Little Steps to a New Me!

Recipe Review :: Gina's Skinny Recipes Chicken, Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup

2012-01-03T10:41:00.006-06:00

I happened to stumble upon a new (to me) site that was chock full of tasty, healthy low-cal/low-fat meals and haven't been able to get off the dang site since. I have found so many recipes that I can make for my whole family, some that I can make just for myself and freeze leftovers and some that even just my husband and kids might like. The site is Gina's Skinny Recipes (Skinnytaste).

I'm so glad I found this recipe. I love soup - especially a thick soup with rice, but they are always so high in points that I feel too guilty enjoying them. This is a nice, hearty soup that tastes delicious! A huge advantage is that David loves it - huge score!

Chicken, Shiitake and Wild Rice Soup

One thing to note is the rice expands the longer it sits, so you may need to add more water to adjust the correct thickness. This reheats fine the next day with a little added water. For the wild rice combo I used Rice a Roni Long Grain and Wild Rice.

1 tbsp butter
1 small onion; chopped
1 tbsp flour
8 cups (64 oz) fat free low sodium chicken broth
1 cups water
2 carrots; chopped
3 garlic cloves; chopped
2 celery ribs; chopped
4 skinless chicken thighs
4.5 oz long grain rice and wild rice combo
1/2 cup long grain white rice
4 oz. shiitake mushrooms, sliced (I chopped)
2 tbsp light sour cream
salt and fresh pepper

Melt butter in a large pot on medium heat, add onion and saute until soft but

not browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add flour and saute another minute.
Add chicken broth, water, carrots, garlic, celery, and chicken thighs, cover

and simmer 20 minutes. Add wild rice mix along with it's seasoning, long

grain rice, mushrooms, salt and pepper to taste and simmer on low, covered

25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks, return to pot, add sour

cream and more water if too thick, adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve.

As a side note: I added about 1/2 cup of canned corn to it - for a little added texture.

Makes 6 servingsPer serving (1 1/2 cups): 237 calories, 4g fat, 2g fiber

**Points Value - 5
**Points+ Value - 6

Recipe Review :: Gina's Skinny Recipes Lemon Blueberry Scones

2012-01-02T10:11:00.007-06:00

I absolutely love Caribou's lemon blueberry scone and get them any chance I have. Now that I am on Weight Watchers I can't just have one any old time, so I am in desperate need of finding a recipe I can enjoy enough to not crave the deliciousness from Caribou. I made these and they are incredibly tasty. My only complaint is that they taste a little too much like shortbread for my liking, but the cumbly-ness they have is perfect.

The recipe is actually for lemon cranberry scones, but I used blueberries instead (I have a supreme love for lemon blueberry baked goods) I've modified the recipe to reflect what I made. No nutritional value changed. You can see it on her site here. Since it is a lower point value for just the 1 item, I paired it with a Greek yogurt (my faves are Yoplait Greek and Chobani) and added a cup of coffee (with creamer and Splenda, of course)

Lemon Blueberry Scones

For perfect scones, be careful not to over-knead the dough and be sure your
butter is chilled. Leftovers can be stored in air-tight containers for up to two
days. I've tried these using all whole wheat flour but I prefer to use a blend of
whole wheat and white. Enjoy!

Lemon Blueberry Scones

2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, divided

1/2 cup low fat buttermilk (I didn't have buttermilk so I went the backup

way 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1% milk to the 1/2 cup line)

1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups Ultra grain flour (or 1 cup white, 1 cup whole wheat)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp chilled butter (must be cold) cut into small pieces (I grated it

with a cheese grater)

3/4 cup dried blueberries

Position rack in top third of oven; Preheat oven to 375°. Line baking sheet
with parchment paper. Make glaze by combining 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp lemon
juice. Combine buttermilk, remaining lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla,
and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.Combine flour, baking powder,
salt, in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut in chilled butter with a pastry
blender, or you could use 2 knives, until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Gently fold in blueberries. Add buttermilk mixture, stirring just until moist.
(dough will be sticky)

Place dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly four times with floured
hands. Form dough into an 8-inch circle onto baking sheet, about 3/4" thick.
Using a knife, cut dough into 10 wedges (do not cut all the way through).
Brush lemon glaze over dough. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes, or
until a tester comes out clean. Serve warm or room temperature.

If you leave out the dried fruit, the scones are 4 points plus each.

Makes 10 servings

**Points Value - 4
**Points+ Value - 5

Goals

2011-12-27T10:39:00.001-06:00

I just realized I never shared what my current goal is. Since I officially weighed myself yesterday and realized I had 3 pounds more to lose than I had previously thought, I had to change my ticker that's right up at the top. My goal is 63 pounds - which means my goal weight is 150. I am going to try my hardest to make this goal happen by December 20, 2012. What's the importance of this date? I turn 30 that day. I want to make sure I enter the new decade of my life in the best shape I've ever been. I understand there is a long road ahead of me in this healthiness journey (it's a lifestyle change, not a temporary "fix") but this is the first road I have to take. Turning 30 will be a fork in the road and I am the only one that can decide the way I will take.

This is when it becomes not okay.

2011-12-26T09:35:00.001-06:00

This morning I took a necessary step that I've been dreading - I weighed myself. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad. I weighed 213 on the nose. The last time I was this heavy was when I was pregnant with Parker. When I started my healthiness journey last time I weighed in at 212.8. Now, that means I gained all 30 pounds back PLUS 0.2. I know that 0.2 might not seem bad to you, but when it means I gained more than what I lost back - it becomes a problem.

The scale doesn't lie. (p.s. why can't I turn this picture around?)

I'm back on Weight Watchers as of today and plan on hitting up a meeting some time soon so I can get the new materials. I use the program from like 6 years ago (when I joined before we had Graycen) and am sort of interested in seeing what the Points Plus is all about - even though I hear it is changing again.

I considered starting my membership at Snap Fitness up again, but decided it's not cost effective for me (read: I never go) I decided to buy an exercise bike instead. I am a person that loves using the gym machines and if I had one at home then I have no excuse not to use it. I plan on following the workout program that David is doing but would like this for some added cardio. I'm a cardio girl.

Alright, I better go. Time for me to start getting in my water so I can get this dang workout done for the day.

Sticking to a plan is easy... when you make one

2011-12-24T20:17:00.001-06:00

I'm such a ridiculous planner. I've noticed when I need to track my eating and water I have to plan everything. I open up my handy dandy Excel spreadsheet and start filling in the foods for the day (including their point value) - down to the snacks. If I make my meal plan I stick with it - 99% of the time! If I don't make a plan I have too many options and find it's very easy for me to veer off path.
This behavior happened this week already. I was making my meal plan on Tuesday and got side tracked by a super awesome website - SkinnyTaste - have you heard of it? I spent a good 1.5-2 hours on the site looking through all of the "normal" foods writing down titles so I could go back later and pull up recipes to make my meal plan off of it. There are so many meals and snacks on there that my whole family would eat - how wonderful!!!

Anyways... I didn't end up making my meal plan and have found myself aimlessly eating. No good. Now, here we sit on Saturday night and I have a cup of coffee that I'm finishing up, we just ordered some wings and cheesy bread from Domino's and the Vodka and Orange, Pineapple, Banana juice are waiting on the counter for me. Tomorrow is the ever-indulgent Christmas. I make Christmas breakfast and since we aren't going anywhere this year David requested chicken strips for dinner.

I guess I should finish up that damn meal plan so I can actually use it on Monday. That's when we go back to our regularly scheduled program since we have no plans for New Year's Eve.

28 going on 70

2011-12-19T10:29:00.000-06:00

I have been telling myself that I'm going to start my healthiness journey again for quite some time, but I keep making excuses to halt the start-up.
I have some pretty important reasons to get it done this time. I have officially gained all 30 of the pounds I lost in 2009-2010 back; my knee is hurting way more than it ever has. Side note: I'm setting an appointment for a visit with an orthopedist as we speak; my clothes don't fit; I feel like crap; I'm beginning to notice how much harder of a time I have breathing when I'm going up the stairs - this is all just unnecessary.

My cousin and I are partners in our healthiness journey - which we agreed upon starting today. Well, she sent me a message on Facebook this morning telling me how she started already and made her meal plan. I made an excuse of how I was going to wait until Wednesday to start because I get a free entree at Noodles and free coffee at Caribou in celebration of my birthday tomorrow and I was taking advantage of them. If I keep starting 'tomorrow' I'll never do it. I just got pissed at myself and realized I need to do it now. So what I didn't measure my bowl of cereal this morning- I can still make the rest of the day happen. I am in control of my actions!

David has been supporting me and trying to cheer me on for so long and I keep falling short on my word. We bought a 90 day workout system from Best Buy a couple of weeks ago (totally a rip-off of P90X) for a super awesome mega deal (it came down to less than $7 with my discount) and we agreed we would both start it. He's gotten 13 days in and I have yet to pop it in. I owe it to him to keep my word and do it with him; I owe it to myself to keep my word and do it FOR me!

I saw this on Pinterest recently and it ~~spoke to~~ yelled at me. I'm tired of being in pain. I'm only 28 (ok, I'll be 29 tomorrow) I shouldn't hurt like this.

Excuses, excuses.

2011-08-16T09:43:00.002-05:00

I was going to run, but I have a headache. I could have walked instead.
I was going to run, but the bathrooms were closed so I couldn't change my clothes. I could have gone to a store or even back to work to change my clothes.
I was going to workout, but I didn't sleep well last night so I am tired today. I could have started it anyways. I always get into it as soon as I start.
I was going to workout, but I didn't start drinking my water until about 15 mins ago. Who cares?! It could have been worse and I could have not had any water at all.
I was going to run, but my iPod wasn't charged. I understand I'm using a program to run, but I'm pretty sure people have been running (and starting a running program) without their iPods and instructions for years. ;-)
I was going to stick with my points, but I didn't have a lot of time to actually cook something for lunch. There's always a better option - even a bowl of cereal.
I was going to start today, but messed up so tomorrow it is. Starting tomorrow is never the answer.

