Behind the Scenes

Dodge Blog

Long time, no blog.  I've been delinquent, bloggers and I apologize for taking so long to write.  I was quite busy before we left for Los Angeles and I figured I would blog when I had some time once I was in California.  Most of my free time was spent at the hotel gym and the local restaurants and bars...Sorry.

Anyhoo, I've been doing the best I can...Lots of running.  I'm planning on running a half marathon in April...that's 13.1 miles.  I'm up to 8 miles (that's still my long run)...I've been averaging about 26 miles a week...I've also been using weights and machines. 

Being away from home was a bit challenging in the eating department. It's hard to just grab a yogurt & banana for breakfast when you have a corporate credit card.  I tried to have salads for lunch...Dinners were tough -- I went out with some friends a few nights and of course, no meal is complete without a few glasses of wine or beers.  Let's just say that I didn't deny myself anything yummy while I was away.

Now that I'm home, I'm back to a good routine.  I joined a local gym to use during the weekends. I don't live near the fancy Reebok Sports Club; I can only work out there during the week.  I figure I'll supplement my workouts at my local gym until it's a little warmer outside.   I got a nice tip from my friend Elaine this weekend -- Stand in the sauna for a minute or two before you work out at the gym...It warms up your muscles and there's less of chance of pulling something. 

The big weigh in is tomorrow.  I'm not sure how it's going to go.  I'm definitely apprehensive about this one -- Damn that Gelman!  Keep in mind -- there's still a month left to this challenge...Maybe Lori Schulweis will be the biggest loser tomorrow, but I've always been somewhat of an underdog -- and this old dog isn't dead yet!

Bogging Blahs

Hey Bloggers -

Another day down...I'm exhausted.  I went to see Keith Urban at Madison Square Garden last night and didn't get home until 1am...For Marco, 1am is considered the "early bird;"  for me, 1am is late!  It was worth it though -- Keith Urban puts on a great show!

I was supposed to meet my trainer yesterday, but she called in sick...I should have gone to the gym anyway, but I just didn't feel like it. So I told myself yesterday that I would go to the gym today.  But guess what -- I was so tired from being out all night that I blew off the gym again!  I'm slacking, bloggers.  Tomorrow is a MUST DO DAY!  I am going to bed early tonight so I can be fresh for a good run.  Tomorrow needs to be a long one -- I'm thinking 8 miles. 

Back to yesterday -- For breakfast, I had toast and coffee.  Morning snack was a yogurt and banana.  For lunch, I had a bowl of chicken noodle soup.  Dinner is where things went awry. Before the concert, we went to an Irish Pub for drinks, etc.  I wound up having 2 beers, 3/4 of a cheeseburger and about 20 french fries.  It was a good meal, but I felt guilty since I blew off the gym. 

Today, I started the day with an apricot-walnut scone and iced coffee.  Lunch was pepper jack cheese and roasted peppers on an Italian roll.  I ate an apple around 4pm.  For dinner, I had a cup of low fat cottage cheese.  Dessert was a banana with peanut butter.

As promised here are some of the answers to your questions --

Are you EVER going to answer blogger questions?

Posted by: Deanna | February 14, 2008 at 01:13 PM

Yes, Deanna -- I am doing it right now.

Welcome back. So you enjoyed yourself at the wedding Life goes on. Just hang in there and do the best you can. We all indulge sometimes (in my case sometimes too much) You went back to your newly developing good habits and that is what is important. Keep up the good work. Denise R.

Posted by: Denise Richardson | February 14, 2008 at 09:57 AM

I agree, Denise...Life isn't worth anything if you can't enjoy it...A little indulgence goes a long way!

February 13, 2008 at 10:27 PM

Hey Cindy, sounds like you've been so busy! Thanks for being so honest about what you eat, I think that's admirable and courageous, I think I'd be afraid to admit what I ate on days when I ate a little too much, but face it, you're losing it for life and you can't hold back all the time - it needs to be realistic, especially at special occasions like a wedding. What a couple too, that was a great story, I'm so glad your show helped them. Back to you, I think you're doing great. You're eating great, and you know I've noticed the boast in metabolism too - it's weird, but good. It's motivating to keep everything going! I'm a big fan of the hard boiled egg whites too - such a great quick snack, good protein and barely any calories. I'm also on an oatmeal kick too - good for the cholesterol. I like to add some brown sugar and raisins to it. Yum, I'm not sure how good the brown sugar is though... well, keep it up, and keep us posted!

Posted by: Katie |

Katie - Oatmeal is great!  I love it with fresh strawberries.  Egg whites are awesome -- try them in a wrap with salsa...filling and tasty.  I also like them hot, chopped up with a little I Can't Believe It's Not Butter & salt & pepper on toast.

February 13, 2008 at 07:10 PM

Glad to have you back Cindy! Thought maybe you got lost at the wedding! So, you had an eating frenzy...but you're back on the wagon and sounds like your going to be fine!!! That's life! Gotta be realistic and live.

I'm just glad to see you blogging again :)

Posted by: colleen |

Colleen -- I hear ya, sister!

February 13, 2008 at 03:23 PM

Cindy,
you say christine is a good cook?
and i say yessiree! I couldn't agree more!
Like your diet of beers, cookies, and pudding. Seems like it's working for you, so keep it going!!!

Posted by: ck

CK - I was just kidding...My friend Christine is a horrible cook!!  When I eat at her house, I usually just pretend that I'm eating what she made -- when she turns her back, I give it to her dog!

Sweet dreams, Bloggers!

LONG TIME...NO BLOG

I'm back, bloggers!  Where did I go, you ask?  I took a long trip to nowhere! 

Sorry that it's taken so long to blog -- Last week was a killer here at work. I thought I would do all of my blogging over the weekend, but then time got away from me...so I thought I would catch up on my blogging while at work yesterday...then my dog ate my blogs.

Here's a brief recap since Friday:

As you know, we married a beautiful couple on Friday -- Kacy & Jordon.  They are two of the most deserving people I have ever met.  It was a real pleasure to meet them and their families.  After the LIVE Wedding, we ran over to Tavern on the Green for their reception.  Taylor Hicks joined the party and sang a few songs.  As you can imagine, a party at Tavern on the Green is spectacular....everything from the atmosphere of Central Park, to the food, dessert, music, food, dessert, food, dessert and the food and dessert.  Speaking of food and dessert -- I had both....oh, and a couple of beers too.  It's a Wedding, after all.  There was a lot of great food there, and I had most of it.  I think Kelly Ripa summed it up best when she saw my plate --she said, "you could do better."  I agreed, but kept eating.  What she didn't know -- that was my 2nd plate of food!  I got a little carried away, perhaps.  For dessert, I had a few peanut butter cookies.  I went back to the office just as the wedding cake was being wheeled out -- good thing, or they would have had to wheel me out of the place.  The cake looked yummy. 

Some of the crazy people I work with --

Laurie Chaff, Jen Ulrich, Me, David Mullen & Christine Composto

You'd think that after 2 lunches, I wouldn't be hungry for dinner -- right?  WRONG!  I went out with the neighbors for Italian food -- I had 2 glasses of red wine and eggplant rollatini with angel hair pasta.  You'd think that since I had dessert at Tavern on the Green, I wouldn't be interested in dessert after dinner, right?  WRONG! I had an ice cream cannoli (but I didn't eat the cannoli shell).  FRIDAY WAS TOUGH.

I woke up Saturday and went directly to my scale -- I couldn't believe my eyes, bloggers -- I didn't gain any weight from the previous day's gorge fest!  Call it divine intervention...I'll call it an over active bladder and sphincters!  I guess my metabolism is on high speed from all of the running. 

For breakfast, I had a yogurt and banana...and lots of water.  I felt really guilty about the Friday food frenzy.  For lunch, friends of mine stopped by on their way to Killington, VT...so we went to a local burger place for a quick bite.  I had a burger (no bun), some sweet potato fries and coleslaw...and lots of water. 

I wasn't really hungry for dinner -- so I had a few crackers with goat cheese.   

Sunday started with 2 hard boiled egg whites on toast.  I knew I wanted to run and needed the protein.  After my breakfast digested, I ran a few miles...3 to be exact.  I wanted to do more, but I didn't feel well.  I guess 3 is better than none.

For lunch, I had 3 chocolate chip cookies.  Not good, I know.

Dinner was great -- I went to my friend, Christine's house for dinner.  She's a great cook -- she made chicken & mushroom marscopone over wheat pasta.  I also had a beer with dinner...And water.   

When I got home on Sunday night, I was still a little hungry...so I had some chocolate pudding. 

Monday was an early day at work...I started the day with 2 hard boiled egg whites and a cup of coffee.

For lunch I had a small container of chicken noodle soup and 4 crackers.

After lunch, I met with my trainer, Liz.  I did lots of core strengthening things and weights.  I was beat when it was over...and hungry.  My afternoon snack consisted of a package of almonds and a cherry pie lara bar.

I wasn't too hungry for dinner, so I had a banana and yogurt and called it a day.

Tuesday was another early day.  I stole 2 hard boiled eggs from the green room and ate them for breakfast (no yolks).  I also had a cup of coffee.

After the show, I enjoyed a yogurt and banana and some carrots.  I was really hungry.

I went to the gym after lunch digested to take a group class -- We did something with big balls.  It was much harder than I thought it would be because I'm a major spaz.  I felt defeated from the class, so I ran 5 miles after.  It felt good to run...and I was able to run at a faster pace this time. 

After the gym, I went back to work and noshed on a small bag of almonds and a lara bar.

For dinner, I braved the snowstorm and picked up some Japanese food -- small chicken wonton soup and a cucumber and avocado roll.  It was the perfect amount of food and cheap -- a little under 6 bucks.   

After dinner, I braved the hail and shoveled the driveway...It was just a few inches, but it was just enough to make my entire body sore.

Not into it today...

Bloggers,

I'm so tired today...didn't sleep well last night...must be from staying up too late and watching the Super Tuesday political coverage.

Started the day with a cup of coffee and a yogurt with a banana.  After our morning meeting, it was time for lunch.  I had leftover salmon and brussel sprouts.  I was still hungry, so our show's publicity assistant, Alexis...AKA, Sexy Lexy offered me one of her chocolate Cliff bars...It was yummy & only 160 calories. 

This is Sexy Lexy on the prowl!

I'm taking the day off from working out today...my body needs a rest and I'm slammed at work today.  I'll get over there tomorrow for sure.

Not sure what I'm having for dinner tonight -- I'm hungry for a slice of pizza.  Not sure why, but it seems the day after I do a big run, I'm so hungry and can't eat enough the next day.

I know I've been delinquent in responding to everyone's comments.  I promise, I will respond soon.

Celebrity Fit Club

Hello Bloggers,

Wedding bells are ringing...and so are my ears!  There's a lot of buzzing around the office this week -- lot's going on as we prepare for the Live Wedding Special on Friday.  Anne Marie (the Wedding Producer) is on "high speed" and I think we're all getting sucked into her vortex!  She's an amazing woman...She has more energy than the energizer bunny. 

I knew it was going to be a busy day, so I stopped by my favorite coffee house to grab a cranberry walnut scone and large coffee...A scone you say?  Yes, I said scone!   It's my version of a power breakfast. 

After our morning meeting, I nibbled on a cherry pie lara bar & bulked up on lots of water...Needed to prepare for a big run today.  After my bar & water digested, I went over to Reebok Sports Club to run.  I had gotten an advance call from fellow producer, Jan that one of my favorite pop icons was working out over there...I can't give any names, but her name rhymes with Nadonna.  Second hint: She's married to a British director.  Third hint: It was Madonna, bloggers!!  Since I work on a celebrity driven talk show, I see celebrities every day...But it's always fun to see them in the "wilderness."  Anyway, I chose a treadmill near Madonna so I could watch her work out.  She is in amazing shape.  She was doing dance moves on a fast moving treadmill...forwards, backwards...She's the coolest.  Watching her move made my 8 mile run go fast. 

After the Madonna Workout Show, I showered up and went back to work.  I ate a bucket of melon at my desk...I guess the mellon was my lunch.

After voting (Did you vote today, bloggers?), I went to the grocery store and stocked up on some staple items -- bananas, apples, yogurt, etc.  I also bought a nice piece of salmon & brussel sprouts and made that for dinner.  Leftovers will be my lunch tomorrow.  In addition to feeling better because of the food I'm eating, I'm also finding that I'm not spending a lot of money on lunch. 

The Magic Number is...

Bloggers,

The verdict is in -- I'm pleased to announce that I have lost 8 pounds!  I thought I lost about 5 -- at least that's what my scale at home said.  I guess all of the running is paying off. 

After this morning's dreaded weigh-in, I had breakfast -- a yogurt with a banana.  I was still hungry, so I had some of my lunch -- a big cup of curried lentil soup. 

I was a little sore today (from yesterday's run), so I took it easy at the gym today -- Met my trainer, Liz after our production meeting.  Did a lot of core work and machines.  My legs felt like rocks by the time I was finished.

For my second "lunch" of the day -- I had half of a grilled chicken with roasted peppers, sun dried tomatoes & mozzarella sandwich...and a small bag of almonds.  It seemed like I just couldn't eat enough today.  As soon as I got home from work, I needed to eat something fast -- so I had a banana with crunchy peanut butter.  The banana & peanut butter satisfied my hunger temporarily -- until I could walk Ollie.

After walking my little monster dog, I had a few crackers with hummus and a huge glass of water.

I need to go grocery shopping -- I'm out of things like apples and I'm down to my last banana (which may be officially rotten by tomorrow), but I'm so tired.  Like most of America, I stayed up too late last night watching Super Bowl stuff.  I'll go to the store tomorrow night.  Until then, I have one last yogurt, a few baby carrots and possibly a rotten banana to eat. 

 

Super Blog XLII

The Super Bowl has started...that means just about 14 hours until the dreaded tv weigh-in.

Here's a recap of the weekend --

FRIDAY

I started the day with a yogurt.  During our morning meeting, I ate an egg white omelet with spinach, mushrooms & tomatoes & 1 piece of dry wheat toast...and a cup of coffee.  After my lunch digested, I headed over to Reebok to run.

