Spring, Exercise, Recipes, and More

Well, I think spring has sprung. The sun was beautiful yesterday and it definitely brightened my mood.  I was even more excited when I saw these daffodil bulbs sprouting. 

Tomorrow Ryan and I are going to the Shrine Circus in Indianapolis.  The entire fourth grade in our county go on this field trip every year and I'm sure it will be a fun day with George.  We're going to take George (Ryan) and some of his friends bowling after the circus so he can celebrate with them.  I don't know how the boy did it, but he's had 3 birthday parties this year.  It must be nice to turn 10!

As part of Fit Friday, I have a recipe to share, a supplement to tell you about, and exciting news (well, for me it is).

 I want to share this recipe with you - it was on 30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray and it looks so delicious!  It's called Charred Chili Relleno with Green Rice.  The picture doesn't look as appetizing as it did on the show, so please don't let that distract you from making this dish.

Charred Chili Relleno with Green Rice


Ingredients
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock, divided
1 bay leaf
2 cups white rice
4 large poblano peppers
6 ears corn on the cob or 3 cups frozen corn kernels
3 tablespoons corn, peanut or vegetable oil, divided
1 red onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained well
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 palm full
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, eyeball it in your palm
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 pound spinach leaves, deveined and coarsely chopped
4 scallions, coarsely chopped
2 limes, zested, juiced
1 cup shredded Chihuahua cheese, Asadero or Monterey Jack

Directions
Preheat broiler or grill pan to high.
Heat about 3 1/2 cups stock in a sauce pot with a bay leaf to boiling. Add rice, cover pot reduce heat to low and simmer 18 minutes until tender.

Place poblanos under broiler or on hot grill and char evenly all over, 15 minutes.
While peppers and rice are working, scrape the corn off the cobs or defrost frozen corn and dry by spreading out on clean kitchen towel. Heat 2 tablespoons light oil in a skillet over high heat. When the oil smokes or ripples add corn, onion, jalapenos and toss until the vegetables char at edges and onions are tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high and add in garlic, fire roasted tomatoes and season with cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another minute or 2 then turn pan off.

Place the cilantro, spinach, scallions, lime zest, half a cup of stock and a tablespoon of oil in food processor and process into coarse green paste. Stir into your rice pot in the last 3 to 4 minutes of its cooking time.

Sprinkle the lime juice over the corn mixture.

Split the charred peppers open but not in half with small sharp knife then scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Place peppers in a shallow baking dish and stuff each split pepper with lots of the corn mix, top each pepper with 1/4 cup cheese and place back under broiler to melt and char the cheese.

Serve peppers on beds of green rice. Yum-o!

Please take a moment to check out Colleen's blog and see what everyone has shared on her Weekly Recipe Swap.  I always find a good recipe or two to try when I visit.

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The next thing I would like to share is a supplement that I purchased at GNC called Tonalin CLA.  I was told that this supplement would help reduce belly fat.  Supposedly it is a fatty acid known for promoting good health. After looking at decades of research scientists have found that CLA may help the body to deposit less fat, build more muscle and may even help prevent fat cells from refilling.  If you would like to read more about CLA or Tonalin CLA, please click here and here and here.  Now I know that there is no "magic pill", but a little extra help can't hurt.  I'm going to track my progress and promise to report back weekly.

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For my last bit of news to share - on Monday, I tried out for a part in a play at the theater (The Vanity Theater) in town.  It's called "The Women" and I am going to be the exercise instructress.  It's a small part which is good - I've never been in a play before and don't have a huge amount of time to devote, but I do want to do something other than "work".  To see a review of the 2008 movie, click here, or to see a review of the 1939 movie, click here.  I think this will be a good thing and maybe my boys will eventually want to try out for some plays.

Have a wonderful, sunny, warm weekend everyone! Spring is on it's way!!

