the mystery of food...ancient chinese secret

A friend sent me this e-mail...I thought it was pretty funny. Couldn't get the photo to transfer, but he's a cute little dalai lama-esk asian doctor.
His practice has no more room for new patients! Apparently they consider him a medical wizard....

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Heart only good for so many beats, and that it.... Don't waste on exercise. Everything wear out eventually.. Speed up heart not make live longer; that like say you can extend life of car by driving faster. Want live longer? Take nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does cow eat? Hay and corn. What are these? Vegetables. So, steak nothing more than efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef also good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And pork chop can give 100% recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine. That means they take water out of fruity bit; get even more of goodness that way. Beer also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: If you have body and you have fat, ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Cannot think of single one, sorry. My philosophy: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU NOT LISTENING!!! .... Foods fried in vegetable oil. How getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise muscle, it get bigger. You should only do sit-ups if want bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: You crazy? HELLO ... Cocoa beans! Vegetable!!! Cocoa beans best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming good for figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

new beginnings

It ours!!!!! We officially own our new home!!!!! Yay!!!! Sorry I haven't been posting - just hang in there with me, it might be a bit sporadic, but I'll be with ya soon. We bought a cute little 2 story and the best news is...I will have my own gym again!!! yay!!!! It might be a bit older and not much to look at, but it's all ours :)

Women Who Sleep Less, Eat Less...and Still Gain

So in my constant battle to find the best research on health and weight loss I stubbled on this little article about how sleep effects your weight...it's crazy but they found that sleep was PARAMOUNT to the success of your body function specifically, weight loss. I have a little tidbit of it here for you to digest...

Inadequate sleep:
http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully/a/sleepdiet.htm

•interferes with the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates and causes high blood levels of glucose, which leads to higher insulin levels and greater body-fat storage.

•drives down leptin levels, which causes the body to crave carbohydrates.

•reduces levels of growth hormone--a protein that helps regulate the body's proportions of fat and muscle.

•can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to increased risk of diabetes

•can increase blood pressure

•can increase the risk of heart disease
Even in young, healthy people, a sleep deficit of three to four hours a night over the course of a week has a triple-whammy effect on the body.

go read the rest...is a small article, but gets you thinking!

what?!? redheads...extinct?!?!?

I will be refraining this evening, from my usual crazy health ramblings to ramble on another subject. As you know, I'm a strawberry blond (you can see from the crazy photo to my right) and I am a natural redhead - no hair from a box for me. Now, I know that I'm a rarity... this is obvious to me, when no one makes products for red hair...whilst blonds and brunettes have their own shampoos, styling products, eyebrow pencils and more. But imagine my surprise when a sweet friend sent me an e-mail about an article she read in a medical journal...the extinction of the red head.

We are an anomalie, one that began as a mutation in Europe centuries ago, and one that (due to cross breading) is become more and more rare... less than 2%, in fact in the world. they predict that in 100 years - red heads will be no more, that it will be "bred" out of the gene pool...say it ain't so. Well I for one, hope they're wrong. I love my hair! I love the color, the reputation..whatever the costs, the mean names in grade school... I love it! And now when I look down on my lone redheaded child (my newborn daughter is a strawberry tart just like her mom - my two boys both toe heads) and I pray she keeps the gene and passes it along....because let's be honest:

what would the world be like, without redheads?

feeling better ...thanks to you

thanks to all of you in blogger land. Today was much better. I started it off with a shower...yes a shower something I haven't had since sunday morning (yuck...right?!) I can't believe, sometimes, what we deprive ourselves of unwittingly or otherwise. After that I felt human again. I did fast, but not like crazy - just 2 meals to get myself in control again, and to ask the lord for a little added strength. Of course I did appologize to my boys (they were so over it) and to celebrate (we signed some of the papers on the house today - the rest on the 10th) we went out for dinner. I had salmon and rice, with asparagus...oh and ice water :0)

I don't know, I really do have some unusual cravings lately, I ALWAYS want food - I'm never staisfied. But I will be trying the supplement recommended by my bear friend and hopefully that, and an insane ammount of luck, all will be stable soon :)

thanks again for the amazing support...you guys know me, it takes a lot to get me down..it's just nice to know I can vent a bit, get the "you're not alone" - we all need to hear sometimes, and try again...and again...and again... he he:)

what is too much?.....

can I be honest with you, good (like you have a choice - right;)wink
I'm overwhelmed, today I yelled at my boys because they were fighting over who got the darker green plate, and I mean yelled. I'm not a yeller, in fact I almost never raise my voice to them like that. I hated it, I hated myself. Then later today I looked down and realized, I can't suck in my fat anymore. Even when I 'engage' my abs, they stick out. My muffin top, is a loaf of bread.
But the worst thing is, I'm discouraged, I don't feel like I can fight it and get EVERYTHING else done, you know? I'm not sure why, but food has had some weird power lately, like I can't get enough. I have to force myself to stop eating, and then, I'm 'hungry' again in like an hour. I'm really starting to think, I'm going to have to fast for a few days to break this trance it has over me...sorry to throw all this out there in cyber space, but I'm trying so hard, I go to bed completely exhausted and yet... I feel like I'm not being personally fed. Even the short devotionals I do with the boys in the morning, just aren't cutting it.
And the worst part is, my sweet hubby came up behind me tonight to hug me, and I pulled away, ashamed at who I've allowed myself to become. I'm replused by myself, yet unmotivated and beaten. I feel like all I can do right now is just keep afloat, the tide is so strong...sorry about the post...but I just needed somewhere I could be real, it's been a really bad day....

hope thanksgiving was good....

Well, thanksgiving is over and I have to say, I was pretty proud that i didn't eat that much. I even refrained from lots of treats. I'm still on que for my goals - packing, morning devotionals, sleep(almost perfect), and focusing on hubby...I must say I feel so much better - although you should see the CRAZY state of living we're in...so messy, boxes everywhere eeesh!

yay!!!

today was great! I made all my goals and I feel so much better!!! I really needed to re-evaluate my goals because I already feel my confidence growing... I really think you shoot yourself in the foot, when you set goals you know you can't achieve - why set yourself up to fail. Don't get me wrong, you need to stretch yourself, but you should do it in a way that keeps your possitive momentum moving forward.

Sleep - on bed by 11! Got 2 boxes packed, devotional down, and made a special meal for my love... oh and even got in a 45min spin class :)

oi!

first off - I have to say I have the best blogging support group - seriously, you guys were just the ticket to help me re-focus... here's the plan. Obviously you can only do so much. And right now moving and my family are putting weight-loss on the back burner..however, health - must always be a focus.

so new goals:
1. pack/organize - it's gotta happen, so I'm working on it - daily
2. sleep - as much as possible, so new goal in bed by 11pm (let's face it I'm gonna be up several times, might as well get what I can)
3. Continue my morning devotionals with the boys (these keep me focused)
and lastly
4. Keep up the service/focus on hubby everyday at least once

food and exercise will have to wait - oh well what can you do?

I really believe when you get overwhelmed you have to re-focus because constant 'failure' in your goals only creates low confidence. Set goals that are reasonable and keep movin forward, don't worry I might be down but not for long :)
- lots of love, good night

there is no try

for all you star wars fans you might think this little tidbit of wisdom came from a little green wrinkled old man..er... thing... but alas, it actually is an ancient Chinese wisdom - there is no try - only do and do not

for a while there I really focused on the effort regardless of the results, well this week in the utter chaos that is my home, (my infant daughter is crazy sick, we're packing, and my hubby is trying to work graveyards...yeesh) I realized the effort is never good enough. We live in the realm of what is and is not. So results, my friends, are the only thing that holds value... bad, or good it is still the tangible by which we measure worth....

what do you guys think?
results or effort...

so starting today - damn the schedules, the good intentions or the "I'll try"'s I will do the best I can, and DO what I decide is most important :)

oh and as for my HOT 100 update - don't ask; I haven't slept all week, only worked out once, and diet...well I ate whenever I could, whatever I had - sorry but there's the truth - pure and simple

some days are just too good....

