whats for lunch

atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: Thick Thighs

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Despite not running, my thighs feel like jelly after using the desk peddler. It’s less impact on my knees and ankles (which are feeling better but not 100%) but my muscles are working. But my steps were down today so I’ll have to make up for that tomorrow.

For lunch I made my classic steamed veggies and steak and for dinner, I tried out Trader Joe’s new lemon Torchietti. I made it with just some garlic, olive oil, herbs, and a bit of parmesan on top. I didn’t really like it with this combination but I have plenty left and some ideas for other combinations. To replace breakfast, I’ve been having a handful of almonds so I’m not starving around lunch time along with a thermos of coffee I nurse throughout the morning.

Next week, it’s back to running and I start my ab workout app again. I probably will never have a six pack but I would like to firm up for a smoother look overall.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: It was not the day.

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My period is making my joints hurt more than normal (I bet the cold is a factor, too). The desk peddler was all I could handle since not only am I achy, I’m too tired for coffee to be effective. But, I have a ton of ARCs I really need to finish so, I did that while using the peddler.

For lunch, I took the time to pack my Bentgo salad container (not sponsored or an affiliate). It’s a nifty way to take a salad with me and keep the ingredients and dressing separated. I over did the onion but other than that, it was very filling. It’s a pain in the ass to clean but I love using it.

I made dinner at work with the Itaki (still no money made from this link). This time was steak tips; which I honestly like more than the chicken.

Even though I didn’t get in a run, I was more active during the day. I usually only hit an average of 2,000 steps a day and now, I average 3,000 or more. Even if it’s just to get up and look out a different window in the office, I do it so I’m not sitting so long. I have a movement reminder on my smartwatch and it’s going off less these days. I hope to keep this up and finally get out of the 200 club in a few weeks.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: Don’t Hurt Sam!!!

Yeah, part of the reason why I like running with this app so much is I am so invested in the story and strangely protective of Sam. I bet a lot of users love Sam and he should be protected at all costs. But to be on topic, this run was a little hard. I had more soreness than normal; which is to be expected given it’s that time of the month. Everything hurts more. I just power through it.

For lunch I didn’t have a chance to prep but I had some soup available. Dinner was a salad with tuna and I will admit, I think I ate too much. I was struggling to finish it. I had plenty of steps during the day, too. I had to get my taxes done so I was home earlier to do my run, eat dinner, and had plenty of time to wind down. Too bad I can’t leave early every day. 

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: A break?

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I missed last night’s workout because my kid needed me. We had a long talk which took up  my running time but it’s completely fine. It’s hard enough being a teenager, much less a trans teenager and I’m glad my kid can come to me if they need to. I “made up” for it today with the desk pedler.

These were the prepped meals for the last couple days, except for the popcorn. And that big bowl lasted three sittings. The Saxenda won’t let me eat so much. I used some of the seasoning packets from the ramen to season the popcorn.

Since the weekend is approaching, I’ll be switching to body weight workouts then starting cardio again on Monday. Part of me is looking forward to it and part of me is already over it. Either way, I still plan to keep up with being as active as possible.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: The Usual Spiel

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I spoke to my doctor about my high triglycerides and while she’s not too concerned, we’re gonna keep an eye on it. The very nice (slightly nervous) young man training with her gave me the usual advice of more cardio and take fish oil. I guess it’s a good thing I decided to get back into running. I also noticed my blood pressure creeping up, too. I need to take it easy on the salt.

Today I had steak and bok choy for lunch and a salad for dinner. I’m not usually a breakfast person. I usually just have some coffee since I’m just not that hungry first thing in the morning. I was tempted into having a couple Oreos because there was a little party for a friend of mine who’s leaving for another job but I sincerely doubt two cookies are going to destroy my entire day.

I’m still in the first week of c25k and I took my measurements to track my progress in a way that’s not the scale. We’ll see how things go. I have to be a little careful since I have a new piercing to take care of but it’s ok as long as I don’t let it get all sweaty.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workouts: Back to it!

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In addition to a quick 20 minute session on the desk peddler, I dusted off my running shoes and started C25K once again. I am super excited to get running again and it felt great. I was able to keep form and a decent pace for someone who hasn’t done it in awhile. I plan to do this at least three times a week like the C25K schedule goes and do the desk bike and weights on the other days.

These were my meals for the day. I just did not feel like having a salad at the end of the day and opted instead for pasta with tuna in lemon and olive oil. I have an overabundance of red onion right now so it was a little strong but, it was a light enough meal that I didn’t feel gross running shortly after.

For the record, I don’t have a problem with hydration. I drink plenty of water throughout the day. Soon, I will take the time to record my measurements and see if I can measure progress that way instead of the number on the scale.