These are all excuses that I've made in less than a week. I'm sure there are more since I'm really good at making them, but these were the ones I could think of. If I don't hold myself accountable, who will? That's right! Nobody! Calling myself out on these stemmed from a quote that someone commented with on A Prior Fat Girl's blog. Totally what I needed for the day. There were a lot of other good ones, but this one really spoke with me today.

“If something is important to you, you’ll find a way. If it isn’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

I talk about how important this is to me so I guess now it's time to ~~find~~ make a way!

Because I'm worth it.

2011-08-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

Hey there! I'm sure one day you'll stumble back over here and see that I made a post and go "What the....?!" I wouldn't be surprised if you didn't even remember my name! Hopefully you'll stick around because I've written so many more times after that and you're just so interested to see what's been going on, how I'm doing and the accomplishments I've made! Any way it works, I'm happy you're here. :-)

A memory from high school popped into my head the other day about how I was a junior going into my senior year of high school and I had gained about 15lbs over the course of the school year. I wanted to wear the size medium cheerleading uniform I already had instead of the large I was going to have to "upgrade" to. My motivation was getting to be the smaller size and as an addition, my mom told me if I was able to get into it I could get my belly button pierced (since she was anti having it done, but knew how much I wanted it) I had about 3 months to drop the weight (which was definitely doable with exercise and healthy eating) and I was very gung-ho for the first week or so with doing my Tae-Bo tapes daily and cutting back on the crappy food. I got tired of it and stopped. Hmmm... sounds familiar. This memory made me think about how I've been on a continuous weight loss journey/struggle for like the last 12 years. I did the same thing when I got engaged. Motivation to lose weight and I didn't do anything.
I have successfully lost 20+ pounds TWICE. The first time was about 6 months after Parker was born I started and by the time he was one I had lost 25lbs. The second time was last spring and into summer I lost 30lbs. Obviously I was worth it at those times, but why not now? I understand being a mom, wife, homemaker, money maker is all hard, but there is definitely time to do these things that will make my life, as well as my family's lives, better.
Over the course of the last year I have gained just more than half the weight I lost last year back and to me, that's sad. It officially became more than half when I weighed myself yesterday and I was at 196 (that's 16lbs back on) I worked so hard to get that weight off and just like that I chose to let it all go. In January I joined Snap Fitness with all of the intent in the world to work out at least 3 times per week there. Ha! I don't think I've worked out a total of 15 times there.
In March I booked a vacation for David and I to Las Vegas as well as a dip into California where my childhood best friend is getting married. I made a goal to finally finish losing the weight before we went. We leave in like 5.5 weeks for this vacation and I haven't gotten any closer to that goal since I made it 5 whole months ago.
My last ditch effort came last weekend when I ran to JC Penney to use a coupon that was going to expire. In the clearance section I found a dress that is just the kind I've been dying to wear and it would be perfect for Laura's wedding. Well, I bought the dress about a size too small and called it my "work my ass off dress" Well, it's been a week and a half and my butt ain't getting any smaller. Whose fault is this? Mine, of course. I still have 5.5 weeks to make it happen, I just don't think it's very feasible anymore.

I came to the realization recently that I don't have much self-worth and that made me sad. I take care of everyone and everything all of the time, but never myself. It's about time I become worth it.

I'm going to do it.

2011-02-09T13:56:00.000-06:00

How many times can you revive a dead blog? Well, I guess it's for sure twice because I'm about to do it again.
I took a really long time off from this blog and it seems that as soon as I stopped writing I stopped tracking, I stopped working out, I stopped trying. Connection? I think so!
You know it's bad when I didn't even have to update the weight tracker that I have at the top of my blog because my weight is exactly the same as it was when I last tracked in June of last year. I gained about 11 pounds, but in the last month and a half I've taken it back off.
I've got less than 40 pounds left to lose and I know I can do it!!!

So, here we go - back to tracking, back to writing, back to trying. I take that back. No trying. I heard someone say "when you try you're giving yourself permission to fail." Well, I don't want to fail anymore. I'm tired of failing. I hate failure. It's time to change the cycle.
My husband would be proud to hear me quote Yoda here "Do, or do not. There is no try."

I'm not going to try, but I am going to do it!

Alright, alright, alright!

2010-06-17T22:24:00.000-05:00

It's not like I need to announce it, but I am anyways. So, I've been gone for a month now. I know, you couldn't tell, right?! Riiiight ;-) Anyways.. the reason I was gone is well, I had a bad week (cheating, sneaking and not exercising will do that to you) And I didn't want to fess up to it. On top of that I was feeling a little discouraged from that and well, the lack of comments, I suppose.

You see, sometimes I feel like I need people to read and comment on my blog for it to make a difference. When it got to a point where people weren't commenting anymore I thought maybe it was useless. I like to use my blog as an outlet. A way to keep myself on track, motivated and "someone" to check in with on my journey. Last night I had the realization that I'd rather write my blog for me to get things out and even if there is someone out there reading that maybe the one thing I said helped them, then that's great!

I know I don't need to write for you, you or heck, even you, but I like to. I like writing for me, but I also like writing for you! I like the tapping of the keyboard, the words appearing on the screen. Sometimes I even wish I had a reason to type letters because I just like the way it feels. So, I'm back again. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's like the twelve-millionth time I've said that, but it's permanent this time. Just know, if you're reading, I'm glad you're interested. And if not, that's cool too. I like my blog in all of it's little glory and that's OK with me.

Flashbacks

2010-05-13T20:54:00.000-05:00

Another week, another weigh-in. I followed my points 100% and I even got 4 workouts in last week. All of my hard work is paying off - I lost 2.5 pounds!! I've now lost 17.5 pounds since my return! I weighed in at 195.3 this morning. This is a number I haven't seen since right after Graycen was born (3.5 years ago) I actually think this is what I weighed at my 6 week post-partum check. I can't believe how well I am doing and how good it's making me feel. I'm finding it to be so much easier to get up off of the floor, bed, etc.. My knees aren't cracking and popping as much as they had been, my clothes are getting too big. I really could go on and on, but I won't. I feel good!
I totally meant it when I said I was doing it this time!! Yay me!

I'm in love with lemon

2010-05-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you love lemon, but I sure do. I have been on the hunt for a WW friendly recipe for lemon bars and was STOKED when I saw there was one in the Hungry Girl book. Well, I made the recipe and let me tell you - it was GROSS. I'm not even going to bother posting the recipe, but just know if you come across it, it's not good and don't even try it.

Ma found a recipe for me on About.com in the Low Fat Cooking area and I wasn't hesitant to try it at all. I'm so glad I made it because these lemon bars rock!

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutesIngredients:

For the Base:

•1 cup all-purpose flour

•1/4 cup sugar

•1/2 cup quick oats

•3 tbsp butter

For theTopping:

•1 egg

•1 egg white

•1 cup sugar

•3 tbs flour

•1/4 tsp baking powder

•Pinch of salt

•Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (I used the zest of a lemon, and then about 5tb of juice from the bottle)

•Confectioner's sugar, sifted, for sprinkling

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine flour, oats and sugar in a medium bowl. Using a pastry blender, add butter and blend until the mixture is crumbly.

Press crumbs into the bottom of the baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are golden.

Meanwhile, whisk egg and egg white. Add sugar and beat until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, salt and lemon; whisk until smooth.

Pour lemon mixture over pre-baked base. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until center is set.

Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 16 squares.

Per Serving: Calories 133, Total Fat 2.8g, Fiber 0.1g

Point value:: 3

It's weigh in time again!

2010-05-06T16:03:00.001-05:00

I know, I know... I skipped last week's weigh-in. I don't know if it was a lack of ambition with wanting to write (this weather has been crappy) or if it was the fact that my weight just was not budging and I was staying within a 1.5 pound slump which resulted in me only losing 0.2lbs at last week's weigh-in. I was damn near ready to just give up since I wasn't moving the scale like I knew I should have been. I was sticking with my points 100%, working out and not even eating my extra points for the week.

I thought about it a little bit and decided I was going to take myself down 2 points (which is what you do when your weight changes) even though it wasn't time yet. Well, sure enough, cutting out 2 points was the trick. I lost 2.6 pounds over the last week. I have now lost 15 pounds since re-starting Weight Watchers and I am just thrilled about it. My weight is 197.8 and that is lower than it was when I stopped WW last time. Yay me! I officially have less than 50 pounds to lose now and that makes it seem way more attainable than ever before! I'm definitely a wanna-be prior fat girl. ;-)

I quit

2010-05-06T15:57:00.001-05:00

I hate to admit it, but I have given up on the C25K program. You see, back in jr high I hurt my knee playing basketball. When I was running I started having really bad pains in my knee and the pain would only be dulled with ibuprofen. So, I am no longer running, but just working out instead. I am upset that I couldn't do it and I even tried to find excuses as to why I COULDN'T stop, but common sense kicked in and it made me realize I was doing the right thing by stopping. I am excited to see everyone else continue on and I will still cheer you all on. I'll totally walk a 5k any day (a 3 mile walk is a cake walk for me - I could walk for ages.. ) Thanks for the support you did give me. I appreciate it!

Product Review:: Ronzoni Smart Taste Thin Spaghetti

2010-04-23T15:29:00.003-05:00

Recently I discovered Ronzoni's Smart Taste Thin Spaghetti and was VERY pleased. I had been buying whole wheat spaghetti and was satisfied, but decided to try this since I had a coupon for $1.00 off and that made it only $0.58 - what a deal! Turns out, nutritionally, this pasta is a lot better for you than the whole wheat pasta I had been buying. It has the calcium equal to an 8oz glass of milk! I think this is a great pasta for kids to be eating as well.