WE HAVE A SIGNED CONTRACT ON A NEW HOUSE!!!!! I know this is not health news but I have to say, I AM SO SO SO HAPPY!!!! Ok - I just had to share.

We've been working for 4 years to get out of debt, save and prepare and now almost 5 years later it looks like we will have a place of our own again!!! Yes I said again. About 5 years ago my hubby and I decided with today's craziness it was more important to have someone running the household and raising our kids, we didn't want someone else to do it. So we got out of our home, sold off my business, and my hubby went back to school to change jobs. We went through a complete transformation from career centered, material driven people; and started to focus on our family - and it has made such an enormous difference, not only on our lives but on our marriage, our spirit and our level of contentment.

It really was an evolution for us both. What's funny is how much has happened in that small amount of time; 5 years later and my husband LOVES his job, we have 2 more amazing kids and I can honestly say - I am so truly blessed. As random as this post may seem, I just am overwhelmed tonight with gratitude and wanted to just share... cheers y'all and goodnight

updates, heros and sweat...all in a good days work

happy veterans day folks - in honor of all the amazing men and women...parents and families who sacrifice SO much I just want to say THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!

I need to focus on lean muscle tone and i found the ultimate workout website...

ready?
inspired?....here we go

http://www.bodyrock.tv/

steve, even you are going to be impressed with this little lady - it's stinking inspiring!!! of course she does like 4 reps and I get 1- but hey you gotta start some where

hot 100 update -
sleep - was doing great (baby is sick and keeps me up right now)
food - working to get in my 5 mini meals
water- most days I do alright. but I need to get it more consistent
exersice - um...repentant - but hey I'll work on it

muscles and milestones

first of all I want to thank you ALL for your kind words and support - that was so nice to feel your concern. I have come to grips with this, I think.
my dear hubby really struggled watching me through this last pregnancy, my health problems continued to mount and I saw my tuff guy ex-marine melt when the doctors started to watch my liver. He was wonderful, rubbing my swollen legs, taking care of me while I was on bed rest for the last bit. When the baby came, she was premature. Her delivery was bad too, I won't bore you with the details of it all, but we're lucky to have her and I'm lucky to be here as well. So thanks Diane, but this one I think I'll leave alone. We're definitely done. As for the cleansing, here's what I've learned:

I gave my sweet bro-in-law a call (he works in fitness and has his degree as a nutritionist and trainer) I asked him, and here's what we decided. First off he believes my metabolism needs a kick start (something i damaged all those years with my eating disorder) his solution: eating EVERY 2.5 to 3 hours - NO EXCEPTIONS

I am to have a protein and a complex carb with each mini meal and I am not to miss a meal - ever!

he also suggested I start upping the veggies; I eat a lot as it is, but like steve suggested the more raw veggies you get in you, the cleaner you'll function. Slowly and subtly getting me to a healthy level without risking my milk.

ALSO just if you're curious he suggested I stop focusing on cardio for a while. He feels I would benefit most from building lean muscle mass for now with cardio still present, but taking a back seat.

Every pound of muscle burns 75 calories a day while in rest, so if we can just build 10 pounds of pure muscle, that's 750 calories a day...5,250 calories a week.....21,000 a month... well you get the idea :)
how many calories do you think this guy burns in rest?! yikes!!!

a little spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down....

so I have discovered a little road block that I'd love to get a bit of advice on...

It's common for women, when they are pregnant to retain toxins; both the ones their body encounters as well as the ones produced by the baby - in fact my OB said that he advises women to promptly begin cleansing their bodies shortly after delivery to reduce the toxin overload that often occurs.

Some of you may already know this, but after my 3rd child I was advised not to have any more children. My body just can't take it - I was told; but only recently I discovered why. I retain everything during the pregnancies, so badly in fact that my Gallbladder completely shut down after my second child (and had to be removed) and my liver began to fail after this one.

And so that brings me to here... where is here? Well, I'm a bit saddened and frustrated - truth is I would love to have more children, I love them (at least mine;) and would love 2 more. But I also feel frustration because I am nursing and struggling to find healthy ways to detox while doing so. I know I have a lot of acid build up because my extremities are severly sensitive to the touch, just to poke my leg hurts.... but what can I do? Most cleanses affect your milk and I refuse to miss out on breastfeeding my LAST child.

So my blogging friends, I turn to you. I need some advice, I don't want to get negetive or feel sorry for myself, I have 3 AMAZING kids - but I know I'd feel much better about this whole thing if I could overcome this little problem :) cheers and goodnight:)

long time no see.....

sorry blogging buddies, so we have discovered a little known fact - if you pee on a laptop, it won't work anymore...lol, yeah I said pee :0|

so about a week ago my sweet little guy awoke a bit early and stumbled into the living room to sleep on our couch. Well he had a little accident... which dripped down onto the laptop tucked in under the couch. Yuck - yeah you could say that again, way gross. Well it took us a week to dry, and try to fix the computer - no avail. So I come to you from the keyboard of a fancy shmancy new laptop...

and as if that was not enough - our fridge just broke down (another big purchase) but I will smile anyway and just move on... that's what savings are for - I suppose ;)

ok a quick recipe and off to bed - but tomorrow I will do a better post - promise :)

easy, yummy tomato soup and garlic grilled cheese

marinara sauce (bottled or homemade whatever you like)
evaporated milk in a can (way less fat than cream but still creamy)
fresh basil

In a sauce pan combine the sauce and the milk, then add a little fresh basil (and gnocchi if you have it)

sooo good!!! the perfect partner, grilled cheese of course.
1. Take some great wheat bread, or foccacia if you've got it.
2. Spread a little butter (or olive oil for less fat) sprinkle some garlic powder and dried basil. Place on your frying pan oiled side down.
3. Add your cheese - I like fresh mozzarella, asiago or an Italian blend all grated
4. add your top piece of bread.... or for less carbs stick the (oven safe) pan under the broiler to melt cheese and just eat open faced.

Trust me - you'll never have plain grilled cheese again :)

Jack in the Pumpkin

I am a huge fan of meat, in fact there is not much I like better than a med-rare steak with all the trimmings ( I love horse radish and sour cream - healthy maybe not so much) but I DO try to find yummy vegetarian meals to incorporate into my family's diet so here's a yummy recipe perfect for the 'harvest season'

http://www.zonya.com/pdf/recipes/jack_in_the_pumpkin.pdf

It's called jack in the pumpkin, because you can actually cook this yummy black bean and BROWN rice dish inside a pumpkin!!! yuM!!

we all have our reasons....

DISNEYLAND WAS AWESOME!!!! There are few memories I treasure more than my honeymoon with my sweetheart to Disneyland nearly a decade ago, but bringing my young family back there and seeing them experience this magical place was a VERY close second!

I know most people I mentioned my plans to, thought I was crazy taking a 4 month old to the theme park along with my 3 year old and 6 year old. I got a lot of "What are you thinking?" and "You'll regret that decision" but I was determined and, Man, did it pay off! I had a blast!!! There is something so refueling about experiencing something new with your children - their energy's just intoxicating! Don't you wish you could bottle it?!?

My 6 year old had sooo much fun, he rode everything and kept his poor daddy running, while I wrangled the 2 youngest, their nap times and feedings. I definitely got a workout in, I never went anywhere without a kid strapped on or in my arms :) but as we drove home (a 9 hour drive - but we saved $1200 on airfare) all I could think about was the memories we were creating and how lucky we were to have the opportunity to go.

We are a humble family, and I stay at home now while the kids are young which makes this trip even more rare and wonderful. I have a renewed sense of why I want to live a healthier life, and who makes every denied dessert worth it..... why do you want to lose weight... get healthier? What is your motivation... or who? I know I want to have the energy to be there always with them, and I watched as other mothers sat back and didn't participate - not the life for me. I know exactly why I work out, why I try to eat better, sleep more etc. and that motivates a hundred times more than anything else I could imagine.

the pics above - a rare monemt of my and my hubby alone (this lasted like ten minutes and only occured once :) and the second pic me chasing down kids - any shot from behind is motivating... wouldn't you agree:)

anticipation + haste = mistakes ...oops!

Back from the park and just wanted to give a huge shout out to my guest posters... they were wonderful!!! But I was dissapointed to see that in my haste to leave I didn't give them all the spotlight they deserved (some links didn't work etc.) so please if you liked their posts check them out, they were carefully picked because of their upbeat attitude toward health and their inspirational stories... I'm sure you'll enjoy their blogs as much as I do!

Diane at http://www.fittothefinish.com
Steve at http://logmyloss.com
Josie at http://www.yumyucky.com

The Evil Last Cookie

this guest post provided by:Josie @ www.yumyucky.com

I didn't eat the first one or any in between, but oh no, it's the Last Cookie. The package was opened and closed, opened and closed, and now this is all that remains. Last Cookie is partially crumbled, most likely stale, and was touched by grimy kids' hands. Maybe dropped on the floor and put back?

I don't have a clue about Last Cookie's history, but it's calling me at a vulnerable time. I've got those after work hunger pangs and dinner isn't brewing yet.

I opened the package and stared at last cookie with the intention to talk myself down. Yes, I know all about eating small meals throughout the day, trading in empty calorie crap for fibrous fruit, and posing as a Water Gulping contestant; all in an effort to prevent this situation. But these techniques have no power over Last Cookie. Why can't Last Carrot or Last Yogurt have the same grip over me?

I analyzed this atrocity and had a profound revelation. The woo-ing effect of Last Cookie is a bunch of crap. It's a mirage that tells lies. Take a bite (because that's what I did) and it's not even good. It's nasty and stale because it's Last Cookie.

I need to get a grip. And so I will.
I need to stop buying Oreos. And so I might.

Josie has a witty blog full of great little nuggets of wisdom and fun, I always get a smile, a chortle, a laugh when I check out her blog - please do the same
http://www.yumyucky.com - thanks Josie! - natalie

Fear of Failure Destroys Success

Inspired by Steve's post I was reminded of a story, I wanted to relate it you because I think of it EVERY time I mess up a goal, weigh-loss related or lother wise:

TO ERR IS HUMAN
By Raymond Jones

If you were to take a long trip, say from Salt Lake City to Hawaii, aboard a 747 with several other people, you might be appalled if you knew who was flying the airplane. It is not the pilots; it is a couple of guys named Fred and George.

Fred and George are two black boxes, and they really are referred to as Fred and George. Fred is a gizmo called an Inerial Navigation System or INS. Fred knows at every moment exactly where the airplane is and where it is supposed to be. In the old days a human navigator took a look at his instruments and did some figuring, and by the time he had the position worked out the plane was long from that spot. Fred knows now where the plane is.

George is the autopilot. He moves the controls to guide the airplane this way and that, speed it up or slow it down. He and Fred talk to each other constantly. If their conversation were in English, it would sound something like this: Fred will say, “George, we’re off course two degrees to starboard.” And George will say, “O.K. Fred, I’ll fix it.”

“George, we’re off course three degrees to port.”
“O.K. Fred, I’ll fix it.”
“George, we’re forty knots below our airspeed.”
“O.K. Fred, I’ll fix it.”
“George, we’re three hundred feet too low.”
“O.K. Fred, I’ll fix it”

This conversation continues all the way to Hawaii, and George and Fred bring the giant plane within a thousand yards of the runway in Honolulu within five minutes of the scheduled time of arrival.

The incredible thing is not so much the accuracy of Fred and George, but the fact that the airplane has been in error 90% of the time of its flight. In error 90% of the time and still it lands on target and on schedule!

In weight loss, in life it is not wether we stay on a path 100% of the time that creates our sucess, I think we so often get obsesed with rules, goals, and numbers we miss the big picture. If we could see that we can get a 747 to Honolulu or a rocket to the moon even having been in error 90% of the time, we might be a little less uptight about being in error ourselves.

There’s nothing that kills performance like fear of failure, fear of being foolish, fear of being caught in error.

So next time you have a bad day, or feel like you've ruined your path by binging, slacking or other - just focus on the things you did right and hit it harder the next day to correct. You'll find that if you just keep working on getting to the goal, reguardless of how many steps "back" you might have along the way, you'll still get there!

lots of love to you all - natalie

Don't Let Your Guard Down

First of all, I want to thank Natalie for entrusting her audience to me for a day. I am honored and I truly appreciate it.

I have been blogging about my weight loss and fitness for over fifteen months now. During that fifteen months I have seen a lot. I have made new friends. I have read great stories. I have seen successes, and and I have seen failures. It's those successes and failures I want to tell about today.

I wondered from the beginning what separated those who succeed from those who fail. What is the difference? Early on in my weight loss journaling I made a couple of friends, both on a weight loss forum. We encouraged each other daily. It wasn't long until one disappeared. I wrote her a personal email, and she assured me that she just needed some time away from the stress of dieting. I haven't seen her since. The other fellow kept up with his program for a while. In fact, there was quite a long time that he was somewhat of my inspiration because I didn't want to see him succeed and me fail. Unfortunately, about June of this year he began to slip. Now he is no longer anywhere to be seen. Despite my personal emails to him, he cannot seem to get back on track. What happened here?

Many of us talk from week-to-week about falling off the wagon, binging, or blowing it. Many of us do this from time-to-time. I used to think that these one meal or one day indiscretions were potentially fatal to us. As I have matured some in my thinking, I realize that we can generally get through a mess up somewhat unscathed. The problem lies when messing up becomes our habit. That, my friends, is where I have seen many a dieter lose their ability to stick with it.

Sometimes this happens innocently enough. In fact, I can think of two examples off of the top of my head that happened lately. Two people I have been following for some time who took a week off for a vacation. Did they go hog wild? No. They just took a little time away, letting their guard down just a bit. They were both strong in their resolve, so there was no doubt they would come back from their vacation and get right back at it. Unfortunately, in both cases they found this much harder than they expected. While both seem to be back on track right now, I don't believe either one will tell you that it was easy.

The point of all this is that many of us need to realize what we are up against. We are fighting for our lives, in many cases literally. Most of us have had a number of years of very unhealthy living, and some of us have been doing it a lifetime. Those habits can remain there for the rest of our lives. Granted, while we are succeeding, they are dormant, but the moment we give them a crack to get through, they are back in our lives in full force. That means we have to remain diligent, even when we let our guards down in other areas of our lives. If we don't, we create an opportunity for those old habits to slip back in. If they do slip back in, they are much harder to break the second time around.

