Diet coke does not cancel calories

Contrary to popular belief, a diet coke or pepsi doesn't cancel out any calories. Granted there is some theory behind the exothermic qualities of diet coke, but it's not enough to burn all the calories consumed in one day. So what's a girl to do? Why exercise, of course.

I am posting early as a way to keep myself accountable since today is my evening workout day.

Yesterday's meal, on a scale of "right-on" vs. "whatchutalkingbout willis", I would have to say it was in the middle with Mrs. Garret screaming Tootie!. Because I know better. I did slack and tried to curb my sweet craving with bread pudding at lunch and a skinny chai latte during my 7pm class. I honestly think it has been these Starbucks drinks, skinny or not, that have added these extra pounds. So yesterday was the final day for anything delicious. Just kidding. I can't say that my eating plan is back on track since I had a whole wheat blueberry pancake for breakfast this morning - not over the calorie count and I know I have to watch the rest of the day. Thank goodness for packing my lunch.

So the saga continues...the woes and joys of eating and working out. But I know Chalene has something in store for me this evening and I am actually looking forward to slipping in the Turbo Jam Cardio Party DVD this evening.

Thanks for letting me stay accountable to me and for the mindless ramble!

Where the hell did those extra pounds come from?

Ok…it’s confession time yet again. No, I did not buy another pair of shoes. I simply picked up the pair I committed to buying and paid for prior to the shopping hiatus.

I have, however, gained 3.5 lbs in the last few days. I can only attribute this weight gain to the evils that is Starbucks. Damn those venti green tea lattes and pumpkin loaf! Or it could be possibly due to the staple of pasta I’ve had as leftovers this past week (mmmm, sautéed shrimp and asparagus in pesto over bow tie). Ok, I better stop before my apple/cinnamon oatmeal never sees the pit of my stomach.

Since I returned to school, my evening workouts have suffered tremendously. The kickboxing classes I looked forward to in the evening fall on the days of my current course schedule and I find other things to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

So on top of the self-imposed shopping ban, I am now instituting 5 am workouts on Mondays/Wednesdays and evening workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All I have to say is that 5:00am came super early this morning but I am thankful to The Fella for sending me two text messages urging me to get my arse out of bed. And I am also grateful to the TurboJam DVDs I ordered two years ago – Chalene Johnson is a complete nut and her personality keeps your coming back to those DVDs for more punishment.

And in an effort to save some money, I am freezing my gym membership for the next 3 months (reminder to log on to www.24hourfitness.com). I know some of ya’ll are saying with the DVDs (note profile, complete exercise DVD junkie) why have a gym membership? I can add even more lighter fluid to the fire. I also have a treadmill, free weights, and a weight bench. The gym membership is a way to get my butt out of the house and not go to the mall. But it is all coming to an end for the next 3 months.

I will also add to your sheer boredom in an effort to keep myself accountable, I will return to keeping my online food diary as well as workout diary, probably through the blog since I am terrible about logging in to www.calorie-count.com.

Today is kick-off day:

5:00am workout: TurboJam – Lower Body Jam

8:00am breakfast: apple/cinnamon oatmeal (130 cal)

Photo courtesy of Associated Content

Hello, I too am a Shopaholic

‘Tis true, times are ominous. Everyday is becoming scarier by the minute. Watching the stock market plunger deeper into the nether regions as my pension accounts shrinks is a nightmare.

Even with this looming over our heads, I still cannot bring myself to stop shopping. I have a confession to make…My name is TexNYQueen and I am a fashion-a-holic. Over the past 6 months to a year, I have become obsessed with the latest trends and how can I incorporate them into my closet. I have bought countless pairs of shoes, the unique handbag, or obscure piece of jewelry to add to my horde. Last night, while yacking with The Fella, I had an epiphany…I spend too much money on BS.

Obviously, I am not the only feeling the pain. Sal at Already Pretty and Budget Chic are saying the same thing. It is time to slow or even stop our spending. Sal has developed a good plan, one I think I can TRY to incorporate into my lifestyle. I love to thrift shop too so at least I’m not quitting cold turkey. The one other thing I will add to her list is no more ebay buying.

Do you have the shopping disease too? Are you planning to curb your spending as the economy continues to tank?

Image courtesy of cartoonsbyray.com