What a great month this has been! I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have!! ok, here it is.......in the month of October...I have lost 10 lbs!! I wish I could say it was excercise, but I worked almost every day this month!! It was truly just thinking about what I eat and making some minor changes in my life.
I hope you're encouraged. Now the doorbells ringing with trick or treaters. Gotta Go!
Happy Halloween!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Ramblings in the late night...
Our 31 days of health is coming to an end tomorrow! Wow! It's been a great month. Tomorrow, I will weigh in and give you the final number for the month. But, I will continue my weight loss and check in every once in a while with an update. Next weekend, I get to go see my sister in Virginia and run/walk a 10 mile race with her. So, this brings me to my truth for the night...working out/running/losing weight is always much more fun when you do it with someone you love!
Good night everyone!!!
Good night everyone!!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Guest Blog from Liz Rhoads with more healthy, working mom, need to feed my family and stay sane ideas!
Hey Y’all…it’s Liz from “…with a little Style and Ease”.
I’m so honored that Mandie asked me to contribute to her blog by talking about healthy menu options while managing a family and a full-time job. Believe you me, it’s not easy. But, I find that the busier you are, the more efficient you can be with your time…and it’s all about being efficient.
First off, a little background about moi. My job is 7:30 – 5:30 Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 – 11:30 on Fridays. Thank the Pope for half-day Fridays, but that’s not saying some Fridays my fanny shouldn’t be at the office getting ahead on projects that I have. If you factor in time to grocery shop, do laundry, pick up around the house, and possibly work out, it really doesn’t leave much time in between. Here comes the need for efficiency!
Meal plan! Yup folks, you heard it here. I HAVE to plan my meals out at least a week in advance. That way I can be sure to make something healthy as well as something that will please the 8 teeth and very sophisticated palate of this guy…
As you can see, he tends to be my sous chef in the home kitchen.
So, usually on a Tuesday (when Southern Savers puts out their weekly specials at Publix), I make my grocery list and then figure out my meals from my list. I hardly ever buy anything from Publix that’s not on sale except for baby food and milk. I don’t go grocery shopping until Saturday morning though because the store tends to be the most empty. If I don’t have the option of going on a Saturday, I’ll go one night during the week after baby boy goes to sleep. Again, during that time, Publix is super empty and I can take my good old time. I tend to doddle when I’m in the grocery store. Just ask my husband. It’s a sickness, really. I don’t doddle anywhere else…I swear.
So, when I put my meal plan together, I put it in a Microsoft calendar that looks something like this:
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
I just type what I plan to make for dinner each day into the calendar days and when I go to the grocery store, I attach any recipes that I need to reference behind it so I can make sure to get all the right ingredients. This sounds time-consuming, but trust me, I don’t make anything crazy during the week so I pretty much know what ingredients I need to get just.
I try to be healthy, but at the same time, when you are cooking for a hungry one year old and an always-starving 31 year old man, time is of the essence. Spaghetti and meatballs for example, you’d better believe I “Costco” it up (yes, I’m dubbing “Costco” a verb now) and purchase bags of these just to keep on hand:
Lean turkey meatballs in a pinch. You can’t get much better than that. Use them for spaghetti and meatballs, meatball sandwiches with whole wheat rolls, sautéed onions and peppers, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser and time saver every time!
My other go-to food that is quick and easy is quinoa. My friends, this seed rocks my world. Forget rice, forget couscous…quinoa is where it’s at. My whole family loves it leaps and bounds beyond any other healthy-ish grain I’ve made.
For those who aren’t familiar, here’s the dish on this super food:
I get a huge bag at Costco every few months and if you need to, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge
You can throw anything you want to in here! Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
Room temperature:
Quinoa with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, green and orange peppers, garbanzo beans, and feta cheese. Great for a light main course, side dish, or stuffed in a whole wheat pita.
Quinoa with diced yellow and green zucchini and sautéed onions.
Warm:Quinoa with diced chicken, sautéed spinach, garlic, and goat cheese. Or you can use salmon – this combination with salmon is by far my favorite!
Quinoa with chicken sausage, sautéed green peppers, sautéed onions, and maybe a shot of buffalo sauce or Texas Pete hot sauce.
Quinoa mixed with one egg, bread crumbs, cooked salmon, garbanzo beans or Cannelini beans, formed into patties. Instant healthy burgers!
My last go-to meal to save time and still maintain a healthy menu is a crustless quiche, or otherwise known as a frittata.
Frittatas are a great way to use up your leftovers. I’ve thrown sausage, tomatoes, chicken, cheese, other types of veggies, and even, believe it or not, quinoa into a frittata. An easy, one-put meal ready in 20 minutes cannot be beat!
I have a great sauté pan from Williams Sonoma that I use.
It’s similar to the one pictured above but without the handle. So, I mix up all the ingredients, pour it into the pan and let it heat up on the stove until the mixture is almost set Then I just pop it into the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Easy peasy! Here are some ideas for frittata combinations:
Goat cheese and whole asparagus.
Sausage, mozzarella cheese, and sundried tomoatoes.
Leftover pork with sautéed apples and onions (sounds weird but oh so good).
Broccoli and cheese.
I hope I gave you busy ladies some great ideas for your next quick dinner! It’s been a blast contributing and thanks to Mandie for having me!!
Xoxo,
Liz
Saturday, October 22, 2011
How I keep up with what we're eating...make it healthy and quick...all at the same time :)
Didn't you just love Tracy Sorrells!!
Today, I am going to talk about my menus. I have three goals in creating menus:
1) Keep it organized.
2) Keep it healthy.
3) Keep it cheap.
You're now thinking...I don't have time for this. But, I don't have time NOT to do this! Sure, it would be easy to eat out every night of the week. But we would gain 50 pounds and be broke. So, this is a better alternative!
1) Keep it organized. I think of a couple of things as I'm planning my menu. (I plan it weekly...monthly is just overwhelming right now.) a. what do we have that needs to be eaten: i.e. veggies, fruit, etc. that go bad b. what nights am I going to be late getting home? Plan accordingly with crockpot/easy meal. This is really the core of my planning. I write it down on this to keep Justin informed:
Today, I am going to talk about my menus. I have three goals in creating menus:
1) Keep it organized.
2) Keep it healthy.
3) Keep it cheap.
You're now thinking...I don't have time for this. But, I don't have time NOT to do this! Sure, it would be easy to eat out every night of the week. But we would gain 50 pounds and be broke. So, this is a better alternative!
1) Keep it organized. I think of a couple of things as I'm planning my menu. (I plan it weekly...monthly is just overwhelming right now.) a. what do we have that needs to be eaten: i.e. veggies, fruit, etc. that go bad b. what nights am I going to be late getting home? Plan accordingly with crockpot/easy meal. This is really the core of my planning. I write it down on this to keep Justin informed:
Yes! It's from Pinterest :)
2) Keep it healthy. This is a huge priority for me. I'll talk about how I balance health and cost on point 3. I get most of my ideas from blogs and Cooking Light. Here are a few blogs that I highly recommend:
http://goodcheapeats.com/ (not always healthy, but a good combo of economical and healthy)
3) Keep it cheap. There are a couple of ways I do this.
a. I buy fruits and veggies on sale. It's best to buy fresh. The second best is frozen. (it keeps in more nutrients) I typically do not buy fruits and veggies in a can. I can get it fresh or frozen just as cheap if I stock up when it's on sale. For example...it's apple season. I bought apples for .99 cents a pound and making applesauce and freezing. I stay stocked up on frozen veggies and fruits too. There are many veggies that you can freeze as well. We were in a farm share association this Summer. So, I have green beans, okra and corn frozen in my refrigerator. I just googled recipes on how and what to freeze.
b. Buy good meat when it's on sale! We eat a lot of chicken in our house! A-LOT. So, when chicken is on sale, I stock up. You can find chicken at $1.99 a pound atleast once a month. But, what kind of chicken is it?!? I prefer Spring Mountain Farms chicken which is normally $5 + per pound. But...here's my scenario: It goes on sale B1G1 = $2.50 per lb. I have a $1 off coupon. Get the smallest package possible. Use your $1 off coupon and voila - $1.50 - $1.99 a pound. This only happens every once in a while. So, I buy 20 or so coupons on ebay and stick the chicken in the freezer.
c. Use less meat ... Sneak in beans where you can. Buy dried beans if you have the patience.
Soo...I think it took me longer to write this post than it does to plan my weekly meals. But...it keeps me sane and my family fed!
Happy beautiful Fall weather weekend!!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Guest Post from the lovely Tracy Sorrells...
My next guest post is from a Godly, beautiful and talented wife of a coach, momma of three 20-somethings and now grandmama! (please call her that next time you see her- haha!) She has made it a lifestyle to stay fit and healthy...Give it up for Tracy Sorrells....
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (Colossians 3:23) Does "whatever you do" mean caring for our bodies that God has given us? Absolutely! We only have one body - and that's all we're going to get while we're here on earth, so it's up to us to keep it in good working order and be the BEST we can be! At 51, I've been teaching Pilates for six years now, and my only regret is that I wish I had started it when I was in my 20's! Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, flexibility and building core strength. The misconception that exists is that the core of your body is just abdominal muscles, but the core actually encompasses the parts of your body (front and back) from your shoulders all the way to the bottom of your bum, as my British friends refer to it. If your core - think trunk of a tree - is strong and healthy, then everyday tasks as well as physically taxing activities will be much easier. In addition to classical Pilates work, we also use light hand weights, bands and stability balls in our Pilates classes to keep it interesting. One of the best parts about participating in a Pilates class is that it's really easy for each person to truly work at her own level. I lead classes at Edwards Road Baptist Church on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:15-9:00. All ladies are welcome and the cost is $15 month. You can try out the first two classes for FREE. We laugh, share and have fun together as we "work at it with all our hearts" to be the BEST God wants us to be! Come join us and see for yourself...
Great JOB Tracy! For more information, you can check out http://www.edwardsroad.org/, click on 'info and upcoming events' and scroll down, then scroll down some more, then scroll down a little more and you'll see the Fit For Him classes offered!
Happy Healthy Weekend!!!
Tracy and her husband, Tim
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (Colossians 3:23) Does "whatever you do" mean caring for our bodies that God has given us? Absolutely! We only have one body - and that's all we're going to get while we're here on earth, so it's up to us to keep it in good working order and be the BEST we can be! At 51, I've been teaching Pilates for six years now, and my only regret is that I wish I had started it when I was in my 20's! Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, flexibility and building core strength. The misconception that exists is that the core of your body is just abdominal muscles, but the core actually encompasses the parts of your body (front and back) from your shoulders all the way to the bottom of your bum, as my British friends refer to it. If your core - think trunk of a tree - is strong and healthy, then everyday tasks as well as physically taxing activities will be much easier. In addition to classical Pilates work, we also use light hand weights, bands and stability balls in our Pilates classes to keep it interesting. One of the best parts about participating in a Pilates class is that it's really easy for each person to truly work at her own level. I lead classes at Edwards Road Baptist Church on Monday and Thursday mornings from 8:15-9:00. All ladies are welcome and the cost is $15 month. You can try out the first two classes for FREE. We laugh, share and have fun together as we "work at it with all our hearts" to be the BEST God wants us to be! Come join us and see for yourself...
Great JOB Tracy! For more information, you can check out http://www.edwardsroad.org/, click on 'info and upcoming events' and scroll down, then scroll down some more, then scroll down a little more and you'll see the Fit For Him classes offered!