So what do we need to take away from this? First of all, even when we are taking some needed time away, we need to be sure and stick to some form of our program: some exercise and some restraint on what we eat. That way we are still following those habits that have brought us success thus far. If we take a cheat meal, we need to just make it one meal and get right back on track. Don't let the cheat meal turn into a cheat day, which then turns into a cheat week. Last of all, if you start feeling like you may have lost your stride, continue to surround yourself with those who are succeeding. You will garner strength from that. Strength that you need. Strength that we all need.

you can find steve's inspirational story at

water... beautiful water

As you all know one of my 100 goals is to increase my water intake. I've been doing a lot of research on this one, and here's what I've learned. Aside from making my skin glow and my headaches go away - there are some MAJOR benefits to your overall health and SERIOUS weight loss effects as well:

Let's talk about your metabolism -there are different kinds but I'm referring to the "get ride of excess fat" kind of metabolism. This is actually something that our sweet little liver does for us when it converts stored fat into energy.
Of course, the liver has other functions, but this is one of its main jobs. Unfortunately, another one of the liver's daily jobs is to pick up the slack for the kidneys, which need plenty of waterr to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their job along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can't metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight. If you allow this to happen, not only are you being unfair to your liver, but you're also setting yourself up to store fat, unnecessary fat.

Another reason why your body might be storing excess fat is toxins. When your body encounters toxins that it can't metabolize or excrete as waste, it coats them - in fat. That's right fat, to protect your body from the toxins while they are "stored" until you can get rid of them. Well my friends, that means a cleanse is necessary, and what is the best way to cleanse your body? - water. We've really come full circle haven't we? ;)wink

And yeah, it's great for your skin, but did you know it also improves muscle tone? Oh yeah, you can lift weights till the cows come home, but if your muscles are suffering from a drought you won't get the tightening your looking for; AND since muscle require water for elasticity to contract more easily, your workouts are less effective.

Plus - (remember that great skin comment) hydrated skin remains more plump, elastic and less saggy. So as we lose our tummy's, thighs, and tushes all that loose skin has a better chance of being restored, tightened and smooth!

So my friends - I have discovered although I don't always like the hassle of chugging down half my body weight in ounces; I'm working harder to do it - because I'm learning it has just as much affect on my health as exercise and I feel so much better doing it :)

just a little food for thought :)

Big changes start small

since I am currently playing in Disneyland with my awesome hubby and 3 kids - here is Diane from http://www.fittothefinish.com/blog/ to come and guest post for me... she's always informative and ever encouraging - thanks diane

From the time I was small I always had some goal or achievement I was striving for. Whether it was being the class monitor in grade school, or winning a prize in high school, I was always trying to better myself. I didn’t always succeed in meeting my goals, but I always tried. Even as I got fatter and fatter, I still had many goals for myself. I wanted a large family. I wanted a good marriage. I wanted to be more commited to my faith. I wanted my family to not worry about material things. But in addition to all those family and faith related goals, I had one overriding goal: I wanted to lose weight! And believe me I did try.


As time marched on and the scale inched up, I continually set weight goals for myself. “Okay,” I’d tell myself. “I’ll lose 5 pounds this week, 4 pounds the next week and by Easter I’ll be down to 270.” When Easter rolled around and I hadn’t lost an ounce, I’d reset the finish date for the 10 pound weight loss in my head. “Okay, now I’ll weigh 270 by Mother’s Day,” I’d reassure myself. No matter what time of year it was, I always had a specific goal floating around in my head with regards to weight loss, but I never could seem to reach even the first week’s goal. Surprisingly, after ten years of never reaching the first weight loss goal I had set for myself, I still didn’t give up.

I think it is very important to set goals for yourself in every area of your life. When you aim for nothing that’s probably what you will get. What’s the best way to set goals for yourself with regards to your weight? Well, I was pretty unrealistic during my obese years as to how much weight I could actually lose during a given period of time. I just hoped that I could lose “x” number of pounds, but didn’t stop to examine whether that was an appropriate amount of weight to lose, or if it was even possible. When I finally developed my weight loss strategy, (www.fittothefinish.com) I acknowledged to myself that I had to set some realistic goals. No, I wouldn’t be able to lose 50 pounds in one month. No, I wouldn’t be running in the 5K for charity in two months.

Goal setting for me became less specific about pounds lost during a period of time, and more about handling specific situations. You see, when I stopped being obsessed by the scale, and started focusing on bad habits and behaviors I had developed, I started having success. The actual weight on the scale was still very important to me, as that was my first tangible measurement I could see change. But other goals became important as well. Here are some examples of goals I wrote down for myself as I was starting to lose weight:

- Stop buying chocolate
- Don’t eat after dinner
- Walk 5 times a week
- Stop going through drive-thru restaurants
- Eat only one portion of a food at a time (ie: not the whole box of crackers, even if they were low-fat)
- Weigh every day
- Enjoy the food I was eating instead of inhaling it so fast I forgot what it tasted like in two seconds and had to have more to make sure I liked it

These were just some of the goals I set for myself that weren’t all about the number on the scale. Because I had some goals that weren’t just about pounds lost, I saw success on an hourly and on a daily basis. Even when my weight loss wasn’t quick, I could always look back at my list and know that I was slowly conquering my obsession with food in a healthy, practical way. Are there goals beyond the scale that you have set for yourself? If not, I’d encourage you to really think about your life goals. Be specific about your goals, and before long you will be succesful! Diane

A time to reap and a time to sew...in other words IT'S PLAY TIME!!!!

ok - so most of you have heard - we are going for a family vacation this week, and not just any vacation - but the FIRST one since our honeymoon 9 years ago! So what did we think would be an appropriate destination?
- why our honeymoon spot (of course) Disneyland!!!!!!

I know what you're thinking, Disneyland - for your honeymoon? Heck ya!!! I'm not one of those laze around the beach kinda gals, first off I HATE to wear a swim suit (seriously, can't we bring back the ankle-length one piece?) and if I wanted to lay around on a vacation, I'd just stay home and lay on my comfy couch. NO - I will go and experience something, try something new, or (in this case) ride every attraction in the park!!! YAY - Sorry for the outburst of elation, but we've been saving for this trip since 2005.... that's right no debt for us - every single thing is paid for before hand!!!

So I have already written some fun posts for this week; and I have some crazy awesome guest posters coming on to fill in the gaps - but don't you fret my friends out in blog land - when I return, I will read ALL of your blogs and reply to all comments!!!

But right now I'm just curious to know.... what's you ideal vacation? Family or Romantic, Adventure or Relaxation? If I gave you a blank check to get away ANYWHERE in the world... (heck lets think big) Universe - where would you go?
(oh and who would you take - my favorite part of a getaway is the company :)

tabata..... I think I hate... um I mean.... love you

so here's the new workout to keep things fresh.....

WARNING - THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peLFTePbfDQ

I used no weights and this killed me.....
(steve this one's for you)

try it - and tell me if you can have a good workout in just 4 minutes.... :)

focus on the goal and the path will present itself...

ok... um I have to share that the decision to share that most unflattering pic with all of you was a last minute decision last night. I really wavered back n' forth on that one. BUT I finally decided I had to be completely honest about where I am today in order to move forward.

I know I have mentioned this all before but I really have spent a lot of time contemplating who I want to be at the end of this whole experience... who is my ideal self?

Who is your ideal self? What do they do, think, say? How do they react to a dissapointment? How do they attack their goals? How do they interact with their family? What do they fill their time with? I could go on and on.....

I think this has given me a new energy, instead of focusing on what I should do or not do, I ask myself "what would my ideal self do?"

I promise I won't beat a dead horse with this, but I just want to share this amazing feeling with you guys, I want to shout from the roof tops ... I want you to feel it too!

the new me

Sorry about the hiatus, I have been fighting a killer staph infection (MRSA) since may and it just laid me out this weekend. I can feel the energy draining from me as it flares up again, (a little gift from the hospital when I delivered my daughter.)

However, on Sunday I took the most amazing stroll (about 3.4 miles)and re-connected with nature and myself. I realized that even though it has been increasingly difficult to workout, or stay on an eating schedule - sleep schedule etc. I HAVE to do this for my family, for myself!

