Power of Positive Thinking

Today has been a super good day for me. Mentally, I'm saying, "You can do it!" and pushing forward. I'm not giving up this time, although I've said  this before! This time is the real deal. I'm 23 and I've spent over half of my life being "fat". Not anymore. I have to change the way I see myself and the way I see food. Today I'm with the kids all day with no car so exercising is limited. I did a 35  minute dance video on Netflix and 50 crunches and 15 push-up and am going to do some curls with a 15 pound weight later. I froze all the chocolate in my house so it's not just their! If I want a piece I have to let it thaw and wait patiently for it instead of cobbling it all down! Which I thought was a pretty ingenious plan. I should have thrown it away but I didn't want to be wasteful and Shawn will probably want some too. Anyway! Here is my food journal for the day! I've been super good and I'm proud of myself. I see good things in the future :)

food Journal

Breakfast: Heart Healthy cranberry oatmeal, orange slices, coffee with light soymilk and splenda, and 1 egg cooked in olive oil.

Lunch: 1 green apple, cucumber salad (leftover from last night) and light vanilla activia yogurt.

Snack: dry roasted peanuts & 1 cheese stick

Dinner: TBA. Probably pan seared pork chops, salad with feta cheese, carrots and light dressing....maybe some cous cous....

Hiking Up That Ladder

Still trying to get back to controlled eating and not just eating because I can. Doing my best to "de-junk" the house but unfortunately their is still some chocolate in my stocking. Luckily, its mostly gone and the rest I am going to designate the rest to my husband. Today was hard, I'm not going to lie. It feels like I'm constantly fighting the rotten lazy side of me that just wants to sit and eat candy all day. Thank goodness my Mom was interested in going hiking again today! We hiked up hill a long ways and our total hike lasted about 70 minutes. One the flat part of the trail we jogged for a bit. When I'm exericising I feel so alive, so good, so invigorated! That is what I have to hold onto to keep me motivated and help me fight my endless sweet tooth. But, despite a few slips I am doing better. And with me I just have to be thankful for pregress not perfection. SO, this journey winds on and for today I'm on my way up!

Food Journal

Breakfast: Fruit smoothie made with frozen berries (strawberries, blackberries and raspberries), 1 ripe banana, cherry pomegranate v8 splash juice, 1 medium peeled carrot! So yummy!

Lunch: Low card wrap with 1 slice of mesquite turkey, lettuce, guacamole, and cucumber slices. Vanilla activia light yogurt. (A few bites of span my hubby was eating lol ewww nasty)

Snack: Pork rinds

Dinner: baked tilapia with soy sauce & lemon pepper, turnip greens seasoned with ham, cucumber salad (fresh cucumber with sea salt, low fat balsalmic venigrette, and shaved carrots), Mashed sweet potatoes (sweet potatoe with lite soy milk, caramel 0 cal syrup, cinnamon and 1 tsp of honey)!

Snack: Peanuts (dry roasted no salt)

Naughtiness: Several hand fulls of chocolates :(

The Beginning of the End of my Fat Days

I have finally made it through a month of eating whatever the heck I want...the snacks and junk food. I feel so much better today physically and the guilt from eating unhealthy foods is gone now! Not sure why I went crazy but sanity has returned and I'm ready to shed some serious pounds. No more indulging in whatever I want. I want to still be able to have a small dessert on a rare occassion but not every day or every week. Losing control of my diet was not fun and actually felt pretty terrible. But, I feel like I'm back to my normal routine and the life style I really enjoyed. Eating well made me feel good about myself on a regular basis and it is something I looked forward to doing. Trying new recipes and seeking out healthy choice had become a really big part of my life and when I threw it out the window for the Holidays it really messed me up! It was like I gave up on myself, like I have done dozen of other times through out my life time. And I never want to feel like that again! ANYWAY, rant over. Called my Mom who is also trying to get back into her routine after Christmas and we went for a Hike at Cove Springs Nature Resort. We hiked uphill a good way and my knee hurt a bit because of the cold but I slowed down a little and after I got warmed up it felt better. It felt so good to get outside, see the scenery and get my heart pumping. The trail we walked was pretty moderate and it ran beside a really pretty creek with rushing water. We hiked for about 45 minutes! I might also do some dancing on the wii later to burn some more calories. Plus it is just fun. Tomorrow I'm going to post picture, my weight and consider this the beginning. I don't really want to but hey, gotta start somewhere!

Food Journal

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with a splash of milk and sea salt. 2 cups of Coffee with skin low fat creamer.

Lunch: Low carb wrap with one piece of turkey, lettuce, cucumber, guacamole and a sprinkle of cheese. One 70 calorie light Activia Yogurt and 5 orange slices.

Dinner: Wild alaskan salmon burgers with honey mustard and pickles on 40 calorie (per slice) wheat bread. Salad with feta cheese and light wasabi dressing and carrot shavings. Diet 7 up.

Turkey Chili & More Rain

Today has been a good eating day! Did a lot of cooking! Tried a few new recipes and they were just wonderful! Cooking is one thing that makes eating healthy more fun for me. Trying new recipes is like experimenting and finding things I like and letting my family and I try them out! Made a wonderful vegetable pizza for lunch, a little mini-person pan pizza type deal. I made the crust from scratch! It was so light and fluffy and thicker than the thin flimsy little jobs you buy at the grocery store. And a good old turkey chili for dinner. I did not exercise today. My incision from my c-section has been burning and is very uncomfortable. Even when I am not doing anything strenuous so I didn't want to do anything to make it worse. I'm aggravated and scared because I don't know what is causing the pain. My scar was pretty much healed so it just seems weird for it to be hurting again and I have just come from a good stretch of rest over the holiday's...haven't really been running or anything. Well, anyway I am going to go to the Doc to have it checked out tomorrow.

Food Journal

Breakfast

90 calories Special K Cereal bar

1 sliced yellow apple

Lunch

Personal pan pizza with home made crust, topped with cheese, artichoke, mushrooms and spinach

Sugar Free butterscotch pudding (made with 0% milk and topped with sugar free cookies)

Dinner

Turkey Chili--

My Special Recipe

Two cans tomatoes paste

1 can diced tomatoes

Mushrooms (sauted with ground turkey)

1 cup cooked Carrots (fresh just boiled until tender)

16 oz. ground turkey

1 can black beans

1 cup chicken broth (sodium free)

1 can of corn

Dessert

1 banana w/ 1 tsp peanut butter and ten sugar free chocolate chips

OH! And here is the home made crust recipe from cooks.com it is so easy! I added some dried basil to it. I used the portions and split it in half to make two mini pizzas. One for my husband and one for myself! Here's the link if you'd like to check it out, it was quick and easy and you dont have to use yeast or wait for the crust to rise.

