All posts by Shelley

About Shelley

Hey there! I'm Shelley from runningforvodka.com! I am writing about my adventures in running as a result of overindulging in adult beverages, mostly vodka and sometimes wine.

Checking In & Holding Myself Accountable

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It’s been a little over 2 weeks since I started counting my carbs and following a more strict diet plan.  So I thought it was time to check in and hold myself accountable for this portion of my journey!

In the last two weeks I also went on vacation. It was not so easy to stay on course that week.  In fact, I actually veered off course and ate as much local food as possible while also allowing myself a few treats (aka: French Fries).  Fresh oysters out of the back of a pick up truck was my low carb highlight of the week!

While on vacation, I did manage to get out for a run, hike in the El Yunque Rainforest and  do some small hikes and walks around our vacation community!  So I am not going to beat myself up for enjoying a few fried pieces of potato heaven!

Since returning home, I’ve convinced my husband to join me in my low carb plight! This is NOT going to be easy for him.  He loves bread and everything associated with carbs.  But he has made the commitment to join me and I couldn’t be happier because his support and partnership is everything in this journey.

What I have learned so far…

  • Staying under 50 carbs a day is not easy to do!
    • I have been averaging about 85 to 100 carbs per day to keep my sanity.  While I think that I could really buckle down and keep it at 50 or below, I don’t think it would be sustainable for the long haul.  And let’s face it…we need to make this work if we are going to sustain a good weight.
  • Keeping count keeps you accountable!
    • I look at the labels of everything I eat.  Every time.  It keeps you honest and it helps you make better decisions!
  • 50 to 85 carbs a day is still in the range of promoting weight loss – win win!
  • Girls Scout Cookies are the EVIL
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It’s Been Far Too Long…

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Recently a good friend asked me about my blog…which he lovingly referred to as “Waddling for Vodka”.  Although joking, he wasn’t very far from the truth.  I have not been so kind to my physical self.  I had already made a deal with myself to get back on the treadmill and lose some weight and tone my muscles before boating season.

Boating Season in Indiana –Memorial Day Weekend until it’s too cold to swim any longer.          2016 lasted until Halloween.Image may contain: sky, cloud, tree, outdoor, nature and water

So what have I been up to you ask?  Eating.  Drinking.  Not Exercising.

It has been about a month and I have given up drinking wine on week nights! And I’ve been hiking, walking and running on that treadmill in the basement.

I have also been learning about counting Digestible Carbs and how to improve my overall eating habits much like someone with diabetes.  Diabetics must maintain a steady blood sugar throughout the day to keep from spiking high and low.  A lot of healthy eating research shows that diets low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates can promote steady blood sugar and reduce stress and promote weight loss.

So I’m giving it a shot…I am going to eat like a diabetic!  A very strict Diabetic or Ketogenic Diet says no more than 30 grams of Digestible Carbs in a day.  I just had a bowl of soup and a half cup of cottage cheese.  That was 23 grams of digestible carbs.  So not much left for the rest of the day.  This isn’t going to be easy!  But I am also not diabetic and am only trying this out to study it’s effects on someone like myself.

Digestible Carbs are Total Carbs Minus Fiber

1 Serving of Red Wine, or 5 oz., contains 3.8 grams of Carbohydrates which turn around and smack your butt and stomach full of sugar weight!  If you drink the whole bottle, you’re consuming 19 grams of carbs for the day and you haven’t eaten a meal yet.  This is why I gave up my wine habit.  Goodbye Cabernet, Ciao Chianti, Adios Tempranillo!

Stay tuned…we will see how this goes.

 

 

The Agony of Defeat

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Have you ever embarked upon a plan that you weren’t so successful at fulfilling?  I have been struggling on this post for a few weeks now.  I must admit defeat, throw the white flag in the air and launch my tail between my legs.  For those of you who know me…what I really need is to unload a particular foster dog before I get too attached and keep making dog references!  Continue reading The Agony of Defeat →

Las Vegas Blvd

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Good Morning Lost Wages!
Good Morning Lost Wages!

As promised, I laced up my shoes and went for a 2.5 mile run in Las Vegas this morning. It was a quick and easy run and I attribute that to my unfamiliar surroundings. Not surprising, Las Vegas Blvd gives you a lot to look at along the way. There were many people with Starbucks in hand as well as a few younger folks doing the “walk of shame” in last night’s club attire gone wrinkled and booze soaked.

So I  will leave you with this…another motivating factor in maintaining routine for the long haul…change your surroundings! Now it’s time to find a pizza shop and a roulette wheel before I head to the airport!

Fat Tuesday

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Today I will thoroughly enjoy grazing by the office pitch in, which consists of high fat and caloric dips, cheeses, chips, cakes and cookies.  After all it is Fat Tuesday – time to celebrate!  Meanwhile in New Orleans, thousands stumble into the streets to catch a buzz and a few beads while in search of a restroom which quickly gives way to an alley.  What does Fat Tuesday mean to you?  Continue reading Fat Tuesday →

How to travel and workout too!

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I have to be honest, I used to snicker at people who exercised while on vacation. You know the type: running down the beach at 8am while you’re dragging yourself to find the nearest place to grab a desperately needed hangover cure. I always thought vacations were for being lazy. And drinking. Why would someone intentionally lace up sneakers and sweat on vacation? You should have a beer or an umbrella-decorated drink in your hand, not a Fit-Bit on your wrist! That was my strict vacation philosophy. Continue reading How to travel and workout too! →

Baby it’s Cold Outside…

Vodka and Other Such Beverages

As the title of my blog suggests, I love vodka!  Well I also love bourbon, whiskey, wine and beer.  But not in any particular order.

My career lends itself to my drinking ability and promotion.  I currently manage liquor sales for the entire state of Indiana in all bars and restaurants for a limited number of liquor suppliers.  I will only post about brands I like whether I sell them or not.  However we all know who pays the bills! Continue reading Baby it’s Cold Outside… →