Saturday, December 31, 2011

My how the time flies!

2011 was quite a year! On New Year's Eve last year, I was sitting at home, eating an ENTIRE fresh pineapple in hopes of putting myself into labor! LOL! Yeah, well that didn't work!

On January 18, 2011, my lifelong dream of becoming a mommy finally came true. Most of this year has been spent thoroughly enjoying every waking minute with this AMAZING little human that I created:):) Being a mommy has been everything I wanted and more!! It is fun, fascinating and at times, COMPLETELY frustrating:) BUT it is by far the hardest job I have ever loved.

Just a few short months, we welcomed my newest nephew, Gavon into the world:) That involved Taryn and I learning the breastfeeding ropes together, it was nice to have someone so close to understand the struggle!!! If you have never breastfed, then you will never truly understand the struggle that is involved.

As the year continued, most things that occurred that did not involve Jayce, are merely a blur. It's funny how motherhood can do that to a person. You almost lose a part of yourself, willingly handing it over to that tiny little person...no questions asked.

So I am sure that I did something great from March-October, but for the life of me, I don't know what those things were!! But I do know that in November, we headed out on a free cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. It was a cruise I earned for my family of 4. It was an amazing thing to go on a cruise knowing that my hard work paid off. And what an accomplishment to know that not only am I able to provide for my family, but I am also able to have my little guy travel internationally before he turns a year old!!! How amazing!!!

Then my entire world shifted on November 12 when we learned of my Pap's stroke. As he deteriorated before my eyes, I knew that this time was it. And on November 15, I said goodbye to one of the strongest and most influential men I knew. And everyday I am grateful for the lifetime of memories I have of him. And I am more grateful that even though Jayce won't remember his great grandfather, I know that Pap had 9 months of memories with Jayce.

In the midst of the loss, a lot of other changes occurred. The biggest on being my switch from Slumber Parties to Pure Romance. Within this transition, I learned who my true friends were. This was a change that I thought long and hard about. It was not an easy decision. It was a decision I made in the best interest of MY family. It was nothing personal. People who knew me, knew that I had a passion for Slumber Parties and the job I did. I am grateful for everything I was able to accomplish with Slumber Parties. But an offer I couldn't refuse was put in front of me. As it turns out, it was not a passion for the company that I had. The passion I have is for my job, for my clients, and for my family. With Pure Romance I have been even more successful in every aspect. I can better take care of my family, the products allow for me to help my clients more than ever and my passion for the job has only multiplied:)

As the year comes to an end, there have been ups and downs, but I can say with honesty that it has been an amazing year. And I am blessed:)

As for a resolution, there are so many things!!! I want to continue to grow as a person, as a wife, as a mommy, as a business owner. A huge part of that will involve continuing on my weight loss journey. I have a goal to reach my ideal size by Easter. That is 25 more pounds or a size 8!! I am a firm believer that you can't just have a resolution, YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN!!!! So currently I am embarking on my Turbo Fire journey. The plan is a 12week one that I will most likely extend to 20 weeks. I start that tomorrow. I will be pairing it with the "Fuel the Fire" eating plan which goes along with Turbo Fire.

Not only do I have a plan of action, but I will be kicking of 2012 with a 10k!!! Here is to another great year!!!!



***Updated measurements AFTER the 5 day Inferno plan******

Here are my starting stats:                                             As of 12/31/11

Weight: 189.2                                                                            Weight: 188.1
Waist: 41.5"                                                                               Waist: 39"
Hips: 45"                                                                                    Hips: 44"
Chest: 43"                                                                                  Chest: 42"
Right Arm: 13"                                                                          Right Arm: 12.5"
Left Arm: 13"                                                                            Left Arm: 12.5"
Right Thigh: 25"                                                                       Right Thigh: 24.5"
Left Thigh: 24.5"                                                                       Left Thigh: 24"

That is 1.1 pounds gone and even better than that, 6.5 INCHES GONE:) :)

Until next time!






Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Turbo Fire Inferno Day 2

Well, today was tougher than yesterday...I woke up and had very on plan meals/snacks:

Breakfast: Yogurt and Wheat Toast

Snack: Celery and PB
 
Lunch: Whole wheat wrap with grilled chicken, lettuce and free zesty italian

After dinner snack: Shakeology made with a half a banana

Worked my tail off doing the workout: Fire45 and HIIT 20. The #'s indicate the length of the workout. HIIT is high intensity interval workouts...aka ASS KICKING!!! LOL!!! I sweat buckets and burned over 700 calories.

That is where my "good day" ends...I was slammed with a full blow migraine and found myself on the couch for the rest of the night :( So I didn't cook up the chicken tacos that are on the plan. Instead, Steve picked me up a side salad and chicken noodle soup from Chick-Fil-A. So even though I wasn't 100% on plan today, I am happy with my decisions:) And know I still burned enough calories to help with my weight loss:)

Tomorrow has a HUGE agenda!!! Busy work around the house, then attacking Fire55EZ Class. Then I will be meeting up with my sister for a "long run" of at least 4 miles, maybe 5! Just depends on how crazy we are feeling:)

I will be sticking to the food plan tomorrow all the way through the snacks. Then I am Baltimore bound!!! My sister and her boyfriend bought my husband and I tickets to see Jeff Dunham:) YAY!!!! So I will be eating dinner on the road. I plan to stick to a healthy salad or something along those lines!

If I don't check in tomorrow, I will catch up on Thursday:)






Monday, December 26, 2011

Turbo Fire Inferno Plan!!!

Well, I survived day 1 of the TF 5 Day Inferno Plan! The Inferno Plan is a plan you can do before the 90 day workout program. It is designed to help jump start your weight loss.

The plan is very specific about your diet and your workout plan for 5 days. It is low calorie and tough workouts. I decided I CAN do this! It is only 5 days after all. Today wasn't easy. I have been hungry, but my body will adjust within the next day or two.