Easy Pizza Crust;

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,2341,157183-233201,00.html

Not Giving Up

Today is Monday! Most people aren't happy about Monday's but for me it always feels like a new start, and the best day to get back up on the horse. Weighed myself since I missed last weeks weigh in. I lost another 2.4 lbs. I was sooo surprised. I honestly haven't been working out much (other than about a 2 mile walk this weekend) and I have been eating a TON of chocolate. I don't know why but it has been my weakness. Broke down and bought a big old bag of Kit Kats and was eating them. But, I made my husband take the rest of them to work. SO, I've had my chocolate fix and it's time to move past my dietary discretions and start eating healthy and working out again! I did 30 minutes of Zumba today and it was fun! Shawn works 2-10pm so I won't be able to go to the gym or running but the wii is my best option! I'm going to do some light weight lifting and possibly some Yoga. I've got some great wii workout games I  just need to get up off the couch and get moving. It's hard on rainy days like today when I'm basically stuck in the house with the kids and no car. But, enough with the excuses. I could literally think of 101 excuses not to work out but enough of that. Time to stay as motivated as I can and keep going. Motivation is hard to find but yesterday my Dad, Mom and husband both told me in different conversations and in their own way not to give up. I'm glad to have support but from what I've learned personal motivation comes from within.

Food Journal

Breakfast

Chex Cereal and 0% milk

Snack

90 calorie Special K bar

Lunch

Stuffed Pork Chop

Flavored water

Snack

Cheese stick

Dinner

Spaghetti Squash w/ sauted mushrooms and sauce

Snack

Banana

A Healthy New Five Star Recipe!

MAN! This recipe is definitely a keeper! I've been thinking of making it forever but I finally did and I regret waiting so long. The stuffed cabbage rolls were very easy, delicious and filling! I give this recipes five stars AND two thumbs up! Of course with everything I make I added a few of my own modifications to make it my own! So, here is a pic and check out the recipe. Follow the link to allrecipes.com for cooking directions.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup uncooked white rice
• 8 cabbage leaves
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup

My Modifications: I used lean ground beef, Cambells Tomatoe Herb soup and replaced the rice with cous cous. I cannot cook rice and I like cous cous better anyway. I think it gave it a wonderful, light texture combined with the beef. I also used a few sprinkles of garlic salt.

Check out the link for the recipe;

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/detail.aspx

Back on Track

Thanksgiving has been easier to recover from than I expected. My body is thanking me for giving up the rich foods for more healthy choices. I haven't done any exercise yet today but I am going to Zumba and play on the wii for a bit and if this nasty rain ever clears up, go for a good old run/walk. I've still got a bit of a sinus infections and I don't feel 100% but I know exercise is important to recovering. I made the most delicious smoothie today! I mean yum! I got a new Ninja blender type thing as an early b-day present and it is just awesome! I will post the recipe and a pic for your smoothie lovers. Also, trying a new recipe, from my favorite website allrecipes.com. It's called 'Stuffed Cabbage Rolls'. I will of course post pics and my review of the recipe after dinner time! Can't wait! I love trying healthy new recipes! Good food is what making health and weight loss fun!

                                            
                                       Ingredients
                               
                                       2 cups of mixed frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, and black berries)
                                       1 very ripe banana
                                       3 ice cubes
                                       6 oz. kiwi strawberry juicy juice
                                       2 packages of splenda

Thanksgiving Reflection

Feel so blessed to have spent Thanksgiving  with a wonderful family, delicious food and zero stress. I ate normally and really enjoyed it. I didn't worry as much as I had anticipated and it was nice to have a Holiday with out calorie counting, over eating and worry. I woke up T-Day morning and did a 25 minute dance workout on Netflix. After our food settled our family went on about a mile walk to a farm up the road. I walked briskly and it was fun to spend time with my amazing family and burn calories. That definitely helped me ease some of my concern about this indulgent holiday. Yesterday we kinda picked at some left overs here and there but mostly just turkey, some stuffing and mashed potatoes. I had a great Holiday but I'm ready to get back on track. Haven't done any aerobics today but I'm making it a priority to go for a run/walk tomorrow NO MATTER WHAT. The Holiday was great and I enjoyed a few days of relaxation and not such a strict, calorie counted diet but it is time to get back to my normal routine and continue to bust some of these pounds!! I don't know if I mentioned in a previous post but I weighed on Wednesday, despite some apprehension and I'd lost 4.4 pounds! I was so excited! And totally surprised!

Well, until tomorrow friends!

Before & After Pictures

Dancing Again!

Just got done doing a dance exercise video I found on Netflix. It was called Dance Off the Inches: Fat Burning Jam. It was a lot of fun actually. It was about thirty minutes long but man I was sweating quite profusely. So, glad I got my exercise in early in the day so it doesn't get put off again. Exercise is becoming a real priority in my life and I want to keep it that way. My day always feels off when I don't get a good workout. I've noticed that. Today is supposed to be my "weigh" day buttttttt I am putting it off at the moment. I got really discouraged last week when I weighed because I was expecting to have lost more. But, if I lose even one or two pounds this week I will be really happy. I just want to steadily keep losing. I don't want to maintain obesity...it just seems hopeless when that happens. so, I'm going to weigh soon, do a little weight lifting and maybe catch a run later. Can't believe tomorrow is Turkey Day. I just want to focus on the thing I'm greatful for and not the food. I'm going to do an early afternoon run tomorrow before we go to my Grandmother's to eat that way, if I decide to have something delicious there won't be any guilt involved.

Food Journal


Breakfast

2 eggs with a sprinkle of cheese on 40 calories wheat bread

Coffee with low cal sweetener and low fat creamer

Lunch

Low fat Vanilla yoplait yogurt

Chicken Alfredo Florentine (Lean Gormet Meal)
Dinner

Salad with cheese, tomatoes, bacon bits, and grilled chicken breast with Annie's Organic Dressing.

Oyster Casserole

Snack

Chicken and Cheese dip with tortilla chips

Exercise

• 30 minute dance video
• Weight training: Curls with 8lbs weight (2 sets of 15), Kettlebell 10lbs (1 set of 15), Push-up on fitness ball (1 set of 30).
• Wii: 25 minutes on wii fit (161 calories burned), 1 single session on zumba and wii Dance 2
• Eliptical: 16 minutes (150 calories burned).

Not Doing So Well

Honestly, I don't think I'm eating enough and it's making me grab bad foods in between meals or give in to cravings easier because I'm actually hungry. That and I'm not drinking enough water. When I'm not too busy I'm sitting around doing nothing and both aren't ideal for trying to live healthier. Anyone, FINALLY managed to get a short run in, was going to do a longer distance but it started raining and my daughter was with me in the stroller so I literally sprinted home to push myself for the last part of my workout. Going to try to add a few sprints to my run/walk to push myself and shake up my workout so I don't hit anymore shitty plateau's! Well, until tomorrow I'm hanging in there and doing the best I can.


Breakfast

2, 90 calorie fiber one bars ( I was starving but shouldn't have eaten two, just needed to grab something quickly)

Snack

Sugar free pudding with sugar free short bread cookie crumbs

Lunch

Mini-Pimento cheese sandwhich on mini 40 calorie whole grain sara lee bread

Snack

Peanut butter chocolate wafer bars (totally crash on this one...)

Dinner

Kale Soup with chicken, carrots, onions and cayenne pepper. So delicious!

Snack

Banana with peanut butter

Monday

As usual, today was packed with errands. Ripping and running most of the day. Did a little bit of Christmas shopping with my Sister. Wrapped some presents. Came home barely had time to throw together a dinner, albeit a healthy one. Man, I was literally on my way to the gym when I had to turn around drop my daughter off at home and go to the medicaid office to fix a cancelation of her health insurance. Stupid things lke that that can't wait really annoy me. Stuff like that keeps popping up and I have to make exercise a priority. By the time I got home, made dinner, put the kids to bed I was ready for a bath and relaxation. So, as usual I am going to plan to most definitely GET OUT and EXERCISE tomorrow. Thank goodness my diet is still healthy and well under control or else I'd probably balloon out. I'm not excited to weigh in this week on Wednesday!

Food Journal

Breakfast

Egg and cheese omlet

Snack

Pudding (low fat no sugar)

Lunch

Mini pizza made on whole wheat flat bread with sauce, goat cheese pineapple and ham.

Dinner

Grilled chicken salad with goat salad with wasabi dijion dressing

Fruit salad (chopped red and green apple, banana, pineapple and honey and cinnamon)

Snack

Lite 94% fat free pop corn

90 calorie fiber one bar

A Busy Weekend

Sorry, I haven't blogged in a few days I have been busy running errands and going here and there. This weekend has been fully loaded with tons of delicious foods! I have been out of the house alot but surprisingly have not had anything too fattening or over-induldged. Eating healthy on the weekend is a little bit of a challenge but it is not impossible. Honestly, I'v been so busy I've had to make time toI will blog a little of the past days meals. I went out this weekend with my girl and had a really great time. I felt pretty confident in my clothes. I danced and had fun, which burned calories and it was enjoyable. I don't want to be held back by my weight anymore. I want to feel sexy, confident and comfortable in who I am. Although, that doesn't have everything to do with weight it is a factor. This weeks goal is more EXERCISE. I'm really going to push myself, I'm gonna run longer and be sure to do it at least 4 times this weeks.


Friday

Breakfast

Cereal with banana and 0% milk

lunch

healthy choice meal

dinner

home made vegetable pizza's. They were out of this world!!

4 pieces of dark chocolate! I indulged within my limits which was ok.

Saturday

Breakfast

Low cal english muffin breakfast sandwhich

Lunch

Lite low fat yoplait yogurt

lean cuisine garlic chicken spring rolls (200 cals)

Dinner

Salad w/ wasabi dijion dressing

Sushi :)

fruit drink

2 no-sugar red bulls

Sunday

Breakfast

ham and cheese omlet

Lunch

chicken sausage on 45 whole wheat bread w/ mustard

salad with honey dijion dressing

snack

low cal low fat yogurt

Dinner

Talapia and mixed steamed vegetables

Snack

Pita chips and hummus

apple juice (lite only 25 cals per 8 oz.)

Keep On Keeping On...

Yesterday was hard, that is for sure. But, after all the hardship was through I just felt determined. I had to get a run in so yesterday I went running at like 9:30 pm. It was cold but it felt so good afterwards. I'm pushing myself a little further and further each time. Running a little more here and there. Once my muscle are warm it's much easier so I just make sure to stretch well. I am definitely going to run again today. I've got to make sure I push myself, watch what I'm eating and burn as many calories as I can. I wish I had a watch to time myself but...my birthday and Christmas are coming up so I'm trying not to buy too much for myself.

Until Tomorrow...

Today's Thought For The Day: Hiding behind each defeat is a success.

Food Journal

Breakfast

Whole wheat cranberry oatmeal 240 calories

slim soy milk cappuccino flavor (90 calories)

Lunch

Grilled chicken sandwich on 90 cal flat bread with hummus and lettuce

lite low fat yoplait yogurt 110 calories

flavored water

Dinner

Left over corn chowder 240 calories

Salad

Snack

IDK something healthy and low calorie

Today Sucked...Big Time

So, was excited/anxious to weigh today, and it did not turn out well. Lost 0 lbs. Was pretty upset. Cried a bit. Had a really bad day. My refridgerator and toilet were both on the fritz and only half of the issues have been resolved. And on top of that I've been so busy trying to get everything fixed and cook dinner I didn't have time to go for a run. Might try to hop on the wii for a bit but honestly I feel like whats the point???? I hate that I'm not losing weight. It makes me want to give up. I do this everytime I try to get in shape. Hit a big plateau and give up. I'm trying to be positive but it's hard because I don't want to. Now, I'm going to wait two weeks until I weigh again just because I don't want another dissapointment to throw me off my game. Going back to the gym hopefully tomorrow. This time I am refusing to give up on myself. I think my body is starting to transform and I just have to hang in there and step up my work out regimine. I also found an article that made me feel better about hitting a weight loss plateau it actually made a lot of sense. Here it is; http://www.oprah.com/health/Weight-Loss-Advice-Fitness-Plateau-Dr-Katz/1

Today's Message: It's okay to feel like giving up, as long as you don't... :)

Well,  until tomorrow.

Food Journal

Breakfast

2 scrambled eggs topped with sprinkle cheese cooked in 0 cal butter spray

low fat lite yoplait yogurt

Lunch

Healthy Choice Meal

Dinner

 1 Chicken sausage (180 calories) sauted in EVOO (120 calories) with mushrooms, onions, yellow squash and zucchini.

Salad with feta cheese low fat wasabi dijion dressiong (40 calories)

flavored water
Snack

sugar free cherry popsicle

New Recipe/ Update!

The Corn Chowder with Shrimp was really good! I would have liked to have it a little thicker, I may have used too much chicken broth (I get a little lazy with measuing sometimes). And the cream was optional so I opted out to save calories. So, we had that for dinner after I got back for the gym. I got a $5 day pass to the local gym, FiT Time fo Women! I really liked it. I got a good work out in at the gym. I did;

16 minutes on the Elyptical (1.0 mile)
5 minutes on the bike (1.15 mile)
10 minutes on the Treadmill; speed 3, incline 3 (1.0 mile)
5 minutes on the Spin Bike (0.5) mile

Total Calories burned: 250  Total Workout time: 36 minutes

And now what you've all been waiting for......(drum roll please).....

