Well, I am so happy to report that I DID NOT GAIN ANY WEIGHT!!! I must say, that it’s a lot easier to monitor what’s happening with the digital scales that they often put in the hotel rooms now, and I did bring (and use) my workout gear. I have done this before, but this is the only time that I actually WENT to the gym on vacation. Granted, I didn’t work as hard as I would have at home, but I did something. Yes, I am patting myself on the back – lol.

One of my focuses when it came to dining was to not eat too much and not drink too much. Yes, I know this sounds like common sense, but you’ve been on vacation – you know what it’s like!

I started every morning with my PGX soft gels (I take 4-6) and some plain yogurt with a bit of honey and a glass of water. I would bring a protein bar in my purse “just in case” I started to get too hungry while we were out sight seeing. Lunchtime, I maintained my normal eating habits, often a salad with protein and perhaps some bread (you know, from the basket I should be pushing away) .

Vacation will almost always mean we go for an afternoon coctail, but I did limit my consumption, often having tea following so I could still enjoy the atmosphere while not consuming all those empty calories. The nuts they put out are a killer. I ate as few as possible and justified the healthy fats and protein. PGX before dinner, always a salad followed by a main course that was balanced.  I’m not huge into desserts – I usually opted for a pre -dinner Cosmo and a glass of wine with dinner.

My Steak Tartare from 21 Club - no, I didn't eat it all!

Not perfect, but I didn’t gain and on vacation, that has to be a victory. I really think this was proof that the changes I am making are long term – if they weren’t sustainable, I would not have had any fun at all on vacation!

Feel free to share your own successes and tips and don’t forget to tune into CityLine on Wednesday for my next update (check local listings)

Thanks for all your support!

Best (and new) tip I received last week from Tommy was to focus more on “time” than “reps”. Since I am experienced in working out (not to be confused with being in shape) challenging myself to 15 reps, may not be a challenge at all (especially if I actually could do more). Better that I do as many reps as I can in 30 seconds of one exercise! I will say, that I did do this on the days with no trainer, and I did work harder!

He looks like he is really going to put me to the test!

Tomorrow, I am going back to the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine for my mid-way Dexa Scan so I can see my progress. This will show progress outside of weight-loss.

I’ll keep you posted and be sure to tune into CityLine this Wednesday when I chat about how sugary drinks can derail you and some great alternatives!

Dawn

a day in my life - food-wise

So how many calories do I eat? At this stage in my 26 Week Transformation Project - I am eating between 1000 and 1200 calories. You’ll notice there is a balance, yes, carbs are good (and necessary)…and although I don’t write them in my log I eat a lot of veggies in the form of salad usually (because Veronica Kacinik MSc, RD said veggies are basically “free” I grew tired of writing how many tomatoes and cucumbers and lettuce I was eating)

Given my Basal Metabolic Rate of 1750 – I should be able to lose 1-2 lbs per week (and on average, I am).

I get asked all the time if I am hungry. I have to say in all honesty, I am not. Since I am up really early (4am), I actually start my day with a snack when I get into work (kick starting my metabolism), followed by Slimstyles Meal Replacement Shake at 7ish (the roar of the blender means I have to mix it during a commercial break.

I have my next snack at 9:30ish and then lunch (usually another Shake since I am on the go and running around the station) at 12:00. My next snack is between 2 and 3 with Dinner (about 450 calories with some PGX ) at 6:30 with my husband.

If I am really on track with my calories and my calorie ”bank” allows for it - I may have a glass of white wine. But I will admit, when you log all your meals and look at habits and trends, I do tend to go slightly over when I imbibe. No biggie, but something to note. This journey is one of awareness for me.

Most important tip (and you’ll notice I didn’t do it for my 3pm snack- I’m not perfect) is for snacks to include carb (and fiber) and protein (like my morning snack of yogurt did, or my post show snack of an apple and cheese did).

Tune in to Breakfast Television Monday February 7 at 7:05am for some great snack and meal ideas to keep you full and a more in depth segment with Veronica on CityLine Wednesday February 9 (check local listings).

The one challenge I see for the week ahead is a dinner celebrating Chinese New Year. But recognizing the challenge and planning for it I think is the best way to not failing!

 I’ll keep you posted…think good thoughts for me!

Dawn

In September 2005, approximately 10 Burnaby elementary schools were deemed at or below the poverty level.  The Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society initiated a nutritional snack program at two of Burnaby’s elementary schools and a community centre. These schools were identified as having a high proportion of students from low income families, and nutrition was a major concern. Burnaby Fire Fighters purchase and deliver nutritious snacks for these schools on a regular basis. The teachers have reported great results from this simple program: children are more focused and learning in the classroom has improved.  To date, the Burnaby Firefighters assist 5 schools and are now receiving requests from high schools – where students have moved on to.  They hope to expand this program to other schools that have been identified as having similar challenges so that every child is being taken care of.

Now, here’s a GREAT way you can help!

 Salon M2 will be having their Grand Opening Celebration on Friday November 19.  They are offering FREE HAIR CUTS by DONATION from 8am – 5 pm.

ALL PROCEEDS will go directly to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society Nutritional Snack Program.  

