Food Diary: Monday November 19, 2012 and Deer Roast Recipe

Happy Monday Evening!

Today was a little different than my usual Monday's but that is okay. :) First here is what I ate:

Breakfast: Same as a few other mornings.

1/2 Cup of Whole Grain Quick Cooking Oatmeal with Brummel and Brown Butter, Cinnamon, Truvia, and Brown Sugar.

1 Cup Skim Milk

Vitamins and Antibiotics

 

Lunch: 2 Slices Sara Lee 45 Calories and Delightful with 6 slices of Smoked Turkey, 1 slice of 2% American Cheese, Romaine Lettuce, and Dijon Mustard.

About 15 Chips

 

Dinner: Homemade Deer Roast with Frank's Red Hot Sauce

Antibiotics

(This is one of my favorite meals!!!)

 

Venison Roast Recipe

(You can use Beef too)

 

About 2lbs of Deer Roast or 1 Chuck Roast

1 Pkg of Lipton Onion Soup Mix (I use generic)

1-2 Cans of Fat Free or Reduced Sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup

1-2 Cans of Fat Free Beef Broth

1 bag of Carrots (pre-cut and washed, not a huge bag)

8-10 Yellow Gold Potatoes - quartered (or you can use red potatoes)

 

Oven

Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Put meat, onion mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth in a deep casserole type dish.

Cook meat for 4 hours.

Add Potatoes and Carrots then cook an additional 1 Hour. Or until veggies are soft when pierced.

 

Crock Pot

Put meat in crock pot. Cover with Onion Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and Beef Broth. I stir the juices to break up the cream of mushroom soup to make it look more creamy.

Cook on low for about 4 hours until meat is brown. Then add potatoes and carrots and cook about 3-4 more hours on high or until potatoes & carrots are soft.

You can cook it on high for 2-3 hours and then add veggies and cook a few more hours until veggies are soft.

 

I usually use 2 cans each to cover the meat in the crock pot so the meat doesn't dry out. You can also add beer if you don't have an extra can of beef broth, to make more liquid. I feel like adding water may take away the flavor?

 

Let me know what you think. This recipe was adapted from my former step-mom. :) She's an amazing cook!



I had the 20 month old little boy today, we will call him B. I usually have him on Tuesday's and Wednesday's but with me being sick last week and then he got sick, we added an extra day to today.

I got up...very tired. Some days I just don't wanna! LOL. Especially in the winter time when my bed is nice and warm and soft. It's cold outside of the covers...brrrr...

I got ready and made my oatmeal breakfast.

The other kids were dropped off and I got them on the bus for school. Caleb woke up and I got him changed and dressed for the day.

I collected the laundry and started a load to finish what I didn't finish yesterday. Caleb and I cuddled for a while until B showed up.

I got to meet his daddy, but not under good circumstances. B's grandpa had a heart attack last week and from what B's daddy says, it isn't looking good. B's grandma passed away in April of this year. So sad for his family right now.

B is recovering from a double ear infection, so he was fussy and clingy. He is a daddy's boy for sure. I felt bad for the little guy but eventually he came around and played.

Caleb still has a hard time with sharing and playing fair. He has never played with a younger kid before so it is an adjustment for him.

I started roast for tonights dinner and cleaned up the kitchen.

I am constantly playing referee. Don't hit him, don't push him, be nice, share...ahh. LOL.

Lunch time is probably my favorite. B eats really well. A little more on the messy side than I am used to but he eats. He is quiet and confined to his chair for a while. Caleb is hit and miss lol. Sometimes he eats and other times he is just snacking. All-in-all they are both good boys though.

I lay B down for nap and let Caleb play for a little while. Then I have him lay down. I continue to do laundry and bring loads up to be folded throughout the day.

I add potatoes and carrots. I changed the setting to high so it will be ready by the time Jerry gets home.

B wakes up and I entertain him until Caleb wakes up. Not to long after that it is snack time and the bus drops off the other kids.

I entertain all of the kids until their parents show up.

I suppose this is like a day in the life of. LOL.