Today's meal plan included:

Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg and 1 slice of turkey turkey bacon on 2 slices of wheat toast

Snack: 1/2 of a medium banana and 7 walnut halves

Lunch: Salad topped with tuna and FF Italian dressing

Snack: Shakeology made with almond butter and water

Dinner: Honey Dijon Chicken and broccoli

My workout was Fire55ez and Stretch 10.  Not only is it specific when it comes to workouts and meals, but I also can only drink water and 1 glass of tea or coffee a day (only stevia can be used to sweeten) so needless to say I have only had water today.

I am proud of myself for sticking to it so far. It isn't easy, but I am hoping I will get at least a 3 pound loss to get me rolling as I start the 90 day challenge:)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

BEFORE Turbo Fire Stats! And a potato soup recipe:)

So, I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the arrival of my Turbo Fire DVD's to get here, waiting is SO NOT my strong suit. In the meantime, I have been obsessed with before and after photos from the program, they are AMAZING!!! And so, you have seen my "before" picture from the day after I delivered my son. If you forgot here it is:

Yep, that is me at 255 pounds! Yikes!!! Now here is my most recent "during" picture:
That is me at 189. Now I should warn you that the clothes hide WAY more than you think. These next pictures are me in my yoga pants and sports bra. I am 189. I am not taking or posting them because I am proud of it. I know 70 pounds is a lot to lose and I am proud, but I am not proud of the way my body looks. I have very little muscle tone, and more skin than I would like. BUT, I know many of you are still struggling with your weight loss, and I want to be real with all of you...I am sick to my stomach just *thinking* about posting these but here you go:





TURBO FIRE STARTS TOMORROW!!!!! :)
Here are my starting stats:

Weight: 189.2
Waist: 41.5"
Hips: 45"
Chest: 43"
Right Arm: 13"
Left Arm: 13"
Right Thigh: 25"
Left Thigh: 24.5"

***Photos and stats will be updated in 30 days***




Loaded Baked Potato Chowder (adapted from Pamper Chef)

(I use a deep covered baker for this recipe)


  • 3 large baking potatoes  (about 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 3 1/2 cups milk , divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened(I use 1/3 fat and 8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 -3 green onion (with tops)
  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper coarsely ground
  •   bacon, chopped and cooked(I use the REAL bacon bits)
  • sour cream

Directions:

  1. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise
  2. Place in Deep Covered Baker.
  3. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over the potatoes.
  4. Microwave, covered on high for 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave.
  5. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center.
  6. Cover and microwave on high 8 to 11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
  7. Remove baker from microwave and coarsely mash potatoes with Mix 'N Chop.
  8. Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in Classic Batter Bowl.
  9. Slowly add remaining 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth.
  10. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker.
  11. Microwave, covered, on high 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture is hot.
  12. Slice green onions with Chef's Knife.
  13. Carefully remove baker from microwave
  14. Add green onions, salt, and black pepper and mix using Small Mix 'N Scraper until cheese is melted.( I personally top each bowl with these ingredients)
  15. Serve with bacon and sour cream if desired.
     
    I serve with chunks of a good, crusty bread to dip in it:)


Monday, December 19, 2011

A Plateau?!?!?! Whaaaattttt?!?!!?

Hey Everyone!

It has been a few weeks. I had a hard time with the weeks following the loss of my pap. But I am back to it! Despite our loss, my life has been pretty amazing!! I recently left Slumber Parties and took a better position at Pure Romance...the grass may not always be greener, but I assure you, this time is has been AMAZING! I have never been happier with my job before. That happiness has carried over into every aspect of my life:) I am beyond grateful for the blessings!

Now, what you have all been waiting for...how has my weight loss journey been going? Hmmmmm.....can you say PLATEAU?!?!?! Yep it happens to everyone. Apparently, after 70 pounds, my body has decided that it wants to halt. Does that mean I give up??? HA!!!! You know me better than that, right?? :)

So it is time to switch things up! I am still tracking on my fitness pal. (amberd0626) And I just ordered Turbo Fire! It is a 6 day a week exercise program that is 12 weeks long. I did a TON of research on this program and I can just tell it is EXACTLY what I need to blast these last 30 pounds! I will be posting results weekly once I get started with the program. Not only will I check in weekly (I promise this time!) but I will be posting monthly photos and measurements. My measurements may not be pretty, nor will my photos, but they keep me honest and to let you know that we are all "real people" and if I can do this, so can YOU!

I considered mot posting about my plateau. There is nothing more discouraging than busting your ASS and not seeing the damn scale make a move. But the fact is, nearly everyone at some point or another in their weight loss journey hits a plateau. It's a necessary evil. One that can make or break you weight loss journey! It is important that when the scale stops moving, you realize that it is just the way your body responds to weight loss. That is why it is also important that you track your measurements, because sometimes the scale is not moving, but you ARE getting skinnier:)

So this week, I CHALLENGE you to take measurements and if you haven't taken pictures to document your changing body, then NOW is the time!!! I would love for you to share your progress with me! Let's motivate each other!

Until next time here are my latest pics! 30 pounds until GOAL!






Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Until we meet again...

I realize it has been awhile since I last blogged, it is amazing how much can change in just a few short weeks!!

I ran my second 5k on 10/15 in Martinsburg, the Apple Trample. At this race I ran in 36:25 which was SUPER exciting! Especially since I caught a pot hole in the 1st quarter mile and nearly broke my ankle. But I never stopped running, though I was limping for what felt like forever and I got passed by a girl in a wheelchair LOL! I made my 2nd attempt at a water stop...let me tell you they should have "mastering the water stop" as an essential part of you training, because I for one, look like an a-hole every single time! With this race came longer, rolling hills but I survived!!

