Our BBQ was rained out and I didn't get to the hawaiian haystacks, so we'll try again this week. My rice cooker died so we got a new one at Sam's club that steams veggies at the same time. I am so excited to try it.
Monday: Hawaiian haystacks
Tuesday: Chicken and spinach lasagna
Wednesday: tacos
Thursday: Chicken a' l'orange
Friday: Ham and sunshine potatoes
Saturday: date night
Sunday: BBQ chicken, steak and turkey burgers
Check out oranizing junkie for tons of recipe ideas
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Menu Planning Monday
Friday, February 26, 2010
To your health
This week I have thought of my friend. He buried his wife today. She was in her 30's. Too soon.
There are exceptions to every rule. The rule is that you live a long life. The rule is you get to raise your kids. The rule is be healthy and you will be around a long time. This was an exception to these rules.
My best friend had breast cancer when we were 36. That's not supposed to happen. I'm so happy she is still with us. She fought to restore her health.
I took my health for granted for too many years. There are very few exceptions to this rule. If you are overweight for a long period of time, you will have health problems. I was on a bad road. I am off that road now. This doesn't guarantee anything, but I think it helps.
I am so grateful for my life. I am blessed to feel as good as I do now. Just about 60 pounds is gone from my body. I feel completely different. I can almost remember what it's like to be fit. However, at 19, I might have been fit, but was I healthy? Not necessarily. I will take pride in my health for the rest of my life. I will fight for it. This struggle will not have been in vain. I have learned many hard lessons. I hope I can pass those on and help others avoid my long and windy road.
Here's to your health!
There are exceptions to every rule. The rule is that you live a long life. The rule is you get to raise your kids. The rule is be healthy and you will be around a long time. This was an exception to these rules.
My best friend had breast cancer when we were 36. That's not supposed to happen. I'm so happy she is still with us. She fought to restore her health.
I took my health for granted for too many years. There are very few exceptions to this rule. If you are overweight for a long period of time, you will have health problems. I was on a bad road. I am off that road now. This doesn't guarantee anything, but I think it helps.
I am so grateful for my life. I am blessed to feel as good as I do now. Just about 60 pounds is gone from my body. I feel completely different. I can almost remember what it's like to be fit. However, at 19, I might have been fit, but was I healthy? Not necessarily. I will take pride in my health for the rest of my life. I will fight for it. This struggle will not have been in vain. I have learned many hard lessons. I hope I can pass those on and help others avoid my long and windy road.
Here's to your health!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Easy does it
I've only been able to get outside and run once a week for the last 3 weeks. The other 2 running days have been on the treadmill. Today was beautiful and my hands were only cold for about 1 1/4 miles.
I decided I was going to take it at an easy pace today and go for distance instead of speed. It is so funny to me that I even have an easy pace. Not long ago, any pace was hard. It was a great run. I went 5 miles. I have never done that. I was actually smiling during the 5th mile. Probably becuase I was walking part of it. It's amazing how free I feel when I am running.
Alright, I'm done gushing. Here are my lap times:
Mile 1-13:27 (running)
Mile 2-13:54 (running) total 27:21
Mile 3-13:44 (running) total 41:06
Mile 4-13:26 (running) total 54:33
Mile 5-13:47 (running/walking) total 1:08:21
I'm speechless. How about you?
I decided I was going to take it at an easy pace today and go for distance instead of speed. It is so funny to me that I even have an easy pace. Not long ago, any pace was hard. It was a great run. I went 5 miles. I have never done that. I was actually smiling during the 5th mile. Probably becuase I was walking part of it. It's amazing how free I feel when I am running.
Alright, I'm done gushing. Here are my lap times:
Mile 1-13:27 (running)
Mile 2-13:54 (running) total 27:21
Mile 3-13:44 (running) total 41:06
Mile 4-13:26 (running) total 54:33
Mile 5-13:47 (running/walking) total 1:08:21
I'm speechless. How about you?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Overabundance
Today I was putting my clothes away and I realized how different my closet looks. No longer are there 6 different sizes of clothing crammed into every nook and cranny.
Being overweight comes from an overabundance of food. It seems as though that overabundance creeps into all areas of life. Many people who deal with clutter also deal with weight issues. I know that there are skinny clutterbugs and heavy neat freaks, but I think they are probably the exception.
So many times you buy clothes to make you feel better about yourself. The feeling is short lived, however, because it is a quick fix. Now that I am doing something about it, I only have clothing that actually fits me in my closet. I also keep a small amount because I am constantly dropping to a smaller size. In the beginning of this journey, I was wearing a size 18/20 in pants, and a 1x/2x shirt. Now I am in a size 10 pants, and medium shirts. What a difference 4 1/2 months has made.
It is truly making me look at other areas of my life that may have an overabundance. One day, my office may not have an overabundance of papers. But, not today!
By the way, todays weight is 164.2. This is surreal.
Being overweight comes from an overabundance of food. It seems as though that overabundance creeps into all areas of life. Many people who deal with clutter also deal with weight issues. I know that there are skinny clutterbugs and heavy neat freaks, but I think they are probably the exception.
So many times you buy clothes to make you feel better about yourself. The feeling is short lived, however, because it is a quick fix. Now that I am doing something about it, I only have clothing that actually fits me in my closet. I also keep a small amount because I am constantly dropping to a smaller size. In the beginning of this journey, I was wearing a size 18/20 in pants, and a 1x/2x shirt. Now I am in a size 10 pants, and medium shirts. What a difference 4 1/2 months has made.
It is truly making me look at other areas of my life that may have an overabundance. One day, my office may not have an overabundance of papers. But, not today!
By the way, todays weight is 164.2. This is surreal.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Menu Planning Monday
Welcome to another week of attempting to be organized with my menu. The big hit from the week was the Slow cooker southwest chicken stacks. It was so simple and most of my family enjoyed the beans and corn. I took the chicken out instead of shredding it in the corn. We ended up having tilapia instead of salmon and I am moving the Chicken and dumpling soup to this week.
Monday: Leftover pork roast and potatoes from Sunday dinner
Tuesday: Chicken and dumpling soup
Wednesday: Grilled salmon
Thursday: tacos
Friday: Hawaiian haystacksSaturday: date night
Sunday: BBQ steak and turkey burgers
Don't forget to check out organizing junkie for tons of ideas.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Temptations
There are temptations everywhere. It has been almost 2 months since I really gave into strong temptations. That was when I ate the Christmas toffee...for 5 days. I was surrounded by great food and lots of desserts last weekend. They didn't even phase me. I never felt tempted.
Well, tonight we ate at a very nice restaurant. With all the tempting food, I chose a shrimp caesar salad. It was fantastic, by the way. Anyway, Orson and Katie both got desserts as part of their dinner deal. And all of a sudden, I was tempted. It also didn't help that Katie doesn't like chocolate and there was this beautiful mousse inside a chocolate cup. I was sooooo tempted. So, you know what. I gave into temptation. And guess what, I'm okay. It was totally worth it! I know I won't see a loss on the scale tomorrow (oh, I am not weighing until Monday), but I also don't feel any real desire to gorge myself like crazy. I ate it and felt satisfied. It will probably be another couple of months before I want to stray again. One day, I will be at my goal weight, and I will occasionally eat lavish foods. I may learn control after all.
Here's hoping!
Well, tonight we ate at a very nice restaurant. With all the tempting food, I chose a shrimp caesar salad. It was fantastic, by the way. Anyway, Orson and Katie both got desserts as part of their dinner deal. And all of a sudden, I was tempted. It also didn't help that Katie doesn't like chocolate and there was this beautiful mousse inside a chocolate cup. I was sooooo tempted. So, you know what. I gave into temptation. And guess what, I'm okay. It was totally worth it! I know I won't see a loss on the scale tomorrow (oh, I am not weighing until Monday), but I also don't feel any real desire to gorge myself like crazy. I ate it and felt satisfied. It will probably be another couple of months before I want to stray again. One day, I will be at my goal weight, and I will occasionally eat lavish foods. I may learn control after all.
Here's hoping!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Who am I?
I am on the verge of admitting that I am a runner. Today was my first run in a week. I couldn't wait to get out there. This weekend I was in California. On Saturday afternoon we spent an hour at the beach. How I wanted to take off running down the sand. But, we were in our regular clothes with our pants rolled up. I thought about running the rest of the day. I wondered how I could fit it in or where I could do it. It didn't happen. I couldn't wait for today to get here. I couldn't wait for Nathan to get home from school. I thought about running different races and how I might do. I thought about increasing my mile time, although it has come a long way in a few short months. Here are my lap times today.