I did a 4 mile run and then a 1 mile "fat burning run." It's something I learned from fellow producer and uber runner, Jan Schillay.  Note about Jan: Jan recently had her second baby at her desk (Gelman delivered it)...immediately following the birth of her son, she ate a power bar and proceeded to run 13 miles at the gym across the street.  She's in great shape. Anyway, the fat burning run is basically running 30 seconds and then resting 30 seconds...All the while, you increase the incline by 1 level every minute from 0 - 15.  I was only able to get to incline level 10...It's tougher than it sounds, but it's worth trying.

For dinner, I met my friends at the local pub for beers and a burger...oh, a a bite of cheesecake. 

The cheesecake

How many drinks do you think the blond woman has had?    

SATURDAY

The day began with an apricot walnut scone and a large coffee.  Not necessarily the breakfast of champions, but it is the breakfast of choice for Cindy MacDonald.

I was so busy preparing dinner for my mother's birthday celebration, I didn't eat lunch.

An early dinner consisted of pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, carrots & acorn squash.  No booze for me this day, as I had enough the night before.  Of course, what birthday celebration would be complete without cake and ice cream?  I had a little slice of cake and a little scoop of ice cream.  My 4 year old nephew had 4 desserts...Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Reid & my mom...He has his fork ready!        

                                                          

                   Jake and Ollie singing Happy Birthday!

SUNDAY

Lots of chores to do today...Power breakfast consisted of 2 cups of coffee with skim plus and 2 hard boiled egg whites on one slice of toasted 15 grain bread...and a little glass of orange juice.

Bulked up on water as I needed to do a long run today...Ran 8 miles.  Was ok for the first 4, but the last 4 weren't as easy.  Ran non stop for about 83 minutes...Glad that's done!  Next big run is Wednesday. 

Wasn't hungry for lunch, made myself eat 2 crackers with hummus before running (for energy).

After a nice long shower, I made leftover pork tenderloin and acorn squash for dinner.  Took the dog for a mile walk after dinner..He needs to get into shape too!

For dessert, I had a banana with crunchy peanut butter. 

The kitchen is closed for the remainder of the night...Tomorrow's weigh-in is weighing heavy on my mind!

Getting closer to the weekend...

Hello Bloggers -

One day left until the weekend!

I have good news and I have bad news -- Good news: no mice seen or caught today.  Bad news: that means, there are mice still lurking around our office!  Everyone at work is being very careful with their snacks...Even Gelman has his nuts sequestered in a metal box!   

I started the day with a yogurt..I'm being very good about eating breakfast everyday.  It definitely helps me get through the morning. 

After the show, I ate an apple and a small bag of almonds.  I was planning on taking a spinning class at the Reebok gym, but our morning meeting ran long and by the time it was over, spinning class was already well in session.  I was starving after the meeting, so I grabbed a salad and a small Italian Wedding soup from the ABC cafeteria.  I thought I would head over to the gym after lunch digested, but the day escaped me and I decided to give myself a break.  I will be going tomorrow...I'm planning on doing a fat burning run...Something like Elyssa's trainer suggests.  The fat is oozing off of Elyssa (not that she ever had much), so I'm going to give it a try. 

As you probably heard Regis & Kelly announce today, we have our first weigh in on Monday. None of us are looking forward to it, but I have a feeling most of us have lost at least a pound.  My prediction is Schully will have lost the most weight on Monday.   It's still early bloggers, so don't defect!

Around 4 pm, I was still hungry so I walked to GNC and bought a think thin peanut butter bar.  I wanted peanut butter so badly and my jar of peanut butter was emptied out to set the mouse traps for the office. I can't say that I liked the think thin bar.  I prefer the cherry pie lara bars.

I wasn't hungry for dinner tonight...And it's a little after 8pm as I finish this blog.  If I eat anything tonight, I'll just have a few baby carrots. 

Run Forrest, Run!

Hello Blogers --

I'm beat!  I ran 7 miles today and it was a killer!  Does anyone else feel like they need a nap after running?

I started the day with one slice of 15-grain toast with marmalade and a big glass of water.

During our morning meeting, I bulked up on food because I knew I wanted to run around 1pm...I had a yogurt, some turkey, an apple & 4 almonds....And lots of water.  I made myself go to the gym today -- wasn't into it; but I had 7 miles hanging over my head.  I just wanted to get it over with.  Gelman suggested I run with him outside today, but I'm sure with those long legs of his, I would be lagging behind him the entire time.  Maybe I'll try running with him when I'm in better shape.

Around mile 2, Schully showed up and ran next to me for a little bit.  Just around mile 3, my trainer, Liz jumped on the treadmill to my right.  I pretended that the three of us were running the marathon...It was too much pressure, so I pretended that the three of us were running after an ice cream truck!  (See Schully's blog for photo)

I finished the 7 miles, showered and had me a pretend ice cream sundae... salmon & broccoli rabe...and lots of water.  I ate this around 3pm, so I'm counting it as my dinner.

I feel a great sense of satisfaction that I was able to run 7 miles today, but I'm dreading the next long run (Sunday).   Now, I'm going to have dessert -- a banana with peanut butter. 

Big belly, thick skin!

All is well Bloggers!

I would like to dedicate today's blog to Colleen & DJMom325...They have been 2 of the most influential bloggers to date and I appreciate their honesty. I love that they are totally into this fitness challenge.  I am in no way offended by anyone's comments; so please, tell it to me straight up, bloggers.  If you have something to say -- good or bad -- Be not afraid! I read everyone's comments, everyday.

We have mice in the office and he's eating my walnuts!  While we were in our usual morning meeting, Jen Ulrich (the Producer coordinating this fitness challenge) let out a blood curling scream.  Turns out that as she reached for something in one of her desk drawers, a mouse jumped out of the drawer and ran up her arm!  It was definitely a highlight. 

Mouse Mania continued for the rest of the day as we set traps, called everyone in building maintenance for help and inspected our snacks.  Upon snack inspection, I noticed I had a huge hole through two plastic bags where my nuts were.  Needless to say, I threw the bag out...Six bucks down the drain.

After all of the office excitement, we headed over to the Reebok gym for our group class...Wedge Workout.  Basically, it's crunches and body sculpting using a foam wedge.  Was an interesting class.  We also had two visitors -- Regis & Joy Philbin.  While they were working out, Regis saw us in the room, so he decided to pop in and ridicule us in typical Regis fashion.  Both Regis & Joy joined the class.  They're both in great shape. 

Post workout picture (l-r)

Marianne, Me, Joy, Regis, John (instructor),

Lori S., Meaghan (Fitness Mag. Trainer), Delores,

Elyssa & Laurie C.

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast: 1 slice of 15 grain toast with light marmalade & water

Morning Snack: Yogurt & Banana

Lunch: Mesclun salad with chicken & balsamic vinaigrette,  4 saltines, water

Afternoon Snack: Apple & cherry pie Lara Bar

Dinner: Pasta with marinara sauce and small piece of sausage

Monday Monday...

Bloggers,

I've received a few unflattering comments regarding my "diet."  First of all, let me just reiterate.  This challenge is not about "dieting;" it's more about eating healthier overall and getting "fit for life."  When I initially took this challenge, I had 2 goals: to lose 20 pounds and to train for the 2008 NYC Marathon. 

