Mix flavors for a healthy, tasty taco

It's Tuesday so you know what that means...it's my weekly weigh in!

But first let me share this tasty treat with you.  This past week I had been craving tacos...perhaps it's because of Cinco de Mayo...hmmmm?  I don't know.  Anyway, craving tacos but not wanting any store bought and also not wanting to have the typical taco or use the typical seasoning packet.  What's in that little seasoning packet that leaves your meat way too salty and overly seasoned?

I decided I'd give it a go on my own.   I seasoned my ground turkey with garlic, cumin and an organic all purpose season mix.  I found some really delicious 100% whole grain wraps with oat and honey.  I topped the wrap with a little bit Chihuahua cheese, ground turkey, avocado, sun-dried tomato and a dollop of sour cream.  What resulted was simply a palate pleaser.  YUM! YUM! YUM!

I suggest you give it a try or get creative and try something different that leaves you happy, satisfied and healthy.

And now for my weigh in results....drum roll please I am down 3lbs this week!  Hallelujah!  I love it!  So thrilled.  Measuring, walking, weight lifting and keeping my hands busy by crafting is really working in my favor.

How was your week?  What new "healthy" recipes have you tried lately?

Muah!

Delicious? Deception?

Ok...so I've heard again and again how good Magnum's are.  They are the best.  To die for.  A must try. I've resisted for more than a year.  However, temptation finally got the best of me.

This weekend, while cropping with my girl's at Archiver's, I decided to treat the group to Magnums.  Off to the store I go.  I was having serious chocolate cravings.  You know the kind where you want chocolate, chocolate with a little side of chocolate!  As I looked at the various sizes mini and regular, flavors in chocolate with mint, chocolate almond, chocolate with mocha, chocolate with vanilla..I knew that for me size mattered...none of that mini junk for me.  I want one BIG HAPPY chocolate treat. (Is it me or is there something not right about the name of these bars?  I don't know about you but I'm not thinking about ice cream when I think of Magnums? D'oh!) So I chose the Milk Chocolate with some kind of chocolate sauce over chocolate ice cream and also the Dark Chocolate with Vanilla Bean ice cream.  Thank goodness for $1.50 off coupons. Those babies cost $4.49 for 3 and there were 7 of us.  So, I make my purchase and head back to the crop.  I'm anxious but I wait until about 5 hours later to have it as dessert, after dinner.

The girls are excited.  One by one we each have our Magnum, most for the 1st time.  The look of pleasure on their faces was a moment to savor.  The mmmmm's were plentiful...except for one!  Can you guess who that would be?  Yep, yours truly.  NOT IMPRESSED!  I chose the chocolate, chocolate with more chocolate and guess what it wasn't chocolatey enough.  It didn't have that yummy, deep chocolate taste I so needed, wanted, had to have it.  I think now that I have changed my lifestyle, I am quite particular about my treats and honestly, dark chocolate makes me so much happier than milk chocolate.

I saved a Dark Chocolate with Vanilla Bean one for myself and one for my hubby for the next day.  The results remain the same and he even asked, "What's the big deal?"  I really don't know.  I think Haagen Dahz Bars are better.

With that said, I need to report my weigh in results for the week...after indulging in not one but two Magnums, a taco salad (I didn't eat the shell), nacho chips, and a handful of salt and vinegar chips(oh sooooo good).  Needless, to say, I'm up a pound and I have enjoyed a tummy ache for about 3 days after that.  When you clean up your health and eating you just can't indulge in a "pot of crap!"  It's a lesson I seem to want to teach myself at least once a year.  It's a good, quick reminder to stay the course and to remember why it's important.

Anyway, I'm back on track and by Monday, I plan to shake the feeling of being a fatty, fat, fat, fatty, fat!  LOL!

Geeez...that's so NOT classy!

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!

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!

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!

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,

Weekly Weigh In - Quality Counts!

I don't think I reported my Weight Watchers' Weigh In last week...but I'm up 1.4.  A bit disappointing because I TRACKED everything.  However, if I'm honest, with my journey and the point I'm at...I know that it's the quality of the foods that matter.  It's not just simply calories in, calories out.  For me there are foods I need to stay away from even if I fit them in my plan.  I have learned that your body burns/uses calories differently...some stay longer, some don't!  