Happy Healthy Weekend!!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Third(ish) week Check-In
This week, I've lost about a pound. It's a tough week with temptations. There were brownies, frozen yogurt and skittles involved! Needless to say, all three of these things are now out of our house and I have decided to keep the door closed on temptations. Apparently, I am missing the shut off valve to tell me when to stop eating sweets! When I get them, I enjoy ALL of them. This week's main goal is to wake up at the same time every morning! 6:30 seems to be a magic time for me!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Are any of you doing a weight loss/healthy challenge right now? If you are, what is it? And, how is it going?!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Are any of you doing a weight loss/healthy challenge right now? If you are, what is it? And, how is it going?!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Healthy is more than just your weight...
Even people of a healthy weight can have trouble with mental, emotional and spiritual health. I would venture to say that while it's important to have a balance of all of these, many times this aspect of 'health' can be the toughest yet most important of them all. This morning was a really tough morning. All too often my mental and emotional health are completely thrown off because my plan doesn't always happen accordingly. This morning, nothing seemed to go my way. I literally had to turn around and go back home THREE times because I forgot different things. My camera broke on a day that I needed to take pictures of houses. I had a 30 minute crisis where I couldn't find a key. And, when I went to my listing appointment, I found out the potential client was in the hospital after having a sudden, major stroke and that she was not believed to make it past today. Wow! Breathe! I just had to take a moment after all of this! My camera is now fixed and the lost key is found. But, there are just days where you have to throw your hands up and literally take a break! So, here is what I have learned to do when life starts to carry me away without my consent:
1) Take time to collect my thoughts and breathe
2) Think about responses I need to have/make towards the previous stressors
3) Come up with a new plan if possible (Especially when going back to bed and waking up again isn't an option ;) )
4) Make a new agenda or list for the rest of my day (This helps me not get sidetracked by the stresses from earlier)
This is the only way I can get through a day like today. Also, lots of praying and praising the Lord! Does anyone else have days like today or is it just me???
1) Take time to collect my thoughts and breathe
2) Think about responses I need to have/make towards the previous stressors
3) Come up with a new plan if possible (Especially when going back to bed and waking up again isn't an option ;) )
4) Make a new agenda or list for the rest of my day (This helps me not get sidetracked by the stresses from earlier)
This is the only way I can get through a day like today. Also, lots of praying and praising the Lord! Does anyone else have days like today or is it just me???
Thursday, October 13, 2011
This is the point where I start sliding...
So, it's day 13 and this is normally the point where I start sliding off the wagon. A little here...a little there...that won't hurt...I'll just workout extra tomorrow morning. But...not this time!! This time, I'm going to use it as momentum to keep on going! Tonight, I'm making butternut acorn squash soup. No one else in my family will be eating this (by choice) So, I know what's for lunch the next couple of days! Here is the recipe...
Butternut Acorn Squash Soup
Butternut Acorn Squash Soup
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| Click the link above for photo credits |
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Workout Mini-Series: BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU!
My guest post today is from Dana Swartzel about a GREAT local workout option that is ... well ... not just another trip to the gym....
BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU builds your spirit as well as your body!
Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God can do more than we could ask or even imagine.
Take care of the body God has given. You will be amazed by what you can do! Go for it!
BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU is a 6-week custom boot camp led by DANA SWARTZEL,
AFAA certified group fitness trainer and CPR/First Aid certified.
The strengths of BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU are in the class composition and the variety of workouts. ALL fitness levels are welcome. The environment is non-threatening and lots of fun! Participants are REAL PEOPLE. We work hard but enjoy our time together through sweat and laughter! The variety of workouts allows each participant to work at her own level. The workouts are set up in a basic format: cardio warm-up followed by a series of 5 to 6 circuits. The best part is the fun fitness game or group exercise towards the end of the class. Plank Line, Sandbag Relay, Tennis Ball Relay, Over/Under Sandbag Line, Four Corners, Hot Potato, and Capture the Flag are just a few. Each class ends with abdominal exercise and stretching.
Hear more from current participants...
*I LOVE Boot Camp! Each day is an intense workout, yet totally different from the day before. Dana does a fabulous job of mixing the right amounts of cardio and strength training. She challenges us, pushes us, and instills confidence in us. I actually enjoy working out before dawn! ~Kristen Carlton
*I have completed [several] 6 week sessions of boot camp built for you. I had no previous exercise experience before beginning the boot camp. I didn't know what a burpee, jump squat or even a bum kicker was. In fact, I have always been intimidated by structured exercise classes, because I tend to be uncoordinated when it comes to that. Since starting the boot camp, I can honestly say that I am more toned, coordinated and in better shape than I have ever been. If I can't get an exercise move just right or cannot do as many reps as everyone else in the class it's okay. I am always challenged, but I know that I can set my limits. I really look forward to boot camp starting again!! ~Kelly Betsill
The camp runs 3 days a week - Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:45am-6:45am
Tuesday and Thursday 8:15am-9:15am
FEES - $50/2 days a week
$75/3 days a week
This is a total for all 6 weeks.
FREE!!! A free Trial Week is offered the week before specified sessions depending on the calendar. I strongly suggest taking part in ALL 3 days of the Trial Week. The best judgments can only be made after more than 2 classes as each class is always different.
Thanks for the great work, Dana! Trust me..you will love her and the bootcamp workout. If you have any questions, you can also visit their facebook page here. The next session is coming up in the next week or so!!!
BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU builds your spirit as well as your body!
Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God can do more than we could ask or even imagine.
Take care of the body God has given. You will be amazed by what you can do! Go for it!
BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU is a 6-week custom boot camp led by DANA SWARTZEL,
AFAA certified group fitness trainer and CPR/First Aid certified.
The strengths of BOOT CAMP BUILT FOR YOU are in the class composition and the variety of workouts. ALL fitness levels are welcome. The environment is non-threatening and lots of fun! Participants are REAL PEOPLE. We work hard but enjoy our time together through sweat and laughter! The variety of workouts allows each participant to work at her own level. The workouts are set up in a basic format: cardio warm-up followed by a series of 5 to 6 circuits. The best part is the fun fitness game or group exercise towards the end of the class. Plank Line, Sandbag Relay, Tennis Ball Relay, Over/Under Sandbag Line, Four Corners, Hot Potato, and Capture the Flag are just a few. Each class ends with abdominal exercise and stretching.
Hear more from current participants...
*I LOVE Boot Camp! Each day is an intense workout, yet totally different from the day before. Dana does a fabulous job of mixing the right amounts of cardio and strength training. She challenges us, pushes us, and instills confidence in us. I actually enjoy working out before dawn! ~Kristen Carlton
*I have completed [several] 6 week sessions of boot camp built for you. I had no previous exercise experience before beginning the boot camp. I didn't know what a burpee, jump squat or even a bum kicker was. In fact, I have always been intimidated by structured exercise classes, because I tend to be uncoordinated when it comes to that. Since starting the boot camp, I can honestly say that I am more toned, coordinated and in better shape than I have ever been. If I can't get an exercise move just right or cannot do as many reps as everyone else in the class it's okay. I am always challenged, but I know that I can set my limits. I really look forward to boot camp starting again!! ~Kelly Betsill
The camp runs 3 days a week - Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:45am-6:45am
Tuesday and Thursday 8:15am-9:15am
FEES - $50/2 days a week
$75/3 days a week
This is a total for all 6 weeks.
FREE!!! A free Trial Week is offered the week before specified sessions depending on the calendar. I strongly suggest taking part in ALL 3 days of the Trial Week. The best judgments can only be made after more than 2 classes as each class is always different.
Thanks for the great work, Dana! Trust me..you will love her and the bootcamp workout. If you have any questions, you can also visit their facebook page here. The next session is coming up in the next week or so!!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Second Week Weigh In
I must admit that I had a Biggest Loser type fantasy in writing that title! This week, I lost 2.6 lbs for a total weight loss of 3.5!!! Woo to the Hoo!! Tonight I feel like I am facing a huge temptation though (ok...enough of The Biggest Loser already). I haven't had a 'dessert' for close to two weeks! And, I am really really REALLY craving some chocolate. And, since I stocked up on brownies before I started this whole weight loss idea, they are definitely within reach. I'm teetering between the concept of 'not opening the door to temptation' and 'eat in moderation so that you don't feel deprived.' Honestly leaning towards the latter because that means I can have chocolate.
Over the next few days, you'll hear from a few ladies in the area about different workout options in the Greenville vicinity. So, check back in ....
Over the next few days, you'll hear from a few ladies in the area about different workout options in the Greenville vicinity. So, check back in ....
Monday, October 10, 2011
A New Workout...
So, on the lovely (and completely addicting) Pinterest, I found a workout plan that seems intriguing. It almost looks too easy until I looked at the end and saw what I was working towards!! Basically, it's a 60 day plan with a simple, 'do-it-yourself' workout plan that I should be able to easily do without waking up the child and the husband. It's from this blog. So, go on over there to see much more information. Here is a snippet from Pinterest as well:
Level Three ends up looking like this:
So...this is probably the new plan! I'll (of course!) keep you updated.
The Goal: Complete all 3 levels in 60 days
The Plan: Do it in the morning!
The Goal: Complete all 3 levels in 60 days
The Plan: Do it in the morning!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Recognizing Failure and Moving On...
So, there are going to be times that you let yourself down when you are accomplishing anything in life. This week, I didn't work out every day that I wanted to and today, I left the house and completely forgot my lunch (poor planning, huh...wait, didn't I write about that yesterday...hmmm). But, I have learned that you can't let one failure take you out of the game. Soooooo many times, I let one setback ruin a perfectly good momentum! Instead... I need to:
1) Think about why I failed
2) Think about a way to avoid that next time
3) Make a new goal/plan! (which gives you the *new* momentum to move on)
So, {1} why did I fail to workout...because I didn't want to wake up and I didn't plan ahead. {2} how can I avoid this next time...have everything ready to go and wake up{3} what's my plan...have workout clothes ready/set my alarm {and actually get up:)}/have workout plan ready {that doesn't wake up the child or the husband...Billy Banks is apparently too loud haha!}
Here's to a great weekend with awesome Carolina weather!
(P.S. I have a feeling this post can be substituted for many things in life other than working out)
1) Think about why I failed
2) Think about a way to avoid that next time
3) Make a new goal/plan! (which gives you the *new* momentum to move on)
So, {1} why did I fail to workout...because I didn't want to wake up and I didn't plan ahead. {2} how can I avoid this next time...have everything ready to go and wake up{3} what's my plan...have workout clothes ready/set my alarm {and actually get up:)}/have workout plan ready {that doesn't wake up the child or the husband...Billy Banks is apparently too loud haha!}
Here's to a great weekend with awesome Carolina weather!
(P.S. I have a feeling this post can be substituted for many things in life other than working out)
Friday, October 7, 2011
Number ONE...most important key to getting healthy...
PLAN AHEAD! I have learned that healthy on the go can work every once in a while. But, it cannot be the norm! 90% of the time, I need to plan and prepare ahead of time. For me, that's the toughest part of this! So, last night I sat down to think about what I was going to have for lunch. Actually, as I cleaned, gave my sweet girl a bath and did the dishes, I thought about what I was going to have for lunch. There was no actual sitting involved. But, I digress. Thanks to my lovely sister in law, I am now a Pinterest junky. It's bad...really bad! But, I found a recipe for black bean salad...see picture and link below...
It is quite possibly the easiest and most yummy thing I've ever made. And, it really fills me up (which is a huge issue for me at lunch!).
THE GOAL: Plan meals ahead of time!
THE PLAN: Try to know what you're going to eat the night before you eat it!
It is quite possibly the easiest and most yummy thing I've ever made. And, it really fills me up (which is a huge issue for me at lunch!).