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Today’s Workout: Still not quite there…

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I didn’t workout yesterday to do some chores instead (still counts as burning calories, right?) but today is the desk peddler. I am able to easily do 40 minutes or more so I think it’s time I get back to running. I totally missed my goal of getting under 200 by the end of the month (I’m still around 203-204) and I am very impatient with myself.

wp-1677538013301Last night I made another sandwich and I have decided I do NOT like the turkey. Maybe it’s the brand but I find it slimy to eat and I will be sticking with roast beef.

This was my lunch today. My child decided to use up ALL the onion I was saving for my lunch so I used scallions to replace it. It was about the same so it’ll do if the kid decides to make another salad using a 3-pack of romaine at a time. Kid thinks I’m rich! A bag of romaine is $4 if I can get it cheap. Considering we eat salads multiple times a week, that’s a LOT of money.

Over the weekend, I tried tomahawk steak for the first time. Like a typical nearly middle-aged woman who likes to cook, I spend too much time online watching food/cooking videos and the first time I saw this cut, I was obsessed. I had to try it. I used a reverse sear with butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, and as much garlic as I wanted. The onions went in last and I served it over rice with all the juices. Absolutely amazing and of course, I am comfortably eating the leftovers. I did save the bone to make some broth later.

I think that catches me up with everything. Now, I need to look into growing massive amounts of lettuce because I birthed a voracious vegetable monster.

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Today’s Workout: Replacements and New Meals

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My goal for the desk peddler now is to keep above 40 minutes if there’s time for me to do so. My stamina seems pretty good so the plan is to start adding the treadmill at the end of the day.

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Yesterday, I tried to replicate the grilled chicken salad I love to get from this little store by my job. It’s really good but over the years it’s gone from $5.99 to $7.99 to now over $10 and the portion got smaller. So, I got some precooked chicken breast from Butcher Box and put together the salad at home and it was perfect. Exactly like the one from the store. Again, I would love to support small businesses but I just can’t afford to splurge like that on a salad.

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While I had more leftovers for lunch, I made this sandwich for dinner. It’s roast beef, red onion, romaine lettuce, a slice of tomato, and avocado on some take and bake garlic bread. Holy shit, this was AMAZING, and about 350 calories! I need to practice building a sandwich that doesn’t fall over and find a way to put this together in a way that I can pack for lunch and it won’t end up soggy. I didn’t have any chips as a side since the garlic butter on the bread was pretty salty (and you know me, I have a salt problem) but this was super filling and a way for me to incorporate avocado without getting put off by the texture and the fact it just tastes like grass to me. Next time, I may add some lemon or red wine vinegar and see how that tastes.

Once I get my new bread maker set up and make some bagels, I’ll make the sandwich with that, too. This is absolutely going to be a repeat in my meal rotation.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: Baking through the cold snap

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I wanted to get in my cardio before I got home (even though I’ll likely get in some squats and such later) and managed to get in 40 minutes! My thighs are burning even though it’s the peddler. I go faster since there’s less resistance.

I tried something a little different with lunch today and instead of my usual seasonings, I used half of the seasoning packet from the tonkatsu ramen and, it wasn’t as good. I do want to try other flavors but it’s looking like plain noodles with cumin, red pepper, and paprika are the way to go.

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Over the weekend, we had a frigid day where I figured if I’m gonna get slammed with a terrible heating bill, I might as well get a good meal out of it. I brined the chicken and slow cooked it with potatoes, onions, and garlic cloves. Basically, this is gonna be my dinners until it runs out. Not that I mind. You can tell that if I like something, it’ll repeat in my meal rotation.

To save some money, I’m gonna try and grow some of my own veggies this year. I have some containers and plenty of seeds. I figure I’ll try lettuce, tomatoes, and various other salad elements since me and the kid are salad people. I’m also saving up for a bread maker. I’m just gonna have to find the time to make more things myself. With prices these days, convenience is too expensive.

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atthequillsmercy

Today’s Workout: Food Included

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I know it’s short but I felt it. Lots of squats and leg lifts with this home workout app. Again, keeping it short for now keeps me in control and keeps me from hurting myself or making myself sick. I did get in more steps over the course of the day and I’m goin to keep trying to increase those numbers.

As for my food, I had chicken and rice for lunch and a salad for dinner. Putting cheese on the salad probably made it less healthy than it could have been but it’s tasty so deal with it. As for lunch, yes those are giant chunks of garlic. I did not feel like doing a lot of chopping. I just sliced them in half and tossed them in with the chicken with some olive oil and a pat of butter. I think it turned out great because I am totally okay with a bite of food with a hunk of garlic in it. The only “bad” food was the rice; Uncle Ben’s instant. Those have a ton of salt and I already used salt and pepper on the chicken. It tasted good but ruined my sodium goal for the day. Eh, they can’t all be winners.

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