Had a little moment today that I wanted to share. I had a minor surgery today and when I was filling out some of the paperwork, I came across the BMI chart. Not sure why they want to know, but you are supposed to find your height and weight and circle your BMI.
I found the closest ones to my stats (I am kinda in-between) and found that I have dropped a whole column on the chart from the last time I saw one of these charts. (A few months ago) It was so nice to be in the middle of the "normal" section.
Such a small thing, but a great feeling regardless!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Jillian Michael's - 30 Day Shred
Last week I won an exercise DVD off of a blog called It's A Lifelong Journey. I'd heard about this particular workout video from other bloggers and was super excited to give it a try. It is called Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred.
So Saturday morning I popped it into my DVD player and gave it a try. "Try" being the operative word here. Honestly, it kicked my butt. It was only 20 minutes and for someone who (delusionally) thinks of them self as reasonably in shape, I realized the harsh truth.
To break it down:
There are three 20 minute workouts on the video. Level 1, 2 and 3. I did Level 1. Following a short warm-up, the workout is split up into interval training. 2 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, followed by 1 Minute of Abs. This process is repeated 3 times with different exercises. Then you have a brief stretching period to cool down.
For those of you who want details, you do pushups, jumping jacks, jump rope (without the rope), lunges, squats, crunches, and many other forms of torture. No resting for the weary, either. She says, "No Rest! If you want your body to change, you have to ...!" So I have done it twice and both times I thought I was going to pass out. I was supposed to do it this morning too but that is another blog post....
Right now on Amazon this video is pretty cheap. For a workout that really works you out in 20 minutes (everyone has time for that) it's a great deal. (I've linked to Amazon at the top of this post)
So Saturday morning I popped it into my DVD player and gave it a try. "Try" being the operative word here. Honestly, it kicked my butt. It was only 20 minutes and for someone who (delusionally) thinks of them self as reasonably in shape, I realized the harsh truth.
To break it down:
There are three 20 minute workouts on the video. Level 1, 2 and 3. I did Level 1. Following a short warm-up, the workout is split up into interval training. 2 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, followed by 1 Minute of Abs. This process is repeated 3 times with different exercises. Then you have a brief stretching period to cool down.
For those of you who want details, you do pushups, jumping jacks, jump rope (without the rope), lunges, squats, crunches, and many other forms of torture. No resting for the weary, either. She says, "No Rest! If you want your body to change, you have to ...!" So I have done it twice and both times I thought I was going to pass out. I was supposed to do it this morning too but that is another blog post....
Right now on Amazon this video is pretty cheap. For a workout that really works you out in 20 minutes (everyone has time for that) it's a great deal. (I've linked to Amazon at the top of this post)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Really Good Light Ranch Dressing
Tonight I made baked "fried" zucchini,
which I got from Gina's Weight Watcher Recipe Blog. It definitely needed ranch to dip it in. I am not a fan of reduced fat ranch dressing from the store, so here is a great recipe:
Makes 16 Servings/2T each Serving/.5pts ea.
26 calories/1.5g fat ea.
Ranch Salad Dressing/Seasoning mix, 1/2 pkg.
1 1/2 C. Reduced Fat Buttermilk
4 T Light Mayo
4 T Light Sour Cream
Whisk all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
which I got from Gina's Weight Watcher Recipe Blog. It definitely needed ranch to dip it in. I am not a fan of reduced fat ranch dressing from the store, so here is a great recipe:
Makes 16 Servings/2T each Serving/.5pts ea.
26 calories/1.5g fat ea.
Ranch Salad Dressing/Seasoning mix, 1/2 pkg.
1 1/2 C. Reduced Fat Buttermilk
4 T Light Mayo
4 T Light Sour Cream
Whisk all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Progress Photos
Every weight loss blog needs progress photos (in my opinion) and I have been a slacker. I looked in my photo archives to find the "befores," so they don't show me as well as the last ones.
Oct 2006:
Highest Weight (besides during/right after pregnancy)
160lbs (ish)
6 months post baby
Did Weight Watchers while I nursed and got down to 136 lbs in June 2007. (The weight stayed on until I stopped nursing. Wasn't one of the lucky ones!)
Stayed around 140 (+/- 5 lbs) till Aug. 2008 and started the blog:
In Progress:
Sat. Feb 21, 2009
127.4 lbs
Oct 2006:
Highest Weight (besides during/right after pregnancy)
160lbs (ish)
6 months post baby
Did Weight Watchers while I nursed and got down to 136 lbs in June 2007. (The weight stayed on until I stopped nursing. Wasn't one of the lucky ones!)Stayed around 140 (+/- 5 lbs) till Aug. 2008 and started the blog:
In Progress:
Sat. Feb 21, 2009
127.4 lbs
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Give Away: Swissmar Borner V-Slicer Plus Mandoline
I am so excited. I have something AWESOME to give away. The great people at Swissmar have agreed to give away a mandoline slicer to one of my blog readers.
Let me tell you about this mandoline. I got mine a couple of months ago on Amazon as a birthday present for myself. It got great reviews. I LOVE IT! I use it almost every time I cook. It is great for slicing and dicing almost every kind of vegetable and works on many fruits as well. It takes all the work out of making beautiful salads and veggie medleys. For those of us who are trying to eat more vegetables, it is an essential item to have. After getting my mandoline, my chopper (that I used to use to chop onions) has been retired. And I use my food processor way less, too. This is just so fast and easy, and the clean-up is nothing.
Here is what the mandoline looks like:
Here are some of the cuts it makes:
Here is a video (bear with me, it is my first one!) demonstrating how easy it is to use:
Here are the contest details:
The contest will run through Monday, Feb. 23. No entries will be accepted after 12pm. I will announce the winner on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
For 1 entry: Leave a comment with your name, email address, and blog address if you have one.
For 1 entry: Write a post on your own blog/website with a link to this contest, and leave me a comment telling me what you did.
For 1 entry: Subscribe to my RSS feed, or let me know you are a subscriber already. Leave me a comment letting me know.
Each person can have a maximum of 3 entries.
This contest is open to U.S. residents only, for shipping purposes.
Let me tell you about this mandoline. I got mine a couple of months ago on Amazon as a birthday present for myself. It got great reviews. I LOVE IT! I use it almost every time I cook. It is great for slicing and dicing almost every kind of vegetable and works on many fruits as well. It takes all the work out of making beautiful salads and veggie medleys. For those of us who are trying to eat more vegetables, it is an essential item to have. After getting my mandoline, my chopper (that I used to use to chop onions) has been retired. And I use my food processor way less, too. This is just so fast and easy, and the clean-up is nothing.
Here is what the mandoline looks like:
Here are some of the cuts it makes:
Here is a video (bear with me, it is my first one!) demonstrating how easy it is to use:
Here are the contest details:
The contest will run through Monday, Feb. 23. No entries will be accepted after 12pm. I will announce the winner on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
For 1 entry: Leave a comment with your name, email address, and blog address if you have one.
For 1 entry: Write a post on your own blog/website with a link to this contest, and leave me a comment telling me what you did.
For 1 entry: Subscribe to my RSS feed, or let me know you are a subscriber already. Leave me a comment letting me know.
Each person can have a maximum of 3 entries.
This contest is open to U.S. residents only, for shipping purposes.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Rut Follow Up
First I want to say thank you for all the supportive comments I got after my last post. Thanks so much!
So now that I am not in the moment (the one where I was sick from eating too much) I can see things a little bit more rationally.
Bottom line, weekends are going to happen. Yes, I want to lose weight. But more importantly, I am trying to live a sustainable healthy lifestyle. To me, losing the weight quickly is not as important as living my life in a way that is possible for the long term. I am going to have to learn how to deal with weekends. They aren't going away. I am going to have to figure out a way to make things work. Maybe extra exercise. Maybe small portions of the things I want to eat. Make trade-offs.
What are some ideas that have worked for you when it comes to weekends?
So now that I am not in the moment (the one where I was sick from eating too much) I can see things a little bit more rationally.
Bottom line, weekends are going to happen. Yes, I want to lose weight. But more importantly, I am trying to live a sustainable healthy lifestyle. To me, losing the weight quickly is not as important as living my life in a way that is possible for the long term. I am going to have to learn how to deal with weekends. They aren't going away. I am going to have to figure out a way to make things work. Maybe extra exercise. Maybe small portions of the things I want to eat. Make trade-offs.
What are some ideas that have worked for you when it comes to weekends?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Rut:Part 2
OK. I am having major problems with weekends. Sundays actually. They are killing me.
Saturdays are my flex point days. I am lax on one meal and have a treat. Sunday I am SUPPOSED to be back on track. But my friends and/or husband likes to plan meal get-togethers on Sunday nights. A fun night with friends, little ones running all over the place, and lots of food.
Tonight was no exception. We were invited and asked to bring my peach cobbler. Let me tell you about this peach cobbler. This is my grandma's recipe, who is from the south. I used a whole cube of butter in each pan, and that is half of what the recipe originally calls for! It is so yummy. Can I ever resist that stuff? NOT AT ALL!
