Hungry Hungry Hippos

That's the only way I can think of how to correctly describe my day. I have been SO hungry all day long. Don't know if this is post holiday "carb fest" cravings or what, but it's been rough to be good with how hungry I am.

Breakfast

One VERY ugly omelet. As you can see, I failed miserably when I tried flipping the egg on to itself. Oops! Still tasted yummy. I used leftover ham from Christmas and some veggies.

Lunch

I have been craving cheese and pizza lately, so I made up a low carb pizza. Spray a frying pan well. Place 1/4c shredded cheese down in a circle. Let it fry up and get crunchy. Flip then top with sauce and a little more cheese. Not exactly gourmet, but delicious anyway. :)

Snack

I ate a cup of Skinny Pop about an hour after lunch, hoping it would fill my tummy a bit more. Love this stuff. Unfortunately, I was STILL hungry, so about 1/2 hour after the Skinny Pop I killed a ton of baby carrots...

I love carrots because they taste great, give me the "crunch" I am usually looking for in a snack and they have the added bonus of being a "free" food (meaning you can eat and eat without tracking the calories--so says my dietitian). Eat up!

Dinner
I didn't snap a pic of my dinner, but it wasn't exciting anyway. After grocery shopping, I stopped at Wendy's and grabbed us a quick dinner. I had a 1/4lb cheeseburger with no bun or mayo. Yum! Beef!

I bought some yummy stuff at the grocery store and am looking forward to sharing some fun, new, protein packed recipes this week!


I didn't work out yesterday or today because I have been pretty sore. Our apartment complex parking lot was a sheet of ice yesterday morning and I fell not only once, but twice! I am bruised up and feeling some kind of injury in my right hip, so I am trying to take it easy until I get better. Hopefully I will feel well enough to use my Christmas presents from The Engineer tomorrow--Wii Fit and Wii Zumba!!! SO fun!


Have a safe and Happy New Year. Please make sure to have a designated driver if you plan on hitting the streets for the holiday. Better safe than sorry!

 
 
 

Random Weekend Fun

This post is going to be a little all over the place today. I have a ton of pics and wanted to cram them all in, so here we go!

Breakfast
This morning I woke up with one thing on my mind... BACON! I have been wanting bacon for a few days now, so I picked some turkey bacon up to have this morning.

I had a few slices of turkey bacon and the leftover half of a one egg omelet that had cheese and sauteed squash inside. I am LOVING eggs lately. Right after my gastric bypass, eggs were my mortal enemy for months!

Lunch
Lunch today came in the form of hummus and carrots. I have an unhealthy obsession with hummus these days. It is just so good with everything! It is healthy, full of flavor, and very versatile. I actually had it as my evening snack last night as well, only I used Vegetable Crisps as the vehicle to get the hummus to my mouth. ;)

Dinner
The Engineer and I have been enjoying trying new restaurants up by our home the past few weekends since we bought the truck (truth be told, it's an excuse for us to go "ram around" in the new toy).. He uses that term, I just stole it. Thanks, Babe! :) Tonight we decided to try a place I had seen on the Travel Channel a while back, Bonnie & Clyde's. It is obviously Bonnie and Clyde themed, so it was very fun! I forgot to get a picture, but they even had an old antique car out front with a doll driving it. CREEPY!

                         I LOVED the napkins with Al Capone's signature on them! How fun!

Me enjoying some awesome bruschetta. I tend to not do appetizers these day, as I focus mainly on protein, but I couldn't resist! Bruschetta is my all time favorite appetizer and I love trying it at new places! P.S. I apologize for how awful I look, we got rained on walking in and my hair was SOAKED!

For dinner I got their A1 burger and my honey got the fish sandwich. Portions there were HUGE and the burger was phenomenal. Seriously, try this place if you get the chance! The burgers are made from Angus beef and brisket. So tender and juicy! I was able to eat about 1/4 of it and gave half to The Engineer to try. I also need to comment on how amazing their service was! Everyone worked as a team and we were so impressed that we ended up calling a manager over to let her know. Great place and very happy we went!

On to the random stuff...
I know people have mixed feelings regarding "side by side" pictures, but I love them. I love to see other people's and my own. To me, it is very inspirational to see how far others have come in their weight loss journeys, as well as how far I have come. I still feel like I am the same size as I was a year ago (knowing fully that I have lost almost 100lbs). Seeing my side by sides really gives me a reality kick that, yes, I am still losing even though I still have so far to go. With all that said...

