This crazy journey called....BACK TO HEALTH

So I've been doing a lot of research lately on my last week of vacation.  Some of you may be thinking, why is she posting so much stuff?!  And usually all related to cooking, baking, making my own things, etc.

Well, if I haven't shared much of the medical journey recently...

Mainly, that the Doc was seriously concerned about my health.  And that if things were continuing the way they were, I wasn't looking at a very long life at all.  But most concerned for the Doc, as well as Eric and I, was the fact that no one has been able to figure out the mass reactions I have to things...from allergy tests to blood tests, it has seemed that my body is thrown off kilter and literally sick.  From the migraines, to the rapid weight gain (it is documented that within one month, I gained 25 pounds, WITH proper diet and exercise, by the way).  Also, extreme swelling of my limbs, joints, sudden severe and intense back pains. Constant vertigo, dizziness, nausea within 30 minutes of eating.  And the worst of it all...a blood sugar that even the doctors were...well...shocked...especially given the family history of diabetes and other things.  (The Doc pulled a med student or two in because of the unusualness of what was going on.)

With all of that being said, the Doc couldn't figure out why.  And every medication thrown at me, just made me, well, sicker.

So, after a lot of prayer with Eric, and a lot of quiet time, we decided one thing: that we would listen to Him for my eating habits, diet, etc.  And that the research would begin.  The one thing we both knew: neither one of us wanted me to die much earlier than anticipated, which, given the prognosis, would have been within 5 years.  (Imagine our shell-shock when we got this news...)  My amazing husband decided that whatever I cooked and ate, or didn't eat, he would follow.

And he's been true to his word.  And we are seeing the results.  (His pants are getting smaller and smaller each month!  As for me, we have been able to, FINALLY, stop the weight gain.  It's been a bit more stable, though still off by far on what I need to be for a more healthier me.)

It's also why I am so passionate about beginning to grow, and make, my own things.  Because I know what's in them.  After fasting for a period of time from certain foods, and then reintroducing them (sometimes by sheer accident), we finally began to figure out what exactly is triggering the majority of symptoms in my body.  And it all stems on the foods I've been eating.

Which started the research and documentary journey I've been on.  I have another doctor's appointment to be scheduled this coming week...and we have no idea what the doc is going to say...it's another blood lab work, so...I'm hoping that it's going to show a difference, especially since I tossed the medication away over a month ago because it was causing my blood pressure to go up to 170/99.  Yes, you read that right.  All within 2 WEEKS.

So, if you start seeing a lot of research being posted on my FB feed, organic recipes, DIY things, you know why now.  Eric and I are refusing to give up, and are continuing to battle this thing.  I've slowly become passionate about what I've put in my body, and am learning to be just a little more aware of things.

No, Eric and I haven't given up some stuff.  We still have the occasional bout of going out to eat, or my "cravings", but I'm slowly learning that in order to feel good, and to beat what's going on inside my body...it's going to take some pretty drastic measures.

So, let the search for farm fresh produce begin.  And a good juicer... :)

6 Months Progress Report: 4-17-13 to 5-17-13

SIX MONTHS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh my golly!!  I can't believe it's been six months since this journey has started.  Half a year.  Almost to my birthday soon.  Half a year.  And man, has it been a battle!! Been I have made it this far, and for the most part, have kept it off!!  Hall-le-freakin-lujah!!

It's been six months of ups, downs, inside outs, and so much more.  This month has been the hardest of it all, I think.  So much has been going on, both physically, mentally and emotionally.  Needless to say, that means spiritually too.

From work schedule, to school schedule, to more work schedule, and then personal life happens, and so does the crap from it all.  All of that, and still able to lose 4.8 lbs this month.  And that's with inconsistent workouts due to all of the scheduling issues.

Man, is my God good!! :)

NSVs:

1. When I tried on jeans last month from my "new to me" side of the closet, they fit perfectly.  Now, they fit loose. :)

2.  My hips no longer touch the sides of the arc trainer.  AT ALL.  Period.  Nada.  No rub off!!  I've waited 6 long freakin' months to stop having friction burns on my hips! lol

3.  When I go grocery shopping, I now constantly look at the nutrition facts, and base my eating habits of buying stuff from reading labels, figuring out what foods are good for me, etc.  I plan my meals the same way.  That's been a HUGE change from even just a few months ago.  It has become 2nd nature to look at the label, and if it's not good for me, put it back.  I've even stopped buying sweets for the most part (minus the frozen yogurt from healthy choice! haha).  Actually, my sweet tooth has lessened considerably.  I tend to only have dessert if I go out w/ someone, and even then don't eat most of it.  I haven't been eating as much chocolate (except for yesterday....yesterday was a bad day and I needed my cocoa people!), and haven't been craving it as much either. :)  Ah, the changing of the taste buds!

