CSA Weeks 10 & 11

Week 10: summer squash, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, snap beans, cantaloupe. 

Another week with no fruit share (le sigh), everyone got a cantaloupe or watermelon? Unsure, as our newsletter said we would be getting a watermelon and I got a cantaloupe. I don’t mind cantaloupe, but I much rather get a watermelon. The summer squash and eggplant was cut up and froze to make a soup later.

Never ate eggplant, don’t really want to try it in its own recipe. I am already having difficulties to sticking to healthy eating the past few weeks; I don’t want to make things harder. The cherry tomatoes were sinfully delicious, as I ate most of them right from the pint. I am starting to feel like perhaps a CSA is not for me. I’d rather not pay for so much squash and zucchini, as it is not my favorite. I am not quite sure I am seeing the value for the price and another week with no fruit share is not making me happy, especially since they seem to have enough to sell at their Farmer’s Market stand, but not to give to us who prepaid? Perhaps I am being over dramatic as it has been an emotionally draining week.

Week 11: summer squash (more!? Ugh), tomatoes (finally!!), a pepper, basil, a cucumber, a walla walla onion, corn, green/yellow beans, broccoli Fruit Share: Melons

Letter to the editor

Hello,

I saw your request for individuals who are participating in a CSA crop share. This is my first year participating in a CSA share. I signed up with Olden Produce back in March, after a couple of Twitter friends had mentioned how much they enjoyed it. I read their excited tweets all last summer and saw the pictures and blog posts about how wonderful it was and I was hooked. I signed up for the ½ farm share, fruit share and late season produce share. This cost me around $600, with the early bird pricing. Not including the late season produce share, I am spending roughly $27 a week on whatever they decide to give me.

The season started out wonderfully, the strawberries were like crack and having fresh produce pesticide-free was exciting; however, it has become quite daunting. Some weeks it feels like a chore, zucchini and summer squash again?? There has been 2-3 weeks, where I have received nothing in my fruit share, yet their Saturday morning Farmer’s Market booth in Oshkosh is full of melons and berries, yet I get nothing? They send out weekly newsletters, the past few weeks touting that I should buy a bushel of tomatoes for canning, yet, I received only 2 tomatoes one week and none the last (except for a small pint of cherry tomatoes)…instead I got MORE zucchini, MORE summer squash and an eggplant.

It is only my husband and I in the house and we both work full-time. I have been working hard on eating better/healthier, but constantly having the same items to cook (in which we were never a big fan of in the beginning) is difficult. I love the concept, I love buying local, I am willing to spend the extra dime (or $10 bill) on these things, but I hate wasting. Some weeks we are so busy with work, volunteering and other activities, that I don’t have time to cook, or if we are out of town, the produce just sits. Having a CSA forces to you to plan ahead and lots of freezing of items. I don’t anticipate getting a CSA again next year. Instead, I will shop at the Farmer’s market and get what I like, when I want it and how much of it.

Sloth

I went for that run on Wednesday night and it felt soo amazing. I really pounded it out and had a good pace and felt good with it. Thursday I was back to no motivation and didn’t even take the dogs for a walk like I had put on my exercise plan. Friday was a rest day and despite making good decisions at dinner, my snacking was out of control that night. Saturday was my day for redemption. I went out for my Saturday 5k and even though I did the 3.1 miles, it wasn’t pretty and there was a lot of walking. The rest of the day was lazy. Saturday night we went to the drive-in movies and had fried food, candy and popcorn with real butter. Got home and to bed at 1:30am. Didn’t get out of bed until 10:30am and did NOTHING the rest of the day except for more poor eating choices.

It’s Monday morning and I feel tired, slothish and disgusting. It’s time to make some better choices in my life. Back to the exercise plan and the healthy eating. I feel SO much better about life and myself when I stick to it. So why do I deviate so much?