THE GOAL: Plan meals ahead of time!
THE PLAN: Try to know what you're going to eat the night before you eat it!
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| http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/06/southwestern-black-bean-salad.html |
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Baby Steps...Still drink coffee...just with less sugar :)
So, as I contemplated how to begin the end of my love for the lucious beverage called coffee, I realized this was going to have to be done in baby steps! So, first step = use natural flavored creamer (Coffee-Mate has a great Natural Bliss creamer in caramel) and only one tsp. of sugar (rather than 3, yes I admit it...3!). It was really actually very good. Bad thing = it gave me an excuse to have a mid afternoon cup of coffee as well :( Next step = decaf! woah baby!!!
+
= :)
The goal = Eventually get to decaf with only natural flavored creamer
The plan = Baby Steps Baby!
(P.S. I am so super excited about next week! I am going to feature a few guest bloggers who will talk about different work out opportunities around the Greenville, SC area! woo - to - the - hoo!!!)
(P.S.S. I just realized I said baby 4 times in this post...subliminal messaging...or...???) haha (the answer is no)
+
= :) The goal = Eventually get to decaf with only natural flavored creamer
The plan = Baby Steps Baby!
(P.S. I am so super excited about next week! I am going to feature a few guest bloggers who will talk about different work out opportunities around the Greenville, SC area! woo - to - the - hoo!!!)
(P.S.S. I just realized I said baby 4 times in this post...subliminal messaging...or...???) haha (the answer is no)
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Healthy on the go
Planning ahead is key for me to have a healthy lunch! But when my day goes compleletly haywire (Today!!!) I've got to have a back up Plan! My normal choice would be a Chic Fil A sandwich or some greasy form of fast food! Today, I thought quickly and decided to go for the grilled chicken Caesar wrap without the Caesar dressing. I have found that unless I have a form of meat and a carb, my lunch may leave me wanting more when I'm done than before I ate. Plus chic fil a = free large water!!!
My Goal: Plan Ahead. But have a safe back up plan just in case!
The Plan: Chic Fil A wrap or possibly some yummy goodness from Subway (but only when it is absolutely impossible for me to prepare ahead of time)
My Goal: Plan Ahead. But have a safe back up plan just in case!
The Plan: Chic Fil A wrap or possibly some yummy goodness from Subway (but only when it is absolutely impossible for me to prepare ahead of time)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My name is Mandie and I eat in my sleep!
Many of you have heard of the infamous sleep eating that I do on a regular occasion (aka anytime we have chocolate in our house). I've been known to eat the better half of a pack of oreos and even smear red velvet cake in the attempt to eat it in my college dorm bathroom.
Yes...I'm a closet NIGHT EATER! It's a tradition passed on from my grandmother to my uncle and now I am struck with this horrible addiction. It is pretty much one of the worst things you can do if you're trying to lose wait (not to mention how horrible it is for cavities! Just ask Trey Harris!! He has a lot of our money due to night eating!!!). True Story: one night in the not so distant past, I begged, pleaded and bargained with Justin to make brownies at 12:30 AM! YES, 12:30 AM!!!!! And, because he's such a sweet husband (or maybe he knew that I would keep him up all night if he didn't hmmmm) he actually made them. (Yes, there were a few left the next morning or ... the same morning....whatever!) So, today's change is a BIIIIIIIGGGG one for me.
The Goal: Don't eat after 9 pm
The Plan: Chain the cabinets!! Well...maybe not...but lets just say we will not have chocolate in our house for a looooong time!
Yes...I'm a closet NIGHT EATER! It's a tradition passed on from my grandmother to my uncle and now I am struck with this horrible addiction. It is pretty much one of the worst things you can do if you're trying to lose wait (not to mention how horrible it is for cavities! Just ask Trey Harris!! He has a lot of our money due to night eating!!!). True Story: one night in the not so distant past, I begged, pleaded and bargained with Justin to make brownies at 12:30 AM! YES, 12:30 AM!!!!! And, because he's such a sweet husband (or maybe he knew that I would keep him up all night if he didn't hmmmm) he actually made them. (Yes, there were a few left the next morning or ... the same morning....whatever!) So, today's change is a BIIIIIIIGGGG one for me.
