Top 10
This week has been a crazy week! We are getting so busy around here and unfortunately it's only going to get worse! Ahhhhhh...7 weeks and then me and my man will be on our way to pinacoladaville!:)...In the mean time....Here's my list of favorite's for this week!
#10- Chia Seeds..Omega 3's and 6's, high in protein, boosts metabolism by slowing rate by which carbs turn to sugar. Great in oats or smoothies!
#9- agave nectar.. What would I do with out this all natural sweetener?
#8- Steel cut oats..So much better than regular oats! I love the texture and my kids love them too!
#7- Almond Milk..less than half the calories of regular milk and tastes great too!
#6- Bananas...can I just say how much I love these yellow crescents of love? PB and banana..my favorite new additions to oatmeal! sooooo good!
#5- Roasted Brussel Sprouts...so great and totally in season!
#4- Roasted Fennel...Seriously..how can you go wrong?..They turn totally sweet and yummy!
#3- Salmon..so good. easy to prepare...just grill or pop in the oven covered for 15-20 minutes..so good.
#2- Coconut water...OK I'm noticing this stuff everywhere..I grew up drinking it and now I find out it's totally good for you! It's so much better than a sports drink!
and...dun..duh..duh..dun...
#1...Barney Butter almond butter...OK, this stuff is good..no great! I love it with bananas in my oatmeal! I crave the combo..it's that good!
Hope you get to try these soon!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Day 42!
cottage cheese and banana
Man...I am soooo slackin! I have been so busy having fun with my sis that I've been slacking on the blog front!
Updates: I am moving into my second phase of my no sugar plan:) It has been 42 days and I have enough will power to limit myself...I think:)! My friend M gave me a great tip she saw on Dr. Oz the other day. I will rate my sweet treat on a scale of 1-10 and if it is a #10 to me...then I will allow myself an appropriate serving. The size will depend on 1. how my eating went that day and 2. calories. For instance, my fav. frozen yogi treat has a base of 90 calories + strawberries + mini dark choc. chips + almonds (yum!). This would be a great choice for a treat and I don't have to feel guilty about it. Brownies or cake or cookies on the other hand....sigh..I don't know if we're ready for that yet!
the Goods:
My eating has gone really well even though my sis has been here (and she's preggo!) I have been doing great except my cut off time has been later than usual. I definitely noticed a difference though and didn't like the bloated feeling I had going to bed. Last night I cut off at 7 and I definitely felt so much better. AAAAHHHHH! Peer pressure!!
Here's what's been on the menu lately:
sliced kiwi
cottage cheese w/ agave drizzle
cottage cheese w/ agave drizzle
cottage cheese and banana
Amy's w/ Avocado...sooooo yummy!
Quick dinner: Tuna w/ plain yogurt and lemon+ veggies and fruit + spoonful of lite ranch
Roasted chicken and brussel sprouts!!! soooo good!
I also had the most amazing oats yesterday!!!
1/2 c. oats
1 banana
flax
chia seeds
1 tsp turbinado
2 scoops barney butter
Sorry no pics but sooooooo delicious! It was yummy and the best part was it held me over most of the day!
Goals for tomorrow:
Eat breakfast
stick to cut off
excercise (shred)
bed by 11
See ya after dinner!...mmmmmm...I made chili again w/ pork and it smells cahrazy good!:)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 37... 
Grilled Mahi from last night+ veggies
It has now been a month and a full week and I feel fantastic! I can't even tell you how much better I feel. I feel healthier and stronger every day! For the last 5 years while trying to figure out my hyperthyroidism and then grave's disease, I have felt power less and very much a victim. I know we all have our trials and I just felt like " well, there's nothing I can do so what's the point in even trying?" For the first time in a long time, I feel like me again. I took my power back from my disease and it feels great! I was so tired of all the "adjusting" and "readjusting" of my medication every time I went to the Dr. Every time they'd change it, it would make me very dizzy and it was difficult to function (Not so great when you have 5 kiddos). It would take several weeks for my body to adjust to the dosage and then they'd take my labs again and then tweak the dosage again! It never seemed to level out!
So, I had it! When 2010 rolled around I was done! I no longer wanted to hand over my life to some know it all in a white coat! I read an amazing book by Michael Pollan called Food Rules: An Eater's Manual. In it, he talks about where our food comes from and made a great point that really struck me. He said in today's world, people spend less money on food (the cheaper, the better) and consequently spend more money in health care (Dr's trips, over the counter meds, etc.). Where as our grandmother's generation spent more money on food and very little on health care. This was sooooo what was happening in my household! We have been sick so much this past year! I have gotten one thing after another! It totally made sense to me and that was enough for me. I thought to myself was that double cheeseburger worth all the agony I've dealt with? Not even close. Sure, I got momentary satisfaction but it definitely wasn't worth all those trips back and forth to the Dr. and all those fainting spells and the every day migraines! The very next day I went on this plan and I have really felt amazing.
I think you have to listen to your body and really find what works for you. I can tell you that at the end of last year when I turned 33, I felt more like my body was 43 and my heart and soul 23! I hated that my inside and outside didn't match and not only that but they we're so far apart! That's a 20 year difference! I really feel like I'm on my way back now. My goals are not really about a number anymore. Although I have lost a lot (14lbs!), feeling better has made all the sacrifice so worth it!
OK, whew! LONG post sorry!
B- Veggie Scramble + chicken sausage
L-Banana and PB smoothie w/ chia seeds and flax
D-Supper Club- Stuffed Shells and Caesar (sorry forgot my camera!)
Grilled Mahi from last night+ veggies
+ my favorite fruit salad w/ cottage cheese and a drizzle of raw honey!
Yesterday was a good day. I made a hearty egg scramble loaded w/ veggies and tried some of the organic apple and cheddar chicken sausage I got from Whole Foods last week. I wasn't the biggest fan but it might be because I haven't really liked a ton of meat lately. When I started this new healthy life plan, I wanted to change a few things in my daily diet to help me just feel better.
