tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88130783106555953782024-03-13T19:02:20.200-04:00Pretty Pink ElephantGetting 100 pounds of Junk out of my Trunk....and feeling Pretty along the Way!Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-35038235114308585622012-10-29T12:41:00.001-04:002012-10-29T12:41:18.553-04:00Really Gets My Goat!I love me some <b>goat cheese</b>. It has the most wonderful flavor. It's the fairy-dust of the food world....it makes everything taste better.<br />
<br />
Last week I bought this....<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53256%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3496827%3A%3B632%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
and although my first inclination was to eat it straight out of the container with a spoon, I decided to make two recipes with it instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stuffed Poblanos with Goat Cheese</b></span><br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53264%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D34968296%3B432%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
4 <b>Poblano</b> Peppers<br />
1 can Red Kidney <b>Beans</b>, rinsed and drained<br />
1.5 cup cooked Brown<b> Rice</b><br />
1.5 cup <b>Corn</b><br />
2 T Extra Virgin Olive <b>Oil</b><br />
2 T Crumbled <b>Goat Cheese</b><br />
<br />
Move oven rack to highest shelf and turn broiler on High. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds and stems. Place peppers skin side up directly on rack and broil until skin black and blistered, about 4 minutes.<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53244%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D349682%3B%3B8%3B32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Make filling by mixing beans, rice, corn and oil in a bowl.<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53252%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D34968276%3A%3B32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<ol>
</ol>
Remove skin from poblano peppers. Stuff with filling. Sprinkle with goat cheese.<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53244%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3496826%3A8832%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
Enjoy!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Goat Cheese Portabello Naan Pizza</b></span><br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53273%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D349682833932%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
1 Mini Whole Wheat <b>Naan</b><br />
1 T Extra Virgin Olive <b>Oil</b><br />
1 t <b>Garlic</b> Powder <br />
1/2 cup Baby <b>Portabello</b> Mushrooms, chopped<br />
1/4 cup Grape <b>Tomatoes</b>, cut in half<br />
1/4 cup Baby <b>Spinach</b>, chopped<br />
1 T Crumbled <b>Goat Cheese</b><br />
<br />
Heat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
<br />
Place naan on aluminum foil. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Top with tomatoes, mushrooms, goat cheese and spinach.<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53268%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D349682769%3A32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
Place the aluminum foil with the naan directly on oven rack. Bake for 12 minutes.<br />
<ol>
</ol>
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53246%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D349682%3A53432%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
Enjoy!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
Week 2 went pretty well. I got to the gym 5 times and have been cooking like a crazy person!!<br />
<br />
Current Weight: <b>253.2</b><br />
Last Week Weight: <b>254.2</b><br />
Week Loss: <b> -1 lb</b><br />
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-68387998307112557252012-10-22T11:26:00.001-04:002012-10-22T11:27:15.647-04:00Eggplant PolentaI am in love with this marvelous casserole.<br />
<br />
<b>Eggplant Polenta</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53269%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C7876232%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<br />
2 T <b>EVOO</b><br />
1 <b>Eggplant, </b>chopped<br />
1 <b>Zucchini, </b>chopped<br />
10 oz baby <b>Spinach</b><br />
1 15-oz can tomato<b> Sauce</b><br />
1/2 c fresh <b>Parsely</b>, chopped<br />
14 oz prepared <b>Polenta</b>, sliced<br />
1 1/2 c part-skim <b>Mozzerella</b>, shredded<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.</li>
<li>Cook eggplant and zucchini in oil for 6 mins, or just until tender. </li>
<li>Add spinach and 1/2 c water. Cover and cook until spinach is wilted. </li>
<li>Add tomato sauce and heat through. </li>
<li>Remove from heat and add parsley. </li>
<li>Put slices of polenta on bottom of casserole dish. Top with half of the cheese. Top with eggplant mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese in melted and casserole is bubbly. </li>
</ol>
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-55882678880121091362012-10-22T11:07:00.003-04:002012-10-22T11:07:53.034-04:00Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Quiche I absolutely love this breakfast recipe. So easy to make and absolutely delightful!<br />
<br />
<b>Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Quiche</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr9hbNPd9yrxfFJxl7sxawaVi7uROoGUtLD45WU35D1Se6roeUtQEe_m9RJpHV7av_6bQ3G2vpvm2j0iX0AvQMgTi2x2fxMYQ0Mgx4ELo5FpZY_orK3GKx6Hk4-2KDQbqMhx25jPAXPY/s1600/e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr9hbNPd9yrxfFJxl7sxawaVi7uROoGUtLD45WU35D1Se6roeUtQEe_m9RJpHV7av_6bQ3G2vpvm2j0iX0AvQMgTi2x2fxMYQ0Mgx4ELo5FpZY_orK3GKx6Hk4-2KDQbqMhx25jPAXPY/s320/e7.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
12 <b>Eggs</b>, scrambled<br />
1 t <b>Mrs Dash</b> Seasoning<br />
3 c <b>Broccoli</b>, cut into flowerettes <br />
3/4 c LF <b>Cheddar</b>, shredded<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</li>
<li>In a microwave safe bowl, microwave broccoli on High 3 mins. </li>
<li>Spray a pie pan with cooking spray. Layer the broccoli in the pan and top with cheese. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJBVBAcx4ETeLdt0dKhKvYw6gPYzjwOQckzzR4EAGkRsQ-fk9h3A9HnFlUJHO9VCx0JK5nIZqZe-Pa-4JPMfTpmDchL-bo8bn3x6axyuU9u0oK73CzvCTQN4sAdfesaizL8Fzv5bZ41k/s1600/e10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJBVBAcx4ETeLdt0dKhKvYw6gPYzjwOQckzzR4EAGkRsQ-fk9h3A9HnFlUJHO9VCx0JK5nIZqZe-Pa-4JPMfTpmDchL-bo8bn3x6axyuU9u0oK73CzvCTQN4sAdfesaizL8Fzv5bZ41k/s320/e10.jpg" width="320" /></a></li>
<li>Pour the eggs on top of the broccoli & cheese layer. Sprinkle with Mrs Dash Seasoning. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw7KbYOvt24L-YHuNHg4KcAMJ25KZEzzdvfBrHZ-WDxi8eAbxdMVcgzncpRE5RlMsG5reWTO6Zhov6RwP-49IyLNziKH9gQ89tPonMnPd47ke6AhWAGTiEYs95AwvGZXsFGU2yk3ndq0/s1600/e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw7KbYOvt24L-YHuNHg4KcAMJ25KZEzzdvfBrHZ-WDxi8eAbxdMVcgzncpRE5RlMsG5reWTO6Zhov6RwP-49IyLNziKH9gQ89tPonMnPd47ke6AhWAGTiEYs95AwvGZXsFGU2yk3ndq0/s320/e9.jpg" width="320" /></a></li>
<li>Put in oven and bake for 35 mins.</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr9hbNPd9yrxfFJxl7sxawaVi7uROoGUtLD45WU35D1Se6roeUtQEe_m9RJpHV7av_6bQ3G2vpvm2j0iX0AvQMgTi2x2fxMYQ0Mgx4ELo5FpZY_orK3GKx6Hk4-2KDQbqMhx25jPAXPY/s1600/e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxr9hbNPd9yrxfFJxl7sxawaVi7uROoGUtLD45WU35D1Se6roeUtQEe_m9RJpHV7av_6bQ3G2vpvm2j0iX0AvQMgTi2x2fxMYQ0Mgx4ELo5FpZY_orK3GKx6Hk4-2KDQbqMhx25jPAXPY/s320/e7.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Doesn't it look good???! Enjoy! <br />
<ol>
</ol>
Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-13617917271454817652012-10-22T10:50:00.003-04:002012-10-22T10:50:45.679-04:00Lentil Quinoa SaladThis Lentil Quinoa Salad recipe is absolutely wonderful. Fresh, filling, healthful and delicious!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcJNpeXKyuJZ4ajeAdDvQgkyY4iFLYdV5Ut9qUKLdC9_rURHya7ManC_4bfvU-t-zrPNxjO3j-Cuvlw65PPNOGJLnAlQ2a4YBVq4gMQy6S83PxukhAnSUqZn2z1MmlLF_N9I2xr9fIBM/s320/e6.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
<b>Lentil Quinoa Salad:</b><br />
<br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 c <b>Quinoa</b>, rinsed </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 c Brown<b> Lentils</b>, rinsed </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 T Dijon <b>Mustard</b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 T Red Wine <b>Vinegar</b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 c Extra Virgin <b>Olive Oil</b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/4 t <b>Garlic Powder</b></li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 <b>Lime</b>, zested</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 <b>Scallions</b>, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 T <b>Cilantro</b>, chopped</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<ol>
<li> In a large microwave-proof bowl with a cover, add quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water. Cover and microwave on high for 9 minutes.
Let it sit for 2 minutes then stir. </li>
<li>Make dressing by mixing together the mustard, vinegar, oil, garlic powder and lime zest. </li>
<li>Mix the quinoa,
lentils, dressing, green onions, and chopped cilantro.</li>
</ol>
<br />
</div>
Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-10202752401268364952012-10-18T17:02:00.002-04:002012-10-18T17:03:01.411-04:00What's Cookin' Good Lookin' ?I have been cooking like crazy trying to get some tried and true vegetarian recipes in my personal cookbook. So far everything has been a major success. I will be doing some rapid fire blogging very soon and posting all the recipes.<br />
<br />
Even though<b> I am in the middle of painting my cupboards and remodeling my kitchen</b>....which means my kitchen resembles some of the deepest levels of Dante's Inferno...."Abandon all hope ye who enter here"<br />
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="300" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53257%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C737%3A532%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="400" /><br />
<br />
I have still managed to get in there and work around wet paint and rollers to make sure I stick to my healthy way of eating. <b>I am loving this Mediterranean Diet</b> and if the scale loves it on Saturday (my weigh in day) then I will be in heaven! I mean really, take a look at my lunch from yesterday.<br />
<img border="0" height="360" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53256%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C7845632%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="480" /><br />
No, it's not Chobani Yogurt. My mom uses old food containers for Tupperware. I like to think it's because she is thrifty and eco-friendly rather than fairly confident that I won't ever return her containers. Which, despite every good intention I never do. Anyways, what you see is actually <b>Butternut Squash Bisque</b> with a whole wheat pita and glass of red wine. So satisfying! I got a set of those wine glasses at the thrift store for $1.99 each. Turns out they are really high quality crystal. Score!<br />
<br />
Hubs and I usually start our meal with a hummus appetizer with whole wheat pita. <br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53257%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C743%3B%3B32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<i>(Hummus with olive oil and walnuts sprinkled on top.) </i><br />
<br />
Some other tasty treats I have made are....<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53267%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C75%3B%3C632%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<b>Mukimame Quinoa</b><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp5324%3A%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C7755%3B32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<b>Black Bean Burgers</b><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp5326%3A%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C7895%3A32%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<b>Dolmades Casserole</b><br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="240" id="slideshowPicture" name="slideshowPicture" src="http://images.photos2.walmart.com/232323232%7Ffp53269%3Enu%3D%3A%3A95%3E783%3E239%3EWSNRCG%3D3493%3C7876232%3Anu0mrj" style="position: relative;" width="320" /><br />
<b>Eggplant Polenta</b><br />
<br />
<br />
I have been eating so good! The best part is that<b> my jeans even feel loser</b> and it's only been a few days. They are buttoned right now WITHOUT the aid of a rubber band. I am making progress people! <br />
<br />
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-7793409038922945872012-10-16T14:46:00.000-04:002012-10-16T14:54:32.799-04:00End of Daze...Take Two!Yeah, remember that last post where I was like "Oh I feel so much better!" Not completely accurate. Wishful thinking? Self denial? Selective blogging? Maybe all of that. I don't know what made me think I was doing better because I was not. I have felt very disconnected. I haven't felt like I am being "me" and I haven't felt a connection to the people around me. I was trying desperately to ignore how bad I felt and to numb it with my drugs of choice: TV and food. Then a dear old friend sent me a short email...it was only 2 sentences and basically just said "How are you?" Something inside me just broke and I let it all out. I got the most beautiful response back. It was full of things like this.....<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b> <span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1350399066404_578">I do feel like this is something you can overcome. I believe that so deep down to my core.</span></span></b></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b> <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1350399066404_578">...you have the most tender heart of anyone I have ever met...</span></b></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b> <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1350399066404_578">I
think you will find the beautiful woman you feel is missing. I can see
her. She is there. You are going to be your biggest critic, your
biggest obstacle maker, and you’re going to try and stop yourself
because it is just easier to not deal with it. But when
you are ready to say I have had enough you will find the courage and
strength beyond what you have ever known.</span></b></span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
I am at a really low point. I can't believe in myself. I can't believe this is possible or worth it. I just want to give in and give up. Wallow in the freedom and instant gratification that comes with binging and junk food and self-loathing. This darling treasured friend believed in me when I was too low to believe in myself. It gave me a second wind. It all feels worth it again. Which is nice since I am at the heaviest weight I have been in years.....260. **deep depressed sigh**<br />
<br />
It feels like I gained all the weight right on my shoulders. I have such a weight on me! Nothing fits. My leg muscles hurt just walking to my car. The last two days I have gone to the gym before work (**major points for getting to the gym**) and walked on the treadmill....AT 1.5 MPH!!!!!! How embarrassing. My body just hurts hurts hurts. I have to take it really slow. <br />
<br />
Even though I'm taking it slow on my body, I still need to eat right. I did not feel like doing a diet that was high in protein again. Even though I lose weight on those diets, I feel heavy and exhausted. I had heard of the Mediterranean Diet and wanted to read more about it. I couldn't believe what I read. It was basically telling me to eat the way I instinctively want to eat. How is it possible to lose weight like this? I don't know...but it works. Well, I hear it works....time will tell I guess.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="576" id="il_fi" src="http://www.wineinyourdiet.com/mediterranean_diet_food_wine_pyramid.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="532" /></div>
