Weigh In Wednesday / July 31, 2013

Oh my Lordy! This week flew by, didn’t it? I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with no time for blogging, but the Northeast Bloggers and I have a fun challenge for August! Stay tuned!

We had a busy weekend filled with delicious food that wasn’t on my diet plan, but you don’t often get to go to a beautiful wedding and indulge in yummy goodness. So, I did and I paid for it on the scale. On top of that, it isn’t every day that your husband’s Grandfather celebrates the big 8-0...more yummy food!

So, the bad news is that a bunch of the great progress I made last week went away with each scrumptious bite. The good news is that I have managed to make an amazing come back and still drop a little since last week! YIPPEE!!

Here is my list ‘o weights ... I prefer to list them all, it keeps me focused on the long term, the big picture and helps me find the motivation to keep pushing!

2013 Starting Weight – 169.0
May 22, 2013 – 151.2
June 19, 2013 – 151.8
June 26, 2013 – 152.6
July 3, 2013 – 151.4
July 22, 2013 – 155.6
July 24, 2013 – 151.4
July 31, 2013 – 149.8

YES! I managed to drop 1.6 pounds over the past week! I could not be happier! I’m almost 20 pounds lighter than I was in January and that is exciting y’all!

Update on Goals

Weight – Be in the 140’s before August
DONE - Okay, so just barely...I couldn't have cut that one any closer! Since I met my goal I will make a new one ...
Be in the 130's before September. OMG. Can it be done?!

Running – 10 mile LSD before the end of August
On the Fence – My ankle is still not right, I attempted a short run tonight (2.5 miles) and about a half mile in I felt really good, but toward the end I really just feel like I'm slapping my feet against the pavement. After stretching for a long time I can feel the soreness already. We may be rethinking the Route 66 Marathon due to my ankle and Dad’s feet. Such is life, maybe 2014 will be our year!

Fitness – Complete 90% of scheduled workouts, Increase Core and Arm Strength
Well Done – I cut one workout short, but other than that I have completed everything that I have planned. I can tell that my arms and core are both getting stronger.

Insanity Review
For those of you that are considering the Insanity program, which I know has been out for quite some time and I’m totally late to the party on this one, I highly endorse it.

I have completed the first 10 days of the program and the improvement that I have seen so far has been amazing. I still can’t do the entire workout without taking breaks, heck I usually can’t make it through the warm-up without taking a break! I don’t think I’ll be invited to be on the next video shoot, but I’m hanging in there.

After I finish the first month I plan to repeat it before moving on to the second month. I really want to be able to do the full workout before moving on and I’m far from that. Repeating the month will still be super challenging since you can control the intensity yourself.

Weigh In Wednesday / July 24, 2013

I’m back for Weigh In Wednesday! I can see the excitement in your eyes!

The past couple of weeks have been hectic. Every time I take a trip I seem to get thrown all out of whack. But I am back and better than ever, well...kinda.

My left ankle is still giving me fits. Once I get warmed up I can run very well, but the next day I can barely walk. I’ve taken to stretching it a ton and it seems to be helping. Anyone have any problems with Achilles Tendonitis? I’m 99% sure that it’s the source of the pain. I have wrapped it for extended periods and am considering getting a Strassburg Sock, but those are mostly for Planters Fasciitis...I don’t think I have that.  Anywho... suggestions are welcomed!

I gained some weight over the past few weeks, nothing major, but putting pounds back on that you worked so hard to get off is very frustrating. I stuck to my July plan for 15 days, but with my heel pain I wasn’t able to continue, I was disappointed. I evaluated my food intake and while it wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t great either. I have opted to start ‘Eating Clean’ and I LOVE IT. I’m sure I will post more on this in the future.

So, here are my weights...I’m including a few dates mostly for personal tracking purposes.

2013 Starting Weight – 169.0
May 22, 2013 – 151.2
June 19, 2013 – 151.8
June 26, 2013 – 152.6
July 3, 2013 – 151.4
July 22, 2013 – 155.6
July 24, 2013 – 151.4
So, I’m back to the weight I was earlier this month, despite gaining to a weight I hadn’t been at since April. I call this VICTORY. I’m back on track and have made some very attainable goals for my weight, running, and overall fitness.

