May 2, 2008
Beets, broth, big pants and bikes...
Two months ago, I’m scanning a list serv and a notice catches my eye that a world-renowned chef is launching a new cooking show and looking for real people with culinary challenges. What the heck, I thought to myself – I’ve got challenges to go around. I send the producers an email about how I teach indoor cycling to Marines in the morning, work all day, write a blog for Trek and train at night and by the time I get home, I’m running on empty and looking for something fast and healthy. Oh, I also mentioned the part about losing weight. I get an email back and they invite me to a casting call to see how I’d do/look in front of cameras. Shoot, I went to film school – video cameras don’t bother me.
Fast forward and in the same week, I interview and am offered my awesome job at the Association, put in my notice at the old job, plan a trip to Holland, get certified to teach group exercise classes and learn that I’m going to be on TV. My head was spinning! (It still is!!)
Last week was my shoot for the show – a two-day event that took me 2+ weeks to get ready for. The first day was to capture footage to create a bio piece about me, my life and my culinary challenge. They wanted to tape me with the Marines, riding with Russ and Wayne, working out, at work and at our house for an interview and shots of me cooking. That’s how I ended up steam-cleaning the carpet on my birthday. My inner Martha (Stewart) took over and there I was starching pillowcases at 2 a.m. the night before the camera crew arrived.
The next day was my shoot with the chef. I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you who it is now. Let’s just say it involved beets, some broth and lots of talk about fueling up for bike rides. I even brought in my old big pants to show the chef why eating healthy is so important to me. I had a blast!!
I’ll let you know when the show will air – sometime in late June/early July. It was A LOT of work; but, maybe my message about how cycling helped me to change my life will inspire other women (and men) to get out there and ride too. I hope so.
P.S. The photo is me getting my make-up done before the shoot. My thanks to the chef, producers and crew for a great experience!!!
April 16, 2008
Dutch treat...
All weather, all ages, all sizes – people go by bike in Holland. Bikes trump pedestrians and cars on the streets. It’s great if you’re the one on two wheels; dodgier if you’re on two legs bee-lining toward a French fry stand. But, maybe I should rewind the story a bit.
Some celebrate new jobs by going out to dinner. My dinner just happened to take place in Amsterdam with Russ and Wayne. (And by dinner, I really mean copious amounts of fries and these funky little things called “bitteballen” that can only be described as deep-fried balls of gravy. Seriously, it can be done.) Although we’ve been to Holland before, the guys and I figured that visiting in Springtime with tulips a-bloom was one of those things you have to see in your lifetime. Plus, I like windmills… and Gouda cheese.
We stayed at the Hotel von Onna in Amsterdam again, notable for its owner, Leon, and its location on the Bloemgracht (flower canal) near the Anne Frank house. Leon is quite particular, his rooms are spare and spotless, and he looks a little like the boiled eggs he serves for breakfast. A few doors from the Onna, we rented bikes for a couple of days, splurging a few extra Euro to get 7-speeds with hand brakes. Bike theft is a big problem there, so the shop guy gave us ginormously heavy chains and locks to cart around.
Having already seen the “attractions,” our plan was to just pedal and see where the path would take us. On our first full day, we must have ridden close to 40 miles. We found street markets, a windmill (!), lovely parks and plenty of fries – for energy of course. The next day, I convinced the guys to go to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, known for its tulip fields and displays. Russ said it was Tulip Disney, I thought it was nice even if the flowers weren’t quite in bloom yet. The Keukenhof also has a windmill (!).
On a jaunt to see the city of Haarlem, we came upon a Trek dealership called the Bike Planet. The shop had some adorable Trek leisure/commuting bikes that we don’t have here, maybe they’re only for the Euro market. I wanted an orange-colored one BAD.
That night, we stopped by Café Chris, a local pub near the Onna. Turns out, Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel had once taped a segment there. Get out of town! Of course, we had to take a photo with Nell, the bartender, who kept us nicely occupied with beer, bitteballen and other fried foods. My fear though was that upon leaving the establishment one of us would (a) accidently drop a bike lock key in a canal, or (b) accidently drop oneself into a canal. We made it home safe, sound and dry.
All in all, Holland is a real treat. The Dutch are friendly, the biking is fun and the fries are delish. Definitely put it on your “waanderlust” list.
March 4, 2008
She's got a point...