Back at it

Well, I didn't quite get back into the groove of things until last Saturday. Saturday morning, I got up and kicked things into gear with a hard 5k. I did the C25K program twice, in order to actually do 3.1 miles. I am SO slow. But at least I am out there.

 

Sunday, I got up and got out there again, bright and early in the morning. I only did C25K once, as I knew the rest of the afternoon would be active with the volunteer work I had planned. 

I love that I am less than a mile from the lake and can "run" around the lake. It is so peaceful and I love ducks!!

To help stay on track, I have printed off a calendar for the rest of the month and have an exercise plan--one that is very doable too! I have stuck with it for 4 days so far and if I get off my ass today, it will be 5 days!

CSA Catch-Up

Sorry for the lack of posts, but life gets in the way. Here is my CSA catch-up.

Week 7: green bell peppers, banana peppers, beets (given to a friend), patty pan squash, cucumbers and a 10 lb box of Michigan blueberries.

This week was a cluster eff. On Wednesday, I was down in Milwaukee with my husband as he had a VA appointment, then we went to Trader Joe’s (sooo nice) and Califoniana Pizza Kitchen (sooo yum!), so I picked up on Thursday… well, I didn’t because they didn’t have my stuff. So I went to pick up on Saturday and yeah, got it, and she made up for it by giving me a full share of stuff, instead of a half share. Yeesh, soo much stuff.

Week 8: more green bell peppers, sweet corn, beets, basil, cucumbers, yellow doll watermelon, small watermelon and a cantaloupe.

It’s a good thing that I put green peppers in everything. The beets were given away again and the basil ended up in the garbage, as I didn’t store it correctly. The sweet corn is still delicious and the yellow doll watermelon was super yummy! It was just different enough from regular red watermelon to make it quite special.

Week 9: snap beans, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, tomatoes, sweet corn, MORE green peppers, squash, basil and not pictured, 10lbs more of blueberries.

Slacking

The last few weeks have quite busy with volunteer work, appointments and my brother-in-law visiting. The first week, I was doing well with still fitting in steps. Last week, my husband started on renovating the basement, so my treadmill was out of order. Plus with my BIL in the house, I just didn’t want to go out for a run and come back as a sweaty mess. I counted my calories and weighed in on Saturday with a 2.2 loss for a total of 38lbs since my highest weight last October.

Sunday morning it was SO nice out, so I did some outside chores. Picked up dog poo, mowed the lawn and pulled LOTS of weeds. My gluts are still sore and it is now Wednesday. Ridiculousness. The rest of this week has been less than spectacular with food choices, alcohol and lack of steps/movement. It is cool out at the moment, when I get home tonight, I hope it is still cool, so I will go for a run and maybe pull more weeds to get more glut exercise in to make up for horrible Sunday, Monday & Tuesday choices.

Breaking habits

Saturday morning I pushed myself. I have always wanted to run in a real 5K, so I decided that I need to start practicing for it. Despite sleeping in and being a lazy morning, mid-morning I hopped on the treadmill and walked fast/jogged 3.1 miles. Some people can run a 10K in 53 minutes, but I am proud of myself anyways!

 

I also weighed myself on Saturday morning and I have lost 2 lbs. Total since my highest weight, I am down 33lbs. Knowing these numbers gives me the motivation to keep at it!

Sunday is my Achilles heal, but so far so good! I did a little snacking around noon, but I stopped myself, downed water and told myself to be aware of what I was doing. I still have 500 calories for today and I am STUFFED from dinner! I am OK not eating all my calories today since I over ate yesterday (working out for that long makes you feel starving!!)

This is a nice feeling after 2 horrible weekends of snacking.

CSA Week 6

Week 6: bell peppers, banana peppers, cucumbers, sweet corn, zucchini and Georgia peaches

Ugh, more zucchini?? I am running out of ideas to use up the zucchini. The banana peppers are SO good smelling and we had one of them on a home-made pizza, yum! The peaches are not as juicy and flavorful like I hoped. wah.