When I first noticed my weight loss, I took my first side by side picture and paired it with an old picture from last Easter up at my future in laws.

I cringe when I look at that first picture. I was playing laser tag with my fiance's nephew and didn't even realize how big I really was! I was SO proud when I did this first side by side. Now I look at it and feel like I look swollen in my "thinner" pic! lol I had that same shirt on tonight, so I decided to do an updated side by side with a new pic in the same outfit (smaller jeans, same shirt).

I know it's not THAT big of a difference, but I see it and that's what matters to me. I have said it before and I will say it again. Whatever YOU need to do to motivate yourself on hard days..DO IT!!

Well, that's about it for today. I will leave you with a Grumpy Cat pic I saw today that had me cracking up!

                                                    Have a safe and Merry Christmas!

     Remember: PROTEIN FIRST! Then Christmas cookies! :)

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Wow! What a sight all of the snow is today! It's both beautiful and annoying at the same time. I think most can agree that it would be much prettier if it only snowed on lawns and trees. :)

The Engineer and I have been enjoying the new addition to our little family. About 3 weeks ago, we went out and purchased the beast up in the photo (no, not the Cobalt, silly). His truck has been giving him trouble for a couple months now and it was time. Needless to say, we are LOVING riding around in snowy weather (I've currently been campaigning to go out in it again today, but so far am unsuccessful. haha). We ventured out earlier this morning for some groceries, but it was getting yucky and that's about all we needed to do.

 I went to my first ever spin class at what felt like the crack of dawn this morning. Holy ouch! It was a huge pain in the butt, LITERALLY. I can't lie and say I wasn't watching every minute pass by on the clock, my "undercarriage" was in pain from beginning to end, but I did it and will try it again! Everyone I have talked to says that the key to comfort is sticking with it, so that's my plan. I will let you all know, if you are thinking about trying it, be prepared to sit on an ice pack later on in the day. It was a fun class though! Kate, the instructor, was SO sweet and willing to help me with any questions I had! One of the ladies in the class helped me set up my bike before it started as well. ***Another tip for those thinking about trying spin*** Arrive about 10-15 minutes early in order to have the instructor or a classmate help you set up your bike. This is SO important in order to get the most out of your work out and avoid injuries. Luckily, a friend of mine gave me this little tip a while back, so I arrived early and prepared. Also, let the instructor know you're new. Don't be ashamed! You are there, which is more than some can say. Everyone is a newbie at some point and most people are very willing to help out and share their knowledge/tips.

Breakfast
When I arrived home from class (after a Dunkin Donuts run, of course), I was STARVING! Hindsight is 20/20... I should have eaten prior to class, but I was just lucky to be awake at 7AM on a Saturday without an alarm!  We had ham for dinner last night, so this morning I whipped up this yummy western omelet. SO GOOD! That and my iced coffee..Yum!

 Lunch
After breakfast, my sweetie and I went out for our groceries and I was good and hungry again by the time we got back. Lately, I have been craving tuna and wanting to try out a "noodle-less" recipe, so I did today and it was delicious. Ladies and gents, I give you... Tuna Noodle-less Casserole! 

Ok, I will admit how gross looking it is, but I assure you the taste and high protein content make up for it's lack of eye pleasure!

Tuna Noodle-Less Casserole
1 can tuna in water (drained)
1/4 c. fat free cream of chicken soup
1/4 c. low fat cheddar cheese
Dash of each onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.

Mix and microwave until the cheese is melted.
235 cals
30 grams of protein....BAM!!!

Snack
About an hour ago I was feeling a little hungry, but not wanting anything big so I dug in to my container of Cherubs for a little afternoon pick-me-up. I don't care what time of the year I buy these, they are always juicy and full of flavor.

MMMM!

Well, that's about it for now.. Earlier in the post I mentioned that I was campaigning to go out and play in the snow. About half way through typing this, The Engineer asked if I would want to go out and try some soup at a nearby delicatessen for dinner. Yay! Stay safe if you venture out tonight!  

Vitamins, Food, and a Little Bit of Everything Else...

 So this week has been for the birds. Between The Engineer being away and a few other things, I just can't wait to say "see ya" to this week. I've been eating for one all week, so my food choices have been interesting. Most nights, I try to make nice, well-balanced meals for us. This week that went flying out the window. Pretty sure Ive been eating the same Subway sandwich for about 4 days now. Tonight, I switched it up a bit though.

I went down to Whole Foods on my lunch hour to pick up some groceries and lunch from the hot bar! --Just FYI, never, I repeat, never go to Whole Foods on payday before you have eaten lunch. BADDDDD decision. I ended up with a taco salad (which looks like a half-eaten blob because I ate half for lunch). I also had a tiny scoop of their mac'n'cheese. I know, I know, carbs!!! I am pretty good about not eating carbs, but I couldn't resist. And ya know what?? It was DELICIOUS!!!

                                       **ATTENTION ALL BARIATRIC PATIENTS**

You see that nasty thing on the side of my mouth? Kinda looks like a cold sore?? Yeah, ewwww! It is a fissure that I got due to lack of proper vitamin and water consumption. Yet another reason why it is SO important for us to make sure we are getting enough water, vitamins, and healthy/fresh foods. I am a bit notorious for not taking meds well. Fortunately, this has improved a very tiny bit since my surgery, mostly out of my fear of ever having to experience a potassium infusion. OUCHHHH!! Unfortunately, it hasn't improved enough. I really need to make sure I take my vitamins every day. Luckily, this time, my MD gave me a vitamin injection and just told me to get more water in my system. Vitamins--THEY'RE IMPORTANT!!

I do not have too much else for this post, so I will leave you with some pics from our wonderful Thanksgiving up at my future in-laws and a few from my decorating extravaganza this past week. :)

                                                             Isn't he the cutest??!?!?!

                             My future mother in law's home made pickles...A-MA-ZING!!

Home Sick :(

Hi People!

Happy Hump Day! And no... I'm not gonna say it. lol As much as the camel makes me crack up, I'm a bit over hearing the Hump Day commercial every Wednesday.

My week has been a bit abnormal, as I am off of work for a while. Monday morning, I had to have my gall bladder out. This was a bit fast. I just found out a week ago that it wasn't in good shape and needed to come out sooner than later. So out it came! The Engineer has been amazing. He took a few days of of work to take care of me because I'm a total baby when I'm not feeling well (Yes, I am pathetic when I am sick). Not surprisingly though, this has been my easiest surgery this year. Aside from being nauseated, there hasn't been a ton of pain. My GIGANTIC heating pad has definitely been a life saver (as it always is when I need it).

Seriously, this thing is HUGE! It's 26 inches long and 12 inches wide. LOVEEEE IT!!!!!!! We bought it originally when The Engineer needed back surgery. It was a nice option because it could cover from the top of his back to the bottom instead of needing to shift it a ton.

I haven't had much in the way of food going on this week. Solid food just doesn't seem to be sitting well in my pouch, so I have been doing a lot of protein shakes.. This also may have something to do with an early Christmas present my wonderful fiance bought for me...

Meet my Ninja Professional Blender Kit! AHHHHHH!!! I have wanted one of these forever! The Engineer surprised me by purchasing it online after I had mentioned how much I wanted one. This thing has it all! Blender, food processor, 2 personal shake blenders, juicer, and many blades for different slicing and dicing! I have been experimenting with it and can't wait to do more! It absolutely pulverizes anything I throw in it!

 My breakfast yesterday morning.

2 scoops Click Espresso Protein Powder
4 skim "milk cubes"--which is 1/2 cup of skim milk
1 cup light almond milk

Turned out SO creamy and smooth! Hello, Frappuccino!

The Engineer also enjoyed a nice strawberry/orange smoothie last night. Needless to say, we are impressed.

The To-Go cups are also nice just to use for drinks. I made some strawberry/lime infused water in one of them to have throughout the day yesterday and today. I LOVE infused water. Just gives such a nice sweetness, but without anything artificial. I find that I am trying to get rid of as much artificial junk as I can these days. Not always possible with a busy schedule, but I try when I can.

                                                      Strawberry/Lime water-- YUM!