I'm not the type to exist only on salad and "diet" food for the next 13 weeks just to lose weight.  Yes, I would probably lose more weight at a faster rate, but reality would eventually kick in and I would probably find myself right back where I started -- 20 pounds overweight.  Therefore, I have chosen to make better overall eating choices for myself and to exercise on a regular basis.  I want to continue to enjoy life -- if that means a beer and a burger every once in a while, so be it.  Sorry, DJMom325, but splitting a couple of appetizers and a burger with my pal was worth it!  I will continue work hard and meet my goals, but not at the risk of denying myself a treat here and there. 

Ok, so back to business -- I started the day with egg whites & coffee.  I needed to meet with my trainer today at 1pm, but I also wanted to run before my training session.  I bulked up on water and protein (yogurt) and a banana.  Lots of potassium in bananas...good for running.  Ran 4 miles at a faster pace today and it felt good.  Maybe the pasta I had for dinner last night helped.  After my run, I focused on weight training with Liz.  She also made do 3 sets of push ups (15 each set)...Push ups are tough, but I feel like they're definitely helping build muscle in my arms ...and I'm getting better at doing them. 

After my training session, I had lunch - leftover pasta with homemade marinara sauce and lots of water.  The portion was on the smaller size; I was still hungry.  Instead of a second helping, I ate my apple.  Running makes me really hungry...Even after my apple, I needed more food.  DJMom325 isn't going to like this -- I ate a rice cake with peanut butter and a lara bar after my apple!  I was starving, DJMom325!!

For dinner, I had a few pieces of turkey and a yogurt with another banana.  I know, two bananas and two yogurts in one day....Both yogurts were low fat...Don't hate me.

Where did the weekend go?

Hello Bloggers -

It's almost 9pm on Sunday...I can't believe the weekend is over.  Uggh.

On Friday, I met with our nutritionist, Katherine.  She said I was on track with things and to keep doing what I'm doing.  I was also supposed to meet with my trainer, Liz, but she was sick.  Hopefully, she's not sick of me!  She sounded like she had a bad cold.  I was kind of happy that my workout with Liz was postponed...I needed a day off from the gym.  I ate well during the day on Friday because I knew I would be going out for drinks and dinner at night.  I started the day with a yogurt & banana.  For lunch, I had a cup of curried lentil soup.  Dinner is where it gets a little shaky -- I had 2 beers (Smithwicks), and split the following with my pal, Christine: grilled portabello mushroom salad & a cheese burger.  Oh, and we also shared some chicken wings & chicken satay...both dishes were appetizers.  Now that I'm looking at everything I ate, that's a lot of food!  Yikes.  I thought I was being good by not ordering fries with the burger.  Unfortunately, it doesn't end there...After happy hour, we went to see Juno.  We both needed a little treat, so we stopped at a cute coffee bar near the movie theater...I got a small cafe mocha & double chocolate chip cookie.  Needless to say, I had a belly ache while I was trying to fall asleep. 

Saturday was much better -- IT NEEDED TO BE, DON'T YOU AGREE?!  I started the day with a cup of coffee and toast. For lunch, I had a few pieces of turkey, and a few baby carrots.   After lunch, I ran 6.5 miles.  Running was tough...It took me forever. For dinner, I had a piece of spinach pizza, glass of red wine and baby carrots with hummus. 

Sunday was waffle day!  I had 2 blueberry waffles with a tad of syrup and coffee...oh and a small glass of oj.

I stretched a little and took a couple of walks during the day.  For lunch, I had a few pieces of turkey and 4 crackers with hummus.  For dinner, I had a small plate of pasta with homemade sauce.  I also had a glass of wine with dinner. 

All in all, maybe it wasn't the best weekend for eating...But everything I ate was yummy!  Back to the grind tomorrow.  I'm meeting with my trainer and I'm planning on running at least 4 miles tomorrow.  I'll be back on track.  I'll also be answering your comments tomorrow.  Thanks for sharing and thanks for caring.  Nighty night, Bloggers.

I'm Beat!

I'm beat, Bloggers! 

I'm writing this from my cozy bed...I'll be hitting the hay as soon as I hit the "publish" button for this blog.

I started the day with a banana and yogurt.  I thought about getting a scone from my favorite coffee house, but, I remember what my trainer, Liz said to me last week -- "your on a diet and you shouldn't be eating a scone when you're on a diet." It was something like that...She said this to me as she was making me do 45 push ups, so I was a little foggy. 

After the show, I had a little snack -- peanut butter on a rice cake and 5 walnuts...and water. 

After my snack digested, I headed over to the gym...WAS NOT INTO IT AT ALL!.  My legs felt like telephone poles from yesterday's 6 mile run.  I thought maybe a few miles on the treadmill would loosen me up.  I ran 3 miles today and then did some weights. The leg weights killed me. 

I went back to the office to finish up my work and eat lunch.  I had a grilled chicken sandwich with mozzarella, roasted peppers and sun dried tomatoes on toasted 7 grain.  It was an awesome lunch.  Angie & Monique from the audience department were envious.

I went to my parent's house for dinner...To see family friends & my brother.  My mom made baked chicken with lots of herbs & wine, basmatti rice and squash.  I also had a glass of red wine.  I purposely left before dessert...I knew that if I stayed, I would have surely given into the homemade peach pie and chocolate chip cookies.  Instead, I had a piece of gum on the way home.  Sad, huh? 

"Cotton is the Blister's Enemy"

Hello Bloggers,

It's been a long day, so I'll make this brief.  I started the day early - 5:30am.  Got to work and had the usual for breakfast -- 2 hard boiled egg whites & lousy coffee.  After the show, I needed a snack...so I ate a banana with peanut butter.

After my morning snack, I was still hungry, so I ate my lunch -- salmon & 3 Brussels sprouts.  I needed to run today, so I bulked up on my protein. It was really tough to get motivated to go to the gym today; I forced myself to get it over with.  When I arrived at Reebok, I ran into Elyssa Shapiro and her trainer.  I see her everyday, as we sit near each other.  But today, I saw another side of Elyssa...A very private side that rhymes with bagina.  Let's just say her trainer stretched every part of her body! (See Elyssa's blog for pictures).

I wound up running 6 miles...It was really tough.  But, the good news is: I wasn't bothered by the blister on my foot.  I took Meaghan, our fitness director from Self Magazine's advice, "cotton is the blister's enemy."  Meaghan says you need to wear acrylic socks because you sweat in cotton.  Such a simple tip, but it worked big time.  Thank you, Meaghan!

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

2 hard boiled egg whites

Morning Snack

Banana with Peanut Butter

5 walnuts

Lunch

Salmon & 3 Brussels sprouts

Water

Afternoon Snack

Blueberry Yogurt

Golden Delicious Apple

Dinner

Peanut Butter Sandwich on 15 grain bread

Water

WHAT I DID

Ran 6 miles

Doesn't a banana split sound good right now?

Bloggers,

I'm craving a banana split!  I only have the bananas; no ice cream in the house.  Before this challenge, I would have caved in...I would have driven to the supermarket for ice cream, etc. and gone hog wild.  I received a few comments asking whether I'm eating enough food throughout the day.  Some days I feel I want more food...Today is one of them. 

