Angie's Weight-Loss Progress

Tip The Scale Tuesday Update....

2009-11-24T05:28:00.003-05:00

Just want to remind all of you that Tip The Scale Tuesday has moved to my other blog, "The Underachiever". Stay up to date with my weight loss journey over there and share your journey by clicking on Mcklinky over there as well.

Tip The Scale Tuesday Has Moved!

2009-11-19T05:38:00.004-05:00

Tip The Scale Tuesday has been moved. I've been overwhelmed with all the blogs I have and trying to downsize some of them. I'm moving the Tip The Scales Tuesday meme to my "The Underachiever" blog. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Hope to see you next week for our weekly weigh ins!

Be sure to update your Tip The Scale Tuesday Button:

Tip The Scale Tuesday - October 27, 2009

2009-10-27T06:51:00.002-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr. Linky.

Weekly Weigh In - October 27, 2009

2009-10-27T06:48:00.003-04:00

First I wanted to share my meal that my mom made me for encouragement. We're suppose to only make each other our meals when we lose weight, but since I gain only a little last week, we decided to have a "Get Out Of Jail For Free" card. My dad did the delivery, he first delivered my mom's meal she made for me to me, then picked up the meal I made for my mom to bring back to her. It was fun! Here is what my mom made me:

We give each other 12 points of food
(though my mom went over just 1 point, but no big deal)
this is what I had...

4oz. Steak w/peppers, onions & mushrooms = 6pts
2/3 Cup Stove Top = 2pts
Salad w/French Dressing = 2pts
Berry Cookie Crunch = 3pts

I weighed in at 200.8 which is a 1 pound lost this week, yay!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - October 20, 2009

2009-10-20T06:19:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - October 20, 2009

2009-10-20T06:12:00.004-04:00

Today's weigh in, I knew it wasn't going to be perfect, but I'm not to mad at myself because I ate out 3 times last week. When I eat out, I seem to always notice some weight gain. I've really got to stop eating out, it's really not healthy for me.

So this week I gained 0.4 pounds, not bad considering, but still can be better. My mom is doing better then me this week, and she said she'll still make me dinner one night even if I have gain. Thank You Mom!!

My weigh in this week is 201.8!

Motivation From My Buddy

2009-10-15T19:35:00.003-04:00

I have to say, motivation is very important when trying to lose weight, of course, it's very easy to lose motivation when there's nothing to really motivate you. Have I confused you yet? Well, my mom and I are doing the buddy system along with the Weight Watcher Flex Points with our new way of life. My mom came up with the idea that as long as we both lose weight, as a reward, we will make each other a super meal that is no more than 12 points and it will be a surprise. Tonight was the night we did this, since we both lost weight this week. I made my mom some Macaroni & Cheese, A Slice of Ham Steak & A Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. She said it was all very delicious for 12 points, and filling! Well she did better for me, she cooked a Cornish Hen, Green Salad, Sliced Grapefruit & A Small Baked Potato. It was all so yummy and I was stuffed! She also bought me a house plant for my table. I didn't take pictures because I wasn't thinking, but, next week I will! We're going to do it a little different thoug, I'm going to make my mom her meal, she's going to make me my meal (if we both lose weight that is), on Saturday (10/24), and my dad will bring the food to my door of what she makes and I will be giving him my food I make to give to her so it'll be 100% surprise! I need to come up with something a little more creative like what she did for me this week with the flowers...hmmm, any idea's I'll take them:)

So what do you think about this! I'm already jotting down some ideas of what to make for my mom next week!!!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - October 13, 2009

2009-10-13T07:10:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - October 13, 2009

2009-10-13T06:54:00.003-04:00

This weeks weigh in, I'm happy to report is a lost!!! My mom and I started doing weight watchers again, and we are doing a buddy system. Which has worked great all week. We've also been walking which I believe has helped both of us too. So my weigh in this morning was 201.4 which is a lost of 2.4 pounds! I think I finally found something that works for me, weight watchers and a buddy!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - October 6, 2009

2009-10-06T07:07:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - October 6, 2009

2009-10-06T06:47:00.002-04:00

I'm going to start off by saying, Yay, it's a new week!!! Also, I have good news to report...

