Kicking My Ass

I'm trying to find little snippets of time to do some exercise.

It's too cold and snowy for me to really get in a good cardio workout but that doesn't mean that I can't be doing some little things to get me on track.

I found this great Daily Butt Workout on the app store and after doing it for only 5 minutes yesterday, my glutes are sore!! 

The good kind of sore.

I love the good kind of sore.....

Saving Money with Walgreens

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I avoid going to the doctor at all costs because I really don't like paying for prescriptions.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid of the doctor and I go if it's necessary.  It seems like the cost of medication keeps going up along with my doctor's co-pay! 

Walgreens is now offering a special discount on their annual membership for the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.  For just $35 a year, the family membership covers everyone in your immediate family, including your spouse, dependents (as long as they're 22 years old or younger) and your pets. If it's just you, an individual  membership is only $20. 

But that's not all!  Included in your membership is savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications, discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic testing supplies.  Added bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services. 

What a great reason to shop at Walgreens.  I know in our house they are the go to place when we have an illness and need even the most basic items!

Support Walgreens and find out more about how they can save your family money by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter.

I Want It

I'm feeling really motivated and it's because of my gaggle of friends that are supporting me. It's amazing what having a friend kicking your ass (or texting you) everyday can do for you.

Thank you friend....you know who you are!

source

Bachelor Ben NON Drinking Game

I've been creating a 'drinking game' for The Bachelor TV show for several seasons now and it occurred to me last night that I should create a healthy version of the game for people like my friends Impulsive Addict and JennyKate.  They are both on very strick diets and haven't been drinking.....at all!

For this game you will need the following:

• A Gallon of water
• A head of celery
• Two dumbbells  
• Comfy clothes

Let's get started!


Each time Chris Harrison is on your screen.....Do 15 sit ups.

Each time Ben kisses someone....eat a piece of celery.

Each time one of the ladies takes a drink of wine/beer/soda.....take a drink of water.

Each time Courtney says winning.....raise your dumbbells over your head 10 times.

Each time someone says *open*, *Journey* or *rest of my life*.....do 10 lunges.

If Courtney gets a rose..........do downward facing dog.

Bonus:

During the commercials....run in place.

Addicted To Coke

source

I'm giving up Coke again.

This time for good.

I'm not even going to substitue the Zero.  

I'm going to switch to water. 

Daily Affirmations

It seems like motivation is the topic of the week. I've read several posts about it and I'm encouraged by the comments I've gotten. Thank you to those of you that have lent support. I'm always amazed how I get what I need, when I need it.

I just saw this on pinterest. I think this should be my new affirmation. I'm going to print it out and put it all over the house.

Along with this picture.

9 Months of Training

I went out for drinks with my Kinder Mom friends the other night and I jokingly said that I was training for the Eagle Bolt 5K race at the kids' school.

I'm serious but the joking part is that it's 9 months away.

Is there a Couch to 5K plan for people that take 9 months to train for something?

I've tried those programs before and I've never finished because I have to start week 1 over a half dozen times.  Or the weather turns crappy and I quit.

Does anyone have tips for staying motivated on these plans?  Is there a new and exciting app I need to know about?

Help me out!

My Beauty Resolutions

BlogHer has asked me to answer a question about looking my best.  They've obviously been spying on me and my brillant transformation from frumpy mommy to well dressed mother of a Kindergartener who has to interact with people every day.

What are your beauty resolutions this year?  How do you plan to shake up and streamline your routine?  What are the good habits you are committing to developing?

It's a well known fact that I'm addicted to resolutions.  I love starting a new year with a list of things that I'd like to accomplish and ways to make my life better.  Lists are a very big part of my mental health!

Once I turned 40, I really started to look at how I could work on my beauty routine.  Those pesky little lines are starting to form and I'm not getting carded at the liquor store anymore.  I've purchased a number of products that I think are working very well.

My Beauty Resolutions:

• Wash my face every night.
• Use eye cream.
• Drink 60 ounces of water a day.
• Monthly masks.
• Wear sunscreen AND make-up everyday. 
• Keep nails painted.  

What has been helping the most is getting into the habit of taking care of my skin before I go to bed at night.  Making a promise to myself that I'm important enough to spend 5-10 minutes taking care of.

This ritual is really very calming and prepares me for a good night sleep.  Speaking of sleep, another resolution for 2012 is to go to bed at the same time every night....even on the weekends.

BlogHer has a great article about ways to look your best. Come by and leave a comment.

Please visit the Life Well Lived Sweepstakes starting on January 26th and enter for a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Nut Chips....YUM

In my quest to be gluten free....I'm always looking for something I can eat to replace the things I can't have anymore. 

Sometimes....I just want something crunchy.

I went to Sunflower Market on Saturday and wandered down the chip isle.  This caught my eye.

Chips made from RICE and NUTS?  You wouldn't think it would be good....but I love them!

Dr Google and Menopause

My husband is horribly ill.  He had two seperate colds over the holidays and now he has what could be the flu but I'm convinced that is mono.

That's what I get for consulting Dr. Google.

We'll find out if I'm right this afternoon when he sees the doctor again.

And as if that isn't enough on my plate.....I think TOM is trying to visit me again.  After only a 12 day break. 

This is bullshit!!!

I woke up with 3 extra pounds, a migraine and spotting. (sorry guys that might read this)

I seem to remember that this is how it started for my Mom.  CRAP!

We Interrupt This Experiment....

photo credit

In all of my research of Dandelion Root Tea....I did not read about it being a natural LAXATIVE.

