Thursday, February 26, 2009

Here you go again.

Chocolate peanut butter cookies

1 TBSP Peanut Butter
1/3 cup Oatmeal
1 pkg. Swiss Miss No Sugar Added Hot Cocoa
1/4 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 scoop protein powder

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes 6 cookies, which equals one MEAL (one serving carb/one serving protein).

I take these along when I know I will be going to town. They are great as you feel you are having dessert yet it is a meal. They do not taste like normal cookies, yet I love them. Give them a try.

Recipe Time

Crockpot Meatloaf
Servings 8

1 1/2 lb uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)
1 egg
1 c chopped onion(s)
4 slices whole wheat bread, torn into small pieces.
2 tsp mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c sugar-free ketchup
cooking spray

Spray crockpot with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Shape mixture into a ball and place in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Look, Another Recipe

Crockpot Chili Chicken

6 servings

¨ 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
¨ 15 oz can black beans, rinsed & drained
¨ 8 oz jar salsa, or more to taste
¨ 4 oz can chopped green chilies
¨ optional shredded low-fat cheese
¨ low-fat sour cream

Arrange chicken, beans, salsa and chilies in crockpot. Cook until chicken is tender. Serve with cheese and sour cream.

Friday, February 20, 2009

1 Day at a time

Ok ladies lets face it losing weight is NOT easy. I am learning that what I put in my mouth ultimately is what will add to my hips. I have been doing a workout with Jillian everyday for 2 weeks. I feel better but am a little discouraged I have not quote "lost weight" Now a big plus is I was able to buy a Valentine's dress in a smaller size. So as i am being told sometimes we lose inches not fat as muscle weighs more than fat.
I for one am grateful for Lynnda in my life. I am actually atill working out a month later and consistency is a hard one for me.
Also If you need a wake-up call get your measurements. neck, knee, waist, hips, thighs..the whole thing. That will wake you up. Lynnda did those with me yesterday and besides 3 other ladies knowing my measurements I do feel better. I sort of feel like now I have to keep going because others know.
I made a better choice for dessert last night. Instead of those cookie my head wanted, I made my family and I fruit salads with yogurt and coolwhip topping. complaints? None. Infact hubby says it was better than ice cream and we did not feel weighed down and groggy like I usually do.
It was great!
I have shin splints and I am also weaning my 14 month old so pain is distributed evenly right now, But I am not giving up. I can see some defining in my uppper arms and my abs. It is a start.
Thanks ladies and remember don't blow it on un-healthy choices this weekend.I read this week it takes 500 less calories per day for a week to lose 1 lb of weight. So it does matter what we eat. We can do it, and together we can do it even better! Hope everyone is doing well.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I'm back

Hello All ~ I have returned from my trip to Colorado. I apologized for my sudden departure and hope that I can pick up where I left off. I am so happy to find you all still here. This trip was completely unplanned and I did not have dependable computer access which would allow me to post any comments. Though this trip was worth the visit w/ family & friends, it was a rude awakening. I am starting to 'fit in' w/ my otherwise FAT family! (No offense everyone). AND they all have joined WW together so next time I am there, I can not be the same size or bigger! This is my new motivation ~ my next visit, I will be smaller than they are!
I hope to get back on track w/ my weight loss plan AND as you can imagine, I was NOT on plan the entire 2 weeks I was gone. YES, I GAINED!!! A lot. I am now heavier than I was when we started. I have a long road ahead of me and hope to call upon you all for support. I am meeting w/ my nutritionist this Friday and when we spoke on the phone, she eluded to the idea of an all liquid regimen for an entire month and than on to only high protein suppliments. We shall see how it goes and I will keep you posted.
Wish me luck w/ my restart and know that I am so proud of all of you for your progress thus far.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

A New Recipe to Try

Mexican Lasagna
6-8 servings
¨ 1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
¨ salt and pepper to taste
¨ 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
¨ 15 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
¨ 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
¨ 27 ounces canned whole green chilies (drain and reserve 2
tablespoons canned juice)
¨ 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
¨ 4 6-inch, low-carb tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season the meat with a little salt and
pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain off the grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and enough water to make a paste. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese, sour cream, reserved chili juice, Tabasco sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Spread a little of the mixture to cover the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Cover the sauce with a layer of tortillas, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle the meat mixture evenly over the entire base. Cover with a single layer of whole green chilies and pour the remaining sauce on top. Bake 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

I made this tonight and it was yummy! My kids kept on asking for more.

Still Trying!

Hey everyone. About 4 weeks ago I decided I wanted to change. So here I am working out 6 times per week (this is my 2nd week of doing that) and really trying to make a difference for me. I still struggle with sweets, but I have no given up and I just keep trying everyday.
Your support means the world. I have a goal to lose 15 lbs total by May 12 when my oldest graduates. I am losing inches but not pounds.I guess you have to start somewhere.
Hope you all are doing well.

Tip of the Week

"There is a world of difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it."
Bill Phillips

Have your Cake and Eat it Too, without any Guilt!

HEALTHY CAKE IN A CUP

1 scoop of Protein powder
1/3 cup Oatmeal (ground or whole)
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Vanilla
2 TBS of Splenda (or sugar substitute)
1/2 cup Water (adjust so that you have a cake batter texture)
1 TBS cocoa powder or Peanut butter (optional)

1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a 2-3 cup glass or ceramic container.
2. Microwave the mix for 2 minutes on high. The "cake" will climb the sides of the container, so you might want to put a plate underneath it.
3. Wait for the cake to cool and deflate to normal size. Ignore the lopsided look of the cake and dig in.