Every family has a foundation and my husband and I make up the base for ours. I KNOW without a doubt that when I am not healthy, not focused, not in complete control of myself and my actions I jeopardize that foundation. I weaken my family, because I weaken myself.

I also am learning that you must prove you can not just 'handle' what you currently have but excell where you are; before God, the universe, Karma (whatever you call it) can trust you to handle more. It's just the natural order to things. I think the reason why we have not been successful in moving on from this stage of life is because we haven't proven (not even to ourselves) that we are above it. That we have masterd this level and are ready for the next... I think this is true in all areas of our lives.

I know that I am getting better at all of this; and not because I'm focusing on the goals either, but because I'm seeing myself as more. As above it, and naturally am begining to shift over into a healthier more balanced life.

Sure I mess up, and yeah it's still hard to get my workouts and meals in - BUT the new me can handle it all. She is confident and possitive about her future and KNOWS that when the opportunity to move beyond this comes.... she'll be ready :)

well gotta go - the new me is getting to bed tonight before 10:30pm... no matter what! :)

new post tomorrow

hey guys... sorry I'm pretty sick, so I'll try to post again tomorrow. I'm hoping to get better before our first ever family vacation scheduled for next week. so hopefully we'll all be feeling better soon :)

lots of luv - natalie

another recipe.... not necessarily low in fat

So in an effort to be nice to my sweet hubby I made him a classic favorite today... but wished I knew how to make it lighter...any thoughts?

Brown Butter Pesto Ravioli's with marinara sauce

3-4 tbs of butter

3-4 tbs of pesto (fresh or store bought is fine)

1 lb bag of frozen ravioli's (I like the cheese filled)-anyone know of a good whole wheat one?

2 cups (or so) marinara sauce (fresh or store bought)

First Boil your water - in the meantime start browning your butter in a saute` pan

Put your marinara in a sauce pan on med heat to heat thoroughly

When your butter begins to get brown (a stainless steel is best for this) add in your pesto, salt, and finely ground pepper.
In the meantime your water should be ready for your raviolis - boil about 3 minutes

Remove the cooked pasta and drain. Add drained pasta directly to brown butter sauce cook on both sides for a minute, coating completely with brown butter sauce. pasta will brown slightly.

note - you will not fit them all at once, this has to be done a little at a time.

Plate your pasta as it is finished and top off with a little marinara sauce and some freshly grated Parmesan....yummy, not necessarily low in fat

this makes about 4 servings

my sweety loved it and so did my kids - and I have to admit, I had a tasting as well (only about 5 ravioli's so not too bad.) I really love that my whole family is healthy and fit and they don't have to worry about their food, but it does make it harder for me, I wish I could take the dishes I know they love and 'health 'em up' to make them suitable for all of us to eat together. I hate having a separate meal...

today update:

sleep: in by 11:30 about 6 hours - not too bad

exercise: not much just a walk , about a mile

water: at least 50 oz and still drinking :)

food: well today was a bad one for me in this area - but what I really wanted was a hot fudge sundae so I did ok... I guess

9am Kashi Go Lean crunch with Almonds

12pm 5 brown butter raviolis

3pm an apple (this is when the sweet tooth started)

6pm Taco soup and half a turkey sandwich on wheat

8pm 4 squares of dove dark chocolate (trying to curb the sweet tooth- didn't work)

8:30 baby sized frozen vanilla yogurt

9:30 pumpkin bars (3) with cream cheese frosting

yeah, needless to say my attempt to avoid a rich dessert just made me eat more I think, because the substitute wasn't 'enough'....hmmm, gonna have to watch that

Hot 100 friday check-in

I always think "I'll be better at ____ when ____" like now, for instance, I keep thinking, "when we have a bigger place, it will be easier to workout" "or sleep" etc. but I'm learning to find peace now - and work harder to be the person I expect... even though my enviroment isn't ideal I still need to up my game, improve, grow.

I have found that lately (maybe because of the serious lack of sleep) I'm more irritable than usual, and short tempered - but equally I have seen a downturn in my motivation... is sleep really this detrimental? I have got to find a way to slip it in more often, or deeper, with a newborn, a 3 year old, and a hubby on swings....any ideas?

I won't give up though - every goal or change comes slowly with ups and downs - so I will continue to look for answers and plug along... even if it feels like a snails pace at least it's still forward :)

In fact this week I've made some great changes, I am holding a 5 minute devotional (if you will) in the morning with my family before we send our oldest off to school - nothing impressive we just read 2 scriptures and say a little prayer - wow what a difference it has made, already I have seen my dispostion improve and my patience level increase. It's funny, I never realized how my desire to get healthier has really expanded in all other areas of my life.

I have also been working harder to connect with my sweetheart, I have tried to do something nice for him each day - so even though my 'health' goals aren't so impressive - overall I still feel really good about my growth over the week - stand back I'm just getting started :)

this weeks goals:

sleep - major improvement needed - I'd like to average 7 hours

exercise - getting it in 3 times - I'd like to do it more though but we'll do that when I have mastered these othergoals

water - averaging about 50oz/day it should be more like 100

food - I need to watch this, I was doing well, but I have slipped back into old routeins where I only eat 2 times..big meals..not a good combo

mmmmm taco soup

Alright - how about a simple, fast healthy soup to warm up these chilly autumn days - I've got the perfect thing, it's simple, hearty and uses up those pantry items...

3 alarm Taco Soup

1 vidalia onion diced
2 cans corn (un-drained) or green beans, whatever you've got
2 cans black beans (drained) or whatever beans you like
2 can chili - you favorite kind
1 large can of crushed tomato's (I like organic)
1 cup of your favorite salsa
handful of taco seasoning (or 1 packet)

I usually saute the onions a bit with some olive oil and salt/pepper then when they're getting nicely browned add all the other ingredients.

optional add-ons:
a squeeze of honey (to cut the acid)
mole (careful it's hot)
green chili's
jalapenos
shredded chicken
spinach (don't laugh it's good)

then top it with sour cream, tortilla strips, cheese, cilantro, green onions .... and the kitchen sink :)

todays update:

sleep: almost 7 hours!!!

exercise: rest day

water: 50 oz

food:

8:30 peanut butter and honey sandwich
1:30 southwest chicken salad with jalapeno ranch

5:00 taco soup 2 bowls

8:00 1 more bowl of taco soup with a dollop of sour cream

I LOVE this on a night where we're thinking of ordering out - it's so easy and just tastes amazing no matter what we have to toss into it! Try it, you won't be disappointed!!!

Food porn

Oh Food Network - why do I love thee so? I think I should totally send the food network a bill for every gym membership I have ever had, not to mention every work out video :)

Whilst waiting for kashi hubby to come home last night, I surfed over to a channel I have been avoiding ever since the Hot 100 started - why? you ask... well I can't take it!

Truth be told, every time I watch one of those food shows (mostly triple D) I just want to run out and buy the biggest, greasiest plate of whatever they're featuring that episode. I swear it's porn for fat people. The worst part is I never get to watch tv until late at night when my kids are all in bed so my beloved Food Network works against me, luring me back into a life of plus sizes and broken patio furniture (oh yeah-there's a story there, maybe another time)

... curse you food network

today's goals:

Sleep: um only about 5 hours

BUT I snatched and 1 ish hour nap and man did I feel good:)

exercise: a little upper body routine (see workouts in older posts)

water: 50 oz

food:

8:30 2 silver dollar pancakes plain

11:30 spinach pasta

and 2 cups homemade salsa and 15 tortilla chips

7:00 Carls Jr - yikes this could've been bad but I got the teriyaki burger on lettuce (no bun) with jalapenos and only 10 bites of fries*

*I have this weird habit when I eat french fries, I will only take one bite and then discard the rest of the fry - it makes me eat a lot less and I still feel like I've had a bunch :)

comfort food

I think as the days get colder and the nights get longer I have the tendency to turn to comfort food to 'warm' me heart and soul... what comfort food do you guys like?

