Merry Christmas

Well, it is a little late, but since no one reads this anyway it won't matter.

When you are trying to lose weight, the holidays are hard! I can't even tell you how hard it is to deny temptations, when they are bombarding you all day, every minute, every single second of the day! I can say the more you say NO, the more empowered you get. But then Fudge comes along and totally melts your resolve!

I love fudge. It is smooth, creamy, chocolaty and full of delicious savory flavors that satisfy my very happy taste buds!! I feel it from my head to my toes. A good creamy dark chocolate pecan fudge can make my toes curl. I am drooling as I type this and I have had enough to sink a ship!!

Oh fudge! How I Love/Hate thee! My hips scream out thy name! My scale curses thy presence!

To top it off, typing this blog has been the most exercise my body has gotten this whole week off! Well, that isn't exactly true, but very close.

Enough is enough! Time to get going. Time to stop sitting and watching LMN movies and get moving. But what should I do? It is way too cold outside to do anything outdoors. Isn't it? Well maybe not. I could bundle up! I also have an elliptical downstairs...in the cold,dark, dank basement.

Okay, if I can do it, (and I will!) then you can do it!  I will lose at least a pound before the end of the year! Not just water weight either! lol, cause that would be too easy.

Well here is too a happy, healthy and adventurous new year!

Turkey Sliders

I made these last night and everyone loved them! They were quite scrumptious, if I do say so myself. I wouldn’t have put the ingredients together, but they were quite good and my boys ate them up! Philip said he didn’t mind eating healthy as long as it tastes good like this did. I took that as a complement.
So enjoy!

Turkey Sliders
Topping

    * 1 cucumber, diced
    * 1/2 cup crumbled mozzerella
    * 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    * 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, minced
    * 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    * Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Mix all together and chill while making burgers.


 Burgers

    * 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
    * 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    * 1 teaspoon onion powder
    * salt & pepper
    * Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls or Whole wheat flat bread (100 calories)

Cut rolls in half to make the buns and set aside. Mix ingredients with the turkey. Take little chunks at a time a press into small slider patties. Cook in a pan or on the GF grill until done. I spray the pan with olive oil first. When burgers are cook place on the buns and add the topping.


Makes about 18 sliders.

New Recipe

Okay I know this might sound sickening to some of you, but I have a new recipe for Turkey Sliders! It involves Hummus and Cucumbers. They are low in fat and calories, so it is good for me to eat. And who knows, I might just like them. Which would be a plus since I have not been making smart choices lately. Not that I am eating bad for me foods, just not eating food period because I don't know what to eat that will satisfy my silly stubborn tastebuds! 

Oh and I have decided that laying off of chocolate for two weeks (oh my gosh!!!!!!) will be the best thing for me. I just need to stay away from sugar period to get my flavor savors in check and cleansed.

Will be walking tonight hopefully and maybe some elliptical. Need to start whipping up on my fat! If it don't like it, it can just leave! (please let it leave!!!)

Anyway, if the Sliders work out I will post the recipe.  Stay tuned...

What If....

Let's begin with my list of "What ifs":

1.    What if I can't do it?

2.    What if it hurts?

3.    What if it requires more than I have?

4.    What if I fall and embarrass myself?

5.    What if others see my failure and stop liking me?

6.    What if I FAIL?

The list could go on and on, but those listed were my biggest "What Ifs". They were the heart of everything I thought; therefore, they were what I allowed to direct my life. By living and allowing the "What Ifs" to guide my life, I stopped living. I stopped trying and started thinking I can't, so why even try. Things became impossible to me. I permitted the "What Ifs" to cripple my progress in almost every aspect of my life.

I am sure I am not alone. What “What Ifs” have you permitted, tolerated and deemed acceptable, to lead your life? Get a pen and write this down:

I have allowed the following to rule my life:

What if…

1.    _________________________________________________

2.    I ________________________________________________

3.    It _______________________________________________

4.    _________________________________________________

5.    _________________________________________________

Are you accepting the fact that you have not been doing what you know you are supposed to be doing because of fear? I realize I have been.

So here are some “What Ifs” I have found worth trying (Trust me, I have to review these often!)

- What if we turn our “What ifs” around and restated them.

1.    What if I can do it?

2.    What if it feels good?

3.    What if it doesn’t require more than I have? Or What if it does require more than I have, but GOD provides what I am lacking?

4.    What if I stand strong?

5.    What if others see my Success and I stop needing the approval of man?

6.    What if I SUCCEED? Would that be so bad?!

- What if we started to believe Philippians 1:6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. [AMP]

What a confidence He has given us! He is faithful! He always has been, and always will be. The problem is we stop trusting His abilities and start trusting our own. We stop relying on Him and start counting on ourselves. Like we have any ability apart from God. Seriously?! He made us. He gave us breath. He gave us Life! I mean, really….Is there anyone who knows us better? Is there anyone more able to help us? 

The truth of the matter is, and it is one of my largest “What If” hurdles to get over, I am afraid of the #6 “What if” restatements. You know the one that says, What if I succeed?. What if I do? I will then be in unknown territory and that terrifies me. Why? Because that brings on more “What ifs”.  It seems to be a vicious cycle.

Except there again, I get my eyes off focus. I start relying and depending on my own abilities and knowledge. Oh what a foolish person I am! I need to stop fearing the unknown; stop trusting my own abilities; stop “What If”ing my way through life. I need to listen to my heavenly Father and trust His spirit to guide me, strengthen me and truly start LIVING!

The following verses are powerful to me. I hope they bring you comfort and to the same conclusion that I just stated.

Psalms 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. [NIV]

What does this verse speak to you? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. [NKJV]

Did you get that last part? A Sound Mind! Not a mind that is confused or fearful. But a mind that knows the will of God. A mind that has knowledge and the clarity of how to use it!

Here are some synonyms for the word sound: good, whole, sturdy, unblemished, perfect, normal, fit, and my two favorites – healthy and thorough.

In the lyrics of Walk On the Water by Brit Nicole are some powerful words:

So get out and let your fear fall to the ground

No time to waste, Don't wait, Don't you turn around and miss out on everything you were made for.  I know you're not sure, so you play it safe, Try to run away. If you take that first step into the unknown,  He won't let you go!

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

Seriously, What do you have to lose? What are you waiting for?

STOP!

If you know me well, you know I hit every RED light there is! Lights see me coming and turn yellow then red immediately.  I don't know why, it just seems I am a magnet for them. I think maybe God has a message in this for me, but what? It seems everything I do - whether it is housework, writing my book, going on a trip, helping someone, and yes even losing weight - or try to do, I run into a giant Stop sign! 

Today, my van is on it's last breath and I just needed it to take me to work and back. I literally had to stop at every light in Union. Six of them in a three mile stretch. My van tends to stop breathing and chokes on me when I come to a stop. I have to turn off the car and restart it. ANNOYING!!! On the trip home from work, I kept asking God why He was allowing the lights to turn red on me, no answer came. However, while I continued to hit red light after red light, my van never died. Which is an amazing feat all in itself.  Yet, I still whined...and whined. When I pulled into the driveway and my van coughed, but didn't stop breathing, God let me know - I made it home! 

Indeed I did. I humbly apologized for being a whinny baby and started saying Thanks. 

I have been a BIG WHINNY BABY a lot lately!  Thankful for what I have, but very discontent. Especially with where I am in my weightloss. I see the photo down below of me three months ago and 35 pounds lost. That was, again, THREE months ago. Now I am only 40 pounds down. Thats 5 pounds in 3 months! Really?! Seriously, I have busted my butt, but my butt won't come off! Neither will my gut! Stoplight! Don't get me wrong, I am not going to stop. What I am going to do is stop stressing over it. It has to come off eventually!

I have even started jogging while I walk. Stoplight! My knees are not liking it at all and you can forget about my lower back even wanting to do anything the next day. But I will prevail! I feel better - minus the knees and lower back - and know I am doing all I can to do. Really?! Am I? 

No, I should walk more. Twice a week, really doesn't cut it. I rationalize that it is now dark when I get home and that is is freezing cold in the morning. I have an elliptical downstairs I could ride anytime, but do I --NO! Why not? - I have no answer to that. Which is an answer all in itself - laziness! Not enough motivation! Really? Seriously, 275 lbs isn't enough motivation?

Well.....GO already!

Sorry for the weight! (Pun intended)

Well it has been a long time since I have blogged here. I have tried and failed at getting to sit and write what I have been going through down. I felt I was being too negative - and this was supposed to be a positive and encouraging Blog to others and therapeutic to me. Instead it was becoming a real downer!
My weight hasn't dropped much. I seem to keep losing the same 5 pounds over and over.
On the plus sides I have made some real break throughs! It has been about 8 years (saddly) since I have weighed this little.  And I am back on track emotionally. I lost sight there for awhile of my goal and focus.

Eat well, exercise, drink water, sleep, & repeat! and the weight stays on.

I have not blogged in a while. It has been a rough week. I have lost the drive to really push. Don't get me wrong I am not eating the wrong things, just not to motivated to workout. When I do work out I don't lose weight, when I don't workout I do. But when I do work out I feel better and have more energy, and when I don't...I don't. Don't judge. It would make sense for me to work out to feel better and then the weight will come off...easy for you to say when you aren't facing the fact that I HAVE worked out for far toooooooooooooo long and the weight HAS NOT dropped. I have been on this plateau way tooooooo long. It has been three months and I have only lost 5!! lbs. What?!?! I do what is right and have stayed the course. Why isn't it dropping.

Tears are forming in my eyes right now as I think about how hard I have tried. I guess the past two weeks I have kind of given up with the doing anything extra.

Somebody help me!! I need to get out of this body!! I really need someone to come over and make me do it. I just don't have the strength right now to do it when there are so many things to do around the house. I rather not eat anything than exercise. Not good I know...

French Proverb

"Gourmets dig their graves with their teeth."

Had a great week last week. This week is going pretty good also. Have lost weight and am almost at my next mountain peek! Been walking a lot lately, but haven't had a chance to do the elliptical because my knee is acting up on me. Aggravating to be ready to do something only to have to stop for mechanical problems! This journey is hard enough, now this has added insult to injury! But I keep on plugging.

Been writing down everything I eat and all my exercise. It has helped me a great deal. Was tempted last night while shopping to buy some Keebler Grasshoppers; Dark Chocolate minty goodness! I figured "2 a day wouldn't hurt me! I have been good!" but then I remembered a line from the book I am reading called, "Made to Crave", that stated any reward that isn't beneficial to your health or healthy living isn't a reward at all, it is a stumbling block. I knew if I bought them I would eat more than just "2" a day. In fact I am pretty sure the whole box would have been gone before I got home. I was desperately craving chocolate!! So I didn't buy them. I reassured myself that, "I don't deserve what those would do to me!" I would have became a chocolate monster and ate every single one of them. Let me restate that; I would have inhaled every single one of them. I wanted to right there in the store!! It took every ounce of will-power I had, which wasn't much - Praise God, He stepped in and gave me strength - to put those cookies back on the shelf and walk away. It would have tasted good for a second or three, but this morning I wouldn't have felt good and the shame would be overwhelming. Instead, I feel pretty good and my body is still on the right path. And I truly didn't miss out on anything! I went home and had a small Andés Mint instead. It satisfied my tastebuds and didn't ruin everything I have been working towards.

A wise person stated - "We never repent of having eaten too little." - I try to keep that in mind because I was made for more than this!