4.  19.25" down since November 17, 2012. :)

5.  I'm lasting about 1.25 miles in my walk/jog intervals.  Last month was maybe a mile.  Maybe.  Usually between .8-.9 miles. :)

6.  My ankles look cute in my running shoes.  Yes, this is important to me. :) lol

7.  My head has shrunk.  Yay! :)  So has the fat around my neck.  Double yay!  Soon, no more double chin!!  Sa-weet!!!

8.  I'm learning to control my emotions through exercise, rather than through food.  This is a HUGE victory for me.  Some days are better than others, of course, but still.  To long for a run and not a burger or a giant candy bar....that is a complete 180 from where I was at.

And now, pictures I can be proud of, the further you go down! lol

Oct/Nov 2012:

Dec 2012:

January 2013:

February 2013:

March 2013:

April 2013:

May 2013:

I'll post a few more from the past month later. :)

And tomorrow, the big Biggest Loser RunWalk Off-Road Challenge.  Mud, running,obstacles.  Dude, I'm excited!!! :)

Until next month!

Oh...and I OFFICIALLY made it to my 20 lb mark, and have kept it off. :)  Now to my 30 lb mark baby!! :)

4 month progress...2-17 to 3-17-13

4 months people!!  I can't believe it's been 4 MONTHS!!!!  OMGollygeewhiz!!  And what a battle those months have been.  But I wouldn't change it or have it any other way.  These have been hard earned, and I will display every battle scar with pride!

I have lost a total of 17.6 lbs.  And as of 3/10/13, a total of 12.75+ inches.  :)

Here's a few pics of the progress:
                                                                            October 2012

                                                                      January 2013

                                                                      February 2013

                                                                      March 2013

It's proof I'm gettin' some AWESOME curves! lol  There are pics for Nov/Dec 2012, but, uh, you don't wanna see 'em.  I promise. :)

And today, today is the day I see how far/how long I can run.  I'm sticking with my half mile, as I still haven't hit a mile on the treadmill yet.  But I am excited to see if my endurance has changed. :)  This is my personal challenge to myself.  To become a runner.  Not because I like it, but because I want to prove to myself that I have the determination, dedication and desire to finish and pursue this journey to a new, healthier me.

And because I wanna have amazing legs like Desirree H. and Debbie G.  Hell, I'd just like thinner legs! lol  Oh hell.  Just gimme smaller thighs and I'll be happy! :)  I don't care about the thigh gap.  I'd just like not so many dimples! lol

NSVs:

1. Running on the treadmill...and looking good while doing it. I meant form, people, FORM!!! haha

2. Running .17 mi dist above where I was at last month. :)  Our (meaning trainer & I) goal is to get me to run 1 mile straight on the treadmill before I try to take it to the park.  And die.  A miserable, slow death.  And continue to work from there.  I enjoy running.  I'm getting to like running.  It's getting easier to run.  No, those are all lies.  I still don't like running.  And it's not getting easier.  It just gets harder.  Because I keep pushing myself.  So, I still don't like it.  But it's becoming therapeutic.  Running has allowed me to empty my mind of all the distractions and focus on one issue at a time.  As I pound the hell out of my fat.  You should totally see my fat jiggle. ;)

3. Doing the Run/Walk...and trying not to get freaked out and saying, SCREW IT ALL!  May is coming oh so close!!

4. Even on my worst weeks, I get up, dig in, and continue this journey.  Doesn't matter how much I work out, or how little.  What matters right now is that I'm choosing to get up, rather than staying down!!

5. Gaining confidence in who I am.  And slowly liking the way my body is now.  THIS...this is HUGE!!  I'm not where I need to be, or where I want to be, but it's lovely to FINALLY look in the mirror, and begin to say to myself, "I'm looking pretty good!", as I notice my brand new curves. :)

6. Clothing. sizes.  OMGollygeewhizz!!  It's so lovely to be able to see and note differences...and have others notice it as well.  More notice, people, more notice!! haha

7.  Spiritual differences.  I'm more focused on my faith, on Him, on how He's transforming my heart, soul, mind and spirit, than I am focused on a specific "program of weight loss". Which I have none.  Here's my program, calories in, calories out.  Eat healthy, in moderation and MOVE!!

2 month progress: 12-17 to 1-17

If someone would have told me when I first started this, that I'd actually still be sticking w/ it 2 months later, I would've smiled politely and in my head thought, "you don't know me very well".  Usually a few weeks into something this massive, I have the tendency to throw my hands in the air and give up.  Which almost happened earlier this month.

Recent picture of me as of 1/13/13:

What I looked like before I started, October 2012:

Needless to say, I don't miss how heavy I was.  I don't miss feeling like crap.  I can finally see that I have a waist, and I don't mind wearing button-down shirts (I used to not wear them because I was too self-conscious about the way I looked in them, especially as I gained weight back).  I can even see my arms/wrists are a tad smaller (which measurements have proved!).