Fit Friday, Recipes, and Family

Wow - another week is over and I can't believe it's Friday already.  Our area is supposed to get more snow on Saturday and even though it's only supposed to be 1-3 inches, it still is depressing.  Like so many others, I really am over snow, winter, and cold weather.  Carl's parents are coming to visit tomorrow and we will be celebrating Ryan's birthday - my baby will be 10 on Wednesday.  I can't believe how time has flown by! I'll be posting pictures of my little angel (he knows how to turn on the charm when needed) on Wednesday if you would like to see him through the years.  The Maple Syrup Festival is going on in Rockville this weekend and next - the plan was to go there on Saturday, but I don't know if we're going to do that.  I would like to go to this great store on the square that was open last fall - it's called Neva's and there are country/prim decorations plus antiques.  Cute, cute, cute! 

Carl and I have been going to the gym to workout and I think he's really becoming addicted to it.  For some reason Carl is more motivated to work out when we go to the gym than he would be if we were working out at home.  Personally, I think it's because he works from home and enjoys getting out.  I remember those days - home with a baby and craving adult interaction.  Since we've been going to the gym, I've discovered two pieces of equipment that are slowly becoming my fave workouts.  I don't know what the first one is called, but it works you thigh muscles - inside, outside, and hamstrings.  I'll try to get a picture today and post it for all to see - maybe  you can help me figure out what it's called.  I've also discovered the rowing machine.  Love it!!  Everything from my quads to shoulders gets a workout when I'm rowing. 

Today is one month since I originally took my measurements and the results are not what I hoped for.  I've gone from 3 pounds lost up to 1 pound lost, and I've only lost 1.25 inches.  Not happy!!  So, I have to be honest with myself about this.  First, the older I get, the more difficult it will be to get the weight off.  Second, I have not worked out consistently.  Third, I have not changed all of my bad eating habits.  So, lets talk about this ..... do we have to?  Isn't there a magic pill I could take to get the weight off? 

Ok, I need to get real.  I can't do anything about the first one - mid 40's, time doesn't go back, just embrace the years ahead and start taking care of my body. 

Second - excercise.  Why haven't I worked out consistently?  I'm lazy.  Work have been crazy busy and when I get home I'm exhausted.  The weather stinks!  In reality, these are all excuses.  I'm in this situation party because I'm lazy (and partly due to a knee injury) and tired, but if I would do something, anything, for even 20 -30 minutes, it would be better than nothing.  Stretching is something that my doctor told me to do and that can be done while I'm watching the TV. I can also do some floor exercises, my P.T. exercises, or situps during this time.  One good thing to report - I am still doing the Physique 57 workouts and Carl even did the arm and ab workout with me last night.  He said it was a good workout.  Would he do it with me again?  Yes!  It's always nice to have someone to work out with.  A friend also told me about Zumba.  She has been going to classes for a couple of weeks now and really likes it.  This is a snipet from the Zumba website:

The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba® Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba® class!

It sounds like fun and if you go to YouTube, there are several videos of classes. In addition to that, I'm so looking forward to warmer weather when I can ride my bike.  As a family, we like to ride in the evenings and Carl and I will go out on the weekend and go for longer rides into town. 

 

Third - changing my eating habits.  I know what I should do and need to do, but I don't want to do it. Well, too bad self! Why haven't I changed my eating habits?  Hhhhmmmmmm..... emotional eating. Work has been busy, I feel stressed, and I want to eat for comfort. Possible solution:  workout to relieve stress and keep healthy snacks on hand for these times. Yesterday, Carl and I were talking about weight loss and I told him that I could probably be a vegetarian 75% of the time.  I like chicken, fish, red meat - but not all the time - and Carl wants (needs) meat at almost every meal.  So, I pulled out two Weight Watcher cookbooks (one is a vegetarian cookbook) that I found when I was decluttering a few weeks ago (clutter - another subject that makes me want to eat).  Surprisingly, Carl said that he would like to eat more vegetables and soups.  That was music to my ears!  I've picked out a recipe from one of the cookbooks that I want to share with everyone - Risotto with Roasted Peppers and Peas - recipe posted below.  Speaking of Weight Watchers, check out this blog by the Weight Watcher Chick.  

