Gettin' the skinny on the lab rat

First things first...must share this recipe:

Muscle Truffles/Bites

I used equal parts of raisins and cranberries (3/4 cup each), 2 cups of old fashioned oats, 1/4 cup shaved almonds, 1/4 cup granola. Of course, you add a cup of honey, a cup of PB, and a cup of Muscle Gain Chocolate Protein Powder.

Awoke this morning before the rooster crowed so that I could make it to Vandy for a research study that I volunteered for a few weeks ago. In fact, this is the same one that my girls had completed a couple of weeks ago with my buddy, DeWayne. I slid into the research center by 7am just in time to get busy with the testing. The only preparation for the procedure was to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight. To most folks and even to myself, this is not that big of a deal. However, today seemed like forever from 5a-7a as I was getting ready since that meant NO SPARK and NO MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINK. Ugh! Good habits are hard to break :)

Upon arrival, DeWayne took my vital signs and asked me a few questions before getting started on the EndoPAT testing. What is EndoPAT testing you ask?...Here goes: The EndoPAT is an diagnostic tool that gives doctors and patients a bit of insight into the functioning of the endothelim (thin layer of smooth cells that line the walls of the blood vessels all throughout the body) and overall heart health. I learned that even the patient of normal weight doesn't necessarily correlate with good heart health based on the EndoPAT test results. DeWayne and the sonographer couldn't give me actual results given that it is a study but they did tell me that I looked pretty good with the numbers that were gathered.

During the EndoPAT testing, I had to lay very still for about 15-20 minutes while a BP cuff was squeezing the snot out of my left arm. Even with my fingers going numb and my arm feeling heavy from my elbow to my wrist, I still fell asleep during the 15 minutes that I relaxed in the hospital bed with the lights dimmed and outside noises minimized. Sleep deprivation is a beautiful thing when you get to take a power nap as soon as you show up to work and still get paid $50 for being a participant.

After the EndoPAT testing, DeWayne stuck me for a few tubes of blood and then sent me on my way with a bagged continental breakfast. I do have to add that he is an amazing phlebotomist! 1 stick and he was a success story in the making :).

Once I made it to the clinic, I jumped on the scales for Week 4 of the Biggest Loser Challenge. I lost a bit over 2 pounds this week by that scale. :) I like to report the home scale results as the official number since I weigh with an empty bladder and minimally dressed (or naked) each Wednesday. This week is really only 0.8 less than the last post of 179.8 on May 30. June 6 was 180.0 so I had crept up a little bit but working my way down now.

After the workday, I decided to take the long way home and happened into the nail salon. Pedi for me, thank you. I do have to say that it feels good to see all 10 nails intact this year. I am not crazy enough to think that I have pretty toes but at least they are not chipped and are well manicured today. Ready to run! I think it's true that you run better when your feet are pampered :) Even Instagram can't make these toes look pretty..hehehe

Well, guessing I better hit the hay before the sun rises to start Thursday. I would like to get out of bed to run in the morning so sweet dreams.

Your little taste of goodness for tonight...
My girl chased down a rabbit in the yard tonight. We have a full size bunny that we call Peter. Wondering if this may be one of Peter's babies. Picture perfect moment: