Slow & Steady!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

First off, I didn't have a chance to post yesterday but I did have my JC consult and weigh-in, lost 1.2 pounds last week. So I am now down almost 12 pounds in 7 weeks. Slowly but surely, I'm getting there!

I had a couple of victories in the past couple of days, mostly regarding clothing. While I'm not yet able to officially go down a size, I believe that's because my clothes were much too tight in the first place and they are just now fitting properly. *blush* The new, expensive jeans I bought before we went to NY are loose, though, and won't be fitting for much longer. I'm considering doing a blog giveaway for them, hate to spend $200 on jeans and donate to the Goodwill, you know? Are there any size 12Ps out there who might be interested? Also, I treated myself to some new workout shirts in a size smaller (M), put one on this morning and lo and behold, it fits! I can see more definition in my waist, my breasts are definitely smaller (sorry, Beren!), stomach is a little bit flatter but my hips are hanging in there. I guess I'm destined for the pin-up body, just might need the help of a Miracle Bra pretty soon. *wink*

Has anyone heard of the book called 100 Days of Weight Loss by Linda Spangle? There's a lot of talk about it on various diet forums and blogs so I checked it out from my local library. Basically it's a 100 day "program" to accompany any weight loss program of your choices. It's not a diet or nutrition book per se, it's all about your head, not your body. The program requires daily exercises and journaling so I thought I might do some of that "aloud" here. Anyone interested in joining me? If so, grab a copy of the book and join right in! I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'll start reading/journaling this afternoon or evening.

Until then, have a Beauty-Full Day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 11/26/2010 10:33PM

You are doing amazing. I wish I were in a size 12 but I'm still in 14s. Report Inappropriate Comment

RAINBOWFALLS 11/19/2010 7:28AM

My blog yesterday was about changing my mind set during this journey being more important then the Weight loss. The book sounds interesting. Report Inappropriate Comment

EUPHRATES 11/18/2010 12:54PM

Sounds like an interesting book - I'll have to check that out! Report Inappropriate Comment

HELENA260 11/18/2010 8:37AM

Remember slow and steady wins the race!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Just Rewards

Friday, October 29, 2010

Jenny Craig talks a lot of rewarding oneself, non-foodwise, of course. The Counselor will often ask, "How will you reward yourself for _______." Well, being a Leo, I'm pretty good about pampering myself..grin..so I need little encouragement in this area.

Each week that I lose weight, I treat myself to a little something, usually under $10.00, just to honor my accomplishment and make me feel special.

Last week I bought a long-awaited book by Mad Men's Costume Designer, Janie Bryant.

“It’s about becoming your own leading lady and developing your own fabulous personal style,” Bryant said. ”It really is about having a little crush on yourself.”

This really was a lovely gift to myself, I've spent several evenings this past week curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, planning my post-weight-loss Mad Men-inspired wardrobe. Fortunately I already have a couple of appropriate outfits in my closet, just waiting for me to fit into them!

For this week's reward, I walked over to Fresh Market and bought myself a gorgeous bouquet of long-stemmed roses to put on my nightstand. ($8.99, can't beat the price!)

And now, my Victory List for the past couple of days:

*Put on my favorite black sheath dress yesterday, discovered that not only is it loose on me, but I had to take the belt in one notch!

*Went to Kali's to help her move yesterday, ordered take-out Cuban food for dinner. While she ate black beans with white rice and yuca and Beren gobbled up ham croquettes, I ate my Jenny Craig meal which I had to prepare in the oven since K doesn't have a microwave yet. She and Beren celebrated the move with cocktails..I had a can of Fresca.

I'm building up strength, it's becoming easier to resist aforementioned temptations. My motivation is strong, am feeling really good. I joined a JC message board Thanksgiving challenge - my goal is to get down to 159 by Thanksgiving. That's 7 weeks away, surely I can lose a pound a week between now & then.

Off to run errands and then hit the treadmill, have a beauty-full day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MORTICIAADDAMS 11/11/2010 11:32PM

I need to reward myself more. Report Inappropriate Comment

RAINBOWFALLS 10/30/2010 11:06AM

You are doing fantastic - Keep it up. I love the idea of buying yourself weight loss rewards. Report Inappropriate Comment

EUPHRATES 10/29/2010 11:48AM

*shudders* Fresca...ah, Fresca. My sister and I used to be known as the "Great Fresca Thieves" because we'd sneak drinks out of our mom's glass. Which boggles my mind since I really couldn't STAND the stuff...but it was in Mommy's glass, so it had to be good, right? Kids. LOLZ I'll have to check out that book - sounds marvelous! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Big Easy

Friday, July 16, 2010

For a couple of years now, I've been asking Beren to take me to New Orleans. With my passion for all things French combined with my appreciation of burlesque (and sexy ladies in general), I just know I'd love it! He's already been there and though he enjoyed it, he would prefer to visit somewhere new on vacation. Well, now that we've been living part time in North Florida, it's "only" about a 9-hour drive from our doorstep to his favorite bar, a much more do-able trip. So, we just might be taking a little vacation sometime in the very near future! In the meantime, I'll start planning and getting into the spirit with some Canjun cooking!