In other news.....OMG!

An Experiment

I drank my tea yesterday and I figured out what it smells/tastes like.

An ashtray!!

I read up on the benefits of Dandelion Root and I liked what I learned.

Digestive issues
PMS
Detox of the liver and kidneys
Cleaning of the blood
Milk Supply

I could use help in all of these areas....expect the milk supply.  The barn is closed thankyouverymuch.

So...on to my experiment.

I decided to wear workout clothes today AND set a couple alarms on my phone encouraging me to do 15 minute spurts of working out.

Nothing serious....just squats, lunges, sit ups and lifting little hand weights.

I'm completely against wearing workout clothes to pick up my son from school but this is just a one day experiment.  We'll re-evaluate at the end of the day.

The Gates of Change

“Each of us guards a gate of change that can only be unlocked from the inside.”

—  Marilyn Ferguson

Unless it's this gate.

Photo credit ME!

I'm finding it so hard to get started! Between being sick and TOM arriving unexpectedly, I'm struggling.

I'm restarting the Bloat Blast Tea this morning.  According to a school friend of mine, the dandelion root tea is sold out all over our town so it must work, or lots of people are doing it.

Here we go...again! 

Let's Get This Party Started!

My cold is finally on it's way out so I'm going to get started! Yesterday I weighted in at 211. It seems to be a magic set point that I'd like to never see again.

Today.....I'm doing a juice fast with some fruit and veggies thrown in. And I'm starting the Bloat Blast.

I read conflicting reports about how that was supposed to be done. One said to mix the tea and juices in a 16 ounce glass. Another said to mix it with 60 ounces of water.

The 60 ounces seems like it would dilute the other ingredients so I'm going with the 16 ounce.

Dandelion Root Tea steeped in 16 ounces of water for 15 minutes.
Add.....1 tablespoon cranberry juice, 2 tablespoons for lemon juice.
DRINK!

In addition, I will then drink 60 ounces (or more) of water.

The Plan For 2012

I had dinner and drinks with my husband at PF Changs tonight and decided it was the perfect time to approach him about our plan for 2012.  I've gained about 4 pounds since September and he's gained 15.  I've stopped eating gluten-free and I can tell the difference in how I feel and my lip is back to being red and swollen. 

Basically: Paleo until we reach our first goal.

Me: 199 pounds
Him: 215 pounds

Day One: January 1st.....Juice Fast/Detox.

Day Two-Eight: Bloat Solution

Day Nine-Thirty One:  Paleo, Walks on the weekends and lots of water!

It is winter in Colorado so I'm not committing to any physical activity besides an occasional yoga DVD in the living room.  But we will modify the plan each month.

Looking Good

Wow. Where have I been? I'm amazed how much busier I've become since my son started school. It's a GOOD busy!

I've talked before about how my weight isn't changing.....but I can tell the difference in my clothes. Even naked....I can see some difference.

This is ALL thanks to a Paleo/Gluten-Free lifestyle. I combine the two because I make paleo meals frequently....but try to be gluten free at least 80% of the time.

It's really working for me!

I haven't weighed myself in a month. I've decided that I just don't care what that number is. I'd LOVE to fit into my size 12 clothes. And I think I will someday.

Right now....I think I'm looking pretty good.

No More Fat Pants

I had my vistor last week.

You know the one.  I call it TOM around here.

I like to focus on the positive and the best thing ever happened.

I didn't have to break out my fat pants.

I also realized that even though my weight hasn't budged.  My clothes are fitting better.

I gave my husband my fat pants and told him to hide them from me.

I don't want to wear them again.  EVER!

I'm Stuck

I've been stuck at 209.2 for 4 weeks.

I think it's time for me to kick this up a notch.

There are THREE weeks until Thanksgiving so I'm going to kick it in gear for the next three week and see what I can do.

I've been cheating (ie. eating gluten) way too much.  And it makes me feel like CRAP!

Here we go!

Crying Over Popcorn

I'm in mourning.

Remember that awesome Caramel Corn that I told you about?

My Whole Foods didn't have it (or a spot assigned for it) last time I went to stock up on my favorite Gluten-Free snacks.

I'm going to have to order a box of it because I can't live without it.

 I bought this Kettle Corn as a replacement and ate half the bag before I realized that it wasn't gluten free.  Dang it!

Weigh-In:

I'm holding steady at 209.  Which is kind of amazing because I've been having a love affair with some caramels.  I need to stop buying them.

I'm planning to get really serious about my diet again in about 5 days.  This will involve refusing to go out to eat so that I don't ruin my diet and eat something I shouldn't.

Wish me luck!

Hello My Gluten Free Lover

You know I'm sad about the bread situation.

Although...my friend Christina just left me a Paleo bread recipe that she says is fantastic! I'll try it out and get back to you on that.

I found this Rocky Mountain Caramel Corn at Whole Foods and I'm in love!

I can go to the movies again! I just have to stash this in my purse.

If your Whole Foods doesn't carry it....you can order it here.

Gluten Free Bread

I've been missing sandwiches.

Now, that's not completely true....I've been eating sandwiches. Naughty gluten filled sandwiches and because of this, I've NOT been losing any weight and my lip has been swollen.

I decided that I'd try the gluten free bread from Udi's. I even sucked it up and paid $5.99 for it at Whole Foods.

I brought my bread home and saw that it is supposed to remain frozen.  Weird.  That's going to make a REALLY crunchy sandwich.  Jolene told me to toast the bread.  Oh good idea.