(This is why I rarely make it)
So not only did I have two helpings of the peach cobbler, I ate a plate full of dinner, quite a bit of chips and guacamole, vanilla ice cream and a brownie!
As I write this, I am scaring myself. I seriously binged tonight. And I didn't exercise today like I had planned.
Who am I to write about Skinny Habits? More like BAD HABITS.
OK. Moving on.
Now that this is done and can't be reversed, I need to make a plan. I am going to exercise like crazy this coming week. Stay on track with my eating.
No excuses. I can do this.
Saturdays are my flex point days. I am lax on one meal and have a treat. Sunday I am SUPPOSED to be back on track. But my friends and/or husband likes to plan meal get-togethers on Sunday nights. A fun night with friends, little ones running all over the place, and lots of food.
Tonight was no exception. We were invited and asked to bring my peach cobbler. Let me tell you about this peach cobbler. This is my grandma's recipe, who is from the south. I used a whole cube of butter in each pan, and that is half of what the recipe originally calls for! It is so yummy. Can I ever resist that stuff? NOT AT ALL!
(This is why I rarely make it)
So not only did I have two helpings of the peach cobbler, I ate a plate full of dinner, quite a bit of chips and guacamole, vanilla ice cream and a brownie!
As I write this, I am scaring myself. I seriously binged tonight. And I didn't exercise today like I had planned.
Who am I to write about Skinny Habits? More like BAD HABITS.
OK. Moving on.
Now that this is done and can't be reversed, I need to make a plan. I am going to exercise like crazy this coming week. Stay on track with my eating.
No excuses. I can do this.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Win Jillian MIchaels 30 Day Shred Workout DVD
I have heard great things about Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Workout DVD. Click here to win one!
Rut
I have been in a huge rut the last few days. It started with a gain on Saturday. Not a huge one, but a gain regardless. Used my flex points for the day, so ate a few treats.
Then Sunday, went to a goodbye party for some friends of ours that are leaving town, and ate reasonably until I tasted the coconut cupcakes. I tried to stick with one but ended up eating 2. That started a downward slide for the rest of the day, and for the life of me I just couldn't rebound back.
Monday, the plan was to get up early, exercise and eat right. Instead, woke up with horrible cramps and could barely get out of bed at all. No exercise and no counting points.
Tuesday, still had cramps, so no exercise. Ate ok until after dinner. I was hosting a baby shower at my house and they had a chocolate fountain. Still, I thought I would do ok. Filled up my plate with mostly fruit, and one little rice krispy treat. Lightly drizzled chocolate on everything. That would have been ok, until I went back and got 2 more rice krispy treats. Then I ate a candy bar (that I won at a game) after everyone left.
Today I think I have somewhat gotten myself together. I woke up, exercised, and ate ok today. Even though I am (trying to be) back on track, I still feel like I am in a rut. I had all these plans for the blog, with new ideas for posts, and have done nothing. Other projects in my life are on hold too, while I try to pull myself together.
Anyone else have these kinds of weeks? When you cry for stupid reasons? Where its only Wednesday and it feels like Friday?
Then Sunday, went to a goodbye party for some friends of ours that are leaving town, and ate reasonably until I tasted the coconut cupcakes. I tried to stick with one but ended up eating 2. That started a downward slide for the rest of the day, and for the life of me I just couldn't rebound back.
Monday, the plan was to get up early, exercise and eat right. Instead, woke up with horrible cramps and could barely get out of bed at all. No exercise and no counting points.
Tuesday, still had cramps, so no exercise. Ate ok until after dinner. I was hosting a baby shower at my house and they had a chocolate fountain. Still, I thought I would do ok. Filled up my plate with mostly fruit, and one little rice krispy treat. Lightly drizzled chocolate on everything. That would have been ok, until I went back and got 2 more rice krispy treats. Then I ate a candy bar (that I won at a game) after everyone left.
Today I think I have somewhat gotten myself together. I woke up, exercised, and ate ok today. Even though I am (trying to be) back on track, I still feel like I am in a rut. I had all these plans for the blog, with new ideas for posts, and have done nothing. Other projects in my life are on hold too, while I try to pull myself together.
Anyone else have these kinds of weeks? When you cry for stupid reasons? Where its only Wednesday and it feels like Friday?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cuties Winners
Congratulations to the following people. They will receive a 5 lb box of Cuties California Mandarins sometime this week!
Michelle in OH
Carolyn in NC
Jessica in IL
Jean in NE
Melanie in CA
Thanks for all your participation!
