Never felt SO GOOD!!

Weight March 23: 224#
Weight May 26: 216.8#

My @bodymedia is doing it's job!!  My weight has hovered around that 224# for nearly 2 months!  It is FINALLY coming off!!  AND I LOVE IT!! Hard work pays off!!  You CAN'T give up or give in!  We don't live at a ranch where our only goal is weight loss... i have a life, 2 kids, a job, a husband.... you have to do what works for YOU! Hang in there and JUST DO IT!
Make it a GREAT day or NOT, the choice is YOURS!!!


Measurements in INCHES:
March 23, 2011
Neck 16 1/4
Chest 41 1/2
RT Arm 16 1/4
RT forearm 12
LT Arm 16
LT forearm 11 1/2
Tummy 50
Hips 47 1/4
Waist 49
RT Thigh 23 1/2
RT calf 18
LT Thigh 23 3/4
LT calf 18 1/2

Measurements in INCHES:
May 26, 2011
Neck 15
Chest 41
RT Arm 16
RT forearm 11 1/2
LT Arm 17
LT forearm 11 3/4
Tummy 50
Hips 44
Waist 45
RT Thigh 21 1/2
RT calf 17
LT Thigh 23
LT calf 18

Meet my new BEST FRIEND!!! @BodyMedia

Introducing....my new BodyMedia!!

I have discovered a (well known) secret!  This little guy was my mother's day present from my family! 

Now that I've figured out how to use it, I <3 it!  Somehow it reads your body and knows EVERYTHING!

and for the most part it is pretty accurate!  I told it how much I wanted to lose a week, and it told me HOW to do it!

It tells me how long I've been active, how many calories I've burned, how many steps I've taken, how much sleep I've gotten...

I tell it exactly what I've consumed and VOILA! 

I was getting SO frustrated!  I was eating right and exercising more, I was eating clean and organic, reducing stress, filtering water, removing toxins from our environment,

eliminated a TON of sugar from our diet, and wasn't having much luck! 

My blood sugars were and ARE FABULOUS, but I wasn't losing weight!  With the BodyMedia,

I have to work harder, but I'm getting RESULTS and that is worth the work!  :0)  Could I do it without the BodyMedia? Of course, but it would be harder I think...sure there are other "aps" that log calories, but I think it is important to know how many you are burning too.  It also helps you remember to eat snacks, which, as a diabetic, is very important to maintain balance.  Not too high, and not too low....perfect, in the middle!

Sunday May 9th -- 224#

Friday May 13th -- 220#

I was doing the happy dance this morning!  I am excited to wear it tonight!  I am participating in my 1st 5K! 

It is not a race, thank goodness, but a "fun run"!  I hope to have fun! 

I am doing it with my youngest daughter and my niece who has been training to "run"... we've been working

on a #c25k program, so it will be fun to see how far we can "run" and how long it takes us to finish

and how many calories I burn!

Make it a good day or not, the choice is YOURS!

--
~~Shari~~
twogirlsmommy91@gmail.com

YUM! We are giving fennel a try!

We had this for dinner tonight!! It is Clean and Delicious!!! It got thumbs up from BOTH girls!!

Zucchini, Fennel & White Bean Pasta

From EatingWell:  September/October 2009

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4.1 out of 5 stars based on 14 reviews

Turn humble pasta and beans gourmet by adding roasted vegetables, fresh mint and tangy, salty aged goat cheese. When making a pasta dish with beans, you can use some of the bean-cooking liquid to give the sauce silky body and help it cling to the pasta. If you're using canned beans, use some of the pasta-cooking liquid or just water.

Ingredients

• 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed
• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat penne or similar short pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked cannellini beans, plus 1/2 cup bean-cooking liquid, pasta-cooking liquid or water (see Tip)
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 3/4 cup crumbled hard, aged goat cheese, or fresh goat cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cut fennel bulb in half lengthwise and then slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Quarter zucchini lengthwise. Toss the fennel and zucchini with 1 tablespoon oil and salt. Arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast, turning once, until soft and beginning to brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions.
4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat.
5. When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, coarsely chop. Add the vegetables, beans and bean-cooking liquid (or other liquid) to the pan with the garlic and place over medium-low heat. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the pan. Toss thoroughly and add tomatoes; toss until just warm. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese and mint. Season with pepper.

Yummy!

FRUIT AND OATS AWESOMENESS!!!!!
Not sure what else to call it!

I drizzled some EVOO in a fry pan and let it heat up, then I added chopped walnuts and oats... let that toast a little...then I added some sliced banana and sliced strawberries.....drizzled a little real maple syrup.... when I put it in the bowl, I added a tsp of ground flax!!! Yum!!!

still 222 BOOooOOoo!!!

WELL..... the good news is.... my blood sugars are still AWESOME!!

....and I know that I've gained muscle and we all know that muscle is denser than fat...so I guess that is  pretty good!

We had a fabulous Easter Weekend!  I made an incredible egg bake....I don't think I got a  picture of it.... but it was VERY good and VERY clean!! 

The girls even liked it!! It had Apple Maple Chicken Sausage, spinach, mushrooms, shallots, leeks, brown rice, 4 slices dried and cubed ezekial bread, 4 whole eggs, 12 egg whites, 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt, swiss cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sage!  Yummy! 

The best part of Sunday was my 6 year old nephew said he would pay me 100 hugs to play 500 with him!  OF COURSE I accepted that challenge!!! He will give me 10 hugs each time we see eachother!!  I'm hoping his math skills aren't very good, so I get a lot more hugs!!! 

I've been trying to try new activites, which has been fun!  But, I'd also like my girls to try some new things and maybe find one they really enjoy!  My older child has shown an interest in Tennis and we've signed her up for lessons....she is enjoying them!!  But, the younger child, she is a little more difficult!  She wanted to take dance, but there weren't enough kids so it is not happening....

I did talk her into trying Kids Yoga!! Even though she said, "uh...mom, i'm not really the yoga type!"  But, she said she would give it a try so ... YES!!!!!!

My husband and I are going to another RKC free kettlebell training class on Sunday!!! I'm looking forward to that as I've heard great things about kettlebells and would like some more instruction for proper bell handling!!  gonna grab those horns and swing!!

 

Make it a great day or not, the choice is YOURS!!

--
~~Shari~~

Successful CLEAN chicken salad with NO mayo!!

Wow! Yummy!!
So...I used to make chicken salad that we'd eat with crackers that had mayo in it....mayo is not clean.  The girls have been asking for it.... last night we had chicken for dinner and I had an extra breast...I gave it a try and here's what's in it!! Yum!!

Clean Chicken Salad (sandwich or crackers or plain)

1 cooked chicken breast chopped or shredded
6 chpped strawberries
Small bunch red grapes halved
1/3 english cucumber chopped
1/2 cup jicama chopped

Dressing
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Zest of lemon
1 shallot finely diced
Basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (to taste)
Mix together pour over veggies and chicken.
Stir and chill....ENJOY!!!!

ZUMBA!!

OMG!!!  I can't wait to do it again!! I talked to her after...this particular instructor says to just have fun and move and don't worry about where your feet are! Lol!!
I was sweating when we were done... I was quite proud of myself for just staying and doing it....I didn't know anybody and I for sure had no idea what I was doing....but, I wore my big girl panties today and stayed and enjoyed it...even though I was secretly frustrated I knew I was NOT doing it right and felt so uncoordinated....I didn't give up!
She also said it would easily take 3~4 sessions before picking it up.... go ahead....you can do it!! Try something new!!

Day 22 of #100daychipquest (April 13, 2011)

UGH!!!  WHYo why am i afraid to succeed???  ok, glad that is OVER!!

All in all, things are going GREAT!!  No complaints or excuses....I'm doing the work.... last week I was at 220.6#  (i freaked a lil...I haven't been below 220# in goodness....forever (almost 20 years) )  So now I'm @ 221.8#  (+1) and.... I'm not sure why, but, I feel awesome anyway!!  I'm just gonna have to move through it and bust that number!!  That being said, my blood sugar has been phenomenal!!!  That is no easy feat! 

We did some measuring last night....
March 23
Neck 16 1/4
Chest 41 1/2
RT Arm 16 1/4
RT forearm 12
LT Arm 16
LT forearm 11 1/2
Tummy 50
Hips 47 1/4
Waist 49
RT Thigh 23 1/2
RT calf 18
LT Thigh 23 3/4
LT calf 18 1/2

April 13, 2011
Neck 16
Chest 40 1/4
RT Arm 15 1/2
RT forearm 11 3/4
LT Arm 16 1/4
LT forearm 11 1/4
Tummy 49
Hips 46
Waist 46 1/2
RT Thigh 23
RT calf 18 1/4
LT Thigh 24 1/2
LT calf 19


Make it a great day or NOT the choice is YOURS!!

SMOOTHIE Time!!!

Before we go "run" we've been enjoying a smoothie...this mornings was exceptionally DElicious!!

1 orange
1 kiwi
1/2 cup applesauce
6 large strawberries
1/2 cup frozen spinach
1/4 cup roasted beets
1/2 scoop plain protein powder
1 cup frozen bluberries
1 container bluberry Chobani greek yogurt
1 tablespoon ground flax

Blend well!!!
YUM!!!!

Delicious "Clean" Chicken Salad!!

Yum!!
The girls even enjoyed this "Clean" Chicken Salad!!

Serves 3!

1/3 box quinoa pasta cooked, rinsed and drained
1 chicken breast baked with choice seasoning (I like cinnamon, basil, salt, and pepper) cooled and diced
1 scallion minced (finely diced)
Half an english cucumber diced
Small bunch of red grapes halved
2 hard boiled eggs (no yolks) diced
Half a ripe avocado diced
A little goat cheese
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Tarragon
Basil
Splash of balsamic
Splash of EVOO
Mix it up, chill and serve on a bed of greens!!
Super yummy!

If id have had some grape tomatoes, I would have put some in!!!
Give it a try!!!!

WaHOO 220 oooo!

Diligence has certainly paid off!!! I am down to 220 this morning and my blood sugars have been AWESOME!!!
It is spring break and family is in town, which means lots of shopping, lots of laughs and LOTS of temptations!!! Somehow I've managed to "no thank you" my way clear of all the chocolate...difficult when it is the best chocolate! We ladies know our chocolate! I love having them (family) here!
We've had SO much fun! I got to introduce them to greek yogurt!! They enjoyed it and one aunt even bought some for herself!! :0) It was fun to watch their skeptism in tasteing it....to opening a 2nd container for them to share! I love greek yogurt! Chobani and OIKOS are my faves.... they are high in protein and have great flavor.... helps keep my sugar in control!

 Make it a great day or not, the choice is YOURS!!

Weight this morning: Tuesday April 5th 2011 = 220.6# :0) that is the right direction!!

It's a HaPpY day!!

It's only 7:30 am and it's already a HaPpY day!! :0)

1. The #100daychipquest is going AWESOME!!!!
2. My blood sugars have been SUPER including a 95 this morning..
       ..which hasn't happened in...let's just say EVER!!
3. Yesterday I didn't spend ANY time on the computer OR watch ANY TV!!! 
4.  My youngest daughter and I have started a #C25K program and have completed the 1st 2 sessions! 
      She wanted to go this morning too...yikes!!
AND
5.  My weight this morning was 224# which i realize isn't less....but it isn't more either!!
       (and it's really only been 6 days, not a whole week) but I was still doing a happy dance!

We've been eating clean and it feels great!  We ate pretty clean before MOST of the time....but by setting these goals for ME, i've been able to eat clean ALL the time (except that one cheat meal...I LOVE PIZZA!) I didn't even try the sample at TJ's because I wasn't sure if it was clean!!  I've NEVER not tried a sample! and it was veggie samosas with mango ginger chutney...something I would ENJOY!  But, I wasn't sure...so I just skipped it... YAY FOR ME!  :0) 

My family is adjusting VERY well to eating clean too!! I've had ZERO complaints...well, maybe not zero, but no more than normal... they've tried everything and either liked it or it wasn't too bad!  Last night for dinner we had Trader Joes Organic Veggie Lentil Soup with grilled cheese (organic, low fat/lite white cheddar) made on Ezekial 4:9 bread.  They loved it! (we needed something QUICK...i was busy with the youngest til 7 and my hubs and I had to get somewhere)

I'm looking for new veggies to try..... we will be repeating beets and brussel sprouts... and I'm going to roast some sweet potato.  I've also got some asparagus (I've NEVER cooked any)  will also be trying fennel sometime too....gotta put my creative cooking hat on and see what happens!!!

Make it a good day or not...the CHOICE is YOURS!!!!

Today's new Veggie is......

JICAMA!!!!!!

pronounced HICK uh Muh

 

What is Jicama you ask?  It is a root vegetable also known as yam bean or mexican turnip that is high in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C!  Apparently it is a cousin to the sweet potato and kinda looks like a turnip.  Jicama can be cooked or eaten raw and is often found in salads!  Could be used instead of a cracker or put on a veggie tray with hummus or dip.  Today, I cut it up like matchsticks and put in our fruit and veggies for our lunches!!

kinda tastes like a white carrot...a little starchier though... is starchier a word? and has very little glycemic load and carb content... it has the texture somewhere between raw apple and raw potato....google it!  Try some soon!!!

Breakfast for dinner!