Wrong Question - Part II

So you know the real reason you need to start losing weight and you have the some of the knowledge to do it.
I say "some" cause you need to get some more knowledge on what is healthy for your body. Some exercises may be too strenuous for your body. For me I just started walking. Once a week I walked a mile. Then two miles. Then twice a week. Then three times a week. I also cut back on eating. I started paying attention to portion sizes. It was extremely hard the first three weeks really. I felt deprived and hungry. But I wasn't really hungry, I just thought I was, so I learned to drink water instead of eating more food.
That worked for me. I went and got a wonderful trainer to teach me exercises and to keep me accountable and encouraged. Along with a trainer I got a nutritionalist who is teaching me how to eat. You may not be able to do that, but the internet is filled with great healthy info.
Find a person to keep you accountable. Preferably someone who has been through it. Someone whose been through it can give you tips and they know the struggles. They can sympathize with you. But it is good to have someone who will also tell you like it is and not give in to you.
You have found your motivation and the answer to why. Write it down and keep that in your mind everytime you want to cheat or quit. Don't quit. Don't give-up. It will come off. It will be a slow process at times, it may even stall, but it will come off. 1 pound at a time. 2 lbs a week is good!! and any weightloss a week is good!

Now....just DO IT! Go ahead, start walking....

Wrong Question - Part I

This is a message God gave me yesterday that I just started preaching out loud to myself when no one else was home. Please note God gets all the glory for this. He gave this to me to empower me. I pray it will do the same for you.

When someone asks me "How did you lose weight?", I have learned that they are asking the wrong question. Because honestly, when you think about it, everyone knows HOW to lose weight. Everyone. Two words. Diet & Exercise. That is how. You aren't going to be able to do it any other way and have success losing and keeping it off! It just ain't gonna happen.

So then what is the question that should be asked? I am convinced, from my past experiences that it should be "Why did you lose the weight?" or to make it more personal, which is what needs to be done, one should ask, "Why do I need to lose the weight?". Why do you need to? Why do you want to? What is your reason? Is it to look good? Is it to be healthier? Maybe you need to go deeper. What is the real reason you look at people who are thin or have lost weight and feel that longing to be like them? Is it so you can feel better physically? Is it so you will be around to see your kids graduate? Get married? Is it to be able to see your grandkids not only grow up but play with them before they do grow up? Or could it be even more personal, like, so you will fit into your spouse's arms? Maybe you need to lose the weight because you know you are not able to physically do what you are called to do. Are you not able to fulfill your purpose because of too much extra weight or you aren't physically in shape? 

What is your "Why?" Until you are able to answer that question openly and honestly you will continue to try and fail at losing weight or getting in shape. Think about it. Pray about it. Ask the One who knows all things to reveal it to you.  And be ready to do some hard looking at your life. 

When you have the answer read Part II.

Encouragement for the Soul

“I freed a thousand slaves.  I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” Harriet Tubman

I was a slave to my food addiction, but I didn't know it.  I would do whatever it wanted me to do. I never said no, but always thought I was in control. Some control, I coward in front of cake. I whined for lack of chocolate. I was no match for the power of food, and had no idea what a stronghold it was to me.

However,

I am freed in the name of Jesus Christ, who is my strength!! I don't have to bow to my addictions anymore. I no longer have to feel ashamed and weak. I am not strong in my own strength but in the Creator of all things, Jehovah God. He is my strength; He is my provider; He is my healer. He has broken my chains of slavery, for I was in bondage to food, and has set me free. 

Free to live my life on purpose! With a purpose! For a purpose! Praise be to Him alone!

-Just had to share that! 

Struggle

As the title denotes, I have really been struggling! And then lying to myself that I am not. I am! I don't want to give up. I just really don't know what else to do. In doing nothing I kinda have given up. Been slipping on my diet. Just a small bit everyday, but it is everyday. I tell myself that it isn't that bad, but it is. It starts with a little bit and grows from there. I also tell myself not to be so hard on myself, I will get back on course, but I haven't gotten back on course and it has been over two weeks!! I lie and say, Tomorrow, I will get back on it Tomorrow....but tomorrow never comes.

Please pray tomorrow comes soon!

Party!! what to have that I can eat...

My son Timothy graduated tonight. So we had a small party for him. That is probably the hardest part for me in my weightloss journey (wlj). I never know what kind of food to fix or serve and celebrations call for cakes! There needs to be a healthier solution. I did get cupcakes so there were single servings. I ate 3/4th of it. But I had fried chicken and potato salad also! It was quick to buy and easy. I didn't have time to fix anything myself,so I took the easy way out.
Everyone liked it, and Tim was blessed and had a great time. I can't believe how grown up he is!
What would be a good alternative to cake?