Let me tell you, my man loooooves his Jambalaya. He's been tweaking the recipe for years, taste testing from various restaurants in order to perfect his own version. Honestly, I couldn't share the recipe with you even if I wanted to, it's such a mishmash of ingredients which of course he doesn't measure or weigh. I admit, it is delicious but not very healthy and certainly not "clean."

So, while Beren's in the kitchen cooking up his dinner, I'll be alongside him whipping up this healthy version:


Shrimp Jambalaya

-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 clove minced garlic
16 ounces stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup water
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp basil
1/4 tsp red pepper
1 dash pepper
1 pound shrimp -- Shelled and deveined
2 cups cooked brown rice
Pam cooking spray

In a saucepan coated with Pam, cook onion, pepper and garlic until tender. Stir in stewed tomatoes, water, bay leaves thyme, basil, red pepper, shrimp, and cooked rice. Bring to a boil and reeduce heat. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Stir frequently.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Serves 4. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 276 Calories; 3g Fat (9.7% calories from fat); 27g Protein; 35g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 173mg Cholesterol; 201mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

NOTES : Note: If you don't like shrimp you can substitute chicken breast.

Have a Beauty-Full Day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EUPHRATES 7/30/2010 3:28AM

Mmmmmmmm, sounds tasty! Report Inappropriate Comment

CENTAURI 7/18/2010 6:01PM

I like your healthy version! And I too love a good jambalaya. Yum!!! :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 7/17/2010 10:08PM

My dad visits friends every year in Cajun country. Cajun cooking is his specialty. Report Inappropriate Comment

Cleaning Up

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Ah..it's wonderful what a day on the couch will do to a girl! I only left the house for an hour yesterday, just long enough to pick up books & dvd's from the library and dinner ingredients from the gourmet market. It's so hot here, 93 degrees after sundown last night, that holing up in the a/c was not a hardship at all. I'm feeling a little better this morning, thanks to all of you for your well wishes!

One of the books I checked out from the library is The Eat-Clean Diet by Tosca Reno. I've heard a lot about "clean eating" and wanted a bit more information. Have any of you read this and/or follow this diet? The author is in her late 40's and looks amazing. Yeah, ok, she's probably had a bit of work done and yeah she works out a ton but still...what would I give for those abs?!




I skimmed through the pages yesterday and thought, "wow, this is the way my ex-husband the bodybuilder used to eat." Protein powder. Oatmeal. Egg whites. Chicken Breast. Whole grain. 6 small meals a day. Very popular way of eating for the gym rats and, yes, I can attest to the fact that it works. My ex and his buddies had great bodies with very little fat and had a lot of energy.

More importantly, though, is whether or not it's do-able for me. Here are the basic principles:

• Eat 5-6 small meals, everyday
• Eat every 2-3 hours
• Combine lean protein & complex carbs at every meal
• Drink at least 8 cups of water, everyday
• Never miss a meal, especially breakfast
• Avoid all over-processed foods, especially white flour and white sugar
• Avoid saturated and trans fats
• Avoid sugar-loaded colas and juices
• Consume adequate healthy fats (EFAs) everyday
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid calorie dense foods that contain little nutritional value
• Depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins and enzymes
• Stick to proper portion sizing

Sounds pretty easy, right? The only thing I'd have a problem with is, frankly, the avoidance of alcohol. You all know how much I enjoy my vino! So, I'm going to do my best with that part.

If you want to learn more and don't necessarily want to purchase the book, check out the Sparkpeople Team Forum for Clean Eating. Lots of information and support there!

I did a quick grocery run this morning, came home and made breakfast. Following the basic principles, ate: 3 egg whites scrambled with diced green peppers, 1/2 a cup of oatmeal with raisins, a teaspoon of unsweetened applesauce and a splash of almond milk. Filling and delicious!

