The long haul

This stretch of winter (mid January through mid March) is always the toughest for me. The cold gray light and the cold are like a one/two sucker punch that leaves me feeling bluer than the normal amount of blue.

But this year, I'm better prepared. I've got my Happy Light, a mid-February pick-me-up visit with family and new recipes on the horizon. What those new recipes are, I've yet to figure out. But this, I know. I am bound and determined to try 10 new recipes in the next 2 months. I find that for every 10 recipes I try, on average, only 2 or 3 are keepers. Hence the number 10. I also find that 5 new recipes a month is a reachable goal for me. Sometimes, I can do much better than that, but if I do, then I will have exceeded my goal.

So if you find a keeper recipe in the next two months, hope you'll share here and help spread the foodie joy!

When You Pry It Out of My Cold Dead Hands

I'm in one of my weird moods again. This weekend I did exactly what I said I shouldn't do - I ate whatever I darn well felt like, even to the point where I think I was eating just because I could, not because it was particularly pleasurable. And yep, I gained nearly 3 pounds. Sigh...

Today, I'm still lusting after a variety of foods, and even though I'm being "good", the fantasies continue:

1. Chips and salsa
2. Chocolate orange (the kind you whack and unwrap). I was dumb and bought some yesterday on clearance. Now they are just sitting there, mocking me.
3. Cookies and cream ice cream in my freezer, also mocking me.
4. Green enchiladas - does anyone else put a few fried eggs on top of their enchiladas or is that just a Texas thing my sibs and I inherited from my Dad?
5. Indoor S'Mores (graham cracker cereal & mini marshmallows, all covered in melted chocolate). You can also refer to it as "crack".

There should be a bigger list, but there's enough damage there.

I've got bookclub tonight, and I hope no one brings anything seriously yummy, because I probably don't have the self-control to abstain.

I just read the funniest blog I've seen in a loooooong time. I just about fell out of my chair reading it. Deep, donkey belly laughs. It's called www.crankyfitness and written by a 50-yr-old woman who calls herself Crabby McSlacker. So if you need a good laugh, and are not too offended by the occasional swear word, go get some good belly laughs. They're therapeutic.

Update 4:04 pm MST (6:04 pm EST) -

This is what I've had to eat today so far - 10 slices Land Frost thinly sliced deli ham, 1 apple, 1 bite cookies 'n cream ice cream (it was only one small bite, I swear), 3 cups romaine heart lettuce & roma tomatoes, 2 Tbsp. light ranch dressing, 3-3/4 oz. small shrimp, my Spinach Smoothie, 3 oz. baby carrots, and 2 Ritz crackers. So that's 579 calories. I also took my vitamin pack, did my 30 min workout, so I guess I'm not doing too badly. Maybe I will go have a couple spoonsful of ice cream. But I'm hoarding calories in case bookclub tonight is more than I can bear...

Another thought - I am in such a "who cares?" frame of mind, maybe my 30 point goal is to find fitness humor and post it everyday for this session, because goodness knows, I'm about to ravage that box with the chocolate orange inside...

This could turn out to be when I use my one "free day". I'm not off to a good start this week, am I? It's a bad omen.

Howdy Howdy Howdy!!

I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Elle and I have been married to my husband Toby for 6 1/2 years. I am a SAHM to our 2 little boys, Gavin (3) & Garren (2). I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I had gastric bypass five years ago and had lost 150lbs before I got pregnant with our first child. Over the past three years I have maintained my current weight and am aiming to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight of 190. That is my first goal, only 20lbs until I make it!

Wintervention

"Don't even try to figure out the calories on fondue."

Those were Audrey's words of wisdom this past week-end.

If you don't know Audrey in person, I'm here to tell you that she does not radiate "calorie counting freak" or "joyless health nut." Just the opposite, in fact. She is joyfully appreciative of and relaxed about good food (which, by the way, makes her a pleasure to be around.)

Being with Audrey and her family is my family's wintervention. They arrive and pull us out of our daily grind. Suddenly, everything is more fun and festive. For a few days, we eat, sled, Kinect, eat some more, swim, slide and eat some more. The tastiest food award is a toss-up between a steaming hot pot of homemade cheese fondue with crusty bread, on the one hand, and the Habachi heaven at the local Japanese Steak House on the other.

Tomorrow, I'm back to just plain winter with water, workouts, well-slept body and wegtables, uh, vegetables.

Chick-fil-a Addict

Okay, if you know me well, you now I love Chick-fil-a, a DELICIOUS fast food chain out of Georgia.  I love their food and the healthy options they offer those who care.  Only a true addict would go to their website and look at the merchandise...but look what I found!  A super cool 'Exercise and Nutrtion Journal'.  I think I'm going to order me one to help me keep track of my points for our challenges.  (My husband is getting tired of Post-it notes stuck to the fridge.)  I just thought it was cute, so I thought I would share it with you.  Audrey will laugh at me, because she shares my love for Chick-fil-a.

Note:  I have not had Chick-fil-a since November because there is not one near my new home.  (sigh) :(
Here's the link if you want it:

http://shopchick-fil-a.com/default.aspx/act/Catalog.aspx/catalogid/354/category/Gear+and+Gadgets/browse//MenuGroup/Products/desc/White+Exercise%2fNutrition+Journal.htm

EVERYONE NEEDS TO POST POINTS

It's time to put up your points ladies no matter how meager you think they are. I'm headed out of town this morning and won't be back until Tuesday night!

I'm not a fan of bringing my computer when I visit people because I think you should be visiting, not looking at your computer, so I won't be able to put up the winner or their picture until I get back Tuesday night so don't be stressing when you see it's not done.

BUT, if one of you would like to do the honors then you may! I'll put up the picture still.

It's been a tough start to the year...lets get ready for the fresh start on Tuesday!!!

Have a great long weekend!!!

Ready to start Fresh

I can't even explain how difficult this past session has been for me. Breaking out of the Christmas indulgence, celebrating birthdays, and a huge outflow of cash when my furnace broke. Those things all put me over the edge. Can I tell you how excited I am to start fresh.

For the last two years (this will be the third) my family and I have traveled to Ohio to spend this long weekend with Melissa and her family. It always includes good food (my favorite being cheese fondue), birthday cake, and putting on my bathing suit. Nothing like donning the bathing suit in January all pasty white. However I will go and enjoy a fabulous and fun weekend and come back ready to take on life once again. It's almost like having another New Years.

I spend several hours of our 6+ hour drive looking through cookbooks recommitted to not only cooking more often for my family but cooking healthy meals. This year I've got a new one to look at.I'm excited to find something new to do and share with all of you. My husband is always excited when I decide I like cooking again, because I'm actually a pretty good cook.

So get all the meh out of your system and gear up for another challenge starting on Tuesday. It's a fresh start once again. Don't you love it!

To sleep, per chance to dream

We know about food, exercise, vitamins and water, but how about sleep. Over the past few weeks, I've read a number of news pieces about the growing body of research finding a link between the amount of sleep we get and our weight. Apparently, people who get the full eight hours are much less likely to have weight problems. The lack of sleep disrupts hormone balance. Bascically, when you don't get enough sleep, your body has too little leptin and too much ghrelin. (Ghrelin even sounds like gremlin---devious 1980's monsters, remember them?)

This one is a no-brainer for me. I love sleeping. I love my bed. I love comfy pajamas. On the days I wake up at 7:30 a.m. (total luxury, I know), I can't go to bed any later than 11:30 p.m. which means I've got to be in bed with my book no later than 11 p.m. On other days, the bedtime routine has to start earlier.

Researchers say adults need 7 hours minimum. If you're on the borderline, ask yourself:

Am I drowsy, especially the morning?
Do I fall asleep at night in a couple of minutes?

Most non-sleep-deprived people take about 15 minutes to fall asleep at night. Chronic sleepiness and a nearly-instant state of sleep when you get into bed are good indicators that you're not getting enough sleep.

Workout Interruptions

How do you count your calories, and your workout time, when you work out at home with interruptions from little ones?

Example - I just finished my workout for the day. I did 30 minutes of what is basically step aerobics on my Firm Wave stepper. Because I'm so uncoordinated and I waste so much time with a video just trying to figure out WHAT to do, rather than truly working hard, I've put together my own workout, using some basic steps and leglifts, combined with rocking on the Wave while I lift hand weights in various positions. And then I do all those things in several cycles. But there were several interruptions from my 2-year-old, including one melt-down. I was keeping my eye on the clock, and I gave the couple of interruptions a 2-minute value, and the meltdown a 5-minute value. What I mean is that 40 minutes passed on the clock so that I could get in a 30-minute workout. But my metabolism was pretty much revved for 40 minutes, so how do I count the workout, 30-minutes, 40-minutes, or maybe just 30-minutes with a 10-min "stretch" exercise?

Any thoughts?

Spinach Smoothie

Okay, I know what you're thinking - "But smoothies imply only sweet things. Oooh, gross!" But just let any preconceptions fall away, and keep reading.


Standing in the checkout line a few weeks ago, I came across an article in this magazine, First for Women, and as the headline article suggests, the #1 fat cure is to drink various combinations of high-nutrition special juices. I wish I'd bought the dumb magazine, because I've wanted to refer back to it lots of times. I may call the magazine and see if I can buy a back issue. Anyway, at the time I thought, "Okay, I'm not buying a juicer, because #1 I don't have the money and #2 it seems like such a waste of money to use sooooo many ingredients for so little juice output." But still, it had me thinking, and I thought I could come up with my own solution to juicing. The article did mention using a blender, then I think straining the juice out, but why not get the fiber from the veggies and fruits you use anyway? So, this is my first recipe for healthy juices without the expensive juicer.

Spinach Smoothie

1-1/2 cups frozen spinach
8 oz. V-8 100% vegetable juice or generic brand
1 to 1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic (I just used the bottled kind, waaaay easier)
1/4 tsp. dried italian seasoning

Nuke the spinach about 1 minute just to soften it up.

Add the 8 oz. of V-8 to the blender.

Add the garlic.

Sprinkle in about 1/4 tsp. seasoning

I just eyeball the seasoning, really.

Wah-lah! A veggie smoothie, reminiscent of a spinach pizza, which gave me the idea in the first place. I have one just about every day now, and I really do like it.

5:15pm Control

I've finally got my bored/stressed eating at work down with protein bars, apples, bananas, turkey....
but when I get home, I'm suddenly starving and I want all in the above picture. Chips, m&m's, tortillas, anything I can just grab. I've tried veggies...not cutting it. Fruit, water....nope. I was thinking I would curb that by exercising as soon as I got home, but I'm usually fixing dinner and sometimes (lately) I just need to sit down for a minute, alone.
I need some "just as good" as snacks that I can munch on between my afternoon snack (3ish) until dinner (7ish). Preferably "work is way too stressful and I'd like to stuff my face to make it all better" food. It's something I really need to work on!

You've GOT to see this!!!

Just in case you needed a laugh today!!! (Thanks trainer momma)

30 Day Shred

Trainer Momma reviewed Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred today on her blog and gave some really great suggestions on how to use it effectively. If you haven't already, check it out at:

http://www.trainermomma.com/2011/01/jillian-michaels-30-day-shred/

What do choosy mothers choose?

My husband passed this information onto me today:

Myth #12: Reduced-fat foods are healthier alternatives
Reality: Less fat often means more sugar

Peanut butter is a representative example for busting this myth. A tub of reduced-fat peanut butter indeed comes with a fraction less fat than the full-fat variety—they’re not lying about that. But what the food companies don’t tell you is that they’ve replaced that healthy fat with maltodextrin, a carbohydrate used as a filler in many processed foods. This means you’re trading the healthy fat from peanuts for empty carbs, double the sugar, and a savings of a meager 10 calories.

Put the Truth to Work for You: When you're shopping, don't just read the nutritional data. Look at the ingredients list as well. Here's a guideline that never fails: The fewer ingredients, the healthier the food.

A Bit of a Coupon Fanatic

Ok, ok, I know I am a bit of a coupon fanatic. It's been a new hobby, and I couldn't help but post this deal if you are interested.

http://www.freebies2deals.com/2011/01/up-to-60-off-asics-shoes-and-apparel.html

Asics running shoes are on sale today! If you are interested in new running shoes, check this out. I have a pair of Asics right now and love them.

Roasted Butternut Squash

I LOVE Butternut Squash Soup! I found this recipe and tried it yesterday. I think it might be a new favorite!

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

1 medium butternut Squash
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cups of chicken stock (I used chicken broth. Is that the same thing?)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Peel, seed, and chop butternut squash into a 1 inch dice.
Toss squash and onions with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Pop into a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the veggies are tender and golden brown. Transfer veggies into a large pot and add in chicken stock. Simmer for about 30 minutes and then allow the soup to cool down a bit. Pour soup into a blender and blend until you have a nice, smooth soup. Return to pot, gently heat and adjust the seasonings. Enjoy topped with a tbsp of roasted pumpkin seeds!

Nutritional Analysis
Calories: 160; Total Fat: 3.6g; Saturated Fat: .5g; Cholesterol:10 mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 1.1g; Sugars: 6.8g; Protein: 4.4g

So there were only a couple things that I would change about this recipe: I am not an overpowering onion fan, so I only used half. It was really good, but I think next time I will use the whole thing like the recipe says. It seemed like to much, but once it cooks, it shrivels to nothing. I also don't think I will use as much liquid. My soup came out to be more of a drink, and I like my butternut soup to be more creamy. I think I'll start out with less liquid and just add more to my blender if I need it. All in all: VERY YUMMY! I have had this soup made with lots of cream, and I will admit, if you've had it that way, of course cream makes everything taste better. But, for a healthy soup option, this is a winner. So there you go Marci, something you can do with a Butternut Squash! Does anyone know a good recipe for a Acorn Squash? I have a couple of those sitting around, and not sure what to do with it yet!

Guess What?!!!

Maybe I should save this picture for April 1st.

This is what I look like after I eat wheat. I realized I have never taken a picture of myself like this, mostly because it's really uncomfortable, or painful, and I just want to curl up in a little ball and go to sleep. Don't I look pregnant? Maybe 4 or 5 months along? My pants usually have to be undone at this point.

I think I am getting more sensitive. Most nights I am working with wheat flour for some of my family, and gluten free stuff for Jacob and me. There must be some cross contamination going on, because this has been my punishment for the past 3 or 4 nights.

Stinks!!!!!

I guess it gives me even more motivation to stick to fruits, veggies, and lean protein. Once this happens, I'm pretty much done for the night.

I crawl into bed and leave the laundry, tidying, and dishes for the morning when my stretched belly will be gone.

my reflection

I looked in the mirror at my reflection
Thinking about changes I wanted to make
I inched a little closer until my nose touched the glass
***
Who is really in there?
Who do you want to become?
What weaknesses are you to face this year?
What faults of character are you open to admitting you have?
Why are you so slow to become who you really want to be?
***
I paused, trying my best to be very honest with myself
(which by the way isn't as easy as it should be)
***
This routine is familiar
It's January
I make goals
I see some progress
I forget half way through the year
Then I begin again
***
This time
There will be no list
Only one word
Because it seems to encompass all that I want to change
***
"Sacrifice"

That is my goal this year
To think less of that me staring back in the mirror
To turn away from my time, my wants, my conveniences
And give more of myself
***
I turned away from my reflection
Time to stop focusing on her
She turned her back on me too
And it didn't bother me at all
For I wasn't looking

I copied this beautiful poem from my friend Heather. I love how simple, how inspiring and real it is!

Good luck to you all with your goals this year :)

Strengths and weaknesses: weekend edition

My weaknesses:








My strengths:







Huh, one seems weightier than the other. And so often on the weekends. Phooey.

As always, Happy to have a clean slate today.

Advice?

Today is going to be a good day. I can feel it. My mental attitude is on track. I went to bed early last night. I woke up, had a Greek yogurt, fruit smoothie, took my vitamins, and drank lots of water. It's 10:00 am and my house is already clean for the day. Yeah, it's a good day, well all except one little itsy bitsy problem. I've had this back problem ever since I was pregnant with my third child three years ago. It aches all the time, and hurts to bend over. I can easily talk myself out of exercising because not only does it hurt right now, but after exercising I am toast and in a lot of pain the rest of the day. Ok, so last year I worked through it, did P90X, and got it strong again. Well, one thing led to another and I am back to square one. So here's my question: I need to just suck it up and work through the pain to get my back strong again. I know there are some of us on here with the same problem. What exercise do you do to not hurt your back more than it already is?