This weekend was good and bad. I got a run in on Friday night, but that was it. I am a bit disappointed in myself for not getting more in and need to kick myself in high gear. My back has also been a bit sore. I did feel like I made good food decisions, and I went to my meeting Saturday morning. I have two items on the Monday to blog about, a non-scale victory and a change to Weight Watchers.
Non-scale Victory
This is partyly my victory and partly my daughters victory. I try very hard to teach my daughter healthy eating habbits, while still letting her be a kid. We do not let her drink soda, rarely does she get candy, and occasionally she gets juice. We are lucky, she does not like chocolate, chooses broccoli as her side at restaurants, and likes to have a V8 in her school lunch! Saturday night got a bit crazy, so we ended up with Jack in the Box for dinner, I got her chicken strips as her meal. On Sunday, we were going grocery shopping, which always means she gets a free cookie at the bakery. Keep in mind, she if 5. On the way there we hear "you know dad, I don't think I want a cookie, they are not healthy, so I think I will wait and get a cookie next time". Talk about a proud moment for a mother!!! I was so happy I had helped teach her something and healthy eating was something she understood.
Weight Watchers Changes:
Yesterday Weight Watchers made a drastic change to their program. You can find an article here: USA Today I don't have my meeting until Saturday so will not get the official explanation until then. I have heard fruit is mostly 0 pts! I think I can live with that! I have also heard some great 1pt foods are more now, so that will definitely be an adjustment. I am looking forward to learning more about the new program and just might have to sign up for the e-tools again to get the hang of the new points.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday Food Finds, a day late
With the excitement of Thanksgiving and working Black Friday at a popular toy selling chain store, Friday Food Finds got away from me. Well, here it is.
One of the things that doing Weight Watchers has brought me to do, is cook dinner. I try to cook a nice meal at least 5/7 days a week. The problem I run in to is finding foods that my "steak and potato" loving husband will eat. I sneak veggies in like you would for a kid, or make myself a single serving of something. I have been playing around with some different crock pot recipes to find some we both like. I love being able to play with my kids while dinner is cooking. So, Tuesday night I made Barbecue Glazed Turkey Meatloaf in the crock pot. I got the recipe off of the Weight Watchers website. We all thought it was super yummy!!
One of the things that doing Weight Watchers has brought me to do, is cook dinner. I try to cook a nice meal at least 5/7 days a week. The problem I run in to is finding foods that my "steak and potato" loving husband will eat. I sneak veggies in like you would for a kid, or make myself a single serving of something. I have been playing around with some different crock pot recipes to find some we both like. I love being able to play with my kids while dinner is cooking. So, Tuesday night I made Barbecue Glazed Turkey Meatloaf in the crock pot. I got the recipe off of the Weight Watchers website. We all thought it was super yummy!!
4 points per serving
Ingredients
1 1/4 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast, Skinless
1/3 cup(s) dried bread crumbs, seasoned
1/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup(s) onion(s), minced
1 large egg(s), lightly beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 Tbsp ketchup
2 tsp packed light brown sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Heinz Spicy Brown Mustard, or other brand
Instructions
Fold a 24-inch length of foil in half lengthwise. Fit into the bottom and up the sides of a 5–6-quart slow cooker insert.
Put the turkey, bread crumbs, cheese, onion, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix with hands until well combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on the foil in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the meatloaf juices run clear or an instant read thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 165°F, 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low.
Combine the ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture over the meatloaf, spreading it smooth. Cover the slow cooker and cook until the glaze is heated through, about 30 minutes longer. With the help of the foil, lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker and transfer to a platter. Discard foil and cut the meatloaf into 6 slices. Yields 1 slice meatloaf per serving.
Notes
Ingredients
1 1/4 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast, Skinless
1/3 cup(s) dried bread crumbs, seasoned
1/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup(s) onion(s), minced
1 large egg(s), lightly beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 Tbsp ketchup
2 tsp packed light brown sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Heinz Spicy Brown Mustard, or other brand
Instructions
Fold a 24-inch length of foil in half lengthwise. Fit into the bottom and up the sides of a 5–6-quart slow cooker insert.
Put the turkey, bread crumbs, cheese, onion, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix with hands until well combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on the foil in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the meatloaf juices run clear or an instant read thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf registers 165°F, 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low.
Combine the ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture over the meatloaf, spreading it smooth. Cover the slow cooker and cook until the glaze is heated through, about 30 minutes longer. With the help of the foil, lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker and transfer to a platter. Discard foil and cut the meatloaf into 6 slices. Yields 1 slice meatloaf per serving.
Notes
We line the slow cooker insert with foil—a little trick to help you lift out the finished meatloaf. And, because foods cooked in a slow cooker tend to look pale, we coat the loaf with a colorful barbecue-sauce glaze.
I planned on cooking it on low for the 6-8 hours, but forgot to turn on the crock pot! I did it on high, checking the temp at 3 hours. It was done! I served it with mashed potatoes and steamed zucchini with sweat onions.
I had enough points to have 2 servings of the meat. It was 7 1/2 points for the 2 servings. The barbecue sauce was so good, that I have the recipe on my fridge! It will go great as a dip with baked chicken fingers or sweat potato fries!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving - Don't Gobble 'til you Wobble!!
That has always been something that my WW leader has engraved in my head and is something I try to live by on Thanksgiving morning. I did get a short excercise DVD in last night, not what I wanted, but it was something. I hope to get something in today before I eat. I thought about just running with my daughter in the snow, but we'll see. I may just walk up and down our stairs for a bit, just to get something in.
I have done many things to plan for my Thanksgiving dinner over the last few years. In 2008 I hosted Thanksgiving and prepared the entire meal based on the Weight Watchers magazine. In 2007 I got in 30 minutes on the elliptical. This year I am doing more to manage what I eat during the day. I had an egg white omlette for breakfast and plan to limit the snacking and extra food. How do I plan to do that you may ask ... Well, my plan now is to be spending a lot of time with my daughter, and not letting myself have time to snack.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of your out there! And remember, today is just one day, and tomorrow is a new day! You can always press that reset button tomorrow!
I have done many things to plan for my Thanksgiving dinner over the last few years. In 2008 I hosted Thanksgiving and prepared the entire meal based on the Weight Watchers magazine. In 2007 I got in 30 minutes on the elliptical. This year I am doing more to manage what I eat during the day. I had an egg white omlette for breakfast and plan to limit the snacking and extra food. How do I plan to do that you may ask ... Well, my plan now is to be spending a lot of time with my daughter, and not letting myself have time to snack.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of your out there! And remember, today is just one day, and tomorrow is a new day! You can always press that reset button tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Perisimmons (A New Fruit Discovery)
(Picture from FatFree Vegan Kitchen website)
Here is the recipe that came in the box:
Ingredients:
2-3 Perisimmons, peeled, cut into chunks
2 large pears, cut into chunks
1/2 lb of grapes, halved
1 C celeriac (celery root), peeled, shredded
2/3 cup walnuts or peacans, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
2t lemon zest
2T honey
1T red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
salt
Steps:
In a large bowl combine lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, a pinch of salt and vinegar. Add perisimmons and pears and toss until coated. Add grapes and celeriac. Add more honey or more vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Remove and stir in walnuts, spoon over a bed of arugula or serve alone.
The front side of the recipe card also makes suggestions of using agave nectar instead of honey, adding celery root, apples, or slices of Satsumas. It also suggestions adding crushed lavender flowers or mint and minced rosemary.
This is what I did with what I had available:
Ingredients:
2 perisimmons, cut into chuncks (I accidentally over looked the part about peeling them, but they were still okay)
2 pears cut into chunks
2 Satsumas peeled and split into pieces
2t Lemon juice
2T honey
1T red wine vinegar
Salt (I just shook salt shaker a couple of times)
I did end up adding a bit more honey and a bit more red wine vinegar. I just served it alone as a side to our dinner. I have leftovers and can't wait for it at lunch tomorrow!
Here are a couple of recipes I came across as I was researching for this blog post:
Another Great Idea!
And Another
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
My New Favorite Website for WW Friendly Recipes!!!
My life just got 100x better when I came across this website last week: Skinny Taste
WOW! She has some amazing recipes and I can't wait to try lots of them! For Thanksgiving I am making her Pumpkin Butter to go with small pieces of bread for a snack tray! She has the WW Points with her recipes too, which makes it even better! As I try some of her recipes I will let you know that is where they come from.
WOW! She has some amazing recipes and I can't wait to try lots of them! For Thanksgiving I am making her Pumpkin Butter to go with small pieces of bread for a snack tray! She has the WW Points with her recipes too, which makes it even better! As I try some of her recipes I will let you know that is where they come from.
Monday Madness
I know what you are thinking, it is Tuesday! I am a day late on my Monday Madness post, and that is due to the madness Monday brought me!
The weekend wasn't all that bad, but I did not weigh in. I instead went on a road trip with my parents and daughter to Oregon for another Linfield football game! My point of frusturation now comes from the cold weather that has made it difficult to work out. I have not run since Thursday, and don't know that I will be able to before Friday. It is snowy and cold here, and I don't really want to drive to the city fitness facility. My goal is to try and do some Wii Fit tonight after dinner. We'll see.
Otherwise, this week I did not have the same weekend weight hangover I have had in the past! I feel like I made good decisions!
The weekend wasn't all that bad, but I did not weigh in. I instead went on a road trip with my parents and daughter to Oregon for another Linfield football game! My point of frusturation now comes from the cold weather that has made it difficult to work out. I have not run since Thursday, and don't know that I will be able to before Friday. It is snowy and cold here, and I don't really want to drive to the city fitness facility. My goal is to try and do some Wii Fit tonight after dinner. We'll see.
Otherwise, this week I did not have the same weekend weight hangover I have had in the past! I feel like I made good decisions!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Guest Blogger: Friday Food Finds - Microwaved Baked Potato
Happy Friday!!
Remember Here when I shared about my sister and her Weight Watchers journey. The other day I was talking with my sister and she mentioned a soup she found and how much she liked it. That got me thinking, as a somewhat newbie to Weight Watchers she was at a different stage. She was enjoying the discovery stage of find new and exciting healthy food. I occasionally find that new recipe or new product, but I really already went through that discovery stage. I approached her and asked if she would like to be a guest blogger and share with my readers some of her finds.
Without further ado, I give you Friday Food Finds with Guest Blogger Rebecca!!
__________________________________________________
When I know that I am going somewhere in the evening where there will be rich foods, I like to plan ahead by having a low point, filling lunch. (even more so when those rich foods are the night before weigh in!) So, for lunch today I did a baked potato, 1 cup of Progresso Light Vegetable soup and some pretzels. I know pretzels aren’t filling, but crunchy is my weak spot!
You may be thinking “I could never do a baked potato for lunch, it takes too long.” I thought the same thing until someone introduced me to microwaving them last week! A plain large baked potato is only 3 pts! (set point of 5) Doing them in the microwave is super easy and quick!
Step 1: This is the most important step. If you don’t do this, it will blow up in your microwave! (or so I’m told) Take a knife and cut 3-4 slits down into your potato.
Step 2: Microwave your potato for 3-4 minutes. If it is on the smaller size, start with 3 minutes. The time needed in total will depend on the power of your microwave. I just put the potato directly on the microwave tray. If you are in an office with a shared microwave, you could put it on a paper towel for easy clean up.
Step 3: Check your potato: Take a fork and stab it into the potato. Lift it up. If it is done, the potato will easily slide off your fork. If it needs more time, I recommend doing 1 minute increments until it does slide from the fork.
Now for some toppings, because lets face it potatoes are boring! If you have the points for it, you could do some cut up turkey bacon (1-2 points depending on how much and brand), or even some fat-free sour cream (only ½ a point for 2 TBLS)!! Today I just did 1 TBLS of country crock margarine (1 point) and 2 TBLS of shredded cheese (1 point). There are so many low point options that you could use as toppings for your baked potato!!
I like to pair my potatoes with some nice hot soup! Progresso has some great soups that are 0 or 1 point per serving! Remember, there are 2 servings in a can! If you are taking it to work, I would suggest dividing the can into 2 tupperware containers that morning or the night before. The 0 point ones are still about 1.5 points for the whole can, so not too bad if you have the points for the whole can.
Enjoy your quick and filling baked potatoes!
Remember Here when I shared about my sister and her Weight Watchers journey. The other day I was talking with my sister and she mentioned a soup she found and how much she liked it. That got me thinking, as a somewhat newbie to Weight Watchers she was at a different stage. She was enjoying the discovery stage of find new and exciting healthy food. I occasionally find that new recipe or new product, but I really already went through that discovery stage. I approached her and asked if she would like to be a guest blogger and share with my readers some of her finds.
Without further ado, I give you Friday Food Finds with Guest Blogger Rebecca!!
__________________________________________________
When I know that I am going somewhere in the evening where there will be rich foods, I like to plan ahead by having a low point, filling lunch. (even more so when those rich foods are the night before weigh in!) So, for lunch today I did a baked potato, 1 cup of Progresso Light Vegetable soup and some pretzels. I know pretzels aren’t filling, but crunchy is my weak spot!
You may be thinking “I could never do a baked potato for lunch, it takes too long.” I thought the same thing until someone introduced me to microwaving them last week! A plain large baked potato is only 3 pts! (set point of 5) Doing them in the microwave is super easy and quick!
Step 1: This is the most important step. If you don’t do this, it will blow up in your microwave! (or so I’m told) Take a knife and cut 3-4 slits down into your potato.
Step 2: Microwave your potato for 3-4 minutes. If it is on the smaller size, start with 3 minutes. The time needed in total will depend on the power of your microwave. I just put the potato directly on the microwave tray. If you are in an office with a shared microwave, you could put it on a paper towel for easy clean up.
Step 3: Check your potato: Take a fork and stab it into the potato. Lift it up. If it is done, the potato will easily slide off your fork. If it needs more time, I recommend doing 1 minute increments until it does slide from the fork.
Now for some toppings, because lets face it potatoes are boring! If you have the points for it, you could do some cut up turkey bacon (1-2 points depending on how much and brand), or even some fat-free sour cream (only ½ a point for 2 TBLS)!! Today I just did 1 TBLS of country crock margarine (1 point) and 2 TBLS of shredded cheese (1 point). There are so many low point options that you could use as toppings for your baked potato!!
I like to pair my potatoes with some nice hot soup! Progresso has some great soups that are 0 or 1 point per serving! Remember, there are 2 servings in a can! If you are taking it to work, I would suggest dividing the can into 2 tupperware containers that morning or the night before. The 0 point ones are still about 1.5 points for the whole can, so not too bad if you have the points for the whole can.
Enjoy your quick and filling baked potatoes!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Yummmm....The Cranberry Bliss Bar!!
(From Starbucks.com)
This is one of my all time favorite times of year and the Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar is one of the main reasons! I walked into Starbucks this morning, and there they were! My love affair with the Cranberry Bliss Bar has officially started!
Last year my Weight Watchers leader encouraged me to see how long it could take me to eat it. I took on the challenge and I nibbled on it and 30 minutes to eat it. I was pretty proud of myself!
