Have you ever bought fresh salmon? Over the weekend, for the first time ever, I bought a pound of fresh salmon. Now, don't get me wrong. I eat salmon often, though not as often as I'd prefer. I typically, and ashamedly, buy the frozen stuff. The baby girl actually likes salmon, and considering she refuses most meat, that's pretty awesome. So mid-morning on Saturday we ventured out to the grocery store, despite the fact that my lungs were threatening to shut down due to this awful chest congestion I was experiencing, and we shopped. It happened to be a day for sampling some on-trend healthy foods. Salmon was one of those samplings.
I love salmon so when I got the chance to sample I was so excited. I was inspired to make a fresh fish purchase, but it wasn't until I was offered a coupon for it that I took the bait. *I have paused to admire my fish humor* So, I bought a pound. On the counter of the seafood section was this little ruler that measures up to 2 1/2". I picked it up and it turns out that it's a tool to use to measure your fillets and it gives you the cooking information based on thickness. So clever. Also, this little, brilliant find was free. It says on the ruler that you are supposed to cook fresh fish at a temperature of 450 degrees for 10 minutes per inch of thickness. So you use the ruler on the one side to measure the thickness of your meat, at the thickest part of the fillet. My fillet was 1 1/2" at its thickest area so I baked mine for 15 minutes. Let me tell you- it was perfect. It was so perfectly cooked. Juicy and flaked so easily. If you are like me and you love fresh fish but you are terrified of how to cook it, take my advice- try it! You won't believe how easy! Oh, and before I forget, it also says that you add 15 minutes to the cook time if you're starting with a frozen fillet. I made a salad with mine, but I think that some asparagus baked with a bit of olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and a spray of citrus would really pair well with the fish.
Now, for my second triumph of the weekend- Mojito Tea. I love mojitos, almost as much (and in some instances, even more) as Margaritas which have always been my fave. I'm not much of a drinker. In fact, I probably enjoy a Margarita (or Mojito) only twice a year. What I love about Mojitos are the mint and lime juice. I am a big fan of both mint and limes. So, here's how I made a non-alcoholic Mojito Tea that can be enjoyed anytime.
Mojito Tea
In a large glass container, microwave 6 tea bags in 6 cups of water for 6 minutes. Once it's done, leave the tea bags in and allow to steep. Take 1 small lime or 3 small key limes and rub them on the top of a counter to get the juices flowing. Cut them in half and combine with lots of mint leaves in a coffee filter. Seal the filter well. *Note: It's a good idea to take the leaves off of the mint stems so that no sharp ends poke through the filter. Drop the filter into the hot tea and allow it all to steep together for at least an hour. Coffee filters work great for adding flavors to tea where you don't want to actually mix the stuff into the water. You can combine any number of things- oranges, lemons, anything- in a coffee filter and get the flavors you want without adding pulp or grit to the actual drink. Enjoy. It's super refreshing and crisp.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Happy Life
I have to admit. It's been a long time since I've felt so....happy. I mean, really happy. The thing is, I know people tell you that you can choose joy. That's true. Joy can be a choice. But just like love is a choice and that choice sometimes takes great pains to achieve, so does joy. But what I mean here is not something that has been worked on or forced. It's just sort of happened.
I remember in the pilot episode of the Golden Girls that Blanche was about to marry a man, who it turned out, was a bigamist. She felt like a fool and she was really depressed. At the end of the episode she came out of her bedroom, cheerful (and not for the reasons you might think, if you know anything about Blanche). She told the girls that she was in the shower and heard someone singing and realized that it was her. She was singing and that meant one thing- she was happy. That always stuck with me for some reason.
There are lots of reasons for me to realize my happiness. Let me tell you about a few of them. Over the course of the past year and a halfish, God has been done some amazing things in my life. First, He led me on a road of great healing. As I healed He slowly revealed truths to me about choices I had made in my life that brought me to that place. But, in His infinite wisdom, He only revealed these things to me as I was ready to realize them. With each realization and revelation, I healed a little more. Those revelations have taught me so much about myself. I mean, shouldn't we, of all people, know ourselves already? Yet, in fact, we don't. Even now He continues to reveal things to me. The healing and continual growing that I have done have also opened this door to knowing more of God's love for me. His infinite, perfect, unconditional, passionate, crazy love. I mean, that right there is a big reason for happiness.
Then there's being a mom to this amazing little girl. She's only 3 and yet she talks like a grown up. I'm sure that's my fault. But when it's just you and a three year old you either talk on her level or somewhere in between. I can't baby talk. I just can't. It annoys me. And my baby girl is a smart one. She picks up on ideas and analyzes things all the time. So, I think it would be rather demeaning to her to talk to her on a lower level. She has such an amazing faith in God already, and of course, that makes my heart sing. She can be a handful sometimes, don't get me wrong. After all, she's 3. And every bit of 3. But she is also compassionate and nurturing. She will say, "I love you Mama," out of the blue. Melts me, as you can imagine. And I love her too. No person, other than God and Jesus, has brought me such love and joy. She is my heart. She is my favorite person in the world.
I've also reached the point in my life (and so incredibly glad to do so) that I don't feel pressured to be in a relationship. It's not that I'm bitter, love-scorned, or anti-men. Not at all. But I finally realize that I don't need a man. If God has plans for me to be married, He has already been well informed that for me to be willing to give up spending time with Lainie, he'd have to be amazing. It would truly have to be that "can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series" kind of thing. God knows. If I have a Prince out there, well, he's going to have to chase me. Because I finally get that I'm worth the chase. =)
But, if God doesn't plan to knock my socks off, that's ok. My Bestie and I have had many talks about relationships and men over the years and we've both decided that when our children are grown we will be like the Golden Girls. That's fine by me. My Bestie is a pretty fabulous chic and we'd have a fantastic time. We'd travel and shop and laugh. Maybe we'd eat cheesecake, too. That's what the GGs did.
I'm gearing up for a trip to Florida for my brother's graduation. We're going to Disney and we're going back to St. Augustine to the beach and to shop. Maybe I'm on a high right now because I'm getting ready to take a much needed vacation. But, I feel happy. I notice myself smiling more and more these days and it reminds me of what Blanche said- if I'm smiling (or singing) that means I'm happy.
And, can I just say for the record- it's about freakin' time! =)
I remember in the pilot episode of the Golden Girls that Blanche was about to marry a man, who it turned out, was a bigamist. She felt like a fool and she was really depressed. At the end of the episode she came out of her bedroom, cheerful (and not for the reasons you might think, if you know anything about Blanche). She told the girls that she was in the shower and heard someone singing and realized that it was her. She was singing and that meant one thing- she was happy. That always stuck with me for some reason.
There are lots of reasons for me to realize my happiness. Let me tell you about a few of them. Over the course of the past year and a halfish, God has been done some amazing things in my life. First, He led me on a road of great healing. As I healed He slowly revealed truths to me about choices I had made in my life that brought me to that place. But, in His infinite wisdom, He only revealed these things to me as I was ready to realize them. With each realization and revelation, I healed a little more. Those revelations have taught me so much about myself. I mean, shouldn't we, of all people, know ourselves already? Yet, in fact, we don't. Even now He continues to reveal things to me. The healing and continual growing that I have done have also opened this door to knowing more of God's love for me. His infinite, perfect, unconditional, passionate, crazy love. I mean, that right there is a big reason for happiness.
Then there's being a mom to this amazing little girl. She's only 3 and yet she talks like a grown up. I'm sure that's my fault. But when it's just you and a three year old you either talk on her level or somewhere in between. I can't baby talk. I just can't. It annoys me. And my baby girl is a smart one. She picks up on ideas and analyzes things all the time. So, I think it would be rather demeaning to her to talk to her on a lower level. She has such an amazing faith in God already, and of course, that makes my heart sing. She can be a handful sometimes, don't get me wrong. After all, she's 3. And every bit of 3. But she is also compassionate and nurturing. She will say, "I love you Mama," out of the blue. Melts me, as you can imagine. And I love her too. No person, other than God and Jesus, has brought me such love and joy. She is my heart. She is my favorite person in the world.
I've also reached the point in my life (and so incredibly glad to do so) that I don't feel pressured to be in a relationship. It's not that I'm bitter, love-scorned, or anti-men. Not at all. But I finally realize that I don't need a man. If God has plans for me to be married, He has already been well informed that for me to be willing to give up spending time with Lainie, he'd have to be amazing. It would truly have to be that "can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series" kind of thing. God knows. If I have a Prince out there, well, he's going to have to chase me. Because I finally get that I'm worth the chase. =)
But, if God doesn't plan to knock my socks off, that's ok. My Bestie and I have had many talks about relationships and men over the years and we've both decided that when our children are grown we will be like the Golden Girls. That's fine by me. My Bestie is a pretty fabulous chic and we'd have a fantastic time. We'd travel and shop and laugh. Maybe we'd eat cheesecake, too. That's what the GGs did.
I'm gearing up for a trip to Florida for my brother's graduation. We're going to Disney and we're going back to St. Augustine to the beach and to shop. Maybe I'm on a high right now because I'm getting ready to take a much needed vacation. But, I feel happy. I notice myself smiling more and more these days and it reminds me of what Blanche said- if I'm smiling (or singing) that means I'm happy.
And, can I just say for the record- it's about freakin' time! =)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
So You Think You Can Dance
Well, I can dance. I might have even done a little jig after I weighed in today at 4 whole pounds lighter! Woo hoo!!! I love weeks like this. Especially since I've been trying so hard and had two weeks in a row where I was good yet only lost .4 pounds. 1.8 pounds in two weeks is sad, if you ask me. But, my brother reminded me of what I should really be focused on and the scale is not it. Being healthier, developing better eating and activity habits, and just being happy with me are what's important.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some more dancing to do!
Happy Weighsday!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some more dancing to do!
Happy Weighsday!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I've Got the Joy
You know that feeling you have when the guy you like notices you and then you start talking and you know he likes you and it fills you with this bubbly, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling and you get that can't eat-can't sleep-reach for the stars-over the fence-world series feeling? Strangely, I feel that way and there isn't a guy that has noticed me (that I'm aware of) or talking to me or liking me (again, that I know of). But I feel so bubbly and butterflies-in-my-stomachy these days. No clue why.
I have been dancercising with my baby girl. I also spent every morning last week up at the butt crack of dawn doing some pilates and yoga. It's so fun to see the results in the form of my daughter dancing around telling people she's exercising and she is mimicking my pilates and yoga video. She likes to sit on the couch in the wee hours of the morning watching me. One day she even tried to do it with me, on the floor, entirely in my way- but super fun! She loves Richard Simmons and asks for more dancing. We also discovered on one of her Barbie movie dvds that there is a dance instructional feature and then the music video to dance to. We love that too. I also purchased Michael Jackson- The Experience for the Wii. Although, much to my chagrin, I have yet to do it, I plan to. I'm dancing Thriller at my brother's wedding with my brother and his will-be bride. I'm gonna rock that joint.
I've also been stretching myself in the cooking world. Last week I made two new dishes- Italian Chicken (much like Italian beef) and Sweet Curried Chicken. Check out the recipe of the week for the Italian Chicken. I'll post the Sweet Curried Chicken later.
Tomorrow is Weighsday so I'll have to report back on how I'm doing. But, last week, after all of the schmexercising I did and eating so healthy I lost .4 pounds. I was a bit crushed but then my brother offered lots of encouraging words and thoughts and he made me realize that these weigh-ins don't matter as much as where I am in 6 months matter. I can't let one minor weight loss when I was expecting so much more defeat me. I mean, ok, duh, right? But, I still needed to hear it. Thanks, Tommy!! He's a pretty swell little brother (that looks older than me thought I'm 5 1/2 years his senior- thanks for looking so old, Tommy!) I'm not being mean. It's a running joke. The little buggar gave me a Happy 40th Birthday card for my 28th birthday. He deserves a jab here and there.
Happy Tuesday!
I have been dancercising with my baby girl. I also spent every morning last week up at the butt crack of dawn doing some pilates and yoga. It's so fun to see the results in the form of my daughter dancing around telling people she's exercising and she is mimicking my pilates and yoga video. She likes to sit on the couch in the wee hours of the morning watching me. One day she even tried to do it with me, on the floor, entirely in my way- but super fun! She loves Richard Simmons and asks for more dancing. We also discovered on one of her Barbie movie dvds that there is a dance instructional feature and then the music video to dance to. We love that too. I also purchased Michael Jackson- The Experience for the Wii. Although, much to my chagrin, I have yet to do it, I plan to. I'm dancing Thriller at my brother's wedding with my brother and his will-be bride. I'm gonna rock that joint.
I've also been stretching myself in the cooking world. Last week I made two new dishes- Italian Chicken (much like Italian beef) and Sweet Curried Chicken. Check out the recipe of the week for the Italian Chicken. I'll post the Sweet Curried Chicken later.
Tomorrow is Weighsday so I'll have to report back on how I'm doing. But, last week, after all of the schmexercising I did and eating so healthy I lost .4 pounds. I was a bit crushed but then my brother offered lots of encouraging words and thoughts and he made me realize that these weigh-ins don't matter as much as where I am in 6 months matter. I can't let one minor weight loss when I was expecting so much more defeat me. I mean, ok, duh, right? But, I still needed to hear it. Thanks, Tommy!! He's a pretty swell little brother (that looks older than me thought I'm 5 1/2 years his senior- thanks for looking so old, Tommy!) I'm not being mean. It's a running joke. The little buggar gave me a Happy 40th Birthday card for my 28th birthday. He deserves a jab here and there.
Happy Tuesday!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Welcome to a New Era
So, this is going to be my year- FACT! But it's also the start of a whole new era for me. I have many plans for myself this year and it all involves being more selfish. Now, don't get me wrong because I'm not talking about selfish in a bad way. I'm strictly speaking about devoting a little more time to me and taking care of myself. I just realized right before Christmas that I couldn't remember the last time I had purchased for myself a new article of clothing. It must have been the last time I had a gift card. Probably to Old Navy and I distinctly recall the last time I shopped there I used a gift card to buy myself a shirt and Lainie a dress and some cute socks. I just feel that this is shameful. More so because I do have new clothes and they have all been hand-me-downs from Christie (my Naomi) or purchased by my mom. Please don't doubt for a second that all of the clothes I have received have been fashionable and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. But, to never buy myself something new is getting on my nerves just a little. Especially because I've been losing weight and working on getting in shape and I think a new outfit every now and then is just the motivational boost I need. So, I budgeted for it. In my monthly budget I have added a line item to buy myself something special each month. Doesn't have to be a new outfit. For instance, this month I'm getting myself the Michael Jackson Experience for the Wii. It's going to be part of my new dancercise regimen.
Also part of this new era is getting fit. I can't call it that horrible word that rhymes with shmexercise. I mean, some people hear the word diet and instantly crave pizza, mozzarella sticks, and an oreo cookie blizzard (or is that just me?). Well, truth be told, I've been on a diet of sorts my whole life so the word diet is really not that scary. But that dreaded "e" word is just too much for me. It immediately makes me want to do nothing but sit on my couch and watch a marathon of Golden Girls whilst devouring cheesecake (because, let's face it, you can't watch an episode of Golden Girls without craving cheesecake). So, I'm calling that "e" word anything but the actual "e" word. From de-stressing to dancercise, it has to be called anything but that "e" word. So, what else is part of my getting fit routine you might be asking. Well, Sweating to the Oldies (yes, the one with Richard Simmons- the original STTO), for one. I'm not gonna lie because, quite frankly, I have no shame when it comes to Richie S. I love him. He's hysterical. He has a good heart. I love the songs. So, yeah, STTO. Plus, Wii Fit and Wii Play and my beloved Denise Austin Pilates and Yoga dvd. I'm sure I'll add more as time goes along, but for now that's it.
To round out the continuation of the new me, I'm back to attending Weight Watcher meetings. I have been doing it online since June, but they recently began a new program and so my co-worker and I are back at the meetings. By the way, I'm likely the only person in America that lost 1.5 pounds over Christmas (I weigh in for my New Year's test tomorrow). Score!
So, here's to 2012. May there be pounds lost, fitness gained, clothes purchased, fun had, kisses from a prince, and a brand new me by the end of this year! God bless you in 2012!!
Also part of this new era is getting fit. I can't call it that horrible word that rhymes with shmexercise. I mean, some people hear the word diet and instantly crave pizza, mozzarella sticks, and an oreo cookie blizzard (or is that just me?). Well, truth be told, I've been on a diet of sorts my whole life so the word diet is really not that scary. But that dreaded "e" word is just too much for me. It immediately makes me want to do nothing but sit on my couch and watch a marathon of Golden Girls whilst devouring cheesecake (because, let's face it, you can't watch an episode of Golden Girls without craving cheesecake). So, I'm calling that "e" word anything but the actual "e" word. From de-stressing to dancercise, it has to be called anything but that "e" word. So, what else is part of my getting fit routine you might be asking. Well, Sweating to the Oldies (yes, the one with Richard Simmons- the original STTO), for one. I'm not gonna lie because, quite frankly, I have no shame when it comes to Richie S. I love him. He's hysterical. He has a good heart. I love the songs. So, yeah, STTO. Plus, Wii Fit and Wii Play and my beloved Denise Austin Pilates and Yoga dvd. I'm sure I'll add more as time goes along, but for now that's it.
To round out the continuation of the new me, I'm back to attending Weight Watcher meetings. I have been doing it online since June, but they recently began a new program and so my co-worker and I are back at the meetings. By the way, I'm likely the only person in America that lost 1.5 pounds over Christmas (I weigh in for my New Year's test tomorrow). Score!
So, here's to 2012. May there be pounds lost, fitness gained, clothes purchased, fun had, kisses from a prince, and a brand new me by the end of this year! God bless you in 2012!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Aboard the Weight Loss Train
So, despite the fact that I have not been faithfully blogging as I very well should be, it does not mean that I have not been chugging right along the weight loss train. I'm down 38 pounds these days and I just have to report that many of my pants have become so baggy I can pull them down without unbuttoning or unzipping them. Ahhh.....the sweet taste of success is mine.
I've been making some pretty awesome recipes of late and when I stop being the derelict blogger that I have been lately, I will absolutely get posting.
In the meantime, this weight loss train is rolling out full steam ahead. Yee haw!
I've been making some pretty awesome recipes of late and when I stop being the derelict blogger that I have been lately, I will absolutely get posting.
In the meantime, this weight loss train is rolling out full steam ahead. Yee haw!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Charging Full Speed Ahead
Whew! I'm making so much progress with Operation: New Me. Ok, so I literally just dubbed my whole lose some weight and get healthy plan Operation: New Me, but I'm going with it. I've already reached my first personal goal and it feels good. My reward, you ask, because you know I have to reward myself? Well, I was going to do a mani-pedi but instead I'm going to treat myself to a massage. I haven't yet booked it, however, I will. Soon.
Life seems pretty simple these days and simiplicity is much welcome and appreciated, all things considered. Certain chapters of my life seem to have come to a close and they are definitely chapters I was quite ready to see end. Alas, new chapters all around. For starters, I'm considering a church change. That is, I think I want to return to my previous church. I'm praying about it and hopefully, I'll get the word soon. =)
Also, I have started straightening my hair and it makes me feel rather rockstarish. That combined with the weight loss, skin regimen, and that I'm-feeling-good-about-myself glow and this mama is feeling super rockstar these days! Not to be confused with being grown up, because that is something I refuse to do, grow up.
Tonight, if I have the time, I am going to attempt a low-carb zucchini bread. If the results are acceptable I will definitely post the recipe. It involves an all out substitution of flax meal for flour. Actually, I wanted to try it with almond flour, but I cannot find such a thing locally. I may have to break down and purchase it online. I'll keep you informed, fear not.
I have a feeling Prince Charming is well on his way to me. I hope he's ready for a chase because this Princess' heart will not be won so easily. =)
Life seems pretty simple these days and simiplicity is much welcome and appreciated, all things considered. Certain chapters of my life seem to have come to a close and they are definitely chapters I was quite ready to see end. Alas, new chapters all around. For starters, I'm considering a church change. That is, I think I want to return to my previous church. I'm praying about it and hopefully, I'll get the word soon. =)
Also, I have started straightening my hair and it makes me feel rather rockstarish. That combined with the weight loss, skin regimen, and that I'm-feeling-good-about-myself glow and this mama is feeling super rockstar these days! Not to be confused with being grown up, because that is something I refuse to do, grow up.
Tonight, if I have the time, I am going to attempt a low-carb zucchini bread. If the results are acceptable I will definitely post the recipe. It involves an all out substitution of flax meal for flour. Actually, I wanted to try it with almond flour, but I cannot find such a thing locally. I may have to break down and purchase it online. I'll keep you informed, fear not.
I have a feeling Prince Charming is well on his way to me. I hope he's ready for a chase because this Princess' heart will not be won so easily. =)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Farmer's Market Frenzy
I just can't help myself. Walking through a farmer's market has the same affect on me that walking through a shoe store has on my bestie (who owns more shoes than Ford has made cars). Just sayin'. Any hoo, I can't control myself is the point. This weekend I forced the mom and my baby girl to go with me. I bought so many goodies that I was in hog heaven. A wee bit too much of a hog, I might add. When I got all of my delicious find home I remembered that I am a single mom to one small child, not the keeper of an entire army's appetite. So, what does one do with so many goodies threatening to go bad before I can consume them? Here's one idea:
Farmer's Market Frenzy:
1- eggplant
1- zucchini
1- white onion
1- red bell pepper
3- cloves of garlic (what?? I love garlic. It's what drove Edward Cullen and I apart, but I chose garlic.)
Kosher salt
Olive oil
Sautee the onion and garlic (minced) in the olive oil until it starts to carmelize. Add chopped zucch, eggplant, and pepper. Cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes. I add the salt towards the end because the veggies tend to cook down a lot and you might add too much at the beginning. I cover it to keep moisture in which keeps the veggies from sticking. I like my texture slightly mushed with the skins of the egg plant and zucch and the peppers adding a slight crunch. Fantastic flavors. Eggplant, to me, really doesn't have much flavor as it picks up the flavors of the dish. The carmelized onions add a touch of sweetness as does the garlic. So yummy. I'm eating leftover for lunch as I type and these veggies are even better the next day.
I expect to post more recipes as I attempt to cook my way through all of the farmer's market fair I purchased over the weekend. I nearly lost my sweet white-flesh peaches, but I just ate them all yesterday. What? It was only 3 and they're free on Weight Watchers.
Speaking of fruit, my new fruit love is....clementines. I love them. First of all, seriously cute name. I feel like it's really a nickname for them, you know, like men name their cars? No? Anyway, they're like super sweet miniature oranges and they're my new faves.
And, a little gossip on yours truly, I am now at -35 pounds. Woot. Plus, I got hit on yesterday at the grocery store by a hot guy. Yeah. Me. It happened. If I hadn't acted like a complete fool (you know, in total shock that said hot guy was flirting with me) perhaps he'd have asked for my digits. I'm going to start practicing. I will have to start frequenting the grocery store on my lunch hour more often.
Whip up some veggie goodness!
Farmer's Market Frenzy:
1- eggplant
1- zucchini
1- white onion
1- red bell pepper
3- cloves of garlic (what?? I love garlic. It's what drove Edward Cullen and I apart, but I chose garlic.)
Kosher salt
Olive oil
Sautee the onion and garlic (minced) in the olive oil until it starts to carmelize. Add chopped zucch, eggplant, and pepper. Cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes. I add the salt towards the end because the veggies tend to cook down a lot and you might add too much at the beginning. I cover it to keep moisture in which keeps the veggies from sticking. I like my texture slightly mushed with the skins of the egg plant and zucch and the peppers adding a slight crunch. Fantastic flavors. Eggplant, to me, really doesn't have much flavor as it picks up the flavors of the dish. The carmelized onions add a touch of sweetness as does the garlic. So yummy. I'm eating leftover for lunch as I type and these veggies are even better the next day.
Farmer's Market Frenzy- so pretty and so delish
I expect to post more recipes as I attempt to cook my way through all of the farmer's market fair I purchased over the weekend. I nearly lost my sweet white-flesh peaches, but I just ate them all yesterday. What? It was only 3 and they're free on Weight Watchers.
Speaking of fruit, my new fruit love is....clementines. I love them. First of all, seriously cute name. I feel like it's really a nickname for them, you know, like men name their cars? No? Anyway, they're like super sweet miniature oranges and they're my new faves.
And, a little gossip on yours truly, I am now at -35 pounds. Woot. Plus, I got hit on yesterday at the grocery store by a hot guy. Yeah. Me. It happened. If I hadn't acted like a complete fool (you know, in total shock that said hot guy was flirting with me) perhaps he'd have asked for my digits. I'm going to start practicing. I will have to start frequenting the grocery store on my lunch hour more often.
Whip up some veggie goodness!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Rockstar Crepes
So, last night I tried my hand at making crepes. For those unfamiliar with the task, having only sampled the goods when ordered at a restaurant, crepes take some special love and care to master. Master, I did not. However, I definitely made a tasty, golden crepe. Did I mention that I took care to remove all calories from them? Ok, so that's clearly not true. But I did remove the sugar!!! With the exception of the carbs in the fruit and the very minimal carbs in the sugar free whipped topping, I removed a bunch of calories. The crepes themselves were carb free, sugar free, and very low fat. So, how did I achieve the rockstar crepes? Allow me to take you on my crepe-making journey. For future reference, any time I revamp a recipe and make it low carb, low sugar, or low fat, I will be referring to it as Rockstar *insert food name*
Kendy's Rockstar Crepes
Ingreds:
3 oz- lite cream cheese (if you like fat free, which I loathe, feel free to substitute)
2- eggs- beaten (technically, you could probably substitute 4 egg whites, however, I personally have nothing against a little yolk in my life)
2-3 packets of Truvia sweetener (use what you like here)
Cinnamon- if you love cinn, use lots, if not, use less- it's sort of a "duh" thing
The cream cheese needs to be soft. I mean, really soft. Nuke it for a couple of secs if need be. The eggs I recommend taking out and leaving out for about 5 minutes to take a bit of the chill off. I make no claims to know whether or not leaving eggs out for about 5 minutes pre-cooking is safe. I just know that I did and I'm alive. First, beat the eggs well. Next, add in the cream cheese and blend until good and smooth. If your eggs are too cold or the cream cheese is not softened enough (room temp softened!) then you'll have bits of cream cheese clump and that is NOT what you want. It'll take away from the crepe's texture. Then add in the sweetener and cinnamon. Blend.
Ok, heat up a small skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. I recommend butter flavored, but what do I know? I'm just a rockstar. =) Spray it good. Once the skillet is good and hot pour in enough batter to cover the bottom but don't make it too thick of a layer. Immediately start jostling the skillet back and forth. What you want to happen is that it eventually slides around the skillet. Add more spray right over the crepe if need be and use a spatula to loosen sides if necessary to get it slide around. Once it's sliding good, you need to flip it over. Take care here because these babies are very fragile little creations and will tear apart quite easily. My suggestion is a flat, plastic spatula that you use to get the crepe up enough to slide a spoon (using the back of the spoon) under it to get the spatula under as much of the crepe as possible so that it doesn't tear. Then flip it over. FOR BRAVE SOULS ONLY: FLIP IT IN THE AIR. Shamefully, I admit I was not a brave soul. Next time. Anyhoo, once flipped leave it less than a minute. They cook up quick. Set aside on a plate to cool. Do the same 3 more times. Each batter recipe makes about 4 crepes.
