Feelin’ Good

It’s another Monday and I really wanted to skip my workout and enjoy a leisurely start to the week. However, I didn’t do that despite how much I wanted to. My back is killing me but I ignored it and pushed through. I’m so glad I did because I feel fantastic!

I’ve made a decision to workout twice a day; once before work and once after work. Working out before work will help get the blood flowing so I can be more energetic and working out afterwards might help me get rid of all the stress from the day. It might also invigorate me for my homework in the evenings.

I’ve completed many of the things on my extensive to-do list already so I’m feeling very optimistic about the day. Okay, enough writing – it’s time to get busy.

Have a great day!

Busy Day

Today began with Randy and I going to the grocery store but it didn’t quite turn out that way. We did get to the store but made a pit stop along the way that tied us up for about an hour to an hour and a half. We stopped by Verizon and upgraded our phones. I love upgrading but I despise the time it takes to do so and they always want to sell you more than you need or want. Why can’t they just let you purchase what you want and leave it at that?

Anyway, we got everything we needed from the store including all the healthy foods I need to become healthier. The grocery store wasn’t busy so we were in and out in no time. By the time we got home, my new keyboard had arrived. I was super excited until I tried to install it. The thing is too small. So much for ordering by part number, huh? I checked on returning it and I would have to pay for postage, pay a 10% restocking fee, and get store credit. By the time I pay for postage and the restocking fee, there’s not much left by way of store credit. Looks like I’m going to have to go to a Toshiba dealer and spend three times the amount to get what I need.

Once I got the laptop back together, I had to get to work. Things weren’t busy because no one was getting back to me so I had a pretty easy day at the office. We had to go back to the Verizon store after dinner because there was an issue with my phone so there went another $10 in gas. The phone is fixed but, after the ride to and from, I didn’t feel like doing homework when we got back, so I decided to blog instead. Randy and the boys are going out in the morning so I’ll be able to get my homework and studying done while they’re gone. I love a quiet house; I always get more accomplished.

Tomorrow also marks day 1 of 2011′s healthier lifestyle. I’ll be working out with the Wii and the fitness videos On-Demand. I also have workout videos available on my phone and I downloaded and installed the Droid MyFitnessPal app today. The LiveStrong app is only available on the BlackBerry, iPhone, and iPad so that wasn’t available to me now.

Okay, that’s enough from me tonight. It’s time to get some much needed rest. Have a great night!

The New Year

So far, 2011 has been a good year. I know we’re only 6 days in but I’m optimistic that things are going to be different this year. I haven’t worked out in I don’t know how long but that’s definitely changing. Randy and I were talking last night about Jillian Michaels‘ website and I went online and checked it out. It’s $4 per week to join and get a customized plan. I’m really thinking about joining as long as I can find a way to add it into our budget.

The Biggest Loser is back and this season is going to be an emotional one. That’s not to say that the other seasons haven’t been emotional. I did get a little frustrated during the premiere because of some of the things that were being said. Eating healthy isn’t cheap, which is a contributing factor as to why so many poorer people are overweight and/or obese. Think about it….how many packaged meals can you buy for the same price as fruit?

Personally, instead of the government creating a “fat” tax, I think they should work to help lower the costs of healthy foods without seriously damaging the farmers’ profits. I try to purchase fruits and vegetables whenever possible but sometimes they’re just not in the budget. What other option do I have? I visit the Farmer’s Market often in-season and absolutely love the freshness of their produce. I also visit roadside produce stands when the Farmer’s Market isn’t open.

I have decided to start having a salad every night with dinner. I bought a really nice salad set and I really want to use it. That’s not the only reason I’ve decided to have salad with dinner though.

Okay, it’s time to get down to business. Today is January 6 and I know that I have to lose at least 100 pounds. So, here’s the math: 100/52 = 1.92. My goal is to lose at least 2 pounds per week. But, I’m not going to get bummed out if I don’t make that goal. I know that there are going to be weeks when I exceed my goal and there are going to be others when I don’t even come close. Theoretically, I could be very close to my goal weight by this time next year.

No time like the present. It’s time to get started. Here’s to a successful, lighter 2011!

 

New Venture

Dreary Day

I’m having a hard time getting motivated today. We’re under a tornado watch for another 2 hours so it’s nasty outside. I really want to curl up with my consulting book and coffee instead of working out.

I’m working on many changes in my life and, so far, things are going very well. The only trouble I have is staying motivated in my personal transformation. I’ve tried envisioning myself at my goal weight, constantly reminding myself of how I feel as an obese woman, and imagining how much better I’ll feel when I reach my goal weight. Nothing seems to stick with me long.

Then I go to this ridiculing place where I tell myself I’m just lazy. I’m so self-sabotaging and I hate it! I feel selfish if I take time away from the family to workout, even though I know they’re going to benefit almost as much as I.

I’ve always been a big girl, except one time in my life. That time, however, wasn’t the best in my life so I don’t look back on it with fondness. I wonder if that has something to do with my weight issues. Maybe my subconscious is correlating being thin with bad memories. If that’s the case, it’s time to get thin and make some good memories!

The rain seems to have stopped and I’m going to get started with my workout. Make it a great day!

My Christmas Wish

Christmas is coming faster and faster each year and I can’t seem to ever get a good handle on things. I, like most people, usually wait until New Year’s Eve to make a resolution that I never achieve. Not this year; things are already different.

In my first post, my goal was to weigh 245 by Christmas. Well, I’ve almost hit that goal and it’s no even December. After much thought, and a little math, my new goal is to weigh around 230 by Christmas. I’m not dead-set on reaching this goal because I know it’s a stretch. If I reach it, I reach it. If not, I’m not going to let it derail my progress. I know it might be difficult trying to achieve this goal, but I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and then some.

The only thing that worries me is that Christmas is a very busy time of year. I’m worried about getting busy and skipping meals, especially breakfast. Worrying worries me because, as everyone who watches the Biggest Loser knows, stress can cause weight gain. All the pressure….ugh!

Okay, well, I’m not going to worry about it right now. I’ll be sure to weigh in Christmas morning to see if my Christmas wish was granted. Keep your fingers crossed!

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Homemade macaroni and cheese is a staple in my family during the holidays. After making it for Thanksgiving, I decided to find out just how many calories are in a serving (1 cup). Imagine my surprise when I learned there are 357 calories in 1 serving! Cooking Light has a ton of great low calorie recipes and I was lucky enough to find macaroni and cheese. Check out the video.

Here’s the recipe:

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

4 cups uncooked medium elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/4 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts, stirring occasionally. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl; toss well.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
252 (29% from fat)

Fat:
8.2g (sat 5.1g,mono 0.1g,poly 0.3g)

Protein:
14.5g

Carbohydrate:
30.9g

Fiber:
1.1g

Cholesterol:
27mg

Iron:
1.4mg

Sodium:
536mg

Calcium:
312mg

Lorrie Hulston Corvin, Cooking Light, JUNE 2006