This year, I need a new challenge. I have decided to allow myself three Cranberry Bliss Bars this year. That is one every other week starting next week and going through New Years Day. I will keep a count down on the sidebar of the blog to hold myself accountable. In addition, I will savor each Cranberry Bliss Bar and make it last me 30 minutes or more!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My Love/Hate relationship with Candy
My favorite subject, candy! I can't live with it and I can't live without it! Tuesday nights is when I am at my worst. Because last night was like every other Tuesday night I thought I would vent my frusturations with myself and my lack of self control with all of you!
The first and third Tuesday night of the month I have a Board meeting for work. It starts at 7pm, but I stay at work to prepare. There is one office in particular that has the best candy bowl. She has Kit-Kats, Snickers, Reese's Cups, Twix, and many more chocolate bars that I crave! Remember when I started blogging again a couple of weeks ago and revealed where I had been. Well, this candy bowl was a huge part of my problem. I have been awesome the last few weeks, only visiting her once every couple of days.
Last night, well, I had a bit of an issue with my self-control and this candy bowl. It was a bit of a crazy evening with childcare for my daughter and it was past 5pm and I was starving. I finally got to the point about 5:25 p.m. where I could make my dinner at work. I was so hungry, I broke the seal and headed for the candy bowl first! I only had one. Fixed my dinner, and figured I needed another for dessert. After eating dinner and dessert, I decided I needed more. I lost count at some point. I have no idea how many piecese of candy I ate last night.
I need a good plan of attack for the next Tuesday night Board meeting. You would think the nasty headache I had last night on the way home from the meeting would keep me away next time, but I really don't think it will.
Thank you for listening to my vent about my relationship with candy. It holds me accountable to say outloud the problems I have!
The first and third Tuesday night of the month I have a Board meeting for work. It starts at 7pm, but I stay at work to prepare. There is one office in particular that has the best candy bowl. She has Kit-Kats, Snickers, Reese's Cups, Twix, and many more chocolate bars that I crave! Remember when I started blogging again a couple of weeks ago and revealed where I had been. Well, this candy bowl was a huge part of my problem. I have been awesome the last few weeks, only visiting her once every couple of days.
Last night, well, I had a bit of an issue with my self-control and this candy bowl. It was a bit of a crazy evening with childcare for my daughter and it was past 5pm and I was starving. I finally got to the point about 5:25 p.m. where I could make my dinner at work. I was so hungry, I broke the seal and headed for the candy bowl first! I only had one. Fixed my dinner, and figured I needed another for dessert. After eating dinner and dessert, I decided I needed more. I lost count at some point. I have no idea how many piecese of candy I ate last night.
I need a good plan of attack for the next Tuesday night Board meeting. You would think the nasty headache I had last night on the way home from the meeting would keep me away next time, but I really don't think it will.
Thank you for listening to my vent about my relationship with candy. It holds me accountable to say outloud the problems I have!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday Madness
My Monday Madness post today was true madness and craziness. I felt like I had a great weekend and did a great job! To start the weekend off I got in a run on Friday night and took Saturday off from running. I had a great Weigh In on Saturday morning.
The crazy part was Sunday. I had decided to try to fit in a longer, slower run on the weekends. My husband had Sunday off, so I planned for a slow, long run on Sunday. He had a great idea that I run and meet him and our daughter at the grocery store, and run back after grocery shopping. We planned to shop at Albertson's or Safeway, which are kiddy corner from each other. We settled on Safeway, and I asked him to give me 25 minutes to get there, just a couple of minutes longer than Albertson's would have been.
I ran to Safeway, getting there is just over 22 minutes. I waited for about 10-15 minutes. I decided to run over to Albertson's and after not seeing our car in the parking lot, I ran back to Safeway. Still, our car was not there. Naturally I started getting a little concerned something had gone wrong back at home. I began my run home. I was tired and irritated and wanted to walk. But, I pushed through and ran home. I get home, and one of our cars is gone. I had no house key, so I plopped myself on the front step and waited. My husband drove up about 5 minutes after that. He had gone to a different Safeway! He figured when I asked for 25 minutes I was running further. He had started the shopping, not seeing me, and eventually left the cart and started driving around. We went to a different grocery store and did our shopping.
What a crazy day! But, I felt pretty good after a good run and not giving in to the desire to walk! I ran just under 4 miles in all (probably closer to 4 miles with the runs between the stores!!). Today, my legs feel good and I feel great!!
The crazy part was Sunday. I had decided to try to fit in a longer, slower run on the weekends. My husband had Sunday off, so I planned for a slow, long run on Sunday. He had a great idea that I run and meet him and our daughter at the grocery store, and run back after grocery shopping. We planned to shop at Albertson's or Safeway, which are kiddy corner from each other. We settled on Safeway, and I asked him to give me 25 minutes to get there, just a couple of minutes longer than Albertson's would have been.
