This and That and how to Give Back

Sorry for the hiatus, let's get back into it shall we.

First of all this week is National Volunteer week.  So many vital organizations run on mostly volunteer man-power, like the Arkansas Rice Depot of the American Red Cross.  How can we help this week?  Or better yet, how can we make a long-term plan to help this week? I love volunteering, because it's incredibly easy, ridiculously appreciated, and I come away feeling embarrassingly good about myself.  Oh and it actually HELPS PEOPLE!  Want to help? Visit this site if you don't know where to start or want a fresh idea on where to pitch in: http://www.handsonnetwork.org/


What's the new trend this season? Bright-colored stripes!!!  How fun and cheerful is that?  Also, wedges making an appearance again this year, but with a fun twist...patterns on the wedge itself.  (A great way to play on something everyone already has....just enough to make the ones we have null and void, thanks).  I found these in Real Simple's April Edition:

Not only are they patterned, but they are also brightly striped, making them quite possibly the trendiest shoe in the world right now.  (plus they're nine west which totally rocks my world.)
Or how about these:

no fun stripes, but could totally match some fun striped little dress.  I've got to admit, I think I like it.  Let's be honest, some are just plain obnoxious:But, if that's your thing, don't let me stop you!!

Ok, so the April Issue of Real Simple is totally rocking my world.  It's got so much.  Martha Stewart is either the most brilliant person on the planet, or she hired them, which I guess still makes her brilliant.  Just check out these article titles: "Speed-clean your refrigerator in 20 minutes"  "Spring-cleaning shortcuts"  "Trends worth trying" "15 minute dinners"  "10 ideas for eggs"  and that's just a few.  I will post as much as I can that I find post-worthy.  But we all know I had to start out with the shoes!!

Project: LGN--The skinny on fad diets and rumors

I am anti-diet.  You will never find anything on my blog promoting any kind fad diet. Most diets I have watched people undergo have resulted in some kind of health issue or massive weight gain as soon as they finish with it.  Hey Dr. Atkins, you realize that eating little to no carbs for several weeks causes severe bad breath AND your body needs carbs to work.  I'll say it again....calories in, calories out.  That's really all you need to know.  But I understand that we like to feel like we are following some kind of food and work-out plan that keeps us on track and that we know has worked for others.  For me, this usually just means I spend more time reading about it, shopping for it and preparing for it than I actually do exercising or losing weight.  If only I had jogged instead of reading that 200 page book then I would have actually lost weight.  Glamour magazine's February 2011 issue puts some of the myths to the test once and for all....it's very interesting:

"Will __________ help me lose weight?"-Cynthia Sass, R.D. tells what's fast, what's healthy, and what's not. (Her quotes are, in fact, in quotes, my personal narration in parentheses)

• A Juice Fast: No. "You will gain it back when you eat real food again."
• The Master Cleanse: No. "Subsisting on a mix of cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and lemon juice is like an extreme juice fast--but it doesn't contain any substantial food. At least with juice you're getting some calories and antioxidants."
• Going Raw: Maybe, all the veggies will keep your calories intake low, but many people eat too many nuts and seeds and end up gaining.  Plus, it's very hard to stick too.
• Cutting out "white" stuff: Yes. "Refined foods like white flour and sugar have been stripped of vitamins and minerals, not to mention fiber--which leaves you with a more compact grain that has more calories bite for bite. cutting these out means you'll cut your total calories." It's quite possibly the healthiest, fastest way for any woman to lose weight.
• Drinking Milk: Yes, A new study found that dieters who consumed at least 12 oz of milk or other dairy lost more weight over the course of two years than those who had less. How this works isn't clear but the protein in dairy (stick to low-fat) may help keep you full.
• Spicy foods: Yes. "It boosts metabolism, and the more you eat, the more effect it has. It could take off up to 10 pounds in a year. (I was totally shocked to hear this, you can bet I'm adding spice to more things these days)
• Paying with Cash: Maybe. A recent study found that people who use a credit card made more impulse junk food buys.  And tend to buy more food in general.  (I would think it also makes us run through the drive-through more, it does me)
• A Gluten-free Diet: No, "Eliminating gluten--a grain protein in wheat, rye and barley--has nothing do with weight, even among people who are truly intolerant to it.
• Eating Breakfast: Yes. boosts you metabolism, keeps you from getting hungrier later and making poor choices.  Best bet is a mix of a sustaining protein, a little fat, and fiber.
• A Low-Carb diet: No. You may lose in the short term, but mostly water weight. "Carbs are the body's preferred fuel--that's why they're so plentiful in nature. Eliminate white carbs, and you'll likely lose weight, but take away whole grains, and you risk mood swings and cravings" (not to mention heart disease and halitosis!)
• Small meals; yes. nibbling something every three to five hours keeps your metabolism at a constant high and prevents the dips in blood sugar that lead to cravings and binges
• Taking Adderall--(personally I can't believe this even made the list....how stupid and dangerous to take an ADHD drug to lose weight...I don't believe I need to dignify this with the explanation.  Just don't be stupid)

So there you have it.  I thought a lot of that was pretty interesting.  So design your very own way of eating to achieve your goals...and speaking of goals, how am I doing??  Let's just see!!

Long-term Goal: 38 pounds by December 31
Short-term Goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss to date: 7 pounds

Prescription: Friendship!

I've always been a pretty happy person.  Of course there have been times when I've been down in the dumps for an extended period, but it usually revolved around some sort of situation that eventually passes as do the blues.  It seems like I'm happier than ever overall in my present stage of life.  I contribute this to a combination of factors: strengthened relationship with Christ, growth in marriage, addition to family, and of course, an irreplaceable, incomparable circle of friends.  Come to find out, having friends is scientifically proven to make us healthier and happier.  Better Homes and Gardens published an article with some really interesting facts and research on the subject.  Allow me to share:

First of all, loneliness is on the rise. According to surveys conducted by Duke University, our social circles have shrunk by one-third between the years 1985-2004.  Nowadays the average person has just 2 close confidants (down from 3 in 1985), who are far more likely to be family members than unrelated pals.  And that only counts people who confide in anyone at all. 25% of the survey respondents in 2004 admitted to having zero close relationships at all--family or friends.

This is unfortunate since studies have also shown that social interaction significantly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and physical touch of friends increases activity of dopamine and oxytocin (feel-good brain chemicals).  In addition to this, loneliness was shown to lead to increased blood pressure, higher morning rises in cortisol and less restful sleep. If that's not enough, people with ample friends showed less symptoms when exposed to the cold virus and more effectiveness with flu vaccines.--BH&G April 2011

Now these scientists, though brilliant, can come up with the most absurd reasons why this occurs.  Like this is an inherited trait from our ancestors who were in physical danger if alone and tended to live in clusters for protection.  Really, so I feel better around my friends because my caveman ancestor might not get eaten by a saber toothed tiger or a woolly mammoth hanging in a crowd? Please.  It's how we were designed by our Creator.  God is relational.  He designed us to love and to be loved.  So obviously, when we are doing this, we are healthier and happier.  I can attest to this.  I've always had a lot of friends.  I've always enjoyed hanging out with people.  But in this stage of my life, God has surrounded me with a new breed of friend.  A group of women who would literally do anything for me I feel like.  And I would bend over backwards to do what I could for them.  Yes, they enjoy just hanging out, but it's more than that.  There is a genuine love for each other, a wish for the best to happen to each other, hurt when each other hurts.  No selfishness, no pettiness. 

The result: happiness, healthiness, support, and the overwhelming feeling that no matter what I take on....I am never alone.

Heart Healthy

I'm 32.  I'm stating this because I have felt like this number means I don't really have to worry about things like heart disease and blood pressure yet.  That's for older people right?  50? 60?  The fact is, if we don't take preventative measures in our 30's and 40's, it will not just be something for us to worry about later, it will be a reality, a problem, and possibly our outcome.  Yesterday, a dear friend of mine died of a heart attack.  A healthy, active man in his early 60's.  This is not an eye-opener, this is American reality.  Cancer or heart disease, and it happens younger and younger.  So I thought I would post some heart healthy alternatives just to help us make better choices, no matter what our age is.

Most of these are from Good Housekeeping February 2011 (I'm not sure what they mean by some of these percentages so I'm just writing them as is)

• A little Dark Chocolate (up to three 1-oz servings a week) can lessen the odds of heart failure 32%--Holla!
• Fill your plate with veggies and fruits to lower your heart disease risk and drop blood pressure
• Substituting seafood for beef cuts chances of heart disease (24 % for each day you make the substitution)
• Sweet Potatoes, oatmeal, dried apricots, and spinach are all rich in potassium and magnesium-two minerals that help promote healthy blood pressure levels (Family Circle June 2010)
• Try to stick to a DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension developed by the National Institute of Health and proven to lower blood pressure): Each day-3 servings of whole grains, 2 servings of low-fat dairy, 7 servings of fruits and vegetables. Each week-3 servings of nuts, seeds, and legumes. (Family Circle June 2010)

For more in depth info on DASH go to http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/dash/dash_what.html.

And don't forget to exercise.  Even 20-30 minutes a day of walking can help lower your risk of heart disease.  Also be mindful of your family history.  Some forms of heart disease can be genetic meaning you have to start working on it earlier. Thanks for listening to me babble about this.  It's therapeutic in a way to try and keep this from happening to other people I love.

Project LGN: Progress

I wrote last week that I had really been slacking and wanted to wait a week before weighing.  I'm glad I did because I weighed today and my weight is unchanged.  This probably means I gained a little during my bad week and lost it again during last week. I can totally live with that.  This week will continue in the downward direction and hopefully next Monday I'll have a better weight loss report.  I have to be honest, this blog is one of the reasons I made myself get back on track.  The cyberworld is holding me accountable, whether they know it or not.  I read in one of my mags that discussing your weight loss goals and your methods to achieving them online was a great way to stay on task.  I got to put a big check mark next to that helpful hint cause I'm already doing it and it actually works.