Two short weeks after the Apple Trample, I headed out on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean:) I hit the gym once, and ran twice. I didn't track a single calorie but I ate wisely. Working out on a boat is something that is...well, different LOL! My sister and I ran on the outdoor track and you can feel every wave, talk about hill training!! But the best was the 1 mile run that we did, it took us 20 minutes. We were in the middle of a tropical storm with 15 foot waves and 20mph wind. The wind was blowing so hard that we drooled every time we tried to talk. Hardest mile of my life, hands down!!

We had a fabulous cruise, but were totally unprepared for the mess we were coming home to...Within hours of arriving home, we were told that my grandfather had a stroke.

Immediately, I rearranged my plans and we headed to the hospital. Only to find a man I admired more than most in a hospital bed in a comatose state. The doctors told us we would need a miracle. I held his hand as long as I could. Not wanting to leave in fear that it would be the last time.

We spent the next several days watching him deteriorate. This was the strongest man I have ever known, a man who had a handshake that would make its recipient's knees go weak...now it was simply a hand unable to grip anything...as the days passed it became clear that Pap would not be around to see Christmas. The day before his stroke as he laid in the hospital bed, he looked at my grandma and said "Oh, there she is"

By "she" he was referring to my Aunt Diana, she passed away in 1995, and she was standing by his bedside. My grandma reassured him by saying his guardian angel was there with him.Looking back we realized that she wasn't there to look after him, but to comfort him in a time that he needed in most. She was there to help him cross over.

They made plans to have Hospice take him home and "keep him comfortable." Pap hated the hospital and we knew that he would want to be at home. On November 15, Jayce and I headed to the hospital to see my Pap for what I was sure would be the last time. He was completely unable to hold our hands anymore. He looked so handsome, earlier that morning our cousin had come in and shaved him. He always hated having a stubbly face. We sat with him for hours. Then his breaths became more labored, his heart rate went up, and we knew what was coming. His family surrounded him and we recited the Lord's Prayer. As death slowly surrounded us, I remember telling him goodbye. My mom kept saying "It's ok, relax dad" but I knew what he needed to hear. I told her, "Mom tell him it is ok, tell him we will take care of Grandma" and I stepped away.

He hadn't opened his eyes or acknowledged anyone in hours, but as my mom and Aunt told him it was ok to let go, that they would make sure Grandma was taken care of, he sat up looked directly at them and took his last breath. For 65 long years, his world revolved around my Grandmother. He would not pass without knowing that she would be ok. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to watch, and at the same time it was the most peaceful thing I have ever witnessed.

My Pap was an amazing man who loved his family fiercely, worked hard for every dollar he earned, he was a man that accomplished so many amazing things that include working for President Nixon. But at the end of the day, all he had to be to me was my Pap, that in itself made him amazing in my eyes.


A man known for driving his Lincoln like it was an exotic, sports car. A man with amazing stories, and a man who worked hard for everything he had.

My favorite story hands down is that of my grandparents, their “love story” if you will. It certainly didn’t start as many fairy tales do. But I can tell you that when he told that story, his eyes lit up. What started out as a juvenile bet, ended in a 65 year marriage, a marriage full of so much love, even if pap spent half of their marriage waiting on grandma:) You didn’t have to hear Pap say how much he loved grandma. It was in everything he did.   Whether it was simply placing his hand on hers, or absent mindedly placing his arm around her.  I remember watching them as I grew up, thinking that if I found a love half as amazing as theirs, I would be blessed. Their love was the sweetest and strongest I have ever known.

Pap was full of so much knowledge. Growing up, my sisters and I called Pap the “walking, talking encyclopedia.” It didn’t matter what the subject, if there was something you needed to know, Pap knew it.I remember countless times hearing from my mom, “I don’t know girl, why don’t you call your Pap” His endless knowledge never ceased to amaze me. He always had an answer.
I know he is without pain and in a better place, but I still am saddened every day knowing that Jayce will not know this incredible man who loved him so very much...We miss you everyday, Rest In Peace, Pap <3

I honestly planned to write more about my weight loss journey, but I will save that for the end of the week, I promise to be back to my happy, upbeat self in the next blog:)

Until next time!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Races, Goal Setting and Calories...OH MY

So much to catch up on!!!! My break up with Weight Watchers is going well, I am still happily tracking my calories on My Fitness Pal. I track religiously and it is FAR easier than I ever anticipated! I LOVE that I can log on and see a new friend request from one of my "followers." The app is so easy to use and having friends on there is so encouraging. It is amazing! So if you haven't already tried it, what are you waiting for?!?!?! :)

Not only am I still tracking calories, but I am also still losing weight. I reached a huge milestone on friday....HELLLLOOOOO 180's!!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!! Yep to some 180 is fat, to this girl 180=happy naked dance :) Not only did 180 involve a happy dance, but when it came time to buy new pants, I slipped into size 14!!! What a fabulous feeling! I still have a long way to go, but I am going to the right road and loving it. I know I make this sound easy. And while the app is incredibly easy, that doesn't mean that staying on track is always easy. I remember when I was on Weight Watchers, the popular phrase was,

"Nothing tastes better than skinny feels"

Whoever said that has never had Outback's cheese fries, or Panera's broccoli and cheese soup in a bread bowl, that's for sure!!!! Every day you have to wake up and make a conscious decision to stay on plan or not to. Some mornings I wake up knowing it is going to be a good day, and others, well....

So if I have a bad day, I try to squeeze in a workout. Or you know what? I go to bed knowing that tomorrow is a new day!!!! Don't beat yourself up, it happens to all of us. Some people have cheat days to help them stay on track the rest of the week. I try to have a cheat meal. And I still count the calories because tracking is the one thing that keeps me focused. But I track them and then I MOVE ON! I am not saying it is right, but that is what works for me.

