I love to read All You magazine! Tons of coupons and easy, cheap recipes. I recently discover the website and WOW!!! If you think the magazine has a lot to offer, this website has all that and more.
Playing around on the website, I discovered the All You Reality Check Diet. Currently, the Diet is in Week 3 of 12, but you can check out the previous weeks with the links below. I really liked the Real Food Shopping Tips in Week 2 : Detox Your Pantry. Lots of good information there!!
I also like how All You posts next week's information on he Friday before. That way, I can gather all my information on Friday (or the weekend) and be ready as soon as I get up Monday. Thinking ahead is a good thing when losing weight and getting healthy!
Along with the topic of the week, there is a homework assignment, recipes, etc. I can't say it enough, lots of information!!!
Check it out and tell me what you think.
Week 1: Eat Real Food
Week 2: Detox Your Pantry
Week 3:
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Slim Down Saturday - 5 Step to Get Started
No, we are not getting started on Slim Down Saturday. I already did that here, Silly! Today I am discussing how to get started on losing that weight you want to be rid of. Whether it's 10, 30, or 100 lbs. The first step is getting started!
For me, getting started seems to be the hardest step. After I lose a few pounds it's easier to say no to those Cheetos and Dr. Peppers. The following are a few steps that I have used to help me finally be successful.
Step 1: Start small - For the first week of my diet, I make one change. Add in a few minutes of exercise, drink more water, don't eat that dessert that you really want. Small changes add up to big weigh loss over time.
Step 2: Find a friend - Study after study shows that people have more success with weight loss if they have a friend along the way. This week, two other ladies and I decided to get together once a week for own little Weight Watcher-esque meetings. We are going to hold each other accountable, share recipes, share success stories, exercise, and do whatever else we can to help each other get healthy.
Step 3: Set goals (Mini or Big) - Goals don't just have to be getting to that perfect weight, either. Set exercising goals, food goals (eat more veggies), or mental goals. I have weekly goals (exercise 3 days this week, drink more water, etc) and overall goals (run a marathon, total weight loss, etc).
Step 4: Reward yourself - Don't forget to celebrate those accomplishments. For every 5 lbs I lose, I reward myself with something small. The last time I was dieting, I sat down with my husband and set up some bigger rewards because spending money was involved. At 50 lbs, I get an hour massage! (Note to self: Remind hubby of these rewards).
Step 5: Have a Diet Free Day - I have to have this to be successful. I give myself either Saturday or Sunday as a Diet Free Day - depending on our schedule. Plus, I only use my DFD if I have lost weight that week. It makes it so much easier to say no to those Cheetos on Thursday. I tell myself, "Wait to Sunday. Then go crazy!!"
Now, it's your turn. What tips do you have to add. Let's help each other out!!!
For me, getting started seems to be the hardest step. After I lose a few pounds it's easier to say no to those Cheetos and Dr. Peppers. The following are a few steps that I have used to help me finally be successful.
Step 1: Start small - For the first week of my diet, I make one change. Add in a few minutes of exercise, drink more water, don't eat that dessert that you really want. Small changes add up to big weigh loss over time.
Step 2: Find a friend - Study after study shows that people have more success with weight loss if they have a friend along the way. This week, two other ladies and I decided to get together once a week for own little Weight Watcher-esque meetings. We are going to hold each other accountable, share recipes, share success stories, exercise, and do whatever else we can to help each other get healthy.
Step 3: Set goals (Mini or Big) - Goals don't just have to be getting to that perfect weight, either. Set exercising goals, food goals (eat more veggies), or mental goals. I have weekly goals (exercise 3 days this week, drink more water, etc) and overall goals (run a marathon, total weight loss, etc).
Step 4: Reward yourself - Don't forget to celebrate those accomplishments. For every 5 lbs I lose, I reward myself with something small. The last time I was dieting, I sat down with my husband and set up some bigger rewards because spending money was involved. At 50 lbs, I get an hour massage! (Note to self: Remind hubby of these rewards).
Step 5: Have a Diet Free Day - I have to have this to be successful. I give myself either Saturday or Sunday as a Diet Free Day - depending on our schedule. Plus, I only use my DFD if I have lost weight that week. It makes it so much easier to say no to those Cheetos on Thursday. I tell myself, "Wait to Sunday. Then go crazy!!"
Now, it's your turn. What tips do you have to add. Let's help each other out!!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Slim Down Saturday - Favorite WW Recipes
I thought I would share some of my favorite Weight Watchers recipes. When I am dieting, I love to make soups. So easy and lots of leftovers!
