So...I haven't posted since Thursday! Shame on me! But I am still doing pretty good. I was feeling lazy on Friday but managed to get a jog and yoga in. Saturday I had class and I packed a healthy lunch and healthy snacks. Its a ten minute walk to class from the parking lot, I walked 20 minutes during my lunch break, up and down stairs and then another 10 minute walk to my car after class. Today I did a light 25 minute workout. Not bad considering that the past few weeks I have been absolutely lazy on the weekends. I weighed myself today and was happy to find that I have lost a little since I weighed myself on Thursday. That surprised me since it is that time of the month and I usually gain weight. It makes me excited to see how much I will weigh when that time is over! I can tell working out and eating healthier has made a huge difference because I didn't bloat up this time, and I didn't gain weight....AND...I didn't get as bad as cramps as usual. Amazing what a little healthy lifestyle change can do for your body, huh?
So that's about all for this weekend. I will post more later this week. I am looking forward to reading all of your blogs, too!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Week 4
Hey everyone! So this is the end of week 4! How did it go for you? I have been noticing lately that I have had to start pulling up my pants, but I thought it was just my imagination because my weight had barely changed. (maybe about a 1/2 pound, if any). But today I pulled out the measuring tape and found out that, even though I haven't changed at all anywhere else, I have lost a WHOLE inch right below my belly button...which is my problem area. WOO! I was looking in the mirror and thinking, even if I didn't lose any more weight I would be completely happy with losing only another inch or two off my waist. I can even tell that my thighs and hips look a lot leaner. I honestly wasn't expecting any weight loss because I have really been focusing on strength training, so I am most likely gaining muscle. I have averaged a loss of one pound a week, which is slow progress...but good enough for me. I am already noticing some changes that I wasn't expecting to see until after 2 months of this.
So this is also the time of the week when I usually revise my goals...but I can't think of anything to do differently at the moment. I am already getting in 60-90 minutes of workout about 4-5 times a week and I have been paying attention to what I eat. So this week I am just going to keep it the same. I might up my morning jog from 10 min. to 20 min in a few weeks....but I am not ready for that yet!
I hope you guys have been enjoying my recipes. I sure have been having fun making them!
Congratulations to Nathalie and Sarah for making it to week four! You guys are amazing.
Congratulations to Brooke for exceeding her weight loss goal. You are an inspiration!
Sarah...we miss you! We hope to hear from you soon!
So this is also the time of the week when I usually revise my goals...but I can't think of anything to do differently at the moment. I am already getting in 60-90 minutes of workout about 4-5 times a week and I have been paying attention to what I eat. So this week I am just going to keep it the same. I might up my morning jog from 10 min. to 20 min in a few weeks....but I am not ready for that yet!
I hope you guys have been enjoying my recipes. I sure have been having fun making them!
Congratulations to Nathalie and Sarah for making it to week four! You guys are amazing.
Congratulations to Brooke for exceeding her weight loss goal. You are an inspiration!
Sarah...we miss you! We hope to hear from you soon!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Rosemary Pork Chops
Yummm. I made Rosemary Pork Chop Skillet tonight. It was so yummy and great comfort food, and it smelled PHENOMENAL while I was cooking it. I served it with some whole grain rotini, but I think it would be sooo good with some stuffing. The best part of it was that it was only 220 calories! So. once again here is the recipe:
Rosemary Pork Chop Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless pork sirloin chops, cut 1/2 inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups peeled and cubed (1 inch) winter squash, such as butternut, banana, spaghetti, and/or acorn squash
- 1 medium onion, cut into thin wedges
- 2 teaspoons snipped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon snipped fresh sage
Directions
1. Trim fat from pork. Sprinkle chops with the salt and pepper. In a 12-inch skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown chops about 4 minutes, turning once. Combine squash, onion, and rosemary; spoon squash mixture over chops. Pour broth and orange juice over squash mixture and chops. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
2. Add zucchini and sage. Cook, covered, about 5 minutes more or until chops are done (160 degrees F). Using a slotted spoon, transfer chops and vegetables to a serving platter. Cover; keep warm.
3. Bring reserved juices in skillet to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Spoon over chops and vegetables.
4. Makes 4 servings
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 220,
- Total Fat (g) 8,
- Saturated Fat (g) 2,
- Monounsaturated Fat (g) 4,
- Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1,
- Cholesterol (mg) 63,
- Sodium (mg) 411,
- Carbohydrate (g) 15,
- Total Sugar (g) 4,
- Fiber (g) 2,
- Protein (g) 24,
- Vitamin A (DV%) 0,
- Vitamin C (DV%) 49,
- Calcium (DV%) 7,
- Iron (DV%) 11,
- Starch (d.e.) 1,
- Very Lean Meat (d.e.) 3,
- Fat (d.e.) 1,
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Nap Day?
I think.....I am declaring today a Nap/homework day. I think I might just do this every Wednesday. The past few weeks I have noticed that this day is the hardest for me to get motivated. I might still do my morning work out, and maybe try to get in an evening workout. But I think I might skip that afternoon workout and opt for a nap instead. I just feel.....tired (yawn) and unmotivated. I don't even want to do any homework, but I have to because I have class this weekend. Bleh.
If I make Wednesday the official Nap Day, I might work harder the other days knowing that I will get a break!
Of course, this might be the musings of a sleep-deprived mom and maybe I will feel motivated as soon as fully wake up and eat breakfast. Who knows?
That is all.
If I make Wednesday the official Nap Day, I might work harder the other days knowing that I will get a break!
Of course, this might be the musings of a sleep-deprived mom and maybe I will feel motivated as soon as fully wake up and eat breakfast. Who knows?
That is all.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tofu and Super Hula Hoop
Hello everyone!
This is my dinner: Sesame Tofu Stir-Fry. Once again, it was delicious. I know I always say that...but I love food and flavors and I am not picky at all. So this was my second successful vegetarian meal! Both my husband and my brother LOVED it. The Tofu was amazing....not slimy like I have had before. It was the perfect texture!
I used brown rice instead of white because it is better for you.
Here is the recipe, taken from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
Ingredients
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 12-ounce package firm or extra-firm tub-style tofu (fresh bean curd), drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 16-oz. bag frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
2/3 cup bottled stir-fry sauce
2 cups hot cooked rice
2 green onions, thinly sliced (1/4 cup)
1 medium orange, cut into 8 wedges
Directions
1. In a bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the peanuts, the sesame seeds, ginger, and red pepper. Add tofu; toss gently to coat.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (If necessary, add more oil during cooking.) Add tofu mixture to skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for 3 to 4 minutes until sesame seeds are toasted and tofu begins to brown.
3. Remove tofu mixture to a bowl. Add vegetables to skillet; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Add stir-fry sauce; cook and stir gently until mixture is bubbly. Stir in tofu; heat through. Serve over rice. Sprinkle each serving with some of the remaining 3 tablespoons peanuts and the green onions. Serve with orange wedges.
4. Makes 4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Calories 386, Total Fat 14 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 1054 mg, Carbohydrate 45 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 19 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 58%, Calcium 13%, Iron 17%. Exchanges: Vegetable 1, Starch 1.5, Other Carbohydrate 1, Medium-Fat Meat 2, Fat .5.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
So how was your day? I had a pretty good day. I got up and did my jog in place and yoga, then I did I very tiring 50 minute workout after lunch. I have been working on strength exercises to start building muscle and I can really feel it in my legs and abs! I am beginning to hate Super Hula Hoop on the Wii Fit. Well, I should say it's a love/hate relationship. I love it because it burns a lot of calories and I can feel it working, I hate it because it hurts and makes me think I am dying! I can now get 700 plus spins in three minutes, which earns me four stars...the highest you can get. WOO! What sucks is when I put my workout on random and I somehow get this twice...ugh. But as my personal Wii trainer reminds me, I "visualize my ideal body" and it gets me through.
That's about it for me. I am looking forward to reading all of your blogs and hearing about your progress. It is amazing that we all have all made into our fourth week. Great job!
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
So how was your day? I had a pretty good day. I got up and did my jog in place and yoga, then I did I very tiring 50 minute workout after lunch. I have been working on strength exercises to start building muscle and I can really feel it in my legs and abs! I am beginning to hate Super Hula Hoop on the Wii Fit. Well, I should say it's a love/hate relationship. I love it because it burns a lot of calories and I can feel it working, I hate it because it hurts and makes me think I am dying! I can now get 700 plus spins in three minutes, which earns me four stars...the highest you can get. WOO! What sucks is when I put my workout on random and I somehow get this twice...ugh. But as my personal Wii trainer reminds me, I "visualize my ideal body" and it gets me through.
That's about it for me. I am looking forward to reading all of your blogs and hearing about your progress. It is amazing that we all have all made into our fourth week. Great job!
Monday, January 25, 2010
BBQ Chicken
Hey fellow blogsters!
My dinner was soooo good! Here is the recipe!
5 medium Potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup Fat-free ranch dressing
pepper (optional)
I looked it up on webmd and this is only 125 calories for 3/4 cup!
I also had half a corn on the cob with no butter, which is 60 calories.
Grand Total for my whole meal: 429
I think that is pretty decent!
My dinner was soooo good! Here is the recipe!
Oven-Barbecued Chicken
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 45 minutes
Bake: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 to 3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 3/4 cup bottled chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Directions
1. Skin chicken. Arrange chicken, bone side up, in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, for sauce, in a small saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil over medium heat until tender but not brown. Stir in chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, mustard, horseradish, and crushed red pepper; heat through.
3. Turn chicken bone side down. Brush half of the sauce over the chicken. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F for breasts; 180 degrees F for thighs and drumsticks). Reheat remaining sauce; pass with the chicken. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 244,
- Total Fat (g) 9,
- Saturated Fat (g) 2,
- Monounsaturated Fat (g) 3,
- Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 2,
- Cholesterol (mg) 77,
- Sodium (mg) 807,
- Carbohydrate (g) 15,
- Total Sugar (g) 9,
- Fiber (g) 2,
- Protein (g) 26,
- Vitamin A (DV%) 0,
- Vitamin C (DV%) 10,
- Calcium (DV%) 2,
- Iron (DV%) 8,
- Other Carbohydrates (d.e.) 1,
- Medium-fat Meat (d.e.) 3.5,
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
5 medium Potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup Fat-free ranch dressing
pepper (optional)
I looked it up on webmd and this is only 125 calories for 3/4 cup!
I also had half a corn on the cob with no butter, which is 60 calories.
Grand Total for my whole meal: 429
I think that is pretty decent!
Menu
Hello everyone?
How was your weekend? Health-wise....mine was not the best. My brother is visiting from Utah and got in Friday night, so we went out for pizza. I had two pieces. The next day, I was supposed to go to school but the weather was supposed to be bad and I didn't want to get stuck at school or risk getting into an accident in our new car, so I stayed home. I ate what i had packed for lunch though, which was a turkey sandwich, grape tomatoes, and grapes. But then when the roads didn't get too bad we went for a late Birthday dinner at Applebee's. I was pretty good though and had fish with rice and steamed veggies and only ate half of it. On Sunday, my sister came over and we watched the football games (I don't like football, but I watched anyway) and had snack foods, little smokies with bbq sauce, chips and dip, pizza , carrots and celery sticks. So it was fun...but now I need to stick to my health plan. I did step on the scale yesterday and I gained less than a pound, so I am hoping I didn't undo all my work last week. ugh.
On a different note, I spent a long time working on my grocery list and every meal I picked is low-fat! I even have two vegetarian meals this week. Here is menu:
Bean and Cheese burritos with Spanish Rice
Sesame Tofu Stir-fry
Rosemary Pork Chop Skillet and Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss and Steamed veggies
Oven BBQ Chicken with corn on the cob and potatoes
Yum...sounds good, huh? If you want any of the recipes just message me, but I will most likely post a couple as I make them.
Have great week!
How was your weekend? Health-wise....mine was not the best. My brother is visiting from Utah and got in Friday night, so we went out for pizza. I had two pieces. The next day, I was supposed to go to school but the weather was supposed to be bad and I didn't want to get stuck at school or risk getting into an accident in our new car, so I stayed home. I ate what i had packed for lunch though, which was a turkey sandwich, grape tomatoes, and grapes. But then when the roads didn't get too bad we went for a late Birthday dinner at Applebee's. I was pretty good though and had fish with rice and steamed veggies and only ate half of it. On Sunday, my sister came over and we watched the football games (I don't like football, but I watched anyway) and had snack foods, little smokies with bbq sauce, chips and dip, pizza , carrots and celery sticks. So it was fun...but now I need to stick to my health plan. I did step on the scale yesterday and I gained less than a pound, so I am hoping I didn't undo all my work last week. ugh.
On a different note, I spent a long time working on my grocery list and every meal I picked is low-fat! I even have two vegetarian meals this week. Here is menu:
Bean and Cheese burritos with Spanish Rice
Sesame Tofu Stir-fry
Rosemary Pork Chop Skillet and Pasta
Lemon Chicken Pasta Toss and Steamed veggies
Oven BBQ Chicken with corn on the cob and potatoes
Yum...sounds good, huh? If you want any of the recipes just message me, but I will most likely post a couple as I make them.
Have great week!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wish me Luck
I am just writing a short blog today because....well...I have nothing much to say! It has been a good day. I spent the morning cleaning, preparing for my brother to visit. Then I did my usual 40 minute afternoon workout. I was tempted to skip it...but...I won't have too many times to workout this weekend and I don't want a repeat of last week.
Tomorrow I will have class, so like before I can control what I eat by only packing healthy foods. Plus, I will be walking a lot. Sunday my sister and brother will be here to watch the Vikings game and there will be tons of snacks, I'm sure. It will be so hard to stay on track! Wish me luck.
Now I must go whip up a quick two-page report!
Tomorrow I will have class, so like before I can control what I eat by only packing healthy foods. Plus, I will be walking a lot. Sunday my sister and brother will be here to watch the Vikings game and there will be tons of snacks, I'm sure. It will be so hard to stay on track! Wish me luck.
Now I must go whip up a quick two-page report!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Measurements 3
Whew...what a day. Ok...it wasn't THAT bad...but I can complain sometimes, right?
So last night our internet went out, apparently it was out in the whole town, and it didn't come back on until about 5 or so. I have come to realize that the internet is my release, if I get stressed out, I take a ten minute internet break. It's also become part of my routine, its the first thing I do in the morning. (I sound like an addict, don't I? Maybe just a little...) But seriously, I am a stay at home mom and the world wide web is sometimes my only contact with the outside world. I go crazy without if I know I can't get out of the house...I feel trapped, I need to get over this. So this morning, frustatedand grouchy I did a great 30 minute workout, confident that the internet would be up and running by the time I was done...it wasn't. So like an addict trying to kick the habit, I was grumpy and stressed the rest of the day. I didn't do anything most of the day, not another workout (shame on me) I didn't even clean my house until around 3. I mentioned before that I KNOW how to eat healthy, but I eat when I am stressed. I called Tyler and asked him to bring me lunch, a bean burrito from Taco Bell.Then I fantasized about oreo's and doritoes the rest of the day...luckily I don't keep them in the house so my healthy lifestyle wasn't completely in the toilet. I couldn't even stress eat through the box of chocolates sitting on my counter because I ran out of my GERD medication...and I don't want to be up all night in pain. NO THANKS. It didn'thelp my stress factor that I have homework I needed to do on the internet, due tomorrow. So I was also worried about that,
Whew....sorry for that rant. I am better now and tomorrow will be better. Now onto health-related news.
Both Sarah and Brooke had great blogs tonight! I feel guilty for even publishing this piece of rambling nonsense after reading theirs! Sarah made a great point about how this "Six-week Challenge" becoming a lifestyle change and I really feel like this could be true! I have never stuck to a health plan this long and I owe it all to Sarah, Nathalie and Brooke for keeping me going. Thanks guys!
Today I found myself happily entertained reading a cook book! I was already planning next weeks menu and I was even paying attention to calories and fat! It is really fun finding great new recipes! I have also upped my workout time to between 60-90 minutes (broken up through out the day) ...though today was not a good day and I only got 20 minutes in, I am not going to stress out about it.
So today is the 21st...which mean the end of week 3! Which also means....measurement day!
I was going to post a picture...but...well...I didn't feel like it today. So I will post tomorrow,though I am not expecting visible results.
This week started out bad, I gained 2.4 pounds over the weekend. But I worked extra hard, and now I am proud to say that I not only lost the 2.4 pounds I gained, but I also lost an additional pound! I also have lost another 1/2 inch off my waist and a 1/2 inch below my belly button. WOOHOO! I have also noticed that I feel a lot stronger and I am getting significantly better at a lot of exercises I was terrible at. So...not a bad week.
My goals for next week:
Pay closer to attention to the calories consuming and planning for meals
stick to working out at least 60 minutes a day...even on my bad days
Week Four...here we come! Keep up the amazing work girls!
So last night our internet went out, apparently it was out in the whole town, and it didn't come back on until about 5 or so. I have come to realize that the internet is my release, if I get stressed out, I take a ten minute internet break. It's also become part of my routine, its the first thing I do in the morning. (I sound like an addict, don't I? Maybe just a little...) But seriously, I am a stay at home mom and the world wide web is sometimes my only contact with the outside world. I go crazy without if I know I can't get out of the house...I feel trapped, I need to get over this. So this morning, frustatedand grouchy I did a great 30 minute workout, confident that the internet would be up and running by the time I was done...it wasn't. So like an addict trying to kick the habit, I was grumpy and stressed the rest of the day. I didn't do anything most of the day, not another workout (shame on me) I didn't even clean my house until around 3. I mentioned before that I KNOW how to eat healthy, but I eat when I am stressed. I called Tyler and asked him to bring me lunch, a bean burrito from Taco Bell.Then I fantasized about oreo's and doritoes the rest of the day...luckily I don't keep them in the house so my healthy lifestyle wasn't completely in the toilet. I couldn't even stress eat through the box of chocolates sitting on my counter because I ran out of my GERD medication...and I don't want to be up all night in pain. NO THANKS. It didn'thelp my stress factor that I have homework I needed to do on the internet, due tomorrow. So I was also worried about that,
Whew....sorry for that rant. I am better now and tomorrow will be better. Now onto health-related news.
Both Sarah and Brooke had great blogs tonight! I feel guilty for even publishing this piece of rambling nonsense after reading theirs! Sarah made a great point about how this "Six-week Challenge" becoming a lifestyle change and I really feel like this could be true! I have never stuck to a health plan this long and I owe it all to Sarah, Nathalie and Brooke for keeping me going. Thanks guys!
Today I found myself happily entertained reading a cook book! I was already planning next weeks menu and I was even paying attention to calories and fat! It is really fun finding great new recipes! I have also upped my workout time to between 60-90 minutes (broken up through out the day) ...though today was not a good day and I only got 20 minutes in, I am not going to stress out about it.
So today is the 21st...which mean the end of week 3! Which also means....measurement day!
I was going to post a picture...but...well...I didn't feel like it today. So I will post tomorrow,though I am not expecting visible results.
This week started out bad, I gained 2.4 pounds over the weekend. But I worked extra hard, and now I am proud to say that I not only lost the 2.4 pounds I gained, but I also lost an additional pound! I also have lost another 1/2 inch off my waist and a 1/2 inch below my belly button. WOOHOO! I have also noticed that I feel a lot stronger and I am getting significantly better at a lot of exercises I was terrible at. So...not a bad week.
My goals for next week:
Pay closer to attention to the calories consuming and planning for meals
stick to working out at least 60 minutes a day...even on my bad days
Week Four...here we come! Keep up the amazing work girls!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sick baby :(
Hi everyone!
How was your day today? Mine started out kind of lazy, Harliegh had a fever last night of 102! I gave her some tylenol and put her to bed at the usual time and this morning her temp was only at 100.1. So I decided to take it easy this morning and work on homework. My creative writing teacher loaded us up with work and I am a little behind, but I now only have one report to write, about 100 pages to read in a book, 2 more poems to write and find something to bring to class to write a "Found Poem", any suggestions? That sounds like a lot, but that is less than half of what I did have. I have to have this all done by Saturday!
After Harliegh went down for a nap I figured I had no excuse so I put in a good 40 minute workout, took a shower and here I am now, blogging. Yesterday and today I have noticed a decent drop in weight, though I am still making up for the 2.4 pounds gained this weekend.
I haven't decided whether I am making Cream Herb pasta or homemade mac and cheese. The pasta is only about 150 calories a serving! I noticed, though, that I need to pay attention to the meals I am planning, because even though the mac and cheese sounds amazing it is around 600 calories a serving! That is about 1 1/2 cups per serving though and that sounds like an awful lot! I will just have to make sure I eat more veggies than anything else.
Here is a tip I have been trying when I eat. Always give yourself more veggies than anything else. When You start eating, start with the healthiest food and work your way around the plate to the least healthiest. Eat slowly and chances are you will be full before you actually finish the unhealthy food. Not sure if it makes a difference but inmy mind it makes sense!
How was your day today? Mine started out kind of lazy, Harliegh had a fever last night of 102! I gave her some tylenol and put her to bed at the usual time and this morning her temp was only at 100.1. So I decided to take it easy this morning and work on homework. My creative writing teacher loaded us up with work and I am a little behind, but I now only have one report to write, about 100 pages to read in a book, 2 more poems to write and find something to bring to class to write a "Found Poem", any suggestions? That sounds like a lot, but that is less than half of what I did have. I have to have this all done by Saturday!
After Harliegh went down for a nap I figured I had no excuse so I put in a good 40 minute workout, took a shower and here I am now, blogging. Yesterday and today I have noticed a decent drop in weight, though I am still making up for the 2.4 pounds gained this weekend.
I haven't decided whether I am making Cream Herb pasta or homemade mac and cheese. The pasta is only about 150 calories a serving! I noticed, though, that I need to pay attention to the meals I am planning, because even though the mac and cheese sounds amazing it is around 600 calories a serving! That is about 1 1/2 cups per serving though and that sounds like an awful lot! I will just have to make sure I eat more veggies than anything else.
Here is a tip I have been trying when I eat. Always give yourself more veggies than anything else. When You start eating, start with the healthiest food and work your way around the plate to the least healthiest. Eat slowly and chances are you will be full before you actually finish the unhealthy food. Not sure if it makes a difference but inmy mind it makes sense!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Spanish Rice
Well, I am back, as promised...to post the recipe.
It was very good, and I think if you added soem black beans it would make a phenomenal vegetarian dish (look what you started Nathalie!).
Here is the picture of my dinner. The steak was great,and I limited myself to only five strips!
Here is the recipe for Spanish Rice, the only thing I changed is that I used brown rice to make it healthier. I also posted the nutritional facts!
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 28-ounce can tomatoes, cut up
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chile peppers, undrained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
1. In a large skillet cook onion, sweet pepper, and garlic in hot oil until tender. Add chili powder; cook 1 minute more. Stir in undrained tomatoes, water, rice, chile peppers, salt, pepper, and, if desired, several dashes hot pepper sauce. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If desired, sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
2. Makes about 5 cups (6 to 8 side-dish servings)
Nutrition Facts
- Calories 144,
- Total Fat (g) 3,
- Saturated Fat (g) 0,
- Cholesterol (mg) 0,
- Sodium (mg) 353,
- Carbohydrate (g) 27,
- Fiber (g) 2,
- Protein (g) 4,
- Vitamin A (DV%) 0,
- Vitamin C (DV%) 59,
- Calcium (DV%) 8,
- Iron (DV%) 11,
- Starch (d.e.) 1.5,
- Fat (d.e.) .5,
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Now, I should probably work on my homework since I have been pushing that to the back burner the past few days!
