Where can I buy some of you determination?? Somebody stole mine!!

That is a statement that was recently made to me.  After some consideration, I posted my reply:

My determination has always been there.  I just needed drive, an encouraging friend, and a little fear to get myself motivated.  Fear of getting back to the 225 lbs that I used to be. When I made it back up to 199, I called on an encouraging friend, and she helped guide me.  The drive came into play to live a healthier life and to be happier than i have been in a while.  Thank You Kristy! I am forever grateful!

We all have to have some driving, motivating factor in our life.  For some, it's the "beach body" and for others it's health related.   Regardless of your reason, do what you can, and do it to the best of your ability.  

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” - Sonia Johnson

As I have mentioned time and time again, Kristy has been a HUGE influence and very encouraging during times of doubt.  She has always been there to answer any and all questions, listen to me complain and whine, then set me back on the path I need to be on.  She always has an answer to any question I go to her with.  I follow both of her blogs, if this is something you are interested in - a healthier, happier you - I encourage you to check them out as well.

http://kristyolds.blogspot.com

http://synergizefatloss.com/category/kristys-korner/ 

 

As I mentioned, Fear was another motivating factor for me.  I was determined to not break the 200 pound mark again - ever, if I can help it.  People often find fear as a very valid reason to quit, give up, or even NOT begin in the first place.  Fear of failure is very understandable.  Which leads me to one of my favorite quotes about fear.

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." - Dune

As anyone that reads my blogs or my updates knows, I have been changing my eating habits, exercising at least 3-5 times a week even if it was just walking the 2 miles around my neighborhood, or something as simple as walking up and down the stairs at my house for 10 -15 minutes.    This coupled with keeping track of my food intake, religiously, has helped me to accomplish a loss of 14 pounds since March 24th.   My latest "favorite" is getting together with my neighbor and doing one of the 2 Jillian Michaels dvd's I own:  "Yoga Meltdown" and "Ripped in 30." I generally do one or the other 5-6 times a week.  Today however, Kimberly and I pushed ourselves to do them both.  I am a little sore, but I have to say I feel great.  

Thank you for taking the time to read!  Comments, questions, and thoughts are always welcome.

Healthy Recipes for the Week #2

Hummus and Vegetable Pita
Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(s) hummus
• 1 pita, 100% whole-wheat, 1 6 1/2-inch, cut in half to form two pockets
• 1/2 cup(s) spinach
• 1 tablespoon onion(s), red, chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) carrot(s), chopped
• 2 slice(s) tomato(es)
• 2 tablespoon cheese, mozzarella, shredded, low sodium

Preparation
Spread hummus equally between the two pita halves. Fill each pita half with equal amounts of spinach, onion, carrots, and tomato. Sprinkle cheese on top of each half and serve.

Crab-Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 6 1/2 ounce(s) crabmeat, drained
• 1 ounce(s) cream cheese, fat-free, softened
• 1/4 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
• 1/2 medium tomato(es), seeded and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, light
• 1 cup(s) cheese, mozzarella, part-skim, shredded
• 1 dash(es) liquid smoke flavoring

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Discard ends of the zucchini and cut in half lengthwise. Microwave for 3 minutes.

Scoop out the pulp, leaving zucchini shells. Chop the pulp and mix with remaining ingredients; use only 1/2 cup mozzarella.

Place zucchini shells in a baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray and fill each with crabmeat mixture (it will overflow the shells). Top with the rest of the mozzarella and bake 20–30 minutes, until the mozzarella is lightly browned.

Green Beans Sautéed in Olive Oil and Garlic
Ingredients

• 1 cup(s) beans, green
• 2 teaspoon oil, olive
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

Preparation
In a covered saucepan, steam beans until tender, about 5-10 minutes. Drain and plunge into cold water. Drain well.

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in beans. Sauté and stir until all are heated throughout.

Grilled Steak With Red Onion
Ingredients

• 1 pounds beef, sirloin steak, about 1-inch thick
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, Kosher
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup(s) onion(s), red, thickly sliced

Preparation
Preheat the broiler. Place the steak on a foil-lined broiler pan and sprinkle with salt.