Mile 1-12:06 (running)
Mile 2-12:18 (running)total 24:25
Mile 3-13:03 (walking/running)total 37:28
Mile 4-15:49 (walking, sprinting last stretch)total 53:18
Several things account for the slow finish. It was 75 degrees and I was dressed way to warm. That made me very thirsty and I just didn't have it in me to run the last mile with my lips cracking from dryness. Oh well. I can't believe I am running close to a 12 minute mile.
It was a little discouraging to step on the scale and only see one pound lost in a week, but I did little to no exercise and spent 4 days out of town with eating out and had lots of stress preparing for visiting teaching interviews yesterday. So, I expect this week will be much better. I realize that as I near my goal, I won't be dropping 5 pounds every week. This is where my mentality will be tested. I must stay with the program as temptations to cheat pop up and I am smaller and smaller. I really wasn't tempted this weekend by all the desserts and snacks and junk I was around. I just ate more of my lean and green and fat servings than normal. That's okay. I continue to go down, so its all good.
My health will be a priority for the rest of my life. Look what 15 years of it not being one did to me. I'm guessing that I have extended my life by making these changes.
Mile 1-12:06 (running)
Mile 2-12:18 (running)total 24:25
Mile 3-13:03 (walking/running)total 37:28
Mile 4-15:49 (walking, sprinting last stretch)total 53:18
Several things account for the slow finish. It was 75 degrees and I was dressed way to warm. That made me very thirsty and I just didn't have it in me to run the last mile with my lips cracking from dryness. Oh well. I can't believe I am running close to a 12 minute mile.
It was a little discouraging to step on the scale and only see one pound lost in a week, but I did little to no exercise and spent 4 days out of town with eating out and had lots of stress preparing for visiting teaching interviews yesterday. So, I expect this week will be much better. I realize that as I near my goal, I won't be dropping 5 pounds every week. This is where my mentality will be tested. I must stay with the program as temptations to cheat pop up and I am smaller and smaller. I really wasn't tempted this weekend by all the desserts and snacks and junk I was around. I just ate more of my lean and green and fat servings than normal. That's okay. I continue to go down, so its all good.
My health will be a priority for the rest of my life. Look what 15 years of it not being one did to me. I'm guessing that I have extended my life by making these changes.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
Tuesday: Slow cooker southwest chicken stacks
Wednesday: Classic baked ziti
Thursday: Salmon
Friday: Chicken and dumpling soup
Saturday: leftovers and date night
Check out organizing junkie for tons of ideas.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Happy Monthiversary
Today marks 4 months since I started my weight loss program. And the final result is:
52 pounds lost!
Wow!!! I am so in awe. Sometimes I can't believe that I am doing this. I feel so different. Last night as I was laying in bed I realized how much lighter I felt. This is really affecting all areas of my life in such a positive way. I desperatelly want to help others who have lived through that hopeless feeling of never being able to be healthy. I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I reach my goal.
52 pounds lost!
Wow!!! I am so in awe. Sometimes I can't believe that I am doing this. I feel so different. Last night as I was laying in bed I realized how much lighter I felt. This is really affecting all areas of my life in such a positive way. I desperatelly want to help others who have lived through that hopeless feeling of never being able to be healthy. I can't even imagine how I'll feel when I reach my goal.
Today I was able to run and my lungs are at about 90%. I didn't start coughing till my 3rd mile. However, it was cold, and that makes my nose run, so I was blowing my nose a lot. I just knew that I would get faster as I shed the weight. Here are my lap times.
Mile 1: 12:08 (running)
Mile 2: 12:59 (run/walk)total 25:07
Mile 3: 12:58 (run/walk)total 38:05
Mile 4: 14:05 (jog/walk slower)total 52:11
Make it a good week everyone.
I want to give a shout out to Becky who lost 13 pounds her first month on the program. Keep it up!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Menu Planning Monday
Last week's chicken and spinach stuffed shells was a big hit. Even my pickiest eater, who usually doesn't eat any sauce on her pasta said it was delicious. Of course, I didn't have any and I'm not sure if when I am in maintenance that I would want to eat something with 2 bars of cream cheese in it. I may have to come up with an alternative. Or, simply eat only one shell and a huge salad. I'll worry about that when I get there.
