  It means not only the start of late-night homework and exam-study sessions, but also amplified levels of stress, unhealthy eating, abandoned exercise habits and dearly-missed sleep.  Procrastination happens, but even in rare and almost bizarre scenarios, where it doesn't, time seems to be a huge deficit.  No student is perfect and has a 100% smooth-sailing semester (even if some might pretend to), but we can all try to make it less horrible.  Here are some tips:

1.  Once you get all of your course schedules, write down all their deadlines and exam dates into one calendar.  This is crucial so you won't be less than pleasantly surprised later on.  Add personal appointments and dates to this calendar, such as family and friends birthdays, long weekends, celebrations, etc.  Girls, add your 'cycle dates' to this calendar as well.  It will help you gauge when you'll be most cranky and exhausted, and prepare in advance for your natural biological tendencies. 

2.  Organize, organize, organize.  I can't stress this enough.  Having the dates all laid out into a calendar is only a small part of your organization.  You should have separate folders, binders, or files (however you need or prefer to organize them) for each of your subjects.  Within each binder/folder, you should have subfolders for notes, handouts, homework assignments, practice exams, and actual exams.  

3.  Be your own secretary.  When you are a student, you don't have an assistant to tell you when to do what, and where to be.  You need to do this for yourself.  You don't need to have every second of every day planned out, but try to have every hour planned out for all your weekdays.  Include class time, time to meet your advisor(s), professors, TA's, commute time, exercise time, personal cleaning/shower/self-care, and most importantly, sleep time.  Figure out when you are most efficient at studying- is it the early morning hours, or are you a night owl?  Schedule accordingly.  You can make a rough schedule for half your weekend, but leave the other half unplanned.  Trust me, you will need that 'nothing' time- even if you just end up sleeping through it.  

4. Set rewards for your diligence and good work ethic.  Whether it's a manicure/pedicure, hair day or watching/attending a show/movie/concert, having a 'goal' in mind will help you use your 'work' time more efficiently since you'll have a 'reward' in mind for the end of the week.  

5. Breathe and stretch.  There will inevitably be times where despite your best efforts to plan and stick to that plan, that it doesn't work out.  When (and notice, I say 'when' and not 'if') this happens, stop and close all your books.  Step away from your work.  Stretch for 15-30 minutes and take in as many deep breathes as you can.  If you're not a stretcher, try walking around campus or the neighborhood.  Take the full 30 minutes but don't take any longer.  When you return to your work, focus on smaller increments of 'to-do's' and just focus on one at a time.  Remember, you may not feel like you can do this but you can certainly tackle that small subsection.  Just tackle that.  

6. Take 5-10 minutes at the end of each day, to clean up your study area and book bag.  This will prevent clutter and whether you believe it or not, outer order will help hamper internal stress.  It's only 5-10 minutes. Take the time. 

C'mon, let's talk about our Aunt Flo

C'mon ladies, there's no denying it.  We all have our premenstrual and ovulation symptoms- whether it's un-thwart-able craving attacks, alien-like bloating, Cruella moods, or migrainy headaches.  I admit to all of the above.  Any men (or women) reading this blog, don't be scared & run away; get educated and respect the female system.  All of us women, who are still ovulating, have healthy fluctuations in hormones.  The effects of said fluctuations, are no easier for those around us than they are for us.  Many of us figure out ways to diminish the side effects, sometimes via prescription drugs or change in diet; however, even those of us who do our best to handle our symptoms, have off-days or cycles.

Now, for the ladies: people, even our closest girlfriends, often vent just about our periods and premenstrual symptoms; rarely do we discuss ovulation symptoms.  If you are easily grossed out, don't continue reading; otherwise, keep going:

When we ovulate, we experience change in cervical fluid, increase in basal body temperature,  and changes in the cervical position or firmness.  Hormonally:  Our Luteal hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and follicular stimulating hormones all spike up during our ovulation, which is typically around day 14 of our cycle.  These are major changes to endure each month but extremely important if we are trying to get pregnant.  Nonetheless, some unpleasant side effects of all these changes include light spotting, cramping, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, increased sex drive and heightened sense of smell, taste or vision.