                          Corn Chowder with Shrimp Recipe

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 6 hrs. 15 mins
Serves: 6
Cost per serving: $3.06

*4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
*2 16-oz. bags frozen corn
*1 onion, finely chopped
*1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
*2 large carrots, cut into 1/4 rounds
*1 bay leaf
*Salt and Pepper
*1lb.medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
*1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
*1/4 cup chopped fresh parsely

Directions

1. Combine broth, corn, onion, bell pepper, carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, 1 cup water and 1 tsp. salt in slow cooker and cover and cook on low until vegetables until tender, about 6 hours.
* I cooked mine on the stove on medium high for 35 minutes and it worked just fine.
2. Puree 3 cups of soup in a blender and return to slow cooker. Stir in shrimp are pink and firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream, if desired, and cook until warm through, about 2 minutes. Season, sprinkle with parsely and serve!

Per Serving: 371 Calories

Raining On My Parade...Literally

Today is rainy and super yucky! Days like this it would be so nice to have a gym membership...I'm working on it though! I've been lifting my five pound weight and doing some reps and will get on the wii later for about an hour. It'd be nice to do some running but maybe I can just take the day to rest, do some yoga, lift weights and play on wii fit. It sucks but I don't have much of a choice. Well, I'm going to try a new corn chowder recipe with shrimp. I've never made any kind of chowder so I'm pretty excited to make something new. I will definitely post the pics and the recipe if it turn out well! More later!

Food Journal

Breakfast

Whole Wheat Cranberry oatmeal (240 calories)

Glass of 0% milk (90 calories)

Lunch

Healthy Choice Meals (260 calories)

Lite apples (25 calories)

Dinner

Corn chowder (2 bowls-YUM!)

Snack

Carrots with hummus

No sugar pudding with lite whip (150 cals total)

I went running/walking again with mom! We went a bit further but my knee's hurt a bit so I didn't push it too hard. We live in the State capitol and ou Capitol building has a  ton of stairs. We run up and down them three times! It was definitely a calorie burner! We walked and I ran the best I could and I am proud of myself for commiting to exercise already this week. I have eating really well today. Small, healthy meals! I am excited and nervous to weigh myself. I almost don't want too :( I'm afraid if I don't lose weight o if God forbid I gain any I will feel defeated! Oh, well gonna hang in there and weigh anyway so we'll see. Until tomorrow friends!

Food Journal


Breakfast

Two scrambled eggs w/ 0 cal butter spray (140 calories)

2 slices whole wheat toast @ 45 cals a piece w/ no sugar apricot preserves

Glass of lite apple juice (25 calories per 8 oz!)

Lunch

healthy choice meal (360 calories)

sugar free cheese cake pudding with whipped topping (about 150 calories)

snack

sugar free orange popsicle 20 calories

banana

cheese stick

Dinner

Grilled chicken salad with feta cheese and suga free white vinegrette

cauli flower whole wheat penne pasta salad

boiled egg with hot sauce

Snack

handful of carrots with hummus!

half of a small green apple

0 sugar apple cider

Cheddar cheese rice cake (50 cals)

Sunday Funday _Gosh, I'm a Nerd!

Today has been a beautiful, super sunny and SOOOO Windy, which I loved because the temperature was just right. Not too hot or too cold. I danced on Wii dance 3 today for about thirty minutes, cleaned the house and then went for dinner at my parents house. I am so greatful they are healthy eaters. It is such a treat to go over there on Sunday nights and eat a nice meal I did not have to cook! Mom and I went running/ walking. We did 1.5 miles. At first my calfs were burning but as I got more warmed up I wanted to keep running more and more and my muscle felt great. Running is hard but I love the challenge. The reward is knowing that I pushed myself past my comfort level. I'm going to keep at it! Didn't eatperfectly today but it is Sunday so I might as well have enjoyed myself a little. I didn't go crazy or anything but normally I wouldn't have eaten certain things. Well, I think I'm going to start tracking my miles, times and running route to chart and measure my improvements! More tomorrow :)

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K Cereal w/ 1% milk

Lunch

Healthy Choice Meal (290 calories)

Snack

Cheese stick (low sodium about 60 cals)

Dinner

Grilled chicken and walnut salad with olives, goat cheese, carrots and boiled eggs with annie organic seasame dressing (It was wonderful. I am SOO In love with the goat cheese they used OMG!! It was fabulous!)

Organic wheat penne paste salad with cauliflower, carrots and seasoning

blackberries with splenda

Dessert (always LOL!)

Sugar free pudding (made with soymilk). lite cool whip and crushed ginger snaps.

Snack

Garden Tomatoe and Basil Lays (DAMN my junk food junky husband!!!!!)

Another Day in The busy Life of Bethany

I have been resisting so much temptation today! But, I feel stronger for it. I seriously have a love hate relationship with food. I love the tastes, the flavors the feeling I get when eating but I absolutely hate how guilty it makes me feel and what it does to my health and overall my health is most important. This morning I woke up super early and went to the church bazaar. Man! They had all my favorite breakfast foods like biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage...all of the fattening and delicious stuff I do NOT need. But, luckily I came prepared. I packed my own healthy lunch and had coffee. I was proud. That was so tempting. Shawn and I went to the movies so I didn't wwork out any. Pretty disapointed was looking forward to working out again. I'm going to make exercising a priority tomorrow. Well, looking forward to weighing Wednesday. I'm so tempted to weigh now but I don't want tobe too disappointed ya know'? Anyway! Enough for today!

Food Journal

Breakfast

1 greeen apple

1 low-sodium cheese stick

3 cups decaf coffee with splenda

Snack

Check mix with peanut butter and powdered sugar (just a few handfuls! I was starving)

Lunch

Healthy Choice Meal

Dinner

Hibachi Grill; Shrimp, mushrooms, onions, snow peas and bean sprouts with sauce

Sauted & salted talapia

5 peices of veggie sushi

5 crawfish (no butter!)

Snack

Carrots with Hummus

Dessert

Cheese cake pudding no sugar low calories made with 0% milk

Low sugar cookies

Lite whipped cream

Total= approx.150 calories

Man! My legs are sore from all the dancing I did last night on wii!! Didn't go running or anything so I don't push it too much! I'm going to try and go tomorrow and hopefully my leg muscles will get accustomed to more work outs! I've been pretty busy today. Taking Gabriel to the Dr., grocery shopping, setting up for the church bazaar tomorrow and spending time with my family. I ate out twice today and believe it or not I did not get anything unhealthy or too high in calories. We stopped at Subway for lunch and I grabbed salads from Mcdonalds at dinner time. I put dressing on at home to save calories (no more RANCH for me!) and got an ALL veggie sandwhich from Subway. My husband loves to eat out every now and then. So, it's hard when I'm trying to eat healthy and lose weight. One thing I have found that helps me make good food choice and know what I'm eating is to check out a resteraunts menu online. I want to know what is in what I'm ordering and this is a great way to do so. Believe it or not most fast food places and restaraunts have the menu and nutrition facts listed on their websites you just have to look.