I ran to Safeway, getting there is just over 22 minutes. I waited for about 10-15 minutes. I decided to run over to Albertson's and after not seeing our car in the parking lot, I ran back to Safeway. Still, our car was not there. Naturally I started getting a little concerned something had gone wrong back at home. I began my run home. I was tired and irritated and wanted to walk. But, I pushed through and ran home. I get home, and one of our cars is gone. I had no house key, so I plopped myself on the front step and waited. My husband drove up about 5 minutes after that. He had gone to a different Safeway! He figured when I asked for 25 minutes I was running further. He had started the shopping, not seeing me, and eventually left the cart and started driving around. We went to a different grocery store and did our shopping.
What a crazy day! But, I felt pretty good after a good run and not giving in to the desire to walk! I ran just under 4 miles in all (probably closer to 4 miles with the runs between the stores!!). Today, my legs feel good and I feel great!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
My sister: A success story in the making
After I started attending Weight Watchers and started having some success my sister soon decided to start attending with me. It was great to have a partner, someone I could talk to about points and bounce things off of. We would fix meals together every Monday and always make sure they were on plan and fit in our points. I was so proud of her for taking this step. She had tried Weight Watchers once before and was now coming back. She was there the day I got Lifetime! (it snowed, so not many people were at the meeting). She has been an inspiration to me more than she might realize. Wanna know why? She makes me attend the meetings, because I feel I have to be there for her. I feel she started attending that early on a Saturday because I was there, so I better as heck be there! Thanks sis!!
Fast forward to today. After taking a break from Weight Watchers to have a baby she is back! I love having her there. And was so excited to hear her walk in the door this morning. I heard her talking and went to the doorway to wait. She had done it! She had lost her first 20lbs plus some! I was so excited for her, gave her five and felt so proud. For a moment, I didn't care that I had weighed in for November at goal, I just cared that my little sis was on this journey with me and being successful!
She inspires me and keeps me on my toes! I look forward to the day I am sitting by her side and her name is called at the end of the meeting to receive her Lifetime key. I know she can do it! I know she will be an AFTER!!!
Fast forward to today. After taking a break from Weight Watchers to have a baby she is back! I love having her there. And was so excited to hear her walk in the door this morning. I heard her talking and went to the doorway to wait. She had done it! She had lost her first 20lbs plus some! I was so excited for her, gave her five and felt so proud. For a moment, I didn't care that I had weighed in for November at goal, I just cared that my little sis was on this journey with me and being successful!
She inspires me and keeps me on my toes! I look forward to the day I am sitting by her side and her name is called at the end of the meeting to receive her Lifetime key. I know she can do it! I know she will be an AFTER!!!
November Weigh In
I weighed in at goal for the month of November!! I was right at goal, which is okay with me! I would still like to hold my weight down a few pounds, but I am working on it! I have no travel plans for awhile, so plan to attend my Weight Watchers meeting weekly from now until the end of December. The only reason I would not attend is if I am out of town. That is my goal for the rest of 2010!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Run, Run, Run
That is my plan right now! I have decided to start running again. You might remember I have a back injury I have been babying for about a year now. I am trying to take the running easy. This week I started and hope to provide you with an exercise re-cap at the end of each week. I signed up for Daily Mile to help me keep track and keep myself accountable. Find me here: http://www.dailymile.com/people/marshalmoore#ref=tophd if you are on Daily Mile!
This week I started easy and just did a 1.37 mi run from our house. It is dark now, so I wanted to stay on the main road. This limited me a bit in how far I could go. This is a great route, with a good slow up hill and returning the down hill. I decided to try the local City gym last night and use the Treadmill. I was able to wait until my daughter was in bed, so none of that GUILT! I ran 2.20 miles! It felt good and I probably could have gone more, but I told my husband I would only be 30 minutes! Today, I have the day off of work, so my daughter and I are joining my mother and grandmother for a walk. I think the walk will be a good break for my legs, they were a bit sore last night!
I hope to get to where I can do some 5K raises this spring and summer. Maybe eventually a 1/2 marathon. All I kept thinking last night was "how do these people do marathons?"
This week I started easy and just did a 1.37 mi run from our house. It is dark now, so I wanted to stay on the main road. This limited me a bit in how far I could go. This is a great route, with a good slow up hill and returning the down hill. I decided to try the local City gym last night and use the Treadmill. I was able to wait until my daughter was in bed, so none of that GUILT! I ran 2.20 miles! It felt good and I probably could have gone more, but I told my husband I would only be 30 minutes! Today, I have the day off of work, so my daughter and I are joining my mother and grandmother for a walk. I think the walk will be a good break for my legs, they were a bit sore last night!
I hope to get to where I can do some 5K raises this spring and summer. Maybe eventually a 1/2 marathon. All I kept thinking last night was "how do these people do marathons?"
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Creamy Salsa Chicken
This is a great slow cooker recipe I found early in my Weight Watchers journey on the WW website. It is so easy and so yummy.
1lb Chicken Breasts
1 Jar of Salsa
1 Can of Black Beans
1 block of neufchatel cheese
You put in the chicken breasts while frozen, pour the salsa and black beans on top. Cook on high for 4 or 5 hours or on low for 9-10 hours. For the last 30 minutes cut up the cheese and put on top. After done mix the cheese in and shred the chicken.