<br />
I like that meat is only eaten occasionally. Meat has been grossing me out lately. Also, I recently decided to only buy meat that is grass-fed, free range, vegetarian fed...which means DOLLAR SIGNS. Now that I am eating less meat it will be much friendlier on my bank account. I have been eating like this for a few days now and I feel really really good. <br />
<br />
Timing was perfect to snap out of my daze (like for serious this time) because my best friend decided that she was ready too! She called me and asked if I would meet with her once a week to discuss our strategy and set goals and support each other. LOVE IT!<br />
<br />
We got together Saturday (which is also my weigh-in day) and set out some great goals for the week and targets for the year.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Week1 Goals: </span></b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: blue;">Drink 64 oz H2O<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Exercise 3 Times</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Write in Food Journal <span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>YEAR TARGET (October 16, 2013): </b></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">175 lb to Reach 100 LB Total Loss</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1st Quarter Target (January 16, 2013)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
230 lb...30 lb Loss (45 lb Total Loss)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2nd Quarter Target (April 16, 2013)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
212 lb...18 lb Loss (63 lb Total Loss)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3rd Quarter Target (July 16, 2013)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
193 lb....19 lb Loss (82 lb Total Loss)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4th Quarter Target (October 16, 2013)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
175 lb....18 lb Loss (100 lb Total Loss)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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It won't be easy but it can't be any harder than living like this!!! This is really really really possible. I am so tired of looking back on old blog posts and old journal entries and realizing that if I had just stuck to it...not gone over the deep end crazy with dieting and exercise... just plugged along....that I could be at my goal weight by now. Not this time. I am not going to screw "next-year-me" over! Next-year-me will LOVE me. </div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“The greatest weariness comes from
work not done.” </span></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>--<i>Eric Hoffer </i></b></span></span></h2>
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<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-47762516344805026662012-10-02T12:00:00.005-04:002012-10-02T12:00:57.238-04:00End of Daze & Weigh-InIt took all week but<b> I finally snapped out of my daze</b>. It wasn't a pleasant awakening.... I felt like Rip Van Winkle. I had been out of it for a long time and didn't even know it. Worst of all, life (and the scale) had continue to go on without me. I found I had gained 20 pounds in the last 3 months. I have a lot of work to do. So much work.<br />
<br />
I had to ease into it and gave myself a lot of flexibility last week. I went out to eat. I snacked more than I should have. But I also got to the gym four times. I got all my weight workouts in. Being on the elliptical was painful. I can't believe the difference 20 pounds and 3 months of immobility can make. <b>I just keep telling myself it will get better.</b><br />
<br />
I spent Sunday prepping prepping prepping. I made this UH-MAY-ZING <b>Lentil Quinoa Salad.</b><br />
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcJNpeXKyuJZ4ajeAdDvQgkyY4iFLYdV5Ut9qUKLdC9_rURHya7ManC_4bfvU-t-zrPNxjO3j-Cuvlw65PPNOGJLnAlQ2a4YBVq4gMQy6S83PxukhAnSUqZn2z1MmlLF_N9I2xr9fIBM/s1600/e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcJNpeXKyuJZ4ajeAdDvQgkyY4iFLYdV5Ut9qUKLdC9_rURHya7ManC_4bfvU-t-zrPNxjO3j-Cuvlw65PPNOGJLnAlQ2a4YBVq4gMQy6S83PxukhAnSUqZn2z1MmlLF_N9I2xr9fIBM/s320/e6.jpg" width="320" /></a></b><br />
I grilled a lot of <b>chicken</b> and boiled a lot of <b>eggs</b>. I made a ton of <b>green salads in plastic containers</b> to keep on hand. (Cuke, Carrots, Chickpeas, Baby Spinach, 1 T Craisens, 1 T Walnuts)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBl3WvVnsWBnw1lPuO_i7oME_YutVDZIN9X3yXQnrnLV6JjBG3c-emE-p8YShORUUw_ZtmvchprtHdRFQJbnkiI_qCJp1ZZ7u4gx2f40R7vLZ3ouXWgtRmc8lTWFecyJat5ll7FTaTuA/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBl3WvVnsWBnw1lPuO_i7oME_YutVDZIN9X3yXQnrnLV6JjBG3c-emE-p8YShORUUw_ZtmvchprtHdRFQJbnkiI_qCJp1ZZ7u4gx2f40R7vLZ3ouXWgtRmc8lTWFecyJat5ll7FTaTuA/s320/e4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I made this tasty <b>Broccoli Cheddar Breakfast casserole</b>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnA4CSomodF1tCusV_SRLACenCxoT8Q0MK4FVqKs3XcL-yXSgabfPkNBC31wV2v0DYqSYffbADqIDxdBtO3USkMKAUoP57iJ_m3lcuql2e8ce88BWXVdVswWqBBnnj_tZvX_E56Zu64/s1600/e8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxnA4CSomodF1tCusV_SRLACenCxoT8Q0MK4FVqKs3XcL-yXSgabfPkNBC31wV2v0DYqSYffbADqIDxdBtO3USkMKAUoP57iJ_m3lcuql2e8ce88BWXVdVswWqBBnnj_tZvX_E56Zu64/s320/e8.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I cut it into 6 pieces and put them each in individual plastic baggies. That with a piece of fruit makes for a fast and delicious healthy breakfast!<br />
<br />
I have been trying to make myself feel like some one worth taking care of. It's hard when your clothes don't fit and you feel uncomfortable. I've been doing my hair and makeup. <b>Does it make me super shallow that stuff like that actually works wonders for me??</b><br />
<br />
<b>Nails: </b>Paint nails a neutral color. Let dry. Dip in water for 5 seconds, hold a piece of newspaper to the nail for 5 seconds. Top with clear. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3U9T6bi33jCXuUKT8YhW1HN_7LE_SyOjBg813NOfM18P635LwRwDvm9gpPOfUzfiHYBEjQtCGZk-2TYLLbBlUg6iduBM306DAi2yNKbRUfgGH0b7jLL2r0FyO65jQ-wtYd0DTkTkbcc/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3U9T6bi33jCXuUKT8YhW1HN_7LE_SyOjBg813NOfM18P635LwRwDvm9gpPOfUzfiHYBEjQtCGZk-2TYLLbBlUg6iduBM306DAi2yNKbRUfgGH0b7jLL2r0FyO65jQ-wtYd0DTkTkbcc/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>Makeup: </b> <a href="http://www.ulta.com/" target="_blank">Ulta</a> is having an enormous sale! Hello BrONzERs!! And mAsCAra!! And eye sHAdoW!!<br />
<br />
I love<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2231993&productId=xlsImpprod3570071&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=89ulta6wk3211&categoryId=cat80030%20cat80136%20cat120223%20cat80054" target="_blank"> this baked bronzer</a> as a highlight. Perfect!<br />
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<img alt="ULTA " border="0" id="viewLargerImage" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2231993?$lg$" /><br />
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And I love <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2231992&productId=xlsImpprod3570069&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=87ulta6wk3211&categoryId=cat80030%20cat80136%20cat120223%20cat80054" target="_blank">this bronzer</a> for contouring.<br />
<img alt="ULTA " border="0" id="viewLargerImage" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2231992?$lg$" /><br />
<br />
These bronzers are normally $10 and $15. But they are on sale for $5 each. AND THEN...there is a $5 off $10 purchase. So you can get these for $2.50 each. <b>**Be still my heart!**</b><br />
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I am still trying to find a GREAT mascara. I really like <b>Rimmel Glam Eyes</b>.<br />
<img alt="ULTA " border="0" id="viewLargerImage" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2163245?$lg$" /><br />
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I also really like <b>Maybeline Define-a-Lash</b>.<br />
<img alt="ULTA " border="0" id="viewLargerImage" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2139314?$lg$" /><br />
But I want to find something new. Any ideas??? Any mascaras that make you say "wow" when you put it on? <br />
<br />
I traded in my <strike>bribe</strike> gift from Hubs. As much as I wanted to love the <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2240446&productId=xlsImpprod4040025&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=6urbandecaynakedcollection&categoryId=cat80045" target="_blank">Urban Decay Naked2 Palette.</a>..I just didn't. The colors were muddy and not pigmented. I traded it in for the <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2247579&productId=xlsImpprod4500053&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=43newatulta28&categoryId=cat80045" target="_blank">Lorac Pro Palette</a>. Good call!! I love love love it!<br />
<img alt="ULTA " border="0" id="viewLargerImage" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2247579?$lg$" /><br />
It's so hard to tell in photos...but it's natural, bright, versatile, and oh-so-pretty. There are 8 matte shades (on top) and 8 shimmer (NOT sparkly) shades (on bottom). Highly recommend this palette!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFLCkkIpkU-pNTK02qSlmOTzOVmpzOO8Fip79MZaQzFeT3WFz5MuE94aGkCCfZsqozC6M6lt0RZAJYWQa_gm6GgPE4yGJ_e4hH5Z48O-Ad-_VTb6LtYOotYYxMLp9n85eO-SgDWKmbng/s1600/e13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFLCkkIpkU-pNTK02qSlmOTzOVmpzOO8Fip79MZaQzFeT3WFz5MuE94aGkCCfZsqozC6M6lt0RZAJYWQa_gm6GgPE4yGJ_e4hH5Z48O-Ad-_VTb6LtYOotYYxMLp9n85eO-SgDWKmbng/s400/e13.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Here's another one. What do you guys think??<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIed0DsdNra0hRclUz4nGvMDVZ2tt9zN8oWlGMD5L5Ik5OSa2MO7asyvaMYRNqDZ4tm6bo-_2EOj8_EbkpdHhYU4ptgZOCqom_wpKN2YCLuzOD2funFsyn9MPR2g78wOm57mA_amq4lEw/s1600/e12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIed0DsdNra0hRclUz4nGvMDVZ2tt9zN8oWlGMD5L5Ik5OSa2MO7asyvaMYRNqDZ4tm6bo-_2EOj8_EbkpdHhYU4ptgZOCqom_wpKN2YCLuzOD2funFsyn9MPR2g78wOm57mA_amq4lEw/s320/e12.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b>Hair:</b> Just been playing around with it....here's something I came up with that I thought was kinda cute.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV9u-pBpG4WguNNIJa8k6z8u9APEXfEf4K3clrAkryzX5weAPMXZJ-eFkT5L4u_ETYy8SzgcXVSDqBAjBdw_KD8zc45xij9T-SUIK3mPYxSkyGqu4dP8IIH0rCfsNZkYKEbdXrm52_gg/s1600/e11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV9u-pBpG4WguNNIJa8k6z8u9APEXfEf4K3clrAkryzX5weAPMXZJ-eFkT5L4u_ETYy8SzgcXVSDqBAjBdw_KD8zc45xij9T-SUIK3mPYxSkyGqu4dP8IIH0rCfsNZkYKEbdXrm52_gg/s320/e11.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Now, for the <b>weigh-in</b>....drum roll not necessary....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Weight:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">255.4</span></b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Week Loss:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>-3.6</b></span></span></div>
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I will post the recipes for that Broccoli Cheddar Breakfast Casserole and the Lentil Quinoa Salad. Stay tuned! <br />
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<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-86023069082135676612012-09-25T17:24:00.000-04:002012-09-25T17:25:38.648-04:00Restart Weigh-In: Read It and WeepI have been really hard on my body. I either ignore it completely or push it to its limit. When it shows weakness I have absolutely no mercy. I get mad that it's all stretched out (and will probably never bounce back) and that my foot hurts if I'm not ridiculously careful (plantar fasciitis). It gets me angry to the point of tears when I get on the treadmill and can only walk 1.5 mph. It makes me want to throw things and rip my hair out when I bend over and everything is stiff and hurts and my legs feel swollen and achy....from doing nothing.<br />
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The truth is that <b>my body has held up under intense pressure</b>. And it has never let me down. When I ask for change it responds. I know people who diet and do everything right and not lose a pound. That's never been true for me. When I eat right and exercise, I lose weight. But it's never good enough. <br />
<br />
<b>I feel this huge disconnect right now</b>. The person I am and the person I have become are so far removed from each other. <br />
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I look in the mirror and hate myself. I don't hate the way I look....I hate the person looking back at me. How did I let this happen? How did I let myself spend 30 years as this stranger? Why was I so <strike>willing</strike> eager to accept living as a person so different than who I really am? I'm so out of touch with myself. It's like <b>some one blindfolded me and spun me in circles</b>. I don't know which way is up and which way is down.<br />
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I'm really just going through the motions at this point. Eat right.Exercise. Maybe that will help me feel more grounded.<br />
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I weighed in at a whopping<b> 259 lb</b>. I'm <b>up 20 lb since July</b>. Feel sorry for me?? I sure do!<br />
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This is a recent photo of me in my bathing suit (which you can't really see but I absolutely love). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfeXndNYh8IwmCiQMAFSJeQ7LkOamQSSWBg-J9PuLKoRhTLy2ZvvOO-cq9snn8CpyxtGCW0RTTmvLIjCz9heRn9reZQxAS_AQhFpgUQrHuWKnWHFFv4dWsyPCJ4Qhd6wBPgxUO8qQwoM/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfeXndNYh8IwmCiQMAFSJeQ7LkOamQSSWBg-J9PuLKoRhTLy2ZvvOO-cq9snn8CpyxtGCW0RTTmvLIjCz9heRn9reZQxAS_AQhFpgUQrHuWKnWHFFv4dWsyPCJ4Qhd6wBPgxUO8qQwoM/s320/e2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
So far<b> Body For Life is underway.</b>.. I have been tracking my food/water/exercise, doing weights 3 days a week and cardio 3 days a week, and eating the BFL way. A pretty typical meal is what I had for lunch today:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjGuMNoyl2SCxIb0i1GiZRoVuHH5RYj4B-6iMpRsAkq9TVAit5hlvRDw395UCSDSDG9qJvUckK2aycDbqk4Tff-xo1E1sjEXI0nUzD_5_omJOJf_VR9jPoIwbjQFK9DviQgCvq0CNwGA/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjGuMNoyl2SCxIb0i1GiZRoVuHH5RYj4B-6iMpRsAkq9TVAit5hlvRDw395UCSDSDG9qJvUckK2aycDbqk4Tff-xo1E1sjEXI0nUzD_5_omJOJf_VR9jPoIwbjQFK9DviQgCvq0CNwGA/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>Chicken breast (left over from dinner, cooked with chicken broth, mustard, spices, olive oil), kidney beans, baby spinach, spring mix lettuce, cukes, carrots, 1 tbsp craisens, 1 tbsp walnuts and 2 tbsp lite dressing. </i><br />
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It was actually pretty good. I don't mind eating healthy and I don't mind exercising.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> SO WHY DO I FEEL LIKE GIVING UP? </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b>WHY AM I DROWNING IN NEGATIVE FEELINGS AND ANXIETY?</b></span></div>
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I just keep telling myself to go through the motions. Do what I know I need to do. <b>Hopefully this unsettled feeling will pass.</b>Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-37546107578276852032012-09-20T15:20:00.003-04:002012-09-25T17:25:01.247-04:00The Juggle vs The JiggleI know I'm supposed to care that<b> only one pair jeans still button up</b>.....and even those ones need a little "help"....<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_N_b7rJ3HRwMb527nc2JIJW8rMAoFpJ1goEtpng4E1PIGhGwhAWz0ylE67TsU9ar60s5LAdcPa2EB_6iJVTT8olL1uHLzwpZkuYh1g_ajtZVBgqStE0l9_w5g2YdaJ-oVIQrYWtLyzg/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_N_b7rJ3HRwMb527nc2JIJW8rMAoFpJ1goEtpng4E1PIGhGwhAWz0ylE67TsU9ar60s5LAdcPa2EB_6iJVTT8olL1uHLzwpZkuYh1g_ajtZVBgqStE0l9_w5g2YdaJ-oVIQrYWtLyzg/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