Filling them:
My suggestion is to use fresh fruits and sugar free Cool Whip. However, I have been toying with making a chocolate cream to use in them. The recipe idea I have is something like this:
1- small container of fat free, plain greek yogurt*
1-2 tsp cocoa
Truvia to taste
Mix and add sweetener until it tastes sweet enough. Might have to play around with the cocoa too in order to get it the right amount of chocolately yumminess. I'll report back when I try it.
*I specifically chose greek yogurt here for a good reason. Have you ever had it? If so, you know that it is a thick creamy food. Thicker than regular yogurt. Plus, it's jam packed with protein. About double what regular yogurts have. I think it's got just the right amount of body to hold up to the cocoa and to make a nice creamy texture inside the crepe.
So, try them and ROCK ON!!
Kendy's Rockstar Crepes
Ingreds:
3 oz- lite cream cheese (if you like fat free, which I loathe, feel free to substitute)
2- eggs- beaten (technically, you could probably substitute 4 egg whites, however, I personally have nothing against a little yolk in my life)
2-3 packets of Truvia sweetener (use what you like here)
Cinnamon- if you love cinn, use lots, if not, use less- it's sort of a "duh" thing
The cream cheese needs to be soft. I mean, really soft. Nuke it for a couple of secs if need be. The eggs I recommend taking out and leaving out for about 5 minutes to take a bit of the chill off. I make no claims to know whether or not leaving eggs out for about 5 minutes pre-cooking is safe. I just know that I did and I'm alive. First, beat the eggs well. Next, add in the cream cheese and blend until good and smooth. If your eggs are too cold or the cream cheese is not softened enough (room temp softened!) then you'll have bits of cream cheese clump and that is NOT what you want. It'll take away from the crepe's texture. Then add in the sweetener and cinnamon. Blend.
Ok, heat up a small skillet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. I recommend butter flavored, but what do I know? I'm just a rockstar. =) Spray it good. Once the skillet is good and hot pour in enough batter to cover the bottom but don't make it too thick of a layer. Immediately start jostling the skillet back and forth. What you want to happen is that it eventually slides around the skillet. Add more spray right over the crepe if need be and use a spatula to loosen sides if necessary to get it slide around. Once it's sliding good, you need to flip it over. Take care here because these babies are very fragile little creations and will tear apart quite easily. My suggestion is a flat, plastic spatula that you use to get the crepe up enough to slide a spoon (using the back of the spoon) under it to get the spatula under as much of the crepe as possible so that it doesn't tear. Then flip it over. FOR BRAVE SOULS ONLY: FLIP IT IN THE AIR. Shamefully, I admit I was not a brave soul. Next time. Anyhoo, once flipped leave it less than a minute. They cook up quick. Set aside on a plate to cool. Do the same 3 more times. Each batter recipe makes about 4 crepes.
Filling them:
My suggestion is to use fresh fruits and sugar free Cool Whip. However, I have been toying with making a chocolate cream to use in them. The recipe idea I have is something like this:
1- small container of fat free, plain greek yogurt*
1-2 tsp cocoa
Truvia to taste
Mix and add sweetener until it tastes sweet enough. Might have to play around with the cocoa too in order to get it the right amount of chocolately yumminess. I'll report back when I try it.
*I specifically chose greek yogurt here for a good reason. Have you ever had it? If so, you know that it is a thick creamy food. Thicker than regular yogurt. Plus, it's jam packed with protein. About double what regular yogurts have. I think it's got just the right amount of body to hold up to the cocoa and to make a nice creamy texture inside the crepe.
So, try them and ROCK ON!!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Thing
I've tried and tried to lose weight over the years. But reality is, it's darn hard. Especially if you're an emotional eater, like myself. As many know, I've been through quite a lot in the past couple of years. What I have learned about losing weight is, the saying that if you do it for a month it becomes habit really doesn't apply in many cases. It hasn't ever for me. I lose a little, something sets me back, and then I'm off. Way off. I gain back the weight I lose and then some. It's a never ending patter and it sucks. So what does it take?
It takes "the thing". Whatever "the thing" is, it's something that motivates you for the right reasons. It's a lasting inspiration, push, driving force. I haven't ever gotten "the thing" before. Until now. I've eaten healthier since having my baby girl because I want her to be a healthy eater and I definitely don't want her to inherit my weight and food issues. So, I've kept healthy foods around the house. You won't find candy or cookies. No potato chips. Not even chocolate. But I overeat. And it's the eating at work that gets me too.
About a month and a half ago I started having dizzy spells and my blood sugar was dropping. I've always been borderline hypoglycemic so I figured it was getting worse. I went to the doctor only to find out that I'm now borderline diabetic. He ordered me to lose weight and get moving immediately. I almost cried. I walked out that day devastated and depressed. But I also walked out with "the thing". Suddenly, I look at food completely different. I, emotionally and mentally, don't want the stuff I know is bad for me. I have a chance to turn this around and not have to live with diabetes. If I have a second chance, then by golly, I'm gonna take it.
Interestingly, I had been praying that God would help me find my motivation. Prayer: answered. I have it. This time it isn't because a family member hurt my feelings and belittled me into it. It isn't because I want the attention of some boy (heck no- he's gonna have to earn my attention! Just sayin'.). It isn't because I hate the way I look, although I hadn't been happy with my appearance, avoiding mirrors at all costs. This time, I'm ready to be the person I'm meant to be. To stop diabetes before it becomes a reality. To get healthy and ensure that my baby girl is learning healthy eating.
In five weeks I've lost 22 pounds. I'm already wearing a smaller size. And I'm feeling amazing. I cut off my hair and I've been wearing it straight. Today I actually got into a pair of pants I received as a Christmas present that I have never been able to wear. Five weeks ago I could hardly get them over my rear. Two weeks ago I couldn't zip them. Today, yeah, I'm wearing those suckers, along with a shirt that now fits me.
I have an end goal. But I also have smaller goals along the way. I'm 12 pounds away from my first one. I've already hit 2 WW goals. I feel amazing. =) And I'm pretty sure that this newfound confidence and my cute outfit and super fun shoes make me LOOK amazing too!
It takes "the thing". Whatever "the thing" is, it's something that motivates you for the right reasons. It's a lasting inspiration, push, driving force. I haven't ever gotten "the thing" before. Until now. I've eaten healthier since having my baby girl because I want her to be a healthy eater and I definitely don't want her to inherit my weight and food issues. So, I've kept healthy foods around the house. You won't find candy or cookies. No potato chips. Not even chocolate. But I overeat. And it's the eating at work that gets me too.
About a month and a half ago I started having dizzy spells and my blood sugar was dropping. I've always been borderline hypoglycemic so I figured it was getting worse. I went to the doctor only to find out that I'm now borderline diabetic. He ordered me to lose weight and get moving immediately. I almost cried. I walked out that day devastated and depressed. But I also walked out with "the thing". Suddenly, I look at food completely different. I, emotionally and mentally, don't want the stuff I know is bad for me. I have a chance to turn this around and not have to live with diabetes. If I have a second chance, then by golly, I'm gonna take it.
Interestingly, I had been praying that God would help me find my motivation. Prayer: answered. I have it. This time it isn't because a family member hurt my feelings and belittled me into it. It isn't because I want the attention of some boy (heck no- he's gonna have to earn my attention! Just sayin'.). It isn't because I hate the way I look, although I hadn't been happy with my appearance, avoiding mirrors at all costs. This time, I'm ready to be the person I'm meant to be. To stop diabetes before it becomes a reality. To get healthy and ensure that my baby girl is learning healthy eating.
In five weeks I've lost 22 pounds. I'm already wearing a smaller size. And I'm feeling amazing. I cut off my hair and I've been wearing it straight. Today I actually got into a pair of pants I received as a Christmas present that I have never been able to wear. Five weeks ago I could hardly get them over my rear. Two weeks ago I couldn't zip them. Today, yeah, I'm wearing those suckers, along with a shirt that now fits me.
I have an end goal. But I also have smaller goals along the way. I'm 12 pounds away from my first one. I've already hit 2 WW goals. I feel amazing. =) And I'm pretty sure that this newfound confidence and my cute outfit and super fun shoes make me LOOK amazing too!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Bell Ringer, Baby!!
Let me tell you about my weekend. Insane. For starters, Friday night I had a Scentsy party at my house. Well, this happened to be a day that my darling BG chose to be ill, runny nose, horrible cough and all. I left work around noon and headed to Walgreens to pick up necessities for said shindig. However, at Walgreens, lest it be on sale, you will forfeit an arm and a leg for simple goods. So I didn't purchase much. So, I selected the following items:
1- 2 liter Pepsi
1- 2 liter Diet Pepsi
1- box brownie mix (aye, aye, aye)
1- bag Lays potato chips
1- bag pretzels
1- french onion dip
1- package cream cheese (for a cheeseball)
If you can, tell me what of these many products was really acceptable for a Week 3 WW attendee to purchase? If you said Diet Pepsi, you would be right. So, I made said brownies and cheeseball which I served with pretzels, chips, and dip. And I consumed some of each. Before you scold me with your disciplining glare, I have to tell you that I counted the points. I did go over, using a generous portion of my weekly points. But I still counted them.
