We are getting ready for the Gregory family reunion next weekend. This is the time of year that I really enjoy. I get to see family I haven't seen for a year or more. We get to catch up with everyone and we get to share new stories. This year it's going to be out at my brothers' place on Hartstine Island near Shelton. It is so beautiful out there. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier over the trees. We camp on the beach in tents with the kids and just have a wonderful time when we go down there.
This weekend we are going to be getting everything out that we have to be taking. Hopefully that isn't going to be to hard. It shouldn't be to bad.
I'm really hopeing that people may notice a little weight loss on me by then. It's 1 more week, so hopefully another 2 pounds will be gone. I am down 16.2 pounds so far.. I'm so excited. I can't believe that I am actually doing this whole weight loss thing. It's been a good journey so far and I plan on continuing with it till I get down where I want to be. I've been good about portions on the stuff that isn't all that good for me :). Plus saying no to some things. I'm finding foods that are good for me that I love to eat, so I can eat a ton of it and get full and not have to worry about it! Lots of protien and lots of fruits and veggies!
That's all for now!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
One month ago....
I decided it was time to take my weight seriously and start losing weight. In the last month, just from changing a few small things I have lost 15.4 pounds. I am feeling great, and I am starting to feel good about myself. Even though people haven't noticed that I have lost 15 pounds, I am starting to notice and not in the places most people would. I have noticed my feet are apparently thinner now. I have shoes that my feet squeezed into and now, they fit in there with ease. It's great!
The few small changes you ask? Well, that was actually not very hard. You just have to have the self control and the mind set that you want to lose the weight! First off, I only drink water, un-sweetened black or herbal tea (hot and cold) and in the morning, black coffee. No more pop, beer, flavored creamer in my coffee.... nothing!!! Now don't get me wrong, during this month I have had 3 glasses of wine and 2 glasses of juice. But see, that's the key, control, moderation, and determination!
The 2nd thing I have done is replace my snacking. I used to snack all throughout the day if I was home just doing housework or playing on the computer. Instead of going up into the cupboard and getting some chips or crackers or just getting into the fridge and getting ice cream, cheese or a frozen snack to pop in the microwave, I go into the fridge and get fruit or veggies. Those are my snacks. I go to the store and go straight to the produce section and spend most of my time there! Of course, I am a price checker, but I'm also smelling and squeezing everything. I have apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, nectarines, cuties, lemons and limes in my fridge just in fruit right now! I have a ton of veggies to make things with as well.
I'm learning to cook and bake differently with all my foods. I'm also learning to eat differently. You're body needs nutrition. It needs the natural sugars from fruits, but it also needs proteins. So, 3 meals a week I have 2 eggs, 3 pieces of either sausage or bacon, and then fresh fruit. It feels me up. I bake with coconut oil in replace of other oils and butter. You can't even taste it! My snicker doodles were great and eaten by the household within days and my zucchini bread was a hit! I do the same thing when I cook. Instead of olive oil in the pan, I use a little bit of the coconut oil. Works great and doesn't change the taste of anything! I cant' believe this!
Also, I'm exercising!!! Most of the time I'm walking about 1.5 miles a day. I can walk my route in 25 minutes. Which isn't bad. I do some other things too. I've been swimming and horseback riding. I try to get some form of exercise in at least 5 times a week. With trying to burn at lest 200 calories. That's my goal for right now anyway. I'm sure with a little more weight off, it will change. But I've been feeling wonderful!
Just this last week I have added a few extras to my diet. 4 times a week, I have either a helping of fish, 1/2 an avocado or a handful of nuts (not peanuts). This week just started and I've already had 2 of those things this week! This is going to be a great change for me! I'm loving it!
So, I am done 15.4 pounds which mean I have 108.6 pounds to go till I reach my goal. That's right 108!!!! My starting weight to my goal weight is 124 pounds... and I'm getting there!!
Till next time!
The few small changes you ask? Well, that was actually not very hard. You just have to have the self control and the mind set that you want to lose the weight! First off, I only drink water, un-sweetened black or herbal tea (hot and cold) and in the morning, black coffee. No more pop, beer, flavored creamer in my coffee.... nothing!!! Now don't get me wrong, during this month I have had 3 glasses of wine and 2 glasses of juice. But see, that's the key, control, moderation, and determination!
The 2nd thing I have done is replace my snacking. I used to snack all throughout the day if I was home just doing housework or playing on the computer. Instead of going up into the cupboard and getting some chips or crackers or just getting into the fridge and getting ice cream, cheese or a frozen snack to pop in the microwave, I go into the fridge and get fruit or veggies. Those are my snacks. I go to the store and go straight to the produce section and spend most of my time there! Of course, I am a price checker, but I'm also smelling and squeezing everything. I have apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, nectarines, cuties, lemons and limes in my fridge just in fruit right now! I have a ton of veggies to make things with as well.