I started my day with another cup of lousy coffee (from the green room) and a cherry pie lara bar. Regarding the lousy coffee -- can my fans please tell Laurie C. to look into why the coffee is so bad lately. Thanks.

After the show, we had our daily morning meeting.  I chose this time to eat my apple.  I'm happy to report that I am eating slower now. 

For lunch, I had a cup of curried lentil soup.  I made the soup on Sunday night.  I used a bag of regular lentils, 2 cups of water, 1 large can of crushed tomatoes, curry, ginger, mustard powder, fresh chopped garlic, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, sea salt and carrots.  I just threw in what I thought would be good...And it was! 

After lunch, we had a group workout over at the Reebok gym.  The class was Speed ball.  Basically, it's an hour of moving while holding a 4 pound medicine ball.  It was grueling...I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow.  But as sore as I will be, I'm positive Schully will be in more pain as she got smacked in the face by the ball!  See her blog for details.

For dinner, I made myself a piece of Salmon and brussel sprouts.  I was still hungry after dinner, so I had 3 crackers with hummus for dessert.  I would have rather had a banana split.

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Cherry Pie Lara Bar

Lousy coffee with skim milk

Morning Snack

Golden Delicious Apple

5 Walnuts

Lunch

Bowl of curry lentil soup

Water

Afternoon Snack

Banana with Peanut Butter

Dinner

Salmon & Brussel Sprouts

Water

Dessert

3 crackers with hummus

WHAT I DID

Speed Ball

BACK ON THE DIET WAGON!

After gorging myself silly this past weekend, I can finally say, I'm back on the diet wagon.  Got to work early and had 2 hard boiled egg whites (no yolks).  I also had a small cup of lousy coffee.  After the show, I bulked up on protein because I was planning on running at least 5 miles before lunch...I ate a banana with a liberal amount of peanut butter and 5 walnuts.

After my morning snack digested, I headed over to the gym...I wasn't in the mood to run, but I knew it had to be done.  Aside from the blister on the inside of my left foot, it was the easiest run so far.

You try running on this big, bad blister!!

I think the extra protein helped me run today.  I'm also stretching a lot before and after my runs...21 miles more to go, and I'm ready for the NYC Marathon!!

   

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

2 Hard boiled Egg Whites

Small coffee

Morning Snack

Banana with Peanut Butter

5 walnuts

Water

Lunch

1/2 tuna fish salad with red onion on 7 grain bread

Perrier

2 cups of curried lentil soup

Dinner

Yogurt

WHAT I DID

Ran 5.25 miles & weights

UGGH!

The weekend has come and gone...Had a great time catching up with college friends...Of course, there was plenty of good food....And drink.  I tried to refrain from all of the fattening stuff, but life is short, right, Wes? 

    

25 years of friendship...that's a lot of beer!

It's too difficult to remember everything that I ate this weekend...Lots of pasta, salad and snacks...Plus dessert.  Keep in mind, I haven't seen my pals in a year! 

I'm back on the diet wagon tomorrow.

Time Flies When You're Not Having Fun...

Elyssa Shapiro may have a shirtless Mario Lopez on her blog...But, I have this little hottie! No six-pack, but I can see at least six little ribs!  Meet my nephew, Reid.  He already has a girlfriend --  Sorry, ladies!

 

The weekend is here!  I ran 4 miles before work....Glad I got the running out of the way early.  Met with my Trainer, Liz at noon for some intense weight training.   She's killing me!  She had me concentrating on my arms, legs and core...She made me do 45 push ups!  I'm sure the push ups weren't model form, but I did them.  After work, went out dinner with my neighbor friends, Joe, Elaine, Lauren & Edwardo...It's tough ordering out.  I ordered a shrimp Caesar salad and broccoli rabe. I also had a glass (or 2) of red wine -- good for the heart. It was delicious.  I did not have dessert -- Instead, I had decaf coffee with milk.  I was so close to ordering a cannoli.

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Black Cherry Yogurt (120 calories)

Morning Snack

Lara bar (cherry)

Lunch

Salmon & Brussel Sprouts

Water

Afternoon Snack

4 water crackers with hummus

Dinner

1 piece of bruschetta

Shrimp Caesar Salad

Broccoli Rabe

2 glasses of red wine (it's medicinal)

Water

Cup of decaf coffee with milk

WHAT I DID

Ran 4 miles

Weight training

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Dear Bloggers,

I took the day off from work today.  I needed to have some work done at home...These are my carpenters, Bob & Mark.  Nice guys and very tidy!

This morning, I tried a new cereal -- Kashi Heart to Heart Honey Toasted Oats with half of a banana.  I bought it from Trader Joe's, but I've seen Kashi in other supermarkets. It was very filling...wasn't even hungry for a morning snack.   

I decided to take a day off from exercising...I did however take my daily walks with Ollie.  So, I guess I got a little exercise in. I'm planning on running tomorrow before work.  I'm also supposed to meet my trainer, Liz tomorrow too. 

Q&A

Tracy - I know it looks like I'm not eating enough on some days...In the beginning, I was hungry and needed more food.  Lately, I feel satisfied.  In the past, I would eat until I was stuffed.  Follow our Nutritionist, Katherine's advice: "eat until you feel satisfied, not full." If you need more food, fill up on the fiber -- apples, Total cereal, oatmeal, carrots.

Christine - Thanks for asking about my bowels...Basically, they're working overtime right now.  Does that answer the question?

Virginia - Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Kashi Heart to Heart Toasted Oats with 1/2 banana

Lunch

Peanut Butter & Jelly on 15 grain

Water

Afternoon Snack

Large coffee with milk

Dinner

Salmon (pepper, sea salt, garlic)

Brussel Sprouts (7)

1 cup of steamed lentils

Sparkling water

WHAT I DID

Absolutely Nothing!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Hello Bloggers,

I'm eating my favorite apple in the world while I blog -- the Golden Delicious. 

I'm tired today...All this blogging is catching up with me!  I received a few comments in support of my blog; that makes me happy.  Keep the comments coming and if you haven't signed up for my team, do it today!  TELL YOUR FRIENDS TOO! You could win a pair of Asics running sneakers and a book from Self Magazine.  Can someone please tell Christine E. Kaufman to sign up for my team.

After our morning meeting, I took a Yoga class at the Reebok Sports Club (across the street).  I'm really getting into yoga...You don't need to sweat profusely to get your body into shape.   

Even my dog, Ollie is into yoga!

Ok, Rosana from Des Moines, you asked for some interaction, so here goes...

Lorri - Yes, the 2 egg whites sustained me until my morning snack.

Katie - Since I'm just getting into running, I can't go very fast right now...I run between 5.4 - 6.0 speed on the treadmill...I prefer to concentrate on distance rather than speed.  Yes, I tried spinning -- don't really love it; I prefer to ride my bike on the road.  I will try another spinning class at some point.

Colleen - I tried your tip about moving side to side when I was waiting for something to print...Good idea.  Sometimes when I'm waiting around, I'll stand on one leg for 20 seconds. 