Goals
Weight – be in the 140’s before August
Running – 10 miles LSD's before the end of August
Fitness – Complete 90% of scheduled workouts, Increase Core and Arm Strength

Weigh In Wendesday - June 19th, 2013

Remember when I posted about my weight loss troubles and goals for 2013?
Read about it here.

Remember when I altered those goals just a few months ago?
Read about it here.

I am proud to say that recently my goals to be healthy, strong and in shape have been a priority. However, Weight loss has seemed to fall to the wayside a bit. I’m eating well; with a few exceptions ... I can’t turn down a good pierogie or a nice plate of nachos. I think that you should be able to splurge from time to time without feeling too guilty.

May 22, 2013 - 151.2 lbs
June 19, 2013 – 151.8 lbs
Okay, so I gained 0.6 pounds since May 22^nd. That’s not too shabby in the grand scheme of things. I know that I have gained muscle and I just need to work harder on burning the fat. My size is basically the same; I think I’ve lost an inch or so in each thigh and a ½ inch off my waist.

I’m linking up for Weigh In Wednesday to motivate and hold myself accountable going forward.

Yesterday, I spent 20 minutes on the stair climber, like the one with the moving staircase. Brutal! I was dripping sweat! Since my body gets used to doing the same workout over and over without losing any weight I’ll be trying new things to get my calorie burn higher. Plus this will keep my body guessing, I think that is key for me to drop pounds.

Of course I’ll still be running to keep up my endurance, more on that in my next blog...

June 18, 2013 Workout

Treadmill
Warm Up – 5 minutes at 3.5 mph

Distance Increase Run
0 – 6.1 mph
0.1 – 6.2 mph
0.2 – 6.3 mph
0.3 – 6.4 mph
0.4 – 6.5 mph
0.5 – 6.6 mph
0.6 – 6.7 mph
0.7 – 6.8 mph
0.8 – 6.9 mph
0.9 – 7.0 mph
1.0 – 7.1 mph
1.1 – 7.2 mph
1.2 – 7.3 mph
1.3 – 7.4 mph
1.4 – 7.5 mph
1.5 – 7.5 mph
1.6 – 7.4 mph
1.7 – 7.3 mph
1.8 – 7.2 mph
1.9 – 7.1 mph
2.0 – 7.0 mph
2.1 – 2.3 – 6.5 mph
2.4 – 8.0 mph
2.5 – 2.8 – 6.5 mph
2.9 – 8.0 mph
3.0 – 3.5 – 3.8 mph

Cool Down – 5 minutes at 3.2 mph

Stair Climber
15 minutes at 65 stairs per minute
Cool Down - 2 ½ minutes @ 35 stairs per minute

I think I’d like to get a something that will track calories burned – any suggestions? Body Bug, Nike Fuel Band? I’d want something that wouldn’t break the bank, but is a bit more sophisticated than a notebook.

Memorial Day and a Workout

After a weekend with crappy weather and lazy bums on the couch, we loaded up and headed to the sticks! It's true, New Jersey has farmland, fields, and areas that aren't jam packed with houses and families stacked three high. It's quite awesome.

Our friends Donna and Jeff filled our bellies with Pulled Pork Sammiches, Broccoli Slaw, Baked Ziti and ICE CREAM CAKE! There are few things that I love more than Ice Cream Cake, true story.

Not only were our tummies filled with food love, but our hearts were filled with friend love. It was really great to spend time with people we really connect with and just enjoy being around. Thanks for having us out! We do not thank the many other people on Highway 15 for doubling the travel time back to the big bad city.

When we finally arrived back at our house, that we share with only one other family, I knew that I needed to get a workout in or I would surely be busting out of my fat pants on Tuesday. No bueno.

I have a new favorite work out...this was my second go around with this one and I changed a few things to make it fit my workout goals a little better. You might have seen the original on Pinterest, but here is my version  of the Super Sweaty Tabata Supersets! 