Long-term Goal: 38 pounds by December 31
Short-term Goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss to date: 4.4 pounds

Bring on Spring--part 2

Martha Martha Martha, everybody loves Martha!  And for good reason.  She has some amazing, easy to follow ways of getting just about anything house or craft related done.  She has published a book called "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook" that writes it all out.  744 pages of "how to" and "you wish".  That's longer than a Harry Potter book AND the print's smaller.  Everything from "How to dust sculptures" to "Types of air fresheners" and even "How to Move". I know what you're thinking and no, I didn't read it all.  But there is a fantastic little section in the front about cleaning with a checklist for daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal tasks.  Figured I'd give you all the Spring Cleaning list and see how we all measure up to the incredible Martha:

Kitchen

1. Vacuum refrigerator grill and coil
2. Wipe the inside of the freezer

Living Room

1. Rotate heavy curtains, rugs, and throws for lightweight ones

Bedrooms

1. Replace cool-weather bedding with warm-weather bedding
2. Launder or dry-clean blankets

Bathrooms

1. Discard expired cosmetics, beauty products, and medications

Home Office

1. Clean out files
2. Review ad update insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories

Closets

1. Reorganize closets, giving away unwanted items
2. Replace cool-weather clothing with warm-weather clothing

Utility Spaces

1. Remove line from the hose attached to the back of the clothes dryer
2. Clean the attic and basement, giving away or discarding unwanted items
3. Vacuum and mop attic and basement floors

Outdoor Spaces

1. Scrub porch ceilings and walls
2. Scrub porch floors, decks, patios, the driveway, and walkways
3. Scrub outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and awnings
4. Wash light-fixture covers
5. Clean gutters

Throughout the House

1. Vacuum and wipe walls and ceilings
2. Shampoo wall-to-wall carpets and area rugs with backings
3. Send area rugs without backings out for professional cleaning
4. Steam-clean upholstery
5. Dust radiators
6. Reseal stone surfaces
7. Reseal grout
8. launder machine-washable window treatments
9. Dry-clean non-machine-washable window treatments
10. Take books off shelves, dust shelves and books
11. Polish metal door and window hardware
12. Oil window and door hinges
13. Wax wood furniture
14. Wax wood, stone, concrete, brick, and unglazed tile floors
15. Strip and rewax vinyl and linoleum floors
16. Wash windows and window screens
17. Remove, wash, and store storm windows.

Intense isn't it.  I'll probably do about 8 of these things.   Maybe. OK Ok, probably 4 of them.  She's a beast!  But I've got news for her "Homekeeping" is not even a word, so there.

Bring on Spring--part1

I love the beginning of each season.  The welcomed change of temperature, the new smells in the air, the memories each season brings back, and of course the decorating.  Spring is no different.  Now we can start worrying about our tans, our waistlines, cute spring clothes and colors, and of course the dreaded spring cleaning.  Thankfully our generation has Martha Stewart to help us through the cleaning part which I will get to in my "Bring on Spring--part 2" post coming soon.  For now, let's focus on the super fun part of spring: NEW STUFF!!

I've found a ton of cute ideas and potential purchases in magazines so far this spring and I can't wait to pass them on.

• Super cute flower dress from Simply Vera.  Meshing all the popular spring colors: sun yellow, cobalt, a hint of purple *smile*.  Best part: it's actually on sale at Kohl's right now for $48 (reg. $68) Better Homes and Gardens April 2011

• Ponytail weather!!!  Two 15-year old girls have designed their own line of hair ties that won't rip or dent your hair.  On top of that, they give a portion of their proceeds to Operation Smile. Check them out at emi-jay.com Better Homes and Gardens April 2011
• Spring is when I start looking at changing out my make-up.  Throwing out the old stuff, getting some new shades, maybe a little tanner?  Saw these super cute make-up brushes and can't wait to go get them.  Sonia Kashuk's (designs for Target) high-quality/low-cost brushes in a gorgeous cobalt-colored tile print.  5-piece set for $15.  They are not out yet, but you can pre-order them on line: http://www.target.com/Sonia-Kashuk-Brush-Set-piece Better Homes April 2011
• Fitness!!  Springtime is the time to get skinny right? April 7th is National Start Walking Day.  You can find new local routes to walk in USA Track & Field's database--just search by city and state and check it out (or share your own route). www.usatf.org Better Homes April 2011
• Easter craft.  Ok, I'm not personally gonna do this one, but I am totally intrigued and am dying for someone to try it and let me know:  Line your Easter basket with cellophane, add vermiculite (available at garden stores), sprinkle grass seeds, and mist with water.  Sprouts should appear in 10 days and Voila! real grass in your basket....sure beats that fake stuff I feel I'm still vacuuming up in July. Better Homes April 2011
• Spring decor craft.  The in color for Spring decorating.....Lilac!!!  woo hoo for Purple.  Love this idea, Baby-food jars become gingham-banded, light-infused hanging vases for pansies.  Suspend in a window at staggered heights using craft wire and ribbon.  *love*Good Housekeeping April 2011

That's all I have time for, but I could go on and on.  And may do a part 3.  We shall see. :)

Project LGN: Best choice

I've slacked....a lot.  I only worked out one time last week and my eating habits.....let's just say I've done better.  So I opted not to step on the scale this week.  Seeing a gain would un-motivate me so I am just categorizing this as a minor setback and trudging on.  I'll weigh next week and hopefully be back to where I was.  It's all about choices.  Something is better than nothing.  Exchanging one Mountain Dew (my vice, my addiction, my calorie demon) for water a day.  Anything and everything inches us towards a more healthy lifestyle.  But we've got to be smart in our choices.  Just the other day at Wal-Mart I wanted to buy some graham crackers to use as one of my snacks each day.  I had a choice: Honey, Cinnamon, Sticks, and Reduced Fat.  Well I'm trying to lose weight right?  So of course I picked up the Reduced Fat.  Yay me.....til I read the label.  The reduced fat graham crackers have more calories than the regular graham crackers.  You heard me right....MORE calories.  I promptly put them back on the shelf and grabbed the regular fat ones.  (It's not imperative to watch fat grams if you are watching calories and eating healthy.  The fat grams will stay in a healthy range because of the types of food you are eating.)  We can be fooled by the food industry.  We've got to be smart.  I got the following fast food surprises from the April 2011 edition of Good Housekeeping (with my thoughts included).  I was pretty stunned by the facts:

Which has fewer calories?
1. Quiznos Small Veggie Sub of Quiznos Small Traditional Sub?  I so would have picked veggie.  I mean the other one has 3 different kinds of meat.  And it says "Veggie" so it has to be healthier right??  Wrong!  The meats on the Traditional Sub happen to be lean meats and the calorie count is 430.  The Veggie Sub has two kinds of cheeses and guacamole making it weigh in at 520 calories.
2. McDonald's Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich or the McDouble:  Easy one...has to be the grilled chicken.  Grilled chicken will always have less calories than a greasy 2-patty concoction on the dollar menu.  Wrong again.  The McDouble only has 390 calories.  What?  The Grilled Chicken is nestled in between a huge 240-calorie honey wheat roll bumping it's total caloric value to 420.  To be honest, it's still probably healthier than a McDouble, I'd just need to throw away the top part of the bun.

The third one is a restaurant called Au Bon Pain which we don't have round these here parts so it didn't really make an impression.  So I'll leave you with the most eye-popping comparison I've come across:  The US Pizza Salad Supreme.  Even if you choose to put Turkey on it instead of ham it weighs in at a whopping 1564 calories.  Let me repeat that number 1564 calories.  You'd do better eating 2 slices of supreme pizza at 580 calories.  Heck, have 3 slices at 870, you're still 700 less than the salad! Incredible right?  Our salads can be the downfall of our attempts at weight loss.  My advice, get the salad.  But order it without the cheese and the house dressing.  Try a vinaigrette.  Then maybe just eat half of it :)
But my point is made.  Just because something is advertised as better for us or healthier, we still need to be careful.  The food industry is, after all, trying to sell more food.  And we are striving to eat less of it.  Good luck!!

Bento lunches

This has absolutely nothing to do with magazines, but it is something that should be in one.  Bento lunches for our kiddos.  I am totally sold.  I have been bitten by the bento bug.  What's a bento you say?  Well I didn't know either so let me explain:

A bento lunch is a compact, balanced, visually appealing meal packed in a box. Historically, it’s a Japanese box lunch of smaller portions but big variety.

Um....those are boiled eggs!!

These are so cute I can't stand it, and I love love love the no baggie approach.  I was just thinking this week as I was packing crackers into the 4th baggie of his lunch how I wish there was a better way.  My favorite website about the bento lunches where I got these two pictures is www.anotherlunch.com. You just wait.  Pretty soon I'll be posting pics of my own bento lunches that I've made for my preschooler.  Can't wait!!!!

Craft for old folding tables

So I used to have a set of TV trays, but one got ruined, one got broken, and who hangs on to half a set of TV trays.  Then I saw this little craft idea and wished I'd kept them. 

1. Take any kind of old small folding table or TV tray, sand the table with medium (100 grit sandpaper).  Wipe all surfaces with a damp rag.  Brush on two thin coats of primer and let dry between coats. Apply two thin coats of semigloss latex paint to the legs and rim; let dry between coats.
2. Trace outline of tabletop with a pencil on the back side of a sheet of wrapping paper. Cut just inside the penciled line and check for fit. Trim if need be.
3. Using a foam brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the top of the table and let dry.  spray one to two light coats of latex primer onto the back side of the cut paper and let dry. Brush a second coat of Mod Podge on surface and apply the paper in small sections, working from one end to the other. Smooth any air bubble, pressing outward from the center.
4. Seal the tabletop with 5-10 thin coats of Mod Podge. let dry for 15-20 minutes in between. If your table will be used often, apply a clear acrylic sealer.

I couldn't get the picture on here because it's not online yet so I'm sorry you can't see how cute it is.  However I highly recommend visiting the blog of the creator.  Her name is Suzonne Stirling, she has her own column in Family Circle now and she has an awesome crafty blog:
www.urbancomfort.typepad.com

Family Circle, April 1, 2011

Project: LGN - February Results

So I've been doing pretty good this month.  Not the best, kinda sporadic, but still something.  This is a lesson I've recently learned:  something is better than nothing when it comes to exercise.  If I can just get to the gym for 30 minutes it's better than nothing at all.  I understand that this is an obvious statement to most people, but I am one of those all or nothing types.  I get a plan and if I stray from it, I scrap the whole thing.  It's a character flaw, I understand that.  But I am doing better.  If I can't be at the gym for a solid hour, that's ok.  At least I'm there for some time.  And if I miss a day or two, I just go back instead of giving up.  This is a big deal for me.  The same can be applied to my diet.  You know how when you eat something you probably shouldn't, then all of a sudden you can eat whatever for the rest of the day cause you've already messed up and the day is a waste.  Apparently that's not true.  If I lose the battle with my will power at lunch, I can actually still eat a healthy low-cal dinner and keep myself on track.....who knew.  Anyway, all that to say....February went well for my goals. 

Long-term Goal: 38 pounds by December 31
Short-term Goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss to date: 4.4 pounds

Now I know this is only 1 pound a week, but I've also learned something else.  If I want to lose 2 pounds a week, I have to alter my food intake drastically.  Something I cannot sustain for the long-term.  What I am doing now I can do forever.  I don't want to diet, I want good eating habits I can continue.  And it's been my experience that slow weight loss stays off longer on me.  Mainly because it wasn't a drastic overhaul of eating and exercising habits that couldn't be continued once my goals were hit.  And obviously the weight comes right back in about a quarter of the time it took to get off.  Change for good, Change for good, Change for good.  And STAY skinny.

And speaking of.....it's time to eat breakfast.

A More Efficient Laundry Room

I don't have alot of space in my laundry room.  I've got two cabinets over my washer and dryer and no where else to put anything free standing or it will block the dryer doors, the pantry and the guest bath.  I've run across some tips I thought were really good for me and some that were good, but wouldn't work for me.  I posted many of them in both categories for anyone who might need them.

• Get a clear canister for your powdered detergent.  This is prettier, a better fit for many shelves and cabinets, and shows you when you're running low at a glance.
• Catch loose change and other pocket treasure in a ar. (House rule: Mom keeps the silver)
• Stack dryer sheets in a shallow dish-it's easier than grabbing them out of the box, plus they scent the air.
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy.  Mist a wrinkled shirt, fluff it in the dryer for five minutes, and you just might not have to iron.
• Instead of a free standing ironing board, get one you can mount to the wall or to the back of the door.  You will free up some space and make it more convenient to iron all at the same time.

Better Homes and Gardens, March 2011

Project LGN: Heavy weights vs. light weights

Working with lighter weights actually stimulates your muscles 25 percent more than heavy weights.  You build muscles by pushing to the point of fatigue, not by straining with heavier weights.  The best thing to tone your muscles is to choose a weight that you can lift for about a minute before you become too tired to continue. If it takes you much longer than that to reach fatigue, the weight is probably to too light and should go up a bit.

Remember to alternate your arms and legs each day so you don't do the same muscles two days in a row (except for abs and calves, you can do them everyday). And vary your exercises cause muscles have memory.


Thanks Good Housekeeping February 2011

Project LGN: Greek Yogurt

I need to discuss something I have just discovered thanks to Family Circle magazine.  It is the weight-loss goddess: Greek Yogurt.  Let me list the reasons I have fallen in love with this little pound dropping miracle:

1. First and foremost, it tastes pretty amazing.  It's thicker than your average yogurt and creamier. It has a creme brulee consistency.  (don't misunderstand-it tastes nothing like creme brulee, that would be incredible).  I've tried two flavors: strawberry and honey.  That's right-honey.  Both were very good.  Greek yogurt does not mix its flavors in with the yogurt, it's either on top or bottom, which gives the eater the opportinity to add as much or as little of the flavor as they want.

2.  I loathe artificial sweeteners.  All of them.  They all taste horrible and are even worse for you.  Greek uses sugar.  Real sugar, but somehow has less grams of sugar than a Yoplait yogurt.  Go figure.

3.  Packed full of Protein.  A Yoplait yogurt has 5 grams of protein.  A Greek yogurt has.....wait for it........... 12 grams of protein.  More than double the amount of protein.  That is freaking incredible.  Protein is so pivotal to weight loss. 

4.  Totally fills me up.  I could probably eat one for lunch and that's it, but I don't even have to when I'm watching calories.  I can eat it as a snack and am forcing myself to eat the next meal which means I eat way less.  bonus.

5. Lower calories.  The regular Yoplait Yogurt (not the light one, which I don't eat cause the artificial sweeteners remember) has 180 calories.  Fine for a snack, maybe a little high for the amount of protein it offers.  Greek has 150 calories.  And I rarely eat the whole thing, cause I'm full.

