1500mg or less sodium challenge: day 2

I got several emails about the Polar F6 heart rate monitored that I ordered and I just wanted to clarify that I know it’s not like the BodyBugg that you wear all day long or meant to replace it. I knew long before I ordered it that it’s just meant for use during exercise; that’s why I went with the BodyBugg to get an overall picture of what I burn during the day, not just during exercise. But as most know by now from my complaining that the BodyBugg might not be reporting my elliptical usage accurately, so out of curiosity I decided that the HRM was a good idea for my elliptical sessions and who knows what else BodyBugg might not detect in the future, like stationary bikes, etc. However, both of these things are just guidelines, so when I said I won’t be using my BodyBugg as much, I meant I probably won’t use either of them as often after I get a good idea of what the HRM reports for various speeds/times/resistance levels on my elliptical and on walks. Of course I say that now, but I’ll probably continue to use both of them lol. They’re just toys to me though, I don’t put 100% of my faith into them.

Hope I clarified that now, especially for those that don’t know the difference. I’ve read on boards how some people think HRM’s and BodyBuggs are the same thing, nay nay! HRM = elliptical and other cardio, BodyBugg = 24 hour calorie-burn tracker (glorified pedometer with some other bells and whistles) that’s not so good at tracking exercise equipment where your feet don’t leave the ground. Neither of these devices will account for other metabolic burn rate factors such as digestion, EPOC (period post-workout when the body is burning more calories than usual while returning to its pre-workout state), and etc.

Today was another crazy day due to the power going out very early in the morning before we went to sleep, thus disrupting our sleep once again. I woke up and went back to sleep several times, but woke up and stayed up very late in the day. I was starving, so I ate breakfast first thing in the morning and then did my strength training. Then I went on a walk with hubby before dinner. I burned a decent amount of calories, but I wasn’t trying too hard. Our disruptive sleep has me feeling a bit lethargic, not to mention Aunt Flo’s presence. I’m hoping things will be normal tonight!

My BodyBugg results for 6/23/08:

Went to sleep at 6:00AM
BodyBugg reset at 12:00AM
Woke up 9:00AM
Went back to sleep at 11:00AM
Woke up at 4:00PM
6:01PM: 1618 calories burned
8:42PM (after walk): 2219 calories burned
10:05PM: 2394 calories burned
11:31PM: 2700 calories burned
End of day: 2737 calories burned

I was so disappointed when I went to make dinner; the avocado that I planned to use in my “5 layer dip” went bad. I just bought it 2 days ago. So I improvised and used another layer of tomatoes. I was really looking forward to the avocado though!

I started by adding ¼ cup (64g) no salt added black beans (55 cal) into my mini food processor to make them into a chunky dip layer. Then I added 122g vine ripened tomato (22 cal) in the food processor with a few pieces of a chili pepper. Well, I pulsed it a little too much and it ended up being like gazpacho! lol! That’s ok though, I still used it. I started layering my clear Pyrex bowl with the beans, then the tomatoes I just over-pulsed, then 50g Fage Total 2% plain yogurt (40 cal), more diced tomatoes, 1.5 oz Cabot 75% reduced fat cheddar cheese (90 cal) that I shredded on my grater and 30g diced red onions on top. I set the whole bowl inthe fridge to chill while I cut 3 corn tortillas (180 cal) into large triangles and toasted them in the oven on 400F for 12 minutes on a baking sheet lined with nonstick foil.

I had lots of grilled chicken leftover from last night, so I cut up 86g cooked chicken breast (140 cal) and warmed it in the microwave for a few seconds. I dipped it into 2 TBSP Bolthouse Farms honey mustard dressing (45 cal) on the side. When the corn chips were done, I plated everything and my finger-food dinner was done!

I loved the 5 layer dip, even though it would have been so much better with the avocado I planned to mash up!! Oh well, maybe next time. For just 587 calories, this was a great snack-like meal that didn’t miss the sodium at all! I’m used to bland things though, so someone else might not enjoy the lack of flavor as much as I do, but I found it be just right. You could always add more hot spices or other spices to bring out more flavors, but I liked it as is.

I found these mini Toufayan whole wheat pitas called Pitettes in the store yesterday. They taste just like the original, only smaller. 1 serving = 2 loaves, 130mg sodium:

Yummy!

An hour or so after dinner I went on my elliptical for 30 minutes on highest resistance, changing up my speed now and then. I was wiped out, so I took a shower and relaxed the rest of the day. I didn’t get around to making the omelet, even though it sounds awesome. I’m too tired to be bothered lol! I’m looking forward to a good night’s rest.