Mix It Up

I love pasta. My kids love pasta.

One of my favorite pasta dishes I learned from my mother-in-law. An easy version of chicken cordon bleu. It has baked chicken, wrapped in sliced ham and swiss cheese, covered in marinara sauce and served over noodles. I haven't made it in months.

While shopping this week I bought Dreamfield's pasta in attempts to eat as normal (you know, not cutting out an entire food group) and yet healthy as possible and we made the penne tonight.

I made hamburger meat sauce for the kiddos - their fave.

But then I mixed it up (my current dinner and favorite recipe, that is). In a small bowl, I mixed some sliced deli ham (only 45 cals. a serving) into classic sauce (70 cals) and served with a proper portion of noodles. It was delicious.

And, honestly, I feel inspired to try to mimic some of my old faves, but with a new lighter twist.

What's your favorite lightly twisted recipe?

Balance

These past two week have been crazy.

A new quarter started at school - after our 3 week break and an inservice day complete with awesome speaker. While on break my head was swimming with things that I needed to change or improve upon during Q3. My time and efforts have no been consumed with making these improvements (rearranging the room, reorganizing books, making more interactive bulletin boards, etc.).

During break I had gotten into a routine healthy eating and exercise. Although there was no real schedule. I am proud to say that I have been able to maintain the healthy eating. I have packed lunches daily and planned better meals.

Unfortantely, I haven't mastered an exercise routine. During break it was often in the morning, but after breakfast when the kids were settled playing. Now our mornings are rushed. I tried to set the alarm extra early to get up and workout. It didn't work. At night my time has been filled with my children (homework/baths/time together), dinners, packing lunches, and preparing for the next day of school (lesson planning or grading).

I need to find balance! I know that I need to exercise, and honestly I want to (it's the getting started that is the hardest part for me).

What helps you keep commited to exercise? What is your routine? How do you stay balanced?

Thanks for sharing - I really need your help, friends!

Wordless (Weigh In) Wednesday

(-5.6 lbs.)

C is for Cookie

Weigh-in Wednesday 187.2 (-5lbs.)

I know that it is said that you shouldn't deprive yourself while on the weight loss journey. Just have a little bit to satisfy the craving and be done. Only one problem with that - I am not good at having a little bit. So, until I have more control (which I'm working on), I just don't want to temp myself.

But, I have been really (I mean REALLY) wanting chocolate sweets for the past few days. Maybe it's the brownies and cookies that my students bring for snack each day, but darn, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I knew I needed to do something to clear my head. But what?

Then I remembered a vegan cook book that I own (yup, I was vegan for about a year...for fun) had some cookie recipes. I tweaked one to better suit my craving and my family's tastebuds, and they are delicious. I had one. I consider that a victory for today.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies with Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In one bowl mix 1 cup white flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

In another bowl combine 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.

Add in the dry ingredients. Stir. Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips (karob or dairy free chips, or nuts or dried fruit would be yummy too).

Bake for 12-14 minutes.

Makes roughly 2 dozen cookies.

Ramblings

How many of you can say you've done frozen turkey bowling? Well, after driving 300 miles, my kids can. We spent the weekend visiting my in-laws. It was a nice trip, but it was filled with eating out, lots of time sitting in the car, and very chilly weather (-33 F on Sunday morning).

The PFG event was this weekend. I really wanted to go! Honestly, as I read blogs on Friday speaking about the upcoming weekend event, I felt like that girl in high school who couldn't go to the popular kid's party because she had to be with family. Don't get me wrong, I loved my weekend with my husband, children, and parents, but I was still bummed to miss such a cool event. Next time. Definitely next time.

I was very conscientious about my food choices this weekend. I know that I didn't eat as healthy as I would at home, but part of that was due to what was available. I did my best, and next time I know what to bring to help me be more successful. Oh, and did I mention that I did the Shred DVD? Yes, I brought it with (much to my husband's dismay) and actually did it. I didn't even stop when people came into the room. That is HUGE!

Well, tomorrow I go back to work. I have my breakfast ready (a protein bar and banana), lunch (chicken breast, lettuce, yogurt) and snack (apple) packed, and water bottles filled. I am ready for a successful day. How about you?

Weigh-In Wednesday

That's an overall total of -3.6. I'll take it! Happy Wednesday everyone!

Little Eyes

It finally dawned on me this weekend, while baking with my daughter, that indeed her and her brother's eyes are watching me.

Sunday Sophie was helping me make popcorn cake. When we had all the gooey popcorn mixture in the pan she said to, "Mom, you can't have any."

"Why?" I asked, honestly thinking she would comment about it not being healthy.

"Because, Mom, the last time you made this with Greatsie, you picked out the green gumdrops. We aren't supposed to pick at our food like that, so you can have any," was what she replied, in an oh so matter-of-fact manner.

She was right. In December, when my grandmother (her Greatsie) and I made it for Christmas, I picked out the gumdrops I didn't like. I didn't think that Soph noticed. And if she had, I didn't really think that it mattered.

And then it hit me. This girl isn't just paying attention to me in regards to large things (not swearing, buckling my seatbelt, etc.), she is watching me. Every. Single. Thing. She is absorbing. Processing. Learning.

