When I am driving on a trip or around town, I like when I can drive with the cruise control on. It keeps my car at a consistent pace and keeps me from speeding (as long as I don't set the control at a speed above the limit!). But I have found myself here lately in my life driving with my cruise control on. Just going through my days not really focusing on the journey that I am on. Letting life kind of pass me by, so to speak.
I have not binged or fallen off the food wagon, but just have not dug deep enough to push myself through some tough spots in my life. I have become very comfortable in eating the same foods so as not to have to think about having to fix something different. I have become hit and miss in my exercise. But some of the events that have happened or are happening in my day to day life have knocked the wind out of my sails so to speak.
I don't share a lot about my personal life on my blog except what has been the happy spots in my journey. But I need to get this out, process it and get back on the journey! Here lately I have been very content to just park at a roadside picnic area and just watch life go by!
My dad is struggling with the early stages of dementia and also with cancer. It is very hard to see a parent struggle with such harsh diseases. My dad has always been very active and busy. He loves to drive and go places. So much so when he retired from the grocery store business he took up driving for a local dealership as a part time job! Now I see a man who has good days and bad days. Can't drive any longer due to the confusion of his illness. This has had a harder effect on me than I really thought it would. My mom is an amazing woman! She has handled all of this with grace, mercy and honor. I know these days, weeks and months have been very rough on her emotionally and physically, but I admire and appreciate all of the care that she has given to my dad. I am truly blessed with my parents.
My mom's oldest sister passed away a few weeks ago after a long struggle with health issues. It is always hard to lose those that you are close to and love dearly! I struggled with not being there with and for my family! I love where God has us in ministry...but there are days that I wish I could get home more. But God has his reasons and I have to trust those reasons!
Yesterday (September 1, 2013)while I was at church we had a guest speaker. I have always believed that God knows me and cares about me, but yesterday was one of those days that I NEEDED to be reminded that God knew exactly where I was. God didn't disappoint! The sermon yesterday was God takes the ruins and makes them glorious! Then in the afternoon, we headed to Branson to Silver Dollar City (our favorite amusement park)for the Southern Gospel Picnic Festival. The weather was beautiful, even during the drizzling rain! Was reminded that God's love for me is like a gentle rain bringing a season of refreshing to a parched and dry land! They have a concert every night after the park closes. We rarely stay for these..just because we want to get home. But last night we stayed! I am truly thankful that we stayed. One of my favorite comedians, Dennis Swanburg, was there along with a wonderful southern gospel group, Greater Vision! I love new praise and worship songs..but oh how I miss the "old" songs that I have sung all of my life that find their way into the very spots of your heart and spirit! God spoke and filled my heart with the words and music of just about every song. As I have grown up, I had heard the saying that when you have those special God moments that God did know your address and exactly where you were! Well after the day I had yesterday...I know that not only did God know my address, He was right there with me, wrapping His arms around me and letting me know that HE does care and He does love me!
I don't ever like to admit when I am going through a tough time because I am the "strong one". I am the "encourager", I am the "cheerleader". I can't let people know that I struggle. Well we are all human and we do struggle..but the last few weeks I have just been in a holding pattern and a fog. When I am asked advice about losing weight I always tell people...GET A FRIEND..don't do this alone! It gets very tough to do this journey alone!!! I have to say that I am truly thankful for the friends that God has put into my life! My training and race running buddy, Angela told me that if I EVER got into a funk that I had been in and didn't tell her the next time..she was going to beat me! I believe she would do it!! :) But I am thankful for her along this crazy journey and several others from my WW group and my leader, Vicki, that I have speaking into my life during this journey!
I have had to ask myself, while in this holding pattern, What exactly is it that I am afraid of? What is holding me back from reaching my goals? What do I need to do to get out of this holding pattern? As I am working on those answers..today was a brand new day...I started it by going on a walk/jog! Until I can figure out all of it..I'm going to do what I know works and keep on keeping on on this journey. I am not going to quit! I have come way to far on this journey to stop and go backwards! There is still more to do!!
Well this is me being very real....
Keep on keeping on...it's the only way we will ever reach our goals!!!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Bobby Deen's Shrimp and Grits
For Mother's Day my family got me the Bobby Deen's From Mama's Table to Mine cookbook. I have just not gotten around to cooking much out of it due to a crazy summer!!! But this last week I broke out the cookbook and have had some yummy of the yummy southern recipes with the calories cut.....
So here is the recipe:
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
3 Canadian Bacon slices
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper; finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 c. dry white wine...I didn't have any and left it out...
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup fat free half and half
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
Chopped scallions (dark green tops only) for serving
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bacon, onions, and bell peppers and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the white wine and let it bubble until it is mostly evaporated, about 1 minute.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the chicken broth and stir dissolved. Add the remaining broth to the skillet along with the half and half stirring, for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the grits according to the package directions.
Serve the shrimp and sauce over the grits, and top with the scallions.
Enjoy...
Nutrition: Calories: 211 Fat: 6 Protein: 19 g. Carbohydrates: 21 Fiber 1.5 g. Sodium: 650 mg
Keep on Keeping on!!!
So here is the recipe:
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
3 Canadian Bacon slices
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium green bell pepper; finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 c. dry white wine...I didn't have any and left it out...
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup fat free half and half
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
Chopped scallions (dark green tops only) for serving
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bacon, onions, and bell peppers and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the white wine and let it bubble until it is mostly evaporated, about 1 minute.
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the chicken broth and stir dissolved. Add the remaining broth to the skillet along with the half and half stirring, for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the grits according to the package directions.
Serve the shrimp and sauce over the grits, and top with the scallions.
Enjoy...