I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the day goes..hope yours is Beauty-Full!

xoxoxoox

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CENTAURI 7/11/2010 2:01PM

This plan is very do-able. The thing is you have to decide what things you don't want to live without. I don't restrict myself as much as what Tosca would have you do with her plan, but I do pretty much follow the basic principles. For example, I like honey with my green tea. I still like to use things like light mayo, Newman's Own Balsamic Vinegarette salad dressing. I try and make my own sauces for the most part to keep them on the healthier side. I have learned to use a little olive oil on grilled sammies with no other dressing. I put a tiny bit of butter on the grill pan and put the olive oil side of the bread facing down. One of my favorie sammies is cut up boneless-skinless chicken pieces, stir in a small amount of pesto sauce, melt some pepper jack cheese on one half of your bread, top with things like sauteed mushrooms, avocado slices, tomato slices. Sooooo yummy! For the bread I like to use wheat sourdough. I do notice alcohol does effect your dieting. I never seem to lose when I drink here and there. Definately do not skip breakfast. Eating breakfast is what helps me to lose weight. So glad you joined the team! Have a wonderful day! :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

STREGA*LUNA 7/11/2010 7:38AM

Thanks to everyone for the support! Euphrates, ooh, that mead sounds wonderful! I'm sure you'll be just fine. Have a great time camping! Morticia, thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 7/10/2010 8:49PM

Best of luck with the plan. I have read the book and used to get the Clean Eating Magazine. Report Inappropriate Comment

EUPHRATES 7/10/2010 3:37PM

Sounds interesting. I'm trying to stay "clean" - mostly avoiding overly processed stuff, and things that are *naturally* low fat (not buying "low fat" frankenfoods - they not only scare me, but I tend to have interesting allergic reactions to them, like my tongue will start itching - weird). I expect alcohol may be my downfall this week camping - there will be a lot of mead flowing (in fact, Magpie Mead will BE there vending...their boysenberry mead is to DIE for). But I've got plans to keep everything else in balance, so I'm *hoping* it won't derail me too badly. :D Report Inappropriate Comment

FITB4-40 7/10/2010 10:57AM

Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

Happy Hour Mishaps

Thursday, July 01, 2010

I worked a long day yesterday and met my sweetie for Happy Hour afterward. Well, he was running late so I had a glass of wine before he arrived. Then I ordered the "healthiest" appetizer I could find, smoked fish dip. It came with carrots & celery but not enough of them so of course I ended up digging into the tortilla chips as well. *groan* As if that weren't bad enough, I came home and ate 2 slices of leftover pizza! What the hell? I didn't log all of this into my journal, wouldn't even know where to start, but I feel like crap this morning so I doubt I'll be doing that again. Thankfully the scale isn't showing my blunder...yet. I figure if I stay OP today and work in a walk this evening I should be ok.

Here's a cute little survey I borrowed from my http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=M
ORTICIAADDAMS, something to take my mind off the long work day ahead...and the crappy eating mistakes I made last night.

Silly fun quiz

1. Do you have any pets?
yes, at the moment I share my house with a greyhound mix, a wolfdog, 4 cats, a hairless rat and a bunny.

2. Name 3 things that are physically close to you.
candles, mirror, mermaid statue

3. What's the weather like right now?
hot & muggy

4. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?
Yes and yes. None were my fault.

5. What time did you wake up this morning?
6:00

6. When was the last time you showered?
about an hour ago

7. What was the last movie you saw?
Adam

8. What does your last text message say?
Ok, looking forward to seeing you!

9. What's your ringtone?
theme from Bewitched

10. Have you ever been to a different country?
yes, Bimini (Bahamas)

11. Do you like sushi?
only California rolls

12. Where do you buy your groceries?
Fresh Market, Publix, Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, Target, Wal-Mart

13. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?
yes

14. How many siblings do you have?
A half brother.

15. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
laptop

16. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
46

17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
contacts

18. Do you color your hair?
yes, to cover the gray!

19. Tell me something you are planning to do today.
go food shopping, cook a yummy dinner

20. When was the last time you cried?
I can't remember, I think it was sometime last week

21. What is your perfect pizza topping?
every veggie you can pile on with light cheese

22. Which do you prefer-hamburgers or cheeseburgers?
cheeseburgers, but I don't eat much red meat anymore

23. Have you ever had an all-nighter?
Not sure what this means. LOL. If it has to do with drinking - no. If it has to do with sex - no. If it has to do with work - yes.

24. What is your eye color?
blue

25. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?
Yes. I rarely drink soda but when I do it's got to be Diet Coke

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_COSMOPAULATAN_ 7/9/2010 7:04AM

Happy hours can be dangerous, but I've continued to allow myself 1 per week. 1 glass of wine, 2-3 chicken wings, and a piece of bruschetta. On the day I know I am going, I just plan accordingly so I work it into my calories. That dip sounded yummy, maybe next time you can so no tortilla chips at all and just veggies? Report Inappropriate Comment

EUPHRATES 7/9/2010 6:06AM

*grins* I took this quiz too! Fun stuff. Report Inappropriate Comment

STREGA*LUNA 7/1/2010 5:28PM

Morticia, it is, lol! Fortunately not all of the animals are mine. I have 2 of the cats and 1 dog, the rest of the critters belong to my kids who eventually are moving out...right? ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

MORTICIAADDAMS 7/1/2010 4:03PM

Forgive yourself and move on. No biggie. LOL. You house sounds like a zoo. LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment