Archive for November 2008

Thanksgiving Calorie Breakdown

So, I’m thinking lets pig out and get back to normal Friday but after checking out a friends blog today I might reconsider. Will I go into shock?

Here’s a caloric look at what a typical person will consume tomorrow:

8 oz white and dark meat turkey…….. 480
1 C mashed potatoes……………………. 300
1 C stuffing………………………………….. 400
3 to 4 ladles of gravy…………………….. 300
3/4 C candied sweet potatoes………… 300
1/2 C green bean casserole…………… 225
1/2 C cranberry sauce…………………… 200
1/2 C gelatin with fruit……………………. 120
1 roll with butter…………………………….. 180
1 piece pumpkin pie………………………..180
1/2 C whipped cream………………………100

TOTAL CALORIES………………………. 2785

Yikes! And that’s just dinner. Throw in a couple of mixed drinks with some cheese and crackers beforehand, a glass of wine with the meal, coffee with cream and sugar afterward…and you’re pushing 3500, easily.

To eat or not to eat? That is the question!

Thanksgiving Diet

Current Stats: Weight 214, Waist 32.7, Moral OK

So in one word, this week was hectic. I had a strategy of eating “lite” prior to the big day but it doesn’t seem to be working. All containers, boxes and labels read lite, diet or low carb and I’m throwing down over 2000 calories.

When tough decisions came up in my life, my coach use to say “DO the MATH”. And in typical Mikey fashion I would say “huh”. In this case we can do the math, 3600 calories equals 1 pound of unadulterated fat. Over the span of a month that’s 4 pounds. Okay, I don’t want to over analyze or complicate things. It boils down to how strong is our motivation. I need everyone out there to help me and let me know there is a hope after Thanksgiving.

My only advice is get wasted and eat like a pig but don’t let it carryover, spill into December and make it a two month binge. Have fun! Call it a carb-reload or cheat day but don’t forget your motivation. While everyone is waiting till January to make a “resolution” and scraping the rest of the year, you and I decided to make a our motivation stronger.

My buddy Rusty from the FitnessBlackBook.com says it best:

“If you want to get lean badly enough, you will. I know this is a simple statement, but it is completely true. If you are not as lean as you would like to be, it is NOT due to lack of knowledge. If you don’t have six pack abs or are not lean, but want to be…my answer to you is that you just don’t “want to” reach that goal as much as someone who has. You will reach almost every goal you set in life if your motivation is strong enough.”

For now keep working out and maintain your habits the best you can and remember to be good to yourself cause no one else will!

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW AND SHARE

My Tofu Recipe: Tofu Stir Fry

Okay, I know I’ve been slacking on the blog tip and I’ve joined 90% of bloggers who don’t even blog. It’s been hectic at work and I am in need of major damage control. Good news is my waistline is down to a 32. Bad news is the past 5 days I’ve been eating like crap and working weird hours (hmm…2 steps forward 3 steps back).

I thought I’d put up a meal that I ate last week to lighten things up. Tofu is light and a good source of protein but many people complain that its bland and nasty. Well guess what…you are either cooking it wrong or not eating it right. Tofu itself is bland; it does however absorb the flavors of other ingredients that it comes in contact, making it extremely versatile.

TOFU STIR FRY

2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
8 oz. firm tofu
1 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp of stir fry sauce
1 c. (1 med.) red bell pepper, diced
1 c. mushrooms, sliced
2 c. Chinese cabbage or cole slaw

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cut tofu into cubes, stir in tofu, and cook until golden brown (golden brown to a semi hard shell)
2. Stir in garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper, and heat through. Stir in carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms and cabbage mix/ cole slaw mix, cooking for 2-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Add stir fry sauce and bring to a simmer. Garnish with scallions and eat with brown rice or alone.

One key to remember is these stir fry sauces have a lot of fat and sodium so limit it to a couple of table spoons and dilute with water and a touch of vinegar. You can also add any vegetable you want or extra spices. I’ve done curry, Thai spice and even tried Italian dressing (not so good).

Let me know what you guys think and if you want to submit some recipes let me know.

Dont forget to rate and comment below and as usual be good to yourself!

Why I love fitness and sports!

Fitness and sports is something that has always been in my heart and mind. It gives me goals to work towards and makes me feel happy and confident. I often feel compelled to be the best me I can be and staying healthy and strong certainly support this. I may fail in certain areas but feel success in fitness when I reach certain goals. What kind of man can I be if I can show some discipline in saying NO to sweets or YES to an occasional workout. Its not easy but if it was everyone would have it. 

Here is a quote that I came across that helps express my drive towards fitness:

In other words you have the strength inside you and you can do it!

AND YES I’VE BEEN MIA BUT I WILL NOT LOSE….