Nutrition: Calories: 211 Fat: 6 Protein: 19 g. Carbohydrates: 21 Fiber 1.5 g. Sodium: 650 mg
Keep on Keeping on!!!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Oven Fried Chicken....Summer Time Comfort Food!
Well I love summer time and spending time with my family! When you grow up in the south, most of the time our family time always included someone either making fried chicken or stopping by KFC to grab a bucket (or two..depending on the occasion!
Well I haven't had fried chicken in forever!!! So today I got to looking for a "fried" chicken recipe that was healthy. Well I went looking on one of my favorite website for recipes: Skinnytaste.com! I wasn't disappointed. I found one for oven fried chicken! Well when I make a healthy recipe, I never tell my family what is in it UNTIL they have eaten it! That way they don't start judging before they eat it!
Well everyone liked it, so I thought I would share it with you!
Oven Fried Chicken:
6 medium bone-in skinless drumsticks (I use boneless-skinless chicken breasts)
2 1/2 cups bran flakes
3 tsp kosher salt, less if you are using regular salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
1/2 tsp fresh cayenne pepper
5 Tbsps Light Mayo
1 tsp Dijon mustard
oil spray
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a rack above (I used my broiler pan) Spray rack with oil.
Crush cereal in a food processor or chopper. In a bowl mix crushed cereal with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
Combine may and mustard. Using a cooking brush, brush mayo mixture onto chicken then coat chicken with crushed cereal mixture. Place chicken on wire rack and spray with oil. Bake 40 minutes.
It was yummy!
Serving size: 1 drumstick Calories 170.7 Fat 6.6g Protein 14.5 Carbs 14.7 Fiber: 3.1 g WW Points Plus: 4
That all changes for different chicken pieces.
Keep on Keeping on!
Well I haven't had fried chicken in forever!!! So today I got to looking for a "fried" chicken recipe that was healthy. Well I went looking on one of my favorite website for recipes: Skinnytaste.com! I wasn't disappointed. I found one for oven fried chicken! Well when I make a healthy recipe, I never tell my family what is in it UNTIL they have eaten it! That way they don't start judging before they eat it!
Well everyone liked it, so I thought I would share it with you!
Oven Fried Chicken:
6 medium bone-in skinless drumsticks (I use boneless-skinless chicken breasts)
2 1/2 cups bran flakes
3 tsp kosher salt, less if you are using regular salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
1/2 tsp fresh cayenne pepper
5 Tbsps Light Mayo
1 tsp Dijon mustard
oil spray
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a rack above (I used my broiler pan) Spray rack with oil.
Crush cereal in a food processor or chopper. In a bowl mix crushed cereal with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
Combine may and mustard. Using a cooking brush, brush mayo mixture onto chicken then coat chicken with crushed cereal mixture. Place chicken on wire rack and spray with oil. Bake 40 minutes.
It was yummy!
Serving size: 1 drumstick Calories 170.7 Fat 6.6g Protein 14.5 Carbs 14.7 Fiber: 3.1 g WW Points Plus: 4
That all changes for different chicken pieces.
Keep on Keeping on!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summer Time Is Here!
I have to say that I LOVE summertime! You have access to TONS of fresh fruits and veggies!!! You want to be outside more to go swimming, baseball is in full swing, beach trips, vacations! Summer is always a fun and busy time!
Farmer's Markets are usually in full swing! I have to say that to me, Farmer's Market fruits and veggies always taste better to me. Supermarket produce just doesn't taste the same. Generally supermarket produce is picked before it is ripe so it looses some of it's flavor. Farmer's Market....pretty much picked the day before or sometimes day of market day!
Our supermarket that we use is very good to give out recipes for different fruits and veggies! We were thrilled to be able to try one tonight after dinner! I hope you enjoy this!!!
Watermelon Smoothies
2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1 cup ice cubes
1 6oz fat free lemon chiffon yogurt (I didn't have lemon yogurt, so we substituted Strawberry Banana fat free)
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (I used Stevia in the Raw)
Put all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend on High for 30-45 seconds or until ice cubes are blended.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Sodium: 30 mg
Fat: 0
Weight Watcher Points Plus: 2
Enjoy your summer time fun!!
Keep on Keeping on!!!
Farmer's Markets are usually in full swing! I have to say that to me, Farmer's Market fruits and veggies always taste better to me. Supermarket produce just doesn't taste the same. Generally supermarket produce is picked before it is ripe so it looses some of it's flavor. Farmer's Market....pretty much picked the day before or sometimes day of market day!
Our supermarket that we use is very good to give out recipes for different fruits and veggies! We were thrilled to be able to try one tonight after dinner! I hope you enjoy this!!!
Watermelon Smoothies
2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1 cup ice cubes
1 6oz fat free lemon chiffon yogurt (I didn't have lemon yogurt, so we substituted Strawberry Banana fat free)
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (I used Stevia in the Raw)
Put all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend on High for 30-45 seconds or until ice cubes are blended.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.
Serves: 4
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Sodium: 30 mg
Fat: 0
Weight Watcher Points Plus: 2
Enjoy your summer time fun!!
Keep on Keeping on!!!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Lessons Learned From Watching Birds!
This post doesn't have much to do with recipes or a physical workout. It does have everything to do with stretching and growing! That is something that happens in life to prepare us for the next level!
Over the last few weeks, we have watched a mama robin build a nest from the ground up. We have seen her beginnings of a nest blown out by the winds. The very next day, she would start all over again with more straw, grass and what ever she needed to do to build the nest where she would lay her eggs. She would work harder each day and the nest would grow. Finally the nest was completed! That shows : PERSISTENCE!
A short time after that, I got a text from my son, who had been watching the nest from our window, and said MOM! I believe she is laying her eggs. The interesting observation he made was that as she was laying the eggs, the daddy robin would bring her food and take care of her needs. That shows: ENCOURAGEMENT!
