#2 Kristi - Flab to FAB Official Contestant

In 8 weeks

2010-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have lost

21 LBS

I have shrunk

19 INCHES

My body fat has gone from 40.3% to:

36.6%

Sorry the pics aren't FAB I didn't have anyone to take after pics...but if you look you can really see the changes...except in my arms GRRRRRRRR! I hardly lost anything there!

Face smaller
Stomach flatter
Butt shrunk about 2 sizes
Boobs look HUGE....same bra! -just a smaller body! Even my bra is too big!
Hair blonder... does that count?

Check out my stats for inches lost on side bar. I lost most in my waist!

I will try to get some better after pics soon!

Week WHAT?

2010-05-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

Between my husbands finals, prep for grad, family in from out of town, work, etc.... I have totally forgotten what week I am in!!!!!!!!!!!

7???

8???

seriously I don't know but what I do know is that I am have surpassed my goal of 210 for the challenge!!! I am at 208.4!!!!!!!!!

There are some girls totally rockin this challenge and I think they are ahead of me but seriously I was pushing 300 lbs 9 months ago now I'm teetering on the brink of 200!!! I am totally a winner!

Check out my stats and weight loss on the top of the blog page and on the side as well!

One thing that's disappointing is that I am losing a lot of weight in my mid section but my arms and my legs are virtually the same size so pants are super loose on the waist but tight on legs and same with arms and chest....GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Tuna Salad Recipe- No bread. TRY THIS!

2010-05-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

This Tuna Salad is GREAT for a warm summer day!

To make Tuna Salad - remember this won't be the creamy fatty texture of mayo tuna but lighter and slightly creamy.

use a few tablespoons of plain greek yogurt -to taste
squeeze in some lemon- to taste
dice up some celery
dide up a 2 thin slices of sweet onion
add salt and pepper to taste
to bulk it up more dice up some carrots and red bell peppers too!!!

Cut up a few small (cherry) tomatoes into four and serve on top.

Slice up an avocado for a heart healthy fat.

So behind!

2010-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts been incredibly busy. Will try to get you an update this week!

Veggie Quinoa Soup- Crockpot Recipe

2010-05-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

This soup I just tossed together and it turned out delish! Not only is it quick and easy it is super low in fat, a good source of protein and high in fiber!

I searched online and found a recipe that almost perfectly matched what I had done:

Veggie Quinoa Soup

NOTE: I used veggie broth and you can pack this with ANY veggies you so desire!

Directions
Put the water in a heavy stainless steel pot, put the lid on it, and place it over high heat to boil. Rinse the quinoa well and drain. Do this twice with warm filtered water, then set quinoa aside. Once the water is boiling, add the quinoa, all the veggies, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cover and keep it at high temp. Once its starts to boil again, bring temp down to medium low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, check if the quinoa is cooked. It should look transparent, thick, and in the shape of a circle with a clef in it (look at picture above). You don’t want to cook the veggies too much unless the quinoa needs more time. When the quinoa is ready, add the thyme, Celtic sea salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir to mix all condiments well in the soup and cover for a minute, then taste. If it needs a little more sea salt, then add it. Serve and garnish generously with the freshly chopped parsley.

Kristi's directions- throw it all in your crock pot and cook on low all day or high for several hours until quinoa is soft. Use fresh or frozen veggies for a quicker soup.

EASY grilled Zucchini on Cracker Snack Attack-Recipe

2010-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

SNACK ATTACK!

5 Minutes to a tasty, healthy snack!

George Foreman + Ak Mak Crackers + Garlic Spread + Zucchini = DELISH!

ECO FITNESS GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

2010-05-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT MY ECO FITNESS GIVEAWAY ON ORANGE JUICE!

I Love Treats!

Spinach and Sundried Tomato Spaghetti Squash- Recipe

2010-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

A Fave Recipe From this week:

Spinach & Sundried Tomato Spaghetti Squash


-Photo From Pioneer Woman

1 large spaghetti squash
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
5 oz. spinach
1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
1 cup chickpeas
4 oz. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and julienned
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
1½ tsp. garlic salt
4 Tbs. low-fat feta cheese

Note: I added artichoke hearts and omitted the feta

Directions

1. Pierce spaghetti squash rind several times with fork. Microwave on high 5 minutes per pound of squash, until squash is soft. Cut in half lengthwise, and remove seeds. Rake insides of squash into bowl.

2. Cook olive oil and onion in large skillet over high heat, until fragrant. Stir in spinach and garlic, and cover. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When spinach has cooked down, reduce heat, and stir in spaghetti squash.

3. Stir in chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic salt. To serve, divide among 4 plates, and top each with 1 Tbs. feta cheese.

BYE BYE FAKE BRAIN TUMOR!!!

2010-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have...correction...HAD a fake brain tumor. Yes a FAKE brain tumor. Pseudotumor Cerebri-(in short additional fluid on brain causing effects of a tumor) tell me that doesn't mean FAKE BRAIN TUMOR! Seriously they could sooo have been more creative. At least it sounds snazzy right?

OK not s snazzy when they tell you either have a brain tumor a a fake brain tumor and your options are:
1. Brain Surgery
2. Spinal Tap

Is there a 3? -Nope so I had to get my MRI's (head in a freaking LOUD machine that I am totally claustrophobic in -and I am not claustrophobic) praying it's not brain surgery or a spinal tap and they made a HUGE mistake!

MRI's DONE! Spinal tap it was! Horrible, it was. Spinal headaches made me unable to move literally for a week and new meds made me have to pee like there was no tomorrow and tingle all over.

I was told to lose weight or be on the meds forever.

2 years of yoyo weight loss and gain then finally a life change that would stick.

60 lbs lighter and still losing- healthier than ever(ish) I am finally able to say bye bye to the fake brain tumor. It's officially G-O-N-E!!!!!

Next month I get to say bye bye to the blood chemistry altering meds!

BYE BYE FAKE BRAIN TUMOR!

Good Riddance!

Week 4 Review and Weigh In- HALF WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Walking at Bolsa Chica Reserve

FEELINGS ABOUT THE WEEK:
Wow! I am so behind on posts! I have to tell you how my week was LAST WEEK!!!! It feels like a century ago to be honest! I do know that I have had the most energy I've had in a couple of years! YUP! It's true. Who knew being so conscious about my food choices would make such a difference!

WORKOUTS:
Nia: 1 Class
Jogging/walking: 1
Walk 30-40 min: 1
JM 30 Day Shred: 1

Well ironically it's the least I have worked out since the contest began but I have lost what I did the first week. I NEED to incorporate more weights and/or toning exercises. BLAH! Any suggestions???

NOTES ABOUT FOOD:
I have a new addiction. It's so amazingly delish you won't believe yourself when you eat it. Majestic Garlic. WOW!

Photo Credit

This stuff is so amazing and flavorful you can add it to so many things to make it beyond delish! My latest use was a sprouted wrap spread with the Sun Dried Tomato and Jalapeno flavor Garlic Paste which wrapped grilled veggies (onion, zucchini, bell pepper). It was so flavorful even D loved it! I would never have bought this in a million years on my own, I tried it at a friend's first and went gah gah over it! A word of caution though... it contains oil so use sparingly! You don't need much anyway but I have to admit that I wolfed down a quarter of the container before I realized it contained oil... Let's just say, It will be a minor set back for me.

I am still juicing and creating fabulous food with my friend and eating WHOLE, FRESH and (mostly) ORGANIC foods. We are eating about 80% vegetarian now and I am loving my veggies! I also start my morning juicing fruits and veggies! Even Zorro is loving the juicing!

Pink Sherbet Photography

WEIGH IN:
I LOST 3 lbs. WHOOP! I am down a total of 10.2 lbs.

Check out my PROGRESS PAGE for pics!

I update that weekly usually! I'm behind on posting the photos this week!

Energy!

2010-04-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

My Skinny Husband- Meet D

So I have to say have been experiencing more energy since I changed my eating! It took about a week or more but 2 weeks in and I am really enjoying this energy! I am starting to feel "normal" again! WOOHOO!

To be honest I didn't think I was going to feel this good but I am and I am overall less hungry too. Maybe because I am fueling my body with the nutrients it actually needs? Yay for veggies! LOL

OH I did level 2 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred- She Trashed My A**!!! That was hard core. Seriously 3 days ago and I am still hurting. EESH!

A Little Looky at What I am Eating

2010-04-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was telling you about how I am eating more whole, organic and raw foods and less meat, less processed and less preservatives. I have eaten like this before but it's been a looooooooooooooooooooong time! I lost my taste for fresh produce and have spent the last few years eating highly processed fast foods.
I was so depressed I couldn't even get it together to cook a wholesome meal. Taco Bell was my closest friend. It's no wonder I packed on so much weight!
Honestly, my body has been more than ready to eat nutritious foods but I was more than daunted by all the produce, my ultimate goal (to go meatless) and what the crap I was supposed to make!!

Enter my AWESOME friend Heather who is creative, committed and has the exact same goals and I do. She proposed the idea of getting together and prepping meals once or twice a week so we are prepared and ready to go for our meals.

Here's what we are doing: we prep 3 dinners (enought for us and out husbands at least), prep lunches and juice a little. 1 meal I make for her fam and mine (crock pot baby!) and one she makes for us. Then we have a left over day or a free day. We have found that we are saving a lot of money this way! And spend no more than 40 a week on food. I buy a few extras for D and S but our food bill has gone way down! We are also not wasting food...ya knw like the produce you bought with good intentions that seems to go bad every week?

