aMaryLLiXe's Palettes

The pursuit of love

2012-01-21T15:40:00.001+09:00

My journey here is gonna end soon. And seriously, I can't wait for this to end, and start everything fresh in my home-country (not my home-town, but still.. a lot more closer to home). I've been missing family like crazy. There's like too many hours I've lost , too many happy times I missed, and some sadness I can't support. I love them all! I really do realize now that the more old you're becoming, the further away you'll be from your beloved family. I wan't time to go fast sometimes, but stop at times when I want. I hope time-machine will never be invented, cos then I'll not know how much I've learn this whole time. I'm turning 25, exactly one month from now. I'm excited for all the things that will take place this year. Though I know I can't hope that high, I can try to achieve harder so when I lost, I know that I've tried my best. The last half of my life I've spent most with my friends, away from my family. Now, I want to be close to 'home' and nearest to their heart, cos I don't want to regret for not trying hard enough to show how much I love them.

10 diet tips everyone should know

2012-01-14T21:00:00.001+09:00

Losing the excess weight can be difficult and stressful when you're doing it wrong. Here's some of the tips that I want to share for promising results in your diet.

1. Drink plenty of water (calorie-free)
When your stomach making that weird sound, don't think that its the 'food' it need. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. Try drink a cup of water, and wait for a while. I like drinking herbal tea (without sugar) when I crave for something to eat.

2. Enjoy your favorite food
I still enjoy my favorite food every once in a while. But the way to do it right is: moderation. You can't be a perfectionist when dieting. Means, you can't remove every little 'bad' food in your diet, because its the key to failure. You'll face stress and you'll stop eating healthy and turn to the 'bad' food again. So, instead of cutting out your favorite food altogether, enjoy it. And be moderate, buy a small cup of ice cream when you feel like eating instead of a bucket ready in the freezer.

3. Eat frequently: mini-meals throughout the day
Sometimes, people eat out of boredom. Even thought we've had a large lunch, we can still feel hungry at 3pm. So, instead of heaving three big meals, I divide the lunch and dinner into smaller portion so I can eat something or snacking in the evening. This way you when you feel hungry, you can enjoy a meal under your calorie limit.

4. Eat protein in every meals
Protein is more satisfying than carbohydrates and fats, and keeps you feel full longer. So, add healthy proteins in every meals like seafood, lean meats, egg, nuts and beans to 'fill' you up. Lately, I like to add beans in my meals (I eat a handfull of edamame before eating the main meal) and eat smaller portion of rice. Try this! You'll definitely feel fuller longer.

5. Do not forget the spice!
Food thats full with flavor is more satisfying. So, add a dash of spice, anything you like in your food. Its healthy and can is thought to be a metabolic enhancer!

6. Stock your kitchen with healthy foods
This way, you have healthier selection to choose from when you are hungry and be less likely to grab fatty food (or 'empty calorie' ).

7. Eat breakfast everyday, no excuses!
Skipping breakfast can make you feel more hungry later and you'll eat more. So, provide energy to your body by eating healthy breakfast. For busy days, I grab a granola bar that is low in sugar and high in fiber.

8. Add fiber in your meals
Fiber can help with weight loss. Most of us eat very little fiber; women should get about 25 grams daily while men need about 38grams. So, eat your fiber. Some examples of good fiber sources are: beans (high in protein too), whole grains food, brown rice, and a variety of fruits and vegetables (I recently found out that pear is very rich in fiber, I love it so much I eat everyday!)

9. Throw out fattening food from your shelves
Its harder to make wise eating decision when you have to resist from the temptations you put around you. So, reduce the temptations by removing the fattening food from your shelves. If you really want to enjoy the food occasionally, make sure you have to leave the house to get it.

10. Weight yourself only once a week
Dont' be unrealistic. It took years to build that fat around your waist, so does losing it. So be patient. If your not losing the numbers on the scale, try measuring you hips, waist and arms. Muscle weights more than fat, if you are doing more exercise, you might gain weight because of the muscle. So, instead of bitting yourself with it, measure your body and you'll discover where you have lost.

and last but not least... eat more fruits everyday =)

My fruits basket... I love the colors they make!

I miss you

2012-01-12T18:00:00.022+09:00

I've been thinking about 'her' lately..Wondering when can I step my feet on this piece of beautiful land called Italy.. I missed the culture, the colors of life, the music of tranquility, and the smell of freedom...

Every seconds I was there I found something new, I felt energetic...there's something about the place that make me wants to bring a piece of it back home..

Genuinely, I did..Two cans of dark-roasted 100% Arabica coffee beans from Sant. Eustachio,Rome wasn't enough... The vivid memories of our one full week in Italy, hoping remain there in my mind...

Moving on...