How sad is it that I actually DO this???? Why exercise when a rubber band and long shirt works just as well?<br />
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I know I should care that I am <b>out of breath</b> just from drying off after a shower or after putting on a pair of stockings. And I do care. It makes me sad.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYDEktMjMMB2EI5EznUFKnOHAgtbN5U0snro6Wb4fJSC6nB3_ah7WkluiIC0NRq9AYcUfhm_9w7rkVOeGVKUrtvXH5oePl7H4Yrd3FUf6yu8yNr7Pc-bLccf8d0h19KAVvnCx9_k-FIA/s1600/e5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYDEktMjMMB2EI5EznUFKnOHAgtbN5U0snro6Wb4fJSC6nB3_ah7WkluiIC0NRq9AYcUfhm_9w7rkVOeGVKUrtvXH5oePl7H4Yrd3FUf6yu8yNr7Pc-bLccf8d0h19KAVvnCx9_k-FIA/s320/e5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I do want to do something to change it. But I have "done something" enough times to know that "doing something" takes every ounce of energy I have. I can't do it all (work, meeting, studying, service, exercise, cooking, cleaning). <b>I'm not a good juggler. </b> Most people I know just handle it all and make it look easy! (I don't like these people and throw things at them.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_n9KF7jITOOD_Ak-lNtNPljLi8eX7p-iGXTTCZgK0jpzMh122MySEnR1V-WFlxaz0p0EP1rNFQaGHV1dmiJq9hjmG6M-m2x49KBCdZr9ArbeKNF1iFgUl3DrTX1Bkfj406abD_VxGKY/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_n9KF7jITOOD_Ak-lNtNPljLi8eX7p-iGXTTCZgK0jpzMh122MySEnR1V-WFlxaz0p0EP1rNFQaGHV1dmiJq9hjmG6M-m2x49KBCdZr9ArbeKNF1iFgUl3DrTX1Bkfj406abD_VxGKY/s320/e2.jpg" width="227" /></a><br />
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When I attempt it, things end badly....quickly.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l9eNEa8lrCe8rshzwIwqYM3y1Kl6RTs-GqaeJ2cv4vVc_QSHs1fsaEmkc6TnTgqjUOGW9Oxh-470PXn10VR4AOnEg2Il9YlHZdo3V44OUmzBnlk6cyeajAnQmARNtZAea1zdqWUVTrg/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l9eNEa8lrCe8rshzwIwqYM3y1Kl6RTs-GqaeJ2cv4vVc_QSHs1fsaEmkc6TnTgqjUOGW9Oxh-470PXn10VR4AOnEg2Il9YlHZdo3V44OUmzBnlk6cyeajAnQmARNtZAea1zdqWUVTrg/s320/e3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Even though I haven't been paying attention to the scale,<b> I have made major strides in other areas of my life</b>. I have maintained those things for a while now. Those things matter a lot to me. I feel like if I "do something" about my health then I have to trade in everything else. And I don't want to.<b> I'd rather live with the jiggle than try to juggle!</b><br />
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So I guess that leads us to the most obvious and cliche thing in the world. B<b>ALANCE</b>. Boring. <b>I hate the idea of balance because it means you don't excel in anything.</b> No glory. No spotlight. No pats on the back. Just a C average across the board. I need more than that. I need results. I need something to SHOW for myself. Great attitude, huh?<br />
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But then a certain some one said a certain something. Hubs is the best person I know. He has never ever even once (not even in anger or the heat of a moment or as a joke) made fun of my weight. Not a SINGLE time. Recently he (reluctantly and gently) told me that he's worried about my weight gain because he loves me and <b>he can tell I'm uncomfortable and unhealthy</b>. I listened to everything he said, thought about it for a second and then from the bottom of my heart told him (reluctantly and gently) that I just don't care. I don't have it in me.<br />
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That's when<b> he resorted to bribery</b>. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse: As an incentive to get going with healthy eating and exercise he offered me the <b>Holy Grail</b> of the make-up world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDRl6S3tbXu17yqyGNBP8_baFiwLq9rk400H3z6CyoJAhdziUP79HsAzDElUL277OcXmc-9KrHIp_vKZxQ7IR2oLYLNBURetyZFPs3UTb8Q4z6uI4sFPVylLuMC4qCU25uau1rm3oQTM/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDRl6S3tbXu17yqyGNBP8_baFiwLq9rk400H3z6CyoJAhdziUP79HsAzDElUL277OcXmc-9KrHIp_vKZxQ7IR2oLYLNBURetyZFPs3UTb8Q4z6uI4sFPVylLuMC4qCU25uau1rm3oQTM/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2240446&productId=xlsImpprod4040025&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=6urbandecaynakedcollection&categoryId=cat80045" target="_blank">Urban Decay's Naked2 Palette</a> You can do <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUedb2nBC7E&feature=plcp" target="_blank">sooo many great looks</a> with this palette!<br />
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Yes. I have a price and I can be bought. The great thing is that this palette is so expensive that I don't even feel cheap! I may be a Sell-Out but I'm a classy Sell-Out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4URBS-9w7n62PXVQdPzdD-iHsQqYVZB4feSVjLa0Ehe_fzqYN8-IFM5JIopFf9sCH2bF81dt1tNeq7PF1SCH4rkdl2mwQk7c8VfyYDvbfMP_LCu2mGAXqivL2JhYd1LqQBWqmS3FzJy0/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4URBS-9w7n62PXVQdPzdD-iHsQqYVZB4feSVjLa0Ehe_fzqYN8-IFM5JIopFf9sCH2bF81dt1tNeq7PF1SCH4rkdl2mwQk7c8VfyYDvbfMP_LCu2mGAXqivL2JhYd1LqQBWqmS3FzJy0/s320/e2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Hello Beautiful!! <i>Why is it that just walking into an <a href="http://www.ulta.com/" target="_blank">Ulta</a> makes me feel happy all over???</i><br />
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Up and at 'em!! Cowgirl up! I have my grocery list all made. This weekend I will have my gym bag all packed. Hubs let me pick the diet (we are both going to be following it...partly cuz he is super supportive and mostly cuz Hubs got a little chubs) and I chose <a href="http://bodyforlife.com/" target="_blank">Body For Life</a>. Who cares. They all work as long as you stick to them. And I had a lot of success on that plan.<br />
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I hate to admit it but Hubs really picked the perfect "get your butt going" <strike>bribe</strike> gift. <b>It makes me feel pretty.</b> And girly. I do feel super cute. But it loses a little something when you're carrying around an extra 100 pounds. I mean, if these girls can't pull it off, what chance do I have??<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-q3H_VRogL50H6dCK8ZwPaK5wHzH8l01Tl6-jMm-ubj2b3PRvgre3-mAVejtnMOZxsrBel2kewSoG6OS9Yno1LRSqWWNfxCHvUhjJfTDQxPaHUx00_nj5CqYy-HS8tns0yxHEwiHR_Y/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-q3H_VRogL50H6dCK8ZwPaK5wHzH8l01Tl6-jMm-ubj2b3PRvgre3-mAVejtnMOZxsrBel2kewSoG6OS9Yno1LRSqWWNfxCHvUhjJfTDQxPaHUx00_nj5CqYy-HS8tns0yxHEwiHR_Y/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I feel motivated to want to feel better!!!! Here goes nothing! </b></span></span><br />
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<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-56938389186996681532012-07-10T16:26:00.002-04:002012-07-10T16:26:45.307-04:00Weigh-In 238.2 lb<b>Weight: 238.2 lb</b><br />
<b>Week: -1.2 lb</b><br />
<b>Total: -36.8 lb</b><br />
<br />
This last <b>weekend was amazing</b>. Hubs and I spent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday learning all about what the "heart" is when mentioned in the Scriptures and how to safeguard it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME0fDbgEIlY6eHs0aEjlKj18hyphenhyphen2BXv1GOECtNtYAfPfmvxpQ0H2mGAloIVmiffPtrhpU33jsxmP4wJsY4uPjYdefj488OOUw6a0OIZ0er0tMzF67EzS5MTAsH6dA2RAD_roiS99FyLiQ/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgME0fDbgEIlY6eHs0aEjlKj18hyphenhyphen2BXv1GOECtNtYAfPfmvxpQ0H2mGAloIVmiffPtrhpU33jsxmP4wJsY4uPjYdefj488OOUw6a0OIZ0er0tMzF67EzS5MTAsH6dA2RAD_roiS99FyLiQ/s320/e4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We spent time with<b> family and friends</b> and loved every second of it. We didn't want it to end. There were about 4000 people there each day.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx43clGqQ8EMi1uZqAZ038u7kbmfjyXTSr0iTskYd7ZxW_UKFFoyVv7jBxDagj65Mied0MnVclWN92sZJbEXQ4JO_r0YIScCb0ptwwROlKKSvg22p9HiZNQXyw-3rDmoedMVMfYPOkwkI/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx43clGqQ8EMi1uZqAZ038u7kbmfjyXTSr0iTskYd7ZxW_UKFFoyVv7jBxDagj65Mied0MnVclWN92sZJbEXQ4JO_r0YIScCb0ptwwROlKKSvg22p9HiZNQXyw-3rDmoedMVMfYPOkwkI/s400/e2.jpg" width="400" /></a> <br />
<br />
Everyone who comes is encouraged to bring a lunch so that we can all eat at our seats and enjoy eachother's company. This presents a problem. <b>Healthy yummy food on the go? </b> Yikes.<br />
<br />
Both Hubs and I were burnt out on plain old salad. At the last minute I threw something together and was pretty impressed with the result.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc17Z0CBjpNsOE97DwCF62XOnT6nbxgsn2gHk399chCxkugxFbYFx80BbOlQHHd_1RzPqQR107HYVf_6slnCpbmt6Vm_NPCSAC7703zD_AvW4RKLPMCqIxmyTnRWa0mlk4iQz8uTwy8DY/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc17Z0CBjpNsOE97DwCF62XOnT6nbxgsn2gHk399chCxkugxFbYFx80BbOlQHHd_1RzPqQR107HYVf_6slnCpbmt6Vm_NPCSAC7703zD_AvW4RKLPMCqIxmyTnRWa0mlk4iQz8uTwy8DY/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<u><b>Veggie Lover's Pasta Salad</b></u> <i>(7 servings)</i><br />
<br />
1 box <a href="http://www.barillaus.com/content/prodottobarilla/whole-grain-rotini" target="_blank">Barilla Whole Wheat<b> Pasta</b></a><b> </b><br />
1 can <b>Artichoke Hearts</b>, rinsed, drained, and quartered<br />
1 can <b>Black Olives</b>, rinsed and drained<br />
1 can <b>Chickpeas</b>, rinsed and drained<br />
2 cups <b>Grape Tomatoes, halved</b><br />
<b>1 English Cucumber, ch</b>opped<br />
1 bunch Italian <b>Parsley</b>, chopped<br />
Zest and Juice of 1 <b>Lemon </b><br />
1 cup <a href="http://www.kensfoods.com/proddetail.php?id=33" target="_blank">Ken's Light Northern<b> Italian Dressing</b></a><b> </b><br />
1/2 cup<b> Feta</b> Cheese <br />
<br />
<b>Boil </b>the pasta according to directions on box. <b> Drain and mix </b>with all the other ingredients. Let sit at least 2 hours before serving. I put each serving over a bed of baby spinach. YUMS! <br />
<br />
Here's another fast and easy recipe for ya!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQKfDbLqy7Kn-0Y0q69tNKO0SmWMOpNsOVGaOHH4Dz93GWYZhytw8yPbb1Wpb_c2_FUCkjOVNe7Rc7-EvVf3xnBG94iLHyaI8F9fFjc4y0iNJ5y5gxsYYdAb8rRdvYd47eWQWYaBY0Og/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQKfDbLqy7Kn-0Y0q69tNKO0SmWMOpNsOVGaOHH4Dz93GWYZhytw8yPbb1Wpb_c2_FUCkjOVNe7Rc7-EvVf3xnBG94iLHyaI8F9fFjc4y0iNJ5y5gxsYYdAb8rRdvYd47eWQWYaBY0Og/s320/e3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<u><b>Avocado Portabella Sandwiches</b></u><i> (1 serving)</i><br />
<br />
1<b> Portabella Mushroom Cap</b><br />
1 t <b>Olive Oil</b><br />
1 t Mrs Dash <b>Seasoning </b>(or any yummy steak seasoning)<br />
1/4 <b>Avocado</b>, sliced<br />
1 T <b>Plain Greek Yogurt</b><br />
<b>1 </b>Mini Whole Wheat Pita <br />
<br />
Rub the mushroom with olive oil and seasoning, <b>grill or pan fry until tender</b>. Toast the pita and spread 1 T yogurt on each side. Place the avocado on the pita and top with the mushroom cap.<br />
<br />
Yum. I had a steamed artichoke on the side...mmm...mmm good!!!<br />
<br />
I rummaged around looking for more fun healthy clean lunches. I found a few and would LOVE any suggestions!! Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-23631128706179717922012-07-02T10:25:00.004-04:002012-07-02T10:26:32.234-04:00Blue Chicken TacosI made this recipe up myself because I needed something super easy, healthy and delicious. It did not disappoint! <br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<u><b>Blue Chicken Tacos</b></u> <i>(Serves 4)</i><br />
<br />
6 boneless, skinless <b>chicken</b> thighs<br />
1 16-oz bottle <b>salsa </b>verde (I use<a href="http://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=10002&productId=554971" target="_blank"> this one</a>.)<br />
1 T<b> cumin </b><br />
8 blue corn<b> taco shells</b> (I use<a href="http://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10052&catalogId=10002&productId=389932" target="_blank"> these</a>.) <br />
1 <b>avocado</b>, sliced into 8 sections<br />
1 c fat-free plain greek <b>yogurt</b><br />
1 cup spring mix<b> lettuce</b><br />
<br />
Place the chicken thighs, 1 cup of the salsa, and cumin in a slow cooker. Cook on High 3 hours. Remove the chicken. Shred and stir in 1/2 cup of the salsa. Fill each taco shell with chicken, lettuce, one slice of avocado, and greek yogurt.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZrXvntYnikv1rmVdW9NrkLqUgkrPeqxcFy4UKtFDbbPQFgGe0Q7-osiYyrJr3Dq-PeJoy9r1cg4FcmkIO5e6rPGlDrAYLtfcugUmBmbFvuSBjToWitAOQKGPAKC8g3r1L0j9ceREzKI/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZrXvntYnikv1rmVdW9NrkLqUgkrPeqxcFy4UKtFDbbPQFgGe0Q7-osiYyrJr3Dq-PeJoy9r1cg4FcmkIO5e6rPGlDrAYLtfcugUmBmbFvuSBjToWitAOQKGPAKC8g3r1L0j9ceREzKI/s320/e4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I served it with some cut up <b>veggies and hummus</b> on the side.<br />
<br />
And <b>cherries</b> for dessert!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1suG3XDWZUa7C_qk0bRAo6WH-csNRfczPhlp-6Zkzpz-txdZ9KO0A_iJxYFu6VQ3uEV25Aed60XU5FTBftZkjzcI1MmozLxf4PtjkQ5BvliWH1WBu0uWfhXOAeSaJlYRTeXNcMb7m4s/s1600/e5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1suG3XDWZUa7C_qk0bRAo6WH-csNRfczPhlp-6Zkzpz-txdZ9KO0A_iJxYFu6VQ3uEV25Aed60XU5FTBftZkjzcI1MmozLxf4PtjkQ5BvliWH1WBu0uWfhXOAeSaJlYRTeXNcMb7m4s/s320/e5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
YUM!Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-43531476807036550452012-07-02T09:55:00.000-04:002012-07-02T09:55:02.686-04:00Weigh-In<div>
<b>Weight: 239.4</b></div>
<div>
<b>Week: +1.2</b></div>
<div>
<b>Total Loss: 35.6</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To
say I had a rough time this week would be like saying the Captain of
the Titanic had a rough time. It wasn't good. I was so tired.<b> So very
tired.</b> I felt hopeless and discouraged. I was kinda sorta holding it
together until I couldn't find my phone charger.....and collapsed on the
bed in the middle of the afternoon in a pathetic state of tears and
whining. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hubs must have known something was wrong before I did, because earlier that day he surprised me with these....</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a4yNZ2-a4LOZhGc1FtRwgyGDDoIy6H8mbZYOeM7GpJUXfnEHv3xVv5efbdNftpfkRLYphmhqJeHnqVRyM-mkE75IYQvWq9k3UsWhkAfAwqDuEEHbVJMNlXcZkFsRk2ESqFe9QfF3N20/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a4yNZ2-a4LOZhGc1FtRwgyGDDoIy6H8mbZYOeM7GpJUXfnEHv3xVv5efbdNftpfkRLYphmhqJeHnqVRyM-mkE75IYQvWq9k3UsWhkAfAwqDuEEHbVJMNlXcZkFsRk2ESqFe9QfF3N20/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Aww.....<br />
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLwg66KO6cpRQAqc77oyiQ9de_l21f2JzuSPel3w-vRME-WvGEyeLCSOwVp4Gp7yrnQMBlVHXLonSTXDwcbFGa7dVa6aGug3DHxs6whVN6Bv8b0bk9ROKDrisyXfc_Y_67NR01ZKvwug/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLwg66KO6cpRQAqc77oyiQ9de_l21f2JzuSPel3w-vRME-WvGEyeLCSOwVp4Gp7yrnQMBlVHXLonSTXDwcbFGa7dVa6aGug3DHxs6whVN6Bv8b0bk9ROKDrisyXfc_Y_67NR01ZKvwug/s320/e2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
I
decided to spend a
whole day getting rid of a ton of STUFF around my house. <b>I brought two
car loads of STUFF to Goodwill. </b> I cleaned and organized my kitchen
cabinets and drawers. I did the same for the drawers, shelves, and
cabinets in my living room. Getting rid of all the extra THINGS
immediately made me feel better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13412333770711410">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13412333770711407">I
don't really know where this exhausted feeling is coming from. At one
point I was diagnosed with <b>anemia</b>. And I haven't taken iron supplements
in years. I got a mulit-vitamin that has iron and hopefully that will
help. I was also worried that my blood sugar might be high. I got a
blood glucose monitor from a friend who has diabetes (yes, new needle!)