We have tried this three different ways. First few times we just ate it with the spoon out of the bowl. Once we tried it in wraps, but it was a bit too runny. Tonight we tried it with tortilla chips and my oh my, it was awesome!!! Loved it! My daughter loves it too! Tonight I doubled the salsa and black beans, so have two containers in the freezer! This is great thawed for lunch!
1lb Chicken Breasts
1 Jar of Salsa
1 Can of Black Beans
1 block of neufchatel cheese
You put in the chicken breasts while frozen, pour the salsa and black beans on top. Cook on high for 4 or 5 hours or on low for 9-10 hours. For the last 30 minutes cut up the cheese and put on top. After done mix the cheese in and shred the chicken.
We have tried this three different ways. First few times we just ate it with the spoon out of the bowl. Once we tried it in wraps, but it was a bit too runny. Tonight we tried it with tortilla chips and my oh my, it was awesome!!! Loved it! My daughter loves it too! Tonight I doubled the salsa and black beans, so have two containers in the freezer! This is great thawed for lunch!
Getting Past the Guilt Associated with Taking Time to Exercise
I came across this blog today: Getting to 50/50 and a recent post about Guilt: Guilt if I Do, Guilt if I Don't
This blog post hit me like a ton of bricks. The way guilt plays into my weight loss journey has been identical to what this person is saying. I feel guilty if I don't workout and exercise, but when I am doing it, I can't help but feel guilty about the time I am taking away from my family. Of if I try to fit it in at work, I keep thinking "I should be eating at my desk as I work, not walking".
Over the last year I feel I have finally gotten myself near the end of the guilt rutt. In 2009 my husband lost his job, we lost our house to a Short Sale, and my father was diagnosed with a blood cancer. I was stressed, but running made me feel better. Running or exercising relaxed me. I realized I was a better wife and mother when I got that time to myself to run or workout. My husband started to see that too. Why feel guilty for that, for making me a better person?
I still have my bouts with guilt, like when I know my husband has also had a long day, but I know I need that walk or jog to survive the week. Or, when he tells me after the run he was invited out to watch a football game that started an hour ago! The best part, is my daughter sees me exercising and knows I am out running and almost always asks "how was your run mom?" Why should I feel guilty for that?
While I feel like I am working through that guilting feeling, I know so well how the author of this post felt when she was working out and guilt was hanging over her head the entire time. But, please, do not let guilt stop you! Get out there and take the time for yourself, it will make you a happier and better person! I know it does that for me!
This blog post hit me like a ton of bricks. The way guilt plays into my weight loss journey has been identical to what this person is saying. I feel guilty if I don't workout and exercise, but when I am doing it, I can't help but feel guilty about the time I am taking away from my family. Of if I try to fit it in at work, I keep thinking "I should be eating at my desk as I work, not walking".
Over the last year I feel I have finally gotten myself near the end of the guilt rutt. In 2009 my husband lost his job, we lost our house to a Short Sale, and my father was diagnosed with a blood cancer. I was stressed, but running made me feel better. Running or exercising relaxed me. I realized I was a better wife and mother when I got that time to myself to run or workout. My husband started to see that too. Why feel guilty for that, for making me a better person?
I still have my bouts with guilt, like when I know my husband has also had a long day, but I know I need that walk or jog to survive the week. Or, when he tells me after the run he was invited out to watch a football game that started an hour ago! The best part, is my daughter sees me exercising and knows I am out running and almost always asks "how was your run mom?" Why should I feel guilty for that?
While I feel like I am working through that guilting feeling, I know so well how the author of this post felt when she was working out and guilt was hanging over her head the entire time. But, please, do not let guilt stop you! Get out there and take the time for yourself, it will make you a happier and better person! I know it does that for me!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Homemade Chow Mein with mix of fresh Veggies!
My daughter's school became a community drop-off location for Full Circle Farms. We get a box every other week and split it with my mom. I have been trying to make up some fun recipes to ensure we use all the veggies and don't let them go to waste. Last night I made some sort of Chow Mein, atleast that was my goal! I must say, it turned out pretty good!
I used carrots, celery, leeks, bok choy, chicken, and linguini. Add in some olive oil and soy sauce, and you got yourself a decent dinner for two! And, I have left overs for lunch tomorrow! I love playing around with the veggies and finding new things to prepare! One night we had an interesting red linquine with beets cooked in it (hence the red!). The spinach has been great in omlettes or a side salad with lunch. The fruit, we have no problem inhaling!
What is your favorite recipe with fresh veggies?
I used carrots, celery, leeks, bok choy, chicken, and linguini. Add in some olive oil and soy sauce, and you got yourself a decent dinner for two! And, I have left overs for lunch tomorrow! I love playing around with the veggies and finding new things to prepare! One night we had an interesting red linquine with beets cooked in it (hence the red!). The spinach has been great in omlettes or a side salad with lunch. The fruit, we have no problem inhaling!
What is your favorite recipe with fresh veggies?
Monday, November 08, 2010
Monday Madness
Here it is, Monday again! I took the weekend off from blogging because my daughter and I were out of town for the weekend. We traveled to McMinnville, OR with my parents for a Linfield College football game. Linfield College is my Alma Mater.