Truth

I heard a great saying today and thought it was worth sharing.

"I am not going to miss out on something great just because it might also be hard"

Losing weight is one of the hardest things I have had to do. However it is also the best things I have had to do. It is coming off way too slowly for my liking, but it is coming off. It has been hard, very hard, and at times painful. But I feel so much better and at least I know I am doing all I can.

While it hasn't been easy, it has been easier knowing I have people who support me through this. I am so thankful for my sister, friends, and for my trainer, Ryan. I am not sure I would keep going without them! I gain so much encouragement from them.

Also I have to add Marc has been my best supporter! He doesn't know the right things to say all the time, but I know he means well and that he believes in me. I also know if I never lost another pound, he would still love me. Nothing better than that!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Testing

I hope this works! I bought a new app so I can blog from my ipad. Just testing it out.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Not good! Unacceptable....Downright depressing

I weighed myself today. I have gained 1 pound. GAINED!!!! What the heck!!I am so frustrated. I cried my eyes out all morning. Marc was of no comfort and only yelled at me for weighing myself. He didn't even try to comfort me! I won't say what I think of him right now, cause I rather not think of him!

No word on the elliptical - and the fitness center closes after this week for two weeks!

After weighing myself this morning I threw away the rest of the cake (which was practically the whole thing!) I can blame myself for eating three pieces of that. But really in three weeks of eating right (with one day slipping) and exercising and riding the elliptical, I actually gain weight!!

Makes me wonder, "Am I supposed to be huge?" I am tired of being so fat!!

I will not give up, what is there to give up really. I enjoy exercising. I like eating healthy food. I am just so frustrated right now.

 Few hours later...
Okay after reading past blogs and talking it out with people, I am in a better frame of mind. Seems I need to take my own advice and stop whining, remember it is a slow process, and just keep going! Just keep walking, putting one foot in front of the other.

Back on track!

Okay, I am rid of "Old Judi" mentality and have gotten myself back in a good frame of mind.  Went to the Fitness Center and road the elliptical for 2 minutes longer. Up to 17 minutes!! One of which was going backwards. Not to pat myself on the back, but "Yeah Me!!" Tomorrow I will go for 20 minutes...I will let you know how that goes.

I haven't weighed myself yet (been about three weeks now) but I am assuming I am at the 278 mark. I hope. I will find out tomorrow morning. Trying to stay positive!

What would be a healthy dinner for my family and I, that the fam would actually eat? Any Suggestions?

Why do I do this to myself?

I just ate yet another big piece of fruity tooty Banana cake. Why, cause it was there and it was good. No one else in the family is eating it. I need to throw it away, but no I cant seem to make myself. I want to lose weight. I am sticking to my diet in all other areas. I am exercising.
Why is it so easy to gain 10 pounds, but so difficult to lose 2!?  15 minutes of exercise should = 15 minutes of eating.
And now I have another mouth to feed! So that means more food in the house.
I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
I need some strength right now. 
NO MORE CAKE! NO MORE CAKE! (chant it with me) NO MORE CAKE! NO MORE CAKE!

I hope I can get an eliptical soon. Found one on Craigslist today...Would love to have it. The fitness center at the college is closed for two weeks starting next week. I need to keep going...I don't want to gain what I have lost. Not one pound of it....So why am I eating cake!! Excuse me while I go think about throwing it away.

Another week down!

Haven't weighed myself in a while, too scared of what the blasted scale will say! I know, I know, I have been working hard and eating right, but sometimes the scale doesn't agree. It has been a little rough lately...not to stay on my diet, but to have hope that all I am doing is actually accomplishing anything. My clothes still fit the same. I have such a long weigh (pun intended) to go, and I know that it will take a while to get there, but I should be losing more than 1 pound a month!! Which is what it feels like.