I highly recommend buying a few the next time you shop just to try them out.  I bought Dannon and thought it was pretty good.

Results:
Long term goal: 38 pounds by Dec. 31
Short term goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss: 2.2 pounds

Project LGN: the apps

Calories in, calories out.  The only way to lose weight.  So how do you keep up with that efficiently?  I use the My plate feature on livestrong.com.  This site calculates how many calories you need a day to reach certain weekly weight loss goals, it calculates the calories in what you eat and the calories you burn exercising.  Very easy and eye-opening.  We really don't know the amount of calories we eat in a day.  Really.  The cool thing for my smart phone users is that you can get that as a free app on your iPhone as well.  Other helpful apps:

1. Lose it:  (free) Alot like My plate, also available for iPhone.  I have friends who swear by this app.  They lose every week using it.
2. Isometrics: Also for iPhone ($2), shows you little isometric exercises you can on the go or at the office complete with pic description and timer for reps. It will also remind you to do them.
3. An Office Yoga: For Blackberry.  ($3) does exactly what it says and plays relaxing music
4. Office Exercise: For Android (free) You get a seven-exercise routine for your desk.  You can set reminders and pick your reps.

Interesting Buys

You know how magazines post alot of "Good Buys" or "Our Picks" kind of articles.  Most of the time, theses mags totally miss the mark.  Why in the world would I spend money on a little box with a peacock on the top?  What makes that a good buy?  Or Interesting?  Was it owned by Robert De Niro or does it repel dust?  No?  It just sits there?  Ok then, don't need it.  But alas, every once in while they strike my fancy.  Observe:

1. Did you know you can purchase Cafe du Monde's beignet mix???  You heard me.  I had no idea.  Not only can you buy the mix, but it's actually cheap!  For the low low price of $2.68 you can own a box of their delectable beignet mix, enough to make 4 dozen beignets.  That's 5 cents a donut.  Um, Yes please.  And let's talk about gift ideas here.  You can get their chicory coffee as well for only $5.45 and they are super cute old school coffee tins and packaging.  Get the mix and the coffee, put them together in some kind of a precious little basket with a bow and voila! a super cute, extra yummy, and creative gift for under $10.  Perfect for hostess gifts or happies, or even guy gifts.  I'm sold.  Where to buy: cafedumonde.com
2.  Ok, so maybe this makes me a little childish, but I just can't resist the cuteness: slip on, sequined, one-star converse shoes.  In a variety of colors.  Available at Target and super-cute.  You know you want sequined Chucks.  Admit it.
3. Maybe you already know about this, but I just learned of its existence last night: self-adhesive wrapping paper.  Hallmark carries a line of wrapping paper that adheres to itself and to packages (wrapping some materials is too sticky, but plastic stuff comes off easy).  No more shifting boxes, excessive taping, no more tape on your gift.  Genius.

Well that's it for today.  See, that's 3 magazines full of worthless junk i looked through to get just those 3 suggestions.  You're welcome for the time saver.

Project LGN: More on breakfast

I just read last night that skipping breakfast releases a hormone in our bodies that makes us crave sweets.  MAKES US CRAVE SWEETS!! As if we as women need anymore reason to crave sweets.  My breakfast of choice the past couple of days has been a bagel-egg-cheese sandwich.  It's pretty good.  You "fry" an egg in cooking spray put it on a whole-grain bagel with a piece of cheese.  It's 240 calories and very very filling (and for my weight watcher friends I think it's 6 points if I'm calculating correctly).  I've been eating this at 7:15 and am still not hungry by 10:15 when I have a snack.  But I found these cool new bagels that I'm totally in love with.  Nature's Own has thin bagels.  THIN!!  That's perfect for me.  I can never finish a whole bagel because let's be honest about those whole wheat bagels, they taste a little bit like cardboard.  But the thin ones aren't near as intense.  They are actually kinda tasty.  Also they are 110 calories cheaper.  So, ya know, win-win.

Fish Tacos

One of my favorite healthy recipes, I'm eating as we speak.  I don't do the cabbage part, but these are divine anyway.

Mario Lopez's Fish Tacos with Avocado and Black Bean Salsa

2	tilapia fillets (6 to 7 oz each)
¼	cup all-purpose flour
½	tsp salt
1	Tbsp chili powder
1	tsp canola oil
4	corn tortillas, warmed
1	cup shredded green cabbage
For the salsa:
½	cup diced avocado
½	cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1	Tbsp finely chopped onion
¼	cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1	Tbsp chopped cilantro
	Juice of ½ a lime
¼	tsp kosher salt
	Hot sauce to taste

1. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Season flour with salt and chili powder and flour fish on both sides (pat well to remove excess flour).
3. Cook fish in skillet for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden.
4. When fish is cooked completely, transfer to a plate and break up into large pieces.
5. Combine salsa ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
6. Serve fish in corn tortillas topped with salsa and shredded cabbage.