Staying hydrated is SO SO important. Whether you're trying to lose weight, not lose weight, or just live. Water is vital for every function in our body. They say to drink eight 8oz glasses of non-caloric, non-caffeinated liquid a day to stay completely hydrated. This comes out to 64 ounces of fluid a day. If you are working out regularly (per my surgeon), it is important to up that to about half of your body weight or at least 96 oz in a day. Staying hydrated not only keeps your mind working correctly, it will also help keep your skin looking smooth, your hair from breaking, and you will have much more energy. Water can be delicious! Try throwing some of your favorite fruit in a pitcher over night and see how much flavor you'll get!

That's all I have for you today! Have a great night and drink up! - Water, that is... ;)

Do It For YOU!

Howdy!

So this week has been a rough one...Is it realllly only Tuesday??
I found out that starting next Monday, I am being reassigned to a location TEN minutes from my house. Free parking (HUGE DEAL--For those that work in the city, you know how nice of a break this is) and I will get lots of extra mileage. SO excited! Unfortunately, the current office I'm working in does not think they are ready for me or my coworker to leave yet and almost put a stop to my "near home" bliss. It was a stressful day waiting to hear the final decision yesterday.

While anxiously waiting to hear the news, I decided to finally go get my new license picture taken on my lunch hour just IN CASE I wouldn't be in the city starting Monday. I've been putting this off forever (have my camera card and everything, just need the pic). With 30 days left to get this done, off I went to AAA. It seriously didn't even take 15 minutes! lol I actually laughed at how long I put this off and it was so painless. After I was given my new license, I naturally decided to look at my old versus my new pictures. I literally "laughed out loud" when I saw how swollen my face looks in the old pic--bee sting, perhaps??? Unfortunately, not...just fat. :(

 As I usually do, I posted the "side by side" picture on Facebook for some laughs. I recieved this oh-so-kind comment after I posted the picture and it sparked a whole fury of conversation.

This brings me to the title of my post today. Whatever you need to do FOR YOU or to keep you motivated, do it! Who cares what anyone else thinks? People will be unkind, nasty, and even jealous. That's a price of success. Be it financial, weight, relationships, or just life in general, someone will always be out to make themselves feel better by making you feel badly. I will admit, this made me feel horrible. I broke down crying in the middle of a grocery store and it took me almost a half hour to get myself back together enough to go in to work. The pain for me was how much he discounted the hard work it has taken me (and many others that have had gastric bypass) to lose weight. I've said it before and I'll say it again...If I don't move, neither does my scale. If I eat poorly, I pay the price. Comments like this man made keep the "they're just lazy" stigma of gastric bypass patients alive. It's shameful.

Thankfully, I have an amazing support system of family an friends who came to my "rescue" yesterday and helped me to realize I do not need negative people around me. I have too many positive people to get in their way. Love you all! Just remember, as an adult, you get the right to CHOOSE who you have around you. I choose to have happy, encouraging people in my life and I choose to be happy!



                                     This one is for you, Jim!

Weird Goals!

Hiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!

How was your Tuesday? Mine was typical...Nothing too horrific. Pretty normal day. Work, gym, home, dinner, and now some time to chill out before I study. Anyone else as excited as I am for the new Snooki and Jwoww season tonight?? I know, I'm weird. Moving on...

Breakfast

Breakfast was some left over bacon from Sunday morning. This was quite the gem when I opened the fridge and remembered it was in there. It reheated very well! Who doesn't love bacon?? I had a few people come in my "office" and ask what I was cooking....I guess the smell was a tease..Sorry guys! 

Lunch

I'm not going to post a picture of lunch. I had more leftovers from dinner Sunday night...In other words, more Russian Chicken and spaghetti squash. Womp Womp! There was SO much! 

Weird Goals???

What exactly do I mean by that??? Well... I have a very weird, and somewhat embarrassing, goal that I would like to reach during one of my work outs someday..

I would like to make my arms and shoulders sweat. WEIRD! I warned ya! 

This all stems from when I was living in a dorm for like 5 minutes (Sorry, Ness)! 

My roommate, and best friend since 6th grade, was a beast when she worked out. She and I would go down in to the basement gym to work out. She would jump on the elliptical or treadmill and just go! I noticed that she would literally have sweat pouring down her arms and at some point I made this my idea of a kick a** work out! Someday, Stac, someday....

We were awesome.

