Supermom: Losing It

Made to Crave: The Urge . . .

2012-02-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

There's a question that many of us Christians are asked frequently. "How do you grow close to God?"

How would you answer that question?

I'm sure there are a myriad of answers: pray, read scripture, go to church . . . Those are almost a given.
But at the same time, you can go through the motions all you like, and never get close to God.
That's because, as Lysa says, "God can't be reduced to a checklist".
Quite frankly, you cannot get close to God unless you want to.
The one part of the equation that many of us forget to tell is that you have to have a desire to grow close to God: You have to have the urge.
It's exactly the same when it comes to a healthful journey.
If you don't have the urge to change, then change won't come. Period.

Recently my Made to Crave group has been dwindling.
As of right now we are down to less than five women, and possibly even less than that.
This has been discouraging for me.
We've been told more than once, "My heart just isn't in this" or some equivalent.
And that's kind of the point of this post.
These women will not be successful right now because their hearts aren't in it. They don't have the desire. They don't have the urge.
I can't say that I blame them: This is a hard road paved with ugly stones of the past that we have to face and trip over one by one.
I haven't always had the urge myself.
But what's discouraging is that I am led to believe that perhaps these women have been at this for all the wrong reasons.
Perhaps they've just been in this for weight loss alone.
Perhaps they've no intention of making any sacrifices.
Perhaps they're just fearful for some reason or another.
Whatever their reason, I pray that they come back. I pray for them to find their urge.

Something else I would like to throw in here, since we're talking about urges . . .
This weekend I had the biggest urge for chocolate chip cookies.
These are quickly becoming my weakness, because every time I have an urge for them, I bake them.
Then I eat half the batch single handedly, which is what happened yesterday.
Not only did I give in to my own weakness and my own temptation, but I dragged my best friend down with me.
I confess, those cookies tasted REALLY good.
But looking back on it now, the guilt I felt after eating them, and the guilt I felt after my best friend partook (I felt like Eve in the garden, let me tell you!) was SO not worth it!
But this morning, God got me up (by way of my Great Pyrenees).
It was a reminder to do all the things that I promised I would do every morning, and have yet to: read my devotional, pray, write . . . And God led my heart to this today.

Now, I have a project for you guys this week.
I want you all to make a list of the things that you have urges for.
Food, money, sex, television, cars . . . whatever. Then scrutinize it.
Then, rip it up, burn it, crumple it and throw it away, whatever you have to do to get rid of it.
Then make a new list:

Things I Have An Urge For
1. GOD

Because God made us to have urges.
He made us to crave: God, not food.
God bless you all,

Tracking Update

2012-01-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I vowed to do this time was track everything. Not necessarily to stick to a certain calorie count, but more to keep track of what I'm eating, what I'm not eating and make decisions and changes based on that.

Last week, my sweet best friend bought me a journal to use as a food tracker.

The first few days, I was a rock star. Then I petered out. Then I stopped.
So, I haven't been great as of today.
But that's okay, because today is a new day, so I can start from scratch and keep it moving.

My goal is to hit 270 by February 10 (my birthday).
As of this Friday (January 20) I was at 278.
I have three weeks to lose 8 lbs in order to reach my goal.

Now, let me be perfectly clear.
This is not a HAVE TO.
The scales do not define me.
My world will not cease to turn if I don't make this goal.
This is just something that I have set for myself in order to keep me motivated and on track. It may not be in God's plan for me to be 270 that quickly. I may hit 272 or 274, and that's okay too. But I'm going to work to hit that goal so that I can at least say that I worked hard for it.

In about three weeks I will be 36 years old.
Weather I make goal or not, I will still weigh less on my birthday than I have for the last five years.
And that's something to celebrate.

God bless you all!

Weight Update, And a Question Answered

2012-01-20T04:12:00.000-08:00

I was getting frustrated and discouraged because I had gained so much weight over the holidays. But as of this morning, I am back down below 280. 278 to be exact. I was so excited to see that number this morning - that was just the motivation I needed to stay on track.

I've had a lot of people ask me what plan I'm on, am I using any pills or surgery?

The answer is quite simple, really: diet and exercise.

No secret plans, no secret pills, no going under the knife. Just diet and exercise, plain and simple.

A typical day for me looks like this:

Breakfast: Breakfast flatbread made with one egg, one cup spinach, two slices canadian bacon, 1 foldable flatbread, 1 slice reduced-fat cheese
Post-workout snack: banana
Lunch: Spinach salad with light vinagarette, craisans, almonds, and sliced grilled chicken
PM Snack: Carrots and Almonds
Dinner: roasted chicken, roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes
Bedtime Snack: Almonds and Light Beer
Exercise: 45 Minute Pilates workout

Now, there's not a whole lot of carbs in there, but it's not low-carb. There's not a whole lot of sugar, but it's low-sugar. The point is, eat lots of the good stuff (veggies, fruit, meat) and eat the not-so-good things in moderation. And the workout isn't killer either.

I keep a food journal so that I know what I've eaten, and so that I can look back if I have a gain and say "oh, THAT'S why" and figure out what I need to change. It's all about finding what works and sticking with it.

Gimmicks, fads, pills . . . Don't work. Or, at best, they're a temporary solution to a permanent issue. It HAS to be - and I can't stress this enough - a complete lifestyle change.

That's the only thing that will work.

God bless you all!

So, that's it. That's what I'm doing.

Made To Crave: "Made for More"

2012-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

Lately, my Made to Crave study group has been on hiatus. My sweet, amazing mother-in-law, Linda, and my father-in-law, Ray, are on a SANMA mission trip to India. We are so proud of them and are praying every day for their safe return. But until then, MtC is slightly on hold. I didn't realize how much I really needed this group before this, honestly.

Lately I've been back and forth. I'll have a fantastic day, I'll have a horrible day. I'll have a day that starts off rocking, and ends up stinking. I suppose that's normal for everyone, really. It won't always be sunshine and roses, but then it won't always been wind and rain either. But sometimes, especially lately, it's discouraging. I'll "give in" then think: "well, I messed THAT up" then proceed to eat the remainder of anything tasty in the house. I forget one very important little detail. This - this brownie, pop tart, cookie, chip, whatever. THIS is not my purpose in life. God didn't create me for this. He didn't create me to be a poor miserable fat slob sitting on my recliner crying into my lucky charms as I watch The Biggest Loser for the millionth time. No, He didn't. He created me to be an amazing, strong woman for Christ. He created me for His pleasure, for His glory.

As Lysa says in Chapter 4, I am made for more.

I am made to be a wife, mother, friend, daughter, cousin, sister, writer, minister, Child of God. And in order to be that - the full potential of what God wants from me - I have to learn to ask. I have to learn to ask day to day, hour to hour, moment to moment. In order to reach my full potential, I have to stop focusing on the food, and start focusing on the Lord.

I am Jennifer, and I am made for more.

We are all made for more.

We are made to crave God, not food.

God bless you all,

Made to Crave: Having a Journey Partner . . .

2012-01-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

Do YOU F*R*O*G?

fully rely on God

I have tried to make it a point to stay away from certain words . . .
Ahem . . . Diet
I call it a journey instead.
I like to think of this process as kind of a road trip, if you will.
I am on the road to better health and an improved closeness with God.
And, lets face it, road trips are so much better with two.

My "Journey Partner" for the past year has been my best friend -

We have shared our strengths, weaknesses, struggles and successes.

Laura has been such a value to me through this whole thing, because she can completely empathize with what I'm going through and she has a great ability to be able to push me through when no one else can.

Could I do this without her?

Probably, but I wouldn't want to.

Alone, I get discouraged and break out the funyun's.

Together, we get discouraged and pray for each other then have a grilled chicken salad.

Alone, I step on the scale and get upset when I gain or don't lose anything.

Together, we remind each other that the purpose of this journey is not about weight, but about God.

Alone, I spend too much on snacks and treats "for the kids".

Together, we help each other avoid that aisle and focus on healthy snacks the entire family can enjoy.

I have another journey partner - my husband.

He is also there to encourage and guide me when I need it.

And a group of wonderful women at my church: our Made to Crave Girls Bible Study Group.

They are amazing women that I don't know what I would do without.

But beyond Laura, and my husband, and my bible study group . . .

Beyond all that there is one Journey Partner that I have to have,

One that I have to 100%, fully rely on.

God.

Because, really, this journey is not about me, or weight loss, or my friends or family. This journey is about Him and my relationship with Him. This journey is about me re-focusing all my desire and cravings onto God, not food.

Because we are Made to Crave God, not food.

This week I will be starting a food journal. I won't necessarily be writing down calories or anything like that, but I think that it will be a great tool for me to see what I'm eating and not eating. I would love to hear your personal experiences with food journals! Feel free to comment below and tell me what you think about them!

God bless you all!

You Mean I Have to Plan??

2011-12-31T08:33:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

One of the reasons I feel Weight Watchers didn't work 100% for me is because of all the planning involved. Every hour of every day you are thinking about food - what I ate, what I didn't eat, what I need to eat, what I'm going to eat today, tomorrow, next week . . . Every . . . Single . . . Moment.

For a food addict, that doesn't work very well.

And yet . . .
You still have to have a plan, right?

Think about it.
When we're battling the enemy in our lives, we have a plan, right?
(the correct answer here is PRAYER)
So why should our battles against our temptations be any less significant or important?

It's important to have a plan of attack.
Even something as simple as: "I won't eat __________"

What I'm learning is that I have to have a plan - a BIG plan.
I don't count calories.
I don't measure portions.
None of that.

My plan is simple:
Eat what God made and eat it in smaller portions.
Exercise daily.
There are four food groups: Protein, Dairy, Plants, Grains
That's it.
Notice what's not on there?
sweetsfatscokesicecreamcakepizzafriedchickenbrowniesthingsicannotevenbegintopronounce

God made food for our bodies for one purpose only - to fuel us so that we can better serve Him.

I have had many, many complex plans in the past.
None of them worked.
Why?
Because they focused on the one thing that was taking me away from God - food.
My new plan focuses on God, not food.
Because I am a Jesus girl and I am made to crave God, not food!

God Bless you all!

My Sacrifice

2011-12-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

Everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial.

1 Corinthians 10:23

When it comes to this journey there's one thing I've noticed about myself.

I don't make any sacrifices when it comes to my eating.

This is a problem, especially for someone trying to renew a spiritual relationship with God.

The fact is, weather we like it or not, we have to make some sort of sacrifice in order to be truly close to the Lord. Weather it be drugs, alcohol, money, or sex - no one questions the sacrifice of these things in their daily lives. But people do question the sacrifice of food.

John tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:23 that "everything is permissible - but not everything is beneficial".

Everything is permissible.

But NOT everything is beneficial.

Yes, there has to be sacrifices made.

I have made a list of things that I will and won't do when it comes to this journey. It's interesting, now that I look at it, how many things I haven't been willing to sacrifice - not only in food, but in behavior. For example, I was not willing to sacrifice my little "safe" indulgences (100 calorie packs, to be specific). Sure, one is okay, once in a while. But three or four daily? See where I'm going with this?

Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Before he did this, he told his followers that they would also have to make sacrifices to follow him. For some that was money (Zacchaeus). For others, sex (Mary Magdalene). For others, power (John). What is that sacrifice for you? For me, it's the unhealthy foods that have ruled my life for the past 35 years.

Here is my revised list:

I Will . . .

. . . Pay attention to what I eat, and rely on foods that are beneficial to my body for fuel.

. . . Take and eat smaller portions of anything unhealthy and eat larger portions of foods that are healthy.

. . . Not indulge myself on a regular basis (weekly) - only in small amounts on special occasions.

. . . only weigh myself once every 10 days (I was an every-day weigh person).

. . . Fully rely on God and make daily sacrifices in His honor.

God bless you all,

Made To Crave - Finding Your "Want To"

2011-12-15T05:04:00.000-08:00

*Please note that I am in no way affiliated with Lysa TurKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries. This is my own work using Lysa's book Made to Crave as reference. Thank you - Jennifer.*

I have a bad case of the "I don't wannas".
I don't wanna clean.
I don't wanna get up out of my nice warm bed.
I don't wanna eat carrots and salad when it's cold outside.
I don't wanna get off my butt and exercise.

I just don't wanna.

That is one of the most challenging parts of changing your eating lifestyle, isn't it?
Let's face it, no matter who I point fingers at, or what failed diet plan I blame, the fact remains:
There's a reason I'm unhealthy, and it's all about me.

I start, I stop. I start, I stop. I start . . . I stop.

I have done:
Atkins, South Beach, the Blood Type Diet, Lean Bodies, Weight Watchers, the Eden Diet, Weight Watchers again, Spark People, fasting, starvation, calorie counting, sugar counting, fat counting . . . The works.
The problem is not that these do not work.
The problem is that I don't have enough will or desire to stick with them.
This is something that I know I have addressed more than a few times on this blog.
Let's face it, this is something that affects me daily.

But here's the thing, my "want to" has, in the past, been tied to the wrong things.
A better body. Looking good. Fitting into a certain size . . .
See where I'm going with this? Vanity. My want to has been tied to my vanity for my entire life.
So what has to change? What do I need to do to change that for me?
I have to realize that it can no longer be about things like size or looks.

The point of this rant?
I am a food addict, plain and simple. My lack of will comes from the same place that a crack addict's or smoker's might come from. This is where there has to be a focus shift.

All of these diet and eating plans didn't work for me because they forced me to think consistantly about the one thing that was taking me away from my God. Food. Food was my golden calf, my idol, my false God. When I was depressed, I turned to brownies, chips, ice cream . . . Did the same thing when I was happy.
I was not turning to God.
Daily my focus was around food: what I was going to eat, what I was eating, what I was going to eat later. I made meal plans, counted points/calories/carbs/etc., scoured cook books and recipe web sites. I spent hours staring at Paula Deen and Rachael Ray on the television. Then I'd look at the scale and wonder why I'd gained a pound that week.

The entire focus of Made To Crave is that God should be the center of our lives, not food. When we search for that will, that desire, that "want to", we need to be searching for that in the Father. Like the song says: "we are weak, but HE is strong".

Jesus told the rich man to give everything away. He told his followers to rebuke their selfishness and "take up your cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). In other words, give up the thing that means more to you than Jesus. For some, that sacrifice is money. For some, drugs or alcohol. But for even more of us, that is food.

Not that we have to stop eating entirely, mind you. That's not the point. The point is that we should re-think how we view food in our lives. Are we replacing God with food? Are we eating when we should be praying? Are we focusing on our meals for the day or on God's grace?

It's certainly something to think about.

Next Week: My Sacrifice

Made To Crave - God, Not Food

2011-12-13T04:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've sat here at the keyboard pouring my heart out for the world to see. For a while there, blogging just got to where it wasn't fun anymore. It became tedious. I became more concerned about followers and readers than about the real reason I started this journey to begin with: ME. So this and my other blog, The SuperMom Blues will both change slightly over the course of the next few months. Thank you for reading, and enjoy.

I longingly stare at the plate of chocolate chip cookies before me. Ooey, gooey goodness. Homemade. From scratch. Still warm from the oven. Calling to me. Beckoning me. Tempting me. I shove the plate away from me, stand up, and grab a banana from the fruit bowl instead. Chocolate chip cookie it ain't, that's for sure. But there's a part of me that is more fulfilled for choosing that banana. The cookies (yes, "-ies": ya' really think I'd only eat one??) would have satisfied for the period of time it would have taken to put them into my mouth, chew them up, and swallow them. Then, the guilt would set in. Almost immediately. "What have I done? I just compromised all that work I did yesterday! I am such a failure."

That's the one phrase that reverbs through my head consistantly through this journey: I am a failure.
But I am NOT a failure.
I am a woman of God. Fearfully and wonderfully made in His image.
Any setback will not define me for the next thirty years. It's what I do AFTER the setback that does.
Do I sit in wallow in my own self pity, depressed because I gave into a moment of weakness? Or do I forget it and move on?

This is the point of the book Made to Crave by Lysa TurKeurst. Well, one of the points, anyway. Lysa points out in her book that we don't have to be imprisoned by our cravings, chained by the choices that face us every day. God made us to crave: HIM. The entire focus is that we shift our cravings from ones for cookies and chips and fried chicken (my weaknesses) to ones for Him using prayer and scripture. And the best part is, in reality, it has less to do with weight loss and food, and everything to do with your spiritual relationship with the Father.

I still crave cookies. I struggle daily. Some days I win, some days the food does. But the bottom line is that with each setback comes opportunity to learn and to grow both emotionally and spiritually.

Beginning this week, I will start a series based on the Made to Crave book. This blog will become my personal journal, for the world to see. I will share my joys, my frustrations, my prayers. I look forward to sharing this journey with you all.

God's blessings,

Reaching Goals, Setting New Ones.

2011-09-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I have finally reached my 5% goal this weekend.
276.6
I don't know the last time I saw that weight, but it sure did feel good to see.

With the reaching of that goal, another one immediately takes its place:
10% or 263.3.

There is another goal that I'm going to be embarking upon this week.
As I was reading my lesson in Made To Crave this week (more on that in tomorrow's post!) I realized something pivotal.
In all the things that I have sacrificed to "get healthy" there's one thing that I have yet to let go of.
Diet sodas.
Now for some people, this isn't a big deal.
For me, however, it is.
I have overcome addiction after addiction in my life: alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes . . .
So this is just one more addiction to let go of.
If I can let this one go, then I know that I can do anything through CHRIST who strengthens me (Phillipians 4:13).
It also reminds me that I need to rely on God for this journey more, not just myself.
I can count, track, walk, run, jump, and scream all I like. But it means nothing without God right there with me.
And I can't do it without him.
Think about your goals. Can YOU reach them without God's help?

Old Demons Die Hard

2011-09-02T04:27:00.000-07:00

I have been overweight my entire life.
At least it seems that way.
In school, I was the fat kid.
I was also the weird kid, so I didn't have many friends.
It was a lonely existence.
Don't get me wrong, I did have SOME friends, and the ones I had were great.
But you know a teenagers mind.
The "popular" crowd would often not give me the time of day.
If they did, it was to laugh, point, call names, tease . . .
Not all of them,
But a lot of them.
The ones that didn't just ignored me.
They pretended I didn't exist.

I revisited that old pain, long forgotten last night at my daughter's cheer practice.
All the other mothers were huddled together in one area.
I was alone on the bleachers.
I've tried to approach them before,
But was kind of ignored - blown off.
I'm just not one of them.

You see, they're all thin, beautiful, and are well-off financially.
And I'm, well, NOT.
I once again felt like the fat weird outcast that no one wanted to talk to.

I know I am better than that.
I know I should be nicer to myself.
I know that I am a child of God and perfect in how He created me.
But sometimes those old demons you thought you'd exorcised years ago come back to haunt you.
And you wonder if you will ever feel like a "normal" person again.

Tasty Tuesday - Vegetable Soup with Brown Rice

2011-08-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is light yet surprisingly hearty! Even better the next day!

Vegetable Soup with Brown Rice
3 pp/Serving at 6 Servings

1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 rib celery, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 yellow squash, chopped into bite-size pieces
1 cup baby spinach, washed and roughly chopped
1 can green beans, drained
1 can great northern beans, drained
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes with juice
2 cans chicken broth
1/2 c instant brown rice

In a stock pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and saute until tender. Add garlic and squash and combine well. Add beans, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Add spinach and rice and stir well. Return to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Weight Watchers: On Plan - Not ALL Points Are Created Equal!

2011-08-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Something that bothers me is when people say "I've been eating my points, why aren't I losing weight??"
My first question is always "have you been tracking 100% everything you put in your mouth 100% all the time?"
If their answer is yes, my next question is "well, have you been eating fruits, veggies, and lean protein?"
Usually, the answer is something like: "Well, no, but that doesn't matter as long as I stay within my points, right?"

WRONG!!
wrongwrongwrongwrongwrong

Let's get one thing straight:
The beauty of the Points Plus program is the freedom it allows. Sure, you can have a slice of chocolate cake or a piece of fried chicken.
ONCE IN A WHILE.
Let's face it.
You eat it every day, I don't care HOW many points you count, you're NOT going to lose.
WHY?

Well, it's the same concept as the old saying that "Not all calories are created equal".
For example:

A slice of 100% whole wheat bread is 2 points plus per slice.
So is three Hershey's Kisses.
Let's say you go on a binge and eat 14 slices of whole wheat bread.
Now, let's say you go on a binge and eat 42 Hershey's Kisses.
Besides the fact that you're probably going to get sick eating all that chocolate, let's look at something besides just the points plus values:

Whole wheat bread has fiber, iron, riboflavin, B12, beta keratin, and a slew of other wonderful, marvelous vitamins and minerals. Not to mention it's low in fat.

Hershey's Kisses, on the other hand, do NOT have these wonderful minerals, nor do they contain fiber, and they are most certainly NOT low fat.

Now I'm not telling you to run off and eat a loaf of whole wheat bread.
Nor am I telling you not to ever eat Hershey's Kisses (that would be blaspheme!)
But I am saying that, even when we're counting points, we still have to be mindful of what we're eating.

Spend your points on the "good stuff" first: lean proteins, whole grains, low fat dairy, healthy oils (since most veggies and all fruits are free!). When you have points left over, THEN add in the "extras" that make the Points Plus program so wonderful.

And remember, not all points are created equal.
Some will help you burn fat, while others will help you keep it on.

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Weight Loss Surgery

2011-08-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

For the last few years, I've been a bit skeptical of weight loss surgeries like lap-band and gastric bypass. I've even spoken out about them making claims that they cure the symptom, but not the disease. But yesterday, as I lay in the doctor's office wearing EKG sensors all over my body I realized something very, very frightening.

I am a walking death trap.

My current weight is 282 lbs. Since joining Weight Watchers in February, I have managed to lose a whopping 10 lbs. In six months, quite frankly, I should have lost more than that.

So, the doctor and I discussed the possibility of surgery.
He didn't push, he just asked if it was something I'd considered.
And I hadn't - until yesterday.
So for the next six months, I will be returning to my doctor for an official medical weigh in.
If, in six months, continuing Weight Watchers, I have not lost at least 20 lbs (that's my number), then I plan on starting the process towards surgery.

I will most likely go with the Lap-Band procedure. It's what my mother has had, and I know many people that have had it done, so I will have a wealth of real-life scenarios. I, of course, have many trepidations. I know a lot of problems that people have had with it as well. One woman I know, for example, will throw up about 50% of the time when she eats. Another can't eat certain things like bread or rice. And another can't eat meat.

Lap-band users have complained about band slippage, acid reflux, and vomiting.

Right now, I am thinking though, that all of these things might be worth having it done.

Let's Get Physical . . .

2011-08-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Today will be my very first physical.
Ever.
I know that the end result will be:
I'm out of shape.
I'm unhealthy.
I need to lose weight.
Hopefully he'll take into account that I've been doing Weight Watchers.
And while I haven't lost near as much as I've wanted to (due to my own self-sabotage), I have lost. And that's the important thing.
When I started this journey, I was 310.
Today I am 285.
Any way you look at it, that's 25 lbs that have come off, and STAYED off.

My biggest hope is that we figure out what's causing the fatigue and lethargy.
It's gone on a bit too long for me. And I'm not 100% certain that it's depression.

So, here's a friendly reminder, kids - if you haven't already, make an appointment today for your yearly physical!

Tasty Tuesday: Crock Pot Night!

2011-08-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm having for dinner! Just put it in the crock pot and it already smells AMAZING!!

Asian Style Pork Ribs with Cabbage and Onions

2 lbs boneless pork ribs, trimmed of all visible fat (about 8 ribs)
1/2 small head cabbage, shredded
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 C low sodium soy sauce
1/3 C rice wine vinegar
1 14.5 oz can chicken stock
1/4 tsp Chinese 5 spice seasoning

Prepare 5 qt crock pot by spraying well with cooking spray. Layer cabbage and onions on the bottom of the crock pot. Combine garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, stock, and 5 spice. Pour 1/2 over cabbage and onions. Dip ribs in remaining mixture and place on top of cabbage and onions. Pour remaining sauce over top. Cook on low 5-6 hours or high 4-5 hours. Serve with brown rice.

The leftovers (if there are any, LOL) will be ground and used in pot stickers later on!

Tasty Tuesday: Cook Once, Eat Thrice!

2011-08-16T05:27:00.000-07:00

I love bulk cooking.
It's easy and a HUGE time-saver.
And lets not forget the money that can be saved!

This week we're talking about a staple of the Weight Watchers Diet: The Chicken Breast.
Most stores now have huge two or three pound packages of breasts for super cheap. Sometimes you can find them on special for less than a dollar a pound. When this happens, I stock up! Most of the time, I separate them into one and two breast portions, but this time around, I was out of baggies and food saver bags. So I had to freeze the whole thing. Thus, I had to cook the whole thing.

The first meal I made with them is a simple crock-pot recipe that I got off the Weight Watchers message boards. The second is a simple chicken and chili enchilada.. Finally, there's a great chicken pot pie that will blow you away!

Meal 1:
Crock Pot Chicken (served with cous cous and green beans on Monday)
Servings: 9-10

1 market special package of chicken breasts (9-10 breasts/pkg.)
2 low-sodium/low-fat cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (I used both!)
1 C chicken broth
1 packet low-sodium onion soup mix
1 T Herbes De Provance or your favorite herb mixture

Combine soups, broth, soup mix, and herbs in a large crock pot (5 qt). Add chicken and toss to coat entirely. Cook on low 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender and shreds easily.

See?? Easy, right!

*********************************************************************
Meal #2:
Cheesy Chicken Chili Enchiladas (I served with vegetarian refried beans and fajita-sauted peppers and onions)

2 chicken breasts, shredded
1 low-sodium/low-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 can chopped green chilis, drained and rinsed
1 C shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, divided in half.
1 small can red or green enchilada sauce
8 fajita size whole wheat tortillas

In a large bowl, combine chicken, soup, chilis, and 1/2 the cheese. Mix well to combine.
Place tortillas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a moist (NOT wet!) paper towel. Microwave on high 30 seconds to 1 minute or until heated through.
Cover the botton of a rectangular glass baking pan with 1/2 the enchilada sauce.
Place 1/8 the filling into a tortilla and roll gently.
Place seam side down into the pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
Bake at 400 for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Allow to rest for at least ten minutes to allow for the filling to set.

This is made even easier if it's made in advance! It's also slightly tastier, as the flavors will have had time to meld!
*****************************************************
Meal #3:
Chicken Pot Pie

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg white
3 chicken breasts, shredded
2 can cream of chicken soup
1 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped celery
1/2 c chopped carrots
1/2 c frozen peas
1 T Herbes de Provance, or your favorite herb blend

In a large bowl combine chicken, soup, herbs and vegetables. Turn out into a 9X9 glass baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Top with puff pastry. Beat the egg white slightly, then brush onto the puff pastry. Bake at 425 for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and puff pastry is puffed and browned.

There you have it! Three meals from one package of chicken. The best part about all of these is that they can be assembled beforehand and stored in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake them. Be sure to adjust times accordingly though. PS: if you do this with the pot pie, be sure to add the puff pastry later, when you're ready to bake!

Enjoy!

Here's To Being Losers in 2011!

Getting Back On Track

2011-08-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am finally motivated and going strong. Yesterday I tracked everything - EVERYTHING - and stayed within points range.

Today I'm planning well - I know I'm going to be having fried chicken, broccoli rice casserole, and pea salad for dinner followed by cherry cheese pie. Granted, everything will be within portion size, but still. That's a lot of points. So I'm planning. I had a small bowl of cereal for breakfast, a yogurt for snack, and I'm going to have a sandwich and some carrots and celery for lunch. And if I go over my points, that's okay too because I do have all my weeklies right now.

That's the key.Plan and track.
I think I'm finding the groove.

Another plus, I maintained this week!
I am a happy girl.

Can't Get My Act Together

2011-08-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

One of the things my wonderful WW meetings leader, Christy, tells us is "find what motivates you!"
But for some reason, I can't find that motivation this week.
I think about seeing my kids grow up, graduate high school.
I think about being hot by the time I'm 40.
I think about being able to shop at the "normal" size clothing stores.
And yet, I still pick up that chip and put it in my mouth.

But motivation can't always come from those things. Motivation is something that has to come within. No matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise, it just will not come from without. You have to push yourself - no one can do it for you.

For example, I had several choices today - chips, celery, carrots, apples, WW ice cream, cherries, and grapes.
I chose chips.
I chose ice cream.
I chose chips again.
Why?
Because they were there.
No one made me eat them.
No one handed them to me.
It was all me.

I am learning something about myself here -
I am not like some other WW's people I know.
Some of them can have things in the house, and measure, and only eat the portion size, etc. I am not one of those people.
There are just some things that I am going to have to accept that I can't have them in the house.
For me, it's more than just counting points.
It's more than just getting in my good health guidelines.
It's a fight for my life.
It's a fight against an addiction that I have struggled with since childhood.
I have to stand up against this addiction and say NO MORE.
It's time I get control and find that motivation in me.

Here's to being losers in 2011!

A Wordful Wordless Wednesday - A Night in the E.R.

2011-08-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

The I.V. stand. Emily said it sounded cool,
when it was quiet enough to actually hear it.

Monday night we took Emily to Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. She had been sick since the Monday before, and was extremely dehydrated. Along with that, she has problems with constipation, so we were fearful that this could turn into something horrible.

The good people at Children's took great care of us, and did so quickly. We were in exam in less than 10 minutes, and in x-ray in less than 30. Emily was a trooper the whole time, and didn't even get upset when they had to try THREE times to put the IV port into her hand. We watched Bolt, Phineas and Ferb, and played I Spy a few times. Everyone handled her anxious talkativeness beautifully.

And she was anxious. I don't think we realized just HOW scared she was until she commented: "Grandpa died in the hospital, didn't he?" We assured her that Grandpa passed because he was old and very, very sick. We then reminded her that her Daddy had spent the night in the hospital a few months ago and was fine, and that her PePaw had to do the same and HE was fine. She seemed to feel better after that, but I think she wasn't fully convinced until they told us we could go home.

Two x-rays later, we find out that she had somehow ingested something that looked metallic in the x-ray. There were four "shards" no bigger than grains of rice that appeared in her lower bowel. The doctor wasn't overly concerned about it, and told us it should pass within the next day or two. He's put her on two doses of Miralax a day until she "goes" and then one a day for a couple of months after that.

Emily was a trooper, though. An expression we use often is "A Rock Star Dipped In Awesome Sauce". She never complained, never whined, never cried, screamed, or shouted. She stayed calm, cool, and collected, and even remembered to use her manners - "yes please" "no thank you" "thank you". She reminded her PePaw, who was very worried, that "I'll be just fine, PePaw. Don't worry about me!" The only thing that bothered her was that she was cold - but she showed so much gratitude for the blanket that the nurses brought.

Before we left, Emily wanted to say a prayer for the children surrounding us that couldn't go home that night. And there were several. The one that broke our heart was a small baby - no more than 3 months old - in a bed across the room from us. He just cried and was inconsolable. We passed by at one point on the way to x-ray, and saw the mother and father watching over the baby while the doctor examined him. They just held each other and she was crying. The love in that room was huge, and I continue to pray to this day for that baby's healing.

The moment that really got me though, in that whole evening of sitting next to a hospital bed in the ER, was when we got home and Emily was going to bed. She was headed to her room, then stopped and looked at Ronnie. A look of pure love and relief came over her and she ran to him and kissed him on the head. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever witnessed in my life.

Emily has continued her rock star status, even chastising me yesterday for forgetting her second dose of medicine. "Mama, I'm supposed to take it TWO TIMES A DAY!"

She is such an amazing little girl, and I am so blessed to have her in my life, and so thankful for her health.

For more Wordless Wednesdays visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Tasty Tuesday - Quinoa Skillet with Chicken and Zucchini

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is my new go-to meal. Sometimes I substitute cous cous or instant brown rice for the quinoa, but the quinoa is my FAVORITE!!

You will need:
One large skillet with high sides and a lid to match
Wooden spoon

Ingredients

1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bitesize pieces
2 medium zucchini, cut into bitesize pieces
1 small onion, chopped fine
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 1/4 cup quinoa
1 can chicken broth
2 tsp dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in the skillet. Add chicken and cook until just no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add onion and zucchini. Cook until tender and slightly browned, about 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and quinoa. Saute about two minutes or until garlic is fragrant. Add parsley, salt and pepper, and return chicken to pan. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Put the lid on and simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until all liquid is absorbed.

OUCH! Heel Spurs

2011-08-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

For the last month or so, I haven't been doing all the exercise that I SHOULD be doing. That's because of a nasty little heel spur that I've managed to develop sometime in late June/early July.

I knew absolutely nothing about heel spurs - other than the fact that they HURT.
I thought they were cause from pieces of bone or cartaliage or something similar.
I also thought the only cure would be surgery to "dig in there" and have it removed.
Then I did a little research.
And I found out a LOT about heel spurs that I didn't know.

First of all, a heel spur isn't bone-related at all!
It's actually caused by strain and damage to tissue in our foots called "fascia".
This damage leads to the sensation of something "stuck" in the heel of our foot poking us - which can be quite painful if you've ever experienced it.

When I first started feeling the heel spur, I stopped wearing shoes, thinking that would help. But it only made it worse!
Wearing shoes, especially those with a slight heel or wedge to them, actually HELPS the spur by taking some of the weight off it, thus allowing it to heel.

I also found out that 9 times out of 10, a heel spur doesn't need surgery, but instead needs STRETCHING. The fascia is kind of like a muscle (only less flexible) and stretching the area will reduce the tension put on the fascia.

So, today I put on my shoes. I will also be doing a few stretches today to see if that actually helps! I'll keep you all posted - I really want to get my move on this week!

All information regarding heel spurs was found at the Heel Spur Website.

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Tasty Tuesday: Savory French Toast with Balsamic Berry Topping

2011-07-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

This is what I just had for breakfast and it is PHENOMENAL.

I am a French Toast Purist. I don't like it all fancy-schmancy. No orange juice, vanilla, or powdered sugar here, please! Straight up eggs, bread, and butter! Back before I changed my eating habits, I would cook up a HUGE batch - four pieces of white bread, three whole eggs, and a half stick of butter. Imagine the calories and fat I was consuming!! I was so excited when I discovered I could retain my love of french toast and STILL be on plan! The Balsamic Berry Topping was on a whim this morning - and it was SO worth it! SO good, and zero points!!

French Toast with Balsamic Berry Topping
(2 Servings at 4 pp/serving)

4 slices reduced calorie whole wheat bread (I used Sarah Lee Delightful 45 Calorie Multigrain bread)
3 egg whites
1 T light margarine with zero trans fat, divided
1 C frozen strawberries
1 packet Splenda
1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Spray a small skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium low heat. Slightly beat the egg whites until just combined (this will not be a meringue!) Add salt and pepper to taste. Melt 1/4 T margarine in the pan. Dip one of the bread slices in egg, covering both sides. Place in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until slightly browned. Repeat with remaining three slices (spray, melt, dip, cook).

In a medium microwave safe bowl, place strawberries and Splenda. Add a splash of water and microwave for 90 seconds. Remove from microwave and allow to cool slightly on the counter for about 5 minutes. Once cooled a bit, squish with a fork and add 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the French toast warm with the balsamic berry topping right on top - or on the side, whichever you chose.

Sorry no pics this week - this was literally a spur of the moment recipe!
Enjoy!

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Tasty Tuesday - Veggie Pasta with Sausage

2011-07-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today's Tasty Tuesday recipe is one of my absolute favorites.
This will feed three people at about 7 pp/serving

2 Lean Turkey Italian Sausage link, removed from casing
1 zucchini squash, sliced into crescent shapes
1 sm onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 C sliced mushrooms
11/2 C cooked rigatoni pasta, cooked
2 C marinara sauce
1 Tbs. olive oil

Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with back of spoon, until no longer pink. Remove from heat and set aside. Add peppers and onions and cook until just tender. Add mushrooms, squashes, and garlic. Cook until browned and slightly caramelized. Return sausage to pan, add sauce and rigatoni, and mix well to combine. *If desired, add some Parmesan cheese to the top, but remember to add the points to it!*

Inspiration in Unexpected Places . . .

2011-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Recently I and my mom started taking a water aerobics class. We were thinking we'd get a great workout without any impact. Well we were right about the low-impact - but this was no-impact and no-intensity!! NOT what someone in need of a workout for weight loss needs.

Enter Linda ...
Linda was our substitute instructor today. Linda, who's classes we overlooked because we thought they'd be too much for us. Amazing wonderful Linda that worked us out today until our bodies screamed and we began to SWEAT - yes! Sweat!! In a POOL!! My heart rate went up, my muscles ached, my body screamed in Yiddish (didn't even know my body KNEW Yiddish!!).
It. Was. FABULOUS.
THIS was what I wanted out of a water aerobics class!!
THIS was what I NEEDED!
Then my mom and I started talking to Linda.
She once weighed over 400 lbs.
She lost over 200 lbs. on Weight Watchers and doing water aerobics - which is EXACTLY what I'm doing.
I was hooked.
Needless to say . . . My mom and I have decided to switch to Linda's evening workout classes.
I have a feeling this is going to be a wonderful relationship and that I may have found my "mentor" in Linda.
I am so excited and hopeful.
God is blessing me!!

Things I'm Learning . . .

2011-06-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

If you had told me any of the following last year, I would have told you that you were nuts.
But there are a few things I'm learning about myself over the course of this journey . . .

Shirts that used to be tight and are now loose are not very flattering.
Ditto for swimsuits.
Two tablespoons of cream are more than enough for coffee.
Egg whites are really good.
Quinoa, chicken breast, and squash is an ultimate comfort food.
I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for.
I love the water and I love to swim.
One (actual) serving-sized serving of something is MORE than enough to satisfy.
Carrots and laughing cow Garlic Herb is the world's greatest snack (and an answer to chips and dip!)

I am still struggling with tracking and measuring EVERYTHING, but I'm getting better.

I guess, in a sense, I'm following Weight Watcher's "simply filling" without thinking about it.

I still have to count my chips.

I still have to eat ONE brownie instead of five.

But I've learned that I CAN do these things - and now, I do them without thinking about.

It's become automatic.

And that feels pretty good.

Healthy Recipe Time!! Cheesy Beef Fajita Skillet - 7pp

2011-06-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is what was for dinner last night and it was amazingly good!
Tip - be sure to marinade the beef in some acid for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure tenderness.

Cheese Beef Fajita Skillet
4 1/2 C servings at 7 pp

16 oz flat iron steak, trimmed, marinated, and sliced against the grain into strips
1 bell bepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 T salt-free Mexican-style seasoning blend (I used Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime)
salt and pepper to taste
3 oz 2% Velveeta

Stir fry beef until no longer pink. Add onion and bell pepper and stir fry until crisp-tender. Add seasoning, salt, pepper, and velveeta. Mix well to combine.

Serve over 1/2 C brown rice for a full 10 PP meal.

ENJOY!

Move, move, MOVE

2011-06-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

We all have so many excuses for not exercising.

"It's too hot"
"It's too cold"
"I don't feel good"
"I feel too good"
"I just ate"
"I haven't eaten yet"

The list could go on and on.

Let's face it, exercise is not exactly the most fun thing in the world, and if you're a parent it's almost impossible to find the time to do it!

A L M O S T

The fact is, exercise, weather we want to admit it or not, is important. It's important to keep our muscles and joints loose, it's important to cleanse our bodies of impurities, and it results in better sleep habits, better moods, and sometimes better . . . er . . . ~~sex~~ ~~marital relations~~ Um . . . A better love life.

So how do you find the time in today's busy world?
Sometimes, you have to consciously MAKE the time.

To keep our hearts healthy, studies have shown that all we need is 15 minutes a day.
15???
15!
Now, if you're working on losing weight, you might need to add another 15 minutes to burn fat.
But, trust me when I say it CAN be done.

Sure, walking, running, bike riding, swimming, gym hopping . . . those are all great exercise. But what if you don't like them?

Try these things: gardening, housecleaning (vacuuming and mopping especially!), playing outside with your kids, dancing, walking the dog (or two).

ALL of these things are great exercise, and chances are you're going to be doing one (or two) of these things on a daily basis.

The point is, it doesn't matter WHAT you do to move your body,
just MOVE it!

What Thin People Don't Know . . .

2011-05-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Some of us were born into obesity.

Maybe not directly, but some of us have a link that ties us there, something that almost guarantee's our fate into being overweight.

A pre-dispositioning if you will.

Whether it be genetic or environmental, no one can say, but the fact is, there are over 60 million obese Americans with medical costs of over $140 billion annually, and that statistic is growing year by year.

Even so, it's very common for "thin" people to look down on obese people.

They look at the "fat" as though they are lesser humans.

They look at us as though we are bad people.

They point. They stare. They laugh.

They shout cat calls when they see a fat person walking or jogging or working out.

They giggle when a fat person can't fit into a restaurant booth.

They gasp when they see a larger person out dancing or riding a bike.

For a thin person, it's easy.

They look at an obese person and say "why don't you just put down the fork" or "why don't you just exercise".

They will never understand that it's just not that simple.

You see, we obese people have a lot to deal with.

Of course there's the physical aspects of just being obese - the health problems such as shortness of breath or swollen joints and ankles; the fact that it's difficult to fit into small spaces or sometimes to maneuver around obstacles.

But there's also some very deep psychological and emotional issues as well.

First we deal every day with societies views of the obese.

Second we deal with the reasons we are obese to begin with (for many of us, it stems from some form of trauma).

Third, we deal with an addiction that is stronger and more powerful than any drug or cigarette could ever be.

Yes. I said addiction.

See, this is my point - thin people don't understand the addiction, and they probably never will.

For a thin person, it's about

"eat when you're hungry, stop when you're not".

For a food addict it's about

"eat everything that tastes good until you feel sick to your stomach then eat a little bit more"

and then there's

"I'm sad . . . let's eat"

"I'm pissed . . . Let's eat"

"I'm happy! Let's eat!"

You see the pattern here?

This is not the way thin people think.

For thin people, celebrations include things like shopping, dancing, driving, swimming, fishing, etc.

For obese people, celebrations are all about the food.

So here's what thin people will never know:

Weight loss is a daily struggle against an addiction that many people either don't realize they have or can not control.

There is a lot more than just "putting down the fork" or "getting up off your butt" to it.

Each and every day is a struggle, sometimes to just get out of bed and face the sizest world we live in.

It is a struggle to make the choice to eat that piece of fruit, rather than that chocolate bar.

It is a struggle to NOT pick up the phone and call Pizza Hut, no matter what our bank account is.

It's a struggle to cook every healthy meal, to look at the scale, to just look in the mirror.

So, for my thin friends, I ask this favor.

When I am struggling, be supportive.

When I am hurting, be a shoulder.

When I am crying because I can't have chocolate, offer me a hug, and an apple.

When I'm whining about having to get on that stupid eliptical again, offer to go for a walk with me.

Don't look at me like I'm crazy.

Don't assume I'm being melodramatic.

And please, don't tell me to "just do it"

Because you will never know that it's just. not. that. easy.

Starting Over

2011-05-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

It WILL happen.
You WILL "fall off" the wagon.
It's inevitable.
In some ways, it's necessary.
Because without those setbacks, we cannot move forward in some cases.
That's when we pick ourselves up.
Dust ourselves off.
And start over.

Tomorrow marks my "starting over" day.
I've been "off" two weeks now.
I never imagined how much I needed the WW meetings.
How much I needed the tracking.
How much I needed to PAY ATTENTION.

I missed two weeks ago because of finals.
I missed again last week because I was out of town.
I don't want to miss any more.

I am terrified of the scale tomorrow.
I'm worried to see how much I've actually gained in the last two weeks.
I'm worried that I will be right back to my starting point.
I'm afraid that I will feel like giving up for good.

But I know that I am surrounded by family and friends that love me.
And I know that my health is top priority.
So, even if I AM back to 292, it won't matter.
Because I'm starting over.

Recipe! Yummy Breakfast Taquitos

2011-05-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

This recipe is a modified version of Hungry Girl's Egg Mug recipe.

Servings - 1
Points Plus Value - 6

Ingredients:

1/2 C Liquid Egg Whites
1 oz turkey sausage crumbles
1/4 C Baby spinach, chopped
1 Wedge Laughing Cow Spread, Chipotle Flavor
1 Slice reduced-fat American Cheese
1 Low-Carb Whole Wheat Tortilla, Fajita Size

Directions:

Eggs:
Spray a large microwave-safe mug or a microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray. Combine egg whites, sausage, spinach, and laughing cow in the bowl. Microwave on high for one minute. Stir to break up bits and add american cheese. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, until eggs are set but still creamy.

Tortilla:
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Put tortilla on the pan, dry, and heat thoroughly until tortilla starts to blister slightly. Remove from heat to serving plate.

Wrap:
Spoon egg mixture into tortilla and wrap burrito-style. Enjoy!!

*Note - I like to serve this with a side of fruit*

Life On Weight Watchers . . . Decisions, Decisions . . .

2011-05-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, the decisions we make in life.
What to wear.
How to wear our hair.
Who to marry.
And what to eat.
Sometimes these choices are a no brainer (like marrying my husband for example - I didn't have to think twice about that one!)
And some of these choices . . . notsomuch

The hardest choice I have on a daily basis is what to eat.
I have a plan, sure.
But some days I just don't stick to it.
Not because I don't want to, mind you,
But because I other choices looming over me
Hovering with their "Jennifer-come-eat-me" stares.
It's hard to say no and run away, isn't it?

That's the best thing I've found about the Weight Watchers plan -
I don't necessarily HAVE to run away.
I still have to make the decision to (generally) eat the right thing,
But every once in a while . . .
When you want something delicious and delectable . . .
You can make THAT decision too!

Even so, MOST of the time we still have to make the conscious decision to eat things that are healthier -
Let's face it, you're just NOT going to lose weight eating fast food every single day.
So here are some ways to make those choices easier:

1) pre-prep favorite veggies like carrot sticks or raw broccoli and keep them in storage containers wrapped in dry paper towels for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can put them into baggies in serving sizes (remember, most veggies are free, so you can eat as many as you like!) - also wrapped in paper towel.

2) keep favorite fruit on hand and in plain sight! Fruit bowls for apples, bananas and citrus fruit are great for this. In the fridge, put plums, nectarines, strawberries, mango - whatever fruit you like - in plain sight on the top shelf of the fridge. Also, the trick with the raw veggies? Works great for fruit like grapes and blueberries. NOTE - do not wash strawberries until you are ready to eat them!! They will spoil quicker.

3) make the healthier choice more accessible than the unhealthy one - create meal kits and pre-prep meal ingredients so cooking doesn't take quite so long on an in-a-hurry night. Have a freezer meal made and frozen, ready to pop into the oven on a night that you just don't feel like cooking. Utilize your crock pot for big meals and freeze individual portions of leftovers. Make sure the healthy snacks are visible and the unhealthy ones hidden.

4) don't buy the junk. This sounds easier than it is, I know - I have three children - it's next to impossible to keep the junk out of our house. But the fact is, if you don't buy it, it won't be there to tempt you. You children will have to make healthier choices in the long run as well, so this is one that benefits everyone.

So remember, if you take some simple steps now to make the healthy stuff more accessible to you, you will find it easer to make the right choice when it comes to food!

Tasty Tuesday - Taco Taters

2011-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

When I was at my Weight Watcher's meeting this weekend, our Fearless Leader, Christie, inspired me.
She told me that you can bake potatoes in the CROCK POT.
I just about died.
You see, I am the
CROCK POT QUEEN
You tell me I can cook something in the crock pot and I am all over it like white on rice.
THEN she proceeded to tell me what she does with said potatoes.
She makes a big batch of taco meat and then stuffs the potatoes with it.
Oh.
My.
HOLYCOW.
My two favorite things in the world combined to create a luscious little pocket of spicy, starchy, taco-tater LUV.

I will be making these tomorrow to celebrate my very last day - EVER - of college classes.

Here's the recipe!

Taco Taters I
Serves: 4
Points Plus Value: 10

4 medium baking potatoes, washed
1 T olive oil
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 packet commercial taco seasoning OR you can make your own
1/4 c water or chicken broth
1 can ranch-style beans (or any bean, really) OR 1 can corn, drained

Toppings:
cheddar cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, onions, scallions, cilantro, avocado, salsa, etc.

Wrap potatoes in foil and place in crock pot, making sure they don't touch the sides of the crock (bottom touching is acceptable here). Cook on low 6-8 hours. Remove from crock pot, remove foil, and set aside.

In a 12 in skillet brown meat in 1 T olive oil. Add taco seasoning and water or broth. Allow to reduce for about 5 minutes. Add beans and cook for another five minutes or until beans are heated through. Remove from heat.

Split potato and scoop out part of the middle (optional, but it gives you more room for filling!). Fill potato with 1/4 meat mixture and top with desired toppings. Repeat with remaining potatoes.

Enjoy!

Another recipe was born from this inspiring nummy creation.

Taco-Taters II
Serves 4
Points Plus Value: 4

2 medium baking potatoes, washed and cut into wedges to make about 16 wedges.
1 packet commercial or home made taco seasoning
2 T olive oil

In a large bowl, toss potatoes, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Turn out onto a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Bake at 425 for ten minutes, then turn the potatoes and bake for a remaining 10 minutes, or until browned all over. Serve with light sour cream, if desired.

Sketchers Shape Ups: My Review

2011-05-01T05:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, so here's the deal kiddies, I don't do a whole lot of produce plugs as you well know. And with good reason - I will NEVER EVER plug a product I don't believe in or love.

I have fallen in love . . . with SHOES!!

As someone that is . . . well, as big as I am . . . It's really REALLY hard to find shoes that are supportive of my weight - especially during walking or elliptical sessions. May times I'm left with sore ankles and/or knees as a result. But somehow these shoes are more supportive than any I've ever owned.

The idea behind Sketchers Shape Ups is that they are curved on the bottom to allow for a different flow of energy when you walk. They're meant to "tone and shape" your bottom half including your legs and butt.

But here's what the ads don't tell you . . .
The first couple of days my balance had a hard time getting used to them. But once I did, I didn't want to take them off. Here's why -
I have had ongoing hip pain for several months now. Wearing these shoes, for some reason, helps alleviate that. Scientifically, it's supposed to be linked to the shape of the shoes - they allow for a different distribution of weight along your foot, and thus along your knee and hip joints. Whatever the science it, they work.

Now I have to admit, I haven't worn them long enough to see a difference in my legs or my tush, but I have a feeling that will come in time. I still have a lot to lose yet!

Interested in reading my "official" Sketchers review?
Here ya' go:

Originally submitted at SKECHERS

Great!!

By SuperMomBlues from Bowie, TX on 5/1/2011

Sizing: Feels true to size
Width: Feels true to width
Pros: Comfortable, Stylish, Good Cushioning, Good Arch Support
Best Uses: School, Casual Wear, Walking, Exercise
Describe Yourself: Weight concious, Stylish, Comfort-oriented

The very best thing about these Sketchers shoes is the versatility and comfort. I wear them daily as I am a stay at home mom and am on my feet a LOT during the day. I am morbidly obese and working on losing weight, these shoes help me to get a workout and tone, BEFORE my workout session! Also, being morbidly obese, many shoes just don't feel right or support me. These do - beautifully!

(legalese)

Life on Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Getting Those Grains! WITH RECIPES!

2011-04-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

One of the easiest things to get into your diet is whole grains. But how to do it on a budget sometimes escapes some people, and rightfully so, when a full loaf of 100% whole wheat bread can cost up to $5 - and fuggitabouwt those "sprouted grain" breads that you have to refrigerate - I've seen them go for a whopping $9 a loaf!!

So, how can you get in the whole grains without having to dip into Billy's college fund?

Pasta

Pasta is relatively cheap - and when used in casseroles or skillet meals, one 1 lb box can feed a family of four for almost a week. There are inexpensive varieties of the whole grain stuff - some store brands even go for $1 a box! Can't beat that!

Whole Wheat Pasta Skillet
The little glove guy ain't got NUTHIN' on this one!

1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 lb ground turkey breast
1/2 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped bell pepper
2 c whole wheat elbow macaroni or other short pasta
2 T tomato paste
1 1/2 C chicken stock/broth
1 packet taco seasoning OR 1 packet spaghetti sauce seasoning
1/4 c reduced-fat pepper jack OR part-skim mozzarella

In a high-sided skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey breast, onion, and bell pepper and cook until meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Add tomato paste, broth, and seasoning packet, mixing well to combine. Add pasta. Raise heat to medium high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and cover. Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Turn off the heat, cover with cheese and put the lid back on. Allow to sit for 5 minutes for the cheese to meld and sauce to thicken.

*TRICK - pre cook your pasta and cut the time in half! Allow the liquid to reduce over medium heat for five minutes, add the pasta and cook for another five, or until the pasta is heated through!*

Brown Rice

Brown rice is very cheap - you can get a 1 lb bag for less than $1 or a box of instant for about $2 (give or take). Granted, the "real deal" can be a bit of a pain to cook, so what I do is cook up the whole bag at once and portion it out for meals throughout the week. That being said, I do keep two boxes of instant brown rice in my cabinets at all times. It really does come in handy in a pinch.

Asian Style Chicken and Vegetables with Brown Rice Bake

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into cubes
2 C frozen mixed vegetables (any type)
2 C pre-cooked brown rice
2 T soy sauce
1/2 C chicken broth
1 can reduced sodium, fat free cream of chicken soup
1 tsp. Chinese five spice seasoning

In a large bowl, combine broth, soup, soy sauce, and five spice seasoning. Check the seasoning for flavor, and add more if needed (remember to add in SMALL doses - both five spice powder and soy sauce can be potent). Add chicken, vegetables, and rice. Mix well to combine then turn out into a rectangular glass baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and liquid is just absorbed. Remove from oven and allow to stand 5 minutes.

Bread/Rolls

This is where it can get pricey to go whole grain. While there are some wonderful whole wheat breads on the market, if you just can't justify shelling out the money, try making your own homemade wheat bread. To get the soft texture and a great rise, add some "vital wheat gluten" when you add your yeast - the results are beautiful. If you don't have the time or don't want to take the time to make your own bread, shop around for the best value on whole grain breads. And don't forget to read labels - fiber content per slice should be around 2 grams.

Homemade Wheat Bread
Yes, it's a little involved. This is not an every day thing, for sure. But it is SO worth it.

2 C warm water
1 packet yeast (NOT rapid rise!)
1 T sugar
3 tsp Vital Wheat Gluten
1 T olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 C all-purpose flour
3-4 C whole wheat flour

STANDING MIXER TECHNIQUE:
In the bowl of the standing mixer, combine water, yeast, sugar, and gluten. Allow to sit 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This "wakes up" the yeast. Using paddle attachment, mix in all purpose flour on low until well combined. Add olive oil and salt and mix well on low. Add 2 cups wheat flour and combine on low. Continue to add wheat flour by the 1/2 cup ful until dough pulls away cleanly from sides and bottom of bowl (depending on your altitude, location, air quality and weather, you may need more or less than four cups. Don't be alarmed if this is the case, contrary to popular belief, bread baking is NOT an exact science!). When dough is pulling away from sides, switch to dough hook attatchment. On low, kneed dough for five minutes, or until it springs back when pressed gently. Remove dough from bowl, spray bowl with cooking spray, replace dough and cover with tea towel. Allow to rise in a warm place for one hour or until double in size. Punch down dough by gently placing your hand in the center of the mass then pulling the sides in on themselves. Form dough into loaf and place into loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray. Allow to rise for another 45 minutes. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to cool in pan for five minutes, then remove from pan and allow to finish cooling on tea towel.

Whole grains are such an important part of being on plan. The fiber and nutrients obtained, not to mention the vital complex carbohydrates, are important for digestive health and energy. Don't skip these just because you can't afford them. As you can see, eating healthy isn't as expensive as you might think!

Handling a gain . . .

2011-04-25T07:23:00.000-07:00

It's inevitable.
One week, you have a huge loss.
The next, another loss.
Then, it happens.
The dreaded, unwanted, awful, horrible GAIN.
Sometimes it's an ounce or two. Sometimes it's just a pound.
Sometimes it's FIVE POUNDS in one week.

So, how do you deal with a bad week?
Some people want to just throw in the towel and say "forget it, I'm done, I CAN'T do this!!"
But giving up defeats the purpose and completely erases any progress made.
You can't allow yourself to be defeated.
If you have a gain, go ahead and be mad. Be upset. Cry, throw a fit, hit a pillow.
Then get over it. Move on.
Realize that it's a minor setback in a major life change.
Gains suck. There's no doubt about it.
But that's when you have to get back on track.
That's when you have to look at yourself in the mirror and say "I CAN."
I CAN.

Life on Weight Watchers . . . Plan, Plan, PLAN

2011-04-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, we are of a time when life is all about going.
Go to work.
Go to the doctor.
Go to school.
Go to practices.
Go to games.
Go to rehearsals.
Go to . . . go to . . . go to!

It's like we never get a moment to breathe, isn't it?

One of the hardest parts about staying on an eating plan - ANY eating plan - is finding the time to cook. It's so easy to order that pizza. OR that Chinese take out place that makes the AMAZING cashew chicken and the to-die-for pot stickers . . . oh, yeah, you know what place I'm talking about. The problem with ordering pizza, or Chinese, or going for burgers or chicken is this . . .

It's expensive and it's not good for you.

Still here? Okay, great!
Yes, I know the beauty of Weight Watchers is that you CAN have pizza or Chinese or burgers . . .so long as you plan for them. And that's the entire point of this post. Would you rather spend 25 points on a burger and fries and be hungry later or spend 12 points on good ol' home cookin' and still have enough for that ice cream bar calling your name from the freezer (Jeeeeennifer . . . JEEEEEEEEnnifer)?

Me? I'd rather get to have the ice cream.

So, what do you do?
How do you solve this issue?

Well, by PLANNING.

We track. We calculate. We points plus everything we put into our bodies to death.
And then we're left at the end of the day wondering why we ended up with 9 points left at the end of the day.
Or, worse, why we ended up using up all of our weekly points in one day (this has happened!!)
Planning will solve this issue.
I have to plan everything - my food, my exercise, even my housework and classwork. If I don't, I get overwhelmed and enter self-pity world, party of one. Then I eat. Everything.

Take the Time
I usually few a couple of hours on Saturday to do the following:
1) go through favorite cookbooks or recipe websites to find recipes I want to try.
2) go through my pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what I have on hand and write it all down.
3) go through the list and see if there's enough of anything to create a meal.
4) plan as many meals as I can through the week using only what I have on hand.
5) plan the remaining meals and list the items NOT on hand I need for these meals
6) make a grocery list
7) go shopping
8) come home, rinse and prep as many vegetables as I can for the week (works great with most vegetables except potatoes)
9) make any meal kits that need to be made
10) refrigerate/freeze it all for later in the week!

Now, keep in mind, this is a little time consuming to do all in one day, so if you have soccer, baseball, or any other slew of sports/dance/gymnastics/music/art/theater stuff going on that day, you may chose to do it another day. Or break it up:

Day 1: Read recipes
Day 2: Take inventory
Day 3: Meal plan
Day 4: Shop/Prep/Meal Kit/Store.

The thing to remember is to PLAN EVERYTHING - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2-3 snacks.

Now, to take it one step further, take a little more time to do some research and checking - find the points plus values for your meals, if you don't already know them, and write them down next to the meal, so you know how many points you have planned. Then you can adjust as you need to account for any extra or missing points.

Rolling your eyes yet?
It seems like it will take FOREVER to do all that, doesn't it?
BUT
If you take the time to do this once a week, it will save you time every evening.

You get home at 6 and realize Timmy has a game at 7! What do you do? Look's like it's Burger Queen again. But wait! You planned! You have a meal waiting for you in the crock pot! Or a stir fry meal kit in the freezer!
Dinner takes all of 5-15 minutes to make. You can eat and hit the road in no time.

You're tired and don't feel good and don't want to cook. Looks like the hubbs is going to stop by That Chikin Place again. But wait! You planned! You have a casserole in the freezer just waiting to be popped into the oven. Make the hubbs stop for some salad instead.

As you can see, planning ahead can save you a wealth of time and points plus.

Life On Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Protein, Protein, Protein!

2011-03-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am a meat eater.
I love red meat, white meat, dark meat, light meat.
If it once walked upon the ground, clucked, swam, mooed, baa'd, gobbled or oinked, chances are I will LOVE it.
But it's not easy to be carnivorous in this day and age.
Have you SEEN the price of chicken?
And let's not discuss the cost of lean beef or lamb.
*yikes*
So, how do we get our protein in without hurting our budget?

First -

CHICKEN
Buy chicken breast in bulk, on sale, and only buy it once a month. A bulk package of chicken comes with 10-12 breasts and usually runs about $10-12. This is a MEGA bargain and one that you should NOT pass up. Buy one or two packages, separate the breasts out into 1 and 2 breast portions.

Now, here's the fun part about chicken breasts - if you have a food scale weigh one - just one. It will probably weigh about 6-8 oz. This is TWICE the serving size of 3-4 oz. So, nights that you want just some grilled chicken, take one and cut it in half horizontally. This will give you a correct portion size, while stretching your meat budget.

Another option is to create a casserole, soup, stew, or chili using 1 or 2 chicken breasts - for the entire recipe. If you need to, you can bulk with extra veggies or beans. This is a trick I've been doing for YEARS. Two chicken breasts in a casserole is MORE than enough to feed a family of 6.

Chicken Legs
Drumsticks are one of the best bargains out there. Very VERY low in points and cheap. You can buy a bulk package of drumsticks for about half the cost of a bulk package of breasts. And you can do anything with them. Roast them with the skin on or pull off the skin and cook them in some barbecue sauce (who likes rubbery barbecue chicken skin anyway?).

Chicken Thighs
These are way cheaper than breasts as well - buy them boneless and skinless and treat them like you would a breast. Plan on one - and ONLY one - per person.

RED MEAT
Okay, lets face it, red meat is WAY to expensive to serve on a daily basis, as much as I hate to admit it. Come to think of it, even ground beef has gotten up there in price. So here are a few tricks -

Ground Beef:
Well, simplest here - don't buy it. You can get ground dark meat turkey AND ground turkey breast for less than ground beef if you buy it in the packaged rolls (you pay way more for Styrofoam packaging). If you HAVE to have beef every once in a while, buy in the packaged rolls. If you can find lean or extra lean ground beef in bulk and on sale, though, snatch it up because that price will be comparable to the ground turkey.

Steak
Oh, I am a girl that loves her some steak. Give me a rib eye as big as my head and I am a happy girl, let me tell ya'. But steak is just not a practical purchase for a mommy on a budget. Unless you learn some sneaky tricks (like me) - You can buy pre-packaged frozen steaks in most supermarkets. These will be smaller in size (ideal for WW's) but will also cost less than buying them from the fresh meat counter. There are also some wonderful bacon wrapped chopped steaks that are to DIE for when they're grilled up. And yes, even with the bacon, they're WW friendly!

Other cuts
Flank steak, rump roast, and briskets still top the charts for the least expensive cuts on the market. Trim them well (especially the brisket!) and marinade or brine them for up to 24 hours to tenderize them, then cook them low and slow - think crock pot, smoker, or oven for 3-4 hours.

PORK
Pork is fairly inexpensive when compared with chicken or beef, and is very versitile. You can buy "mixed pork chops" which will have some bone in and some bone out chops. Trim them up, take the bone in ones off the bone, cut the meat into strips and you have meat ready to go for stir fries or fajitas!

Even boneless pork chops can be budget friendly - I buy a bulk package, pull some out to grill that night and freeze the rest for later in 1 and 2 chop packages.

Pork tenderloins can be a bit pricey, so buy a 2 pack once a month (on sale), split it in 1/2 and freeze both loins separately.

TURKEY
Turkey is one of the most versatile meats available out there. Loins, breasts, drumsticks, ground . . . You can do anything with this meat.

Ground turkey is a wonderful substitute for ground beef in just about everything. Meatloaves, meatballs, sauces, soups, skillets, even burgers - and it's about 1/2 the price of lean ground beef. Look for ground turkey in packaged rolls rather than Styrofoam packages - you'll save a TON.

Turkey loins can run about the same price as a pork loin, but they're usually a bit larger. Like their pork counterparts, buy them on sale!

Turkey breasts are a great alternative to a whole roasted turkey, especially in families where everyone fights over the breast meat. You can also slow cook them in a crock pot with some barbecue sauce and make a wonderful pulled turkey sandwich.

Turkey legs are a bargain and you can buy them raw or smoked. If you buy them smoked, they're a great alternative to a ham hock or bacon in a pot of beans. Raw can be roasted, boiled, broiled, grilled, smoked . . . Very versatile, VERY delicious and VERY VERY inexpensive!

LAMB
Oh, how I love a good lamb chop.
Sadly, even on sale lamb is still way to expensive for this mommy's pocketbook.
So we save Mary's cute little friends for special occasions.

FISH
Salmon is SUPER expensive unless you can get it frozen and on sale. I stick to tilapia or cod, which are relatively cheaper. You can dredge them in bread crumbs and bake them and your kids will think they're eating fish sticks!

When it comes to shellfish, shrimp is going to be the best bargain. Stick to buying it frozen with the shell and tail on - it will be much better quality that way. And unless you live directly on the coast, chances are that "fresh" shrimp your buying has been frozen and re-thawed. This actually goes for ALL shellfish and most fish.

OTHER PROTEIN
You DO know that you can get protein from other sources, right?
Of course you did!
Tofu, beans, peanut butter, nuts, lentils . . . these are all wonderful meatless alternatives that will give you your protein allowance for the day. And each of them are a LOT less expensive than meat. Although . . . Not quite as fun to eat!

There you have it - Meat on a budget.
Some further tips -
Once a week, go meatless! Serve beans, spaghetti with no meat, stuffed mushrooms, veggie stir fries.
ALWAYS buy in bulk and buy ON SALE when it comes to the terrestrial meats.
Don't make meat the star of the meal - use it in casseroles, soups, stews and bulk with lots of veggies and a few whole grains!

Here's to Being Losers in 2011!

Life on Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Gettin In Your Daily Five on the Cheap

2011-03-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Both here and my other blog, I have done several posts about healthy eating on a budget. With doing a plan like weight watchers, I thought I'd revisit that idea, from a Points Friendly Perspective:

Fresh Fruits and Veggies:

This is the center of the Weight Watchers program. All fruits and most veggies are free foods. But they can be quite pricey. But what you might not know is that even frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count - as long as they're packed in water. So that is something to consider when shopping.

Frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry mixes are great for in a hurry stir fries, to mix into soups or casseroles, or to just steam (*hint* steam in chicken broth for even more point-friendly flavor!). The bonus is, you can stock up on these for a fraction of the cost of all the veggies it would take to make up one bag.

Frozen fruits are also wonderful additions - berries and peaches are a lot less expensive on the frozen food aisle, and you can quickly and easily thaw them for a quick mix in for oatmeal or cereal, for a topping for pancakes or waffles, or for a delicious fruit salad.

Canned veggies are perfect quick side dishes, and you can also add these to soups and casseroles, like their frozen counterparts.

Applesauce and canned fruits (packed in water) are great quick snacks.

And lets not forget the bargains in the fresh fruits and veggies aisle - apples, oranges, and bananas are often on sale, as are lettuces and tomatoes. Fresh carrots, cabbage and celery are also less expensive then the gourmet veggies that are en vogue right now.

Try taking a non-buying trip to you local grocery store. Look at your favorite fruits and veggies and write down their prices - fresh, frozen, and canned. You may be surprised to see that getting in your daily Five WON'T break your budget.

Here's To Being Losers In 2011!!

Lighten Up!!

2011-03-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

WHY does weight loss have to be so SERIOUS.
People need to laugh at themselves for a change, really.
I have found that I have found my humor on this journey.
Honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.

Recently I started coming up with a list of "things that will be awesome when I lose this weight"
Among the things on this list are:

1) I'll be able to wear knee socks that won't cut into my cankles.
2) I'll be able to look at myself naked in the mirror and not throw up a little in my mouth.
3) People will no longer mistake me for the fat kid in "Goonies"
4) (Rennie edition) When I wear a bodice I will no longer look like a beached whale shoved into a high top sneaker.
5) When I go for a run, people will no longer assume I'm chasing the ice cream truck.
6) My clothing size won't resemble a porno rating.

The list could go on and on.
And so I leave you with just one point to ponder:
Can fat people go skinny dipping?

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Life on Weight Watchers . . . Accountability

2011-03-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

I never thought in a million years that weight loss would be this easy.
Sure, I've only been at it really for two weeks, and tomorrow is only my 3rd weigh in, but I feel like I have come farther and been with this longer than anything. I've certainly seen more results from this than from anything.

The thing is, I KNOW all the information - I know what I need to do, how I need to do it. I know that I need to "eat right and exercise". I know all the names of most major additives and preservatives and what many of them do to your body. I know all the major "power foods" (NOT the WW list) that are said to hold the most antioxidants.

I am a wealth of nutritive knowledge.
Clearly this is NOT an issue of ignorance for me.

The problems I've had in the past rested on one thing and one thing only -
accountability.
I have never in my life been held accountable for my weight issue. Not by my parents or friends or my husband. Not even by my doctors. I may hear every now and then, "Jen, when you're thin, you're going to be beautiful". or "You know your BMI is ------- (insert double digits over 30 here)" But I was never really held accountable.

With this program I am in so many ways.

I think the largest part of it is the fact that I have a lot of people counting on me to be a part of this. My mother in law, my best friend, my sister in law, a good friend from church, and a good friend I used to work with . . . All are friends, all are as close to me as family. If I don't show up, how is that going to feel for them. These people - many of whom started because of ME. That would be pretty . . . well, this is a G-rated blog so let's go with "not cool".

And then you have the weigh in. You can't fudge it when someone else is weighing you in, writing it down week by week. With online weight loss, you can fudge it all you like. It's a lot easier to fool yourself that way. But here, there IS no fooling yourself. Everything you do, every morsel you put in your mouth, every step you either don't take or do is right there in your face - and in someone else's. You want the number on the scale to go as low as possible every week (within healthy ranges, of course) and you certainly don't want the embarrassment of gaining.

So, in a nutshell, accountability is everything when it comes to my personal weight loss goal.

Oh, and for the first time in my life, I finally decided that I want to be out of the 200's completely when this is all over. In fact, my total target weight is 150. I have never in my life thought that it could be attainable, so I always set my goals lower. But now, I know it can be done. Now, I know it WILL be done.

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Snuck a peek at the scale . . .

2011-02-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, so weigh in isn't until Saturday morning, but I snuck a peek this morning to see how I'm doing and I couldn't be happier!! I won't reveal the numbers here, because I really don't want to jinx it, but I am excited and hopeful.

On the WW site there are message boards. Now, let me tell you for some of them you have to have a pretty thick skin and a good sense of humor! Thank God I have both. But there are a few things that people will ask that really even make ME cringe . . . One of these things has to do with something that I have been passionate about for years - children's eating habits. So for today's post, I thought I would delve into a subject that is no stranger to me, and thus shouldn't be a stranger to any of you that are my regular readers . . .

SCHOOL LUNCHES
(enter meancing "dum dum DUUMMMMM" here)

i hate school lunches

Not because they're gross, although I'm sure "fajita chicken enchiladas" is REALLY unappitizing to a seven year old, but because of the nutritional value (or lack thereof) included in these meals.

For the elementary school the menu for the month looks like this. Notice the chicken nuggets, the hot dogs, the pizza, the steak fingers . . . and a lot of which is served with "gravy and a roll". And look at the veggie selections: mashed potatoes, green beans,corn, baked beans . . . Now from a kids perspective, I'm excited about these lunches. Chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes and gravy is still one of my all time favorites. But the fat, the cholesterol, the sodium . . . Really?? You are REALLY giving my kids this??

The Jr. High is even worse. They have the same things on the elementary menu, except they also have the "a la cart" line in which they can chose to have things like chicken strips, popcorn chicken, cheeseburgers, pizza, french fries . . . daily.

Not so long ago celebrity chef Jamie Oliver started a "food revolution" in schools. I think it's time we take matters into our own hands, so to speak.

In a nutshell, don't let your kids buy school lunch.

I don't.
I haven't in over a year (unless it's a special occasion, or I'm running late - my kids have bought their lunch twice in a month).
My kids get in their lunches:

Juice or water
a sandwich made with 100% whole wheat bread, lean ham, 2% cheese and mustard or low-fat salad dressing.
yogurt or applesauce
baked chips
a piece of fruit or a veggie

And they LOVE it.
It's not very creative, I'll admit, but it's a darn sight better than what they'd be eating at school!

If you're a parent with your kids in school, I urge you to try sending them lunches to school. Buy them a really cool lunch bag or box, and let them help chose (would you prefer apple sauce or a tangerine?) what they would like to put in their lunch box. Their health will improve, and you'll have piece of mind about their nutrition!

Here's to being losers in 2011!

Birthday Goals . . . And a New Outlook

2011-02-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

I am 35 today.
I blogged about it on my other blog, if you would like to read it here.
Something about 35, is that I never imagined I'd be where I am today.
I never imagined I would have the man of my dreams.
I never imagined I would have these amazing children.
I never thought I would be close to 300 lbs . . .

With my decision to re-join Weight Watchers came a decision to change myself in so many ways.
I have five years until I hit 40.
And as we all know, 40 is the new 30.
So, my goal at 40 is to be a smokin' hot mama.
And I know I can do it.
I have my husband's support.
I have my family's support.
And I have my God.

My first Weigh In is this Saturday, when I will go to my very first face to face meeting. I am so excited because of everyone that I have learned I will be in there with.
My mother in law.
My sister in law.
One of my sweetest friends and her daughter . . .
Not to mention the countless friends of mine that are doing this in other areas not close to me.
I will have one of the largest support systems ever.

If I can't do this NOW . . .
Then I never will.
God is pointing me to this new place in my life.
He is guiding me to be the person He desires me to be.
I will do this.
I CAN do this.
I HAVE TO DO THIS.
I won't be doing this alone.
Here's to being Losers in 2011!!

I'm Going Back on Weight Watchers . . .

2011-02-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to friends and family that have started or re-started Weight Watchers.
They are doing so well.
They are all losing, feeling good, and looking GREAT.
I am so proud of each of them.
It was actually my friend, Shannon, that inspired me to go back more than anything else.
Knowing she's had the same struggles as I have and seeing the joy on her face as she shared her weight loss with me.
I am so proud of her.
I am ready to be proud of ME again.

I quit WW because of the message boards online.
They weren't very encouraging or supportive.
In fact, some of the people were quite mean and spiteful and bitter, and hateful.
They sabotaged my efforts.
I spent a lot of time crying over what was said to me on those message boards.

So what made me decide to start it again?
Well, I will be going to face-to-face meetings.
I will be held accountable by someone other than myself.
That's what I need - accountability.

Today I am 285.
I'm ready to see 275. Then 265, 255, and then 245.
I will cry when I hit 250, I just know it.
I'm ready to make that change.

My Kid Likes Salad . . !

2011-01-27T08:04:00.000-08:00

Every day my children amaze me.
I had no idea that my picky seven year old would like salad.
But she does.
No, she LOVES salad.
She ASKS for salad!
I think if I was to give her a big bowl of lettuce she'd be happy.

Now, I thought that maybe it was the dressing. Or the croutons. Or the bacon bits.
But nope.
Last night, I saw her eat her lettuce PLAIN. I can't even do that!!
When I told her she could eat as much salad as she liked, she got so excited. Her eyes shone.
It was like I'd just handed her a seven layer chocolate fudge cake with extra ganache and a spoon and said "Have at it kiddo"

She likes raw veggies too.
Won't touch them cooked, but she'll eat carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, even potatoes raw.
I have hope. LOTS of hope for my daughter's future health.

Now if I can just get the 14 year old to eat something other than chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese we'll be in business . . .

Hi, I'm Jennifer. And I Am A Food-a-holic

2011-01-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

This post was inspired by this post by my good friend Teri at her blog, Mirrors Never Lie. Check her blog out and give her some love!

Addictions are strong in my family.
Alcoholism runs on my father's side.
I battled my own addiction demons in the forms of marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine.
All of those addictions were easy to break compared to this one.
Food addiction affects millions of people across the globe.
And most of them don't even know it.

My own addiction blossomed sometime in my childhood. I had a rough one. We won't go into details here. I began to eat for comfort at a very, very young age. I ate, I gained weight. I became an overweight child. Perhaps I was even an obese child, I really don't recall much about that.

I do remember being mocked and scorned for my weight. This led to depression. Which led to more eating. More weight gain. More taunts. More depression . . .
And thus the cycle began.
I remember at one point being so depressed that I though about suicide.
A lot.
So I ate more to stifle these nagging thoughts.
And the cycle continued.

I began "self-medicating" with smoking at around 14 or 15. A few years later I would supplement that with marijuana and alcohol. All the while trying to stifle the feelings of depression.

When I quit drinking and smoking pot (I continued smoking for several more years), I returned to food. I gained close to 70 lbs within a year.

When I quit smoking, I turned to food even more.
I had no more addictions to turn to, I had to have SOMETHING, right?

After the birth of my second child, I hit 310 lbs.

I am now learning that food is the ROOT of my problems, NOT the solution.
I am learning that eating for comfort will only cause more problems.
I am learning that God made my body specifically so that I would know when to eat and when to stop, and I am learning when to listen to those triggers.

They say that a food addiction is even worse to deal with than smoking or drugs.
I believe it.

Here's to being losers in 2011!!

A Bit of an Update and A Few of My Favorite Things . . .

2011-01-21T04:12:00.000-08:00

I just realized it's been a while since I've posted, so I decided to give a bit of an update.

First, I've started finally shedding the holiday 5 I gained. Not back below 280 yet - but inching my way closer. I know I'll get there soon!

Now, exercise . . . Notsomuch. I've been having a lot of joint pain lately - mostly in my hips and back. I'm actually starting to get really concerned about it because the pain in my hips has been going on for almost a year now. I try to get up and move around as much as I can, and sometimes it helps, but exercise is out of the question for now because I learned the other day (danced my heart out with my son while cleaning the dining room) that extreme movement aggravates the pain. So . . . there ya' have it. I'm not really worried as far as how it will affect my weight loss, I just have to make sure I'm eating accordingly. I'm just more concerned that there might be another problem . . .

Eating - I've done better, but not as well as I could. Not as many fruits and veggies as I would like. Ran out of budget and forgot to buy salad and canned veggies for the week, so the extent of my produce consumption focused on the bell peppers, onions, and garlic added to some of my dishes this week. Oh, and the fried okra one night. Not bad . . . but not good either. The strange thing is, my daughter (7) has actually been ASKING for salad this week!! Guess I need to get on the ball with that. But I have been trying to focus on eating ONLY when I'm hungry and stopping when I'm not hungry anymore. Of course, I did go back for seconds a couple of nights . . .

Now, on to my Favorite Things.
I've come to realize that I have a few "favorites" that I seem to stick with - that are all healthier choices. Here's a few of them:

International Delights Coffee House Inspirations Skinny Line - especially the vanilla latte and the caramel macchiato. These are flavored creamers that are light and VERY yummy! It's like Starbucks without the thunder thighs and the guilty nightmares . . .

Skinny Cow Singles - this ice cream rivals any of the full-fat versions, and it's 150 calories a serving and all has at least 2 grams of fiber. Can't beat that!!

Spinach salad with strawberries and balsamic vinegrette - Mmmm . . . I can't wait 'til spring so I can enjoy this one again. Add some grilled chicken and you have a full - yummy - meal!

Re-vamped recipes - I love taking really, REALLY fattening foods like chicken Parmesan, chili, enchiladas, etc, and re-writing them to lower the fat and calories. I'm getting really, REALLY good at it too!