 

Project: LGN

I'm starting this week out new.  The snow last week absolutely killed my workout and my eating habits.  I tried eating better over the weekend, and did pretty good.  I actually lost 0.8 pounds, which isn't much but considering I didn't exercise but 1 day last week, then it's totally better than gaining.  I went to workout this morning and feel like I can definitely work out 5 times this week no problem, so we will see how the weight looks next Monday.

I did this new elliptical machine at the gym this morning.....um, ouch.  It isn't your average Joe elliptical, it actually hurts.  I felt like I was going super slow, but every muscle in my leg was in pain after 3 minutes.  I thought no way am I going to be able to do this for very long.  Luckily I got in the zone and was able to eek out 20 minutes, but I was absolutely exhausted.  I'm usually good with like 45 minutes on an elliptical, but apparently not this one.  I shall name him Lucifer.  He shall be my greatest foe at the gym.

Long term goal: 38 pounds by Dec. 31
Short term goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss: 0.8 pounds

Dinner:
Ok on to food, I'm posting some dinner options that caught my eye in Family Circle, hope you like them to.  I love that they give you a fast food option, and I totally ate this particular one the other day because if I didn't eat right then I would have wrecked my car.  So being forced to drive through taco bell could have been disastrous but because of this little tip, it worked out ok.  I mean not only did I get the satisfaction of eating some grease,  I also got sweet yumminess in the form of twists.....holla.  All that without going over 500 calories:

1.Three cheese ziti: Weight Watchers Smart Ones Three Cheese Ziti Marinara; 2 cups baby spinach topped with 1/2 cup sliced strawberries and 2 T each walnuts and low-fat balsamic vinaigrette; 1 wedge cantaloupe (480 cal; 18 g fat; 10 g fiber)
2. Pork Chop Meal: 4-oz baked center-cut pork chop; 1 med baked sweet potato with 2 tsp margarine; 1 cup steamed green beans with 1 T slivered almonds; 1 cup skim milk; 1 wedge honeydew (513 cal; 13 g fat; 10 g fiber)
3. ON-THE-GO: 2 Fresco Crunchy Tacos from Taco Bell; 1 Cinnamon Twist; 1 diet soda or water (470 cal; 21 g fat; 7 g fiber)
4. Grilled Salmon: 3 oz salmon and 6 asparagus spears, tossed in 1 tsp olive oil, grilled; 1 med ear of corn with 2 tsp margarine; 1-oz whole-grain roll (500 cal; 23 g fat; 12 g fiber)

Options 2 and 4 seemed like something you could actually cook your family and maybe add another carb-laden veggie to the mix for them, Option 1 is a solo meal for sure.

Family Circle July 2010

Getting a handle on the dishes

Do you remember flylady???

Well I do, she's made a permanent mark on my life.  There are things she told me to do that have never left me....not that I do them.  But that woman really knows how to keep her house clean.  Me, not so much.  One of the things she tried to teach me was routine.  The best one was with the dishwasher.  Always run it during the night and always empty it in the morning.  That way, no one in your house ever has an excuse to leave a dish on the counter or in the sink.  Keeping your kitchen uncluttered with dirty dishes.  Sounds easy right?  I think I did it for 4 days, maybe 5. 

Well it's time to give that another try.  It's a great idea, and my kitchen needs help.  I just need to make it routine....habit.  I've heard it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, so here goes, I pledge to run my dishwasher every night and empty it every morning for the next 21 days starting right now.  Let's see if it turns into habit.  I don't mind being the guinea pig in an experiment if I'm ultimately benefiting from it.

Wish me luck!

Clutter remedies

Here are two tips I recently found and I've decided to put them together:

If your kids are in the habit of scattering things all over the house, designate a common spot to stockpile items like MP3 players and textbooks. You can leave "goes back to your bedrom" baskets at the bottom of the stairs or wherever. Before kids are allowed to watch TV or surf the Web at night, their containers need to be emptied and put away.

Put those flat rectangular hanging baskets by the door on a decorative hook. One for each family member complete with a cute initial on the front and a pretty liner. Not only will you have a station for items like keys, but kids can load in after school items and carry their baskets to their rooms to empty. Also, you can put things in there that need to go to work or school so you won't forget them in the morning. it's like multi-functional.

I didn't really like the idea of leaving a basket on the ground, it would end up all over my house if I'm being honest, so I love the idea of having it hanging on the wall like an entryway catch all.  I'm totally doing this.


Better Homes and Gardens January 2008
Family Circle February 2011

Project: Look Good Naked-Day 3

So I'm not doing so good so far.  I went to the store last night to buy some of the ingredients for the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes.  I only bought for a few and broke the bank.  Now fortunately, I found some coupons on coupons.com for things like triscuits, cheese, turkey lunch meat, etc.  So next time I go it won't be as bad.  Next, exercise.  Snow does nothing for my exercise routine.  As a matter of fact, it totally blew it.  So basically, we are gonna start fresh tomorrow.  But here are some lunch ideas that I liked, I hope you enjoy.

