tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66188653226742715372024-03-18T20:20:56.249-07:00Let's Cut the Fat!Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-66803181480610701842012-04-20T20:08:00.000-07:002012-04-20T20:08:05.576-07:002 weeks leftOkay, it's down to the final two weeks. I've lost a total of 22.9 pounds so far. That means over two pounds a week. I know these are not biggest loser numbers but these are at home, do it by myself numbers. I feel great about my progress. I'd really like to finish strong. For the contestants who have been weighing in weekly I show as number one. Unfortunately, I am guessing many haven't weighed in so I have no idea what I'm up against. I've had times of great anxiety thinking about this. Last night I was feeling overly anxious and I realized it is not doing me any good to keep worrying. 1. I can't do anything about it. I have given this 110% so there is no more that I can do. 2. Stress hinders weight loss so worrying is making it harder for me to lose weight. 3. The worst thing that can happen is that I won't even place. What does that mean? I won't receive a prize. Even though they are cool I started this journey way before there was a competition. I did this to be healthy. I'll continue to push forward and give it my all, but no more worrying about it. I felt a lot better today. I slept well last night and what do you know the scale dropped since yesterday. I'm proud of my strength. I didn't know I was this strong. I've made friendships that will last long after this contest ends. I've dropped a definite two sizes and am so close to a third. My husband is enjoying the healthy meals that I have been making and tells me how sexy I am all the time. It's impacted my children and their views of food and health. Today after strength training I decided to walk instead of run a 5k on the treadmill. It was really hard for me to hold myself back, but I think it's just as important to give your body time to recover. Tomorrow I'm planning on just walking also. Then I'll take Sunday off. Sunday I'll also start my last attempt to drop some good pounds. One of the trainers was talking about cutting out all sugars and a friend suggested cutting out cheese and bread. I'm going to do both. I keep thinking it will be so difficult, but honestly I haven't had a real dessert in about six weeks. The only desserts I've eaten during this 90 day challenge were one macaron cookie, one pudding cup with toffee on top and a few "diet" muffins. I hardly eat white bread, white rice or white potatoes. I haven't made a burger and fries run (okay I did eat a few of a friend's sweet potato fries) this entire time. I continue to not drink soda and I've even given up the flavored waters. I have come SO FAR.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-85339759692696246222012-04-07T21:47:00.002-07:002012-04-07T22:05:50.634-07:00Another muffin recipe? Yep!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ1Xv6ZhqIkFshtV_bq6e-Eti6hxyEbvTjSI9ISLRxVdyosj3D24qpYzy1Svptx7HL6sdgaVOHmhebISzgP-NS6nKy4TPm2hnoY_tpC4t0pUz8BM3xEOHxX2y2jQjLZ1fWoHcMUQB1tc/s1600/DSCN4544.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ1Xv6ZhqIkFshtV_bq6e-Eti6hxyEbvTjSI9ISLRxVdyosj3D24qpYzy1Svptx7HL6sdgaVOHmhebISzgP-NS6nKy4TPm2hnoY_tpC4t0pUz8BM3xEOHxX2y2jQjLZ1fWoHcMUQB1tc/s320/DSCN4544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728891690324862482" /></a><br />After making the other muffins I thought some day I'd like to try the banana walnut muffins in Rocco Dispirito's Now Eat This Diet Book. Well, I had some overly ripe bananas sitting in the fruit bowl and I thought well it's time. I made two batches and took them to the gym to share again. Making treats for people is always a way that I have showed that I care. Most everyone was excited to have one. Unfortunately, there were a few who passed and one woman who was so concerned that I gave one to a lady in the day care. She said her son is so allergic to nuts that if the lady touched one and then touched her son he could have a severe allergic reaction. I apologized. Being a mom with a child who has food allergies of course I don't want to put another in harm's way. I did think though that any child could eat a peanut butter sandwich and then play with her child. Scary. So, I think my treat sharing days at the gym are over. I'll just be sharing recipes from now on. So here is this one.<div><br /></div><div>Banana Walnut Muffins</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients</div><div>Nonstick cooking spray</div><div>2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour</div><div>1 teaspoon baking powder</div><div>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div><div>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</div><div>4 packets (4 grams) powdered stevia, such as SweetLeaf</div><div>1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div>3/4 cup skim milk</div><div>1/4 cup agave nectar</div><div>2 medium ripe bananas, mashed</div><div>1/4 cup canola oil</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div>1 teaspoon banana extract</div><div>1/2 cup liquid egg substitute</div><div>12 walnut halves</div><div><br /></div><div>Method</div><div>1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper baking cups. Lightly spray the cups with cooking spray.</div><div>2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, stevia, and salt. Whisk together until well combined. Set aside.</div><div>3. In a medium bowl, add the milk, agave, banana, oil, vanilla, banana extract, and egg substitute. Stir together until well incorporated. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir till well combined.</div><div>4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Top each muffin with a walnut half. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean, about 15 to 18 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving</div><div>163 calories, 6g fat, 217 mg sodium, 24 carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein</div><div><br /></div><div>These muffins are not overly sweet but I still enjoyed them and the smell was wonderful.