I grew up in Maine with big warm bowls of clam chowder and whoopie pies.

Then we moved to Utah and I enjoyed classic hearty meals of roast and funeral potatoes.

Now that I'm a mother and get to make my own meals we tend to lean toward mexican meals enchiladas and asada tacos...and salsa - mmm my favorite!

Because things have been kinda sucky lately (no house yet) I want some 'good for you' comfort food - any thoughts?

todays report:

sleep: 4 hours (don't ask)

exercise: rest day

water: about 80oz!!!!! getting there

food:

2:00pm Kashi Vegetable Bake

6:30 pm asada tacos with homemade salsa, salad, feta and yummy lime juice loads of cilantro

11:00 pm popcorn

hmmm... think I fell off the wagon, I guess I need to work harder on handling stress :)

bad news sends kashi girl over the edge

Let's just say, today was a rough one. But despite hearing some really terrible news (we lost the house we wanted to buy) I still managed to keep my emotional eating under control...well somewhat.

Of course when my sweet friend heard the news (she knows how long we've been waiting for this) she rushed over with a sweet card and my favorite treat, a mint chocolate truffle bar. SOOO GOOD. I put it aside, but later when my usual comfort food of chips and salsa didn't perk me up, I indulged and ate the whole bar (they're 3 inches long). Even though I know I shouldn't have eaten it, I am happy to see that I nursed it for a good half hour instead of eating the whole thing in 4 great, big, gooey, bites. I guess that's a step in the right direction... right:)?

Things are a little chaotic here, we have a 5 people in a 600sq.ft. apartment including 1 very demanding newborn. The whole country has cheap houses for sale EXCEPT in the one town we're looking, there are bidding wars! yesh
However, I am a deeply religious person and I DO believe this didn't work out for a reason, I just wish that we could finally settle down somewhere and move past this crazy transitional stage... oh well, onward and upward. :)

So here's the breakdown:
Sleep:
6 hours got to bed at 2pm (my hubby had a really hard day at work and needed me when he got off his swing shift)
exercise:
I did the 500 calorie burn workout from sunday - wasn't dying this time...good sign
water:
honestly I don't know - it's been a rough day... at least 30 oz
food:
9am Kashi Autumn Harvest cereal
12pm Kashi Mayan Harvest Bake with jalapenos mmmm.
2 pm cheese stick and 3 sunsweet prunes
3:20pm a little comfort food snacking including 2 cups homemade salsa and who knows how many totilla chips
4:00 mint truffle bar
6:00pm Kashi Pesto Pasta Primavera
8:00 pm 2 sunsweet pitted prunes

eh - could've been worse, could've been better

a little caloric meltdown

In light of my new goals of working out better I thought it was time for another video...

as usual I've been scouring the net for a new workout to change up the routine and I found a good one for ya, it claims to burn 500 calories in just one circuit workout... and I have to say I was spent (I hate... I mean love mountain climbers)

check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIOVx4MS8oU#watch-main-area

the best calorie burning workout! try and tell me if you were dying too - if not then I guess I'd better work on that whole endurance thing...

my first week update...The Hot 100 - Going out with a BANG!!!

My first week (or so) update:

Sleep: Only went to bed once this week past midnight (trust me - this was a feat!)

Exercise: ok, I suck! this week's workouts were a bit unorthodox - but this will be my new focus next week, an area for growth

Water: around 50 oz average/day (there's room for growth there)

Food: pretty good actually, not only am I eating every 3 hours, but I am not eating late... feeling good about that one. So all in all I'm getting there.

... and as an added bonus I have started taking muti-vitamins for the first time in my whole life, I think they will be a possitive bonus to my whole new health outlook :)

kids make you young, or old...depends on the day :)

I think a pre-requisite for having kids is being a bit 'out of your mind'. Let's be honest, why would anyone give up disposable income, sleeping in late, afternoon quickies, and setting your own schedule (we won't even discuss the damage to your body - that's a whole other post:) to be ruled by a midget who usually doesn't appreciate your sacrifice?

I DO love my kids but after waiting 1 hour in line to get into the zoo today, and then another 2 hours waiting in lines for Halloween games and prizes - you start to wonder "where did my sanity go?" You'd NEVER have done that for yourself; but here you are, surrounded by other, equally crazy, parents all trudging around for the fleeting satisfaction of your your little ones, the elusive "thank you, mom."

Whether it's the macho tough guy coochie cooing his newborn daughter, dad's jello wrestling in blond wigs for Hannah Montana tickets (don't laugh I saw it with my own eyes), or the busy working mom staying up till the wee hours of the dawn sewing a costume for their tot...

I ask you, why do we do things, buy things, say things, make complete 'you know what's' of ourselves, all for the sake of our kids?

today's update:

sleep: 8 hours (in bed by 11:15)

exercise: hiking around the zoo - and an ab set

water: 50 oz (I have got to find a way to up this!)

food:

8:45 am - Banana

11:30am - homemade potato soup

1:45pm - apple juice
5:15 - Green salad with honey mustard, 4oz steak, small baked pot. with 1/8 cup ranch (went to dinner after the zoo)
8:15pm - apple and 3 mini peanut butter reeses (no - make that 4)

Scale envy

While reading another blog I was suprised to see how down she was on herself for not losing more weight even though she had been doing everything right. I started to wonder, obviously we need results to track our success and even determine our course of action... but, shouldn't we focus more on effort?

I mean, think about it, we can do it all right and gain a pound -or- we can totally screw up and still lose a pound. (The body doesn't ALWAYS react the way it should) so I argue forget about the number on the scale - how'd you do today on your goals? Are you living the life you want? Were you, a better 'self' today? If the answer's Yes, than damn the scales!

today's goals:

sleep: honestly I was in bed by 11

(granted my newborn is still sick so I was up 4 times - oh well)

exercise: my babysitter dodge me and I missed my spin class - ugh

water:45oz (I know - I need more)

food:

9 am Kashi Autumn Harvest Cereal

11:30 am 2 cup homemade salsa and about 15 (or so)chips

2:00pm Roast beef Sandwich with extra veggies

5:00pm an apple

6:00pm Large mixed green salad with about 8 oz roast chicken - italian dressing

11:00pm an apple and half chicken sandwich

(I had to stay up till 2, figured I'd need a little something)

so I'm standing in my kitchen staring at the huge mess that I have the pleasure of cleaning (wishing I lived in a smaller apartment) and it occurs to me... I can clean, OR I can munch on the treats in the cupboard I've been avoiding all weekend.

Let's see,

door number 1: a clean kitchen, a happy hubby, and the satisfaction of a job well done

door number 2: the sweet comforting goodness of junk food, larger theighs and two seats on my next cross-country flight....what to choose?

As I sat down (surrounded in a wrapping wasteland of 7 mini reeses cups, 2 mini milkyways and a Kashi Pumpkin Spice granola bar) I wondered...since the thought of cleaning makes me want to cheat, could I save thousands on gym memberships if I just hired a cleaning lady? Just a little food for thought :)

3rd day update:
sleep: 6 hours (in bed by 12:35)
exercise: rest day
water: 60 oz ( a little extra to wash down my junk food binge)
food:
8 am - Kashi Autumn HarvestCereal
11:30am - Kashi Southweststyle Chicken
1:30pm - 1 cup mixed green balsamic dressing

2 cups homemade chicken and wild rice soup
2:156pm - vanilla Dilly Bar (my hubby brought home from an ice cream trip with my 3 yr old)

5:15pm - 7 mini reeses cups, 2 mini milkyways and a Kashi Pumpkin Spice granola bar

6:30 pm -Kashi Chicken Pasta Pomodoro (back on the wagon! whew)

no rest for the weary...

