Remember last week when I struggled against my desire to eat the catfish brought into the studio? I had already eaten my breakfast and was satisfied when the fish showed up, filling our studios with the smell of deep fried fish and chips. The fried catfish last Thursday morning was a preview for today's event. After last Thursday's struggle, I decided I would enjoy a catfish lunch today, making it a part of my food plan. I was fine as long as I found some accurate calorie information and brought along my food scale. What made last week so difficult was knowing that I wanted to eat it, purely for sport--driven by food lust. Today it was my planned lunch.
The event today was the 8th Annual All-American Fish Fry Blood Drive with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. This critical blood drive is always scheduled right before the Independence Day holiday and serves as a boost to the blood supply going into what is typically a high demand holiday. It also serves as an opportunity for me to donate blood. I was on the air live when the needle was inserted into my left arm. I enjoy donating despite my fear of needles for several reasons. I know my donation can save up to three lives is the biggest reason. Another is because I wasn't always able to donate. At my heaviest I was turned away because of my raging high blood pressure. Donating now is a wonderful reminder that I'm not in that shape anymore and this is one reality check that feels very good. I also appreciate the mini health screening automatically accompanying each donation. I received my vitals and an iron count (48) today. Soon, I'll receive my cholesterol numbers via mail. My pre-donation vitals were wonderful! This would not have been the case 9 weeks ago, I promise you.
My food plan included the fried catfish today but I didn't want the baked beans and french fries being offered as side dishes. Instead, I brought homemade guacamole and a serving of wild rice chips. I also brought along my trusty digital food scale.
4.1 ounces of fried catfish checked in at a reasonable 255 calories
The entire lunch totaled 543 calories.
Today's event broke its record for most blood donors. The staff from OBI had to shut it down early because they were running out of critical supplies. It was a big success on all fronts.
I felt prepared today and exceptionally calm. I declined the typical cookies and various snacks offered post donation, opting for lunch instead. I took the cookies last year and even some extra for the road. I'm a different person today.
A late afternoon nap, a great dinner and a short workout followed. Then I discovered I still had over 500 calories remaining in my budget. My dinner was ultra low in calories:
Chicken kabobs. Grilled chick. brst chunks (5.8oz), grilled zucchini (4oz), grilled peprs & onions (3/4cup). 312 cal pic.twitter.com/ewvibbFwfD
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 28, 2014
It was after 9pm when I discovered the calorie situation. I decided to get my workout in then decide if I was hungry for something afterward. I ended up with a good snack after the workout and another well after midnight as my #lastfoodofday.
Why so late tonight? Once again Mother Nature called me into work for weather coverage. This has been happening a lot lately but I'm not complaining. I handled the day well. I feel accomplished.
Thank you for reading,
Strength,
Sean