Michelle in OH
Carolyn in NC
Jessica in IL
Jean in NE
Melanie in CA
Thanks for all your participation!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Blog Post Spotlight: For My Daughter
I have decided to try to spotlight a few amazing blog posts each month. As I read all of the blogs that I follow, I like to take note of the ones that really make me think about my own life. This week, I read a great post on Wii Fit Mommies about one woman's quest. Here it is in her own words:
"I want to raise my daughter in a home where weight is NOT an issue. Where it is commonplace to participate in physical activity after dinner. I want her to not even think twice about her weight. That will happen first and foremost by me taking charge of my own life and refusing to be ashamed of how I look, of what I weigh."
In this day and age, there is sooo much emphasis on the way women and even young girls look. I have heard even the littlest girls talk about how they don't want to be fat. I, as a mother, see it as my responsibility to raise my daughter (and any other future kids) healthy. Not only physically healthy, but emotionally healthy. Like Jenn, who wrote the post, I don' t want weight to be an issue in my family either. I want my children to see my example of living a healthy life. I want my children to see that eating healthy, exercise and a positive self-image (which I am trying to improve upon) is a normal part of life.
This is my own quest, and a work in progress. I am really glad I am learning these lessons now, when my daughter is only 2 1/2. Hopefully by the time she is old enough to think about these things, the habits I am trying to form now will be really set in place.
"I want to raise my daughter in a home where weight is NOT an issue. Where it is commonplace to participate in physical activity after dinner. I want her to not even think twice about her weight. That will happen first and foremost by me taking charge of my own life and refusing to be ashamed of how I look, of what I weigh."
In this day and age, there is sooo much emphasis on the way women and even young girls look. I have heard even the littlest girls talk about how they don't want to be fat. I, as a mother, see it as my responsibility to raise my daughter (and any other future kids) healthy. Not only physically healthy, but emotionally healthy. Like Jenn, who wrote the post, I don' t want weight to be an issue in my family either. I want my children to see my example of living a healthy life. I want my children to see that eating healthy, exercise and a positive self-image (which I am trying to improve upon) is a normal part of life.
This is my own quest, and a work in progress. I am really glad I am learning these lessons now, when my daughter is only 2 1/2. Hopefully by the time she is old enough to think about these things, the habits I am trying to form now will be really set in place.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Kettle Baked Potato Chips- Salt and Vinegar
One of my weaknesses is Salt and Vinegar potato chips. They are my favorite potato chips of all time. I could eat and eat until my mouth was sore. Up until recently, they have been on my banned food list.
Now Kettle brand has come out with a baked version that tastes amazing. They taste like potato chips, only less greasy, and the flavor is just right. 2 WW points per oz, and when you weigh it out, it is quite a decent portion. I found mine at Whole Foods, but I need to find a closer place to buy, as the Whole Foods is kind of far from me.
If you are fan of Salt and Vinegar chips, you have got to try these!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Creamy Blended Mushroom Soup
So I used the Cream of Zucchini soup as my inspiration, and made a mushroom version. With mushrooms, most people either love them or hate them. I love them. There is a little French restaurant that I have gone to occasionally that makes the best mushroom soup. My version (to me at least) tastes just as great! (With a lot less fat I am sure. The only thing mine doesn't have is the crusty french bread to go along with it!)
I made this on Monday, and ate a bowl with lunch several times this week. It was great.
So if you are a mushroom fan, keep reading. If not, this post is not for you.
2 pts/Cup
2 T butter
2 C chopped onion
1/2 C brown rice
8 C chicken broth
1 1/2 lbs mushrooms (I used 2 portabello and the rest-white button)
1/2 C light sour cream
In a large pot on medium heat, melt butter. Add the onions and rice and saute till onions are golden and soft. Add 4 C broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to med low, and stir frequently until rice is soft, about 30 min. Meanwhile, finely chop the mushrooms, (I used a food processor). When rice is cooked, add 2 more C of broth, and the mushrooms. Raise the heat back up to medium. Cook until mushrooms are soft. Using an immersion blender, blend until desired consistancy, adding the additional 2 C broth once it is blended. (Or you could take out of the pot and use a blender) Heat till hot, and turn off the stove. At the end, add the sour cream and stir till incorporated.
By the way, I did not take a picture. It is just brown soup.
I made this on Monday, and ate a bowl with lunch several times this week. It was great.
So if you are a mushroom fan, keep reading. If not, this post is not for you.