and tested my blood. Fasting is 112. And 3 hours after eating was
75. I have gotten so much mixed information about what those numbers
mean. <b>But I think it means I am
pre-diabetic. </b> Bleck....don't really want to think about that.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The only thing to do about it is what I am doing already. <b> Eat right and exercise. </b></div>
<div style="color: #38761d;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"A pint of sweat, saves a gallon of blood." </b></span></div>
<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> - General George S. Patton</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
don't really want to think about my weight either. I did gain 1.2 lb
this week. And that is crappy. But I know why. And I'm not beating
myself up. <b>I need to remember that I like eating healthy and
exercising. </b> And I really really do. Exercising is one of my favorite
things to do. I never thought I would say that. I made some delicious
stuff this weekend. I will put the recipes in a future post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Right now I'm just focusing on enjoying my week of <b>good food and good moves</b>!Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-76730501340690148532012-06-25T10:56:00.000-04:002012-06-25T11:11:15.583-04:00Bring on the Bacon & Weigh-In<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710848">
<b><span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">Weight: <span style="color: purple;">238.2 lb</span></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710888">
<b><span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">Week Loss: <span style="color: purple;"> -3.8 lb</span></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710899">
<b><span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">Total Loss: <span style="color: purple;">-36.8 lb</span></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108116">
<br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108117">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">Hello
230's!! How I've missed you. <b>The first week of The Eat Clean Diet was
GREAT.</b> I felt so good. I was eating a lot and wasn't hungry. Everything
was clean, healthy and filling. I am super happy with my weigh-in. <br />
</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108230">
<br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108231">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">I
had planned on having a <b>Cheat Meal </b>on Saturday afternoon. But the
thing about Cheat Meals is that they are slippery little suckers...and
this cheat lunch spilled over into dinner...and then over to the next
day. Once I eat healthy I can ride that train for a long time. But
once I break the seal with one cannoli it turns into three with an ice
cream cone on the side. </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108231">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108231">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"><b>I am not willing to give up my cheat meal.</b>
Sorry no. Can't do it. And I don't think I should. It's something I
must learn to do. Because I am not going to go through my whole life
never having a treat. And I need to learn how to do it without wrecking
my whole weekend and falling flat on my face. Speaking of falling flat on my face, at least it was face first into THIS....</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108743">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JErkqIKC1nSZ8rXCAMalPpMdpK-KPb9U1izhPCsmbaGiWXfKFekKx8BZNK8iacxEklGZ5dbd0mltdn_vsTirobDdKSDSVbMMQtAoyPzVzNDwW_CDQZ2xTmfRUWQBg3B8pqN-EkFxq_4/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JErkqIKC1nSZ8rXCAMalPpMdpK-KPb9U1izhPCsmbaGiWXfKFekKx8BZNK8iacxEklGZ5dbd0mltdn_vsTirobDdKSDSVbMMQtAoyPzVzNDwW_CDQZ2xTmfRUWQBg3B8pqN-EkFxq_4/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_1340629257108744">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">Holy Trans Fat, Batman!!
Yes, that is a<b style="color: #e69138;"> BACON SUNDAE</b>. I felt like they should have ID'd me or
something before selling it to me. This thing was amazing. Bacon and
Carmel and Fudge, Oh My! Why do people do drugs when Burger King will give you one of these suckers for $2.59?? I guess even crack heads want to look good in a bikini. I certainly can't blame them. <br />
</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_13406292571081047">
<br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_26_13406292571081048">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875">I am more determined than ever this week. This is it. <b>This is going to work. </b> I can feel it. It's been a rough road but it will be worth every drop of sweat and tears.</span><br />
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"><br /></span><br />
<div style="color: #6aa84f;">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_26_134062925710875"><b>"The steeper the mountain, the harder the climb, the better the view at the finishing line." --Unknown.</b></span></div>
</div>Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-48991086315647553052012-06-18T11:21:00.000-04:002012-06-18T11:21:49.110-04:00Eat Clean<div>
Remember my last post where I was sure I found the best diet
ever? Yeah, scratch that. What was I thinking? <b>I am not a calorie
counter. </b>Never was. Probably never will be. I felt scared and nervous
and anxiety-ridden the whole time. It didn't mesh. It didn't feel
right.</div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
That's why I
was super excited when I got an email from my local library that the
book I had requested was on hold and waiting for me. On a previous
post, I received a lot of great feedback about a book called <a href="http://www.eatcleandiet.com/" target="_blank">The Eat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno</a>. The book itself was really nice to read with nice glossy
pages and lots of color. (Is it sad that i don't read diet books or
cookbooks with dull pages and no pictures?) It's pretty short too. It
includes a 2 week sample menu and some
recipes. But most importantly, it included a lot of info that made me
say, "Yes! That is SO true." <b>Eating clean is the way to go. </b> </div>
<div>
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="255" data-width="198" height="255" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-VNHV5NL5RUpo6gh_CsReDYCt4E6j1MXyrMMFB9TqeqtkHUZJAQ" style="height: 255px; width: 198px;" width="198" /><br />
</div>
<div>
There
is no fluff to it. No gimmicky promises. <b>This is a long haul, long
term, long lasting way of eating. </b>It's all about giving your body what
it needs to perform at its best. There is no calorie counting, but
makes you aware of calories. You eat 5-6 times a day and each meal ends
up being around 300 calories. You build your meals with 1 complex
carb, 1 lean protein and veggies. A serving of protein is the size of
your palm and a serving of carbs is the size of your fist. Easy. Then
of course there is the obvious emphasis on exercise (including 3-4
weight lifting sessions) and drinking at least 64 oz of water. </div>
<br />
There were certain things that just stood out
as TRUE...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>All calories are NOT created equal. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Getting enough sleep is just as important as getting enough exercise.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Weight training is a MUST.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Crap
food tastes great because it is MANUFACTURED to taste great. Clean
food will not give you the same "party in your mouth" experience. But
after a while you will enjoy it more and not crave the crap as much.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The biggest meals should be at the beginning of the day and the lightest at the end.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I started my day this morning with weights (upper body). All my food is packed in my cooler.<br />
<br />
<i>Breakfast:</i> <b>Smoothie</b> (pineapple, unsweetened coconut milk, chia seeds, rolled oats, plain greek yogurt) and a hard boiled egg.<i> </i><br />
<i>Snack1:</i> <b>Apple </b>with 1 T natural <b>peanut butter</b><i> </i><br />
<i>Lunch: </i><b>
Salad</b> (chicken breast, baby spinach, artichoke hearts, asparagus,
cukes, carrots, 1 t olive oil, 1 T apple cider vinegar)<br />
<i>Snack2: </i> <b>Tuna</b> in a mini whole wheat <b>pita</b> with
green <b>beans</b> on the side.<br />
<i>Dinner:</i> <b>Salmon </b>with 1/2 <b>sweet potato</b> and steamed <b>broccoli</b><br />
<i>Snack 3: </i><b>orange</b> with 1/2 c unsweetened <b>kefir</b><br />
<br />
<br />
My
exercise plan is to do weights 3 days a week and 45 minutes of cardio 3
days a week. <b>I feel so good about this. </b> I am not expecting huge
numbers to be falling off the scale. But this is something I can do
long term. I'm done losing 10 pounds fast and then gaining it back just
as quick. Let's do this RIGHT. <br />
<br />
<b>Weigh-In: 242 lb<br />Waist: 45 inches</b>Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-51353297579808386652012-06-11T16:20:00.000-04:002012-06-11T16:20:48.481-04:00Walk in the WoodsEven though I was rebelling against anything healthy or active, my friend (who is having weight-loss surgery a week from tomorrow) made me go for a walk with her. Ugh.. being supportive can be such a drag.<br />
<br />
We live around the block from each other so she picked me up. Then about 10 seconds after getting on to the main road she turned into this obscure little street that I have driven by a zillion times and never noticed. I was just about to ask her where she was taking me when I saw this....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3roUcx82OqASL1yly2zB3lPaKqr3jHHwoOHHJFe2B5dQbBSW7TMfSY0p3aSCGfu7FsaCR6BkhfiPvOtATpIOmJb68Ap58ytznvjWzclnqbjhsJ_9CJb2dWOcJUZyK6XGa1CTRLDfHfgI/s1600/e11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3roUcx82OqASL1yly2zB3lPaKqr3jHHwoOHHJFe2B5dQbBSW7TMfSY0p3aSCGfu7FsaCR6BkhfiPvOtATpIOmJb68Ap58ytznvjWzclnqbjhsJ_9CJb2dWOcJUZyK6XGa1CTRLDfHfgI/s320/e11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
What? A trail? Right around the block from me? Sweet!!<br />
<br />
We started walking and I was shocked by how absolutely awesome this place is.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR-ayIkza7hqZw08c5nIfNswho9GUAFJS2m-7QGIjaXkTuQ77ghReEkWvHMH6sr2xJ9s6CKizuFQTSujI3xz-kV14mdNgd1Cnzjy0DHG2nYxArOrboq6g8Y6Z0gYpa17-lqVq00yYIEI/s1600/e10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR-ayIkza7hqZw08c5nIfNswho9GUAFJS2m-7QGIjaXkTuQ77ghReEkWvHMH6sr2xJ9s6CKizuFQTSujI3xz-kV14mdNgd1Cnzjy0DHG2nYxArOrboq6g8Y6Z0gYpa17-lqVq00yYIEI/s320/e10.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
There are waterfalls. And a creek. <br />
<br />
These huge weird mushrooms grow off the trees.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiWvrVtuC-yDjSFw1C7dAVPjy9Czy5uFHHUg3zmHOd5Zm_Rjkv7GP8L0p_0uVSSDvLcepz0xFlGwRaZdmWlSrqud3mFmWOBcJj0qpVzJiNC0NkhlZ2tPhoW68MWJKQk3mJgNtNF4UJU0/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiWvrVtuC-yDjSFw1C7dAVPjy9Czy5uFHHUg3zmHOd5Zm_Rjkv7GP8L0p_0uVSSDvLcepz0xFlGwRaZdmWlSrqud3mFmWOBcJj0qpVzJiNC0NkhlZ2tPhoW68MWJKQk3mJgNtNF4UJU0/s320/e3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Mmm....grilled portabellas anyone??<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgr4NnLL2tiBrt_oCnSjz9-wxX1vilHmqmAttrLcC_kFBcO8sK8cLoXOrcRF4GbhtzLy8mObsKCX-jDAkfHYzoGZqEFAMoJLMtLmq4nn3PPskRBJ2_5CYbrQyOG2Kn2CwuZXnjIPQFQ4/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgr4NnLL2tiBrt_oCnSjz9-wxX1vilHmqmAttrLcC_kFBcO8sK8cLoXOrcRF4GbhtzLy8mObsKCX-jDAkfHYzoGZqEFAMoJLMtLmq4nn3PPskRBJ2_5CYbrQyOG2Kn2CwuZXnjIPQFQ4/s320/e4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
This bridge was so nice..in the middle of the woods.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRd3O1Y5oO75Rsp7G_uIVmAaBBk3g5wxAMv_7z41vzT9JPC3GnxpVmUvvagoU_shgIFzaj62caQq69whI3NjF2600zhUpboEXpCsn8QVezXGbweFj59kBmvtKuUeitDE_vOXCJHOVnUk/s1600/e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRd3O1Y5oO75Rsp7G_uIVmAaBBk3g5wxAMv_7z41vzT9JPC3GnxpVmUvvagoU_shgIFzaj62caQq69whI3NjF2600zhUpboEXpCsn8QVezXGbweFj59kBmvtKuUeitDE_vOXCJHOVnUk/s320/e7.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
We took a break to enjoy all the "artwork"...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE9Fo68We9L8vguOR-7ZS__TwnNizAdJsSePXTs3z1DJ_QFcfwllMKWJnT3NZ2C4c5CcmZ1VNZivDMuhS784Zm_mmnD5cBdqQXoBQRGro30bwdG_xIY4ICrRK6g6kM9EqOjdmV8mxzfM/s1600/e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE9Fo68We9L8vguOR-7ZS__TwnNizAdJsSePXTs3z1DJ_QFcfwllMKWJnT3NZ2C4c5CcmZ1VNZivDMuhS784Zm_mmnD5cBdqQXoBQRGro30bwdG_xIY4ICrRK6g6kM9EqOjdmV8mxzfM/s320/e6.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Angst-ey teens.....so deep...<br />
<br />