2012-01-11T10:37:00.001+09:00

Lately, hubby and I have been discussing so many things involving the future. Its definitely scary when we didn't know about it; but if we DO know abou the future, does it promise us a peace of mind? Bet not!

So, things have been busy lately. And the weather is my worst enemy. I can't workout outdoor, which I used to love. And it gets too dark too early. I think I'm done with here. I miss Malaysia so much. I know, and I want to prepare for the cultural shock when I'm back home. But, as the pepatah Melayu said, 'Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik di negeri sendiri...?' or something like that... As much as I love, and I'll miss my house here in Japan, I'm eager to move out and move on from this place.

My lab is also moving...urghh.. this whole week I can't do anything for my research despite the dateline is just around the corner. We are moving to a new building, but actually I will only use the new place for at least two months cos I'm graduating in March. Here what the process looks like..The people in blue jackets are from a moving company: they carries all our stuff to the new place. And the other boys who were busy packing are my lab-mates. All boys! Click on the photo for larger view (mind the blurriness, I took these with my Iphone3GS!)

I hope the moving process settle by tomorrow.. I need to do my work!!!

about dreams

2012-01-08T22:34:00.000+09:00

"A dream, when it is kept only in your mind:

is just another meaningless dream;

A dream, when shared with others:

is your ambition...."

-amaryllixe-

Cooking under pressure!

2012-01-07T22:40:00.001+09:00

Today, my long-awaited pressure cooker arrived! weheee! well, actually I didn't wait too long cos I just ordered it yesterday, and it arrived this evening! Its just that I finally made up my mind of buying it, after spending so many hours in the kitchen to cook a bowl of soup! A pressure cooker can speed up this process, so since I love soups and porridges during winter, I've invested on it =)

So, yesterday I've put this in my shopping cart, and checked out! =)

T-fal Clipso Modulo 2 Pressure Cooker

It took me 2 hours or so to figure out how to use it cos its my first time using pressure cooker and I'm too afraid of it exploding in my kitchen. I read the manual thoroughly, and found out it is super-duper easy to use!

And, for dinner today I made a very-delicious and healthy tomato soup with asparagus and mushrooms! For the first time my soup tasted like a gourmet in a fancy restaurant, where they usually cook for like 2hours or something?

And the best part is that it only took about 5 mins preparation, and 3 mins sauté-ing and 8 mins of pressure cooking , then let it cool naturally (about 5mins)..so in total, it took maybe about 20 to 25 mins to prepare this soup.

Here's what i did:

Tomato, asparagus and mushroom soup (4 servings)

Ingredients:
500g tomato -peeled (here's how)
1 yellow onion medium - sliced or chopped
3 cloves garlic - chopped
*5 spears asparagus
*100g maitake mushrooms
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon coriander chopped
1 bay leaf
1 maggi chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
350-400ml water
*can be substitute with any vegetables you have

Heat oil, and saute onion and garlic. Sautee until fragranced

Add hard veggies (asparagus & mushroom), and sauté a little more

Add other ingredients and water

Lock the lid, and apply pressure, immediately set timer to 8 mins

After 8 mins, turn off the heat

Let it cool naturally, after pressure dropped, open the lid and add salt and pepper to taste

I serve this as a side dish with my brown rice and grilled salmon...yummy!

p/s: I was thinking of buying a pressure cooker cook book. Do you guys know any good one, thats packed with healthy recipes?

p/p/s: So now my hubby is in the kitchen 'cooking' under pressure in the middle of the night..yup!! he said he wanna cook curry for tomorrow...weheee.. here goes to 'pressure cookers'!

A letter to Mr. & Mrs. Lazy

2012-01-05T10:39:00.000+09:00

Dear Mr./ Mrs. Lazy,

I know you are reading this because you concern how lazy you have been this couple of days. Owh, I am writing to say I'm sorry for calling you 'lazy'. But, I honestly think you are.

I just wan't to say to you that I were lazy too. And in fact, still am lazy sometimes, but I'm working on it. Sometimes I just let the dirty laundry piled up for a week or two. Most of the time I just can't get my ass up from that sofa in front of TV. And there are times when i just want to eat out for every meals in a day. I hated myself for being 'lazy'.

But, about six months back, I found a cure.

It's the water you drink. I know you just can't give up the soda you're holding now in your hand. Or even the 'teh tarik' from that mamak stall you drink every evening. But please do... I'm writing to you cos I am really concern about you too. So please, for me, or for your loved one; stop drinking your favorite high-sugar drink.

I've gave up Cappucino.. and think Americano (black) tastes better now. You know why? Because I don't add the 'guilt' in my body. I know it's not the one and only solution for your 'laziness', but it may be the generator to cure your ultimate problem.