Broil the steak 4 inches from the heat for 6 minutes. Turn and broil 4 to 6 minutes longer or until almost cooked through. Sprinkle with onions and broil 1 to 2 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Roasted Carrots
Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon oil, olive
• 4 cup(s) carrot(s)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, Kosher

Preparation
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Drizzle carrots with olive oil and roast until tender, about 30 minutes.

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Vegetables for 4
Ingredients

• 4 teaspoon oil, olive, extra virgin, divided
• 2 large pepper(s), red, bell, diced
• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 5 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1 pounds shrimp, raw, 26-30 per pound, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup(s) broth, chicken, reduced-sodium
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Preparation
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, asparagus, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to soften, about 6 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl; cover to keep warm.
Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk broth and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and add to the pan along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve the shrimp and sauce over the vegetables.

Breakfast Parfait
Ingredients

• 16 ounce(s) yogurt, fat-free, Greek-style, plain
• 2 cup(s) cereal, flax, such as Nature's Path
• 1 cup(s) blueberries, fresh or defrosted frozen
• 1 cup(s) strawberries, fresh or defrosted frozen
• 4 teaspoon honey
• 4 teaspoon nuts, almonds, organic, slivers
• 1 medium orange(s), peeled and thinly sliced

Preparation
In 4 small bowls or large cups, place 2 ounces of yogurt to line the bottom. Layer 1/2 cup cereal, 1/4 cup of each berry, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Cover with another layer of yogurt (2 ounces per bowl or cup each), and top each parfait with 1 teaspoon of almonds and 2 to 3 orange slices. Serve cold.

Autumn Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients

• 4 pork, boneless loin chops, 3/4-inch thick
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
• 1/4 cup(s) apple cider, or juice
• 1/2 cup(s) cranberry sauce, whole
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon orange juice concentrate, frozen
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger, ground
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, ground

Preparation
Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick coating. Heat over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle both sides of chops with pepper. Brown chops on each side in hot skillet. Add apple cider. Cover tightly; cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes or until chops are just done. Drain off juices.

In a small bowl combine cranberry sauce, honey, orange juice concentrate, ginger and nutmeg. Pour over chops. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.

Baked Sweet Potato
Ingredients

• 1 medium potato(es), sweet

Preparation
Pierce sweet potato with fork and microwave until cooked through (about 5 -6 minutes). Place on a plate, peel if desired.

Snow Peas
Ingredients

• 4 cup(s) snow pea pods

Preparation
Fill bottom of medium saucepan with 1" water. Put steamer container in pot and add snowpeas. Turn to high heat and cover. Cook approximately 5-8 minutes or until snow peas are tender.

Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower, 5"-6"
• 1 1/2 tablespoon oil, olive
• 1 clove(s) garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut cauliflower into florets and put in a single layer in an oven-proof baking dish. Toss florets with olive oil and minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt.

Place baking dish in the hot oven, uncovered, for 15-25 minutes, until the top is lightly brown. Remove from oven and serve.

Chicken With Oranges and Almonds
Ingredients

• 4 chicken, broiler-fryer, breasts, without skin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground
• 2 tablespoon oil, salad
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
• 1 cup(s) orange juice
• 1/4 cup(s) nuts, almonds, organic, slivers
• 1/4 cup(s) raisins
• 2 orange(s), pared and thinly sliced

Preparation
Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, cinnamon and cloves. Heat oil in large skillet; place chicken in oil skin down and brown a golden color. Turn over in pan. Put garlic, onion, orange juice and 1 cup of water over chicken; cover and cook at a simmer for 35 minutes.

Spread out almonds in shallow pan and place in 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until fragrant but just barely toasted. Add almonds, raisins and sliced oranges to chicken. Cover and cook 5 minutes.

Healthy Recipes for the Week #1

Apricot Pork Medallions

Ingredients

• 1 pork, tenderloin, about 1 pound
• 2 tablespoon butter, divided
• 1/2 cup(s) apricot(s), dried, chopped
• 2 onion(s), green, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon vinegar, wine
• 2 teaspoon sugar, brown
• 1 dash(es) hot sauce

Preparation

Cut tenderloin crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Flatten each piece slightly with heel of hand.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown medallions, about 2 minutes on each side. Add remaining ingredients to skillet with remaining tablespoon of butter. Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Remove medallions to serving platter, spoon sauce over.