I’m talking to my friend Heather, she of the spooky suburban house fame. Heather joined Weight Watchers last week and was looking for some advice on how it all works. [Basics: every serving of “food” has a points value. You can eat what you want, just don’t go over your points, though you get 35 anytime points to use during a week.]
So Heather asks me, 3 days after joining the old WW… is it bad that I only have 4 points left for the week? “What happened?” I answer back. Girl Scout cookies. Her daughter, Rachel, is a Brownie this year and the household is chocked full of boxes. Me, I would have waited to start my diet ‘til the peanut butter Do-Si-Dos had square-danced right on down to my big rear end. But, that’s Heather for you. When she makes up her mind, it’s go time. I love that about her.
Anyway, I ask her how many Samoas make up a serving? She replies, “MacLean, I am sorry to tell you that a serving is not a sleeve. You only get two cookies for 2 points.” I could blow through some serious points in one sitting.
Fast forward to today, we’re chatting and congrats are in order because she lost 3.2 pounds. After her first weigh-in, she was on the phone with her Dad and he says, “Now you need to start exercising because in 3 weeks, you’ll have formed a new habit and you’ll learn to love it. Then if you skip a workout, you’ll really miss it.” Heather’s response, “Whaaat? Three weeks? It didn’t take me three weeks to learn to love booze and Little Debby cakes now did it.” She’s kidding. But I think Heather could learn to like if not love exercise. Maybe one of these days, we’ll get her out on a bike. Plus, you get extra points for working out!
P.S. I need to stop writing my blog when I’m hungry. Lately, my posts have been rather grub-heavy.
P.P.S. To my morning spinners, you are beasts! We did a looong attack-and-chase sprint drill where each rider got to drive an attack(s) and the rest of us “chased.” Those gals and guys were ruthless. I couldn’t be prouder.
February 27, 2008
Not gonna McFatten me...
Have you heard about this… tomorrow and Friday, McDonald’s is giving away free McSkillet Burritos with the purchase of a medium or large drink. The company said it expects to give away one million burritos each day. Curious, I went to the McDonald’s web site to check out the nutritional content of the scrambled egg, sausage, potato, cheese, pepper and salsa McBreakfast food. Turns out, each little burrito contains 570 calories and 30 grams of fat -- equaling 46% of your daily recommended allowance for fat. If I’ve got my math right, that means that the Golden Arches are giving away 120,000 pounds of fat in day two days. Viva Mickey Dees.
Before you start winging virtual french fries at me, I get that McD’s is a business with products to sell us and that we have the right to chew-se. I also believe in “all things in moderation.” So what’s the harm in one breakfast burrito, it’s not like it’s a bag of crack? But, with all the statistics today about adult and childhood obesity rates skyrocketing, maybe my problem is that McD’s nationwide sampling event is intended to get America hooked on a flavor. The wrapper doesn’t come with a warning food label.
Is the McSkillet good grub? You decide.
NOTE: McDonald’s issued its press release about the give away yesterday. Also yesterday, shares of McDonald's added 76 cents to $56.81 in afternoon trading. Something got fatter. Okay, I'll come off my whole-grain cereal box now.
5 pm UPDATE: Math and poor chart reading skills foil me again. The McSkillet Burrito with Sausage has 36 grams of fat, 56% of daily fat allowance -- totalling a 158,000 pound fat give away. Interesting factoid: the McSkillet has more fat than a Big Mac (29 grams).
December 7, 2007
Mini me...
Mini quiches… I adore you. Mini cheesecakes… I dream about you. Mini hot dogs in grape jelly-based sweet and sour sauce… I don't like you that much, but I will devour you when the mini meatballs are no more. ‘Tis the season of good cheer and good eats and this weekend, holiday soirees get into full swing.
You might ask, Laura, after a party or two, don’t you get sick of eating artichoke dips, hot wings, pizza bites, all the same old miniaturized food. And the answer to that is no. I could stuff myself so full of baby cheese balls, I’d make a Wisconsin dairy farmer a millionaire. I love to eat, that’s my issue, especially in situations where I don’t know a lot of people. I shovel food in my mouth so that I’m not embarrassed when I can’t remember your name (I’m so bad at that). Or, when the host or hostess says, “I made this especially for you.” Sound familiar?