Until we ALL eat again,

Dawn

Address is:  5901 Broadway in Burnaby  604-294-3344  For more information please call Rosanna at 604-562-3228

So at this time, I dedicate today’s blog to Richard Wolak, or Vanfoodster who recently celebrated his 1 Year Anniversary at  Canvas (and incorporated a cover charge that benefitted the Greater Vancouver Food Bank ).

Thor, Richard and I

Here is a montage of raw footage and well wishes taken at the party!

Until we eat again,

Dawn

Imagine being only one of 720 people to ever enjoy dining on a six course meal, wine pairings included,  in a restaurant that only seats 12 people  in False Creek that floats on plastic bottles!  All the materials to build the restaurant and food has donated so all money raised will go towards creating a course for student chefs on the importance of using sustainable seafood throughout their careers.  The School of Fish Foundation is the brainchild of Shannon Ronalds and wholeheartedly supported and endorsed by Chef Robert Clark, a pioneer himself in the education of the public when it comes to the sustainability of the food we eat and buy. 

I will admit, this dinner is pricey at about $225 per person (it’s a communal table for 12, so you can book for 1, 2, 3…any amount – up to 12 people), but when you have an opportunity to experience something  that only a few can…it is priceless. It’s only open until the end of September (so the opportunity is limited) and if you make your reso before the end of July (to dine anytime until end of September) there is a reduced rate.

If you can afford it…it is an experience not to be missed- it truly was magical and memorable - but even if you are cash strapped, it’s still worthwhile learning about how the Floating  Restaurant will benefit all of us as a consumer no matter what restaurant we choose to patronize not only here, but hopefully around the world. (BTW – Shannon is in talks with London to have the restaurant at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ) . For a behind the scenes video of how this all came together, here it is .

You can learn about the Floating Restaurant , the menu (which is different all the time depending on what is in season, available and of course sustainable) by clicking  here  or  reservations can be made through SOFF web site www.schooloffishfoundation.org or by calling Shannon at 778-997-6977.

 Have a great day!

Dawn

The stigma around mental illness is such that you don’t want to share if you suffer from it (or have family who does- as I do). Terms like Bi-Polar and Manic make people uncomfortable and even fearful. Michael wants us rid us of those misconceptions that is literally killing our youth. I mean look at him- he is a successful, social, functioning member of society!

Beginning in August, Michael is going to circumnavigate the Planet on his Bike. 40,000km, 6 Continents and 30 countries. He’s taking a year off work and covering his own expenses so that every penny can go to the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division.

“It’s not just a bike – It’s the gears of change to help stop the stigma”

For more information on Michael and his adventure, to read his blog as he travels, to share your own stories of mental illness and to donate, please click  here.

Safe travels Michael – we all wish you the best,

Dawn

Having to report on it for Breakfast Television meant I had to do a little homework each night (maybe I can cover sports now on Sportsnet -kidding) but the real hype of World Cup for me was the fact that I got to watch it most mornings with our BT Viewers!

In case you missed  it, enjoy reminiscing about our coverage of World Cup the Breakfast Television way!

It all started with a visit to the Forum with Mexico and Uruguay! I even ran into a couple of superheros

Next, I went to Caffe Abbruzzo on Commercial Drive with Italy vs Slovakia, so many Italian fans- and the best tiramisu I have EVER had!

What?!?! did you say something? Yes, I do believe I suffered a bit of hearing loss at the Libra Room on Commercial as the Brazilians took on Portugal- WILD!

Slovakian fans were a bit more subdued in the game against the Netherlands – but Danube Restaurant in Burnaby treated us to some Slovakian Chow!

And how can we forget the Japan vs Paraguay game at Cafe Barcelona on Granville! Down to a shootout!

So yes, I really enjoyed covering World Cup the BT way, but it was not the sport that I enjoyed so much, as showing the enthusiasm of our  BT Fans!

Please check out my FACEBOOK PAGE for more photos of all of you in the ON LOCATION Album!

GOOOOAAAALLLLL!

Dawn

Lynn Jan - the Vuvuzela Lady!

Lynn  is selling them for $10 each and if you can’t make it to Commercial Drive – you can order them by email at vuvuzelalady@yahoo.com

Enjoy the Buzz of World Cup!!

Dawn

 Marlise McCormick, the Associate Director of Choreography for the Vancouver Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies, is putting out the call today for British Columbians to sign up and perform a 1000-troupe flash mob dance for the Canada Day ceremonies in Langley. The “Keep the Pride Alive” dance, inspired by the spirit and national pride of the 2010 Winter Games, will be set to an original song by award-winning songwriters Bob Buckley and Brian Gibson.

The  flash mob dance is an open invitation to all energetic British Columbians (15 years and up). No dance experience or skill is necessary.

 “We want to reignite the passion and euphoric national pride we all felt during the Olympics,” said Martini. “We want to keep the pride alive with a spectacular performance of 1,000 British Columbians moving to an original song we commissioned celebrating Canada’s birthday.”

Songwriters Bob Buckley and Brian Gibson composed the new song “Keep the Pride Alive” and in French, “Une Fierté à Conserver,” which will be performed, along with the dance routine, three times during the Langley Canada Day Celebrations at McLeod Park, Canada’s largest two day celebration.

 Rehearsals start Wednesday, June 23^rd or Friday, June 25^th.

 All registered dancers are entered to win a trip for two anywhere Aeroplan Rewards flies.

British Columbians can sign up  here for the flash mob dance !

Good Luck!

Dawn