Not the end of the world. Except that on top of such tasty morsels right at my fingertips I had a visitor from a not-so-welcome friend. If you have to ask, you needn't know. Needless to say, I was bloated, cramp-ridden, and headache-struck most of the weekend. I felt blah and I ate comfort food the entire time. Again, I counted my points. In all, I used about half of my weekly allowance. (Side Note: For non-WW saavy individuals, WW gives you an allotted point bank per day which you are supposed to use in its entirety. You are also given a weekly point bank that you may use, but are not required to. It is not frowned upon or forbidden for you to use such points.)
Today, all I wanted was .6 pound loss to make my first 5. It's all I asked for, and much to my surprise, I got more. I lost 3.2 pounds today! I removed my ring, my sweater-jacket, and even breathed out every last ounce of air in my lungs, which may or may not helped. I was super excited. Not to mention- I got to the ring the bell and earned my very first nifty star sticker with a cute little 5 in the middle to represent losing 5 pounds. I probably should just relish in my victory and not look to next week quite yet, however, I am hopeful to lose another 2.4 for a total 10- giving me my second 5 pound loss AND the honor and privilege of being a bell-ringer two weeks in a row.
Look out world! I'm going to be famous! Even more famous than JHud. Just sayin'.
1- 2 liter Pepsi
1- 2 liter Diet Pepsi
1- box brownie mix (aye, aye, aye)
1- bag Lays potato chips
1- bag pretzels
1- french onion dip
1- package cream cheese (for a cheeseball)
If you can, tell me what of these many products was really acceptable for a Week 3 WW attendee to purchase? If you said Diet Pepsi, you would be right. So, I made said brownies and cheeseball which I served with pretzels, chips, and dip. And I consumed some of each. Before you scold me with your disciplining glare, I have to tell you that I counted the points. I did go over, using a generous portion of my weekly points. But I still counted them.
Not the end of the world. Except that on top of such tasty morsels right at my fingertips I had a visitor from a not-so-welcome friend. If you have to ask, you needn't know. Needless to say, I was bloated, cramp-ridden, and headache-struck most of the weekend. I felt blah and I ate comfort food the entire time. Again, I counted my points. In all, I used about half of my weekly allowance. (Side Note: For non-WW saavy individuals, WW gives you an allotted point bank per day which you are supposed to use in its entirety. You are also given a weekly point bank that you may use, but are not required to. It is not frowned upon or forbidden for you to use such points.)
Today, all I wanted was .6 pound loss to make my first 5. It's all I asked for, and much to my surprise, I got more. I lost 3.2 pounds today! I removed my ring, my sweater-jacket, and even breathed out every last ounce of air in my lungs, which may or may not helped. I was super excited. Not to mention- I got to the ring the bell and earned my very first nifty star sticker with a cute little 5 in the middle to represent losing 5 pounds. I probably should just relish in my victory and not look to next week quite yet, however, I am hopeful to lose another 2.4 for a total 10- giving me my second 5 pound loss AND the honor and privilege of being a bell-ringer two weeks in a row.
Look out world! I'm going to be famous! Even more famous than JHud. Just sayin'.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Weighsday Success
I didn't get a chance to report yesterday. But I lost 4.4 pounds. Woo hoo! I was pretty excited. I'm loving this program with the free fruits and all. Feeling rather blah today though so I don't have much to say other than I'm staying on track and looking forward to making my "first 5" next week!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
C'est la Vie
I had a lovely 3-day weekend. The weather was incredible for late February. Plus, I stayed completely on program the whole, entire weekend. I'm pretty happy with myself today. I mean, my weekend included lots of temptations. I had lunch at Red Lobster on Saturday with the fam and I ate a Caesar Salad (7.5pts- totally worth it to me- I L-O-V-E their salad), 1 (you read that right, 1) cheddar bay biscuit, because they're 4.5pts and while I love them, I didn't want to fill up on bread. I also ate 2 servings of shrimp scampi which, as it turns out, is only 5pts each. That may sound like a lot of points but I still had plenty left and it was well worth it. Plus, since fruit is now free on the new WW Points Plus program I snacked on grapes and apples during the morning. (Side Note: OMG. I just said I snacked on fruit. I am so a super model these days. ~tee hee~) Then on Sunday I had McDonald's for lunch and pizza for dinner. I realize this sounds like I'm making horrible choices, but the truth is I ate pretty healthy. I had a cheeseburger and a yogurt parfait from McD's, opting out of fries because they just weren't worth the points. Then I ate about 6 small squares of pizza (kind of like Cassano's Pizza, if you're familiar- mmmmm.....Cassano's!) Anyway, I totally stayed on track. Then yesterday, I met my wonder second mother (Christie) for Culver's. Now, you might think I was all out torturing myself and just begging for failure. Not true, kind friends. I looked up all of the points and planned my meal before I went. I had a single cheese burger and a small fry, which I shared with my baby girl, who is also a small fry. I just cracked myself up. I do that sometimes. But I digress. All in all, a weekend I am most proud of considering I faced some pretty tempting places.
I want to document this for myself because it always happens that the first few weeks and months are the easiest. Starting a new program, losing weight a little more quickly, etc. But then you hit those pesky plateaus that cause you to consider giving up the fight. So, I want to remind myself of what just one week on the plan has done for me. I feel amazing. I'm sure it's all of those fruits with their body-loving, health benefits. I'm actually craving healthy food now. Last week, my back hurt. My lower back is always bothering me. But this week, it isn't. In just one week, eating healthier (and filling my belly just a little less) is making a huge difference. Not to mention, every time I look in the mirror I think, "you know, I'm kinda cute". Generally, I avoid mirrors. How about that for a reason to stay on track. Plus, I have so much energy. I really do think all of those horrible carbs and heavy foods and beverages drag you down. I feel so amazing. I usually feel so tired in the afternoons because I eat horrible lunches. Do you know how many times I've eaten a snack size bag of Combos and drank a Wild Cherry Pepsi. What, am I in college or something?? Geesh. Today, I packed a can of tuna, lettuce with salad dressing for a salad, and a bag of orange slices for lunch. I know, right! How healthy is that?? For breakfast I ate a grapefruit (I did! I'm such a super model) and drank coffee with just some FF vanilla creamer in it. I gave up sugar in my coffee. I also have lots of sparkling, flavored water in the fridge at work now. No more soda!
I just read a WW success story about a woman you lost about what I'm looking to lose. I'm too embarrassed at this stage to go into those kind of intimate details, but what I liked is that she had a lot of weight to lose and set smaller goals along the way and rewarded herself at each one. Her reward for getting to her goal weight was to jump out of an airplane. It got me thinking about what I want my rewards to be. If I set smaller goals and give myself big rewards, I think maybe it'll really help me look at a smaller picture instead of the bigger and kind of scary/overwhelming picture. So, for my first small goal I am going to reward myself with the Rosetta Stone series for learning French. I've always wanted to learn French. I don't know about the in between goals yet, but for my final weight goal I am going to reward myself with a trip to Paris! I'm going to overcome that fear of flying and I'm going to Paris! And, by then, I'll speak the language. Maybe I'll even pick myself up a hunky Parisian man! C'est la vie! (See, I already know some French)
I want to document this for myself because it always happens that the first few weeks and months are the easiest. Starting a new program, losing weight a little more quickly, etc. But then you hit those pesky plateaus that cause you to consider giving up the fight. So, I want to remind myself of what just one week on the plan has done for me. I feel amazing. I'm sure it's all of those fruits with their body-loving, health benefits. I'm actually craving healthy food now. Last week, my back hurt. My lower back is always bothering me. But this week, it isn't. In just one week, eating healthier (and filling my belly just a little less) is making a huge difference. Not to mention, every time I look in the mirror I think, "you know, I'm kinda cute". Generally, I avoid mirrors. How about that for a reason to stay on track. Plus, I have so much energy. I really do think all of those horrible carbs and heavy foods and beverages drag you down. I feel so amazing. I usually feel so tired in the afternoons because I eat horrible lunches. Do you know how many times I've eaten a snack size bag of Combos and drank a Wild Cherry Pepsi. What, am I in college or something?? Geesh. Today, I packed a can of tuna, lettuce with salad dressing for a salad, and a bag of orange slices for lunch. I know, right! How healthy is that?? For breakfast I ate a grapefruit (I did! I'm such a super model) and drank coffee with just some FF vanilla creamer in it. I gave up sugar in my coffee. I also have lots of sparkling, flavored water in the fridge at work now. No more soda!
I just read a WW success story about a woman you lost about what I'm looking to lose. I'm too embarrassed at this stage to go into those kind of intimate details, but what I liked is that she had a lot of weight to lose and set smaller goals along the way and rewarded herself at each one. Her reward for getting to her goal weight was to jump out of an airplane. It got me thinking about what I want my rewards to be. If I set smaller goals and give myself big rewards, I think maybe it'll really help me look at a smaller picture instead of the bigger and kind of scary/overwhelming picture. So, for my first small goal I am going to reward myself with the Rosetta Stone series for learning French. I've always wanted to learn French. I don't know about the in between goals yet, but for my final weight goal I am going to reward myself with a trip to Paris! I'm going to overcome that fear of flying and I'm going to Paris! And, by then, I'll speak the language. Maybe I'll even pick myself up a hunky Parisian man! C'est la vie! (See, I already know some French)
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'll Have Half a Grapefruit, Thank You
I am officially on my way to becoming a super model. I just ate a grapefruit for breakfast. Yes. You read that right. A grapefruit. If you know me, you know that generally I don't even eat breakfast, but if I do it's generally some sugary, fatty, yummy pastry. I also usually drink coffee. Or, I should clarify, I used to drink a little coffee with my 4 lbs of sugar and container of creamer. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But the point is, I'm eating a grapfruit! For breakfast! And no one is holding me against my will and forcing me to. I sprinkled a little bit of Truvia on it. (Side Note: Truvia is the best, hands down, artificial sweetener of all time. It's even granulated like real sugar and it does not, I repeat, does NOT have that chemically taste that so many of those evil sweeteners have.) So, I'm well on my way to being a supermodel. (Think- "I'll just have half a grapfruit, thank you" in a very snobby tone. Yep, that's me.)
I've been begging God to give me the "want to", my mind into this diet. Yeah, I know I shouldn't call it a diet. It's a new lifestyle. A new way to eat. Either way, I've been begging, nay PLEADING with God to give me that want to. And today, my friends, I have it. I have the want to. I'm even excited. First of all, WW new plan allows you to eat any fresh fruit for free. Fuh-oh-er fuh-reh-ee. I've eaten grapes and apples and, well, grapefruit. I'm totally taking advantage of the free fruits. Which is actually good, in turn, because that means I'm not snacking on carb-laden sweet treats. Nope. Fruit. Last night I made meatloaf (the best meatloaf of all time, you should know) and it was only 4 points per serving so I ate 3!! I was stuffed. But I was happy. That might sound like a lot but you actually get more points with this new program. However, high-carb foods cost more now too, thus also giving you that extra motivation to grab a free fruit. And protein is a factor in a good way so it makes some stuff lower in points. Like, my amazing meatloaf.
Today, I'm going to Olive Garden. Before you start laughing at me, believing that I just flushed my "I'll have half a grapefruit, supermodel wannabe new lifestyle" down the proverbial toilet, hear me out. I have figured up all of the points it's going to cost me. And, I'm going with my WW buddy, which is always the right thing to do. We're each getting lunch portions of our fave dishes, two breadsticks and we're splitting alfredo dipping sauce. No salad. Don't judge me. One serving of their salad was gonna cost me more, MORE I say, than my Ravioli di Portabello pasta dish. So, salad was out. I don't like it enough to sacrifice that many points.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my half a grapefruit!
I've been begging God to give me the "want to", my mind into this diet. Yeah, I know I shouldn't call it a diet. It's a new lifestyle. A new way to eat. Either way, I've been begging, nay PLEADING with God to give me that want to. And today, my friends, I have it. I have the want to. I'm even excited. First of all, WW new plan allows you to eat any fresh fruit for free. Fuh-oh-er fuh-reh-ee. I've eaten grapes and apples and, well, grapefruit. I'm totally taking advantage of the free fruits. Which is actually good, in turn, because that means I'm not snacking on carb-laden sweet treats. Nope. Fruit. Last night I made meatloaf (the best meatloaf of all time, you should know) and it was only 4 points per serving so I ate 3!! I was stuffed. But I was happy. That might sound like a lot but you actually get more points with this new program. However, high-carb foods cost more now too, thus also giving you that extra motivation to grab a free fruit. And protein is a factor in a good way so it makes some stuff lower in points. Like, my amazing meatloaf.
Today, I'm going to Olive Garden. Before you start laughing at me, believing that I just flushed my "I'll have half a grapefruit, supermodel wannabe new lifestyle" down the proverbial toilet, hear me out. I have figured up all of the points it's going to cost me. And, I'm going with my WW buddy, which is always the right thing to do. We're each getting lunch portions of our fave dishes, two breadsticks and we're splitting alfredo dipping sauce. No salad. Don't judge me. One serving of their salad was gonna cost me more, MORE I say, than my Ravioli di Portabello pasta dish. So, salad was out. I don't like it enough to sacrifice that many points.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish my half a grapefruit!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I'm Baaa-aaaa-aaa-aaaack!!!!
So, here it is. I originally created this blog to be for losing weight. You know, losing weight little bits at a time. ~tee hee~ I crack myself up sometimes. Anyhoo, I've gotten on and off the "diet" roller coaster several times since starting this blog. And now, the time is once again upon me to resume my weight losing efforts. I'm actually at a quite wonderful place in my life now. I've efficiently licked my wounds from past hurts and the stress has delved down to a minimum. I'm off to quite the amazing start. I lost about 250 pounds on November 15, 2010. =) heh heh Did you catch that one? As in a whole person? heh heh Trust me when I say that by the time November 15th rolled around I was quite ready to part with that, uh, weight. So, like I said, I'm off to a great start. I have absolutely no reason not to get my head in the game.
But that's where it's the most difficult for me, yet the most important place to start- the head. I don't know if it's true for men as it is for women. But if a woman's head isn't in it, it ain't gonna happen. Whether you're talking about "baby-making" activities or losing weight, you've got to be committed to it in your mind or else you don't have the motivation to get turned on. To a diet, people! Minds out of the gutter. It is in this one area that I have failed miserably time and time again. It doesn't help to grow up being told that the standard is to be "skinny minnie" and "anorexic thin". So, at an early age I had a total misconception of my body. Boy, what I wouldn't give to go back and tell my high school self, "honey, you are perfect the way you are." C'est la vie. We all have baggage hanging around that keeps us from totally committing to things that could and would better us. I am great at committing for a time, in the moment, when I'm all jazzed up to lose weight. Give me about 3 weeks and I'm right back to the place of being uncontented. *sigh*
I have a million and one reasons to lose weight, none quite as important as my baby girl. But isn't it amazing that sometimes, even the biggest motivator still isn't enough in those stressful moments when chocolate sings out to us, "I'll be there for you when the rain starts to fall..." (Friends theme song) And chocolate is such a good friend, he always sticks around- on your thighs! I have a little post-it note stuck to my computer at work that says, "If hunger isn't the problem, then eating isn't the solution." I think that's a great saying for someone like me. But how many times have I engulfed a chocolate bar sitting right in front of that note? Too many to count. It's all about getting your head in the game. It's all about making up your mind to commit.
I am at the heaviest weight I've ever been. Yep. I'm just putting it right out there. But I am. I've been telling myself I have to get a handle on things and get my head in the game and start losing weight. I need to. For me. For my baby girl. For life. My co-worker decided she wanted to start attending Weight Watcher meetings and she asked me if I'd go along so she didn't have to go alone. I'm a pro at the meetings. I've been countless times. I've just stopped when I shouldn't have. So, today I attended my first meeting in a couple of years. It's a new program and I've been avoiding it. No longer.
So this week, I'm committing to just getting started. Just doing it. Day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. And sometimes, second by bloody second! I'm already ahead of the game. I'm not even wearing maternity pants this go 'round! hehehe
But that's where it's the most difficult for me, yet the most important place to start- the head. I don't know if it's true for men as it is for women. But if a woman's head isn't in it, it ain't gonna happen. Whether you're talking about "baby-making" activities or losing weight, you've got to be committed to it in your mind or else you don't have the motivation to get turned on. To a diet, people! Minds out of the gutter. It is in this one area that I have failed miserably time and time again. It doesn't help to grow up being told that the standard is to be "skinny minnie" and "anorexic thin". So, at an early age I had a total misconception of my body. Boy, what I wouldn't give to go back and tell my high school self, "honey, you are perfect the way you are." C'est la vie. We all have baggage hanging around that keeps us from totally committing to things that could and would better us. I am great at committing for a time, in the moment, when I'm all jazzed up to lose weight. Give me about 3 weeks and I'm right back to the place of being uncontented. *sigh*
I have a million and one reasons to lose weight, none quite as important as my baby girl. But isn't it amazing that sometimes, even the biggest motivator still isn't enough in those stressful moments when chocolate sings out to us, "I'll be there for you when the rain starts to fall..." (Friends theme song) And chocolate is such a good friend, he always sticks around- on your thighs! I have a little post-it note stuck to my computer at work that says, "If hunger isn't the problem, then eating isn't the solution." I think that's a great saying for someone like me. But how many times have I engulfed a chocolate bar sitting right in front of that note? Too many to count. It's all about getting your head in the game. It's all about making up your mind to commit.
I am at the heaviest weight I've ever been. Yep. I'm just putting it right out there. But I am. I've been telling myself I have to get a handle on things and get my head in the game and start losing weight. I need to. For me. For my baby girl. For life. My co-worker decided she wanted to start attending Weight Watcher meetings and she asked me if I'd go along so she didn't have to go alone. I'm a pro at the meetings. I've been countless times. I've just stopped when I shouldn't have. So, today I attended my first meeting in a couple of years. It's a new program and I've been avoiding it. No longer.
So this week, I'm committing to just getting started. Just doing it. Day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. And sometimes, second by bloody second! I'm already ahead of the game. I'm not even wearing maternity pants this go 'round! hehehe
Friday, October 1, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen, Where are You?