Interestingly enough after my weigh in and being fully aware of what I need to do to be on the losing side, I came across this article in the current issue of Experience Life Magazine.  It feels good to know that I have been paying attention to how my body reacts to certain foods and that my experience and thoughts have been validated. 


For those of you who are having a bit of trouble at the scale, perhaps this will help you too.  


Read How to Choose Your Calories Here.


March 21, 2012 Reason to Believe: You'll Get to Know Your Own Body.


Track, pay attention, learn and it will help you become more successful.

Weekly Weigh In - Weight Watchers' Points Plus

My last weigh in was Friday, February 17 and I came in at 1/2 pound down.  Yay!  Seeing that the week before I was up 2lbs, 1/2 lb down makes me happy!

The week before I had a serious attack of the munchies and I gave in.  I am never surprised when I weigh in.  I am always honest about what my week was like.  I track everything so I typically have an idea if I am going to be up or down.  However, I must admit that I was surprised that I was up 2 lbs!  YIKES! I did use all of my 49 points plus and I started using some of my activity points, as well.  I won't be doing that again!  LOL!

Anyway, at my Weight Watchers' meeting we discussed eating out.  I was surprised to see that some people eat away from home 4-7 days per week.  I personally, have found that making a lifestyle change has been essential in losing weight and maintaining over 100 lbs down.  For me that change included, eating out less.  We now only eat out 1-2x per week.  When we do eat out there are a few things I must always keep in mind.  Here are a few tips and tricks I use to make eating out healthier, fun and easy on my waist line!

• Know Before You Go!  Check restaurant web sites for menu listings.  Choose your meal and calculate points before you go.
• Choose bread or dessert but not both. Or skip them altogether.
• Choose broth or vegetable based soups.
• Get sauces/dressings on the side and avoid cream based sauces. Dip your fork in the sauce or dressing rather than pouring over your dish/salad.
• Choose grilled or roasted meat, fish or poultry.
• Ask for steamed veggies, rather than those sauteed in oil or butter.
• Eat slowly. Put down your fork between bites. This will allow your brain to register when you are full so you do not overeat. Stop eating once you are satisfied, not full!
• Ask for half the meal to be packed in a "doggie bag" immediately. What you don't see, you won't eat.
• Order fruit or sorbet for dessert. If you've just got to have a "fatty" dessert, share with your table mates and only take a couple of bites.
• Eat less during the day.  Save up your points for dinner and/or use your weekly allowance points to enjoy your meal out.

What are your tips for eating at restaurants. Share.


Next, weigh in will be this coming Saturday, February 25!

Have a happy, healthy week!

Love Yourself! Love Your Heart! Love the Game!

February is Go Red for Women's Heart Health Month!  What are you doing to take care of your heart?

Heart disease is highly PREVENTABLE!  Take steps today to live a heart healthy life.  Here are some great tips to help you get started, as well a few tips for surviving this weekend's Super Bowl Hoopla while also loving your heart!

Learn more here: http://www.goredforwomen.org/

Is it time for you to lose the extra weight?  Join me and many others who are doing it successfully with Weight Watchers'

Have FUN!  Be WELL!  Be HEALTHY! Be HAPPY! Be STRONG!

Stinking Thinking: Just Stop It!

Another week...another pound down!  Yeah!  Yes, indeed I weighed in on Friday and I lost another pound.  Yes!  All the closer to my goal.

I am so still LOVING this healthy lifestyle...being able to eat what I want, shopping at any store I want including stores for juniors, exercising and LOVING it, sharing the JOY of health with others.  I'm having a BLAST!

Recently someone asked what I thought was the most important key to my success.  Although, people always think either healthy eating or exercise...my response was attitude!  Attitude is everything!  If you get your thinking right, prepare yourself, keep it positive, I believe you can accomplish anything.

I so enJOY every aspect of this journey and I always focus on the positive.  I think about the GREAT food I get to eat. The foods I love...sweet potatoes, dark chocolate, salads, smoothies, omelets with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes etc.  I dream about new, yummy healthy recipes I get to try, I enjoy ice cream when I want it and a slice of cake if I so choose....in moderation, of course.  No more thinking that because something is healthy it can't be tasty!  I look forward to healthier versions of old favorites! It's a thrill when I find a new way of doing something that keeps my arteries clear and my heart strong!

I wake up looking forward to going to class to sweat!  I love completing a class knowing that I've added activity points to my tracker and that I've worked my heart, mind and body in such a positive way.  I feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of each class.

I love walking into the store and picking up a size 8 and being able to fit it.  I love showing my arms, my legs and wearing high heels and short skirts.  I'm more girly than ever!  I feel sexy and it feels good!

However, this is NOT how my life has always been.  I didn't always have the right thoughts.  I thought, weight loss is hard!  I thought I won't get to eat things I like.  I thought I don't like to exercise.  I don't like shopping.  Not so sexy in this size 26/28!  And let me tell you I never lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off..while holding this thoughts as my truth.  However, one day I decided to just STOP IT!  I changed ALL of my thoughts to positive when I decided to take on this healthy lifestyle change and whether I believed them or not...I thought them and today it is my reality.

So my advise to you is to just STOP IT!  Stop complaining, whining, worrying, doubting, making excuses and start living!  Start enJOYing your life, start focusing on positive thoughts and outcomes, focus on what positive results will occur with your change, what wonderful things you will get to experience.  Now go about planning and making it happen!  And soon enough you too can awake to a wonderful, positive, good, healthy, happy life!

...cause whether you think you can or can't your are right.  Therefore, think YOU CAN!

Another Pound Down! Weight Watchers and More Holiday Survival Tips

Hi All,

Well, it's after Thanksgiving and I weighed in on Friday, November 25, as promised!  Check out the video for the results and some helpful tips you can begin to use today.  You can also get my holiday survival tips below.  With all of the holiday parties and gatherings coming up more tips are definitely in order!

One of Weight Watchers' Tools for Living, that I use often is Mental Rehearsing.  Mental Rehearsing allows you to prepare mentally to act a certain way in real life.  It's a great tool for any situation.

According to WW, here are the steps you need to take:

1. Imagine the Challenge.  In this case attending a holiday gathering with many eating temptations.
2. Imaging how it "should" be.  How do you want to feel?  How do you want to react?  Keep these thoughts positive.
3. Now imagine yourself in the situation and your behaviors.  
4. Imagine yourself in a healthy way. Play it over again and again.
5. Use this technique over again and again for various situations.

My mental rehearsing looks like this:

• A party is coming up or other eating engagement. 
• Start planning for the event.  Contact the hostess, restaurant etc to get a list of what is being served.
• Plan your menu and calculate the points.  Remember to practice portion control and/or allocate additional points for the event.  Plan your week in advance!
• Imagine yourself in the situation, keeping your menu in mind.  Imagine enjoying your menu, as planned.
• Have an exit strategy to get away from the food, if at a party. (ie. go to another room to socialize rather than socializing around the food or dessert table).
• Be sure to also imagine having a great time and being satisfied.
• Replay the situation again and again.  
• Keep ALL self talk positive.
• Go enJOY your event and weigh in with a LOSS!

Stay tuned for my easy, pizza idea for only 5 Points Plus!  YUM!

Have a Happy, Healthy WEEK!

Weight Watchers - Holiday Survival Tips

Hello All,


I've weighed in for the week!  Want to know the results?  Watch the video and get some great tips for tips for making it through the holiday without a gain or just check out the tips below!

Tips for surviving the Thanksgiving Holiday withOUT a gain!

• Set your goal.  Decide what you want to do: gain, lose or stay the same.  Write it down!
• Plan your work. Work your plan.
• Know what is being served for dinner.  Get the points plus values for the items you plan to have.  See below for a few of the traditional Thanksgiving Feast Foods.
• Save your extra points for Thanksgiving Day.
• Remember it is just another day, another meal.  You don't have to eat the WHOLE thing.
• Get up and take a walk. Go for a jog.  Exercise to gain some activity points.
• Focus on friends and family and the time you have together, NOT the food.
• Get busy..dance(my favorite), play, laugh, share.
• Have fun!