10-minute brown rice and whole grain pasta - feeding a family of five is not easy on a budget, and we HAVE to have some kind of "filler" to lower the cost. Quick cooking brown rice and whole grain pastas really fit the bill. I use less, though, than I would normally in things like casseroles and soups.

Speaking of soup . . . Did you know you can eat an ENTIRE CAN of chicken noodle soup for UNDER 300 calories?? Mmmmmm . . .

Hormel Completes Microwave Meals - MOST of these are under 400 calories, and there are a few "lighter" ones that are under 300! And most of them are really, REALLY good.

So, there you have it, kids. Long post today, but well worth it!

HERE'S TO BEING LOSERS IN 2011!!

Getting the Rest of the Family to Eat Well

2011-01-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

The question is inevitable.
How many meals should I make when I'm dieting?
Should I make my veggies and brown rice and then make PB&J or Mac and Cheese for the kids?
Or should I force them to eat exactly what I'm eating?

The problem with making multiple meals is this:
Twice the meals = twice the money and twice the work.

The problem with letting them eat junk while you eat healthy food is that, well, their eating junk.

This was a something I struggled with early on in my lifestyle change, but it wasn't long before I found a viable solution that made everyone happy.

I only make one dinner. This dinner contains something that everyone will enjoy, that's healthy (such as whole grain pasta entree or lean meat and salad) as well as veggies for me and my husband to enjoy (and we do - immensely). Now of course theirs always one in the family that won't eat most of what I cook, and that's okay. They know that they never have to eat anything they don't want. BUT I will not be making them a completely different meal.

I think this is a great compromise.

See, here's the thing. The ENTIRE FAMILY benefits when we start a new eating lifestyle. Why? Because THEY will start to be introduced to the same healthy food that we are trying to stick to. They may not want to eat it right away - let's face it, did YOU really want to eat chicken breast and steamed vegetables the first time it was introduced to you?

Some tips that will get the whole family more "into" eating healthy:

1) Allow kids (and even spouses!) to pick a new veggie or fruit to try once a week. Giving them some choice in what they try will enhance the chance that they'll want to try it.

2) Get the whole family involved in the cooking process! Chopping, grating, tossing, washing - statistics show that kids that are involved in the cooking process are more likely to at least TRY what they helped make!

3) Allow everyone to pick one new healthy recipe to try a month or a week.

4) When all else fails, offer healthy substitutions! Billy won't eat spinach salad, but LOVES orange slices? Go ahead and put some oranges on the table too, then! Allie doesn't like Brussels sprouts, but will eat her weight in carrots? Add some baby carrots and dip as a side dish for everyone to enjoy.

5) Don't be picky about the TYPES of healthy foods they eat. So what if they don't like Ahi Tuna and Bok Choi? They loved the homemade chicken nuggets and broccoli, didn't they?

6) Try re-vamping family favorites. Use ground turkey instead of beef in that meatball recipe. Substitute brown rice for white in your mom's famous Arroz con Pollo. Small changes can make all the difference!

7) Invest in some healthy family-favorite cookbooks. Weight Watchers has some really great family cookbooks. So does The Biggest Loser and George Stella. Look for recipes that you know your family will love, then sneak in a new one every now and again!

I hope this will help some of you that are struggling with the "what do I feed the rest of the family" drama!

Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Vinegar

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Whisk oil and vinegar together in a large bowl, adding salt and pepper to your liking. Toss cauliflower in the mixture, then turn out onto a baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Roast in the oven at 425 for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking, until the cauliflower is caramelized (browned, but not burned!!).
Here's to being losers in 2011!!!

Hunger? Yes! Hunger!!

2011-01-04T05:21:00.000-08:00

You hear it in diet ads everywhere :
"Lose weight without feeling hungry!"
"NEVER feel hungry again!"
"Eat all you want and never go hungry!!"
It's like it's being brainwashed into us that hunger is a BAD thing!

But it's not.
Those of us that our obese don't realize one important thing.
Our stomachs - the organ, not the belly - have been stretched out of shape by our overeating. When we overeat, our stomachs stretch past capacity, thus the bloated uncomfortable feeling.
Most of us have eaten that way every meal, every day, for years.
This is one of the reasons we become obese in the first place. Since we continually stretch our stomachs, they stay that way, so we get hungry quicker and need more to feel satisfied.

But, most of us don't stop there.
Satisfaction isn't enough - we have trained our bodies to think that "full" = "sick to our stomachs" "bloated" or "uncomfortable".
When we decided to make the conscious effort to change our eating habits (for the better) and eat less, our bodies tend to respond almost cruelly to that.
We get hungry. REALLY hungry.
Sick to the stomach-I-have-to-eat-right-now-hungry.
Blood sugar dropping hungry.
HUNGRY.

But is hunger REALLY a bad thing?
Well, if you feel like you're going to faint or throw up because you're so hungry, yes, you should probably eat something.
But if it's just a "nagging rumbly feeling" in your tummy, you should ignore it for a bit and allow yourself to REALLY feel that rumble. Why? That is a sign of your stomach shrinking to normal size!
(Just google "shrink stomach pouch" and you will find a myriad of articles and answer forums that will confirm that.)
As our stomachs get used to eating less food, yes, we will feel hunger less often.
We have to re-train our bodies to fight against what society is trying to force into our minds.
HUNGER is not the enemy.
OVEREATING and OBESITY is.

Here's to being a loser in 2011!!!

It's a New Year and a New Outlook! Hellooo 2011!!

2011-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

I gained five pounds over the holidays.
I guess all things considered, it's not THAT bad. And I know it will be off lickity split once I get back into routine.
But those five pounds still stare . . . looming over all the progress I've made.
It put me back over 280.
*sad face*

But, the bottom line is this.
I CAN fix it.
I CAN do better.
And I CAN lose it - and more.

How do I know this?
Because I've been doing it.
It may have taken me a year, but it has happened.
And it will continue to happen.

My new outlook in 2011 is to NOT be discouraged.
If you don't read my other blog, you should check out my New Year's Resolutions
Number eight might surprise you.
It says to "eat something really, really fattening once a week".
Yes, I will be fulfilling this resolution.
Why?
Because I CAN.

You see, I know that when I allow myself that one treat to look forward to, I can stay on a stricter regimine. As I eat my carrot and cucumber salad (which, with some balsamic vinegar is really, really yummy) I can repeat my mantra "fried chicken . . . fried chicken . . ." and it works. For me.

Now, for some of you, this tactic may be a little extreme. And that's okay!
But I want you to repeat with me my new Outlook Phrase:
I CAN I CAN I CAN I CAN

Because, let's face it, if I CAN than ANYONE CAN!!!
Happy New Year and here't to being LOSERS IN 2011!!!

Fuggitabowtit

2010-12-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have had people ask me what I'm doing to lose weight. They don't believe me when I tell them "nothing".

You see, a few months ago, I had a bit of a revelation.
I was so worried about calories, fat grams, whole grains, yadda yadda yadda, that I forgot my love for food.
And I do love my food.

But I was doing myself a huge disservice. I was depriving myself. I was so stressed out over what I could and couldn't eat, that I forgot to have fun. The stress was NOT good for me. The stress caused me to have plateau after plateau.

So I just stopped worrying about it.
I allow myself to have things. I just remain conscious about it. For example, if I have a cookie, I know I can't have seconds on dinner.

I have also stopped worrying about fresh vs not fresh.
I eat canned green beans again. Often. I realized that BUYING it isn't doing me much good if I'm not EATING it.

I am no longer making lentils (i hate lentils) or trying to force feed my family veggies they won't eat (although I do sneak an onion in something every once in a while).

And . . .
I eat chocolate.
Daily.

Why is it working?
Because I am focusing on the world around me.
School. Housework. Kids. Husband.
Before, my focus all day, every day was still food.
Like it or not, worrying so much was feeding my addiction.
Now . . .
I eat when I'm hungry, and I eat what I want.
I no longer feel the need to eat MORE than what I need to be full, because the stress isn't there any more.

Some weeks I lose one pound.
Some weeks I lose nothing.
But in the last two months I have not GAINED anything.
And I am content with that.

The cycle is broken.

30 Lbs . . .

2010-12-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

30 lbs ago I was hopeless.
I was never going to lose this weight.
I would always be obese.

I look back on myself - then 309 lbs - and I see where I was.
I look at myself now - at 279 lbs - and I finally see who I am.

I still have a long way to go - at least another 100 lbs to my goal.
But I know now that it IS attainable.
I CAN do it.
I CAN be that person I've always wanted to be.

I thought about stopping this blog.
But friends didn't want me to - they told me so.
So I am going to give this my best effort to keep up with. As often as I can.
If I am touching just ONE person - just ONE.
If I am inspiring just ONE person - it's all worth it.
God bless all of you!

Taking a Hiatus . . .

2010-10-11T05:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I am taking a break for a week in order to work on mid term exams. I will be back Tuesday, October 19 with the next installment of my "Blogging My Way Through Body Clutter" series.

God's love and blessings to you all!

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter" - Chapter One

2010-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Is food the enemy?
Well to some people, it can be.
Let's face it, it is an addiction that plagues more Americans than any drug on the market.
That's what this chapter faces.

We all associate memories to food, even those who aren't addicted - the Thanksgiving turkey, making cookies with mom, grandma's coconut cake . . . It's only human. But the difference between that and a food-addicted person is this - the food addict will take that memory and run with it. If it's a joyful memory, that food becomes attached to that joy, and we addicts have to have more of it especially during stressful times (still not convinced that food can be an addiction?)

For Marla, this addiction is Macaroni and Cheese. For Leanne, it's chocolate. For me, it's any food I can get my hands on.

Do I have a specific food memory? Well, I have several, but when it comes to "comfort food" I honestly don't have that one food that triggers me. My food addiction stemmed from a traumatic childhood that I won't go into detail about here. Essentially, I subconsciously put on weight for a purpose. Sadly, it didn't work, so I ended up continuing to eat to fill the painful void. I started putting on large amounts of weight by the time I was seven. Yes. SEVEN.

As a latchkey kid, I was never given limits on what I could or couldn't eat after school. I'd eat two mini pizzas, a whole box of macaroni and cheese, or a half a bag of potato chips for an after school snack. And then at dinner, I'd eat an entire plate filled to the rim with food, simply because my older brother would take whatever was left, and not leave anything for seconds or leftovers (I guess that was a form of self-preservation).

After I moved out of the house, I went to Austin where I got into some heavy legal trouble. Additionally, I was living with a (so I thought) friend that was manipulative and verbally abusive. In fact, she was the reason for all the legal trouble. After a year, I moved back home to my folks, but the depression and worthlessness were still in tact - full force. Again, I ate. By the time I was 21 years old, I was 240 lbs. Years passed, and I continued to put on weight - slowly but surely. When I had my daughter at 28 I was about 265. I stayed around the same weight until I met my husband about a year and a half later. After we moved in together and we got married, I gained even more weight. When I became pregnant with my second child, I was up to 280, roughly. After his birth, I went into a period of a kind of postpartum depression, and within five months time, I had put on 30 lbs to reach 310 lbs! I think I just now realized that I was depressed. Looking back now, I must have been. My house was terrible, I looked awful, I slept all the time, when I wasn't sleeping I was eating . . . I was depressed for sure.

Food had become my enemy, but I wasn't ready yet to relinquish all control.

Something Leanne said was that she finally realized that "It's only food! It isn't Love! It's not God!"(8). It would take me a while yet to find that realization.

Want to know exactly what Marla and Leanne say in their book? Buy it for yourself!

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter" - Introduction

2010-09-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

The introduction to this book was both expected and surprising. Of course there were the usual obesity statistics and nutrition facts, but the surprising thing was how into detail about their lives Marla and Leanne went. Not only that, but every other paragraph was an "Oh, my God, that's ME" moment.

For example, Leanne recounts having two small children in the home while she was studying for her nutritionist license. This really hit home with me, as I am currently studying for my bachelor's degree with three kids in the house.

One of the points they both make here, is that you have to LOVE YOURSELF before you can truly let go of the emotional clutter (baggage) that led to the body clutter (obesity) in the first place. Marla even refers to body clutter as a kind of "self-abuse", and I couldn't agree more.

Why is it self abuse in my case? Well, that's something that I'll explore with you in the next point. Let's just suffice it to say that guilt and self-loathing were my initial triggers.

Want to know exactly what Marla and Leanne say in their book? Buy it for yourself!

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter"

2010-09-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

I got a new book in the mail.
It's called Body Clutter, and it was written by The Fly Lady (Marla Cilley) and The Dinner Diva (Leanne Ely). Now, if you don't know who these two remarkable women are, you need to go check out their web sites. Go on. It's okay, I'll wait.

. . . .

Alrighty then, now that you know how wonderful they are, let me tell you about how I ended up with this book.

If you've been following this blog, you know my struggles. I'll lose, then I'll gain. I'll try something, then something else, then something else . . .

If you've noticed I haven't been blogging here in a while, it's because I haven't really had much to blog about. It's kinda been the same thing ever day - I eat, I sleep, I weigh. Some days I lose, some days I don't. Then I started reading reviews on Body Clutter. It's not a diet book, first of all. It's more a book on how to deal with YOURSELF than anything else, and how to declutter your life (and thus your body). That was one thing that drew me to it. Second, I LOVE Marla Cilley more than you can possibly know. Seriously folks, she is my Lady Gaga. So I ordered it.

The thing about this book is that Marla and Leanne aren't preachy - at all. They don't point fingers and say mean things. They've BEEN there - and this is their story. Through telling their stories, they help you to write your own, so to speak, with exercises at the end of each chapter. The idea is that you keep a journal to write these answers in so you can go back and revisit them.

This is not a book about dieting, it's a book about changing your attitude about yourself.

About halfway through chapter 3, I got a stroke of genius. I have had bloggers block for this particular blog for a long time, so I decided why not use that to my advantage? I have decided that over the next couple of months, I am going to blog my way through this book. I will publicly journal my answers to all of the exercises, and share my successes and frustrations, joys and flops. I will not blog every day, simply because time will not allow that, but I will blog at least 2-3 times a week.

I would love for you to join me. If you would like to, you can get the book here or here.

So . . . Let's get started!

Adventures in fasting . . . Sort of

2010-08-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

So last week DH and I come up with the great idea to try a two week fast. It really seemed like a good idea at the time, anyway. The intentions were good, the motivation was there. But what wasn't there was our expectations. Neither of us had any idea what was about to happen to our bodies and minds. After a day and a half, we couldn't continue. But we learned a lot those two days, and I believe I got a lot out of it.

I chronicled the first two days in my journal. To re-post all of it would take too long, but here are a couple of excerpts:

Day 1
Mood, Hopeful, Excited

I woke up hungry for the first time in a long time . . . Had a bottle of water with lemon - it was surprisingly yummy . . . Ronnie is doing things differently. I'm a little worried for him actually . . .

Day 2
Mood: Bleh

Yesterday was plain awful . . . I had to lay down most of the day and when I'd get up, I was weak and light headed. Even now, I don't feel like myself . . . Poor Ronnie, I think he suffers more from watching what I am going through . . . I am calling it withdraw. After all, it is an addiction I am trying to break . . . and I'm trying to justify my addiction.

Yesterday I had 2 shakes, a mug of broth, and a cup of juice and drank lots of water and lemon. The shakes are going to become tiresome, though . . . I had a nice talk with Ronnie yesterday and finally understand fully his reason to want to do this . . .

Last night had a CSH meeting . . . Friends were worried because of how I was acting. I just wasn't myself at all.

Hoping and praying that today is much better.

Day 3
No more fast.
Mood . . . ???

I am unsure how I feel about quitting. I know Ronnie feels like a failure, but somehow I do not. I am taking so much with me on this experience, as short as it was. I no longer crave the soda. And the food that I crave is on the healthier side. Things like salad and green beans, and tuna and scrambled eggs . . . I am confident that I have gotten the detox over with and that my journey will become easier . . . I feel for those that have to do this for surgery . . . I now know that my will power for that just might not be strong enough.

What did I learn from this experience? Well, I learned that I am not as strong a person as I thought I was. After two days both my husband and I were in bad shape. I also learned that I lean on food too much for comfort - more than I thought I did. I learned that I don't have to eat when I am bored - I can drink something that tastes good such as water with lemon or some sugar free tea and be just as satisfied. I also learned that I don't have to eat as much as I thought I needed to in order to survive or to lose weight.

I am thinking that this fast is what is going to help me get back on track this time. And when I lose track, all I need to do is another 1-2 day fast to get back on it. I am hopeful that I can do this.

My meal plan for the day has changed as well, and now looks like this:

AM
Breakfast: Bagel Thin with 1T cream cheese, coffee with splenda and fat free 1/2 and 1/2
Snack: Weight Loss Shake
32 oz water

PM
Lunch: Soup or salad, fruit, iced tea with lemon and splenda
Snack: cup of broth or cup of power juice (pear, apple, grape, celery, carrot, spinach)
16 oz water

Dinner: Low-Fat Entree, Salad, Vegetable, iced water
Bed time snack: cup of herbal tea with splenda (occasionally air popped pop corn)

No soda, low carbs, low sugar, and low fat. My daily calorie count (not that I'm counting) should be in the range of 1200-1500 a day. I know it seems low, but in reality I don't get much exercise (as much as I'd like to), and I've been reading that the more sedentary a life you live, the fewer calories you need.

I know that I can do this with lots of prayer and encouragement.
Here's to your health!

Hate Not Working Out . . .

2010-08-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

This week the workout has been a bit of a challenge, and my body is feeling the after effects. The main thing is my ankle - it's been hurting for a few days now. What did I do to it? I have NO idea. There's no problem with flexibility, but when I put weight on it, it hurts. I am utterly clueless.

Then there's the problem with the "burn out". I have a couple of work out videos I've been doing, and the truth is, I'm already tired of them. I need to invest in a couple more, I'm sure, but I can't find what I want in the store, and online it's hard to find too so . . . *sigh*.

I know that working out is the most important thing I can do - even more so than the eating. But I just can't seem to get with it this week. Yeah, I know I know . . . "just do it" . . . that kind of thing, but it's not as easy as it sounds! Really!

I need to figure out a way to get moving . . .

Low Fat, Easy brats and "Kraut"

2010-08-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ronnie and I LOVE our Bratwurst. That's what I get for marrying a man with German blood running through his veins. But, brats can be SUPER high in fat and calories. Add a sandwich roll on top of that, and it's not exactly the healthiest thing you can put in your body.

Well, today I created a recipe that will satisfy that brats-and-kraut craving - it's SUPER easy, and FULL of flavor!

Crock-Pot Sausage and Kraut

1/2 head cabbage, sliced into shreds (you can also find pre-shredded cabbage in some supermarkets)
1 lb lean turkey brats
1/2 c Chicken broth
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
2 T sugar OR Splenda (if you're watching your carbs or are diabetic)
1 T caraway seed (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

In a 5 qt crock pot, combine broth, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper, caraway seed, and cabbage (I used my clean hands to mix it gently and well). Lay brats on top of cabbage.

Cook on high 3-5 hrs or on low 6-8 hrs.
*note - if you prefer the more sour sauerkraut, omit the sugar and use white vinegar*

DIY - Do It Yourself!!

2010-08-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

One thing that a lot of people have issues with when it comes to eating well, is the cost. I'm a huge fan of Diary of a Mad, Fat Woman, and her most recent post is what has inspired this one.

Everyone who tries to lose weight always has an excuse - It's too hard, it's too expensive, it doesn't taste good . . . You know who you are (and yes, I am just as guilty as you are some days).

Well, here are some great tips that will help you off-set any time or cost issues you may have for eating well.

1) Buy in bulk, cook in advance. Buy 2 lb bags of brown rice and cook it all at once. Portion it out into 1 cup servings in freezer bags and store it in the freezer for those nights when you want to do a quick and easy stir fry or skillet meal. Do the same with chicken breasts - in some stores, you can buy 5 lbs of boneless, skinless breasts for about the cost of 2 1 lb packages. Buy it, cook it up, and store it for later use. This can also be done with ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, even veggies!