After dinner, I tried to catch up on my fellow blogger's posts. I think I may have to many I am following. But I am truely trying my best to read them all and make a comment on them.

Once caught up, I posted my blogs.

Plus we are watching Dexter and Walking Dead. I don't think I am paying attention to the shows. :/ and I love Dexter...but it is what it is. :)

Food Diaries, Funfetti Cake with Icing, and Weigh-In

Hello Everyone!

 

I'm sorry I have been absent. I tried to keep up with my blog but I just did not feel very well. So I did my best during the week and took pictures when I could. So now you can see some of the things I ate last week. I know you are so happy I did this. You're welcome.

 

Inspired by a fellow blogger, Thank you Lauryn Roth. Whole Grain Waffle's spread with Peanut Butter and I sliced banana to put on top. Very good and very filling!

 

Since my throat was sore and I felt poopy, I drank a lot of chamomile tea with honey. I did have a Yo plait Light Strawberry Yogurt too.

 

I love taco dip or layered dip. I had some Fage Total Greek Yogurt Plain. I heated up my refried beans and spread them on a plate. I mixed about 1 Tbsp of low sodium taco seasoning in with about 1/4-1/3 cup of the yogurt. Then I spread that on top of the beans. I chopped up some romaine and added that with some WW Mexican blend cheese and Pace Medium Salsa. I used Whole Grain Tostitos Scoops to eat it. It was pretty good and very filling. I didn't eat all of it but now I know another option instead of sour cream.

 

I woke up Friday morning and checked on Caleb. This is how is was Sleeping. He is so much like his daddy. Jerry hugs a pillow at night, Caleb hugs his Mickey Mouse or a blankie. Too cute!

One morning when I was feeling a little better and had a good few doses of antibiotics in my system I made this amazing breakfast. Two Egg Whites, 2 slices of bacon (I didn't eat the fatty parts, ha I know it's bacon but I still cut off the extra fat), 2 slices of Sara Lee 45 Calories and Delightful Whole Grain Bread with a little butter and jelly, 1 cup skim milk with 1 Tbsp of Carnation Instant Breakfast Chocolate powder. It was very good!

I was craving a sandwich like this with these chips and magically we had them on hand since it was deer season. I used smoked turkey, 2%  cheese, and Dijon mustard. It satisfied my craving. :)

 

Since I was not feeling well, my hubby picked up St. Louis Bread Company for Dinner. I had the You Pick 2: French Onion Soup (no croutons) with a french baguette, half Italian Combo with no sauce, and an iced tea. I didn't finish all of the soup, I was full.

 

Skinny Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe - made into cake
recipe from Six Sister's Stuff

This cake was pretty good. I made it for a little girl's birthday and she devoured it. I am not sure I will make it again but it is okay for a one time thing. It does not taste like it would when using the cake box directions but that was to be expected. The icing was okay too. I kept this cake in the fridge since I used cool whip in the icing. I am not sure if you should keep it refrigerated but I did to be safe. I read some reviews on the recipe from Six Sister's Stuff and someone mentioned adding a cup of milk to the icing. I did not try this but it is an option. Also, I believe I read on Hungry Girl's recipe for vanilla cake that she has tried using diet cream soda for vanilla/yellow cakes. When I made the icing, it started to thicken after a few minutes so try to spread it on the cake as soon as it is mixed thoroughly.

Skinny Funfetti Cake:

(Serves 12 slices of cake, 5 Weight Watchers Points Plus Values)

Cupcake Ingredients:

1 pkg. Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix (just the powder, not the recipe on the box)

1 (12 ounce) can Sprite Zero

Cake Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13" pan and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine cake mix and Sprite together. Continue to mix until the batter is smooth without any lumps.

 

 

Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees. Following baking time directions according to type of pan you use. I think I baked the cake 30-35 minutes.  Let cool before frosting.

Frosting Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) container Fat Free Cool Whip

1 (1.5 ounce) pkg. Fat Free Vanilla Jello Instant Pudding (just the powder, not the recipe on the box)

Frosting Directions:

In a mixing bowl, add Cool Whip and pudding. Mix with a whisk by hand or an electric hand mixer until smooth. Spread over cooled cake. 

 

This was a nice snack I had one day last week. Healthy Choice Greek Frozen Yogurt. It came in a pack with 3 individual yogurts. It tasted like strawberry ice cream. Pretty Good!

 

This is my little man. Isn't he adorable? Yes he is. Thanks! My hubby was leaving to go hunting and Caleb decided he wanted to wear a hat like daddy. So he put on his Red Head Bass Pro Shops hat and did not take it off until we had a late lunch around 2pm. He is so awesome!

 

Caleb and I went to Kohl's to use my Kohl's cash to buy him a new pair of shoes. I also picked up a few outfits for him. Then we went to Wal-mart to grab a few things. I had a gift card for Old Navy from my Birthday so I went in to grab a pair of Skinny Jean's so I can wear my boots. Just to see if I could, I grabbed a size 12 with my size 14 to try on. I tried on the 12's first. Below is the 12's, zipped and buttoned. I was so excited! They are still a little snug in my belly but they fit! I couldn't believe it! Crazy!!!

 

Saturday Weigh-In Day: November 17, 2012
Weight: 194.8
I lost 2lbs this week. I was sick all week and didn't really track my food but I also didn't really eat much either with my throat being sore. This week was also my 16th week so I received my 16 week charm. They say it takes about 16 weeks to get used to a new plan and keep up with good routines. You start to notice you make different choices and have different habits.

I think I need to have bad weeks and sick weeks. They teach me that I am making progress. I do not eat near the amounts of food that I used to eat. The day that I made bacon, eggs, and toast. I really wanted a fried egg, over easy. But I changed my mind and just made egg whites. I still order diet soda or water when I am out. I notice that I make better choices. They may not always be the healthiest but they are much better than they were in the past.

I am starting to see what my husband sees when I look at myself in the mirror. I see a pretty girl with kind eyes and a nice smile. I am starting to enjoy every day and that is good with winter around the corner. Depression tends to settle in for some people during the winter months. Dark on the way to work and on the way home. Home is dark. Not much sunlight. Cold outside. So with that, I am hoping to beat that old way and make each day better. Now I will have to allow some snuggle time by the fire with Caleb but not every day, all day. :)

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. I love spending time with family. Then the holiday season really starts to feel like it is in the air. :)

Caleb and I window shopped on Friday night to see what he would like to ask Santa for for Christmas. It was fun. :) I think he enjoyed it too.

What do you do for the holiday's?

Food Diary: Tuesday 11/13/12

Happy Tuesday Friends!

I now have 13 followers! :) Thank you for following me.

I woke up worse than ever this morning. I had trouble sleeping all night because my nose was stuffed up and it was running. I know, you are jealous. AND my throat was burning. Nothing I did made it better for very long. It was a miserable night.

I could barely swallow the ibuprofen when I woke up. I also drank some chamomile tea with honey and that seemed to help a little. Plus I found some sore throat drops that numb your throat in my cabinet. Oh my gosh...what relief! Not for long but definitely helped!

I should have just went to the doctor yesterday when I had the time. I called to see about getting in to see my doctor but they didn't have anything until 2:40pm. Luckily, I am able to see the doctor who is on campus at my hubby's work, so they were able to see me as soon as I was able to drive to Clayton. (about 30-45 minutes from my house). Plus a bonus, besides the gas it took to drive there in the gas guzzler truck, it only cost $9 for the medicine for both of us. Woo Hoo!

The doctor was able to see us together so that made it even more awesome and convenient. Jerry has a bad cold. He gave him some nasal spray and a prescription for sudafed. Yeah, we have to get a prescription for that stuff in our county. I have fluid in my ears and developing an infection. He said either an ear infection or strep. Ick! So glad I went to the doctor. He gave me prescription for sudafed, an antibiotic, and a nasal spray.

I hope to feel better in a few days so I can get myself back into routine. I miss walking and running. :)

OH AND they weighed me, I had jeans on, I weighed 195.8 which is less than I weighed on Saturday. So that's pretty cool considering I haven't worked out this week and I had jeans on. :)

Caleb and I went to Lion's Choice for lunch with Jerry.
 