That all said here's some photos and recipes for the week:

This is a Chicken Veggie Wrap- DELISH!

Hummus
Sprouted Wrap (Ezekiel Wrap)
Broccoli Sprouts
Spring mix lettuce
Chicken, garlic and onion cooked with my garlic chix crock pot recipe
Tomatoes
Avocado

Almond Encrusted Fish with Quinoa and Strawberries

Fish (your fave type)
Almond meal (just almonds ground down to a powder)
Olive Oil
Lemon Pepper or Just salt
Lemon (with serving)
Egg whites

Salt fish, coat with egg white, dip in almond meal covering fish completely. Pan fry in 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Serve with Quinoa (I cooked quinoa in chix broth for added flavor rather than just water). Strawberries or even a nice fruit salsa make great additions to the meal.

Those were some of my fave meals this week. I hope you try some and enjoy!

Our First Challenge - you know because working out butts off isn't enough...

2010-04-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

Yummy Asian Chix Salad

2010-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Super simple, fast and filling!

Light Asian Chix Salad

Shredded cabbage mix
Broccoli slaw
Bean Sprouts
Snow Peas (add any of your fave veggies)
Chix breast- I made mine ahead of time in the crockpot using THIS recipe
Cashews (unsalted)
Sesame seeds
Ken's Light Asian Sesame trust me when I say a little goes a LONG way!

mix it all up let it sit for about 5 min then EAT!

Week 3 Review and Weigh In

2010-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I think my face is looking even smaller....

FEELINGS ABOUT THE WEEK:
The PERIOD IS GONE! I have to say, I really feel like my period was actually much better than usual. Maybe from the working out? I still had cramping and cravings etc but the pain was lighter overall and lasted a shorter period of time. I would like to hope that had something to do with my regular working out. I suppose we'll see next month!
The food changes are rocking! I am enjoying eating better and reaching for healthier options. My body is feeling better and craves those things more now.

WORKOUTS:
Nia: 1 Class
Jogging/walking: 1
Walk 30-40 min: 2
JM 30 Day Shred: 1

This week my workouts were lighter because I had a busy, busy, busy week! All workouts were great and effective. i only got one jog in again. :( Really frustrated about that, it's my fave thing to do but just not happening way I wanted it to.
I am also looking into yoga studios right now. I really would like to find an affordable studio for some fabulous meditative exercise.

NOTES ABOUT FOOD:
So let me tell you the Garlic Chix crockpot recipe I gave you for the crock pot? AWESOME! I've been making 2-3 breasts extra for the week and using them in lunches as well as a dinner. They are TASTY that way! TRY IT!

I have also been doing my eating a little different. While I still use my grab and go foods, I use them a bit more sparingly, like when I especially NEED them. I've been doing better with my time (sorta) so cooking hasn't been as much of a chore. ALSO I have a FABULISIMO friend who is eating the same foods with me. We (mostly she because I am not creative that way) comes up with meal plans. We buy the food together (save some serious dough!) get together once/twice a week to prep the meals and bag them or put them in containers for later cooking. This way our foods are already preped. We did the yucky part together so it made it fun (while battling the kiddos) and then when we are ready to make our meals at home, it takes only the cooking time. AWESOME!

If that we'rent enough (oh ya!) we are also cooking a meal for eachother once a week maybe two as well. So half of my crock pot dish goes to her fam and we keep the other half. Then another day I don't cook and she brings over a meal. How's that for teamwork?

If it couldn't get any better, our ultimate goal is to eat WHOLE, FRESH and ORGANIC foods leaning more towards a vegetarian lifestyle. And juicing loads of fruits and veggies too! I will have to give more details later and even a menu!

Pink Sherbet Photography

WEIGH IN:
I LOST 2 lbs. I am on track to meet my goal. YAY! So far I am down a total of 7.2 lbs.

Check out my PROGRESS PAGE for pics!

I update that weekly.

"Diet" is a Four Letter Word

2010-04-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

D-I-E-t

Says it all doesn't it?

I refuse to diet. I refuse to call eating in anyway a diet. It evokes strong emotions that pretty much always make me end up curled in a ball sweating because I just-want-that-cookie or I'll have just eaten a box of em. Because diets have come to mean deprivation of some sort. When we talk about the diet we're on basically it means, "what can't you eat?" carbs? sugar? everything except veggies?

I eat for many reasons. Not just because I am hungry. I also eat because I enjoy the taste of food. Sometimes I eat for emotional reasons. Sometimes I eat just because something looks good. I think being aware of why we are eating is also just as important as what we are eating. But that's really another blog post...