2) Make the most of your time. Of course you can't cook a pork loin and veggies when you get home from work. But you can make something quick and easy. Even a spaghetti dinner can be made healthy by switching from white pasta to whole wheat, using ground turkey instead of beef, and bulking up your sauce with some mushrooms, onions, peppers, or spinach (or, you can do what I do and add all three!).

3) Invest in a crock pot! A crock pot is an ESSENTIAL part of my life - I use it at least once a week, sometimes twice. And it's just made for low-fat, low-cal cooking! All those cuts of low-fat meat that dry out easily? Stick them in the crock pot with some veggies, a little broth, and set it and forget it! Remember that pork loin you didn't have time to cook? Well, now you do!

4) SOME packaged products are okay - in a pinch. For example - you can find good low-fat and low-sodium cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soups. Add some brown rice, veggies, and a protein and you have a great casserole! If you don't have time (or think you don't, anyway) to cook brown rice for an hour, go ahead and use the quick-cooking variety. It has the same nutritional value and a fraction of the time. Just be sure to read the labels to make sure there's no added sugar or fat!

5) Vegetables are surprisingly cheap. Even more so if you buy them frozen, in some cases. You can buy stir fry mixes for a fraction of what it would cost to buy all the veggies separately - and there's little to no waste since it can be stored in the freezer for up to a year!

"But Jen, how can I make dinner in a hurry for my family in between work, PTA meetings, soccer, cheerleading, swimming, supper club, book club, and the church auxiliary?"

There are SO MANY options for just that. I have a secret formula I'm going to share with you. Ready?

1 lb meat + 1 1/2 c Brown Rice or Whole Wheat Pasta + 1 C broth or water + 1 can cream soup or tomato paste + 2 T seasoning of choice + 1 1/2 c fresh or frozen vegetables of choice + 1 deep sided skillet + 20-30 minutes = a skillet meal for four fit for a family of four. : )

For example - use ground turkey, brown rice, beef broth, tomato paste, taco seasoning, peas and carrots and you have a taco skillet meal!

Use chicken, pasta, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, thyme, and mushrooms for an out of this world mushroom chicken skillet.

The possibilities are endless. The benefits - YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING INTO YOUR FAMILY'S TUMMIES! Unlike the packaged products, where you can't even pronounce half the items.

So, NO MORE EXCUSES! Eating healthy does NOT have to break the bank OR take up your time!

New Outlook - Again . . .

2010-08-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

After my meltdown the other day, I came to realize quite a few things.

1) Never weigh yourself then blog about it when you're hormonal

2) I have an amazing network of friends and family that love and support me

3) I need to hide my scale (and dear, dear Hubby has done just that for me)

4) Hubby loves me, no matter what I weigh (he told me so, too!)

5) GOD loves me, no matter what I weigh

6) If I am eating right and exercising, the weight itself is secondary

Looking back on last week, I've thought a few things over - while I DID do more last week then usual, it just might not have been enough. I exercised two times. I ate healthfully, but I probably ate too much (even healthy food can be bad if you eat too much of it). So, in retrospect, I need to "fuggetabowtit" and move on.

I also realized that I am disobeying God by relying too much on the scale. God wants us to rely on Him, and put our trust in Him. Instead, I was putting my trust in a machine. I was worshiping a false idol.

One thing that I often write about is self image. I apparantly forgot my own mantra the other day:

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) by God "in his own image" (Genesis 1:27). God created me as I am - fat and all. He made me with frizzy hair, big boobs and a flat tush. He gave me a mole on my nose, and missing incisor teeth. He gave me a quirky look that my husband just loves.

So, as I repent for all of that, I make a vow. Okay, two vows.

1) I will never EVER blog on PMS again.

2) I will F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely On God.

If I can do those two things, I'll be just fine.

Discouraged and Downtrodden . . .

2010-07-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have fluctuated between the same five pounds for over a year now.

Sometimes I'm 288.

Sometimes I'm 290.

Sometimes I'm 292.

If I were to ever see another number I'd be a happy girl.

Today was not that day.

Everyone - my husband, my friends, my family, even total strangers - tell me to not get discouraged. It takes time to lose weight.

But how can I do what I did this week and

NOT. LOSE. A. POUND.

I am so discouraged right now, and I really feel like I am dealing with this alone, because I really don't think anyone understands.

I know that God has created me the way He wants me to be, but surly He doesn't want me to be

290 lbs

I am praying for strength and guidance.

i just don't know what to do anymore.

Dreading the scale

2010-07-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my weigh in day.

I am so nervous.

I've mentioned before my relationship with the scale.

Really it's a kind of unhealthy obsession.

But it's just sitting there. Daunting. DARING me to stand on it so it can show me just how close to 300 lbs I still am.

300 lbs.

I am praying so hard that I never see that number again in my life.

I looked at myself in the mirror last night, and wondered how my husband could possible be attracted to someone with my body. I felt ugly. I felt like that fat kid in high school that everyone loved to tease and taunt and make cry.

So I dread the scale.

I've worked out more than I have in a long time this week.

I've cut way down on carbs and went way up on fruits and veggies.

Why am I so afraid?

I am praying that God gives me the strength to face tomorrow's number, no matter what it might be.

Why Water?

2010-07-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Most people go on a diet and the decide to stop drinking regular soda and make the switch to diet. I am guilty of this myself. But I have realized that soda may not be the way to go. Of course one or two during the course of the day should be fine, but all day long . . . notsomuch.

There are thousands, perhaps millions, of people that detest water. They don't like the colorless, flavorless properties of it. They believe it to be "boring". But what they don't know (or maybe they do, and just chose to ignore it) is the fact that water is one of the keys to weight loss!

Why is this? Well, for several reasons.

First and foremost, our bodies are made up of over 70% water. That means that the majority of our body mass is good old H2O. Throughout our day we lose quite a bit - up to 20% depending on activity. We NEED to replace that. Soda is thirst quenching for the moment, but don't do much for hydration in the long run. Only water can replace water, and soda is more carbonation and high fructose corn syrup than water.

Second, water is fat free, calorie free, sodium free, and carbonation free. Soda has the possibility of promoting stomach ulcers, kidney stones, and, according to one report, could possible be linked to osteoporosis. You'll never find water being accused of this.

Water was the first thing God created when he made the Earth (Genesis 1:2) - it was already there before even night and day. He put it here to nourish His earth, His creatures, and His children!

If you think water is boring or just doesn't taste good, try mixing it with citrus fruit, melon, or cucumber to add flavor. You can also drink sugar-free non-carbonated beverages such as Crystal Light, but drink these in the same moderation as soda - sugar substitutes can also be bad for you in large quantities!

So, next time you get thirsty, try reaching for a nice cold bottle of refreshing, clear, sparkling, calorie free water. In fact, I think I'm going to do just that right now.

My Wii and Me

2010-07-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't used my Wii in over three months.
That would be MARCH since my last workout!
I could not believe it had been that long.

So I got on it this morning.
I did thirty minutes of yoga, boxing, step training, and my favorite - the ski jump.
I burned over my goal today too.
Exciting stuff.

Then I realized something . . .
In my day, I actually have enough time to do TWO of these thirty minute workouts and burn what my ACTUAL goal should be - 300 calories a day.

Now, the problem is the willpower.

This is where I need God's help.
I just don't have it.
I don't understand why.
I had enough willpower to quit smoking.
I have enough to get up early every morning and read my bible.
I have enough to get up and get my house in order.
But I don't seem to have it for this.
Why is that?

So everyday, I plan to pray for the willpower to do this. EVERY DAY.
I know that God will help me to fulfill His plan for me.
I just have to learn to rely on Him a little more, and myself a little less.

Self-Image

2010-07-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139:13-16

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Weight loss is a journey that many people embark on. Most people, in fact, have spent their lives trying to lose that 5, 10, or 15 lbs. And many of those people have even more to lose - 40, 50, even 100 pounds or more.

And many of these people, again I will venture to say "most", are unsuccessful for the long term. People on diets or eating plans often lose will power and go back to their original way of eating. People who have had weight loss surgery often find ways to "eat around" their bypass or lap-band.

Even I have been unsuccessful in my journey.

Of course this leaves one feeling dejected, heartbroken, worthless. We see ourselves as failures, and often as unworthy of love. I am guilty of this.

But there is one thing that many dieters don't realize.

Until we can accept who we are, as wonderfully made in God's image, we will not be successful. It is our dependence on the Lord that will help us in this journey.

Of course we know the way to salvation is through Jesus Christ. But the way to health? YES.

WE ARE HUMAN. WE ARE INHERENTLY WEAK AND CANNOT FACE THIS BATTLE ON OUR OWN.

As Christians, we have admitted our weaknesses to God, and have admitted to ourselves that we can't do other things without His help. Why is weight-loss any different?

ONLY BY LEANING ON HIM, CAN WE BE DELIVERED FROM OUR WEAKNESS.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

WE ARE WEAK, BUT HE IS STRONG

Try this for a week - when you are tempted to eat after you are already full, pray.

When you are tempted to eat when you are not hungry, pray.

When you are tempted to eat that entire pint of Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch in your freezer, PRAY.

PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY

The Bible tells us to "Pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:16), this means in every aspect of our lives.

We are "Wonderfully and fearfully made" in the Lord. When we start seeing ourselves as such, and start praying always, as commanded, then, and only then can we be 100% successful.

And remember, it's not about being THIN. It's about being HEALTHY and being the people GOD wants us to be.

When do you KNOW it's working?

2010-07-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I frown at the scale quite often, a little wrinkle in my brow. It sometimes makes me so angry that this little flat box has so much control in my life. Up one, down three. Down five, up two. Down seven, up six. It's so frustrating sometimes. So what keeps my motivation going? Why don't I just give up and quit? Well, to be honest, it's moments like what happened to me this weekend.

We spent July 3rd with my husband's family at Lake Amon Carter (that's in Bowie, TX for those of you that aren't in the cool crowd). Emily spent the day splashing in the water with her cousins, Garrett popping firecrackers, Ronnie and I on the water. And then there was Jacob. Jake, 2, is a runner. He likes to run. He also likes to run AWAY. As Ronnie and I were trying to get aboard our Hobie 16 catamaran, Jake decided to take off running into the next lake lot, where (to my embarrassment and dismay) an elderly couple were enjoying some "quiet time". I chased him around our lake lot, to the next, around it, and back through ours before finally catching up with him, where I picked him up and firmly deposited him into his grandmother's waiting lap. Getting on the boast, I realized something profound.

One year ago, I would not have been able to do that. I would have gotten tired, had a cramp, SOMETHING. For SOME reason, I would not have been able to go after my son.

It was a great feeling.

So, the scale hasn't changed that much in the last year. My clothes haven't either, for that matter. But I am aware now of the fact that I must be doing SOMETHING right! Those little baby steps are adding up one by one.

So I'm gonna keep on keepin' on.

Being a loser feels great!

2010-06-18T05:54:00.001-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with the scale. I go down a pound or two, I LOVE it. Go up or stay the same, I LOATHE it. I have to make sure that I keep the positive relationship going with my scale because, lets face it, it's not the SCALE'S fault I messed up.

I really paid attention to my eating this week. I stayed, on average, around 2000 calories a day. It doesn't sound like much to some people, but I weigh 290 - oops, sorry, that's 289 now! That's a LOT of extra weight, and it's going to take baby steps in order to lose it. The 2000 calories is the first baby step for me. The second is drinking water. I haven't quite gotten up to 8 cups yet, but I'm doing better. My third step, which will start next week, will be weighing and measuring my food. I have a scale and a wonderful set of measuring cups for just that purpose.

I am proud of what I've accomplished. Yes, it's only a pound. But that one pound is HUGE in my book!

Finding What Works for You

2010-06-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

There's a old TV theme song that says "What might be right for you, might not be right for some". It's talking about life, and how we're all different. Well, that saying also works for dieting.

Looking back over this blog, I've realized that I have been through every major diet "fad" that's out there. And they haven't stuck. Why? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it's the attitudes that go along with some of them, maybe it's the negativity that I have experienced with some of the people involved in them. Either way, going from diet to diet is not only ridiculous, but sabotaging. I found something that worked, but instead of sticking with it, I changed to something else. Did it work too? Nope. In fact, it made things worse. I gained weight. So then I went to something else. Didn't work either. Then the next thing. And the next thing. And the next thing.

So, after much prayer and thought, I have decided to go back to the one thing that I know for a fact did work for me.

Calorie counting isn't for everyone. I will never say that it is. Some people just don't do well on it. And that's okay. But, I happen to be one of those people that needs to count calories. I have found that when I am aware of what I am eating and how much, I make it a point to do better. It's like a game or puzzle, and I love it. So I'm back to counting the calories.

Yes. I know I preached against it in an earlier blog. But I have found that in my quest for knowledge and information, there is just too much information. You really can't go by what everyone says - even so-called-"experts". All they want to do is get your money. So, figure out what it is that you need to do for you to lose weight. Low cal? Low carb? Vegetarian? Whatever works for you, find it and STICK WITH IT.

My daily calorie goal is around 2000 right now. That means I can eat 1800-2200 a day. I need to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. I need to drink more water and less diet soda (although one soda with a meal or as an evening snack is okay). I need to focus more on what is important in life - my God, my Family, my Friends. As my amazing mother-in-law said "Food is not my focus".

This blog is going to evolve into something different. I will continue to chronicle my journey, but in the process I will also do a monthly weigh in, post healthful recipes, and give my calorie counts and exercise logs for the week. But I will no longer be promoting any one style of weight loss. Because I have found that what's right for others, isn't for me. And what's right for me, might not be right for some.

Preventing Obesity in Your Children

2010-06-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Childhood obesity is a growing concern in the American family. We, as a country, have some of the most overweight adults on the planet. And our children aren't any healthier than we are. With diets consiting of fast food and little fruits and vegetables, and with exercise routines that include how fast the your thumbs can go on the action button, it's little wonder that our children are slowing gaining on us in the overweight department.

So, what can we do as parents? There are several steps that you can take to ensure your children will remain healthy and happy.

1) limit TV and video game time. Children should watch only two hours of television a day and should play only an hour of video games a day.

2) decrease carbs while increasing whole grains. According to the food pyramid guide, kids only need 6 oz of grains a day. If you give them a bowl of cereal in the morning, a sandwich at lunch, and a bowl of pasta or rice a day, they will have plenty. They also recommend that at least half of those grains be whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, or flax.

3) increase your fruits and vegetables. The food guide also says that kids need up to four cups of fruits and vegetables a day. Let's face it, most adults don't get that much. Give some juice and a piece of fruit in the morning, carrot sticks at lunch, fruit or raw veggies and dip for snacks, and at least one vegetable at dinner. Need some help with some picky eaters? The Sneaky Chef has some great online recipes to help out with that!

4) don't force the issue. Seriously. There is an old saying that goes "when he's hungry enough, he'll eat". Learn this. Live by this. Know this is true. If he's not hungry enough to eat that plate of mashed potatoes, green beans, and turkey meatloaf, then he's not hungry enough. Forcing our kids to "clean your plates" teaches them the wrong idea. Basic idea is: IF YOU'RE NOT HUNGRY DON'T EAT. Same should go for the children.

5) play with your kids. Go outside or to the park. Run with them. Climb with them. Show them that exercise can be fun family time for all! They'll love the special time with you, and they'll be getting in a workout to boot!

Remember that YOU are your child's best example. You want them to live healthy happy lives? Show them how by living one yourself.

Plateau plateau plateau . . . !

2010-05-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

two weeks ago I was so excited because I lost 2 lbs.

I officially gained it back last week.

This week, no change. What is it with my body that's keeping me from losing this weight? I've been EXACTLY the same weight (give or take a pound or two) for almost a YEAR now!

Yes, a whole year!!

It doesn't seem to really matter what I do - I eat healthy, stays the same, I exercise, stays the same, I count calories, stays the same, no matter what I do,

IT STAYS THE SAME!

I think it's time now for me to ask myself why.

Does God WANT me to be this weight for some reason?

Is He trying to send me a message?

I'm really trying to figure out why this is happening to me.

I refuse to use pills

I refuse to have surgery

I refuse to start yet ANOTHER fad diet that will do me ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD WHATSOEVER

I want to do this the RIGHT way

But the right way doesn't seem to be working

FUNNY OF THE DAY:

Disappointed

2010-05-14T04:01:00.001-07:00

I gained a pound this week.

I know that for most people that's not necessarily a big deal. And I probably need to look at it a little differently - this has been a "hormonal week" and I've had a little stress on me this week. But those are just excuses.

Looking back at my food journal for the week, trying to figure it all out I noticed a trend. In the afternoons, I get bored. When that happens, I tend to forget to listen to my signals and just eat out of boredom because I have the "munchies". So I guess what that means for me now is that I need to find something else to do during the baby's nap time.

I am about halfway through the first exercise in the workbook. I am taking it slow, trying to really think about and ponder my answers. Some of them are secretly tricky, I've noticed. I am a little worried about going through the book without an actual group doing it with me. Hopefully this site will suffice for the "support group".

My husband has jumped on the ball a little bit as well. I noticed the other day he only took one spoonful of dinner instead of three. I secretly smiled to myself. He did go back for seconds, but that's okay because in the long run he still ate less than he would have originally.

I am hoping my daughter (6) starts learning to listen to her cues as well. She will keep eating something and say "I'm still hungry". I know she can't still be hungry, but she will cry to get more food. I am hoping she watches me and learns. I fear that DH's children (13 and 14) are a lost cause in this aspect. Especially the 14 year old. He will eat until he's sick just because something "tastes good". They even went home and told their mother that DH and I were "starving them" because we wouldn't let them go back for thirds! Insane. I am really fearful for their future health.

My goals for this week are to find something better to do with my time during the afternoon, finish the first exercise in the workbook, and to pray for my children and their eating habits.

Think Small . . .

2010-05-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

I know, that sounds like a contradiction in today's over-zealous "think big" society. But I fully believe that that "think big" attitude is what has made the US the fattest nation in the world. Big cars have replaced walking or biking from place to place, and big roads and highways have made it very unsafe to do so anyway. Big chain restaurants are feeding us big portions (and some with very big price-tags). Big clothing chains have been forced into creating bigger sizes for their bigger clientele. We all have the desire for big, bigger, biggest in our lives. That's where we make some of the biggest mistakes in our lives.

As a result, our bills are bigger, our debts are bigger, our stresses are bigger, and ultimately our waistlines are bigger.

So what do you do to solve this? You have to change your thinking. You have to go from "think big" to "thinking small".

Smaller cars, for example, are more economical and most are "greener".
Smaller portions in restaurants means smaller checks and smaller belts.
Smaller bills mean smaller stresses.

But this blog is about weight loss, not economics.
How does this apply to weight loss?
Well, quite simply, eat small, weigh less.

Is it really that simple? Well, yes, it is. Eat smaller portions off a smaller plate - it'll make it look like you have more. Eat with a smaller fork. It'll take longer to eat and you'll feel fuller much quicker than you would if you were shoveling in your food with a giant fork. Eat small.

Yes, it takes some will power and work. But then, weight loss isn't supposed to be easy. But it will be so worth it when you you're "smaller thinking" leads to smaller sizes!

PLATEAU BROKEN!!

2010-05-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

After LITERALLY months of being the exact same weight, I have finally broken through my plateau! I lost three pounds this week! So what did I do?

Well, I stopped eating when I wasn't hungry. Is it REALLY that simple? YES IT IS.

Dr. Rita Hancock (I've mentioned her before) wrote the book "The Eden Diet" where she discusses just that. According to her (and she uses scripture to back this up) the bible gives us all the instruction we need on eating. I had never thought of it that way, but she's right.

Of course right now I sound like an over-zealous paid actor, right? Perhaps I should give it a longer time period before I call "success!" But all I know is this - I wasn't losing weight, and now I am. There was only one thing that changed.

People tell us all the time that we have to eat every two hours to keep our metabolism going! You know what I say to them? HOGWASH! You're telling ME that I have to eat something I don't like every two hours weather or not I'm hungry? I don't think so. I like Dr. Hancock's theory better - eat smaller portions of food that you actually LIKE - but only when you're hungry. If you're still hungry, eat a little more. If you're not hungry (now here's where the challenge comes in) STOP EATING.

