Keeping up with Kate

Learning about my Metabolism

Posted on April 12, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

Since last May, I’ve been seeing a nutritionist. I’ve been seeing results – it is just slow and steady – did I mention it was slow? I don’t miss out on things and I’m not on a diet – which is really important to me as I have a buys work and social life (so I’ve been told). We’ve kept it pretty simple – protein, veggies and carbs – no fruit though – he is treating me as pre-diabetic. I’ve cut out beer too (there have been a few exceptions but not many) – my cocktail of choice is Stoli Orange and Club Soda (and I cut out all adult beverages during Lent). Just wanted to prove I’m not missing out on things in LIFE!

Meanwhile on this journey, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in late November 2012 (I’ll write a post on that another time) (I’m feeling much better too – I just wonder if this is playing a role in the slow and steady part of the journey).

I had some struggles with weight loss around the holidays (more like weight gain) and crazy sugar cravings I didn’t really have over the fall. We decided it was time to do a metabolism test. We scheduled it for 8:00 am – no food after midnight and only water in the AM. The test is a 10 minute breathing test into a machine through a tube with your nose clipped. I was given a gold star for how consistent my breathing was in the machine – 10 minutes is much longer than you realize when your nose is clipped.

For my height, age and weight – my predicted resting expenditure is 1,643 calories – mine came in at 2,189 calories – so my metabolism is operating at a higher rate than the baseline! There was some other data called a RER which was at .82 (which would mean the last few days prior to the test I went into maintenance mode on my eating) (it should be more like .77 – it is that specific – since I did lose weight from the prior mth).

So my metabolism is doing great things – thanks to my work at BodyProject Fitness! Yeah!! I lost 5 lbs from the prio month – Yeah! And I’m down 16 lbs since last May (slow and steady wins the race – I’m changing my lifestyle – my new mantra!!) Great news – still perplexing why my body seems to want to hold onto the weight though (and the day before the metabolism test I had a BodyMetrix ultrasound test and my BF went up 5% – even more perplexing – makes me wonder if the Lyme Disease is impacting it – I’ll discuss my personal hypothesis on another post). And what I’m doing eating / working out shouldn’t be contributing to muscle loss. Things that make you go HMMMM!

All that being said – we have adjusted my morning breakfast to eliminate the carbs as my nutritionist believes I am insulin sensitive. I’ve been doing this for about 2 weeks now – my go to breakfast is a 2 egg omelet (and lately throwing in some egg whites too) with veggies and cheese. I haven’t been perfect though – on vacation I did indulge in a Thomas’ English Muffin with my 2 egg omelets. 🙂

So as you are reading this you may think I’m a super patient person. I am anything but patient. This journey has been a pure test of my patience – but I know I’m making long-term sustainable changes and learning lots about myself as I go. I think that is what keeps me going – and I’ve already invested so much time and energy in it. I’d be lying if I didn’t want to see a nice one month drop of 10 lbs to help my confidence and ego! 🙂

Green Smoothie #2

Posted on March 20, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

Here is the smoothie I made yesterday. It was a pretty green (and frothy) – more of a St. Patrick’s green than the one I made on Sunday (I’ll post a picture later). It was a bit peppery (and I like pepper – but not in my morning drink) (not even sure what made it peppery). I also meant to put in some flaxseed and I forgot. If I made this one again, I would probably add lemons or limes and maybe a little stevia and pink himalayan salt

Ingredients:

1 – 1 /2 cups of lemon water
Handful of spinach
1 – 2 celery stalks
Fresh Ginger
Parsley

Put in that order into vitamix and blend.

Green Smoothie Recipe – #1

Posted on March 18, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

I’m starting to experiment with Green Smoothies. I’m really curious to see how they have a positive impact on my energy level (and selfishly if there are any weight loss benefits). I think many of you know I’ve been seeing a nutritionist for almost a year. One of the things I have to focus on is getting more veggies in each meal. Sometimes I don’t do that great of a job doing getting my veggies. I want to see if this makes a difference. I’m don’t plan on using these as a meal replacement – more of a quick hit on getting my ‘greens’.