1. Cut sugar from my diet for a couple months
2. Cut off my eating after 8pm
3. Portion control and eat until I am no longer hungry
4. Eat less meat and more fruit and veggies
5. Get more sleep (should really be #1)
6. Exercise (should be #2)
It has now been a month and a full week and I feel fantastic! I can't even tell you how much better I feel. I feel healthier and stronger every day! For the last 5 years while trying to figure out my hyperthyroidism and then grave's disease, I have felt power less and very much a victim. I know we all have our trials and I just felt like " well, there's nothing I can do so what's the point in even trying?" For the first time in a long time, I feel like me again. I took my power back from my disease and it feels great! I was so tired of all the "adjusting" and "readjusting" of my medication every time I went to the Dr. Every time they'd change it, it would make me very dizzy and it was difficult to function (Not so great when you have 5 kiddos). It would take several weeks for my body to adjust to the dosage and then they'd take my labs again and then tweak the dosage again! It never seemed to level out!
So, I had it! When 2010 rolled around I was done! I no longer wanted to hand over my life to some know it all in a white coat! I read an amazing book by Michael Pollan called Food Rules: An Eater's Manual. In it, he talks about where our food comes from and made a great point that really struck me. He said in today's world, people spend less money on food (the cheaper, the better) and consequently spend more money in health care (Dr's trips, over the counter meds, etc.). Where as our grandmother's generation spent more money on food and very little on health care. This was sooooo what was happening in my household! We have been sick so much this past year! I have gotten one thing after another! It totally made sense to me and that was enough for me. I thought to myself was that double cheeseburger worth all the agony I've dealt with? Not even close. Sure, I got momentary satisfaction but it definitely wasn't worth all those trips back and forth to the Dr. and all those fainting spells and the every day migraines! The very next day I went on this plan and I have really felt amazing.
I think you have to listen to your body and really find what works for you. I can tell you that at the end of last year when I turned 33, I felt more like my body was 43 and my heart and soul 23! I hated that my inside and outside didn't match and not only that but they we're so far apart! That's a 20 year difference! I really feel like I'm on my way back now. My goals are not really about a number anymore. Although I have lost a lot (14lbs!), feeling better has made all the sacrifice so worth it!
OK, whew! LONG post sorry!
Day 37..
the Goods:
B- Veggie Scramble + chicken sausage
L-Banana and PB smoothie w/ chia seeds and flax
OK, I'm not usually a huge smoothie fan but I wanted to make little man a healthy snack after he got home from school and wanted to see if he'd notice the chia and flax...He didn't! He loved the smoothie and so did my other monkeys when they got home! The kids have been amazing!
D-Supper Club- Stuffed Shells and Caesar (sorry forgot my camera!)
Today we have a busy day full of soccer, rugby games, moving my sis in, family time and I'm even squeezing in a date w/ the hubbs! Happy Saturday!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Days 34-36...I've had a busy week! My sis got here from Bootah!!! I'm so excited to have them here! Anyway, I haven't had time for blogging so here's a bit of what I've been up to and what's been on the menu!
A trip to my favorite farmer's market! Yummy veggies and fruit for the week!
My favorite sammie on a sandwich thin w/ chicken and egg + carrots and lite ranch dip 
egg omelet w/ sriracha and yogi parfait
Roasted Turkey breast w/ steamed broccoli and lemon...delicious!
A trip to my favorite farmer's market! Yummy veggies and fruit for the week!
Baked chicken w/ veggies + fresh fruit and sriracha sauce..yum!
My favorite sammie on a sandwich thin w/ chicken and egg + carrots and lite ranch dip
egg omelet w/ sriracha and yogi parfait
Roasted Turkey breast w/ steamed broccoli and lemon...delicious!
I L.O.V.E. love lara bars! I was so excited to see this one..Can't wait to try it!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 33...Today was a good day. I woke up so sore from "the shred" yesterday that I skipped pilates this morning (seriously...pathetic) but I'm going to do some yoga tonight! I had a going away lunch to go to at noon but decided to eat my lunch before to be safe! Last night D came home w/ crab legs at 8pm so I ended up busting my cut off time so I really needed to stick to the plan today! Good thing because A had a yummy spread of goodies laid out! Everything looked so good! THere was so much food and.... the treats! How I mustered the strength to resist...one thing...cruisin 2010!!!! Plus w/ my body still hurting from yesterday, I was not about to blow it!
I did bring some home for the fam though (I know crazy right?)...so far so good:). This morning I put in the turkey meat loaf I prepped last night. The family loved it!!! Little D was suprised to learn I put apples in it. I am finding my kids are actually adapting to our healthier eating life style so well! D?...not so much. He loves to eat well but I think he's really missing the fried stuff! He does so great on the fitness end. He's very active and plays some sort of sport 3-4 times a week. What he struggles with is his diet. He loves chips, burgers, fried chicken, and homemade desserts..oh and SODA!!!! I on the other hand, eat pretty healthy (other than my love for treats) but what I really struggle with is exercise. If only we could combine the two of into one! We'd be the perfect healthy person!
Anyway, the fam loved the meat loaf and J and M (my pickiest eaters) even finished off their dinner! Yay! I was nervous because J doesn't like "mixed up" food (food that is mixed w/ anything resembling a veggie, fruit or nut), but he loved it!...OK maybe not "loved" but finished it none the less.
I feel healthier and strong. Since beginning my "plan" on Jan. 14, I have had a total of 3 headaches! Amazing. I feel better all the way around. I am so happy with the changes I've made in my family's diet. We are going through so much produce! We really always ate lots of fruit and veggies, but I love that their tummy's are being filled with good, nutrient filled whole foods! Awesome. The last time we ate out as a family was when we were at Great Wolf Lodge! That was in January! Awesome.
I did bring some home for the fam though (I know crazy right?)...so far so good:). This morning I put in the turkey meat loaf I prepped last night. The family loved it!!! Little D was suprised to learn I put apples in it. I am finding my kids are actually adapting to our healthier eating life style so well! D?...not so much. He loves to eat well but I think he's really missing the fried stuff! He does so great on the fitness end. He's very active and plays some sort of sport 3-4 times a week. What he struggles with is his diet. He loves chips, burgers, fried chicken, and homemade desserts..oh and SODA!!!! I on the other hand, eat pretty healthy (other than my love for treats) but what I really struggle with is exercise. If only we could combine the two of into one! We'd be the perfect healthy person!
Anyway, the fam loved the meat loaf and J and M (my pickiest eaters) even finished off their dinner! Yay! I was nervous because J doesn't like "mixed up" food (food that is mixed w/ anything resembling a veggie, fruit or nut), but he loved it!...OK maybe not "loved" but finished it none the less.
I feel healthier and strong. Since beginning my "plan" on Jan. 14, I have had a total of 3 headaches! Amazing. I feel better all the way around. I am so happy with the changes I've made in my family's diet. We are going through so much produce! We really always ate lots of fruit and veggies, but I love that their tummy's are being filled with good, nutrient filled whole foods! Awesome. The last time we ate out as a family was when we were at Great Wolf Lodge! That was in January! Awesome.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 32!!!
Happy Day 32!!!
Today I started the day out right w/ a good workout!!!! It was hard but Jillian wouldn't let me give up!! I am sore but I feel good and had more energy today even though I'm sleep deprived!
After my workout I did some domestic goddess stuff and then went to a belated Valentine's day party for little man. He ran up to me when I walked in and I was glad that even though I didn't get to shower..(gross) I made the right choice by going. P.S. I was totally about to shower but I decided the baby stank more (debatable once I got to the school) so he got one instead!
When I got home, I made myself a yummy lunch...
Egg salad and turkey on sand. thin w/ grainy mustard + veggies and 1 tbsp. lite ranch dip
Veggie Blend..Peppers, crimini mushrooms, and spinach
Fresh fruit salad of strawberries, bananas and grapes...woahhhh...tons of food!
My eyes were bigger than my tummy! I ended up w/ most of the fruit and some of the veggie blend left over!
I am addicted to sandwich thins! They are so yummy toasted! I crave this every day!!! I think I'm gonna have a veggie burger on one for dinner! I did feel like I needed a snack around the time I had to get the boys so I grabbed one of my trusty lara bars. First time trying this flavor! Soooooo yum! I love the chocolate coconut one also!
4pm snack: coconut cream pie lara bar + sleepytime!
See ya at dinner!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
I awoke this morning w/ a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a sweet card from my valentine and then we showered our other mini valentine's with their gifts. When we were expecting our first baby I convinced D to exchange our V Day gifts at midnight...He gave me mine (I can't even remember what is was because I was so nervous to give him his!) and I gave him a bag that had baby stuff all over it. He didn't even notice the bag and dug straight in! First he pulled out a baby bottle and gave me a funny look, then he pulled out a rattle and his eyes got real big..and when he pulled out the pregnancy test he jumped up and grabbed me and screamed! It was the cutest and best moment. He had the biggest smile on his face and couldn't stop kissing my belly..Later he had an idea...He would get me and our daughter's valentine presents and I would be in charge of him and our boys. Sounded fair...I came from a family of 3 girls and 1 boy and he had 4 girls and 3 boys in their house. Boy did I get set up! Who would have thought we'd end up with 1 girl and 4 boys!!
With 4 boys and D to buy for I feel like the boys always get a little cheated! Every year, D comes in w/ some great gift for K and my poor boys get a few little "trinkets" usually from the dollar rack at the "red" store as J calls it. This year was no different. K opened her bag to find a snazzy new watch and the boys got.....stationary. sigh. Instantly I felt bad but then I looked up and little D was so excited " It's got our names on it!" He was so excited to have his very own personalized stationary...J (6 yr old)...not so much "Why do I get cards and K gets a watch?!" :(...You can't win them all...next year I'll have to step it up I guess.
What did you give your valentines?..
After sushi, we decided to go get frozen yogurt...YES, I broke the no sugar for Red Mango!!! I didn't feel bad though, I shared my favorite combo w/ D and it was so worth it! I can't believe I could eat one all by myself usually. I let myself have that for that one day. It was day 31 of my no sugar plan and I'm proud of myself. I decided to let myself indulge and get right back on today. So today is technically my 31st day w/ no sugar since I did have the yogi yesterday.
My original plan was to go cold turkey..no sugar for a month or so and then let myself have 1 treat a week. I think what I'm going to do now is continue with the no sugar until the month before the cruise and then 1 treat a week...I don't want to go from no sugar to total free for all because I don't want to end up going crazy on the cruise. I do want to continue with my weight loss after the cruise:)! That's the plan for now.
My valentine's feast: Leftover chili + 2 egg whites + yummy fruit salad
Goals for this week:
I awoke this morning w/ a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a sweet card from my valentine and then we showered our other mini valentine's with their gifts. When we were expecting our first baby I convinced D to exchange our V Day gifts at midnight...He gave me mine (I can't even remember what is was because I was so nervous to give him his!) and I gave him a bag that had baby stuff all over it. He didn't even notice the bag and dug straight in! First he pulled out a baby bottle and gave me a funny look, then he pulled out a rattle and his eyes got real big..and when he pulled out the pregnancy test he jumped up and grabbed me and screamed! It was the cutest and best moment. He had the biggest smile on his face and couldn't stop kissing my belly..Later he had an idea...He would get me and our daughter's valentine presents and I would be in charge of him and our boys. Sounded fair...I came from a family of 3 girls and 1 boy and he had 4 girls and 3 boys in their house. Boy did I get set up! Who would have thought we'd end up with 1 girl and 4 boys!!
With 4 boys and D to buy for I feel like the boys always get a little cheated! Every year, D comes in w/ some great gift for K and my poor boys get a few little "trinkets" usually from the dollar rack at the "red" store as J calls it. This year was no different. K opened her bag to find a snazzy new watch and the boys got.....stationary. sigh. Instantly I felt bad but then I looked up and little D was so excited " It's got our names on it!" He was so excited to have his very own personalized stationary...J (6 yr old)...not so much "Why do I get cards and K gets a watch?!" :(...You can't win them all...next year I'll have to step it up I guess.
What did you give your valentines?..
Yesterday, D and I got to spend some much needed time together! We went to Rick's for lunch...um..delicious. seriously. I did great w/ my choices and stuck to the plan. I had the crab cake which was sitting on a bed of corn and spinach. This is so decadent and rich. It is so delicious and I was craving it! It did not disappoint! D had the cowboy and I tasted a few bites but to be honest, it was too fatty for me.
Rick's Jumbo lump crab cake...delicious.
Later that night we went w/ friends to our favorite sushi joint..Blue Fish..YUM..I had miso (they have the best miso soup I have ever tasted. ever.) Ahi tower (My favorite. seriously.), Rock Manhattan, Spider Roll, Rainbow Roll (this was our first time to try..so good). I had 1/4 of the ahi tower, 2 pcs. Rock Manhattan, 1 pc. spider, 1 pc. salmon. I was stuffed! It was so good though.
Later that night we went w/ friends to our favorite sushi joint..Blue Fish..YUM..I had miso (they have the best miso soup I have ever tasted. ever.) Ahi tower (My favorite. seriously.), Rock Manhattan, Spider Roll, Rainbow Roll (this was our first time to try..so good). I had 1/4 of the ahi tower, 2 pcs. Rock Manhattan, 1 pc. spider, 1 pc. salmon. I was stuffed! It was so good though.
After sushi, we decided to go get frozen yogurt...YES, I broke the no sugar for Red Mango!!! I didn't feel bad though, I shared my favorite combo w/ D and it was so worth it! I can't believe I could eat one all by myself usually. I let myself have that for that one day. It was day 31 of my no sugar plan and I'm proud of myself. I decided to let myself indulge and get right back on today. So today is technically my 31st day w/ no sugar since I did have the yogi yesterday.
My original plan was to go cold turkey..no sugar for a month or so and then let myself have 1 treat a week. I think what I'm going to do now is continue with the no sugar until the month before the cruise and then 1 treat a week...I don't want to go from no sugar to total free for all because I don't want to end up going crazy on the cruise. I do want to continue with my weight loss after the cruise:)! That's the plan for now.
My valentine's feast: Leftover chili + 2 egg whites + yummy fruit salad
Goals for this week:
Food- NO Sugar, cut off 8pm, eat breakfast and drink more water!
Exercise- work out x 4..wii, walk, yoga dvd and 30 day shred.
Sleep- get to bed by 10
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 29
Today was a good day! I started off with a work out! Woot woot! Even though it was snowing! I dragged my arse out of bed and schlepped myself to the gym! It's feelin' so good this working out stuff :)! When I got home the kids were itching to play in the snow so while they did, I decided to make some yummy chili (pics coming) using the leftover pork roast. It was so yummy! I decided to put it in the crock pot so they could eat it all day and they totally did!!!! They'd play outside for a few hours (crazy I know) and then come in and warm up with a hot bowl of chili!
My work in the AM paid off because I was able to chill the rest of the day! I even got to watch "Sleepless in Seattle"! I haven't seen that movie since high school! It was great! School was cancelled tomorrow so I'm going to try and catch up on laundry:(.
P.S. we totally got over 8 inches of snow!!!!
Goods
L-Southwestern Chili w/ Roasted Pork and Black Beans + 1/2 avocado+ yogi parfait...yum!
D- Chili again (yes, it was that good!) + sour kraut (weird combo, I know..yum though) +1/2 avocado
Herbal Tea
lunch...and dinner (minus the parfait at dinner)
My work in the AM paid off because I was able to chill the rest of the day! I even got to watch "Sleepless in Seattle"! I haven't seen that movie since high school! It was great! School was cancelled tomorrow so I'm going to try and catch up on laundry:(.
P.S. we totally got over 8 inches of snow!!!!
Goods
L-Southwestern Chili w/ Roasted Pork and Black Beans + 1/2 avocado+ yogi parfait...yum!
D- Chili again (yes, it was that good!) + sour kraut (weird combo, I know..yum though) +1/2 avocado
Herbal Tea
lunch...and dinner (minus the parfait at dinner)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Surviving Valentine's Day
Surviving Valentine's Day
OK, so I have been thinking a lot about our plans for the big day...Just for the record....I am NOT one of those people who think V day is bogus and "love should be celebrated every day not once a year" stuff. I L-O-V-E love this holiday! Why not?!! It's a celebration of love! What is so bad about that? I mean..yes, you should celebrate each other more than this one day but let me tell you, when you have 5 kids + work and everything else life has us runnin around losin our minds over, an extra day to celebrate each other is FANTASTIC!!!
The last few years we got smart and started having our V day date a day or so before to avoid the crowds and on Feb. 14th we have a fun family meal w/ the kids. They look forward to crepes w/ strawberries and whipped cream. We have dinner and have family movie night. It's fun and I really like missing the crowd.
OK, so back to survival. How do you survive holidays like Valentine's Day where the endless amount of cookies, cake, CHOCOLATE are everywhere!! Not to mention the decadent dinner date! Well, being 29 days into my plan, I was certainly nervous and even considered cancelling our romantic lunch. But, I decided not to because it's a real situation (although not as often as I'd like) going out on a date or any other social occasion where food is present. I was nervous because I've found I'm more successful when I cook my meals myself and know exactly what my intake is.
So, I am going to go out with D on Saturday but I have a game plan. I'm looking forward to the time together, we've been so busy lately. I also feel like it's important for me to find ways that I can stay on my plan with out completely changing my life socially. I look forward to the time when I'm in a maintenance phase and can treat myself every now and then. For now though, I've got only 2 months before the cruise and I really want to reach my first goal. Psss...I'm already over half way there! I only have 7 more pounds till I reach 20! JCrew....here I come!:) No sugar has been totally worth it!
Game Plan:
#1- Go out earlier than later. Indulging earlier in the day when you have time to work off extra calories.
#2- Be informed. Check out the menu before you head to your dining destination. You're more likely to be successful when you go in with a plan and more likely to resist that pasta dish when you know it's loaded with 1200 calories! It's Thursday and I already know that I'm going to order the Sea Bass w/ extra veggies on Saturday! Yum! Can't wait!
#3- Hold the bread and skip the soda! Save calories where you can!
#4- Have a small snack before you go so you're not starving when you get there (making it easier to stick with #3). I keep almonds in my bag for this very reason.
#5- Have a plan- If you want to indulge...go for it! Indulging every once in a while is fine but you just need to plan for it. If you know you're going to have a piece of chocolate lava cake for dessert, stick to your work out plan and eating plan this week to make up for it. It's about calories in and calories out!
#6- If you fall off the wagon...don't feel guilty! Just get back on it!