Graphically Impaired

I won't lie. I made my first banner using paint. I may be creative, but I sure as hell am not crafty or artistic.

Thank you very much to the lovely Stephies for making me a couple of awesome blog banners. Visit her hilarious blog and see her many talents at Frumpy Panties.

Week 5 CSA

CSA Week 5: cabbage, zucchini, patty pan, cucumber, sweet corn.. No fruit share. #sadpanda

Happy Hour Victory

After this weekends disasterous drinking escapades, I made it a point to scale back at last night’s happy hour with a few co-workers. I knew only drinking club soda wouldn’t cut it, so I made it a point to be very conscious of what I was drinking.

I had 2 club sodas, 1 7&club, 2 more club sodas, another 7&club and finished off the night with water and a couple of more club sodas… yes, happy hour lasted 4 hours. Whoops.

Also, we shared a plate of hummus & pita bread. I only had a 1/3 of it, so only ~300 calories worth. I felt full and happy and focused on the conversations. I even hopped on the treadmill when I got home to get my 10,000 steps!

Bike Problems

The ‘Pink Lady’, the ‘Pink Machine’… the’Pink Douchebag’.

My damn bike has been a huge of a pain in the ass. I originally got this bike to be a form of transportation as well as a way to get moving more. I have avoided using it mostly because of the 100-plus degree heat index, but also because it is a huge thorn in my side.

When I got the bike from Amazon, the front wheel spokes were messed up. I had to wait for a replacement. Of course, I missed out on glorious low-70 degree weather of Memorial Day weekend. Final assembly of the bike took me well over 5 hours. I should have paid a professional to put it together—jokes on me.

My first spin on the bike went without issues (voting, grocery store, meandering). When I went to go on my next trip, I found my front tire flat. I dragged the bike to the gas station and filled it up. Went for a short spin, all was well. However, later I found the tire completely flat. Once again, I dragged that thing back to the gas station and this time the tire wouldn’t hold air. I had to load the bike up in the car and take it to a bike shop to get the tube replaced.

I’ve took a couple of spins since, with no issues; however, last night I took a spin to my board meeting. The right pedal was acting a-fool, but was getting the job done. In the middle of our meal, the server knocked my bike over (as we were sitting on the patio) and well, effed-up my pedal. It came off. I am hoping the Nirve company will replace my bike’s pedal, as this seems ridiculous. But, who knows. I sure had fun walking my bike home the 2 miles. At least I got my 10,000 steps in and it was a cooler evening.

Catch Up

I am still around. Life gets in the way.

I am very much involved in my local Jaycees and we had our biggest event this past Saturday. On the 4th, we walked in a parade to get the word out about the event despite the 107 heat index. I was completely soaked through my bra, cami and shirt by the end of the walk. But I looked cute before hand with my House of Harlow sunglasses!

 
Hi Benny! (peaking in the background) 

That Thursday & Friday was more getting ready for the event. I even managed to get in my 10,000 steps those days too.

Saturday was the event... a BEER drinking event. Of course, this is Wisconsin. It was a long day of working the Farmers Market in the morning and then working the actual event and finally cleaning up that day. It was my first 15,000 step day!

I feel like I made good food choices with what was offered and what I could do with my limited amount of personal time. I weighed in on Sunday morning and I was down.




Well, Sunday... yeesh. I traveled down to Milwaukee to Summerfest. Summerfest is a music festival with tons of eating and drinking. It is quite a theme here in Wisconsin. #wisconsingirlproblems

I did both and WAY too much of eating and drinking. I am disappointed with myself. My concert.. HANSON,was not until 9:30pm. It totally rocked, but I didn't get home until 1:30am and I worked at 6am this morning for a couple of hours... of course today I have made some more horrible decisions. I blame it on lack of sleep.

To make things worse, I only got 9,000 steps on Sunday. :( I broke my streak. I am 7 of 8 days though, which isn't so bad.

But I am back on the wagon and don't expect too many future road blocks.

CSA Week Box 4

Box 4: garlic scape, zucchini, cucumbers, beets, snap peas, patty pan squash, 10lbs & 1 pint of Michigan blueberries

Flooding

Of course when I get a Fitbit and quit Weight Watchers they introduce the Active Link. Oh well, I love MyFitnessPal and their rocking database. 


 Day 2 of my 10,000 step/10 flights challenge in the bag despite flooding. 


We had some crazy storms with wind, downpour and hail. Went in the basement and the window well was leaking, water was all over the floor. I cleaned up the mess, plugged the hole with an ear plug, and hopped on the treadmill despite the fear of electrocution. 


#wisconsingirlproblems

New Challenge

Sunday, yeesh.Another lazy day.

I had less than 1,000 steps around 6pm. Super pathetic. I decided that since it was July 1, I NEEDED to get my ass moving and start the month right. Luckily, I had been too busy napping to munch the day away, so my calorie intake was horrible.

First up, attacking dinner. I knew I needed to use some of my CSA goods.

Box 3: MORE zucchinni, Kohlrabi, head lettuce, MORE garlic scapes and kale.

I was excited about the kale since I heard such wonderful things; however, I am not a cook and this is not a cooking blog. Let’s just say, Nate was disgusted by my zucchini, kale, garlic scape, ricotta, noodle bake. I was less than impressed as well. Especially since I was stuck with 6 300+ calorie servings.






I didn’t let my failed dinner stop me from being active. I hopped on the treadmill, put on the Kardashians and proceeded to speed walk for an hour to get 8,000 steps. Then I did the stairs. I ended the day with over 10,000 steps and my 10 flights of stairs. YAY ME.

Weather Problems

Note to self: Don’t take advantage of nice days.


I miss you breezy low 80 days. I miss you breezy cool evenings. I hate you sunny, humid 90 degree days.

This is Wisconsin folks. I am built for blizzards.

Clumsy Problems

I made a fool of myself at work. I fell. It was ridiculous.

I was sitting in my cube on my foot, as usual and as usual, it fell asleep. I read some pretty crazy news and quickly jumped up to run off and tell a co-worker. Well, I only made it one step. I fell, into a wall. To top things off, I made a weird noise, too.

My boss, rushed out of her office to my aid, as well as numerous other people. They all hovered over me as my life flashed before my eyes. I heard a crack. I could not feel my food. I was sweating. I was delusional. It was bad.

I managed to come to my senses and regained feeling in my foot. I survived, but my ego is still bruised. My foot too. I had to write a ridiculous email to the HR person too.

I had plans to start C25K again, but that isn't going to happen for awhile.

Lazy Sunday

Sundays have always been lazy.

Saturday, I was up early and the day was gorgeous, so I tackled my Jurassic Park jungle of a yard. First, I picked up dog poo, then I mowed the lawn, then my husband and I chopped bushes and pulled weeds while burning brush from the spring. I had over 5,000 steps before noon and I was a sweaty mess!

Sunday, well… It was already 3pm when I checked the Fitbit to see I was under 3,000 steps. I hadn’t been completely lazy, as I had spent an hour chopping up veggies from my CSA share and planning meals, but I was not active. It was a shame too, since it was another cool, gorgeous summer day. Instead of getting off my arse and getting active, I just continued to nap all afternoon.

I had redemption around 5pm when a friend texted about dinner to our favorite local joint. This was my chance to prove to myself that my bad habits can change. I agreed to meet for dinner and let her know that I would need an extra 15 minutes to meet her there. I took the pink lady out for her first spin with her new black basket. Nate (my husband), would drive to the restaurant and I rode my bike!

It was actually a pretty easy trek. Only 2.5 miles to the restaurant; however, the roads aren’t a direct route and I had to cross train tracks and the river.