To help you get started here are a few of Points Plus Values for some of the traditional Thanksgiving Feast Foods:

• 1/2 cup of stuffing- 5 points plus
• 4 ounces of turkey – 4 points plus
• 1/4 cup gravy – 3 points plus
• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes – 3 points plus
• 1/2 cup sweet potato souffle – 5 points plus
• 1 cup Green Bean Casserole – 6 points plus
• 1/8 slice of Pumpkin Pie – 8 points plus
• 1/8 slice of Apple Pie – 11 points plus
• 1/8 slice of Pecan Pie – 14 points plus

Whoa!  Lucky for me...I don't like most of these.  I bolded the items I would have...really not a fan of the others.  I like my veggies as veggies..no casseroles or gravies.  If this was the menu served at my dinner I'd only use 18-22 points...and seeing that I LOVE smoothies for breakfast...I could quite possibly make it through the day staying within my 29 points range!  And yes, my points would include either a 1/2 slice or a whole slice of pumpkin pie!

Anyway, what fun tips and tricks do you use for getting through "eating" during the holidays? Share.

Next, leave a comment. Share with a friend.

Weight Watchers' Weekly Weigh In - 11/4/11

Today is weigh in day!!!  Woohoo!  I signed up for this...so I am excited...every week!  Yes, I am!

This week, I decided to share my results and a few tips via video.  I'm on a roll!  LOL!  Gotta take advantage of these moments when I feel motivated to create a video.  Anyway, here ya go....

Weight Watchers' Weekly Weigh In

This past week, I weighed in on Saturday.  My typical day is Friday but Friday's have been a bit busy lately so I've been going to the Saturday meeting, which I am enjoying.  The leader is fun, energetic and jazzy.  I like!  Anyway, going in, I simply felt unsure of what the outcome would be.  Afterall, I had been told that I needed to eat more.  Again, a scary thought for someone who wants to lose weight.  I upped my protein intake, as suggested, eating ALL of my additional 49 points, as suggested.  I didn't feel like I had lost an ounce...but the scale will know.  As, I walked up, I started to tell the receptionist to simply write down the results, do NOT tell me...but then she said, "You've lost 1.4lbs."  What?  Wow!  Really!  Cool!  I guess this eating more and exercise thing is working.  Yay!

I must admit on many days I find it tough to take in more food.  I feel satisfied on most days but have to get creative.  I find that peanut butter is a great way to get in more protein.  Although, I can sometimes get a little crazy with dipping the spoon into the jar!  LOL!  2 tablespoons really is enough!

The meeting was pretty good. We talked mostly about where we want to be at the beginning of the year. She reminded us that the holidays are NOT a good time to let go of your healthy lifestyle plans.  The average person gains 10 lbs over the holidays.  If you remember this is NOT a diet but a lifestyle and plan, you can make it through the holidays.  I say this with confidence, through my own experiences!  I plan to make it through without gaining weight.  It is my goal that at the beginning of the year I am close to my goal of 20 lbs down.  Realistically, I think I will be there by February.  Losing 5 lbs a month is very doable.

So far, I'm off to a good start.  The downfall usually begins with Halloween and eating all the treats you allowed in for the Trick or Treaters and now you are faced with the leftovers.  Well,  I don't think that crayons and pencils will taste very good!  LOL!  So glad that I didn't fail to plan because I don't plan to fail!

Have a Happy, HEALTHY day,

Weight Watchers' Weekly Weigh In

I was away for the weekend, having a fabulous time with my girls (I'll share some photos soon).  Therefore, I didn't have a chance to share my Weekly Weight Watchers Weigh In.  Last Friday, at my weigh in, for some reason, I just thought I might have a gain...simply based on how my body felt.  I didn't "feel" any smaller.  Strange but true. I often "feel" it when I'm getting smaller or larger even in small amounts.  It was no true surprise when I stepped on the scale and she said you are up a little bit, .8 of a pound.  Hmmmm?  I could feel it but I still wondered.  Afterall, I tracked every single thing I put in my mouth and I didn't even use up my 49 extra weekly points.  How could this be???  I mentioned it to my WW Leader.  She asked if I was active..my reply...yes, very!  Her suggestion, "You've got to eat more.  You should eat your daily points plus, as well as your 49 weekly points plus."  Wow!  How about that...eat more to weigh less!