Then we headed to Aldi to get some canned goods for the Boy Scout food drive. Then to Wal-mart to get stuff to make a birthday cake and a present for Brooke's birthday on Friday. Oh and the sweetest couple stopped us in the frozen foods section to ask if Caleb could have a stuffed animal they got out of the machine's in front of the store. Of course, Caleb was not friendly towards them because he hadn't had a nap yet. Embarrassed, I told them thank you and that it was very kind of them.
 
I stopped by Walgreen's to drop off our prescriptions for Sudafed and headed home.
 
My day was not planned out very well but that happens when you rush out of the house to make a spur of the moment doctor's appointment that is 30-45 minutes away. :)
 
I grabbed a frozen lasagna, garlic bread, and salad for a quick dinner since we are not feeling good.
 

Breakfast:

1/2 Cup Whole Grain Quick Oats

1 tsp Brown Sugar

1 Tbsp Brummel & Brown (this made it more creamy)

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

1 Pkt Truvia

1 Cup Skim Milk

Vitamins



 

Lunch:
1 Roast Beef with Swiss Cheese
1 Small Fry (ate half)
Diet Dr. Pepper
 

While we were finishing our lunch, one of the employee's handed Caleb a free cone coin. So he wanted to go get an ice cream cone right away. I think this is his very first cone. He has shared with us before but never had his own. too cute. :) He decided to use a spoon at the end.

Dinner:

1 Cup Spinach & Romaine Lettuce

1 Tbsp Fit & Healthy Light Italian

1 Cup Stouffer's 5 Cheese Lasagna

1 Tbsp Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese

1 Slice Pepperidge Farm 5 Cheese Texas Toast

 



 

 

On a completely different subject...

 

We watched Dexter and The Walking Dead last night. Both of those shows are stressful! Anyone else watch those shows?

 

Tonight we are watching Homeland.

 

We also watch Revolution, The Big Bang Theory, Raising Hope, & The Middle.

 

I watch 90210, Gossip Girl, 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom 2, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, The Biggest Loser..

 

I feel like I am forgetting more.

 

What do you like to watch?

 

 



Food Diaries and HG's Pumpkin Pie

Happy Monday Night!
 
I developed a cold/sinus something over the weekend and did not feel well when I woke up Sunday morning or this morning. My throat is so sore, hard to swallow. My ears feel like fluid is in them. My nose is runny and stuffy. Joy! I blame it on the lovely Missouri weather, 70 degrees one day and 30 degrees the next. It was so windy on Saturday and Sunday too.
 
I drove with my windows down and wore flip flops and capri's. It was nice but I do not appreciate the illness that followed it.
 
Needless to say the only exercise I got in today was walking up and down the stairs to switch my laundry and bring or take laundry down. I also made a pumpkin pie...isn't that exercise? No? Hmmm...
 
I like how many of you blog about what you eat through out the day to help keep you accountable. I thought I should give it a try. So here goes for today...
 

Breakfast: (7ppv)
1/2 cup whole grain quick oats
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 Tbsp Smart Balance Original
1 pkt Truvia
1 Tbsp Cinnamon (about)
1 Cup Skim Milk
Vitamins

Lunch: (2.5 ppv)
1 Cup Spinach and Romaine Lettuce (about)
1 Tbsp Fit & Active Light Italian Dressing
1 WW String Cheese
1 Cup Progresso Light Vegetable Soup

 

 

Dinner: (22 ppv)
I forgot to take pictures...these are as close as I could get.
Sonic Burger with mustard. No Cheese or Mayo.
Sonic small fries
Sonic small Diet Dr. Pepper

I'm going to have to get the Jr. Burger next time because it is smaller and 9ppv. Still learning as I go. :)

Snack: (4ppv)
18 Minis, Cheddar Rice Cakes

Snack: (4ppv)
1/8th slice HG's Too-Good-Too-Deny Pumpkin Pie
1 1/2 Tbsp Cool Whip Free (2 Tbsp = 0pts)
 
Today I tried out Hungry Girl's Too-Good-Too-Deny Pumpkin Pie. It was pretty easy to make but when the 45 minutes were up the center of the pie was still very liquid-like. I have never made pumpkin pie before so I do not know if this is normal for pies. So I covered/tented the pie with tin foil and ended up baking it or an additional 20-30 minutes. It did get a little more brown but that did not change the flavor when I tried it.

