Day 27

THIS IS BECOMING MY LIFE! LOVE IT!!

Delish Oatmeal

Add all ingredients to your oatmeal. Or you can add them and then cook them.

1 tbsp chopped pecans

1 tbsp chopped walnuts

1 1/2 tsp honey

1 tsp ground flaxseed

1/8 tsp cinnamon

Hamburger

1 egg

1 lb lean ground beef

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup diced onion

1/2 cub chopped spinach

2 tbsp shredded reduced-fat mexican-blend cheese

salt and pepper

1. Whisk the egg in a large bowl. Add everything else and mix-your hands are the best tools-until well-blended. Form into 4 patties.

2. Please the burgers on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook 4-6 minutes per side or to your desired level of doneness.

Serve on whole wheat burger buns (we had ours on whole-wheat sandwich thins) and top with lettuce and tomato slices.

If you have any extra burgers, wrap them in plastic and freeze for later.

Makes 4 servings

Root "Fries"

My hubby who doesn't like veggies, really enjoyed these!

4 large carrots, cut into matchsticks

4 large turnips, cut into matchsticks (my hubby got parsnips instead and it turned out great!)

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

1/2 cup croutons

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Mix the carrots, turnips, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Dump croutons into a resealable plastic bag. Close the bag and crush the croutons with something heavy to transform them into crumbs.

Add the Parmesan and garlic powder. Working a handful at a time, add the matchsticks to the bag and shake to coat. Pick the matchsticks out and place on the backing sheet.

4. Bake until tender, 15-20 minutes (depending on how thick you cut your veggies). For crispier fries on all sides, turn the matchsticks 1/2 through cooking.

Makes 4 servings

Whey-gg Nog Shake

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Makes 1 serving

1 cup 1% milk

1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder

1 graham cracker, broken

1/2 tsp ground allspice

4 ice cubes

A Little Peanut Brittle Shake

Put everything but the peanut butter in the blender and mix until smooth. Add the peanut butter and blend for just a few seconds to retain some chunkiness.

Makes 1 serving

2 scoops of vanilla whey protein powder

11 tbsp instant sugar-free butterscotch pudding mix

3/4 cup fat-free milk

6 ice cubes

1 tbsp chunky peanut butter

Almond Joy Shake

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Makes 1 serving

6 ounces of fat-free milk

1 tbsp almond butter

1 scoop chocolate when protein powder

1/2 banana

1 tsp ground flaxseed

5 ice cubes

Day 26

I can't believe 26 days have passed so far!

My workout this morning at the park was AWESOME! It was cold this morning but we all warmed up pretty quickly. We learned out to work out just about any place we go. No machines at all.

Today during our laps, I actually did some running. I am feeling so empowered now that my back is not in pain.

Here are 25 positive things that have happened since I started this training:

1. I am able to walk up the stairs at my apartments without having to slow down.

2. My husband has been eating veggies and liking them!! (I'll be posting some recipes)

3. I never knew so many people would support me.

4. I find myself outside more.

5. Because of #4, my mental state is more positive.

6. I do not watch as much TV at all.

7. I do not sweat as much when I am at rest.

8. My clothes fit just a little bit loose!

9. My heart is getting an awesome workout!

10. My children choose fruits and veggies more often for snacks.

11. It's easy to pack snacks when I am out and about and takes less time than going through the drive through.

12. We actually use our dishes now!

13. I look forward to my three day a week training with the girls.

14. My children are understanding the difference between unhealthy and healthy.

15. I have ankles again! No more cankles!!

16. I can wear my wedding ring daily again!!! (I used to swell up too often to wear it)

17. I have been enjoying trying new recipes.

18. My cravings have gotten much better.

19. I don't get out of breath when I am taking a shower and drying off.

20. I feel empowered!!

21. I hardly nap anymore.

22. It is getting easier to avoid temptations.

23. I am 8.5 lbs lighter.

24. We all tried parsnips and enjoyed them.

25. I have not given up!!! I will not give up!!!!!

Day 24

Today we had a weight in. It's been 3.5 weeks since we started working out. We lost a total of 55.5 pounds!

A pound of body fat (see picture...totally disgusting) equates to about 3500 calories.

This means we have eaten 194,250 less calories! WOW! Amazing!!

It's hard....it's not easy....but I'm glad I have less of this icky yellow stuff!

Day 22

Well, today I'm pretty sore from our workout from yesterday! It's so good to feel sore. Means I'm working my muscles.

