Hope you all had a lovely Tuesday! This week is moving quick.. our spring break is next week, but mine actually starts tomorrow at 10am! Yes, I do have the best class schedule ever right now. Though I must admit, it won’t be much of a break because I have a silly amount of work to do for both work and school projects, but nonetheless, it’s my last spring break ever!
I haven’t talked about IIN recently.. Well it’s still going wonderfully. Every so often in the middle of the week I’ll start panicking about the future and how I’m going to make it all work, but then I’ll start the next IIN module and will be completely re-energized and know I made the right choice. This week the topic is High Carb Diets, which is of course interesting to me based on my recent experience manipulating carbs for competition purposes. They didn’t really say specifically bad things about low carb/high protein diets, but did mention multiple times how such diets don’t live up to their health claims; I both agree and disagree. I hate that when people hear “low carb” they think Adkins, steaks, butter, etc. Even now, I probably eat ‘low carb’ by some people’s standards, and I definitely eat ‘high protein’ by most, but the carbs I do eat are always clean whole grains (ok, minus the Kashi :p), and the Proteins are always lean and many are vegetarian.
The example was given that if carbs are bad, then how come most Japanese are of healthy weight, and if protein is so good then how come America is… Well yes, many Americans do eat too much protein, but those Americans are also eating the wrong kinds of proteins, along with the wrong types of carbs. Any who, just a minor rate. I look forward to the module that talks more about Adkins and low-carb; hopefully the positives are examined too.
FITNESS
Cardio: Spin
Today’s class was so awesome!! It was particularly great because 45 minutes before I really didn’t want to go, and had to do a bit self-convincing to drag myself out the door. But once I got on the bike, I totally got in the zone and had the best class I’ve had in ages! This studio has some pretty crazy classes. Your out of the saddle 95% of the time and there is a ton of stamina work. The first couple times I took it I was completely embarrassed by the ass kicking I received by a few 60 year old men. But slowly but surely I’m getting better and seeing progress.
Weights: Arms & Chest
Biceps: Barbell Curls, Concentrated Curls, Cable Curls
Triceps: Kickbacks, DB Extensions, narrow-grip Incline Presses
Chest: Incline Chest Press, Pec-Dec, Push-ups
Off cardio and hitting legs with my trainer, after PT, tomorrow!
NUTRITION
Stocking Up
On my first grocery store run today, I was informed by one of the workers that the Pumpkin Shortage has hit AZ! He said they didn’t think they’d get any in until May, so you can imagine my alarm..
Fast forward to by quick in & out trip to Whole Foods to pick up Tofu and Coconut Butter..
Low and behold they have pumpkin! I usually don’t spring for the crazy expensive organic brand, but if that’s all there is in the greater Phoenix area, then naturally I had to stock up! So my “quick trip” to Whole Foods turned into this..
We have:
3 Kabochas
2 types of Soy Yogurt
2 types of Tofu
Tempeh
Wild Salmon & Wild Cod
4 types of bulk grains: oat groat, wheat bran (for April’s Bars!), kasha and quinoa
5 cans of Pumpkin
1 can of Butternut Squash
Sunflower Butter
Coconut Butter
Blackberries
Stevia
Yay, so I’m set for.. well at least a week :p
The Eats
Repeat of yesterday’s breakfast deliciousness..
Snackin on Cottage Cheese + 1 tbsp ground Flax + 1 tbsp Sunflower Seeds + Cinnamon + Stevia..
Fruity Protein Smoothie topped with Galaxy Granola..
I have no idea why I’m currently all about warm Spinach & Cottage Cheese.. it doesn’t even sound good when I type it.. but it tastes good! 
.. Dinner was Baby Spinach, nooch Cottage Cheese, Grape Tomatoes& Black Cod..
Just one thing sounded good for dessert.. Protein Cookie Dough (1 scoop Cake Batter Protein Powder + 1 tbsp Sunbutter + 1 tbsp plain Yogurt).. so good and excited to eat it, that it went pictureless :0
FUN
Excited for tomorrow because I’m going to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D! I’ve heard great things and I love Johnny Depp, so I know I won’t be disappointed. Before the movie we’re going to a restaurant that I’ve been to once before.. but didn’t get to enjoy. I met a friend there a few weeks into carb-cycling to prep for my Fitness Competition, and was only able to order plain Spinach & Chicken, so I’m looking forward to trying one of their many impressive menu items!
Ask me anything on FormSpring!
Fun Links
Oh, I can’t wait till I see Alice in Wonderland. I’m a huge Lewis Carroll’s fan.
Have fun!
I look forward to hearing more about low carb / high protein topic. I have been quite interested in it as well. I think that Japan vs. USA is not necessary about carbs vs. protein. It’s more about raw, natural food vs. processed, fatty fast food. (Of course this is generalization and not everyone in Japan eats healthily and there are many Americans that eat wholesome, healthy food.)
love your groceries load… seeing kabocha makes me happy!
Spinning is so HARD! I have to get back into it because I do like it, but I always get my butt kicked
Hey there! Good point about the carb thing. I think people think of carbs only as bread and pasta. I really think that the majority of people are fairly clueless when it really boils down to foods and nutrition. Can’t wait to hear how you like Alice in Wonderland. I really enjoyed it – but really like Johnny Depp to!! LOL.
Ah, kabocha…need to pick up some more this weekend too.
Ah I hate the pumpkin shortage! But lucky for me last year they had the huge cans of it at Sam’s club, and we literally bought 2-3 cans every time we went.. which was every 2 weeks! Needless to say, I’m stocked up! LOL
it’s always fun when you realize your cabinets are empty, because you get to stock up on Wholefoods. love love pumpkin and kabocha, haven’t had it since last year! i think
Twitter: NourishedFit
says:
Only problem is that hefty bill.. oh well, nothing ever goes to waste!
Your fish almost looks raw there!
At least you can still get pumpkin
Florida stops stocking it as soon as the holiday season is over. I am craving it like whoa!
I love Johnny Depp too! I so want to see that movie!
Love checking out the food as usual! Looking forward to your low carb/high protein posts. I have to manipulate a lot with age… the body DOES change during this time! UGH!
Oooo squash!! It makes me feel good seeing your squash
I have a real love for grocery shopping and I can be in there for hours and buy tons just like you!
XXOO