Burpees 20 seconds

Rest 10 seconds

Jumping Jacks 20 seconds

Rest 10 seconds
Repeat 3 more times (4 minutes total)

Push Ups 30 seconds
Walking or Forward Lunges 30 seconds
Repeat 2 more times (3 minutes total)

Run/Sprint 1/2 mile

High Knees 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds
Side Side Leaps 20 seconds

Rest 10 seconds
Repeat 3 more times (4 minutes total)

Dumbell Rows 30 seconds
Squats with Shoulder Presses 30 seconds
Repeat 2 more times (3 minutes total)

Run/Sprint 3/4 mile

Jump Squats 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds
Mountain Climbers 20 seconds
Rest 10 seconds
Repeat 3 more time (4 minutes total)

Reverse Lunges 30 seconds
Squats 30 seconds
Repeat 2 more times (3 minutes total)

Run/Sprint 1 mile

On top of this I have challenged myself to do this arm workout everyday for 2 weeks. I have no doubt that I will see a big difference. I'm fairly certain that this causes internal bleeding in the arms and I normally start crying about 3 minutes into it. Right now, I hate this skinny bitch. If my arms look slammin for summer...I will love her.

http://youtu.be/4dQOBbLnk7o


I couldn't get it to embed in the post - I am not a technically savvy as I'd like to believe. oh wells.

Weighing In

Since running the half marathon I have been very proud of myself for consistently running and working out. When I finished the half in Wichita last October I was kinda lazy, okay...super lazy.

I have missed a couple of planned runs, it's been raining quite a bit and my left heel has been giving me fits. All in all I feel good and I have been increasing my speed on the short runs and have done a couple of long runs. I want to increase the long runs over the next couple of weeks. 

I have also been trying to increase the cross training...I much prefer running. But I need to tone up the arms and thighs before I even consider breaking out the bathing suit.

We have been doing well with our food recently. Keeping things low carb and healthy...I have consumed a sleeve of thin mints in the past two weeks. Sweet Lord it is hard to only eat one, I did eat two last Thursday. 

Here is an update according to the judge (aka the scale)

Starting Weight 2013 - 169.0

May 22, 2013 - 151.2 

17.8 pounds lost 

I see that number and there is a part of me that is slightly disappointed, I feel like it should be more. I have to remember that when I started I was averaging a 11:30 mile and tonight I ran 8:58.  I have lost a total of about 35 inches all over and I feel so much better than I did 5ish months ago. 

I would like to see a few more inches go away and few pounds too, if possible. I have a feeling that I could easily get to an 8 minute mile pace if I was carrying 20 pounds less, or more! 

Short Girls Can Run!

I have been trying like hell to keep running, but in the days following a big race it can be difficult to find the motivation. Today was the most difficult so far. The humidity and temperature were both high...I felt like I weight about 350 pounds. A long three miles!

My plans are to run 5 days a week and do a cross training workout 1 day each week. I am giving myself the option to drop one short run each week if I'm just too busy or tired, hopefully I won't do that too often. Or I can switch out one run with a cross training workout if need be.

I'm super happy to be consistently running under 10 minute miles! I'm thinking about doing a couple of 5K races in the area to see if I can do them in less than 30 minutes. I'd really love to be able get a finish closer to the 27 or 28 minute mark.

I have to say that I am loving my running shoes right now. When I first got them I struggled with them for a few weeks, much longer than I had with others in the past. I think I finally got them broken in properly and they are feeling good! 

Brooks Trance

I'm considering buying another pair right now to have for when the current pair needs to be retired. Hmm...Brilliant! 

Ready to run 6 on the treadmill tomorrow, we have a forecast of rain.

Love/Hate Relationships and Chicken Parm Burgers

I'm in a few Love/Hate relationships right now. 

The Treadmill

I have been running on the treadmill during the week, until yesterday the temperatures have been a bit too low to brave in the evening hours. I would bundle up for my weekend runs, but after a long day I knew I wouldn't be in the mood. I have a couple of days where I really rock it out...feeling great! Then I will have a few days that feel like I'm running though mud in 100 degree temperatures. I realize that either way I look like a fat kid running toward a big slice of cake.

 The Kitchen

I normally really enjoy cooking, but planning meals for our Weight Watchers plan is really starting to take it's toll on my sanity. There are a ton of options and things to try...I think I'm just burnt out. I hope to turn this around this week. I purchased a few items to help organize our pantry, cabinets, etc. I think it will help get me out of my funk. 

