My blind taste-test

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

I have before me four yoplait strawberry yogurts: original, whips, light, and light thick and creamy.
I mixed them up and am going to tell you what i think of them- then I'll reveal the winners!


Unknown #1:
Consitency: Ideal. Like "normal" yogurt.
Flavor: Good. Nothing spectacular, but tastes like strawberry yogurt.
Misc: Has some 'speckles' of strawberry in it -- just enough to get stuck in your teeth.

Unknown #2:
Consistency: THICK. This is likely whips or thick... It kind of freaks me out. It looks like bacon fat after it cools.
Flavor: Eh, I'm not impressed. Its a very bland strawberry. It's kind of awkward tasting.

Unknown #3:
Consistency: Thinner than #1 but still normal. Light and airy feeling.
Flavor: Strong strawberry flavor. No flakey chunks, but rather pieces of strawberry. Yummy!

Unknown #4:
Whoa...what the heck am I eating?! Wow, how do I describe this?...Um.... It sort of looks like styrofoam...and I imagine styrofoam melts in your mouth like this too.
Alright the Consistency: Very strange. Yet, strangly interesting.
Flavor: It's actually very good, but it sort of melts in your mouth before you taste it.
Notes: this one is too weird to be called yogurt.


Alright, now I'm going to go through them again to "review" :)

The winners are, in order, 3, 1, 4, 2

Lets reveal the flavors:

WINNER: #3 - Yoplait original (Calories 170; Fat 1.5; Carbs 33; Protein 5)
RUNNER UP: #1 - Yoplait Light (Calories 100; Fat 0; Carbs 19; Protein 5)
THIRD PLACE: #4 - Yoplait Whips (Cals 140; Fat 2.5; Carbs 25; Protein 5)
And the loser: #2 - Yoplait Light Thick and Creamy (Cals 100; Fat 0; Carbs 20; Protein 5)

Well, originial definitely wins....however, looking at the difference in nutritioin in original vs light...it's probably safe to say I'll stick with light (once my originials are all gone).
And remember, these were all strawberry flavored. No special "strawberry shortcake" or any of that garbage.


Now, go enjoy some yogurt!! Hope I helped chose the best one!! :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHANDTE 1/8/2011 11:27AM

Cute blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY-GIRL 1/5/2011 10:26AM

So whatever happened to the Cinnamon Bun yoplait?? (Great taste test, btw!_ Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 1/5/2011 1:28AM

Thanks. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 1/4/2011 2:28PM

I like WholeSoy vegan yogurt best. Though the new So Delicious coconut milk one in vanilla is quite tasty - it's just a bit different due to the coconut milk aspect. :) Silk soygurt is goddawful, IMO. Yuck. When I ate dairy, I always like the whipped ones best followed by custard style. I liked the banana custard style and the orange cream whipped. :) Comment edited on: 1/4/2011 2:28:36 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SEANDA 1/4/2011 12:56PM

Hey NEAT!! I love the taste test! I am a terrible sweettooth and one of the things I get is yoplait light raspberry cheesecake when I really want something sweet. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEPLIBRA 1/4/2011 12:37PM

FYI - Yoplait Chocolate Whips are AWESOME when frozen! Nice Review. Report Inappropriate Comment

EM4488 1/4/2011 12:17PM

Haha, I'll try other brands if/when they're onsale! :) As for now, I had yoplait coupons! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 1/4/2011 12:08PM

Thanks! Are you going to try other brands? Report Inappropriate Comment

It takes more than motivation

Monday, January 03, 2011

Sure, we're all hyped up about "NEW YEAR, NEW US" crap....
but seriously, all of that motivation is nothing if we don't commit to the hard work and dedication that goes along with that motivation.

Yes, my upcoming wedding motivates me to get healthy and skinny....however, I can't change in a day.
Yesterday alone I ate more than I could track on SP. (Seriously, I didn't even know I ate somethings, and others were just impossible to track...) Like I said, I'm motivated, but still not dedicated.