However, I will press on!
So to help myself get in the right frame of mind, I have decided to list some good things about working out and eating healthy. They are:
 1- I can go up stairs without embarrassing myself by breathing hard  or stopping midway up cause I can't breath.
2- I walk faster and with a longer stride.
3- I am stronger
4- I can squat down and rise back up without holding on to something or falling on my face!!
5- I don't think about food all the time now
6- I don't fear sitting on things and having them collapse from my weight near as much.
7- Confidence is coming back
8- I have met some truly great people along this journey, who have either helped me by going there with me, giving me guidance, and/or encouraging me to keep going.

To anyone reading this who doesn't know me, I hope you will start your own journey and share it with me. It isn't easy, but it is soooooo worth it!

I want to eat everything in sight!

Help, I want to eat everything in sight. But I am not hungry. I think my brain is telling me to go ahead and eat because I did 15 minutes on the elliptical today. That's right - 15 minutes!! One of which was faster than normal!
I really hope Marc gets me an elliptical for Mother's Day! I really want one for at home.
I am off to church. Therefore I shall have a greater chance of resisting overeating! LOL, but true...

Oh Well, who needs mirrors anyway!

Don't you hate it when you are feeling really good, and thinking to yourself, "I feel thinner today, in fact I am much better than yesterday!" and then as you are sitting somewhere and you look around and there in a reflective glass is the reflection of your HUGE body!! And you think, there is no way that is me! So you look again and low and behold, Oh it is you alright!! That happened to me today! I could have taken it one of two ways: 1) a reason to loathe myself or 2) with grace and realize, it may be my reflection, but it is not who I am! I chose the latter. Although, I did want to vomit...
I hate mirrors...they are constantly lying to me.

TIP
While you are waiting for the water in the shower to warm up, do 10 squats while keeping your tummy tucked in (and breathing). Then do 20 twists with your arms straight out to your sides (keep that tummy sucked in to your bellybutton - as my trainer always says). This helps you get ready for the day and reminds you keep it going.

 

Keeping it going!

I am almost at the 40 pound mark. For the first time ever, I can truly see myself thin. I know I will succeed. I did the elliptical today and lasted 12 minutes. Not bad for someone who could last only 8 minutes a week ago. Been working out and staying consistent on my diet...there is no going back to eating junk, processed foods. They taste nasty to me now. God truly has delivered me from that kind of eating! He gets all the glory! He has sent people at just the right moments to encourage and strengthen me in this "losing" journey.
I have decided to reward myself with a full body massage every 50 pounds I lose. I used to turn to "nondiet" foods, like ice cream, brownies and such, but I have just incorporated them into my diet on occasion. But truth be told, I don't eat that but maybe once a month, and I don't miss it.
I love how my body is shaping up too. I love being able to squat down and pick things up! I love not having to have someone else do things for me cause my health or body fat won't let me! AND it is just going to get better!!!!
I see others in the gym at work (students) who need the same routine as I have and want so badly to help them, but I also know I wouldn't want someone walking up to me and saying, "I can help you lose weight!" AS IF!  lol. I have to keep reminding myself, I still need help too! I have not made it yet... I will though, watch out world, Judi is almost back!

Snowed In!

Well another day of snow. Couldn't go work out so I did my work out by shoveling snow! It wasn't too bad. Had a wonderful moment with God. Looked out over the valley and it was just Gorgeous! God reminded me that sometimes I just need to stop and admire Him. His handiwork shows us a little of who He is!

Back in the house, is food! LOL. Had a Girls Night last night. Out of 12 invited only 3 came. Since everyone of us were on diets, we only had good healthy food. Just A LOT of it! I made the meat roll ups with a twist. I used artichoke and spinach cream cheese, not plain. It was delicious! It was a nice relaxing evening. I have great friends!

I have had some hard times lately with cravings, but I have survived most of them. I did have a cheat day, Thursday. I ate some homemade chocolate chip cookies. But, I didn't condemn myself afterwards, because I only had 5 and they were small. I will allow one cheat day every two to three weeks.

Hope you all are safe and warm. Try not to eat too much!