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Cranberry Scone

Coffee with milk

Lunch

Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich on 15 grain bread

Water

Afternoon Snack

Favorite apple in the world & 7 walnuts

Dinner

1 cup of steamed lentils

1/2 of a banana & a vanilla Yogurt

WHAT I DID

Yoga for an hour

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008

Hello Belly Bloggers,

Another early morning for me...Had to get up at 5:30am again.  Getting up early in the winter rots, don't you agree?  Didn't have time to sit and eat before I left for work, so I stole 2 hard boiled eggs from the Green Room.  There's lots of protein in egg whites...I don't even bother with the yolk...I save the yolks and stick them in Regis' desk drawers! Just a little salt & pepper on the whites and I'm good to go.  Also had a cup of coffee with skim milk.

I'm feeling so much better this week...I think it's the extra protein and the lack of junk food in my system. 

Today I was told that my blog is boring; that it doesn't reflect my personality...the truth hurts -- thanks Christine Composto & Kelly Burkhard...They're our talent bookers -- Basically, they book all of the celebrities you see on LIVE.

I book and produce a lot of the musical performers you see on the show.  Today, KT Tunstall was on.  Not only is she extremely talented, but she's really sweet.   

Here's a picture of KT & ME...For more information on KT, click here!  I'm getting fancy with my blog now, huh?  First a picture and now a link! Watch out, Elyssa Shapiro...My blog is going to take your blog down!!

After the show, we had our usual morning meeting.  We were interrupted with a fire drill meeting. 

Went to the gym after lunch and ran 5 miles. It was hard toward the end because I had a blister on my foot...I guess I should take a picture of that for my blog, huh?  I did my weight training after the run.

A lot of you have been sending questions and comments. I promise to start answering things on tomorrow's blog. I've been reading everything you've sent starting from day 1.  You keep the comments coming and I'll work on making my blog fancy!    

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

2 Hard boiled Eggs (no yolks)

Coffee with low-fat milk

Morning Snack

Rice cake with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter

Lunch

1 cup of Pea soup

Water

Afternoon Snack

Lemon yogurt with 8 walnuts

Dinner

Rigatoni with sausage and marinara sauce

WHAT I DID

Ran 5 miles

Weights & Machines

JANUARY 14 - IS IT MONDAY ALREADY?

Back to the grind, Bloggers!  Did you slack off this weekend?  I won't judge you.

I didn't sleep well last night -- kept waiting for the snowstorm -- glad it was just rain here in the NYC area.  I'm ready for the flowers to bloom!  Got to work early and needed a cup of coffee asap.  I don't love using skim milk in my coffee, but I did it. Guess I'll have to get used to it.  At home, I use Skim Plus.  It doesn't look or taste like skim.  When I got to my desk, I found the sweetest surprise -- No, it wasn't Gelman!  It was a homemade blueberry muffin.  David Mullen, Producer of the Beautiful Baby Contest made all of the fitness challengers homemade muffins...He says he followed a Weight Watchers recipe. For all we know, he could have spiked his muffins with a laxative and called it a Weight Watchers recipe.  Dave's a prankster. Mullen's Muffin was my breakfast and it was yummy!

We had an awesome rock band on the show today -- Canada's own - Finger Eleven.  Their new CD is fantastic.  If you need a song to make you move, listen to Paralyzer.  After the show, I needed a little pick- me-up, so I ate the world's best apple -- Golden Delicious. 

We met with our Nutritionist, Katherine today.  She spent at least an hour with me today going over what I've been eating, quantities, etc.  Overall, she says I'm doing well, but she'd like to see me eating more veggies at dinner.  She also recommends that I scale back the quantity of peanut butter that I eat with bananas.  Katherine brought up an interesting fact: your brain doesn't register how much your stomach has taken in until 20 minutes later.  In other words, eat sloooooooooowww.  Don't fill your stomach until you're full; eat until you feel satisfied. 

Eating healthy isn't cheap!  I'm trying to save a little money by bringing my lunch to work.  Today, I brought homemade pea soup.  I made a big batch of it a few weeks ago and froze it.  Perfect for a cold, rainy day.  We took a group class today -- Pilates.  I can see why Pilates is so popular.  You feel like every muscle in your body is being forced to work out.  I'm sure I'll be sore tomorrow...No pain, no gain.

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Coffee with Skim Milk

David Mullen's homemade blueberry muffin (Weight Watcher's Recipe...so he says.)

MORNING SNACK

Golden Delicious Apple

LUNCH

Pea Soup & 6 pepper crackers

Water

DINNER

Rigatoni with Marinara Sauce & Sausage

1 slice of Italian bread

Water

DESSERT

Vanilla Yogurt with a Banana

WHAT I DID

Pilates Class

WEEKEND #2 - SUNDAY

Are all of my bloggers having a nice weekend?  It's Sunday and that means waffles!!  Made myself waffles and coffee for breakfast. Took a yoga class from 12pm-1:30pm.  Since my big breakfast filled me up, I wasn't too hungry for lunch.  I had half of a peanut butter sandwich and a banana around 2:30pm.  For dinner, I had a small plate of pasta with homemade spaghetti sauce...that's "gravy" to my Italian bloggers!  Of course, I had a large glass of water with each meal. 

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

2 blueberry waffles with a little syrup

small orange juice

2 cups of coffee with milk

Lunch

1 slice of 15 grain bread with peanut butter and peach jam

1 banana

Dinner

small plate of rigatoni pasta with red sauce

WHAT I DID

Yoga class

WEEKEND #1 - SATURDAY

Slept in today...So nice not to have to be anywhere.  Began my day grabbing a cup of coffee and an apricot-walnut scone from my favorite coffee house...The Rolling Pin Cafe in Bergen County, NJ. If you live in Northern NJ, you must go there...They have a nice little lunch too.  Everything is homemade and prices are good. 

Was such a beautiful day, so I decided to do a little yard cleaning up...Raking is good exercise and it feels good to be productive on such a nice day.  Feels like Spring is coming...Wishful thinking, at least.

For lunch, I had a vanilla yogurt with half of a banana.  Also had a big glass of water.  I'm trying to drink more water overall.  I haven't mentioned the water very much in my blog -- because I forgot.  A big trick to feeling full is water, water, water!  Try drinking at least one large glass before every meal.  It really does work.  It's great for your skin too.  After lunch digested, I ran 4 miles.  It seemed easier to run this time around.  I was so hungry after my run, so I had a little afternoon snack - the rest of the banana with crunchy peanut butter.  Protein seems to be helping me overall.  I don't feel good if I don't have enough protein throughout the day. For dinner, I had a cup of steamed lentils and 5 scallops cooked in olive oil, lemon and white wine.  I'm a good cook!  For dessert, I had a few glasses of red wine with friends across the street. 

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

Iced coffee with milk

Apricot-Walnut scone

Lunch

Vanilla yogurt with 1/2 banana

Afternoon snack

1/2 banana with crunchy peanut butter

Dinner

Steamed lentils & 5 scallops

Dessert

3 glasses of red wine

WHAT I DID

Ran 4 miles

Day 5 TGIF!!

Thank God it's Friday, Bloggers!