I've been feeling really down lately about the fact that there seems to be such few gentlemen and real ladies left in this world. It might be because I'm in the middle of a divorce. But maybe not. It seems that kindness just isn't out there anymore. I do have to note that my best friend has been suddenly experiencing some amazing random acts of kindness from strangers and it gives me hope. However, I still have to say what I have to say.
It seems lately that men in very large trucks take to tailgating. I used to be quite the speed queen but since having a baby I tend to go the speed limit. Note that I did NOT say under. No, I go the speed limit, sometime a bit over. And lately I've been seriously tailgated by men in large trucks as if they're trying to intimidate me to go faster. I've also notice that fewer men hold doors open, wait for a woman, allow a woman to go first, and whether or not you're a feminist you have to admit that having men be gentlemen, rather than the rude, arrogant jerks that are flourishing out there, it just seems we're missing something.
But this applies to women too. Why aren't there more ladies out there? Real classy, modest women. Women that don't have to have their cleavage in your face to be seriously attractive. Women who are elegant and sweet and kind. I might be alone in this, but I think that this new society sucks.
Women actually purposely chase married men. And married men eat it up. I know from my own experience. A married woman friended me on facebook because she said she was in grade school with my soon to be ex. Thing is, she was chasing him. She was married. He was married. How incredibly snakish is that? For the record, I called her on it. Because that's who I am. She bit back at me and I didn't care. She was dead wrong. Of course, so was he. But why is this going on these days? Even men who claim to be Christians have less integrity than they should have as sons of God.
I'm just so disheartened by it all. That's not to say, though, that gentlemen don't exist. I know they do. I have gentlemen in my life that are kind, considerate, helpful, and they have integrity. But they are few and far between. I think it starts on the homefront. Women, if you want your daughter to be modest, classy, kind, it starts with you! Are you modest? Are you classy? Are you kind? If you say no, well, what do you expect from your daughter. Men, if you want your son to treat women right, to have integrity, to be gentlemen, first look at yourself. How do you treat your wife? Are you a gentlemen? We need to lead by example and the problem is that more and more I see people essentially saying to their kids- do as I say and not as I do. Well, of course that doesn't work!
I hope we are striving to make a difference, and more importantly, to be different.
It seems lately that men in very large trucks take to tailgating. I used to be quite the speed queen but since having a baby I tend to go the speed limit. Note that I did NOT say under. No, I go the speed limit, sometime a bit over. And lately I've been seriously tailgated by men in large trucks as if they're trying to intimidate me to go faster. I've also notice that fewer men hold doors open, wait for a woman, allow a woman to go first, and whether or not you're a feminist you have to admit that having men be gentlemen, rather than the rude, arrogant jerks that are flourishing out there, it just seems we're missing something.
But this applies to women too. Why aren't there more ladies out there? Real classy, modest women. Women that don't have to have their cleavage in your face to be seriously attractive. Women who are elegant and sweet and kind. I might be alone in this, but I think that this new society sucks.
Women actually purposely chase married men. And married men eat it up. I know from my own experience. A married woman friended me on facebook because she said she was in grade school with my soon to be ex. Thing is, she was chasing him. She was married. He was married. How incredibly snakish is that? For the record, I called her on it. Because that's who I am. She bit back at me and I didn't care. She was dead wrong. Of course, so was he. But why is this going on these days? Even men who claim to be Christians have less integrity than they should have as sons of God.
I'm just so disheartened by it all. That's not to say, though, that gentlemen don't exist. I know they do. I have gentlemen in my life that are kind, considerate, helpful, and they have integrity. But they are few and far between. I think it starts on the homefront. Women, if you want your daughter to be modest, classy, kind, it starts with you! Are you modest? Are you classy? Are you kind? If you say no, well, what do you expect from your daughter. Men, if you want your son to treat women right, to have integrity, to be gentlemen, first look at yourself. How do you treat your wife? Are you a gentlemen? We need to lead by example and the problem is that more and more I see people essentially saying to their kids- do as I say and not as I do. Well, of course that doesn't work!
I hope we are striving to make a difference, and more importantly, to be different.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Death of a Marriage
After months of living in St. Louis and struggling against old habits, Robb has decided to leave our family. It's heartbreaking. Fortunately, I have God guiding me through, holding my hand, and collecting my tears. And givng me amazing joy in the middle of the biggest and baddest storm I've ever faced in my life.
The second I met Robb there were stars in my eyes. I fell hard and fast for this man and all I wanted to do was to take care of him and love him. I knew he was the one I would marry. I saw what everyone else saw in him- a man who was struggling against his past and forging a new future as a Christian man. A man who loved his daughters and was amazing with children in general. A man who was the life of a party, a social butterfly who had to greet everyone at church on Sunday mornings. He was a joker, a prankster, and probably the coolest guy I'd ever known. So when this man turned his attention on me, I was shocked, amazed, and the most excited I'd ever been in my life. But I also saw another side to Robb, one that most people never get to see. I saw a soft man, a tender heart. A man who teared up at stories of courage and overcoming odds. A man who would pull me into an embrace when he knew how much I was struggling with my own demons. Robb continued to struggle with his own demons, but hid well just how giant those demons were. Two years after meeting, we were married. We've been married for a little over 3 years now. In that time, there has been a lot of heartache. Struggles. Temptations. And now, the impending end to a marriage I believed would last forever.
It has been since he made his announcement that he intended to leave that I realize just how deep is my love for him. Those that know and have known about this situation offer various versions of support. Some say good riddance, he doesn't deserve you, you're better off without him. Others say, he'll regret it forever (and I've said this one too), move on. All hope is gone that this marriage could make it. Even I have lost hope, mostly because Robb has made it clear he has no intentions of returning. Perhaps he has another woman in his life now. Perhaps it's just another demon- old or new. Either way, the one thing I would want people to understand is this- my love for Robb has been unconditional. No matter what pain he has caused me, the power of my love was greater. Yes, he would hurt me worse than anyone before in my life has hurt me. But still, I saw this man that needed to grasp God's love for him and I would choose unconditional love, hoping he'd see a glimpse of God's love through me. I got the struggles he faced. I knew what was happening. And I still loved him. Unconditonal love is exactly that- unconditional. My love has never ceased, no matter what was happening.
Sure there were times I wanted to kick him to the curb, where my anger was so great that I considered all sorts of things. To my everlasting shame, I even considered having an affair to get back at him for the pain I'd felt every time I would find more messages to other women. Unconditional love sees past all of that and keeps loving. I've heard some women say it's stupid to keep loving him. I've been told that to my face. I think the deepest cut came from my own Aunt. Upon learning Robb had left she emailed me to say, "I'm so glad you're ending the farce." As if these 5 years of love, pain, struggles, fighting for our family, anger, tenderness, the birth of a child, family illnesses, were all nothing but fake. I can tell you with all of my heart, the friendship, the laughter, the love, the tears, the hurt, every single bit of our marriage was anything but a farce.
I am devastated. Only a few of friends, my mother, mother-in-law, and brother seem to really care about what I'm going through. It's as if all others have already swept our marriage into a garbage can. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the line, "Well, I'm not surprised." Perhaps not. But I am. I waited and waited for Robb. I watched most of my friends marry and/or have babies while I remained all alone. I knew when I met Robb that I was supposed to marry him. I can also tell you, this is not how our story was meant to end. The choice he has made is the wrong one. From conversations with him, I think he knows it is. But he has made up his mind and I'm left trying to figure out how you turn off unconditional love, when by it's very nature, there isn't an "off switch". In the weeks leading up to this decision I would try to tell friends and family that I needed to get out of this marriage, that it needed to be over, and I even had a plan. The truth is, and this is true about me more often than not, I tend to say things to others to convince myself of it, as if somehow I can say something enough times to accept it, believe it, and/or do it. What I really wanted, and what I really hoped for was that Robb would come home and get the help he needs to overcome his issues. While others may have given up on him, I didn't, I haven't. I still hope for him that he will finally get God's immense love for him. A love that says, "I have seen the deepest darkest corners of your mind and heart. I know the very worst that is in you. I know the worst things you've ever said or done. And I still love you and want the very best for you. I know everything about you and if you were the only person on the planet I would still have sent Jesus for you. I did send Jesus for you. If you would give me the worst part of you, I'd replace it with the best part of Me." Someday, I hope Robb gets it.
So, I put one foot in front of the other, place a perfectly sweet smile on my face that is sometimes real and other times not so much, and I am moving forward. I have no idea what direction or what is ahead for me because I am in the darkest valley of my life. But I've slipped my hand into my Daddy's hand and He is walking with me on a road full of anguish and heartache, and I know that up ahead, somewhere just beyond what I am able to see, there are green pastures full of blessings and joy I cannot even imagine. I'm going there. I have no idea how long it will take but in the meantime, I will focus on the One that will never leave me.