This month was a rough month for me.  It saw some great highs, and some serious lows.  Went out of town, and didn't gain any weight...as a matter of fact, proved to myself that I didn't need the gym to find a good workout, also watched what I ate much more carefully.  Then it saw the holiday seasons, which are always rough for me.  BUT I only gained a pound during that time. (that in itself is a huge praise!)

And then January hit, and the depression started coming back up.  And it didn't help that my TOM was late. So, here I was, a miserable sobbing mess, isolating myself, hiding out in my room, and just saying to myself, I give up.  The scale hasn't moved, I've gained weight back, measurements are out of whack.  SCREW IT ALL.

BUT, I didn't give up.  I finally went to my roommate and broke down, and she prayed over me and my body.  I also prayed over my hormones and emotions, and have been slowly re-reading the Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer (because that's where the biggest battle is for me in all of this).  I've chosen to not give up.  Especially as the day that I finally went back to the gym after a few days hiatus, and I met a woman who lost 150 pounds, w/ no products, diet plans, etc.  Just watching what she ate and exercising.  Which is how I want to do it.

I've come to the realization that my nature to be addicted to certain "things" does not make in conducive to allowing me to take products, supplements, etc. to help along this journey.  I'd just abuse them, and my body.  So, I'm choosing to do this in what most people call the hard way, but the way that I know will give HIM all the glory, and not products, diets, etc. (not that some of those are bad or wrong, but they're not right for me)

This round, I won the mental battle by getting back up again.  It took me awhile, but I did it.  I got back up, got back on that damn cross trainer, and beat my time. :)  AND it just so happened that on that exact same day, my TOM started as my body began to realign itself to where it needs to be.

All that to say, the progress is slow.  The scale can be discouraging, especially as I saw the numbers jump up, but then I see my measurements go down.  I don't understand it, but hey.  I'm learning to listen to my body, figure out what's best and right for me, as well as listen to the Holy Spirit tell me which direction I should go in this.

So, month 3 starts w/ less calories to eat, more determination, and a willingness to listen to where I'm supposed to be and go.  I've been asking Him to give me a picture of what He wants me to look like after this, and what I'd like to look like, and mesh the two visions together. Probably because the vision of myself is skewed.  I've decided that I'll be doing BOTM as my devotions for this month, to help realign and refocus where I need to be and where I want to go.

This next month (month 3) will also see a new session w/ my trainer. :)  And some new victories that I can't wait to share at my 3 month progress report! :)

The MyFitnessPal Ticker...to help w/ the whole motivation thing :)

<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/2419/6922/24196922.png" /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Nutrition Facts</a> For Foods</small></p>

Recipe: Creamy Avocado Shells

I will say...this is NOT my recipe!  I got it from this site: http://www.fromthelittleyellowkitchen.com/2011/03/31/creamy-avocado-shells-the-clockless-oven/

So, for really pretty yummy delicious looking pictures, go there! lol  But for time, here's the breakdown of the recipe.

2 medium avocadoes
1 lemon juiced & lemon zest
3 garlic cloves (or to taste)
1/2 cup fresh basil (this came directly from my "garden")
4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (I'm replacing it w/ coconut oil)
4 servings of pasta shells (for added healthiness, I'm using quinoa pasta shells bought at Whole Foods)

add-in not in the recipe: cooked chicken...'cause I need my protein after a workout! :)

Blend garlic, lemon and EVOO together.  Add avocado, basil, salt and pepper.  Process til creamy.  Pour and toss over cooked pasta shells.  (Best if shells cooked al dente...but I'm not too fond of hard food, so I like mine a wee bit softer!)

Enjoy! :)

P.S. Daniel fast approved WITHOUT the chicken!  If you're more into the stricter Daniel Fast, this may not work for ya! :)

Recipe: Green Chili & Chicken Chillaquillas

I'd post a picture...but it's all gone. Made green chili & chicken chillaquillas (also known as enchilada casserole! haha) for a potluck at church tonight.  It's one of my favorite dishes to bring to a potluck...and there's usually never any leftovers! :)  Tonight was no exception. :)

1 whole chicken, cooked, meat taken off the bones and shredded (you'll have leftover chicken for some chicken tacos by the way)

1 can family-size cream of mushroom soup (to make it healthier, I used the fat-free version)

green chilis (I cheat and buy from the can or frozen...I put in about 1 1/2 pounds of chiles)

cayenne pepper to taste (I'd say about 1/4tsp

1 lb bag of shredded cheese (my preference is the Mexican style from Kraft, made from 2%)

and a whole lotta corn tortillas (white is my preference, but either color would work)

In a sauce pan, combine cream of mushroom (including the can of water needed) and cayenne pepper. Whisk til consistency is smooth, then dump in the green chilis. If the sauce is too runny, just add another can of cream of mushroom, MINUS the water. Let sauce simmer until hot.

In a large pyrex dish (9 x 13 works great), pour enough sauce to cover the bottom of the pan. Take your corn tortillas and tear them to pieces, layering them in the dish until the bottom is covered. Ladle sauce over the corn tortilla pieces, sprinkle cheese (amount up to you), then sprinkle/place shredded chicken. Continue this layering process: corn tortillas, sauce, cheese, chicken. For the last layer: corn tortillas, sauce, and a ton more cheese.

Bake in oven for about 20-30 minutes at 375, covered w/ aluminum foil. The last 5-10 minutes, remove foil. :)

This was a recipe handed from my mama to me. Possibly from my grandmother! :) And it's ALWAYS a huge hit. If you want more spiciness, just add more cayenne pepper, as well as change the heat-style of your chili. :)

New goals--I can do ALL things through Christ! :0)

So, God has an awesome sense of humor.  As well as some seriously divine connections w/ people and places.  Through a friend, I was connected w/ a personal trainer.  Her name is Debbie.  And I had my first (impromptu) session w/ her...I went to see her in jeans and a t-shirt, not realizing she'd be working me out that same day! lol Needless to say, I was "glistening" (her word, not mine!...I just call it plain dripping sweat! lol).

I loved her on sight and felt immediately comfortable and encouraged.  She's also a believer.  And one thing she said to me that made me super excited, was that she'll be praying for me daily.  And I'm SOOOOOO excited about that!!  She stated this as she warmed me up and made me almost pant on the treadmill. haha

So, tonight w/ the encouragement of meeting a new goal, as well as reading a friend's post on Facebook on her making new goals for the new year regarding fitness, I sat down in front of the Hallmark Channel (hey, I did my workout already!  Can you say the same?!) and watched a sappy movie (I love the Hallmark Channel during Christmas!).  And wrote down my goals through April 30, 2012.  And I shall write them out here.

And I'm going to be as brutally honest as possible.  Ugh.  I hate numbers!

So, I'm starting this journey at 272 lbs.  I know, I know...most people say I don't look that big, but I am.  The scale says so, and so do the pant sizes.  But hey!!  I started this journey at a whopping 285 lbs, so that's a VAST improvement!!!!  Hard work DETERMINATION!!!!!!

My goals are broken down into these categories: jogging, walking, fellowship w/ exercise, cardio, meals/nutrition & weigh-in. (I won't be putting the weigh-in goals online)

By end of 1/31/12:
Jogging: 4 minutes total (doesn't have to be altogether, can be divied out throughout the walk--1 min walk, 1 min jog, 1 min walk, etc.)

Walking: 2 miles total (judged by Spectrum track)

Fellowship w/ exercise: 1 time a week w/ Naomi

Cardio: at least 20 minutes 5 times a week (the number of days is per Debbie)

Meals/Nutrition: 2 balanced meals/day; 1 protein shake/day; all vitamins/herbs taken; 2 T coconut oil/day; 1 serving of apple cider vinegar per day; 1 cup of green tea per day; 1 sweet per day; veggies w/ all meals


By end of 2/29/12:
Jogging: 4 1/2 min total

Walking: 2 1/2 miles total

Fellowship w/ Exercise: 1 time/week w/ Naomi; find someone to share the excitement w/

Cardio: at least 25 min 5x/week

Meals/Nutrition: 2 balanced meals per day, 1 snack a day; 1 protein shake per day and a handful of nuts; all vitamins/herbs taken; 2 1/2 T coconut oil/day; 2 servings of ACV/day; 1 cup of tea/day plus 1 cup of green tea in the a.m.; 1/2 sweet per day (3 oz dark choc); veggies w/ all meals, snack=veggie snack

By end of 3/31/12:
Jogging: 5 min total

Walking: 3 miles total

Fellowship w/ Exercise: 1 time/week w/ Naomi; pass on old clothes except 1 pair of jeans and 1 shirt

Cardio: at least 30 min 5x/week

Meals/Nutrition: 2 balanced meals/day, 2 snacks/day; 1 protein shake plus a handful of nuts; all vitamins/herbs taken; 3 T coconut oil taken; 2 servings of ACV plus some in protein shake; 1 cup of tea plus 1 cup green tea in a.m.; veggies=2 meals, both snacks veggie snacks

By end of 4/30/12:
Jogging: 5 1/2 min total

Walking: 3 1/2 mi total

Fellowship w/ Exercise: 2 times/week w/ Naomi (if she agrees)

Cardio: at least 20 min 6x/week

Meals/Nutrition: 3 balanced meals; 1 protein shake; 3 1/2 T coconut oil/day; 3 servings of ACV; 2 servings green tea; cup of fruit/day; veggies w/ all meals



So there you have it, in plain and simple writing!  Now it's time to finish watching my Hallmark movie, go to bed, and get up to workout!! :)

Accountability Contract Update :)

Accountability for Weight Loss

Weekly Exercise Goals

·         30 mins of moving/work out 3 times a week.  NO EXCUSES!!!

·         At least 1 time a week meet for exercise/fellowship

Monthly Nutritional Goals

·         Eat balanced meal (incorporate veggies and fruit) (AP#2: eat 1 balanced meal/day)

·         Strive for  3 meals and 2 snacks a day

·         Food Journal – application/journal

·         Daily vitamins

·         Limit sweets once a day (Alex & AP#2)

·         Limit soda to twice a week (AP#1)

·         Limit juice to once a day (AP#2)

Weigh Loss Goal

Starting Weight:

If I told you, I'd have to kill you. ;)

                Short Term Goal

·         Weigh only once weekly – notify each other!

·         .5-2.0 lbs per week

1^st Goal 4lbs by Dec 1

2^nd Goal 4lbs by Jan 1

3^rd Goal 6lbs by Feb 1

                Total loss: 14 lbs in 3 mths

Long Term – Final End Result

·         Alex: 135 lbs

·         AP#1: 150 lbs

·         AP#2: 140 lbs

Rules for breaking agreement

·         Extra workout- other person chooses weekly

·         $1.00 in jar for Nutritional portion weekly

·         If short term weight loss goal is not met, must pay difference of goals minus actual weight loss

Celebration for Weight Loss Goals

·         1^st goal- Starbucks/coffee (AP#2: go to the movies)

·         2^nd goal- Shopping trip

·         3^rd goal-Cook a new recipe 

Recipe: Fiber-ific Fried Chicken Strips

These were so yummy to make!  And really super good.  Actually, I still have chicken strips left over.  Good enough for a salad for dinner tonight! woohoo! :)

6 oz raw skinless boneless lean chicken breast, cut into 8 strips
1/2 c Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1/4 c fat-free liquid egg substitute
1/4 tsp garlic salt
Black pepper, to taste (I also used paprika, cumin, garlic powder as I didn't use garlic salt or regular salt, and about 3 dashes of cayenne pepper)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Using a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency.  Add garlic salt and black pepper to crumbs.  Place crumbs in one small dish and egg substitute in another.
Next, coat raw chicken--first w/ egg and then w/ crumbs.  Place strips on a baking pan sprayed w/ nonstick spray.  Add a light mist of nonstick spray on top and place in the oven.
Cook for 10 minutes and then turn strips over.  Spritz w/ another light mist of nonstick spray and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and crumb coating looks crispy.  Enjoy!

Note: I did it for 12 minutes on each side 'cause I wasn't sure how done they'd be...worked out perfectly!

Makes 1 serving

Weight Watchers Points: 7 (but I only ate 4 'cause that was more than enough, so obviously half yr points, including caloric intake!)

Per serving (8 strips): 277 calories, 3g fat, 696mg sodium (less if not use garlic salt or regular salt), 26g carbs, 14g fiber, 0g sugar, 47g protein

From: Hungry Girl by Lisa Lillien

Recipes: 2-good twice-baked potato; Upside Down Chocolate Cream Pie; Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Now doesn't that title sound delicious?? :)  Here they are (which, by the way, all were REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY good!)!! :)

2-good twice-baked potato


1 medium (8 oz) baking potato (I used a larger one, I think...but farmer's market doesn't grow any that small haha)
1 slice fat-free American cheese
1 ounce fat-free liquid non-dairy creamer (I used almond milk as I didn't have this ingredient)
salt, paprika and parsley, to taste (I also used black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Puncture potato in several places w/ a fork.  Peel the skin off the top of the potato and then cook potato in the microwave for 6-8 minutes.
Once potato is cool enough to handle, scoop out the insides, leaving behind an empty potato shell.  Set shell aside.
Place potato pulp in a small dish and then add cheese, creamer, and a little salt.  Mash it all together until the cheese melts, leaving a creamy, cheesy mashed potato mixture.
Place potato mixture back into the empty shell and sprinkle w/ paprika and parsley.
Place potato in a baking dish sprayed lightly w/ nonstick spray and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until top is nice and brown.

Makes1 serving.

Weight Watchers Points: 6

Per Serving (1 potato): 226 calories, 0.5g fat, 335mg sodium, 46g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugar, 9g protein

From: Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World by Lisa Lillien






Upside Down Chocolate Cream Pie


1 Jell-O Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Snack
1 sheet (4 crackers) low-fat honey graham crackers, crushed
2 tbsp Cool Whip Free (I used Reddi Whip as that was what was in my fridge)

Line the bottom of a small dish w/ whipped topping.  Evenly spoon pudding on top.  Cover w/ crushed graham cracker crumbs.  Voila!

Makes 1 serving.