I had 1/8th of a slice with 1 1/2 Tbsp of Cool Whip Free on top. Very tasty and filling. I cannot wait to make this for Thanksgiving next week. :)

Also, I did not notice a weird after-taste or anything. I made a batch of splenda chocolate chip cookies last year and they had an after-taste. So I was worried about using splenda in the pie. I was surprised.

I used my magic bullet to grind the fiber one. It looked like sand when I was finished. Three Tbsp of Splenda is equal to 30 packets of splenda.
 
For Crust:
2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown)
3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1 tsp. cinnamon
 
For Filling:
One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
One 12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
1/4 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
 
Optional Topping:
Fat Free Reddi-wip or Cool Whip Free
 
 

 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine butter with 2 Tbsp water. Microwave until just melted, and set aside. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine butter mixture and crumbs with remaining ingredients for crust. Stir until mixed well.

Spray an oven-safe 9" pie-dish lightly with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute crust mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. The filling may be taller than the pie crust.

Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes. Allow pie to cool slightly. Refrigerate for several hours (overnight is best). Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Cut into 8-slices, and if you like, top with Reddi-wip or Cool Whip before serving.

Makes 8 servings

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 133
Fat: 3g
Sodium: 236mg
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 6g

PointsPlus® value 4*

That's all for now.

25 lbs Gone!!! ... And some of my tips.

10/13/12 weight 203.4 lbs

Total loss 25.8 lbs

Earned my 25 lb award today

Tank top: Large

Capri's: Large

 

 

Good Afternoon!

 

I stepped on my scale this morning and was shocked at what I saw. I did lose weight. I was sure I gained or stayed the same this week. I worked out, yes. But the way I felt, the way I ate at times. It just felt like a bad week with no weight loss. So happy to see 203.4. I am so close to being under 200 pounds YES!

 

My breakfast: Panera Bread Power Sandwich. It's so good and filling.

My lunch: 1 1/2 c Ceasar Salad with 2 slices of Boar's Head Classic Chicken. And a Gala Apple.

My dinner: Homemade Vennison Chili simmering in my crock pot.I add 2% cheese and use whole wheat crackers. My house smells amazing!

I have drank tons of water today and walked for 2 hours for the baby mania sale.

 

It is muggy and warm here today. It's so strange since it has been chilly the past week. It has also been very windy, I expect that is due to the storm I heard we may get, or rain.

 

I didn't get much sleep last night. My son woke up around midnight with a low fever and fussy. After the tylenol kicked in he was in full force. Every few minutes he would turn around and kick one of us. He also kicked the covers off then put them back on. He decided to get out of our bed and bring toys in the room. Finally around 3am we told him he had to go to his room and play if he wasn't going to sleep. He wasn't happy about it but he went.

 

6:30am...My alarm goes off.

 

I rode with my neighbor friend to weigh-in, we grabbed breakfast and then headed to "Baby Mania". It is like a huge garage sale held in the parking lot of a local school. They have tons of baby stuff, maternity, older kids stuff, and furniture for cheap (if you look). Some people do price their stuff high.

 

I returned home to get ready to go grocery shopping. My husband and son were getting ready to go to the Circus. My hubby won tickets from work. They got to sit in the Company Suite. I think Caleb enjoyed himself as much as a 2-year old can. :) 

My goal this week is to plan my meals and exercise. So I made up my list and headed to the store.

I will be making my Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with some kind of potatoes and a veggie. Rosemary & garlic pork chop loin with a potato and veggie. Breakfast burritos with eggs, veggies, and cheese. I know we will have left over chilli a night or so. I am not sure on the other meals but I do have a few lean cuisine's. I am sure we will have mexican one night too.