Give this a try sometime!
I think it's a Fritata!
Eggs, Bellas, Roasted Radish, Leeks, Spinach, Garlic, Salt and Pepper!!!!  A little Turkey Sausage and Ezekial 4:9 Raisin toast!!! Some Berries on the Side!
Yum!

Lunch! YUM!!

Lunch!!!

Lunch today is SO yummy!!

Spinach, ham, goat cheese, apple, grape, blackberry, celery, raddish, baby bellas, ground flax, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and cinnamon!!!

Just some things I through together....YUM! Try it!!

The 100 Day Quest!!

Wednesday March 23, 2011

I AM SO inspired!!
I realize I haven't been the best at keeping up with blogging, but after reading some....I see why... I can't compete with others' , but know what? THAT doesn't matter, cause, this is really for ME! Yes, I will share as making it public keeps me accountable and what not...but in the end, it is for ME to be ME! AND YOUR words of encouragement are priceless.... AND who knows, maybe YOU will join me!!

So what are my goals for the #100daychipquest ?
in NO particular order...

1. I WILL eat Clean! Allowing for 1 CHEAT meal per week! I am human after all... (Camp Weekends don't count either, though I WILL make the cleanest choices possible!)
2. I WILL MOVE at least 45 minutes a day...some days MORE!
3. I WILL spend a MAX of 2 hours a day in front of a TV or Computer...
4. I WILL drink more WATER!!! at least 88 ounces per day!
5. I WILL blog at least once per week...

I believe that is pretty good for now... it will be a challenge to continue for 100 days, but it is ATTAINABLE! I may add more, if I desire, as it is MY #100daychipquest !

Weight in August of 2004 = 268#
Weight TODAY = 224# :0)

Measurements in INCHES:

Neck 16 1/4
Chest 41 1/2
RT Arm 16 1/4
RT forearm 12
LT Arm 16
LT forearm 11 1/2
Tummy 50
Hips 47 1/4
Waist 49
RT Thigh 23 1/2
RT calf 18
LT Thigh 23 3/4
LT calf 18 1/2

oh...did I mention I'm DIABETIC?

well...DUH!!!  oh, my gracious! SO HARD to eat and workout and adjust medication....i'm just too frustrated!!! Mornings I'm high....by 4pm I'm low....just don't know what to do...my endo is not much help either.... oh bother!

I've decided to "weigh in" on Tuesdays as that is BL day.... so today I'm 228...looks like i'm going up instead of down...whatever...

Breakfast:  2 eggs (free range omega 3) with 3 pieces of ezekiel 4:9 raisin bread (YUM)

Lunch: Salad:  Spinach, strawberries, chicken, celery, guac, tomato, carrot, lime juice!  CHOBANI yogurt!!

Snack after workout:  NUTS!! almond, macadamia, cashew blend

Dinner:  LIONS TAP  we will see what i order...

Workout:  30mins eliptical ... some weights...
PEACE!

The Start of a Journey!

Holy Moly!
Such a Roller Coaster....I have SO many feelings ... I don't know what to do with them....

ANYWAY, I am avoiding.... so I weigh 225# ... I would like to lose 100# .... About 6 years ago i was 270# so in many ways, the journey began back then, as I have kept those 45# off...but have struggled to lose anymore and keep it off... we even went vegan for a year... didn't really help much other than my cholesterol went down to normal.... so, last week my sis in law and i went to a biggest loser casting call... it was a trip! SO much fun! we didn't get a call back, sad, but true... but you know what... I STILL WANT IT!! so.... I have read about every fricken diet and health book around... I know exactly what to do... it is just SO hard when you do it alone... i would LOVE for my entire family to help, but that will never happen... we are ALL unhealthy... mostly sedentary ... idk... when i think about our traditions... they all revolve around FOOD!!!! and i know one meal won't hurt... but i eat SO much of it!!! I feel like i'm rambling... i probably am...

On this blog i will keep track of what i eat and when.... and if i exercise... along with other misc tidbits of whatever i want!!

Today was daylight savings....we slept too long, but i made a bomb of a breakfast!

Caramel pullapart rolls
scrambled egg whites with cheddar, leeks, dill, thyme, cayenne, salt and pepper
sausage
orange slices and strawberries

I made a yummy lunch too!

veggie lentil soup
apple
cheddar chunk
carrot sticks
greek yogurt

snack: banana

Tonights dinner was:

White Chicken Chili...YUM O!!!

our weekends are little more ... not so healthy....

fun!

oh my gracious....i cant believe i'm doing this...but as they say...the only way to change is to get out of your comfort zone and take risks...so here i go...