We have tried this before, we will try it again - until we get it right.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Four Weeks In
Down 10.2 pounds and 5.27%.
Why is it so dang easy to get discouraged?? Why do I want HUGE results, NOW?? When will it be easy?? I don't know if it ever will. If it were easy - EVERYONE would be thin and healthy - all the time.
Joel had me read the First Presidency message for January (because our home teachers couldn't make it this month and) because he thought it was a great message. It really is. You should read it. It's called Living the Abundant Life by President Monson. He is encouraging us to live an abundant life - a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness and blessings. Then he gives us 3 ways to attain this Abundant Life. The first being 'attitude' - "We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude." The second is 'believe in yourself' - "You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith." And the third is 'courage' - "Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”"
I think this advice can help us all on this journey - because it is hard. But, I'm counting on it being worth it!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Lynette - Week 4
We had a baby in trouble yesterday at work and I had to run down a long hallway. (The baby was absolutely fine, by the way. Just a worried first-time mom.) It was the first time I've really run or moved fast for months. And I felt it. This getting in shape is going to be a long road for me, but you are all inspiring me with your gym visits and yoga and zumba and running. Thanks! Have a great week!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Confession #2
As far as exercise goes, this week was not as good as last week. On the positive side of things, Brittany and I started our zumba class on Tuesday and it was so fun and so hard! By the end of the hour I could barely lift my feet, I had a painful stitch in my side, I was breathing like a wounded rhinoceros, and sweating like it was my job BUT I was still having fun! Other than that, though, I walked/ran only once and I did yoga maybe two times? I'm not really sure. This week has been weird.
Confession time: I had a really rough time yesterday. I just kept looking in the mirror and getting so discouraged with what I saw. I was annoyed with myself for not working harder this past week and frustrated because sometimes it feels pointless to even try. But I weighed myself this morning and I lost ONE AND A HALF pounds. Such a positive change is encouraging. It reminded me that I'm on a long road but if I just put one foot in front of the other, take down one pound at a time, I can someday get to the end of it. So my goal for next week is to exercise more consistently and keep working on eating better, but I also want to come up with something to help me visualize what's at the end of the road. Time to make a vision board? Yup.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Fast and easy lunch or dinner!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Two reasons for not posting-no dieting, minimal exercise and inability to navigate through this blog. Ugh. I went to Smith's today for low carb yogurt, string cheese and cranberry juice-boring. Of course everyone there knew I had just got done working out because I was wearing my black stretchy pants (not just for fun), NB shoes, thin fashionable headband, sweatshirt tied around my waist and my cheeks were still flushed with color. It felt good:)
I haven't lost a pound, and I'm avoiding a needed doctor's appointment because I don't want to weigh in. Last time I went to the doctor I told her I was concerned about my weight gain, and we talked about age, exercise, diet etc and then it slipped out that I was drinking at least 64 oz of Pepsi a day. She had to control herself not to laugh out loud and she said at that rate you'll continue to gain 1 pound a week. Dam (if I spell it that way it's okay). I've got to lose a few pounds before I go back.
Congratulations to all of you for sticking to it. Even though we're maybe ornery is anyone feeling better? Thanks for the recipes and fun. I might try the enchilada soup tonight.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Three Weeks In.
I'm down a pound.
Whoopie! (Totally sarcastic.)
The only thing keeping me from downing a giant bag of Cheetos is I read somewhere, probably somewhere inspiring - Like Pinterest, that "It takes 4 weeks for your body to change. It takes 8 weeks for you, yourself to see change. And, it takes 12 weeks for everyone else to see it."
Here's to another ornery week of change.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Lasagna Soup...to go with the snow
The best part about this soup is that it is easy, fast, and pretty cheap to make. You can find the whole recipe with pictures here, or below:
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 ounces broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
8 Whole-wheat breadsticks or grissini (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick saucepot or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is crumbled and browned, 8 – 10 minutes.
Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender, 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella, basil, and the Parmesan. Serve with the breadsticks, if using. (whole-wheat lasagna noodles take a little longer to cook.)
I'm down 2 pounds this week. I'm returning to work tomorrow, so I'm hoping that makes me a little more active and a lot more productive in dropping some pounds. But I learned from the article Cherish sent that it's okay that I've only worked on changing my diet so far. It's best to break habits one at a time. So, thank you, Cherish.
Also, in Relief Society today I figured out my body mass index (bmi), and guess what? I'm obese. I already knew that. But it still wasn't very fun. And then I decided to remind myself that I'm ten pounds less obese than I was three weeks ago. See, I'm really trying to look on the bright side.
Wish me luck tomorrow. I've been off work longer than I had planned. I'm sure all my passwords have expired -- even if I could remember what they were. And I wonder if I remember how to do anything. I hope all the patients behave themselves while I get my feet underneath me again!
Good luck this week!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Confession #1
So here's the good news: I've been slowing wading into the pool of better health and fitness and my main goal this week was to get more active. And I did! I've walked at least thirty minutes every day (except Monday) and I started doing yoga. It's a baby step, but it's in the right direction.
My goal next week is to focus on a healthier diet. This week has pretty much been the same old same old with regards to my food habits and this is where my first confession comes in: I actually just finished eating a sadly large bowl of ice cream. I am ashamed.
As for my weekly weigh-in, I weigh EXACTLY what I weighed last week. Not good, but not bad. Hopefully next week, with part 2 of my health and fitness plan in action, we'll see some positive change.
I really appreciate your support and helpful ideas. You guys are all doing so great and you make me want to do better! Thanks, girls!
Sheral's Treat Of The Week
My personal favorite is Reese's Puffs. They're the BOMB!! I haven't purchased any since starting my change (I hate the word diet.) because I don't really think I could resist... and I don't want to know the points!!
While shopping at Wal-Mart this week there was a display of Multi Grain Cheerios. I really like Cheerios, like a lot. I saw a new flavor - PEANUT BUTTER!! I read through the Nutrition Facts and decided I'd get some and PRAY they were low enough points and taste great. (I can guess points pretty close - but, I need to figure it out with my calculator.) I ate them for breakfast the very next day! And, they are a very close match of my first love - Reese's! You can get more of the nutritional information here.
But, for any of you doing Weight Watchers - one serving is only 3 points. If you are doing the Points Plus (the new way) one serving is only 2 points! (And that includes the skim milk.) Totally worth it... totally delicious!! You should go get some today!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Breaking Bad Habits
1. One habit at a time - I sure wish I would have known this in the beginning, because I wouldn't have stopped drinking soda AND go to the gym daily AND start Weight Watchers from the beginning. I could have enjoyed 2 of those for another month and 1 of those for another TWO months! (I would have done the Weight Watchers last - but I think that's what is going to give me the most results. If I could just stick with it!!)
2. "Everyone I know has a big "but"." ( - Pee Wee Herman) We are really so very hard on ourselves. It's hard NOT to be. We see everyone at their best. People talk about their accomplishments. So we internalize 'they're better' and 'I suck because I can't do ________ like ___________'. I'm not sure why we do, maybe it's just human nature. We need to tell ourselves "I can't do 5 freaking push ups BUT - I can walk for miles and miles." or something to that affect - effect?? Whatever. You get the point.
3. Write it down - declare it and make it public. (That is what we are doing on this here blog!!) Yay - we're on the right track.
There are a lot more tidbits of good info - Check it out! Thanks Cherish!
I think we're pretty awesome. While at the gym there was a set of twins who each had lost about 80 pounds and went on Racheal Ray for a makeover. They looked great! Great inspiration for my mediocre workout!! And seriously - that dude that bailed on "The Biggest Loser" - you know the one, on NBC - I cannot believe it! What a wiener! How many people didn't make it because of him and he quits! Crazy!!
Hope you're all having a great week!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Baby Steps
Just thought I'd pop in to give a little status update on what I've been doing to keep fit thus far.
...
I haven't done much, I'll be honest. :/ I feel totally ashamed after reading all of your guys' posts! You all are awesome. I haven't gone to the gym or been out for a run in 2012, yet. Yikes. I haven't lost any more weight. Double yikes. But instead of getting discouraged, I'm trying to keep positive about it all. Rome wasn't built in a day, right? I think that's what I've tried to keep in mind most while on my quest to get fit--I'm going to slip up! I'm not going to be perfect! But i AM going to keep trying. Just because I had a couple cookies during the day doesn't mean I'm going to eat an entire pizza later that night. I just have to keep trying.
So! With that in mind, I thought I'd highlight a couple good things from my week:
1. I went to Red Robin for my mother-in-law's birthday and I ordered a Veggie Burger with a side of steamed broccoli even though I reeeeeeally wanted those fries.
2. Launa and I are signed up for a Zumba class every Tuesday for the next little bit. I'm excited!
Hopefully next week will be better. Keep up the awesome work everyone!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Two Weeks In.
I lost .2 - and there was much rejoicing. (Yea.)
People (Joel) told me not to expect a big loss coming off of last weeks loss - you know, building muscle and stuff.
I'm going to blame it on something else... but it's probably more information than anyone wants. So, I'll write it in my journal and let it go. (PLEASE let me let it go!)
Here's to next week! Cheers!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Spinach, Basil, and Feta
I Think I Can
Birthday Cake!