1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
2 chopped medium onions
(1) 15 oz can of pinto beans
(1) 15 oz can of black beans
(1) 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
(1) 11 oz can of Mexicorn
(1) 4.5 oz can of jalapenos
1 pkg of dry Old El Paso taco seasoning
1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
1 1/2 cups of water
Directions: Brown meat and onions together. Drain. Combine the remaining ingredients with the meat and onions and simmer for 20 minutes.
Note: I leave out the Mexicorn and jalapenos and it is still great! Play around with the recipe. It's easy to do.
6 cups broth
Cooking spray
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
4 teaspoons garlic (from a jar or substitute four cloves minced garlic)
1/2 cabbage, chopped (or use a bag of slaw, the biggest chunks you can find vs the fine, don't skip the cabbage for it somehow makes the soup)
1/2 pound frozen green beans
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large zucchini, diced
Bring the broth to a boil in the microwave. (This is a time-saving tip that can be skipped if there's no hurry.)
Spray a Dutch oven or large pot with cooking spray and heat on MEDIUM HIGH. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the zucchini and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to MEDIUM and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add the zucchini and cook until the zucchini are tender. Serve and enjoy!
I hope you enjoy these recipes.
Note: I copied the Garden Veggie Soup recipe here from A Veggie Venture because I couldn't find my copy.
Taco Soup 1 cup = 1 point
1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
2 chopped medium onions
(1) 15 oz can of pinto beans
(1) 15 oz can of black beans
(1) 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
(1) 11 oz can of Mexicorn
(1) 4.5 oz can of jalapenos
1 pkg of dry Old El Paso taco seasoning
1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
1 1/2 cups of water
Directions: Brown meat and onions together. Drain. Combine the remaining ingredients with the meat and onions and simmer for 20 minutes.
Note: I leave out the Mexicorn and jalapenos and it is still great! Play around with the recipe. It's easy to do.
Garden Vegetable Soup - 0 points
This one has more ingredients, but is 0 points, so it's a trade off. Of course, you can modify and not have so many ingredients. Also, I use frozen veggies and it cuts down on the prep time.6 cups broth
Cooking spray
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
4 teaspoons garlic (from a jar or substitute four cloves minced garlic)
1/2 cabbage, chopped (or use a bag of slaw, the biggest chunks you can find vs the fine, don't skip the cabbage for it somehow makes the soup)
1/2 pound frozen green beans
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large zucchini, diced
Bring the broth to a boil in the microwave. (This is a time-saving tip that can be skipped if there's no hurry.)
Spray a Dutch oven or large pot with cooking spray and heat on MEDIUM HIGH. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Add all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the zucchini and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to MEDIUM and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add the zucchini and cook until the zucchini are tender. Serve and enjoy!
I hope you enjoy these recipes.
Note: I copied the Garden Veggie Soup recipe here from A Veggie Venture because I couldn't find my copy.
Friday, May 14, 2010
My Moment
Everyone has that moment when weight loss gets serious. A turning point if you will.
I had mine tonight and it was not fun.
Years ago, I used to coach cheerleading with a lady who is part of the S crowd.* She never puts on weight.
NEVER.
The last time I saw her was about 4 or 5 years ago. When I ran into her tonight, she didn't even recognize me. Only until after I spoke to her and she recognized my voice, did she know who I was.
Yes, I've put on that much weight.
Nothing has made me feel as bad as the look on her face did. It sucked. Sucked, big time.
So, tomorrow, I add exercising to my routine. It's time to kick it up a notch!!
*BTW, S crowd = Skinny crowd.
I had mine tonight and it was not fun.
Years ago, I used to coach cheerleading with a lady who is part of the S crowd.* She never puts on weight.
NEVER.
The last time I saw her was about 4 or 5 years ago. When I ran into her tonight, she didn't even recognize me. Only until after I spoke to her and she recognized my voice, did she know who I was.
Yes, I've put on that much weight.
Nothing has made me feel as bad as the look on her face did. It sucked. Sucked, big time.
So, tomorrow, I add exercising to my routine. It's time to kick it up a notch!!
*BTW, S crowd = Skinny crowd.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Slim Down Saturday - Free Online Weightloss Tools
Hello, fellow weight losers. Today I am highlighting a few on line weight loss tools that I have found. I hope you can find them useful in your journey to a healthier life.
FitDay - a popular free weight loss and diet journal.
Nutridiary - free online diet diary that charts your goals, weight loss and exercise for easy to see results.
ExRx - Exercise and Muscle dictionary with animated exercises for each muscle group. (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one!!)
Caloriesperhour and freedieting - tons and tons of weight loss calculators (BMI, body fat, etc).
Nutridiary - free online diet diary that charts your goals, weight loss and exercise for easy to see results.
ExRx - Exercise and Muscle dictionary with animated exercises for each muscle group. (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one!!)