I absolutely loved how odd everything was...like these stairs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2TDhiBf_dLKVPY0zdRUg1pM8hHxYGUWai_g-CmKNbjF7Y_S330g7JK0y3nu4dIWQ3Rc-lTJwqyBsZiv8kBG6rbfJ_BEDGYo9HdG697KE8YVpF5BfSVo4cWMKkSrmofP-AkpV974Hhuw/s1600/e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2TDhiBf_dLKVPY0zdRUg1pM8hHxYGUWai_g-CmKNbjF7Y_S330g7JK0y3nu4dIWQ3Rc-lTJwqyBsZiv8kBG6rbfJ_BEDGYo9HdG697KE8YVpF5BfSVo4cWMKkSrmofP-AkpV974Hhuw/s320/e9.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And this narrow bridge.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7gLQpIfRlIGz3QTayJtgZ3x3SeE59-yw1gVzi9K1TaqK41b7EcwyK0po0stNEgeKsJ5NBtUCfYauJG3CaT-O5CUJh_GX1jCg9ddWQfA5-1eobSkEitskT8qbIq49D14NhiP5AsxL5p8/s1600/e8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7gLQpIfRlIGz3QTayJtgZ3x3SeE59-yw1gVzi9K1TaqK41b7EcwyK0po0stNEgeKsJ5NBtUCfYauJG3CaT-O5CUJh_GX1jCg9ddWQfA5-1eobSkEitskT8qbIq49D14NhiP5AsxL5p8/s320/e8.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
It felt so nice to be outside. Walking. What a cool discovery! I'm so glad I ventured out.Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-49615682087291213792012-06-11T14:04:00.003-04:002012-06-11T14:04:33.177-04:00Shiny and NewMy library trip proved very fruitful. <b>I went through the entire Health/Fitness section of my public library. </b>(Holy Fad Diets, Batman!) These were the ones I decided were worth a closer look.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZkCHHE4wgELtugCQ2XpfGlO_1sBB_25B2p8HOaikzmbYzL2hP_W-EHEIHZLVzxZ0ADBxrTDST-e4lRnTNXMproJdiLzPIMM6epgoZN-krsdhPohltLLxtauyq_IGlxf_7kRmDur-Aro/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZkCHHE4wgELtugCQ2XpfGlO_1sBB_25B2p8HOaikzmbYzL2hP_W-EHEIHZLVzxZ0ADBxrTDST-e4lRnTNXMproJdiLzPIMM6epgoZN-krsdhPohltLLxtauyq_IGlxf_7kRmDur-Aro/s320/e2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I actually went through all of these books and read two of them cover to cover. A few people commented on my last post about <a href="http://www.eatcleandiet.com/" target="_blank">The Eat-Clean Diet by Tosca Reno</a>. My library didn't have it in stock so I had to order it. I can't wait to check it out.<br />
<br />
I truly believe calorie counting is the way to go. <b>I have never ever counted calories. It terrifies me.</b> Seems so scary. But with <a href="http://myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> it is worth a try. That website is the best. I decided to do the <a href="http://www.freedieting.com/curves_for_women.htm" target="_blank">Curves Eating Plan</a>. This is the low down:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>3 phases</b>: 1 Week=1200 calories, 3 Weeks=1500 calories, 2 Weeks=2000 calories (The idea is to diet for a month and maintain for 2 weeks. Keeps your metabolism up and teaches you how to maintain.)</li>
<li>Pick either <b>High Carb or High Protein</b>. (I decided to start off with the high carb. This means 137 g of carbs and 91 grams of protein each day.)</li>
<li><b>Exercise</b> at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. (My workout schedule is 45 minutes of cardio 3 times a week and 45 minutes of weights 2 times a week.) </li>
</ul>
I know this will work. It will be a major challenge though. I was getting about 1200 calories on the Fat Smash Diet but this is different because I need to spread my out my calories like this..<br />
<ul>
<li>Breakfast: 200 cal</li>
<li>2 Snacks: 100 cal each</li>
<li>Lunch/Dinner: 400 cal each</li>
</ul>
I also have to make sure that I get the right ratio of fat/protein/carb. <b> If it weren't for MyFitnessPal I wouldn't stand a chance! </b>It took me a while to figure it all out but in the end I am happy with what I came up with. (Don't I sound all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Ah...the hope that comes with a new diet.)<br />
<br />
I made a bunch of <b>steel cut oats with blueberries</b> for breakfast.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-QwrSqWSSmW0xSh_OzJWw48M0l9Y-oouY1U2WRZh4-n6a43KY3emQqs33V0T3jRM84Ms4OX31NLcsQ6eyoIZgJvpC_QEvbe4kcVD09CvAtaJJ4Db3-2iLmxLtNc8dvhBzpbXqsygNA8/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-QwrSqWSSmW0xSh_OzJWw48M0l9Y-oouY1U2WRZh4-n6a43KY3emQqs33V0T3jRM84Ms4OX31NLcsQ6eyoIZgJvpC_QEvbe4kcVD09CvAtaJJ4Db3-2iLmxLtNc8dvhBzpbXqsygNA8/s320/e3.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Don't they look adorable in these <b>mason jars</b>?? I got the idea from this "Refrigerator Oatmeal" recipe which I will post all about later. <br />
<br />
I tried to make my lunch super yummy and veggie packed. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7n9U2IJ0Xuk2ik1-XBFxsXE7ixOppbUuDptHKfZYzh7KUMRYUFgO0EEv0ebTTlUFl5vuv1HxbnlZ4HjJF5WsVpyMoOpCrW8WkvWzePoGchwYZqz7ct97wFLNDCIOCzYW9yKKDSNJyS0/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7n9U2IJ0Xuk2ik1-XBFxsXE7ixOppbUuDptHKfZYzh7KUMRYUFgO0EEv0ebTTlUFl5vuv1HxbnlZ4HjJF5WsVpyMoOpCrW8WkvWzePoGchwYZqz7ct97wFLNDCIOCzYW9yKKDSNJyS0/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Pretty, huh?<br />
<br />
One of my snacks is a smoothie with plain unsweetened <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir" target="_blank">kefir</a> and mango. I put the kefir and mango in the little canister and brought it to work like that. I'm leaving the blender base in the break room for super easy convenient snacks!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnCDPJDiM_8aCn88BS5Jozw0Obt1qXwAYzztqERswdmcr1ahqJ6RnBLNNP7oSN-Ae8T4eZ1gmqWFatuTfxydU0DYPkVKvB5nWdipmTe4_QqlWK7KhFgZiXqxH8Jyrr0uchYAPdD3vDR0/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnCDPJDiM_8aCn88BS5Jozw0Obt1qXwAYzztqERswdmcr1ahqJ6RnBLNNP7oSN-Ae8T4eZ1gmqWFatuTfxydU0DYPkVKvB5nWdipmTe4_QqlWK7KhFgZiXqxH8Jyrr0uchYAPdD3vDR0/s320/e2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I need to find something that I can stick to long term. And I need to learn how to maintain. I really hope I found something here!! Cheer me on :-)<br />
<br />
Just a quick hair photo... made up<b> this weird bun</b>. With the summer heat I need my hair off my face!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Pi9c_b7ApED220GUZjWQzFpp-EORGYCJkHFUl1eBhFAaH3UcRF2DeWNwJ72op7wNJreLtt1xGCcSPzNjC4BbJqLBcn06XazoyCpD_ZP7ZWUAbhvZjVUQFT87aY23weWJ_y_kKMHvo4/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3Pi9c_b7ApED220GUZjWQzFpp-EORGYCJkHFUl1eBhFAaH3UcRF2DeWNwJ72op7wNJreLtt1xGCcSPzNjC4BbJqLBcn06XazoyCpD_ZP7ZWUAbhvZjVUQFT87aY23weWJ_y_kKMHvo4/s320/e4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Kinda cool!Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-32642518611660698282012-06-04T11:38:00.001-04:002012-06-04T11:52:59.777-04:00Fairy Tales and 5K'sBreaking
up with Scale was a bad idea. <b>These last few weeks without him have
been horrible.</b> Oh, sure, at first it was fun and liberating. But it
turns out he was right about everything. This weekend I went crawling
back. Sure he had some nasty things to say... hello 240's....but we are
going to work through things together. <br />
<br />
The truth is,<b> I don't
believe I <strike>can </strike>will do this.</b> I just don't. I love love love eating
food. Logically I don't understand it. What is so wonderful about
taking an item mashing it between your teeth and swallowing it? Why is
that action my very favorite thing in the WORLD to do? Yes, it often
tastes good. But a lot of the times that's not even the case. I can't
make sense of it. I work so very very hard. And then I throw
it all away Every.Single.Time. I really think this whole thing is a
bunch of crap. Pointless. Ridiculous. <br />
<br />
I have done it all and I
don't want to do any of it again. I know that the Fat Smash Diet
really works. Works WONDERS. I just did it recently and I don't
flippin' wana do it again. Not now. I decided to track calories on
MyFitnessPal....but holy crap people! <b>1200 calories is really hard to
stay at. </b> I am going to the library tonight to (once again) go through
all the diet books on the shelves. If any one has tried anything that
has worked or can recommend anything I would love some advice. I need
something I haven't tried before. Only something shiny and new will
work when I am feeling like this. <br />
<br />
Really I know that my problem
isn't on my plate...it's in my brain. <b>I binge and overeat. </b> I don't
know why. Maybe I wasn't held enough as a baby...or
maybe too much... or maybe I just like having a party in my mouth. I
don't know what it is but I need to fix it and I feel like I can't do it
on my own. I looked up Over Eaters Anonymous. It's a 12 step
program. How's that for "bottom of the barrell"?? I found some in my
area but none are at times that I can make. <br />
<br />
Maybe I should just try duct tape......<br />
<br />
It's
sad to think that this past month I really was on the ball with
exercise and yet still gained 5 pounds. It makes me sick to think that
if I could have just dragged my fat butt away from the ice cream aisle
that I could be down to my mini goal of 225 pounds. Exercise does not
compensate for the binge.<b> I weighed in at 240.8 pounds. </b><br />
<br />
I'm not sorry that I kept up my
exercise though. I do feel fitter, if not thinner. In fact,<b> I walked 2
5K's</b> in May. The first one was not timed...but the second one was.
The last 5K I walked was in 2010
and my time was 01:01:22. This year my time was 55:58. <b> I shaved over 5
minutes off my time!!</b> I really pushed myself. Yes, I know that's still
really slow, but it averages to about 3.3 mph and that is really great
for ME. <br />
<br />
I had<b> some cute stinkin' hair for the 5K</b> too!! And that always helps.<br />
<br />
They both look this this from the front.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-XBxG-8JpNjah_lXR69a2-0JZJfq0wjeATZ5jWxJLicWf5XkmYhByE46ScOjN5HIBSP08XEm8nVLmcDO7QSi0D52ABjHfCiPLmio2uYtJ6h_112dbgLIngQq7wsOrRcbzU44r3PlQI/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob-XBxG-8JpNjah_lXR69a2-0JZJfq0wjeATZ5jWxJLicWf5XkmYhByE46ScOjN5HIBSP08XEm8nVLmcDO7QSi0D52ABjHfCiPLmio2uYtJ6h_112dbgLIngQq7wsOrRcbzU44r3PlQI/s320/e3.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Just a side dutch braid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nYre3iM9iWFiBuoV-YPj-f1YKlHMW57DDfcYXwUNLc6YmJDURh26TeanzJDZQcaRW4E4ZGpWkdufV4qEQj_2dJ-QAMSC1V7KKUdWiQ9BiGIBFyq78t8YC2Y2pRmeKEeG5YLboQOlbto/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nYre3iM9iWFiBuoV-YPj-f1YKlHMW57DDfcYXwUNLc6YmJDURh26TeanzJDZQcaRW4E4ZGpWkdufV4qEQj_2dJ-QAMSC1V7KKUdWiQ9BiGIBFyq78t8YC2Y2pRmeKEeG5YLboQOlbto/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
This one is a dutch braid with a bun.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mP-HfReI3rsfUN-eZnNxDFgeXqe7HmnL-w50qmWpN2YVVlhxr7xCGxmE-2UOboRpM2gnM0CUOlHq3Qodv-egUOjYq2-uGSJ_lAbrNYF7x4rdUGOsqo-qU6Nj9d7X-GLvnfD3zEm6Pbk/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mP-HfReI3rsfUN-eZnNxDFgeXqe7HmnL-w50qmWpN2YVVlhxr7xCGxmE-2UOboRpM2gnM0CUOlHq3Qodv-egUOjYq2-uGSJ_lAbrNYF7x4rdUGOsqo-qU6Nj9d7X-GLvnfD3zEm6Pbk/s320/e2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And this one is a dutch braid wound back and forth across my head. <br />
<br />
I
hope when I go scavenging for diet books I find something that cons me
into believing again. Because it's great to believe. Even if it's in <b>
Fairy Tales</b>. Cuz that Fairy Tale where I can actually get control of my
eating has one very Happily Ever After ending.Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-10677397122263660242012-05-08T10:34:00.001-04:002012-05-08T10:34:31.649-04:00Beauty and BiblesOnce again, I found some really <b>cool tutorials on YouTube.</b><br />
<br />
This is a video showing the best and easiest way to do a French Tip manicure.<br />
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<br />
I did it myself.....but didn't think it would actually work so I just slapped it on without shaping my nails or doing my cuticles. It took me about <b>2 minutes</b>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9fdPyy230Ul1Qyjq6xJvJPE9atiQllfEvqxrHTRXX2wj01qucOnM7e76XoeN6_2Moj-TIl2_MVxyh4mLc3xFtOGjxujJjy52Gpk44iFiYYbNH9asoQnn7nRckfDMj-IaT_goVdcnobw/s1600/e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9fdPyy230Ul1Qyjq6xJvJPE9atiQllfEvqxrHTRXX2wj01qucOnM7e76XoeN6_2Moj-TIl2_MVxyh4mLc3xFtOGjxujJjy52Gpk44iFiYYbNH9asoQnn7nRckfDMj-IaT_goVdcnobw/s320/e7.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Not too bad!! I will most definitely do this again.<br />
<br />
I don't really know anything about fashion or beauty or any of that stuff. I usually wear very little make up or none at all (see picture above). But I found some really cool eye make-up tutorials. There was one for a bronze-smokey-eye, one for smokey-eyeliner, and one for making your eyelashes look fake.<b> I kinda put them all together to get this.</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwphi2oa5dKMAPg3N25rmJDfVj90nqpjfv-nqXODPmllHcfyZ8Qo1ORPyWLxCdsD3Xhsds4PkAgVYr1MhAl3nblO4kKuj2WVP2QlZOshs4MXzAnbguvL1DNAJ82eTXojVsx7-ijHCZUc/s1600/e8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwphi2oa5dKMAPg3N25rmJDfVj90nqpjfv-nqXODPmllHcfyZ8Qo1ORPyWLxCdsD3Xhsds4PkAgVYr1MhAl3nblO4kKuj2WVP2QlZOshs4MXzAnbguvL1DNAJ82eTXojVsx7-ijHCZUc/s640/e8.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I am really self-conscious when I wear this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ46-6TK9UQU-qEMbDoi-DRgM6e5H4PaUrWc4lvzxvKzoc4U1Tp5Lg_fclT1mfTDFgco2LA1CnUb0RUbTMFjZo8TUKWwxobdqwWCqFdd9sPy9g0kh4SkH02KR5g29yM1bSjqTcOV1enSA/s1600/e12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ46-6TK9UQU-qEMbDoi-DRgM6e5H4PaUrWc4lvzxvKzoc4U1Tp5Lg_fclT1mfTDFgco2LA1CnUb0RUbTMFjZo8TUKWwxobdqwWCqFdd9sPy9g0kh4SkH02KR5g29yM1bSjqTcOV1enSA/s640/e12.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
It feels like way way too much.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbN3MXGS-6Y35o9OLEN7wLKjyBWPZmllnBxiZw7QZ9jmkWmbwvhvRGrPMNOEV4xkcqXT-akcbjVuCWJPdz5755LjdCmw5OP26YQ7DXgYe0_FW_-_8E0sgAz1OLERX5s-pYleveywepho/s1600/e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbN3MXGS-6Y35o9OLEN7wLKjyBWPZmllnBxiZw7QZ9jmkWmbwvhvRGrPMNOEV4xkcqXT-akcbjVuCWJPdz5755LjdCmw5OP26YQ7DXgYe0_FW_-_8E0sgAz1OLERX5s-pYleveywepho/s640/e9.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
But I thought there was something kinda cool about it.<br />
<br />
What do you think??<br />
<br />
Speaking of vanity and striving after the wind (Get it?? Ecclesiastes.. King Solomon... anyone?), my <b>new Bible came in the mail!!!</b> Isn't it pretty????<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRu7iLi4LCr6DyAgjmgbQy2Nhq7siEUyWZxyzO4jlmcuUbb2bgkRhmeN0nNRuEpHcXIByA4l8tC-jCYD05b03-ytOcQFKXMZuZQ_EL1F36WjC05HznYYeRvHLT7kn1C1AdbE8vBOV_NeY/s1600/e5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRu7iLi4LCr6DyAgjmgbQy2Nhq7siEUyWZxyzO4jlmcuUbb2bgkRhmeN0nNRuEpHcXIByA4l8tC-jCYD05b03-ytOcQFKXMZuZQ_EL1F36WjC05HznYYeRvHLT7kn1C1AdbE8vBOV_NeY/s320/e5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
A few months ago I sent a Bible and a Reasoning Book (basically a mini Bible encyclopedia) to be bound together into one book. Don't you love the speckles??<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C_EnazDKz63DcnhZ68s1SzqPkhkga3YNxEZOu3vxsA-14pKsgpjSyty0saNdLNpYJ7Of0m8Dd-uAiMK33wq6kKCsoeg4w8H6BWGucEQEMQStLI_9x5imVli6O9qKCc8aiCP_0qLlkQc/s1600/e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C_EnazDKz63DcnhZ68s1SzqPkhkga3YNxEZOu3vxsA-14pKsgpjSyty0saNdLNpYJ7Of0m8Dd-uAiMK33wq6kKCsoeg4w8H6BWGucEQEMQStLI_9x5imVli6O9qKCc8aiCP_0qLlkQc/s320/e6.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
My name is even embossed on the bottom of the cover (which I am strategically hiding with my hand...I'm so clever). I absolutely love it and could not be happier! <br />
<br />
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-61948425706651756202012-05-08T10:08:00.004-04:002012-05-08T11:29:10.765-04:00ReboundI broke up with Scale....and <b>hooked up with Ben & Jerry</b>. It was just a rebound thing. Nothing serious. But I know when I'm beat. I gave "eating junk in moderation" a real try. I think I did pretty good for the first 2 weeks. And then...then...I couldn't even tell you.<br />
<br />
<b>I feel like a witness to a hit and run accident.</b> Everything was a blur. It all happened so fast. There was a lot of screaming...<br />
<br />
However, when I walked into BigLots and walked out with a bag of salt & vinegar potato chips and a family pack of Rice Krispy treats, I knew it was time to hit the reset button. Let's just start over.<br />
<br />
<b>Hello Fat Smash Diet: Phase 1..... it's been a while. Good to see you again.</b><br />
<br />
That means I'm having this for breakfast.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpMshCNciCCczVHxnZoOF-9K4sEOblkUp1hgUsQlkZc-YQJw8It1Y4kMhQcfd-g5O2ECISm3yBF2gKN4SP9bk3JGwF7B7nDKO36xYAPxPZIKZ6W3EKj-k9XYGaRE3mcSPQivNtvVtuw/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RpMshCNciCCczVHxnZoOF-9K4sEOblkUp1hgUsQlkZc-YQJw8It1Y4kMhQcfd-g5O2ECISm3yBF2gKN4SP9bk3JGwF7B7nDKO36xYAPxPZIKZ6W3EKj-k9XYGaRE3mcSPQivNtvVtuw/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Steel Cut Oats with Berries<br />
<br />
I made <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/03/split-peas-soup-with-ham-2-points.html" target="_blank">Split Pea Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2006/01/greek-egg-lemon-rice-soupwho-knew-low.html" target="_blank">Avgolemono Soup</a>, and <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2010/11/recipe-for-coconut-lime-turkey-or.html" target="_blank">Coconut Lime Soup</a> for lunch. And I'm having veggie stir fry for dinner.<br />
<br />
Basically the most exciting thing in my lunch box is this....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmT3s-wcJMBbNjYfOm1fWu2O2H5-cAPm8M-LOVFIaiAvRsoG6KYwEo9t-GAX7KzPf23zkW8LYV6B3wUOxZMi3uerjU2grEIBzvJxtETTStAoQLlmVy_9eGz5nx_xVG7LGk-gi9PxECE8/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmT3s-wcJMBbNjYfOm1fWu2O2H5-cAPm8M-LOVFIaiAvRsoG6KYwEo9t-GAX7KzPf23zkW8LYV6B3wUOxZMi3uerjU2grEIBzvJxtETTStAoQLlmVy_9eGz5nx_xVG7LGk-gi9PxECE8/s320/e4.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumquat" target="_blank">Kumquats</a></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TBSCmKgzepqvNw02FDdgqPCZjqKJ85lCMGwhKq0l_55VGeeWpVAwJj_l5B-HQCLqcDtgnaO7nKL30eN9xHfKnC1k3YEXuSPP1ZeGPaSZZyvKadjiLl1GIVWb8ikV3MEndFuBQA1B8eA/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TBSCmKgzepqvNw02FDdgqPCZjqKJ85lCMGwhKq0l_55VGeeWpVAwJj_l5B-HQCLqcDtgnaO7nKL30eN9xHfKnC1k3YEXuSPP1ZeGPaSZZyvKadjiLl1GIVWb8ikV3MEndFuBQA1B8eA/s320/e3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
These little guys look like the love child of an orange and an olive. They look like super tiny oranges.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TU06ld_jN1stItRLTZ-hhLWSi6f0EHO10fTQ-hKn8_BX543-JMa99yI6ID0lkD8K74UwSQBDjTJXTRKo0PSU2ijurhicaNjNYKud2zlkbyg8ihaValK_7BogjGO7CIdNFKugnp2Xfl8/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TU06ld_jN1stItRLTZ-hhLWSi6f0EHO10fTQ-hKn8_BX543-JMa99yI6ID0lkD8K74UwSQBDjTJXTRKo0PSU2ijurhicaNjNYKud2zlkbyg8ihaValK_7BogjGO7CIdNFKugnp2Xfl8/s320/e2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And you eat the skin and everything. They are super sour yet sweet. Kinda like a healthy <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=warhead+candy&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1680&bih=947&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=ozupT7jdAsmK6QGV2emjBA" target="_blank">WarHead</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
On a happy note, my <b>50 Pound Reward is HERE!!!</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DZIsPUzpSfXDztffusWCzS4uPoFHAS1h-1bO-tTHhpNwkJj_56tcboS-_tUW8olbz-oifnPGR1LzypuPg3NPiKYpKMinpYInRHkT2MjJ5NBauCbUQC5BKsmSgoAcAsL_feAsbajBXCA/s1600/e13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DZIsPUzpSfXDztffusWCzS4uPoFHAS1h-1bO-tTHhpNwkJj_56tcboS-_tUW8olbz-oifnPGR1LzypuPg3NPiKYpKMinpYInRHkT2MjJ5NBauCbUQC5BKsmSgoAcAsL_feAsbajBXCA/s320/e13.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
It's so pretty! I admit that I have a hard time with self control (Big surprise, I know...) and I did wear it already. Ironically, the clasp kept coming undone....making the watch almost fly off my wrist a few times. I brought it to a really cool jewelry store up the street and he tightened the clasp (for freeee) and that fixed it. But I tucked it safely in my jewelry drawer.<br />
<br />
Hopefully come<b> June 1st</b> when Scale and I reunite, I will be down to<b> 225 pounds</b> and can slap that sucker on my wrist!!Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-80370497995834796512012-04-30T12:01:00.004-04:002012-04-30T12:05:33.023-04:00Breaking Up is Hard to Do<br />
He
says I walk all over him. I can't take the verbal abuse and mood
swings. I know I need him.... but I also need a break. It's hard,
yes. But it's time. Really,<b> it's not him, it's me</b>. I have been so
co-dependent. And I give him way too much control over my emotions. <br />
<br />
I have made my decision. <b>Scale and I are
breaking up. </b><br />
<br />
Well, it's more like we are "taking a break" (Ross and Rachel style). More of a separation than a divorce. <br />
<br />
<b>I will weigh myself on June 1st.</b>
Not before then. <br />
<br />
This Phase 3 has been brutal. Trying to eat
"treats" in moderation is an emotional roller coaster ride. One minute
I'm in control using a 1/2 cup measuring spoon to serve up my low fat
frozen yogurt.....the next minute, I am<b> awakened from my carb coma by
the sound of my spoon hitting the bottom of the Ben & Jerry's
container</b>. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoZrs9VgFv5xY6X1sr-eCTTlKKPjiCiTliQv_00RCnMst04NyY_jqNboqMnF8hoRx4BXWm2ra92JvXcZiqd4VPIiseMlLwxIjmEug751cHgI_uv2xSbbw23MSUvSWXvjexwslcDFCwj8/s1600/e5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoZrs9VgFv5xY6X1sr-eCTTlKKPjiCiTliQv_00RCnMst04NyY_jqNboqMnF8hoRx4BXWm2ra92JvXcZiqd4VPIiseMlLwxIjmEug751cHgI_uv2xSbbw23MSUvSWXvjexwslcDFCwj8/s320/e5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
A huge part of me wants to just give up on this *have
some in moderation* idea. I want to go back to the safety of Phase 2,
which might mean that I have frozen cherries instead of frozen yogurt
for dessert but at least I'm less likely to fall off the deep end. But I
can't do that. <b> I need to learn how to eat in a BALANCED way. </b> Because I
want this weight loss to be long term. I need to figure this out. And
I need to do it on my own. Without the scale. There are only 2 more
weeks of this land-mine filled Phase 3. After that I begin the cycle
again
and go back to Phase 1. <br />
<br />
Despite my food issues, I had a pretty
good time this weekend. Hubs and I got a Groupon for this sushi
place. It was AMAZING. We each got the Dinner Roll Special (3 rolls of
sushi plus salad or soup for $12....<b>Holy raw fish, Batman</b>!) <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TI4Ul_DppL6y38GRBykNdAYHLaeqQwEHxyTsyD_8x69pDhlx7fasCxXwVuBCMXzz-EMSknjUyngUfjt1824lZt9QKmH5l8g57JdZD7JetJvHPmJB4IRy0TzZPp3t0wMvshuCZBzJqMo/s1600/e8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TI4Ul_DppL6y38GRBykNdAYHLaeqQwEHxyTsyD_8x69pDhlx7fasCxXwVuBCMXzz-EMSknjUyngUfjt1824lZt9QKmH5l8g57JdZD7JetJvHPmJB4IRy0TzZPp3t0wMvshuCZBzJqMo/s320/e8.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Isn't it pretty? That's a Spicy Salmon Roll, Tuna Roll, and California Roll.<br />
<br />
Then we got Tempura ice cream...mmmm fried ice cream...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQU9qmTmnoy6L4NMNRnRlA3UschyMgr_V3A2bXOHTuKbCd6LtWBAAjGoAn8TVMqlTFDG4-3g9TcEAmmtxocHIOBKcDK34emVvwEqof2y8foOaOT6ij0h5Z1Br3zvJsgGE-BcnXZGh224/s1600/e7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQU9qmTmnoy6L4NMNRnRlA3UschyMgr_V3A2bXOHTuKbCd6LtWBAAjGoAn8TVMqlTFDG4-3g9TcEAmmtxocHIOBKcDK34emVvwEqof2y8foOaOT6ij0h5Z1Br3zvJsgGE-BcnXZGh224/s320/e7.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The bill came to <b>$11.04</b>. I felt like we had robbed the place! Look at all that food we got! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDjrTv1O2XdbZ5t3aU8OgXW02UMpKHFtHPmRGo4v3JtLFI9-qiFlTfCCGjyviBWCSf99UyuYhpm7qsUQfMGdfcJ0PHY8C9FE9viSozw-y2dlXDn36oshsGEUqwESkza4zyWfttG97Cks/s1600/e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDjrTv1O2XdbZ5t3aU8OgXW02UMpKHFtHPmRGo4v3JtLFI9-qiFlTfCCGjyviBWCSf99UyuYhpm7qsUQfMGdfcJ0PHY8C9FE9viSozw-y2dlXDn36oshsGEUqwESkza4zyWfttG97Cks/s320/e6.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
On
a sad note, I woke up Sunday morning with a <b>horrible head cold</b>. Super
sick today. So no exercise. I guess this is a good week to break up
with Scale....I know he will have nothing good to say about that. He is
such a nag! <br />
<br />
Wish me the best! <b>This is all so scary and new.</b>Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-76108696232459434252012-04-26T16:10:00.000-04:002012-04-26T16:13:57.476-04:00Reward & PunishmentI am so close to the <b>50 pound mark</b> I can taste it! This will bring me down to <b>225 pounds</b>. <b>Ten more pounds to go </b>before I get there. I wanted to mark this milestone by rewarding myself with something special and unique. And I found it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNu4xvYewIfEjV6WCfpwtMPMSDe7g2d-tS4F5BiszYXvh_iSsNkevpzAyn6wbrV9SJ_x1JljsokPXyZdJVvyrJz4o6eO6MyYQr8E-q2d1wlRwrxX6A9O9D0lWs1K7IC5OQYMSBB3wq9k/s1600/e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNu4xvYewIfEjV6WCfpwtMPMSDe7g2d-tS4F5BiszYXvh_iSsNkevpzAyn6wbrV9SJ_x1JljsokPXyZdJVvyrJz4o6eO6MyYQr8E-q2d1wlRwrxX6A9O9D0lWs1K7IC5OQYMSBB3wq9k/s320/e1.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't it adorable and lovely? I don't have it in my clutches yet...but soon..oh so soon! I love owls. And I think it's a fitting symbol for weight loss success. <b>Owls are a symbol of wisdom</b>...which makes me think of this....<br />
<br />
<div style="color: orange;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Wisdom is proved righteous by its works." --Matthew 11:19</b></span></div>
<br />
I have made some wise choices and worked hard and it shows! <br />
<br />