Not only is staying on track every day a struggle, but so is working out. My focus is on my running. I am sure you have read all about my first 5k. It only took me one 5k to learn that I may not love running, but I LOVE RACING!!!! I don't ever plan to race to win. But it is the race day vibe that I love. It is insane!!! To be surrounded by so many fit and/or motivated people and to be cheered on along the way. It is a high that I have never felt before. As long as I keep races on my calendar, I know I will continue to train. On my schedule currently is:

10/15: Apple Trample (5k)
11/20: Zoo Zoom (8k)
11/24 Turkey Trot (5k)
12/3 Hot Chocolate Run (5k)

And much further in my future is a HALF MARATHON on 5/6/12. I had been planning to run a half, and Frederick just announced theirs. May 6 is simply fate for me. For those of you who don't know, I lost two brothers within 9 mos of each other. We lost Steve on 4/25/03. His birthday was on 5/6/72. The Frederick Half Marathon will fall on what would have been my brother's 40th birthday. The training will be harder than anything I have ever done, but I will make this happen. Even if I have to crawl across that finish line, I will FINISH!!!

That should be enough to keep me motivated throughout the holidays:) On top of that, Gold's Gym is running a Holiday Survival Challenge from 10/15-1/21. This will include special classes, trainer appointments and pre and post holiday measurements. Stay tuned next week to see my pre-holiday measurements!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Banishing the Baby Weight!

Hey Everyone!

It has been WEEKS since I have sat down and written anything and for that I am sorry! Let me catch you up to speed. Just because I haven't been blogging does not by any means, mean that I have fallen off of the wagon. Not in the least!

I still run 3 times a week and am eating healthy. In fact, my total loss to date is 63 pounds!!! WOOT! That is the baby weight AND THEM SOME, BABY! :) I have however decided to take a break from Weight Watchers, actually my wallet made that decision, LOL! Please do not think for a moment that I do not believe in that program. But, my wallet just didn't want to take the hit anymore. That being said, I have started a love affair with My Fitness Pal (MFP). It is an app available on my droid. It is also a website. It is AMAZING! Oh yea...AND FREE:) It is a super simple calorie counter that figures out your calories, allows you to scan barcodes for foods, tracks your workouts and graphs your progress. Plus, you can add friends and keep track of one another's progress. Even make posts and comments...think Facebook for health nuts. I am IN LOVE! And honestly, counting calories is way easier than I ever anticipated! If you are looking for an easy and effective way to lose weight, you should check it out! And add me:) amberd0626.

Now, onto my workouts. I am running 3 times a week and ran my first 5k yesterday. I had 4 VERY specific goals in mind for this race:

  1. Don't be last
  2. Don't stop running
  3. Don't throw up
  4. Don't die
They seemed totally doable to me. That was until I picked up my packet on friday. I was surrounded my "runners," you know, the type that even if you saw them in the mall, you would instantly know they were runners. I felt out of place to say the least. I am standing there with my bib in hand, trying to decipher the map. Then it hit me, I was sure I was going to puke. I couldn't get outside fast enough. I called my husband. I was near tears and in full on panic mode.

What in the hell was I thinking???? I am not a runner, I am not an athlete! I am 192 pounds, I don't fit in here. And I certainly can't run this race...Thankfully my husband knows how to handle me when I am like this. He did his best to calm me down. At least enough to make me see that I could try it and give it my best.

Race morning arrives and I lace up my Asics and away I go. It is in the 40's and raining, what a miserable day! I arrive to see a massive group of runners. What I noticed is this....runners truly do come in all shapes and sizes, there was even an angry brid running with me:) As the race begins, I run at my pace; being super careful not to start too fast and in turn end up having to walk. My pace is slow but steady. We come across hill #1 and it doesn't kill me...but I was certainly unprepared! For 8 weeks, I had trained on a treadmill. And for 2 weeks I trained on the canal. I had never hill trained, my body was certainly not prepared for this. We continue along the black top, across a foot bridge and down the canal. I was tired but still strong enough to not walk. We slow down through the "water stop" which was gatorade and it was terrible, turns out I wore most of it so it isnt like it mattered all that much anyway. As I continue past, I see a hill ahead of me. This is a MONSTER hill. Every bit of a 1/4 mile that zig zags straight up. As I continue to make the turns on this hill, my legs are screaming at me to stop, but I see the final bend and know that I have to SUCK IT UP and freaking do it. I press on, the hill levels out as we pass under a bridge. I am so relieved I did it!!!!

As we come out from under the bridge, there is another stretch of the monster hill remaining. The moment I see it, I have zero control, I am so exhausted and I am ready to walk. All I can muster at this point is,

"You have got to be fucking kidding me"

This got a giggle out of my sister, but I was angry, these damn hills were not in my plan. I press on and as I finally reach the top, it takes everything I have to keep my legs moving. It takes everything I have to not turn my stride into the "grandpa shuffle."

Finally, I see the football field in the distance and I know I have to keep going because the finish line is FINALLY in sight! We keep trucking and as we make the turn towards the field, I get chills. I look at my sister and say,

"I am going to finish this thing without walking!" My voice breaks, and I can feel the tears welling up. It took me a second to swallow the tears. And just as I do, I see my husband lift Jayce up and say,

"There's mommy!!!" I was ecstatic, I picked up the pace and I raced those last 50 yards with everything I had. I crossed the finish line at 39 minutes and 32 seconds!!! I secretly had a goal to do it in less than 40 minutes:)

My race time wasn't fast by any means, BUT, I didn't walk, die, puke or come in last....can you say SUCCESS?!?!?!?!?!? I may not love running, but man oh man do I love racing!!! I am already looking forward to my next race on October 15 at noon. I am aiming to improve my speed in the next two weeks. Two weeks is a lot of running time, so I am feeling confident that I can make this happen:)

As I reflect on my running and weight loss journey to date, so many things run through my mind. I have such an amazing support system that I know I can continue to banish this baby weight. This is not "baby weight" that I am losing at this point and it isn't easy. When someone hears that I am nursing my son, they tell me how amazing that is for weight loss. I am here to tell you that nursing is not how I have lost this weight. Because for me, along with nursing comes the need to eat 24/7!!!! This weight has not fallen off from having a baby or from even nursing. I have fought for every stinking pound. I have the sore muscles and the increased endurance to show for all of my hard work. So if you are reading my blog in hopes of a miracle drug or trick, I don't have one for you.