 The Scale

Part of the WW plan involves a weekly weigh in, I knew this when we signed up. Since we signed up on a Sunday evening our weigh in day was defaulted to Sunday. This was basically the worst idea ever. I just realized that we can actually change the weigh in day, duh. I believe that this will really help. We often use Saturday as our go out for dinner night and the last thing you want to do is have a heavy dinner and then weigh yourself! I've been running quite a bit and haven't seen much change in the scale. I have started measuring myself because I know my clothes are fitting better and I feel SO much better!

Speaking of the scale...

February 24, 2013 - 157.8 - 0.4 week - 11.2 total 

March 3, 2013 - 157.6 - 0.2 week - 11.4 total

March 10, 2013 - 157.0 - 0.6 week - 12.0 total

Time for a really yummy recipe!

Chicken Parmesan Burgers

Ingredients 

6 - 12 oz Ciabatta Rolls, Toasted

1 lb Ground Chicken Breast 

1 C Marinara Sauce, divided

1/2 tsp dried Thyme

1/2 tsp crushed Red Pepper

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

1/2 C Part Skim Mozzarella, shredded

1/4 C Parmesan Cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350°F

Cut the Ciabatta Rolls in half and throw them into the oven to toast them a bit.

mmmm...Ciabatta!

Combine the ground Chicken with a little less than 2/3 C Marinara Sauce, Thyme, Red Pepper, Salt and Pepper.

looks kinda gross, right?

Form 6 small burgers (a little less than 3 oz each), Heat a large skillet coated with cooking spray. Cook burgers until no loner pink.

Add shredded Mozzarella on top of each burger, reduce heat and cover until the cheese is melted.

As you can see, my skillet isn't large enough for all six.

Place burger on the bottom half of the roll.

Top with remaining Marinara

and Parmesan Cheese.

Eat up! 

6 Servings

Calories: 222  Fat: 10.6  Saturated Fat: 4.3  Carbs: 12.2  Fiber: 1.3  Sugar: 3.8  Protein: 19.6

WW Points Plus:6

 

Bag Ladies Like Pizza

This week I went to the gym twice to run. The highs were around 34°F and the wind was not helping. I would run outside, but by the time I get home it's dark and just not safe...and cold, really cold. I did run outside tonight. It was a warm 41°F and only kind of rainy, but I was really happy to get back to running on the streets.

On days I go to the gym I have to carry 4 bags out of the house...

Purse

Laptop Bag

Lunch Bag

Gym Bag

I seriously look like I'm moving. I wonder what the neighbors think...hmmm...

I did a wonderful treadmill workout, I think I'm in love with it. Like most things in my life, I found this online and altered it a little bit to fit my goals. Here it is, it's not easy and you will sweat quite a bit. You'll burn a ton of calories AND run more than 3 miles in 30 minutes! Oh...do all of this at 1% incline too.

0-2 minutes at 4.0
2-5 minutes at 6.5
5-7 minutes at 6.7
7-8 minutes at 6.9
8-11 minutes at 6.0
11-13 minutes at 6.2
13-14 minutes at 6.4
14-16 minutes at 5.5
16-19 minutes at 6.5
19-21 minutes at 6.7
21-22 minutes at 6.9
22-25 minutes at 6.0
25-27 minutes at 6.2
27-28 minutes at 6.4
28-30 minutes at 6.0

On to bigger and better things...

I made pizza crust out of a vegetable! SAY WHAT?!

I found a recipe on Pinterest that led me to search online for the BEST recipe out there. Well, 3rd time is a charm and we have a winner! Due to the searching I honestly can't remember where I got this one, or if it's a combo of a few of them...

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

Ingredients

2 C Cauliflower, riced

2 C Mozzarella Cheese, Part Skim, shredded

2 Eggs, beaten

2 tsp Oregano, dried
1 tsp Garlic, crushed

1 tsp Garlic Salt

Olive Oil, optional

Toppings - Your choice!

Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F and line a cookie sheet or baking dish with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.

In case you didn't know how to spray ...