So, start now! Stop 'drinking' the calories, the sugar, and start drinking more water, start a healthy life. Your body will feel great, and you will start moving too. Maybe if you are on your way to avoiding sugary food, now you can try to move a little bit. Start by a 10 minutes walk around the block, and you'll see the difference. You will feel more energized and soon, you'll found that you are not that 'lazy' anymore. I know cos I've done it. Its not you that's lazy, it's the body that haven't got enough fuel to start moving.

Have a healthy start this year. Cos I know you can. Hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely yours,
amaryllixe

image source: http://texaswordtangle.blogspot.com/

Here's my list: Resolutions 2012

2012-01-03T17:48:00.000+09:00

Like most of us, New Year brings us new beginning. Its time for us to 'refresh' ourselves and laying out things we want to achieve for the rest of the year. I have started writing my resolutions since 2010, and I found it fulfilling. I feel that at least I have my goals to meet at the end of every journey.

So this is my resolutions for 2012:

Relationship:

Be more friendly. Find new friends - This year, I will start working in University, the same place with my husband. This fact might be a challenge for me to find new friends at workplace.
Spend more time with family - InsyaAllah this year I'll be back to Malaysia for good. But I'm still quiet far away from my family, so I want to try my best to spend many more times with them.
Spend special times with hubby often, have date-night-out/in every fortnight - Sometimes work and stress can make us farther away. I want to spend 'special' times with him more often, no work-related topics during that time =)

Expenditure:

Make investments. At least 20% of my monthly salary
Plan before buying 'big' stuff - Research the prices at various places & compare products properly
Save for travel somewhere - I love trips!

Weight control

Workout at least 5 days in a week, 30 minutes daily - Be it walking to jogging, walk up and down stairs, dance or Pilates; anything! But everyday!
Continue counting calories, and record in MyFitnessPal at least 6 days per week - You can give yourself a treat every now and then. But make sure the 'average daily net calories consumed' is below the calorie limit.
Eat brown rice five times a week
Loose another 10 kg - I know if I continue the things I'm doing now, I can achieve this goal.

Self-control

Take up a hobby - I am thinking of golf, a way to get fit while spending the free time.
Travel somewhere for a week - Last year we have traveled to many places, and I want to continue doing this.
Read more, Learn more! - I want to know more! But I just don't like to read. However, in 2011 I've managed to finish reading at least 2 books. So, this year I want to read six books! (For me, thats a lot!) I also want to join classes (or something) to learn more about business
Read Al-Quran more - My plan is to start reading weekly, and try to find time reading Al-Quran daily. InsyaAllah.

So, i think thats all. This year, I want to re-check my progress every three months. So I'm putting alert in my calendar to remind me for checking.

What about you guys? what's your resolutions?

2011, What have I done?

2012-01-02T09:46:00.000+09:00

and.. Happy New Year!

So its that time of the year.. Where people are looking back on what they've achieved this year and try to list out what they want to do the next year. I'm also that typical lady who wrote down their resolution every year. I just like doing it cos its fulfilling when you read it back at the end of that year and see what have you done. Its like reflecting on how much you've grown or not =)

So the end of 2010, I've listed this: (you can read the whole post here)
I inserted comments on each points to see what I've achieved in 2011:

My resolutions for 2011:

1) Relationship

I want to call hubby by 'Abe' :since we get married, I always call him 'cayang'. and i feel like its too childish so I want to stop calling hubby that - urrm..still trying to call hubby properly..
Don't argue with hubby too much: you know how i can be too defensive and all - i think i've manage to stay out of huge fight.. i guess?? =P
Phone my family and contact them more often, at least 1,2 times per week. Busy is not the reason! -okay now, I call them less. but what's great about it is that, the 'quality'.. I can say that I contacted them more often by 'heart' =)

2) Expenditure

Not to buy clothing that can only be worn in Japan for its cold weather - succeeded! i didn't buy that much wintery clothing this year
Set maximum shopping allowance (to spend on ME) to 20,000Yen per month (THAT'S THE MAXIMUM, not necessarily use that much!) - i think nowadays I spent less on me, but more on groceries and family holidays..so salute!!
Don't impulsively buy things (makeup/clothing/magazines/kitchen equipment), which always lead to not using them - i haven't bought that much makeups and magazines!! but I'm still trying to spend lesser on these items

3) Weight control

Loose 2kg per month...wow, thats kinda high isnt it? - weheee..failed at this but... as you guys maybe have known for now, I've lost a total of 11.4 kg this year. Thats 0.95kg per month.. its still a HUGE achievement for me!!
Walk to campus through the longer-way - didn't do this often, but i do workout more everyday

4) Self-control

Wake up early everyday, and do some household chores - still trying.. most days, I wake up at 7am now, compared to before when I only woke up on 9 am.
Read/ watch news everyday - failed doing this, but i still keep up with the news every now and then
Update blog more frequently - YOU judge!
Kurangkan mengeluh and be more grateful for what i have - urm.. maybe I managed to control stress better now
Be a better Muslimah =) - only God can tell ...