I also had acupuncture today for my back. One of the needles he used made a portion of my back spasm. He said it was normal. It did spasm less and less while the needle was in there. By the end, my whole back felt great. Then he did this deep tissue massage on my low back and glut area. Oh wow! It was amazing. I left there feeling so good.

Went grocery shopping....no pain! Went to the park and walked....no pain! I am not going to overdue it, but boy did it feel good to just be able to walk with no pain. My back is a little tight now but even that feels better than before. He said I'd probably need 2 more visits to fully heal my back. I'm all for that!

I ate good today. I feel good today. It was a good day! Hope your day was great too.

Day 21

So, I've been gone for days it seems. I have been feeling super blah! My back pain is very discouraging. It hurts when I walk, it hurts when I sit, it eventually starts hurting when I'm laying down. This is one of the reasons I've always given up on loosing weight. I always felt like "well, if my body isn't going to work right, why should I eat right?" During these few days I was gone, I felt myself going back to this frame of mind. I have to admit that I was not eating as I should be, however, I wasn't eating as bad as I had in the past. I'm sure I gained a pound or two during this feeling sorry for myself phase.

But don't worry! I'm back now!!!

After missing Saturday's workout because of my back hurting, I see the bad chain of reactions that happened. I realize I need to see my workout gals to keep going. They inspire me!

Today's workout was wonderful. Dan gave me modifications to the exercises to reduce the pressure on my back. He had us all stretch really good before the workout which helped. Then we stretched a lot after our workout. What a difference it makes. I am so thankful for Dan's understanding and his knowledge to make it better for my back.

I am inspired again. I AM BACK!

Day 17

Today was beautiful outside! I cleaned out 4 bags of trash from my son's room (big workout!) and then spend the rest of the afternoon outside. I did a lot of walking around the park.

My back is still very tight.

We have our first workout at a local park tomorrow morning. Wonder what we are going to be doing? Very curious!

Day 16

UGH!!! Here's my "before" picture I took today before my workout. I would like to also include other pictures but since I'm not familiar with blogging, I have no idea how to put more pictures. I'll have to check it out. Hopefully there's an easy way.

By the way, not really sure why my sports bra wires stick out in the middle above my breasts. Those are not some deformatity on my part. It's the bra....I promise! :)

It's hard to believe I let myself get like this. It's such an embarassment and such a let down. I used to have this cute little body and now....ugh! I will get it back....I will!!!!

After Tuesday's workout, my low back was pretty tight. I took it easy yesterday but today during my workout, my back was very uncomfortable. Thankfully, Dan let me take it easy on my back, however, I still had to stay moving. He also taught me several stretches that I plan on doing a couple of times a day.

Not much else to say.

Day 14

So, it's been a couple of days since I last posted anything. I've been feeling a little blah. The honeymoon stage of changing my diet is over and I was struggling a little bit.

I still ate great with one exception. Last night I was just tired, did not want to cook, just wanted a juicy hamburger....so I asked my hubby to pick one up on his way home from work. I got a Whopper, without cheese and without any of the condiments. I put the condiments on at home and then started to eat this wonderful looking hamburger that I used to love so much. Well, to my surprise, it was not that good. It smelled wonderful, but the taste was not the same as I remembered it. I ate it because I was tired but then so regretted it! I was in the bathroom on more than one occasion last night. I felt like my insides were knotting up. It was nothing like the happy, yummy memories I had before I started eating better.

I was thinking of every excuse under the sun to not go to my workout today, but I ended up going. I'm super happy I did too because I am motivated again. I need that every other day motivation. There's too much time between Saturday morning workout and Tuesday morning workout. I have to find a way to stay motivated over the weekend. Any ideas??

I should be posting my 2 week before picture tomorrow!

Noodles with Shrimp and Roasted Veggies - DELISH!

http://d1307624.t196.myhsphere.cc/2008/08/penne-with-shrimp-and-roasted-vegetables-in-a-roasted-garlic-lemon-sauce.html

Whoa! Super yummy.

Before this recipe I had never zested a lemon, marinated shrimp, cooked shrimp, or tried pine nuts. It was so worth all the hard work.

I will be making this again, for sure!!

Vegetarian Chili

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/vegetarian-chili-recipe/index.html

Awesome recipe! I have to admit that I had doubts but it was really yummy!

Day 12

I can't believe it's almost been 2 weeks!

I have decided to take a picture every two weeks to see how my body is changing. I'll post the first one in a few days.