**DISCLAIMER: I am a Christian - I started this as a weight loss blog for Christians. If you're not a Christian you may want to stop reading right now, or turn away from the screen.**

My whole life has revolved around food. When was I going to get it, how much of it I was going to eat. I focused on meal planning, recipe writing, watching food network, reading cookbooks. The whole purpose behind the Eden Diet is different, though. Instead of focusing on FOOD (what and how much you should and should not eat) you focus on GOD. Thanking God for the feeling of hunger as a sign when to eat. Praising him for the glorious food that you are about to receive. Enjoying the food to His glory.

When you "diet", your focus still stays on the same thing - food. You worry about how many calories, carbs, or fiber is in something. You check fat content and concern yourself with things like "trans fat" and "cholesterol". But is that really where your focus should be?

Our focus should be on God every hour of every day. We should do ALL things for his glory from housecleaning (blogged on that one on The Supermom Blues) to hobbies, to reading, to even cooking and eating. God should be on our focus at all times. Once we regain sight of that, we can do anything. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". It's time - for me anyway - to "let go and let God". To thank Him for every aspect of my life and allow him to rule my life. I need to remember that GOD is in control of me, NOT FOOD.

That is a lesson for all to take with them when it comes to weight loss. We allow the food to control us, when we need to be the ones to be in control of the food, and relinquish our control over ourselves to God.

Taking Baby Steps

2010-04-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

After months and months of saying we were going to, Ronnie and I have finally started walking together. We went to the local park, let the six-year-old loose on the playground, stuck the toddler in his stroller and started walking the track. The track is .16 mile. About six times around the track is a mile. I only made it four times around on Tuesday. I was so disappointed in myself. Of course, I know that for an almost 300-lb woman (I can't believe I just told the world that) that's really nothing to sniff at, but I know I can do better. I know I can make that mile. That is my goal today. To walk an entire mile on that track. That's six times around.

That leads me to another point. It's important to make goals. When we don't, we have nothing to strive for. And without that, what's the point? We need to set goals every day to be successful. A goal might be to walk for 15 minutes or to drink four glasses of water instead of two. Even to incorporate a fruit into your meal plan for the day, or eat a salad. Small goals can make HUGE changes. Here's the thing though - don't go too grandiose with it. Sometimes people make the mistake of making goals that there is NO way they can reach. Such as a person that has never exercised in her life making the goal to run a 5K the next day. Or a person to completely change their eating habits 100% that week. Those goals aren't attainable for most people (don't start throwing stuff at me - I said MOST people. If you are one of those people that can do these things, then bully for you. Please email me your secret). Small goals - baby steps as Fly Lady Marla Cilley says. One baby step a day. For me, I had one baby step on Tuesday. To walk. I didn't give myself a limit on how long or far, just to do it. Today, my baby step is to set that goal of length. I was able to walk four laps Tuesday, there's no reason I can't walk at least five today - but my real goal is six. Tomorrow, my baby step will be something else. Day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute.

Change takes time. It won't happen overnight. It CAN'T happen overnight, or it won't stick. This is a problem I've had in the past, and one that I still struggle every day to overcome in so many areas. Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps. Eventually, I'll get there.

When the GOOD cravings kick in . . .

2010-04-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

You know, every so often, I CRAVE healthy food. Like this weekend, for example. DH and I were camping with a few of our best friends, one of which takes over the cooking for everyone. He is an amazing cook. But what he choses to cook isn't exactly the healthiest of foods. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE his sausage and potatoes, hamburgers, sausage and beans, and so-on. But this weekend, I was actually CRAVING healthier fare - fruit, turkey burgers, salad . . . THAT'S what I wanted to eat. Not so good for me this weekend (although the food, as always, WAS amazing), but it made me realize something. When faced with the prospect of not having a choice in the matter, I CRAVED the healthier things. This tells me something about my body - I want NUTRITIOUS food - not junk (although I did crave a Twix today like you wouldn't believe). I am starting to hear what my body wants and needs and relate to food from that perspective, rather than from the perspective of comfort or boredom. I like this change. I welcome it, and thank God for it. I am ready for it!

So . . . What CAN we eat?

2010-04-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

I am food-obsessed. Anyone who knows me can tell you that. I love to cook, I love to write, read, and re-write recipes, I love to research food trends and fads. And, obviously, I love to eat. Recently I've gotten on a kick of watching documentaries about food. Lately I watched "Food, Inc.". This movie really got me paranoid. Then I started REALLY thinking . . .

Experts are all different. And they have different viewpoints. One expert says to not eat fat, one to not eat carbs. One says to only eat whole, organic foods, while another one will tell you that processed foods are not only okay, but good for you. There's the south beach diet, the Atkins diet, weight watchers, spark people, the grapefruit diet, the Eden diet, and so on, and so forth. The point is they all say something different. If you look at what all these doctors say and put it all together you are left with only one question. So . . . What CAN I eat?

Bread and pasta are a given now days. Unless it's whole grain, don't eat it. So, no white anything. Oh, wait a sec . . . Wheat gluten is bad for a lot of people now . . . okay, so only products made with corn, rice, or soy products . . . Oh, can't do that b/c all these farmers are using pesticides and genetic enhancement on their corn and soy beans! Hmm . . . well, meat isn't bad, right?

Well, for years "experts" have been saying to not eat fat, so we'll start with that. No fat. That means only lean meat such as poultry breast, lean beef, fish, and lean pork. Oops! Wait, can't eat that because it's processed in factories that support cruelty to animals and their products are all genetically enhanced. Leaves meat off the list. Fruit and veggies! Surely THOSE are good for me!

BUT only non-starchy ones which leaves off potatoes, bananas, plantains, apples, corn, beans, and peas. Oh, yeah, those silly pesticides are back. And the genetic enhancements. Well, dang, leaves off vegetables.

So, to solve this we can just eat all organic right? WRONG! Guess what? Those "organic" companies are still allowed to use a certain amount of chemical pesticides, and for the ones that use only organic pesticides, well, some of those are just as dangerous as the chemical toxins!

So, that leaves us at square one. What's a girl to do?

Some advice? Fuggitaboutit.

If we spend all our time worrying about what we're eating and where it comes from, we'll go crazy. I'm not saying that you should stock up on Twinkies and totino's pizza. But I'm saying that when it comes to healthy food, you can't worry about that kind of thing or it will sabotage your efforts. Great rule of thumb is this, "If it grows in the ground or you can pick it off a tree, chances are it's good for you." That's a great place to start. Focusing on that, and on the foods that God provided us is far better. God gave us wonderful meats, vegetables, and fruits to love and enjoy. He blessed us with the knowledge to create things such as flours and cheeses out of these. Eat what God gave us.

Sure, you should still stay away from the really processed foods most of the time, but every once in a while a girl's gotta have a slice of Meat lover's pizza or a piece of four layer chocolate torte. If you eat well most of the time, and splurge every once in a while, you'll do so much better. Don't limit yourself to what you can eat, what you should eat, or what you NEED to eat. Focus on your hunger and God's bounty.

Sleeping . . . ENOUGH

2010-04-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

We hear all the time about the importance of getting enough sleep in our lives. It makes us healthier, happier, and helps us live longer lives. Something that most people don't think about, however, is the fact that we can actually get TOO MUCH sleep as well. Sleep deprivation (too little sleep) and sleep inundation (too much sleep) can affect us in many ways, sabotaging us to our paths of health and happiness.

The symptoms of both problems are quite similar - you're over tired throughout your day, you may have headaches or be irritated, some people even experience weakness and stomach pains.

So, how much is ENOUGH? That is, believe it or not, relative to the person asking. Most doctors suggest getting around 6-8 hours a DAY (24 hr period) for adults. This is including naps. That being said, some people thrive on 5 hours, some 9 - it depends on how your body works.

How do you know if you're getting too much or too little? Simple. If you are over tired during the day, look at how much you slept the night before. If you slept fewer than six hours, chances are you got too little sleep. If you slept more than 8 or nine hours, you probably got too much. If you think you got too much, try waking an hour earlier the next day. If you think you got too little, try going to bed an hour earlier. Adjust your sleeping patterns over the course of a few days to see what works best for you.

Now, some of you are reading this thinking "I don't have time for sleep". STOP IT. You HAVE to MAKE time for your body and your health. If you don't think you can do that or don't want to, then you're reading the wrong blog. If you don't think you have time, try scheduling your day. Go through your typical day and see what you're doing at any given hour or half hour block of time. Important things such as work (typical work day - 40 hrs a week), family time, church/bible study, college or high school course work are mandatory so should take priority over all else. Once those are blocked, look at what you're doing during other times - watching TV, having a drink with friends, going out dancing . . . These are things that can sabotage our sleep.

Try this for a week - limit yourself to one to two hours of TV a night. This will give you time to watch one or two shows that you really love. Feel free to record any others you might want to see and watch them another time. Now, make a conscious decision and set a bed time and a wake up time. Set your alarm! Next, STICK WITH IT for 7 days. If you have chosen the right amount of sleep, you will feel better and more well-rested than you have been feeling.

If you are having trouble sleeping, try having a glass of milk (no, it doesn't have to be hot) or herbal tea about an hour before bed. Make sure you get enough water through your day and are exercising at least 15 minutes a day as well. All these factors will help ensure a good nights' sleep.

Excuses

2010-03-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

We all have them. "I'm too tired" "I don't have time" "The kids are underfoot" . . . I use all three of these as to why I'm not working out on the Wii, doing an exercise tape, taking a walk, or riding the stationary bike. I've spent dollar after dollar on exercise equipment, workout clothes, DVD's . . . And I just don't use it. Why? Well, in reality, I HAVE no excuse. I'm sitting on the couch "taking a break" while the boy naps. I could very well be working out at this time. I am up at 5:30 am. I could just as easily get up 15 minutes earlier.

So . . . What's YOUR excuse?

TMI

2010-03-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Weight loss is a journey. Like alcoholism and drug addiction, food addiction takes "one day at a time" to overcome. Sadly, we can sabotage our own weight loss by doing TOO MUCH research. This confuses us and inundates us with information that we probably would have been better off without ever knowing.

Recently I got on a kick to eat only "all natural" foods and to cut out sugar substitutes from my diet. The first week, I lost five pounds. Every week hear after, however, I have steadily gained a pound a week. This tells me that the "all natural" route isn't necessarily the right one for me.

I also began doing in-depth research on sugar substitutes and sugar and sweeteners itself. I have found so many conflicting reports from people saying "everything's okay in moderation" to other people saying it's a conspiracy theory and it's all going to kill us. Mind reeling, I began to, quite literally, freak out. Then I realized something. FOR ME, it can't necessarily be about what to eat, what not to eat, or weather or not to have Splenda in my coffee tomorrow. It's about the fact that I have 120 pounds to lose - that's a whole person!! I have to figure out what CONSISTENTLY works for me, and KEEP WITH IT. It's about getting the weight off. Period.

So what works for me? Well, as much as I've tried to fight it, fact is, calorie counting is what works. Not weight watcher's points systems - to tell you the truth, I don't much trust anything I'm not counting myself. But pure writing down everything I put in my mouth and the calorie count for each thing. Right now, my calorie count should be around 1900-2100 a day. Over the past few weeks I have far surpassed that just by thinking the title "all natural" is going to make it okay. But it doesn't necessarily. Granted, I should still try to stick with all natural ingredients. But I need to count their calories. And truth be told, I personally FEEL BETTER and lose more weight using Splenda and aspartame (perhaps I'm pre-diabetic and didn't realize it?). So, I guess the point of this long-winded tirade is this: Find what works for YOU and JUST DO IT. Worry about getting the weight off FIRST, and let everything else come later. Don't do too much research either - sometimes too much information can sabotage everything you're trying to do.

Along the Way

2010-03-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

On my journey, I have done so much research - web sites, books, labels . . . I am a veritable library of information about healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss. And some of what I have learned has been, well, surprising to say the least. And some of it has been down right astonishing!

Calories, Fat, and Carbs. I am slowly learning that, although EXCESSIVE calories (above 3000 a day) DO lead to weight gain, calories themselves are not what really make you fat. It is the saturated fat and refined carbohydrates that do that to you. If you were to cut out high-fat and high- (unrefined) carbs, you would naturally be eating less calories too - if that kind of thing worries you. But what happens is this - lean protein and un refined carbs (high-fiber carbs) work to fuel your body - this fuel lasts for HOURS at a time (until your next meal/snack). Refined (white) carbs also fuel your body - but for short bursts of time - maybe an hour or so - then you crash and burn - BIG time. And saturated fat? While it does hold SOME importance (in small amounts) in your body, eating large amounts of it does absolutely nothing for you - it DOES however cause sluggishness, tiredness, bloating, and (in some cases) bowl-related issues.

Speaking of fat - Above all else, the one you want to stay away from more than any other is TRANS FAT. This is one of the absolute worst things you can put into your body. And guess what? That light margarine you just spread on your toast this morning? Yeah, the one that claims is "trans fat free"? Read the label. If it says "hydrogenated" anything on it? It has trans fat. Your very best bet it so eliminate ALL of that and invest (b/c it's a bit more expensive) in TRULY trans-fat free margarine. Better yet, ditch it altogether and use the real thing! Butter (in small amounts) is FAR better for you (and cheaper). Even better still, use olive oil! Cooking sprays are also a great alternative - but be careful b/c these have propellants added.

And sugar - okay, yes, sugar is not the best thing you can put into your body. That being said - if you are NOT diabetic, then sugar substitutes are worse for you than the real thing! You would be better off using the real deal than items like Splenda, Sweet and Low, and Equal. These contain chemicals in them that actually INHIBIT weight loss. I know, I had a hard time believing it too until I cut out all artificial sweeteners for a week. I didn't change anything else, just that. I lost five pounds in ONE WEEK after months of struggling to lose even two or three. I'm just saying . . . Better yet - replace white sugar with raw sugar, honey, and agave necter - which is my new obsession (my goodness this stuff is SO GOOD!)

Food labels. There is this amazing web site : http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/labels.html . This site gives some great information on those pesky labels. And YES you NEED to read them! They are important! Serving size vs. fat content and carbs, calories (when needed), and (above all else) INGREDIENTS. Some the stuff they put into our food would shock you. Let's just say the rule still applies - if you CAN'T say it / pronounce it DON'T EAT IT. Find good alternatives that are all-natural (read labels here too - sometimes they can be tricky!). Better yet - make your own! You know what's going into it, you can make smaller batches, and there are some WONDERFUL resources out there with amazing recipes for everything from bread to crackers and even cheese crackers (like cheez-its and gold fish)! Don't know where to look? Ask me - trust me, I can find it for you!

Organic. Is it REALLY better? Nope. Why? Some stuff labeled "organic" can STILL use pesticides. The only rule here is that their pesticide be "all natural" and not chemical in nature. But guess what. Those "all natural" "non chemical" pesticides are JUST as carcinogenic and poisonous as the chemical ones! Best bet, buy whatever's cheaper for you, then wash and/or peel your fresh fruits and veggies.

Where was that saddle again?

2010-01-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

So, did I accomplish my goals last week? Well . . . no. But I DID improve! Which, for me, kinda says a lot.

Lose two pounds? Nope. Didnt' even lose one.

Exercise twice? Not twice, I did once, though.

Two bottles of water every day? Does sugar free tea count?

Read lables and measure? Uh . . . no. Well, I read labels.

Am I disappointed? Well, okay, maybe a little bit. But I am also proud. Why? Well, first of all, I DID exercise one day. That is something I haven't done in months. Also, I have cut down on my diet coke consumption considerably. Rather than drinking it all day, every day, I have limited myself to one a day. And stuck to it! So, in the darkness there is still a shimmering light.

So, my goals for this week?

Lose 2 lbs.

Exercise 2 x's this week

2 bottles of water every day

Read labels and THINK about measuring.

By the way, my future sister-in-law, Daniella? She's going to be my inspiration. She lost SIX pounds last week! That means I have a little catching up to do, doesn't it?

Back in the Saddle

2010-01-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

It seems like years have gone by since I last sat at this computer and blogged. I was so diligant for so long, and then . . . nothing. That is very much like my weight-loss journey. I'll be gung-ho for days, weeks, even months at a time, then . . . nothing. Why is that? Why do we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of mundane apathy? I made a vow at the start of this year that I was going to finish what I start - that includes everything, even my blogs.

I've begun to keep a journal. In it I write what I eat, my calorie count, weather I exercised or not and for how long. But I changed something - I began to add my thoughts and feelings of the day. This is helping me realize when I eat what I eat and why. It appears that I eat more in the afternoon and evenings because I'm bored. Why is that? I need to find a way to change it. Find something to do to keep me occupied during these hours.

My journal experience has also opened my eyes to something. With all my knowledge about diet and nutrition, I still obviously have a lot to learn. Saturday, for example, I couldn't decide between blueberry oatmeal or a bagel with cream cheese. So, I had a half a serving of both, thinking that I was doing myself a service. Then, I added up my calories for that meal, and it was over 550!! I would have been better off eating a whole serving of one or the other! In fact, the bagel would have been 320 and the oatmeal would have been 280! I was in shock. Then I added up my morning coffee. That hot chocolate packet I add to my coffee cup every morning brought the count up by 120 calories! I was in shock. SO, I realized that I need to CAREFULLY read my labels beforehand to avoid future mishaps like this.

My goal for this week: 2 lbs

exercise 2 days

drink 2 bottles of water daily

follow my meal plan - measuring everything

read my labels!

5 Super Foods that you need to know about!

2009-04-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

We all know the importance of "eating the rainbow" - incorporating foods of all colors into our diets to ensure we have the proper nutrients in our bodies to keep us going. But there are some foods in this world that are so nutritionally packed they have been deemed "super foods". While there are several articles that talk of these foods, many differ in what they have to say. I have found, however, that five foods in particular almost always make the cut. These, I have chosen to share with you all. I encourage each of you to incorporate these foods into your diet on a regular basis!

1) Spinach. Yes, Popeye's favorite green, hated by almost all children (unless you're my wonderful bonus-daughter, Christin. We believe her to be born without tastebuds.) In fact, many adults have never eaten this wonder-food because of the nastiness they were served from tin cans as children. But do not dispair, my friends, because there is light at the end of the tunnel! If you haven't already, pick up a bag of fresh, pre-washed baby spinach. Put it in your next salad. Better than iceberg, I tell you. My favorite spinach salad is baby spinach mixed with strawberries and topped with a light balsamic vinaigrette. Add some chicken on top and YUM!! (feel free to email me for said recipe . . .)

Not only delicious, but this green packs a power punch - Beta Keratin, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and every B vitamin under the sun. Not to mention Iron, protein, and a slew of antioxidants. And if you STILL don't like spinach, don't fret, there are more greens with all these wonderful goodies nestled in their leafiness: Kale, turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and arugula.

2) Blueberries. Once thought to be only a muffin or pie componant, blueberries have turned out to be one of the most powerful foods on the planet. While we were once lucky to find this gem only in the frozen fruit aisle (unless you happened to live in main . . .), we are now (thank you cultivation science) able to find fresh bluberries year round in the supermarket. Toss them into a batch of bran muffins, if you absolutly must, but they are equally scrumptious sprinkled on top of some oatmeal or, better yet, added to that spinach and strawberry salad I just talked about. Better yet, grab a handful out of the fridge and munch away! Chock full of fiber and vitamin C, these little blue gems will satisfy you on the whole.

3) Garlic. If you eat too much, you run the risk of smelling like a pizza, but no matter, this stuff is so good for you (not to mention tasty), you just won't care. It has just about every mineral under the sun in it, including Pyridoxine (B-6 to us) - one of the world's most powerful heart-healthy antioxidents. Of course, you can go the timid route with it and include it in your spaghetti sauce or stir fry, but why not grate some raw on your next salad? Or roast an entire head, smash it up, and spread the lot of it on a pita bread. Sprinkle a little kosher salt on top and viola! Instant power-snack!