This week I can say Monday is not all that maddening! I made what I felt were some great choices this weekend! When traveling that can be difficult, especially when traveling and tailgaiting! But, luckily, I have a great support system and my parents know my journey. I have three moments from the weekend I am most proud of.
1. My mom has been working on a journey herself and especially gets it. She was prepared with veggie burgers to BBQ after the football game. Hamburgers were cooked for my dad and daughter, and veggie burgers for myself and my mom! I did add a cold piece of bacon to it, but have to indulge sometime! I had the veggie burger on a sandwich thin and used a little mayo and a Sun Dried Tomato Laughing Cow wedge. I love those wedges and had not tried the new flavors yet! Also added some portabello mushroom. This was one good veggie burger!! And, I inhaled the left over mushrooms with a little salt and pepper sprinkled on, this might be a new favorite side dish of mine! The mushrooms had been on the BBQ.
2. The drive to McMinnville can take us about 4 hours in a car, without a 5 year old that drank too much liquid. Our drive in the motorhome, with a 5 year that needed to go potty A LOT, it took about 6 hours. This included a top at Burgerville. We do not have Burgerville in the Seattle suburbs, so I did not know what to expect. They are brilliant! I ordered their Seasoned Turkey Burger. It was awesome!! Now, looking at their nutrition values, a small cheeseburger probably would have been better. But, I was hungry, and I made what I felt was a good choice, and it tasted awesome! I will not get down on myself for this choice!
3. On the way home on Sunday we stopped at a rest area and made sandwiches. I had regular bread, instead of the thins. My mom mixed up a salmon spread and I added to my bread another laughing cow wedge. Tasted great! I love the foods I have discovered over the years that I did not like as a kid, but now enjoy them so much! My daughter was getting ansy, so I took her out to run around in the grass a bit! I could have sat on a bench and just told her to run in circles, but what fun is that. Her offer to play tag was just too good to pass up! We ran around and played tag and I got some activity. Probably not even a whole activity point, but it felt good! I love the way I can run after her now.
Here I am on Monday, feeling great about my decisions made while on the road this weekend. I hope I can continue to make good decisions on my weekends, and make Monday less of a battle.
This week I can say Monday is not all that maddening! I made what I felt were some great choices this weekend! When traveling that can be difficult, especially when traveling and tailgaiting! But, luckily, I have a great support system and my parents know my journey. I have three moments from the weekend I am most proud of.
1. My mom has been working on a journey herself and especially gets it. She was prepared with veggie burgers to BBQ after the football game. Hamburgers were cooked for my dad and daughter, and veggie burgers for myself and my mom! I did add a cold piece of bacon to it, but have to indulge sometime! I had the veggie burger on a sandwich thin and used a little mayo and a Sun Dried Tomato Laughing Cow wedge. I love those wedges and had not tried the new flavors yet! Also added some portabello mushroom. This was one good veggie burger!! And, I inhaled the left over mushrooms with a little salt and pepper sprinkled on, this might be a new favorite side dish of mine! The mushrooms had been on the BBQ.
2. The drive to McMinnville can take us about 4 hours in a car, without a 5 year old that drank too much liquid. Our drive in the motorhome, with a 5 year that needed to go potty A LOT, it took about 6 hours. This included a top at Burgerville. We do not have Burgerville in the Seattle suburbs, so I did not know what to expect. They are brilliant! I ordered their Seasoned Turkey Burger. It was awesome!! Now, looking at their nutrition values, a small cheeseburger probably would have been better. But, I was hungry, and I made what I felt was a good choice, and it tasted awesome! I will not get down on myself for this choice!
3. On the way home on Sunday we stopped at a rest area and made sandwiches. I had regular bread, instead of the thins. My mom mixed up a salmon spread and I added to my bread another laughing cow wedge. Tasted great! I love the foods I have discovered over the years that I did not like as a kid, but now enjoy them so much! My daughter was getting ansy, so I took her out to run around in the grass a bit! I could have sat on a bench and just told her to run in circles, but what fun is that. Her offer to play tag was just too good to pass up! We ran around and played tag and I got some activity. Probably not even a whole activity point, but it felt good! I love the way I can run after her now.
Here I am on Monday, feeling great about my decisions made while on the road this weekend. I hope I can continue to make good decisions on my weekends, and make Monday less of a battle.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Name??
Now that I have started blogging regularly I would like to come up with a catchy blog name and detach it from my family blog. I would like to network myself more in the world of weight loss and more specifically WW blogs.
I would love your ideas. I thought once I have a handful of ideas I would create a poll. Please, share with me your ideas!
I would love your ideas. I thought once I have a handful of ideas I would create a poll. Please, share with me your ideas!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
With Life Changes Comes Challenges (Exercise Edition)
In my post yesterday I mentioned the recent change in our schedule and need to find quicker meals. Well, I also need help with planning some excercise. I eventually want to start running again and get to where I can run some races. I would love to one day run the Disney Princess Half Marathon. But, maybe I will start with the Disneyland Half Marathon or 5K in September 2011. And maybe a local 5K between now and then.
My challenge is #1 finding time to run and #2 taking it slow while my back strengthens. I thought about starting in the water. I love to jog outdoors, and do not have a gym membership. I could do water walking at the local City pool. My husband gets a 24 Hour discount with his new job, but don't know the cost yet. But when can I fit it in my schedule? I hate the idea of using child care at a gym when my daughter has already been gone all day. I struggle with getting myself up in the morning (except for that Saturday 7am WW meeting!). Ideally I would be able to do something over my lunch break. However, that is really only possible with a gym membership.
So, I want to know, when do you workout? What type of workout do you do? I would love some ideas!
PS - I can't wait to start trying the recipes some of you shared with me on Facebook!!
My challenge is #1 finding time to run and #2 taking it slow while my back strengthens. I thought about starting in the water. I love to jog outdoors, and do not have a gym membership. I could do water walking at the local City pool. My husband gets a 24 Hour discount with his new job, but don't know the cost yet. But when can I fit it in my schedule? I hate the idea of using child care at a gym when my daughter has already been gone all day. I struggle with getting myself up in the morning (except for that Saturday 7am WW meeting!). Ideally I would be able to do something over my lunch break. However, that is really only possible with a gym membership.
So, I want to know, when do you workout? What type of workout do you do? I would love some ideas!
PS - I can't wait to start trying the recipes some of you shared with me on Facebook!!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
With Life Changes comes Challenges
{I apologize for not blogging yesterday, but the title of this post was all too true yesterday!)
Don't we all know that to be true! Every life change I have ever encountered has brought with it new challenges. In our house we have been both blessed and not so blessed to have my husband out of work for the last 18 months. Some of it was by choice and some not by choice. We liked the fact that he could get our daughter after school at 3:20 pm and she did not need to attend extended day Play School. Well, that changed yesterday. In September we decided to send her to Kindergarten at the same place, so really needed my husband to be working to make it work. He now works until 6pm, requiring her to attend some play school and requiring us to ask family for some help.
You might be wondering how this relates to my weight maintenance and loss? Well, my awesome husband was making dinner each night and it would be ready when I got home at 5:30pm. We would eat, and I would have time for a walk. Now, dinner is not being made and I don't really have time to walk. I would like to ask my readers for ideas. I need some new recipes. The three requirements are: healthy, quick to make, and few ingredients. So, please share! I want to hear from you! I will proceed to make and try the recipes shared and share with you how they work in our now busy life!
Thank you!
Don't we all know that to be true! Every life change I have ever encountered has brought with it new challenges. In our house we have been both blessed and not so blessed to have my husband out of work for the last 18 months. Some of it was by choice and some not by choice. We liked the fact that he could get our daughter after school at 3:20 pm and she did not need to attend extended day Play School. Well, that changed yesterday. In September we decided to send her to Kindergarten at the same place, so really needed my husband to be working to make it work. He now works until 6pm, requiring her to attend some play school and requiring us to ask family for some help.
You might be wondering how this relates to my weight maintenance and loss? Well, my awesome husband was making dinner each night and it would be ready when I got home at 5:30pm. We would eat, and I would have time for a walk. Now, dinner is not being made and I don't really have time to walk. I would like to ask my readers for ideas. I need some new recipes. The three requirements are: healthy, quick to make, and few ingredients. So, please share! I want to hear from you! I will proceed to make and try the recipes shared and share with you how they work in our now busy life!
Thank you!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Monday Madness
Welcome to my first true installment of Monday Madness! This Monday is a special, post Halloween weekend Monday! I would expect to be blogging about eating too much food and being 5lbs over goal, blah, blah, blah! But, I am not!
Today, I am going to share with you a Monday Madness victory! I ate one single mini Snickers bar yesterday. That was all! I kept my hands out of the candy last night, and so far today have not touched a single candy jar!
I did eat a good cheeseburger from Five Guys and some great pizza last night. But, I also walked around with my daughter trick or treating. I know I was not perfect this weekend, but as you know from my Monday Madness introduction, I tend to indulge a bit on the weekend.
I decided to share with you my indulgence of the weekend, with the hopes of showing you it is okay to indulge! My indulgence this weekend was some delicious green drinks my husband made up. Bless his heart, he used Powerade Zero as part of the drink to make it a bit healthier! I indulged and I loved it! I felt great this morning and did not have the feeling of a Monday morning weight gain hangover!
What did you indulge in this weekend?
Today, I am going to share with you a Monday Madness victory! I ate one single mini Snickers bar yesterday. That was all! I kept my hands out of the candy last night, and so far today have not touched a single candy jar!
I did eat a good cheeseburger from Five Guys and some great pizza last night. But, I also walked around with my daughter trick or treating. I know I was not perfect this weekend, but as you know from my Monday Madness introduction, I tend to indulge a bit on the weekend.
I decided to share with you my indulgence of the weekend, with the hopes of showing you it is okay to indulge! My indulgence this weekend was some delicious green drinks my husband made up. Bless his heart, he used Powerade Zero as part of the drink to make it a bit healthier! I indulged and I loved it! I felt great this morning and did not have the feeling of a Monday morning weight gain hangover!
What did you indulge in this weekend?
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