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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Goal

I started the South Beach Diet, and I have been doing REALLY good. I have been exercising and I'm feeling pretty good, except for my knees, but I think they will start feeling better soon.

My next goal is to.. Lose more weight... 8lbs seems pretty healthy, I think.

End of the Month Accountablility

OK, everyone...how did you do? Did you achieve your goal? Post and let us know so that we can all celebrate with you or encourage you.

Also, write in your goal for Feb.

For me, I lost 15lbs. My goal for Feb is 8lbs.

Don't make me feel I am writing to myself. This blog will only work if we all keep in touch.
Can't wait to hear from everyone.
We already know that Vicki lost 8"...any more?

Another Recipe To Try

I just made this today. Some people might not like it yet I love it.It is moist, yet does not taste like a normal brownie. It is cake like, so if you want a sweet dessert, try this one.

Black Bean Brownies

1 15 oz can of Unseasoned Black beans - drained and rinsed
4 Eggs
1 cup Splenda
3 TBS Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Baking Powder
2 TBS Oil (olive oil is good)
1 TBS Vanilla
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 cup low-fat Cream Cheese
chopped nuts - optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend very, very well. Pour into an 8x8 baking pan sprayed with cooking spray or oiled with canola or olive oil. Bake for 30-40 minutes. (til toothpick pulls out clean)

Let me know what you think.

New Weekly Goal for Jan 26 - Feb 1st

Let's create a new weekly goal. Remember if we do not write these goals down and look at them often we will not fulfill them.

Who completed their goals for last week? I know I did not. I am having such a hard time motivating myself to exercise. The eating is going great...it is just the exercising. I am just too tired to do it. I have tried getting to bed early, yet when the kids go to bed, is the only time I have for ME and it is hard giving that up.

So, my weekly goal is to play Wii games with my kids every day. The games I am talking about are the active games, like wii fit, outdoor adventure, wii sports, etc.

What are your goals?

Recipe of the Week

Mock French Toast

Serving: 2

1 Egg
4 Egg Whites
1/4 cup Fat-free Ricotta Cheese (or part skim)
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Splenda
Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and pour like pancakes on a hot skillet.

Tip of the Week

"The greatest thing you have is the 24 hours in front of you.
The past is gone;
the future is distant.
Today you CAN succeed.
Set a goal you can achieve in the next 24 hours."

GOAL!!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did in fact hit my goal (and then some) and have lost the 8 inches (overall) I set out to lose. Thank you all for the ongoing support especially during my many 'flops'! I cant wait to set the next goal and exceed it!! YEAH ME!
Victoria

SUPER SORE!!!

Okay so I did the body for Life recommended way to do an Upper Body Workout! And WOW can i feel it today!!!! Did my 20 minutes of cardio today. Didn't hit my HIGH but then again I was running around my house! LOL!! SO I might go to the gym in an hour or so to do my 20 minute deal again for "real"! LOL!!