The key to facing potato skin pushers is to have a plan. Here are a couple of my favorite survival strategies and some we came up with at a recent Weight Watchers meeting:
#1 Work out the day of the party. Burn some calories and feel fabulous putting on your swanky outfit. Exercising also helps reduce my appetite.
#2 Plan your favorite work out for the day after the party. I’m less likely to overindulge if I know I’m going to get up the next morning and do a boot camp class or go for a good ride.
# 3 Don’t stand near the food. Duh, right. But, so many parties end up in the kitchen, it’s easy to start snacking on whatever’s in there.
#4 At cocktail parties, eat with your opposite hand. If you’re a rightie, put the plate/napkin in your right hand and pick up food with your left. It should feel weird and slow you down. (I think I’m an ambidextrous eater because this one doesn’t do much for me –- but give it a try.)
#5 Bring something you can eat. It might be hard to do at your official work party; but, if you’re going to someone’s house, bring a healthy, low-fat dish that won’t blow your diet. I make mean mini apple strudels.
#6 Alternate alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, etc.) with water or diet soda to cut down on calories and prevent you from doing something stupid that may involve falling down or flashing. And for the love of St. Nick, NEVER EVER drink and drive.
#7 Eat before you go. A lot of people say this works. I tend to end up eating twice as much. However, I’ll have a bag of 94% fat free popcorn to take the edge off.
#8 Survey the landscape. Before loading up your plate at the buffet, put your hands behind your back and walk around it. See what’s there and save room for the really good stuff.
#9 Fill up on fruit and veggies, hold the dip. Boring, but your bootie will thank you later.
#10 If the host/hostess has made you something special, have a taste. Enjoy it. Just don’t run to the garage with the entire platter and devour it by yourself. Take a friend.
Just kidding. Party on Trek people!
November 22, 2007
Stick a fork in me...
I'm done. Tooooo... stuffed... to blog. I'm here outside Plymouth, MA in my Aunt Beth's home office using her computer. I would like to lay on the floor and rest the keyboard on my six-pack abs -- cause horizontal sounds kinda good right now -- but I don't have any abs, not even a one-pack, at the moment. I have a belly full of turkey, mashed potatoes, squash... and dressing, oh lordy, the dressing. Must take nap now.
I wonder if I have room for pie?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
October 26, 2007
Achooo...
I got the flu. I hate being sick. Yesterday, I made it to the office then turned around and went back home to bed. The worst part, I didn’t even get the bug that takes away your appetite. I’m dizzy, achy, cranky and hungry. Not fair. Good news is (1) spent some quality time snoozing with our cat, Uncao, see photo; (2) I’m caught up on back episodes of 30 Rock; and (3) had enough lite whole wheat bread and fat-free American slices to make a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch.
Today, I’m back at my desk, trying not to exhale germ bombs on everybody. That’s how it goes when your sick leave and vacation hours come out of the same pot. I can’t spare an hour with all the travels I’ve got coming up. Hopefully, I’ll feel up to riding this weekend –- don’t want to miss out if the weather’s nice. I’ll just take it easy. And if not, cat naps and comfort food sounds pretty good too.
October 18, 2007
What you eat in Europe, stays in Europe…
Russ and I have this pact -– as soon as the airplane leaves the ground for another country, we can eat whatever we want guilt-free. That doesn’t mean we stuff our pockets with peanut M&Ms and commence a non-stop pig-out during the “your seat can be used as a flotation device” spiel. Nope, what it means is that we acknowledge the consequences of our actions up front and accept that we may have to wear our fat pants for a few days.
Now, when we were in Iceland, we ate a lot of hot dogs –- a twice-a-day amount of them. (A) they’re tasty; (B) they’re the cheapest grub in town; and (C) they’re even tastier at 1 a.m. I travel to experience new cultures and cuisines, not spend my time hunting down fat-free yogurt and baby carrots. If I want an afternoon gelato in Florence or a chocolate-covered waffle in Belgium, I savor it. It’s not processed junk and we walk everywhere to help balance things out. But, when the wheels touch down in the old US of A, we go right back to our usual healthy eating and exercise habits. Pronto. Then we put away the fat pants until the next trip.
The pact works. Though one time Russ was on a road trip and called me from a Golden Corral Restaurant to ask if West Virginia was considered another country. I told him the last time I checked it hadn’t ceded from the Union and to back away from the buffet.