I plan to start 30DS and walk this week too. I said I would start the C25K when I hit 10%...I'm nervous and I need to get my routine back before I can start that. I just need to do it. Maybe next week...

I am so proud of myself for kicking that feeling I had all week. I mentioned it in my last blog. I am not sure what was going on but I was getting nervous about the upcoming holidays and eating and not losing weight. I think I lost focus of what is important and I psyched myself out. I also starting alternating the days I took phenterine so that I can stop taking it once the prescription runs out. I guess that bothered me too. It made me insecure, like it wasn't me doing all the work to lose the weight with the help of an appetite suppressant. Amazing what we get stuck in our minds and have to change our ways of thinking in order to move forward.

In the past I wouldn't have been able to move forward. I would have just continued my downward path to my old ways. I know that this experience is teaching me how to change and make positive choices.

I am learning so much and my mind is clear for this upcoming week. I just need to stay focused on the goal.

My Tips:

Make small changes. Concentrate on one change at a time. Like drinking more water during the day by substituting other drinks for water. Or drink a glass of water before each meal.

Write down everything you eat and drink. I have learned from doing this. I used to eat so much food. Now I monitor what I am eating and it is really helping me. Yes it is time consuming but it has great benefits in the end. Also if you are having a bad week you can go back and look at the weeks that ou did great. You can see what you ate, drank, and if you exercised.

Don't think of exercise as a "chore". Find something you enjoy to do and you will find that you will want to do it. I love to bike ride but it is hard for me because a) I live in a very hilly subdivision and I don't think I am ready for hills b) I haven't pulled my son in the bike carriage yet so it makes me nervous on my own c) It gets dark now by the time my husband gets home from work so we aren't able to go until the weekend. With that said I am okay with the rides we take when we can. So I found I like to walk outside. I also enjoy walking on my treadmill with a movie on or a show I like to watch. I love to swim when the weather is appropriate. Also I have started parking farther away so I walk more. I play with my son outside. The idea is just to start moving.

Drink Water. I love water with ice in it and when it's very cold. I try to drink at least a gallon a day. I notice when I haven't had enough. I feel dehydrated, tired, and sluggish. I get headachhes sometimes too. I read that if you feel thirsty chances are you are already dehydrated so drink up every chance you get. Also, don't drink your calories (except for milk) if you can help it. If you do just be sure to add that in to your daily budget. Got a craving or feel hungry? Drink a glass of water, you may just be thirsty. Then go to bed to avoid late night snacking.

Be accountable. Get your friends and family involved with your weight loss journey. I feel accountable every Saturday when I weigh-in. I know that my weight goes in their system and it counts. I enjoy going to the meetings because everyone there is going through a smiliar journey as me. You can also start a blog and write everything in there.

Plan. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time. When you know what you will be eating for each meail including snacks you are more likely to stay on track. This one is hard if you are busy but you have to make time. Bring fruit or nuts with you. When you grocery shop have healthy choices available for you to make.

Think Whole Grain. Switch from white breads, pastas, rice to whole grain varietys. This will help you get more fiber in your day. Find the ones that you like and taste good.

Fruits and Veggies. Have them with each meal and snack. I try to make this a habit. It helps you get your 5 in for the day. :)

Don't skip meals. If you don't eat often, 5-6 small meals a day, you will start to feel like you have less energy. You will feel tired. I am not a doctor but I know I have read somewhere that skipping meals can be harmful to your health (slow metabolism, drop blood sugar...).

Use a smaller plate. It tricks you into thinking you are eating a lot more than you are. This also helps with portion control.

Measure Everything. Have several measuring cups and spoons available so you can be sure you are having the accurate serving for each food.

Splurge a little. We are human. We want foods that are sweet. It's okay to have ice cream or cookies every once in a while. Just be sure to eat in moderation. If the serving size says 2 cookies then only eat 2 cookies. This will become easier with time. You will be able to control your eating and not want to go back for more.