Hardwork and determination are what gets results. Diets don't fail, people do.

Until next time:)



Friday, September 16, 2011

Foodie Friday and a New Start!

Hello Everyone!

I know it has been a little longer than normal, but things have been crazy around here! I just got back from Atlanta, Georgia for Slumber Parties National Training, AMAZING(and a whole other post on its own, so look out for it next week!) I am still on track. I even went running while in GA:) I did skip my run this morning...GASP! Turns out I am human, but I will be on the treadmill first thing in the morning:)

I have decided to *attempt* to keep my food and exercise journal on here as well. I hope to accomplish 3 things.

#1: Keep myself accountable
#2: Let people know it's ok to not eat on plan 100% of the time
#3: Give everyone ideas so that they can mix up their meal routine.

I made this decision because I was out on Tuesday running errands and the baby passed out, so instead of going to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe for my wrap, I decided to hit KFC. As I was eating my bulging bag of grease, it occured to me that you may want to hear about it. Why? Because you are following my blog, which I hope means that you get something out of it. I also hope that you are cheering me on along the way, but you wouldn't have been cheering me on as I ate my popcorn chicken. Maybe you would have been disappointed in my lack of judgement. No worries, I tasted that crap all day, so I am disappointed in myself! But I want you to know that no matter where you are in your weight loss journey, we all indulge every now and again. You just accept your indiscretion and MOVE ON!!!!! TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!!! And maybe squeezing in a walk would help too:)

So, yesterday I was very well behaved:

BF: Scrambled eggs on a light sandwich thin. Instead of using cheese or mayo, I substitute a Laughing Cow wedge. They come in all flavors and are AMAZING! (I am on WW Simply Filling, so I do not have a daily points allowance. I only have to count points for food that arent on my "aproved list"). This meal cost me 1pt

Snack: FF Strawberry Yogurt

L: Brown Rice and a Banana (Small I know, but Jayce kept me busy)

D: Taco Salad made with lean beef, FF French and baked doritos.

If you want to be held accountable too, please feel free to comment with your food journal:) LET'S HELP EACH OTHER:)

Now, it is foodie friday, so how about an easy crock pot dinner that is healthy??

Chicken Stroganoff

1 carton of mushrooms
4-5 chicken breasts
1 packet of onion soup mix
1 16oz FF sour cream
1 can of FF cream of chicken or cream of mushroom
Whole wheat pasta (about a half of a box)

Put mushrooms in the bottom of the crock pot. Place chicken on top of mushrooms.

In a seperate bowl, mix sour cream, onion soup mix and soup. Then pour over chicken. Cook for 4-6 hours on high. When you are about an hour away from eating,shred chicken and mix whole wheat pasta into the crockpot and let cook for an hour.

Or you can also cook the pasta seperately and pour stroganoff over it.

Enjoy!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Foodie Friday!!! 9/2/11

It is that time again!!! I am posting a quick, easy and TASTY seven layer dip that is PERFECT for a cookout! I am a big believer that you should enjoy a cookout. Weird how we correlate "enjoy" with "eat!" So in order for me to eat and know that I am on plan, I like to bring something to the party! This is my favorite go to recipe. It is also great for Sunday football, GO COWBOYS:) Please don't stop following my blog because I am a Cowboys fan ;)



 Print


Seven-Layer Mexican Dip
Weight Watchers Recipe
 

NA





Ingredients


  1 cup(s) fat-free sour cream   
2 Tbsp reduced-sodium taco seasoning   
9 oz fat-free bean dip, about 1 heaping cup   
6 oz guacamole, about 3/4 cup   
1/4 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese   
  4 medium scallion(s), chopped   
  1 small tomato(es), chopped   
6 medium olive(s), black, sliced   

Instructions

  • Combine sour cream and taco seasoning; mix well.
  • Spread bean dip on bottom of a 12-inch round glass serving bowl or edged-platter. Top with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, scallions, tomatoes and olives. Yields about 1/4 cup dip per serving. 
I leave off the olives, because I am not a fan. I always serve with baked scoops:)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Runner's high or insanity??

"The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince" -Vincent Lombardi

I am on the treadmill on Monday and I am starting run #1 which is 5 minutes. I set the treadmill at 4.5mph because I am dreading 5 minutes. After all, it damn near killed me last week!! I am a minute in and am feeling a tad more confident so I bump it up to 4.7. I finish the run and I am feeling good. I am halfway into run #2 and it hits me....HOLY CRAP I can do this!!! I bump that speed up to 5 mph and with a grin on my face I finish that run, AND the next one at a 5mph pace! To some, this is not a fast pace, but to me it was euphoric!

I won't go as far as saying I love running, but I can say that I love what it is doing for my body! On Tuesday morning, I got up and prepared for my weekly weigh in. This is a routine that never changes. I get up, I pee, and I get dressed in a pair of yoga pants, take top and t-shirt. Then I nurse the baby (because those are precious ounces on the scale!!! Don't judge me, LOL). I slip on my flip flops and Jayce and I are on our way! I walk into my meeting and go pee again, then I wait in line with my fellow Weight Watchers. As I approach the scale, I slip off my flip flops and take off my t-shirt. I step on the scale in my yoga pants and tank top. I dream of the day they will put up a curtain and let me get naked but for now this is as naked as I can get.

Normally, I am excited because I weigh myself at home and have an idea of how my weigh in will go. But this week was different. When I got on the scale at home, it hadn't moved...I had worked out and ate well, so this made me a little sad. Stepping on the scale, I tell myself that when I got dressed, I noticed my tummy was flatter and my thighs thinner, but I still feel a little anxiety. I am the type of person that celebrates even the smallest of losses, but gains are a punch in the chest. I braced myself for the blow. I can't wait for my leader to hand me my tracker, so I can look, so instead I peak over the counter as she is writing it. DOWN 1.5!!!!!!!!!!! I did a stupid dance, Jayce was thoroughly entertained:) My hard work is paying off!

I may not *love* running yet, but I am confident that I will. It has done amazing things to my body! My legs and waist are slimmer. I am noticing muscle definition in my legs and I can walk up and down the stairs of my townhome without wanting to die. So while I do not love it, I am definitely inching my way there!

That being said, I see a love affair with Bodyflow class in my near future! I took my first class on Wednesday and I am HOOKED!!!! I run 3 times a week with a friend, and she had mentioned that when I am at goal, I should consider becoming a personal trainer. This is something I have considered before. I enjoy working out and I love encouraging people to meet their goals!!! This is not just a pipe dream for me. I have discussed this with my husband and I am doing my research to see what I need to do to get certified. I am stoked. Now, you may be wondering why I skipped right past my Bodyflow love affair and what this has to do with my newest goal of becoming a trainer....well, as I am taking this class, it occurs to me that I LOVE IT!!!! I can see myself teaching this class! Ok well not right now, because I am not very good at it, BUT I WILL BE:) I am going to work my ass off to get there!

I am not the most confident girl in the world, though I am sure it seems that I am. Please do not mistake my hard headedness for confidence. And I may just be hard headed enough to make this happen:)

Stay tuned!



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Leave it to "Secret Life"

Normally I would write about my weigh in (down 0.5 this week!! :) But as I was getting ready to sit down and watch an episode of "Secret Life" on Netflix, I got hooked. Needless to say, the subject of my blog has totally changed for today. I watched episode #73 today...aka the birth and death of Ben and Adrienne's baby. If you have watched it, then you know it is an emotional episode to say the least. To me it evoked emotions that I battle with all of the time.

Many of you know that I gave birth on 1/18/11 to my beautiful little boy. What many of you do not know is my labor and delivery story...It is a long story, so hang in there:)

On 1/16/11, I went to my sister's baby shower, I hadn't felt like myself at all. I was sick to my stomach, weak and more swollen than I could have ever imagined. As I sat with my feet propped up, my youngest sister rubbed my feet. She was astonished to realize that she couldn't feel the bones in my feet. I was miserable! My appointment was the next day and I went in with every intention of BEGGING for an induction.

I showed up to my appointment on Monday 1/17/11, barely able to bend my knees from the swelling. And of course, my blood pressure was elevated to 158/88. I had prepared an entire speech for when the doctor came in, but when she entered she did a check and looked over my chart and told me that I had probably been in labor since Saturday night! I expressed my preference to have her deliver my baby as opposed to the "on call" doctor. She agreed and said that if I didn't have him by Wednesday, then she would induce me.

This pregnancy was FINALLY almost over:) I went to lunch with my parents and husband and talked excitedly about what was to come. When I said goodbye to my parents I told them I would see them on Wednesday, and my mom smiled and said,

"Or maybe tonight"

I went home and finalized my hospital bag and the diaper bag. My husband and I just hung out for the night. I had been contracting on and off for weeks, but they were starting to get closer. It was a full moon and we were due for a winter storm that night, and something told me that he was coming, and soon!

My biggest fear was to going to the hospital only to get sent home. I wanted to be absolutely certain that when we went, I would be there to stay! So as my contractions got closer, I remained calm. I didn't want to get Steve worried for no reason. So when the sleet started, followed by lots of snow, I got a little nervous. Steve was ready to take me to the hospital but I insisted on a hot bath first:) So I took my book and got in the bath. I continued having contractions. When I came out, I looked at Steve, but I didn't have to say anything. He just got pale and said,

"Really? In this snow storm?"

What would have been a 10 min drive took 40 minutes thanks to the terrible weather and the fact that it was midnight and the roads were completely covered. As I checked into the hospital, I called my parents to let them know that I was there, but there was no rush...I could not have been more right!

Lots of cervical checks, and laps around the floor and I could not dilate passed 4cm. I was contracting every 4 minutes but no progress. After 9 hours of being in the hospital, they finally admitted me and my doctor came in to start pitocin. Soon after the pitocin was administered, it was time for an epidural.

The epidural is something I had said from the beginning that I wanted. But when it came to to consent for it, I got scared and unsure. Then the first pitocin contraction kicked in and I was sold! LOL! The first stick was not so bad...yes I said FIRST! That is because they missed and shot spinal fluid across the room, so they had to do it a second time. Steve had to step outside, and mom and I cried the entire time they were getting the second epidural rolling.

Several hours later, and I was maxed out on pitocin. By this time I had also had a reaction to the steroid in the bolus in my epidural so I was scratching uncontrollably. Oh, and did I mention that I was still not dilated passed 6???

Four boluses in my epidural and pitocin set at 10, and very little progress...My right side never went numb and I was still in enough pain that I couldn't sleep through the contractions. I was miserable and EXHAUSTED!!!! Did I mention that I also got a low grade fever from the boluses, so I was trembling uncontrollably...It was now 6pm on Tuesday and I hadn't been to sleep since 8am on Monday. At 8pm, I was only dilated to 8cm. We were all exhausted (my husband, parents and both sisters had been there with me all day), My husband decided to step out for a smoke and my dad wanted to get something out of the car. Since I was progressing at a ridiculously slow speed, I was ok with them heading out for a break.