We are indulging in 2 meals out on Saturday! For lunch we're going to Rick's, a fantastic steak house downtown. Everything I've eaten there is so yummy! I am going to split the crab cake (seriously, all crab and no filler!) w/ D and then I'm having the Sea Bass w/ extra veggies. D usually gets the Cowboy rib eye. For dinner, we're going with friends to Blue fish for SUSHI!!!! I'm going to keep it light w/ miso soup and we'll split the ahi tower and a south beach roll. Since only the ahi tower has rice in and we're splitting it, I'll be OK.
I knew we'd be eating out a lot this weekend so I stuck to my fitness plan this week! I've worked out 3 times already! I even did weights! Tomorrow I'm going to wake up and do yoga and then do my wii fit. Saturday I'm going to do yoga in the am again and some ab work...
Happy Valentine's Day!
OK, so I have been thinking a lot about our plans for the big day...Just for the record....I am NOT one of those people who think V day is bogus and "love should be celebrated every day not once a year" stuff. I L-O-V-E love this holiday! Why not?!! It's a celebration of love! What is so bad about that? I mean..yes, you should celebrate each other more than this one day but let me tell you, when you have 5 kids + work and everything else life has us runnin around losin our minds over, an extra day to celebrate each other is FANTASTIC!!!
The last few years we got smart and started having our V day date a day or so before to avoid the crowds and on Feb. 14th we have a fun family meal w/ the kids. They look forward to crepes w/ strawberries and whipped cream. We have dinner and have family movie night. It's fun and I really like missing the crowd.
OK, so back to survival. How do you survive holidays like Valentine's Day where the endless amount of cookies, cake, CHOCOLATE are everywhere!! Not to mention the decadent dinner date! Well, being 29 days into my plan, I was certainly nervous and even considered cancelling our romantic lunch. But, I decided not to because it's a real situation (although not as often as I'd like) going out on a date or any other social occasion where food is present. I was nervous because I've found I'm more successful when I cook my meals myself and know exactly what my intake is.
So, I am going to go out with D on Saturday but I have a game plan. I'm looking forward to the time together, we've been so busy lately. I also feel like it's important for me to find ways that I can stay on my plan with out completely changing my life socially. I look forward to the time when I'm in a maintenance phase and can treat myself every now and then. For now though, I've got only 2 months before the cruise and I really want to reach my first goal. Psss...I'm already over half way there! I only have 7 more pounds till I reach 20! JCrew....here I come!:) No sugar has been totally worth it!
Game Plan:
#1- Go out earlier than later. Indulging earlier in the day when you have time to work off extra calories.
#2- Be informed. Check out the menu before you head to your dining destination. You're more likely to be successful when you go in with a plan and more likely to resist that pasta dish when you know it's loaded with 1200 calories! It's Thursday and I already know that I'm going to order the Sea Bass w/ extra veggies on Saturday! Yum! Can't wait!
#3- Hold the bread and skip the soda! Save calories where you can!
#4- Have a small snack before you go so you're not starving when you get there (making it easier to stick with #3). I keep almonds in my bag for this very reason.
#5- Have a plan- If you want to indulge...go for it! Indulging every once in a while is fine but you just need to plan for it. If you know you're going to have a piece of chocolate lava cake for dessert, stick to your work out plan and eating plan this week to make up for it. It's about calories in and calories out!
#6- If you fall off the wagon...don't feel guilty! Just get back on it!
We are indulging in 2 meals out on Saturday! For lunch we're going to Rick's, a fantastic steak house downtown. Everything I've eaten there is so yummy! I am going to split the crab cake (seriously, all crab and no filler!) w/ D and then I'm having the Sea Bass w/ extra veggies. D usually gets the Cowboy rib eye. For dinner, we're going with friends to Blue fish for SUSHI!!!! I'm going to keep it light w/ miso soup and we'll split the ahi tower and a south beach roll. Since only the ahi tower has rice in and we're splitting it, I'll be OK.
I knew we'd be eating out a lot this weekend so I stuck to my fitness plan this week! I've worked out 3 times already! I even did weights! Tomorrow I'm going to wake up and do yoga and then do my wii fit. Saturday I'm going to do yoga in the am again and some ab work...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Day 28!!!
Day 28...One of those days where I swear everyone is messin with you and you just want to crawl back in bed! First, I went to the Y to use one of my guest passes and the lady gave me a hard time because apparently..I've been there before (yes, I have a week long guest pass!)..whatever...then I go to check the boys out for a dentist appt. and the receptionist got slammed and forgot to call one of the boys, then when she did the teacher said "he' taking a test can they wait?"..Um..first of all it was just a spelling test and 2nd, I had been waiting 20 minutes already with a cranky baby!!! We ended up in the office for 30 minutes!!! Off to the dentist and the dentist...ahhhhhhhh! Let's just drop it. On to something else!!!
Anyway, the day was crazy but now we're home and dinner's in the crockpot for the fam. (freezer for me:) and I just want to chill...I mean do laundry the rest of the night!!! I did get to work out though and I'm going to do one of my videos tonight. Most likely the yoga. I do have big plans to go to a cardio class tomorrow though and that will be interesting! Wish me luck!
After my work out I had to run to my favorite farmer's market because I was low on fruits and veggies. That was the best part of my day! I love that place! Not only do they have a great selection but their prices are incredible! Love double ad Wednesdays!!! I do wish I had time to go to Whole Foods though..next week for sure!
I ate a luna on the way to the market but by the time I got home from the dentist I was starving!
Goods:
B-lemon luna
Soooo...yum!
1 kiwi and 1/2 sliced banana (crappy pic)
L-Egg sammy on sand. thin w/ roasted chicken, avocado and tomato + kiwi and banana..OK I'm addicted to this sandwich!! It's so yummy, I crave it!
See you at dinner!
Anyway, the day was crazy but now we're home and dinner's in the crockpot for the fam. (freezer for me:) and I just want to chill...I mean do laundry the rest of the night!!! I did get to work out though and I'm going to do one of my videos tonight. Most likely the yoga. I do have big plans to go to a cardio class tomorrow though and that will be interesting! Wish me luck!
After my work out I had to run to my favorite farmer's market because I was low on fruits and veggies. That was the best part of my day! I love that place! Not only do they have a great selection but their prices are incredible! Love double ad Wednesdays!!! I do wish I had time to go to Whole Foods though..next week for sure!
I ate a luna on the way to the market but by the time I got home from the dentist I was starving!