What I really want to say is that what we eat while we are losing weight must in some sense be indicative to what we will eat when we are maintaining our weight. It needs to be REAL, do-able. If you stop eating restrictive then eat normally you will gain weight. No carbs for you now, but later you will eat some for a week then gain 10 lbs. Not cool! Who wants that?

I'm not saying I don't "restrict" foods in certain ways or that I eat to hearts content any time and every time. I am saying make wise choices for your body but also let your taste buds enjoy a little too.

I BELIEVE IN:

snacks
treats
candy
comfort food
things that make you go "Mmmm" :)

Diet is a four letter word to me. Better not use it when I'm around.

P.S. A response to a question I was asked:
when you have the munchies is there a food that you turn to that doesn't kill your diet but solves your craving?
my secret is EAT IT! When I crave something I know that I won't be satisfied unless I eat what it is I am craving. But what I am learning is how to identify why I am craving. Is is hunger? or emotional? if it's hunger I can make wiser choices and offset the craving with or the "naughty food" with something else so I don't eat as much. Or I can make sure to eat in moderation. If it's emotional I try to identify that need. Sometimes I still need the treat so I eat it.
What's happening is that while I am allowing myself a treat, I am not depriving myself and then causing myself to freak out and binge. By not cutting off the possibility to have treats, I am eating less and less every time. I am also find that other things DO satisfy!
Not much of a secret, I know. lol

Week 2 Review and Weigh In

2010-04-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

We were gonna take a pic of ourselves at the top of the peak. Lamo ME set it on video. We got this 10 sec video of us then the battery died. I thought I's show you all my brilliance.

FEELINGS ABOUT THE WEEK:
One week down 6 more to go! This week was a test in food. It's really my biggest struggle. I refuse to "diet" because I want my changes to be lasting. That's how I've made it down 50 lbs so far. It's important to make good decisions but sometimes treats and other such yumminess are just a MUST. It also turns out that I started my period on weigh in day. Maybe that's why I was in such craving mode..AH who am I kidding. I ALWAYS crave sweets. LOL

WORKOUTS:
Nia: 1 video, 1 Class
Jogging/walking: 1
Gym: 30 min elliptical, 1hr weights
JM 30 Day Shred: 1

I totally shaved a few more seconds off my jog! YAY! I'd like to get out and jog more but like a said, midnight jogs alone are not happening. So I mixed it up with other workouts. Not as satisfying to me but effective.

NOTES ABOUT FOOD:
I am eating so much better. I find myself NOT going to fast food anymore even when I am tired and hungry. That's HUGE! Working out more has made me eat lighter as well.

I've been crock-potting like a fiend and planning a bit better. We've tried new things and Im pretty sure saving money on food as well. Totally awesome!

Pink Sherbet Photography

WEIGH IN:
I LOST 2.2 lbs and brought my BMI down a few more points.I also FINALLY measured myself and found that I have LOST a few inches. WHOOP! CHECK OUT MY SIDE BAR for details on total loss and inches. My loss has only been 5.2 lbs in these 2 weeks but with the inches lost I can already see a small difference in how my clothes fit (or dont! YEYA!) and even in my full body shots.

Check out my PROGRESS PAGE for pics!

I update that weekly.

A TRIUMPHANT MOMENT

2010-04-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today was an important day for me. It was the day I revisited the beginning of my journey. It was a day of reflection and most importantly, a day of triumph.

A little over 6 months after I made the decision to change my life around. That moment started with a HIKE. I didn't know how else to start, "getting out and moving around" was the fist step. Deciding to hike was the next. I'm not sure how I came to the choice I did in all the many, many trails we have in Orange County but this 3 mile hike and 1000 foot gain that was supposed to take us only 2 hours was what I opted for.

The hike was in the middle of the summer. My birthday, August 15th to be exact. It was blazing hot and the land was scorched and dead. And to be honest, that's how I felt inside too. One of the many reasons I needed to make this change.

Each step up the steep hills was painful. I was gasping for air, dizzy and had to stop every few feet. But I wouldn't give up. I didn't even tell D how I felt because I knew he would say to turn around. I had my sights set on the Peak and that's where I was going to go no matter how long it took. And I made it.

That day, that moment when I reached the top without giving up, it ignited a fire that has been burning for over 6 months. I new I needed to take my life back, my health both physical and emotional. I knew it would be hard work but at that moment, I KNEW I was up for it. That I could do it and I would.

I told myself I would come back some time later after I lost weight and hike it again. I never set a date but right around six months and 50 lbs lost I knew this was my time.