I'm learning to cook and bake differently with all my foods. I'm also learning to eat differently. You're body needs nutrition. It needs the natural sugars from fruits, but it also needs proteins. So, 3 meals a week I have 2 eggs, 3 pieces of either sausage or bacon, and then fresh fruit. It feels me up. I bake with coconut oil in replace of other oils and butter. You can't even taste it! My snicker doodles were great and eaten by the household within days and my zucchini bread was a hit! I do the same thing when I cook. Instead of olive oil in the pan, I use a little bit of the coconut oil. Works great and doesn't change the taste of anything! I cant' believe this!
Also, I'm exercising!!! Most of the time I'm walking about 1.5 miles a day. I can walk my route in 25 minutes. Which isn't bad. I do some other things too. I've been swimming and horseback riding. I try to get some form of exercise in at least 5 times a week. With trying to burn at lest 200 calories. That's my goal for right now anyway. I'm sure with a little more weight off, it will change. But I've been feeling wonderful!
Just this last week I have added a few extras to my diet. 4 times a week, I have either a helping of fish, 1/2 an avocado or a handful of nuts (not peanuts). This week just started and I've already had 2 of those things this week! This is going to be a great change for me! I'm loving it!
So, I am done 15.4 pounds which mean I have 108.6 pounds to go till I reach my goal. That's right 108!!!! My starting weight to my goal weight is 124 pounds... and I'm getting there!!
Till next time!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Zucchini Bread
I decided to make some zucchini bread today. Something I make every summer time because of fresh gardens that every one has. Seems like there is always someone that has to much and can't use it all. My ex-mother in law brought me 3 yesterday morning. Two loaves of bread and I used 1 HUGE Zucchini!! I just made my recipe a little different this time around trying to impliment a couple of the things that Charissa has given me to follow. Guess what? It turned out so, so, so good! Yummy!!!! So, here is the recipe for you!
3 cups of zucchini
1 2/3 cup of sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
2/3 cup coconut oil
Mix those ingredients together before you go any further! Next add in:
3 cups wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
Mix well. Put into 2 8x4 or 1 9x5 loaf pans. Cook at 350* for about 1 hour 15 mins. (Depending on pan you use you may need to cook longer. My big stone wear I have to cook it for 1 hour 30 min for it to be done all the way through)
Now, I'm reasonable and don't believe in this small itty bitty bites and servings... So, if I cut my slices from my 1 9x5 loaf pan, it's 208 calories per serving. 9.1g fat, 30.3g carbs (fiber 2.6g) and protein 4.1g
Hope if you try this you enjoy as much as I do!!
3 cups of zucchini
1 2/3 cup of sugar
2 tsp vanilla
4 eggs
2/3 cup coconut oil
Mix those ingredients together before you go any further! Next add in:
3 cups wheat flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
Mix well. Put into 2 8x4 or 1 9x5 loaf pans. Cook at 350* for about 1 hour 15 mins. (Depending on pan you use you may need to cook longer. My big stone wear I have to cook it for 1 hour 30 min for it to be done all the way through)
Now, I'm reasonable and don't believe in this small itty bitty bites and servings... So, if I cut my slices from my 1 9x5 loaf pan, it's 208 calories per serving. 9.1g fat, 30.3g carbs (fiber 2.6g) and protein 4.1g
Hope if you try this you enjoy as much as I do!!
A new life change
All my life I have been going on and off diets. Not because I really wanted to (who really does?) But because I've been told to, suggested to, been a support of someone who is, all those types of things! Well, I'm proud to say.... I'M NOT ON A DIET!!!! But I have lost 13.4 pounds in the last month!!! I am on a life changing nutritional path!
One of my very good friends, who lives in Texas now, is a Personal Trainer. I send her a desperate e-mail asking for her help. You see, I stepped on the scale one time (which I always did occasionally) and I was shocked! I had a number on that scale that I had never seen!!! I'm not going to reveal that number. But it was even higher then my final pregnancy weight with either one of my kids! I will say, my final destination is to lose 124 pounds!
I have been changing the way and the things that I eat. I used to be a huge snacker... I snacked on chips, candy, just junk food. Which of course is why I put on all the weight. It has taken will power, but I am bound and determined to be healthy, but I no longer snack on those foods like I used to. Now, don't get me wrong. I still have a candy bar, red vines, chips once in awhile, but I've learned... it's in moderation!
The first couple of weeks, Charissa (my PT), had me ONLY drink water, black or herbal tea (hot of cold), and black coffee. The coffee was huge for me. I love my Starbucks (which has awesome black coffee, I have discovered!) and my bottled Lipton teas, and juices and such. But, once again, I want this weight off, so I'm just about willing to do anything. Now the thing is, you see, I've had a glass of wine with dinner here and there but that's it. I drink my coffee in the morning, I make sun tea (no sugars in it), in the evening I may have a cup of tea, and of course all throughout the day I drink water.