1. Refried bean and cheese quesadilla: spread 1/4 cup fat-free refried beans on 1 whole wheat tortilla, sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, heat in toaster oven until melted, fold in half and cut into triangles; 1 ounce baked tortilla chips; 1 cup watermelon balls. (420 cal; 10 g fat; 8 g fiber)
2. Mediterranean Pasta: stir an extra 1/2 cup spinach in with healthy choice's Mediterranean Pasta; 1 medium banana. (490 cal; 6 g fat;)
3. ON-THE-GO!! Mcdonald's grilled chicken ranch snack wrap and 1% milk jug (370 cal; 14 g fat; 1 g fiber)

EXERCISE
okay so all I'm trying to do right now is get up and do something at least 5 times a week.  Some days I walk around the neighborhood, others I go to the gym (for the coffee, let's be honest).  I'm trying to keep it varied, doing different things.  Making it not so repetitious.  That way I always work out something, but never get bored.  The absolute only way to make me do this is to have someone to work out with.  If I have to meet you there, I'll actually go.  So I have 2 different girls I work out with.  One who likes to go in the morning, and one who likes to go in the evening.  So between the two of them, I'm bound to get there 5 times a day hopefully.  We shall see.

I'm not posting my weight on here, but let's just say it's more than I'd like.  I have a goal weight in mind and it's 38 pounds away.  I plan on posting weight every week.  Hopefully this will make me stay motivated to lose.  Nobody wants to post weight gain now do they?  Let's see if we can get that 38 pounds off by the end of the year.  It helps me to have a short term goal.  I think 10 pounds by May 1 ( this is about 10 weeks) should be more than doable. 

Long term goal: 38 pounds by Dec. 31
Short term goal: 10 pounds by May 1
Total weight loss: 0 pounds. 

Project: Look Good Naked-Day 2

So after eating a metabolism boosting breakfast, I'm usually getting hungry around 10ish.  Then after lunch, I'm usually starving by 3.  As we have all heard, it's better to eat 4-5 small meals rather than 3 big ones.  So this includes 1-2 healthy snacks a day.  A few of my favorite I've found in my stash-o-mags all come from Family Circle.

Snacks: 1. Cheese and crackers-1 part skim string cheese stick; 5 regular triscuits. (180 cal; 10 g fat; 3 g fiber)
2. Frozen Fruit Treat-1 cup frozen mango (or other frozen fruit) cut into chunks with 1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping. (180 cal; 0 g fat; 4 g fiber)
3. Applesauce and graham crackers- 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce (maybe Mott's Healthy Harvest) and 3 graham cracker squares. (140 cal; 2 g fat)

The cheese and crackers and applesauce/graham crackers are easy to take to work.  The fruit and cool-whip is something kid's like too.  None of it goes to waste.

Really any kind of low-calorie snack can help keep your blood sugar from dropping so low you start shaking.  That's usually when I make the drive-thru at McD's and see just how many fries I can get down before I hit the door of my house.  So I also keep those little 100 calorie Microwaveable Kettle Corn packets around.

Project: Look Good Naked-Day 1

Breakfast: (The best breakfast combines a fiber-rich carb like fruit or whole grains with a protein such as eggs, nuts, or dairy)
1. "Bagelicious"-one 3-oz whole grain bagel spread with 1 Laughing Cow Light cheese wedge; 1/4 cup raisins (343 calories; 5 g fat; 8 g fiber)*
2. "More than just Cereal"-1 cup fiber-rich cereal (maybe multi-bran chex) with 1/2 cup skim milk and 1/2 medium sliced banana; 1 hard-boiled egg. (370 calories; 7 g fat; 9 g fiber) *

I like these two breakfasts because they are quick to prepare as long as you boil some eggs in advance. You can get the stuff for both of these breakfasts and alternate them for a good 8-10 days.

I started with breakfast because it really is a huge secret to losing weight. Whenever I have lost the most weight it is because I added breakfast to my day and usually not even a good one. Just starting your metabolism first thing in the morning does so much for your daily calorie burning.

Let's start there. If you are not a breakfast eater, committ to eating breakfast every day this week. If you already are a good breakfast eater, try the recipes above to get more bang for your buck.

*Both recipes from Family Circle Magazine, June and July issues 2010.

Project: Look Good Naked

Ok so I feel like everytime I look at the magazine rack there is something on the front of each one screaming "LOSE WEIGHT!!" at me.  You know what I'm talking about.  "Lose 5 pounds in 10 days", "Walk your way to thin", "The Secret to Slim Success".  Are you kidding? Which one do I buy, which one has the secret, which one will actually make the weight jump off my body with the least amount of effort?  The answer to those questions is none of them......and......all of them.  And I have them all.

So here's the deal.  Everyday I'll be posting another tip, another recipe, another exercise from my plethora of published pointers to help get us there.  The purpose is to give us the best advice possible without having to buy more and more articles.  Let me be frank for a minute, the way to lose weight, get toned and in turn "look good naked" is all calories in/calories out.  But we all need a little motivation and encouragement to get there.  We always like new ways to achieve that and new recipes to try.  We have to find what works for us consistently and long term.  What works for me may not work for someone else.  You may not like Kale or working out at 5:30 AM.  But somewhere in some magazine is your way and we'll find it.

Who's with me?