 I always wondered why naturally thin people worked out. I never (until now) put two and two  together to make myself realize that they work out to STAY healthy and fit! Such an odd realization, but it's true. I always wondered why they wouldn't enjoy just having the body they do. Guess what?? If naturally thin people don't work out, their bodies won't be as healthy either! Shocking! I know! So all my fellow chubbie ladies, you can quit hating on your naturally skinny best friend just because she hits up the gym when you would kill to just not have to. :)

So I took my chubbie lady self over to the gym after work for some cardio and lifting. I was supposed to take a class tonight, but wasn't feeling very social. Just wanted to do my own thing. I got in about 40 minutes on the elliptical (no shoulder sweat yet) and about 20 minutes of upper body. I am sore, but I love this kind of sore!

Dinner

 After my work out, I cooked up a DELICIOUS dinner! Breaded and baked chicken tenders, cauliflower "mac" n' cheese, and steamed green beans. I loved this meal. Turns out perfect every time.

The key to keeping baked chicken juicy and tender is vinegar. WHATTTT?? I learned this from a show I watched forever ago. When breading your chicken, put a TBS of vinegar in your egg/milk combo. The vinegar will break down the chicken a bit and it will turn out perfect every time! You won't taste it either! I bread my chicken with Special K protein cereal that I run through the food processor and season because it's lower in carbs and higher in protein than traditional bread crumbs. Makes for a nice crunch too!

I make my cauliflower and cheese just like I would make normal baked macaroni and cheese. Because I try and do low carb these days, I use mashed up cauliflower instead of noodles. Also quite yummy!

There you have it! Another day in my post-op life! :)

Have a great night!!!

Go Away, Monday!

I have such a case of the Mondays today...Sigh...

Monday is my long day at school, so my entire day is just spent dreading the fact that I cannot head home directly after work. I'm a bit of a home body these days (what else can you do when studying has become a serious, daily event??)...

My weekend was fabulous, but Friday night was a bit of a carb overload, so today I was looking forward to eating some protein and getting back to my normal routine.

Breakfast

This morning started out with 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese and a few chunks of fresh pineapple. SO GOOD! 

I'v found that I am absolutely starving about half way through my morning if I eat a high carb breakfast, such as a bagel. A few hours later, I am ravenous and will grab the first thing within my sight--which is horrible because my current "office" is in the break room of a doctors office, so there is ALWAYS some kind of sweet treat hanging out with me all day. 

Lunch

Lunch today came in the form of some leftovers from dinner last night. Russian chicken and spaghetti squash. I am disgustingly obsessed with spaghetti squash. If you've never tried it, do! All you have to do is brush it with some olive oil, turn it upside down on a baking sheet, and roast it for about an hour at 350 or until it is fork tender. When its done, let it cool until you can hold it, then use a fork to scrape out your "noodles". I love it! Great, low carb substitute for noodles!

Snack

Another favorrrrittteee!!! So I can't stress enough how much I LOVE Aldi... If you know me well, you know I'm a serious bargain shopper, so Aldi has some awesome buys that I just can't get enough of! Happy Farms Colby Jack Snack Sticks would be one of them! 85 calories and 6 grams of protein, I  love munching on one of these mid-morning or on my way to school.

Dinner

Unfortunately, dinner didn't make it in to my pictures, but I had some chinese food. I can only eat a few bites of whatever we order, so I usually just eat some of whatever the mister gets and leave it at that. Tonight happened to be chicken lo mein. My gastric bypass pouch wasn't too fond of it, but it is what it is. I still need to get some more protein and calories in, so I am thinking a protein shake with a scoop of my Carb Smart ice cream in it later! Yummo! 

So there is s normal "eating" day for me. I didn't get a work out in tonight like I'd hoped to, but I am SO excited for Body Sculpting class tomorrow night at a gym located literally at the end of my apartment complex drive way! Here is a recycled pic of my oh-so-gorgeous (yeah, right!), sweaty self after taking this class then following it up with some cardio last week! Definitely a challenge and I felt it for (literally) days after, but I adored it and can't wait till tomorrow evening. :) 

Have an awesome night!