As we would watch at different times during the day, we would see one of the birds fly up and the one sitting on the nest would fly away and the other would take a turn sitting on the nest! They did this for quite awhile! That shows: TAKING TURNS!
Finally the time came that we began to see more action in the nest! The babies were born!!! At first we only saw two little babies poking their heads up to get the food that the parents were bringing to them. Then the day came that we saw three little heads in the nest! That shows: CELEBRATION!
We still watch the nest several times during the day. A few days ago, we had a weird weather day and on May 3rd, it SNOWED! We watched out the window as mama didn't leave her nest! She snuggled down tighter on her nest to protect her new born babies from the elements! She held tight as the winds blew and the snowflakes fell through the tree branches! Once again the daddy bird would come up and bring food to the babies so that mama wouldn't have to leave the nest and could keep the babies warm! That shows: SUPPORT!
We watch off and on through out the day and we are seeing the babies move more and more each day. We are seeing little wings start to flap in the nest. We are also seeing mama bird fly away more now that the babies are growing! This is where the lesson is beginning for me! I watch mama come back with the meal for the babies. She doesn't bend down low to them like she used to do when they were young. She will stand on the end of the nest and wait for them to stretch up to her to get their meal. I have watched this for the last couple of days. If mama bird always bent down low to give them their food and didn't challenge them to stretch and reach for the goal, they would stay in the comfort of the nest forever (well at least until someone fell out because it was too crowded!) She challenges them to reach for the goal! Stretch and bend or do whatever is necessary to achieve the prize! To prepare them to be able to fly on their own she is pushing them out of their comfort zone on to the next level and eventually they will be able to soar! That shows: DETERMINATION!!
So throughout your lifetime, look for someone to come along side of you in your journey! It can be a spouse, a sibling, a parent, a friend or a family member! But look for someone that will be persistent and not let you stop. Someone that will be encouraging and cheer you on along the way, especially when the journey is tough! Someone that will celebrate along the way with you at your accomplishments! And someone that will encourage your determination to succeed! When it comes to taking turns, I learned this as I did my first 1/2 marathon last year, you will never be at a down spot at the same time and you will take turns pushing and encouraging one another! When you see the tough times come on the journey, be there to support someone! As all of this works together...you will be able to reach your goal and SOAR!!!!
Keep on Keeping on!!!
I Think Winter Has Finally Ended!
Yes, here we are on May 9th and I believe that we have finally made it to Spring!! Some of you may say...Silly, spring arrived weeks ago! Not for us here in Missouri! We had snow on May 3rd!!
Having winter hang on for so long was very hard for me physically and mentally! There were days that I think I could have eaten everything that wasn't bolted down. I really didn't feel like exercising, because I was tired of being inside...I was ready to be outside enjoying the birds singing and the flowers blooming! But alas, I was still in the house and feeling my momentum just slip away a bit! That's a rough thing to have happen when you want to be so very excited about getting ready for 5K's and other races as they come available! The race I did in February really did a rough number on my mental! When I signed up for said race, we had been having a very mild winter and thought...this will be great to get a race done in February! The day of the race, it was the coldest it had been all winter! The wind chill was 20! I had the fastest pace that I had ever done for a race and I have come to the conclusion that if I had slowed down, I would have frozen to death! I came in dead last in that race...which really did a number on me...but then realized that I was running with the "Big Dogs" so to speak! These people were the crazy serious runners!
I have struggled some this winter/spring mix that we have had! Trying to shake that off and get back into the fun of training and getting my stamina back! Slowly but surely it is happening! I have gotten in some great walks the last couple of weeks! Looking forward to getting more in as time progresses! I have my 3rd race of the year coming up next weekend! I'm excited about it! I have added a first for me a couple of weeks ago when I did my first Color Me Rad run! What a hot mess that was! It was cold and rainy and LOADS of fun! I was with two very special friends that did this one with me. It wasn't timed..and we were a colorful mess when we got done! We have laughed about how we looked when we got done and hope to do another one like it again!
All of this to say...As Winston Churchill says: Never, Never, Never Give up! Keep working at your goals, what ever they may be! Don't give in to the set backs. Push yourself and focus on the goal!
Keep on keeping on!
Having winter hang on for so long was very hard for me physically and mentally! There were days that I think I could have eaten everything that wasn't bolted down. I really didn't feel like exercising, because I was tired of being inside...I was ready to be outside enjoying the birds singing and the flowers blooming! But alas, I was still in the house and feeling my momentum just slip away a bit! That's a rough thing to have happen when you want to be so very excited about getting ready for 5K's and other races as they come available! The race I did in February really did a rough number on my mental! When I signed up for said race, we had been having a very mild winter and thought...this will be great to get a race done in February! The day of the race, it was the coldest it had been all winter! The wind chill was 20! I had the fastest pace that I had ever done for a race and I have come to the conclusion that if I had slowed down, I would have frozen to death! I came in dead last in that race...which really did a number on me...but then realized that I was running with the "Big Dogs" so to speak! These people were the crazy serious runners!
I have struggled some this winter/spring mix that we have had! Trying to shake that off and get back into the fun of training and getting my stamina back! Slowly but surely it is happening! I have gotten in some great walks the last couple of weeks! Looking forward to getting more in as time progresses! I have my 3rd race of the year coming up next weekend! I'm excited about it! I have added a first for me a couple of weeks ago when I did my first Color Me Rad run! What a hot mess that was! It was cold and rainy and LOADS of fun! I was with two very special friends that did this one with me. It wasn't timed..and we were a colorful mess when we got done! We have laughed about how we looked when we got done and hope to do another one like it again!
All of this to say...As Winston Churchill says: Never, Never, Never Give up! Keep working at your goals, what ever they may be! Don't give in to the set backs. Push yourself and focus on the goal!