Goods:
B-lemon luna
Soooo...yum!
1 kiwi and 1/2 sliced banana (crappy pic)
L-Egg sammy on sand. thin w/ roasted chicken, avocado and tomato + kiwi and banana..OK I'm addicted to this sandwich!! It's so yummy, I crave it!
See you at dinner!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 26 and 27
I'm falling behind on blogging because B is sick again! Poor guy and yes poor mama (and daddy:(! My "old" self would've used that as an excuse to blow my plan and indulge on junk...not the "new" me!! Nope, I have stayed on track and though I'm definitely sleep deprived, I'm pushin through!!! I even got a work out in! Woot woot! Psssss....I also broke through my number funk and lost another pound!
Here's what I've been eatin:
Sunday's Dinner: Pot stickers w/ sugar snap peas and mushrooms..yum!
Goods
Monday
L-egg sandy on sandwich thin w/ avocado, spinach and roasted turkey and kiwi .I spread grainy mustard on it and it was delish!
D- Roasted chicken breast & salad + cantaloupe
Tuesday ( Sorry, I got no pics today but my sandy looked just like what I had yesterday)
L-egg sandy on sand. thin w/ chicken and spinach...yum! kiwi and apple salad
D- Amy's Burrito, mushroom & sugar snap peas, 1/2 avocado, kiwi
Snack- 1/2 lara bar (chocolate coconut chew...yum) + herbal tea
All my meals this week I've loved!!! Tonight was so tempting because I made a yummy, hearty meal for the fam....Um...mashed potatoes?...yep...gravy?...afraid so...and pork roast w/ veggies. I did have a little bit of the meat but I quickly made my meal and once I was full, I did fine. I'm not gonna lie though, those mashed taters looked sooooo yummy...pinacoladaville....I can do it...I can do it..I can..:)..I did!
It felt great to work out yesterday and am gearing up for yoga after this post. I feel incredible and that's so motivating. All this hard work will definitely pay off when I'm sippin my pina and chillin on a white beach:) Yesterday the hubbs said my arse was lookin GOOD:) love it.
Here's what I've been eatin:
Sunday's Dinner: Pot stickers w/ sugar snap peas and mushrooms..yum!
Goods
Monday
L-egg sandy on sandwich thin w/ avocado, spinach and roasted turkey and kiwi .I spread grainy mustard on it and it was delish!
D- Roasted chicken breast & salad + cantaloupe
Tuesday ( Sorry, I got no pics today but my sandy looked just like what I had yesterday)
L-egg sandy on sand. thin w/ chicken and spinach...yum! kiwi and apple salad
D- Amy's Burrito, mushroom & sugar snap peas, 1/2 avocado, kiwi
Snack- 1/2 lara bar (chocolate coconut chew...yum) + herbal tea
All my meals this week I've loved!!! Tonight was so tempting because I made a yummy, hearty meal for the fam....Um...mashed potatoes?...yep...gravy?...afraid so...and pork roast w/ veggies. I did have a little bit of the meat but I quickly made my meal and once I was full, I did fine. I'm not gonna lie though, those mashed taters looked sooooo yummy...pinacoladaville....I can do it...I can do it..I can..:)..I did!
It felt great to work out yesterday and am gearing up for yoga after this post. I feel incredible and that's so motivating. All this hard work will definitely pay off when I'm sippin my pina and chillin on a white beach:) Yesterday the hubbs said my arse was lookin GOOD:) love it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Loves of the week
OK, so I got to this late this week! Here are some of the fun and yummy things I've tried and LOVED!!! Since going off sugar, I have found some really great natural products that not only are delicious but healthy!!! Yay!!!
1) Peanut Butter Cookie Luna Bar...Kind of like a PB rice Krispie Treat! Yum!
2)Amy's Indian Wrap...If you love Indian food (and I do!) The Indian wrap w/ potatoes, peas and tofu is yummy and great for lunch!
3)Almond Breeze vanilla...makes my special k so much more special! And 1/2 the calories of milk!
4) Lara bar- chocolate coconut...Oh my...I am craving this so bad right now! What I love about Lara bars are they are all natural. Their made from whole foods...fruits and nuts...so you totally recognize all the ingredients. Delicious.
5)Trident Cinnamon gum- nothing special but I do chew it everyday. It's the only artificial sweetener I eat!
6)White Bean Chicken Chili!! I just went to foodnetwork.com and searched white bean chicken chili and it pulled up tons of versions! I went w/ the one that listed ingredients I already had.
7)Hummus...Delicious w/ veggies instead of ranch or w/ wasa!
8) Sandwich Thins...OK..these things are genius! At 100 calories for 2 slices...and it's moist and yummy! I love them toasted before I make a sandwich or this week I'm gonna use it to hold a turkey burger!
9)Pistachios...delicious..1 serving has 170 calories..w/ 6g protein and 3g fiber.
10)Blogging! I can't tell you how much blogging about this process has been! I highly recommend it! It has helped my feel accountable and motivated! Thanks blog universe!...who ever you are...
1) Peanut Butter Cookie Luna Bar...Kind of like a PB rice Krispie Treat! Yum!
2)Amy's Indian Wrap...If you love Indian food (and I do!) The Indian wrap w/ potatoes, peas and tofu is yummy and great for lunch!
3)Almond Breeze vanilla...makes my special k so much more special! And 1/2 the calories of milk!
4) Lara bar- chocolate coconut...Oh my...I am craving this so bad right now! What I love about Lara bars are they are all natural. Their made from whole foods...fruits and nuts...so you totally recognize all the ingredients. Delicious.
5)Trident Cinnamon gum- nothing special but I do chew it everyday. It's the only artificial sweetener I eat!
6)White Bean Chicken Chili!! I just went to foodnetwork.com and searched white bean chicken chili and it pulled up tons of versions! I went w/ the one that listed ingredients I already had.
7)Hummus...Delicious w/ veggies instead of ranch or w/ wasa!
8) Sandwich Thins...OK..these things are genius! At 100 calories for 2 slices...and it's moist and yummy! I love them toasted before I make a sandwich or this week I'm gonna use it to hold a turkey burger!
9)Pistachios...delicious..1 serving has 170 calories..w/ 6g protein and 3g fiber.
