Here's to us

Shut out the past

Thought this was a good, motivating thought!!!  




Memory can be used for good or for evil. If you use your past as a source of learning, it’s worth remembering. If, however, all you do is mull over your mistakes and punish yourself for your failures, it’s a waste of time. Rehashing failure can paralyze you in mortal fear of making another mistake. Which, of course, just makes this worse and practically guarantees future letdowns. The key to goal achievement is to pay more attention to the future than to the past. Have you ever noticed that the best athletes also have the shortest and most selective memories? Instead of dwelling on a missed shot or a flawed dive, they concentrate on making corrections and getting the next one right. It’s as if the failed attempt never happened. It’s forgotten and they don’t fear trying again. If you mess up, even in an epic, life-altering way, work hard to leave it behind and concentrate on the possibilities yet to come. Tomorrow is much brighter when it’s not smeared with a fixation on yesterday.


http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/quotes_translation.asp?id=327

Eating Healthy on a Budget

As I complained about the price of "healthy" food to a friend, she said, "You can pay for it now, or pay for it later." Hmmm I guess she is right.  Taking the unwanted weight off, is alot harder and time consuming then putting it on. So........Here are a few ways that can help cut cost and help stay on a 

budget.  

Here are 8 tips for eating better while on a tight budget.

1. Plan. 

Plan your meals BEFORE you head to the store. Make a

list and stick to it.

2. Get the best price.

 Look for sales or coupons, BUT ask yourself if it is an 

item that you will actually use. Don’t fall into the trap of 

buying an item just because it was a good deal.

3. Buy in bulk.

 It is almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk or family 

size packages.

4. Buy in season.

 Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season can lower

 the cost and add to the freshness!

5. Convenience costs. 

Convenience foods like pre-cut fruits and vegetables often

 cost more. Spend a few minutes when you get home to 

wash and cut or package up your fruits and vegetables.

 You will get it done quickly and save some money in the process.

6. Look for items that are easy on your wallet. 

Certain foods typically cost less all year long. Try beans for

 an inexpensive source of protein.

7. Cook once, eat all week.

 Prepare a large batch of your favorite recipes on your

 day off and freeze smaller containers to use throughout the week.

8. Get creative.

 Spice up your leftovers—use them in new ways. Use 

leftover chicken or vegetables and create a new stir fry or salad.

http://skinnyms.com/eating-better-on-a-budget/

No - Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Method:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like.  (Mine were about 1″ in diameter.)  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

http://gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/

2 Ingredients - Pumpkin Muffins

  

Never easier 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins, tender, moist and delicious. Hard to believe it's literally only 2 ingredients!!

You'll Need:

1 Yellow Cake Mix (Yes, you can Use a Gluten Free Cake Mix, it WILL work!)

1 -15oz Can Pumpkin

First, dump your cake mix into a large bowl. 
Then, add the full can of pumpkin to mix.


Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, remove from oven, eat while warm. These also freeze well. 

http://www.budget101.com/dirt-cheap-recipes/pumpkin-muffins-2-ingredients-3605.html

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

 

Skinnytaste.com 
Servings: 6 • Size: 1/2 cup chicken + veggies • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 3 pt
Calories: 147.7 • Fat: 0.1 g • Carb: 5.2 g • Fiber: 1.6 g • Protein: 24.9 g • Sugar: 1.7 g
Sodium: 879 mg 

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 24 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 celery stalk
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic
• 16 oz fat free low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup hot cayenne pepper sauce (I used Frank's)

For the wraps:

• 6 large lettuce leaves, Bibb or Iceberg
• 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
• 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2 inch matchsticks

For full directions: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/04/crock-pot-buffalo-chicken-lettuce-wraps.html

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY!!! LAUGH OFF SOME CALORIES!!!  

I am capable

23 hours a day

Hmmmm......working out is great!  But 1 hour a day isn't going to change things if the other 23 hours are not supporting this weight loss goal.  This is something I have to keep in mind a lot.  Even though I work out every day now, I have to stay focused and eat right, and keep my weight loss goals in mind.   

inspiration

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!!!!  

$1 workout

My dad has done personality style seminars for years.  A few things that I have learned from them; I am a prize oriented person, I like control, I love fun (my daughter has inherited this traits as well LOL). 