Weight Watcher Points: 4

Per serving (entire recipe): 135 calories, 2.5g fat, 280mg sodium, 30g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 5g sugar, 3g protein

From: Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World by Lisa Lillien





Pumpkin Pie Smoothie


3/4 c light vanilla soymilk
1/2 c canned pure pumpkin
1/4 c Cool Whip Free, thawed
1 tbsp sugar-free calorie-free vanilla syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp brown sugar (not packed)
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice, or more to taste
2 no-calorie sweetener packets
1 cup crushed ice OR 5-8 ice cubes
2 tbsp Fat Free Reddi-wip
1/2 sheet (2 crackers) low-fat honey graham crackers, crushed

Place all ingredients except Reddi-wip and crushed graham crackers in a blender.  Blend at high speed until thoroughly mixed.
Pour the shake into a glass.  If you like, add additional pumpkin pie spice.  Top it off w/ Reddi-wip and crushed graham crackers. Mmmm!!

Makes 1 serving

Weight Watchers Points: 4

Per serving (entire smoothie): 172 calories, 2g fat, 147mg sodium, 32g carbs, 5g fiber, 13.5g sugars, 6g protein

Recipe: Egg Mug Burger-rama

This was surprisingly good.  I was a bit hesitant to try it, but I LOVED it! :)

1 Boca Original Meatless Burger (Vegan)
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
1 slice fat-free American cheese, chopped (okay, so I cheated and used shredded cheese instead, but that's okay haha)
1 tbsp ketchup (I don't like ketchup, so I used salsa instead to make it a breakfast themed recipe)

Microwave Boca patty for 1 minute, and then chop into pieces.
Spray a large microwave-safe mug lightly w/ nonstick spray.  Add egg substitute, chopped Boca patty, and cheese, and stir.  Microwave for 1 minute.
Stir gently, and then microwave for another 45 to 60 seconds, until scramble is set.
Stir, top w/ ketchup, and enjoy!

Makes 1 serving

Weight Watchers Points: 4

Per serving (entire mug): 175 calories, 0.5g fat, 995mg sodium, 14g carbs, 4g fiber, 6g sugars, 30g protein

From, of course: Hungry Girl 1-2-3 by Lisa Lillien

Recipe: A.M. Apple Scramble

1 slice light white bread

1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute

2 tbsp light vanilla soymilk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon, or more to taste

2 no-calorie sweetener packets

2 dashes salt, or more to taste

1 cup peeled and finely chopped apple

3 tbsp old-fashioned oats

Toast bread.  Set aside to cool.

In a bowl, combine egg substitute, soy milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sweetener and salt.  Stir in apple and oats.  Set aside.

Roughly tear bread and place in a blender or food processor.  Pulse until reduced to small pieces.

Add egg-apple mixture to the blender/food processor and pulse until just mixed.  (Do not over-blend.)

Bring a skillet sprayed w/ nonstick spray to medium heat.  Add mixture and prepare as you would scrambled eggs, stirring and cooking for about 5 minutes, until solid bits form and mixture is slightly browned.

If you like, season w/ more cinnamon and salt.  Enjoy!

Makes 1 serving

Weight Watchers Points: 6

PER SERVING (entire scramble): 242 calories, 1.75g fat, 655mg sodium, 42g carbs, 6.25g fiber, 15.5g sugars, 17.5g protein

From: Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet by Lisa Lillien

Recipe: Expresso Cake in a Mug

Okay, I've just gotta say...this is stinkin' GOOD!! :)  Now on to the recipe:

1 tsp instant coffee granules
1 tsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tbsp devil's food cake mix
1 tbsp fat-free sour cream
1 tbsp fat-free liquid egg substitute
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp baking powder
1 no-calorie sweetener packet
Dash salt

Place coffee granules and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe mug sprayed with nonstick spray.  Add 2 tablespoons hot water and stir until ingredients have dissolved.
Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Microwave for 1 min and 45 sec
Allow to cool slightly, and then enjoy!

Makes 1 serving

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 147 calories, 3.25g fat, 446mg sodium, 25.5g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 14.5g sugars, 3.5g protein

P.S.  I cheated and added a bit of nutella onto the top of the cake for a "frosting" :)  I was in the mood for lots of chocolate! haha  So that WILL change the calorie count.

Recipe: Guilt-free 1-2-3 BLT

2 slices light bread (40-45 calories each w/ abt 2g fiber per slice)
2 slices (abt 1 ounce) extra-lean turkey bacon
2 leaves romaine lettuce
2 slices tomato
2 tsp fat-free mayonnaise (I used dijonnaise instead)

Toast bread.  Meanwhile, prepare bacon according to pkg directions, either in a pan w/ nonstick spray or in the microwave.
Smear a teaspoon of mayo on each slice of bread.  Break bacon slices in half.  Top one slice of bread with the bacon, lettuce and tomato.
Add the other bread slice, cut sandwich in half and pig out!

Makes 1 serving.

PER SERVING (1 sandwich): 141 calories, 2g fat, 549mg sodium, 22g carbs, 6g fiber, 4g sugar, 11g protein

Accountability

So, tonight I worked out with a friend...and we braved the wonders of...ACCOUNTABILITY (dun0dun-dun...I love the dramatic music in my head haha).

Our discussion lead to an accountability contract which I wanted to share with, well, whoever reads this.  And also to have it documented here for me to look back on as I journey throughout the years.

If anyone wants to join in, lemme know! :)  The more the merrier! :)

Accountability for Weight Loss

Weekly Exercise Goals

·         30 mins of moving/work out 3 times a week.  NO EXCUSES!!!

·         At least 1 time a week meet for exercise/fellowship

Monthly Nutritional Goals

·         Eat balanced meal (incorporate veggies and fruit)

·         Strive 3 meals and 2 snacks a day

·         Food Journal – application/journal

·         Daily vitamins

·         Limit sweets once a day (Alex)

·         Limit soda to twice a week 

Weigh Loss Goal

Starting Weight:

AG: you so know I'm not putting it out there. lol

                Short Term Goal

·         Weigh only once weekly – notify each other!

·         .5-2.0 lbs per week

1^st Goal 4lbs by Dec 1

2^nd Goal 4lbs by Jan 1

3^rd Goal 6lbs by Feb 1

                Total loss: 14 lbs in 3 mths

Long Term – Final End Result

·         Alex: 135 lbs

·         AP: 150 lbs

Rules for breaking agreement

·         Extra workout- other person chooses weekly

·         $1.00 in jar for Nutritional portion weekly

·         If short term weight loss goal is not met, must pay difference of goals minus actual weight loss

Celebration for Weight Loss Goals

·         1^st goal- Starbucks/coffee

·         2^nd goal- Shopping trip

·         3^rd goal-Cook a new recipe 

Recipes: Rockin' Tuna Melt & Lord of the Onion Rings

Rockin' Tuna Melt


2 slices light bread (40-45 calories each w/ abt 2g fiber per slice)-->I used multigrain 10-grain bread by Oroweat
2 oz canned tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
1 tbsp fat-free mayonnaise
1 tbsp chopped carrots
1 tsp Hellmann's Dijonnaise
1 slice fat-free American cheese
2 slices tomato
salt and black pepper, to taste

To make tuna salad, combine tuna, mayo, Dijonnaise and carrots in a small bowl.  Add salt and pepper to taste. (I omitted the salt in this recipe, as too much of it makes my feet/ankles swell up.)

Toast bread slices and then place them on a nonstick baking pan.  (I forgot to toast them, and my bread was a bit soggy at the end.  Still yummy though!! So, DON'T FORGET TO TOAST!!)  Pile all of the tuna salad onto one slice of bread.  Place tomato on the other slice of bread and cover with cheese.

Place pan in the oven or toaster oven and broil until cheese has melted.

Place the cheese-topped bread slice on top of the tuna-topped slice.  Cut sandwich in half and enjoy.

Makes 1 serving.

Note: I just doubled the recipe and used the whole can so that way I'll have my dinner for tomorrow.  And this recipe was YUMMY!!

Weight Watcher's Points: 5

Per serving (1 sandwich): 212 calories, 2.5g fat, 929mg sodium, 27g carbs, 6g fiber, 7g sugar, 24g protein

Lord of the Onion Rings


1 large onion
1/2 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original)
1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
Dash of salt (I omitted this.)
Optional: additional salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.  (For mine, I used cumin powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Cut the ends off of the onion, and remove the outer layer.  Cut onion into 1/2-inch-wide slices, and separate into rings.

Using a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a bread-crumb like consistency.  Pour Fiber One "breadcrumbs" into a small dish and mix in salt, and any optional spices you like.

Next, fill a small bowl (just large enough for onion rings to fit in) w/ egg substitute.  One by one, coat each ring first in egg and then in the "breadcrumbs" (give each ring a shake after the egg bath).

Evenly place rings on a baking dish sprayed w/ nonstick spray.  Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping rings over about halfway through.

Makes 1 humongous serving

Notes: These were DELICIOUS!  And this is coming from the girl who LOVES Sonic's onion rings.  Who loves onion rings period.  I didn't use all of the egg though, so I might just do a bit less than 1/4 cup next time.  But then again, I didn't use the whole onion either, as I only had room for so many rings on the pan. :)

Weight Watcher's Points: 4

Per serving (entire recipe): 153 calories, 1g fat, 379mg sodium, 41g carbs, 16g fiber, 7g sugar, 9g protein

Recipe: Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

2 tbsp. (or more) olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. basil
2 tbsp. diced sun-dried tomatoes (if dry, reconstitute)
1/4 c. chopped yellow onion
Freshly ground pepper
Pasta, freshly cooked (linguine, angel hair, etc.)

