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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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
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
Thursday, February 24, 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
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
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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.
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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
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
Friday, February 11, 2011
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!
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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.
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.
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?
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?
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