Caloriesperhour and freedieting - tons and tons of weight loss calculators (BMI, body fat, etc).
Thursday, May 6, 2010
No Mama.
Those are the horrible words that I heard tonight. I did not like it.
Although our family isn't big "plan makers" and are more "fly by the seat of our pants," we do have a nighttime schedule. Since I don't work and am not a morning person, we have the luxury of being able to sleep in if we want --The Boy and I woke up at 11:30 today. Don't hate me.
I start getting The Boy ready for bed around 9:30. Each night that The Husband is home, he and The Boy go to bed and I --being a nightowl--leave them alone. They fall asleep and I go to bed much later.
Well, tonight The Husband was tired after working around the house all day. Added to that, The Boy had a late-marathon-4-hour nap. So, The Husband was ready for bed way before The Boy was. So he goes on to bed. The Boy and I stay up, watching TV, playing on the computer, and whatever else late night activities came to mind. At midnight, I noticed The Boy rubbing his eyes. He's one that likes to know what is going on, so when I noticed, I told him that we would be going to bed as soon as the show we were watching was over. He wasn't too happy, but said, "Ok, Mama."
Show went off; we head to brush teeth, take medicine, etc. We climb into bed -- yes, we co-sleep--and The Boy snuggles up to me. Now, remember, he usually goes to bed with The Husband.
After we said our prayers, The Boy was all over the place, throwing his arms around, singing, and playing. He would not settle down. I knew he was tired, but this was not his regular routine and he wasn't cooperating!!
After about 10 minutes, The Husband rolls over (I'm sure we woke him) and The Boy realizes Daddy is there! Out of the dark, I hear this little voice say, "Want Daddy." As soon as I said, "Daddy's right over there," my boy was out of my arms and in his daddy's. Not one movement, not one sound. Instant calm settled over our bed. I was amazed!
After laying there thanking God for all my wonderful blessings, I laid my hand on The Boy's head. The same little voice from before said, "No, Mama" and then yawned.
Well, I knew my place. I got out of bed and am now here, on the couch, telling my tale.
Sometimes a little boy needs Daddy's touch and not Mommy's.
:) Yay for daddy.
:( Boo for mommy.
Although our family isn't big "plan makers" and are more "fly by the seat of our pants," we do have a nighttime schedule. Since I don't work and am not a morning person, we have the luxury of being able to sleep in if we want --The Boy and I woke up at 11:30 today. Don't hate me.
I start getting The Boy ready for bed around 9:30. Each night that The Husband is home, he and The Boy go to bed and I --being a nightowl--leave them alone. They fall asleep and I go to bed much later.
Well, tonight The Husband was tired after working around the house all day. Added to that, The Boy had a late-marathon-4-hour nap. So, The Husband was ready for bed way before The Boy was. So he goes on to bed. The Boy and I stay up, watching TV, playing on the computer, and whatever else late night activities came to mind. At midnight, I noticed The Boy rubbing his eyes. He's one that likes to know what is going on, so when I noticed, I told him that we would be going to bed as soon as the show we were watching was over. He wasn't too happy, but said, "Ok, Mama."
Show went off; we head to brush teeth, take medicine, etc. We climb into bed -- yes, we co-sleep--and The Boy snuggles up to me. Now, remember, he usually goes to bed with The Husband.
After we said our prayers, The Boy was all over the place, throwing his arms around, singing, and playing. He would not settle down. I knew he was tired, but this was not his regular routine and he wasn't cooperating!!
After about 10 minutes, The Husband rolls over (I'm sure we woke him) and The Boy realizes Daddy is there! Out of the dark, I hear this little voice say, "Want Daddy." As soon as I said, "Daddy's right over there," my boy was out of my arms and in his daddy's. Not one movement, not one sound. Instant calm settled over our bed. I was amazed!
After laying there thanking God for all my wonderful blessings, I laid my hand on The Boy's head. The same little voice from before said, "No, Mama" and then yawned.
Well, I knew my place. I got out of bed and am now here, on the couch, telling my tale.
Sometimes a little boy needs Daddy's touch and not Mommy's.
:) Yay for daddy.
:( Boo for mommy.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Successful Saturday!!
I am happy to come to you this Saturday and announce....
(insert drumroll here)
(insert drumroll here)
I LOST WEIGHT THIS WEEK!!
It's amazing how much better I feel! I know it's only 2 lbs, but I have to start somewhere, right? I have been watching my snacks this week - as in eating less of them- and trying to limit my Dr. Pepper intake. As we all know, Dr. Pepper is one of my weaknesses.
And now I no longer have to admit that I am only 10 lbs from 200. That feels pretty good to.