We sat on the patio for dinner and I drank probably 5 glasses of water, whilst I recouped. I really pushed to get there in a quick time. I only sweated for 5 minutes or so at the table until the sun disappeared behind the building and the lake breeze picked up.

I had a Thai salad for dinner and afterwards, I made a conscious decision to ride my bike home, instead of having the hubby take me. To “treat” myself, I slipped a $10 into my favorite Wisconsin bar slot machine, “Doggy Diamonds” (as I call it) and gave it a whirl. I had my $10 up to $20 in less than 5 minutes, but I wanted more entertainment, so I continued to play for 20 minutes, dwindling it down to nothing. I told the dogs that I would be back and left.

My leisurely bike ride home was perfect. It was just before dusk and the wind had really picked up and it kept me cool. The roads were almost empty on that Sunday evening and when I got home, I felt far more satisfied with my day.

Outside the Box

CSA.. It is forcing me to step outside the box.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. At the beginning of the year, I blindly forked over cash to a local farm. Starting last week, I started to receive a half share of in season produce and a full share of fruit.

Week 1 included: snap peas, mixed greens, rhubarb and leeks. Fruit: Strawberries
Week 2 included: MORE snap peas, zucchini, swiss chard, popping corn, garlic scape. Fruit: TONS of strawberries

I am SO sick of snap peas. God I hope I don't get anymore. The leeks were a disaster in my chicken stew, hard as a rock! Apparently, I was supposed to soak them? The swiss chard tasted like dirt. A friend told me  in the future when soaking to add a splash a vinegar.

I have never even heard of garlic scape before! That tasted wonderful in stir fry. I made a garlic scape & swiss chard pesto (sans pine nuts) and froze it for later. I am not used to all this cooking and I am scared it is going to get bad before I eat it!

Lastly, the strawberries have been like crack. SOO yummy. They gave me SO many that I had to share the last bunch as I had already froze a ton and didn't want them to go bad before getting to enjoy them. The three friends I shared with raved and raved about how wonderful they were. I now have 3 favors to call in sometime.

My favorite thing to do with the strawberries is to cut the tops and add a dollop (or two) of whip cream. ~125 calorie dessert.

Evil Snacking

Snacking at night will be the death of me.

I’ve got my bad habit pretty much under control at work. I avoid the desks with candy dishes on them. I also make sure to bring plenty of healthy alternatives (fruit, veggies & almonds) and I avoid the vending area. I never bring the goodies health snacks not portioned, as I could easily mindlessly eat a box of Wheat Thins at my desk.

However, at home.. yeesh. Even when I choose healthy items, I am not portioning them out, as I should. In mere moments, a tub of Sabra garlic hummus can be half-eaten along with a bag of pretzels. When I do portion, I have a bad habit of getting seconds. I know this must stop.

I have stopped drinking alcohol for the most part, as it drives my urge to snack, but I am not sure what my next step should be when it comes to self-control. I have even tried having a small snack, chugging water and “waiting.” Instead of the urge subsiding, I tend to focus on it and end up wanting it even more!

Dear self-control,

Stop being absent in my life and a complete douchebag.

Sincerely,

Wisconsin Girl

At it again.

I tried this blog thing once before, but it didn’t work out. I think because I didn’t have a viewpoint and felt obligated to post daily about nothing. This blog won’t be a rundown of what I eat on a daily basis; rather it will be how I combat Wisconsin girl problems and other sorts of achievements (or disasters) as I venture through this weight loss journey.

Recently, I switched from Weight Watchers to counting calories with My Fitness Pal. I’ve never gone to a WW meeting before and was purely using the system via online resources. I was successful with the system, so why did I change? Well, I heard of this little gadget, Fitbit.

The Fitbit is an expensive pedometer and accountability partner, which I desperately need. It makes me feel guilty when I am lazy. I am still unsure how this system will work, as it has only been 2 weeks of trying things out and not necessarily sticking within my calorie limits. So we shall see!