My daughter's sick, which in 'mommy terms' means, I was up every 2 hours last night with her. So even though I went to bed early, I still just managed a few hours of shut eye.

Why do we as parents feel everything our kids feel? It's the truest form of empathy, my son falls off the dinner table, I swear my head hurt too; my daughter stays up all night hacking away and MY lungs feel on fire. Is the connection between parent and child so great that we experience everything through their eyes?... and if so what does that mean in reverse?

If I can feel what my son feels, then he too has a deeper connection with me and can sense my healthy and unhealthy connections with the world, people...even food. Makes you pause and wonder. At least for me, it makes me want to overcome my weird relationship with food and conquer the whole crazy body image thing. I definitely believe you must BE the qualities you want your children to have.... well enough philosophising, I gotta get to work - lots to fix! :0) night yall

2nd day update:

sleep: 6 hours (in bed by 11)

exercise: rest day

water: 45 oz ( I did better josie!)

food:

7 am - Kashi GoLean Crunch Cereal

10:30am - Large roast beef sandwich with extra veggies and light miracle whip

1pm - 2 cup salsa (homemade) 25 tortilla chips - cup of milk

6pm - steak and chicken (4 oz of each)

salad, squash,green beans, asparagus

(I waited too long - I was starving)

7:30 pm - Piece of Chocolate Oreo Cake

(hey, it's technically NOT breaking any goals... I promise I won't make it a habit though)

planting the seed....

well it's begun... I planted the seed today, even took wildly frightning photos of myself and did a weigh-in (something I have avoided)
190.8 - I've gained - uggh

hmmm, I'm not sure how many calories I should be taking in a day - I know it's a tad more since I am nursing - but I have been so lethargic lately honestly I think something might be off...

nevertheless, here is my day (as of 9pm :) I'm going to try to get in another 15 oz of water and head off to bed early(yum yucky says more water...I'll try)
hopefully my 3 month old will sleep tonight :)

first day update:
Sleep: 8 hours
exercise: 2 miles wogging
water: 35 oz
food:
9 am - Kashi GoLean Crunch
12pm - Kashi Sweet & Sour Chicken
2pm - Kashi Trail mix bar and
1 cup salsa (homemade) 15 tortilla chips
4pm - Kashi Honey Toasted 7 grain bar
6 pm - Enchilada Salad homemade (no dressing)

Hot 100 going out with a bang!!!

South Beach Steve a fellow blogger has issued a challenge for those who wish to make a change and end the year with a bang to join together in a group effort, to challenge each other to make the best of the last 100 days of 2009... I for one am excited to hear the call. I was just messaging my friend Kay to keep tabs on each other and this just takes things to the next level. I hope others will be motivated too - definitely the kick in the butt I have needed. So between my friend kay and my friend steve I won't let ya down :)

the rules are pretty simple

(for his blog: http://www.logmyloss.com/ )
1. set some goals for the next 100 days
2. publish your goals (we need the accountability- right? )
3. and check in every week... or so ( within every 10 days)

Alright so here's my goals:

- get the eating thing under control - 5 small meals a day

- workout at east 3 times a week

- get to bed before midnight

- water.... drink some :) right now the water intake is pretty sad!

of course I want to lose weight... yada, yada, yada - but I figure if I do the above, the weight will take care of itself :0)

keep ya posted!

The BEST exercise to flatten abs…

time for another awesome quick workout.... I know you will find it challenging... I thought I lost those lower abs after childbirth but I felt them after this workout, which is to say, I coudn't sit up after I was done :0) enjoy
The BEST exercise to flatten abs…
oh by the way -if this is easy for you, you're my hero! *wink*

good way to start the day

skipping breakfast doesn't help people maintain a healthy weight. In fact, someone who skips breakfast tends to eat more calories throughout the day. So just grab something quick and simple and feel better all day long!!!

•single servings of whole-grain, oatmeal
•yogurt
•fresh fruit
•whole-grain muffin
•trail mix of nuts, dried fruits, a fiber bar or granola bar
•cold cereal (my favorite GoLean Crunch with almonds - yum)

what do you guys love to start your morning with?

sometimes it's fun to get sweaty

I'm watching dirty dancing tonight... man I could totally get into that kind of workout... now if only I could get my 'all guy' hubby to shake off his tough guy persona and shake his hips with me... :) come to think of it, I could see that leading to another workout ...*wink*... it is all win win

leave your baggage at the blog...

After reading a fellow bloggers courageous fight against eating disorders, I felt inspired to share my own feelings on the subject... beware I'm about to get serious :)

Actually it may surprise some that I used to be a size 0 in junior high and only hit a size 4 in high school; all thanks to an old Nemesis anorexia. I was in the dance team in school and at 5'6" I weighed around 115-120. I still remember a weigh-in for an upcoming competition where I weighed in at 123 and immediately started running in the track team after school (on top of 4 hours dancing in the morning). Eventually my mom figured things out and forced me to start eating... so I switched over to bulimia...not fun.

So after all that excitement I started in college and focused on getting my eating habits under control. I gained about 50 lbs... marriage and 3 kids later, there are STILL days where I want to purge, or figure it would just be a lot easier to just stop eating.

I'm not complaining, I know it must be horrible, for those people who have never seen themselves thin, to wonder if it's possible. I sympathise. Somehow you have to keep pushing yourself for that brass ring of health worried you won't reach it. But this side isn't all roses either, sometimes I wonder if I can be smaller AND healthy, or if the only way I can get thin again is to resort to these former habits.

Well, either way, I have a family now - it's not just my future I'm gambling with. So I keep pushing forward with health in mind... not a number on the scale. Ok 'after school special' is over. Thanks for listening, I have never really talked much about this part of my past. It's a little therapeutic. night all :)

mmmm roasted chicken

mmmmm yummy. one of my favorite blogs is GOOP by Gweneth Paltrow. Not usually into celebrity type stuff, but she has some intersting ideas on health. I really love the recipes I have tried, and thought you guys would enjoy checking her out.

for the complete recipe:
http://goop.com/newsletter/44/

Free Kashi Cereal

You all have heard my love affair with Kashi and their 7 Whole Grains... so here's agreat chance to try one of their products for FREE!!! :)

they are letting you try 1 of 3 different cereals (I love the Go Lean) so give it a shot and tell me what you think

for free box of cereal
http://kashi.com/surprise

no rest for the weary

While my daughter screams in the other room for the umteenth time, I stare up at the clock... it's 20 minutes past midnight... I'm starting to understand why the mothers of old used a little rum on their kids bottles at night.

Sleep plays a huge impact on your health... agree? With my little sleeping beauty I have soooo much less energy... thus less exercise... thus less energy...and so on, you get the idea. So I think we need to focus on sleep. Despite the crazy schedule my daughter has me on, I'm still going to try to get 6+ hours a day! I just know it will make a difference... either that, or we can stop calling her 'princess' and have to settle for 'rummy' :)

extra research (you know the scientific kind) to support my exhausted ramblings... check this article out - pretty upfront but a good read
http://www.thedietchannel.com/Weight-Loss-and-Sleep.htm

revolution

sorry I haven't written in a while - I think I needed a break, to take stock and re-commit to this whole goal.

I think when I started this blog I hoped that my friends, family and even strangers would somehow come out of the woodwork to push me along. That was wrong, the truth is, I need to find the drive within myself. As I would log on I would get frustrated that no one cared enough to write me, or no one seemed to understand. But I realize now that, this is my fight. No one else's and I need to take it head on. No more excuses, I won't let me health get any worse.

so thank you for your love, support and most of all your comments they really help... soo much. But I need to do this even if no one else is pulling for me. I can't be less of myself. I need to change.