So what does this have to do with weight loss?? 


I know it is often said that after X amount of lbs loss I am going to treat myself to this or that.  Well there are times you are working your booty off and it just seems like inches are melting, but the lbs have not changed. When you are prize motivated - this is discouraging and frustrating.   So, I saw this idea.....what if you put a $1 in a jar every time you worked out?  After 100 workouts treat yourself to something special! More than likely, after 100 serious workouts, your body will have made some great changes, and you get a great reward!!!  So yes I can control how I eat, and how I workout.....but I can't control how my body will respond.  By giving $1 every time I workout.....I can control this!!!!  Results will come (and so will some pampering for me!!!)

One year from now!!!

Time goes by fast!  If I look at a year ago, I never would have thought I would be where I am today! I am approaching 50 lbs down from my highest weight.......I am working out 6 days a week......I am eating better ( still leaning & improving on this.)......I have more energy.....I am all around a happier person!  If I keep this up (which I will) I can't wait to see where I will be next year! 

I'm BACK (again)

I am back in full force!  

Sad news - My computer's hard drive died!!!!  So needless to say, the netbook I was borrowing from my hubby, is really to slow to  blog on!  I still don't have my computer back, but I should very soon.

So this is what is going on:  Right now My hubby & I are finishing up a Dave Ramsey class (a get out of dept guru).  It has been great from the financial standpoint, but also very motivating for getting healthy!  One thing he said in class......."if you want to be rich, study and do what the rich people are doing. And if you want to be skinny, study and do what the skinny people are doing!"  SOO...........hmmmmm yes this makes sense!  

That being said I talked with one of my fitness instructors at the Y who lost like 75lbs going from a size 18 to a 2 (AMAZING I KNOW!!!!), and asked her to help me out and guide me in the direction to becoming healthier!  She agreed, and is encouraging me on my weight loss journey, and helping me to improve on what I am doing!  

My number of workouts a week has increased!  I am now doing 6-7 days a week....most of them are at the Y, but some are home.  Cleaning, extra walks with the kids, outside work can all count when it comes to working out!! I am using these as "extra" workouts a day....for me, just going to the Y and doing a class, I work harder and have alot more fun!  One of my new favorite workouts is water aerobic- my goal is 3 - 4 water classes a week!!  I am looking  for an amazing bathing suit with boob support....will post when I find one!!!

I am also scheduling my workouts into my week.  No more "trying to fit it in"....I plan them out, and discuss them with my hubby so that we are on the same page, especially if it is an evening class and I need help with the kiddos!  

I have so much more to say.....but time to get kiddos to bed!  It is great to be back!  

LOTS OF RECIPES, TIPS, AND HEALTHY TIPS TO COME!!!  

Black Bean Burger

Very excited to try these!!! Going to add them to my menu for the week!!! 

Black Bean Burgers

inspired by Rob & Rachel Brill

1 16 oz. can of black beans, drained well

1/2 c. frozen corn kernels

2 pieces of bread crumbled (I used the Saralee light wheat bread)

1 egg white

2 tbs. flour

3 tbs. chunky salsa

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. onion salt

salt and pepper to taste

olive oil (for cooking)

I used Tomato, Avocado, and Lettuce for toppings, OroWheat Sandwhich Thins for buns.

1. Drain black beans then mash until almost smooth using large fork or potato masher.

2. Mix in all other ingredients and shape into 4 medium size patties.

3. Heat a large pan with thin coat of olive oil on bottom. Cook patties on medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes each side.

These were so good and really filling. I actually think I prefer one of these burgers over a real meat burger. Do try!

http://www.sweettreatsmore.com/2010/06/black-bean-burgers.html

funny yoga pic

How I often feel!! LOL

Kitchen Storage - Measuring spoons & cups

Another great idea for the inside of a kitchen cabinet door!!! Oh my hubby is going to love that I am finding so many creative ideas!!!  My measuring cups & spoons are always in the way and don't seem to have a home....now they will!! YAY!!! 

Full directions: 

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/08/organizing-measuring-cups-and-spoons.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InfarrantlyCreative+%28infarrantly+creative%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Ultimate Menu planning board

I LOVE THIS!!!! SHE DID SUCH AN AWESOME JOB!! I AM PLANNING ON DOING THIS AT MY HOUSE

From the blog: http://clairsfairytale.blogspot.com/2012/01/ultimate-menu-board.html


What I love about this particular design--- 
1) It’s weekly. I shop weekly and plan my calendar weekly. I can adjust for company, evenings out, leftovers, etc. 
2) Meal cards have ingredients listed on the back, so I just gather my cards for the week, flip them over, and jot down the ingredients I need on my shopping list. 
3) Using the two pockets I can store all of my meal cards right on the board. With a rotating system, I start with all the cards in the lower box and then after we have that meal, I place the card into the upper box until we go through the majority of the cards. Then, I start over choosing from all of them again. 
4) It uses clothespins so no slipping and no holes. I was afraid that after I laminated my meal cards that they would get too thick/heavy for magnets.
5) The base is a picture frame—easy to hang and by using two nails I can keep it from tilting under the lopsided weight.


HOW TO MAKE THE ULTIMATE MENU BOARD

You will need-
11x14 picture frame
2 sheets of decorative 12 x 12 scrapbook paper
2-3 additional coordinating decorative papers
several sheets of solid colored card stock (for meal cards and pockets)
7 clothespins
the boxes from two 16 ct crayon packs
Elmers glue
Hot glue gun and glue
letter stickers (for title)

Meal cards---
Preparatory to using your board, gather several meal ideas (I have about 35) and their recipes. Make a 2 column word document- typing your menu on one side of the page and the ingredients in the column next to it. You should have room to print about 5 menus/ingredients per piece of printer paper. After printing, cut the meals/ingredients out into strips and fold each strip in half, giving you a front and back. Laminate the cards. I used self-laminating paper which worked okay but not perfectly. (Because I didn’t leave much empty space around each card, some of my cards did not seal well all the way around. If I did it again, I would have them done professionally or with the use of a heated laminator.) My cards measure 1 ½ inches tall and then half of the width of an average size paper (4.25 inches) across.


Frame Background
Trim the decorative scrapbook paper to fill your frame. You will use one full sheet and just need a couple of inches of a second piece of paper in order to fill the entire frame. Where the two sheets overlap, place a thin piece of coordinating paper across the width to hide the seams. Put the title above that line using scrapbooking letter stickers. Place in the frame. Secure the background into the frame. Everything else will be done on top of the glass.

Clothespins
Trim strips of paper to fit on top of your clothespins. Using a mixture of 1 part elmers glue to one part water (homemade mod podge,) brush the glue onto the clothespin, place the paper on top and add more of the glue mixture. I think I did about 3 layers of the glue. When the clothespins are dry, you may add the days of the week to each pin if you choose. I punched out little circles and just used the letters m, t, w, etc to designate the day of the week. Space your clothespins evenly along the left hand border of your frame and hot glue them into place. 

Pockets-
I used 16 count crayon boxes as the base for my pockets. Turning the box horizontally, cut out one long side- this will be the opening of your pocket. Lay the box out flat onto a piece of card stock and trace it. Cut the card stock out and glue it on top of the crayon box—making folds to match the boxes folds as you go. Reassemble the box, gluing or taping together the open sides. I left just about a half inch extra along the long sides so I could wrap my paper over the top edges of the box for a smoother look. After assembling your boxes, cut a strip of coordinating paper to use as an accent and glue around the pocket. Hot glue the pockets directly onto the glass of your frame


http://clairsfairytale.blogspot.com/2012/01/ultimate-menu-board.html

10 Commandments of Weight Loss

1. LifeStyle, Not a Diet

This is not a short term fix; It's a way of life.

2. Get Organized

Structure your life and you'll structure your eating

3. Eat Small

Portion control is crucial for loosing weight.

4. Learn To Leave Food On Your Plate

This helps you take control of compulsive eating.

5. Never Feel Deprived

This only encourages binging

6. Make A Meal Out Of It

Make a ceremony out of every meal, so that you really appreciate what you have eaten.