10)Blogging! I can't tell you how much blogging about this process has been! I highly recommend it! It has helped my feel accountable and motivated! Thanks blog universe!...who ever you are...
Sunday
Day 25...So far so good! I have BIG plans for this week so I'm puttin on my big girl panties and going for it!!!! While I have done great w/ eating, I only worked out once this week! THis week...no mo'!!! I have some big goals for myself and plan on not only achieving them but pushing myself to the limits!!! More on this later..
Goods:
Sunday
L- Egg white omelet w/ mushrooms and ham + fresh fruit salad
D-Pot stickers w/ sugar snap peas and mushrooms...found this yummy recipe in one of my books and their only 200 calories per serving and that's 6 potstickers!!! (Guess who just found a new fav!)
We are a big football family so of course we are watching the game today! The fam is having Papa Murphy's pizza (I'm not a huge pizza fan) so I wanted to make sure I planned something yummy for me. They will have the potstickers as a snack along with other yummy's but have no fear....I have a plan.
Plan for surviving "Super bowl Sunday"
1)Have a plan. check.
2)Eat my meals. Limit "grazing". I find when I "snack", I end up eating w/ out even being hungry which results in extra calories. To limit this, I have come up w/ healthy snack options that I will prepare when I need it. (If I have it sitting out, I'll end up eating it because it's there.)
3)Keep food in kitchen.
4) Stay out of kitchen! Easier said than done when you're a mama of 5 but I have planned ahead and all the snacks and food my family will be eating is all pre made or something the hubbs or the kids can grab on their own. Mama gets the day off!
5)Stick to plan. Wish me luck!
Healthy Snacks:
If I get hungry and I've already eaten my meal...here are my snack options for today.
1)pistachios
2)air popped pop corn
3)luna bar
I typically don't snack all that often as of late but today I'm more focused on sticking to the plan. Sometimes I feel like it's more about what will keep you on your program and less about following that program to the tee. Today is one of those days.
Go Saints!
Goods:
Sunday
L- Egg white omelet w/ mushrooms and ham + fresh fruit salad
D-Pot stickers w/ sugar snap peas and mushrooms...found this yummy recipe in one of my books and their only 200 calories per serving and that's 6 potstickers!!! (Guess who just found a new fav!)
We are a big football family so of course we are watching the game today! The fam is having Papa Murphy's pizza (I'm not a huge pizza fan) so I wanted to make sure I planned something yummy for me. They will have the potstickers as a snack along with other yummy's but have no fear....I have a plan.
Plan for surviving "Super bowl Sunday"
1)Have a plan. check.
2)Eat my meals. Limit "grazing". I find when I "snack", I end up eating w/ out even being hungry which results in extra calories. To limit this, I have come up w/ healthy snack options that I will prepare when I need it. (If I have it sitting out, I'll end up eating it because it's there.)
3)Keep food in kitchen.
4) Stay out of kitchen! Easier said than done when you're a mama of 5 but I have planned ahead and all the snacks and food my family will be eating is all pre made or something the hubbs or the kids can grab on their own. Mama gets the day off!
5)Stick to plan. Wish me luck!
Healthy Snacks:
If I get hungry and I've already eaten my meal...here are my snack options for today.
1)pistachios
2)air popped pop corn
3)luna bar
I typically don't snack all that often as of late but today I'm more focused on sticking to the plan. Sometimes I feel like it's more about what will keep you on your program and less about following that program to the tee. Today is one of those days.
Go Saints!
It's day 25! I'd feel great except we got hit by a tummy bug around here! First little D and now me, it's just a matter of time before the rest of the troop gets it:(. Other than that, I feel great! I realized yesterday something fantastic! Since going off sugar almost 1 month ago, I have had a total of 2 maybe 3 migraines! They weren't even real doozies either!
Just some background, I have had migraines since around age 15. They've gotten worse as I've gotten older and for the last 7 yrs I've had one 5-6 times a week! That's just about everyday! I'm not talking "headaches", I mean pounding, shut the lights, can't open your eyes, have your hubby pound on your head to relieve pressure kind. To get rid of them I'd take 4-5 excedrine of some sort. Recently I've been using the tension kind and usually even that wouldn't do it. I'd end up laying down, trying to fall asleep and many times crying myself to sleep because of the pain. It was terrible...and I have had 5 babies all natural!!!!
I don't know for sure if it's the sugar but to go from everyday to 2 maybe 3 in a month! That's incredible!!! It has to have something to do with it! Why haven't I done this before? Amazing. That's how it feels. I feel empowered. I've been living with them for so long I just felt like this was my life. Now I feel like I do have control over my body and this isn't "just the way it is"!!!! Exciting! Don't you love it when that happens?!
Now if I could just get rid of this tummy bug:( See ya in 24.
Just some background, I have had migraines since around age 15. They've gotten worse as I've gotten older and for the last 7 yrs I've had one 5-6 times a week! That's just about everyday! I'm not talking "headaches", I mean pounding, shut the lights, can't open your eyes, have your hubby pound on your head to relieve pressure kind. To get rid of them I'd take 4-5 excedrine of some sort. Recently I've been using the tension kind and usually even that wouldn't do it. I'd end up laying down, trying to fall asleep and many times crying myself to sleep because of the pain. It was terrible...and I have had 5 babies all natural!!!!
I don't know for sure if it's the sugar but to go from everyday to 2 maybe 3 in a month! That's incredible!!! It has to have something to do with it! Why haven't I done this before? Amazing. That's how it feels. I feel empowered. I've been living with them for so long I just felt like this was my life. Now I feel like I do have control over my body and this isn't "just the way it is"!!!! Exciting! Don't you love it when that happens?!
Now if I could just get rid of this tummy bug:( See ya in 24.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day 24!!!
New Color!!! I decided to change it up around here! I love color! Random...
Day 24!!!!! I cannot believe I'm embarking on a whole MONTH without sugar and eating healthy!!! I have done really well and although I tend to give myself a hard time, I have done great and am trying to stay positive!! Did you know Capricorns tend to be pessimistic? Well, whatever negativity I had in me...I have added to my "Wellness Plan" the need to be POSITIVE and look at the upside. I think in the past few years I've definitely let myself become more neggy and that doesn't and hasn't helped me one bit! SOOOO...here we go...
I had a hard time blogging this week because M and D have hogged my laptop to watch the rugby tournaments leading up to the seven's in Vegas next weekend. M is going to meet my Dad and sis there and then driving w/ A and B back to Texas. They're moving here next week! I am soooo excited! I really need to be good next week though because me and my sis love to be together and we can be such a BAD influence (not neggy...just truth:) on each other! I have a feeling my will power won't be what it has been! She is preggo w/ her first baby...so fun and so DANGEROUS!!! Can't wait!
OK, this week I did great again food wise but got NO exercise in! I did get a new DVD though and I'm excited about trying it this week! I'm finding it hard to leave the house between nap times, feeding times, cranky times, etc. w/ B. He's growing so fast and I don't mind one bit! Although I would be losing a lot more weight considering how well my food plan is going. It's like having a great dress and then pairing it w/ the wrong shoes. You look great but man you'd look STELLAR w/ the right wedges! I am SO excited about this week I can't tell you! Knowing that I've stuck to something for a month tells me...
1) I can set a goal and stick to it!
2) I am stronger than I think!
3)I WILL be looking HOT this summer!
FANTASTIC!!
OK, back to this week:]]
Goods:
Wednesday:
B-zip...I know. :(
L-Amy's Enchilada + fruit salad
D-Saltgrass w/Hubbs and K-grilled salmon + broccoli
Thursday:
L-White Bean Chicken Chili (Seriously...yum! Easy and delicious!) + fresh fruit
D- Mo Chili!!! so good!
snack: 2 hand full popcorn:)
Friday:
L- Play date: Amy's w/ guac. +veggies and 1 tbsp dip + fresh fruit
D-Amy's Tamale Dinner (around 300 calories!) + HUGE green salad w/ chick peas, romaine, carrots and balsamic vinegar
Jazz Apple w/ cottage cheese
Saturday:
L-Egg and Turkey on a Sandwich thin +berries
D- Amy's Indian Wrap +1/2 Avocado + asparagus
Sorry no pics. My computer won't let me download for some reason. Pics coming soon!
Day 24!!!!! I cannot believe I'm embarking on a whole MONTH without sugar and eating healthy!!! I have done really well and although I tend to give myself a hard time, I have done great and am trying to stay positive!! Did you know Capricorns tend to be pessimistic? Well, whatever negativity I had in me...I have added to my "Wellness Plan" the need to be POSITIVE and look at the upside. I think in the past few years I've definitely let myself become more neggy and that doesn't and hasn't helped me one bit! SOOOO...here we go...
I had a hard time blogging this week because M and D have hogged my laptop to watch the rugby tournaments leading up to the seven's in Vegas next weekend. M is going to meet my Dad and sis there and then driving w/ A and B back to Texas. They're moving here next week! I am soooo excited! I really need to be good next week though because me and my sis love to be together and we can be such a BAD influence (not neggy...just truth:) on each other! I have a feeling my will power won't be what it has been! She is preggo w/ her first baby...so fun and so DANGEROUS!!! Can't wait!
OK, this week I did great again food wise but got NO exercise in! I did get a new DVD though and I'm excited about trying it this week! I'm finding it hard to leave the house between nap times, feeding times, cranky times, etc. w/ B. He's growing so fast and I don't mind one bit! Although I would be losing a lot more weight considering how well my food plan is going. It's like having a great dress and then pairing it w/ the wrong shoes. You look great but man you'd look STELLAR w/ the right wedges! I am SO excited about this week I can't tell you! Knowing that I've stuck to something for a month tells me...
1) I can set a goal and stick to it!
2) I am stronger than I think!
3)I WILL be looking HOT this summer!
FANTASTIC!!
OK, back to this week:]]
Goods:
Wednesday:
B-zip...I know. :(
L-Amy's Enchilada + fruit salad
D-Saltgrass w/Hubbs and K-grilled salmon + broccoli
Thursday:
L-White Bean Chicken Chili (Seriously...yum! Easy and delicious!) + fresh fruit
D- Mo Chili!!! so good!
snack: 2 hand full popcorn:)
Friday:
L- Play date: Amy's w/ guac. +veggies and 1 tbsp dip + fresh fruit
D-Amy's Tamale Dinner (around 300 calories!) + HUGE green salad w/ chick peas, romaine, carrots and balsamic vinegar
Jazz Apple w/ cottage cheese
Saturday:
L-Egg and Turkey on a Sandwich thin +berries
D- Amy's Indian Wrap +1/2 Avocado + asparagus
Sorry no pics. My computer won't let me download for some reason. Pics coming soon!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 20!!!!
Here we are...it's Day 20!!!! I am soooo proud of my progress!!!! I took my measurements this morning and...:) I have totally lost inches!!! I could tell because my clothes are fitting better. THis is so great because I feel like I've been so good with my eating and haven't seen the biggest loser relults on the scale. THis totally made my day and motivated me to push through! Aside from the weight loss though...I FEEL so much better! I am not sluggish during that dreaded 4pm stress time where I'm getting dinner ready, homework, kids off to sports, etc. That is when the old me would grab some caffeine or sugar (or both) to get me through. Now that time of day I put on some music and get my groove on while making dinner! OK, it's not always that great but man I feel so much better!!!!
Last night I went to bed at....7:30!!!!! I was so tired I fell asleep during family prayers!!! It was great until my body woke me up at 4am!!! Oh well, hopefully it will even out and I'll get on a better routine!
I worked out today!!!Woo hoo! I did this workout that I found in Self magazine and it rocked! Tomorrow I'm going w/ my A to the gym!! Baby steps!!!!
Here's a bit of what's been on the menu....
Goods:
Cottage Cheese w/ fresh fruit & PB
Amy's Black Bean Burrito w/ avacado..Yum..I'm addicted!
Herbal Tea...lots and lots of it!
Tonight me and D took K out for dinner because she made the A Honor ROll!!! She chose Saltgrass. The food was ok. I am realizing..a) it's not very fun to eat out when you're on a "diet"..b) Even when I order the "right" things, I over eat on the "right" things for fear of eating the "wrong" things. I had Salmon w/ broccoli which was fine but I was full way before I stopped eating because I was afraid to look over at D and K's plates!! Oh well, at least I ordered the "right" thing!!
Excited to work out w/ A tomorrow though!!!
Happy Tuesday!
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