I am in <b>Phase 4 of the Fat Smash Diet</b>. This phase allows for yummy and delicious things. It also requires that I increase my workouts to 45 minutes 5 days a week. Not horrible. Very doable. I have been really good about allowing myself to have treats within the portion sizes allowed on the diet.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUWrTMVGwGXjiO6uIbcIy2TVAefF2Aa-QtUXzEtDWSGr-Jgh7wEFeIwsSemCid4FYWSMfwxBbEuh1Bc5upHBng-_uYc-GW0Uv3A6m84aQEkV3Q8NvS-ckJTjHgSDyAAcYn8Mc1drU55A/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUWrTMVGwGXjiO6uIbcIy2TVAefF2Aa-QtUXzEtDWSGr-Jgh7wEFeIwsSemCid4FYWSMfwxBbEuh1Bc5upHBng-_uYc-GW0Uv3A6m84aQEkV3Q8NvS-ckJTjHgSDyAAcYn8Mc1drU55A/s320/e1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>There is something incredibly empowering about being able to have a little bit of something delectable.</b> The fact that I am able to do this makes me feel like I have super powers.<br />
<br />
At first I was going to skip the treats all together. The idea of having junk in my house terrified me. I had to remind myself that <b>the ice cream in my freezer is more scared of me than I am of it</b> (as well it should be). I am so glad that I took this chance. This is my real ultimate goal. To be able to enjoy treats in moderation. And not have it trigger a feeding frenzy.<br />
<br />
Due to the fact that I have added extras into my diet, I am even more strict with getting my workouts in. And I think I may be going a little overboard. Earlier this week I started my day with 30 minutes on the elliptical, swam for an hour, and then went for a one hour bike ride in the evening. It was too much. Much too much. I chose to do all those things mostly because they were all fun and I wanted to...but if I'm honest with myself it's because I am terrified of what that scale will say Monday because of eating all these extra calories. <b> I don't want to use exercise as a punishment. </b> I hate when I feel this way. I lost zero pounds last week and I know if the same thing happens this week (or God forbid, goes UP), I will be devastated. I don't want to be THAT girl. The girl who lets her mood be governed by the number on the scale. How do I stop this?<br />
<br />
Here is a shot of how my hair looked after I<b> slept in braids, took them out and pinned it back</b> :-)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqFidYBw8BJhT2d2cF5oQZpG7AoxRUXRWVeAREBZ6vBCYORtKktGaUAw0NqrLtkzFHUl0TZB17wySmZX2faaTTngGseXAbjjh0B0Nx77pszdD7_DqVPEBr0uWssH5YnTG5_oeLcnJ1Kg/s1600/e6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqFidYBw8BJhT2d2cF5oQZpG7AoxRUXRWVeAREBZ6vBCYORtKktGaUAw0NqrLtkzFHUl0TZB17wySmZX2faaTTngGseXAbjjh0B0Nx77pszdD7_DqVPEBr0uWssH5YnTG5_oeLcnJ1Kg/s320/e6.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Here is the back view....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7VaCSMYekPrhyphenhyphenQfFiV0SSu0oM7jbx8zPwkRgzqUnl-k8ugybV5nnvcd3v7wBHH-NtM2Wmw8QxH5NgjO4QR8SmkJWITQudUTj8Fff6mEZofzytk3EVYJUv4QwYuOg9gE9n3AbyUsaw-I/s1600/e4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7VaCSMYekPrhyphenhyphenQfFiV0SSu0oM7jbx8zPwkRgzqUnl-k8ugybV5nnvcd3v7wBHH-NtM2Wmw8QxH5NgjO4QR8SmkJWITQudUTj8Fff6mEZofzytk3EVYJUv4QwYuOg9gE9n3AbyUsaw-I/s320/e4.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And a pic of me with Hubs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQn6mtfZCB32pe8wTRGLxK_QRuHxowrZytCwNbEeAUGiNkZpBH8Ri3f_k6-z-ApyIcymUM1WDUmTyAnpblMPR1VcEP8DxvCFSF4nCTraZGmzy-2eBu0QhDQfAIoll6F6Ene81lXlXgAg/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQn6mtfZCB32pe8wTRGLxK_QRuHxowrZytCwNbEeAUGiNkZpBH8Ri3f_k6-z-ApyIcymUM1WDUmTyAnpblMPR1VcEP8DxvCFSF4nCTraZGmzy-2eBu0QhDQfAIoll6F6Ene81lXlXgAg/s320/e2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
On a much less vain note....as you can see by that count down on my side bar... the <b>March of Dimes: Walk for Babies is right around the corner</b>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFqnKSz7cqDlRah8a1P5J0YclYt-OdecjXH482TsmvFcwU58U9y5YL09agnabXnsf_jIBHBVAM2tgXoQYKP-UbPS58PQvyycE1NMbiGZoVuur8Hyxd48Uj5xgW9Z93fHoXgyLEn3FnOU/s1600/e2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFqnKSz7cqDlRah8a1P5J0YclYt-OdecjXH482TsmvFcwU58U9y5YL09agnabXnsf_jIBHBVAM2tgXoQYKP-UbPS58PQvyycE1NMbiGZoVuur8Hyxd48Uj5xgW9Z93fHoXgyLEn3FnOU/s1600/e2.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
I was told it was going to be a short 2 mile walk on the beach. Turns out it's a 5K. I feel very very under prepared. I am a really slow walker. But this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I will have fun and be glad I did it....but right now I am scared.<br />
<br />
The first (and last) time I did a 5K I finished 3rd to last. The worst part is that this information comes up when I Google myself (like you don't!). I hope old friends from High School aren't stumbling across this embarrassing bit of information when they get to wondering what I have been up to... cringe.<br />
<br />
Really though, I am not concerned with the time.<b> I'm happy I'm doing it and will have a blast!</b>Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-32732844725822468782012-04-23T12:04:00.000-04:002012-04-23T12:16:41.780-04:00Weigh-In: 235.4<b>Weight: 235.4 lb</b><br />
<b>Week Change: 0 lb</b><br />
<b>Fat Smash/Ready for Summer Loss: -15.8 lb</b><br />
<b>Total Loss: -39.6 lb</b><br />
<b>Left to Lose: 60.4 lb</b><br />
<br />
My <b>4 week loss is -15.8 pounds</b>. I am really happy with this. I didn't have such a great week. I had good intentions and made things like this for dinner...<br />
<br />
<b>Salad </b>with chicken breast, romaine, carrots, tomatoes, radishes, goat cheese, and cherry dressing.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTycYIAPEcufjTixl6YxMgeD5_pU2ypfFB2kz2nchZDvhhIP6mx7STvwmI5Qy-Zrz1AMHq8EUSyG4gFWIhc7vAaiiDqaphMlU7mbv0u6lO4cA9cpb2I_K1gxyQ_X9mepuf2aUGT1N_fM/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTycYIAPEcufjTixl6YxMgeD5_pU2ypfFB2kz2nchZDvhhIP6mx7STvwmI5Qy-Zrz1AMHq8EUSyG4gFWIhc7vAaiiDqaphMlU7mbv0u6lO4cA9cpb2I_K1gxyQ_X9mepuf2aUGT1N_fM/s320/e3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I also made<b> steel cut oats</b> with craisens and walnuts for breakfast. (My favorite.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL98GMU8w6D-kfpwzEVkwyE0R4LtoT0QfO2s357bL3Wu1Cw0oEqway_0Y_fmIJiVRfYV7A-vSiaaBBSKO0dIvNaKkTbxlZvuqIfbEvfhPS1xJbaGGygYH79-hzqEdBrfpJBtIcIojWYFA/s1600/e2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL98GMU8w6D-kfpwzEVkwyE0R4LtoT0QfO2s357bL3Wu1Cw0oEqway_0Y_fmIJiVRfYV7A-vSiaaBBSKO0dIvNaKkTbxlZvuqIfbEvfhPS1xJbaGGygYH79-hzqEdBrfpJBtIcIojWYFA/s320/e2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
But on Wednesday and Thursday I was full of anxiety and stress and all that ugliness.<b> I ate junk. </b>And it made me feel wonderful during and horrible after. It even did this to my tongue.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-h-LFRIhzwD-jBoqvljK94tVU2-4R4WVxyTqTDIp2W1EfTQ6yh6UbY-aQgruAjoYvsHZor8R7RV8lYiqxRGjw9ttZcQrytosgYDmXJX1nziPCo9uR5cTQToL3wK_16C3fHecGanj2bg/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-h-LFRIhzwD-jBoqvljK94tVU2-4R4WVxyTqTDIp2W1EfTQ6yh6UbY-aQgruAjoYvsHZor8R7RV8lYiqxRGjw9ttZcQrytosgYDmXJX1nziPCo9uR5cTQToL3wK_16C3fHecGanj2bg/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Can you see how swollen that is? There are imprints from my teeth. Ick.<br />
<br />
I am proud of myself because <b>I did not wait for Monday to get back in the saddle</b>. I jumped back on the wagon Friday morning. I did not let myself beat me up about my two bad days. They happened. They are over.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: magenta;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"Losers quit when they are tired...Winners quit when they have won."</b></span></div>
<br />
There is no way I am giving up when I have come so far. <b>Hubs and I had another double date on Saturday. </b> Plans about which restaurant we were going to kept changing. (Which I hate because I plan eating out VERY carefully with a lot of online menu recon.) We ended up at the worst place a fat girl on a diet can be....a buffet. Cringe.<br />
<br />
I rocked it. I had this....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6vZ5n85V_2Sa-IUmb2B-UxdpwuE0ILMqqG9xah1QjhAG8-11ouVpbLLhXpQ5BHW46in4C1B_JoWj5CSvyP6Ft2bv2mHdHLCymdEQFFUkre09zWLJVPQfQLafvfd2tVYn7W_qdUuUBhk/s1600/e23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6vZ5n85V_2Sa-IUmb2B-UxdpwuE0ILMqqG9xah1QjhAG8-11ouVpbLLhXpQ5BHW46in4C1B_JoWj5CSvyP6Ft2bv2mHdHLCymdEQFFUkre09zWLJVPQfQLafvfd2tVYn7W_qdUuUBhk/s320/e23.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<b>Crab legs</b> (and really that whole plate gives you about 1/2 cup of meat)<br />
<br />
and <b>sushi</b> (mmm....sushi). Pay no attention to that sesame roll and crab rangoon. I don't know how those got there :-)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNik32KggZeC3urMPYENP5OiMrEVb7IJ6ljBGonWHiPndNfO7d49VgfJjE4ME9bPWZaYFKHFQa9jieCOM3PZR729ImlXJ0IoJiN8QXpGCTzCmBhc4mTaeTpLqnZpRLbd-qaxovNEwJnCk/s1600/e24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNik32KggZeC3urMPYENP5OiMrEVb7IJ6ljBGonWHiPndNfO7d49VgfJjE4ME9bPWZaYFKHFQa9jieCOM3PZR729ImlXJ0IoJiN8QXpGCTzCmBhc4mTaeTpLqnZpRLbd-qaxovNEwJnCk/s320/e24.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I was shocked to see the picture of me and Hubs. I think I look pretty good!! <b>Here is a comparison of a photo of us from about a month ago and the photo from Saturday.</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBQqMIvIj80vzt_3H_2y_k4hu-CBBBp8xjdhiQG2NvhifwrgDMUXlBqu0Di2YVuA4NjODrLB102YXEx3yQh6YSG6DIiweKEBY-T-6sfnG-V1DZgvAmPAPsFDuzGkNfVmmzy97iZh3abU/s1600/mycollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBQqMIvIj80vzt_3H_2y_k4hu-CBBBp8xjdhiQG2NvhifwrgDMUXlBqu0Di2YVuA4NjODrLB102YXEx3yQh6YSG6DIiweKEBY-T-6sfnG-V1DZgvAmPAPsFDuzGkNfVmmzy97iZh3abU/s640/mycollage.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Is it all in my head? Or can you see a change?<br />
<br />
After playing games at our friends' house we decided we needed <b>frozen yogurt</b>. Another self-serve place opened up and we had to try it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1vcQAyxVbRhXIuI32Zg-Gh1qVjrp9UMvZBcHDMZFbaHGbmvH2F4s9hU_yE2E6WnBXsg4YK8zif0bUHWsbVAjiu8FBfllI1SK4Jp4BD_hAVqGEU5xnCjYASHc8_3lOYRorFiUWaM87Do/s1600/e20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1vcQAyxVbRhXIuI32Zg-Gh1qVjrp9UMvZBcHDMZFbaHGbmvH2F4s9hU_yE2E6WnBXsg4YK8zif0bUHWsbVAjiu8FBfllI1SK4Jp4BD_hAVqGEU5xnCjYASHc8_3lOYRorFiUWaM87Do/s320/e20.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
You start here.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1nRNK4JYy0Z1vJdZO2f4PK9_-pY7Gpa7FJeesM3PHGX7RA9s-3Cb98hXzBjWMky2gR8jAf_maGxvGYipUDjlRz-5-Ij2oOAUz-nUTdwTGWVq4Wb3NrKREZytAjUbdkJwKl_5E4o1AmE/s1600/e10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1nRNK4JYy0Z1vJdZO2f4PK9_-pY7Gpa7FJeesM3PHGX7RA9s-3Cb98hXzBjWMky2gR8jAf_maGxvGYipUDjlRz-5-Ij2oOAUz-nUTdwTGWVq4Wb3NrKREZytAjUbdkJwKl_5E4o1AmE/s320/e10.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
And grab a cup.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEtxiMi9ZhCncX2jOgG_AQ7gPbyqSikV1MJy7jo65EfTEWqtdSOAfLDxbKUGleYnmxpWCMrgXQp2TMoh_O47w2QBoDPVvarBDxRydzSg19jZcRrD9BKU3vMwXI384CPVDNrmuEbPhX_U/s1600/e11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEtxiMi9ZhCncX2jOgG_AQ7gPbyqSikV1MJy7jo65EfTEWqtdSOAfLDxbKUGleYnmxpWCMrgXQp2TMoh_O47w2QBoDPVvarBDxRydzSg19jZcRrD9BKU3vMwXI384CPVDNrmuEbPhX_U/s320/e11.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Choose your flavor(s)...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r2C1O3qm1snwCwXSQ47gco8Kaqq0LppbnHLhAsqD4XP0TPCUK5G25mpoYKYjF6k1MCBlrTEq0SuRgKGmuROgdt2j-qSCzlbdqVV0B_EIW6tWjTVo4q3aYS1-vQ3NCYr2YMl4-IjtUl0/s1600/e19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r2C1O3qm1snwCwXSQ47gco8Kaqq0LppbnHLhAsqD4XP0TPCUK5G25mpoYKYjF6k1MCBlrTEq0SuRgKGmuROgdt2j-qSCzlbdqVV0B_EIW6tWjTVo4q3aYS1-vQ3NCYr2YMl4-IjtUl0/s320/e19.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