Within a few minutes, I looked at my mom and said that I needed to use the bathroom. She reassured my that I had a catheter so I didn't have to worry about it. That is when I clarified that I had to poop. Yep, I said it! :)

She yelled for the nurse, they checked me...TA DA! I was FINALLY at 10cm and my husband wasn't there!! I looked at my sister with pure panic in my eyes and yelled,

"Get STEVE!!!"

When Steve arrived at my side, and everything hit me. I burst into tears, I wasn't sure I was ready for this. I didn't think I could do it...If you have delivered a child you know what I mean when I talk about this feeling.

At this point the nurse said it is time to do some "practice pushes." Which are real pushes as it turns out! My doctor wasn't even there yet! But I geared up and started pushing.

I won't go into the details of pushing, what I will tell you is that NO ONE can prepare you for how hard it is to push. Especially when you haven't slept in 30+ hours. So I begin pushing, I got in 3 pushes and my doctor showed up! I continued to push on cue, while passing out between contractions. I honestly didn't know how much more I could take.

The doctor tells the nurse to take off the band on my belly, that it is in her way. Then we press on...

I look around and notice there are several staff members in the room with me. It is a small hospital and I was the only one in labor and delivery so I didn't think too much about it.

I continue pushing, I had pushed my 3 pushes and was looking for a break. But instead the doctor looks at me and says,

"I need you to come back and push again...now"

That is when I felt the burning, but I kept pushing. I was sure that I was done at this point, I had nothing left, I was so tired. I told Steve I couldn't push anymore.

He tells me, "You are doing great, you can do this." Like he has any idea what "this" is ;)

Some people have a huge birth plan, that is terribly involved. That is not me. I only wanted 2 things...no IV drugs and I wanted my son placed on my chest immediately so that he could nurse. At this point I had not had any IV drugs.

I push one last time and the doctor throws the baby to my chest. I remember pulling him towards me as a nurse comes and takes him from me. It is then that I see that my son is purple.

The doctor continues to reassure me that they are just going to "stimulate him."  I had watched enough shows to know that this is fairly common. But I was scared to death. Next thing I know, the crash team rushes out taking my son with them. I didn't have to say anything, I just look as Steve, and I was crying hysterically.

With tears in his eyes, all he says is, "I know." It seemed as though time has stopped. The doctor keeps telling me that he is ok, and that he has been a strong little boy for 9 months. But when you have yet to hear your baby cry, there are no words to soothe you.

The entire room was a mess. I was was inconsolable...

It was 2 minutes before we heard my son cry. They did full resuscitation measures on him. When he cried, so did everyone else in the room.
It turns out, Jayce had gotten the cord around his neck 3 times. Every time he had tried to descend into the birth canal he was hanging himself. It turns out that they had lost his heart beat while I was pushing, which is why they removed my belt as to not alarm me. My husband tells me that not long after that he saw the doctor hit the emergency call button. Which is why there were so many people in the room.

The doctor had literally gone in with both hands to pull the baby the rest of the way out since he wouldn't come out on his own and there was no time for a c-section. That is why I felt a burning sensation.  When she finally got him out, she had trouble getting a clamp on the cord because it was wrapped so tightly.

Once we hear him cry, the nurse takes Steve to meet our son. But thanks to the epidural I am not allowed to go. The nurse tells me that there is a 2 hour recovery with the epidural BUT she will let me see my son in 45 minutes if I can get myself from the bed to the wheelchair on the other side of the room without her help. At this point it was only Lindsey and I in the room. I didn't have to say a word, she knew that I was going to make that walk.  It was the longest, hardest walk of my life...but I did it. I walked to that damn wheelchair and I was finally able to meet my son.

Having him old my hand made everything that I had gone through worth it. I won't lie. I still mourn what I nearly lost. You may think its crazy, I mean I have him with me, I get to see him smile and kiss him all over. What is there to mourn...I guess that just means you haven't been in my shoes. You didn't almost lose everything in the blink of an eye. And if that is the case, I am thankful. I am thankful that you did not have to go through it...I wouldn't wish that trauma on anyone. I AM grateful every single day that I have this little man in my life. He is truly the light of my life, my entire heart and soul.

But, when I watch something so terrible on "The Secret Life" or I hear about someone losing a baby, I cry. I cry for them and what they may be feeling and I cry for me and my son, for my family who was there with me during the worst and best moment of my life...My family who nearly lost their son, grandson and nephew.

I would not be where I am today without my husband who coached me while in labor, held me while we waited to hear Jayce cry, and went to make sure our son was okay.

Or without my mom who taught me to breathe and coached me through the hardest thing I have ever done.

Or without my dad who stayed so strong and helped hold my head.

Or without my sister Taryn, who rushed to my side while everyone got a grip, and held me while crying with me.

Or without my sister Lindsey who made sure that I made the most important walk of my life.

I am nothing without my family <3









Monday, August 22, 2011

Is a Half Marathon Only a Pipe Dream???

So, I am running on the treadmill today and I am thinking that I may be absolutely insane!

I started the Couch to 5k running program (C25K) exactly 1 month ago. This is a program that I believe in. It is a program that I did in 2007 and know that the program works. So, when I started the program again, I knew that this would help jump start my weight loss and help me to enjoy cardio again:)

I am a runner...I may not be fast and it may not always be pretty, but I hit the treadmill 3 times a week, regardless! I hear so many people say that running is therapeutic, that it clears their mind and is a big stress reliever...HA!!! Those are the people who have been running for awhile and who are in shape, or at least in much better shape than I am! I am here to tell you that not all runners feel this way!

To me, running is NOT therapeutic! I spend my half hour on the treadmill focusing on not dying...not tripping and falling off of the treadmill...or better yet, not throwing up! And yet I press on.