This week I am leaving town on Friday and not returning till Monday, so I won't be planning all the meals because I know my family will do their own thing while I'm gone. I am also going to be planning next week's menu and setting it up to post before I get back, so I won't be able to report on this weeks successes.
This is 3 weeks in a row for me and I'm excited. We never got to the tilapia and I changed Sunday dinner to chicken, so you may see some repeats.
Monday: Baked tilapia
Tuesday: chicken pot pie (recipe at the end)
Wednesday: Spaghetti squash with meatballs
Thursday: tacos
Friday-Monday: Good luck family!
Chicken Pot Pie
1 pkg. pilsbury pie crust
3 cups diced chicken
14 oz. pkg. frozen veggies (I use peas and corn)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
Thaw veggies under water in strainer
Combine chicken and soup, then add veggies
Place one pie crust in pie pan
Pour filling into unbaked crust
Place other crust on top
Make slits in crust
Brush with beaten egg yolk (opt.)
Bake at 375 for 35-45 min.
Check out more recipes at Organizing Junkie
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
50 at 40
I'm not really sure if I ever thought I would lose 50 pounds at the age of 40. Now with 40 pounds to go, I would love to hit my goal weight by my 41st birthday on June 1. That's 10 pounds per month. I couldn't ask for a better gift. (sounds cheesy)
Anyway, I have been back to my regular exercise this week, even though my chest is not fully recovered from my cough. It still hurts a little.
Monday-interval workout on treadmill
All on incline 2
Warm up, cool down on 3.0
5 min. warm up
3 min. 4.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min. 4.5
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.5
1.5 min. 3.0
30 sec 7.5
8 min cool down
Total time 30 min,
Tuesday-strength training, arms and abs
All done with 10 pound weights with the exception of the shoulder circut which was 8 lbs.
3 sets of 10 with the exception of static curls which was 16 total
rows
static curls
french curls
shoulder circuit
seated curls
upright rows
tri kickback
ABS
3 sets of 20 with the exception of leg lifts which was 3 sets of 10
hold crunches
reverse crunches
toe touches
leg lifts
Wednesday-outside run/walk
Mile 1-13:26
Mile 2-12:38 Total 26:05
Mile 3-13:52 Total 39:57
Mile 4-13:35 Total 53:32
Kind of all over the place today. I hadn't run outside for a couple of weeks and it was hard and my chest hurt. But, there is nothing else like it. I wonder if I will still run when my weight is off.
One final note: my weight today was 170.4
Anyway, I have been back to my regular exercise this week, even though my chest is not fully recovered from my cough. It still hurts a little.
Monday-interval workout on treadmill
All on incline 2
Warm up, cool down on 3.0
5 min. warm up
3 min. 4.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min. 4.5
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.0
1 min. 3.0
3 min 5.5
1.5 min. 3.0
30 sec 7.5
8 min cool down
Total time 30 min,
Tuesday-strength training, arms and abs
All done with 10 pound weights with the exception of the shoulder circut which was 8 lbs.
3 sets of 10 with the exception of static curls which was 16 total
rows
static curls
french curls
shoulder circuit
seated curls
upright rows
tri kickback
ABS
3 sets of 20 with the exception of leg lifts which was 3 sets of 10
hold crunches
reverse crunches
toe touches
leg lifts
Wednesday-outside run/walk
Mile 1-13:26
Mile 2-12:38 Total 26:05
Mile 3-13:52 Total 39:57
Mile 4-13:35 Total 53:32
Kind of all over the place today. I hadn't run outside for a couple of weeks and it was hard and my chest hurt. But, there is nothing else like it. I wonder if I will still run when my weight is off.
One final note: my weight today was 170.4
Monday, February 1, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
Monday: Rachael's birthday dinner, possibly Outback
Tuesday: Black bean enchilladas
Wednesday: Chicken and spinach stuffed shells
Thursday: Pork Loin-From my cupboard, canned by mom
Friday: Baked tilapia
Mine will only have the seasonings
Saturday: Date night
Sunday: breakfast for dinner
Remember to check all the menu ideas over at organizing junkie and join in.
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