October 3, 2007
Belle of the bonk...
Did you know that you can bonk trying on bathing suits? I didn’t, until it happened to me Monday night.
If you’re not familiar with the term, “bonk” is used in cycling and other endurance sports when you suddenly lose energy and fatigue sets in. You essentially run out of gas. When I work out or do an event, I try to be mindful about staying fueled up and hydrated. During the century on Sunday, I was definitely en route to hitting the wall when I realized what was happening and got some extra carbs in me -– more than I usually need. That showed me big time that I could have used a lot more long distance cycling training prior to the ride. But, when it was all said and done, I felt fine and had a healthy dinner that night with a balance of carbs and protein to help my muscles recover.
Back to Monday. I was ravenous all day and ate something every couple of hours. A bowl of oatmeal, a piece of fruit, yogurt, a Lean Cuisine and green beans, a salad, more fruit, a bag of 94% fat free popcorn… it was good-for-you food, but I couldn’t believe I was stuffing all that in there and still hungry. I was drinking plenty of water too.
Usually on Mondays I take a Spin class followed by one hour of core conditioning at my gym. The thought of getting on a bike, even a stationary one, made my tush ache, so I went easy during a Step Aerobics class and did some low-weight arm exercises. Then, I drove over to a nearby sporting goods store because I needed a new bathing suit and they were having a sale. Mine has seriously deteriorated to flasher stage.
Anyway, I go in to the shop and it feels warm in there. I grab an armful of suits, head in to a changing room and I start getting a gross clammy sweaty feeling. But, I proceed to try on the suits cause dang it, I love a good sale; and secondly, I don’t want to be arrested for indecent exposure the next time I go to the pool.
I got dressed again and returned to the rack for some different sizes. Whoa, head whirl, clammy, a little shaky –- I needed to sit down. I went back to the dressing room, plopped on the floor and put my head between my knees. Full on bonk.
By this time, the announcements start coming over the loud speaker, “the store will be closing in 20 minutes… the store will be closing in 15 minutes… ” I’m having these thoughts that it’ll be like that episode of General Hospital when Luke and Laura get trapped in the department store overnight except, in my case, I’m Luke-less and that would be boring.
Well, I pulled myself together, went to the register and bought a gel and a Clif bar (since I am at a sports store), ate them in my car and waited for the energy to kick in. Feeling better, I drove home.
Oh, I also bought a bathing suit. I’d never let a little bonk beat a bargain.
P.S. Found this on the ironpower.com website: to fuel muscles during exercise, athletes should consume carbs at a rate of 30 to 60 grams per hour. If you weigh 100 pounds, that target is closer to 30 grams per hour. If you weigh 200 pounds, the target is 60 grams per hour.
For all the left-brainers out there like me, who will never be hired for their math skills, just remember to eat something and drink water. Personally, I like Accel chocolate Gel, Clif Cranberry, Apple, Cherry Bars and Clif Cran-Razz Shot Bloks. Experiment and see what you like and what sits well in your gut when you exercise. Some of my product test drives haven’t been pretty. ‘Nuff said.
P.P.S. You didn't really think I was going to show you a photo of me in my bathing suit right? Heck no!
September 17, 2007
What goes down, must come up...
Flat was merely a figment of our imagination. This past weekend Russ, Wayne, our friend, Bill, and I spent the weekend camping, biking and hiking in Shenandoah National Park, which is located about 75 miles outside of DC. We were practically an LL Bean catalog -- that is, if the models of outdoorsy perfection featured in those pages stop and gasp for air within the first mile of riding.
Our mission was to “do” Skyline Drive, which runs through the Park along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After that first ugly climb just to get out of the campground, it was downhill for miles. While speeding down the two-lane-wide, switchback road at more than 30 mph, I couldn’t help but groan with every passing inch… what goes down, must eventually come up.
We reached the bottom, pulled in to a parking lot and looked at each other. We’d all been guiltily thinking the same thing; maybe a park ranger would take us back. We’re made of sterner stuff than that, so we got on our bikes and pedal stroke by pedal stroke pushed our way up the steep hill. It wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be; but, it certainly wasn’t pretty. Mission accomplished.