Slim down your recipes. You can by Fat Free or Low Fat in almost everything. You just have to find what you like. I have found ideas from other bloggers and Pinterest. I buy 2% cheese because I like the way it taste and it melts well. I buy Skim Milk. I buy Reduced Fat, Low Sodium, and Fat Free especially in my canned goods. Use Lean meats. Bake or grill instead of frying. Use any substitution that will help make the recipe still taste good but have less calories.

One Pound at a time. Set small goals for yourself. Sure we all have that number we would love to see on the scale but if we don't get there fast enough then we get discouraged. Don't do that to yourself. Instead, say you want to lose 5lbs to start. When you do, reward yourself with something, not food. I have bought new running shoes, a purse, new work out outfit, smaller sized jeans, exercise mat, free weights, moisture wicking socks, etc. Then set another small goal. Before you know it you will have reached your ultimate goal and have enjoyed the journey along the way.

When I have salad or order salad I have the dressing on the side. I dip my fork into the dressing and then into the salad. This helps me have less dressing.

I eat egg whites when possible with bell peppers and onions. I top it with 2% cheese.

I eat vanilla greek yogurt (okios) with about 1/2-1 cup strawberries and 1/4 c Kashi Go-Lean Honey Almond Flax. It's like a sweet treat for me.

I take a multi-vitamin, biotin, b-complex, omega 3 fish oil, and Glucosamine, Chondroitin every day.

I eat Subway: 6" Turkey on Wheat with Provolone Cheese and Veggies. No dressing. I eat Bread Co (Panera Bread): Smoked Turkey on Country with Spicy Mustard and Chicken Noodle Soup with a French Baguette. Or Power Breakfast Sandwich with and apple. I eat Jimmy Johns Turkey Tom with no Mayo and I had Provolone Cheese. I eat Pennstation East Coast Subs: Small Turkey Dagwood with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and a few fries. I eat McDonald's McDouble and a small Fry or a kids meal. I eat Jack In The Box: 2 Tacos with Sauce, 1 egg roll with sweet and sour sauce. Or a Breakfast Jack. I eat at Tequila's Mexican Restaurant: Chips and Salsa (about 14 chips if that) and Chicken Fajitas. I ask for no sour cream. I don't eat the rice and beans. I only make 2 fajitas.

When I can't find a meal at a restaurant, I order a garden salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing on the side and ask for grilled chicken with it.

I may have forgotten a few of my tips. It is hard to keep my mind focused with my adorable 2-year old talking to me. :) So if you have any questions or would like to make suggestions for me please do so.

If you are struggling just know that you are not alone. Tomorrow is a new day. Start fresh. If I can do it you can too!

Have a great evening!

Quote of the day:

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

Saturday's Weigh-in and Exciting News!

Good Morning,

Happy Hump Day!

Sorry it has taken me so long to post this week's blog...super busy weekend. I don't know that I even realize what happened. Lol!

 

Saturday Weigh-in Day 10/6/2012

My weight: 205.6 lbs
Total: 23.6 lbs

I reached my 10% goal! I was so excited about this but I never got the chance to actually celebrate. I had a dress fitting later Saturday afternoon then Sunday I was gone all day for my neice's baby shower. I haven't even shown off my key chain to my husband. I feel like the excitement went away a little because I was so busy. Jerry had his upcoming interview weighing on his mind so I think we were both just preoccupied.

Monday

I was pumped to start Jillian Michael's 30 day shred...Except when I went to start it up it was on level 2...that was the only level I had...I know it sounds weird. My hubby copies our DVD's to Itunes so that we don't have to use DVD's...somehow my level 1 and 3 disappeared. So Frustrating!!! I was mad, very mad! It seems like every time I want to do something it never goes as I want or as planned or as smooth as it could. Any Who...I cooled my jets and decided to do Billy Blanks Boot Camp Basic Training. It was easy at first but got tough towards the end.

I am proud of myself for finding a way to still work out even though it wasn't what I had in mind. In the past I would have just said screw it and sat on the couch all day, being crabby. Hooray for me for making positive changes within myself.