The Goal: Don't eat after 9 pm
The Plan: Chain the cabinets!! Well...maybe not...but lets just say we will not have chocolate in our house for a looooong time!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Call 911...She's given up SWEET TEA!
I grew up not just on sweet tea but on Carolina sweet tea (that's like 5 cups of sugar for those of you wondering). So, it's a high calorie drink to say the least. And, I have never...let me repeat...NEVER...tried to give up sweet tea. But, today folks was the day. I only drank water all day (excluding my much needed cup of coffee in the morning. juries still out on whether I attempt to give up my coffee. that will be a sad day!) Anyways, I do have a slight headache but I know the benefits will be great!
MY GOAL: TO ONLY DRINK WATER AND MY ONE CUP OF COFFEE
THE PLAN: DON'T GO NEAR THE TEA!!!
MY GOAL: TO ONLY DRINK WATER AND MY ONE CUP OF COFFEE
THE PLAN: DON'T GO NEAR THE TEA!!!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
31 Days to a more healthy me!
So, if any of you follow blogs. You know October is the month where many bloggers commit to blogging about one topic every day for 31 days. (I know what you're thinking...yeah right, she'll last maybe a week) But, in the words of Moses {aka the guy who probably wrote Numbers} "Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" Num. 23:19. So, if I want to be like HIM, I've got to do what I say! How's that for accountability...ok back to the topic at hand...I have decided to write for THIRTY ONE days about becoming more healthy {ok I admit it...a little more skinny too}. I have run different events off and on for the last 2 years. But, this time, I have one goal in mind...to finally kick these last 20 {or so} pounds out of my life! So, basically, I am going to commit to changing one life habit a day and ACTUALLY STICKING TO THE CHANGE!!
October 1st...
Yesterday, my goal was to work out. No matter what happened, before I put my head on my pillow last night, I was going to sweat in some way, shape or form. So, thank God for Billy Banks! I spent about 45 minutes with him yesterday and sweat I did!
THE GOAL: WORK OUT 6 DAYS A WEEK
THE PLAN: BILLY BANKS (4 DAYS A WEEK) RUN/WALK (2 DAYS A WEEK)
October 2nd...
Since, I'm starting on day 2...I'll combine both days on one post. It will not normally be this long! Today my goal is to pay attention to the food I put in my mouth! I normally eat how I want to eat. While I don't gorge myself, I also don't think twice about eating a brownie, drinking diet coke/sweet tea or eating like 500,000 carbs a day! So...
THE GOAL: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I EAT
THE PLAN: WRITE IT DOWN {Keep a food journal for the next31 30 days.}
READY...GET SET...GO!
October 1st...
Yesterday, my goal was to work out. No matter what happened, before I put my head on my pillow last night, I was going to sweat in some way, shape or form. So, thank God for Billy Banks! I spent about 45 minutes with him yesterday and sweat I did!
THE GOAL: WORK OUT 6 DAYS A WEEK
THE PLAN: BILLY BANKS (4 DAYS A WEEK) RUN/WALK (2 DAYS A WEEK)
 |
| This is the workout video I'm doing right now. But, I may switch it up a few times this month so I don't get bored. |
October 2nd...
Since, I'm starting on day 2...I'll combine both days on one post. It will not normally be this long! Today my goal is to pay attention to the food I put in my mouth! I normally eat how I want to eat. While I don't gorge myself, I also don't think twice about eating a brownie, drinking diet coke/sweet tea or eating like 500,000 carbs a day! So...
THE GOAL: PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I EAT
THE PLAN: WRITE IT DOWN {Keep a food journal for the next
READY...GET SET...GO!
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