2 pts/Cup
2 T butter
2 C chopped onion
1/2 C brown rice
8 C chicken broth
1 1/2 lbs mushrooms (I used 2 portabello and the rest-white button)
1/2 C light sour cream
In a large pot on medium heat, melt butter. Add the onions and rice and saute till onions are golden and soft. Add 4 C broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to med low, and stir frequently until rice is soft, about 30 min. Meanwhile, finely chop the mushrooms, (I used a food processor). When rice is cooked, add 2 more C of broth, and the mushrooms. Raise the heat back up to medium. Cook until mushrooms are soft. Using an immersion blender, blend until desired consistancy, adding the additional 2 C broth once it is blended. (Or you could take out of the pot and use a blender) Heat till hot, and turn off the stove. At the end, add the sour cream and stir till incorporated.
By the way, I did not take a picture. It is just brown soup.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hungry
I don't know what is going on with me but the past couple of days I have just been so hungry. It seems like nothing fills me up. I am not eating any different than any other weeks, so I don't know what is going on. It is frustrating.
Last night I caved in to a McDonald's ice cream sundae. The day before I just could not stop eating and snacked on all kinds of stuff. Today it is somewhat under control, but the evening has just begun.
Funny how this happens, and other weeks aren't so hard at all. I just have to keep telling myself that this is life, and that it will all come out in the wash.
I have also been trying to drink more water this week. My lips are chapped and my skin is so dry it is crazy. I am not a water drinker by nature; I don't really like it. So this is a new goal of mine, to try to sip water all day. I didn't do so well today, as I woke up not feeling good and didn't exercise. Exercise gets me started early with the water drinking and it is easier to refill the cup and keep it going all day.
My cold from last week turned into a Sinus Infection, and I am taking antibiotics to hopefully get rid of it. I can't wait until it is gone and my energy is back. Maybe its the drugs that are making me hungry.... :)
Last night I caved in to a McDonald's ice cream sundae. The day before I just could not stop eating and snacked on all kinds of stuff. Today it is somewhat under control, but the evening has just begun.
Funny how this happens, and other weeks aren't so hard at all. I just have to keep telling myself that this is life, and that it will all come out in the wash.
I have also been trying to drink more water this week. My lips are chapped and my skin is so dry it is crazy. I am not a water drinker by nature; I don't really like it. So this is a new goal of mine, to try to sip water all day. I didn't do so well today, as I woke up not feeling good and didn't exercise. Exercise gets me started early with the water drinking and it is easier to refill the cup and keep it going all day.
My cold from last week turned into a Sinus Infection, and I am taking antibiotics to hopefully get rid of it. I can't wait until it is gone and my energy is back. Maybe its the drugs that are making me hungry.... :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Fun Valentines Day Giveaway: Cuties California Mandarins
This Valentines Day, send your child to school with a fun, unique Valentine! The folks at Cuties have donated 5 boxes (5 lbs each) of special Valentines Cuties to lucky blog readers!
These special Valentine Cuties are bite sized, easy-to-peel, and super sweet mandarin oranges that make the perfect classroom treat. They are a great healthy alternative to candy. Each one has a special Valentines Day sticker on it, with sayings such as, "Kiss a Cutie," "U R A Cutie," "Sweet Cutie," and "Valentine Cutie." Kids love the removable stickers.
To win one of these boxes, here are the guidelines:
1. For One Entry, write a post about the giveaway on your blog or website, and leave a comment below with the link.
2. For One Entry, subscribe to my blog RSS feed, and leave a comment telling me you did so. If you are already a subscriber, just write a comment telling me and that counts as an entry also.
This contest is open until Midnight this coming Friday (the 13th...). The winners will be announced over the weekend. This contest is for U.S. residents only, for shipping purposes.
Thanks for playing!
These special Valentine Cuties are bite sized, easy-to-peel, and super sweet mandarin oranges that make the perfect classroom treat. They are a great healthy alternative to candy. Each one has a special Valentines Day sticker on it, with sayings such as, "Kiss a Cutie," "U R A Cutie," "Sweet Cutie," and "Valentine Cutie." Kids love the removable stickers.
To win one of these boxes, here are the guidelines:
1. For One Entry, write a post about the giveaway on your blog or website, and leave a comment below with the link.
2. For One Entry, subscribe to my blog RSS feed, and leave a comment telling me you did so. If you are already a subscriber, just write a comment telling me and that counts as an entry also.
This contest is open until Midnight this coming Friday (the 13th...). The winners will be announced over the weekend. This contest is for U.S. residents only, for shipping purposes.
Thanks for playing!