Turkey and Avocado Wrap

Ingredients

• 1 tortilla(s), flour, whole-wheat
• 1/4 avocado
• 3 ounce(s) turkey breast, roasted, sliced
• 2 slice(s) tomato(es), medium
• 1/2 cup(s) spinach leaves

Preparation

Lay wrap out on plate. With a fork, mash avocado until it's a spread-like consistency. Spread over wrap.

Place turkey, tomatoes, and spinach in center.

Roll tightly, secure with toothpicks and cut in half to serve.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Ingredients

• 4 ounce(s) chicken, breast, boneless, skinless
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
• 2 slice(s) bread, 100% whole-wheat, toasted
• 1 piece(s) lettuce, romaine
• 1 slice(s) tomato(es), medium
• 1/4 cup(s) onion(s), red, sliced

Preparation

Preheat the oven or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

Coat both sides of the chicken breast with barbecue sauce and place in an aluminum-foil lined pan. Bake in the oven or grill for about 30 minutes, or until no longer pink in the middle.

When the chicken is almost ready, toast the bread. Place cooked chicken on one slice of bread and top with lettuce, tomato, and onion. Cover with second slice of bread and serve.

Broiled Lemon-Honey Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(s) honey
• 1/4 cup(s) lemon juice
• 2 teaspoon oil, vegetable
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, crushed
• 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper, black
• 4 chicken, breast, skinless

Preparation

Combine all ingredients (except chicken) and mix well. Marinate chicken in honey-lemon mixture 1 hour in shallow baking dish.

Broil chicken 5 minutes, brush with pan drippings, turn and broil 5 minutes longer or until juices run clear. If desired, bring marinade to a boil; simmer 2 minutes. Strain hot marinade over chicken.

Easy Salmon Cakes

These amazing salmon cakes will make you feel as if you're at a seafood shack by the beach. Even better, they're baked, so you can enjoy them, guilt-free.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion(s), finely chopped
• 3 teaspoon oil, olive, extra virgin, divided
• 1 stalk(s) celery, finely diced
• 2 tablespoon parsley, fresh, chopped
• 15 ounce(s) fish, salmon, canned, drained; or 1 1/2 cups cooked salmon
• 1 large egg(s), lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoon mustard, dijon-style
• 1 3/4 cup(s) bread crumbs, soft whole-wheat
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, black ground
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley; remove from the heat.

Place salmon in a medium bowl. Flake apart with a fork; remove any bones and skin. Add egg and mustard; mix well. Add the onion mixture, bread crumbs, and pepper; mix well. Shape the mixture into 8 patties, about 2 1/2 inches wide.

Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in the pan over medium heat. Add 4 patties and cook until the undersides are golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a wide spatula, turn them over onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining patties.

Bake the salmon cakes until golden on top and heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve salmon cakes with lemon wedges.

Roasted Acorn Squash

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil, olive
• 2 pounds squash, acorn

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush a rimmed baking sheet with some oil.

Cut squash in half and scrape out seeds and membranes. Place the squash, cut-side down, on the prepared baking sheet, and drizzle with remaining oil. Bake until soft, 35 to 45 minutes.

Cut squash into quarters and serve.

Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients

• 5 slice(s) turkey bacon, nitrate-free
• cooking spray, 1/3 second spray
• 6 egg(s), whites only, beaten
• 1 small tomato(es), cored, seeded, and chopped
• 1/2 cup(s) cheese, cheddar, reduced-fat, shredded
• 4 tortilla(s), flour, reduced-fat, low-carb, six-inch

Preparation

Place the bacon between two paper towels on a paper plate. Microwave on high 4–5 minutes, just until the bacon is crisp. Break into pieces. Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat on medium. Scramble the egg whites in skillet until almost done. Add the tomato and bacon. Cook 30 seconds to 1 minute. Heat the tortillas for 10 seconds in the microwave, or you can warm them in a pan for a minute or two.