Looking back, I should say that I've done good. You guys should try to do this too. At least you know what have you became and what you want to achieve =)

Happy New Year guys!

p/s: I definitely will write my 2012 goals, when I found some more time =)

Whats your main priority in life?

2011-12-20T13:38:00.001+09:00

Have been eating over my calorie limits for the pass couple of days. But I've still managed to track my intake everyday thanks to hubby. These couple days are very stressful to me. Lab works and holidays. They just don't get along well. This Friday will be the start of holidays but I still have a whole lot of works to do! I won't talk about my work anymore cos it's just lame to take WORK too seriously in life (don't get me wrong, I love my work & study, and I respect people that are successful in their work and can dedicate their life for it) but for me.. I choose HEALTH!

Okay so even though I've been busy and wanting to eat more than usual, this time, I really really want to eat more fruits and good stuff. Well, I've tried a drumstick from KFC (my brother in-laws brought to me) but after eating only that one piece, I felt terrible. Not caused by the guilt of eating 'that' food. Just physically terrible.. Like want to throw up cos the taste of too many preservatives and stuff? I don't know.. Sure, when eating, it does taste good. But I just don't like the body reaction towards it. This also happens a while ago when I ate the processed food (I just wont be writing what I ate that time) but its totally typical things that people nowadays put in their cooking.

Time is so limited these days for workout. I promised myself that I will try to at least do something 15 minutes daily (as opposed to 40 minutes I used to do these days). Motivation wise? Urm, maybe I feel a little bit stressed out cos I'm a kilo more to my first weight goal. You know, the stress you get when you are expecting something. The worried of not getting it, and the anxiety to get it? I've been using this genius iPhone app recently to see how well I've come. its called 'Target Weight'. Its easy to use for tracking your weight. And it can analyse when you can achieve that goal depending on your data. So for the past three months, I've done great! I should give myself a gift =) This is the stats! (started adding my weight in this app when i was 82.8, but my highest weight was 87... =) i will not be ashamed of my weigh known to public)

My weigh-in day is on Thursday. I choose not to weigh too many times per week cos there may be some fluctuation. So at this rate, I may reach my first target weight on the NEW YEAR! Really nervous about it. I was thinking what if I can't do it? You know how holidays can affected everything. And what if I've reached my target weight this week?

What ever it is. I am gonna do this, I will be strong. I have my greatest motivation: my lover, my husband. I'll do anything for being HEALTHY for my LOVE!

12 Most Fundamental Habits of the Super Fit

2011-12-14T13:52:00.002+09:00

So i found this when i was surfing the internet today.. its from 12most.com and i'm sharing it here =)

12 Most Fundamental Habits of the Super Fit - 12 Most |

The super fit. What makes “them” different? They really are no different. They have jobs, kids, mortgages, school, pressure, but one thing is does set them apart. Mindset. This mindset is what leads them to create solid habits, a solid mind, that lead to keeping their body “solid.”

1. They don’t think of their fitness as work, but rather a way of life

It’s kind of like taking a shower, sure you can go without one, but you just don’t feel right the rest of the day.

2. They don’t skip workouts

They take training days as seriously as a Dr.’s appointment.
Appointments and meetings get scheduled around their workout time, not the other way around.

3. They take their rest as seriously as their workouts

They know that in order to perform at their best and to get the most out of their body, they have to give it a rest. Rest days and sleep are as essential as the workouts themself.

4. They eat to fuel their goals

Everything they eat serves a purpose. Protein for muscles, carbs for energy, and produce for vitamins,minerals and antioxidants. Treats are done, but never over-done.

5. They tune everything out when they work out

Focus. They know that anything you give your undivided attention to works out better. Being in tune with your body allows them to make tweaks, and know which tweaks to make.

6. They push through frustration

If you think it’s easy for the super fit to get fit, and stay fit, you’re wrong. They’re highly competitive and always striving to hit new goals. They struggle like everyone else with busy lives, stress, plateaus, fatigue, and frustration. But there’s isn’t a thought of giving up, it’s just a matter of finding their answer.

7. They prepare their food in advance and don’t leave hunger to chance

They know what they’ll be eating the whole day. If they don’t bring their food, they know what they can order off menus and what they can find at a grocery store. Drive-throughs don’t exist in their world.

8. They use their flaws as motivators, not a reason to give up

They see their flaws (even if you don’t) and despise them like everyone else. But rather than letting their flaws bring them down, they use them to motivate them UP.

9. They envision the win-goal-finish line every day

The goal is crystal clear in their mind. The thought of the sculpted body, or winning the race keeps always keeps them motivated. Regardless of life’s pressures they race towards the winner’s tape.