Yesterday, I was visiting my Aunt and Uncle. The plan was for the 3 of us to go out for dinner. We tried a steak place that didn’t seem to have their act together and we left before ever being seated. And the next place we went to – we were seated relatively quickly, wait staff was great, I got my salad and then the wait started – and then we waited. Somehow our order got lost – who knows. The manager came over and apologized and told us the meal was on her – which was great – and then we waited some more. Of course when the food finally came out – everything was cold except the plates and my sweet potato fries (which of course I had a few). Needless to say we left (we did give our waitress a tip as this wasn’t her fault). And we can go back for 3 free entrees. The reason I told you this story is I left there and got home around 8 pm and I still need to eat dinner (and honestly I didn’t feel like cooking anything). Perfect opportunity to make a Green Smoothie!

I grabbed this recipe off of Facebook from Amanda Hayes::Nutrition and Wellness Page (post dated March 14th). I altered slightly for my preference though. Her recipe calls for a banana and I skipped that since I haven’t been eating fruit. Her recipe was for Peanut Butter and I opted for Almond Butter instead.

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (Trader Joe’s)
Few handfuls of torn up spinach
3-4 ice cubes
2 tablespoons raw cocoa powder (Navitas)
2 tablespoons flaxseed
1 tablespoon Almond Butter (Trader Joe’s)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablet of Blackleaf Stevia (I would use 2 next time – would’ve preferred a little sweeter)
pinch of sea salt (I used Himalayan)
pinch of cinnamon (I used more than a pinch)

I enjoyed it although it was an interesting color of green – a Happy St. Patrick’s Day Smoothie!

Where I’ve been lately…

Posted on March 18, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

My posts seem to be few and far between lately. Things have been quite busy at work lately (and I don’t see that changing) – I see that as a good thing!

Since November, I’ve been planning for our Annual Sales Kick-off Meeting in Chicago. It was a the Palmer House Hilton – one beautiful, historic hotel. Same place as last year – and they did not disappoint. I highly recommend this hotel if you have an opportunity to stay there in Chicago. Now back to my post…

I flew into Chicago on Monday, March 11th. I was up late getting all the presentations to flow, etc. The meeting started at Noon on the 12th. There was lots to do in morning prior to the meeting. Everything was going great. I can tell you the whole time, I was wondering to myself (and may even have said it out loud too) – I’m not nervous – What is wrong – I’m usually so nervous before it starts and then once we start I’m good. Hmmm – what is going on?

Our theme was – WE ARE THE DIFFERENCE! The meeting started with a quick welcome and then off to our keynote speaker, Steve Gilliland (check him out on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiaQm54ZURM) – he spoke to us about “Making a Difference.” It was great and I can’t wait to read his book. The one thing he mentioned was ‘Prepare Hard and Finish Easy’ – then the light bulb went off in my head – this is exactly what I had done (along with my team)! Long story short – great meeting – great city!

Here are some pictures from the hotel – did I mention earlier? – Beautiful!!

50 Burpees – OH My

Posted on February 20, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

I’m so happy – I completed 50 Burpees tonight at BodyProject Fitness and Lifestyle (http://www.bodyprojectfitness.com). I haven’t been a huge fan of Burpees – ever – but I do have say I like this new burpee (for me less risk of hurting myself as I can be a klutz sometime). Here is the link – try it out: http://goo.gl/fZB0D (shhh – don’t tell anyone – starting to like them a little)

It was such a great workout tonight. 20 minutes and pushing myself (everyone did) with heavier weights – 12, 15 and 20 lbs for me tonight. I completed 4 rounds – and started my 5th round so I did get the 50 burpees in (did I mention that?)!

Burpee 10 reps
Bicep Curls – 5 reps – 15 lbs
1/2 turkish getup – 5 each – 12 lbs (I did try one round with 15)
OH Press w/ one foot – 5 each – 12 lbs
Plie w/calf raise – 5 – 20 lb kettlebell
Tricep Single Arm Crusher – 5 each arm – 12 lbs (this is the one where you are lying down on your mat)
Fast Run in Place – 10 each leg
Single arm Back Row – 5 reps each – 20 lb kettlebell
Running Lunge -5 each leg

This will be one I’ll take with me when I travel – one you can do in the hotel gym in a short period of time and get a nice good sweat going. Enjoy!!

PS: If you are in Central NJ – check out http://www.bodyprojectfitness.com (changed my life)

2013 Happenings…

Posted on February 18, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

I know I’ve been just terrible with my updates over the last few months. Thought I’d share some 2013 happenings…

A quiet Happy New Year
Got to be a NYC tourist to see the Christmas Tree – going after New Year’s definitely is a bonus – no crowds (and had a great dinner at Virgil’s – best BBQ in NYC – it is good stuff).