 

Tuesday

Caleb had his scheduled flu shot at Jerry's work so we headed to Clayton for that. When we finished it was too early for lunch so we went shopping. The hubs needed new, black, work shoes and a wallet. Caleb and I went to Old Navy first. He needs a few nice outfits so we picked him up a few things including the cutest outfit for pictures and possible Thanksgiving!

I decided to try on jeans. My 16's have all been big on me by days end lately and they look sloppy on me. I grabbed a pair of 14's in boot cut and skinny (for my boots). We went into the changing room and after I wrestled with Caleb for 20 minutes to try on a few of his clothes I was sweaty...gross. Thanks phentermine. LOL. So it was the moment of truth...I grabbed the boot cut pair of jeans and pulled them up, buttoned them and looked in the mirror. HOLY COW they fit and looked great! No freaking way! I was so excited and happy! Sure 14 isn't a small size but it IS, however, a smallER size than what I have worn in the past several years so heck yes I was excited about that! I tried on the skinny 14's too. I didn't like how they looked on me personally and they felt big in the butt/hip area but they would be great for tall boots which is the only time I'd ever wear them. I put them back for now because I am not ready to wear boots just yet. I also put on a cute white vest, size large, but when I saw myself in the mirror...I don't need anything puffy right now. LOL. We will wait for puffy clothes. Skinny clothes are what I will stick with for now. I did buy a size large 3/4 sleeve sweater and 2 size large cami's...yay!

It was a successful trip and I saved money too! Bonus!

We stopped by Jimmy John's for lunch then headed to Kohl's. I took several pictures of shoes for Jerry. He told me what he liked so I grabbed those in his size. Then I grabbed him a new wallet. I also took pictures of 2 shirts that I thought he might like and since he doesn't have a yellow or burnt orange shirt I figured it would be okay. He liked them both. Grabbed a tie to match the yellow shirt and headed out.

I made a super delicious dinner, Parmesan crusted Tilapia with asparagus and parmesan roasted red potatoes. I also squeezed in time for a walk last night. I walked at 3.0 speed at a 6.0 incline for 47 minutes. It was a great walk, I had to stop because we watched our neighbors little boy for a few hours and it was getting late. My Nike said I walked a 10K last night...haha funny! I think it got out of wack somehow. I sure felt the pain from Monday's Billy Blank work out though.

Wednesday

The hubs had an interview this morning, within his company, and I am so curious to know how it went. His current boss told him about an idea they had to keep him with them instead of moving to IT. As he told me about it, we were both getting excited at the idea and forgot about the IT position...Both would be great opportunities for him so I will be happy for him either way.

Gotta finish up my housework today. Laundry, cleaning, etc. Having busy weekends and not being home = dirty house! BOO! I need to work on Caleb's room too. He plays in there a lot and never puts toys away. He knows how to put toys away because he helps me downstairs and in the living room but his room, we need to work on.

I need to walk/run/or do billy blanks again today too. This has been the worst week as far as food planning and keeping in my budget! I need to get back to focusing on that pronto! First step was add up all of my points used since saturday for each day so I know where I stand today. YIKES! I have been so good at tracking since I started WW in August but this past week has been tough. I am still focused so I am not worried. :)

Also I started taking my phentermine every other day, as my doctor suggested I could do this month since I will not be taking it in November. I am thinking about asking for a prescription to get me through the holidays though. Looking through Pinterest's food has made me want all bad things lately. lol. Wish me luck!

I love how I feel and how I look! I want to keep going so I can look and feel even better!

I have several photos to share. I was able to fit in a dress I bought 1 year ago and a dress I haven't worn since I was 20.

Have a great rest of the week!

Quote of the day:

It will hurt.

It will take time.

It will require dedication.

It will require willpower.

You will need to make healthy decicisions.

It requires sacrifice.

You will need to push your body to its max.

There will be temptation.

But, I promise you, when you reach your goal, it's

worth it.

 

205.6 Saturday October 6 2012

205.6 Saturday October 6, 2012. 10% weight loss!

205.6 Saturday October 6, 2012.

 

205.6 10/6/12 Size 16 Dress. I was finally able to zip this dress up!

205.6 10/6/12 Size 16 dress

205.6 10/6/12 size 16 dress