10. Persistance, persistance, persistance

Yes…they are persistent!

11. There are no excuses

They learned early that excuses are time-suckers and don’t get you anywhere near your goal. Better to get it done then whine about why you didn’t.

12. There is no giving up

Enough said.

Week 4: My weight-loss program

2011-12-12T15:37:00.074+09:00

Week 4: 04- 10 December 2011
- WRITE about your progress and the plan that you've been using. How do you feel about the program?

Since I've started taking serious care of my health (starting late July), i have lost around 8kg and keep shredding it off till this day =) . Every week I've seen great results. From as little as 100gram decrements, to as high as 1kg lost per week! I appreciate every little changes that take place in my body throughout this time. I don't care how long it'll be before i reach the 'ideal weight', i know one day I will reach there.

The plan that I have been using is cutting off a little bit on the intake and do frequent exercise everyday. I have read books saying that to loose 0.5kg per week, you need to find calorie deficit of 3500. I am using this rule, (Calorie Deficit) cos its totally simple. Divide 3500 to 7 days.. you need to have 500calories deficit per day.

The way to achieve this?

Some people bet hardly on cutting their food intake, and some depend on merely exercise. Me? I do both! I found its the easiest and more promising method of losing weight. So the simple calculation is like this. Assume that we need to eat 1800 kcal daily for maintaining our weight. Cut back 300 kcal from limiting the calorie intake and then, do cardio exercise to burn the extra 200 kcal, do it daily and there you have it! A 3500 kcal deficit per week, so you'll definitely lose weight every week. (Note that results vary to each person, and sometimes, when the body get used to certain exercise, it'll not burn more. So you have to push the exercise harder when you see no more effects. )

Now I eat 1,350 kcal per day (don't cut too many of your intake; minimum for female is 1200kcal and 1400 for male, cos you'll starve and your body will keep those fat from burning to protect you!) and for cardio I do interval walking (walk fast for 30sec, walk slow 1 mins; repeat this for about 30 minutes) every other days, and I do pilates cos I aim for more flexibility. I really enjoy doing all these! =)

I think this is the first time in my whole life I have been losing weight continuously. I am not an expert in this, but I've tried and for me this plan shows results. And most importantly, I am happy throughout using this plan. Firstly, because I don't starve myself to death! and secondly, because I can eat as much as I want as long as it under my calorie limit! And when I said EATING.. it does mean EATING GOOD FOOD = healthy delicious food that can make you feel great!

Feel free to share your weight loss plan, cos I want to hear what you guys do =)

pic source: http://www.marbo5.org/pilates-exercises/

Week 3: Self-photo!

2011-12-08T16:49:00.001+09:00

Week 3: 27 -03 December 2011
- DO take a full body picture of yourself and see the progress you've made
- Honestly praised yourself, and WRITE which part of your body you love the most now

So, the last week we're supposed to take photos of ourselves! yeay!we've taken our photos and clearly.. i need to get more busy with the workout!!! Since, the photos taken are showing my figure quite clearly, I am not sharing it with you guys. very sorry for that =) But, cause I've said that I'll WRITE on which part of my body I like now, so I'll write it here!

Honestly, I'm a bit embarrassed writing it down here, but I'll try my best!! So, the part of the body that i come to like now is..... my thigh & hip area! and also my core! Looking at the pictures taken (but not shown here, sorry =P) i might have looked thinner than before. Am really-really happy. But even without seeing it in pictures, i really love my hip & thighs.. every morning, I wake up, I can feel they are getting harder and harder..means they are building more and more muscles.. Like it so much.. And, another great achievement for me is that, i drop one pants-size.. I can wear my jeans from before married!! Also, I drop maybe two blouse/t-shirt sizes.. I can find my outfits on the regular-size section now..really-really happy!
I will keep on doing this program cos I know its good for me,and people around me =)

Captured! Tokyo in a week

2011-12-02T17:42:00.004+09:00

Hiking to Meiji University

click on the photos for larger view!

Monuments in Meiji (not sure what its about)

The autumn leaves in the park

A great day to visit DisneyLand is Friday!
errr..after this I'll not go there on weekends

The only attraction which we have to wait soo long..
ohh, btw we were so lucky that we got free VIP passes (cos some boat stuck in one of the attraction)
to ride whatever we want without waiting

Snow white without the 'Snow'!

Mesmerized by the fireworks!

Fireworks are not meant to be captured!! just watch them! =)

The red leaves at Yoyogi Park

And the Yellow ones with that weird smell!

My 'new' date!

Love him truly!

Reds vs greens

The pet and its owner =)

Last shot for the day!

'Mee Soba'!

Machines madness!

The most delicious Nan ever!! and curries!!