They give you combination ideas!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N60o34O9agIdW-20EnrPmQBsn-aNNdvn_JWJKePUduBKlCPtA7ZTFpWLb6tu2Y4KEJq43_NijVrebC2UIrlxJiF2BZWPGEGZhE_JarCj06XzxljwIus_kp99ilH1XhDG3LrDuubT97c/s1600/e8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N60o34O9agIdW-20EnrPmQBsn-aNNdvn_JWJKePUduBKlCPtA7ZTFpWLb6tu2Y4KEJq43_NijVrebC2UIrlxJiF2BZWPGEGZhE_JarCj06XzxljwIus_kp99ilH1XhDG3LrDuubT97c/s320/e8.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Unlike the first place we tried last week, this place did not list the portion size or calories. Just the weight watchers points (most were about 3 points each).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3WyavZrGVURCI5NqLp8P4E8GKhUSmJKqIeleUJKHpHDXJbnjy3m-v8ZQPNiNzEr4LrS_tJ1mSXcJCWrst818QwqeNBywZcQmhpugZOLxtx_JAX1C9yaaiRRxLPuImRoG2HXENTVe8MA/s1600/e18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3WyavZrGVURCI5NqLp8P4E8GKhUSmJKqIeleUJKHpHDXJbnjy3m-v8ZQPNiNzEr4LrS_tJ1mSXcJCWrst818QwqeNBywZcQmhpugZOLxtx_JAX1C9yaaiRRxLPuImRoG2HXENTVe8MA/s320/e18.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I got White Birthday Cake, Chocolate Dream, and Cookies n Cream.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxhR5kmbNGnFDwjqzCNXRPseMcvIcUl-CpRTzXJo9HyvJLr2733t5SK4Yn9A7qTv-EHSyu7kCT16vo3_it4sSvdyQTXGpc_9sfz5cpkCAiCndaq9zy4lD_mlT7l0lf-R-K-OleDFxUzI/s1600/e17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxhR5kmbNGnFDwjqzCNXRPseMcvIcUl-CpRTzXJo9HyvJLr2733t5SK4Yn9A7qTv-EHSyu7kCT16vo3_it4sSvdyQTXGpc_9sfz5cpkCAiCndaq9zy4lD_mlT7l0lf-R-K-OleDFxUzI/s320/e17.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Then you throw on your toppings from this section.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTc4k9NLqoeNbuAlsmd4P3mCdqAwZPOz8-b0k4w14HiU9jVvK3_N84PArggob2DKavXJNv21EJEQIdb9h5EKi6rRZCICNd6asx1H4W8kIvlwpMfgK8s0_F1LrkSHjozHO5Lw8jmhpGZU/s1600/e16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTc4k9NLqoeNbuAlsmd4P3mCdqAwZPOz8-b0k4w14HiU9jVvK3_N84PArggob2DKavXJNv21EJEQIdb9h5EKi6rRZCICNd6asx1H4W8kIvlwpMfgK8s0_F1LrkSHjozHO5Lw8jmhpGZU/s320/e16.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And this section.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbimagVAHRdO98i2Ngf-rUsYRC5NNn6_EmS1n2YeDCxGwAp-nwAKsrWlnDXXEwwPOwfJehqWownUNde-qhK7N0MCf5kwBRYlpqC2otM1metT5WK8reF-vnARXzmlRpNT3UFO2cJhH5zfA/s1600/e15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbimagVAHRdO98i2Ngf-rUsYRC5NNn6_EmS1n2YeDCxGwAp-nwAKsrWlnDXXEwwPOwfJehqWownUNde-qhK7N0MCf5kwBRYlpqC2otM1metT5WK8reF-vnARXzmlRpNT3UFO2cJhH5zfA/s320/e15.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I stuck with a lot of fruits and tried to keep it small. This is what it looked like.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEhcs3Y4PEXNPl5AhpsLS-dwG5IzmQNBMd-wUByEPJX7_PslA8bwkWA54hNBgSK7k55t1zsC3ZCgcGke1T3qlOj-2bkB-E50IisoO-XrwcFnzHICxvLjdXMvIwZy-mcqdFWeXxfAuRMk/s1600/e14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEhcs3Y4PEXNPl5AhpsLS-dwG5IzmQNBMd-wUByEPJX7_PslA8bwkWA54hNBgSK7k55t1zsC3ZCgcGke1T3qlOj-2bkB-E50IisoO-XrwcFnzHICxvLjdXMvIwZy-mcqdFWeXxfAuRMk/s320/e14.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And this is what it looked like 5 minutes later.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5CBunzwzHsPbRVVQe1Hy56sd0QFOv8jpBQ5Tb3B0VQPQwwMQ14qBqEXGi4HqTEQHgzpSMd6Xgor_AnnABU6LrpjF3pM-FewoYBDypsNXPjaWO1jcuPWfpSEim22sPYhy-ECWK8VU2PI/s1600/e12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5CBunzwzHsPbRVVQe1Hy56sd0QFOv8jpBQ5Tb3B0VQPQwwMQ14qBqEXGi4HqTEQHgzpSMd6Xgor_AnnABU6LrpjF3pM-FewoYBDypsNXPjaWO1jcuPWfpSEim22sPYhy-ECWK8VU2PI/s320/e12.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Hubs was more than happy with his choice :-)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwXdb87QuWLmTuz0_ISTU9zUnAXrgl5SwCQtW7BtLQBosKQYgwDsACdNdnRTOQsUnZWhfxBYEPYndupOIZ_F7nYoOJ943Xm7pDm_iP_yHWaihrIu4As1bvCazXqhkKLECvUZNHCnaMzI/s1600/e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwXdb87QuWLmTuz0_ISTU9zUnAXrgl5SwCQtW7BtLQBosKQYgwDsACdNdnRTOQsUnZWhfxBYEPYndupOIZ_F7nYoOJ943Xm7pDm_iP_yHWaihrIu4As1bvCazXqhkKLECvUZNHCnaMzI/s320/e9.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
We really had a good time!<b> I feel so thin and happy lately </b>(even though I know I'm still very very chubby). But it feels good! I'm not complaining. Once I lose 0.4 more pounds I will post an official Progress Photo. Until then, here is a shot of me all dolled up (in one of those <b>Pretty Dresses Hanging In My Closet</b>). <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1kKmxwKa-Gk4pY7kfv5gOuMdUIBdas6C61AMuThmrvz2L3h6M5T29i6KDO6TJ63VxDmSSPSmaaRyz4_v1rqIk_xkhR1rdOlqs6Es01qoWtvjOiV991ml9fPW-Db-bIJAhLw3AnjgEpc/s1600/e3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1kKmxwKa-Gk4pY7kfv5gOuMdUIBdas6C61AMuThmrvz2L3h6M5T29i6KDO6TJ63VxDmSSPSmaaRyz4_v1rqIk_xkhR1rdOlqs6Es01qoWtvjOiV991ml9fPW-Db-bIJAhLw3AnjgEpc/s640/e3.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<b>Here's to a great week!!! </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-48730143983896151912012-04-20T10:22:00.005-04:002012-04-20T10:23:20.920-04:00Mission Impossible: This Fat Girl Will Self-Destruct<div>
I was reading someone's blog the other day who noticed no one
ever says, "Wow. Losing weight is SO easy." And I thought to myself,
"Actually, I have been thinking that exact thing. It is easy." </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Oh, poor silly girl. How wrong you were.... </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
Starting
Wednesday around 3pm it became apparent that I was losing my grip on
this whole "eat right and exercise" business. I <strike>needed</strike> wanted food. I
just wanted to snack. And when I was done snacking I wanted to snack
some more. <b>I felt like I was losing control.</b> I got that "bottomless
pit" feeling where I knew that no matter how
many bowls of popcorn I ate, I would want one more. I gave in a bit. I
compromised some. But I fought to keep my feet on the floor. </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>Yesterday
it all came unraveled. </b> I won't go into the gooey details...but it
wasn't pretty. At one point, I was driving home from work and I was in a
panic. I was breathing fast, clammy and shaky. I had healthy food at
home. I could have just gone home. But I went to McDonalds and got a
Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap, McDouble, and an ice cream cone. The second
my lips met that ice cream it was like a mouthful of frozen vanilla
flavored Valium. I immediately relaxed and felt better. The car ride
home is about 20 minutes. And it was 20 minutes of pure bliss. The
effect wasn't long lasting. As soon as I walked in the door I was
searching for my next fix. Last night was ugly. Self
destructive. Awful. But it taught me an important lesson. </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>Eating
junk feels really really really really good. </b>Great. Wonderful.
Euphoric. I should open a rehab center for heroine addicts and feed them
double cheeseburgers. They would be cured! I've never tried heroine,
but I'm pretty sure a double cheeseburger is just as good. </div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1334927086713543">
<br />
</div>
<div>
All
this talk about "replacing bad habits with good habits" is such a
joke. I can make as many lists as I want of things I can do INSTEAD of
overeating but it's pointless. I can "Read a Magazine" and "Call a
Friend" until I'm blue in the face and it won't even come CLOSE to how
good great it feels to eat junk. <b>There IS no substitute.</b> Nothing works
as good. Nothing feels as good. I have to come to grips with that. I
have to understand that it IS going to be
hard. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's
going to SUCK when I feel like that. But I have to feel like that. I
have to wait it out. Get past it. It's an ugly addiction. <b>Feeling like
that means I haven't given in. </b> That I am fighting. It's OK to feel
awful because I'm not giving in to a horrible habit that will kill me. </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
<div>
As time goes by I know I will feel it less and less. But it will always be there waiting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
got on the scale this morning to see that I <b>gained 3.6 pounds in the
last 2 days</b>. Sometimes I feel like I'm fooling myself. Going through
the motions to lose weight like it could ACTUALLY happen...when I know
that it never will. An impossible mission. </div>
<div>
<br />
</div>
But what if it DID work? It has happened
for so many people. <b>I could be a success story. </b>I could be The After Photo.Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-25739010353563438312012-04-19T15:46:00.000-04:002012-04-19T15:46:00.932-04:00Brown Haired Girl<br />
I have been watching YouTube DIY hair videos. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM53ysqXhkE" target="_blank">This video </a>showed how to cut your bangs with a razor. And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9dKnie3Z8c" target="_blank">this video</a> showed more bang cutting techniques. Here are the results.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvEjwCUwrE4Tt12TAETY1-jAS1GHAJ5sYZqj88yCNp-6k7a8Id8QT5spNVtN5ISq3naLWN8LjwpNR5tcrmJynQoS6bHuvdJEbRlfk_H3zLXTxhAbtcmPZATWkVJe2grioXl35vUx3nQ0/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvEjwCUwrE4Tt12TAETY1-jAS1GHAJ5sYZqj88yCNp-6k7a8Id8QT5spNVtN5ISq3naLWN8LjwpNR5tcrmJynQoS6bHuvdJEbRlfk_H3zLXTxhAbtcmPZATWkVJe2grioXl35vUx3nQ0/s640/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't do a "before photo" so I had to recycle a photo from another post showing off asparagus. It does the trick...<br />
<br />
I also saw <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=949zkvLyPCI" target="_blank">this video</a> for a really easy up do. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/949zkvLyPCI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Mine didn't come out exactly like that. But I still liked it. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVT-KY5It0v1v0CdnT_OA6i9EQJNvwrN3nctTVj1PE2mM5vuXKWfZzbzgBI5CZTqULK1R-Dfa7Q646iqAXHlNNe77Ywp5aAwg2QfLqLsyUx3GQysIB1RuNeNtEeGCznTaQK1XPHSfOrY/s1600/e5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVT-KY5It0v1v0CdnT_OA6i9EQJNvwrN3nctTVj1PE2mM5vuXKWfZzbzgBI5CZTqULK1R-Dfa7Q646iqAXHlNNe77Ywp5aAwg2QfLqLsyUx3GQysIB1RuNeNtEeGCznTaQK1XPHSfOrY/s320/e5.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I still need to play around with it a bit.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikGH3aeL46rQelq2JLtUr4OQGZd_wrQCkxwbmz2nC-2uuJor4jhkqFuY9ePdqc2c6i0qlp5dsc6JVluaEar4xGwJ26em_SCGgK_rrGHEG4r5p1T7aL8wFYvWlMffGuJa5eKpS_QywPl4/s1600/e1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikGH3aeL46rQelq2JLtUr4OQGZd_wrQCkxwbmz2nC-2uuJor4jhkqFuY9ePdqc2c6i0qlp5dsc6JVluaEar4xGwJ26em_SCGgK_rrGHEG4r5p1T7aL8wFYvWlMffGuJa5eKpS_QywPl4/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
I thought there was something kinda cool about it.<br />
<br />
I love this cute ponytail look from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtbGllpmzDk" target="_blank">this video</a>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CtbGllpmzDk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
This is what I came up with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7505eLxdIzkPAWkVequtgy6kwLS18yeD5I04yEjK82PSJ2I63UEtwtF-z0SeFdifyDT7WbTdrWgqorb-Sf0s3H5swQbc3q6nsQvbFg8GAOV4Vuy5ddyl6G_hAHEA8BRmT5noi1j9-pGA/s1600/e1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7505eLxdIzkPAWkVequtgy6kwLS18yeD5I04yEjK82PSJ2I63UEtwtF-z0SeFdifyDT7WbTdrWgqorb-Sf0s3H5swQbc3q6nsQvbFg8GAOV4Vuy5ddyl6G_hAHEA8BRmT5noi1j9-pGA/s320/e1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love the lump. And the hair covering the hair-tie is so cute. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07h1eQ2cHbWVd-cAcmSlm8zkKprxX-_7pneknBdJq7yFf8f7-LHVG4mr3764jJehiBn-S-9JjPd6B4ZvkAu8-ICTUrxdFGw2_kNra3GPmQ5MyGI_bXSNCYOTlkoUed4NSps-1bASHCwY/s1600/e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07h1eQ2cHbWVd-cAcmSlm8zkKprxX-_7pneknBdJq7yFf8f7-LHVG4mr3764jJehiBn-S-9JjPd6B4ZvkAu8-ICTUrxdFGw2_kNra3GPmQ5MyGI_bXSNCYOTlkoUed4NSps-1bASHCwY/s320/e2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see my razor bangs in that photo too. I really like Luxy's YouTube videos. She has over a hundred. All of them are so cute and easy! Check them out.Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813078310655595378.post-122755444016696782012-04-19T15:19:00.000-04:002012-04-19T15:19:28.321-04:00Fat FriendA came across <a href="http://now.tufts.edu/articles/being-fat-contagious" target="_blank">this article</a> mentioning studies that show that <b>being fat is contagious</b>. It basically says that the more friends you have that are fat, the more likely you are to be (or become) fat. The thought is that if you surround yourself who feel being fat is socially acceptable it changes the social norms and makes you think it's ok for you to pack on the pounds.<br />
<br />
I had to <b>laugh</b> when I read that the thinking behind this is because studies show that the majority of fat people (especially teen girls) are friends with other fat people. Ummm....yeah, no kidding. Try being a fat girl in High School. Your social options are rather limited. <b>We Fatties know enough to stick together.</b><br />
<br />
Even though I think this notion is basically ridiculous, it did get me thinking. When I get super serious about eating right and exercising, one of <b>the first things to change (besides the contents of my refrigerator) is who I spend time with</b>. I start making plans to be active. The people who turn me down for a bike ride and suggest going out for ice cream instead do not make my "who-to-call-next-weekend-to-go-for-a-walk" list. When I suggest a healthy restaurant for dinner and it gets turned down because "they only serve rabbit food", then that person is not on my "who-to-call-to-go-to-dinner" list. It's just the way it is. It just happens.<br />
<br />
The funny thing is, when I stop to think about the friends I have who are willing to go for a walk and eat rabbit food with me, I realize that the majority of them are my <b>FAT FRIENDS</b>. And I don't have many fat friends. But the ones I have are all about losing weight. And trying to eat right and exercise as much as possible. They are the ones that I can count on to <b>make my weekend outing a healthy one</b>. <br />
<br />
<br />
So think twice before you turn your nose up at a fat girl!! She could be the key to your dream bod :-)<br />
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<br />Elhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18161349915619029673noreply@blogger.com0