It's going to take a few weeks to really start changing my habits.

But, today I am going to start. I start a C25K program today. This morning, thus far, I have come up with approximtely 135409834091759843401 excuses as to why I don't want to start today. But dang it, I am. (Reason #1 it is Ohhhhh SO freezing outside today! Reason #2 we ripped out our bathroom and I don't have a shower when I get back! AGH!)

Alright. Now, lets go make the best of our day, eat at least two healthy meals.... try not to over do it.
And for petes sake: TRACK.


We can do this.
C'mon everyone!

Remember my motto "147 in 20-11" :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CGG111 1/4/2011 6:45PM

You can do it!! Cheering for you:) You might even love running once you start!!! Just try it for a little bit:) Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 1/3/2011 4:14PM

135409834091759843401? Them is a lot of excuses!!! LOL! I've never regretted a healthy decision or a workout. Keep that in mind! Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 1/3/2011 3:18PM

Start small - one thing at a time and be CONSISTENT. Only when you master one small step, take the next one. Sometimes trying to do it all at once overwhelms. Can you exercise indoors? Walking up and down the hall might be boring but your body still uses the same calories. Walk the ironing, getting the legs moving, even in ten minute blocks adds up to a higher metabolism. Instead of sitting while watching tele get up and move. The best goal I have is to keep in good health for as long as possible. When you are young it is sometimes hard to see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle but when you get to my age is when it pays off. All the very best. I don't know why this came up twice !!!!! Comment edited on: 1/3/2011 3:19:07 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 1/3/2011 3:17PM

Start small - one thing at a time and be CONSISTENT. Only when you master one small step, take the next one. Sometimes trying to do it all at once overwhelms. Can you exercise indoors? Walking up and down the hall might be boring but your body still uses the same calories. Walk the ironing, getting the legs moving, even in ten minute blocks adds up to a higher metabolism. Instead of sitting while watching tele get up and move. The best goal I have is to keep in good health for as long as possible. When you are young it is sometimes hard to see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle but when you get to my age is when it pays off. All the very best. Report Inappropriate Comment

DESSALENA 1/3/2011 10:31AM

Yes you are so right!! I made that many excuses plus some for why I didnt start the C25K when I wanted to...in the summer..and I still haven't started. I think this is my que to get on it! I am really going to have to talk myself into this one though!! : ) You are awesome..get that run in!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY-GIRL 1/3/2011 9:59AM

If Nicole & I are twins, you are my child. (doing the math... hmmm... could be... LOL) Motivation, schmotivation. We're good writers, aren't we? We can come up w/ *awesome* slogans (e.g., "Year of Completion" - yeah, right - well that is history). Another friend & I had this conversation, like, 2 years ago. It's not about motivation, it's about ACTION. Motivation is just air unless you do something about it. We're all motivated, otherwise we wouldn't be here. But how many are whining about it (my hand instantly goes up!) and how many are actually doing something about it? It seems so easy to just sit here in front of our computers & talk about it, but when it's time to do something about it, we still just sit here & cry about how we can't do it (again, my hand is in the air). Yesterday I did not want to take my walk (it was cold here, too), but I just got up & changed & bundled up & went, and I'm so glad I did. I have that sappy Miley Sirus song in my iPod (the climb), & just about cried. Two songs later I have "Proud" (Biggest Loser theme) & just about cried again. I felt like I had CONQUERED my velcro butt (the one that keeps us stuck to our desk chairs & couches). I felt confident, I felt in control. Yes, I felt proud (thankfully, that did not go beforeth the fall yesterday, LOL). And I wasn't cold for long (gloves usually come off after a mile). And you saw my pix from yesterday's walk on FB (I should always walk w/ a camera!). It was awesome. OK, my friend. Get up. Walk away from the computer. Go change your clothes & stick those ear buds in your ears & go. That's all you gotta do - go. Do it! Love ya to pieces! Comment edited on: 1/3/2011 10:01:38 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