Food Journal

Breakfast

All-Bran Cereal with vanilla soymilk

Total=300

Lunch

Sybway Veggie delite sandwhich on flatbread (230 Calories)

Brocoli cheddar soup (200 calories)

Total= 430

Dinner

Salad (20 calories+ dressing 50 calories)

Fruit w/ yogurt and walnuts (210 calories)

Cauliflower with cheese (300 Calories)

Total=580

Dessert

Sugar free short bread cookies (130 calories)

Finally Up and RUNNING!

Last night got much better after exercising on the wii for about an hour. I hulu hooped for ten minutes, free ran for ten minutes and free walked for ten. I love the games on there! It's fun plus I burned about 400 calories. Talked about awesome. Then this morning I went for coffee and went on a mile walk/run! It felt so good to get moving. Running was easier than I expected. My lung aren't great but I am glad I've been a nonsmoker for some time now! I've gotta get my body back into great shape and I think I'm off to a pretty great start. I know I burned some good calories today and I've made good food choice so I've just gotta stay in this frame of mind and refuse to let negativity and pessimism get me down. Exercise makes me feel so great mentlly and physically. I'm gonna weigh again next Wednesday and share results! I'm trying not to weigh too often, especially not everyday because I know the body fluctuates with water and what not from day to day. I've got to drink lots of water, stay away from carbs and sugary snacks and I know I will continue to lose. Oh yeah going to rent Just Dance 3 for Wii and burn some calories later. Sounds like fun!

Food Journal

Breakfast

2 scrambled eggs cooked in 0 calories butter spray with sea salt (140 calories)

2 slices whole wheat toast with 0 cal butter spray (45 cals a slice)

Strawberry Banana smoothie-yogurt drink 200

Total=430 calories

Lunch

1 pomegranate

Healthy Choice meal (Sweet potatoes and chicken)

Total=400 calories

Snack

Rice Cake

Total=50 cals

Dinner

Two Turkey & Cheese Low Carb wraps with lettuce and honey mustard (about 150 cals each)

No sugar chocolate pudding (70 calories)Total= Approx. 400 calories


Snack

Carrots or Veggies with hummus :) YUM!

Total=100

banana

Blah!

I don't think I've done too well the past day in a half but I tried harder today I've just been off my game. Definitely feeling the stress and depression of emotional eating. Ate some chocolate yesterday morning it have been feeling so guilty for it, like it defeated all my progress. So, I'm trying to get back up on that horse and make better decisions. I'm about to get on the wii and exercise for an hour or so, here goes!!


Food Journal

Breakfast

Peanut Granola bar (150 cals)

Brunch/Lunch

1 slice of 45 cal wheat toast

2 scrambled eggs (cooked in 0 calorie butter) (140 calories).

1 banana

1 cup of soy slender soymilk (70 calories)

Total= 250 calories

Dinner

Whole Grain Rice "fried" with one egg and lite soy sauce + Sauted mushrooms, onions and Shrimp (in 0 cal butter spray) (around 400 calories)

Dessert

Apple and Pumpkin Dessert (88 cals made with sugar substitute)

This recipe is awesome for someone like me who loves desserts. Check it out for yourself. I added cinnamon and there are plenty other ways you can make this recipe your own! http://allrecipes.com/recipe/apple-and-pumpkin-dessert/detail.aspx

KICKING "King of Chil" meatless Chili

MAN! This was by far one of the most filling, savory, delicious chili's I've had in a while. The fact that it did not have nay meat in it did not subtract from any of the flavor. And at only about 120 cals per cup (which is surprisingly about an average bowl) you can afford to top it with a little cheddar cheese and even go for seconds. I'm giving this CHILI TWO THUMBS UP :) Check out the link if you want to know more!

http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/2135

Ingredients:4 1/4 cups canned tomato sauce
1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
1/2 cup jarred jalapeño slices, drained and chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. crushed garlic
1 3/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups chopped onions (1 - 2 onions)
1 1/2 cups chopped portabella mushrooms
1 large red bell pepper, stem removed, seeded, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, stem removed, seeded, chopped
1 cup canned sweet corn kernels, drained
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Optional: salt

To my taste buds this chili was HOT! So subtracted the amount of jalepeno peppers you use if you have a sensitive palatte.

THANKS HUNGRY-GIRL.COM FOR THIS AMAZING RECIPE!!!

A Better Day

Today I woke up feeling much better. All of the stress from yesterday seemed to have melted away with a good nights sleep. Well, as good as you can get with a newborn. But, I got a great breakfast and am feeling pretty good. The weather is absolutely beautiful. The best kind of fall weather, the sun is warm but the breeze is cool. So, shawn and I took the babies for a walk. We walked to our favorite smoothie place, unfortunately they didn't have any low calories or low sugar options so I just looked around. I just mainly wanted to get out for the exercise. My rotten hubby got a turtle flavored smoothie-frostee type thing! I used the new five dollar pedometer-step counter thing I bought at Wal-mart last night. It calculated our short walk there and back as aroung 2200 steps which is a mile (it also has that feature too)! I walked a mile today very quickly. I'm going to try to keep walking it and eventually work up to running at least half of it. Man, I was walking so fast today I felt like bursting into a run! Oh, man if I was totally healed I would definitely have ran. It sucks so bad becuase my leg muscles felt good and warmed up and mentally I wanted to challenge myself but I know I can't just yet. I am going to try some new recipes tonight!! I am so excited! It's a vegetarian chili I found on hungry-girl.com. I will post some pics and the recipe later if it is a success! Well, today has been very good :) Just another day in a long journey!

Food Journal

Breakfast

Mushroom, egg and cheese omlet on ow carb wrap with hot sauce (About 250 calories)

Slende soymilk cappucino with cinnamon (70 cals)

Metromint water zero calorie

Total=320 calories

Lunch

Spring mix salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, and cucumbers with asian seasame dressing (50 cals)

Dan Active yogurt probiotic drink (140 cals)

Total=190 calories

Snack

Carmel Rice Cake (45 calories)

Dinner

"King of Chil" meatless chili (approximately 120 cals per serving)

Salad with dressing (50 cals)

Snack

Pomegrante

Hummus with pita chips or carrots

Stress and What Not

Today has been stressful. Running a household, being a mother and full-time student really caught up to me today. I didn't get a good night sleep, my daughter was cranky too and I had a ton of homework and little motivation to complete it. It was just tough. My husband annoyed me to the max. I don't know. I'm just so glad I didn't try to eat to combat the stress. I really felt like it too. Which is something I have never really noticed before. Anyway, finished my homework and the day is almost done and I just hope tomorrow will be better. I got in a decent work out though. We danced on wii dance 2 for about 35 minutes tonight and it was fun. I still have pain from my c-section and I feel like screaming. I want to be healed already! I can't stand having limitations and not being able to push my self, work hard and exercise as hard as I want. GRRR! Just really frusterated all around today. Went over to My parents house for dinner and they cooked a really healthy meal which was so nice. I didn't have to cook or clean up just relax and enjoy. I was surprised. The food was good but I made a small plate and didnt even reach for seconds. Something in me is really changing and that makes me want to smile. I have always given up on myself, scared of success and of being happy I guess. This time feels different. Well, tomorrow is another day so I am going to try to let go of all these negative feelings and start the week off right! Goodnight bloggers.