Spoon the egg scramble equally into center of tortillas. Sprinkle low-fat cheese on top. Fold burrito style. Serve immediately with salsa to taste. 

Lime Jalapeño Chicken

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup(s) lime juice
• 2 tablespoon oil, canola
• 1 tablespoon vinegar, white
• 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pepper(s), jalapeno, sliced
• 1 1/4 pounds chicken, breast, boneless, skinless, tenders removed

Preparation

Whisk lime juice, oil, vinegar, cumin and salt in a small bowl. Stir in jalapeno. Place chicken in a shallow baking dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, turning once, or overnight.

Preheat grill to high heat. Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly; thinly slice crosswise. Serve warm or chilled.

To make ahead: Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and/or refrigerate cooked chicken for up to 1 day. Slice just before serving.

199 - My Evil Number - Update #3 -Week #4

So it has been almost a month since I started my crazy weight loss journey and change in eating habits. I still have had no soda, and now I really don't miss it.  I do have a tendency to walk to the soda case when i go in the store, but I just look, and then continue on to find my water, juice, or other drink.  Although I had great results the first week, I have slowed down on the weight loss as time progressed, but I have lost a total of 13 pounds in almost a month.  I am just over halfway to my goal weight - 175 lbs.

Kristy is still a great encouragement, and pushes me when I need it.  I have found several healthy alternatives to some of my favorite foods thanks to her guidance.  I eat a lot of fresh fruit, veggies, chicken, and turkey.  I may go to the store and spend an hour, and leave with only 4 or 5 things.  Reading labels is important - low sodium, fat, calories, and sugars.  I still use www.Myfitnesspal.com daily, almost religiously actually.  

I have started doing Jillian Michaels "Yoga Meltdown" with my neighbor Kimberly.  I find it to be tough and sometimes excruciating, but a very fulfilling workout all the same.  Kimberly is always fun to work out with, and we always push each other to make it through the video.  Thanks Kimmy!  In the meantime, we are waiting on my new DVD, Jillian Michaels "Ripped in 30."  It will bring both of us to a new place, and we are both excited about beginning the DVD.  

If I can ever be of help, or if you have any questions, always feel free to ask.  I will do the best I can to help you out.  (Kristy knows lots) lol.

The Biggest Loser

Let me just start by saying I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show.  I have never had complaints about a single season, but this season I do.  I have never seen so many people playing games with each other.  Parents throwing the weigh-ins so their children would be safe, friends not voting people off because they were their best friend, and people ASKING to go home.  If you wanna go home, then why even bother being on the show?  It seems to me that a lot of people that needed to stay on the ranch got sent home for silly reasons, and the ones that are at the end of their weight loss are getting to stay.   

Arthur, Moses, and Courtney are prime examples.  Convince me that they need to be there less than Olivia, Hannah, and Kaylee.  Courtney has always been my favorite this season, and I was terribly upset to see her go home, but she has proven she can accomplish her goals without being on the show now.  She lost 100 pounds before they even got started with this season.

As for the trainers, Jillian and Bob will always be my favorites.  I just don't see the potential in Brett and Cara to help their teams as much as J & B.  I also don't understand the hissy fit that Cara threw because she got told she was less efficient than J & B.  Of course Brett and Cara are great trainers, but they are in a whole different league.  People know Jillian is gonna kick their ass, and people know Bob is no lightweight, but I have never seen anyone tell them they aren't doing a good enough job.  I was seeing the difference weeks ago.  

Anyways, all of this is just my opinion, and maybe one day it will change, but until then, CUT THE CRAP and get on with the show.

199 - My Evil Number - Update #2 - Week 2

Well, it has been a little over 2 weeks now since I started my new weight loss "program."  With moderate success, I weighed in last at 188.  I have lost 11 pounds in 2 weeks and I am almost halfway to my goal.  Since I don't always have the time to walk my 2 miles or get in my outdoor activities, I have decided to go the indoor DVD route.  I will soon be acquiring a workout DVD by my Favorite, Jillian Michaels, which I am looking forward to beginning.