Last night I hosted a craft party. Everyone brought some food to share. I did really good and did not eat the delicious cake. I did not eat the chips. However, after ever body left I was hungry and ate a piece of pizza that I had ordered for my children and the babysitter. Surprisingly it wasn't nearly as good as I had remembered. It was so salty too!! My taste buds have already been changing.....wow!!! I ended up eating the pizza because it was late and I didn't want to cook.

This morning after my Greek yogurt with granola and chopped nuts and a banana, I went to the gym at the apartments. I made sure to work off that pizza I ate. After that, the children wanted to go to the park so while they were playing, I walked on the sidewalk then pushed my daughter on the swing. Then of course, we had to walk home. Wow! I feel great!

Now to get the laundry done!

Day 11

Today is Saturday. I thought I was able to sleep in until the hubby reminded me about my workout. I actually got up, got ready, ate and showed up at the gym (Sweat Life) half an hour early. As I was waiting on my workout pals, I used the rowing machine. What a great workout! I LOVE that machine! Dan (the trainer) changed things up on us today which was wonderful. He worked us hard and I am so appreciative for him and all he does to keep us motivated.

In one of my earliest posts I mentioned how much I was going to miss ice cream. Boy have things changed. Don't get me wrong, ice cream would be great, but now that it's not an option, I can't get enough fruit. My favorite is a fresh fruit salad. Fruit at our house used to go bad but now we can't keep enough of it in the house.

My eating healthier has definitely affected my kiddos. Even though I have not drastically changed their foods, they are sure eating better. My son asked if he could have broccoli for a snack. Of course I said yes. And since he was eating it, my daughter ate some too. She's also been having fruit salad daily. My son, who would never eat breakfast before school, has been eating bananas and/or yogurt almost every morning. They have both drastically cut down on their snacking. Maybe because "real" food fills you up longer than processed foods. They have both also been great about trying our new exciting foods for dinner. My daughter is now happy to have her peanut butter and jelly on a whole grain English muffin instead of white bread. Sometimes she even asks for just PB and banana (no sugary jelly!) It's just amazing! It's true that if a child is hungry, they will eat (even if it's healthy!)

Day 10

They say it takes 21 days to break a habit. I am 10 days into breaking my food habits! However, if you have an addiction, then professional help is recommended. I hope Dan's professional help is all I need!

This morning I woke up and did not feel like cooking at all. So, for breakfast I had Greek yogurt with some all natural granola in it. I felt good. Got to school and during my 4 hours there, I ate a Cliff bar and a bowl of fruit salad. Not too bad, however, I was starving when I got out of class. I had to hit the grocery store to pick up things for dinner. What an almost huge mistake that was!

I walked into Publix and the smell of fresh baked bread hit me. I never noticed the smell like that before. It has been so long since I had white, yummy bread. My mouth started watering as I was walking by the bakery to get to the produce section. I tried to keep my eyes focused on the floor but I occasionally looked up and then wished I hadn't. I thought "If I grab a loaf of french bread and devour it in the car and no one saw me, does that count?"

I finally made it to the produce section but none of it looked as delicious as the bread. (sad face)

I got what I needed and started walking to the cold section. On the way there, I had to pass the deli.....the yummy, delicious deli with those scrumptious sandwiches that I missed so much when I lived in Texas. I was super excited to move back to Florida just to have a Publix sub and now I had to pass that section. OMG.....it was hard! Then there are the juicy chicken tenders. The angel and devil came back on my shoulders..."It is chicken and you can eat chicken." "But it's loaded with carbs." "But, are a couple of pieces really going to hurt you." "They are fried..don't eat them." UGH!!!!! I wanted to just scream.

It was such a hard decision but I passed the section, got what I needed and made a dash to the register before I gave in. My stomach was growling even more now. I needed to get home!

I made it home!!! I didn't cheat!! I'm so happy for that now!!! (Well, my body is happy but my mind is not.) LOL

I know I can do this! It's hard, but it's worth it!

"Mock" Mashed Potatoes

Delicious recipe for cauliflower mashed potatoes.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html

Chicken - Thought it was healthy, but not so much! LOL

Tonight we made cheesy garlic chicken. It was delicious, but after reviewing the soup mix that it called for, it's not really that good. However, next time, I will just make my own herb mixture, which is why I am going to share the recipe.

4 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 - 1/4 lbs)

1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped

1 envelope Lipton Recipe Secrets Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix

(who knew this stuff was more than just herbs? 1 packet is 100 calories and 24 carbs! This is why next time I make it, I'll just use dried herbs)

1/3 cup water

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 cup shredded mozzarella c

heese (about 4 oz)

1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In 13 X 9-inch baking dish, arrange chicken; top with tomato

3. Pour Soup Mix blended with water and olive oil over chicken.

4. Bake 20 minutes. Top with cheeses; and bake 5 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

We used less cheese than it called for to avoid extra fat.