Today is hard

Today didn't start out great. I weighed in this morning and found I have gained 4 pounds. Hard to see after working so hard on my diet and exercise plan. I know in my head not to get discouraged, but my heart is broken! And my stomach is yelling at me to go back to the refrigerator and empty it!! Good thing I am not at home today.
So I  will pick myself up and go walking at lunch, and continue to do what needs to be done. I can and will do this! I will triumph over this!!
This morning after I got done weighing myself, I committed to try something new to encourage myself. From now on every morning I am going to give myself a little mirror pep talk. I look myself right in the eye and say:
"I need you to do four things for me today:
1- Give your diet and exercise plan 100%. Eat right and do what you know you need to do! You can do it, and you must. I can't stay this way. 
2- Give your husband and boys 100%. They are awesome and deserve your very best! And let them know you appreciate them by doing what needs to be done and by words of mouth. 
3- Give 100% at work.  I will do my best. I love my job, so stop complaining about petty things and do it! 
4- Give God 100%. Talk to Him, Listen to Him and read His Word. He deserves 100% from you cause He gave you His all!"

I hope I was listening! Anyway enjoy the following...

Tip of the Week:

For a sweet snack try 1/2 Cup plain Greek Yogurt and add 1/4 Cup fresh Raspberries.

For a Salty snack try 1/4 cup almonds with a sprinkle of Pop Rite Garlic & Parmesan flavoring

Quote
Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork.  ~English Proverb

Healthy Recipe

If you are like me and stuck at home today and are trying to resist eating the contents of your whole refrigerator (I don't know why but I always get the munchies when it is cold), here is a good filling recipe that I got from my sister. It is good to eat and good for you! (Course you have to have the ingredients, but I eat these all the time for lunch)

Turkey or Roast Beef Wraps

1 thick slice of Turkey or Roast Beef
1 Tablespoon Cream Cheese
1-3 stalks of asparagus (or fresh spinach)

Spread the cream cheese on the meat and place green veggie on top and roll it up tightly.

Turkey wraps = 125 calories each
Roast wraps = 205 calories each

My nutritionist recommends "organic" and "rotisserie turkey".  I go to Frickes deli and have them slice it 3/16 of an inch thick. Yes they love me there! I think they hide when they see me coming, lol.

Anyway, just thought I would share. Now I am going to go do my workout. Everybody try to stay warm!

My Weightloss Journal: The Beginning

My Weightloss Journal: The Beginning: "At this point I have lost 30 pounds. A mere drop in the bucket of what I need to lose, but it is a good start. Why I Began This Journey A ye..."

The Beginning

At this point I have lost 30 pounds. A mere drop in the bucket of what I need to lose, but it is a good start.
Why I Began This Journey
A year ago I saw a photo of myself and thought 'yuck, that can't be what I look like!'  When I voiced this out loud to a friend, her reply was, "but that's you, and you are beautiful!" My heart stopped! That wasn't me!! Which lead me to start thinking about who I was verses who I had become. I thought of myself as a happy, easy-going yet competitive, try anything once, outgoing, always joyous person. But truthfully, that wasn't me anymore.  I had become, in the past 15 years, an inactive, easy-going, minimal effort, sometimes happy person who lacked self-confidence. I had given up doing the things I love to do. I stopped going places that I once enjoyed.  I had given up living life to the fullest for...what? Food? Because I was tired?
No more!! I can't and won't let my size dictate to me who I will be anymore.

What I Did About It
I started walking on March 3. One mile on Wednesday night for the first two weeks, then I added a mile on Saturday mornings. Soon it was two miles on those nights. I also cut my diet in half. I tried Weight Watchers points (without paying and going to the meetings) because a friend was successful using it and showed me how. It worked for a while, but I hit a plateau. I stayed on that plateau for 4 months, not gaining or losing. I joined a program at work for walkers and started walking at work everyday. I lost a few more pounds.

Where I Am Now
In November I went to see a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. In two months, I have lost 2 inches from my waste and 1.5 inches off my hips, but only about a pound of fat.