Food journal

Breakfast

2 slices whole wheat toast (140 cals) w/ 1 teaspoon of I Can't Believe It's Not butter and Sugar free appricot preserves (20 cals)

Cup of Soy Cappuccino (70 cals)

Vanilla yogurt pobiotic drink (70 cals)

1 slice low sodium bacon (30 cals)

Total= 330 cals
Lunch

Grilled chicken sandwhich on 90 cal flat bread with hummus, feta cheese , tomatoe, sliced cucumber and lettuce (about 250 cals).

Metro mint water

Dinner

Grilled Salmon (with one tsp tarter sauce), sauted freshvegetable mix (onions, mushrooms, red and yellow peppers), Kale and spinach greens, and green beans.

Dessert

1 Pumpkin mouse (canned pumpkin, lite cool whip, no sugar vanilla pudding, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 small ginger snaps at 40 cals each). Not the best choice but lower than most desserts. Around 300 cals pe serving.

Snack

Almond crackers

Laughing cow cheese

0 calorie, 0 sugar apple cider drink

The Sun Shines Again

Today is a really beautiful day! The sun is shining and I am definitely planning to go for a walk later with the husband and kids. I have been doing a little research and trying to find a gym to start going to, when I can start working out, and I think I'm going to try Fit Time for Women. I want to try some of the classes like Flirty Girl Fitness and Zumba! I don't think I'm going to get a membership but probably just pay for a few months to see how I like it. They have a daycare so I can take the little one's with me too when they get bigger! I cannot wait (But, I have too) to get back into a gym and try some fun new work outs! It is $110 for three months so I may try to get it as a Birthday gift ; ) !! Anyway, other exciting news. I weighed myself again today and my jaw dropped! I have lost 9.5 pounds since my last weight in, which was Tuesday! Which means I have lost about 11lbs this week! I am so happy! This is the type of weight loss that will keep me motivated to keep on trying. Eating well really does pay off! So, I went from 299lbs October 19th to 253lbs on November 5! That is 46 pounds in like 2 weeks. Now that I am back at my pre-pregnancy weight I still have a long way to go. I have to lose the weight from my first child (about 30 lbs) and then I'd like to get under two hundred and keep going from there! I know once I start working out the weight is just going to fall off! If only I could run over to the Biggest Loser Ranch for a few months! LOL!! Anyway, gonna treat myself to some healthy sushi tonight as a small reward and continue to move forward!

Oh, yeah! I found this new cute little site that has all kinds of weight loss tips, recipes, food suggestions and other cute stuff!! Check it out; http://www.hungry-girl.com/

Food Journal

Breakfast

1 scrambled egg w/ sea salt and garlic

1 whole grain peice of toast w/ I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

1 vanilla probiotic yogurt drink

Total= About 270 Calories

Lunch

Chicken breast (110 calories) sandwhich on a Flat Out Hungry Girl Flat Bread (OK, this stuff is awesome! It is 90 calories, whole wheat with flax seed, 7 g of protein and 7g of fiber! Check it out at this link http://www.flatoutbread.com/) with spring lettuce, hummus (25 calories), tomatoes and feta cheese (25 calories).

Sliced Apple w/ yogurt dipping sauce

Chocolate Mint Metro Water (these things ROCK kinda pricey but I love them!!!)

Total=About 350 Calories

Snack

Cheese stick

Edamame beans w/ sea salt

Dinner

 SUSHI :))))))

Snack

fruit or veggies!!

Late Night Bloggin

Haven't had time to blog it has been a long day. Just got home from a ladies night. Didn't drink anything but a sugar free redbull. Well, I made some delicious meals today! I am supe proud of my cooking but still feel so far away from the me I want to be. Had to buy some new clothes which I was looking forward too until I had to try on clothes. That was so discouraging. Even though I've lost weight I'm still not the size I want to be and it makes me feel so damn frusterated. Just gotta hang in there and wait to buy more clothes for a while. Anyway, just thought I would vent some of my negative feelings and let it all out. I don't want to be insecure anymore I want to feel confident in my clothes and feel good about myself. UGH! I have felt this way most of my life. I felt like I had to buy granny pants today just so they'd be comfortable and not give me any weird looking bulges. But, one good purchase I did make (well my Dad bought em!) was some good running/walking shoes! They are nike and feel so wonderful on my feet! I know they will motivate me to get moving and exercise more. I'm not going to stop this journey until I am satisfied! I am too young to feel like this. I have the rest of my life to devote to fitness, health and happiness. Well, I'm gonna blog my food journal! Until tomorrow!

Food Journal

Breakfast

1 slice of whole wheat toast w/ I Can't Believe It's Not Butter

1/2 of a grapefruit with splenda

I scrambled egg w/ sea salt

water

Snack

Green Smoothie (cucumbers, celery, salad greens, a little kiwi juice and splenda)

Lunch

Left over Sunday Gumbo

Snack

Cheese stick

Edamame beans

Dinner

Chicken (marinated over night in mango island marinade...about 25 cals) stir fried with portabello mushrooms, onions and pineapples.

Salad with vinegrette and feta cheese

Snack

Bag of baked lays w/ 100 cal pack of guacamole

1 sugar free red bull

Sunday Gumbo A Success!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage links, sliced
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 2/3 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups frozen sliced okra

* I substituted white rice for brown and used turkey kilbasa which was delicious!

For Cooking Directions and Nutrition go to this link;

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sunday-gumbo/detail.aspx

Rain, Rain...GO AWAY!

Today is rainy, cold and boring. I was looking forward to going for a walk!!! Maybe it will clear up! Last night we took the babies for a walk. Gabriel rode in the stroller for the first time and Annabelle rode in her big girl tricycle thing! It felt so good to get out of the house and get some exercise. I went with my husband so we walked FAST! It felt so good to sweat and work my muscles! But, I don't want to do too much so maybe it is good I rest my body a bit today! I can't wait to weigh again but I need to wait. I don't want to weigh to often and get disappointed. I have still be eating slooowwwlllyyyy! I am surprised by how fast I get full and how satisfied I feel. I prepare these small portions and think, "That is NOT going to get me full and I'm DEFINITELY going to need seconds." Basically, MORE MORE MORE. I never realized how much I was eating with my eyes and never actually taking the time to listen to when my body says I'm full and satisfied. I feel like everything tastes better too. It really takes conscious effort to slow down while I eat, I really have to think about it. It's a totally new concept to me that is not in my nature. I think if I can make this a habbit I can definitely lose weight. Also, yesterday I lifted my 5 lbs weight for a few reps. Not sure what all I can do with the five pound weight, maybe I will have to google some good moves to use while indoors today. I have been trying to drink MORE water today and yesterday I know that is a great way to help your body shed excess weight. Anyway, this blog has been all over the place. I guess I'm just excited. I'm putting health and fitness first for the first time and my life and it is really important to me. OH, trying a really delicious sounding gumbo tonight that is also healthy. I will post the recipe for ya!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sunday-gumbo/detail.aspx