Day 9

I feel like even though my body is tired, my energy and focus have gone up. I got up this morning with my son and instead of just vegging on the couch surfing the internet after he left for school, I did homework. And yesterday morning instead of surfing the internet, I cut up a ton of fruit and made two huge bowls of fruit salad. I mean, seriously, when have I ever woke up and started doing things in the kitchen? NEVER! I am not a cooking/kitchen lady.

Today before our workout, Dan decided that if we wanted to get weighed he would do it. I decided to go ahead and get weighed and I can't believe what the I scale said. I lost SIX (6) pounds!!!!!! Although a lot of it was water weight, it was still very motivating. I worked my butt off during our workout this morning.

I am tired and so ready for bed! Can't wait to get up tomorrow morning full of energy again!

Day 8

I'm currently at school on break, so I can't type long. Today has been long, but I have not given in to eating bad. I have my healthy snacks, although the girl's chips behind me sound so delicous! Someone else in class is eating skittles, one of my favorites. I never realized how much temptation is constantly around us.

Today my husband gave me such a great compliment this morning. He said "Wow! Your face looks skinnier." Love him so much! Just totally made my dad and definately made it easier to enjoy the foods I can have.

Kale Chips

1 head kale, washed and thoroughly dried

2 tablespoons olive oil

sea salt, for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F

Remove ribs from the kale and cut into pieces. Lay on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. (Only use enough oil to coat the kale. You don't want a puddle of it on the baking sheet.)

Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through. Should take a total of about 20 minutes to bake. (Mine took almost 40 because I put too much olive oil.)

Serve as a finger food!

Enjoy

Day 8

Wow! Today Dan kicked our butts!!! I left sweating, feeling drained, but accomplished. Our team of girls all seem to get along. I also made some kale chips for the team. Although they were pretty salty, it seemed like everyone liked them.

After the workout, I turned up the music and sang the whole way home. I was so pumped!!!

I picked up the family, except the one who is in school, and we went grocery shopping. Some of the things we are having for dinner this week are chicken fajitas (minus the tortillas and rice), vegetarian chili, taco salad, beef with broccoli and brown rice, cheesy (although not that cheesy) garlic chicken with "mock" mashed potatoes (which are actually cauliflower), and sauteed vegetables and shrimp over whole grain noodles.

I am planning on posting recipes if the meal was any good!! LOL

For some reason today I have a pretty bad headache. It started during our grocery shopping. I made sure to eat a pretty good amount today and I drank a ton of water. Hoping some good sleep tonight makes it go away. I don't want to wake up with it, that's for sure!

I do know if you all are aware, but I am in school too. I am getting my associates in medical assisting. School starts tomorrow. UGH! It's my super busy day too. A 4 hour class in the morning and a 4 hour class at night that ends at 10pm (way past my bed time). Of all days, I am guessing that Wednesdays will be my most challenging when it comes to eating the right things. I am going to make sure to pack too much food so I won't get too hungry and head to the snack machines. I'll also have my bottle of water with me!

Hope I have time to chat with you tomorrow!

Day 7

Wondering why my day 7 is a 7 Eleven logo? It's because I'm having a hard time today sticking to the diet. Craving everything under the sun....trying so hard to be good.

Feeling like crap because I tried to do more walking today but 3 minutes in I was burning again in my ankles, shins and calves.

I am so bummed! I am craving! I just need to go to sleep and wake up pumped for my work-out tomorrow with Dan at Sweat Life. I'm also going to load my fridge with healthy foods tomorrow!

Tomorrow will be a better day! Tomorrow will be a better day! Tomorrow will be a better day! Tomorrow will be a better day!

Day 7

So, not much to post for today. My ankle is feeling a little better but I still didn't want to push it too hard so I rode the bicycle at the gym for 30 minutes today.

Here's a picture of us gals and our trainer, Dan, after our timed mile.

Stay tuned for more soon!

Day 5

Today us gals met at the UF track to run our 1st timed mile. I was pumped when I arrived. I was ready! However, my body failed me and I ended up tying with Julie in last place.

After jogging about 1/2 of the track, my weak ankles started to burn. Then shortly after my shins began to burn. Then, of course my calves followed in the burn. Thankfully the burn didn't head any higher.

I thought I was going to give up after the 3rd lap (we had to do 4 laps). But, my head would not let me even though my body wanted me to.

I eventually passed the finish line. It took me 20 minutes, 12 seconds.

As were were standing around chatting after the laps, one of my weak ankles gave out. I almost fell. Maybe I should have stopped after the 3rd lap? Not because I didn't want to finish but because my body was telling me to. Now my ankle is very sore. I hope it gets better before Tuesday when we have another full workout.

I have been tempted with food all day today. The children had McDonald's for breakfast. I am currently at my mom's house and of course she had pasta salad, cheesecake and homeade bread with real butter. I mean, seriously mom!!! (laughing). I have not even licked a spoon clean.

Yeah me!!!

Day 4

Surprisingly I am not too sore today. Even walking down the stairs has not been too painful. Maybe I didn't work hard enough yesterday or maybe my body is transitioning faster than I thought it would?

Avoiding some foods has been hard for me, so instead of totally denying myself, I just had 1 or 2 bites. I only "cheated" twice today, so a total of 3 bites. Not too bad! Not as good as I'd like, but I also don't want to binge in a few days because I am craving so badly. I know my history and this is what I always seem to do.

Tomorrow is our first timed 1 mile run. However, I know I will not be able to run the whole mile. I will do my best!

Day 3

Yesterday I didn't blog. My apologies. I was super busy, not to mention sore! My 4 minute workout on day 1 really sucked on my thighs. I thought going up the stairs was hard....whoa!...going down the stairs was whoa! whoa!

We did meet yesterday for the grocery tour/food talk. Although I can no longer eat many of the same things that I used to eat, I have so many more new choices to try. I liked Dan's quote of "Don't think about the things you can't eat, but think of all the things you can". He also mentioned that we should view food as medicine for our bodies. Food can heal! I know I am excited about the possibility of getting off most of my medicine I currently take. I hate taking pills!

Today we met at Sweat Life with Dan, our trainer. We did about a 40 minute work-out, which was not enjoyable. However, it has now been several hours later and I feel so accomplished. What a great feeling!

We also got the results of our first set of measurements. Here's mine.....not really wanting to tell you, but I know I'll be that much more determined to show my accomplishments.

1. Body Weight 234 lbs, ideal weight 135 lbs (about 100lbs to loose!)
2. Body Fat 125 lbs, ideal body fat 34 lbs
3. Body Fat Percentage 53.8%, ideal percentage 30%
4. Muscle 51.1, ideal 50 (At least I'm ahead of the game here!!!

So far, I have eaten very well and I feel great! We meet on Saturday morning for our first timed mile. Wish me luck!

Day 1

Well, I woke up super nervous this morning....I still hadn't found a sports bra that fit. I had to have one today for pictures. Where was I going to get one before 11am?

I took my older child to school this morning and then I went to Wal-Mart. They should have one, right? Nope, nothing that was comfortable. GREAT! I had already checked K-mart and Kohl's the day before.

So, I waited until 10am when the mall opened and ran into JC Penney. Yeah! The sales attendant who helped me was awesome. Within a few minutes, I was loaded down with several options to try on. I found one that was perfect for me. Thank you Jesus! I ended up buying 4 of them.....they were on sale Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off. Plus, I don't want to work out in a day old sweaty bra. I can't think of many more things higher on the yuck scale.

Not only did I find one that I liked, but I ran into another contestant there. She was also shopping for a sports bra. Thank goodness I wasn't the only one who waited until the very last possible second.

Then I was off to Sweat Life Fitness, Inc. for my initial evaluation. First, we got weighed and measured. I don't remember my measurements, but I do remember my weight. Wow! How did this happen? 234!!?? Totally Dislike.

Then, we all had private photo shoots, some with our shirts on and some with out. Gee....can't wait to see those. (can you hear the sarcasm?)

Then, we partnered up. I was with Steph today. We all did 1 minute of squats, 1 minute of crunches, 1 minute of inverted pull-ups and 1 minute of push-ups. 4 minutes total and I feel like I worked out for hours. My arms are already sore and my legs started to hurt when I was walking up the stairs at our apartment. But, I love the feeling. It means I am doing something....accomplishing something!

I am not sure if I am able to post how many of each exercise I did and what my measurements were, but I'll find out. I'd love to be accountable on here.

Tomorrow we meet at Publix to learn about eating better. Can't wait!

All us 6 girls seemed to get along. I can't wait to build life-long friendships and to see how awesome we all look and feel at the end of these 14 weeks!