Now it's your turn, share your successes with me! I want to celebrate with you!!
And now I no longer have to admit that I am only 10 lbs from 200. That feels pretty good to.
Now it's your turn, share your successes with me! I want to celebrate with you!!
Welcome to Slim Down Saturday!
I am so excited about today's post!! Earlier this week I mentioned that I had partnered with Frugal Little Thing and would be guest posting on her blog weekly. Today is the day!!
First I would like to introduce myself. I am a stay at home mom of a sweet little monster (The Boy) who keeps me active. The Boy is two and quite adorable, if I do say so myself. I am married to a firefighter (you're jealous, I know) and am an active member of my church. Active = Sunday School teacher, Bible School director, working with the youth, and designing/maintaining the church website. Shew! I'm tired just typing all that out!!
Now on to the depressing part.
When I got pregnant with The Boy, I was about 20 lbs overweight. During my pregnancy, I gained 35 - 45 lbs....can't remember which.
Anywho...
I lost 20 lbs after giving birth really quickly! Breastfeeding, anyone? Well, my body must have loved being a chunky monkey because when I had to quit breastfeeding, it welcomed all that weight (plus more) back with open arms!!
As of today, I weigh more than I did when I gave birth. I'm only 10 lbs from 200. I really hate admitting that, but there it is. 190 lbs on a person who is only 5'4" makes for a fat mommy.
Many months ago, I started a blog about weight loss thinking it would keep me on track. If I had to admit what I weighed and journal about my exercise and diet, I would do better, right? I thought so. Problem is I didn't know if anyone was reading the blog so really I had no one holding me accountable. I would post something every once in awhile, but not regularly. Sure, I had one or two a few friends who would comment, but I still wasn't a faithful post-er.
Which leads us to today. Frugal Little Thing approached me about posting a weekly health and fitness post and I agreed!
Each Saturday, you can check in and I will have something posted about health and fitness. It might be a website/blog recommendation, a success (or failure), a favorite recipe, or an exercise routine that I have tried. I will also be taking questions and suggestions for post ideas.
I will also be posting things throughout the week, but they will be more of a random topic. You will find that I am a random person. So check in through the week, too. Oh! I almost forgot. I am in the process of "moving" to this blog address. If you want to read all the post from the beginning (you know you do!!), check out the original LoserGirl Blog.
If you want to contact me you can email me at llosergirll at gmail dot com. I will do my best to reply and say hello.
So, what do you think? Are you as excited about Slim Down Saturday as I am? Leave a comment introducing yourself. I can't wait to hear from you!!
First I would like to introduce myself. I am a stay at home mom of a sweet little monster (The Boy) who keeps me active. The Boy is two and quite adorable, if I do say so myself. I am married to a firefighter (you're jealous, I know) and am an active member of my church. Active = Sunday School teacher, Bible School director, working with the youth, and designing/maintaining the church website. Shew! I'm tired just typing all that out!!
Now on to the depressing part.
When I got pregnant with The Boy, I was about 20 lbs overweight. During my pregnancy, I gained 35 - 45 lbs....can't remember which.
Anywho...
I lost 20 lbs after giving birth really quickly! Breastfeeding, anyone? Well, my body must have loved being a chunky monkey because when I had to quit breastfeeding, it welcomed all that weight (plus more) back with open arms!!
As of today, I weigh more than I did when I gave birth. I'm only 10 lbs from 200. I really hate admitting that, but there it is. 190 lbs on a person who is only 5'4" makes for a fat mommy.
Many months ago, I started a blog about weight loss thinking it would keep me on track. If I had to admit what I weighed and journal about my exercise and diet, I would do better, right? I thought so. Problem is I didn't know if anyone was reading the blog so really I had no one holding me accountable. I would post something every once in awhile, but not regularly. Sure, I had one or two a few friends who would comment, but I still wasn't a faithful post-er.
Which leads us to today. Frugal Little Thing approached me about posting a weekly health and fitness post and I agreed!
Each Saturday, you can check in and I will have something posted about health and fitness. It might be a website/blog recommendation, a success (or failure), a favorite recipe, or an exercise routine that I have tried. I will also be taking questions and suggestions for post ideas.
I will also be posting things throughout the week, but they will be more of a random topic. You will find that I am a random person. So check in through the week, too. Oh! I almost forgot. I am in the process of "moving" to this blog address. If you want to read all the post from the beginning (you know you do!!), check out the original LoserGirl Blog.
If you want to contact me you can email me at llosergirll at gmail dot com. I will do my best to reply and say hello.
So, what do you think? Are you as excited about Slim Down Saturday as I am? Leave a comment introducing yourself. I can't wait to hear from you!!
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