 

Unveiling The Truths of Gastric Bypass

Good Afternoon!
Happy Monday, All! I hope your day is going swimmingly! :)
I decided to write a post about my experiences (so far) after having gastric bypass. I feel like after a few months, I am able to share some things with people and have it be honest.
**Disclaimer**
The opinions I'm about to express are from MY personal experience and do not reflect everyone's own experience.
I've had SO many questions and comments over the past few months about my surgery. I find that most people are more curious than anything, but some choose to just be nosey (and sometimes plain rude). Well, I am going to share with you the good, the bad, and the ugly of going through such a major procedure because I feel like many people are very ignorant of what it actually is and why it is a necessity for some. If you're a squeamish person, this post also may not be for you!!

What is gastric bypass?
--Gastric bypass is a procedure which a surgeon forms the stomach into a small pouch (usually the size of an egg), then cuts about 1.5 feet of small intestine out and reattaches the rest of the intestine up to the pouch. The old stomach is left in the abdomen behind the new bypassed pouch, but does not function to absorb food anymore. This procedure leaves a person unable to eat more than 1/4-1 cup of food at any given time. It also keeps a person from absorbing as many nutrients and calories as a normal person for a period of about 2 years. After that period of time, the human body (being as amazing as it is) compensates and starts to absorb the calories and nutrients again at just about normal levels.
It is so important for those that have this procedure to learn a healthier lifestyle and maximize weight loss during the first two years, so weight loss can continue or be maintained once the body begins to absorb normally again.

Gastric Bypass Pros?!
It has been the best decision of my life. It still baffles my mind that I can eat a 2 oz grilled chicken breast and be absolutely stuffed! Not being able to overeat (and not being hungry) allows me to put in to practice everything I've always known about proper nutrition and portion control. With this knowledge comes some great changes in my health and body!



This is a pic I took the other day, sorry they're not the same view of my body. PRO-- down about 80lbs! I feel SO much healthier!

Now on to the cons of having this surgery... And there are many...

#1. I will be taking a million vitamins for the rest of my life.



And NO, I'm not pregnant!! Lol Pre-natal multivitamins are better for bariatric patients who need the extra folic acid. I take 2 of each of these meds twice daily. Sometimes they make me very very sick.

#2. Side Effects of Malnutrition.

No matter how many vitamins I take, I still only absorb about half of whatever I consume and that has some pretty traumatic side effects...



This is from brushing my hair after my shower. My hair is getting VERY thin. It falls out continuously.










Due to a lack of iron (anemia), I bruise like nobody's business. These marks on my legs are just from crossing them at work.



Maybe someday I'll get the courage to show this one, but I have a lot of loose skin. From bingo wings to a stomach apron... NOT. FUN.

So there is the good and bad. For those of you who are already skinny, just work at keeping it that way! Trying to lose weight is a horrible battle that so many people struggle with daily. For those losing weight or considering surgery, make sure you research research research before doing anything! I'm happy with my decision, but many aren't.

Good luck and here's to a healthy life! :)

Planning is Key!

As per my usual, I haven't even looked at my own site since March! Well, here we go again...

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So, it's no secret that I have been losing weight over the past few months. For those of you who do not know, I DID have surgery. I had a revision from the Lap Band to Gastric Bypass on June 5th of this year. It has been quite a wild ride!

Contrary to popular belief (and for some this may be true), but it is SO not the easy way out! I always tell people, if I don't move, neither does my scale!! If I eat too many carbs, I do not lose weight. Weight loss, no matter how you do it, requires a plan and a lot of hard work. Every week, I plan out our household breakfasts, lunches, and dinners then shop accordingly. --BONUS--- This saves in grocery bills because you're more likely to stick with your list and not impulse buy!!

                                      

Here is a picture of this weeks latest shopping trip...

 

On the menu for this week...

Sunday: Italian Beef Sandwiches (Sans the bun for me!) and salads.

Monday: Subway night in our house--I have school till 9:30 PM, so this is always Subway night!

Tuesday: Low carb turkey and vegetable wraps with butternut squash soup on the side (I add some unflavored protein powder in all my soups). 

Wednesday: Russian Chicken (recipe at bottom of post) and spaghetti squash.

Thursday: Turkey meatloaf, mashed "potato" cauliflower, and corn.

Friday: Friday Fun Day!!--Pizza and some snacks. My twin and her hubs are spending the night, so this will be a bit of a "splurge" day for me.. Well, as much as my GBP pouch allows for a splurge! ha!

Saturday: Leftovers from the week. 