The next thing she had me do is make sure that I get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. That was easy because I already do that. That is a huge thing in making sure your body is healthy! And take a picture of myself to track my process! I also had to find a way to relieve stress. Now if you know me, you should know, I'm not the stressful type of person! But, what I did is, I started walking! About 1.5 miles about 5 times a week. I love it! During the summer, I get the kids on their bikes, grab our lab, Ruby, and head out! Kids on their bikes and Ruby and I walking.
Two weeks later, Charissa was ready to give me another set of changes. In 1 week, 3 of my meals (any meal) I have to eat eggs, bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit. Sounds and has been easy enough. Also, replace my oils with coconut oil while cooking or baking. I was a little sceptical on the coconut oil, but I have been using it when cooking meats, and I can't taste a thing!! I also made snicker doodles for the family and replaced the butter with the coconut oil, and no difference at all! I love it! The 3rd thing she had me do in this time around is to not drink regular milk. If I use milk, drink or use almond milk instead. Now, I'm not a milk drinker, but I do have a 1/2 gallon of almond milk in my fridge and I have yet to open it. Maybe someday I will!
Charissa just gave me my new changes this week! I will be starting these on Monday! 3-4 times a week I have to have fish, 1/2 an avocado or a hand full of nuts (not peanuts). Now, if you know Chris and I, you know we fish a lot. There is always fish in my house, and we eat it about 1-2 times a week! So, this is not going to be a problem!
Next, if I use tortilla's they must be corn tortilla's and any chips must be a corn chip. I cut out the majority of chips but once in awhile, I just need that crunch, salt and flavor of the chip. Like I said I've learned moderation and self control!
I've been enjoying my new path and new change. I already feel healthier then I have in years. I have more energy and can't wait to see what life brings me. I think I'll continue blogging my progress and posting some more recipes that I've been tweaking up for lower calories!
Till next time!
One of my very good friends, who lives in Texas now, is a Personal Trainer. I send her a desperate e-mail asking for her help. You see, I stepped on the scale one time (which I always did occasionally) and I was shocked! I had a number on that scale that I had never seen!!! I'm not going to reveal that number. But it was even higher then my final pregnancy weight with either one of my kids! I will say, my final destination is to lose 124 pounds!
I have been changing the way and the things that I eat. I used to be a huge snacker... I snacked on chips, candy, just junk food. Which of course is why I put on all the weight. It has taken will power, but I am bound and determined to be healthy, but I no longer snack on those foods like I used to. Now, don't get me wrong. I still have a candy bar, red vines, chips once in awhile, but I've learned... it's in moderation!
The first couple of weeks, Charissa (my PT), had me ONLY drink water, black or herbal tea (hot of cold), and black coffee. The coffee was huge for me. I love my Starbucks (which has awesome black coffee, I have discovered!) and my bottled Lipton teas, and juices and such. But, once again, I want this weight off, so I'm just about willing to do anything. Now the thing is, you see, I've had a glass of wine with dinner here and there but that's it. I drink my coffee in the morning, I make sun tea (no sugars in it), in the evening I may have a cup of tea, and of course all throughout the day I drink water.
The next thing she had me do is make sure that I get 8-10 hours of sleep every night. That was easy because I already do that. That is a huge thing in making sure your body is healthy! And take a picture of myself to track my process! I also had to find a way to relieve stress. Now if you know me, you should know, I'm not the stressful type of person! But, what I did is, I started walking! About 1.5 miles about 5 times a week. I love it! During the summer, I get the kids on their bikes, grab our lab, Ruby, and head out! Kids on their bikes and Ruby and I walking.
Two weeks later, Charissa was ready to give me another set of changes. In 1 week, 3 of my meals (any meal) I have to eat eggs, bacon or sausage, and fresh fruit. Sounds and has been easy enough. Also, replace my oils with coconut oil while cooking or baking. I was a little sceptical on the coconut oil, but I have been using it when cooking meats, and I can't taste a thing!! I also made snicker doodles for the family and replaced the butter with the coconut oil, and no difference at all! I love it! The 3rd thing she had me do in this time around is to not drink regular milk. If I use milk, drink or use almond milk instead. Now, I'm not a milk drinker, but I do have a 1/2 gallon of almond milk in my fridge and I have yet to open it. Maybe someday I will!
Charissa just gave me my new changes this week! I will be starting these on Monday! 3-4 times a week I have to have fish, 1/2 an avocado or a hand full of nuts (not peanuts). Now, if you know Chris and I, you know we fish a lot. There is always fish in my house, and we eat it about 1-2 times a week! So, this is not going to be a problem!
Next, if I use tortilla's they must be corn tortilla's and any chips must be a corn chip. I cut out the majority of chips but once in awhile, I just need that crunch, salt and flavor of the chip. Like I said I've learned moderation and self control!
I've been enjoying my new path and new change. I already feel healthier then I have in years. I have more energy and can't wait to see what life brings me. I think I'll continue blogging my progress and posting some more recipes that I've been tweaking up for lower calories!
Till next time!
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