One last thing - we tried star fruit last night.  It was yum yum yummo!  It doesn't have much flavor - kind of like a watered down version of an orange.  BUT - don't eat it if you have kidney problems.  Read here to find out why.  Here is a picture of our cute little fruit after it was sliced.

 
One last thing that I want to do to share - and I usually don't share this with everyone - but I said in a earlier post that I was going to start being real and posting about all of us - I really believe in the power of prayer.  Prayer is a wonderful thing - it doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to be a long prayer, you don't have to say it out loud or in front of anyone else.  It's a conversation between you and God.  I am going to pray consistently about what I put in my mouth, what I do with my body, my thoughts about food and exercise, how my body responds to all of this - you get the point. I truly believe that this is a "tool" that I've been neglecting.  Check out this blog for weight loss inspiration - Shaped to Serve.  This lady is from the same town I live in and we have a mutual friend, which is how I found her blog.  Another one that I occasionally read is Karen Ehman's blog. She has a segment called Weight Loss Wednesdays. 

Here are the two recipes that I said I would post.  After you check these out, would you please check out Colleen's blog?  She hosts a weekly recipe swap and there are always good recipes to try.  Carl and I really like biscotti and Colleen has posted a recipe for Pumpkin Cranberry Biscotti!  I know what I'm making....

Risotto with Roasted Peppers and Peas

3 lg red bell peppers
2 c. canned vegetable broth, undiluted
2 c. water
1 tsp olive oil
1 c. uncooked Arborio rice
1 - 10 oz. pkg. frozen green peas, thawed
1/2 c. (2 oz) finely shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
3 tblsp chopped fresh basil
3 tblsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tblsp fresh lemon juice
1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes.  Place pepper halves, skin side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand.  Broil 15 minutes or until blackened.  Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Peel and chop peppers; set aside.

Bring broth and water to a simmer in a saucepan (do not boil).  Keep warm over low heat.  Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add rice; saute 2 minutes or until lightly browned.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Stir in 1 c. broth; cook until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly.  Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly; cook until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 30 minutes total).

Add peas and cook until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.  Add roasted peppers, 1/2 cup cheese, and next 4 ingredients, and cook until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.  Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese if desired.  Yield:  4 servings - 1 1/2 cups per serving. 

Note:  You may substitute 2 cups chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers if desired.

I know this is a long post, and thank you for taking the time to read it.  I hope you weekend is warm, happy, and full of love. 

Heat, Redo's, Goodwill Finds

We have heat again thank you to our wonderful neighbor!  The temperature didn't get terribly low in the house until Wednesday and then it was down right cold!  Our house always felt "cold" before the furnace went out and now I think we know why....we were headed for a breakdown.  Not having and then having something as simple as heat really makes a person appreciate the simple joys of life. 

The boys went back to school yesterday after having two snow days off plus a few 2 hour delays.  I think they were ready to go back and I'm sure Carl was ready for them to go back also (Carl works from home so he has been "stuck" with the boys for those days). 

I haven't been blogging much lately - feel "wordless"; tired when I get home from work and then trying to get things finished at home equals writers block. 

Here is what I've been working on this week.  If you've read my previous post, you've seen the picture that I painted for the bathroom.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.  I also finished the window that I've been working on for a while.  I decided to just paint it black, sand a little bit, then put a darker stain on it.  As you can see in the picture, I put a red wreath on it and I'll change it out with the holidays/seasons. 

And, I finished the bookcase - finally!!  Kyle and Ryan's trophies are on there plus Ryan's books. Ryan wanted to be in the picture and he's such a sweetie that I couldn't say no - just don't ask about his outfit - it's something with the boys in his class this year.  Pure silliness.

These are a few Goodwill finds that I bought for $2.  I would like to do some stitchery and thought I could redo the frame for a project.  The other piece is a fall decoration that was too cute to pass up.