Food Journal

Breakfast

Bacon (1 slice low sodium bacon...around 30 cals), egg (1 egg scrambled 90 cals) and cheese (A few sprinkles of mozzarella and cheddar about 25 cals) omlet in a whole wheat low carb tortilla (80 cals) with hot sauce (10 cals). About 250 TOTAL CALORIES

1 DanActive vanilla yogurt drink (70 cals)

Water w/ zero cal flavor packet

Lunch

Left over whole wheat penne pasta from last night (approx. 300-400 cals)

1 banana

Bottle of water w/ 0 cal flavor

Snack

cheese stick

Dinner

Sunday Gumbo

Fresh greens salad with sugar free vinegrette and feta cheese

Snack

TBA something with guacamole LOL and maybe a peice of fruit or veggies

Energetic!

Today has been a really productive day! Along with yesterday! I have been so energetic and it feels great. I've been cleaning my house and getting so much done. It feels so good not to be pregnant and to be dropping pounds daily. I weighed yesterdat and I've dropped another 1.5 pounds. Not much but I'll take it! Last night I made a pork & veggies stir fry with light soy sauce. It was delicious and so healthy too. The vegetables had very little calories and the meat was lean so it was a great dinner choice and very filling. I've been practicing eat slower which is a real challenge for me. I want to slow down, chew my food, taste it and enjoy it. I have to learn to realize when I am full and not just scarf down food mindlessly and then think, "Where'd it all go?" when I'm done. Eating slowly is supposed to help you lose weight which is always a positive for me. I got the idea from watching my husband. He eats soooo slowly. I would actually comment on it, like, "Wow, your not done yet?" But, really it was a reflection on me and how FAST I was eating.  I would be done with my plate and heading for seconds before he'd even finished half of his meal. So for today I have been chewing slower and it taking time to savor each bite and it has really worked. I ate a meal for lunch I was sure wouldn't fill meup but it really did. Check out this article for more info on that;

 http://www.fitwatch.com/weight-loss/why-eating-slower-helps-you-lose-weight-2522.html.

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K Cereal w/ vanilla soymilk

Snack

Low sodium/fat Sargento Cheese stick

Lunch

Whole wheat sandwhich wrap w/ turkey, lettuce, muenster cheese and guacamole (approx. 220 cals!)

Dannon yogurt (less than 100 calories w/ probiotics)

Snack

No sugar jello w/ no sugar whipped topping (about 25 calories altogether)

Banana w/ peanut butter (about 2 tbs)

Dinner

Whole wheat penne pasta with vegetable marinara sauce, sauted mushrooms and ground beef

Salad w/ asian seasame dressing

Fresh asparagus  

Snack

TBA Something healthy!! :)

Surviving Halloween

I made it through one of the most sugary Holiday's of the year. I survived Halloween and only consumed 3 mini sized snickers bars! We went to Mom and Dad's house and they made various soups and stews and things. We took our little one trick-or-treating and got some exercise. We walked around the block and it was a great time to be had by all! Even though yesterDAY went good the night was hard. About 2 am I got hungry and ate a honey bunn shawn left for me. I told him to hide it, eat it or throw it away so I wouldn't be tempted but he never did. It didn't even taste that good. And I was dissappointed with how many empty calories and sugars I consumed. I have weird hours with my little one's so if I'm hungry at one or two am I dont feel bad about eating carrots or a healthy treat but I've got to avoid the junk! I've been doing way to good. I was kinda down last night anyway, not in the best state of mind to resist temptation. Anyway, hope I still managed to drop a few extra pounds. I am definitely going for a walk today and maybe even go get a pedicure. I really need a pick me up. Being a mother of two is really hard so I need to take better care of myself so I can take good care of them. Don't know what I'm going to make for dinner but here goes;

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K cereal with vanilla soymilk

Snack

Low Fat yogurt

Lunch

Salad with no sugar vinegrette dressing and feta cheese

A banana

Snack

Rice cake

Dinner

TBA Lord I don't know what I will make!!

Boo on this "Holiday"

I have been over weight a large majority of my life. I have many weakness as well as many strengths. So, it is only right that I asknowledge both sides of myself. The holidays are the biggest struggle for me. Special occassions, dinners, going out to eat, birthdays and holidays are my biggest challenges. I eat so well when I am home, alone, just me! But, when I go out temptation is much harder to over come. Last night I wanted to feel "festive". My husband and I didnt go out for Halloween because we have a new little family member which is fine, we enjoy staying home together. But, I LOVE halloween its my favorite holiday so I made hot cocoa loaded with milk and dark chocolate. I definitely did not feel great about this decision. Then tonight I found myself cuddled up on the couch with my daughter watching a shrek halloween movie and eating dark chocolate chips. I definitely associate food with Holidays and happy feelings and this is something I want to change. I didn't even think of choosing a healthier option like hot apple cider or tea and I was genuinely dissapointed in myself. And tomorrow will be even harder. I want to take my baby girl trick or treating because its her first Halloween as a big girl. But, honestly who am I going to give all the candy to? My plan is to give it to my sister and husband and not allow ANY of it in the house, maybe few suckers or chewing gum. Well, anyway just needed to get this all out! I want to overcome these obstacles and be a better me and not pass down these eating habbits and holiday traditions with my children.

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K cereal with chopped up banana's and vanilla soymilk

Snack

granola bar with peanuts

Lunch

Grilled chicken salad with cucumbers and feta cheese and ranch dressing (blech! high cal but tasted good)

Yoplait yogurt chocolate mousse

Dinner

Two bowls of Kale soup with Kale (obviously), carrots, cannelini beans, broth, chicken and turkey sausage

two peices of some kind of coffee cake! (SO ANGRY!)

Snack

1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips

Carrots & Cucumbers with hummus

I can do better tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Good News!

Today has been a great day for me! So, here goes! When I went into the hospital October 19 I weighed 299lbs. One week after giving birth I weighed 282 lbs. I got on the wii fitness board to play some games and do some fitness tests. I weighed myself, with full clothes on, and weighed 264lbs! I was so excited and I'm really hoping that was an accurate weight. I'm going to weigh again in the morning. Before weighing myself I did notice my swelling in my abdomen had gone down, my clothes were fitting a bit better and I didn't look quite so pregnant. I was really pleased with my changing appearance and glad my weight is going down. This was definitely the success I needed to motivate me to continue eating healthy. And I haven't even started exercising yet! I don't feel like I have quite so far to go and now my weight lost goal actually seems attainable. I wanted to lose 20lbs by my birthday but I'm already there. So, I've got to set another goal! I've lost 35 lbs and now I've got to lose even more!

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K cereal with strawberries and vanilla soy milk

Lunch

Salad with grilled chicked, avacado, feta cheese and light asian sesame dressing

peach drinkable yogurt

Dinner

Baked  Catfish in olive oil coated with light Italian bread crumbs, lemon juice and pepper

Asparagus with sea salt

Corn on the cob

Zero calories

Snack

Banana bread

TBA (possibly carrots or veggies w/ hummus)

Hanging in there

Today has been pretty good day! Still dying to start exercising but not trying to over do it. I want to take time to let my body heal so I can come back strong. I've eaten really well and tried some recipes I absolutely loved. Made a simple miso-style soup and a simple no sugar added, delicous home made banana ice cream. Pretty excited to be trying all the new recipes and successfully creating healthy food options. I will post both recipes! I also made a banana bread...which isn't the best choice but I did substitute some of the sugar with an extra banana and instead of using shortening I used apple sauce. It turned out okay but needless to say I'm not going to be gorging myself on it, I will probably wrap some of it up and give it away. Well, gonna post a few recipes and journal my food! A good but not that interesting day!

This one is for the Miso soup, I added mushrooms to it, YUM!

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/on-hand-ingredients-recipes/spinach-tofu-soup 

Here is the recipe for banana ice cream it ROCKED!

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/tips-techniques/stepbystep-instructions-for-oneingredient-ice-cream-097170

Oh, in case you feel a bit risque here is the banana recipe ;)

http://www.datsplat.com/egg-free-banana-bread-recipe-yummy/

Food Journal

Breakfast

Special K cereal with chopped up strawberries and vanilla soy milk

Snack

low fat blue berry yogurt

Lunch

Tofu miso soup (two bowls)

Snack

Cheddar rice cake

Dinner

Mozzarella stuffed large portabello mushrooms

Salad with no sugar vinegrette

Sm serving of home made baked apples w/ no sugar caramel syrup (it rocks! no sugar, calories and only 1 carb!) a little butter and cinnamon

Dessert

banana ice cream with small peice of banana bread

Snack

edamames with sea salt

P.S. After reading this I just realized I have eaten vegetarian all day unintentionally. The banana bread was egg-free. Pretty cool, didn't even try. I do love vegetables!

Success Tastes....DELICIOUS!

Today has been a very good day! It was rainy and cold but even though I was inside all day I didn't spend time eating everything the refridgerator! The recipes I tried yesterday were pretty delicious so I'm going to post some pics of my cullinary brillance. I'm over exagerrating but I am proud of myself for taking the effort to cook.  I love home cooked meals, especially healthy ones and it makes me so happy to do that for my family! Anyway, I read in a magazine about this woman who lost 150 lbs from fitness hula hooping. I've heard from friends about how much fun it is and apparently you can burn up tp 300 calories in 30 minutes of exercising. Here is the link if you're interested.http://www.hoopnotica.com/.

So, I've decided I'm going to set a small achievable weight loss goal that I can meet and keep going. I wanted to be able to feel success, stay motivated and keep losing. So, I'm going to lose 20 lbs by my birthday (December 14, 2011). I know I can do it and I'm excited to see how much I can accomplish.

Pics of yesterday's Recipes!

                                                  Spinach, mushroom and zucchini quiche

Italian bread crumb crusted baked talapia!

Today's Food

Breakfast

2 egg omlet with spinach, mushroom, cheese & milk

Snack

Peanut granola bar

Lunch

Healthy Choice Meal; Lobster Ravioli

Low fat strawberry banana yogurt

Dinner

Shrimp, steak and feta cheese salad with half an avacado, shredded carrots, 5 cucumbers and mushrooms with sugar free Italian white balsamic dressing

Snack

Banana w/ two tbs of peanut butter

carrots with hummus

Feeling Positive & Cooking Healthy!

Today has been a good day so far! After journaling last night I got into some chocolate and well let's just say I am not proud of myself for it! I wanted to get down about it but then I realized I'm not perfect and that it doesn't cancel out the good food I ate! Being positive will get me further than beating myself up for my mistakes! So, I started today with a good frame of mind so I couldn't be happier. I actually took the time to plan the days meals early, which is something that helps me avoid making bad food chocies. Can't wait to share my food successes. Going to try a new talapia recipe for dinner and man OH man was Brunch excellent!!! I made a delicious frittata! I will post the recipe (which I substituted butter for EVOO).

Excellent Recipe: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1826,141187-238202,00.html

Breakfast

Honey nut bunches of oats
2 cups of milk

Snack

Light vanilla yogurt

Lunch-Brunch Style

4 small slices of Mushroom, Spinach and Zucchini Frittata
1 bottle of diet Ale8

Snack

Banana w/ peanut butter

Dinner

Italian Bread crumb baked talapia
Sauted green beans w/ lite soy sauce
sm. serving of green beans

Snack

Sliced Carrots of Cucumbers with Ranch dressing

Day One! Getting Started is NEVER Easy!!

Breakfast

2 packages of Instant Grits
1 low fat cherry vanilla yogurt

Lunch

2 slices of whole wheat bread w/ 2tbs of pimento cheese
1 FUZE drink (10 calorie drink)

Dinner

1 Serving of Viola Chicken and vegetable dinner
2 cups of fresh spinach, 4 slices of cucumber, shaved carrots
2 tbs of asian sesame salad dressing
1 glass of lite cranberry juice

Snack

1 Apple slices w/ 2 tbs of peanut butter

Mission Complete!

Wednesday October 19, 2011 at 8:29 am I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy 8lb 12 oz baby boy named Gabriel Anthony! He is almost a week old now and I am enjoying motherhood mroe than anything! I am so greatful to be able to walk again without so much back pain or go to the restroom a hundred times. But, through out my pregnancy I picked up some bad eating habbits again! Like having dessert too often and indulging in rich, decadent foods! After just 6 days postpartum my body still feel really swollen and is carrying a ton of water weight! I feel discouraged by how much weight I have to lose but I know I have to start somewhere! I've lost about 10-15lbs of water and baby/placenta but I still feel like nothing fits and that my belly bulges out like I'm still a few months pregnant! I know I have a hard journey a head of me to lose the baby weight and keep going. I'm having a hard time starting to eat healthy again! It will be a  few more weeks before I can really exercise again but I cann start walking soon. I know I have to start somewhere so TODAY was the day. I didn't eat perfectly good choice BUT I feel so proud of myself for getting started. I broke down and cried looking for something to wear and after trying on everything and everything looking awful I guess I felt mroe determined than even to lose the weight. I am going to be Blogging my food choices and exercise regime. I would appreciate feedback and support so thanks for hanging in there with me!