Rockefeller Center Tree – 2012 – 2013

Met up with friends post Christmas Tree visit to a really cool pub – Cassidy’s Pub (loved the accents – bonus) – extra bonus – walked outside and hailed a cab in mere seconds! (seriously – fastest I’ve ever gotten a cab).
Traveled to NYC for a quick work trip and had a chance to catch up with some work friends – a nice meal and a quick drink at The Perfect Pint.
PSU vs. VT Hockey game in Philly with good friends – bonus – PSU WON!!

We WIN!

Completed 100 push-ups during our Million Dollar Baby inspired workout at BP (such a sense of accomplishment)
Girls Night Out Wine Party – great friends, time, food and of course wine. New favorites: Layer Cake Malbec ($16.99) and Chateau Bonnet Bordeaux ($14.99)

Layer Cake and Chateau Bonnet – yummy

Drove down to OCNJ – first time down since Superstorm Sandy. OCNJ didn’t get hit anywhere near as hard as other areas of the Jersey Shore – still damage -stood on a dune at 52nd street – it was a small pile of sand – in awe of mother nature.
Held our 6th Annual Bowl Over Cancer Event to Benefit THON – Raised $2.5K FTK
Hanging with my niece and nephew – such a fun time.
THON raising $12.3M for the Four Diamonds Fund – to date over $100M raised since 1977. For more information on THON go to http://www.thon.org

Inspire Tomorrow’s Miracles

Have a fabulous week!

Never a Prouder Moment…

Posted on February 17, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

Never a prouder moment to be a Penn Stater than on THON weekend. This year THON (the largest student run philanthropy in the world) raised $12,374,034.46 for the Four Diamonds Fund in a hope to find a cure for pediatric cancer!! Since 1977, THON has donated over $100M to the Four Diamonds Fund (with this year’s fundraising). To learn more about THON or to donate to THON14 go to http://www.thon.org!

Inspire Tomorrow’s Miracles

THON has grown throughout the years. When I was at Penn State it was held in the White Building (the same place where I took my aerobics gym class), then it moved to Rec Hall (where the Volleyball teams plan now) and then moved to it’s current location – The Bryce Jordan Center. There were times this weekend where the wait to get into the BJC was over 3 hours long and this morning due to capacity issues they stopped allowing people to enter – pretty amazing!

I followed posts throughout the weekend, watched the live stream online and then spent the last two hours watching THON today – I caught Family Hour – which is where the families who benefit from the Four Diamonds Fund share their stories – about their kids who are in remission and the ones who are now angels. So very moving – not a dry eye in the BJC nor at my house!

For the Kids! (FTK)

An oldie but a goodie

Posted on January 20, 2013 by keepingupwithkate91

Sorry I’ve been gone for awhile…the end of 2012 was a bit crazy both from a work and personal standpoint. So to get me back in the groove – thought I’d pull out and oldie but a goodie smoothie recipe – the Cinnamon Roll Smoothie!

This has got to be my favorite smoothie – it really tastes like a cinnamon roll. My favorite cinnamon rolls or what we call them – sticky buns are from Harner’s Bakery at The West Shore Farmer’s Market in Lemoyne, PA (I go for the mini stickies with nuts – can you say YUM!!)

So here is the recipe for a healthier version (and trust me I get the real thing every once in a while):

Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

1 cup almond milk (unsweetened and organic) (I use Trader Joe’s)
1 cup coconut water (I like Zico – make sure it is the natural – no sugar added)
1 scoop of protein mix (I use Prograde Vanilla) (http://ryanlee.getprograde.com/protein-powder.html
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch sea salt (I use Himalayan Sea Salt)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1-2 pitted dates
1 tablespoon pecans (I usually add a bit more too)
Stevia to taste (I used 1/2 a packet)
2 ice cubes (optional)

Put ingredients into VitaMix or a Blender and mix until smooth. Pour into a nice tall glass and enjoy!

What do you think?

PS: My breakfast drink of choice this weekend!

PSU vs. WI – 2012

Posted on December 1, 2012 by keepingupwithkate91

Last week was the final game of the PSU Football 2012 season. I won’t go into the details as to why – you know.