I'm also going to hop on over to Colleen's place to see what recipes everyone has posted.  I've decided to post a chocolate pound cake recipe for Valentine's Day - Sorry Fit Friday - the holiday won this time.  

Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

from allrecipes.com

1 pkg yellow cake mix

1 (3.9 oz) pkg instant chocolate pudding mix

1/2 c. white sugar

3/4 c. water

3/4 c. oil

4 eggs, beaten

1 c. sour cream

1/2 c. milk chocolate chips

1/8 c. confectioners sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a 10 inch bundt pan.  In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, instant pudding and sugar.  Add the water, oil, eggs, and sour cream, mix until well blended.  Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.  Pour into the prepared bundt pan.  

Bake for 50-60 minutes.  Cake is done when toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire rack to cool completely.  Dust with confectioners sugar before cutting and serving.  

This certainly sounds like a delicious recipe to share with a loved one, doesn't it?

FIT FRIDAY

With the weather we had this week plus the furnace going out, I think I lost weight from shivering so much.  These things threw Carl and I off our routine and we didn't do all we had hoped.  Falling out of the routine is so easy and it can be a challenge to get back on.  Last night was our first night back at the gym so hopefully it was only a slight bump in the road. 

So it's Valentines weekend.  I saw this morning on a news station that chocolate is a must!!  The dietitians are now saying that dark chocolate is good for you.  It could lower blood pressure, prevent heart attacks, prevent strokes, and even improve your mood (duh! who's not happy with chocolate).  The more cocoa in the chocolate, the better it is for your heath.  This is the breakthrough in science I've been waiting for!!! Wait there is a catch.......moderation is key and about a 1oz. serving is all they recommend.

Guess what....the phone just rang.....another 2 hour delay.  

Have a wonderful weekend with your Valentine! 

Where is it?

Where is all the snow?  We were supposed to have a mix of snow, rain and ice starting last night and ending Saturday morning.  Happily, it's not here...yet.  Supposedly we are to get only snow - about 4 inches - tonight and I think the weather forecast calls for snow every day through Wednesday (except for Sunday).  Well, if it's going to be cold, I would at least like to have some pretty snow scenes to look at. 

Have you ever watched Mantracker on the Science channel?  It's kind of strange-creepy and my husband is getting a real kick out of it. These two guys on horses track 2 other guys.  There is a starting point, end point, and the "hunted" have to reach the end point in a certain amount of time.  It's strangely funny and bizarre.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend.  Work has been busy, busy, busy (I know I keep saying that every week).  No major plans this weekend except for sleeping in on Saturday, church on Sunday and then watching the Super Bowl!  One more thing - what's up with all the ladybugs?  I thought they were supposed to go away when there was a freeze?  I don't get it - I can vacuum every night and then another dozen come out.  It's kind of like gray hair - pull one and then 10 come to it's funeral :) 

I do have a recipe to share from Rochella and tonight I'm planning on checking out the recipes on Colleen's Friday Recipe Swap.  There is always a good recipe (or two or three or more) on there :)  If you need some kitchen inspiration, Colleen's swap is the place to go.

Blueberry-Cheese Rolls
1 pkg (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls (reduced fat)
4 oz (1/2 of 8 oz. pkg) Neufchatel cheese or reduced fat cream cheese
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup blueberries, divided (Rochella used mixed berries)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Unroll dough into 4 rectangles; firmly press perforations together to seal. Combine cream cheese and sugar; spread onto dough rectangles to within 1/2 inch of edges.  Top evenly with blueberries.  Bring opposite corners of rectangles together; press together to seal.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.  To jazz it up, sprinkle with 1 tsp sifted powdered sugar just before serving. 

FIT FRIDAY - DO YOU HAVE AN EXERCISE BUDDY?