When we have our periods, our pituitary gland (in our brains) sends chemical signals to our ovaries, which then produce their hormones.  In order for all this to happen, they must have sufficient cholesterol and body fat.  Periods not only signify reproductive health, but they also prove we are producing sufficient levels of estrogen (which is important in bone-building in young women), and androgens (including testosterone- which women need as well as men).   Knowing all this should help you respect your body more; however, it's important to learn how to handle our periods.  When you first start menstruating, it may be irregular (meaning it doesn't arrive every n number of days); it may take up to 2 years for it to become regular.  For a woman who is already menstruating, irregularity in cycle arises for a variety of reasons: most commonly, it is pregnancy; otherwise, it is anorexia, intense dieting and/or intense exercising, or pituitary or thyroid irregularities.  For that reason, it's important to follow your period, for regularity and consult your doctor when you skip a period or it becomes irregular.  I personally use the iPhone app, Period Tracker Lite, which is free!  Don't be scarred to consult your doctor or nurse practitioner; I've skipped and had irregular periods from time to time, and they've turned out to be nothing (but it's better to be safe than sorry!)

Diet-wise, it is important point to note that when we have our periods, we lose quite a bit of iron.  It's good to take an iron supplement or a multivitamin that will supplement your diet with sufficient iron.  My multivitamin actually covers me on that front.  Food-based forms of iron include beef and chicken.

Now, I know having your period is not the most pleasant experience, but it is a small miracle of biology which signifies health and fertility.  Try to appreciate it!  Power to us women!

Goals for the Rest of 2012

As the summer-chapter of this year comes to a close today, I have new goals on the mind.  Resolutions &goals are usually set at the start of each year, with the drop of the Times Square ball, but that's just custom.  There isn't anything keeping us from setting resolutions now, approximately 2/3rd of the way through 2012.  So here are my "Last-4-Months-of-2012 Resolutions":

1. Drink 1.5 L H2O per day

Currently, I'm not a huge water drinker.  I used to drink tons of Diet coke, but since cutting that out, I have been drinking way too little fluid.  I will take a bottle of Smart Water with me to the gym, but that's about it.  Drinking water has a ton a benefits from improved digestion to better moods and healthier skin, so I'm determined to take in more. I just bought a dozen 1L bottles and 6 1.5L bottles, so you better be I'll be drinking more everyday.  Cheers!

2. No more shopping 

If there's anything I could have concluded from the closet cleaning project a few days ago, it is that I don't need anymore clothes! Maybe a few staples like a nice white button up and class, straight cut blue jeans, but I'm going to try and do without those for the next few months.  I'm officially on an extra- clothing & beauty items shopping boycott. Hold me to it!

3. Blog at least 5x/week

I know I just started this blog, but I want to keep it growing, and potentially network with other bloggers and readers!  I've seen the traffic increase but I would love to eventually see some comments.  

4. Lose my extra weight

As I mentioned in a "becoming healthier post," I have approximately 10-15 extra pounds on my frame. I'm nowhere near obese or unhealthily overweight, but I definitely could do without the 'extra.'  I know it would improve my energy, athletic performance and mood, so it's not just about vanity; however, I am a girl, and I want to look good in my clothes!  I had a very basic idea of how I'd lose the weight in the earlier post, but I'll become more specific in another one coming up.

5.  Get my outfit(s) ready the night before/in advance

I have more than enough clothes but I probably have about 6 items on constant repeat.  I have no time to look around and try different things on in the morning, so I just grab whatever I know is comfortable and fits.  It's such a waste of clothing to let them sit in your closet, so I'm going to prepare my outfit the night before.