Today I start my new life, not as a fat girl trying to get thin. But a healthy girl just living a healthy life.

don't look at me... I'm hideous

ahhhhh... do you ever set a goal and then all the stars align to thwart your efforts... welcome to my nightmare. My scale has disappeared, as in, buy a new one - never coming back disappeared. SOOOO add that to, no one wants to help me with my pic, and you've got me. Not starting, loosing motivation, and frustrated.

ok - let's get it together, I'm not going to give up. Tomorrow we buy a new scale, and if necessary my 6 year old can take the pic.... right ?!

ahhhhh - why can't things just fall into place, sometimes you just want to hide under your bed, and forget all this weight loss crap!

60 days to fight!

tried to get started, couldn't even find my scale! my husband moved it...somewhere. AND in an attempt to take a picture of myself, was foiled by my serious inability to work my own timer...yesh - not a fabulous start BUT I will NOT be dismayed...press forward and try again. :)

oh and on a side note... found this little gem just tonight...
am I supposed to believe that women, had that baby?!? what the !@*? is going on when some can look like THAT so soon!? Genetics suck!!!!

you man enough to challenge yourself?...

ok so I've hit a slump, a plateau, if you will. I need to re-commit. Adjust my approach... so I hit the net for some inspiration and who do I find? My new inspiration Chubby Stubby Kay (http://chubbystubbykay.blogspot.com/)...I don't know her - but I feel like she knows me! We share this quest for health and I LOVE what she has just done... 60 day challenge. (she stole it from this guy - http://theantijared.blogspot.com/2009/06/result-driven.html)

So... you know me, I'm in! Starting tomorrow I'm starting this plan. It's simple - you take a picture of yourself and weigh yourself (gulp) and then set specific goals for your next 60 days. Then you hit it hard... no excuses, celebrate every accomplishment, become a better you.

Anyone else game?

you are what you eat.... yikes!

ok... so confession time! The last 2 days have stunk! I really think what you start the day with... makes a HUGE difference.

So after my post on tues. I needed a little breakfast... my kashi cereal was all gone!!! yikes, so I tried some of my son's reeses pops creal. HUGE DIFFERENCE... first of all 1 bowl, not enough. I needed 2, AND soooo sweet! In fact I craved "crap" food all day long! I had french fries and a ch. burrito at lunch (not so good) and even at dinner I completely lost my whole heath mentality and sucked back some spaghetti and meat sauce WITH bread on the side!!! Not that all pasta is bad (in fact I mix organic white with wheat so my kids get more of the good stuff) but usually I would have a little pasta with a huge salad to balance it out. No salad, just toast - white toast to make it even worse!

And wed. was just as bad, although I HAVE been keeping my current goal (no carbs after7) I haven't been careful with the intake during the day. AND WORSE I haven't really ran much in the past 4 days... :(

So last night I took a long walk with a friend... truth be told we gabbed the whole time, and our pace stunk - but it was just what I needed to get back on the wagon. Today I have been doing pretty great, and I'm happy to say....game on :)

(oh and the pic... consider it my gift to you - just a little added motivation ;)wink

Toning your arms with Kim

Toning your arms with Kim

this is a pretty simple video of a great arm workout.... plus I totally want to look like her! You think she has had 3 kids?

this weeks goal.....

New goal... ok I had a lot of input on this one (most of it over the phone :) but I think the general concensus was a carb-related goal.... so here's where we're going this week...

Since my husband's job changes his schedule and I OFTEN stay up till 2 in the morning to see him come home... I end up eating a 4th time at 10pm. To be honest my favorite snack is a kashi granola bar or bowl of cereal (why does cereal taste so good at night?) so I'm going to improve myself this way:

no eating carbs after 7pm... yes this is a HUGE step for me... but I think it will pan out to be a great goal... and new habit!

zoo dayz

I went to the zoo with my family yesterday... it's always fun to go out and experience life through "childlike eyes." We have a pass and my boys LOVE going to see all the animals. I don't mind, because I always end up straping a baby on and getting a good workout. :)...

next food goal...any thoughts?

oh my goodness where did the week go? School started this monday and the hustle and bustle of getting my oldest (he's in 1st grade) to school has made things a bit crazier... but just the same I have kept on schedule!!! yay!!! I went for my 1.5mile walk today and even got in a 15minute upper body workout to boot. I have to say, working towards a goal (the marathon) instead of focusing on weight-loss has made working out more of a past time instead of a workout. I really am enjoying the journey...

So the exercise thing is just about down (at least as far as consistancy goes) and I am eating breakfast regularly. So what's next. Any thoughts? I need a new food-related goal for next week. So all of you, my healthy friends..... what should I tackle next?

mmmm that's good connotation

So I went for a walk with my neighbor today.. it was great, a couple miles down; we chatted and laughed... but when we got back it was time to get some lunch..the kids wanted pancakes!!! Yikes

The reason I cringe is because I ALWAYS seem to have a sweet tooth after a workout (don't ask me why) and pancakes, well I'm transported to my childhood when they are smathered in melted butter and maple syrup (I grew up in Maine where the maple syrup is untouchable)

So I indulged. Ok - I don't think foods the enemy now, BUT I do want to know - any ideas on a healthier alternative to my "childhood time-machine pancakes"?

childbirth and health?

So, I was running yesterday (I'm still on schedule :) and I was thinking about all my friends and family who don't seem to struggle like I do, to bounce back after childbirth. I know that my health has been a real issue, so bad in fact, I've been advised to stop having children....I guess some of us can only have a few without falling apart. But as I wondered why we are all so different I couldn't help but wonder.....

is it genetics...or lifestyle?

We all know the healthier you are going into a pregnancy, the better the delivery and your term. So do people like me struggle because of our pre-existing bad health decisions? If I got back into great shape... could my body sustain childbirth again...and even better this time?

time for a treat...I've earned it :)

I found the greatest treat... last night I wanted some good old fashion ice cream (I love food - a bit of a weakness I'm afraid) and so my sister and I ran to Albertsons Grocery store... after about 10 minutes in the frozen section I found this frozen yogurt I thought I'd try. Peach flavored. I have to admit, I just loved it! It was smooth and creamy and had a sweetness that was perfect... not overpowering. And the best part, it was yogurt with active cultures so no "after dessert guilt".

I recommend you all take a chance to try it! mmmmmm yum

working out is actually kinda nice

walked last night and I'm much looser today, I'm feeling pretty good about this workout stuff, I am changing the goal a bit though... instead of 15 minutes everyday...I'm going for 30minutes+ 3x a week...so far so good!

My friend swung by yesterday (she does marathons AND triathalons)we were chatting, I can't wait till I'm good enough to run with her! But for now I'm working on consistency and comfort level with distance. Wogging will have to do for now :)

a yummy snack using yogurt, cottage cheese , fruit and cereal

New week same stinkin' goal.....

This week's goal - major failure I stunk!!! So what does that mean? I'll keep at it till I can do it:0) 15 minutes a day.... at least until I'm consistent

So for those of you who don't know... I've been talking about the Utah Valley marathon for next summer being my "made it" goal. I have always believed you should set goals based on effort not always performance, because your body can plateau even though you are doing what you should... you may not always see the results your looking for... so I have set some very specific goals to track my own success, and the mother of them all....the marathon next june!!!!

Now for those of you who think a year is far away and I'm setting my sights low... you should know that I did a 2 mile run today and I had to walk almost ALL of it... trust me I'll be needing the whole year!!!

I'd love to hear from anyone who's run one....any advice?