April 11, 2010

Walking up the hills I had a pep in my step that hasn't been there is a long time. I had hoped to make to it to the top without having to stop. I did stop though. That first stop for me was almost heartbreaking. But I pushed on and up. I had to stop again at the second large hill. This time, I just realized that it was OK. I accepted it. I got to the last hill, ready to stop and my legs were feeling like lead. I was walking so slow I may as well have been crawling but I would not stop. All of the sudden a second wind pushed me through that moment and I walked with ease up the remaining hill. Then we hit were at the Peak.

Going up I had focused entirely on getting to the top. But going down I enjoyed the journey, looking out and seeing the stunning change in scenery since I was last there. Spring had come upon the hills and the trails were lined in blooms. Wild flowers everywhere, life and greenery. Could it be a metaphor for me as well? Is it the beginning of spring for me?

When we finished, we checked the time. It was a mere 1 1/2 hours to hike there and back. I was in awe of myself at this moment, because you see, even though I had to stop a few times and it killed me to stop, I made it there and back less than HALF the time it took last time. This hike took up over 4 hours to complete the first time.

What a triumphant moment for me! I made it to the top, a new person! And as I came back down I shed more of those unwanted thoughts and beliefs in myself that I CAN'T and I am NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

BECAUSE I CAN!

I AM!

AND I JUST PROVED IT!

A few before and afters for you:
Feel free to click on them and enlarge them!

My 50 Lbs Makeover!

2010-04-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

SO I've lost over 50 lbs since starting this life change back in August of last year. I've been feeling really nasty, frumpy, and boring. I still have another 50 lbs to lose so buying clothes right now, while it would be fun, would just be a waste so I am wearing by old clothes that aren't so flattering but work for now.

One thing I COULD change was my hair though. My son had a silent auction at his preschool and I bid on a cut anf color at a posh salon here. Ended up that no one else bid so I got it for $30...I KNOW INSANE!

So I went. The girl was AWESOME she did exactly what I wanted...

BYE BYE BROWN HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEVER LIKED YOU ANYWAY!

Crockpot Meal: Herbed Garlic Chicken

2010-04-10T00:35:00.000-07:00

Photo from: Recipes for a Happy Cook

Herbed Garlic Chicken

SIMPLE AND DELISH! PROMISE! Took me less than 10 min to prep!

Ingredients

1/8 cup butter, softened (I omited the butter)

8 cloves garlic, minced (I tossed them in WHOLE)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3-pound whole fryer chicken, cleaned (I used 3 large chicken breasts- I didn't want to deal with skin)

1 cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

6 small red potatoes, halved (I didn't have any but would be excellent for sure!)

-I added a chopped a large onion into six parts and added it as well

Directions

~~In a small mixing bowl, combine the butter, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until well-incorporated. Rub the compound butter under and over the skin of the chicken and in the cavity.~~
Place all ingredients in the Crock-Pot® slow cooker.
Cover; heat on Low 8 to 10 hours (or on High for 3½ to 5 hours). (I cooked 6 hours on low)
Remove the chicken and potatoes with a spatula. Garnish with the chives.

Paired with broccoli and got RAVE reviews!!!

Runner's High

2010-04-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Photo By Jennoit

Today I completed my jog in the same amount of time that I started it. EXCEPT I went 1/3 of a mile FURTHER!!!

When I was jogging, I hit a spot....THAT SPOT...the runners high. It was only for like a min. But it was the minute I've been waiting for since I started jogging again. The one that makes you push further and keep running. The one that makes you LOVE running!

It was awesome. I didn't expect to feel that again for a long time. But that minute made my attitude change about exercise and I look forward to the next jog!!!

I forgot to tell you

2010-04-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

So Ive actually been kicking some serious booteeeey. Mine to be exact. I have been working my dupah off and enduring some pain and suffering. lol - I'm not dramatic am i?

I have "withheld" a bit of info from you...

OK, OK that WAS like 4 weeks ago, but I am still recovering. I severely ripped a tendon and found that I had some previous damage from the same but worse injury that hasn't healed properly like 15 years ago. Lame in a half.

ANYWAY my point is I didn't tell anyone because, well, I didn't. I figured athletes and runners endure injuries like this all the time and keep going so I could too. I've been pushing myself but also making sure to take good care of my ankle...i.e. icing it, elevating it, taking anti-inflamitories and doing specific stretches. It's still swollen slightly and tender and tight but really I am proud of myself for not giving up and lying back and having an "extended" recovery. :) Yet another reason I am so glad to have been chosen for this challenge.

PS I'm really only telling you this so you will give me a lot of "atta girls" and other such praise.

Daily Summary Week 2 Day 3

2010-04-07T00:56:00.000-07:00

Still fighting to get into the work outs. So negative about it it's really rather ridiculous. I think if I just keep at it though, I will get through it. THANK GOODNESS for the people I have been working out with...If it weren't for them I might not have done it or been as intense about it.

MONDAY
I met Jackie-ola at the gym and we did a half hour on the elliptical as well as upper body weights.
It's the first time I have been to the gym since the beginning of the year. I tend to stay clear of the crowds till they die down. I really dislike the gym though.

TUESDAY
Phil (my cuz) who usually jogs with me really wanted to try Jillian's 30 Day Shred. His skinny butt mocked level 1 before we put it on... guess who kicked HIS butt! YEYA!

I am hoping today I can get a jog in. I doubt it though. I am babysitting till at least 9 pm and by the time I could go the gym will be closed. If Phil isn't here then I can't go in the neighborhood either. This is where I bed him to come over to he will jog with me at midnight as is usually what has to happen. Otherwise maybe it's Nia video or home elliptical.

Crockpot Meal: Chicken Curry

2010-04-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

So this recipe was majorly majorly doctored. I did it to fit what I had in my pantry as well as to turn into a crock pot meal and also to taste.

Basically I removed all of the last three ingredients because I didn't have them. Instead of fresh ginger I used powdered and I added NO oil. I also used fat free greek yogurt instead . I added some veggies and potatoes to it to make it a full meal.

To put together you can use fresh chicken breasts and cube them or you can use frozen whole breasts and they will shred if you keep them in there all day. It's up to you. Obviously your cooking time will vary in the crock pot. But I'd guess some thing like 3-4 hours for the first on low and 6-8 for the second on low.

ONE CAUTION though! When you add in the yogurt make sure you temper it in or it will curdle. Not that I know that from personal experience or anything...

HERE IS THE RECIPE!!!

ps it was DELISH!

I Really Need a Pedi

2010-04-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

Photo By D Sharon Pruitt

Seriously, you are looking at my feet week after week and they are NAST! -Sorry! Hope to make the next view of my tooties a little more visually pleasing...

Plus, I mean they way I've been working out, I TOTALLY deserve one!

Week 1 Review and Weigh In

2010-04-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

I love my baby!

I hope you all had a very Happy Easter! Did you eat candy? I DID! But I TOTALLY, TOTALLY rocked it and only had a few small pieces. No crazy face stuffing for me! WHOOP! WHOOP!

FEELINGS ABOUT THE WEEK:
One week down 7 more to go! Yipee! lol I wish I could say I really was excited but honestly, I am totally fighting a bad attitude daily when it comes to exercise. I DO NOT want to do it. When I was losing my first 50 lbs, it was a sort of an obsessive MUST do thing. Now I am just dragging. But the very fact that I am in a challenge makes me very, very happy because it's what's forcing me to do it anyway. And doing it I AM!

WORKOUTS:
Nia: 2 times (video)
Jogging/walking: 4
Walking:1

I basically worked on getting back into working out again and really focused on challenging myself in my jogging. In fact, I really pushed myself to the point that I shaved off a total of 1min 45sec off my mile. So I went from a 16.04 mm to a 14.26 mm!!! YAY!

NOTES ABOUT FOOD:
The biggest things I realized this week with my eating is that I tend to lean towards carbs and sugar most of the time and also that my water consumption is a bit lacking. This next week I hope to focus more on balancing meals and snacks a bit more. I will try to log about 3 days of food a week.

I am totally digging the crock pot meals and ROCKING them too!!! I have gotten lots of YUMS and comments, more then ever since doing them more! This Crockpot Trio next on my must have home items list. Imagine, dinner sides and desert!!!! Or just for serving things warm LUV!

WEIGH IN:
I LOST 3 lbs and brought my BMI down from MORBIDLY OBESE to OBESE. -OK it doesn't sound like a victory but dropping the MORBIDLY part is like shedding a heavy load off of me.

Check out my PROGRESS PAGE for pics!

I will update that weekly.

2 LEGIT 2 QUIT!

2010-04-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

HEY! HEY!

That's right baby! I had my fist moment of runners comrodery. I got the "you're in the club" "Hi" and "Runner's wave" today. MMMMHMMM That's right!

I am LEGIT!

I was so shocked and excited my "hi" probably sounded more like "hi Hi HIIIIIII!!!!!" with a super happy wave. I even tried to contain myself.

Inside I felt like this:

I am SOOOO in the club!

Food Log Week 1 Day 5

2010-04-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

Today was an odd eating day. My calories were fine in the end but my food choices were random. Actually they often are. I crave random things at random times. I blame out of wack hormones for that. What I mean by that is its not that TOM and I am NOT pg, just that my hormones are out of wack. In case you were uncertain or a family member waiting to pounce on me with "that" question.

I took a photo of my breakfast but I must warn you I am NO photogger or food blogger. My food pics are never shorts of nearly nasty looking. But for your viewing pleasure, I included it anyway. ;)

Breakfast:
2 egg whites, 3/4 cup of frozen peppers and onions mix, 1 turkey sausage patty.
The eggs were scrambled with the veggie mix then I cut up and added the sausage.