Farewell!! (and my weird face when eating =P )

Week 2: 20mins workout, daily!

2011-12-01T08:33:00.003+09:00

Week 2: 20 -26 November 2011
- DO try to find at least 20 minutes everyday (as this week the in-laws are coming to stay, it might be hard)

So the in-laws are back now.. And honestly, I failed this week's task. It totally hard to do a 20 minutes exercise when you're not in your normal daily routine. But I'm proud of us cause we we're able to control our eating!! There were lots of temptations; junk foods, sweet snacks, malaysian tasty meals.. but we've managed to not even touch them all, and turn to our daily healthier eating habit: fruits! and healthier meal servings (I might write about our healthy menus in my cooking blog soon =) ).

And even though, we didn't have the time and energy for that 20 minutes workout everyday, we had some days of walking long hours, when taking them sight-seeing Tokyo! So, good job for us again! Starting yesterday, we're back on our routine. And today will be our weighing day, so hopefully we at least managed to maintain our weight.

Milk drinkers may lose more weight?

2011-11-21T23:43:00.003+09:00

Did you know that you HAVE to drink two to three cups of milk daily to get enough calcium??

I am just getting used to drink milk.. You know I only take milk with cornflakes, or cappucino?..other than that..nadaaaaa... I thought milk was supposed for toddlers =P

But recent research shows that it can also help in weight loss! yeay!! before this I always thought it can make us FAT!! cos it can contain a lotttt of fat..
Well, with recent technology, we can find everything with low-fat, no-fat!! So now I turn to No-fat milk and plain, non-sugar yogurt for my source of calcium. And I am starting to love it! Especially the yogurt.. I can't really eat the whole 200ml of plain yogurt, cos it just taste dull.. So I eat it with lots of fruit..and it does taste yummy! just like a whole bowl of desserts! Only better! Fat free! and guilt free! and more full-filling.

So, the next time you are thinking of the desserts for the day, why not try to add in some of these dairy:

A cup of non-fat, plain Yogurt + Apple diced
A cup of non-fat Milk + medium ripe Banana + 1 tablespoon Honey + a dash of Vanilla extract (blend everything until smooth)
or..what ever fruits or nuts you feel like adding to the milk or yogurt!

hanya bebelan

2011-11-21T07:54:00.001+09:00

Esok mak mertua, abah mertua dan adik ipar kesayangaku datang! yeay!!! happy and excited sangat nak jumpa derang.. the last time jumpa was on April this year. And raya pun kitorang tak balik so lama gak la tak jumpa kan..amat2 excited... this time adik2 ipar yang besar sikit tak datang. They will be coming in late December..

But before apa-apa, I have to struggle will lots of lab works!! Urghhkk.. Almaklumlah, derang datang nie so kena cuti beberapa hari kan.. Hurmm.. lately lab is really stressful. Banyakla sangat benda yang tak habis2 kena buat..
I mean, I thought aku dah berusaha berhempas-pulas nak siapkan sesuatu benda tuh.. (and since aku nie jenis buat kerja gila-gila sampai due date) so aku siap on time and banyak lak masa lebih, sensei suruh tambah lagik kerja.. Hurmm... (baik aku siapkan lambat2 kan? lagik tak yah buat byk lagik) Tak pe lah.. I know he just wanna help me.. The more I did the better kot??

Kalau korang macamne? Pulun buat banyak awal2 nie ka? or lepak2 jek than buat sampai mana sempat? bluurrrrr..

Week 1: My Goals

2011-11-18T22:40:00.003+09:00

Week 1: 13 -19 November 2011
- WRITE your goals and reasons why you want to lose weight

My ultimate goal is to lose 30kg and maintain that ideal weight forever. I want to be healthy and fit forever so I can do whatever I want to do in my life. I've always wanted to travel around the world. Yes, I've done it this year by touring Europe. And that trip did gave me so much inspiration. There are more to life than what's happening just around me. I want to see the world. I want to gain knowledge. ..And this does relate with my health level. If I am sick, I can't go out to explore the world.

I found that being obese made me weaker, not just physically, but also mentally. By not taking serious of my health issue, I found that I wasted my time more on things that just weren't worth the time. Too much watching TV, out for desserts, and impulse shopping. Now I've had enough. My goal is to be a better me. Not just physically, but also mentally like I've said before. I found that starting by just making some time to walk outside everyday, or just a short 10 minutes workout indoor (when its raining), does affected my whole day. I am more organized today than before, and I can handle stress better now.

Last but not least, my goal is to inspire others to live healthily. I want to be a role model. I found that there are more and more people around me, my beloved family and friends are at least overweight. I am happy as long as they are happy, but seriously, that extra weight is just not gonna give you any good; it can harm you. So, by starting watching my food intake and frequent exercise, I hope i can inspire people to take control of their health too.

So, particularly my goals are:

To lose 30kg, and I don't care how long would it take but I know I want to reach there, I will!
My small step is to lose 0.5kg every week.
To explore the world!!
and, a bonus for this weight lose is that I want to wear a Levi's jeans (yupp, never had one cos I don't have my size in ladies & i don't like buying mens jeans) =)
Importantly, I want to be a role model!

p/s: My 'Fast Break' goals for this coming week are (to be done at least 5 days in the week):

Nutritional goal: Eat 2 servings of milk
Fitness goal: Do 15 minutes of strength exercise (in addition to cardio)
Motivational goal: Read Spark People book!

Join me..

pic source: weightlossandtraining.com

Before and After.. ready for interesting images!! =)

2011-11-16T08:03:00.004+09:00

So maybe you've been wondering what I am doing recently that made me busy like anything =) .. Well, i think maybe some of you have already known. But just to inform again...

My in-laws are coming next week on Tuesday.. and its the same day that I have my lab presentation. So I have to get ready for both af the agendas. First, hubby and I have to make room for my in-laws comfort, as my house is soooo tiny..hahah.. so last week we've been trying hard to throw all those unwanted stuff. An Alhamdulillah, not like before, now I am GOOOOOOOD at throwing things. I just learned that... (or at least this what I said to myself) : 'If you don't wanna make room to new things, then, don't buy them!' So since we've just bought some new clothing, i thought, why not just take out(throw, or maybe donate) some of our old clothes. And I even use this technique : 'If you didn't wear the clothes during this year, then, you'll never wear them forever...so just take them out from there!!' So we've managed to make so more room for our new stuff.

Well, I have a confession... I now am officially not OBESE! well yeah.. since married, I have been obese, cos eating was just really fun with hubby. But now I am changing for my future. I am still young, but I had pain around my lower back. And the doctor said it is because i'm FAT! So hubby and I started our weight loss program since maybe around last month.. And by today, I've lost 6kg and hubby lost around 4kg.. It is a fun experience and I'll update it from time to time in this blog too =) SO yes, I've lost some weight, and am happy to announce that now I have my size in the normal size clothing area (not PLUS SIZE anymore) I am really happy so I've bought a whole bunch of new outfit with my new clothing size! yeay!

So this program made me busy also.. but I really honestly love doing it.. I am doing it the right way this time.. No fast track..no skipping meals.. Just healthy eating and daily exercise.. If you want to join me..let do this together! I really need supports around me or maybe we can support each other.. I know its just a real pain if we do it alone. I have my husband to support me all time. But I really like more people to take serious about their health.. think about it =)

P/s: If you wanna take a look at my progress, click here

These photo show how I've gained 20kg in just 3 years!

taken on July, 2008
(before married, 65kg)

taken on September, 2011
(after married, 85kg)

The List: 2011 Edition

2011-11-12T13:05:00.000+09:00

From today onwards I'll post about my progress in losing weight on this blog. I was inspired from 'Drunkwithword' from MyFitnessPal.com. I looked at her list and I thought why not try to accomplish and write in this blog too. So my list comprises the things that I want to DO weekly or things that I want to WRITE here. Some weeks there maybe more than one things that I just randomly write.

Week 1: 13 -19 November 2011
- WRITE your goals and reasons why you want to lose weight

Week 2: 20 -26 November 2011
- DO try to find at least 20 minutes everyday (as this week the in-laws are coming to stay, it might be hard)

Week 3: 27 -03 December 2011
- DO take a full body picture of yourself and see the progress you've made
- Honestly praised yourself, and WRITE which part of your body you love the most now

Week 4: 04- 10 December 2011
- WRITE about your progress and the plan that you've been using. How do you feel about the program?

Week 5: 11- 17 December 2011
- DO at least two days of 40 minutes Yogalates (yoga + pilates)
- WRITE a letter to yourself in the future

Week 6: 18- 24 December 2011
- DO try jogging for 40 minutes a couple of days
- WRITE about workouts that you love or would love to try

Week 7: 25- 31 December 2011
- DO enjoy eating out and give yourself ONE full-day break (no counting calories and workout), and don't feel bad about it!!
- WRITE a letter to someone who has been there for you and let them know how much you appreciate them

11/11/11

2011-11-11T22:52:00.003+09:00

How I always will remember this day.. It's THE miracle day.. the born of this beautiful princess, the born of my niece.. I really wish I was there while my sister was struggling with the childbirth. It was a really difficult journey for my sis but Alhamdulillah, everything is fine now. I think she haven't decided the name of the baby.. she's beautiful right?

And this day, 24 years back...is also a very meaningful day to me, its hubby's birthday. Without him, I don't know what i'll be doing right now.. Love him so much!