I made sandwiches for me and my children and I was shocked by the size of my bread.

Mine is the little guy

I slapped some turkey lunch meat, swiss cheese and avocado on that little guy and went to town.  It tastes okay....a little different than what I'm used to, but my freakish big hands caused the bread to fall apart.   I had to get the Dyson out when I was done eating.

Not bad.....for gluten free.

Reason Number 28

that GLUTEN is evil.

I've gone 2 months....mostly gluten free.

This last week....has been a gluten nightmare.  I've eaten more of that crap then I care to admit with the last free for all being a never ending pasta bowl because someone sent my husband a gift card to Olive Garden for his birthday.

It was really good and I enjoyed it very much.

But today....two days later.  I'm having the worst migraine.  The kind that requires laying down in a dark, quiet room....except that I have two kids and there is nothing dark or quiet about my apartment right now.

This could be my ultimate reason for really quitting gluten forever.

Without gluten in my life....I went TWO MONTHS without a migraine.  That hasn't happened in 15 years.

Goodbye gluten....FOREVER!

Gluten Binge

My birthday was yesterday.

On Saturday, my husband took me out for any meal I wanted.

I wanted Mexican.  A burrito....with beans, cheese, guacamole and sour cream. 

I also wanted a Margarita.

Then we went to an Italian Festival and I had Sangria and Chianti and a Chocolate Cream filled Cannoli.

There is probably a rule that you shouldn't drink so many beverages that end in a vowel.

Yesterday....I ate the rest of my Mexican meal and then instead of cake, because I don't like cake.  I had a Java Chiller from Sonic.

I have never felt so sick in my whole life.   I was in a gluten coma!

And then I went to a coffee shop this morning and ate a bagel sandwich.  Because I figured if I was already in bad shape...it wouldn't hurt.

That breakfast sandwich was worth it all.  I should have just had the sandwich and skipped all of the other crap.

I'm back on my Paleo/Gluten Free (but with Dairy) plan as of 10am this morning.

This proves without a doubt that Paleo/Gluten Free is the life for me!

I'm A Cheater

Starting Weight: 208
September 1st:   207.4
September 8th:   207
LOSS:                    .4
Total Paleo Loss:  6.5 pounds

I'm pretty happy with this week's results....considering that I celebrated my birthday last weekend with some gluten.

There will be celebrating again this week with Mexican Food and I intend to eat a flour tortilla as big as my head filled with meat and cheese and sour cream!

I will not be having cake. I don't really like cake so I don't see the point of eating it on my special day.

Take That TOM!

Starting Weight: 208
September 1st:   207.4
LOSS:                    .6
Total Paleo Loss:  6.1 pounds

My scale broke the day after my last weigh in....on August 18th.   And then a week later....TOM snuck up on me.  It is so crazy to me since starting the Paleo plan that my PMS and hormonal migraines have completely disappeared.

I was without a scale that whole week and kept eating my yummy Paleo food.  I had no idea if I'd gained any weight...but a few days after TOM left....my clothes felt looser!  I couldn't believe it!

I was really fine with not having a scale.  But my husband was going crazy not being able to weigh himself. Looks like he's a bigger slave to that thing than I am!

He bought a new battery for our scale and I was thrilled to see that I had not gained a single pound!  Then this week...I lost .6 pounds.

I even cheated and ate TACO's this week!

I'll be weighing in on Thursday's from now on.

Paleo (first) 30 Day Results

Starting Weight:   213.5
1st Weigh In:       210.4 (-3.1)
2nd Weigh In:      208.8 (-1.6)
3rd Weight In:      208.8 (ZERO)
Final Weight In:   208 (-.8)

Total LOSS:   5.5 pounds

Waist: 1 inch lost
Hips: .75 inches lost

Considering that I drank more alcohol than I had planned on and I ate a blintz...I think I did really well!

I'm really happy with how things are going, I'm feeling great, my clothes fit better and not hungry or cranky anymore so I'm committing to ANOTHER 30 days.

This time with less wine and more vegetables!

But first....a big fat cheat day with a wood fire pizza after my son's first day of Kindergarten!

Next 30 Day Paleo Challenge

• Begins August 19th, Ends September 17th
• Cheat Day September 10th (celebrating my 41st birthday)
• Dairy in Coffee only (one cup a day during the week)
• No Sugar
• Limit Fruit and Nuts 
• two Larabars a week

Paleo: 3rd Week Results

Starting Weight:   213.5
1st Weigh In:       210.4 (-3.1)
2nd Weigh In:      208.8 (-1.6)
3rd Weight In:      208.8 (ZERO)

Total LOSS:   4.7 pounds

I didn't gain or lose any weight last week.

I'm actually pretty happy about this because I cheated and I drank more wine than any one person should be allowed to drink.

The Good News: My in laws are on their way home

The Better News: I'm back on track baby!


My little boy starts school in one week and I'm starting to get nervous.  I just know that I'm going to be a wreak on Thursday but I'll handle it.


This revelation that my lip problem is caused by gluten is kind of disheartening.  On the one hand...I'm very happy to know what is causing it but then, I'm mourning the loss of grains.

I'll learn to live without them....or know to expect a fat, red lip if I do indulge.  The good news here is that my intolerance is NOT life threatening.

Oh...I posted a new recipe on my food blog.

I Had A Blintz and I Liked It!

The weekend away went pretty well.

I drank too much wine....but drank lots of water.

I had some fried food and a cheese blintz and it was really good....but I paid for it later.

See my red swollen lip? This happened 3 hours after the Blintz Incident.

If this doesn't prove that I'm allergic or sensitive to Gluten then I don't know what would.

I ate way more than usual and I'm looking forward to being home and back on track.  

My in laws are leaving tomorrow so all of this drinking should be over too. 

A Wino No More

I told you before that my in laws are in town.

And that I have a very hard time saying NO to alcohol when they are in town.

I also know now that because of my new usual no drinking state....that 2 glass of wine is my absolute limit.

Three is too many.

And they need to freakin go home already.

I've now been roped into an overnight adventure that involves a casino and a buffet.

HOLD ME!

Paleo: 2nd Week Results

Starting Weight:   213.5
1st Weigh In:       210.4 (-3.1)
2nd Weigh In:      208.8 (-1.6)

Total LOSS:   4.7 pounds

I'm very happy to be down 1.6 pounds this week even though TOM was here most of the week and I drank lots of alcohol. I'm more than happy! I'm amazed!

I've been reading Robb Wolf's book The Paleo Solution and realized something very important.

My lip hasn't been red or swollen in TWO WEEKS!

Backstory. Two years ago THIS WEEK....I was stung by a bee on my foot while on vacation in Wisconsin. My lip immediately swelled up like I'd had an injection gone and wrong and was trying out for the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

For 10 months...it continued to swell. Almost daily. I cut certain foods out of my diet but it never really did anything. In May 2010, I went to an allergist in Utah and had the full panel. The only thing that came up was that I had an unknown grass allergy but she said that wouldn't cause my lip to swell.

She sent me down to the lab where they took 6 viles of blood to test for systemic diseases. It came back clear. She was baffled.

Over the last year, it has gotten a little better....but would still swell several times a week.

Yesterday, I read a story in the book about a man whose tongue would swell and it disappeared when he started Paleo. 

I'M CURED!  This development alone....has made me so excited and hopeful that this is the solution I've been looking for all of these years! 

Gluten is poison in my body.

Challenging Weekend

I knew this was going to be a challenging weekend.

Saturday was my husband's 30th High School Reunion.  I knew I was going to want a drink (or three) because I was going to be nervous and have to interact with people I didn't know.

I didn't know what food would be served but that part turned out great!  They had a buffet with a great salad, fresh fruit and a small piece of chicken.  It had sauce on it but I scraped it all off.

I had ONE BITE of an fluffy Amaretto Cream Cake.  It was amazing!

Sunday....is where things went....wrong.

We had been invited to my Mother in Law's cousin's house for lunch.  She made some chicken in the crockpot but I didn't know what was in the sauce, she had spanish rice and a salad with tons of pepper in it.  I ate small amounts of everything because I was told NOT eating her food would be rude.

I also drank red wine.

Dinner....we went to my brother in law's house for hamburgers.  I had a patty without a bun and a salad.  There was more wine.

Being around my in laws makes me want to drink.  I know this. I need to learn to say NO...or get a prescription for Valium.

Hopefully...I haven't messed up my weight in tomorrow.  *fingers crossed*

How do you deal with eating in other people's homes when you are trying to avoid certain foods?

Paleo: Week One Results

Starting Weight:  213.5
1st Weight In:      210.4
LOSS:                     3.1 pounds

I was down 4.1 pounds before TOM arrived. I'm up one pound but I know that it's bloat because yesterday was a little bit of a rough day. I keep forgetting that day two is always worse than day one.

I was craving sugar yesterday and vegetables sounded terrible so I just ate fruit and protein. I resisted!!

Feeling much better today and expect to be back on track!

For dinner last night...we ate chicken breasts that I'd marinated in curry powder and coconut milk.  It was soooo good! This will be a weekly recipe for us and now I just need to find a veggie that would complement it well.  Maybe Sweet Potato?

Praise The Lord! Go Paleo!

Jolene (my lovely coach and support from Healthy Discoveries) didn't say anything to me about not weighing myself.  I've seen on some of the paleo blogs that you aren't supposed to weight until day 31.

I've been weighing myself every single day.

As of this morning, I'm down 4.1 pounds! It's only been 6 days!

AND....I'm in complete shock.

This morning I was down 1.4 pounds.  I was really pleased because I ate out both Friday and Saturday, being very careful to be strick with my eating.  Friday night we went to Chipotle and I had a salad with Carnitas, Fajita Veggies and Guacamole.  It was delicious and I didn't miss the rice and beans at all.

Carnitas, Veggies and Guac

Saturday we went to Rodizio's Grill for lunch and I found plenty of Paleo friendly items at the salad bar! I love their beef, chicken wrapped in bacon and chicken hearts with lime on them! So good!

Fruit, Veggie and Eggs

 I was still full until about 7pm...so then I had a packet of Almond Butter with an apple.  I didn't love the Apple Butter.  I really thought I would.  Strange.

ANYWAY....back to why I'm SHOCKED!

TOM (you know...that little gift from Mother Nature that arrives every 28 days or so?) arrived this morning.  A few days early....and he didn't bring his usual baggage.  No migraine.  No cramps.  No bloating and NO CRAVINGS!  This must be the miracle that I've been looking for! 

I'm so thrilled and feeling great! 

Credit

It Could Happen!

Moving right along here...Day 3!

I was not hungry yesterday.  At all.  I had to force myself to eat.  This is huge for me.

When I was making my plan with my coach Jolene....I told her there were two times that I'm going to want to have a drink.


1. My husband's 30th High School Reunion


2. The first week of August when my in laws are visiting.


And now we have been invited to a birthday party at a bar.  My first instinct is to decline the invite because I can't have a cocktail.  But then I was thinking this could be a great test of my will.

I can totally go to a bar and not have a drink.

STOP LAUGHING.  It could happen.  Maybe.

I guess we'll see if I can con someone into watching my kids and find out!

Gluten Withdrawals....

I was doing great yesterday until 2:26pm.

It was like a switch was thrown and suddenly....I was uncomfortable, the world was much too loud and I thought I was losing my mind.

My kids voices were amplified, my apartment was sweltering and I couldn't stop bitching about it on twitter.

I wanted to injure the weatherman who lied to me about rain and I wanted the guy building a gazebo outside to stop the impossible hammering immediately!

I just wanted to curl up in a ball.

Making dinner was....challenging.  It was hot and my daughter wanted to help....oh and now I had a headache.

Finally...at 8:30pm, I curled up in bed and went to sleep.  Finally...relief.

This morning...I feel much better.  My husband cautiously approached me and asked if I was okay.  Apparently, he looked up GLUTEN WITHDRAWALS last night and read that it's similar to the withdrawals of a drug addict.  Same neurotransmitters are effected.  He was considering tying me to the bed.  Silly man!

The dinner that I made last night was great and my husband even said he loved it.  I might be able to convert him afterall!  Portobello Burger with Egg recipe.

Going Paleo

I had a lovely chat with my friend and coach Jolene from Healthy Discoveries yesterday!

I've been doing some research...I wish I'd been this good at homework when I was in school.

Bygones.

We talked about what my obstacles are.

1. Eating Out
2. Love of bread, cereal and sugar
3. Love of wine
4. Not enough water

We talked about body chemistry and how counting calories doesn't work for some people and how I've tried every single diet under the sun and only ONE has worked for me.

hCG worked for me.  It was gluten, sugar, alcohol free.

Hmmmmmm......interesting.

Day one went GREAT!  So great that I forgot to eat lunch.  Did you hear that?  I wasn't hungry and I forgot to eat.  Who am I right now?

I made a yummy dish for dinner that was a favorite during my hCG days but I gobbled it up so fast that I forgot to take a picture.  I'll be making it again in a few days and will share the recipe on my food blog.

I'm so thrilled and encouraged by the fact that Jolene has agreed to mentor and coach me through this.  Knowing that she's there to talk to and offer advice and cheer me on....is making me feel like I can really do this.

She just completed her own 30 day Paleo Challenge and her results are amazing! Read her post here.

That reminds me....I need to take a before picture and measurements.

I'm PISSED!

On Friday....I broke down and weighted myself.  No, I didn't totally get rid of the scale.  My husband wouldn't let me.  It's been sitting in my bathroom taunting me.

As you recall....On June 27th, I decided that the number on the scale was no longer my focus and instead I was going to focus on being healthy and make good choices.

I felt awesome about how things were going.  In those 2.5 weeks....I made great choices and I restarted my exercise routine. I was derailed a little bit by Monsoon 2011 but I still did something...almost every day.

I stepped on that scaled and discovered that focusing on my healthy choices.....gained me 3 pounds!

WHAT???

I'm pissed.

I now weight more than I did when I started the hCG diet.  I've gained back all of the weight and then a few pounds.

This is ridiculous!

I immediately emailed my friend Jolene from Healthy Discoveries and told her I need help.

I'm meeting with her on Tuesday to figure out a plan.

She's my only hope.

Or NOT!

Beware....

I'm doing really well this week!

I've been exercising...even though my beloved lake is nearly out of it's banks because of the Monsoon that has hit Colorado.  Six days of thunderstorms!  Last night, was the worst! I haven't experienced a storm like that since I was a little girl.

I'm tracking my food and haven't had a soda in over a week!

17 days until the reunion!

Looks like I'll be going back to the gym for a couple weeks!  I'm so frustrated with Bally's Fitness.  We sent them a certified letter three weeks ago and then on Monday they charged my credit card for another month!

WTF?

My husband called and they finally agreed to cancel my membership but I have *privileges* until Aug 9.   I feel like going twice a day to get my money's worth!

I really hate businesses that have horrible customer service and we'll NEVER join Bally's again.   They make it nearly impossible to cancel and I think that is so very wrong of them.

Beware.....of Bally's people!

Motivation Part 2

Do you know what's more motivating than seeing a picture of yourself taken from the back?

I video of you shot from the back.  I'm going to burn this outfit, eat some celery and go for a run.

The Video

Good Choices

Okay.  I'm starting over...AGAIN!

I happened to wake up at 6am and without even thinking about it....I reached for my workout clothes and my shoes.

1.65 miles!

And I ran some of it.

Sweaty

I ate really well yesterday and I feel....thinner today.  It's kind of amazing how eating right makes you feel GOOD!

I have to rant for a minute. sigh

My husband (god love him) complains constantly about not feeling...well.  He is always saying that if he doesn't feel better by (insert day here) that he's going to the doctor.

He's been to the doctor a lot lately to talk to him about this symptom or the other.  He always thinks he has cancer.

Well...I then, try to improve things but cooking healthier and changing his eating habits.  And then he complains about the food I've cooked.  I made Watermelon Gazpacho last night and he complained that it was like eating salsa. I thought it was great!

I don't know what to do anymore.

All I know is....I can make good choices for ME and I'm on a roll!

Scale Free

I ran into my friend Jolene from Healthy Discoveries at a party this weekend. Just being in her presence made me make better choices. I only had one glass of Sangria and one bite of dessert.

Jolene is working on something pretty exciting and talking to her about it really got me thinking some things.

While talking to her about being healthy...weight was never mentioned once. We talked about activity and healthy choices. We talked about motivation and the rewards of making those choices.

credit

My life has been ruled by the scale since I was a teenager. It can make or break my day. I'm throwing out the scale!

My focus needs to be on health and not weight. Because weight doesn't tell the entire story!

And it shouldn't determine how I feel about myself.

Starting today....I will work towards making healthy choices and adding more activity to my life.  I will reward myself with things other than food. I will hydrate my body with water instead of coffee and soda.

I desire to be HEALTHY and STRONG!  Which means....I'm going to have to change my twitter handle. HA!

When we pay attention to our desires, our daily energy levels increase. And embracing your desires will sustain your health! ~ Jolene Park

Looking For A Challenge

I was looking for a challenge....and I found this on twitter!

Wanna join me?

Courtney's Summer Challenge: Week 1

Take a walk every day

Bally's Total Fitness SUCKS!!

Several months ago....I talked my husband into getting a gym membership so we could exercise during the winter.  We went with Bally's because it was close by and had some pretty good deals.

It's summer now and we wanted to cancel our Bally's membership since we are now spending more time outside.

We went to the gym and were told to call to cancel.

We called and were told that you CAN NOT cancel over the phone.  You have to write a letter and tell them you want to cancel.

There is no way to verifiy that they have received your letter.  You just have to hope to God someone in Washington D.C. gets your letter and does their job.

This.....is bullshit.

Please people....Never, ever get a Bally's Total Shitness membership!

Pass it on.

UPDATE: They received our certified letter a few days later. We waited and waited for an email or letter from BALLY'S saying that they received the letter and were canceling our membership.


THREE WEEKS LATER...my husband noticed that they charged our credit card for another month.  He called and they finally cancelled our membership.  


I'm looking into what it takes to file some kind of a complaint against them because this kind of practice should be illegal.

I'm Sick AGAIN

If I had a hundred dollars for each time I've started an exercise plan AND then got sick.  I'd be RICH!

Hubby came home from WWDC with an illness....and he passed it on to me because we did a lot of *talking* when he got home.  Yeah....we were talking.

I'm hoping that I can convince him to get my feet some new running shoes this weekend so I can start over on Monday.

6 weeks until the Reunion!  UGH!!

Comcast tech should be here any minute to hopefully fix my internet.  It's been rough...

Mama Needs New Shoes

I Haz No Internet, a photo by Uber Mommy on Flickr.

My internet is all screwed up.

But I did try to do Week 1, Day 1 of the Couch to 5K plan.

I think I need new shoes. Mine are two years old and my knee hurts.

And I was chased by a mad mama duck.

It was gorgeous this morning!

Motivation Pictures and More Stress

My husband is out of town this week and that means.....STRESS!

I don't have anyone to help me with the kids and I'm worried about him. I know it's unnecessary because he's a grown man and can take care of himself....but I am still stressed out about him being gone.

I really do need to get a handle my how I handle stress and I know I've talked about this a million times, but without eating any extra calories...I've gained 7 pounds since last week.

SEVEN!

I know that I haven't consumed 24,500 extra calories. In fact I've been eating pretty healthy without him here. Or at least less.

My goal was to actually LOSE a few while he was gone. So much for that.

I'm going to do some yoga today and see if I can calm down!

***********

Memorial Day Weekend....we went to a party.

I thought I did really well...except for the wine.

I drank three large glasses.

I didn't eat a burger and had a couple little bites of dessert.

I had some dip and a fruit salad.

I was feeling really good about myself that day...I even shot a video of myself in Toyr R Us and thought I looked thinner.

Then a few days later....my friend sent a picture of me watching my daughter jump on the trampoline and I was appalled at what I look like from the back.

I must have clown mirrors in my apartment because I thought I looked pretty good in those jeans!  

Motivation!

Putting that picture on the fridge!

Wrinkles...Be Gone!

For 30 days now....we have been consistent with one thing.

Skin care.

Every single day....we are cleansing, polishing(using scrub) and moisturizing.

I had a bad habit of going to bed with make-up on and I didn't use moisturizer daily.  Since starting this new part of our routine...I've noticed my skin is no longer dry and the small lines forming under my eyes are slowly going away.  After another 30 days...I'll show you before and after pictures.

Keith's Skin Care

Connie's Skin Care

Love These!

I also just learned that you should apply face creams up and outward and that it can also improve the look of your skin. I just started doing this a few days ago....so I can't say for sure that it's true, but I'll keep you posted.

Most all of these products can be purchased at Target.  No7 by Boots did not pay me to post about these products...I just really like them and wanted my readers to know about them. 

20 Years Younger: 30 Day Results

Keith:

Starting weight: 215
Week One       : 212
Week Two      : 208
Week Four      : 208
LOST:             7 pounds

Connie:

Starting weight: 208.6
Week One      : 207
Week Two     : 207
Week Four     : 207
LOST:              1.6 pounds  

We slacked off a little bit there at the end but I'd also like to report that we both lost one inch from our hips and waist. ONE inch in each spot!

We are committing to another 30 days and will be adding in walks at night with our children now that the weather is getting nicer and the days are getting longer.