It's very filling, has a nice texture to eat and the flavor is good as well. I will continue to buy it!

Points value:: 3 (for 1 cup)

What happened?

2010-04-22T15:27:00.000-05:00

I'm not exactly sure what happened the past few days. I have been feeling pretty crappy with some chest/throat thing so I haven't been working out, but I have been sticking to my points. Yesterday was the first day I have felt like myself and not like crap so I worked out to one of my old faves - Crunch Fat Burning Pilates and followed it up with W2D1 of the C25k (which I had to stop after 18 minutes because I couldn't breathe very well) I weighed myself this morning and I am only down 0.1 pounds from last week. I know it's 1/10 of a pound, but still. I have been 100% on with my points and then even got 2 sorts of workouts in last night. Hmmmm... Could it be because I haven't even be doing my normal activity of walking around, cleaning house, taking care of kids? I've pretty much been stuck in bed or just lounging around with a little tiny bit of activity in here and there. Is that my problem? Any insight?

Recipe Review:: MY Weight Watchers friendly pizza

2010-04-22T15:15:00.000-05:00

If you're on Weight Watchers or just want a low-cal/low-fat pizza I have a recipe for you!!

I've made this pizza one time before and it wasn't as good, but I made it again last night and have now learned how to make it better. I'll list the ingredients I used, but obviously you can make it to suit your likes!

Ingredients:

Multi Grain with Flax Flat Out

-For sauce:

1/3 cup tomato sauce
Italian seasonings
Garlic powder
Minced garlic
Garlic salt

-Toppings:

About 2-3tb chopped mushrooms
About 2-3tb chopped green peppers
About 2-3tb chopped onions
17 slices of turkey pepperoni
7 medium black olives, sliced
1/3 cup Weight Watchers shredded cheese
2 tb low-fat mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the flat out on a non-stick cookie sheet for 7 minutes
While the flat out is heating, chop your veggies and create your sauce!
Remove flat out from oven, spread sauce and pile on toppings!
Cook in oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven, cut and enjoy (THE WHOLE THING!)

Points value: 7

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Sassy Veggie Egg Rolls

2010-04-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Hungry Girl? Well, if you haven't, you should go check her out here! She's a girl that likes food and doesn't want to feel deprived of her nummy food so she has found ways to make super delish recipes in a low-fat/low-cal way.

I sure love me some egg rolls so you can bet when I saw this recipe in HG's book I HAD to make them. They took a while to make, but I pretty much expected that with all of the chopped and shredded veggies that were included. They were super yummy worth my time! The only modification I made was leaving out the pineapple.
As a side note: These egg rolls don't get crunchy like your regular egg rolls since you don't fry them. Because of this, when you reheat them you should heat them up in the oven instead of the microwave otherwise you'll get soggy egg rolls. :-(
Oh! And don't blame me if you're upset and confused with trying to figure out what the crap I'm talking about with rolling the egg rolls, that was the direction from the book, not mine! Good luck.

Hungry Girl's Sassy Veggie Egg Rolls

Ingredients:

12 large sqaure egg roll wrappers
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped bean sprouts
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup pineapple in juice, chopped
1/2 cup canned sliced water chestnuts, chopped
1/4 cup light or low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablesppons minced garlic
salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place cabbage in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablesppons of water and microwave for 3 minutes. Drain water and transfer to a large bowl.
Add all other ingredients to the bowl, except for the warppers, and mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Place two egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Evenly place 2 heaping spoonfuls of the veggie mixture (1/12th of the mixture) onto each wrapper, in rwos a little below the center of each square. Moisten all four edges of each wrapper with watter by dabbing your fingers in water and going over the edges smoothly.
Fold the sides of each wrapper about three-quarters of an inch toward the middle to keep the mixture from falling out of the sides. The roll the bottome of each wrapper up arounf the mixture and continue rolling until you reach the top. Seal the outside edge once more witha dab of water.
Repeat process with all other wrappers, making sure you have a clean, dry surface each time. Place all of the egg rolls onto a large baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray.
Lightly spray the tops of the egg rolls with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly and then cut each egg roll in half.

Per serving (2 pieces): 82 calories, 0.5g fat, 1.5g fiber.

Points Value:: 1 (4 pieces equal 3)

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Crazy-Good Turkey Taco Meatloaf

2010-04-21T10:00:00.008-05:00

Have you heard of Hungry Girl? Well, if you haven't, you should go check her out here! She's a girl that likes food and doesn't want to feel deprived of her nummy food so she has found ways to make super delish recipes in a low-fat/low-cal way.

I'll tell you straight out: I am an odd one - I LOVE meatloaf. I came across this HG recipe for a taco meatloaf and decided to give it a shot. It was really easy to make, didn't take a million years and tasted nummy. The only downfall I found was in reheating it. It was pretty dry in that area. My mother in law recommended I put some water in with it and cover with aluminum foil (I reheated in the oven) to help prevent that. I will certainly make it again!

I will say, I did stretch it and served myself 2 pieces and found that I was overly full since I also steamed some asparagus and ate that along with it. So 1 piece is sufficient as long as you eat something with it.

Hungry Girl's Crazy-Good Turkey Taco Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 pound raw extra-lean ground turkey
2 slices fat-free cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1/2 cup canned sweet corn kernels
1/4 cup chopped green bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 packet of taco seasoning mix, dry

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook peppers and onions for 3 minutes over medium heat in a pan sprayed with nonstick spray.
In a largw bowl, combine onions and peppers with turkey, corn and seasoning mix. Spread half the mixture evenly into the bottom of a loaf pan sprayed with nonstick spray.
Layer the two slices of fat-free cheese on top of the mixture (try to keep if away from the pan's edges) Evenly top with the remaining meat mixture.
Pour the salsa over the top of the load. Cook in the oven for 30 minutes.
Top loaf with shredded cheese. Return loaf to the oven and cook for another 15 minutes.

Per serving (1/6th of loaf): 127 calories, 1g fat, 0.5g fiber

Points Value:: 3

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Creamy Hot Apple B-fast with Brown Sugar Crunch

2010-04-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

One morning I wanted apple oatmeal for breakfast but wasn't willing to sacrifice 2 points for one measly little packet of oatmeal that would only leaving me feeling hungry in a while. Thankfully, I have the Hungry Girl books and remembered there was something in there that I had bought the ingredients for. I wasn't looking forward to the prep time (cutting the apples up and crumbling the granola bar) since I was ready to eat NOW! Surprisingly it all went fast. It was maybe a 5-6 minute timeframe between prep and cooking. Not bad.

I'm so glad I tried this recipe. The apple/cinnamon flavor is perfect and the crunchiness that you get from the granola bar is great. This recipe lef tme feeling satisfied. I did need to drink some milk with it though, since it is on the sweet side. I think this could even make a wonderful dessert with a little fat-free cool whip!

Hungry Girl's Creamy Hot Apple B-fast with Brown Sugar Crunch

Ingredients:

1 cup peeled apple chunks (any sweet, not tart, variety)
1 Nature Valley Maple Brown Sugar Crunchy Granola Bar (half a 2-bar package)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar-free fat-free vanilla instant pudding mix
2 no-calorie sweetener packets
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstrach
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of salt

Directions:

in a medium-large microwave-safe bowl, place pudding mix, sweetener, cornstrach, cinnmon and salt. Add 1/3 cup cols water and mix until blended.
Add apple chunks and toss them in the liquid mixture. Cover bow and microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Allow mixture to thicken and cool for a few minutes before removing from microwave.
While waiting for it cool some, place the granola bar in a sealable plastic bag. Place on a flat surface and use can or rolling pin to crush the bar until you have small crumbles.
Once apple mix is cool enough to handle, stir in granola pieces. Eat it up before it gets cold!

Per serving (entire recipe) 189 calories, 3g fat, 3g fiber.

**Points Value:: 3

It's been a little bit..

2010-04-19T15:02:00.000-05:00

I'ts been a couple of weeks since I have weighed in. That's because I was in Vegas from the 5th to the 9th (just missing weigh-in by one day) and then I didn't have a weigh-in again at Weight Watchers until the 15th. When I went in I was expecting the scales to be up quite a bit, but to my surprise, I was only up 1.6lbs. The receptionist asked if I had a really hard week and I explained I had been in Vegas but I started right back up the day after we came home and she cheered me on!
I've been sticking to my guns with my points (not in Vegas, of course) and I got a couple workouts in as well as my 3 - C25K runs in and even a couple of family walks. So I've gotten my fitness in. I'm now happy to say I am actually .6lbs lighter than I was the day we left for Vegas! Woooooo-hooooo! I weighed in at 201.1lbs - sooo close to getting out of the two hundreds FOR GOOD! I don't think it will happen by Thursday, but I sure will try!

Couch to 5k - Week 1

2010-04-19T13:48:00.001-05:00

Alright, I finished the first week of C25K and let me tell you, it was a lot easier than I expected it to be. Don't get me wrong, it was hard, but easier than I thought.

My goal for the week was to finish week 1 without giving up. Sadly, I finished BUT I did give up (at the end of my 3rd run) I did my first run on Monday, my second on Wednesday and then my 3rd actually didn't happen until last night. I know, I had 3 days in between runs 1 and 3, but I seriously couldn't breathe well enough to do it on Friday or Saturday. Oh well, I got it done and that's all that matters.

You see, somewhere around day (run) 2 I developed some sort of respiratory issue. My chest has been tight, I have a cough, can't breathe very well - it's not cute. I ran despite it last night and told myself I would stop if it got to be too hard. Well, it got to be too hard and I stopped. I actually lasted almost 21 of the 29 minutes the first week is and I even beat my personal best for pace! Yay me. Here's my progress for the week - reported by Nike+. You can be my friend or see my profile by clicking here.

My goals for this week:

Totally conquer week 2!
Keep or beat my pace from week 1.

Want to join in on the fun? Head over to Liz's blog and write up your own post! You can do it!

And we're off!

2010-04-12T23:23:00.003-05:00

Ok, if I didn't lose you over the last week or so then you should know what I'm talking about when I ask if you remember me talking about starting the Couch to 5K (C25K) with Liz and a bunch of other cool people. Well, do you remember me talking about that? Would you believe that I kept my word and actually started today as I had planned?! I can't!

Now let me tell you - I have had the (old) podcasts for the C25K in my iPod for quite some time now (and when I say quite some time, I mean like 6+ months) with every intention of starting it and just never did. I had a newfound motivation to get my butt in gear when my friend Liz said she was going to start this and she was challenging other people to start it as well. I used to be a runner. Liz never has been. She is on a journey to do this, to accomplish this, to DEMOLISH this! She can do it and I think she knows that with all of us other bloggers behind her, she can push herself to do it too. Well Liz, I, too, accept your challenge!

Here is my first post about it.

Goal for the week: Finish week 1 without giving up.
I have to say - this was easier than I expected it to be, but still a butt kicker. I honestly thought I would have stopped running before the minute of running was up, but I DID NOT!
I ran on an actual track and I found that when it was time to run and knowing that my run would end when I was about halfway around the track (from wherever I started) helped me to keep on running.
My butt hurts - a lot.
I need help with knowing what to do about these damn shin splints. I've heard about them in running and coincidentally, I didn't get them while running, only while doing the walking in between.
My end goal is to also run the Liz Logelin Foundation 5k along with Liz and I'm sure many more!

I have to say - with the recommendation from my friend Missy to check out Carli's podcast, I am so happy I did. I LOVE IT! Thanks girl!

A day late, 5% body weight short!

2010-04-03T22:28:00.001-05:00

So I'm a day late in posting my weigh-in, but that's ok. Since rejoining WW 4 weeks ago I am down 5%! Last week I lost 2.1 pounds, which put me at 201.7 and bringing my total weight loss to 11.1 pounds. Yay me!

I was in a funk the week before last and I think the reason I only dropped 0.2 pounds was because I wasn't being 100% honest with myself in measuring, etc. I stuck to my guns and got a few workouts in. I attempted a 1 mile run, but the wind and cold were so bad that my lungs were burning and my ears were popping. It sucked. I made it a half of a mile in 6'59" and was bummed that I just couldn't continue. BUT I plan on starting the Couch to 5K (C25K) program along with Liz and many more bloggers the week after next (they're all starting next week, but we'll be in Vegas). I'm pretty excited. David is going to start it with me. I've been wanting to start it and I actually have had the podcasts on the iPod for quite some time now, I just haven't done it. This should be fun!

I'm so close to being under 200 pounds and am worried about what next week will bring for me with being on vacation in Vegas. Yikes! I won't aimlessly eat, but I sure as heck won't deny myself. Maybe I'll see what it's like to live in the "real world" and not measure everything exactly, but instead making better choices and stopping when I'm full. We'll see. I really don't know how it will go, but the best I can do is try.

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

2010-03-27T14:53:00.007-05:00

Have you heard of Hungry Girl? Well, if you haven't, you should go check her out here! She's a girl that likes food and doesn't want to feel deprived of her nummy food so she has found ways to make super delish recipes in a low-fat/low-cal way.

The other night I decided to go for it and whip these up. Here's another one of the ones I was apprehensive about because of the pumpkin. You see, the only part of the pumpkin I like to eat is the seeds (baked up, of course) so I wasn't too sure of what I would think of these.

Well, I put my dislike of pumpkin aside and tried them. They are delicious! I could tast a hint of pumpkin, but ma said she couldn't (but she also likes pumpkin) Maybe I was looking for it? I don't know. Either way, I like them, the kids like them, ma likes them. I guess they turned out pretty well. I would definitely make them again!

Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

Ingredients:

1 box devil’s food cake mix (approx. 18oz)
1 can pure pumpkin (15 oz.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix the two ingredients together. Don't add anything else that may be mentioned on the box, such as eggs, oil, or water. The mixture will be very thick and you will be tempted to add in other things to make the batter smoother. DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL RUIN EVERYTHING!
Place batter into muffin tins (or mini muffin tins) lined with paper, or sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Per Serving (1 muffin or 3 minis): 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 2g fiber

**Points Value - 4

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Cinnamon-vanilla French Toast Nuggets

2010-03-26T15:23:00.002-05:00

Have you heard of Hungry Girl? Well, if you haven't, you should go check her out here! She's a girl that likes food and doesn't want to feel deprived of her nummy food so she has found ways to make super delish recipes in a low-fat/low-cal way.

The other morning I made these for breakfast. It was easy, fast and super tasty. My kids even ~~loved~~ devoured them! I would definitely make them again in the future and when doing so, I would probably either stick the other 8 in the fridge and reheat in the oven the next morning or just toss 'em over to the kids.

While the 16 were very filling, I'm not about to sacrifice 6 points for these in the future. I would probably pair it with a Fiber One Yogurt (1 point) or something.

Hungry Girl's Cinnamon-vanilla French Toast Nuggets

Ingredients:

2 hot dog buns
1/3 cup fat free liquid egg substitute
1 tsp Coffee-Mate Sugar Free French Vanilla powdered creamer
2 dashes cinnamon
Optional topping: sugar-free pacake syrup (I only dipped mine in the syrup, rather than pouring over them)

Directions:

Split each bun in half, cut each of those halves into 4 pieces, leaving you with 16 pieces of bread.
In a small bowl, dissolve powedered creamer n 1 tablespoon warm water. Add egg substitute and 1 dash of cinnamon, stirring until mixed well.
Bring a large pan sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat. Dip or soak bread pieces in egg mixture, covering them completely. Place egg-dipped bread pieces in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally to cook all sides.
Remove from heat and plate your nuggets Sprinkle with another dash of cinnamon. If you like, top with some sugar-free pancake syrup.

Makes 2 servings (I didn't see this when I made them and thought 'man, this is a lot!' No wonder!)

Per Serving (8 nuggets): 151 calories, 2.25g fat, 1.5g fiber.

**Points Value - 3

**NOTE** I added a little bit of vanilla extract to the egg mix to give it some more flavor. Not changing the point value of it.

Week 3 of the weigh-ins

2010-03-26T12:22:00.001-05:00

Ok, I'll admit it - I was wrong.
I was wrong about the amount of weight I thought I might lose this last week.
I was wrong about my measurements.
I was wrong thinking I would actually workout last week.
I was wrong in eating things I shouldn't have before bed - even though they were still within my point allotment for the day.
I was just plain old wrong.

Last week was going to be a good week, or so I thought. I didn't work out - even though I told David, ma and myself that I would. I counted and tracked my points, but I was giving myself too much slack (is what I'm thinking) I was letting myself have real sugar in my coffee instead of sweetener, not measuring my creamer in my coffee, not finishing my water... The list goes on and on and on.

I only lost 0.2 pounds last week. Bringing me down to 203.8lbs. I know any loss is a good loss, but I know better. I know this isn't a good loss. So I have recommitted myself this week. I have been measuring every single tiny little thing already (and it's only day one) I'm writing everything individually in my tracking book instead of grouping it all together. For example: 1/4c egg beaters - 1pt, 1/4 ff shredded cheddar cheese - 1pt, 2tb of green peppers and onions - 0pt, 2pcs lean turkey bacon - 1pt VS what I was writing: omelet - 3pts.)

We'll see if this helps me this week.

Another week, another weigh in

2010-03-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I am sad to say, I didn't work out at all this week. No butt kickings from Jillian. Ugh. Anyways. I stuck to my points and it still paid off. I lost 3.8 pounds this week - bringing my total loss to 8.8pounds and bringing my weight to 204.

I only have 5 pounds to lose and then I'm under 200 again. It frustrates me because this was a milestone I met last year and then went above it. I can't wait for it to happen and I'm afraid it's going to happen RIGHT before Vegas and that will bring me back up. Oh well, I guess you just have to deal with the punches as they come, right?

First weigh-in back!

2010-03-16T11:49:00.001-05:00

I just realized I never came over to post the results of my first weigh-in back! I weighed in at 207.8 - which means I'm down exactly 5 pounds! I know the first week (and sometimes second week) is the high losing week since you lose water weight first, but it's a nice jump start for me. I am resisting all temptation of weighing myself at all this week and waiting until the end of the week. See, I get so obsessive and become a daily weigher and it just messes with my head when I do it. So that's how I made the decision to wait until Friday to weigh myself again. We'll see how it goes! For now, I will celebrate my 5lb weight loss!!

Product Review:: Pop Secret Snack Size 94% Fat Free Butter Popcorn

2010-03-11T21:47:00.000-06:00

This popcorn has definitely become a lifesaver for me! There are so many times when all I want to do is snack on something and I've made popcorn. I'm not a huge fan of butter on my popcorn (call me crazy) so this is perfect for me since it's lightly buttered. I just add a little popcorn salt and we're ready to go.

Besides the taste, the best part of about this bag of popcorn is YOU GET TO EAT THE WHOLE BAG! Yeah, I know it's only a little bag, but still.... ;-) I eat one bag daily!

*Points value: 1

Product Review:: The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss Cheese Wedges

2010-03-10T21:00:00.002-06:00

I have to admit, I only bought these because they were used in a few Hungry Girl recipes I wanted to try. There's just something about spreadable cheese wedges that kinda rubs me the wrong way. I came to the realization that I would never know if I liked something if I wasn't willing to give it a chance (real scholarly of me, eh?) DUH!

Well, I was definitely judging a book by its cover here! These are super nummy! So far I've only used them for one recipe, but they serve their purpose and are nothing like I thought they would be. I'm so willing to try more recipes using them now!

You get 8 in a package for about $3.50. That was a little spendy to me, but then I realized I wouldn't be using more than 1 at time and that the cost was almost $.45/wedge. It became ok since I knew it would last me 8 recipes!

*Points value: 1 (per wedge)

Product Review:: Yoplait Smoothies

2010-03-09T23:34:00.003-06:00

First of all, YUM-O! I decided to buy this because I love smoothies, I saw it on The Biggest Loser (yeah, I know I'm a sucker for endorsements) and because at Target my $1.00 off coupon made it only $1.50. I'm so glad I bought them cause now I'm hooked!
All you do is dump the contents in the blender with 1 cup of skim milk (or 1 1/2 if you want it thinner) and blend. Voila! I actually made mine with 1 1/4c. of milk since I didn't want it too incredibly thin and I was still able to drink it through a straw as well as eat it with a spoon. It was a nice creamy, sweet, fruity snack to end my night! I'd totally buy more and think you should try it!

It does make 2 servings so be willing to do one of the following: share, tuck it in the fridge for later or eat it all up! I chose to use the points and eat it all up!

*Points value: 2 (for half the mix)

Recipe Review:: Hungry Girl's Big Bad Burger Wrap

2010-03-07T14:21:00.003-06:00

Have you heard of Hungry Girl? Well, if you haven't, you should go check her out here! She's a girl that likes food and doesn't want to feel deprived of her nummy food so she has found ways to make super delish recipes in a low-fat/low-cal way.

Today for lunch I tried her Big Bad Burger Wrap and it was so tasty! I was a little apprehensive at first based on one of the ingredients I had to use. See, I get a little weird about new things sometimes, but I have learned I need to try new things to not be so bored with my food.

I decided not to post the picture that has been supplied by HG because it really doesn't look all that appetizing. I didn't think to take a picture until I was done. Oh well, trust me - it was good! Next time I have it (probably tomorrow!) I will take a pic of it.

I added a Just for 1 broccoli & cheese dish (0 points) and I was stuffed!

Hungry Girl's Big Bad Burger Wrap

Ingredients:

1 large La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Low Carb/High Fiber tortilla
1 Boca Original Meatless Burger
1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss Cheese
1 pickle spear, chopped
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon ketchup
2 dashes Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

Directions:

Prepare Boca patty according to box directions. Chop patty into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
To make sauce, combine mustard, ketchup and hot sauce in a small dish. Set aside.
Warm tortilla in the microwave for 10 seconds. Lay tortilla flat and spread cheese wedge on top.
Place chopped burger and pickle in the center of the tortilla. Top with sauce. Roll it up and eat!

Per serving (entire recipe): 199 calories, 5.5g fat, 1,368mg sodium, 27.5g carbs, 16.5g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 23.5g protein. !

**Points Value - 4

**NOTE** I made a couple modifications that actually still kept it at a value of 4 WW points. It changed the nutrition value listed above, but not in a way to modify it's value.
I couldn't find the tortillas called for so I actually bought the Multi-Grain FlatOut Pita Wraps, which have the same point value of 1. I also added some lettuce and tomato to mine - again, not changing the point value since they aren't worth anything in such a small amount.

And I'm back...

2010-03-05T22:06:00.002-06:00

So, I'm back on the weight loss journey. I fell off the wagon a little while ago and have since restarted (with lack of serious commitment) a few times. It's now time to FINISH the journey I have already started.

These are all things I have done in preparation of finishing this:

I rejoined Weight Watchers today.
I purchased the EA Sports Active for the Wii.
I upgraded my heart rate monitor to a Polar F6 - with recommendation of my niece, Katie.
I bought a new pair of workout capris and a pair of workout shorts.
I took my measurements (blech!)
I had David take some before pictures of me (yuck!)

I've already done Weight Watchers and I know it works. I just need to keep my commitment and motivation and we should be just fine!

I weighed in at 212.8 pounds this morning. I've gained 10 pounds back from what I'd already lost, but that's to be expected without watching what I eat and not exercising. I have 62.8 pounds to lose. I CAN DO THIS! It's very feasible to say I can do this by the end of the year. If I were to lose an average of 1.5# per week that means I can lose it in 43 weeks. That takes me to December 31st. I will surely welcome it before then, but this is my goal date!
I'm going to continue using my ticker at the top, but I'm keeping it at what my starting weight was initially since it is important for me to know that's where I originally started.

I CAN DO THIS!

I sure love me some Girl Scout Cookies

2009-01-05T11:14:00.004-06:00

It's time for those cute little Girl Scouts to start selling the cookies they so diligently ~~bake themselves~~ earn patches for. I don't know any Girl Scouts or anyone that has kids that is one. SO... if you happen to know someone, I want to order from them. You can either direct them to my email address or give me their contact information and I will get a hold of them!Don't worry, I will still stick to my WW and all. David likes the cookies just as much as I do so there will be plenty of sharing going on!

A new year, an improved me

2009-01-01T12:55:00.003-06:00

I realize I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. Life has been a carousel of events both up and down. I haven't tracked one thing I have put into my mouth nor have I had a workout since the last post. I didn't care. Well, now I do. Because of my (roughly) 3 weeks of careless eating habits in combination with the holidays, I have gained 6 pounds back. Ick. I guess I can't be too upset since I really didn't work that hard to get them off, I just followed the Weight Watchers way of eating. I didn't have lots of strenuous exercising going on or anything crazy like that. Don't get me wrong, it was difficult to change the way I was eating but it was nothing I would call hard (for myself) It's my own fault this happened.

Since today is the first day of a new year I have decided it's time to get myself back in order - but doing more than I was before. I am going to go back to following WW. I have decided I am going to hold myself accountable to attending one WW meeting per month (or every 4 weeks) This does two things for me: It keeps me accountable and having to go weigh-in once per month and it also will keep my membership current so I don't have to pay the registration fee every time. I'm also going to start the exercise routine in The Biggest Loser Fitness Program book. I will also throw in some workout DVDs each week.

I got some birthday presents that were much wanted and I am so excited about them! One thing I received was a set of 3 resistance tubes which came with an instructional DVD. I also got a heart rate monitor watch. I have wanted one of these so bad!!!

The Biggest Loser starts up again on Tuesday and that makes me SO EXCITED!! Which means I am going to go back to Tuesday weigh-ins. It's fun to have your weigh-in on the same day as they weigh-in as well as watch your episode and workout. Usually, my Tuesday night routine looks like this: dinner, clean-up, workout, The Biggest Loser, shower. From about 5:00pm or so until around 9:40, it's a packed night for me. ;-) But it works and I love it!

I want to thank everyone for their ongoing support. It really does mean a lot to me to have people backing me. I know I need to be my number one cheerleader, but unfortunately, I'm just not there yet.

Here's to a new year and an improved me. Notice I didn't say a new me? Because I will still be the same old me, just better!

Weekly Weigh-In

2008-12-09T14:17:00.002-06:00

No loss this week. I am predicting no loss next week, too. It's going be a week.
Oh well. It happens.

Weekly Weigh-In

2008-12-02T08:41:00.002-06:00

Despite no workouts and not actually tracking my points, I lost a pound this week!
I haven't been tracking/counting points all week but just watching what I am eating and how much I'm eating all week. It's not where I want to be. I don't want to give myself this much slack yet. Not until I feel I have a good grip on my weight loss/lifestyle - which it is apparent, I do not! So, this week I am saying I will start counting my points again. I have been doing great with my water this week, too! No workouts, though. I had every intention of doing them but never did it. Sounds like life, doesn't it? So, I'm shooting for twice this week.
I have lost a total of 22 pounds now, which equates 10.23% of total weight lost!!! That is awesome! My weight is currently 203. I am getting so excited thinking about the fact that I am almost out of the 200s. I haven't been in the 100s since a couple months after Graycen was born.
If I were reading this out loud, you would hear my huge WOO-HOO right now!!

Weekly Weigh-In

2008-11-25T10:20:00.005-06:00

I've decided not to put on my posts the number of weeks it has been for the weigh ins. With he numbers getting up there, it makes me feel like I haven't lost much weight. So, it's just going to be "weekly weigh in" now.
I did pretty well this last week. I got 2 workouts in and was on top of my water half of the time. I didn't count points this last week, but instead just watched what I ate and watched the portion sizes. Obviously it all worked since I lost 1 pound last week! YAY! I have had a total weight loss of 9.33% That is awesome!
I am hoping to get some better motivation going again and get back in stride here. I only have 5 pounds to go before I am under 200 and that is so exciting to me! The last time I was under 200 was before I had Graycen and then right after she was born - for like 2 months.
With my birthday coming up on the 20Th of next month, I am up for my license renewal. I am hoping that in the next 25 days I can lose 5 pounds so I can be under 200 on my license. You see, I am not a person that lies about my weight on my license. I don't find it necessary. I am thinking I might cut it close but not actually make it :(

Yes, I know.

2008-11-21T10:39:00.002-06:00

I have been MIA the past two weeks. I know, it's bad. I have had nothing to report as there is no change (up or down) in weight loss these last two weeks. I have gotten lucky in that sense as I haven't been following my points, getting my water in or working out. It's been almost an "I don't want to talk about it" couple of weeks. There has been a lot going on and while I know that's not an excuse for my poor habits, it's the only one I've got.
I have already been better this week. Watching my points, getting my water and since Tuesday I have had two workouts. Yay for me being back on track.

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 15

2008-11-04T08:42:00.003-06:00

I am so thrilled to announce:
I lost 2 pounds last week. In case you can't keep a running total in your head for this, I now weigh 205 pounds, which means I have lost 20 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OK, sorry about the abundance of exclamation points. I am just a little excited!
These past two weeks have been stress filled and hectic but I pulled my act together last week and got those two pounds off. I am so close to hitting 10% weight lost. I have another 2.25 pounds to go until I get there!

YAY for me!! I am so proud of myself for losing 20 pounds. I know if I had been more diligent in the beginning weeks (the first 3 or 4) I could have lost more but no shoulda, coulda, wouldas. I have done great and need to celebrate what I have done!

Here's to many more losing (winning!) weeks.

I've got a new favorite treat!

2008-11-02T21:31:00.001-06:00

They're called gramwiches. I got the tip from my friend, Kristie, as well as from The Biggest Loser Cookbook. I have only tried one variation of them and hey, it works for me so why change it. You take one whole chocolate graham cracker and break it in half (so it is 2 squares) You then take 2 tablespoons of lite cool whip (or store brand whipped cream) and place them on one of the cracker halves. Put the top on to make it like a sandwich. Pop it in the freezer for about an hour. After the hour, I pull them out I stick them all into a large Ziploc bag and pop them back in the freezer. They are so nummy! It's dangerous when I make these since they are so good and so few points! You should try them! I bet you'd love them, too! As you can see from the picture to the right there are different variations of these. I don't know the points value of all of them but I can imagine as long as you stick with low-fat and fat-free items, you'll be OK. Just don't use my points calculation for these ones, too.

**Points value - 1

Product Review:: Weight Watchers Electronic Points Calculator

2008-10-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

OK. So I have had this for a little while now and am just now getting around to actually posting my review of it. I have been slacking in the review posts lately. Don't worry, I have a couple saved in my posts to finish typing up and then I have to post them.

Alright, here we go! I think it was about a month to a month and a half ago that I got this in the mail! My lovely Ma bought it for me since I never get/buy/pick out things for myself. (She knows how it is since she's the same way!)

This thing is super neat! I love the use of weight watchers online but it's hard for me to constantly get online to type in what I've eaten and figure out the point value. The WW Electronic Points Calculator allows you to do a couple of different things. You can calculate the points values of your food immediately as well as use the daily points tracker-that allows you to save your daily points target and keep track of the points you use throughout the day. It even works as a regular calculator. The thing is small - very small. It's about the size of a compact, which is great! Now I don't have to use my paper points slider anymore! YAY!

I love this product! Thanks Ma!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 14

2008-10-28T07:36:00.002-05:00

Let me just start by saying I had a really bad week. As a result, I ate terribly. I didn't drink ANY water most days this week and had no regard to any of the food I was shoveling into my mouth. I can definitely say I had an emotional eating week. That's bad.
Because of my horrible eating habits this last week, I didn't lose any weight. I also didn't gain any weight. I'm relieved that I didn't gain any, but in a way, I almost wish maybe I would have. I think it would have been a punishment for my actions.
I am hoping this will be a better week but it's hard to stay committed to my eating when there is stuff going on that is far more important than what I'm eating. So - here's to another week.

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 13

2008-10-22T08:03:00.005-05:00

I forgot that yesterday was my weigh-in day. I didn't remember until 8:13pm. That's the same time I remembered The Biggest Loser started at 7:00. I was so upset. So, I waited to weigh myself until this morning. I lost another 2 pounds!!! That makes a total loss of 18 pounds. WOO HOO!!

I was doing so well last week. I was downing AT LEAST 80 ounces of water per day and was ending the days using all of my points. I hadn't even used any of my 35 allowance points for the week and then the weekend hit. I am finding that the weekends are where I get hit hard and want to eat all of the time. During the week I am go, go, go watching 4, sometimes 5 kids at a time. I don't have the time to think about eating out of habit. But the weekends, well, those are another story.

I had weighed myself on Friday of last week and at that point I had already hit my 20lbs lost but since it wasn't Tuesday, it couldn't be official. I ate horribly over the weekend. I used my daily points plus all of my allowance points. I didn't drink more than 15 ounces of water on either day. I just don't know what to do for the weekends. Any suggestions?

Don't get me wrong, I know 2 pounds is a great loss for the week but this was a week that it could have been even better. I am now officially 2 pounds away from losing 20 pounds and I am absolutely thrilled about that! I feel so much better than I did before all of this and it's starting to show in my clothes and that is one part I am psyched to see!!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 12

2008-10-14T07:34:00.000-05:00

I am down one pound this week! YAY - a little skip out of the funk. I have been doing excellent with my water intake and bad with the working out. I got one work out in this week. It's OK. I think the water and workout (even if it was just once) helped me to rid this pound! I was pretty strict with my points, so those aren't to blame.

I'm getting better and going to make this an even better week. I am scouring the Internet for tasty recipes so I can stop eating the same things.

I just realized over the weekend that I am 11 pounds down from my pre-pregnancy weight with Parker. As of today, I am 11 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight with Graycen. I'm getting closer....

Here we go into another week one pound lighter!

oops

2008-10-13T09:49:00.002-05:00

I don't know what I was thinking and I weighed in this morning. Mondays aren't my weigh in day, Tuesdays are. So, I took down my post and will repost tomorrow morning and modify it if anything should happen. Yay for an extra day!!

eighty-eight

2008-10-09T11:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I drank 88 ounces of water! I can hardly believe it. I almost doubled the minimum amount I should be drinking daily for WW. I drank my first 32 before 11:00 am. I cracked open my beloved Coke Zero and started sipping it shortly thereafter. I refilled my bottle and left it on the counter, like usual. It was about 5:00pm when I realized I had barely touched my pop and had continued to reach for the water bottle. By 8:30pm my second 32 ounces were gone. Wahoo! I still had my workout to do for the day (which didn't come until 9:00 pm) so I knew there would be more water involved here.. I refilled it with what was left in the Brita pitcher (which was 24 ounces) and went on my merry way to work out. I had it gone by the time my 33 minute workout was done! YAY ME!! I checked my can of pop and it was still about halfway full. That is the least amount of pop I have had in a LONG time! I am so proud of myself! Let's see if we can do it again today. I had my first 32 gone by 10:00 today. Looking good so far.

My water tip!

2008-10-09T11:38:00.004-05:00

Since I am on Weight Watchers, I need to drink a minimum of 48 ounces of water per day (I make my minimum 64ounces.) I have come up with a way for me to get all of my water in for the day. I have been having a lot of trouble finishing my water daily, so it was imperative that I set something up. I am also quite the pop addict but have somehow gotten myself down to 1 (sometimes 2) pops per day.
What I do is this:
I have a 32 ounce nalgene bottle that I fill up with water. I make sure I drink one of these before I can have a pop. So, ideally, I would have my first 32oz gone before lunch time so I don't have to go the whole afternoon without my beloved caffeine! It makes it a lot easier to finish the first one knowing once it's gone I can have a can of pop. It also makes it easier to drink the second one knowing that's all I have to drink for the day. When I do this successfully, I usually drink more than my 64oz for the day because I don't want pop at the end of the night, so i go right for the bottle. Of water, that is! ;-)

Tag!

2008-10-07T11:12:00.007-05:00

Rachel, a ~~fellow blogger~~ new friend to me, tagged me to participate in this fun little getting to know you game. Even though I already did it, it was on my personal blog. Since that was on my personal blog, I thought I would do it over here too. I'm going to choose different answers this time and also throw in some health related ones also. I'll answer the questions but I'm not going to tag people this time around since I just tagged 7 people. So - anyone who reads this: Tag! You're it!! (unless you've already done it, of course)

I enjoy working out. I love the way it makes me feel during and after. I just have a hard time motivating myself to actually get started!

I used to bite my toenails when I was little. To this day I have no idea why I did it. My mom hated it so much and would almost throw-up every time I did it. I can see why.

I could eat popcorn every single day. Thankfully, I buy the Pop Secret 94% fat-free, 100 calorie snack bags of popcorn. It only costs me 2 points, so I can eat it every day if I want to!

I used to be a jogger. I loved doing it. I have no idea why I stopped.

I like to write. I don't necessarily like my handwriting bur I just like to write stuff out. In school I would always rewrite all of my notes just so I could write more.

I am a compulsive list maker. I make them for everything: groceries, Target, things to do, dinner ideas, household tasks. You name it, it goes on there! Maybe this has something to do with #5???

I've tried losing weight numerous times. I've only been successful at losing weight two times. What have I done both times that it's worked? Weight Watchers, of course. That's enough proof to me that it works!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 11

2008-10-07T07:37:00.003-05:00

Happy to say - the pound I was up last week is gone and I am back down to where I was the week prior, which is 15lbs lost. So, I don't think I even lost anything in this last week or if that was just water weight that I lost.
Is this my plateau? If so, I am not sure how to get out of it. I also wonder, is it possible that it is me slacking, unknowingly? Anyone in WW have any hints as to why I'm kind if sticking now?
I did get in two workouts last week and have made myself a chart to hold myself accountable for workouts this week. I am setting my goal to three workouts this week. I would like to hold it at every day (or at least five days) but I need to be realistic. I can barely get myself motivated to workout one day per week - let's take baby steps here. Anyone out there have any tips on getting and keeping yourself motivated for working out? Any extra special incentive (besides the AWESOME weight loss?)

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 10

2008-10-02T14:28:00.003-05:00

Bad news again this week. I am up 1 pound. When I weighed myself on Saturday I had been down 2 pounds and then when I weighed in on Tuesday I was up 1. It's my "friend" week, so I am assuming *maybe* that's the problem. This is the first month I have had it since having Parker, so I'm not positive how it is again.. I guess we'll see next Tuesday what happens.
I've restarted my Biggest Loser DVD and am happy (and sore) about it!
Yay!

This is neat!

2008-09-24T10:02:00.003-05:00

Just this morning I figured out how to determine what your weight loss percentage is. I am so excited - my percentage of weight lost is 6.67% To me, that is awesome!! To be able put that kind of a number on it just gives it a whole new look! With WW your first big goal is 10% so I am more than half way there!

If you want to be able to figure out your percentage of weight lost, do the following:

Divide the weight loss by the starting weight and multiply the answer by 100.
Ex: Starting weight = 200, pounds lost = 5
5/200 = .025
.025*100 = 2.5% weight lost

You can do this from week to week or keep a running total. I think I am going to do both and track them on my side bar.

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 9

2008-09-23T09:58:00.003-05:00

So, this was a very bad week. I guess, in a way, it was good, but mostly I was just bad. I didn't keep track of my points for 6 days this week. I know, horrible! I also didn't work out one day this week. So, needless to say, I didn't lose anything. I am happy with that. Well, not happy, but OK. I would have expected to gain but since I just stayed the same, it's OK. I am just happy I didn't gain.
I decided I need to start creating weekly goals. My goal for this week is to get myself back on track and counting ALL of my points again and to make sure I work out at least 3 times this week. I keep making excuses as to why I can't work out. You know the same old excuses: I don't have time, it's too late, I'm too tired. I have come to the realization that that's what they all are - excuses. I need to hold myself accountable just like I do with my points and actually work out!
So, I won't say I hope this is a better week - I will say, this WILL BE a better week!!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 8

2008-09-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Not too shabby of a week. I lost 1 pound this week, dropping the scales down to 210 and bringing my total weight loss to 15 pounds! To me, celebrating a 15 pound weight loss is so exciting!!! It makes me forget that fact that it was just a 1 pound loss this week!!!! I watched what I ate - kind of. I did have a slip day and felt horrible about it. Unfortunately, I didn't work out one time this week. David was on over-nights last week and again this week so it kind of makes it hard for me to try and have a routine with dinner, bedtime and working out. Oh well - here's to a better week!!!

I'm Super Excited!!!

2008-09-15T21:59:00.004-05:00

The newest season of The Biggest Loser starts tomorrow night!!!
It's on NBC at 7pm!!! I guess now it is a good thing Steph cancelled for tomorrow night. We were going to have a play date for the kids (OK and for us) but she has a freelance project she needs to work on. So... now I get to watch it! YAY!! I know Katie & Sherri will be tuning in as well!!!

The winners are...

2008-09-15T21:29:00.002-05:00

Kristie and Carren!

Kristie took the time to write out a beautiful post that made me want to break the rules right then and there and just give her the dang trial. She is very well deserving of it! Go here to read the new blog she started for her newest venture in life!

Carren is my mother in law and she took the time to send me an email about it. She is also well deserving of this trial.

I am happy no other people entered so I was able to give these two wonderful people a shot at using Weight Watchers online. I can only hope it works for both of you and you are successful at it! Just remember... baby steps!

Congratulations you two!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 7

2008-09-09T06:15:00.000-05:00

The scale has moved more!! I lost another 4 pounds. I weighed in at 211. This last week I watched what I ate (except for yesterday..no excuse there) I only worked out twice and those were the two days I went with Steph to LA Fitness. Sad, I know. It kicked my butt big time and I should have continued my own stuff here at home to ensure I kept on with it. BUT I didn't.
I told David I need help holding myself accountable to working out. If I could afford to join the gym, I would and then I would have someone to hold me accountable - Steph. Oh well, when I can afford it she can hold me to it. Right Steph?
So, YAY to another successful week. I am losing right on/above target for healthy weight loss (1-2lbs/week) I am proud of myself!

**Don't forget to enter the contest to win a 3 month membership to Weight Watchers online!

Do you want to Lose for Good?

2008-09-08T22:51:00.003-05:00

The great people over at Weight Watchers are supplying me with two 3-month memberships to Weight Watchers online to give away on my blog in any way I choose.
I have been racking my brain trying to figure out a way to give these away and have finally come up with what I am going to do.

I am going to hold this contest open to everyone who has a blog.
You need to create a post on your blog talking about these three things: 1) Telling your readers about the Lose for Good campaign 2) Why you want to win the 3 month membership to Weight Watchers online 3) Your favorite healthy recipe or food to eat.
Come back here and leave me a comment with a link back to your post.
This contest will stay open until 11:59pm Thursday, September 11. I will choose a winner (using random.org) *Note: you will not be included in the random drawing if you do not post all 3 things in your blog* I will email the winners and post the results on Friday morning.

Good luck to you all!!

Lose for Good!

2008-09-08T22:19:00.005-05:00

Somehow Weight Watchers found their way to my blog. I was contacted by a woman, who I will call E, about a campaign that WW is involved in. It's called the Lose for Good campaign. She asked if I would be interested in participating in this challenge, blogging about it and trying to get readers involved as well. I couldn't say no!
F or every pound lost with Weight Watchers during a six-week period, beginning September 7 and ending October 18, Weight Watchers will donate the cost of one pound of food -- up to one million dollars. The funds will go to two hunger-fighting organizations: Share Our Strength, which works to make sure no child in America grows up hungry, and Action Against Hunger, which provides immediate and long-term solutions for hunger to people around the world. .

Some more information I have received and can relay to you all:

According to the World Health Organization, there are 1.6 billion overweight people in the world and at the same time, in 2007 there were 862 million people in the world that were underfed.
Lose for Good is a charitable effort that addresses two important epidemics: hunger and obesity, by empowering people to get healthier while also doing good for others in need.
The chosen organizations are Share Our Strength, the leading organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry, and Action Against Hunger, an organization that helps feed people in troubled parts of the world.

Lose for Good

Weight Watchers on MySpace

Lose for Good on MySpace

Lose for Good on YouTube

Lose for Good on Facebook (Group name: The Lose for Good Campaign)

Product Review:: The Biggest Loser Workout, Vol 1

2008-09-04T23:04:00.003-05:00

Like a week and a half ago I mentioned a new workout DVD that I had tried that kicked my butt. I realized this morning I never posted about it.

Well, this wonderful DVD was one I purchased right before we decided to have Graycen. It was one of my final "I'm going to lose this weight before I get pregnant" attempts. To tell you how far I got in this attempt - I never took the shrink wrap off of the DVD. That's some progress, huh?

The timing couldn't be more perfect for me to whip it out. That Saturday night I did the first day of the routine. It was the cardio workout. That was a great workout. I felt it - big time. I was tired and sore and well, I just felt worked out. Perfect. The next night, Sunday, was the weights night. Holy crap, that was probably the hardest workout I had ever done. Seriously. The next day I was so sore, it wasn't even funny. Hell, I was ridiculously sore in my abs and sides until like Thursday of that week. We were in the car and David was making me laugh, I had tears running down my face and was begging him to stop because I hurt so bad.

If you're looking for a new, hard, kick your butt workout DVD to try - I recommend this one!

So jealous

2008-09-04T22:55:00.005-05:00

Last night I accompanied Steph to LA Fitness to use her personal trainer for a workout. Man, did I get a workout! Yesterday was her day to work on legs. I happily did everything right along with her. The last workout that he had us do was holding 5lb weights in each of our hands, putting one leg in front of us and the other with our foot up on the weight bench behind us, keeping our body straight, dip down and come back up - all while leaving the foot behind us on the bench. To give you an idea, it looked something like this but with the weight bench behind us and our foot up on it:

After we were done with that, he put us up on the stationary bikes *which I have found I really enjoy!* for 30 minutes. By the end of my workout, I had biked 7 miles. Isn't that crazy?!

Well, when we were done, we had to walk down the stairs to be able to get out the door. That was a challenge. I seriously could only take the steps like 2 or 3 at a time. It was horrible. I had spaghetti legs. This morning when I went to M's house to watch the kids, I had to walk up 2 flights of stairs with each kid - yeah, talk about a major burn!

Last night gave me a taste of how nice it would be to have a personal trainer. Anyone care to be mine? For free!!??

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 6

2008-09-02T21:23:00.003-05:00

Another week gone, another two pounds lost. I am thrilled to say I have reached a 10 pound loss!! I am so excited about this!! I know this week could have produced better results if I would have done two things differently:
1) Actually participated in one workout this week. I didn't do any working out this week and I can feel it.
2) Not eaten fair food. I wouldn't be a true Minnesota State Fair lover if I went and didn't eat the roasted corn on the cob or Sweet Martha's Cookies. I only ate those two things and a bite of David's turkey sandwich. That's it. The catch - I ate about 10 cookies. I know, bad, bad me! I also drank a lot of pop and I shouldn't have done that either.
So, I am hoping this next week is an even better one. I went with Steph tonight to try out LA Fitness. She has a membership there and was able to get a 3 day pass for a guest. Tonight we did arms, back and 30 mins on the bike. Tomorrow we are meeting with her personal trainer. Should be interesting. I am super excited about it though!
I must say, I am pretty darn proud of myself for reaching 10 pounds.

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 5

2008-08-26T13:52:00.004-05:00

So, it's week 5 but really, it's week 3. This is the third weigh in that has actually followed a committed week. There is happy news to report - AGAIN!! I am down another 3 pounds! I had a cheat day this week. I am not proud of myself for it either. I was having a really bad day and to be honest, I just didn't care. I woke up the next day and felt horrible for doing it. I was so down on myself and really had to ask myself why I did that. I know now that I really am was an emotional eater. I was better for the rest of the week and haven't thought about cheating in the least bit the rest of the time.
I tired a new workout DVD, which completely kicked my butt. A review of it to be written up in the next day or so. It was such a hard and good workout. So good it made me excited for the tomorrow to do it again! I have to follow this one for 6 weeks to achieve optimal results. So, we'll see how the next 5.5 weeks go!
Even though I only have a total of 8 pounds lost, I can see a difference in my stomach and my thighs! I also noticed my jeans feel just a little bit looser in the waist (totally where I need it)! I am so excited to see results too. It helps a lot!

Product Review:: Weight Watchers Smart Ones

2008-08-22T12:33:00.003-05:00

I must say, I am addicted to the Weight Watchers Smart Ones!! It's nice because you get a full tummy from eating one (well, at least I do) the portions are already calculated for you, the points are right on the box and they're easy to make!
I have found, so far, that my favorite one is the Home Style Beef Pot Roast. I tried the lasagna the other night and that one was really good too. I think the only one, so far, that I haven't liked was the Macaroni & Cheese. Maybe it's because I am such a fan of mac n' cheese that nothing can quite compare to the real stuff.
I am really excited to try the desserts!

*Side note: a lot of these are on sale 5/$10 at Cub this week. I just discovered this in the ad this morning. Target usually has them priced pretty inexpensively. I wish I there were coupons for these. If you ever see coupons, please let me know!

**Points Value - varies depending on the entree you choose

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 4

2008-08-19T13:51:00.006-05:00

Happy news to report! I lost 3 pounds since last week's weigh in! YAY! So, in total, I am down 5 pounds. I have been so diligent and strict with myself and I am so proud of myself for being this way with myself!! It also helps that David has told me numerous times just how proud of me he is to see me sticking to it. He keeps asking what he can do to help me. I love having his support. It helps tremendously!

I was making lunch for the kids on Tuesday (of last week) and caught myself eating a piece of cheese. As soon as I was chewing it I realized I had eaten it. I had two options: 1) Spit it out or 2) Eat it and hold myself accountable and mark the points for what I had just eaten. Well, I ate it and just held myself accountable by marking the points for eating it. That act showed me how mindlessly I had been eating. Not anymore! After that I have been great about it. I think before I eat or drink anything. I have finally gotten in that mindset of being very aware and conscious of what I eat.

I wasn't great about working out this week, though. I did one workout on Tuesday evening, I did just one mile on Thursday and I did a full workout again last night. Graycen and Parker were both being crabby when I tried to do my workout on Thursday so I just cut it short after one mile (about 15 minutes) At least I did something, right?

My goal for this week is to get a full workout at least 3 times this week.

Thanks for all of the support!

Product Review:: Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches

2008-08-14T08:52:00.005-05:00

NUMMY!!! These Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches are so good. I saw them at Target and wondered just how good they would be since they are a low fat ice cream treat Which, in my experience, usually equals weird taste and off textures. Well, these are neither! I bought the chocolate/vanilla combo - which has 3 vanilla ice cream sandwiches and 3 chocolate ice cream sandwiches. They taste really good. I would buy these even if I wasn't doing WW.

**Points Value: 2

Product Review:: Weight Watchers Yogurt

2008-08-14T08:38:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, while at Target, I discovered Weight Watchers Yogurt. Now, I love yogurt with a passion! Being I am kind of a snob when it comes to yogurts, I was kind of skeptical of this one. I decided to buy a couple and bring them home for tasting. This morning I had a raspberry one with breakfast and let me say, they are pretty darn good! It definitely tasted like a 'light' yogurt (the sweetness of it) but it has a lot of flavor and isn't super runny either. The price is the same as you would pay for Yoplait, too. So, if you were wondering about it, go ahead and try it!

**Points value - 1

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 3

2008-08-13T08:24:00.004-05:00

OK, I am a day late AGAIN! Oh well. The number didn't change from yesterday to today, so no big deal. Well, I am very happy to announce a shift on the scale. I have lost 2 pounds since last week.
I figured out why I wasn't losing the past 2 weeks. Well, week 1 I wasn't 100% fully committed. Week 2 I was tracking my points but the problem is what I was eating. So, sure, I was eating all of my points in a day but I wasn't eating good foods. I was wasting points on bigger things - too often! Pizza, brownies, cheese (my weakness!) and peanut butter. I saw those items in my tracker A LOT in the weeks that I didn't lose anything.
This last week was different. My tracker is filled with mozzarella cheese in place of cheddar. 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on a toasted English muffin instead of who knows how much peanut butter on a sandwich. Turkey sandwiches on whole grain bread. LOTS and LOTS of fruits and veggies. Graycen and I went to Target the other day and I bought lots of things for me to eat and snack on. I can't even tell you how long I spent looking at the backs or sides of the packages to see what the points value of each item was. It got really tiring but the shift in the scale was worth it and will continue to be worth it.
This no caffeine thing lasted all of like 3 days. I have since switched to Coke Zero instead of the full thing or Diet Coke. I love Coke so much and I think Coke Zero is pretty close in comparison.
Knowing what I know now, I think the following weeks will be pretty successful! I look forward to many more (happy) updates!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 2

2008-08-06T10:33:00.003-05:00

I forgot to log in yesterday to post my weigh-in results. I am sad to announce, there is no change in weight. Still 225. No gain, no loss. That's better than gaining, right?
I wasn't 100% committed to watching my food intake and well, I only did my workout once in the last week. I have already done it once this week so I'm off to a better start this week than last and I have been tracking my points as well! Way to go! Let's hope next Tuesday's weigh-in produces better results for me. If it's any consolation, I have decided to try and cut caffeine. I am on day 2 of no caffeine and I actually feel better!!

Damn you, Sherri!

2008-08-03T11:05:00.002-05:00

I am having a VERY hard time resisting that bag of candy!

Let the outdoor walking begin!

2008-07-31T22:52:00.006-05:00

I can now go on walks out in the real world because tonight I was the lucky recipient of a new double stroller from my dear friend, Steph!
Thanks again, Steph!! Just think, when I lose weight, I will get to be partially thankful to you! LOL!

Product Review:: Leslie Sansone's 4 Fast Miles

2008-07-30T21:37:00.004-05:00

So, I used my DVD for the first time today. Yes, I know I was supposed to do it yesterday but we went to the Farmer's Market and had I had to stop into Best Buy and also had to make a stop at the grocery store so it really left like no time to do it after David came home (and believe me, I couldn't get it done while he was at work because the kids were crabby ones yesterday)
Well, I didn't do the whole 4 miles today. I figured I should only start out with 1 or 2 at first. I mean, I am just getting back in to working out and don't want to over do it, you know? So, I did miles 1 and 2. Let me tell you, it was a workout. I felt great afterwards though! I was doing it for about 28 minutes and I worked up quite a sweat. It was awesome! Even though I haven't done the last 2 miles of this DVD, I know I am going to like it and I know it's going to produce some results! I am all for it!

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 1

2008-07-29T08:56:00.003-05:00

Well, despite my icky eating over the weekend while out of town, I maintained my weight of 225. I suppose I am OK with that. If I had gained, I wouldn't have been surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. If I would have lost, I would have been very surprised.
I am happy to continue this week as a new week. I have a new DVD that I am going to try and I am excited to see what the end of this week brings for me!

Time for a confession

2008-07-28T18:45:00.004-05:00

So this weekend we went up north for our annual family reunion on David's side of the family. Well, I ate horribly. I didn't watch what I ate or how much I ate, unfortunately. I enjoyed the food I ate a little too much. Oh well, today's a new day, right?
I bought Leslie Sansone's 4 Fast Miles today while Graycen and I were out. I am excited to use it tomorrow!

Step One!

2008-07-22T11:30:00.010-05:00

So this is my very first post here. I have another blog, my personal, blog over here.

I had a baby boy, Parker, 4 weeks and 2 days ago (1 month ago - today!) and I am feeling ready to start losing some weight. I have two rounds of baby weight - plus some - to lose! I topped the scales at 242 pounds. That's how much I weighed when I went in to deliver Parker. I am currently sitting at (yes, I am actually going to post my REAL weight on here!) 225 pounds.

The goal I am setting for myself is 65 pounds, which will drop the scale down to 160 pounds. This is a very healthy, realistic goal that I know I can meet! If I lose more, that's wonderful, but I'm not setting a goal of losing more...yet! The ideal weight for my height (5'7") is 145. I weighed that much in high school. I am not one of those people that has to be at my high school weight to feel like I have finally done it, thankfully.
I was going to use Weight Watchers but with making lots of home cooked meals from scratch, I don't know how to calculate the points. So I will just watch my intake of foods and track in other ways.
I will do a weekly weigh in here.
I plan on exercising at home. No joining a gym for me. It's too expensive and I can do it right here at home for free! First off I am starting with the Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds series. What you do with these videos is walk..at home! The first dvd is 1 mile, the second is 2 miles and so on up to 5 miles. I am very excited to do this. I would walk out in the real world but I don't have a double stroller. Maybe when I buy one I can start walking outside. (That could be a while though - when you are unpaid maternity leave it leaves your pocket a little low on change!) I will add some more workout dvds into this too. I will probably walk daily and do a workout dvd every other day or so. We'll see how I feel, but for now, it's just the walking.

You know, I had this motivation to lose weight before Parker was even born, it got stronger after he was born and this morning, I got the HUGE push on the back that I needed. I was looking at my friend, Whitney's pictures on Facebook last night. She uploaded some pics of her and her husband, Justin (which both had worked at Best Buy with me a few years back) Justin was a husky guy when I met him in the summer of 2004 (I met him when I was going to David's Best Buy softball games). After I started working there, it seemed he had gained more weight. By the time I left in August 2006 he was up quite a few pounds. The pictures Whitney uploaded showed a slimmer, healthier, happier looking Justin. I commented on the pictures talking about how great Justin looked. She commented back stating he had lost 85 pounds since January. I couldn't help but to be amazed and so happy for him! I sent him a message congratulating him and telling him how good he looked! He said he started off with a goal of 35-40 pounds and thought to himself 'Go big or go home!' (spoken like a TRUE Best Buy employee if I ever knew one - LOL!) and he's glad he did because he feels great! After reading that, I felt different. I can't explain it, but it's almost like it was me feeling like it was my turn, it's my time. I deserve to feel healthy and happy. My children and husband deserve it, too! I feel like it's for real this time. If he can do it, I can do it!
I was so gung-ho about this, I actually got breakfast together for Graycen and then fed and changed Parker. I put my workout clothes and tennis shoes on! I felt great. I started and finished mile one of the series. Sure, it's only 18 minutes, but hey, can you say you walked a mile today? I can!