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-8557066244726227382012-04-07T21:27:00.002-07:002012-04-07T21:46:50.758-07:00BBQ Pork ChopsIngredients<div><br /></div><div>3/4 cup reduced-sugar ketchup, such as Heinz</div><div>1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar</div><div>4 teaspoons molasses</div><div>3/4 teaspoon garlic powder</div><div>3/4 teaspoon onion powder</div><div>1 tablespoon agave nectar</div><div>nonstick cooking spray</div><div>8 (about 2 pounds) thinly cut pork chops, trimmed of all visible fat</div><div>1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil</div><div>4 cloves garlic, sliced</div><div>1 bunch kale, washed, ribs and stems removed, and roughly chopped</div><div>salt </div><div>freshly ground black pepper</div><div><br /></div><div>Method</div><div>1. In a large shallow dish, combine the ketchup, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar, molasses, garlic powder, onion powder, and agave. Stir together. Reserve 1/2 cup and set aside. Add the pork to the sauce and allow the pork to marinate for 10 minutes.</div><div>2. Heat a grill pan over high heat. When hot, remove it from the stove just while you coat it with cooking spray. Place the pork on the pan. Cook until the pork is charred and cooked through, about 3 minutes each side, continually brushing with the leftover barbecue sauce marinade. Transfer the pork to a serving platter, and tent it with foil to keep it warm.</div><div>3. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil and garlic. Cook the garlic until it is browned and toasted. Add the kale and cook till just wilted. Add the remaining cider vinegar and cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per Serving</div><div>398 calories, 16g fat, 665 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 31 g protein</div><div><br /></div><div>This one we loved the chops but the kale was bitter. I of course omitted the garlic and maybe if you could eat it the kale would have tasted better. We all threw it down the drain. Next time we'll do the chops with green beans.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-76974400895147952122012-04-07T21:07:00.002-07:002012-04-07T21:27:21.818-07:00No picture taken of yummy awesomeness!Okay, this by far was the yummiest recipe. Yes, the cut of meat was expensive, but it MELTED in my mouth - YUMMO!<div><br /></div><div>Sauteed Steak with Mushrooms</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients</div><div>2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 3/4 pounds)</div><div>Nonstick cooking spray</div><div>4 lean beef tenderloin steaks (4 ounces each), trimmed of all visible fat</div><div>salt</div><div>freshly ground black pepper</div><div>4 cups sliced cremini mushrooms</div><div>1/4 cup chopped shallot</div><div>6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar</div><div>2 teaspoons cornstarch</div><div>1 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth</div><div>1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk</div><div>1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley</div><div><br /></div><div>Method</div><div>1. Prick the skin of the sweet potatoes with a fork, and microwave them covered with plastic on high for 7 to 8 minutes, until they are completely cooked, turning once halfway through. Set aside and cover with foil to keep warm.</div><div>2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, remove it from the stove just while you spray it with the cooking spray. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Add the steaks to the skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the steaks to a platter, and cover with foil to keep them warm.</div><div>3. Spray the skillet with more cooking spray, again away from the stove, and add the mushrooms. Saute until the mushrooms start to become tender, about 5 minutes. Add the shallots and sauté 1 minute. Add the vinegar, scraping up any flavorful bits with a wooden spoon.</div><div>4. In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and chicken broth. Whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add the mixture to the skillet, and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir in the evaporated milk and parsley and simmer until the sauce has slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</div><div>5. Split the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Serve the steaks with the pan sauce and the sweet potato halves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving</div><div>324 calories, 5 g fat, 165mg sodium, 42 carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 30 g protein</div><div><br /></div><div>I literally could lick the pan.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-44681452599560350762012-04-05T07:02:00.002-07:002012-04-05T07:14:38.616-07:00April 5, 2012Wow, there is a month left of this contest. I can't believe what a journey this past 60 days has been. I started the contest wearing a size 16 and now I'm down to a size 12. Two more sizes and I'll hit my goal. When I started this I was sure I could win. I thought it was all just a decision of working hard. Even though I have given it my all the pounds are slow to come off. I'm down almost 17 pounds. I'm still really excited about my progress. I've made lovely friends, found new ways to work out, and realized that I have strength that I didn't think I possessed. I can run and I'm getting faster all the time. Yesterday I held a 2 1/2 minute plank. Today I'm taking a swimming lesson. We have a mini triathlon next week. I never thought I'd be participating in anything like that. I feel good.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-62086423074132901392012-04-01T09:47:00.002-07:002012-04-01T10:12:36.517-07:00Still going...and going...and going...and going...man, I feel like the energizer bunny.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0NC5ZtBNrrJEQEhHa2Uln35_4xkfFLPoJYaMOpe8W_6pbiTkadQnO13kQ1kgLb1bBb2c023GLXspFQAYbPntcrULEw5lwlfcuOQ0lTA9p9bPrrWx1NGSxQowejMUIdapFwYJAPhgym8/s1600/DSCN4537.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0NC5ZtBNrrJEQEhHa2Uln35_4xkfFLPoJYaMOpe8W_6pbiTkadQnO13kQ1kgLb1bBb2c023GLXspFQAYbPntcrULEw5lwlfcuOQ0lTA9p9bPrrWx1NGSxQowejMUIdapFwYJAPhgym8/s320/DSCN4537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726481402661597730" /></a><br />I have to say that when I finally figured out the eating aspect of this journey I have felt so much better. You can't hate the fuel and the food you put into your body is the fuel. I've loved to cook so much in the past and was having such a hard time enjoying the journey when I felt so restricted. I am eating around 1500 calories a day and enjoying them. One of the parts of cooking that I really cherished before was baking. I made a limit of one dessert a month. I know this is not a good long term goal. I love to bake and eat baked goods to much. I decided I need to figure out a healthier way to include these. Also, I wanted to take treats to the girls that I work out with. Some of them will no longer be in my class and I just wanted them to know how much they meant to me. I decided upon trying this recipe<div><br /></div><div>Blueberry Cream Muffins</div><div><br /></div><div>butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray</div><div>2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour</div><div>1 tsp. baking powder</div><div>1/2 tsp. baking soda</div><div>4 packets (about 4 grams) powdered stevia, such as SweetLeaf</div><div>1/2 tsp. salt</div><div>1/2 cup skim milk</div><div>1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce</div><div>1/4 cup agave nectar</div><div>2 tablespoons canola oil</div><div>2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div><div>1/2 cup liquid egg substitute</div><div>4 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small chunks (freeze for 10 minutes to make easy to cut)</div><div>1 cup frozen blueberries</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper baking cups, and lightly coat the cups with cooking spray.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, stevia, and salt. Whisk together.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. In a medium bowl, add the milk, applesauce, agave oil, vanilla, and egg substitute. Stir together until well incorporated. Add the liquids to the dry ingredients and stir till well combined. Fold in the cream cheese and blueberries.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean, about 18 to 20 minutes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving: 145 calories, 5 g fat (1 g. sat), 7 mg chol, 244 mg sodium, 22 carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein</div><div><br /></div><div>Please note that whole wheat pastry flour is different than whole wheat flour. I had to go to Kitchen Kneads to get this. These are also a mildly sweet muffin. They will not be nearly as sweet at your full sugared muffins. I really enjoyed them though.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-33566710597807954102012-04-01T09:16:00.002-07:002012-04-01T09:46:34.791-07:00Still going...and going...and going...and going<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx449tqBcwj5PQQMj_pfUCsRLcVmdBWvtlIVCV2tYtau274FcuAtXFZIYFZmaUrxBjxLH_yLI6K8WiSk512F9uOjm06DQVvLvs8oMMds9yc3VWnbZ0MM2CyhOcYjWR590hvO_Y83RrQ0/s1600/DSCN4521.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx449tqBcwj5PQQMj_pfUCsRLcVmdBWvtlIVCV2tYtau274FcuAtXFZIYFZmaUrxBjxLH_yLI6K8WiSk512F9uOjm06DQVvLvs8oMMds9yc3VWnbZ0MM2CyhOcYjWR590hvO_Y83RrQ0/s320/DSCN4521.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726474668171184658" /></a><br />Okay, here's another recipe. One of my favorites that I have made. Saying that it was a little higher in calories, but so yummy.<div><br /></div><div>Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Potatoes</div><div><br /></div><div>6 teaspoons vegetable oil</div><div>1 medium onion, thinly sliced</div><div>2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced</div><div>1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into 8 wedges</div><div>1/4 tsp. salt</div><div>1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon</div><div>1 cup apple juice or apple cider</div><div>1 tbsp. coarse grain Dijon-style mustard</div><div>1 teaspoon packed brown sugar</div><div>12 oz. pork tenderloin</div><div>1/2 c. all-purpose flour (I used a gluten free flour blend)</div><div>2 eggs, lightly beaten</div><div>1/3 cup ground pecans</div><div>1/4 tsp salt</div><div>1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper</div><div>2 tbsp snipped fresh chives</div><div>4 tsp finely chopped toasted pecans</div><div><br /></div><div>1. In a large skillet heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add sweet potatoes, apple, 1/4 tsp. salt, and the cinnamon. Cook for 2 minutes, turning occasionally. Add 2/3 cup of the apple juice. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sweet potato are tender. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sweet potato mixture to a large bowl; set aside. Add the remaining 1/3 cup apple juice, the mustard, and brown sugar to skillet; cook and stir for 1 minute. Transfer apple juice-mustard mixture to a small freezer container. Seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month. Fold a 36x18 inch piece of heavy duty foil in half to make an 18-inch square. Spoon sweet potato mixture into the center of the foil square. Bring up opposite edges of foil and seal with a double fold. Fold the remaining edges together to completely enclose the sweet potato mixture. Seal, label, and freeze up to 1 month.</div><div>2. Thaw sweet potato packet and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 400. Place sweet potato packet on a baking sheet. Open packet to expose the top of the sweet potatoes. Bake about 25 minutes or until heated through.</div><div>3. Meanwhile, prepare the pork. Cut pork tenderloin crosswise into eight slices. Place each pork slice between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound pork lightly until about 1/2 inch thick. Place 1/4 cup of the flour in a shallow dish; set aside. Place eggs in another shallow dish. In a third shallow dish combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour, the ground pecans, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper. Dip pork slices, one at a time, into flour, turning to coat and shaking off excess. Dip pork slices in eggs and turn to coat, then dip in pecan mixture, turning to coat.</div><div>4. In a 12-inch skillet heat 2 teaspoons of remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add pork slices; cook for 3 minutes. Turn pork; add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the skillet. Cook about 3 minutes more or just until slightly pink in center. If pork browns too quickly, reduce heat to medium. </div><div>5. While the pork and potatoes are cooking, transfer sauce to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 100 percent power for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Just before serving, whisk in chives.</div><div>6. Divide sweet potato mixture among four warmed dinner plates. Place two pieces of the pork beside sweet potatoes on each plate. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings (2 slices pork tenderloin, 1/2 cups sweet potato mixture, and 1 tbsp. sauce each). </div><div>Per serving: 455 cal, 20 g. total fat (3 g sat. fat) 161 mg chol, 499 mg sodium, 40 g carb, 6 g fiber, 25 g pro.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did not freeze the meal. I just made it right away. I also didn't eat the sauce (I hate mustard), but the meal was so tasty that I started eating it before I got a picture. Haa haa. So the picture is of part of my meal. :)</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-7983879639058081292012-04-01T08:54:00.002-07:002012-04-01T09:16:15.877-07:00Still going...and going...and going<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfmSux4AIx_g16Q9qAvfMNLrkqOKedH8PehixtZhRhl6GrYFjKYnTywYtDgHpFjMXXBs0Bkk1dLIZE5UmnpDxzSZj7_R35OouzgNjFUUGfxgBm5b_iw9M-U27CHjoWggel7DfC6s-XJ0/s1600/DSCN4527.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfmSux4AIx_g16Q9qAvfMNLrkqOKedH8PehixtZhRhl6GrYFjKYnTywYtDgHpFjMXXBs0Bkk1dLIZE5UmnpDxzSZj7_R35OouzgNjFUUGfxgBm5b_iw9M-U27CHjoWggel7DfC6s-XJ0/s320/DSCN4527.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726466860570682290" /></a><br />Okay, here is a recipe that was a big hit with the WHOLE family.<div><br /></div><div>Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole</div><div><br /></div><div>Nonstick cooking spray</div><div>1 pound tomatillos, outer husks removed, rinsed</div><div>1 tsp. vegetable oil</div><div>1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)</div><div>1 fresh poblano chile pepper, seeded and chopped </div><div>1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro</div><div>1 tsp. sugar</div><div>1/2 tsp. ground cumin</div><div>1/4 tsp. salt</div><div>12 6-in corn tortillas, halved</div><div>3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast</div><div>1 3/4 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican-style four-cheese blend (7 oz.)</div><div>1 16-oz. jar salsa</div><div>chopped tomatoes and/or snipped fresh cilantro (optional)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat broiler. Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Line a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with foil. Place tomatillos in the baking pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and charred, turning occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.</div><div>2. In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and chile pepper; cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender and onion starts to brown.</div><div>3. In a blender or food processor combine tomatillos, onion mixture, the 1/4 cup cilantro, the sugar, cumin and salt. Cover and blend until smooth, stopping and scraping sides as necessary.</div><div>4. Spread 3/4 cup of tomatillo mixture in the prepared baking dish. Arrange six tortilla halves over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Top with 1 cup of the chicken, 1/2 cup of cheese, and half of the salsa. Add six more tortilla halves and top with 1 cup chicken, 1/2 cup cheese, and half of the remaining tomatillo mixture. Add six more tortilla halves, the remaining 1 cup chicken, and remaining tomatillo mixture. Top with the remaining six tortilla halves and the remaining salsa, spreading to cover.</div><div>5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Cover and chill the remaining 3/4 cup cheese until needed.</div><div>6. Preheat oven to 375. Remove plastic wrap. Cover dish with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Bake about 20 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped tomatoes and/or snipped fresh cilantro. Makes 8 servings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving: 253 cal., 9 g total fat (4 g. sat. fat), 60 mg chol, 648 mg sodium, 19 g. carb. 3 g. fiber, 25 g. pro</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-80978183057788309762012-04-01T08:19:00.003-07:002012-04-01T08:37:23.239-07:00Still going...and going<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwOjreUrLhVJw7NpVZV7uTHsKV6QriRBg_lLD75iuQcB-4V1TDtGrC8xG0UO-cecLYrJUcxX7PlE3P-IzaLxB1RUKQviUvbslAVbaYKQOMknpIIFq0WOUVwZyHW5PrXZsbsUa73YbdKs/s1600/DSCN4519.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwOjreUrLhVJw7NpVZV7uTHsKV6QriRBg_lLD75iuQcB-4V1TDtGrC8xG0UO-cecLYrJUcxX7PlE3P-IzaLxB1RUKQviUvbslAVbaYKQOMknpIIFq0WOUVwZyHW5PrXZsbsUa73YbdKs/s320/DSCN4519.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726456762906662834" /></a><br />Okay, so I'm going to post several recipes for you. First off is Quinoa with Chicken and Artichokes<div><br /></div><div>4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound total)</div><div>1 tsp. dried oregano, crushed</div><div>2 cloves garlic (minced) - I omitted this because of my intolerance to garlic</div><div>1/4 tsp. salt</div><div>1/8 tsp. black pepper</div><div>1 Tbsp. olive oil</div><div>3/4 cup quinoa</div><div>1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth</div><div>1 cup very thinly sliced carrots (2 medium)</div><div>1 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut up</div><div>1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, thinly sliced</div><div>2 Tbsp. snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley</div><div>1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (2)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat oven to 375. Using a small knife, cut a horizontal slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast half, forming a pocket. In a small bowl combine oregano and garlic; spoon evenly into pockets in breast halves. Press cut edges together to seal. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large oven going skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast halves; cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is browned on bottoms. Turn chicken.</div><div>2. Place skillet with chicken in the oven. Bake uncovered, about 25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.</div><div>3. Meanwhile, place quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve; thoroughly rinse with cold water. In a medium saucepan combine quinoa and broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in carrots. Cook, covered, for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.</div><div>4. Stir artichoke hearts, olives, and parsley into quinoa mixture. Serve quinoa mixture with chicken. Sprinkle with green onions. Makes 4 servings (1 piece of chicken and 1 cup quinoa mixture each).</div><div>Per serving: 345 cal., 14 g. fat (2 sat. fat), 43 mg chol., 672 mg sodium, 29 g carbs, 4 g. fiber, 23 g. protein.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed the quinoa. It was so tasty. I'm a huge fan of olives and artichokes so this totally hit the spot for me.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-73574150215718224952012-04-01T08:02:00.002-07:002012-04-01T08:19:16.686-07:00Still goingWow, it's been a long time since I posted. A friend reminded me today so this will probably be a little lengthy post(s). Forgive me. Anyways, I'm still at it. I go to the gym 4-6 days a week and workout 6-10 hours a week. I'm loving my T.E.A.M. fitness class. I think it's the best thing I could have done to help me with this challenge. The ladies have been a great support and the trainer is awesome. She helps me get out of my comfort zone. For example, we did a little relay in the pool and use the watersides. I'm an anxious person and would never do the slides before. Silly, I know. I've been thinking as I watch Biggest Loser that I should so some things that get me out of my comfort zone. I am feeling a lot more confident than I had before. I think becoming smaller and stronger just naturally had done this for me. I've been trying to be good and stick to my "light" menus. Even when we eat out I'm very careful about what I eat. I have a few new recipes for you. Even with my best efforts though I'm not a top contender for the grand prize. Not even locally. I'm down 15.2 with my last weigh in being 167.3. I hate their scale - it's always a few pounds higher than my own. I'm in this for the long run though. Meaning I'm in this for health. Winning the contest would just be gravy. Monte bought me an iPod nano for our 15 year anniversary. I welcome any suggestions for great workout music. Sometimes you'll see me running along mouthing the words. I probably look like an idiot, but I'm not doing this for any coolness factor. Monte has been great eating all things I come up with and even challenging me with planks, sit-ups, etc. Sidenote: Everyone in the Riding house has had colds - EXCEPT me. I was always the first one to catch them before. I think eating the right foods definitely are contributing to a healthier me. So onto the recipes.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-89193965096530069172012-03-13T11:07:00.002-07:002012-03-13T11:11:58.676-07:00Weigh in - week 5I lost another 2.4 lbs. That makes me down 12.1 lbs. for the challenge. The scale shows me at 170.4. Next week I'll be able to kiss the 170's goodbye. Had a great Zumba class. Decided not to go to the try it Tuesday class - pilates. I did think it would be a great class to try, but it's an additional cost and I didn't want to be tempted to buy anything else. Some of my friends from T.E.A.M. fitness came. It's fun getting to know people there. I'm finally feeling like I am trusting my own judgement with this weight loss process. I can do this!Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-8891594914300036082012-03-13T08:07:00.003-07:002012-03-13T08:10:04.137-07:00Blah!I'm feeling worn out. Today is weigh in day. I think it's coming down but ever so slowly. This process has me tired, broke and ever so sore. The fact that my kids kept me up a good portion of the night is probably not helping.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-15898752881137131972012-03-11T20:42:00.002-07:002012-03-11T20:58:06.735-07:00Weight loss and going on vacationOkay, we decided to take a little trip to Midway and stay at the Zermatt. I love going on vacation and one of the best things about it is eating the yummy food! I decided I'd let myself eat one dessert during our trip. I have been so disciplined so I thought it would be a great treat. Isn't that what it's suppose to be... a treat? Not an every day indulgence? Anyways, by the time we got up there and got our room figured out I was starving. They had an all you can eat buffet restaurant that was $50 a person. I figured that was out of our budget so we went to the other restaurant. Unfortunately it was burger/pizza place. I ordered a personal pizza that was thin crust and had artichokes, mushrooms and tomatoes. Oh and it had goat cheese. It was scrumptious. I then ordered a brownie sundae for my dessert and when it arrived it had a huge mountain of ice-cream and very little brownie. I decided since I'm only eating one a month it better be the one I wanted. I then asked for what Monte and Braedon had ordered (a black and tan pudding cup with homemade toffee pieces - YUMMO). The brownie with the big glob of ice-cream just sat on the table and melted. We then played in the pool and I tried to burn some of the those calories. I fully intended to be disciplined the next day. I had a lovely massage first thing in the morning and after we checked out we were starving because we had missed breakfast. We drove around Midway (which is a rinky dink town) to find somewhere to eat. We ended up at Dickey's BBQ. It happened to be their grand opening. I did spin the radio station's wheel and won four comedy pack tickets. I tried to order good sides (green beans and baked beans) of course there was sugar and butter on them. We ate brisket and pulled pork which both were delicious. I also ate one of the soft white rolls. I've tried to eat very little white bread. It was so yummy but immediately I felt regret. I'm hoping this weekend doesn't set me back to far. I'm loving that I can buy junior's size L clothes. I love feeling so good about my body.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-8239461105879288272012-03-06T14:05:00.001-08:002012-03-06T14:06:05.569-08:00End of first month challengeI'm down 9.7 lbs. for the month! So happy. This isn't contest winning numbers but it's London's getting really fit numbers!Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-90296914308675614562012-03-03T04:54:00.003-08:002012-03-03T10:53:41.478-08:00Day #28This was a Friday. I arrived at T.E.A.M. fitness late because of the snowy weather. I stayed after to make up what I missed. I enjoy this class because I feel it gets me out of my comfort zone in working out and I get to socialize with some really nice ladies. Came home and helped shovel my neighbor's walk/driveway. My hubby had already done ours. Went shopping with my stepmom all day until it was time for me to go back to the gym and meet with the nutritionist for a "free" consultation.<div><br /></div><div>It's now Saturday when I'm writing this and it's not even 6:00 in the morning, but I'm so frustrated I can't sleep (I was really looking forward to sleeping in on my Saturday morning). Instead I'm awake and frustrated out of my mind. I'm hoping that once I write this I can get back to bed for a bit. So back to Friday, I get there and stand on this special scale that tells you your weight (which is up from my Tuesday weigh-in) and it does all this scanning. The nutritionist says that I have quite a bit of inflammation in my body and that my Body Mass Index is 40%. We go back into his office and he's asking me questions like why am I coming to the gym? I tell him I've always been confident and I want to be healthy. I have three little boys and I want to be healthy for them. I hate when people assume that fat people must be miserable with themselves. I know that is not true, at least not for this person. Yes, I like buying new clothes and fitting in smaller sizes. Yes, I like when people comment on how good I'm looking, but I was comfortable in my own skin before. He asked more questions. I told him that I feel like I have less energy then I did when I was fat. I didn't state this then but the truth of the matter is I have so much LESS energy now then I did before.... a lot less. We discussed what I've been typically eating and when. How much I work out. I told him I've been trying to eat around 1300 calories a day. He asked how I came up with this number. I told him that I'd done Weight Watchers before but it didn't even look at a calorie count and so I had no idea how many calories I was eating before. I then told him how I was eating even less when I started this contest because I wanted to win it. After I left I realized how I came up with this calorie count. I was reading the Biggest Loser books and there was an average calorie count range in there and that's how I came up with it. He told me that he had done over 500 nutrition plans and only 15 were on that low of a calorie count. He said even though I was eating healthy foods I was probably not eating enough carbs and fats. Maybe not even enough protein. I asked him if he could recommend somethings for me to eat. Here is when the not so "free" comes in. He told me about the testing they could do (hundreds of dollars) to find out hormonally where I am off and what my metabolism is. He could set up a diet plan for me for $99. I made another appointment with him to do this. I thought the testing was out of my budget. I told him I'd have to talk to my husband. This whole process just seems so dag gone expensive, but I am feeling pretty lousy a lot of the time so I wanted to do it. I thought Monte would object and I'd have to cancel. I couldn't blame him. I feel like I'm always being sold something at the gym. I came home and just started crying. Monte said I could have the testing and he wants to support me being healthy. I immediately thought about calling the trainer to see if I could move up the appointment because I wanted to start feeling better immediately. I thought I'd feel better after that but I don't. I'm at the point that I am ready to forget all about the contest aspect of this. I mean if they tell me I'm suppose to only lose 1-2 pounds a week to be healthy and then they sponsor a biggest loser competition where the goal is to lose as much weight as possible I'm getting some pretty mixed messages. I am feeling down right stressed and miserable. So here comes my rant! First he said I have a lot of inflammation. (It is now 11:28. My dear hubby woke up and was worried about me and came down and had a good "talk" it out session with me. I think my hubby is pretty darn fantastic!) I really don't understand what "a lot of inflammation" means to my weight loss process. I'm so frustrated with the fact that I'm trying to do everything right and buying more and more stuff to be healthy and I still feel overly tired and without drive to enjoy other things that I use to enjoy. Don't get me wrong. I love exercising. I love how I feel while I'm doing it and for a short while afterwards. I hate that shortly after I crash. One of the reasons I didn't buy new clothes is that I was so overwhelmed by having to go shopping for them. Say what?!!? I don't even want to go shopping?!?! That is so out of character for me. I've had a hard time just keeping up with the simplest things like reading with Trevor in the evening or getting the kitchen cleaned up. I love food. And my attitude toward it lately has been down right pathetic. I'm not enjoying what I eat most of the time. I don't feel satisfied. At least when I was doing Weight Watchers I felt I could eat some things that excited me from time to time. I kept hearing that I needed a protein shake so I stocked my refrigerator up with Muscle Milk lights just to go to the first nutrition class and hear that they have stuff added to them that makes them toxic. By the way, the gym sells these muscle milk products in their health cafe. My 40% BMI still puts me in the obese section which I thought "really?!?" Maybe I'm self delusional but I feeling like I was making good progress. After talking to my dear husband I calmed down enough to go to bed. This is what I have worked out. I'm going to up my calories to 1500. I am going to forget having my main focus on this contest. It's just making me miserable. I'm going to keep trying to be healthy. Hopefully I'll lose the pounds in the process but I can't keep doing this to myself. So as of Day #28 I'm not going to post every day. I'll post if I feel something is noteworthy. It's time to get back to feeling good about my life. It's time to get back to being excited about being healthy instead of being overwhelmed by it.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-52629886760295349332012-03-02T19:26:00.002-08:002012-03-02T19:38:33.260-08:00Day #27I didn't go to the gym today. I thought about trying to squeeze in a short workout before visiting my doctor, but didn't want to arrive sweaty. I have the best doctor. He ordered blood work. I'll go in fasting on Saturday. I didn't for my appointment because I get so ill not eating and it was to late in the morning. When I started I said there would be blood, sweat and tears. There has been buckets of sweat and quite a few tears but I had to fit the "blood" in there somehow. I actually knew that I'd be visiting the doctor and thought it would be a funny way to be able to use this saying. He will be checking me for hypoglycemia. He said if that's not it I probably need to increase my calorie count. This scares me. I'm afraid I'll stop losing again. I'm tired a lot though. I just want to be skinny, have energy and feel good. When I got home I discovered that my basement wall is flooded and we can't figure out where the water is coming from. We had a huge snowfall the night before. We just got all the fire mess from November fixed and now we have a water soaked basement. AARRRRGGGGG. Stress once again. They say stress isn't good for weight loss. And I have had more than my fair share!Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-76219279021320194582012-03-01T18:51:00.002-08:002012-03-01T19:09:54.704-08:00Day #26Wednesday is cardio day with T.E.A.M. fitness. We intervals on the elliptical, treadmill and bike and then headed down to the cafe to talk about nutrition. We talked about the "dirty dozen" again. It talks about our exposure to pesticides through the produce that we eat and how there are twelve particular fruits and vegetables. The best way to avoid it is to buy organic produce - USDA rules prohibit the use of pesticides on any crop with the certified organic label. In addition a veggie was is a great way to clean your vegetables and fruit. Here is a list of the "dirty dozen"<div>1. Celery - 64 chemicals</div><div>2. Peaches - 62</div><div>3. Strawberries - 59</div><div>4. Apples - 42</div><div>5. Blueberries - 52</div><div>6. Nectarines - 33</div><div>7. Bell peppers -49</div><div>8. Spinach - 48</div><div>9. Kale - </div><div>10. Cherries - 42</div><div>11. Potatoes - 37</div><div>12. Grapes - 34</div><div><br /></div><div>12 Least Contaminated Produce items</div><div>Onions</div><div>Avocado</div><div>Sweet Corn (Frozen)</div><div>Pineapples</div><div>Mango</div><div>Asparagus</div><div>Sweet Peas (Frozen)</div><div>Kiwi Fruit</div><div>Bananas</div><div>Cabbage</div><div>Broccoli</div><div>Papaya</div><div><br /></div><div>Recipe for produce wash:</div><div>1 c. water</div><div>1 c. vinegar</div><div>2 tbsp. baking soda</div><div>2 tbsp. lemon juice</div><div><br /></div><div>Directions: Mix ingredients then pour in a clean spray bottle. Spray fresh vegetables & fruit generously. Sit for 5 minutes then rinse off well.</div><div>Note: Make sure to first mix ingredients in deep container since there will be some fizzing from the baking soda & vinegar.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is why I'm trying to buy more organic. </div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-21849563319436117532012-02-29T19:28:00.003-08:002012-02-29T19:37:12.090-08:00Day #25Another Try it Tuesday was here and so that means it was weigh-in day. I lost 2.2 lbs. this week so I now weight 173.7. I can't wait to kiss those 170's good-bye. I was okay with the 2.2 weight loss this week unlike last week when I was disappointed. I can see my body changing and I need to be happy with it. I'm doing the best I can. The class today was T.E.A.M Weight Loss. It was a good group. I enjoyed the class and left sweaty even though I didn't feel like I had to push myself. If I didn't already participate with T.E.A.M. fitness I'd probably pick this class. My favorite of the Try it Tuesday's so far. Afterwards I was feeling good and had to run some errands. Davis was so well behaved and I finally found some clothes and a new bathing suit. I was so excited for the clothes. I even took a picture in the swimsuit and will add it to this post tomorrow. I'm making progress and feeling good. Braedon was going to a birthday party and he needed some gluten free pizza. I figured since I was making the effort to get him pizza that the whole family would have pizza for dinner. I'm not quite ready to give pizza up. I was so proud of myself. I ate one slice and then left the rest alone. This is a personal triumph for me. Pizza is definitely one of my biggest temptations. I don't want to give it up so I need to figure out how I can still have a small amount every once in a while. I included it in my calorie count and did not go over. Yay! I had a really great day.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-80661056515368574852012-02-29T19:25:00.001-08:002012-02-29T19:28:00.377-08:00Day #24Monday is strength training with T.E.A.M fitness. The weights were heavier again. My pushups are still pathetic. After class I stayed for my second hour and did Zumba. There was a sub and the class was very high cardio. I loved it and felt great. I was glad for the longer workout the day before weigh in.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-7852175494258946222012-02-29T19:10:00.002-08:002012-02-29T19:25:47.743-08:00Day #23Another day of rest. Kinda. I had to give a talk at church which was quite stressful for me. After we had my family over dinner. It was my turn to be in charge so I tried to plan a menu that would fit into my diet that wouldn't be to disappointing to the rest of my family. I made Asian Chicken Salad and Egg Drop Soup from my Weight Watchers five ingredient 15 minute recipes. I decided to relax after cleaning up so I started the dinner late and everyone had to wait. The recipes took longer than 15 minutes. Here are the recipes<div><br /></div><div>Asian Chicken Salad</div><div>1/3 c. light sesame-ginger dressing (I also had Miso Ginger dressing which was 80 calories but super yummy)</div><div>2 navel oranges</div><div>4 cups chopper romaine lettuce</div><div>3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast</div><div>2 cups shredded napa (Chinese) cabbage</div><div>1 cup thinly sliced snow peas</div><div>1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots</div><div>1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Place dressing in a large bowl. Grate rind from 1 orange to measure 1 teaspoon; stir into dressing. Peel oranges, and cut in half lengthwise. Cut orange halves crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices</div><div>2. Add orange slices, lettuce and next 4 ingredients to dressing; toss well. Sprinkle with almonds, if desired. Yeild: 4 servings (serving size about 2 3/4 cups)</div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving: calories 259; fat 5.1 g, protein 34.9g; carb 18 g; fiber 4.2 g</div><div><br /></div><div>Egg Drop Soup</div><div><br /></div><div>2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast</div><div>1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper</div><div>1 (32-oz.) container fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth</div><div>2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch</div><div>1/4 c water</div><div>1 large egg, lightly beaten</div><div>1/2 cup chopped green onion </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Combine first 3 ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes.</div><div>2. Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Add cornstarch mixture to broth mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until soup thickens slightly. Add egg to broth mixture in a slow, steady stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in onions, if desired. Yield: 5 servings (serving size; about 1 cup). </div><div><br /></div><div>Per serving: Calories 136; fat 3g; protein 21.4g; carb 4.8g; fiber 0.1</div><div><br /></div><div>I felt the soup needed a little soup added even though I'm trying not to eat a lot of sodium.</div>Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-10586992884402669632012-02-27T21:21:00.002-08:002012-02-27T21:28:48.318-08:00Day #22Saturdays are always crazy. This one was no exception and maybe even a little more than usual. So in between errands I ran to the gym. I did the couch to 5K program and that was plenty! I thought even though I over planned as always I still fit everything in. After taking a 7 minute shower (okay, I'm not sure it was really 7 minutes but it seemed pretty stinking fast) my sister called and I found out that I was 30 minutes late for our double date. Anyways, we all finally met up for a night of bowling. After bowling some of the most pitiful games ever we decided to get some dinner. This scares me. I think I'm hungry and if we go somewhere that has no good options I'll probably end up eating something that I'll regret later. Fortunately, my brother-in-law suggested Chipotle. I was totally impressed. First of all, they are organic. Second of all the totally had something I could make work in diet. I left most of the brown rice in the bowl, but totally enjoyed the rest of the meal. Overall, it was a great night out.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-89966743275892235462012-02-25T20:26:00.002-08:002012-02-25T20:35:27.863-08:00Day #21Woke up feeling miserable. The worst I have felt this whole competition. Davis woke up crying and would not stop. Mommy and son skipped school and working out and cuddled on the couch. We did go shopping after a while. My shopping habits have really changed. I looked for natural, organic and healthy instead of cheap and on sale. Okay, I did score a few healthy items clearanced out. Love it. I tried a new co-op today. I was driving there, running late, forgot half the directions and eventually was lost. I called them. No problem they said. They gave me extras in my basket and even exchanged a few things out. I made the family black and blue sandwiches. I ate mine on whole grain wasa crackers. It was pretty tasty. The day started off rough but ended up okay. I think getting a rest was exactly what I needed.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-34912251719998670832012-02-25T20:21:00.002-08:002012-02-25T20:26:20.591-08:00Day #20Wow, 20 days into this. Sheesh. I went to the gym and did my couch to 5K training. I felt so good that I decided when I was done I'd keep running. It was the first day that I've felt I really can run that 5K. I may be slow but I'm going to run it. I made dirty rice for dinner. I just didn't eat much of the rice (1/4 cup). It was a good day. Went clothes shopping with my stepmom. I still have very few clothes that fit. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything. Felt really good about my workout and got back on the making our dinners, so good day.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-68276123593323614152012-02-23T20:00:00.003-08:002012-02-23T20:16:00.684-08:00Day #19Wednesday I meet with T.E.A.M. fitness. Wednesday is our cardio day. We stayed on the ellipticals until we did core strength. My planks are definitely improving. I left feeling good. By the time Monte got home I was just tuckered even though I didn't do that much. The boys kept talking about getting pizza and I swear I could live on pizza. I gave in and we went to Pier 49. I ate two pieces and my calorie count for the day was about 1600 calories. This is the second day that I have done this. I was still hungry after all this to and I thought my pizza indulgence would at least make me feel satisfied, but it didn't. I am for sure eating healthier than I ever have, but I am struggling with the desire to eat out a lot. A lot of it is I'm not planning. I know this. I have to do better. I read a friend's fitness blog and she posted that 80% is diet and 20% is exercise. I feel like I'm kicking the 20%'s trash but am struggling with the 80% so much. I'm not tempted to eat sweets but I am so wanting simple carbs like bread, pizza, pasta, etc. I'm getting tired of salad. So I'm done whining about this and hopefully my progress won't be hindered to significantly by love of eating out and pizza obsession. After we left I thought I could have at least ordered thin crust. Oh well.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618865322674271537.post-82212290763883108182012-02-22T21:03:00.002-08:002012-02-22T21:15:02.541-08:00Day #18Try it Tuesday's class was actually an evening event so I went to Zumba in the morning. Finished cleaning the house (I got some help because I was just so tired from all the stress and working out). The house was spotless by the time we were done and I decided that I do better when I plan for dinner. I made gluten free lasagna. I know lasagna doesn't sound like "diet" food, but I healthied it up. Our lasagna was chuck full of spinach and tomatoes. I used fat free cottage cheese and low fat mozzarella. Instead of ground beef I added turkey sausage. The family gobbled it up. Huge success. I only ate one small piece and found a comparable recipe stating it would equate to about 279 calories. After dinner I got ready to meet for Try It Tuesday. We met at the local Harmon's grocery store with the head nutritionist from the gym. Unlike the first nutrition class I felt this one was a lot more enjoyable. I wasn't completely overwhelmed. I'm not sure if it had to do with my blood sugars being more stable, the fact that I had heard some of the information before or that it was just a better class for me. I learned a lot and was okay with the fact that I probably would not implement all of it. I am going to switch over to organic produce. We were informed that celery is the worst not to buy organic. It has something like 17 pesticides on it. Ewww... gross! I signed up for another co-op this weekend to pick up my produce. We seem to be making a big dent in last weeks order so hopefully it will help us continue to make better food choices. When I started this I didn't realize how much I want it to be a change for my whole family not just me. I ended the day on a high feeling like the house drama was finally done. If house drama can ever be done, but at least this round was.Londonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14880414785076405833noreply@blogger.com5