Although, I find my current menu and level of eating quite satisfying, I have to try to add more to my plate.  I do think this will be a challenge...except during those weeks when I eat out several times during the week.  She suggested I add more protein, which keeps you satiated.  Well...hanging out with the girls over the weekend, I'm sure I ate those 49 points!  I tracked everything and did not go over the 49.  I'll be weighing in on Saturday and I hope the scale cooperates.  Stay tuned...

As for the meeting, the topic for the week was to Set Up Your Environment for Success.  This can mean many things from setting up a place and time for exercise or setting up your kitchen for optimal success.  Here are a few suggestions made during the meeting:

• Purge tempting foods that can sabotage your efforts.
• Set up a cabinet that is just for you, with your healthy eating foods/snacks.
• Place the healthy items at eye level.
• Make exercise easy by buying equipment, dvds etc.  
• Make workout wear easily accessible. 
• Plan your day to automate your eating.

Great ideas???  YES!  I've done all of the above and they have been essential to my success.

Have you tried any of the above?  If yes, which ones?  If not, I challenge you to try at least one over the next week and tell me how it worked for you.  I'm sure you'll be delightfully, surprised.

Have a happy, HEALTHY week!

...the formerly, morbidly obese shopping, scrapping, healthy living DIVA...

Weight Watchers' Weekly Weigh In

Today was my first weigh in day since joining Weight Watchers' last week.  Just before leaving for the meeting I thought to myself, "I'll be happy if I've lost 2.5 lbs.  That would be great."  I went confidently to the meeting feeling like I just KNOW I lost 2.5 lbs. I tracked my food, I worked out..this was a good week.  Well, I get to the meeting, take off my sweater and my shoes and I hop on the scale.  I don't even ask what the results are.  I'll just glance in my booklet once she hands it back to me, again confidently knowing that it's going to be 2.5 lbs down.  Just as I was about to grab my book and walk away, she smiles at me and says, "You lost 4.8 lbs this week.  Good for you!"  What???  Did she say 4.8.  I open the book to confirm and sure enough 4.8 lbs down!  Yeh baby!  Today is a good day!

The meeting was fun.  We focused on eTools, which I credit for having such a good week.  I use the Weight Watchers' eTools for tracking my food and my activity.  Of course, eTools are the online tools available to subscribers to help you stay on plan.

I've just started using the eTools but here is what I like so far:

• Easy tracking of my food and calculating my Points Plus Values used and available.
• I don't have to keep up with paper tracking.
• I can save foods to my favorites which makes tracking even easier.
• I can track my activity and it calculates any Points Plus earned.
• I can build recipes and meals and save to my favorites.
• I can chat with others on the plan
• I can search for recipes to try.

Now that we've had this meeting I'm looking forward to learning more about eTools and trying out:

• The cheat sheets to learn more about Points Plus values of restaurant foods.
• I am going to start my Weight Watchers' Blog
• I am going to try out the Progress Reports which reviews what you've eaten and gives you tips for success.

Not only did I drop 4.8 lbs, I get to spend time playing with eTools...which is a good use of time.  They help me to stay on point and keep me engaged with my progam!  Yay!

Have a happy, HEALTHY weekend everyone.  Hey and while here don't forget to check out the Breast Cancer Awareness Blog Hop above.

I'm Down 2 lbs!!!

It's MONDAY!  You know what that means???  It's weigh in day.  I weigh myself once a week.  It is important for being aware of where I am and knowing if I need to change it up for the week to maintain or to lose.

This morning, I am happy to announce I am down 2 lbs!  Yay!  I've been pretty strict with my no white flour/white sugar over the past week and it is paying off.  I do have 73% cacao dark chocolate with nuts and raisins every day as a tasty, healthy, sweet snack.  Yum!

How'd you do?  Did you weigh yourself this morning?  When is your weigh in day?

As I always say, if you are working towards a healthier lifestyle, I encourage you to set a day and time each week, when you can weigh in.  This will keep you aware of how you are doing on a weekly basis and allow you to make changes, as needed.

Anyway, tell me how did you do over the past week?  Up, down, the same?  Share.  I'm here to share, help and encourage you toward YOUR healthy lifestyle goal!

Hey and while you are here be sure to answer our poll question at right and also, leave me a comment.  I LOVE hearing from you!