4) Tomatoes. Almost everyone will eat a tomato in one form or another. Don't like them raw? Try a good marinara sauce or salsa. No? How about ketchup? This superfood is packed with lycopene - proven to slow the growth of specific types of cancer (namely prostate cancer), so load up on your burgers and fries (turkey and baked, of course) and pile on the red stuff. Incedentally, the longer you cook tomatoes and the more concentrated they get, the more lycopene you have, so if you don't like them raw, cook away!

5) And finally, Whole Grains. We all know we need more fiber in our diets, right? Right?? Okay, just smile and nod, here. Fiber not only helps us . . . well, you know, but it can also strengthen our hearts and our immune systems. Not to mention the fact that the refined white stuff (bread, pasta, etc) is known to INCREASE hunger, and CAUSE higher colestoral levels AND diabetes. Simply replacing one meal's worth of "white food" a day with a whole grain can significantly improve your health. Don't believe me? K, listen to this doctor about it.

So, there you have it. My top five super foods. I know what you're thinking, "What?? No water??" No. These are super FOODS. Super BEVERAGES are for another post. Oh, and you don't have to take my word for it, Google "super foods" and see what you get.

Happy Eating, my friends!

Healthy Eating on a Budget

2009-03-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

With the economy the way it is now, it's harder and harder for us to eat well. The cost of fresh fruits and veggies going up causes us to avoid buying them in favor of canned (which lose 60% of vital nutrients and fiber during the canning process) or in favor of prepared foods (which are usually high in sodium and low in fiber - not to mention the refined, processed sugars they include). Bread has gone up, milk has gone up, cheese has gone up. And if you are into buying low-fat/high-fiber and/or "diet" foods, the cost is up even more.

So what's a supermom to do?

Well, here are a few tips that will (hopefully) keep your family well-fed and save a dime or two!

On Sale? Buy in bulk! Items such as ground turkey are usually cheaper than ground beef to begin with. Chicken breasts and light meat pork items, on the other hand, are anywhere from $5-7 a package, depending on your store and area. Wait until these items go on sale, and buy 3 or 4 packages at once! Avoid buying those "bulk" packages of flash-frozen breasts or tenders. Chances are, you'll be paying close to twice the price for MAYBE one or two breasts more than the fresh packages. Also, a lot of times these items will have been brined, adding extra sodium and water (which raises the weight, and therefore the price). And if your favorite veggie goes on sale, buy it in bulk. Pre-chop it and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months until you're ready to use it!

Try making your own! Bread, pasta, pancakes, biscuits . . . you know what's going in to the batch, AND chances are you can make several batches for a fraction of the cost of one package of the prepared item. Don't know how to do it? Saving Dinner has some great recorces for just this kind of thing. Can't find anything there? Type "home made __(fill in the blank)__" into your search engine and watch the hits flow! There are thousands upon thousands of recipes for homade bread, pizza dough, pasta, rice mixes, baking mixes . . . you name it, ,it's out there! Serch You Tube or Foodnetwork.com for how-to videos too!

Try Frozen! Sometimes, frozen IS better than fresh. Berries, peaches, corn, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and peas are great examples. They're available all year round, and cheaper than fresh in most cases! And don't discount items such as stir-fry mixes, and "Normandy" mixed vegetables. For around $2-5 (depending on size of package and area) you can get a mix of veggies and fruit that would cost you close to $10 to buy fresh!

Make a budget and a list and STICK TO IT!! Research has shown that when we have a set budget along with a list to stick to, we tend to buy more wholesome foods for our dollar. For example, if a Mom goes to the store with $10, she can chose to buy prepared items or fresh items. Chances are, she'll go for the fresh items which, in most cases, cost up to 20% less than the prepared.

It's been said before but DON'T SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! When you go grocery shopping hungry, we have a tendency to buy things that we don't need, don't REALLY want, and certainly can't afford. If it's not meal time, eat a small snack like a piece of fruit or a cheese stick before hitting the aisles. It can make all the difference in your food budget!

Well, there you have it. Just a few tips that I hope will help some of you keep eating healthy without breaking the bank.

Four Pounds Lighter

2009-03-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

I lost 4 lbs. as of Friday. I am so excited that I'm losing again. I want to fit into my bodice for Scarby!! I was so embarassed and disappointed that I didn't get to go to my Rennie group meeting in garb because it didn't fit. But, that's okay, b/c I am LOSING!! By the time we go, I hope to have lost at least 15 lbs if not more. And I'm going to work hard for it, too. Every time I want to eat something bad for me, I'm going to remind myself about that bodice. And every time I say "eww salad" I'm going to remind myself about that bodice! And every time I'm tempted by some nice . . . crispy . . . bacon . . . *shutter* - NO!! I'm going to remind myself about that bodice!!!

Wow, I have a good goal now. Not bad . . . :-)

The Healthy Pantry - FINALLY!!

2009-03-06T06:40:00.001-08:00

FINALLY - the third - and final - installment of Supermom's Healthy Kitchen. Took me a bit to compile this list - some tweaking needed to be done additions, subtractions . . . that sort of thing. Remember, this is created with a family of 4-6 in mind. Also, if you don't like something, feel free to not have it on YOUR list - this is just a basic list.

Supermom's Healthy Pantry

Baking

Whole Wheat Flour
White Flour (used in moderation)
Reduced-Fat Baking mix (used in moderation)
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Sugar substitute made for baking (I prefer Splenda)
Cocoa Powder

Canned Goods

*NOTE* Supermom does not condone the excessive use of canned fruits and vegetables with the exception of tomatoes and beans. MOST veggies and fruits lose vital fiber and nutrients during the canning process. That being said, canned is better than NONE, so if you HAVE to eat canned, go ahead.**

Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Stewed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes
Black beans
Red (kidney) beans
Chickpeas
Low-sodium chicken stock
Low-sodium beef stock
Low sodium, low fat cream soups (i.e. Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, etc)

Pasta/Grains

**I buy either 100% whole wheat pasta or Barilla's "Plus" line of pastas. More fiber, nutrients, and flavor!**

Whole wheat or carb-concious pastas, both short such as shells, elbows, etc. and long such as spaghetti or fettuccini.
Brown rice - raw is best, but as it takes almost an hour to cook, I usually buy quick-cooking or "Minute" brown rice.
Whole grain, low sugar cereals (Cheerios, Chex, Grape Nuts . . . no "kiddie" cereals!)
100% whole grain breads
whole wheat crackers (Kashi and Wasa make some really tasty ones)

Condiments/Sauces

Pasta sauce (this is naturally low-fat, if you buy just plain marinara. But pay attention to sugar content!)
Ketchup
Mustard (both yellow and dijon)
Worchesterchire sauce
Liquid smoke
Louisiana hot sauce (or tobasco if you prefer)
relishes - any type you like
pickles - any type you like

Well, there you have it kids! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them here!

Happy (and Healthy!!) Eating!

The Healthy Fridge

2009-02-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is part 2 of my "Healthy Kitchen" trilogy. This is just a basics list - you can certainly add or subtract as you see fit. These are items that I try to keep on hand at all times. Some of them, like the fresh veggies, fruits, and dairy products will probably have to be replenished once a week or more. Others you can keep on hand until they run out!

Supermom's Healthy Fridge List

Dairy
- low-fat milk (whole milk for kiddos under three, if you please)
- reduced fat cheese (I find that 2% cheese is much more palatable than fat-free, and there's
really not that much of a difference)
- Eggs
- yogurt

Meats
- ham
- roasted chicken or turkey cold cuts (low-sodium 100% natural READ YOUR LABELS!!)

Veggies
- lettuce
- tomato
- cucumber
- carrots
- celery

Fruits
- apples
- grapes
- stone fruits (such as peaches and plums)

Condiments
- low-fat mayo or salad dressing (i.e., Miracle Whip)
- ketchup
- mustard
- dill pickles (slices or spears)
- pickle relish
- Salsa
- low-fat salad dressings (we like ranch, french, balsamic vinaigrette, and Russian)
- olives
- roasted red bell peppers
- pickled vegetables

Of course, there are almost always a few leftovers, and specialty items not on the main list for specific meals (if you eat things like asparagus or Brussels sprouts daily, go ahead and add them to your list, though (-: ).

Taste the Rainbow!

2009-02-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth . . . "

Gen. 9:13 (KJV)

When God said these words to Noah, He established a covenant with man that He would never again bring destruction to the entire earth by the means of water. This was also giving Mankind the responsibility to take care of itself, so to speak. When he replenished the earth with people (through Noah's family), He also replenished it with animals and vegetation. Colorful vegetation.

Those in Noah's time ate this vegetation no questions asked. They ate because God gave it to them. They really didn't have much choice. To that end, I guess it's not really fair to say that God gave them ALL that vegetation - we actually have more of a choice now than in Noah's time. But the premise still remains the same.

See, in Noah's time, they didn't have goodies like multivitamins and protein shakes. They had to get their nutrients through the food they ate. That's how God designed our bodies. That's also how God designed our food.

The Skittles people have it right - "Taste the Rainbow". But the rainbow shouldn't be in the form of artificially flavored fruity candies. Quite the contrary - the Rainbow should be God's bounty!

We can get most, if not all, of our daily vitamins by ingesting foods from every color on a daily basis!

Here is an excerpt from PERSONAL HEALTH; The Color of Nutrition: Fruits and Vegetables by Jane E. Brody of the New York Times:

Red, including tomatoes (especially cooked tomato products), pink grapefruit and watermelon, which are rich in the carotenoid lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals that seems to protect against prostate cancer as well as heart and lung disease.
Red/purple, including red and blue grapes, blueberries, strawberries, beets, eggplant, red cabbage, red peppers, plums and red apples, which are loaded with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to delay cellular aging and help the heart by blocking the formation of blood clots. Dr. Heber includes red wine in this category.
Orange, including carrots, mangoes, cantaloupe, winter squash and sweet potatoes, rich in the cancer-fighter alpha carotene, along with beta carotene that protects the skin against free-radical damage and promotes repair of damaged DNA.
Orange/yellow, including oranges, peaches, papaya and nectarines, which provide beta cryptothanxin, which supports intracellular communication and may help prevent heart disease.
Yellow/green, including spinach, collards, corn, green peas, avocado and honeydew, which are sources of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These are strongly linked to a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of preventable blindness in developed countries.

Green, including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and bok choy. These are rich in cancer-blocking chemicals like sulforaphane, isocyanate and indoles, which inhibit the action of carcinogens.
White/green, including garlic, onions, leeks, celery, asparagus, pears and green grapes. The onion family contains allicin, which has antitumor properties. Other foods in this group contain antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol. Dr. Heber includes white wine in this category.

With these facts in mind, maybe it's best for us to all turn to what God has given us to consume!

TASTE THE RAINBOW!!

The Healthy Freezer

2009-02-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

This is the first post of a trilogy - the other two are The Healthy Fridge and The Healthy Pantry. I think I am posting this for myself as much as for anyone else, honestly. To get it through my own head that these items are what I need to have on hand at all times.

So, based on my own research and a LOT of label reading, I have deduced that these items are great to keep on-hand for quick, easy, healthful meals.

So, without further ado, here's The Healthy Freezer

Supermom's Healthy Freezer List

Meats:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts/tenders (1 lb portions)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb portions)
Extra Lean ground beef (93/7) (1 lb portions)
Ground turkey breast (1 lb portions)
Turkey or Low-Fat smoked sausage
Turkey or Low-Fat Italian sausage

Vegetables:
Spinach
Peas
Corn
Stir-Fry mixes
Broccoli
Cauliflower

Fruits:
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
Peaches

Other:
Frozen Puff Pastry

It's a small list, but I feel fairly easy to keep up. If anyone can think of anything else to add, feel free to comment or email me.

Breaking Free from Bondage

2009-02-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

If any of you have read Dr. Rita Hancock's book "The Eden Diet", you know all about her description of food as "bondage" keeping us from Christ. I never thought about this fully until yesterday.

I wonder about the hold food has on me.

See, I LOVE to cook - I love to make people happy with my culinary creations. I love to invent new recipes, dissect old ones, and re-create classics. I love the challenge of making something fattening and unhealthy a better choice. I collect cookbooks - it's one of my greatest hobbies. I am a food network addict - especially their reality shows. In fact, I fantasize about one day sending my audition tape in and becoming the "Next Food Network Star".

So where does that leave me? Without food, what do I have left? It has been such a huge part of my life, I have to ask, can I REALLY let go? WHAT can I immerse myself in if not food?

Then God spoke to me. He said "Why can't you immerse yourself in ME?" (See, God knows every once in a while I need a good swift kick in the butt . . . )

And I realized - he doesn't want me to GIVE UP my hobby. He just wants me to LOOSEN MY GRIP on it so that I have MORE TIME FOR HIM!

SO, this morning I changed my morning routine a little.I always have what I call "Coffee with God" where I have a cup of coffee, read the bible, and pray. This is usually a 15 minute venture.
Well, this morning, I lengthened it to 30 minutes. Just 15 minutes more. See, that extra 15? I would close my bible, open one of my coveted cookbooks and read recipes. This morning? I read more of my bible.

Then God led me to Ecclesiastes 5:10 : (KJV) He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. It took me a few minutes to realize what God was telling me. I mean, what does FOOD have to do with SILVER? Then it hit me - DUH! It was an analogy (for me) - SILVER and ABUNDANCE refers to FOOD and GLUTTONY in my life. Or, specifically - COOKING!!

The first commandment tells us - "Thou shalt have no other God's before me"
I didn't realize until this morning that all this time I have been worshipping the god of food.
Thank you Lord for new epiphanies and revelations.

Accountability . . .

2009-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

You know what makes me madder than anything? When people don't hold themselves accountable for their weight issues.

"Boo-hoo . . . I have a glandular problem" says one person as they shove an extra large sized candy bar down their gullet.

"Waah, my mother and father were fat" says another while loading up on a supersized Big Mac meal from McDonald's (with the tell-tale diet coke).

"It's not my fault - my mommy made me clean my plate and only cooked deep fried pork fat" says another while eating a bag of pork rinds (in essence . . . deep fried pork fat).

Okay, folks, KNOCK IT OFF!!!

I AM FAT.
I MADE MYSELF THIS WAY.
I CHOSE TO EAT CHOCOLATE CAKE, ICE CREAM, PIZZA, DEEP FRIED, BREADED, AND/OR FATTY FOOD AND LOTS OF IT.
I CHOSE TO NOT STOP EATING WHEN I WAS FULL.
I CHOSE TO EAT ONE MEAL AT 5:30 AND THEN ANOTHER ONE AT 9:00.
I MADE THESE CHOICES. NOT MY GLANDS. NOT MY PARENTS. NOT MY HERITAGE.
ME.
FAT, OBESE, 300 POUND ME ME ME ME ME!!!

Look, I know we can't all be Kate Hudson/Cindy Crawford/Hillary Duff or whoever your personal latest "it" girl is. Quite frankly, I don't want to be. I want to be healthy. In order to do this, I have to hold myself accountable for everything I do (or don't do). If I eat that extra helping of mashed potatoes IT'S MY OWN FAULT. If I eat that entire cheesecake in one sitting IT'S MY OWN FAULT. If I chose to NOT get on that bike today IT'S MY OWN FAULT. If you can't hold yourself accountable for your actions, then you WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL!! Not just in weight loss, but in LIFE as well!!

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!

Reality Bites . . .

2009-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

I stepped on the scale this weekend. All the weight I had lost came back - plus two pounds. It's my own fault - I know it is. I'm the dummy that stopped getting on that bike every day. I'm the idiot that put that extra helping on my plate - even though I was full. I'm the moron that walks through the grocery aisles buying JUNK instead of WHOLESOME foods to put into my and my family's bodies.

I feel like a bad person. A bad wife. A bad mom.

I am killing myself, my husband, and my children with the CRAP that I am buying.
SO I guess now the only question left is:

What am I going to do about it?

1) DAILY ACTIVITY - Even if it's only 5 minutes.
2) FRUITS AND VEGGIES - I love 'em, Ronnie loves 'em, the kids love 'em . . .
3) GRILL, BAKE, or BROIL - And only FRESH UNBREADED MEAT!! No more prepared, frozen, breaded items.
4) WHOLE GRAINS - okay, this one I do anyway, but I'm still putting it on my list

I have GOT to get this under control.

Why Wynonna, Why??

2009-01-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a commercial that REALLY upset me. A LOT.

I am a HUGE Wynonna Judd fan. I have been ever since I was Emily's size. I love her. When i was younger I wanted to BE her. But I was really disappointed when I saw her beautiful face on a commercial for Alli - a new diet drug.

In my opinion, when you turn to diet pills and/or surgery (Editor's Note: **for those that are MORBIDLY obese, this doesn't apply to you. Just to those that only need to lose 50-70 lbs**), you are saying "I give up" or "I don't want to work for it, I just want to be thin". Regardless of how many people it has "helped" or what their "guidelines are" or even if they are approved by the FDA or not. Bottom line is this. As soon as you are OFF the pills, the weight WILL COME BACK. Your body will become accustomed to the pill, and when you come off it, it won't be able to handle things on it's own. It has been scientifically proven .

I am so sad that Wynonna has fallen into this trap.

Supermom: Losing It

Made to Crave: The Urge . . .

Tracking Update

Weight Update, And a Question Answered

Made To Crave: "Made for More"

Made to Crave: Having a Journey Partner . . .

You Mean I Have to Plan??

My Sacrifice

Made To Crave - Finding Your "Want To"

Made To Crave - God, Not Food

Reaching Goals, Setting New Ones.

Old Demons Die Hard

Tasty Tuesday - Vegetable Soup with Brown Rice

Weight Watchers: On Plan - Not ALL Points Are Created Equal!

Weight Loss Surgery

Let's Get Physical . . .

Tasty Tuesday: Crock Pot Night!

Tasty Tuesday: Cook Once, Eat Thrice!

Getting Back On Track

Can't Get My Act Together

A Wordful Wordless Wednesday - A Night in the E.R.

Tasty Tuesday - Quinoa Skillet with Chicken and Zucchini

OUCH! Heel Spurs

Tasty Tuesday: Savory French Toast with Balsamic Berry Topping

Tasty Tuesday - Veggie Pasta with Sausage

Inspiration in Unexpected Places . . .

Things I'm Learning . . .

Healthy Recipe Time!! Cheesy Beef Fajita Skillet - 7pp

Move, move, MOVE

What Thin People Don't Know . . .

Starting Over

Recipe! Yummy Breakfast Taquitos

Life On Weight Watchers . . . Decisions, Decisions . . .

Tasty Tuesday - Taco Taters

Sketchers Shape Ups: My Review

Life on Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Getting Those Grains! *WITH RECIPES!*

Handling a gain . . .

Life on Weight Watchers . . . Plan, Plan, PLAN

Life On Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Protein, Protein, Protein!

Life on Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Gettin In Your Daily Five on the Cheap

Lighten Up!!

Life on Weight Watchers . . . Accountability

Snuck a peek at the scale . . .

Birthday Goals . . . And a New Outlook

I'm Going Back on Weight Watchers . . .

My Kid Likes Salad . . !

Hi, I'm Jennifer. And I Am A Food-a-holic

A Bit of an Update and A Few of My Favorite Things . . .

Getting the Rest of the Family to Eat Well

Hunger? Yes! Hunger!!

It's a New Year and a New Outlook! Hellooo 2011!!

Fuggitabowtit

30 Lbs . . .

Taking a Hiatus . . .

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter" - Chapter One

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter" - Introduction

Blogging My Way Through "Body Clutter"

Adventures in fasting . . . Sort of

Hate Not Working Out . . .

Low Fat, Easy brats and "Kraut"

DIY - Do It Yourself!!

New Outlook - Again . . .

Discouraged and Downtrodden . . .

Dreading the scale

Why Water?

My Wii and Me

Self-Image

When do you KNOW it's working?

Being a loser feels great!

Finding What Works for You

Preventing Obesity in Your Children

Plateau plateau plateau . . . !

Disappointed

Think Small . . .

PLATEAU BROKEN!!

Taking Baby Steps

When the GOOD cravings kick in . . .

So . . . What CAN we eat?

Sleeping . . . ENOUGH

Excuses

Life on Weight Watchers . . . On Plan, On a Budget - Getting Those Grains! WITH RECIPES!