It's been a long week...We started the week being weighed on national TV....The stress of that alone gave me a cold!  Today, we showed everyone at home the kind of exercises that we'll be focusing on during this fitness challenge.   That Kelly Ripa is in great shape, huh?  Not only is she smart, funny and beautiful, but she's ripped...Check out her arms!  I'm going to start calling her Kelly Ripped-a.   And did you see Howie Mandel?   Behind the tight shorts, 80's headband and black socks, there's a muscle man! 

I started my day with a cup of fruit (cantaloupe & melon) from the green room -- Don't tell anyone, because we're not supposed to eat that food.  It's for the guests...Now that I'm thinking about it, I was a guest on Friday's show, so I guess the fruit was mine!  I also had a cup of coffee with a splash of milk.  After the show, I went upstairs to my desk and had a snack - 1 rice cake with peanut butter. I'm concerned that the staff knows where I keep my snacks...I'll have to keep changing where I keep them as to keep everyone away from my snacks! I met with my trainer, Liz Ross.  She's great.  I think this is going to be a good fit.  She showed me various weight exercises and how to strengthen my core.  Your core is key to everything it seems.  Try this -- lay on your back.  As you're laying there, suck in your belly button so it feels like a magnet is drawing your belly button to the floor.  Breathe as you do it.  The sides of your belly should feel tight and you shouldn't feel any pain in your lower back.  It's an amazing thing.  You should try to focus on your core all day long whether you're sitting down, laying down, standing up, walking -- As you go through the day, try to suck in your belly button.  It will strengthen your muscles and help get rid of the fat in your belly.  After my training session, I had lunch - tuna on toasted 7 grain bread and a pint of orange juice.  I ate an apple right before I left work.  I took the dog for a nice long walk at night and went out with my friends, Joe & Elaine for a couple of beers.  Didn't think beer was enough for dinner, so I had a cheese burger with sweet potato fries.  I know -- I fell of the dieting wagon.  It's Friday night!

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

1 cup of fresh fruit (cantaloupe & melon)

coffee with a splash of milk

MORNING SNACK

Rice cake with teaspoon of crunchy peanut butter

LUNCH

Tuna on toasted 7-grain

Pint of orange juice

DINNER

Cheeseburger with raw onion (bottom part of the bun)

Cup of sweet potato fries

2 Beers

Lots of water

WHAT I DID

Weight training & Core exercises

Day 4

I have good news, Bloggers -- I already lost 10 pounds!!  Just kidding.  Wouldn't it be great if losing weight was that easy?  Today was a better eating day for me.  I made myself eat a yogurt (Dannon vanilla - 150 calories) at the table before I got in the car to go to work.  It's really hard to force yourself to sit down when you feel the pressure to leave...I couldn't be late today and the entire time I was eating my yogurt, I kept thinking, I have to leave.  Normally, I wouldn't have had any breakfast or, if I was really hungry and needed breakfast, I would have stood over the kitchen sink and scarfed it down.  I'm trying to take time to "taste" what I'm eating instead of just shoving the food down my throat.  I had a cup of coffee with a splash of milk in it.  The coffee was from the green room and it wasn't really worth the calories today. Normally, I like our green room coffee.  Hopefully, it wasn't yesterday's coffee that I drank.  After the show, I went upstairs to my desk and found a big box of cupcakes...They looked really good. It was part of a press kit...I had to step away from the cupcakes so I wouldn't be tempted.  Before this fitness challenge, I would have definitely had one of those cute cupcakes. Instead of a cupcake, I had my morning snack -- 1 rice cake (no salt) with a teaspoon (or two) of crunchy peanut butter.  It was delicious.  My snack kicked the cupcake's ass!!!  After our morning staff meeting, I grabbed lunch at the cafeteria -- turkey, brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes.  I felt guilty for not getting a salad.  But after yesterday's headache from not eating enough at lunch, I went with something more substantial.  Lunch definitely filled me up. Oh, forgot to mention -- I spoke to my trainer today.  We're meeting tomorrow at 1pm.  Her name is Liz Ross and I hear she's great!  I'm looking forward to her kicking me into shape.  She's a major runner, so that will be great for me since I want to get into marathon shape.  After lunch digested, I went to the gym.  I didn't want to do too much since I'm working out with the trainer tomorrow and I'm fighting a little cold. I rode the bike for 30 minutes...for a total of 11 miles.  I think I burned about 200 calories from riding the bike.  Wasn't bad.  Went back to work and Gelman's kids were there.  Basically, I played with them for the remainder of the day and left. Playing with them was more fun than what I should have been doing...I should have returned phone calls, but tomorrow's another day.  Since lunch was so filling, I didn't feel the need to eat my afternoon snack until much later today -- I ate my apple in the car on the way home.  Got home to find my dog (Ollie) had puked on the living room rug.  Did anyone else come home to puke today??  Wasn't too bad though.  I really wasn't hungry for dinner tonight (could have been the puke), but I made myself eat something anyway.  Not sure if I should do that.  But I figure I might as well fill my belly before 7pm and I didn't want to be ravenous by 10pm.  I made myself a turkey & swiss cheese sandwich.  I know, you're all probably wondering why the cheese, right?  I really like cheese, that's why.  I can't quit eating the food I like cold turkey!  I'm concentrating on portion control and healthier choices overall.  Arnold makes smaller sized pieces of 15 grain bread now. For flavor, I slapped a little pickle relish & mustard on my sandwich.  In addition to the sandwich, I had the most delicious side of steamed lentils from Trader Joe's.  Trader Joe's is a small grocery store with great produce, frozen food, healthy snacks and such.  The steamed lentils are in a bag that you microwave for 2 minutes and they are delicious!  Perfect as a side veggie for lunch or dinner.  Full of fiber and iron and no preparation at all. If you are fortunate enough to live near a Trader Joe's, go right now!

I understand a few of you do not like oatmeal and are asking about other breakfast options.  How about Cheerios?  Multi-grain Cheerios are yummy with a banana.  Total cereal is another good cereal...Very filling.  One bowl of that in the morning will help get you to lunch.  I also like yogurt with a banana.  Greek yogurt (0% or 2 %) is good too...perhaps with fresh berries.  I don't like the packaged oatmeal...I only like the cooked stuff on the stove.  As much as I like it, I too can't eat it everyday. And, there's no way I would make the oatmeal myself during the week.  My mom eats multi-grained toast with peanut butter almost every morning.  There are lots of things to eat in the morning.  If there's one thing you take away from my blog, it's to EAT BREAKFAST EVERY DAY.  It's such a simple thing to do and it really works. 