6. Make new friends

A subject that I'll get to later is friendship and betrayals.   I recently experienced a disappointing burn & betrayal by a group of my closest girlfriends, which cast me on a trip of self-doubt, insecurity and trust issues.  I'm determined to make new friends and cultivate healthier, more mature, trusting relationships during the remaining four months of this year.

7. Engage in more meal time with family & friends

With busier-than-ever schedules, my family often eats in shifts.  Even when I'm home, I'll eat before them because I feel I need to get to some of my own work, which results in me not getting to see or break bread with them until the weekend.  Not only do I miss the shared time and ritual with my family, but I also find myself eating less healthy, not well-rounded meals.  I am determined to be more meal-oriented, per my own suggestion in a previous post.

8. Apply for grad schools

I've been working at the same job with the same employer for several years and I'm ready to move up and out of this stage of my life by attending grad school.  It'll be a crazy couple of months of applications but I'm determined and I will put everything I've got into it!

Best of August

I was going to summarize my day yesterday (did a lot actually!), but I don't want to bore you with minute details of my life; instead, I'll turn to a very popular topic of choice in the blog-osophere and youtube-osophere, which is that of the best of the summer.

By 'best' I will be referring to, all best moments, best products, best foods.  OK, pretty much, all the best memories of the month.  Here we go:

1. Filet mignon at Capital Grille

(sorry, bad phone picture!)

I enjoyed this twice dring the month of August. Once at the Chicago branch and once at the Boston branch; both, lovely!!   

2. Massage at Bella Sante of Wellesley.

Holy Cow, I felt like a different person after this place!

3. Ovo by Cirque du Soleil 

This was AWESOME.  Cirque du Soleil performers are amazingly talented!  

4. New product discovery: Caudalie beauty elixir.

This stuff is now a holy grail item for me.  Not sure how it works but my skin looks so vibrant an beams when I use it. 

5. New watch by Alessi from my brother for my birthday

6. Being done with my MCAT on August 10th!

7. Volumizing shampoo and conditioner by Rahua

I've tried both the regular and volumizing versions of the shampoo & conditioners, and love them both.   They are safe for colored hair, 100% natural and organic, and last a long time (I've used half each container over 3 weeks now!)  They have a refreshing rainforest-y scent, similar to that of Neutrogena's Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel.   Most importantly, your hair will be shining in days! (one more hair-related item coming up!)

8. Multivitamins for women by New Chapter.

I haven't gotten sick since June when I started taking them and my hair has gotten shiner and I've noticed much less hair fallout ever since starting on these multivitamins! They are a bit pricey but there's nothing more important than taking care of your health, and vitamins inject a huge amount of supplementary nutrition to your diet; might as well make that injection good for you!

Cleaning the closet

Much of yesterday afternoon and evening was spent cleaning the closet.  Yep, it was one hell of a way to start off labor day weekend!  

I knew I had more than a few things I needed to let go of- some just to throw away and others to donate or sell.  

OK, I won't make anyone use their imagination.  This is a photo of all the contents of my closet before. 

Now let me defend myself.  I've held on to things that I've had since the start of high school.  I'm not sure that I'd call myself a hoarder (some justifiably might!) but the truth is, I haven't kept these things out of pure attachment.  I've occasionally used most of these things at  one point or another throughout the years because I haven't changed height or approximate size since then!  Yea, it's true. I stopped growing around the ripe old age of 13 standing at 5' 2.5"  

After a laborious 5 hours of separating the keeps from the not-keeps, switching out the wire hangers for these pretty ones from Container store, adding a few cube-shelves (similar to these from Target), putting my boxless shoes in clear shoes boxes (also from the Container store- only $33.80/20 boxes!), labeling all the shoes boxes, my closet ended up looking like this!

Beautiful, right?  

In the end, I had 4 Wholefoods bags packed full of clothing to donate, and 3 large Neiman Marcus bags of items to sell.  

Absolute, cathartic, craziness. I hope all these items end up going to people who need them much more than I did!

Now, I'm off to an interval training session at the gym.  Have a wonderful day everybody!