We regained a little of our LL Bean’ish-ness by changing into hiking clothes to “do” the Overall Run Falls trail. We set off and the path started going down, down, down. Oh no, I thought. We stopped at the Falls overlook and ate an incredible picnic lunch packed by Bill (tuna and white bean salad with sliced cherry tomatoes, red onions, green olives and basil in a vinaigrette served over romaine lettuce with crusty bread and a chocolate chip cookie for dessert).
The energy came in handy when we turned around to go back to the trailhead. Up, up, up, we climbed, panting once again. We crossed paths with a guy who told us to be on the lookout. He’d just seen a mama bear with her cubs. What?!!!
Now, I like camping. I don’t like critters. Even though my legs were tired, if I had seen mama, I guarantee I could have broken my personal best for running a mile. And yes, for future reference, you’re not supposed to run when you see a bear – according to the Park Service you should stop, clap your hands and talk softly. Finally, we arrived at the top, bear-sighting free. Mission #2 accomplished.
We spent the rest of the day and evening relaxing in front of the campfire, telling stories, and enjoying Russ’ delicious chicken and dumpling stew. Who needs LL Bean perfection anyway when you’ve had a heck of a good time with great friends.
September 12, 2007
Paying my clean plate member dues…
I’ve always been envious of people who don’t think about food, don’t care what they eat, could eat the same thing every day (my sis, Jen) or worse yet, they forget to eat. How is that possible? I’ve been a card-carrying member of the clean plate club my whole life and I’ve paid the price for my bad eating behaviors. My motto was “fill ‘er up.” And did I ever. If my taste buds screamed for something crunchy, salty, sweet, spicy, fried, fatty, etc.; I fed them, satisfied them… until the next craving came along. It was an endless cycle.
When I embarked on my weight loss journey, I made a self commitment to stop mindlessly answering the “Feed Me!!!” call and to start eating consciously. A key ingredient to the Weight Watchers program is tracking your daily food intake and I kept a journal of everything I ate. There were times I wanted to lie and not fess up to my occasional buffet bonanza sins. But, I realized I was only cheating myself and not getting to the root of my mixed up relationship with food.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think about what I want to chow for breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert. The difference is that I clean a plate I choose to pack with nutritious and satisfying meals that fulfill my greater hunger for maintaining my long-term health. What could taste better?
P.S. My Weight Watchers leader, Kim, always says, “If you bite it, write it.” There are some great online tools for keeping a food diary. Here are a few free resources: www.mypyramidtracker.gov, www.thedailyplate.com, or this health tracker from Prevention magazine. Or, simply buy a small notebook and carry it in your bag. Give it a try for a week. I think you’ll be surprised.
Good Grub Tip: When I walk in the door at night after work/working out I’m usually famished. So, while I’m cooking, I’ll eat a salad topped with a few pickles and fat-free Italian dressing. The pickles curb my crunchy/salty cravings and the salad is enough to carry me until dinner is served.
August 8, 2007
Pleased to Meet You!
Let me be the first to welcome you to the brand spanking new Trek Women Who Ride community!
We’re women who grab life by the handlebars. We’re women who saddle up every chance we get in our busy schedules. Speed doesn’t matter, neither does distance or the bike whether it’s a road, mountain, fitness or leisure. The only thing that really counts is that cycling makes us feel good about ourselves.
Hi, my name is Laura. I’m 38, single, never been married, no kids, and I live in Washington, DC. My sister, Jen, and I share a rowhouse on Capitol Hill with our quirky cat, Uncao. I do communications/public relations specializing in social issues for a public health consulting firm. When I’m not out on the trails biking, I’m training for the Accenture Chicago Triathlon (my first one) and planning my next vacation abroad (I go to Europe 2-3 times a year).
Oh, and I lost a person. Yep, I lost more than 130 pounds!!!!
I made the decision to change my life in August 2005. By exercising and eating right, I reached my goal weight this past March, 19 months later. Just like a good bike ride, there were many ups and downs along the way; but, I never veered from the course. I wanted more than anything to transform myself into a strong, healthy, and fit woman and I did it. Now, the challenge is to maintain my weight loss and explore all those other scary life areas (aggh, dating).
I hope you enjoy my blog. I imagine we’ll talk about all kinds of things like taking off the lbs, training, travel, cool Trek stuff, tasty recipes and more. Along the way, please feel free to share your thoughts too.
To me, Trek means journey, and this is going to be quite a trip. Let’s take it together!!