It was a cold and windy day (with snow flurries making an appearance too). Did I say cold and windy? – boy it sure was! It was so windy, my canopy was a no go (and I left if there as the wind bent the frame and put holes in the tarp) and I couldn’t get my heater to work. Thank goodness for the group from Altoona and Allentown – we hung out with them to stay out of the wind (and got my heater to work).

It was a great day for a final football game in November – Big 10 Football. We got into the game early as it was Senior Day (a favorite game of mine). This year it was special since this year’s Seniors truly showed what it mean to be Leaders and what Success with Honor really means. Here is a great tribute to them prior to the game and a tribute to the entire team – 2012 will always be remembered in the Stadium not for an undefeated season or a championship but because they stayed and due to their leadership and commitment have showed all of us what ONE TEAM really means!

The game was exciting (and did I mention cold?). Although at halftime I had the best HOT CHOCOLATE EVER!! After lots of back and forth and a great show of force of the defense the game was TIED and we went into OT. PSU had the first possession and put 3 points on the board. WI had a chance to tie with a field goal and it went wide left. The jubilation that erupted in the stadium was amazing (I can’t find the right words to describe)!

The singing of the Alma Mater with the team, students and fans was the best ever! And BOB closed it out with a WE ARE… and he was met with a resounding PENN STATE!

I’ve been a Penn State fan for as long as I can remember. I remember watching the 1986 championship game against Miami – the interception at the end of the game was amazing. Penn State wasn’t the best team when I was in college, but my Senior year in 1990 – I remember watching the team beat undefeated (& #1) ND (at Southbend) on a 13 inch tv with my roommate – and the celebration downtown was awesome! I still have The Daily Collegian from the following Monday. Another favorite was the 2005 game against OSU – my favorite game in the stadium (until now) – it was the time for us to prove we were BACK and the stadium was rockin’. I’m so glad my brother and I were there to watch it together. Another memory is the 2008 PSU vs. MSU game – a great football day – cold, snowy, Senior Day and in the end a Big 10 Championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl (and another great trip with my brother). As I remember all of those great games and personal memories – I have to say that last Saturday is now my favorite PSU game – not only for the WIN (what a way to end a season), but because the Penn State family pulled together – the Players, Coaches, Staff, Cheerleaders and Blue Band needed the Alums and Fans as much as we needed them. We fed off of each others energy! And in the end – adults had a chance to learn from some young men – 31 Seniors to be exact about Leadership, Commitment and Success with Honor! For the Glory!!

WE ARE…

PS: Here is a link the the Football Letter published by the Penn State Alumni Association and written by John Black: http://www.imakenews.com/footballletter/e_article002572182.cfm?x=blN4tl6,b2VBTTNL

What happened to September?

Posted on September 30, 2012 by keepingupwithkate91

Have you missed me? I can’t believe how fast time flies. I know it has something to do with getting older. Where did September go?

Here is what I’ve been up to this past month via my weekends:

I started off the month heading to Central PA and PSU’s season opener against Ohio with my Mom. We had a great time – it was an emotional day too. We didn’t walk away with a win – but I’m so glad I was there.
The second weekend of the month was my birthday weekend – where I just chilled out at home, relaxed, had some reflexology and went out with friends.
Back to Happy Valley for the PSU vs. Navy game with my college friends. The group keeps getting smaller each year, but we always pick up like it is was just yesterday we were in college. I’m sure there will be a time when we are all able to get the larger group together. It was a great time, great win, great way to show our American pride – a great weekend overall!
Back to Happy Valley for the PSU vs. Temple game with my college roommates from my Junior year. We had so much fun. We hit a lot of our favorite spots, enjoyed the game (and stayed dry during the little bit of rain), got our picture taken at the LION and as a reward got some Creamery Ice Cream.
Milestone Alert – Monday afternoon I went back to the Nutritionist – happy to say I’m down 11 pounds since May! Wahoo!! He is pleased with my progress. And I haven’t missed out on enjoying the festivities of the weekends in September. PS: Although I am a bit impatient – I have to remember ‘Slow and Steady Wins the Race’! 🙂
And this last weekend of September – I chilled out at home most of the time – watched the game with friends and joined some other friends for dinner Saturday night.

Hope you had a great September – sorry to see Summer go – but if it has to go I’m sure glad Fall follows!

Ready for a fun and busy October!