Top it off with Sugar-free maple syrup or Cream Cheese Topping

Cream Cheese Topping

1/3 cup Fat-free Cream Cheese
1 TBS Lemon juice
1 TBS Splenda (or sugar substitute)

Mix together.

This can be counted as a meal or a snack.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Recipe of the Week

Peanut butter Fudge Ice Cream
- All Phases 1-3Serves
Ingredients:
1- no sugar added, fudgsicle
1- tablespoon natural peanut butter
1- tablespoons light frozen whipped topping

Instructions:

Scrape the fudgsicle off the stick Then stir in the natural peanut butter and the light whipped topping. Mix together and enjoy.
I put mine in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes.

Try this if you're craving a dessert, it's like eating sinful ice cream.

Count the calories in your sf/ff fudgsicle and light whipped topping, they are to be considered in the 75 calories per day sweet treats. The peanut butter is considered a nut/nut butter serving.

Just to let you know, this REALLY is good! This is one I try to have on hand. I would rather have this then a piece of cake or something fattening. Try it and let me know what you think.

What Frame Size Are You? Find out

How to Identify Your Frame Size (Elbow Measurement)
Measure Your Elbow

You’ve probably heard the phrase “I’m not fat, I’m just big boned.” Most people hear this phrase and immediately roll their eyes in disbelief. But this phrase is truer than you think! A person really can have a larger bone structure. There are basically 3 different frame sizes: small, medium, and large. A person with a larger frame size can weigh more than someone with a smaller frame size, and still manage to look thinner. This article will discuss the "Elbow Measurement" test.


Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Tape Measure


Step1Extend your left arm straight out in front of your body. Your palm should be facing your right side.
Step2Bend your elbow toward your body. Your arm should form a 90 degree angle and your forearm should be parallel to your body.
Step3Keep your fingers straight. Your palm should now be facing your body.
Step4Place your thumb and index finger on the two prominent bones on your elbow. These bones should be near the top and bottom.
Step5Measure the distance between the bones with a tape measure.



Sunday, February 15, 2009

What is to Happen with this Blog?

Friday was the day I gave myself to make a decision about closing this blog or not. I have had a couple of people comment and a couple e-mail me personally. I thought long and hard about this decision and decided if there is even one person who is finding this blog helpful, then I am going to keep it running. I also, decided that I was expecting too much out of each one of you. I would love to have all of you post and encourage each other yet I should not expect it. So from now on I will be posting quite often yet not expecting anyone to comment on my post. I will be posting mainly for information for each of you to take and use as you please. I enjoy helping others in their journey to a more healthier and happier YOU!

First post from Judy

This is my first post for this blog. I weigh 318 at Weight Watchers yesterday. I went with Joy, Becky and Mary. My first weight goal is 302 pounds.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

How do I begin to Change?

We have all asked this question before...How do I begin to change? There are so many who know how to exercise or/and how to eat healthy. What so many people are missing is how to apply that knowledge. With out this you will always struggle. This is what is known as the abyss. Once we learn how to cross the abyss, we can then enjoy the changes in the way we look and feel. In order to cross this abyss, we need to realize this is more than weight loss...it is about life and living.

First off I want everyone to grab a piece of paper and a pencil. I want you to think about these questions and then write down your answers. As you think about these questions, I want you to look DEEP inside of yourself for the honest answers.

Real changes start on the inside. First question.
1. Have you made the decision to change?
Most people will tell you they have decided to change, yet have they really? Are they really ready to put ALL efforts in achieving their goal? You need to know the reasons why you want to change.
Next question.
2. What are your reasons for making the decision to change?
It is one thing to say you want to loose so many pounds, yet it is another to have a doctor tell you that you are going to die if you do not loose the weight. Understand?

Here is a question to help find your reasons:
3. When I look at myself, do I honestly like what I see?
Take a look. Don't just glance. Stop in front of the mirror and really look at yourself, from head to toe, then answer that question. This is where a photo of yourself really comes in handy. Make sure you are wearing shorts or a swimming suit. Something that will not "hide" all your body.

Now look at it and ask these questions.
4. How do I feel deep down inside?
5. How do I really feel about myself?
6. Am I confident, energetic, and strong?
7. What are the pros and cons of continuing in the direction I'm going?
8. Would I like to create a brighter future?
When you answer these questions, your reasons for making the decision to change will become clear. Now write down your reasons for wanting to change. Read them every morning and night. Do not skip. This will become a guide in your journey to begin to change.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Better Choices.

Hey Ladies. Busy days. I know with my 6 kids I am so busy somedays it is hard to go to the bathroom alone. My week could have defineally been better. I did workout 4 times but still have issues with chocolate. I had one to many brownies and my emotions still dictate what I eat. I hate that! Still I have decided to keep a food journal and write down what I eat and why. I need to eat more fruit and veggies and take in more water and do some type of exercise everday, not just on the days I feel like it!
My goal for this week includes reducing my sugar intake and being in a better mood. Hope everyone has a good week. Any advice would be helpful! Heather

Monday, February 2, 2009

Time to Get Real

O.K. I noticed that hardly anyone is blogging anymore. What is it that you would like to see or not see? What would make you blog or is it just another "thing" to do in your busy lives? I put up this blog so that we can all give and get support while we are on a quest for a new mind and new body, yet it seems like it is not working. If we can not use this blog to help ourselves and others then I can take it down and it would be one less thing you would have to worry about. I can do something else in order to gain support during my life style change.
Let me know as if I do not hear any valued reasons, or more blogging going on daily, then I will shut it down by next Friday. Either way it won't offend me.
Thanks.