Keep on keeping on!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Kielbasa and Bean Soup
With only a few weeks left of winter, we have had snow flurries for the last few days. When it is chilly outside, I LOVE to make a warm, filling soup to eat.
Tonight's dinner was Kielbasa and Bean Soup. It was very good!!!! I hope you enjoy it!
Kielbasa and Bean Soup
3/4 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced
1/2 bunch kale, trimmed and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Combine all ingredients in a 5-6 quart crock-pot. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
Serves 8
Serving size 1 cup
159 Calories per cup, 4 grams of fat, 28 mg cholesterol, 797 mg sodium, 19 grams total carbs, 5 g. total sugar, 6 g. fiber, 13 g. protein
WW points plus = 4
Tonight's dinner was Kielbasa and Bean Soup. It was very good!!!! I hope you enjoy it!
Kielbasa and Bean Soup
3/4 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced
1/2 bunch kale, trimmed and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Combine all ingredients in a 5-6 quart crock-pot. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender, 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
Serves 8
Serving size 1 cup
159 Calories per cup, 4 grams of fat, 28 mg cholesterol, 797 mg sodium, 19 grams total carbs, 5 g. total sugar, 6 g. fiber, 13 g. protein
WW points plus = 4
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
Let me start by saying...we didn't cook this in the slow-cooker today because I didn't plan that far ahead of time! It was good none the less...but I'm sure it will be better when done like the recipe.
cooking spray
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 medium uncooked onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 pound 93% lean ground beef
2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth, divided ( I used low sodium, fat free)
1 cup low fat evaporated milk
8 oz low fat cheddar or Colby cheese, cubed
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
24 baked chips crumbled (optional)
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Add garlic, onion and celery to skillet; cook, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Coat a 3-quart or larger with cooking spray; spoon in vegetables.
Place same skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef, breaking up eat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Pour off any liquid and then add meat to slow cooker.
In a small cup, combine flour and 1/2 cup of broth; stir until lump free. Pour flour mixture into same skillet; add remaining 2 1/2 cups of broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits in bottom of skillet with wooden spoon, and then pour into slow cooker; stir in evaporated milk, cheese, paprika, salt and pepper. Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 2 hours. Serve soup topped with crumbled chips.
Serving size is 3/4 cup of soup and 3 Tablespoons of chips.
Weight Watcher Points Plus: 5
cooking spray
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 medium uncooked onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 pound 93% lean ground beef
2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth, divided ( I used low sodium, fat free)
1 cup low fat evaporated milk
8 oz low fat cheddar or Colby cheese, cubed
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
24 baked chips crumbled (optional)
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Add garlic, onion and celery to skillet; cook, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Coat a 3-quart or larger with cooking spray; spoon in vegetables.
Place same skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef, breaking up eat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Pour off any liquid and then add meat to slow cooker.
In a small cup, combine flour and 1/2 cup of broth; stir until lump free. Pour flour mixture into same skillet; add remaining 2 1/2 cups of broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits in bottom of skillet with wooden spoon, and then pour into slow cooker; stir in evaporated milk, cheese, paprika, salt and pepper. Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 2 hours. Serve soup topped with crumbled chips.
Serving size is 3/4 cup of soup and 3 Tablespoons of chips.
Weight Watcher Points Plus: 5
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Stop YELLING!!!!!
How many of you have to deal with children on long road trips? We have three AWESOME travelers, but even they get to the point that they have had it and start picking on one another. And usually that will get a response something like this from me: Stop yelling at your brother or stop picking on your sister! One look out the window on your side, you look out the window on your side and you in the middle...look straight ahead!!!! Don't talk to one another! Don't listen to one another!!
The reason for this entry today is that I hope I am not the only person that deals with a voice in your head when you step out and do something like run a 5K, 1/2 marathon...what ever your thrill may be!
Today I ran for the first time ever a "Feel the Love" 5K. The weather all week was predicted to be warmer for today...Yeah..that didn't happen. But I had committed and spent money! Well I got up this morning all excited and then checked the temps! 33 with a wind chill of 22 and very blustery! WHAT?!? Dang that's cold!!!! Well my first victory was putting on my running clothes! I get a nice fire going for my lovely family that is still all snuggled in their warm beds! Head out the door and BAM!!! That wind is rough.
Well I get to the starting point and start to see all of these "serious" runners and 1 crazy one that decided that he would just run in shorts and no shirt!?! Well I start to really doubt myself and that voice starts going in my head!! You do know that you are going to finish dead last! Well I started to argue back...(not out loud-didn't want people to think I was crazy!) I may finish dead last, but I WILL finish!
Well I see a familiar face coming up the sidewalk. One of my friends that I met through Weight Watchers. We started together...that really helped! Well the air horn blew and off we went. I jogged the first little bit and then BAM!!! That wind hit me right in the face and just sucked the breath right out it seemed...and then that voice started again!! This is the dumbest thing you have ever done! It is too cold to be out here doing this! You should be at home and let the serious people do this! Well I shot back..I am serious about this...if I wasn't I sure would be at home by my fireplace!!
The voice kept going throughout the race! I knew that everyone would be done before I got back...but stayed fairly close to one girl in front of me. So I wouldn't finish alone. My biggest cheerleader had to be out of the country for a business trip so he wasn't going to be at the finish line. Well that voice shot back one more time...you know there isn't going to be anyone at the finish line cheering for you. Well I just so happen to look up and there stood my friend Lori from Weight Watchers. She had already finished and started cheering for me!! Her last thing I heard was just picture Vickie at the finish line! (Vickie is our WW leader who had sent a text earlier that she was cheering us on!) Well I almost started to laugh!!
I FINISHED dead last!! But lapped every one that never started! I didn't finish alone! Thank you Lori! I set a personal record for me and enjoyed laughing at the awards with Lori!!
When you are pushing yourselves to new levels...sometimes you have to tell the voice in your head....STOP YELLING!! I'm not listening to you!!! Keep pushing!! Keep going and you will FINISH STRONG!!!!
Keep on keeping on!!!!
The reason for this entry today is that I hope I am not the only person that deals with a voice in your head when you step out and do something like run a 5K, 1/2 marathon...what ever your thrill may be!
Today I ran for the first time ever a "Feel the Love" 5K. The weather all week was predicted to be warmer for today...Yeah..that didn't happen. But I had committed and spent money! Well I got up this morning all excited and then checked the temps! 33 with a wind chill of 22 and very blustery! WHAT?!? Dang that's cold!!!! Well my first victory was putting on my running clothes! I get a nice fire going for my lovely family that is still all snuggled in their warm beds! Head out the door and BAM!!! That wind is rough.
Well I get to the starting point and start to see all of these "serious" runners and 1 crazy one that decided that he would just run in shorts and no shirt!?! Well I start to really doubt myself and that voice starts going in my head!! You do know that you are going to finish dead last! Well I started to argue back...(not out loud-didn't want people to think I was crazy!) I may finish dead last, but I WILL finish!
Well I see a familiar face coming up the sidewalk. One of my friends that I met through Weight Watchers. We started together...that really helped! Well the air horn blew and off we went. I jogged the first little bit and then BAM!!! That wind hit me right in the face and just sucked the breath right out it seemed...and then that voice started again!! This is the dumbest thing you have ever done! It is too cold to be out here doing this! You should be at home and let the serious people do this! Well I shot back..I am serious about this...if I wasn't I sure would be at home by my fireplace!!
The voice kept going throughout the race! I knew that everyone would be done before I got back...but stayed fairly close to one girl in front of me. So I wouldn't finish alone. My biggest cheerleader had to be out of the country for a business trip so he wasn't going to be at the finish line. Well that voice shot back one more time...you know there isn't going to be anyone at the finish line cheering for you. Well I just so happen to look up and there stood my friend Lori from Weight Watchers. She had already finished and started cheering for me!! Her last thing I heard was just picture Vickie at the finish line! (Vickie is our WW leader who had sent a text earlier that she was cheering us on!) Well I almost started to laugh!!
I FINISHED dead last!! But lapped every one that never started! I didn't finish alone! Thank you Lori! I set a personal record for me and enjoyed laughing at the awards with Lori!!
When you are pushing yourselves to new levels...sometimes you have to tell the voice in your head....STOP YELLING!! I'm not listening to you!!! Keep pushing!! Keep going and you will FINISH STRONG!!!!
Keep on keeping on!!!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
How Do You Measure Up?
We always hear in situations of how someone measures up to another person or a new computer program measures up etc. But have you really thought how important it is to see how food measures up?
In my journey over the last few years, I go through phases of measuring and phases of I've got this, I don't need to measure my food. I have learned that I have better results if I measure my food.
Do you ever read the package of foods to see what the serving size is? I will sometimes pay attention to those and sometimes not...
It is very important to measure!!! It is very important to know your serving sizes as well! One thing that took me by surprise a while back was that a serving size for fruit is 1/2 cup!!! Not that anyone has ever become overweight by eating too many fruits and veggies. You just need to be aware that every thing has a serving size and that can have an effect on your weight loss efforts!
Several years ago, I would just eat and not really pay attention to the labels of what I was eating. Another thing that will affect your weight loss efforts is the sodium content. Sodium will cause you to retain fluid. So be aware of your sodium intake.
If you are having struggles with not losing weight but you are "eating all the right foods" I challenge you to start measuring your portions out.
I know you don't want to take measuring cups with you when you go out with friends. Here are a few tips to help you out:
1 cup = your fist
1 oz of meat or cheese = your thumb tip to base
1 Tablespoon = Thumb (tip to first joint)
1 teaspoon = fingertip (tip to first joint)
1 to 2 ounces of nuts or pretzels = cupped hand
3 ounces of meat = the palm of your hand (without your fingers)
Make your self aware of the amount of food that you are eating or beverages that you are drinking. One thing I heard that really changed my way of thinking is 1 cup of sweet tea at McAlister's Deli contains 1000 calories!!!! When I heard that, I went cold turkey and don't drink sweet tea anymore! That was a CULTURE shock to my system!!!!
Keep on keeping on!!
In my journey over the last few years, I go through phases of measuring and phases of I've got this, I don't need to measure my food. I have learned that I have better results if I measure my food.
Do you ever read the package of foods to see what the serving size is? I will sometimes pay attention to those and sometimes not...
It is very important to measure!!! It is very important to know your serving sizes as well! One thing that took me by surprise a while back was that a serving size for fruit is 1/2 cup!!! Not that anyone has ever become overweight by eating too many fruits and veggies. You just need to be aware that every thing has a serving size and that can have an effect on your weight loss efforts!
Several years ago, I would just eat and not really pay attention to the labels of what I was eating. Another thing that will affect your weight loss efforts is the sodium content. Sodium will cause you to retain fluid. So be aware of your sodium intake.
If you are having struggles with not losing weight but you are "eating all the right foods" I challenge you to start measuring your portions out.
I know you don't want to take measuring cups with you when you go out with friends. Here are a few tips to help you out:
1 cup = your fist
1 oz of meat or cheese = your thumb tip to base
1 Tablespoon = Thumb (tip to first joint)
1 teaspoon = fingertip (tip to first joint)
1 to 2 ounces of nuts or pretzels = cupped hand
3 ounces of meat = the palm of your hand (without your fingers)
Make your self aware of the amount of food that you are eating or beverages that you are drinking. One thing I heard that really changed my way of thinking is 1 cup of sweet tea at McAlister's Deli contains 1000 calories!!!! When I heard that, I went cold turkey and don't drink sweet tea anymore! That was a CULTURE shock to my system!!!!