 To 'Rice' the Cauliflower - Use 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove the stem and leaves and chop the florets into chunks. Add to a food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. OR you can use your cheese grater's small side...one large head will give you two cups or more.

like so - I should be a hand model, right?

Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave for about 8 minutes on high.

This is how 'riced' Cauliflower should look.

 Meanwhile, Beat the Eggs. Then add in the Oregano, Garlic, and Garlic Salt and mix well. 

I am in love with my tiny baby whisk!

Add the Cheese and Egg Mixture to the Cauliflower, mix well. I used my hands!


Transfer to the cookie sheets and/or baking dishes. Use your hands to spread it out and pat it thin, very thin! 

YAY!

I only have one cookie sheet :(

At least they all fit in the oven!

 

Bake at 450°F for 12 to 15 minutes. 
  

Finished crust!

Remove form oven. Top with sauce, toppings, and cheese. Place under broiler at high heat until cheese is melted, about 4 to 5 minutes.
 
 Here are the facts for the recipe! We ate this for dinner and lunch the next day, so the servings are plenty big!
Remember to add up your toppings for the full facts, we were around 7 points per serving.

6 Servings

Calories: 146  Fat: 10  Saturated Fat: 5  Carbs: 3  Fiber: 1  Sugar: 1  Protein: 11

WW Points Plus:4

Weights, Measures, and Chicken Piccata

I had a rather disappointing weigh in this week, but the number was lower so I’m claiming victory!

February 17, 2013 – 158.2 – 0.4 week – 10.8 total

I believe the low weight loss was due to the lack of working out and having a number of celebrations last week. We had a pancake dinner on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, and dinner with family and friends on Saturday. The weather was rather cold a dreary, so we didn’t run much. No worries...this week has already started off on a different  note.

Since the weather is still in the “freeze your face off” mode I made an appearance at the gym. I swiped my card and lived through the look of the 5’10” model that works the front desk...yeah...I haven’t been here in like 10 months, Judgy McJudgeshorts. At least I am here now! And it's freezing outside, why are you wearing shorts?!

I managed to exceed my goal of 2 miles on the treadmill! I did a bit of a different running workout. I have a decent amount of stamina from running longer distances, but my speed leaves a little to be desired. So, in hopes of working on increasing my get up and go I followed this plan...

5 minutes at 4.2 – Warm Up
1 minute at 5.0
1 minute at 5.5
1 minute at 6.0
1 minute at 6.5
1 minute at 7.0
1 minute at 7.5
1 minute at 8.0
1 minute at 8.5
2 minutes at 4.0
Repeat 2 more times
5 minutes at 4.0 – Cool Down

This might look somewhat easy, but about 20 seconds into the 8.0 minute you'll be feeling it. Unless you run a lot and you have super long legs...and I hate you. *hug*  

Last night I made a delish dinner and I can’t wait to share the recipe! I always have great intentions to take photos. I like posts with pictures, but I always realize toward the end that I haven’t snapped one single photo! Maybe I will improve on this soon. Until then you’ll just have to close your eyes an use your imagination!

Thanks Google!  Close enough! :)

Chicken Piccata
Original Recipe from Weight Watchers

Ingredients
1 Lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1/3 C All-Purpose Flour  
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Table Salt
2 tsp Olive Oil
1/2 C Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
1/4 C White Wine
1/2 C Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Light Butter
1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley
1 Tbsp Capers, drained

Instructions

Trim fat and slice chicken in half if they are thick. Pound flat.

Mix flour, salt and pepper and put on plate or in plastic bag.

Place 1/4 C of lemon juice in a bowl; dip chicken into lemon juice and then dredge in seasoned flour.

Heat oil in pan and cook chicken on both sides until golden and cooked thoroughly, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside; keep warm.

Deglaze pan with white wine, stirring to remove browned pieces. Add broth and remaining lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat until reduced and slightly thickened. Swirl in butter and drained capers.

Place chicken back in skillet to coat with the sauce.

Serve sauce over chicken, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

We added 1 C of Whole Wheat Pasta to this, divided by four it only adds one additional WW Point!