Carl and I have been working out together this week and a little bit last week.  Even though we are at the gym together, he does his thing, I do mine, and sometimes we will workout together.  We've even done some yoga together (Inhale on the Oxygen channel).  It's good to have someone to exercise with.  Studies have shown that dieters who join a group or get a buddy, have much greater success than those who go it alone.  An exercise buddy can cheer you on, will talk with you about your weight loss/exercise success and challenges.  An exercise buddy will keep you accountable and they will (unknowingly) push you to do that extra rep or set. 

Carl is also interested in counting calories and has been asking about calorie counts for so many foods.  I managed to find an app for our iphones where he can track calories per meal, exercise and calories burned, plus alot of others options.  The app also links to a website called FatSecret and they even have a facebook page.  Besides checking out healthy snacks for the Super Bowl, I'm going to have to investigate this website/app a little more.

I'm still doing my Physique 57, riding a bike (love it!), a little bit of the elliptical, and starting my PT exercises again all hoping to strengthen my legs so my knees will not be in so much pain.

A Wonderful Testimony and Fit Friday

I posted a few days ago about one of the pastors at our church that passed away on Monday.  I have been somewhat surprised at how many people's lives have been touched by Pastor Kurt.  People that didn't even know him well knew what he was all about and it will be exciting to see how his death will change people -for the better - all because of how he lived his life.  I can't even say that we knew him well, but he always had a nice word to share or a smile, he called on our family a few times to see how we were doing, Carl and Kurt coached some of the same sports and would see each other at games - so we knew him, but we didn't know him personally.  I've been thinking about people in my life that have died that make me want to live my life differently - my grandmother (miss her so much - I can still hear her laugh), my dad (too hard to even write about him), and now Pastor Kurt.  Death seems to have a way of making you look at your life and reevaluate how you are living.  I've made a few changes already this week that probably wont be noticed by others, but I know what they are.  Carl summed up his feelings perfectly when he said "I woke from a sleepy routine of life to see the people around me.  Why does the ground have to shake for you to realize what's around you."  Life gets so busy and things get in the way and you lose touch with others or don't even reach out to touch others.  Life is too short to live with regrets.

What a wonderful testimony we saw tonight.  It was the viewing for Pastor Kurt and the line was long - so many people wanting to pay their respects to a man that probably would have been embarrassed by all the attention.  He just wanted to serve God and I'm learning that he did that every day.  Someone told Carl and I tonight that on earth there are good guys and then there are great men and Pastor Kurt was in the second group - he was a great man.  He will be missed by his wife, sons, family, and friends.  If you would like to read more about Pastor Kurt and how he touched lives, read here and here.

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FIT FRIDAY

Recently I purchased two new exercise DVDs - Kettlenetics and Physique 57 and they are good but tough!  Now, let me remind you that I'm really out of shape so they might not be that difficult for some of you. 



Kettlenetics - Let me start by saying that I purchased this at Best Buy for less than the cost on link above - bargain!  I did the 20 minute workout (flowMotion basics) and couldn't even make it through without stopping (several times) - it was a good workout for me and my thighs really felt it the next day.  The second time I did the workout, I only stopped once - not as difficult this time, but still a good workout. Eventually the 4 lb ball will need to be replaced with something heavier, but for now it works just fine. The next time I do this workout, I'm going to try the 40 minute workout (cardio balanced) and I know I'll probably have to stop, but it will be worth it in the end.

Physique 57 - I've been wanting this workout DVD since I saw it advertised on TV and right now it is my favorite workout DVD.  Actually there are 3 DVDs and the Arm & Ab booster is choice #1, followed by the Express 30 minute workout, and last (but not least) the Classic 57 minute workout.   Fun, fun, fun workout but tough, tough, tough.  These workouts are felt for days aftward......and were worth every penny I paid. 

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On Friday night we are going to a chili cook-off.  There will be games (knockout, 3-3, euchre, ping pong, etc.) and I think it will be a fun time with family and friends.  There was no school today (Thursday) so Kyle didn't have his basketball game tonight - just as well - we could use a night to just stay at home.  Both boys have basketball games on Saturday and Ryan will be playing a game in between the JV and Varsity game that night as well.  Sunday is the Colts game - looking forward to see how much I remember from my football lesson a few weeks ago.  Have a great weekend everyone.  Share a smile and see what you get in return :)

Fit Friday and Makeover Fruit Pizza

Good morning everyone!  It's been a busy week here - we've had more basketball games this week, more games this weekend, work has been busy for me and for Carl, blah, blah, blah.  One good thing that has happened this week ----- it's warmer than it was last week and we are happy about that!  I want to share a recipe with you that is supposed to be a healthier version of fruit pizza.  I found this on the Taste of Home website and this recipe supposedly has less fat, calories, and cholesterol than the traditional version. I hope it's good because I'm planning on making it when we go watch football with friends this weekend.

Makeover Fruit Pizza

1 c. all purpose flour
1/4 c. confectioners sugar
1/2 c. cold butter
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese - light
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. fresh strawberries, halved
1 can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 c. fresh blueberries

Glaze:
5 tsp. cornstarch
1 1/4 c. unsweetened pineapple juice
1 tsp. lemon juice

Directions:
* In a large bowl, combine flour and confectioners sugar.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Press onto an ungreased 12 inch pizza pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned.  Cool on a wire rack.
* In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.  Spread over crust.  Arrange the strawberries, oranges and blueberries on top.
* For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch, pineapple juice, and lemon juice until smooth.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.   Cool slightly.  Drizzle over fruit.  Refrigerate until chilled.

Makes 16 servings - 1 slice equals 170 calories, 9 g  fat, 25 mg cholesterol.

I'm going to head on over to Colleen's place and see she's been cooking up.  I've always found some really good recipes over there - why don't you join me?

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Now onto Fit Friday.  Has everyone been trying to treat their body a little better by eating right and exercising a little more?  I have to say that I have been exercising more and I have been trying to eat better - it hasn't happened every day, but I'm trying. 

Speaking of eating better, has anyone tried a new food or new recipe lately?  Tempt your tastebuds and try something new - you might just find your new favorite food.  Yesterday for break Rochella brought a turnip to share.  She is a healthy eater and is trying hard to show us (all the girls at work) how easy it is to eat "healthy snacks".  I think it's safe to say that we all liked the turnip, especially when it was dipped in a little bit of ranch dressing.  Ok, maybe that part isn't so healthy, but we're working on it.  Turnips taste a little bit like a radish, but not as "hot" and I did like the crunch factor too.  After doing a little research on turnips I have found out that they are good with sea salt sprinkled on them and have some good nutritional value.  Turnips are also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, potassium and copper. 

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Have a great, warm, wonderful weekend.  I hope you find some new recipes to try over at Colleen's blog, try a new food, and find some type of exercise that makes your body feel good.

Fit Friday - Finding Your Motivation

Welcome to Fit Friday.  Last week we covered some basic good health guidelines and now we need to talk about one more piece to the puzzle - MOTIVATION.  The definition of motivation is to give reason, incentive, enthusiasm, or interest that causes a specific action or certain behavior.

I've been thinking lately about my inspiration and motivation to get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle.  Most recently it is to feel better physically.  I've had alot of problems with my knees during the last year and exercise hasn't always been easy or I haven't been able to exercise at all.  Another motivator is to look better in my clothes - I tend to carry extra weight around my middle (now I know why it's called a spare tire).  Another motivator is that I just feel better. 

There are all kinds of things that can motivate you to stay focused and reach your goals.  The key is to find what works for you even if it changes from time to time.  I've always heard that keeping a journal or food diary is very helpful.  Exercising with a family member, friend, or co-worker is also another great way to stay motivated and encouraged.  These are some of my top motivators:

*  Pictures from when I was at my goal weight.
*  Finding some good recipes to try.  Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger has some good recipes to try.
*  Talking to friends about our exercise routines.  I need some variety in my routine or else I get very bored!  Check out Collage Video if you are looking for something new.
*  A kind word from my husband or my boys.  Encouraging words can be so uplifting, especially when they come from someone special :)
*  Reading other people's stories of success and failure.  There is so much to be learned from others! I like watching The Biggest Loser, reading Prevention, Shape Magazine, and Weight Watchers.   I also saw a blurb about DHC National Body Challenge - check it out here.
*  Sometimes it's nice to have an exercise buddy.  Last summer I would ride with Roxana and it made the miles not seem so long.  Can't wait to hit the road again this summer.
*  Seeing results of my hard work!

So, take some time to figure out what your motivation is.  Find a picture, a quote, a favorite outfit - search the net for one article or story that will stick with you, something that will keep you focused on reaching your goal. 

Yes, in our dream world, we would all be thin like one of those Hollywood starlettes, but it's not all about being thin - it's all about your health.

Fit Friday

Good morning and welcome to the first Fit Friday!  Since it's January 1st, I'm wondering how many people made resolutions to lose weight, get in shape, start exercising, blah, blah, blah.  Well, lets work on it together this year.  Did you know that it takes 21 days to make/start/create a habit and most people that make resolutions to start exercising, etc., stop by or before January 21? 

Today I wanted to share a few good health guidelines with you taken from Weight Watchers:

1.  Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.  A serving is 1/2 cup except for leafy greens which are 1 cup per serving.  Fruits and veggies are full of fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals.  They add bulk to your meals and help you feel fuller for longer.

2.  Choose whole-grain foods whenever possible.  Try to make at least half of the grains you eat whole grains (wheat, oat, or multigrain bread instead of white bread, brown rice instead of white rice, whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta.  Ok that pasta trade-off is going to be a bit difficult for me.

3.  Include 2 servings of milk products each day.  Calcium helps strengthen bones and may protect against colon cancer and high blood pressure.  Milk products also supply your body with protein, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin D, and calcium.  If you are not able to include 2 servings each day, consider taking a calcium suupplement.  Also keep in mind thatt foods fortified with calcium don't contain the same nutrients as milk.

4.  Drink at least 6 glasses of water each day.  Water is essential for almost every one of your body's chemical processes. 

5.  Have some healthy oil each day.  Try eating more fish, nuts, and seeds.  Make sure you get two teaspoons of olive, canola, safflower, sunflower, or flaxseed oil each day so your body get the vitamin E and essential fatty acids it needs.

6.  Make sure you get enough protein.  You'll feel more satisifed if you get enough protein (a serving or two) each day.  Besides lean meat, protein is found in soy, beans, peas, lentils, milk, and eggs.

7.  Limit added sugar and alcohol.  Alcohol and sugary foods contain empty calories that don't keep you full for long.

8.  Take a multi vitamin-mineral supplement each day.  There are so many supplements on the market right now, so choose one that provides no more than 100 % of the Daily Value (%DV), Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), or Dietary Reference Intake (DRI).

Here are two of my favorite videos that I would like to share with you.   The first one is Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds for Abs.  I know it's an oldie, but I really like this video.  Leslie talks alot, but her voice is encouraging and she doesn't hoot and hollar - that drives me crazy when I'm trying to exercise.  The ab belt may look like it doesn't work, but my arms get a really good workout especially when I do the 2 or 3 mile walk.  I do have to say that I have purchased some of her other videos and I like the older videos better.

The second video is Cathe Friedrich Stretch Max.  She is serious about her workouts!  This video has 3 different programs on it:  band-based stretching which is my favorite, stability ball stretching, and non-equipment stretching.  She is no-nonsense in her approach and I know I'm getting a good stretch in when her DVD starts playing.

A great website to go to if you are wanting to buying an exercise DVD is Collage Video.  This site has hundreds of DVDs and you can watch a 60 second clip of each video plus read reviews.  They have a good discussion forum on their site also.

Well, this is all I have for today folks.  Good luck on your fitness quest and I hope you have enjoyed what I have shared with you today.  Happy 2010 and let's get healthy together.

