Here's a series of "Nancy-tines" from the blog of one of my favorite illustrators, Kate Beaton! Perfect for that post-Valentine's Day morning.

stop looking at me, valentine

By the way, if you've noticed, I hardly blog here anymore. If you're still interested, please follow the link and it will lead you to the blog that R. and I update regularly.

So I discovered time moves slowly when you're on a diet. Today is the end of the first week of my Pounds Away program by The Sexy Chef. The result: I've lost an even five pounds (morning and evening weight), but it hasn't translated to inch loss yet, which is a bit disappointing.

Still, this is a big accomplishment for me, since it's the first time I've been on any kind of prescribed diet for this long. Before this, the most I've ever done was stop drinking soda-based beverage.

I have to say this is a very practical, realistic diet program that anyone can stick to. First of all, you don't have to prepare or cook anything. The Sexy Chef does it all for you, including the planning. Second, the food is prepared according to your preference. My only request was the food not be spicy. But you can go as far as to request for a particular cuisine (Asian, Mediterranean, Spanish, etc.). On the first day, I also discovered I had an aversion to Special K cereal, so I requested them to give me anything but that for breakfast (and they did).

To make it even more convenient, these meals are all delivered to your home a day before by a reliable courier equipped with a cooler that ensures the food won't spoil on the way. So by now, I'm on a first-name basis with "Manong" who brings me my food everyday.

This convenience was what drew me to this diet. In the US there's the Jenny Craig diet, which makes it easier to stick to a prescribed calorie count. It's about time that something like The Sexy Chef starts the same service here.

What also attracted me to this diet was that it was realistic for me. It wasn't an all-protein or low-carb diet. Psychologically, I could never accept the fact that you have to eat from only one or two food groups to lose weight. In Pounds Away, all the food groups are represented and each meal feels just right, balanced. And the food surprisingly tastes good, not dry or bland like I thought it would be.

I was hesitant when the nutritionist from The Sexy Chef put me on a 1,200 calorie diet. But I discovered that I could do my usual activities (tennis, workout, running, work) without feeling overly spent or weak. However, by 8 or 9pm, my energy level really goes down and I have to be in bed at 11pm at the latest. But I think my body will adjust to this by the second week.

The portions look small, but the frequency required to eat the food (including snacks) staves away hunger efficiently. My only struggle was that I was used to snacking on junk food every two hours. So every now and then, I'd crave for chips and candy. When this happens, I drink a glass of water or have my allowed 1 cup of plain tea, and the moment passes.

The handout that comes with the program is very informative, and lists the exact food that you're allowed to eat in case you absolutely need to supplement the meals they provide (i.e. if you feel weak or uncontrollably hungry). They even mention the brand and the serving size so you don't have to guess.

Now that I'm going into the second week of the program, I'm already thinking of continuing it for another two weeks, if only because I like the taste and variety of meals they provide. Not having to plan the menu lessens the stress considerably. Of course, it seems pricey at P13,300 for a two-week meal program, but I spend about the same (or more) with all the times I eat out and call for food delivery on top of my groceries -- especially if I count the money I spend on my favorite chips and sweets everyday.

For me, this is an investment for my health, which I want to maintain now that I'm younger so I don't have to suffer when I'm old -- I still want to eat sisig or lechon without feeling aches and pains when I'm 70 years old.

For those looking for more iPhone aps, here is my list of fave apps -- and they're all FREE:

Free Pedometer for iPhone can "keep track of your steps, distance traveled, and the number of calories you have burned in the process. You won’t even have to run or jog for this app to work. One can easily change the behavior of this app from the settings page (shut-down, manual lock, …)."




Pack Free is handy for making your own customized list for travel, but if you have no idea where to start, it also has great templates/lists that you can start from.



My Fitness Pal is a good reference for those not blessed with a fast metabolism (like me). I only use this during big parties and holidays so I know what I'm getting into and plan my "pig outs" accordingly. And when I feel peckish late at night, I can consult which snack would do the least "damage." For someone like me who needs to work out ten times harder just to shed those pounds, this tool is a must!

Tennis apps (Wimbledon, US Open etc.) - being in a different timezone is tough for tennis fans who have a busy work schedule. Having a tennis app for the corresponding Grand Slam of the season is a must! I can keep track of the draws, schedule, scores and even plan when I should stay up to see my favorite players.

Free Menstrual Calendar - Keeping track of my period means no unexpected "emergencies" and better planned activities.



Fireflies Lite - In the middle of a stressful day, in a place that's not exactly conducive to relaxation, I turn on the Fireflies app and play a bit; trapping some fireflies inside the jar and releasing them again. The cricket sounds are surprisingly soothing. After a few minutes I'm more mentally refreshed.

I'm on a quest to be fit. I'm not asking for much. I don't want to be stick-thin or super buff. I just want a healthy and strong body (and arms that don't have flabby "wings").

I want to grow old still walking upright and with a spring in my step. If possible I never want to use a cane or a wheelchair. Ever. And I never ever want to be the old person who walks waaaay too slow.

So I've forsaken soda (three weeks and counting...) and been making sure to eat all three meals a day (especially breakfast). I've also started weight training last month and running (once a week) for July in addition to tennis so that I get an all-around routine and stay injury-free.

This sounds a bit excessive, and it is admittedly heavy on the wallet. But I have a plan:

*I'll do weights with a trainer until end of July then do it on my own for free at the well-equipped gym at my mother's condo

*I'll run for two to three more sessions with a running coach until I get the form and routine right. Then I'll stick to the treadmill (whether I like it or not) to maintain my endurance

Basically, everything I do for exercise will end up becoming free of charge since I'm lucky to have excellent facilities readily available to me.

The only thing I'll really keep on paying for is tennis. Because I want to be trained competitively for it and I want to improve my level constantly. I harbor no illusions about becoming a world-class athlete, but I want to reach my personal best and win a local tournament.

I'll also eat well and smart. Meaning I won't deprive myself of food (except sodas because I really am addicted to it and having one would just ruin my resolve), but I'll keep in mind that "MODERATION IS KEY." The best things in life, done excessively, becomes bad for anyone.

Lastly, I won't hesitate seeing a doctor about illness. I've been raised knowledgable about medicine because of my father (used to be a pharmaceutical manager), but I won't take anything for granted. And I'll always always pay for private health insurance. It's one of the smartest things I can do for myself.

2010 brought me back to scuba diving in a big way.

I learned scuba diving because my mother and stepfather were very much into it, and they wanted me to experience it as well. It was one of those things that was "forced" on me as a kid that I'm so thankful for now (I truly believe kids should be pushed towards different activities and sports even when they don't seem interested because it will definitely help them when they're older).

Back then, I was a sullen, sedentary teen who liked to slip away to my room and just read and write. Scuba diving was the first sport that exposed my physical weaknesses, and it was such a challenge just to finish my lessons and get Open Water certification.

I couldn't swim. My first Discovery Scuba experience was a disaster. It was monsoon season and the waves were very high. With the tank, BCD, and weightbelt on, I was reeling, struggling to control my body, fighting against the waves. At one point, I was swept away by the current.

Surprisingly, I found myself trying it again in 1997, this time going through a full course for Open Water certification.

It took me a long time to learn to coordinate my body to the technique of scuba diving. And even longer to gain confidence underwater. But I'm glad I didn't quit just because I wasn't good at it when I started. And every time I dive and see the wonders of marine life, I feel it was all worth it.

Here's a video of one of our recent dives in Anilao, Batangas with my mother, my brother, intrigero </span></span> -- shot and edited by famous tech guy/hardocrediver/blogger Jayvee Fernandez:

Aside from working my own business, I play tennis twice or thrice a week and I go scuba diving occasionally. I've also begun a strength training program. I walk to and from the office, too, if I can help it.

But then, when I'm home, I eat junk food and soda, lounge around and nap, and watch LOTS of TV (and yes, update Twitter, blogs, etc.).

I love activity but I also love sleeping and daydreaming.

I never know what to answer when the questionnaire asks "would you classify yourself as sedentary?"