Why? Because I know that one day I will get over the threshold and I will enjoy running again. Just not today!! And probably not tomorrow either!

Despite not loving it, I have set a goal for myself and I do NOT give up. I signed up for my first 5k last week. October 1, I will run the Freedom Run in Shepherdstown. I do not have a goal as far as my time is concerned. At this point I just want to finish it, preferably running the entire time. Not dying or not vomiting will just be icing on the cake:) 

That being said, when I started C25K I decided that a 5k would be a starting point for me. It would lead me to a 10k, and I have even gone as far as to say that I plan to train for a half marathon next year. As I got into a 5 minute stretch today, I started to think I may be insane! 3 miles is one thing (and no small feat in my opinion)...but 13 miles???

13 miles?!?!?!?!?!

Yeah that is still my goal, but I won't lie to you...I am scared shitless!!! And I am full of self doubt... I don't believe in sugarcoating anything and I don't believe in letting my self doubt stop me from achieving my goals. Giving up is not an option.

Stay tuned <3











Friday, August 19, 2011

Foodie Friday: Texas Trail Beef Macaroni

I have decided that Fridays will be deemed "Foodie Friday!" This is the one day a week I will share a recipe with you! The recipes I post will ALWAYS be easy and quick, as that is the only way I like to cook:) I can also promise that these recipes are healthy and taste tested:)

This week I will share the recipe for Texas Trail Beef Macaroni. This recipe is quick and tasty. Even Michael had seconds! And its even better the second day!

Texas Trail Beef Macaroni:

1 lb lean ground hamburger 

1 c chopped onion 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

1 qt beef stock (4 cups) 

29 oz canned tomato sauce
1/2 c water, as needed 

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp chili powder 

1/2 tsp dried basil
4 c whole-wheat macaroni, uncooked
FF sour cream, for topping 

FF for topping 

Tabasco (optional, to spice it up) 



In a large stockpot, brown beef with onions. Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; cover, and cook 10 minutes, until macaroni is tender. Top with sour cream, cheddar, and/or Tabasco. 

Serves 8 


Enjoy!


Thursday, August 11, 2011

"Is that all the faster THAT chick can run?"

 "I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner." -Bary Yasso 

Have you ever watched the "fat guy" at the hotel gym working out and think, "yeah I am sure that guy works out all of the time" or some other snide thought?

Have you ever judged the "heavy girl" who orders a burger and fries at a fast food restaurant and then tops it off with a diet coke?

Be honest, you have. We ALL have...

Little do we know that the "fat guy" has lost over 100 pounds and is still working on losing the rest...or better yet, the "heavy girl" is on Weight Watchers and she has lost 50 pounds, and has decided to use some of her weekly points on a hamburger and fries, but doesn't want to waste points on a regular soda.

We are so quick to judge. I am just as guilty as the next person. I am not proud of it, but it is just proof that I am human like the rest of you.

The worst part? I am the heavy girl that orders the diet coke!  I am the girl we have all judged at some points in our lives. And let me tell you, I enjoy every fattening bite of my indulgence:)

If you have followed my journey, then you know that I have lost 54 pounds on Weight Watchers since I had my son on 1/18/11. I have also recently started the Couch to 5k running program in an effort to boost my cardio so I can increase my weight loss. I am not an athlete by any means, but I push myself as hard as I can with every workout.

While I am starting to enjoy running, I find myself stuck on the stupid treadmill because I fear the judgement of others. I run on a treadmill 3 times a week with my friend. Yes, I would much prefer to run outside...I hate the treadmill., but I am far too insecure to run in front of people.

The treadmill has become my sanctuary...my crutch, if you will. It is the one place I can run and not feel as though I am getting judged. But as I headed to the beach on Sunday on a girls' trip with my mom and sisters, I found myself without a treadmill and I knew I couldn't skip my training. The thought of running somewhere other than a treadmill made me sick to my stomach.

My sister had been wanting to get back into running, so she agreed to run with me while we were there.Though still terribly insecure, I felt better having a running partner. On our second run on the boardwalk(2nd run of the DAY, might I add!) I expressed my concerns to my sister. Though she is a tiny size 2, she listened to me intently. She has been with me every step of the way with my weight loss journey, and I knew she would not make me feel ridiculous for my insecurities.

The biggest part of me feared people judging me. I hated being perceived as the fat girl running. Yes, the numbers on the scale go down week after week, but in my mind I will always be the fat girl. Unfortunately it takes MUCH more than losing weight to lose that mindset.


After listening to me ramble, my sister reassured me that I am doing everything right and I am losing weight. I should not feel insecure, especially after working so hard.

"Screw them," she said.

Within 5 minutes of expressing my concerns, we jog passed a group of people and one of the guys says quite loudly, "Is that all the faster THAT chick can run?"

Yep, you read that right! Every single insecurity I have ever had was confirmed in one short phrase. It hit me much harder than I had expected.

Did I stop running? NO!

Did I cry? I wanted to, but NO!

Did I turn around and kick some ass? NO (though my sister tried to).

Instead, I pushed on.

At some point, I have to look at myself and know who I am.

I am not a skinny girl.

I am not the fastest girl.

I am not a lot of things...

But I AM A RUNNER!

Who sets the standard for what qualifies me as a runner? Who has the right to condemn me for not keeping an "acceptable pace?" NO ONE!

I battle my inner demons everyday with my decisions as a new mommy,a stepmother and wife. I battle them with every bite I take, wondering how it will effect the scale on Tuesday morning at my Weight Watchers weigh in. And I battle these demons every time I lace up my running shoes.

What I will NOT battle with are people who think less of me because I am not a size 2 or because I am not able to run a 7:00 mile.I will NOT battle people who feel the need to put others down to make themselves feel better.

I WILL NOT STOP! I WILL ACHIEVE MY GOALS! And I will say it again...

I AM A RUNNER!!!!