4 Servings (sans Pasta)
Calories: 209  Fat: 5.6  Saturated Fat: 1.2  Carbs: 12.3  Fiber: 0.5  Sugar: 1  Protein: 27.8

WW Points Plus: 5

4 Servings (with Pasta)
Calories: 252.5  Fat: 5.8  Saturated Fat: 1.4  Carbs: 21.5  Fiber: 2.1  Sugar: 1.1  Protein: 30

WW Points Plus: 6



Just Keep Swimming

We survived Nemo and he wasn't as adorable as that little fish in the movie.

The snow kept us inside for the majority of Saturday. So, I dusted and cleaned the baseboards...the amount of dust that accumulates on those things is cray. 

We did venture out to shovel Raymond (our RAV 4 ... yes I name everything) out so we could take Sophie to her grooming appointment on Sunday morning and attend church. Yay God! 

My little fingers aren't made for the cold, but once I figured out that I could wear more than two pairs of gloves I was quite alright! 

Sunday we managed to get Gordy (the Grand Prix) shoveled out and prepared for Monday morning's commute. I also made the weekly trip to the grocery store, yums! 

That brings me to Sunday's weigh in...I wish I had that suspenseful music from the Biggest Loser, it would really make it seem more intense...

February 10, 2013 - 158.6 -1.2 week - 10.4 total

Last week wasn't too difficult, this week will not be the same. We have Shrove Tuesday, aka Fat Tuesday, and dinner on Saturday night at a super yummy local Italian place. It's gonna be a tough one. So, we are making sure that we keep our recipes at home simple, quick, and low on points. Here is one of my favorites from the Weight Watchers Recipe Book...of course I made a couple of changes to make it just a little better.

I have really started to crack down on my measuring. I'm finally putting the kitchen scale we got as a wedding gift to good use! And my portions were WAY off! 

Chicken Quesadillas with Creamy Salsa

Originally from Weight Watchers

Ingredients 

4 Large Flour Tortillas, Fat Free, Low Carb, or Whole Wheat

1 C Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese, shredded, Fat Free

1 C Chicken Breast, Cooked, Shredded
1 C Corn, canned, drained
1 C Red Bell Pepper, diced

1/2 C Cilantro, raw, chopped

1/4 C Sour Cream, Fat Free
1/4 C Salsa

Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil, coat the foil with a nonstick spray.

Cook the Bell Peppers in skillet until tender, the recipe called for Roasted Red Peppers, but the ones in our store aren't really that great. (I miss southern grocery stores!) 

Place tortilla on baking sheet. 

Top one site with 2 Tablespoons Cheese.

1/4 Cup Chicken (I used left over Rotisserie)

1/4 Cup Corn 

1/4 Cup Peppers

1 Tablespoon Cilantro

Finally, 2 more Tablespoons of Cheese and fold over the tortilla to form a semicircle, lightly pressing the edges to seal. 

Repeat with the other three tortillas, making a total of 4

Place the quesadillas on the baking sheet; lightly spray the quesadillas with the cooking spray and bake until lightly browned...about 6 minutes. 

Combine the Sour Cream and Salsa to make a yummy dipping sauce! 

4 Servings

Calories: 246  Fat: 4  Saturated Fat: 2  Carbs: 29  Fiber: 3  Sugar: 3.5  Protein: 11.5

WW Points Plus: 5

Let It Snow...Okay...Let It Stop

After my last post I received a number of positive comments, mostly on facebook and through private messages. I loved every single one.

I did want to clear up the reason that I want to lose weight. It's not totally about the number on the scale or the way I look, it's about my long term health and the way I feel. I'm very uncomfortable at this weight and I just don't feel healthy. Fitting into my clothes better is just a positive by product.

As the winter weather blankets ground this morning in Jersey, I am glad I have leftovers from last nights dinner packed in my lunch bag. Mr. E loves this one too and can't really even tell that it's ground turkey instead of beef!

I'm in love with anything taco, burrito, or nacho related. This really tastes like all three at the same time! YUM! I altered the recipe a little bit and I think that I might alter it even more next time. If I do and it turns out well I'll let ya know.