Heat oil in saucepan, add onion and saute until translucent. Add garlic, basil, tomato. Add more olive oil, if desired. Add pepper. Toss with cooked pasta. Salt to taste.

NOTE: Here's where I differed from this basic recipe.  I sauted the onions, garlic, basil and tomato, then added the spinach (1-2 cups) on med-lo heat.  I did a quick toss, then covered the pan for 1 minute.  After the minute, stirred the mix, and re-covered for another minute.  After that, added the pasta directly into the pan, drizzled a quick coating of EVOO, then did yet another toss (MINUS the heat) and served. :)  At this point, you could also add chili pepper flakes to your taste. :)  Enjoy!!  (oh, and I put WAY more garlic than that and added Italian Seasoning while sauting the veggies)

Depending on your type of Daniel Fast, if needed, take out the pasta and add abt 1 lb of spinach to your mix with another garlic clove or 2.  And of course, increase your veggie amount. :)

Recipe: Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

1 c. unsweetened soy milk (I prefer almond milk)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 banana, broken into chunks
14 strawberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 tsp pure vanilla
-2 tblsp apple/pineapple juice (this can be left out as well depending on preference)

1. In blender, combine milk, oats, banana, strawberries.
2. Add vanilla and enough juice for desired consistency; blend until smooth.  (I use ice instead of juice.)
3. Pour into glasses and serve cold.

(Makes 2 servings)

Getting back up

Ha!  I love my title. :)  (Just thought I'd mention that, especially seeing as how that's exactly what I'll be talking about tonight here in my random musings.)

Getting back up on the word that has now been given to me FOUR times.  That's right.  4.

Last night at Spirit and Life, God began to give back the joy that I had allowed the enemy to take.  Through various trials, stress, etc.  An older couple in the church (who I was sitting behind) named Tony and Elaine seriously poured into me for 40 minutes.  Talk about a prophetic word!!!  And so what I needed to hear!  (Mind you, I had just met them that night.)

Anywho, one of their words was that they could see me even more beautiful and healthy than what I was; they could see me minus the weight.  AKA supernatural weight loss.

I heard this, and my heart just soared.  Why?  Because I had chosen to give up.

This whole weight thing...I hate it.  I hate having to deal with it.  I hate having to battle it.  I just plain hate having to even try to take it off.  And when it gets too difficult, or I get too lazy, I just up and quit.  Yeah, not so much the determined person now.  (Yes, I admitted that online!)

So, today, I was talking with the Lord (aka prayer) and just began to tell Him all the frustrations that go along w/ this whole weight loss thing.  The time to invest, the money, the issues, the upside, the downside, the insecurities...everything.  (okay, let me back track...while talking w/ Tony & Elaine, I admitted to them something that I had never told anyone about in why I struggle and sabatoge myself when I do lose weight)  Everything was brought out into the light when I prayed.

And then, I realized that with the word given last night, it was a reminder from Him to me that I needed to get back up again.  That He wouldn't let me forget the words given, but instead, He wanted to begin to show me the way to the mountain top.  It's time to get out of the valley.

So, with that being said...

I started looking up all of the old stuff He had given me awhile back, going back to YEARS of things.

Recipes
exercise routines
dieting (aka eating) does and don'ts
and the plan He had given me to succeed

I dusted it off and picked it back up, CHOOSING to get back up again

Admittedly, even now, I gulp and go, "uh, wouldn't it just be easier if I, like, didn't do it?"  and "um, well, You're God...couldn't You just miraculously take the weight off?"  To which I see/hear Him shake His head in amusement at me, reminding me that this is a journey that I WILL be taking, and I choose when I get off the mountain to go into the promised land.  I choose when I get out of the desert to go into the land of milk and honey.

So, once again, I am choosing to get back up.

Several things come to mind at what I want in this journey:
1. people to encourage and support me, whether it be through prayer, through working out with me, or even through sending me workouts

2. to not be noticed during this season  (this one is a hard one to explain, but I'm gonna try).  I'd rather hear a, "I'm proud that you're getting back up" or a "I'm proud!  Keep on going girl!" rather than a, "I've noticed you've lost weight." or "You're looking good" or, well, you get the picture.  I think it's because in the first part, I hear support and encouragement, and I'm reminded to give Him all the glory.  Whereas in my head (notice IN MY HEAD part) when I hear the 2nd part, all I keep hearing is a focus on the weight issue, a focus on all the crap (does that make any sense).  So, it's much easier for cheerleaders than noticers (am I making any sense on this one?!?!).

3. prayer partners--in the times when I just want to give up and quit, to fight the demons in my head regarding weight and the seemingly large obstacles, I want people to call to remind me not to give up the fight and to keep on battling

4. healthy recipes that I'm willing to try that are inexpensive yet absolutely, utterly delicious (which He and I are working on in regards to all my old stuff)

So, yeah.

I know, random musings tonight (well, sorta).

But that's what's been on my mind. :)