Keep on keeping on!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Stuffed Peppers
This is a family favorite of ours. I was able to get this recipe from Biggest Loser from a couple of seasons ago. I really haven't had to tweak it because it is yummy as it. But everyone has their own tastes, so feel free to tweak if you need to, to suit your tastes.
Hannah's Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Olive Oil Spray
1/2 cup minced onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/4 pounds extra lean ground turkey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste (I don't use salt)
1/4 cup low sodium tomato sauce
1 cup fat-free low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
4 sweet red peppers (any bell pepper will work)
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil, heat over medium heat. Add onion and garlic to pan. Saute about 2 minutes, or until softened. Add ground turkey to pan. Season to taste with salt, and then add garlic powder and ground cumin. Break meat apart and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until browned. Add 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth to pan. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add chopped cilantro to the turkey mixture. There will be about 2 cups of turkey mixture. Cut tops of peppers off and remove seeds. Fill each pepper with turkey mixture. Place all peppers in a baking dish and pour the rest of the chicken broth in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. When done, Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Calories 140
Fat Calories: 20
Total Fat: 2.5 grams
Saturated Fat: .5 grams
Cholesterol: 35 milligrams
Sodium: 150 milligrams (would be less if you don't use salt)
Total carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Protein: 8+ grams
Weight Watchers Points Plus: 4
Feel free to tweak anyway you would like...but know that the Nutritional Info will change.
Enjoy!
Hannah's Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Olive Oil Spray
1/2 cup minced onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/4 pounds extra lean ground turkey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste (I don't use salt)
1/4 cup low sodium tomato sauce
1 cup fat-free low sodium chicken broth, divided
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
4 sweet red peppers (any bell pepper will work)
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil, heat over medium heat. Add onion and garlic to pan. Saute about 2 minutes, or until softened. Add ground turkey to pan. Season to taste with salt, and then add garlic powder and ground cumin. Break meat apart and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until browned. Add 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 1/2 cup chicken broth to pan. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add chopped cilantro to the turkey mixture. There will be about 2 cups of turkey mixture. Cut tops of peppers off and remove seeds. Fill each pepper with turkey mixture. Place all peppers in a baking dish and pour the rest of the chicken broth in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. When done, Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Calories 140
Fat Calories: 20
Total Fat: 2.5 grams
Saturated Fat: .5 grams
Cholesterol: 35 milligrams
Sodium: 150 milligrams (would be less if you don't use salt)
Total carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Protein: 8+ grams
Weight Watchers Points Plus: 4
Feel free to tweak anyway you would like...but know that the Nutritional Info will change.
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Taking Pictures Along the Journey!
How many of you take pictures along the journey? I am one that likes to take pictures, but not be in pictures!!!! But will take them and not show them to anyone!
The one picture is of me 5 years ago on a trip to New York City. We were on a tour of Radio City Music Hall--Home of the beloved Rocketts! I have always loved the Rocketts and seeing them perform! Well here was my chance to meet one in person and have my picture taken with them! Little did I realize, not to many people have seen this picture! I was in the high 290's in my weight in this picture! I had done more activity on this trip than I had ever been! You don't drive in NYC...you walk!!! EVERYWHERE!!!! Well I easily dropped almost 10 pounds in a week because I was moving my body!!! When I got back from this trip is when I walked through the doors of Weight Watchers!!!
The 2nd picture is of me and my sweet cousin Susan at Christmas 2012! I am almost 85 pounds lighter in this picture! I never fully realized until today that I am a totally different person!!
I had to speak this morning at a Weight Watchers open house about activity and what a difference it has made in my life! One of my friends recently made a comment about it seems that now my face is just beaming!!! It has just hit me that I SOOOO love living life now more than I did 5 years ago! I love being active with my family and friends! I look for new ways to push myself to doing different activities!!! And yes...last year was a first for me: 1/2 Marathon with my crazy friend Angela!!
Life is out there to be lived!!! Not to waste it away sitting on the couch wishing for something to be different! You have to be the difference you want to see!!
I will challenge you like I did today for a Weight Watchers meeting: Do something and no matter where you finish, you will beat the people still sitting on the couch!!!
Keep on keeping on!!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
How's The Trip Going So Far?
I don't know how your family is when you are on a trip, but generally we will hear....Are we there yet? or How much farther until....? The same thing goes for your healthy journey! We are all the time getting frustrated with ourselves because we haven't lost x amount of pounds by now.
I want to gently remind you that you didn't get unhealthy or overweight over night and you will not lose all of the weight overnight or in a week!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching the Biggest Loser and have friends that have been participants on the Biggest Loser and they are very quick to tell people that the results are NOT typical! You have to remember that their weigh in weeks are not a 7 day week. You also need to remember that their time on the ranch is consumed with exercising, learning to eat correctly and sleep. They have many hours a day to focus on their fitness and getting healthy.
If you are in the "real world" you don't have 8-10 hours a day to workout!!! I do good to get 15 minutes some days! Sunday night was the premier for the new season for Biggest Loser. They also showed an episode on Monday night. One thing that I decided to do last night instead of just watching was to get on the treadmill and get in some workout time. So instead of only having 15 minutes, I was able to finish the day with 55 minutes of exercise time.
I hear people say quite a bit that they don't have time to exercise. I challenge you to start taking a look at what you do during the day!
1. Does the building that you work in have stairs? Start climbing the stairs during your breaks.
2. Do you drive around at the mall or the grocery store trying to get that PRIME up close parking space? Park at the end of the parking lot and walk! You generally can ALWAYS find a parking space at the end of the parking lot!
3. How much time do you spend watching TV during the day? During the commercials, do jumping jacks, crunches, walk in place. If you have a treadmill or a stationary bike in the room, get on that treadmill or bike during the show.
4. It's to late when I get home from work to walk. Get up 30 minutes early and get a quick walk in around the block. I have noticed that when I exercise first thing in the morning, I usually have more energy for the day.
5. It's too cold in the winter to walk. I know our mall has the door open and the mall marked for the distance for the Mall Walkers!! You can walk a lap around the mall then go shop!
I have also learned that saying I can't means...I won't. I used to be very good at talking myself out of a lot of things!!! I am trying to do better about seeing what I can accomplish now!!!
Make 2013 the trip on the journey of life a most wonderful one!!
Keep on Keeping on!!
I want to gently remind you that you didn't get unhealthy or overweight over night and you will not lose all of the weight overnight or in a week!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE watching the Biggest Loser and have friends that have been participants on the Biggest Loser and they are very quick to tell people that the results are NOT typical! You have to remember that their weigh in weeks are not a 7 day week. You also need to remember that their time on the ranch is consumed with exercising, learning to eat correctly and sleep. They have many hours a day to focus on their fitness and getting healthy.
If you are in the "real world" you don't have 8-10 hours a day to workout!!! I do good to get 15 minutes some days! Sunday night was the premier for the new season for Biggest Loser. They also showed an episode on Monday night. One thing that I decided to do last night instead of just watching was to get on the treadmill and get in some workout time. So instead of only having 15 minutes, I was able to finish the day with 55 minutes of exercise time.
I hear people say quite a bit that they don't have time to exercise. I challenge you to start taking a look at what you do during the day!
1. Does the building that you work in have stairs? Start climbing the stairs during your breaks.
2. Do you drive around at the mall or the grocery store trying to get that PRIME up close parking space? Park at the end of the parking lot and walk! You generally can ALWAYS find a parking space at the end of the parking lot!
3. How much time do you spend watching TV during the day? During the commercials, do jumping jacks, crunches, walk in place. If you have a treadmill or a stationary bike in the room, get on that treadmill or bike during the show.
4. It's to late when I get home from work to walk. Get up 30 minutes early and get a quick walk in around the block. I have noticed that when I exercise first thing in the morning, I usually have more energy for the day.
5. It's too cold in the winter to walk. I know our mall has the door open and the mall marked for the distance for the Mall Walkers!! You can walk a lap around the mall then go shop!
I have also learned that saying I can't means...I won't. I used to be very good at talking myself out of a lot of things!!! I am trying to do better about seeing what I can accomplish now!!!
Make 2013 the trip on the journey of life a most wonderful one!!
Keep on Keeping on!!
Friday, January 4, 2013
New Year...New Part of the Journey
After having been with my family for the Christmas holiday and being on the road traveling to and from..today was reality day for me. Today was my official weigh in day with my Weight Watcher group.
I knew when we got back from our trip that I had gained a few pounds while I was gone. I kind of expected that result and also I had already been on my Wii Fit and it said so as well. But thankfully, after having gotten back on track after the Christmas journey, I was glad to say that I had only gained 2 pounds over Christmas!
Statistics say that the average person will gain 12 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day!!! I am happy to say that I was below average! I know that as I continue focusing on making the right food choices and getting back on track with my exercise routine, that I will begin making headway into my weight loss goals that I have!
So, if you happened to have fallen off the wagon over the holiday season, it's time to get yourself up, shake yourself off and get back on. Life happens and you have bumps in the road. The question that you have to ask yourself when those times comes is this: Am I just going to forget about it...or do I pick myself up and keep going? I hope you answered that you will pick yourself up and keep going! You are worth the fight to become healthy!!!
What are your goals for the year? Lose weight, stop smoking, become more organized,exercise more? No matter what your goal is, don't stop if you make a mistake or two or twenty..celebrate what you did right..don't dwell on what went wrong!
Don't beat yourself up when you make bad choices...Celebrate the good decisions that you make!
Keep on keeping on!!!
This picture is of me and my cousin Susan. We are two weeks apart!
I knew when we got back from our trip that I had gained a few pounds while I was gone. I kind of expected that result and also I had already been on my Wii Fit and it said so as well. But thankfully, after having gotten back on track after the Christmas journey, I was glad to say that I had only gained 2 pounds over Christmas!
Statistics say that the average person will gain 12 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day!!! I am happy to say that I was below average! I know that as I continue focusing on making the right food choices and getting back on track with my exercise routine, that I will begin making headway into my weight loss goals that I have!
So, if you happened to have fallen off the wagon over the holiday season, it's time to get yourself up, shake yourself off and get back on. Life happens and you have bumps in the road. The question that you have to ask yourself when those times comes is this: Am I just going to forget about it...or do I pick myself up and keep going? I hope you answered that you will pick yourself up and keep going! You are worth the fight to become healthy!!!
What are your goals for the year? Lose weight, stop smoking, become more organized,exercise more? No matter what your goal is, don't stop if you make a mistake or two or twenty..celebrate what you did right..don't dwell on what went wrong!
Don't beat yourself up when you make bad choices...Celebrate the good decisions that you make!
Keep on keeping on!!!
This picture is of me and my cousin Susan. We are two weeks apart!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Quick Gumbo
It's winter time so it's time to bring out the soups, chili's and stew's! We tried this one for dinner tonight at our house and it was a HIT!!! Glad I planned ahead and doubled the recipe!!!! There was not much left!!
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
6 scallions, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups low sodium, fat free chicken broth
1-14 1/2 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup sliced fresh or thawed frozen okra
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 c. long grain white rice (I used brown rice)
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 5 oz skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 (1/4 pound) piece of reduced-fat kielbasa, cut into 8 slices (I used turkey kielbasa)
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, celery, scallions and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth tomatoes, okra, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes.