So, after our family function, when I really just wanted to relax with the family and watch a movie, I changed into workout clothes. I put in a workout DVD and I shredded.

While I exercised, she would walk in the room, do a move or two and then go back to the livingroom for the movie. She didn't say anything, but I know that her eyes were watching. She was absorbing. And, hopefully she is learning - just like me.

Soph, exercising with me on Friday, being my "Helper Girl."

Packing a Lunch

I don't about you, but weekends are often filled with family events that ultimately revolve around a meal, and today was no exception.

We were invited to my uncle and aunts house for lunch and snowmobiling. Lunch was fried fish, which honestly I don't really like. In the past, I would have had a small bit of fish just to be polite, and then whatever the sides were.

But today, I brought my own lunch. I packed a spicy Boca Chickn patty, salad, and light ranch dressing. It was delicious! I didn't feel deprived or tempted by the other foods. But, was it rude? How do you handle eating with others when you know what is being served isn't the best choice for you - eat before, bring your own, or just eat very little?

Leaving a Friend Behind

Yup, I did. I started this journey and left my dear a friend, Diet Coke, behind.

You might think that I am kidding, but DC and I have been through alot. She was there on late nights during college, and all my tired days of new-parenting. She offered up some caffinated energy, and most importantly comfort. But, on this new journey - the one to be healthy (not just skinny) - we had to part ways.

Recently there have been studies about the effects of artificial sugars on the body. Claims that they cause one to crave sugars/carbohydrate, that they can cause muscle issues, and the list goes on. Soda pop, diet or not, can effect your teeth, causing cavities and darkening your teeth. The sugar, real or fake, is not in the best interest of my body. So, since we weren't on the same page regarding my healthiness, we parted ways.

It has been 3 days since I have had pop. This is not to say that I am never going to have pop again, but when I do, it will be in moderation (which is a lesson I am learning). And, this journey has helped me embrace my love for a new friend, water - someone does have an interest in my health.

Shredding

I broke out the 30 Day Shred DVD. Again. I tried doing this before, and honestly, I only lasted a few days. Then, I let life (and excuses) get in the way.

Today I completed the whole first workout - with a few 5 second breaks. I really wanted to stop after the first circuit and was getting ready to make up some lame excuse. But, I didn't! I stuck it out.

Here's the proof.

I may not do this daily. But on days when I don't go the YMCA for a class, this is going to be my tool for working out.

Day Four

I have been tracking calories all week. I have been close to my calorie goals all week and I have logged every bit of food and beverage that have contacted my lips. It's nice to be conscientious about what I am putting in my body. And, I haven't had a diet coke in two days (Monday and Tuesday I only had one can - as to avoid the caffeine headache).



Guess what?!? It's already paying off.




I am down 2.8 lbs since Monday. Most of it, I am sure, is water weight, but atleast it's not on my body anymore.


Last night I did a step class at the YMCA. It felt great to get moving again - to really push myself. I plan on going again tomorrow morning (legs willing...they are sore today).


I have been drinking water like crazy. 16 cups yesterday, and 14 cups today. Life is good!


I know that I will be successful with becoming healthy~




And, just because. Here is a picture of my lunch. 320 calories. It's an Amy's Vegan bean and rice burrito, on top of a bed of shredded lettuce, and topped with salsa. Delicious!

W.I.D.T.H

A weeks (or so) ago I read a blog about why JP is choosing to loose weight and blog about it. It was thought provoking, and made me rethink WHY I want to be on this journey, and why NOW I think that it will be successful. Do you want to know "Why I Do This Here?" Let me show you...


For my son. He is genuine and loving. This past school year he became a student at my school (where I teach) and he is so proud that I'm his mom - seriously, he tells everyone. I am honored that he proud of me, and I don't ever want that to go away. And, it's hard to be proud of your mom if she's the fat one - so I'm not going to be.

For my daughter. I want her to grow up knowing what it means to be healthy. Not dieting. Not being addicted to food. I want her to be as in-love with her body in ten years as she is now.

For my husband. He deserves to have a beautiful wife who is happy and healthy inside, and out.

And most importantly, for me! I want to feel energetic. I want to enjoy shopping, and not just for shoes. I want to feel attractive. I want to show my daughter (and my son) what a strong, positive, healthy, beautiful woman should be.

I am documenting this journey for me. To get my thoughts out (instead of eating them). To have a record of my progress. To have for reflection. And, for you, my friend. Hopefully YOU will be able to relate or have words of advice or encouragement. This is a journey, and those are always more fun with friends.

Day One

This morning I faced the ugly truth - 192.2lbs of truth. Today is the LAST day that I will weigh this much - it's all downhill from here. :-)

Starting my journey with a healthy breakfast. I know that you're supposed to eat breakfast, but usually I just eat something small (like a cereal bar) and I get hungry quickly. Hungrier than if I skip breakfast. But, in accordance with my new healthy lifestyle - breakfast.

And I tracked it! My delicious breakfast sandwich and 1/2 banana was only 287 calories, which were washed down with copious quantities of water.