The second I met Robb there were stars in my eyes. I fell hard and fast for this man and all I wanted to do was to take care of him and love him. I knew he was the one I would marry. I saw what everyone else saw in him- a man who was struggling against his past and forging a new future as a Christian man. A man who loved his daughters and was amazing with children in general. A man who was the life of a party, a social butterfly who had to greet everyone at church on Sunday mornings. He was a joker, a prankster, and probably the coolest guy I'd ever known. So when this man turned his attention on me, I was shocked, amazed, and the most excited I'd ever been in my life. But I also saw another side to Robb, one that most people never get to see. I saw a soft man, a tender heart. A man who teared up at stories of courage and overcoming odds. A man who would pull me into an embrace when he knew how much I was struggling with my own demons. Robb continued to struggle with his own demons, but hid well just how giant those demons were. Two years after meeting, we were married. We've been married for a little over 3 years now. In that time, there has been a lot of heartache. Struggles. Temptations. And now, the impending end to a marriage I believed would last forever.
It has been since he made his announcement that he intended to leave that I realize just how deep is my love for him. Those that know and have known about this situation offer various versions of support. Some say good riddance, he doesn't deserve you, you're better off without him. Others say, he'll regret it forever (and I've said this one too), move on. All hope is gone that this marriage could make it. Even I have lost hope, mostly because Robb has made it clear he has no intentions of returning. Perhaps he has another woman in his life now. Perhaps it's just another demon- old or new. Either way, the one thing I would want people to understand is this- my love for Robb has been unconditional. No matter what pain he has caused me, the power of my love was greater. Yes, he would hurt me worse than anyone before in my life has hurt me. But still, I saw this man that needed to grasp God's love for him and I would choose unconditional love, hoping he'd see a glimpse of God's love through me. I got the struggles he faced. I knew what was happening. And I still loved him. Unconditonal love is exactly that- unconditional. My love has never ceased, no matter what was happening.
Sure there were times I wanted to kick him to the curb, where my anger was so great that I considered all sorts of things. To my everlasting shame, I even considered having an affair to get back at him for the pain I'd felt every time I would find more messages to other women. Unconditional love sees past all of that and keeps loving. I've heard some women say it's stupid to keep loving him. I've been told that to my face. I think the deepest cut came from my own Aunt. Upon learning Robb had left she emailed me to say, "I'm so glad you're ending the farce." As if these 5 years of love, pain, struggles, fighting for our family, anger, tenderness, the birth of a child, family illnesses, were all nothing but fake. I can tell you with all of my heart, the friendship, the laughter, the love, the tears, the hurt, every single bit of our marriage was anything but a farce.
I am devastated. Only a few of friends, my mother, mother-in-law, and brother seem to really care about what I'm going through. It's as if all others have already swept our marriage into a garbage can. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the line, "Well, I'm not surprised." Perhaps not. But I am. I waited and waited for Robb. I watched most of my friends marry and/or have babies while I remained all alone. I knew when I met Robb that I was supposed to marry him. I can also tell you, this is not how our story was meant to end. The choice he has made is the wrong one. From conversations with him, I think he knows it is. But he has made up his mind and I'm left trying to figure out how you turn off unconditional love, when by it's very nature, there isn't an "off switch". In the weeks leading up to this decision I would try to tell friends and family that I needed to get out of this marriage, that it needed to be over, and I even had a plan. The truth is, and this is true about me more often than not, I tend to say things to others to convince myself of it, as if somehow I can say something enough times to accept it, believe it, and/or do it. What I really wanted, and what I really hoped for was that Robb would come home and get the help he needs to overcome his issues. While others may have given up on him, I didn't, I haven't. I still hope for him that he will finally get God's immense love for him. A love that says, "I have seen the deepest darkest corners of your mind and heart. I know the very worst that is in you. I know the worst things you've ever said or done. And I still love you and want the very best for you. I know everything about you and if you were the only person on the planet I would still have sent Jesus for you. I did send Jesus for you. If you would give me the worst part of you, I'd replace it with the best part of Me." Someday, I hope Robb gets it.
So, I put one foot in front of the other, place a perfectly sweet smile on my face that is sometimes real and other times not so much, and I am moving forward. I have no idea what direction or what is ahead for me because I am in the darkest valley of my life. But I've slipped my hand into my Daddy's hand and He is walking with me on a road full of anguish and heartache, and I know that up ahead, somewhere just beyond what I am able to see, there are green pastures full of blessings and joy I cannot even imagine. I'm going there. I have no idea how long it will take but in the meantime, I will focus on the One that will never leave me.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Anxiety that Drives Me to Eat
Let me start by admitting that I have not started Weight Watchers again. Yet. And I stress, yet. Instead, I've been working on my attitude toward food. Namely- the anxiety that drives me to eat. I have it bad. I get anxious about something- good or bad- and I just have to eat. I imagine my anxiety eating, hereinafter referred to as "anxieteating", would be akin to a smoker's cigarette. It's the only thing that will calm the nerves. It's awful. So, I started asking myself this question- "Will I regret that I didn't eat this tomorrow, or will I regret that I did?" It's amazing how that question can truly stop me in my tracks and it's as if I'm thinking for my future, rather than my present state of mind.
On the scale-front, no clue where I am, poundally speaking. I don't care. I go on vacation next week for a whole week and I refuse to start a weight loss program right before that. I don't anticipate eating myself stupid or anything. But, I'm not going to feel guilty about not point counting. However, upon my return I am immediately restarting Weight Watchers.
So that's what's going on here. If anyone wants to join me, feel free. I'd love to have the company.
On the scale-front, no clue where I am, poundally speaking. I don't care. I go on vacation next week for a whole week and I refuse to start a weight loss program right before that. I don't anticipate eating myself stupid or anything. But, I'm not going to feel guilty about not point counting. However, upon my return I am immediately restarting Weight Watchers.
So that's what's going on here. If anyone wants to join me, feel free. I'd love to have the company.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Walkabout
Hi, it's me! Yes, here I am posting again. I know it's been a while. I can tell you that I am just about 10 pounds under where I started previously. I haven't necessarily been watching what I eat. In fact, I gained those 10 pounds back and have only lost them due in part to a bout of food poisoning and due in further part to the amount of stress I've been under. No matter. I figure since I'm back to where I sort of gave up before, now is the time to get myself back on track. I have finally figured out a schedule, more or less and it seems to be working for the most part. I've gotten used to Robb being home 3 nights a week and spending 1-2 nights a week away from home. So, I think I've settled enough that I can get myself back on track. Not to mention, I've been really itching to cook again. I miss cooking. I love cooking.
It's not the new year. It's no special occasion. I just feel ready to get back on track. I want to start walking with Lainie in the evenings. My M-I-L has said that when we stay with her, now that the weather is getting nicer (with the exception of today which is a cold, wet disaster of a Spring day) we can start walking together. I need to add some movement to my life. I have honestly kicked my Facebook (read: Farmville, Treasure Isle) habits. I just got to this point where I stopped caring about them and that helps get me moving. Plus, we don't have a computer at the house unless I remember my laptop and quite frankly, I don't want to.
This weekend I'm going to Quincy to see the fam and to have some major Princess Time with the Bestie. It's going to involve some Hannibal-antiquing which is always good, clean fun. Not to mention, it requires a lot of walking. See, it's good for me!
So Happy Monday (just pretend) and have a Jolly Week!
It's not the new year. It's no special occasion. I just feel ready to get back on track. I want to start walking with Lainie in the evenings. My M-I-L has said that when we stay with her, now that the weather is getting nicer (with the exception of today which is a cold, wet disaster of a Spring day) we can start walking together. I need to add some movement to my life. I have honestly kicked my Facebook (read: Farmville, Treasure Isle) habits. I just got to this point where I stopped caring about them and that helps get me moving. Plus, we don't have a computer at the house unless I remember my laptop and quite frankly, I don't want to.
This weekend I'm going to Quincy to see the fam and to have some major Princess Time with the Bestie. It's going to involve some Hannibal-antiquing which is always good, clean fun. Not to mention, it requires a lot of walking. See, it's good for me!
So Happy Monday (just pretend) and have a Jolly Week!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Bad Girl, Bad Girl, Whatchya Gonna Do?
Bad. I've been bad. I got off track last week due to some pretty heavy stressors and just can't seem to get back on track. I want to. I think not getting back on track has been a combination of coming down with a chest cold (which equals exhaustion and not really caring about things) and not having healthy food around the house. I've needed to grocery shop for a while now. I've been avoiding life since stress came.
The thing is, I hate the way I feel when I'm eating what I want. Don't get me wrong- I'm not gorging myself or anything. I notice I actually can't eat as much as I could before starting WW. But physically, I don't feel good and I'm not talking because of the cold. I just feel heavy and tired and poopy. That's a good way to describe it- poopy! I'm glad to see this difference though because it is quickly driving me straight back into the WW-loving arms. Robb is grocery shopping as we speak and on that list is nothing but the veggie goodness I need to have on hand. I will get better. I'm not giving up. Too many important reasons to do this- the first of which is Lainie Lou.
Feel free to keep me accountable!
The thing is, I hate the way I feel when I'm eating what I want. Don't get me wrong- I'm not gorging myself or anything. I notice I actually can't eat as much as I could before starting WW. But physically, I don't feel good and I'm not talking because of the cold. I just feel heavy and tired and poopy. That's a good way to describe it- poopy! I'm glad to see this difference though because it is quickly driving me straight back into the WW-loving arms. Robb is grocery shopping as we speak and on that list is nothing but the veggie goodness I need to have on hand. I will get better. I'm not giving up. Too many important reasons to do this- the first of which is Lainie Lou.
Feel free to keep me accountable!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)