WHAT I ATE

Breakfast

1 Dannon Vanilla yogurt (150) calories)

Morning Snack

1 rice cake (no salt) with 2 teaspoons of crunchy peanut butter

Lunch

Turkey

1 cup Brussel Sprouts

1/2 cup sweet potatoes

Seltzer Water

Afternoon Snack

Golden Delicious Apple

Dinner

Turkey & Swiss Cheese Sandwich with mustard & pickle relish

1 cup of steamed lentils

1 large glass of water

WHAT I DID

30 minutes on the bike (11 miles)

DAY 3 - Cindy Mac's Belly Blog

Hellooooooooooo Bloggers,

Sorry I'm slow on this blogging stuff...Losing weight is a full time job!  I've been busy shopping for healthy food.  I've read everyone's comments and I am so touched by all of you.  When I initially took on this challenge, I thought it was all about me...It's really about you and me!  Together, we'll get through this...We'll all get to a point where eating healthy, making good choices and exercising regularly will be second nature.  I'm glad I've inspired so many of you....Young, old, male, female, it's great!  I think I've even inspired a teenager!!  My friend, Christine's daughter is getting into it...She's running on the treadmill and going to the gym now. This teen I'm talking about is Elizabeth Kaufman...She's going to be a very famous fashion designer some day...Remember her name -- Elizabeth Kaufman. I'll get all of my bloggers a discount...You're my peeps now.  Now that I have peeps, I think you need names.  If anyone has an idea for what you should be called, do as my belly said and blog me with your ideas!  Josh Groban has the "Grobanites;" Clay Aiken has the "Claymates," Regis has the "Rejects."   I promise to  consider every suggestion very seriously.  Speaking of being serious -- A few days ago, I mentioned on the taped piece that "I got older, lazier and fat."  The word, "Fat" is used all too often by so many of us.  I realize that I'm not really "fat."  I don't want people to come away with negative body images after seeing our challenge.  When I called myself "fat," I meant fat for me.  I'm uncomfortable with how I feel at the weight I am currently at.  I'm not trying to lose weight to be skinny; I just want to feel healthy with less aches and pains.  I want to be able to zip my pants up without hurting my stomach. So please, as you do this weight loss challenge with me, realize that this is about feeling good and being healthy.  We're not striving to be the skinniest people in the neighborhood.  Being too skinny does not mean you're healthy.

Let's get down to business now.  Day 2 was a little challenging.  I woke up at 5:30am and ran 3 miles on my treadmill.  I have a great treadmill that I bought 5 years ago and it's in my basement.  I spent a lot of money on it and in doing so, I can't justify paying for a gym membership. That's why I love this challenge so much -- In addition to having our nutritionist & all of the Self Magazine people to help us, we have free access to the gym across the street from our studio.  As you may have heard, my goal is to get in shape to run the 2008 NYC Marathon.  It's been a lifelong dream of mine.  I'm not a big runner, but over the years, I've run here and there.  I don't really love running, but I love the feeling when I'm done running.  After my 3 mile basement run, I drank 2 large glasses of water...I was so parched and I wanted to feel full.  I need to make myself eat breakfast.  Like a lot of you, I have to get up early.  I would rather spend my time sleeping as long as possible than getting up to eat. Around 8:30am, I bought a small container of oatmeal with fresh strawberries and sat at my desk to eat it.  I have a big problem setting aside time just to eat my meals. I'm always eating as I'm walking from one place to another, or over the kitchen sink when I'm home. I need to be more aware of this.  I get to a point where I'm starving and I need to eat right away, so I'll grab a yogurt from the vending machine here at work.  Instead of taking the yogurt to my desk and eating it like a civilized person, I open it right away and eat it like an animal as I walk back to where I need to be.  I don't know when that habit started, but it is one of the worst things to do.  I'm trying to pay attention to when and where I'm eating.  After the show, around 11am, I ate my golden delicious apple....The Golden Delicious is the best apple in the world!  If you have a craving for something sweet, try it. You could add peanut butter to it or roll it in granola. I ate lunch around 1pm -- I went to the ABC cafeteria.  It's cheaper there than anywhere else around the studio and they have really good soups.  I bought a large container of curried lentil soup and a bottle of seltzer.  I also had with 2 packages of crackers.  Each package has 2 crackers. I love crackers!  Normally, I would have bought 8 packages of crackers for a total of 16 crackers....In a civilized society, people don't eat 16 crackers at once.  I'm working on portion control. I thought the soup, crackers and seltzer would fill me up -- which it did, but 2 hours later, I was starving and got a headache.  I probably should have bought a small salad or sandwich with the soup. I ate some walnuts as an afternoon snack.  Here's a little tip about nuts -- eat as many as fit on the palm of your hand as one layer...I got that from Katherine, our Nutritionist.  In the past, I would have eaten as many as would have filled me up...No good.       

I left work and was starving.  I live about 45 minutes away from NYC.  There's a great frozen yogurt store on my way home...I couldn't help myself & couldn't wait until I got home, so I bought a medium frozen yogurt on a wafer cone.  Wasn't the best thing to do, I know, but that was my dinner.  I wasn't sure I should tell you all that, but it's out there now and I promise, I will never lie to you.  We're BBF's (Blogger Best Friends)

WHAT I ATE:

Breakfast

Small oatmeal with fresh strawberries

Cup of coffee with milk

Morning Snack

The best apple in the world -- Golden Delicious

Lunch

Curried Lentil Soup

4 saltines

Seltzer

Afternoon Snack

Walnuts

Dinner

Medium Frozen Yogurt on a waffle cone

WHAT I DID:

Ran 3 miles

Days 1 & 2

Okay, America, we’re over the hardest part of this challenge – getting weighed on national television!  As I write my blog entry, I sit with a 2 pound container of oatmeal and fresh strawberries.  We met with our nutritionist, Katherine Brooking yesterday and she told me she wants me to eat breakfast everyday.  I was never much of a breakfast person, but I guess I’m going to force myself to eat something healthy in the morning so I’m not ravenous by noon.  Another suggestion from Katherine is to bring snacks from home to munch on throughout the day.  I have a small pack of almonds and an apple sitting on my desk.  We have a group workout at the gym today, so I figure the oatmeal will keep me nourished through the afternoon and then I’ll have my apple after the workout.  If I’m really hungry after the workout, I may grab a small salad. I’ll try to save the almonds for 4pm.  Gelman just called a meeting, so I must go.  Bye for now...

Okay, back again:

Hello Bloggers!  Sorry it's taken so long to Blog, but I was having "technical difficulties."  I'm not great with the computer stuff and I needed our website producer, Kelli Cardiff's help.  Bloggers, let me just say without Kelli Cardiff, none of this blogging business would be possible -- Big shout out to Kelli Cardiff!! 

So, last we spoke, Bloggers, I was on my way into a staff meeting...lots has happened since then.  We took a kick boxing class and it was hard!  I'm not very coordinated, so the moves are tough to follow.  If you're looking to burn a lot of calories, you should try a kick boxing class.  The instructor said we probably burned about 500 calories.   Basically, the class involves lots of  punching & kicking moves, sprinkled with fast foot movement ...I think that's how Sugar Ray Leonard started. Anyway, the moves are fast and furious and we didn't need to wear anything special or wear boxing gloves.  Thank God we didn't have to wear those hideous outfits that Gelman picked out for us. After class, I ate my apple.  I ate my almonds around 4pm.  My snacks lasted until dinner.  Dinner was 1/4 pound of fresh turkey & 2 crackers with hummus.  Not the best combo, but I'll get this eating thing figured out. 

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WHAT I ATE:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh strawberries

Lunch: Apple (Golden Delicious)

Snack: Package of Almonds

Dinner: 2 crackers with hummus & 1/4 pound of fresh roasted turkey

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WHAT I DID:

45 minute kickboxing class