Taco Casserole

Original Recipe from Weight Watchers

Ingredients

1 Pound Ground Turkey

½ C Onion, chopped or diced
½ C Red or Green Pepper, chopped or diced
1 clove Garlic, minced

1 packet Taco Seasoning, low sodium
1 Can Tomato Sauce, low sodium
1 Can Rotel (I used hot), drained

1 C Sour Cream, Light
1 C Cottage Cheese, Fat Free
1 C Cheddar Cheese, Shredded, Low Fat
3/4 C Tortilla Chips, broken

Preheat oven to 400°F. Use cooking spray to coat the bottom of a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish.

In a skillet, cook the turkey, onion, peppers, and garlic until lightly browned.

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese.

Place approx. half of the broken chips on the bottom of the dish.

 Add the meat mixture to cover the chips.

Then add the sour cream/cottage cheese mixture on top of the meat.

Sprinkle the cheese on top.

And throw the rest of those broken chips on top of that!

Bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.


Meet Conrad the Cow - isn't he adorable?



Finished Product!

The Weight Watchers version uses ground chicken, I'm not a big fan, and tops it off with salsa once it's done baking. I didn't think the salsa was necessary, so I didn't use it!

Here are the facts...

8 Servings

Calories: 217 Fat: 10  Saturated Fat: 4.1  Carbs: 11.6  Fiber: 1.25  Sugar: 4.75  Protein: 19.4

WW Points Plus: 6

Let me tell you a story...

It's about a girl that has struggled with her weight her entire life. Yeah, it's me. #shocked

 

If you want to see the definition of Yo-Yo just view my weight for the last 20-ish years. I'm sure many people completely understand this problem. If you don't, count your blessings while you eat your cheeseburger.

 

I vividly remember feeling fat in the 3rd grade, even as I played soccer I would dream of shorts in a smaller size and thighs that didn't rub together. I would gain weight, lose it, and gain it back. When I was 15 I got a job at a local restaurant and because I was too scared to ask what I could eat I simply didn't eat. That was the first time I remember feeling the inside of a size 6 pair of jeans. The overwhelming schedule of being in band, jazz band, playing soccer for a club team and the high school, on top of working a part time job kinda started to get to me. I opted to quit playing on the club soccer team and didn't see much field time on the high school team, my weight increased.

 

At the end of the school year, I realized I was not going to be able to go to college on my sweet soccer skills and short legs. Focusing on music was my best bet for a college scholarship and my part time job kept my car, the Gutless Cutless and later my low rider (yes, it's true), insured and fueled. We had weekly 'Pig Outs' before football games, it was cool to go out to eat for lunch, and I finally mustered up the courage to ask what food I could eat at work. So, my weight increased and I graduated high school rocking a size 12.

 

Many of you know that I attended The University of Tulsa. The location of the school was wonderful, small, and close to home. In addition, there were at least 6 great fast food joints within walking distance, but ain't no one got time to walk so we drove! Over the course of my 5 1/2 years at TU...I did get TWO Degrees! ... I would gain weight, drop it, gain it again. I walked across the graduation stage a semester early in May 2005 since I only had 3 credits to complete. I was a size 12/14.

 

Over the summer of 2005 I managed to lose around 50 pounds. I was only eating around 500 calories a day. I had migraines, stomach aches, and was tired all the time. I think some of my hair fell out too, but my legs felt the inside of a size 6 again! I was happy about how I looked, but my health suffered. I managed to keep most of it off through the next semester and moving into my condo. I settled at a comfortable size 8.

 

I think I have rambled quite enough and you can read about my wedding weight here. I know that I won't be on the Biggest Loser and that my struggle isn't nearly as bad as others. More than anything I want to be healthy and happy. I don't feel that I am either of those things right now. A very long story very short...as of January 13th my 5 foot 1 inch frame could barley fit into my size 12 clothes and I weighed in at a dismal 169 pounds. Some of that can be attributed to my recent health struggles, but I have to take the majority of the blame.

 

I say all of that to say this - 2013 will be my year to get healthy and stay that way. Call me Jennifer or Jessica if you want...this girl is on Weight Watchers!

 

Posting all of this isn't easy and I don't promise to do it forever, but for the time being I will post my weight and maybe a few recipes that I like and am using in this journey. Also, I am still planning on continuing my running dreams...plans for a half marathon this April and a full marathon in November! Both will be easier if I can shed some pounds.

 

Let me bring you up to speed on my weight loss...

January 13 - 169.0 - starting weight

January 20 - 162.6 - 6.4 pounds lost!
January 27 - 161.4 - 1.2 week - 7.6 total

February 3 - 159.8 - 1.6 week  - 9.2 total

 

 

My favorite thing for Breakfast right now is a recipe that I got from Pinterest. I altered it a bit to get the WW Points down, don't want to use all your points in the morning! It's yummy, easy to make, and lasts us 3 days!

 

 

Baked Oatmeal Casserole 

Original recipe from Urban Nester

 

Ingredients

 

2 C Rolled Oats (can use Gluten Free)
8 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt 

1 C Berries

(blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries)

2 C Fat Free Milk

1 Large Egg

3 Tbsp Margarine  

1 Tbsp Vanilla

1 Banana, ripe, peeled, cut into 1/2 inch slices (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray the inside of a rectangle baking dish. I have used a few different sizes...the longer and wider the thinner the end product will be...I like using a 9 x 12

 

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 C berries.

 

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, margarine and vanilla.

 

Pour the oat mixture into the baking dish. You might need to rearrange the berries a little bit so they aren't all clustered together. Add the other half of the berries to the top to fill in the empty spots. If you're going to use the banana now is the time to add the slices to the top.

 

Pour the Milk mixture over everything and give the pan a gentle shake to settle the mixture.

 

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.

 

I personally don't care for cooked banana *yuck*! So, here are the facts sans nanner.

 

6 Servings

Calories: 206  Fat: 8  Saturated Fat: 2  Carbs: 27  Fiber: 4  Sugar: 10  Protein: 7

WW Points Plus: 5

Fatty McChunky Pants Has An Annoucement...

She joined a gym, this is just a short post about the increasing waistline and the goal to decrease it, quickly.

You'll gain weight as a newlywed. With my whole heart I believed that I would be the exception to this old rule, epic fail.  I have very few negatives regarding our wedding, but the date did not help the weight.  Cool kids rhyme, believe it.



aren't we precious?!



We got married, moved, honeymooned over Thanksgiving, and then BAM! It's Christmas.  Hello, Mr. Yummy Food it's been about an hour since I ate you let me shove some more in my chunky face. *nom nom nom* ... Fast Forward to me flinging myself all over the bedroom in an attempt to get the skinny jeans on the fat thighs.  May God bless the long cardigan and boots to the knees look, and I pray that no one has noticed the massive muffin top. Amen.

Obviously, something had to be done.  I bit the bullet and joined a gym.  I'm a huge fan of the Jazzercise method, don't knock it until you've tried it, it's a-freaking-mazing and gives me a reason to bust out my awesomesauce moves.  Try as I might I just couldn't fit it in the schedule, so I've been sentenced to free weights and the treadmill. 



Club Metro - Lobby


The good news is that the gym, Club Metro Fitness, is just minutes from work so I'm usually able to elbow my way in before the after 5:00pm crowd really shows up.  The bad news is that I think I've found the location in Northern New Jersey that all the DJ Pauly D wannabes gather to work out and grease their hair.  I have to say that, as a current resident of NJ, this state gets a bad name from the wonderfulness that is reality TV.  However, the closest likeness has to be this crowd of high schoolers that roll into the gym just minutes before I do, or maybe they have been there for hours...I can't tell if it's sweat or hair gel on their brows.

Today will be my 3rd visit and I plan on logging at least three miles on the hamster wheel (aka - treadmill), if I'm still breathing I'm going to attempt a horrible looking abdominal routine I found on Pinterest.  It was wedged between recipes for pasta and brownies, go figure. 

I'm debating on posting my progress, thoughts on this one friends?  I think it would encourage me to continue it and improve as well, but it could also let the world in on the little secret that I'm not perfect *GASP*  I know ... I know ... it's hard to believe, but it's true.  I'll probably screw it up a time or two, but here's to a long healthy life!!  and a large plate of nachos from time to time...mmm...nachos... 

I continue to ask you to pray for Mr. Killian, his story continues to inspire me and many many others!