Snack:
100 Calorie yogurt

Lunch:
Low Fat blueberry bagel with light cream cheese and honey

Snack:
2 Cuties
Peanut granola bar

Dinner:
1/2 Cup of spaghetti noodles
1/4 cup of Spaghetti Sauce with celery and lean ground beef added
1/2 cup mixed veggies

MAN! I DOOOOOOOO HAVE A SWEET TOOTH!!!!!!!! Carbs and sugar, carbs and sugar....
Note to self: You may be eating the right amount of calories but GIRL you gotta BALANCE those meals and snacks better!

A Surprise On My Doorstep

2010-04-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

I wrote a little about emotional eating in an earlier post. Not ABOUT emotional eating just that I am an emotional eater. My SIL read that and quickly sent a few gifts to me to support me even more on this journey.

Here is what arrived:

Women Food and God:
An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything

The way you eat is inseparable from your core beliefs about being alive. No matter how sophisticated or wise or enlightened you believe you are, how you eat tells all. The world is on your plate. When you begin to understand what prompts you to use food as a way to numb or distract yourself, the process takes you deeper into realms of spirit and to the bright center of your own life. Rather than getting rid of or instantly changing your conflicted relationship with food, Women Food and God is about welcoming what is already here, and contacting the part of yourself that is already whole—divinity itself.

Breaking Free from Emotional Eating

Breaking Free From Emotional Eating teaches that there is an end to the anguish of compulsive emotional eating - and this book tells how to achieve it. Geneen Roth, who has brought understanding and acceptance to tens of thousands of readers, outlines a proven program for resolving the conflicts at the root of eating disorders. Using simple techniques developed in her highly successful seminars, she offers reassuring practical advice and many tools and strategies to help you break the binge-diet cycle forever.
Based on the principles taught in Geneen Roth's nationwide Breaking Free Workshops, it is a how-to program that works; a guide book to be used for daily support, direction and encouragement. This book gives tools you can use in your day-to-day life in your search for help with emotional overeating.

Summaries are from authors website

******

I've taken a peek into both books and am very excited to read them. I think getting to the root of some issues is entirely key to overcoming the bondage of a lifetime of weight struggles. I also think that these books are EXACTLY what I need and PRECISELY the right time!

Thank you Ness for your ongoing love and support in so many ways! Thank you rooting me on in this journey and these fabulous resources! XOXO!!!

HAVE NO FEAR, KRISTI'S HERE!!!

2010-04-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

In case you've been fearfully wondering what happened to the likes of me, NO, I did NOT drop out. My Blogger account went MIA for a day. I couldn't access my account, dashboard or either this or my Orange Juice blog. GRRRRRRRRRR

So it's finally working and I am back! I'll give you a quick summary on the last 2 days, no food journal though or I'll be here all day!

WED:
So, so. I took Zorro to the Wild Animal Park. I was hoping to get a full day of walking up and down hills and other such exersize fabulousness without actually exercising. But the day took a turn for the worse. I spent a lot less time walking then I usually do and mostly standing in place. I did get a few hills in but NOTING like the serious awesomeness that usually accompanies a trip to the WAP. Oh well.
Food was also so, so. I packed food but not enough. But I still tried to keep my choices light and healthy.

THURS:
I had a great work out! Even more proud of myself than ever. I shaved 2 MIN, yes TWO MIN off my avg mile!!! I need to start increasing my distance which may effect my avg but that's OK. I'll get there. It's been really awesome to start jogging again. While it's also been particularly hard with the extra weight, I feel a sense of real accomplishment. Now to start my jogs earlier than 10 pm. In the meantime I am wishfully hoping that a treadmill will magically appear on my doorstep so I don't get killed jogging at night. P.S. I don't jog alone.

Food was pretty good.
Dinner was excellent. I made a stir fry with frozen stir fry veggies (just plain veggies no sauce in the mix) and frozen peppers and onions. I cooked with olive oil and salt. No sauce. I used stewing beef chunks and cooked with a little bit of Yoshida's light marinade which I diluted with water and simmered the meat in. That gave the meat a great flavor seasoned something in the dish without too many added calories. Then added a 1/4 cup of brown rice to the meal. It was very yummy and FILLING!

So That's a summary of my last 2 days.

Check out my INTRO VIDEO just remember when you watch it it's the first time I have EVER vlogged!!!

xo

Food Log Week 1 Day 2

2010-03-31T01:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know that I will get to logging my food daily but I think it's a good idea for me to keep track of my eating habit and make sure I am eating enough or too much, when I am eating, what I am eating and what I may need more of (usually veggies, fruit and water!)

