Showing posts with label Breathe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breathe. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Are you set up for success?

Fight temptation by surrounding yourself with good, healthy food.  Create your healthy space!

I've had the munchies big time, lately.  However, there are no munchies in this house!  LOL!  When I open the fridge, at eye level the first thing I see is fruit or veggies.  When I open the pantry door, at eye level there are nuts and raisins.  Nothing on the other shelves that will temp me.  I have set up my kitchen, my life for success.  

I don't believe in will power.  I believe in changing your lifestyle.  

What steps have you taken to set up your kitchen and your life, so that you achieve weight loss success?


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

What's Wrong with Me?

OMG!  I did it again.  I jumped in feet first without regard to my own sacred space and time.  I
ignored the warning signs and my own commitment to self.

At the beginning of this year, as I do every year, I chose a word to encompass a specific goal I have in mind for the year.  This year my word is SIMPLIFY!  I tend to do much too much and give myself unnecessary tasks.

I created iClassygirl.com so that I could simply share all of my gifts with you.  I can share may weight loss, my crafting, my love, my joy, my life.  It keeps it all simple and in one wonderful place that represents me and all that I have to share.

So what did you do, you ask?

I created another blog!  What the what?  You know the one...I Make Money Crafting.  What can I say?  The wheels are always turning.   I promised myself I wouldn't do this to myself and I did!  Yes. I did.  That's the bad thing.  The other bad thing is I'm NOT going to blog at both spots.  The good thing is, I will blog about it here!  It's just one more gift I get to share.  The really cool and super wonderful thing about it is that there is an absolutely AMAZING book, From Paper Crafts to CASH that will come forth from the chaos!  I cannot wait to share it with you.  I will launch this new book in May 2013.  I've updated it since my special introductory workshop, to include more worksheets, great profiles, updated social media section and so much more.  It will be a MUST HAVE resource for anyone who has thought about turning their paper crafting hobby into an income generating business.  Stay tuned.

Now, let me apologize for losing myself!  I'm back on track and focused.  I've updated iClassygirl.com and have some amazing new posts and creativity to share with you in the coming weeks.  Getting and staying focused allows me to do what I love...share, inspire and create.  It allows me to be calm...

breathe. eat. create. amore. laugh. move. 

....which allows me to be HAPPY!

Now if you see me straying again, I give you permission to slap me upside the head or just shack me!

SIMPLIFY!

Muah!





PS. If you haven't subscribed to my email updates be sure to sign up today to claim your free gift!



Thursday, April 18, 2013

More Veggies Please!

Lately, I've been craving vegetables.  Don't get me wrong I still enjoy my lean protein but I want to PILE on the vegetables. I just cannot seem to get enough.  Not a bad craving to have! So I'm going with the flow.

I decided to make a veggie, chicken stir fry for dinner.  Once upon a time, I would also need to have rice with this dish but I am waaayyyy over that.  Vegetables and chicken are plenty.  Since, I have been craving veggies, I was sure to purchase lots of veggies.  I also decided to add butternut squash to the mix, which added a hint of sweet.  Let me tell you...it was AMAZING!


I started off with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and butternut squash.



I sauteed asparagus, mushrooms and onions. 


I seasoned both with garlic, soy sauce and a little agave creating a savory, sweet taste sensation!
 Later I topped with the stir fry chicken. 

It was simply AMAZING!
However, I still wanted MORE vegetables. Seriously!  


.....and now for my Weekly Weigh-In news....drum roll please....I'm down another 1.4 lbs.  Woohoo!  Let's keep it going!  I'm on a roll!  All while eating simply delicious foods! Yeh!








Friday, April 12, 2013

Which Are You?


I came across this poem recently and thought it was worth sharing.  I LOVE it.  I think it rings true.   I challenge you to read it and answer the questions for yourself.  

Which Are You?
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

THERE are two kinds of people on earth to-day;
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,
The good are half bad, and the bad are half good.

Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,
You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,
Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.

No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.

Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,
Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,
There's only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load,
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner, who lets others share
Your portion of labor, and worry and care?

Well, now that you have read and contemplated.  What do you think of the poem?  What did you decide?  Which are you?  


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Adventures in Dining Out!

You know my husband and I LOVE to dine out.  Just about every weekend we go out or sometimes, grab something to eat in.

This past weekend we tried Stax Burger Bar.  By the name I'm sure you can guess they serve a variety of burgers, with unique combinations and toppings.   This place came quite HIGHLY recommended by a friend.  So we had to give it a try.

I knew immediately, that I was going to get the Dark Chocolate Milkshake.    What can I say, I often look at the dessert menu first.  We don't keep this stuff in the house, so a treat now and then is on the list of things to do.  Once I read it was made with Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, I was completely sold! It came topped with burnt marshmallows.  I wasn't crazy about the charred taste of the marshmalows but the milkshake made up for it.  While I'm not sure I thought it tasted like dark chocolate, it had a good, rich chocolate flavor, which is exactly what I was looking for!  Yum!


For my meal, I ordered the Lamb Burger it was topped with roasted red peppers, mushrooms, olive salad, mustard and rosemary dressing.  It comes with 2 patties.  Sounds like a lot but the patties were pretty thin, so not too overwhelming. I also always remove the top bun.  I love lamb and thought it was pretty good.



To complement my burger I ordered hand-cut sweet potato fries.  Tasty.


Now, to be sure I don't over do it when I eat out, I typically will only eat 1/2 of my meal and I will share a dessert.  No appetizers.  If I'm having dessert, I don't need an appetizer, as well.  I cut my burger in half immediately, shared my milkshake with my husband, but I admit I ate the entire serving of sweet potato fries.  Fries aren't the best when leftover.  LOL!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Anyway, it was a nice treat but won't be on our list of places to frequent.

Today, I am glad to report, I had a wonderful weekend and I am down an additional 1.6 lbs.

Moderation and planning means you can still enjoy dining out and eating the foods you love!

Have a healthy "adventurous" day!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

FiberFULL and Yummy!

One of my favorite salads is this yummy salad from Trader Joe's.  This is their Super Spinach Salad.  It is packed with spinach, quinoa, carrots, cranberries, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds and a tasty ginger miso dressing.  I add about 2 oz of grilled chicken to it and I am in heaven.  It packs an amazing 10g of fiber.  The first time I purchased this salad I ate the entire salad and was way past satisfied!  YIKES!  I now break it into 2 salads making it well worth it's price of only $3.99!   Of course, I need to add a bit of extra spinach but that works for me.



A great salad idea!  That's what is for lunch?  What are you having?





Thursday, April 4, 2013

Vegetarian???

For as long as I can remember, I have been threatened my husband with a once a week vegetarian dinner.  He is always game but I never come through!  I love my lean protein...chicken, turkey, lean beef and salmon.  When I sit down for lunch and dinner I cannot imagine making a meal with no meat. Ordering a vegetarian meal at a restaurant...unheard of!

Well this past weekend, I did it.  Not only did we go out for dinner, at Seed Kitchen and Bar but I bypassed the filet and the lamb, two of my absolute favorites when eating out.  I just did not want to eat meat!  What the what?

I ordered Sweet Potato Ravioli and a side of Caramelized Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower.  While I enjoyed it, I thought it was too sweet!  One of those wonderful benefits of no longer living a "sugar" laden existence!  Things are now too salty or too sweet...keeps me in line and I LOVE it!



I must admit that I truly enjoyed having a vegetarian meal.  Surprise!  I think I just might add a few vegetarian dinner recipes to the list!

And the next time, I'm at Seed I just might try the Vegetables of the Season meal, which my friend Laurie ordered.  I sampled and it was delicious!  Quinoa, Broccoli Rabe, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Kale and Collards mixture.  YUM!


Do you eat vegetarian dinners?  Got a few good recipes?  Share.

By the way it's a new week and I'm down a pound!  Yes!  Now to keep it off and add to it!





Thursday, March 28, 2013

One Size Too Small

I don't know why I am having such a tough time with dropping these 15 pounds.  I've been playing with the same 5 lbs for about a year now...just up and down, up and down.  It really is a bit frustrating.  I feel sad and a bit unwilling...just not wanting to adjust...but at the same time somehow hoping for a miracle that the pounds will just drop off without my needing to change my intake. 

This weight, right here, right now is where my body just seems to be happily living.  I can eat what I want and stay right in this place.  However, I don't really want to stay in this place.  I like my smaller size.  I feel so much better, my workouts are easier, my clothes look better, shopping is easier, my body feels better, my bra fits properly.  Right now, I feel so uncomfortable.  

I've tried being motivated by money. Didn't work.  I tried being motived by my workouts, not working.  Now, I'm trying with a cute little dress.  I never buy clothes that are too small.  However, I purposely bought this dress, knowing that I don't like the tight fit, hoping that it just might help push me in the right direction.  It's so cute and with my Spanx on, it looks pretty good.  However, I like breathing, so Spanx are out of the question. Gotta drop the pounds and it will be really nice to be able to wear this dress on our cruise, coming up this fall. 

Now, to make a few changes.  Uuuuggghhh...that's the thing, I really have got to change to make a change in my body and I'm being stubborn!  No morel No less. All me!

Everyday, I promise myself that tomorrow will be better.  Only to repeat yesterday.  One great, big vicious circle.  

Whine. Pout. Cry. Doubt. Fear. Tight fit. Hopeless. Frustrated. Sad. Discomfort.

Trying to snap out of it and move forward,





Monday, February 18, 2013

Back from the Party!

This weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of attending my dear friend's 40th Old School Throwback Party!  What a blast.

Temptation was everywhere!  However, I was prepared.  I went in with a plan.  No grains, breads, heavy carbs.  She made sure there were fruits and veggies and un-breaded protein.  I was thrilled.  I easily navigated the food table.  Having fruit and a few meatballs and only 1/2 a deviled egg.  Yes.  I didn't even feel tempted to eat the pockets, crackers, pasta etc.

With the plan there typically is room for a small treat.  My treat was to be a cupcake.  I enjoyed 1..well almost 1.  I'm not a fan of frosting...so I ate the cupcake bottom only.

Now, was I perfect. No.  I did also have literally 1 sugar baby, 1 lemon head, 1 mini chicko stick and a cigarette(gum) and as the night was coming to a close...I gave in to the rice crispy treats.  I mean really, they were old school treats.  I had to enjoy a taste!  I only had water as my choice of beverage.  Today, I'm happy because I maintained my weight.  I enjoyed myself without feeling deprived and without getting crazy at the table.  I woke up Sunday morning, happy, energized and ready to work out!  No tummy aches, no headache and no regrets!  One day, one meal, one moment at a time!






















Friday, February 1, 2013

The Challenge Starts Today! Go!

I've got the Mr. in on the act and we are getting lean, mean and healthy together in February!

I've got a few meal plans together to make it easy and we are on our way.  He is even planning his eating at work!  I love it.

Anyone else tried this or planning to try it?

I've got several friends who have tried this and report great weight loss and wellness success.   I have done no sugar and no grains before but haven't given up the dairy too!  Should be fun!  Yes, fun...I love trying new recipes and ways of doing things to create a healthier lifestyle.






Friday, January 18, 2013

Healthy Way of Life!

I read this recently and had to share.  This is how I live.  This is how I believe.  So awesome. So true!

"It's not just about what you eat or how you exercise, it's about all the little choices you make every day: choices about what goes in and on and around your body; choices about the perspectives you hold  and the people you surround yourself with. " 

Excerpt from Experience Life Magazine. 

Have a GREAT weekend!  Make wise choices.  Love yourself. Love your heart.


Friday, December 21, 2012

So Long Size 10! Goodbye 2012!

Me...size 10/12.
UNCOMFORTABLE!
Goodbye 2012!  It was...cute...revisiting size 10...bordering on a size 12.  However, it's time to get back to that perfect size 8 with a few 6's for good measure.

Over the past year I have lived quite uncomfortably in a 10. I don't like it here and I must do something.  I have learned that a few extra pounds really make a difference.  Which begs the question, "how did I ever get so fat?"

Walking, working out...simply carrying my own body seems to take so much more effort at this size than at size 8.  My joints are unhappy.  How do we allow ourselves all of those extra pounds.  I swear my boobs weigh a ton!  Literally!  They are gushing out of my bra and I refuse, absolutely refuse to buy a bigger size!

So here I am just before Christmas committing to a healthier, happier, slimmer 2013...starting now.

I will do it, I will live it, I will LOVE it...everyday!


Friday, August 31, 2012

Get Fit Friday! Reality Check!

Things are back to normal and moving along nicely.  My weight continues to decrease at a nice, slow, steady pace.  My energy is increasing and my cravings have gone!

I am making some changes and have encountered a few challenges, that I am meeting head on.  I have just started a contract as a virtual agent and the training is for the next several weeks from noon - 8pm, which means no evening workouts for the next few weeks.  However, I can workout on the weekends and take my usual classes.  I have pulled out my weights and exercise routines to use in the morning until I can get back to my "oh so loved" classes!  No excuses.  I've got to keep it moving and it feels good.  I will not allow a schedule change to interrupt my healthy lifestyle.  I will put me first.   You do the same!

Have a super, wonderful weekend!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Get Fit Friday! Back to Life!

So my eating has been so on point and I am feeling great this week.  Yes! It seems that I am finally beating the cravings.  I've gone back to my regular healthy eating routine:


  • Breakfast: smoothie, veggie omelette or homemade soup
  • Lunch: salad
  • Dinner: lean protein, veggies and a few days a week a whole grain carb.
  • Snacks: fruits, dark chocolate, raisins, nuts and sometimes plantain or green bean chips.

And just by going back to my normal, healthy, eating routine my weight is starting to drop.  I've been weighing everyday...which I do NOT recommend.  I usually weigh only once a week. Starting Monday I'm going back to weighing once a week.  I just wanted to see how my eating was working.  It's been interesting to see,  each day my weight has gone down.

I'm feeling energized and motivated!

Small changes.  BIG results.

With that said, we are going to the Pigs and Peaches Festival today.  LOL!  However, it doesn't start until 6pm, which means we are not there snacking all day.   We are going to enjoy the live music.  We will get a bite to eat.  For me this'll be my dinner. My same rules apply..lean protein...hmmm maybe not so lean..it is pork and veggies.  However, I'm not a pork fan other than ribs and I'll only eat around 2-3 bones.  Therefore, I don't think this will be too challenging. Of course, they will have various peach desserts too.  Love FRESH peaches, hopefully they'll have some. Not a big fan of peach flavored dishes. Another plus for me, on this date.

Have a great weekend.  Be happy, be healthy.  Eyes on the PRIZE!

 


Friday, August 17, 2012

Get FIT Friday! If It ain't broke, don't fix it!

If it ain't broke don't fix it.  Some time ago, I made a change.  Today, I think that change was NOT for the best.  I changed to a Friday/Saturday weigh in day.  For the duration of my 120 pound weight loss, I weighed in on Monday.  It proved to be such a wise choice.  It kept me on point over the weekend.  Monday, had remained my weigh in day through my plateau's and maintenance. Well,  back in October I changed to Friday, to accommodate going to WW meetings with my neighbor.  Well, here I am month's later and heavier than when I started!  Ok...well...not quite but I really haven't lost much and kept it off.  I lost, I gained.  I lost, I gained. I lost, I gained.

Friday, weigh-ins make me feel like, I can have a treat and make correction during the week before my next weigh in date.  Monday weigh-ins make me feel like, I can have a treat...but keep it simple because Monday is coming.  This proves to be much better for me.  It was imperative to me for me to do it on my own, as well.  I did not want to count points, calories or anything.  I wanted this journey to be all about me and creating a lifestyle I could maintain and simply live..out of habit.  Therefore, I have also given up my WW membership.  It's time to pull out all of those wonderful thoughts, feelings and friends that helped me get here.  It's time to live that lifestyle I created and stop fighting against myself and creating stupid barriers to my success and maintenance.

So today, I say to you back to Mondays...back to business...back to living healthily, happily, easily.

TEARING DOWN the WALLS!!!

Happy, Healthy Friday.



Friday, August 10, 2012

Get Fit Friday. Ready for the Weekend.


2lbs down and counting!  Woohoo!

Well it's Friday and time for my Get Fit Friday post.  Nothing too much going on in my world.  Just a pretty good week of healthy eating and exercise.  Gotta keep it together over the weekend.  I'm having my BIG 8th Anniversary Crop tomorrow and I'm feeding a large group of people and it's NOT what I typically would include in my own eating plan.  However, I'll be ready with my salad and some of my favorite healthy snacks in tow.  I will plan to have a treat within moderation.  

Attending a crop or other fun event?  Be prepared by bringing your own eats or bring a healthy dish to share so that you have something good to eat. Also, don't sit near the treat/food table.  You'll be tempted to snack.  One more great idea is to move around, get some exercise.  At my crops we always dance and have some fun activity that requires you to move!

Well that's my story for the weekend and I'm sticking to it!

Have a HAPPY, HEALTHY Weekend,

Friday, August 3, 2012

Get Fit Friday - Quality Matters!

Ahhhh...it's like a breath of fresh air!  Yes, it is FRESH, WHOLESOME food.  If you remember last week I told you how sluggish and heavy I felt and that I was not too happy in class.  However, this week I've made a complete 360!  Not only did I clean up my eating but I thoroughly enJOYed yoga!

After one week of healthy, clean eating I feel lighter, happier, more energized and just so much better.  Last week I talked about being hormonal, knowing that everything I've read about this time in my life says, by choosing healthy foods you can help this transition be more pleasant.  I've got to remember just how good healthy feels...always.  A treat is one thing but 3 weeks of treats is something else.  Oooops!

It's amazing how many people talk about being tired, heavy, bloated, sad, hot etc. yet so few are willing to try changing their diet to see if it makes a difference.  I'm always willing.  Health and happiness first. So glad I have returned to my senses.  So glad I've got a limit!

Bonus:  I'm down 1 pound!  Happy Friday!  I plan to have a WONDERFUL, HEALTHFUL, HAPPY weekend. You do the same!

Muah!


Friday, July 27, 2012

Get Fit Friday - I've Been Lost!!!

I've been lost in the unbelievably, yummy, gorge of snacks and chocolate!  LOL!  Ok..really that's not funny!  It seems that the hunger monster took hold of me...grabbed my hands, my heart and my mind and took me waaaaaaayyyyy to the bottom, where I could not see family or friends and NO ONE and NO THING could help me.

Well...nothing until by boobs popped out of the top of my bra!  Hahahaha!  Ok...really...that's not funny!  Over the past 3 weeks of my absence...I've gained a few pounds I think anywhere from 3-5lbs. I say, I think because I'm not so sure I'm trusting my scale but we'll see shortly.  Now, it truly was my boobs popping out that made me just stop and take notice.  My boobs always get the weight first and damn it...I am not buying bigger bras!  So...now, I'm awake and conscious again!  Whew!

I've started reading and sharing and again learning about peri-menopause, you know the years before menopause where you have the joy of experiencing quiet a few disturbing symptoms.  Well, guess what?  E xtreme hunger can be a sign of hormonal fluctuations.  I mean I've been a "man don't make me fight you over that last bite," kind of girl...LOL!  Ok...really...that's not funny!  I've been a mess.

Well, I survived.  A couple of pounds up.  A good dose of chocolate...loved every bite.  However, I never missed a date at the gym or a glass of water.  That's the good news.  The not so great news is now I've got to lose 18 or 20 lbs instead of 15 and my jar is empty.  LOL!  Ok..really...that's not funny!

I've again learned something about myself, I really do have a weight threshold.  I feel stuffed and tired.  Although, I haven't missed a day and enjoy my workouts...they are a bit tougher with only a few added pounds.  I seriously must've been living in a coma when I allowed myself to go all the way up to 285 lbs.  Whoa!

Well, I'm glad to say, I'm alive, I'm well, I'm here and I'm in control...again.

Until next week..be well, be healthy, BE STRONG!  This too shall pass!

Muah,

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

This is AWESOME!!!

Today is day 10 of healthy eating and exercise and I feel great!  I haven't missed a beat!  I've worked out every day and loaded the fridge with healthy eats, once again.

It feels great that when I open the fridge I see tomatoes, spinach, mixed greens, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, cherries, oranges, peaches, mangoes, avocados and my homemade strawberry lemon water.  I've got dinner prepared for tonight and tomorrow night making my eating, oh so easy.

Now I'm ready for another happy, healthy day.  Here's the plan:
Breakfast: Veggie omelette with feta, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes
Lunch: Mixed greens, grilled chicken, feta and raisins
Dinner: Beef & Veggie Bowl
Snacks: Hummus and veggies, dark chocolate, fruit

Exercise: 1 hour total conditioning!  Yes!!!

I'm LOVING it!

How is the journey going for you???

Happy Wednesday.  EnJOY your day.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

This Makes Me Sad!

I am hosting a crop(scrapbooking) this weekend and I am truly making my health a priority and have always tried to share information about health with my friends and encourage them by making healthier choices.  


I sent this email to friends regarding the crop:

Just confirming.  There will be 7 of us cropping together on Saturday.  We are bringing food to share.  Since this is only 1 day out of the month...I'd like to challenge everyone to make it a healthy day!

Here is what we have so far:

Mixed greens salad, grilled chicken and the fixings (tomato, nuts, raisins, feta) 
Fruit Tray
Falafel Chips/Bread and Hummus
Bottled Water and Sweet Tea

That's all I have at this point.
Here are some ideas to help you:
  • Edamame
  • Sun Chips, Rice Chips, Pop Chips
  • Kashi Cookies
  • Veggies
  • 70% Cacao Dark Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate Covered Raisins
  • 100% Whole Grain Bread to have with the salad
  • Chicken salad or tuna salad
  • Whole grain pasta salad (pasta salad made with whole grain pasta)
  • Chickpea Salad
  • 3 Bean Salad
  • seafood salad and whole grain crackers
The aisles of the grocery store are loaded with better, healthier choices.

Here are two responses I received:
"There are only a few things on the list I can identify and even know where to purchase/locate, so I'll bring the edamame."

"Thank you ???? - the only thing I was comfortable with was the seafood salad.....Thanks for making me feel better....I thought for a while there I was out of touch....lol"

How many items do you recognize on this list?


I have been sharing health information with these ladies for at least 4 years now and they don't recognize the items or are uncomfortable with them?  We've discussed heart health, cancer, weight loss in detail and how the choices we make can negatively affect us.  I've personally shared the 1st half of the list with them on at least 2 occasions.  All items are quite easily found at your local grocer.  Chickpea salad would be the exception.


I think the thing that seems to bother me most, is no one asked a question and they needed to stick with the familiar.  Also, is says something about how limited our experiences are.  This is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, to learn, to share, to do one thing good for yourself, for one day.  And we pass by the opportunity, so easily. 


I also realize how much education is truly still needed.  How much people don't listen or retain that which they do NOT deem, as important.  


I'm waiting for the day that the list consists of: Fried chicken, potato salad, ice cream, Oreos, Doritos, M&M's, cupcakes, hot dogs, potato chips and I can say, "I'm sorry, I don't recognize most of these items or know where to locate them."


Honor your GIFT OF LIFE by learning, by moving, by being healthy.  Be grateful by being the healthiest, happiest YOU, you can possibly be!  

I will continue to live my life by example and to share...hoping that something I do, share or say positively influences you and encourages you to try something new and to make a change for your health, for your life!


IDEA TO NOTE:  Crops at my house will ALWAYS lean to the healthy side.  What items can we add to the list???  Suggestions are strongly encouraged!








Trying to NOT eat, breathe or bathe in stuff that'll kill me!  Yep..it's The Final 15...Day 3!  I'm doing it!


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