Have a happy, healthy, creative week!

That DAMN Soup in a Bread Bowl!

Uuugghh!  Well, I haven't had soup in a bread bowl in more than 6 years.   When I lived in Chicago, my husband and I would go to Panera on Fridays for their clam chowder and we'd always have it in that yummy, sourdough bread bowl.  You know, break up the inside and leave it in the bowl and allow the soup to soak in.  Ohhhhhh, what a delight!  

Now I knew before ordering, that the bowl was just a big ole CARB, laden with sodium and the soup would be the same...with the added fat.  But noooooo...that didn't stop me.  Bring that baby home to mama!!!  And my dh delivered.  I popped open the container, took a whiff of the delightful aroma as I looked with a slight bit of apprehension, broke up my bread and poured in the soup.  That first bite was a taste bud sensation!  Oh my, it was as good as I had remembered.  YUMMMY!  Then I sat and ate and ate...and as I was nearing the last bit of soup in the bowl, I looked at my husband and said, "Oh my, this is just too much! I'm full.  I probably should've stuck with a salad.  It'll be another 6 years before I have this again."  And I can guarantee you that, that is the truth...if I ever have it again.

Now here it is, weigh in day.  As you know, I weigh myself once a week.  It is important for being aware of where I am and knowing if I need to change it up for the week to maintain or to lose. Well...drum roll please.....

I am up 1 lb!  Yikes!  Was it the soup in a bread bowl?  Or perhaps those tasty sweet potato tortillas I snacked on most of the week???  One thing is for sure there are no sweet potato tortillas in the house this week and NO soup in a bread bowl!  LOL!  Like I said, I weigh myself weekly and I keep a journal of what I'm eating so that I can correct the following week.  No sweat...just making adjustments.

Lesson to take away: know yourself, know your OWN body.  I know that my body doesn't love carbs and one too many and I can expect the scale to go up.  I took a chance but was aware of the possibility.  Now, I can easily make corrections.  For me that's all it is...whether trying to lose or maintain, paying attention, knowing yourself and adjusting to reach your goals...without the guilt trip...just move on to the next step.

How'd you do?  Did you weigh yourself this morning?  When is your weigh in day?

Anyway, tell me how did you do over the past week?  Up, down, the same?  Share.  I'm here to share, help and encourage you toward YOUR healthy lifestyle goal!

Have a happy, healthy, creative week!

How much weight did you lose?

It's MONDAY!  You know what that means???  It's weigh in day.  I weigh myself once a week.  It is important for being aware of where I am and knowing if I need to change it up for the week to maintain or to lose.


This morning, I am happy to announce I am down 1 lb!  Yay!  Even after a weekend of hanging out with friends, wedding, reception, cake and ice cream.  I know it's because I had small servings...portion control and of course dancing every night helped, as well!  Yeh, baby!

How'd you do?  Did you weigh yourself this morning?  When is your weigh in day?

If you are working towards a healthier lifestyle, I encourage you to set a day and time each week, when you can weigh in.  This will keep you aware of how you are doing on a weekly basis and allow you to make changes, as needed.

Anyway, tell me how did you do over the past week?  Up, down, the same?  Share.  I'm here to share, help and encourage you toward YOUR healthy lifestyle goal!

Have a happy, healthy, creative week!

Weigh in Monday, August 29, 2011!

It's Monday at ScrapnFIT and that means time to weigh in!  Each Monday I weigh myself (most often without fail).  It is important for my continued healthy lifestyle to know where I am.  It allows me to make adjustments when necessary or to set new goals!

What did I tell you last week!  I said, I wasn't gonna freak out about gaining.  This lifestyle journey is all about ups and downs.  No need to panic, just make corrections along the way to get yourself back on track and I am back on track!  Yay!  This week, I am down 1.1lbs!  Yay!  

How'd you do?  Did you weigh yourself this morning?  When is your weigh in day?

I encourage you ALL to set a day and time each week, when you can weigh in.  This will keep you aware of how you are doing on a weekly basis.  

Anyway, tell me how did you do over the past week?  Up, down, the same?  Share.  I'm here to share, help and encourage you to YOUR healthy lifestyle goal!

Have a happy, healthy week!