 

I do realize that 11 pounds in 2 weeks IS a little fast for weight loss without it being a threat of coming back, so I am doing my best to adjust and change and slow it down a little.  In the last 2 weeks, I have had a "hamburger" twice.  I have pretty much removed bread and potatoes from my meal plans, and opted to go with more veggies, rice, and salads.  I do still eat meat, but mainly chicken and turkey, sometimes fish. 

I have not had a soda of any kind since March, 24th, and I can honestly say I don't miss it terribly.  This is coming from the guy that could drink a 2 liter Mt. Dew a day, if not more.  I have a lot of encouragement from friends and family, and I know that I can do this!  Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask - I will do my best to answer them, or find out a suitable answer for you!  Next weigh in will be on Thursday, April 14th.  Looking forward to some more positive results.  

 

In closing, I would like to share some of the thoughts Kristy shared with me:

 

1) Stop making excuses! JUST DO IT!
2) Set an exterior goal, and don't focus on the weight loss.
3) Do it for yourself, not for someone else.
4) Educate yourself!
- about the foods you eat, your own personal health, and what you can do for yourself.

199 - My Evil Number - Update #1 - Week 1

On Thursday, March 24th I started a new Calorie/exercise tracking program.  I weighed 199 when I began, and today, Thursday, March 31st, when I weighed I had lost 8 pounds.  At this rate, I can be at my goal weight in 3 weeks.  I am looking forward to it, except that by then my clothes won't fit, and I can't afford to buy new ones.  Good thing I have lots of belts lol.

I have completely cut out my soda intake and am using the calories from the sodas to actually be able to eat more food.  The weather has been crappy, but I have been able to walk the 2 miles around my neighborhood about 4 times this week.  I began searching for things I could do as exercise around the house during the crappy weather, and was advised to walk up and down the stairs.  It is considered Cardio workout, so I am gonna give it a go. 

As mentioned in the last blog, I have been using www.myfitnesspal.com to track all of my progress.  Once you see your food intake it makes you wonder how you survived eating the way you used to,  I am off of here for now to go climb some stairs.  I am sure the dogs are gonna love that, as they feel like they have to go up and down the stairs every time I do lol. 

199 - My Evil Number

March 24, 2011

This morning I stepped on the scale after I was awake and conscious enough to read the numbers.  Although it didn't tell me "One person at a time" or "Exceeded weight limit" I was thoroughly discouraged to see the big 199 pop up on the scales.  For years I ranged between 215 and 225 lbs.  I was there for over a year.  It wasn't until I became sick  that I was able to break the 200 lb point that I held at for so long.  Due to dieting and sickness, I had lost down to 185 and was content being there.  Granted, it wasn't my first weight loss choice, I was happy to be the 40 lbs thinner than I had been.  Once I broke the 200 mark, my goal weight then became 175.  That would be about what I weighed in middle school, if not less. 

I did the only logical thing.  I asked my friend Kristy what I needed to do to get back to where I had been and to get to where I wanted to be.  She recommended a great website, which I immediately went to and plugged in all the information it wanted.  It tracks your food intake - calories, carbs, fats, and proteins - and your exercise for every day.  Each day you input what you ate, how much, and it will do all of the calculating for you.  You tell it what kind of exercise you did and for how long, and it will figure out the calories you burned for the day.  It keeps a day by day track of everything you tell it.  So, I put in all of my info for the day, my 2 mile walk tonight, and it told me I was getting insufficient calories, which would kick my body into starvation mode and make it harder to lose the desired weight.  

Tomorrow I will give it a better go, and eventually get it adjusted to how it needs to be so that I can lose the desired weight.  In 5 weeks, I should be back down to 185 and in 10 weeks I should be at 175 - My Goal.  Yes, I have been told that I looked too thin, my face was skinny, I looked like a toothpick...but I was happy.  And it's not like I was anorexic or had an eating disorder.  

I guess my point in writing this, is to try and encourage others that may be feeling as I felt this morning, and to find the support and encouragement that I know my friends can give - not just to me, but to anyone with a goal like this.  The website I mentioned that I got from Kristy is:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com 

You can find friends that are also on the site, and get updates on their progress as well, and keep each other inspired and motivated.  I will keep up to date postings about my progress just for anyone that is curious.  Thanks for reading!