Stir rice into soup; simmer, covered 15 minutes. Add shrimp, chicken, and kielbasa. Simmer, covered, until shrimp are just opaque in the center, chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
Serving size is 1 1/2 cups
If you are doing Weight Watchers the points for each serving is 7 points plus
Enjoy!!!
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
6 scallions, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups low sodium, fat free chicken broth
1-14 1/2 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 cup sliced fresh or thawed frozen okra
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 c. long grain white rice (I used brown rice)
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 5 oz skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 (1/4 pound) piece of reduced-fat kielbasa, cut into 8 slices (I used turkey kielbasa)
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, celery, scallions and garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth tomatoes, okra, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes.
Stir rice into soup; simmer, covered 15 minutes. Add shrimp, chicken, and kielbasa. Simmer, covered, until shrimp are just opaque in the center, chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
Serving size is 1 1/2 cups
If you are doing Weight Watchers the points for each serving is 7 points plus
Enjoy!!!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
What Lies Ahead for the Journey of 2013?
Well here we are on start of a brand new year! Each year everyone starts off making resolutions. They make a list, either short or long, of things that they want to change about their lives. For most, that list usually doesn't last too long!
How many of us resolve to lose weight? I think most everyone I talk to says that they want to lose weight. That usually involves joining a gym. What does that mean? There are no parking spaces at the gym, the treadmills are all full and all of the machines are tough to get on. That generally lasts until the end of February. Then amazingly you walk into the gym and you have your pick of any machine you would like. Why is that? Well frankly I think it is because we don't see the results that we want as fast as we want. We are so used to a "Have it your way" drive through quick fix mentality! Might I suggest...you didn't gain the weight over night...you won't lose it over night.
I want to offer some things that are working for me over this journey that I call life.
I am a Weight Watchers Member. This has been the greatest tool that I have! You can do it online only, or you can attend weekly meetings. I LOVE going to the meetings because you get the support from the other members that are also on this journey. To me it is totally worth the money that I spend each month for my membership.
If you can't afford the monthly membership for Weight Watchers, you can also do My Fitness Pal. I might suggest to you that if you cut back on your eating out, you would be amazed that you could afford a monthly membership to Weight Watchers. My Fitness Pal is free. You can keep track of all of the calories that you consume and the exercise that you do. You can also get a group of your friends together and do that together. If you have a group of friends, you are accountable to each other. That is also a big thing. Having accountability is a HUGE motivator!
I bought my own treadmill last year when they were on sale at the first of the year. We love having it here for those winter months when it is too cold to be outside, or it is raining. We don't use it as much in the late spring, summer early fall. Then we are OUTSIDE!
Run Keeper is another free app for your smart phone. It will keep track of your walks, runs, bike rides etc. You can set goals with this and keep track of your activity.
Check around at your grocery stores. One of our local grocery stores(Hy-Vee) has 2 registered dietitians on staff. They offer helpful tips, recipes and classes. They will go with you around the store and make suggestions for healthy shopping suggestions.
Start with small goals! Don't set such a large goal that will overwhelm you and frustrate you when you possibly fall short of it. Set a weight loss goal of 5 pounds at a time. Reward yourself with a non food reward when you reach those goals. It could be a piece of jewelry, a book by your favorite author, a new outfit, etc.
Do something great for yourselves this year!!! Make small changes along the way!
Remember: You ARE WORTH IT!!!!
Keep on Keeping on!!!
How many of us resolve to lose weight? I think most everyone I talk to says that they want to lose weight. That usually involves joining a gym. What does that mean? There are no parking spaces at the gym, the treadmills are all full and all of the machines are tough to get on. That generally lasts until the end of February. Then amazingly you walk into the gym and you have your pick of any machine you would like. Why is that? Well frankly I think it is because we don't see the results that we want as fast as we want. We are so used to a "Have it your way" drive through quick fix mentality! Might I suggest...you didn't gain the weight over night...you won't lose it over night.
I want to offer some things that are working for me over this journey that I call life.
I am a Weight Watchers Member. This has been the greatest tool that I have! You can do it online only, or you can attend weekly meetings. I LOVE going to the meetings because you get the support from the other members that are also on this journey. To me it is totally worth the money that I spend each month for my membership.
If you can't afford the monthly membership for Weight Watchers, you can also do My Fitness Pal. I might suggest to you that if you cut back on your eating out, you would be amazed that you could afford a monthly membership to Weight Watchers. My Fitness Pal is free. You can keep track of all of the calories that you consume and the exercise that you do. You can also get a group of your friends together and do that together. If you have a group of friends, you are accountable to each other. That is also a big thing. Having accountability is a HUGE motivator!
I bought my own treadmill last year when they were on sale at the first of the year. We love having it here for those winter months when it is too cold to be outside, or it is raining. We don't use it as much in the late spring, summer early fall. Then we are OUTSIDE!
Run Keeper is another free app for your smart phone. It will keep track of your walks, runs, bike rides etc. You can set goals with this and keep track of your activity.
Check around at your grocery stores. One of our local grocery stores(Hy-Vee) has 2 registered dietitians on staff. They offer helpful tips, recipes and classes. They will go with you around the store and make suggestions for healthy shopping suggestions.
Start with small goals! Don't set such a large goal that will overwhelm you and frustrate you when you possibly fall short of it. Set a weight loss goal of 5 pounds at a time. Reward yourself with a non food reward when you reach those goals. It could be a piece of jewelry, a book by your favorite author, a new outfit, etc.
Do something great for yourselves this year!!! Make small changes along the way!
Remember: You ARE WORTH IT!!!!
Keep on Keeping on!!!
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