So, yesterday it was the best mama in the world's birthday - MINE! She is so wonderful and she does so much for me, so I really wanted to surprise her with something she would love. Well, my mom was pretty insistent about me not getting her anything, because I'm a poor college student, but when I found this recipe on Pinterest, I knew I had to surprise her! And the best part is, even though it is sugar-free, gluten-free, and flour-free, it was TOTALLY affordable and didn't have any crazy ingredients.
The recipe blog is copyrighted, so I can't post any of her pictures - they're obviously prettier, but you can see the recipe and her pictures HERE: http://www.healthyindulgences.net/2009/05/healthy-chocolate-cake-with-secret.html
Lynette - Week 2
I am really proud of everyone and their efforts to get healthy!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Bev's Update
We have two birthday's in the family this coming week, and you all know what that means - - Another reason to eat what isn't good for us! Why does every social gathering involve food? I did buy a huge quantity of fresh and frozen veggies today, as well as fruit. Maybe that will make up for the cake and ice cream!
You are all so impressive, keep up the good work! I can't wait til I can actually have a good work out!
Happy Birthday Lynette!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER LYNETTE!!!
Some of my favorite things about Lynette:
She was the most excited of all my siblings when I was born.
She was a fun big sister - always. She'd let me listen to her Bee Gee's and Commodores Records.
She'd let me try on her dance formals/dresses and cheerleading/dancing outfits.
She is smart.
She is beautiful.
She is a wonderful wife and mother.
She is a great example of hard work and perseverance. I was so proud of her going back to school and getting a nursing degree with 3 little ones at home - I think that's a hard thing to do!
She is funny.
She's a GREAT cook!
She plays a mean game of Pounce - when her tennis elbow doesn't get in the way.
She's a wealth of medical information - I call her first in most situations.
There are plenty more - but I'm heading out to the gym (I think this is going to be a bad week! :( ) and because I'm being totally selfish these days... that's what it comes to!!
I love you, Lynette!!! I am proud to be your sister!!
I hope you have a great birthday!!!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Shin splints.
Launa, Checking In!
Ideally, in this six month challenge, I’d like to lose about 25% of my current body weight. I recognize the loftiness of this goal so my main goal is simply to lay the foundation for a healthier life. I’ve been overweight my entire life and, in recent years, my weight has gotten out of control. Weight problems run rampant in my family and so do the health problems that result from being overweight. So I need to fix this problem! I love food and my favorite things to do are read and watch TV/movies. I don’t like to exercise and diets make me super cranky. But I want to change. I want to feel good about myself and worry less about whether my fat rolls are showing. Also, lifelong goal of mine, I want to be able to cross my legs. Whaaaa??!! Yeah, that’s right. I have never—in my entire life—been able to cross my legs. That’s why I sit like a dude. All the time.
I think I want what everyone wants: to be fit, healthy, happy, and confident. I’m not really sure how I’m going to proceed yet. I know I need to seriously up my activity level. I’d like to start doing yoga and running. I’ve gotta start somewhere! As for diet, I’m going to start by watching my caloric intake better, eating smaller portions, and making healthier choices.
Pretty much I’m just going to need a lot of support and a lot of help. I’m kind of helpless. But I have a desire to be better, I just need to develop the discipline, strategies, and habits to succeed. So, Happy New Year and good luck to all of us!
P.S. I’m late to the party and I haven’t really started doing anything yet, but I weighed myself today and I weigh less the last time I weighed myself! Maybe this is a good omen for the challenge? At any rate, it makes me excited to actually get started!
Also, here's a picture to remind you guys who I am and where I'm starting. Yikes. But awesome jammies, right?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sheral's Treat Of The Week
I love chocolate. I NEED chocolate. It's hard to find low point (Weight Watchers) chocolate treats.
This is a good one!!
This is a moist, delicious, CHOCOLATE-Y, ONE POINT snack!! It's only 90 calories, 3 grams of fat but it also has FIVE grams of dietary fiber - Making it only ONE POINT!! Woo Hoo!! (According to the points system I used in 2008 - apparently they have revamped their points to a points+ system and I don't know how many points it is on the new program!! Sorry!)
There is a Peanut Butter Brownie too - Joel doesn't like it as much, but I do! Or I'm just not as picky because I have never lived in France/Switzerland don't know any better??
Monday, January 9, 2012
One Week In...
I am down 6.2 pounds for a loss of 3.2%. Woo Hoo!!!
(I'm shocked because Saturday I went out for dinner at The India Palace and loaded up about 18 to 20 points of Saag Paneer, Rice and Naan.)
I am scared that I will lose momentum, get frustrated and give up. You know, when the pounds are harder to get off? Hopefully this accountability will help with that.
I'll check back later!! ;)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Brittany Checking In!
I've got a few fitness goals this year that I'm looking to complete and I wanted to share my journey to completing them on this blog.
1. Becoming faster. I want to complete a 5k, 10k, and half-marathon faster than I did in 2011. I want to be able to go running with my husband and actually keep up!
2. Eat healthier: kick my addiction to soda and sweets. Basically: eating healthier and not hating it. :/ Oh! And learning to eat oatmeal and not want to throw it back up.
3. Loving my body for the amazing things it can do, not just because it's a certain weight.
That pretty much sums it up. Sorry for the super long, over-explanatory post. I'm excited about this! Yay 2012! Yay team!
Okay. First week completed. I lost 5 1/2 pounds (you'd better believe I'm claiming that half pound) for 2.8%. Did anyone watch the real "Biggest Loser" this week? Some dude lost 22 pounds!! In a week!! How is that even possible? Crazy.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Chicken Butternut Squash Quinoa Stew
Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa Recipe
Yield: Serves 6
From the kitchen of Cookin Canuck. www.cookincanuck.com
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, seeded & chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes
2/3 cup uncooked quinoa
3/4 cup pitted and quartered kalamata olives
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
Steam the butternut squash until barely tender, about 10 minutes. Remove half of the squash pieces and set aside.
Steam the remaining squash until very tender, an additional 4 to 6 minutes. Mash this squash with the back of a fork. Set aside.
In a large saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a simmer.
Add chicken thighs, cover, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and allow to cool. Pour broth into a medium-sized bowl.
Return the saucepan to the stovetop and lower heat to medium. Add olive oil.
Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to turn brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Add minced garlic and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 1 additional minute.
To the saucepan, add tomatoes, butternut squash pieces, mashed butternut squash. Stir to combine.
Stir in reserved chicken broth and quinoa. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the quinoa turns translucent, about 15 minutes.
Shred the chicken with your fingers or a fork.
Stir the chicken, olives and pepper into the stew and simmer, uncovered, to heat, about 5 minutes.
Stir in parsley and serve.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Starting next Monday.
Welp, this is the training program I'm going to follow. I'm starting next week, so that I can make exercise a part of my new schedule as I start the semester! Also... the fact that it says 27 min jog up there, like my body can do that, frrrreaks. me. out. But it can!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Official Day One.
I keep hearing the delicious benefits of the 'green smoothie'. I broke down and made one this morning. It was brown, or maybe olive green. It was so... earthy... that's the only word to describe it. Not refreshing, not amazing, not delicious. I could tell it was good for me. I kept it down. I was pretty surprised. Later today (while I was at the gym) my nursery partner Lindsey brought me ANOTHER green shake. She has been making/consuming them for months. She LOVES them - and even craves them. I asked her Sunday - only yesterday?? Really?? - if she would make her favorite one and write down everything she put in it so I could know what I'm shooting for. Hers was MUCH better. It was green. It wasn't 'woody'. I really liked it. Needless to say, I ate every bit of my fruits and veggies for the day in those 2 shakes. It's a pretty easy way to get them in there. I agree with Shelby - I need to change the way I look at food. Not as a 'treat'. Not as a 'reward'. Food should be looked at as fuel - something my body needs to function properly. Thanks Shel!!
Oh, and Tori - I would love if you posted the recipe for the squash stuff that Brittany ate and got the flu and can't eat it anymore, cause it sounded delicious to me!! (Not the barfing.) Thanks!!
I also decided today that I will probably never be the girl who loves eating healthy foods, I will probably never be the girl who loves working out... but, I hope to be the girl who just eats healthy foods and exercises because it's good for me. I feel tired and sore, but I think it's gotta be that way for this to work!
THE RULES: (now that everyone has signed in, I think)
1. I think everyone who participates and reaches their goals should go on a trip - a fun one. I don't care where/when. Just a fun, frivolous trip.
2. WINNING the Biggest Loser will have to come down to whoever LOSES the most actual weight. Lynette and I are going with percentages, and we have the same goal of 22%. If we both reach our 22% - it will have to be all about the pounds - which I think I have the advantage there, because I'm the biggest. :) Sorry ladies!! LOL!
3. I think it's important for us to check in at least weekly and report our stats... like 3 pounds closer to 155... or 1% loss... etc. I think it will be helpful to all of us.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Okay, I'm in:(
For being involved in sports as much as I have been I've really never developed the discipline of a routine workout or diet. Daily practices don't count; so this is really harder for me than it may seem. Maybe as hard as a toffee making contest:)
Thanks for getting us to do this Sheral and good luck to everyone!
Oh, just saying HEY.
I'm not looking to "get skinny" or reach a certain weight. I'd be fine if my weight stayed exactly the same, or went up, due to muscle (eh. Cross your fingers). My goal is to get stronger. I've decided to define stronger as being able to run the Kaysville 4th of July 10k with my sister, Brittany. She's kind of a big deal. I found a really good training outline that I will share in a later post.