So there's our dinner eats for the week.. as you can see, I keep things as low carb as possible. Of course, we don't ALWAYS end up sticking to the schedule we have set, but it definitely helps with not having to think about what we are having for dinner that day. It also keeps me from making spur of the moment bad choices. 

                                                     The Dreaded Workout...

Just like I plan my meals, I plan my work outs too! If I didn't, I would find every excuse in the world to avoid them! lol I have them programmed in to my phone calendar, so my phone dings when it's time, making it harder for me to "forget" or just avoid. :)

Lately, I have been using an app on my iPhone called "Couch-to-5k". I am lovvvvinggg it!! I have always wanted to be able to run, but physically I just couldn't. This app trains you by slowly building up the number of minutes a person runs versus walks. I am enjoying it a ton and am up to running about 6 minutes at a time (don't laugh... this is a HUGE deal for me!!)... I am hoping to eventually be able to run my entire work out! Can't wait!

On the work out menu for this week...

Sunday : Couch-to-5k work out and upper body lifting.

Monday: Off

Tuesday: 20-30 minutes on the elliptical and light lifting.

Wednesday: Hitting up a new gym with my friend, Denise. Probably some kind of cardio/circuit work out.

Thursday: Couch-to-5k work out. 

Friday: Off

Saturday: Zumba class and 20 minutes on the elliptical.

I wish I could say that everything in my life goes according to plan, but we all know that never happens! lol It is important to at least have a plan in place though! I work full time, go to school part time, and have a home to take care of... planning is my only key to success! 

Now, for those of you who are wondering what Russian Chicken is...

http://muffinbites.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/golfers-chicken/

Russian Chicken

1 package boneless, skinless chicken (I bought thighs)

1 jar apricot preserves

1 packet dry onion soup mix

1 bottle Russian dressing

Preheat oven to 325*. Spray bottom of baking dish. Place raw chicken cutlets in dish. Cover with dry onion soup mix, then jam and dressing. Cover and bake for 1.5 hours or until chicken is cooked through. Usually it is served over rice, but I am serving it over roasted spaghetti squash to cut out carbs. Enjoy! :)

Have a great week and make sure to plan ahead for success!!!

Not just any Tuesday..

Today is a special day...

Want to know why??

On this day, 6 months ago, a VERY special person made his way into this world...

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY, MASON!!

You know those moments that make you realize how time just flies by? Well, this is one. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the fact that lil man is 6 months old already. No doubt, an absolute blessing to our family. He is the best!

On to Tuesday..

Breakfast

This morning I had a quick, but very filling breakfast.. A favorite of mine!

Cookie Dough Cereal

I just LOVE it! So filling, has awesome staying power, and the best part..? It tastes like oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! Say what?!?!

Here is how I prepare it..

1/2 Cup Old Fashioned or Instant Oats

1 TBS Mini Chocolate Chips (I use gluten, soy, dairy, and wheat free)

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1 Packet Stevia (or sweetener of your choice)

1 Cup Almond Milk (Or whatever milk you prefer)

The directions are way easy..Mix and Eat! :) 

I ate half of a grapefruit on the side, just to round things out. Lol

After a few hours of work, my stomach was talking up a storm. I decided to go heat up my soup and just eat it at my desk (trying to make up for lost time from my hour of extra sleep yesterday). 

Well... That's when things went terribly wrong...

Yes, that would be my soup everywhere except my mouth. Fail. :( 

Obviously, my multitasking skills leave something to be desired...

I managed to finish the 1/4 cup that was left in the bowl and then snacked on a 100 calorie bag of popcorn. 

Workout

I had BIG plans on going to a local gym tonight and take their water aerobics class. I found a new love for water aerobics. SO fun and a really good workout! I was so surprised! It's great if you are looking for something to do without the added stress on your joints.  My plans changed when I called the gym and they told me they do not have 1 day passes and I must sign up for a membership to come.. Umm..No. The gym I originally tried DOES give one day passes and even gives a discount to staff of the company I work for.. AWESOME! I will be signing up later this week!

Until then.. I turned on the tv and found a great walking Video On Demand which turned out to be a lot more challenging than I had anticipated! 

EWWWW!

WHO KNEW??

With exercise and cleaning my house out of the way, it is time for a hot shower and dinner!

Night! It's one day closer to Friday! :)