One thing you will notice in my food logs is a lot of repitition. I am totally a habitual eater during the day. Nights I tend to crave a little variety but daytime I stick same things for a week or 2 then switching it up.

Breakfast:
Low Fat blueberry bagel with light cream cheese and honey

Snack:
100 Calorie yogurt
1 cup of strawberries

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine No added veggies. I was lucky to get lunch in today!

Snack:
Nothing

Dinner:
Crockpot Curry Chicken! Will post a recipe soon.
1 piece of garlic naan from Trader Joes

I got my meals in. The choices weren't bad but I definitely need to bulk up on my produce. I had only 4 cups of water today so I need to down lots more water! I also had a diet cherry DP with dinner.

Insane In The Membrane

2010-03-31T00:30:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute, WHAT THE CRAP have I gotten myself into?!? I woke up this AM after 2 days of walking/jogging and my body was screaming MERCY!!!!!!!!

I took a nice hot bath with epsom salts and decided today is an off day for me. The GOOD news is that I have already shaved about 30 seconds off my mile! I was surprised at that progress to be honest. I'm HOPING that that it will keep improving at that rate.

I surprisingly woke up feeling really depressed this AM. I don't know why and getting through the day was particularly difficult, but I managed...one minute at a time.

In spite of the difficulty, I worked hard to stick to my food plan instead of giving in to the "f" it's. I'm proud of myself for that. We all know emotional eating sucks and resisting temptation during emotional times are HUGE, HUGE feats!!!

I'd say the good outweighed the bad, and this was a good day. Tomorrow will be super busy with LOADS of walking and probably a night time jog too. I need a friggin treadmil.

Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos- Crockpot Recipe

2010-03-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

This Recipe came from a crock pot cookbook but I don't remember which one. Oops! I did happen to find a link with a similar recipe HERE but my recipe and modifications are below:

2 LARGE frozen chicken breasts
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 (tiny) can of green chillies
1 chopped onion
1 envelope taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Note: I used really large chicken breasts and it needed to cook for about 10 hours.

We added the mix to corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, low fat Greek yogurt, fresh avocado, salsa.

Food Log Week 1 Day 1

2010-03-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

As you will see in my food log, I do not believe in denying oneself things you like, but to indulge in moderation. As this is a lifestyle change and not just a diet for me, I will indulge in sweets and goodies. For me though, it's learning how to control myself, to not give in to every craving or offering of deliciousness.

I also believe in HEALTHY fats. Olive oil, avocado. I may consume more calories at time because of them but they are healthy and good to consume.

Breakfast:
Low Fat blueberry bagel with light cream cheese and honey
Cutie

Snack (post work out):
100 Calorie yogurt

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine with 1 cup frozen broccoli

Snack:
Small caramel frappucino from Mc D's (this NOT the best choice but my Cuz brought if for me since they accidentally made it and let him keep it. I was OH SO tired!!!)

Dinner:
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos- super low fat! Will post a recipe soon. I added greek yogurt, fresh avocado, and lettuce.

NOTES: I didn't really eat enough today especially fruits and veggies but I ate constantly all day. That's a total plus!

And We're OFF!!!

2010-03-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

I spent some of the day yesterday preparing for the contest. I inventoried our food and went grocery shopping to stalk up on necessities.
Necessities for me:

Frozen Lunches (Generally Lean Cuisine or Eating Right...whichever is cheaper at the time).
Frozen Breakfasts
Eggs
Turkey Sausage (pre-cooked)
Plain frozen veggies (to add to frozen meals for bulk and to make sure I get my veggies in).
Flavored frozen veggie mixes (to add to sides for emergencies)!
Rockstar -Zero Carb (for those moments when I just NEED energy!)
Ingredients for family meals
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
I know there's more....

So I started the day pretty well. I woke up well which is not always the case for me. It's often very difficult for me to get out of bed due to a combo of meds and depression. When I wake up like that, it's generally a sign that it's going to be a good day for me. I'd say it went pretty well.

I ACTUALLY ate breakfast which is not a regular thing for me. Then a friend called me to go walking with her to take her doggies for a walk. We walked nearly 2 miles up and down hills. Before I totally immerse myself in the Couch to 5k (C25k) I need to build up to a place where I can get through a whole beginning work out. Walking and "mock workout" which is like half of a workout is helping to condition me.

I had a super busy day today and was just BEAT all day. Dragging. I hate that.

My eating was so-so. I certainly could have done better but I ate all my meals. For all the "planning" and shopping I did though, I found that I was still ill prepared. I need to make a more specific food plan for snacks so I don't get into old habits and grab anything that looks delish. I also need to make sure I keep something with me to munch on as well as WATER!

I will be headed out after dinner sometime to do another mile and a half (this time a walk/jog) to get my 3 miles of conditioning in.

xo