Same Stuff, Different Day
Hey Hey Hey!
How has your day been? I am doing okay. I go up this morning, made a delicious smoothie and Harliegh and I did our favorite workout, the "30 minute Dance Party". I ate up the leftovers of my vegetarian meal for lunch and then when Harliegh went down for a nap I did my Wii Fit workout. I did a great workout and the last ten minutes I worked on strength exercises. Boy, some of theose are HARD. I tried a new one today called "One Arm Stand". You hold you arm straight up in the air and then lie down on the floor, then you stand back up again...all without moving your arm. You do this about five times and then switch arms and do it five more times. I thought I was going to die! So I worked out for a total of 46 minutes, I was planning on following it up with a ten minute jog but I was too worn out after the strength training! Yesterday I got in about an hour and fifteen minutes of work out through out the day. So tonight I think I will do a 10 minute jog in place while I watch tv followed by 15 minutes of Yoga. I think I am going to try to average between 60-90 minutes of workout through out the day, some light and some heavy.
Tonight I am making a delicious dinner of chipotle steak, spanish rice, and corn. We are splitting one steak between the three of us since I am trying to eat less meat. The spanish rice recipe is marked as Low-Fat in my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook (its on page 88 if you have it). If I have time maybe I will take pics and post recipes later tonight.
Sso...yeah...I know, what a boring blog...but it helps motivate me when I think there are people reading and watching my "progress" or lack thereof. LOL
On a side note....When is Spring going to get here? Is it too early to be thinking about that? I live in Minnesota, so the answer is yes. Sometimes it doesn't warm up until May! But I still want it to hurry, I am looking forward to walks and maybe jogging in the mornings. Think Spring thoughts!
How has your day been? I am doing okay. I go up this morning, made a delicious smoothie and Harliegh and I did our favorite workout, the "30 minute Dance Party". I ate up the leftovers of my vegetarian meal for lunch and then when Harliegh went down for a nap I did my Wii Fit workout. I did a great workout and the last ten minutes I worked on strength exercises. Boy, some of theose are HARD. I tried a new one today called "One Arm Stand". You hold you arm straight up in the air and then lie down on the floor, then you stand back up again...all without moving your arm. You do this about five times and then switch arms and do it five more times. I thought I was going to die! So I worked out for a total of 46 minutes, I was planning on following it up with a ten minute jog but I was too worn out after the strength training! Yesterday I got in about an hour and fifteen minutes of work out through out the day. So tonight I think I will do a 10 minute jog in place while I watch tv followed by 15 minutes of Yoga. I think I am going to try to average between 60-90 minutes of workout through out the day, some light and some heavy.
Tonight I am making a delicious dinner of chipotle steak, spanish rice, and corn. We are splitting one steak between the three of us since I am trying to eat less meat. The spanish rice recipe is marked as Low-Fat in my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook (its on page 88 if you have it). If I have time maybe I will take pics and post recipes later tonight.
Sso...yeah...I know, what a boring blog...but it helps motivate me when I think there are people reading and watching my "progress" or lack thereof. LOL
On a side note....When is Spring going to get here? Is it too early to be thinking about that? I live in Minnesota, so the answer is yes. Sometimes it doesn't warm up until May! But I still want it to hurry, I am looking forward to walks and maybe jogging in the mornings. Think Spring thoughts!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Vegetarian Challenge
Nathalie challenged us to make a vegetarian meal once a week. Tonight I tried my first vegatarian meal! It was so yummy! It was also suprisingly filling! I will definitely make this again! I made Creamy Spinach Tortellini. You can find the recipe online, but I will post it on here, too.
This is my tortellini cooking.
All the veggies I put in it, I LOVE veggies, so I admit I put in a little extra!
This is the finished product. I served it with some yummy red grapes.
Here is the recipe: Taken from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Spinach-Tortellini/Detail.aspx
Creamy Spinach Tortellini
The calorie count was a little high, 557! But it said it makes 4 servings and I had WAY less than a fourth of it! Also, I replaced the cream cheese with neufchatel (low-fat cream cheese), I didn't use parmesan...because I don't like parmesan (I know I am weird), and I used Skim milk, so I am sure the calorie count was a lot less. I also added some garlic while I was cooking the onions and some pepper.
It was so delicious! It was creamy and like I said, it was surprisingly filling. Even my husband liked it and he is the world's pickiest eaters, of course he picked out the tomatoes and said there was too much spinach.
If you didn't want this to be vegetarian I would suggest some chicken marinated in Italian dressing, grilled or baked. I would also put about half the spinach in because there did seem to be a lot! Then I would add some artichoke.YUM! I can't wait to make it again!
So that is my vegetarian meal! Sorry that this is my third blog for today, if you were bored I am sure it gave you something to read anyway!
This is my tortellini cooking.
All the veggies I put in it, I LOVE veggies, so I admit I put in a little extra!
This is the finished product. I served it with some yummy red grapes.
Here is the recipe: Taken from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Creamy-Spinach-Tortellini/Detail.aspx
Creamy Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook until soft and translucent. Mix in cream cheese, parmesan, milk, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Gently mix in tortellini and cherry tomatoes with skillet contents; warm through, and serve.
The calorie count was a little high, 557! But it said it makes 4 servings and I had WAY less than a fourth of it! Also, I replaced the cream cheese with neufchatel (low-fat cream cheese), I didn't use parmesan...because I don't like parmesan (I know I am weird), and I used Skim milk, so I am sure the calorie count was a lot less. I also added some garlic while I was cooking the onions and some pepper.
It was so delicious! It was creamy and like I said, it was surprisingly filling. Even my husband liked it and he is the world's pickiest eaters, of course he picked out the tomatoes and said there was too much spinach.
If you didn't want this to be vegetarian I would suggest some chicken marinated in Italian dressing, grilled or baked. I would also put about half the spinach in because there did seem to be a lot! Then I would add some artichoke.YUM! I can't wait to make it again!
So that is my vegetarian meal! Sorry that this is my third blog for today, if you were bored I am sure it gave you something to read anyway!
2.4
If you read my blog from earlier today you will note that I have been feeling very lazy today (the past few days, actually). I promised myself I would at least do a short workout today. I ate great, a smoothie for breakfast, Select Harvest Light soup for lunch, a half a turkey sandwich. Then after i put harliegh down for a nap I reluctantly fired up the Wii Fit. I stepped on the balance board to be weighed...and found that I have gained 2.4 pounds. 2.4!!! Now, granted, SOME of that might be the normal weight fluctautions from day-to-day, but I am sure not all of it is. This is really a slap n the face to show how slacking off for one weekend can really effect your results.
I was so disappointed in myself that instead of doing an easy 15 minute workout, I did a 45 minute workout! I also plan on fitting in some yoga tonight. UGH!!!
Hope you guys are all had a more successful and healthy weekend than me ! :)
I was so disappointed in myself that instead of doing an easy 15 minute workout, I did a 45 minute workout! I also plan on fitting in some yoga tonight. UGH!!!
Hope you guys are all had a more successful and healthy weekend than me ! :)
I know this blog is mainly for getting healthy, but if you read my blog from the beginning you would also know that I had other goals I wanted to work on, too.
I am happy to say that it has officially been a whole week that I have kept my house clutter-free! I finally got around to cleaning my room last Sunday, and it is still clean! I have also kept the living room, bathroom and Harliegh's room nice and neat. I haven't gotten to de-clutterering the kitchen, that is this week's goal. It feels do nice to have the rest of the house nice and neat!
I also have been doing pretty good on my writing. Not that I have much choice,since I am taking Creative Writing and have to write a couple poems a week. I am not much of a poet, so it has certainly been a challenge. I have not had much time to work on my "book", which is really disappointing because I really have fun doing it and haven't worked on it for quite awhile.
This weekend was a bad weekend for me for losing weight. Saturday I was just having a very blah day, but I did do a short workout and stuck to my healthy eating habits. Sunday we traveled north to celebrate my husbands late family Christmas. This, of course, meant lots of typical holiday food, hm, turkey, gravy, potatoes, casseroles, salads, etc. Of course, I had to have a bite of everything, but I don't think I went overboard. I made a delicious fruit pizza, which is less than 235 calories a slice! I say "less-than" because I used neufchatel instead of cream cheese in the recipe, which is low-fat. Here is the recipe if you are interested:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Fruit-Pizza
I am feeling pretty lazy once again today....I think Cabin Fever is starting to set in and I am just sick of being stuck inside! I can't wait for it to warm up so I can go on walks down to the lake and (maybe) start running. Since I had such a busy day yesterday I am going to compromise and be happy if I get in at least one decent workout. But who knows, maybe after that workout I will feel more energized. I have my eye on a couple cute dresses that I refuse to buy until I lose the weight I want to lose, so that is my incentive.
Hope you guys all have a wonderful, healthy day!
I am happy to say that it has officially been a whole week that I have kept my house clutter-free! I finally got around to cleaning my room last Sunday, and it is still clean! I have also kept the living room, bathroom and Harliegh's room nice and neat. I haven't gotten to de-clutterering the kitchen, that is this week's goal. It feels do nice to have the rest of the house nice and neat!
I also have been doing pretty good on my writing. Not that I have much choice,since I am taking Creative Writing and have to write a couple poems a week. I am not much of a poet, so it has certainly been a challenge. I have not had much time to work on my "book", which is really disappointing because I really have fun doing it and haven't worked on it for quite awhile.
This weekend was a bad weekend for me for losing weight. Saturday I was just having a very blah day, but I did do a short workout and stuck to my healthy eating habits. Sunday we traveled north to celebrate my husbands late family Christmas. This, of course, meant lots of typical holiday food, hm, turkey, gravy, potatoes, casseroles, salads, etc. Of course, I had to have a bite of everything, but I don't think I went overboard. I made a delicious fruit pizza, which is less than 235 calories a slice! I say "less-than" because I used neufchatel instead of cream cheese in the recipe, which is low-fat. Here is the recipe if you are interested:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Fruit-Pizza
I am feeling pretty lazy once again today....I think Cabin Fever is starting to set in and I am just sick of being stuck inside! I can't wait for it to warm up so I can go on walks down to the lake and (maybe) start running. Since I had such a busy day yesterday I am going to compromise and be happy if I get in at least one decent workout. But who knows, maybe after that workout I will feel more energized. I have my eye on a couple cute dresses that I refuse to buy until I lose the weight I want to lose, so that is my incentive.
Hope you guys all have a wonderful, healthy day!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Different Goals
I wrote another blog ...a huge long thing. Then decided it verged on self-pity and deleted the whole thing.
I know I do not have the same struggles as some of you, and I just want to let you know that I understand how hard it is some days to stick to your plans. I only want to lose 10-15 pounds, adn I don't expect that to be easy. It will be hard and disappointing at times,but I will get there!
I hope you all know that I think you are all doing an amazing job working towards your goals. I hope that somehow I can help you achieve your goals and motivate you! You guys all motivate me! When I hear your successes, I am so happy for you! So keep it up!
I know I do not have the same struggles as some of you, and I just want to let you know that I understand how hard it is some days to stick to your plans. I only want to lose 10-15 pounds, adn I don't expect that to be easy. It will be hard and disappointing at times,but I will get there!
I hope you all know that I think you are all doing an amazing job working towards your goals. I hope that somehow I can help you achieve your goals and motivate you! You guys all motivate me! When I hear your successes, I am so happy for you! So keep it up!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Hypocrites
I was sitting here chatting with Miss Sarah and she was trying to talk herself out of doing her workout. I simply said to her "Just do it...it's only 20 minutes" or something like that. A few minutes later we both logged off and I curled up on my chair to watch some corny abc family movie. It was about time for the season premier of Project Runway to start...one of my favorite series and suddenly I started feeling guilty and hypocritical for telling Sarah to work out.
I mean, one of my goals LAST week was to get in a relaxing evening workout and here I was sitting on the couch telling Sarah, "...it's just 20 minutes". Part of the reason I haven't gotten that extra workout in is because after Harliegh goes to bed...I shut down. I stop cleaning, working out, doing homework. It's bad...I shouldn't do that because if you take away those precious hours after she goes to bed and before I go to bed, the only time I have left to focus on anything besides Harliegh is naptime...which averages about 2 hours a day...if I'm lucky. I am not super woman...I can't fit everything into 2 hours!
Ok...I got off an a bit of a tangent there....sorry. But the main reason I don't workout is because, simply put...I wanna watch tv. So, as Project Runway started and I started feeling like a hypocrite I got up and compromised with myself. Ok, Quinn, you can do both...20 minutes of relaxing Yoga WHILE you watch tv...so thats what I did. And it felt amazing!
So basically what I am saying is...if you can't workout or stick to a healthy goal, think about the reasons. Are you TRULY not able to do it for a real reason, or are you talking yourself out of it?
I forgot to mention early that I have noticed a difference in my body while working out on the wii fit. I noticed today that I seem stronger and more balanced. Exercises I was horrible at when I started I can now manage, though its not near perfection yet. I am noticing that my movements doing routines are more strong and less shaky and unbalanced.
The wii fit has you do a body test every day. It starts with a center of balance test. When I started my balance was way off center, now...it is very close to center! Then it weighs you and measures your BMI...I already told you those results. But waht i like is if you gained a pound or more it asks you for a reason and then addresses ways to change this habit.So it makes you accountable. The next step in the body test is a series of body and mind exercises. Usually this consists of different balance tests in which you have to shift your balance and sometimes you also have to do mind exercises...like picking anumber greater than 4, putting numbers in order, stuff like that. Then when you are done...it presents you with your "Wii Fit Age". When I started I think my age averaged to around 50 (yes....yikes). But for the past 4 or 5 days my age has avereaged around 25!! So I am definitely making progress somewhere...even if it doesn't show up on the scales or the tape measure!
Ok , thats all for tonight!
Good night!
I mean, one of my goals LAST week was to get in a relaxing evening workout and here I was sitting on the couch telling Sarah, "...it's just 20 minutes". Part of the reason I haven't gotten that extra workout in is because after Harliegh goes to bed...I shut down. I stop cleaning, working out, doing homework. It's bad...I shouldn't do that because if you take away those precious hours after she goes to bed and before I go to bed, the only time I have left to focus on anything besides Harliegh is naptime...which averages about 2 hours a day...if I'm lucky. I am not super woman...I can't fit everything into 2 hours!
Ok...I got off an a bit of a tangent there....sorry. But the main reason I don't workout is because, simply put...I wanna watch tv. So, as Project Runway started and I started feeling like a hypocrite I got up and compromised with myself. Ok, Quinn, you can do both...20 minutes of relaxing Yoga WHILE you watch tv...so thats what I did. And it felt amazing!
So basically what I am saying is...if you can't workout or stick to a healthy goal, think about the reasons. Are you TRULY not able to do it for a real reason, or are you talking yourself out of it?
I forgot to mention early that I have noticed a difference in my body while working out on the wii fit. I noticed today that I seem stronger and more balanced. Exercises I was horrible at when I started I can now manage, though its not near perfection yet. I am noticing that my movements doing routines are more strong and less shaky and unbalanced.
The wii fit has you do a body test every day. It starts with a center of balance test. When I started my balance was way off center, now...it is very close to center! Then it weighs you and measures your BMI...I already told you those results. But waht i like is if you gained a pound or more it asks you for a reason and then addresses ways to change this habit.So it makes you accountable. The next step in the body test is a series of body and mind exercises. Usually this consists of different balance tests in which you have to shift your balance and sometimes you also have to do mind exercises...like picking anumber greater than 4, putting numbers in order, stuff like that. Then when you are done...it presents you with your "Wii Fit Age". When I started I think my age averaged to around 50 (yes....yikes). But for the past 4 or 5 days my age has avereaged around 25!! So I am definitely making progress somewhere...even if it doesn't show up on the scales or the tape measure!
Ok , thats all for tonight!
Good night!
Measurements Part 2
Good Morning everyone! This morning Harliegh woke up at 7:30 and I was not ready to get up all! Ugh. But I got up, had a small breakfast and made myself do my morning yoga. It felt good...but I am thinking I need to add some energetic exercises in there to help me wake up. The just relaxes me and makes me want to go to sleep.
Speaking of yoga...I am HORRIBLE at anything that requires me to stand on one foot. I just don't have the strength or balance. Any suggestions on how to improve this?
So today is the end of week 2 of our 6 week challenge. I did not see much change this week, which is a little discouraging, but I am sticking with it for at least six weeks. I am hoping that I am not seeing a change because I am gaining muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat as we all know.
Here are my measurements:
Week 2:
Bust 36
waist 30 1/2
below belly button 34 1/2
Weight 146
So my weight and my bust stayed the same. My waist and belly button measurements have decreased by 1/2 an inch each! I am really happy about this. It doesn't sound like much really, but if I lost 1/2 every week until the six week challenge is up, that is a significant change in my book! I was going to post pictures, but I thought it would be a little silly since it isn't much of a change.
Last week I made a new goal, to either jog for 10 minutes or do a 15-10 minute Yoga evening workout. I didn't do either. I just couldn't find the time, but maybe I am making excuses. So this week I am making the same goal, but I am only going to try to do this every other day.
Also, my friend Nathalie challenged me to have one vegetarian meal a week. This week I found a great recipe that my husband is actually willing to try! It's cheese tortellini with tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms with a creamy white sauce. YUM! I will post the recipe when I make it.
So how was YOUR second week? If you didn't see many results, like me, don't get discouraged. Keep going! I know you can do it!
Speaking of yoga...I am HORRIBLE at anything that requires me to stand on one foot. I just don't have the strength or balance. Any suggestions on how to improve this?
So today is the end of week 2 of our 6 week challenge. I did not see much change this week, which is a little discouraging, but I am sticking with it for at least six weeks. I am hoping that I am not seeing a change because I am gaining muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat as we all know.
Here are my measurements:
Week 2:
Bust 36
waist 30 1/2
below belly button 34 1/2
Weight 146
So my weight and my bust stayed the same. My waist and belly button measurements have decreased by 1/2 an inch each! I am really happy about this. It doesn't sound like much really, but if I lost 1/2 every week until the six week challenge is up, that is a significant change in my book! I was going to post pictures, but I thought it would be a little silly since it isn't much of a change.
Last week I made a new goal, to either jog for 10 minutes or do a 15-10 minute Yoga evening workout. I didn't do either. I just couldn't find the time, but maybe I am making excuses. So this week I am making the same goal, but I am only going to try to do this every other day.
Also, my friend Nathalie challenged me to have one vegetarian meal a week. This week I found a great recipe that my husband is actually willing to try! It's cheese tortellini with tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms with a creamy white sauce. YUM! I will post the recipe when I make it.
So how was YOUR second week? If you didn't see many results, like me, don't get discouraged. Keep going! I know you can do it!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Stupid @#%$@&% Car
Breathe. Just Breathe.
Sigh...I am trying to be positive. My husband just called to inform me that the car we had our hearts set on we can't get. We don't have the best credit (stupid mistakes in the past coming back to haunt us) so even with a co-signer and putting $2500 down on the car we can not get the loan for a $7000. I am not gonna lie, I cried a little. It's just frustrating, we are trying our best with what little we have and we get screwed. That car would have been perfect for us! Instead, we have to settle for a car that is older and probably less reliable. I am so tired of settling. Ok...now I am done with my pity party. Sorry you had to hear that.
Up until the frustrating news, I was having a decent day. Harliegh and I made whole wheat blueberry muffins for breakfast. I only ate one with a half a banana and a glass of skim milk. Then later, we had our 30 min dance party which sends Harliegh into fits of laughter...so rewarding for all that sweat and work! Then we went outside to cool off and take a ten minute walk. For lunch I tried the new Select Harvest Light soup from Campbell's. It was really good, and only 120 calories if you eat the whole can...which I shared with Harliegh. We also had some sugar-free Jell-o, only 10 calories a cup! After I put Harliegh down for a nap, I did a good 35 minute workout on the Wii Fit. I am looking forward to measuring tomorrow, cause I do feel...tighter. I am scared I will feel disappointed though because the wii weighs me everyday and I know I haven't made much progress with that. I keep telling myself that it is because I am gaining muscle and I will see results in a week or two. Hopefully.
Well, I guess I feel a little bit better. I need to be positive. As of right now, we are still without a car, and we lose the rental on Monday. But something positive has got to happen, right? RIGHT? tell me I'm right! Please?
Sigh...I am trying to be positive. My husband just called to inform me that the car we had our hearts set on we can't get. We don't have the best credit (stupid mistakes in the past coming back to haunt us) so even with a co-signer and putting $2500 down on the car we can not get the loan for a $7000. I am not gonna lie, I cried a little. It's just frustrating, we are trying our best with what little we have and we get screwed. That car would have been perfect for us! Instead, we have to settle for a car that is older and probably less reliable. I am so tired of settling. Ok...now I am done with my pity party. Sorry you had to hear that.
Up until the frustrating news, I was having a decent day. Harliegh and I made whole wheat blueberry muffins for breakfast. I only ate one with a half a banana and a glass of skim milk. Then later, we had our 30 min dance party which sends Harliegh into fits of laughter...so rewarding for all that sweat and work! Then we went outside to cool off and take a ten minute walk. For lunch I tried the new Select Harvest Light soup from Campbell's. It was really good, and only 120 calories if you eat the whole can...which I shared with Harliegh. We also had some sugar-free Jell-o, only 10 calories a cup! After I put Harliegh down for a nap, I did a good 35 minute workout on the Wii Fit. I am looking forward to measuring tomorrow, cause I do feel...tighter. I am scared I will feel disappointed though because the wii weighs me everyday and I know I haven't made much progress with that. I keep telling myself that it is because I am gaining muscle and I will see results in a week or two. Hopefully.
Well, I guess I feel a little bit better. I need to be positive. As of right now, we are still without a car, and we lose the rental on Monday. But something positive has got to happen, right? RIGHT? tell me I'm right! Please?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Is anybody reading this? I don't think I have gotten a comment for quite a few days now?? LOL!
Today has been quite a busy day for me. I did my 20 minute yoga workout this morning. Then I noticed that it was birght and sunny outside and finally around 30 degrees! This is practically a heat wave up here in Minnesota! So Harliegh and I got bundled up and went outside. Harliegh has not gotten used to the snow yet and for some reason she hates to stand in snow. So after several failed attempts to put her down I ended up carrying and we took a short 10 minute walk. It felt so nice to be out in the fresh air! After that we came in and had lunch... we split a BLT and had some fruit. After I put her down for a nap I did my usual 30 minute workout. After nap I put on the music and I danced/cleaned for an hour and a half. I have not had luck with my new goals...I just can't seem to fit in that extra few minutes of workout....ok, ok....maybe I could do a 20 min yoga workout after harliegh goes to bed at 7...but usaully I am exhausted and ready to spend the night watching tv and wasting time on the internet or reading. maybe I should stop making excuses and just do it...I mean, what's 20 minutes? I just need to work it into my routine like my other workouts.
How is everyone doing by the way? Only two more days until the end of week 2. I am excited to measure my waist and find out if there is a difference cause I FEEL like there is a difference.
Speaking of time limits....I know this is a 6 week challenge and I really want to see results in 6 weeks. But I decided today that I just want to be satisified with my body by the time it gets warm...which in Minnesota is about Mid-May. Next term I have to take a P.E. class, I am hoping this will give me some good exercise tips...because by then I will be sick of what I am doing now.
I will be sure to pass on any tips to you guys, too! Next term starts in April!
On another note...
I think I am having some sort of muscle spasm in my right leg. It started last night, but every once in a while I feel these sharp twinges in my muscle above my knee and it hurts. It feels like my muscle tightens, too. Then suddenly...it stops and its gone for several hours. It seems to happen more when I am sitting/resting. Any suggestions or ideas what this might be?
Well, I gotta go...I have to get ready to go get groceries. I will be looking for Laughing Cow cheese...and some vegetarian meals as challenged by Nathalie! ;)
Hope everyone had a heathy, happy day!
Today has been quite a busy day for me. I did my 20 minute yoga workout this morning. Then I noticed that it was birght and sunny outside and finally around 30 degrees! This is practically a heat wave up here in Minnesota! So Harliegh and I got bundled up and went outside. Harliegh has not gotten used to the snow yet and for some reason she hates to stand in snow. So after several failed attempts to put her down I ended up carrying and we took a short 10 minute walk. It felt so nice to be out in the fresh air! After that we came in and had lunch... we split a BLT and had some fruit. After I put her down for a nap I did my usual 30 minute workout. After nap I put on the music and I danced/cleaned for an hour and a half. I have not had luck with my new goals...I just can't seem to fit in that extra few minutes of workout....ok, ok....maybe I could do a 20 min yoga workout after harliegh goes to bed at 7...but usaully I am exhausted and ready to spend the night watching tv and wasting time on the internet or reading. maybe I should stop making excuses and just do it...I mean, what's 20 minutes? I just need to work it into my routine like my other workouts.
How is everyone doing by the way? Only two more days until the end of week 2. I am excited to measure my waist and find out if there is a difference cause I FEEL like there is a difference.
Speaking of time limits....I know this is a 6 week challenge and I really want to see results in 6 weeks. But I decided today that I just want to be satisified with my body by the time it gets warm...which in Minnesota is about Mid-May. Next term I have to take a P.E. class, I am hoping this will give me some good exercise tips...because by then I will be sick of what I am doing now.
I will be sure to pass on any tips to you guys, too! Next term starts in April!
On another note...
I think I am having some sort of muscle spasm in my right leg. It started last night, but every once in a while I feel these sharp twinges in my muscle above my knee and it hurts. It feels like my muscle tightens, too. Then suddenly...it stops and its gone for several hours. It seems to happen more when I am sitting/resting. Any suggestions or ideas what this might be?
Well, I gotta go...I have to get ready to go get groceries. I will be looking for Laughing Cow cheese...and some vegetarian meals as challenged by Nathalie! ;)
Hope everyone had a heathy, happy day!
The Jar of Mice
Good Morning All!
Today I got up and did my 20 minute yoga...I haven't done my morning workout in quite a few days. :( It felt sooo good. I even tried a new yoga pose..The Bridge...man that feels awesome!
A little aside here...for all you writers out there. You must read "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. It is amazing! It's a book about writing and she has some fantastic tips. I was reading last night and I came across a paragraph that I wanted to share with you. It is about writing but you can relate it to anything in life. Whenever you do anything in life, whether its writing or losing weight, or anything at all, you always have those voices you can't get out of your head. Your mom, dad, sister, brother, friend, stranger....they all have something to say. Here is a tip to help you block those voices out and get to what is realy important...YOU.
"Close your eyes and get quiet for a minute, until the chatter starts up. Then isolate one of the voices and imagine the person apeaking as a mouse. Pick it up by the tail and drop it into a mason jar. Then isolate another voice, pick it up by the tail, drop it in the jar. And so on. Drop in any high-maintenance parental units, drop in any contractors, lawyers colleagues, children, anyone who is whining in your head. Then put the lid on, and watch all these mouse people clawing at the glass, jabbering away trying to make you feel like shit because won't do what they want--won'tgive them more money, won't be more successful, won't see them more often. Then imagine that there is a volume-control button on the bottle. Turn is all the way up for a minute, and listen to the stream of angry, neglected, guilt-mongering voices. Then turn it all the way down and watch the frantic mice lunge at the glass, trying to get to you. Leave it down, and get back to your shitty first draft.
A writer friend of mine suggests opening the jar and shooting them all in the head. But I think he's a little angry, and I'm sure nothing like this would ever occur to you."--Anne Lamott
So...next time you feel discouraged by something someone said...just turn down your mouse jar and keep doing what you are doing.
Today I got up and did my 20 minute yoga...I haven't done my morning workout in quite a few days. :( It felt sooo good. I even tried a new yoga pose..The Bridge...man that feels awesome!
A little aside here...for all you writers out there. You must read "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott. It is amazing! It's a book about writing and she has some fantastic tips. I was reading last night and I came across a paragraph that I wanted to share with you. It is about writing but you can relate it to anything in life. Whenever you do anything in life, whether its writing or losing weight, or anything at all, you always have those voices you can't get out of your head. Your mom, dad, sister, brother, friend, stranger....they all have something to say. Here is a tip to help you block those voices out and get to what is realy important...YOU.
"Close your eyes and get quiet for a minute, until the chatter starts up. Then isolate one of the voices and imagine the person apeaking as a mouse. Pick it up by the tail and drop it into a mason jar. Then isolate another voice, pick it up by the tail, drop it in the jar. And so on. Drop in any high-maintenance parental units, drop in any contractors, lawyers colleagues, children, anyone who is whining in your head. Then put the lid on, and watch all these mouse people clawing at the glass, jabbering away trying to make you feel like shit because won't do what they want--won'tgive them more money, won't be more successful, won't see them more often. Then imagine that there is a volume-control button on the bottle. Turn is all the way up for a minute, and listen to the stream of angry, neglected, guilt-mongering voices. Then turn it all the way down and watch the frantic mice lunge at the glass, trying to get to you. Leave it down, and get back to your shitty first draft.
A writer friend of mine suggests opening the jar and shooting them all in the head. But I think he's a little angry, and I'm sure nothing like this would ever occur to you."--Anne Lamott
So...next time you feel discouraged by something someone said...just turn down your mouse jar and keep doing what you are doing.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Lessons learned from my mommy!
I have been reading everyone's blogs lately and I am noticing a common theme: how to eat healthy.
This has never been an issue for me, sure...I might not choose to eat healthy, but I do know how to! Let me tell you a little bit about my childhood.
My mom was a stay at home for...seven kids. Yes, SEVEN! So my mom knew how to cook...and to cook on a budget. She is also one of the most health conscience people I know. I didn't appreciate it when I was little, but I do now. I know how to eat healthy. So....here are some lessons learned form my mom:
1. Drink lots of water. We sometimes got juice. Rarely got Kool-aid. Absolutely NEVER soda. If we were thirsty we got water. PERIOD.
2. Fruits and Veggies. We had at least one at EVERY meal. We also had to eat it all...this was never a problem for me since I was never picky.
3. Meat. Really, you only need 1-2 portions a day. One at lunch, one at dinner...but watch the portions. You don't need any more than what will fit in the palm of your hand. You can actually replace meat with beans or legumes. Once, back in 8th grade my mom went "almost" vegetarian for a few months. We only got meat one day a week and she even replaced some cheeses and dairy with tofu and soy...it actually wasn't that bad.
4. Fast Food. HAHA! I remember in 7th grade I was in track and we traveled for a meet to some other school. The team stopped at McDonald's and....I was embarassed when I realized....I had no idea how to order! We never had fast food....and when I say NEVER...I mean...less than 3 or 4 times a YEAR!
5. Snacks. You know what my mom said when we wanted a snack? "Have an apple, orange, banana or some crackers or a slice of bread. Yep. No oreo's or chips for us...but imagine what a treat it was when we went over to a friends house! HOLY COW! My mom did make the most wonderful cookies...but we only got one...maybe two a day.
6. Replacements. Skim milk instead of Whole milk. Frozen Yogurt instead of Ice Cream. Wheat Bread instead of White Bread. Chicken over beef. Veggies and Fruits should ALWAYS be a bigger portion than meats and carbs.
7. SALT. Most canned/packaged foods have salt...so you really shouldn't add more. Learn to enjoy the other flavors.
8. Television. Yep, we got to watch two hours on Friday, two hours on Saturday...that is all. So...we spent the rest of the time outside playing or reading....really anything we wanted to do...non-tv related.
So...that is what I learned from my mom, among other things. Like....do you know you should NEVER eat Trans fat? They are removing it from most stuff...but companies are allowed to round down to half a gram...Which means that if your crackers have half a gram of trans fat...they can record it as zero! AND...did you know you should never go over 2 grams of trans fat a day? It's horrible for you...and think of all those hidden 1/2 grams you could be eating? It adds up...so it's better to not eat ANY!
This has never been an issue for me, sure...I might not choose to eat healthy, but I do know how to! Let me tell you a little bit about my childhood.
My mom was a stay at home for...seven kids. Yes, SEVEN! So my mom knew how to cook...and to cook on a budget. She is also one of the most health conscience people I know. I didn't appreciate it when I was little, but I do now. I know how to eat healthy. So....here are some lessons learned form my mom:
1. Drink lots of water. We sometimes got juice. Rarely got Kool-aid. Absolutely NEVER soda. If we were thirsty we got water. PERIOD.
2. Fruits and Veggies. We had at least one at EVERY meal. We also had to eat it all...this was never a problem for me since I was never picky.
3. Meat. Really, you only need 1-2 portions a day. One at lunch, one at dinner...but watch the portions. You don't need any more than what will fit in the palm of your hand. You can actually replace meat with beans or legumes. Once, back in 8th grade my mom went "almost" vegetarian for a few months. We only got meat one day a week and she even replaced some cheeses and dairy with tofu and soy...it actually wasn't that bad.
4. Fast Food. HAHA! I remember in 7th grade I was in track and we traveled for a meet to some other school. The team stopped at McDonald's and....I was embarassed when I realized....I had no idea how to order! We never had fast food....and when I say NEVER...I mean...less than 3 or 4 times a YEAR!
5. Snacks. You know what my mom said when we wanted a snack? "Have an apple, orange, banana or some crackers or a slice of bread. Yep. No oreo's or chips for us...but imagine what a treat it was when we went over to a friends house! HOLY COW! My mom did make the most wonderful cookies...but we only got one...maybe two a day.
6. Replacements. Skim milk instead of Whole milk. Frozen Yogurt instead of Ice Cream. Wheat Bread instead of White Bread. Chicken over beef. Veggies and Fruits should ALWAYS be a bigger portion than meats and carbs.
7. SALT. Most canned/packaged foods have salt...so you really shouldn't add more. Learn to enjoy the other flavors.
8. Television. Yep, we got to watch two hours on Friday, two hours on Saturday...that is all. So...we spent the rest of the time outside playing or reading....really anything we wanted to do...non-tv related.
So...that is what I learned from my mom, among other things. Like....do you know you should NEVER eat Trans fat? They are removing it from most stuff...but companies are allowed to round down to half a gram...Which means that if your crackers have half a gram of trans fat...they can record it as zero! AND...did you know you should never go over 2 grams of trans fat a day? It's horrible for you...and think of all those hidden 1/2 grams you could be eating? It adds up...so it's better to not eat ANY!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Class....and Cleaning
Hey Everyone. How are your weekends going so far?
My classes went okay, Creative Writing actually went by quickly and I think I am going to like how it is taught. I was horrified when I saw that he puts poems written by students up on the board for all to read and discuss and critique. But in away, this is a good thing because I will work harder on my poem to perfect it. Just so you know, I am horrible at all things poem related, reading, writing, analyzing...ugh. So this will be a struggle, but it will be a great learning experience and help me to come out of my shell a little more. My graphic design class on the other hand...BORING! I am hoping it's because the teacher wasn't feeling well. He talked for 2 and a half hours about a training exercise we had to do to get used to the Adobe Illustrator equipment. Then the rest of the time we did the exercise...which was, literally, tracing lines on the computer...that's all. But I think it could be more interesting once we have real projects to work on.
Sorry to bore you about my classes! The lunch I packed yesterday was great...I didn't even have to eat the candy bar or pb sandwich! I did however have to walk around for half an hour to search for a place to eat my lunch...so that counts as part of my workout.HAHA I planned on doing some yoga after class since I was so stiff from sitting all day, but I realized 8 hours of class can do wonders as a sleep aid. I was soooooo tired. I dozed off on the couch at 9...then woke up at 1030 and went back to bed...where I happily slept until 9. WOW! It was such a beautiful sleep, too!
Today I decided I am focusing on cleaning. My room is a mess. A total mess. So that is my goal for today...get my room cleaned. I might step on the wii for my Body test and some yoga, if I get around to it.
Sorry for the incredibly boring blog.
so , to copy Sarah's closing style
Peace, Love and Healthy Choices!
My classes went okay, Creative Writing actually went by quickly and I think I am going to like how it is taught. I was horrified when I saw that he puts poems written by students up on the board for all to read and discuss and critique. But in away, this is a good thing because I will work harder on my poem to perfect it. Just so you know, I am horrible at all things poem related, reading, writing, analyzing...ugh. So this will be a struggle, but it will be a great learning experience and help me to come out of my shell a little more. My graphic design class on the other hand...BORING! I am hoping it's because the teacher wasn't feeling well. He talked for 2 and a half hours about a training exercise we had to do to get used to the Adobe Illustrator equipment. Then the rest of the time we did the exercise...which was, literally, tracing lines on the computer...that's all. But I think it could be more interesting once we have real projects to work on.
Sorry to bore you about my classes! The lunch I packed yesterday was great...I didn't even have to eat the candy bar or pb sandwich! I did however have to walk around for half an hour to search for a place to eat my lunch...so that counts as part of my workout.HAHA I planned on doing some yoga after class since I was so stiff from sitting all day, but I realized 8 hours of class can do wonders as a sleep aid. I was soooooo tired. I dozed off on the couch at 9...then woke up at 1030 and went back to bed...where I happily slept until 9. WOW! It was such a beautiful sleep, too!
Today I decided I am focusing on cleaning. My room is a mess. A total mess. So that is my goal for today...get my room cleaned. I might step on the wii for my Body test and some yoga, if I get around to it.
Sorry for the incredibly boring blog.
so , to copy Sarah's closing style
Peace, Love and Healthy Choices!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Off to School I go...
I am posting now because I am headed off to school tomorrow, like a good little girl! I already packed my lunch and made a delicious smoothie for my breakfast. Here is what I am bringing to school tomorrow for food:
Smoothie...I am guessing around 350 calories
Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, green peppers, and cucumbers ( I love my veggies), two hard-boiled eggs,sliced (for protein) and a table spoon of fat-free dressing.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (hey...the jelly was only 50 calories, hush)
an orange
two granola bars
and one itty-bitty fun size butterfinger (yes...I remembered my medicine...)
A Bottle of water
So...I will be stuck at school from 8-5 with no money, so I will be forced to eat the super healthy food I prepared and put in my lunch box. I feel like I am in elementary school again! LOL!
I am excited and nervous for class tomorrow! Creative Writing and Graphic Design! YIKES! You know that dream you get when you are walking in class and everyone is staring at you and you realize you're naked? That's how I feel when I have to do anything creative in class, and here I am taking not one, but two classes that REQUIRE me to use creativity! AAAAAGH! What was I thinking?
I got a decent workout today after going out for lunch.
40 minutes of Wii Fit
30 minutes of "Dance Party"
Though, after eating that burger I weighed a full pound more than yesterday! HAHA!
Hope you guys keep up with your healthy habits this weekend!
Smoothie...I am guessing around 350 calories
Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, green peppers, and cucumbers ( I love my veggies), two hard-boiled eggs,sliced (for protein) and a table spoon of fat-free dressing.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (hey...the jelly was only 50 calories, hush)
an orange
two granola bars
and one itty-bitty fun size butterfinger (yes...I remembered my medicine...)
A Bottle of water
So...I will be stuck at school from 8-5 with no money, so I will be forced to eat the super healthy food I prepared and put in my lunch box. I feel like I am in elementary school again! LOL!
I am excited and nervous for class tomorrow! Creative Writing and Graphic Design! YIKES! You know that dream you get when you are walking in class and everyone is staring at you and you realize you're naked? That's how I feel when I have to do anything creative in class, and here I am taking not one, but two classes that REQUIRE me to use creativity! AAAAAGH! What was I thinking?
I got a decent workout today after going out for lunch.
40 minutes of Wii Fit
30 minutes of "Dance Party"
Though, after eating that burger I weighed a full pound more than yesterday! HAHA!
Hope you guys keep up with your healthy habits this weekend!
To my Healthy Buddies
I am just writing a quick blog to say how proud I am of my weight loss/getting healthy buddies, Sarah and Nathalie.
It has only been a week since we started on this journey together, and let me tell you, I am not planning on dropping out....nor will I let you fall and drop out. Sorry, but, we are in this together. I can't believe how addicted I have gotten to reading your blogs and writing my own. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and get excited when I see you have posted a new blog. It has been a tough week for me...sleeplessness, stress, car problems, etc. and if it weren't for you I might have given up. I find that I want you to accomplish your goals even more than I want myself to accomplish mine, so I feel like I have to motivate you by proving that I am not giving up.
You guys are amazing and are doing fantastic! For week two, lets up our game. We are one week closer to becoming healthier individuals.
Today will be a hard workout/diet day. I am going to try to get a yoga workout in a minute. Then for lunch I am going to my favorite restaurant, The Happy Gnome. I am not even going to think about calories. One day of "cheating" won't hurt me too much. I am going to get an Angus burger with Widmer Cheddar cheese and and sweet pickle aioli....it is the best burger I have ever had in my life. I am going to enjoy every bite. Then I am going to come home and do an extra good workout and not feel guilty about a thing.
Tomorrow, I have class alllll day. From 8am -5pm. Two classes, one hour break in between. I am going to pack a healthy lunch and tons of healthy snacks, but I probably won't get a workout in , unfortunately. But...my classes are a good 10 minute walk from the parking lot...so I will get a decent walk in. Maybe I will fit in a light workout after class.
Keep up witht he great work. i will be looking for new blogs this weekend!
It has only been a week since we started on this journey together, and let me tell you, I am not planning on dropping out....nor will I let you fall and drop out. Sorry, but, we are in this together. I can't believe how addicted I have gotten to reading your blogs and writing my own. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday and get excited when I see you have posted a new blog. It has been a tough week for me...sleeplessness, stress, car problems, etc. and if it weren't for you I might have given up. I find that I want you to accomplish your goals even more than I want myself to accomplish mine, so I feel like I have to motivate you by proving that I am not giving up.
You guys are amazing and are doing fantastic! For week two, lets up our game. We are one week closer to becoming healthier individuals.
Today will be a hard workout/diet day. I am going to try to get a yoga workout in a minute. Then for lunch I am going to my favorite restaurant, The Happy Gnome. I am not even going to think about calories. One day of "cheating" won't hurt me too much. I am going to get an Angus burger with Widmer Cheddar cheese and and sweet pickle aioli....it is the best burger I have ever had in my life. I am going to enjoy every bite. Then I am going to come home and do an extra good workout and not feel guilty about a thing.
Tomorrow, I have class alllll day. From 8am -5pm. Two classes, one hour break in between. I am going to pack a healthy lunch and tons of healthy snacks, but I probably won't get a workout in , unfortunately. But...my classes are a good 10 minute walk from the parking lot...so I will get a decent walk in. Maybe I will fit in a light workout after class.
Keep up witht he great work. i will be looking for new blogs this weekend!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Measurements
Yes, yes....I am blogging...AGAIN! Are you sick of me yet? So today marks the end of week one!
Above are some pics of me...egads! Since Sarah posted some I felt obligated. The first one (left to right) is me today! I hadn't take a shower yet, so ignore the yuckiness. I really just want to lose the belly. The middle one is me at my heaviest...around 170, and the last one is me when I was super thin. I don't want to be that thin again...I was maybe 105 pounds! But I just posted it for comparisons sake.
So I guess I should post my measurements now, huh?
Chest: 36
Waist:31
Right under belly button:35
Hips:37
Weight: 146
So that means I have lost two pounds! YAY! Though...most of that is probably due to a certain monthly thing....but I am still counting it as a success. HOORAY!
So since it is the end of week one, this means I probably should come up with a new goal for next week. So...I couldn't decide on one, so I picked two. I will see which one I fall into easier adn stick to that, or do both.
This is my "Ideal"usual workout, what I TRY to do every day:
20 min of light Yoga workout in the morning
30 min "Dance Party"
30 min Wii Fit workout
this is what I am adding:
10 min jog
20 min light Yoga workout in the evening
I don't think that is to much, do you?
Also, I am going to try to go to bed sooner.
Like I said before, my goal is to be 135. Right smack in the middle of average for my height, this was I have some cushion if I gain weight again. Really, and I know this sounds crazy, I just want to get healthy so I can get pregnant again. So I can still exercise while I'm pregnant safely and that way my body will bounce back faster next time.
So that's it for now. Now begins WEEK TWO! (dun dun duuuuun...you know, scary music)
Up all night with dear Gerdie
Yes, I was up all night with my dear friend Gerdie. Gerdie and I have really gotten to know each other over the past year or so ....and I wich she would just go away forever. A few months after I had my daughter I started having intense chest pains. I had a burning, tightening pain right under my breast bone that would last for HOURS...and it always happened just as I am going to bed. I went to the doctor, and was diagnosed with GERD. It is manageable as long as I don't eat chocolate, caffeine or alcohol. If I do eat one of those, I just have to take an acid reducer beforehand. Yesterday I wanted a fun size candy bar around 12:00 pm so I took an acid reducer. These acid reducers should last around 12 hours. I only had one candy tiny candy bar, so the acid reducer should have worked. Last night, I went to lay in bed at 10:30...early for me! But I took a book with me and ended up reading for an hour and a half. As I was reading I noticed a tightening in my chest but thought it was the way I was sitting, after all, it shouldn't have been GERD...I took the medicine. But then as I put the book down and tried to sleep the tightening got worse and I realized it was definitely dear old Gerdie. I got up and took another acid reducer and tried to get some sleep. This was around 12:30 am. I guess I did fall asleep, cause I woke up at 2 am in extreme pain. I couldn't take another acid reducer because you can only take 2 in 24 hours. So I paced around the house for a bit and then took some tylenol and and a few big bites of yogurt...yougurt is a miracle food isn't it? About an hour and a half later I finally felt good enough to doze off. Harliegh woke up at 7 and just as I ws attempting to roll out of bed my husband cheerfully sits up and tells him that he will get up for awhile. Sweet Bliss! So he got up with her for about an hour and a half and I slept. He fed the baby, changed her diaper AND started a load in the dishwasher...he gets MAJOR good husband points today!
Right now, the burning and tightening in my chest is gone but I still have the annoying burning in my esophagus. That will probably last all day. Now I am wondering why the meds didn't work liek they should have...all that pain for one little tiny fun-size butterfinger, seriously?? The only thing I can think was that this episode HAD to be caused more from stress. UGH!
So I am watching the Today show and they say to be healthy and lose weight you need to get a good night's sleep...and you MUST go to bed at the SAME time every day. Like I said before, this is hard for me because those last few hours of the day are ME time...and I selfishly cling to them. So ...my goal is to TRY to be in bed at 10:30 every night. If I read for 30 minutes, and wake up around 7 this will give me around 7-8 hours of sleep. This is IF I go to sleep easily and STAY asleep....which I never do. But maybe...maybe I need to train my body to sleep well? Maybe I need a bedtime routine like I do for Harliegh? I don't know....
Today I am going to eat well. Skip nap and do a good long workout. Even though I have worked out EVERY day this week, I have been skimping. Maybe it will help me sleep better. Today is the 7th! Which means a week of our workout! How are you doing?
Now I must go eat and hopefully soothe this burning. Have a fantastic day!
Right now, the burning and tightening in my chest is gone but I still have the annoying burning in my esophagus. That will probably last all day. Now I am wondering why the meds didn't work liek they should have...all that pain for one little tiny fun-size butterfinger, seriously?? The only thing I can think was that this episode HAD to be caused more from stress. UGH!
So I am watching the Today show and they say to be healthy and lose weight you need to get a good night's sleep...and you MUST go to bed at the SAME time every day. Like I said before, this is hard for me because those last few hours of the day are ME time...and I selfishly cling to them. So ...my goal is to TRY to be in bed at 10:30 every night. If I read for 30 minutes, and wake up around 7 this will give me around 7-8 hours of sleep. This is IF I go to sleep easily and STAY asleep....which I never do. But maybe...maybe I need to train my body to sleep well? Maybe I need a bedtime routine like I do for Harliegh? I don't know....
Today I am going to eat well. Skip nap and do a good long workout. Even though I have worked out EVERY day this week, I have been skimping. Maybe it will help me sleep better. Today is the 7th! Which means a week of our workout! How are you doing?
Now I must go eat and hopefully soothe this burning. Have a fantastic day!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Obstacles
WOW! What a day! Last night my husband was in a car accident. He is ok...but the car....not so much. It was the other person's fault though. Thank God for car insurance. We are hoping our car isn't totalled since we owe more than the car is worth. Plus....we owe his mom quite a bit for fixing the car 6 months ago. UGH. Then...I accidentally locked my cat in the bedroom and he peed on my bed.... :(
So we cleaned it up and flipped the mattress. THEN....I got a letter from a friend today. We used to be pretty close but I hadn't heard from him in a long time so I had sent him a Christmas card. He sent a letter back and told me he is now in jail and will go to prison in about a month. WOW...double WOW. It makes me said cause he is not a trouble maker...but he does have some mental problems.
So, needless to say, I am not feeling very motivated today. I did get up and weigh myself, did the body test on the wii fit and managed to do a 10 minute workout. Right now, I am debating whether or not I should take a nap. I want to....but I am afraid I will just lie there thinking about everything and not be able to sleep and then get up an hour later grouchy and even more tired. Maybe it will be more benificial to do some cleaning, a little yoga or maybe some reading.
We definitely hit a lot of obstacles along the path of achieving our goals, huh? But we have to just get up, brush the dirt off and keep going.
So we cleaned it up and flipped the mattress. THEN....I got a letter from a friend today. We used to be pretty close but I hadn't heard from him in a long time so I had sent him a Christmas card. He sent a letter back and told me he is now in jail and will go to prison in about a month. WOW...double WOW. It makes me said cause he is not a trouble maker...but he does have some mental problems.
So, needless to say, I am not feeling very motivated today. I did get up and weigh myself, did the body test on the wii fit and managed to do a 10 minute workout. Right now, I am debating whether or not I should take a nap. I want to....but I am afraid I will just lie there thinking about everything and not be able to sleep and then get up an hour later grouchy and even more tired. Maybe it will be more benificial to do some cleaning, a little yoga or maybe some reading.
We definitely hit a lot of obstacles along the path of achieving our goals, huh? But we have to just get up, brush the dirt off and keep going.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I Feel Like Dancing!
So it's been a pretty decent day so far! I did a good 30 minute workout on the Wii Fit and after Sesame Street, we turned off the tv and had our own little dance party. As I was dancing around, Harliegh looked at me very strangely but before long she was dancing around with me. We danced around for about 20 minutes and I was EXHAUSTED! I was sweating and my muscles were sore...but it felt great! I also found an "exercise" for us mommies. We all like to toss our babies in the air, right. Well, next time, as your holding your baby bend your knees and flex your ab muscles, then as your tossing baby, extend your knees. As you catch baby go back to bending your knees. After about 5 reps of this, you really feel it in your thighs, abs and lower back muscles...not to mention your arms. Take a break adn then do another 5...you can really feel it, and your baby will love it! Ok...so it's not new or innovative or anything...but it does work!
So I felt pretty confident that I got a great workout today and decided to take a little nap. WOOHOO!
I decided I am not going to track my food calories anymore, I have been meeting my goal everydayand I am pretty smart about portion size...so...it's just a big hassle. I might every once in awhile to make sure I am on the right track, but I think for the most part I do a pretty good job.
My weight is still decreasing by 0.4 lbs a day, not bad! It is so nice to see that dotted red line on my Wii Fit graph moving slowly, gradually DOWN! I feel much healthier in general. I amstarting to LOVE Yoga and find myself wanting to do it several times a day. I can really feel my core muscles gradually strengthening, also...it might be my imagination...but I am not fighting it.
Well...I am off to go to the library. I wish it were warm enough to walk there again! That was my favorite summer activity last year! But...it is only -25 with the windchill, so probably NOT a good idea...even without taking Harliegh! I can't wait for Spring, can you?
Which reminds me...In April I have to take a P.E. class! I am hoping Iwill learn a lot about fitness and the best ways to stay healthy,lose weight and maintain weight once you get to a good weight. I will be sure to pass on this info to you lucky readers!
So I felt pretty confident that I got a great workout today and decided to take a little nap. WOOHOO!
I decided I am not going to track my food calories anymore, I have been meeting my goal everydayand I am pretty smart about portion size...so...it's just a big hassle. I might every once in awhile to make sure I am on the right track, but I think for the most part I do a pretty good job.
My weight is still decreasing by 0.4 lbs a day, not bad! It is so nice to see that dotted red line on my Wii Fit graph moving slowly, gradually DOWN! I feel much healthier in general. I amstarting to LOVE Yoga and find myself wanting to do it several times a day. I can really feel my core muscles gradually strengthening, also...it might be my imagination...but I am not fighting it.
Well...I am off to go to the library. I wish it were warm enough to walk there again! That was my favorite summer activity last year! But...it is only -25 with the windchill, so probably NOT a good idea...even without taking Harliegh! I can't wait for Spring, can you?
Which reminds me...In April I have to take a P.E. class! I am hoping Iwill learn a lot about fitness and the best ways to stay healthy,lose weight and maintain weight once you get to a good weight. I will be sure to pass on this info to you lucky readers!
Motivation
Good Morning!
I don't usually blog this early, but I was felling like it so, why not?
Once again, I didn't sleep well. Somedays I wish I would just go in for a sleep study so they can tell me why. When I got my eyes checked, the optometrist told me that he didn't think I closed my eyes all the way when I sleep. Could this be part of the problem? I don't know. I should start going to bed early, but those few hours after Harliegh goes to bed are my only "me" time. It's the time I get caught up on reading, homework, writing and ...to be honest...just wasting time on the internet. So every day I intend on going to bed early, I don't. It would be okay if Harliegh hasn't been waking up nearly two hours early the past few days!
In about 30 minutes I am going to force my butt off the couch and do a 30 minute workout. I still plan on dancing with Harliegh, but depending on how energized I feel at naptime. I may once again decide to nap again. I know you are probably thinking that if I didn't nap I might sleep better at night, but I know from experience that this is not true. Plus, my naps the past two days have been the best sleep I have gotten! Sooooo....we'll see how it goes.
I am having a delicious smoothie right now.
here is the recipe:
1 cup Peaches
1 cup Strawberries
1/2 cup yogurt
1 cup milk
Calories: 312
This makes two good sized smoothies and it is delicious! I even shared some with Harliegh!
Here is to a great day (raises smoothie in a toast) to Sarah and Nathalie. I order both of you to have a great food/workout day and that you both feel incredible about yourselves. We can do it, you guys!
Stay Motivated! Stay Positive!
I don't usually blog this early, but I was felling like it so, why not?
Once again, I didn't sleep well. Somedays I wish I would just go in for a sleep study so they can tell me why. When I got my eyes checked, the optometrist told me that he didn't think I closed my eyes all the way when I sleep. Could this be part of the problem? I don't know. I should start going to bed early, but those few hours after Harliegh goes to bed are my only "me" time. It's the time I get caught up on reading, homework, writing and ...to be honest...just wasting time on the internet. So every day I intend on going to bed early, I don't. It would be okay if Harliegh hasn't been waking up nearly two hours early the past few days!
In about 30 minutes I am going to force my butt off the couch and do a 30 minute workout. I still plan on dancing with Harliegh, but depending on how energized I feel at naptime. I may once again decide to nap again. I know you are probably thinking that if I didn't nap I might sleep better at night, but I know from experience that this is not true. Plus, my naps the past two days have been the best sleep I have gotten! Sooooo....we'll see how it goes.
I am having a delicious smoothie right now.
here is the recipe:
1 cup Peaches
1 cup Strawberries
1/2 cup yogurt
1 cup milk
Calories: 312
This makes two good sized smoothies and it is delicious! I even shared some with Harliegh!
Here is to a great day (raises smoothie in a toast) to Sarah and Nathalie. I order both of you to have a great food/workout day and that you both feel incredible about yourselves. We can do it, you guys!
Stay Motivated! Stay Positive!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Dance, Dance
Hello loyal blog readers!
I know there are at least two of ya! How are you doing today? I did not sleep well last night, I have never been a great sleeper anyway, but then the baby got up an hour and a half earlier than usual...ugh! So right away I was already tired and planning to be lazy all day. I ate a half a banana, a small bowl of life cereal and a half a glass of oj. Then sat on the couch :(
After about an hour I felt guilty so as Harliegh colored a picture in her highchair I got off my butt and did a vigorous 30 min workout and I even got a shower in before my dear husband got up to go to work. (Note: My daughter was playing in the hallway and I had the bathroom door open...in case you were wondering how I managed that, lol). So....because I got my workoutin, I rationalized that I could take a nap when Harliegh took her nap. It was a great nap, too!
So, I weigh myself everyday on the wii and my weight has been decreasing a tiny bit everyday. The Wii Fit ever so nicely informed me that I need to up my game if I want to reach my goal in 6 weeks. Sigh....oh well....I am satisfied that I have decreased in weight for the past 4 days or so, it's a start right?
I have come up with a new crazy idea to add some extra workout and fun into my life. I got the idea from this video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvljD0toJmU
When I watched this I just wanted to get up and dance. I love dancing...okay, I love jumping around crazily and calling it "dance". So I think I am going to spend a while each morning dancing to some happy, energetic music. Have you ever managed to dance and stay angry, sad or down? It's not possible. Dancing makes you happy! I figured I could fit this in between 11 and 12:30. It will be a fun thing for me and Harliegh to do, maybe we will only dance for 10 min or 15 min...but I am hoping it will help motivate me and brighten my mood for the day. I just looked it up...did you know in 15 minutes you can burn 75 calories dancing? Awesome.
Here is my food for the day:
Banana: 52 cal
Life Cereal (1 cup):149
2% Milk: 138
Orange Juice:55
Fat-Free Vanilla Pudding: 80
Goulash: 300
Fun-size Butterfinger: 83
Fun size 100 Grand:98
salad: 100
mac and cheese (1 cup) 100
mini corndogs: 250 (WHAT?!?!)
fat-Free Popcorn: 40
TOTAL: 1445
I am still hitting my calorie goal, or getting close but I need to work on making healthier choices to reach that goal! UGH!!
So....overall,not a bad day! I am going to try to get to bed earlier ...maybe I will have more energy tomorrow!
I know there are at least two of ya! How are you doing today? I did not sleep well last night, I have never been a great sleeper anyway, but then the baby got up an hour and a half earlier than usual...ugh! So right away I was already tired and planning to be lazy all day. I ate a half a banana, a small bowl of life cereal and a half a glass of oj. Then sat on the couch :(
After about an hour I felt guilty so as Harliegh colored a picture in her highchair I got off my butt and did a vigorous 30 min workout and I even got a shower in before my dear husband got up to go to work. (Note: My daughter was playing in the hallway and I had the bathroom door open...in case you were wondering how I managed that, lol). So....because I got my workoutin, I rationalized that I could take a nap when Harliegh took her nap. It was a great nap, too!
So, I weigh myself everyday on the wii and my weight has been decreasing a tiny bit everyday. The Wii Fit ever so nicely informed me that I need to up my game if I want to reach my goal in 6 weeks. Sigh....oh well....I am satisfied that I have decreased in weight for the past 4 days or so, it's a start right?
I have come up with a new crazy idea to add some extra workout and fun into my life. I got the idea from this video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvljD0toJmU
When I watched this I just wanted to get up and dance. I love dancing...okay, I love jumping around crazily and calling it "dance". So I think I am going to spend a while each morning dancing to some happy, energetic music. Have you ever managed to dance and stay angry, sad or down? It's not possible. Dancing makes you happy! I figured I could fit this in between 11 and 12:30. It will be a fun thing for me and Harliegh to do, maybe we will only dance for 10 min or 15 min...but I am hoping it will help motivate me and brighten my mood for the day. I just looked it up...did you know in 15 minutes you can burn 75 calories dancing? Awesome.
Here is my food for the day:
Banana: 52 cal
Life Cereal (1 cup):149
2% Milk: 138
Orange Juice:55
Fat-Free Vanilla Pudding: 80
Goulash: 300
Fun-size Butterfinger: 83
Fun size 100 Grand:98
salad: 100
mac and cheese (1 cup) 100
mini corndogs: 250 (WHAT?!?!)
fat-Free Popcorn: 40
TOTAL: 1445
I am still hitting my calorie goal, or getting close but I need to work on making healthier choices to reach that goal! UGH!!
So....overall,not a bad day! I am going to try to get to bed earlier ...maybe I will have more energy tomorrow!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Light Day
Well, hello everyone!
Today I declared it "light exercise day" I woke up this morning and had a delicious smoothie. Then I did my weight and 30 minutes of yoga. I have been cleaning a lot today, so that will make up for more calories burnt. I am about a pound and a half less than two days ag0, I know weight can fluctuate but I hope this is a sign I am moving in the right direction.
Sometimes I think "Why am I doing this??" But then I think about spring and summer and how I will feel more comfortable in skirts, dresses, shorts, tanks and a swimsuit than I did last year. Also, I promised myself that if I lost the weight I would buy myself some new Spring/Summer clothes.
I haven't really been talking about my other goals this year. I am slowly working on de-cluttering my house and cleaning, I was up all night last night thinking about how messy certain areas of my house are and I almost got up to clean in the middle of the night. It's just really hard to organize/clean with a 16 month old!
I have been doing pretty good with keeping the tv off...unless dad's home. He likes to have it on all day.
I really wanted towork on my story during my break from school, but school starts in a week and I haven't gotten to it! :(
I have done pretty good with the calories today, but I am not going to post them right now...but really its just a bunch of repeats from the day before, So I will post later.
That is all for now. Stay positive!
Today I declared it "light exercise day" I woke up this morning and had a delicious smoothie. Then I did my weight and 30 minutes of yoga. I have been cleaning a lot today, so that will make up for more calories burnt. I am about a pound and a half less than two days ag0, I know weight can fluctuate but I hope this is a sign I am moving in the right direction.
Sometimes I think "Why am I doing this??" But then I think about spring and summer and how I will feel more comfortable in skirts, dresses, shorts, tanks and a swimsuit than I did last year. Also, I promised myself that if I lost the weight I would buy myself some new Spring/Summer clothes.
I haven't really been talking about my other goals this year. I am slowly working on de-cluttering my house and cleaning, I was up all night last night thinking about how messy certain areas of my house are and I almost got up to clean in the middle of the night. It's just really hard to organize/clean with a 16 month old!
I have been doing pretty good with keeping the tv off...unless dad's home. He likes to have it on all day.
I really wanted towork on my story during my break from school, but school starts in a week and I haven't gotten to it! :(
I have done pretty good with the calories today, but I am not going to post them right now...but really its just a bunch of repeats from the day before, So I will post later.
That is all for now. Stay positive!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
OOOPS!
I have been bad today :( First, today was my day to sleep in so I stayed in bed until 10:30 which means no morning workout for me. But I got up and had a smoothie. Today's smoothie was a delicious Peach Blueberry! Then I hada turkey sandwich fro lunch with lettuce, tomato and alfala sprouts(yum). I had all intentions of working out after I put the baby down for a nap....but...instead I spontaneously decided to go and get my hair cut. I haven't had a cut since last February so I say it was about time. While I was at the mall I decided it would be a good time to get my eyes checked, too, why not? So after my cut I headed to get my eyes checked. I found out I still have 20/20 vision but a lot of my eye strain and blurry/shaky vision comes from chronic dry eye, so I have to put eye drops in. The doc also suggested getting reading glasses to help with the strain since he noticed my left eye was slightly blurry. So I started looking for soem glasses...and the lady who was helping me came out and informed me that my they did not accept my insurance plan. UGH! I politely informed them just in August my husband was here with the exact same plan and got the whole exam plus glasses for FREE! Long story short....nearly two hours later I walk out of the office and was told they would call me on Monday after they cleared things up.
So by the time I was heading home it was about 6:30, my husband called and said he want McDonald's (sigh) and since I was starving and it was getting late I got some for myself too. Shame on me.
So....not a good day in the weightloss department. Tomorrow WILL be better.
I might try to get a short workout in tonight, but I don't like working out too much before bed.
Here is the damage for today:
Smoothie= 306
Turkey Sandwich=300
McDonald's Cheeseburger=580 (yikes)
French Fries=230 (ugh)
Sugar-free Lemonade=10 (woohoo!)
Total=1420
So, I am still under my goal of 1500...even though some of that was definitely NOT good calories!
I can still "afford" to have another small snack if I get hungry later!
So by the time I was heading home it was about 6:30, my husband called and said he want McDonald's (sigh) and since I was starving and it was getting late I got some for myself too. Shame on me.
So....not a good day in the weightloss department. Tomorrow WILL be better.
I might try to get a short workout in tonight, but I don't like working out too much before bed.
Here is the damage for today:
Smoothie= 306
Turkey Sandwich=300
McDonald's Cheeseburger=580 (yikes)
French Fries=230 (ugh)
Sugar-free Lemonade=10 (woohoo!)
Total=1420
So, I am still under my goal of 1500...even though some of that was definitely NOT good calories!
I can still "afford" to have another small snack if I get hungry later!
Friday, January 1, 2010
So......I can't seem to find my tape measure, where did I put that darn thing? So I cannot post measurements for now...oh well!
For lunch today I had a salad with lettuce, tomato, cucmber, green pepper, mushrooms and ranch dressing (fat-free) and a glass of orange juice. Adding that up on the webmd counter it was just over 300. So my total for the day so far is roughly 750...which considering it's only half over, is right on track. I just finished my work out today and I don't know why, but I feel extra stiff and I seemed to get tired a lot quicker. Maybe I didn't sleep so well last night?
So here are my times/measurements for the day
Weight:149 (which means I have gained 5 lbs since the first time I weighed myself on the 22 of December...damn Christmas goodies!)
Total time working out: slightly over one hour
Calories burnt while working out (according to the Wii): 201
Calories consumed so far: 750
Tonight I am making goulash for dinner with broccoli on the side, which I am estimating to be about 400 calories. Which leaves me about 450 calories for two snacks...which is good, because right now...I am hungry! :)
Talk to you tomorrow!
For lunch today I had a salad with lettuce, tomato, cucmber, green pepper, mushrooms and ranch dressing (fat-free) and a glass of orange juice. Adding that up on the webmd counter it was just over 300. So my total for the day so far is roughly 750...which considering it's only half over, is right on track. I just finished my work out today and I don't know why, but I feel extra stiff and I seemed to get tired a lot quicker. Maybe I didn't sleep so well last night?
So here are my times/measurements for the day
Weight:149 (which means I have gained 5 lbs since the first time I weighed myself on the 22 of December...damn Christmas goodies!)
Total time working out: slightly over one hour
Calories burnt while working out (according to the Wii): 201
Calories consumed so far: 750
Tonight I am making goulash for dinner with broccoli on the side, which I am estimating to be about 400 calories. Which leaves me about 450 calories for two snacks...which is good, because right now...I am hungry! :)
Talk to you tomorrow!
HERE WE GOOOOOOO!
Here We Go!
Today is the first official day of my 6 week challenge. The other days were just practice. I woke up this morning with my daughter at 8:30. Put her in her high chair with her breakfast and then I started working out. I have been told that exercising first thing in the morning before you eat will help jump start your metabolism for the day. So after drinking a tall glass of water I stepped on the Wii balance board and did 15 minutes of Yoga followed by a 5 minute jog and some stretches. Then I made a smoothie. I love smoothies and I love making my own recipes, so whenever i make one I will post the recipe on here so you can try it if you want. I am also tracking my calories on the nifty calorie tracker on www.webmd.com.
So here is my recipe for my Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie:
1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt (next time I will switch to plain yogurt for less calories)
1 medium banana
2 tbsp Peanut Butter, creamy
1/4 cup 1%milk (just add until you reach the consistency you want)
Yogurt is great for digestion, bananas give you energy and peanut butter helps to keep you full longer.
This recipe was a total of 446 calories, but it makes enough for two small smoothies. One for breakfast and one for a morning snack!
I hope you all are doing great on the first day of the 6-week challenge. Later today I will be posting measurements and maybe a picture or two.
Today is the first official day of my 6 week challenge. The other days were just practice. I woke up this morning with my daughter at 8:30. Put her in her high chair with her breakfast and then I started working out. I have been told that exercising first thing in the morning before you eat will help jump start your metabolism for the day. So after drinking a tall glass of water I stepped on the Wii balance board and did 15 minutes of Yoga followed by a 5 minute jog and some stretches. Then I made a smoothie. I love smoothies and I love making my own recipes, so whenever i make one I will post the recipe on here so you can try it if you want. I am also tracking my calories on the nifty calorie tracker on www.webmd.com.
So here is my recipe for my Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie:
1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt (next time I will switch to plain yogurt for less calories)
1 medium banana
2 tbsp Peanut Butter, creamy
1/4 cup 1%milk (just add until you reach the consistency you want)
Yogurt is great for digestion, bananas give you energy and peanut butter helps to keep you full longer.
This recipe was a total of 446 calories, but it makes enough for two small smoothies. One for breakfast and one for a morning snack!
I hope you all are doing great on the first day of the 6-week challenge. Later today I will be posting measurements and maybe a picture or two.
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