I'm also committing to NOT weighing myself for the entire month.  I think it really messes me up mentally.

I will continue to try recipes from the book and post them on The Rookie Foodie.  We're really enjoying the fresh vegetables and we tried a new kale recipe last week that the kids actually ate!

I'll also be posting more about the notes I took while reading the book.  Stay tuned!

Week Two: Stress

Keith:

Starting weight: 215
Week One       : 212
Week Two      : 208
LOST:             7 pounds

Connie:

Starting weight: 208.6
Week One      : 207
Week Two     : 207
LOST:              1.6 pounds   


I did really poorly this week.  I ate poorly,  didn't exercise and my weight reflects it. I've discovered that I'm great at packing food for my husband...but I don't follow through with myself.


For me...this is all a result of stress.  Drama that I keep trying to avoid stuck again this week.  I really do need to find a better way to deal.  This is my mission for this upcoming week.  Eating my emotions is hurting me.

How do you deal with your stress?

Why I Ate Pizza Last Night

My Fitness Pal FAIL!!

Sleepy Head & Quinoa

I was planning to post about one of the four pillars of the 20 Year Younger lifestyle plan today.  I thought things were going well in that department.  I know I am doing better.  Since changing our diet, I've been getting really good sleep...even waking up fairly early and feeling rested.

I was informed today that my husband is not experiencing better sleep.  He claims to be having trouble and his shoulder hurts.  He has adjusted his sleep number and changed his pillows around.

I found it difficult to believe that he was having trouble....because the guy can sleep ANYWHERE.

So...not sure what to think of his sudden problems with sleeping.  If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

What is your sleep number?

I have been going to bed between 10-10:30.  I have been forcing myself not to lay in bed playing Word with Friends and turn my phone face down on the end table so that the light doesn't wake me up during the night. I getting anywhere from 7-8 hours of sleep. And I'm not getting sleepy at 3pm anymore.

I haven't been using an alarm clock...just waking up when my body wakes up.  Next week, I'll be setting the alarm to get up for a morning walk.  I had planned to start that this week but Mother Nature hates me and decided to snow.

Colorado....you never cease to amaze me.

I have some recipes posted on my food blog and you can find them all in the tab at the top of my blog.

Ouinoa

Week One: Fruit and Veggies ROCK

I stopped my daily updates because I got tired of complaining about *my dieting partner*.

He got better.  I changed his food up a little bit AND he liked some of the things I made later in the week better.

We kind of made a bad choice for Mother's Day Dinner (PASTA) because we were trying to please our hungry picky kids.  I'm thinking eating out is going to become a thing of the past unless we can find a babysitter.

Coming up this week:

• Recipes for the meals we ate last week.  I've decided to post the recipes on my food blog since this is going to be a lifestyle change.  Go to The Rookie Foodie for the recipes.
• Our skin care routine.
• Beginning exercise!!

So...results for week one.

Keith:

Starting weight: 215
Week One       : 212
Lost:                     3 pounds

*also....One week without taking a acid reducer, sleeping better and more alert at work.



Connie:

Starting weight: 208.6
Week One       : 207
LOST:                  1.6 pounds

*Also....one week without taking an acid reducer, sleeping 7 hours a night without waking up, more energy.  AND this was TOM week!

Yes, you read that correctly.  I LOST WEIGHT DURING TOM!

Praise The Lord!

Day Two: Stumble

*Someone* complained about the food all day yesterday. I must really love him because I did not enjoy torturing him.  But something amazing happened....

He didn't have heart burn last night and he didn't wake me up snoring. 

That seems pretty great for one day of eating REAL food.  Hmmmm....

He also appears to have lost 5 pounds overnight.  I'm sure it's not really weight...just water but still.

*******

I stumbled today.....had a McDonald's breakfast burrito.  I didn't mean to order one when I got one for my kids but out of habit I ordered three.  Then I ate it.  I made it my lunch and I'm still under my calories so I guess I'm okay.

TOM arrived today.  I don't know why I wasn't expecting him.  This is going to be interesting....dieting while he's here.  I want ice cream soooo bad.

Must resist!

I made another 20 Years Younger Recipe today.  Tuna Salad and it was great!  I can see us eating this frequently.  Hubby even liked it!

Tuna Salad

Day One: One of Us is Grumpy

Stocked Up!

Hubby and I weighed and measured this morning and then put the scale away.  We'll bring it back out in 30 days.  I want to focus on how my clothes fit and how I'm feeling and NOT how the scale makes me feel.

Our breakfast this morning was Steel Cut Oats with cinnamon, apples and walnuts and a side of cantaloupe.  I think it was very filling but hubby seemed to want more.  He's going to have to adjust to eating less food.

Oats and Fruit

We had breakfast at 8am and by 11:30 we were hungry so I whipped up lunch.  We had Sardine Salad, a wheat roll with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a cup of grapes.  It was a huge amount of food and it took me 40 minutes to eat it all.  Husband is complaining about how long it takes to prepare each meal and that a sandwich is quicker. I tend to agree with him....this is labor intensive.  AND I can't send this meal in his lunch.

I really enjoyed the roll (from Whole Foods) with the olive oil but I had to force myself to eat the grapes.  I was full by then and I'm not a big fruit eater.

Sardine Salad

After lunch...I had my husband take BEFORE pictures of me.  They were....horrible.  I'm shocked that I look like that.  I won't be posting them here because I mortified.  Instead I'll give you a picture I took yesterday.

before

I have to say that our Chicken and Grapefruit Salad was my favorite meal today!! I don't like grapefruit...at all. I hate grapefruit. But...a bite of chicken thigh, grapefruit and romaine with a light dressing of olive oil and cider vinegar....is fabulous!! My picture does not include the two Wasa Crackers that we were allowed. I only ate one. MY KIDS EACH ATE ONE and liked it. HOLY COW!

Forgot the Wasa Cracker

DO NOT TELL BOB OR MY HUSBAND...but I got a little treat for after dinner. This is not BOB approved unless you are exercising your ass off but I thought if we made it through the whole day without quitting then we deserved a treat.

This will not be a daily treat. Perhaps only on Sunday Nights. I bought this faux ice cream made with raw agave and cashew nut milk. It's actually gelato and it's raw, vegan, organic, low glycemic, low in saturated fat. It's also free of dairy, soy, gluten and cane sugar. It's a freakin miracle from Cashewtopia.

Happiness in a Cup

My kids loved it! I even told them it was healthy and they still loved it. Happy Mommy!

All in all, the food was pretty good and I'm not feeling dissatisfied or hungry.  I'm liking it a lot better than my husband who is a little grumpy with the changes.  I hope he lightens up about it in the coming days. 

Need To Know Basis

I spent the entire day yesterday reading the food section of 20 Years Younger and planning a menu for next week.  Some of these recipes are things we really wouldn't eat but I'm going to be adventurous and try some new things.  However...I'm leaving out the smoothies for now.

What I learned is that I need to not talk about this plan with my husband too much and just pack his food and tell him what to do. 

I started trying to explain the diet to him and his eyes glazed over.  I'll have be selective in what I share with him so he doesn't quit.

What I do know is that....he isn't feeling well and I have got to do something to help him.  I hope this is the answer.

We start tomorrow!!

Keith and Connie: 20 Years Younger

Did you watch Oprah yesterday?

What am I going to do without this show?  I'm going to be like a lost puppy.

20 minutes into the show....I bought Bob Greene's Book, 20 Years Younger because I've been feeling and looking old lately.  I don't know if it's the stress of raising kid's or if Utah just wasn't very good to me...but I'm not doing so great.

I need a plan.  

Bob's plan is centered around what he calls the four pillars: Exercise, nutrition, skin care and sleep.

I'm deficient in all of these areas.  Bob says that exercise is non-negotiable.  I tend to agree with him....but haven't been walking the walk.  Pun intended.

Bob also believes in Super Foods and 1700 calories a day with a plate that is half fruit and veggies.  He wants me to eat Brussels Sprouts and Seaweed.  And this is NOT a diet.

I couldn't wait for my husband to get home so I could tell him what I was about to do.  My plan was to talk it up so well that when I asked him if he wanted to do it with me....he'd have to agree.

He rolled his eyes....until I reminded him that his 30 year high school reunion is only 93 days away.

He changed his tune.

We're going to do this together!  YAY! 

I'm quickly reading the book and we're starting on Sunday.  May 1st.  

We'll be weighing in....and then putting the scale away for 30 days. 

Wish us luck!

Results of the 34 Day Challenge

Yesterday was my son's 5th birthday and the end of my 34 day challenge.

I can't say that I followed my plan exactly....but I did about 80% of the time. I didn't lose the amount of weight that I was hoping for.  But I did lose inches and a pant size.

Last week when I was at story time with my kids....I noticed that my pants were falling off.  They were a size 16.  I went home and tried on a bunch of my clothes and the 12's are super tight...but I got them zipped.  I just can't sit in them. 

I ordered a pair of slacks from New York & Co for $14 (regular $46) in a size 14 and they fit perfectly! YAY!

Start Weight:        208.6
March 24th:          205.2  
March 31st:           205       
April 7th:              207.4    
April 14th:            207.4
April 20th             207.2


POUNDS LOST: 1.4 pounds

I am calling this a success and I plan to step up my workouts once the weather warms up. I'm itching to get out and walk/run again! I'm even thinking of putting the scale away.  WOW!  I can't believe I just wrote that.  I think I've become a slave to the scale.

I'd like to thank everyone that supported me during this challenge! You guys are the best!

Wk#3 Weigh-In: Frustrated

I'm still sick.  AND Tom was here....he's about to leave and I'd like him to take these two pounds with him.

Starting Weight: 208.6
Wk#1 Weight:    205.2
Wk#2 Weight:    205
Wk#3 Weight:    207.4
GAIN:                  2.4 pounds

I feel like I spend 3 weeks busting my ass to get rid of what TOM does to me.  This up and down is driving me crazy! 

In other news....we bought a Wii Fit and I've been more active because of it.  Playing games with my kids.  My little fat Mii....is kind of cute.

***** 

We went to the Zoo over the weekend and walked for 2 hours straight!  It was 80 degrees in Denver that day and everyone was there.  It was packed with people and kids and strollers!  We ate breakfast at McDonalds before going...thinking this was a healthier (and cheaper) option than eating at the Zoo.

And we brought healthy snacks.  Fruit, granola bars and water.  It was so hot that we ended up getting the kids small ice cream cones.  I decided that I wanted to drink my calories.

I got a soda.

I've been a bad girl....

Caffeine and Sugar is my drug.  I felt so good after drinking this that I started making googly eyes at my husband.

I'm itching to get outside and walk again.  As soon as mother nature stops jacking up my plans and snowing and raining every time I get an urge.  I swear she reads my twitter account!

How did you do this week?