RAEANNE84 1/3/2011 9:45AM

I am sure that you will do fine. As soon as you get the ball rolling things will start feeling easier. I should be saying that to myself though. I was on Weight Watchers and loved being involved with the website and other members however I hated having to pay each month. My sister came across Spark People and got me to dump WW and join the Spark. I did join but my heart was just not into it. I tracked for a very short period of time and then dropped off the Spark. I intend to get back on track. I have purchased some equipment and got my kids involved which is really what kept me on track before. I had an ah-ha moment when I was dancing with my kids on new years and felt winded. No problem. Here is to getting motivated, dropping excuses and getting the ball rolling! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONZO64 1/3/2011 9:34AM

Great blog. You're so right, we're all feeling motivated, but what good is it if we dont dedicate ourselves? Report Inappropriate Comment

KMAKEY 1/3/2011 9:33AM

Look forward, not back. One step at a time. You can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRYSTALM0214 1/3/2011 9:27AM

Great point... we just have to get out there and show our motivation by our actions! It will take time, but every small step ahead we take will get us closer to our goals than we are now. Enjoy your run! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEANDA 1/3/2011 9:27AM

Awesome and you are SO RIGHT! It is not about words but COMMITTMENT and ACTION! You are going to DO THIS!!! And I am going to CHEER YOU ON EACH STEP OF THE WAY! GO MANIACS! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREEKGAL1 1/3/2011 9:25AM

You are so right about dedication. Good luck with the C25K. I completed it and enjoyed it. I felt like I really accomplished something at the end of the program. I like your motto. Happy New Year Report Inappropriate Comment

Numbers Crunch and Re-Goals

Saturday, January 01, 2011

But...I started 2010 at 178 (1/1/10) and I'm up to approx. 190. Official "New Years" weigh in will be on the 5th when I start my BLC15. (ALthough I wish I would have weighed in this morning...but...whoops).


Jan 1, 2010
178 lbs
BMI 29.7 (.3 away from Obese, but I was overweigh, which is awesome)


Jan 5, 2010
TBA lbs
BMI TBI (undoubtably Obese)

I want to be at goal of 140 ONE MONTH before my WEDDING. My wedding is 10/1/2011 (if you don't already know. I write it all the time!)
This is exactly 1.4 pounds per week. It's quite a bit. Quite a bit more than I wanted to do or that I'm used to. But, it is STILL POSSIBLE!

However, at 150 lbs I'll reach the "healthy" range. And that was my original goal. So, if I'm there, I'm grateful and won't complain too much!!

(I told my friend Nancy, my new slogan is "147 in 2011. Haha. I'll take it!)


Not only do I want to reach a goal weight, but more importantly be HEALTHY and FIT! (I want HOT ARMS in my wedding dress, hahaha!)



Now, lets talk about my 2010 goals
(can be found in full here: http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_j
ournal_individual.asp?blog_id=2677291)

1) The weight....
Didn't happen. I stopped tracking. I gained. I gained about 10 pounds in the 1 year (although I had lost some at the beginning...so I actually gained more than 10).

2) The Family.....
We didn't increase our family time w/ Josh's fam. We always see mine. But, I love my fam!

3) The Friends....
We rarely saw friends. And never got to go camping. We did buy a camp, so we went camping there, but not tent camping. Boo.

4) The Education....
I GOT MY MASTERS! 'Nuff said!

5) The Fitness....
I don't do anything. Ever.

6) The Dumb Goal .....
Quit biting my nails. Mostly did. Frew stress moments get me, but mostly did.

7) The Job ......
Baahahaha. Yeah right. Yeah freaking right. Get a job in my field? Haha. No. Get a job at all. I wish. Screw this goal, it just makes me angry.

8) The Money....
Doesn't exist b/c of the previous 'goal'

9) The Extracurricular ......
I have no extracurricular. I stay at home and whimper about how pathetic my life has become.

10) HAVE A HAPPY YEAR!...
I graduated and I got engaged! Not too much can bring me down from those highs!!


I'm not posting new goals. Because, well, they're all the same. The only one of the 10 above I actually did was got my Masters, adn even that is pointless since I can't get a job with it. So, if I were to post goals it would be "repeat 2010 goals".


Well, this blog really made me feel crappy. I'm going to go watch some tv and figure out how to change my life.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRYINGHARD1948 1/3/2011 12:36AM

Don't give up on the job scene, it took me two years after I graduated and that was years ago. But, eventually it happened and it happened out of the blue. All the best. Report Inappropriate Comment

WORKINGMAN78 1/2/2011 5:20PM

I personally do not put to much value into the BMI scale that has been imposed on us. I tend to look more into the look good feel good think. I haven't been under 200 lbs since 8th grade. I guess my "best weight" has been about 220. But, that would put me as a high overweight person. Not everyone is meant to be a stick figure. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 1/2/2011 11:39AM

You can make this your year! I agree... Love the motto! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLUFFY613 1/1/2011 10:36PM

I went and read the 2010 goals and then this. You will get there! I love the saying ...147 in 2011...so cute! I think I am going to use it as well when I need some words to live by when a chocolate bar is staring me in the face!! lol Have a great NEW YEAR!!! You will look great on your wedding! Just stick with it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEANDA 1/1/2011 7:59PM

Your goal list is going to get lots and lots of check-marks. You just wait and see. Set your eyes on the goals.. and what you need to accomplish them and just keep putting one foot in front of the other!! The job thing- UGH totally relate.. hubby is starting a job on Monday after over a year of unemployment.. but it DID happen for him and it WILL happen for you. ((hugs)) Report Inappropriate Comment

It's a new year again

Saturday, January 01, 2011

I'm not one to get too swept up in New Years Resolutions, however, this is the year that will change my life:
I'M GETTING MARRIED.

That is (or should be) enough inspiration to keep me motivated throughout the year, as well as through my BLC (with my Mocha Maniacs)!

By reaching my healthy weight, and continuing to learn to live the healtier lifestyle.

My dog, as many of you know, is like my child, and I hope to get healthier FOR him as well as WITH him. He would love if mom actually walked him on a regular basis.

I need to do this for me. For my fiance. For my dog. For my wedding. For my health.

C'mon 2011....let this be the year of happiness and success.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SEANDA 1/1/2011 4:58PM

Woo hoo!!! You are going to the most BEAUTIFUL and FIT bride EVAH' !! And, yeah, my dog loves when I walk him lots... and I love it TOO.. is FUN! Looking forward to cheering you on EACH inch and pound of the way to goal! PS.. love your background.. totally mochalicious! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITLIKENIC 1/1/2011 2:34PM

You can and WILL do it, for YOU, Your hunny and your 'kiddo'... :) Report Inappropriate Comment

DBELLE39 1/1/2011 12:44PM

on your upcoming wedding! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 1/1/2011 11:20AM

Woo Hoo!! You can do this!! Report Inappropriate Comment

A little diddy about my day

Friday, December 31, 2010

My day points:
1) Food tracking
2) Shopping
3) Rib
4) Health shopping
5) Bathroom
6) Future father in law
7) Cleaning
8) SP

Point 1)
Today I was all gung-ho that I was going to track my food, "make it a good day", get back on track. Then Josh and I (read: just I) decided to go out ot lunch to a place we hadn't been before. I ordered the turkey reuben and veggie beef soup (OMG AMAZING SOUP). And as usual, JOsh and I switched half-zies with our sandwich and soup. I had half of his chili and a "rocket panini" -- corned beef, roast beef, turkey, two cheeses, coleslaw (I htink it was) and "Rocket sauce" (horseradish) with three pieces of marbled rye bread. WOW. Can you say fantastic?! But... absolutely impossible to track. Oh, and then I came home and ate the last of the package of oreos (3 cookies)...... and accepted the fact (AGAIN) that they canNOT be in my house.

Point 2) We then went shopping at the local places in town. One of our favorite things to do, but we rarely can b/c of his work schedule. We bought a yellow pitcher for $20, a teapot for $5, and this freaking awesome decanter/vase/I dunno thing for $8.50. Love it. I may have to post pics. Then at a 2nd store we bought this really interesting hommade pottery piece called a "puzzle jar". Basicallly the lid doesn't just sit on top, but rather it fits like a swirvey puzzle piece. We had a lot of fun!

Point 3)
For those of you who don't know - I'm always complaining about my ribs being out and hurting. My main focus has been on one rib on my left side lately. Well, today I had Josh squeeze me and crack my back. *POP!* Now, that rib doesn't really hurt, but it's opposite side does. Dang it. Kind of going to ruin my day (will take ibuprofen and ice in a bit).
Does anyone else have rib problems? I'd like to talk to someone who understands!!

Point 4)
Josh's medical "extras" card expires today (you know, the one you can buy bandaids and pain killesr with). He had more than 350 bucks left on it! So, we went on a shopping spree of health crap. I got a blood pressure monitor and a blood glucose monitor for JOsh (as he's been having undiagnosed health probs lately), as well as a TON of ibuprofen, acetometophan, and naproxen. Oh, and we got my grandma and grandpa the asprins they need. And we got my stepdad a crap load of the inhalers that he needs! It'll be like Christmas when we can give them to everyone!

Point 5)
We're redoing our bathroom floor tomorrow! Josh is in the process (as I type) on ripping out the old floor. I just emptied out the UGLY cupboard into totes (and we're getting our new cupboard soon....it's ordered, not shipped). Oh, here is the new one:

http://www.target.com/Recycle-Laundry-Ca
binet/dp/B0006TY31M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8
&searchView=grid5&keywords=bath%2Frecy
cle%20cabinet&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-1&
qid=1293830049&rh=&searchRank=target10
4545&id=Recycle%20Laundry%20Cabinet&no
de=1038576%7C1287991011&searchSize=30&
searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576%7C12
87991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%
2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin
%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0


We're going to make the bottom hamper go to a shoot to the laundry in the basement! AWESOME!! And we have our new sink in already. Man, I'm going to have an awesome bathroom!!

Point 6)
Josh's dad si going to help put in the floor (he is so handy!) tomorrow, but we found out today he's having some medical problems and may not be able to help tomorrow. I mean, he will, but not tomorrow. His blood pressure was all screwy so the doc gave him meds and they made him insanely tired. That sucks.
Oh, as I typed this....Josh attempted to take the cabinet out and broke my lights. Damm it. I got those on an amazing sale. $50 lights down to $8. Double damm it. Men are stupid.

Point 7)
I need to clean. The end.

Point 8)
I love SparkPeople and I can't wait to get truly active with my new team! GO MOCHAs!!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GEEMAWEST 12/31/2010 8:59PM

Love the new bathroom cabinet. Very cute and how handy to make it go right into a chute. And yes, men can be stupid, but it's only because they are trying to be manly. Happy New Year my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARTOONB 12/31/2010 7:04PM

You are so cute! Men are stupid, but we love them. Very nice of you to get meeds for your family. Found out today that in did get all of my FSA money spent. Just barely, tho! Hope you can get your bathroom put back together with minimal breakage. Good luck!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY-GIRL 12/31/2010 5:03PM

You're awesome. I love you. ps, Go here http://www.sparkpeople.com/fr iend_feed_privacy.asp to change your friend feed privacy settings to let us know automatically when you publish a new blog, 'K? Report Inappropriate Comment