Watcha Working on Wednesday (Ok, it's really Thursday)

I've been finding some really great blogs lately that are filled with great stories, projects, recipes, etc.  Does that mean I've been spending too much time on the computer and not enough time with the family?  Probably, but don't ask my husband.  Here are some of my most recent finds:

• Blessed with Grace.  Lisa has a wonderful Christian blog, a great testimony, and she likes Pioneer Woman.  You know that's a plus in my book! 
• My Country Home.  Leslie does a segment called Watcha Working on Wednesday and I love reading about what other women are working on - I've learned a few things along the way and found some new things that I would like to try.  Leslie does stitchery and besides quilting, this is one of the things that I would like to do in 2010. 
• I've also been checking out All Roads Lead Home.  Sarah has a beautiful home, likes Goodwill shopping (she must have a really good one to shop at), and she refinishes furniture or just about anything that she buys.  I've really been inspried by a few of her posts from November and want to try to refinish some furniture myself.
• I just found A View of My Life today.  Sherrie likes to crochet and she has links to other blogs with something happening almost every day of the week. 

These ladies have made me really think about being crafty and creative again.  I feel inspired, motivated, and looking forward to 2010 after reading their blogs and some of my other favorites the past few weeks.  So, thank you ladies and I wish you a very happy new year!

Now to share with you my projects for Watcha Working on Wednesday.   I learned this from Sarah's blog on a post about cabinet makeovers.

My MIL gave me this cabinet and I love it.  It's been in so many rooms in our house and I recently pulled it out of the attic so I can refinish it.  It's a litttle worn on some areas and just needs some TLC. My plan is to paint it black, put a coat of barn red paint on it, sand it lightly, and then put a coat of stain on it. Here it is before and I'm hoping by next week I can post the finished project. 

I also have this sewing machine box that I think my mother gave me.  I've had it sitting in my family room for a while with greenery in it, but after looking at some new blogs, I saw a picture of one with old canning jars in it on a kitchen counter.  I think the jars had stuff in them too.  Oh how I wish I could remember where I saw that, but my brain's filing system can't find that record :)  I have the same plan for this item as the cabinet.  Good thing I have a few days off of work so I can start on these!

So folks, that is all I'm going to post now about projects.  I'm probably like so many others - too many projects, not enough time.  Just have to pick and choose what you want to or need to work on first. 

Please join me tomorrrow as I post the first installment of  Fit Friday.  Please let me state once again that I am not a fitness expert!  I just need to start treating my body better by what I put in it, on it, and do with it.  I'm trying to figure this out as I go and posting will keep me accountable.  So please have a safe, fun, and happy New Year everyone!

See you next year!  Sorry, I couldn't resist :)

What's for Supper?

This is an every day question at our house. I can be asked by any one of us. Doesn't matter who asks. Doesn't matter what time it's asked. It's a question that is asked every day. I could have just answered the question and the next person that comes in the kitchen will ask "what's for supper?".

Good grief, I can't even think about food right now after all I've been eating the last few days, but I'm going to have to figure it out. That means that I'm going to open some of the many cookbooks that I have or go to some of my favorite websites to figure it out:

Tasty Kitchen
And Baby Makes Five (Colleen)
All Recipes
Dinner Made Easy
Eat Better America

So, while I'm doing that can you please give me some suggestions on what I can make for supper? What are you having, and.....can we please come over?

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While we are on the subject of food (one of my favorite subjects), I wanted to let everyone know that I am going to start a new segment called "Fit Friday" that will include healthy recipes, fitness tips, exercises DVD reviews, and other miscellaneous tidbits.  Let me say one thing first:  I am in no way, shape, or form, a fitness expert.  AND - I did not sleep at a Holiday Inn Express, so we are all in this together.  My goal is to try to get myself motivated to get back in shape, treat my body better, learn a few things along the way, and share what I've found with all of you. 

So, please join me this Friday - New Year's day - for the first installment of Fit Friday and let's get healthy together.

See you next time!
Pam