7. Eat Slowly

That way, you'll feel satisfied before you have eaten to much

8. Enjoy Your Food

It's one of life greatest pleasures, not a punishment

9. Move It

Exercise is a key essential to loosing weight

10. Get Enough Sleep

Structuring your sleep patterns will regulate metabolism 

7 Treadmill Workouts for all levels

Who knew you could do alot of different workouts on the treadmill......I just walk walk and pray I don't fly off the back of it...LOL!  

• Getting Started: If you're new to running, try our 40-minute beginner treadmill workout. The workout combines walking and running to get your heart rate up while also priming your body for distance and speed. If you feel like the workout is too easy or hard, play around with the speed, but be sure to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands of running for the first time.
• Woggle Workout: Once you're feeling a bit more comfortable on the treadmill, give this wogging workout a chance. This 60-minute workout alternates between walking briskly, jogging, and running slowly; plan to burn around 300 calories.
• Pyramid Intervals: Keep boredom at bay with this pyramid interval treadmill workout. By changing your running speed every minute, you'll also be winning the war against weight gain.

See the more advanced, calorie-busting treadmill workouts after the break!

• The 500-Calorie Workout: If you can find about 40 minutes in your day to do this high-interval treadmill workout, you'll lose about 500 calories. Do it five times a week and you're already down a pound.
• Rolling Hills: This treadmill hill workout will show you what it's really like to run in San Francisco. After doing the incline variations in this workout, running flats will seem like a breeze. will
• Go For a Hike: Even if you can't make it to Yosemite, this treadmill hike workout will mimic what's it like to be in the great outdoors. The 45-minute workout involves walking and jogging up steep inclines so you'll strengthen your quads and work your booty.
• Graduate to a Mountain: Once you've hiked up some hills, why not try for a mountain ascent? This treadmill mountain climb mixes a brisk walking speed with steep inclines.
• Add Leg Work: The treadmill doesn't have to be just about running. This treadmill leg workoutallows you to go at a comfortable pace while mixing in lunges, squats, and pliés.

Source: Thinkstock

  
http://www.fitsugar.com/Treadmill-Workouts-Beginner-Advanced-18625724?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+fitsugar+%28FitSugar+-+Healthy%2C+happy+you.%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Kitchen Conversions

I am horrible at remembering how many of one thing = another.  So....I am printing these out and sticking them in my kitchen!

http://chasingdelicious.com/kitchen-101-measurements-a-quick-citrus-cinnamon-muffin-recipe/kitchen-conversions-part-1-volume-web-small-2/

Motivation

I NEEDED TO HEAR A FEW OF THESE THIS MORNING!!!!  

Unstuffed peppers

One of my next recipes to try! 

UnStuffed Pepper Skillet -

1/2 lb ground turkey (we use extra lean)
2-4 T minced onion (or 1/2 onion, diced)
2 medium carrots, sliced
3 bell peppers, seeded and cut into large chunks (we used green, yellow and orange)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 15oz can of tomato sauce
1/3 C water
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp. chili powder
2 C brown rice, cooked
mozzarella cheese, shredded... for topping!


For full directions: http://joyinmykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/03/unstuffed-pepper-skillet.html

1 lb of fat

Cut it up

My house if full of fruits & veggies!  But, I am finding that if I don't cut them up and have them ready to go, I don't seem to think about them to snack on (even though they are all over my counter).  

We had a family birthday here this past weekend, and I made a veggie tray & cut up a cantaloupe.  Because we sat in the the kitchen for awhile, I snacked on them!   After the party I put the leftovers away.  The next day when I opened the fridge, and there sat the left overs up front and ready to eat.  So........that is what I chose!  

My daughter has been craving apples lately.....that has become her favorite snack! YAY!!! I have started to cut them up and leave them out for her & ME!!  As I walk through the kitchen looking for something, there they are....ready to go!  ( If you don't like lemon juice on them to help keep them from browning.....use some diet sprite or 7up).   

Not sure it is lazy or convenience....but if it is ready to go, I will eat it.  So......either at  night , or early in the morning I am going to cut some fruits & veggies for the day!  Better choices = better results!!!  

Breaking out

Wow.....this really shows how I feel!!!  LOVE IT!!!! 

FUNNY!

Laughing burns calories right??? 

Stay motivated - You Can Be Happier & Healthier & YOU DESERVE IT!