I've graduated

2011-11-08T14:57:00.001+09:00

For whole my life, I've always put everyone first before myself. I've choose what my mom wants me to be, I've always arrange my schedule to fit my friends' and everything I do I always think of other people first, and myself second.. I thought that was the best thing to do to keep everyone around me happy..

But now, I'm married.. and my priority is always be my husband and my family.. I am graduating...
I am trying to graduate from:
thinking of other friends first...not that I want to totally forget about them.. I just thought that having one true friend: the one that always support you, that always takes care of you and the one who will not judge you with whatever you've done is INDEED much worth it, than having 100 friends but they don't even know YOU: those who just take advantages of you (maybe they don't mean it, but they did it), or those who just want to be by your side when you're at the top.

I am graduating from:
take things people said about me too seriously, I just want to graduate from that! I don't want to care anymore of what they say. I know myself and whats best for me, for my family.. and I don't need their approval on anything..

I am graduating from:
not living healthy.. I want to live my life! I want to have children, grandchildren, gran-granchildren.. I want to see their faces.. I want to play with them for all my life. I am graduating from having this back-pain all the time.. I am graduating from being that stressed eater..I want my family to be happy and healthy to.. I want to be the role model..

So yes.. I've graduated from my old-self..

Report

2011-11-01T08:32:00.002+09:00

Reporting from Kobe McD! Just arrived his morning by bus. Its a vey long journey but Alhamdulillah everythings okay (except my butt, hurts from sitting tooo long: 12hours?)

Well okay, last night i received an e-mail from InTech, they invited me to write a paper in Biomechanics,ISBN 979-953-307-1000-7.. Urgghh.. Time nie la dia nak invite and the dateline is three weeks from now (and i only have 2 weeks cos this whole week i am not going to lab) aishhhhh...

Nak tulis ke tak? Mcm tak sempat jek

This is the toilet yang amatla luas yg pernah aku jmpa dalam kenderaan. Its in Kira-kira 35 bus from Shinjuku to Kobe.

Kukuku

2011-10-31T11:12:00.001+09:00

Baru jek beberapa hari lepas gi klinik, kene pergi lagik.. This time lain hal nye pulak.. Jeng jeng jeng.. Lihat gambar yg menjijikkan di bawah.. Yarkss..(urghh..sakit gler dowh beberapa hari nie utk berjalan..but aku tahan demi nak berjalan-jalan) hohoho

Selepas 3 hari sakit

Itulah rupanya hasil tindak-balas badan terhadap cekam kuku.. Ape tuh cekam kuku? Alaa.. bila kuku kita mencengkam la kot? atau nama lainnya, Ingrown toenail.. Aku rs episode aku dan cengkam kuku nie dari zaman persekolahan menengah lagik dah bermula.. Masa dulu aku akan berusaha mengorek kuku aku bila potong kuku sampai la berdarah semata2 nak buang kuku yang termasuk belah tepi kaki tuh.. tapi since dah dewasa, aku malas la nak mengorek2 kuku tuh sbb igtkan lagik bagus biarkan sahaja..tengok2 lagi teruk jadi nya. Tabiat aku nie suka nak potong kuku pendek2.. aku ingatkan pembersih sangat la aku selalu potong kuku..rupanya lagi menerukkan keadaan..aku baru tau yang lagik pendek kuku tuh lagi la senang jadi cengkam kuku..

so tadi, selepas dekat lima hari kot aku menahan kesakitan (berharap pulih sendiri), akhirnya aku ke klinik..gara-gara nak cepat sembuh sebelum aku berlepas ke Kansai malam nie.. but adoihhhh... sakit gila bila doktor tuh OPERATE tanpa bius tadik.. dah la doktor tuh aku rasa mcm tua lagik jek dari nenek aku..cuak aku takut2 dia x nampak kuku aku, kang benda lain lak dia potong.. but Alhamdulillah, aku tahan jek la sebab doktor tuh pun buat dengan hati-hati dan baik..so dia dah buang la kuku tuh..besar gak yg ada dia buang.. maybe dalam saiz separuh kuku jari kecik (kelingking?) ..aku igt nak tngkp gambar tadik time Doktor tuh buat operasi, but tahan sakit punya pasal..cancel niat nk tngkap gambar..hehe

Lepas jumpa doktor

so inilah rupa selepas dibalut.. and doktor soh jumpa dia lagik esok-lusa nak tengok ada lagik tak kuku tertinggal..but...takkk mooooooooooooooo... aku nak g Kansai dah mlm nie...=P

pengajarannya, bila dah sakit kat kuku tuh, gi jumpa doktor soh dia buangkan kuku tuh awal2 sebelom jadik lagik terok!

Let's fight!

2011-10-28T11:01:00.001+09:00

"Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." [2:216]

He always answers every time we speak to Him..