First, my mother and I have decided to do a buddy system. I really need another physical person to push me, praise me and help me when I fall down. I have GREAT supportive team here online, but sometimes, I just need that one person that see's me daily, who can get me to stay on track. Plus, I can help her too. We're going to be doing the weight watchers flex points and I've been looking up at a lot of great recipes at Hungry Girl. I told my mom, we CAN make this fun...so lets hope we can.

Second, I had a good weigh in...which was 203.8, which is a minus of 0.8 from last week.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-04T21:38:00.003-04:00

Monday: Mac & Cheese

Tuesday: Queen of The Castle Sliders

Wednesday: Toasty Turkey Club

Thursday: BBQ Chicken

Friday: Sloppy Janes

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Pot Roast with Vegetables

Aloha Friday - October 2, 2009

2009-10-02T07:23:00.002-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.

If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link at An Island Life. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My question is:

Do you have someone you
idolize or just proud of that has lost a lot of weight?

I had a co-worker that was overweight, and didn't really have much of
self esteem, but one day she changed that. She joined weight watchers, and now,
she looks great. I think she lost over 60 pounds and it's amazing how much 60 pounds
is. I hope to be able to follow her foot steps someday.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T07:08:00.003-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - September 29, 2009

2009-09-29T06:58:00.004-04:00

When I got up this morning I was excited to get on the scales, but the scales were not to excited to see me. Last week I decided to make a change, and that was not to drink any soda, which I did! I'm so proud of myself that I did not drink any soda, so I really felt I should have had a lost, but nope, I actually have a gain. Of course TOM came to visit yesterday evening, so that could have some reason why I gain, but, I was hoping for a big lost, so even when TOM came to visit, it would still show a lost. I just wanted to sit down and cry, I'm so disappointed. So this weeks goal, I'm pushing my water...If I get thirsty and/or hungry during time that is not time to eat, I will drink water. I got my finger's crossed that next week I WILL have a lost!

This weeks weigh in: 204.6 (gained 0.2 pounds from last week)

Aloha Friday - September 25, 2009

2009-09-25T06:45:00.002-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

My question is:

If you diet and/or exercise,
How Do You Stay Motivated?

My biggest motivator, is having a buddy to diet and/or exercise with.
Knowing I'm not alone really gives me the push I need.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T06:07:00.002-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T05:59:00.002-04:00

I'm so bummed this week. I had a gain, and this really depresses me. I've been so stressed, I know I shouldn't blame all my weight with stress, though I had more stress this past week than I have in a long time, and yet I gain almost 2 pounds. Though, I have been drinking my soda again. Lately, I've been looking at the mirror, and really hate the way I look, and very disappointing with myself. So my goal this week is, to hopefully not be as stressed and NO SODA!!

This weeks weigh in: 204.4

Tip The Scale Tuesday - September 15, 2009

2009-09-15T06:24:00.002-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - September 15. 2009

2009-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so bummed out. I thought I've been eating well, of course, I stopped journaling my food intake. I'm going to have to make a journal that I can easily access to. I was using the computer to journal, but I'm not always near the computer when I eat. I need to have something that I can carry with me every where I go. This is my goal this week.

Last week, I didn't write in my weight, it wasn't good news either, I weighed in at 202.8. Guess what, that's this weeks weigh in too!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T16:53:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Food & Exercise Log September 1 - September 7

2009-09-07T21:00:00.004-04:00

Tuesday

Breakfast: 4 Pieces of Bacon
Snack: 1 Reese Cup
Lunch: 1 Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Snack: Banana
Supper: 1 chicken leg & 1 chicken breast & cottage cheese
Snack: 2 Resees Cups
Water Intake: 1

Exercise: 20 Minute Walk (all up hill, then down hill, plus I was pulling my two little boys in a wagon, whew).

Wednesday:

Breakfast: None
Snack: None
Lunch: 1 Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich, Strawberries & Orange Juice
Snack: Strawberries
Dinner: Hamburger Helper & Bread & Butter
Snack: Funny Bones, I was craving chocolate, but after I ate it, I felt sick. Not a good choice.
Water Intake: None

Exercise: None

Thursday

Breakfast: Went to Friendly's and had 1/2 toasted ham/egg/tomato sandwich, couple bites of homefries, 1/2 sourdough toast with jelly & orange juice.
Snacks: None
Lunch:
Snack:
Dinner:
Snack:

Exercise:

Didn't journal anything after that....ugh

Aloha Friday - September 4, 2009

2009-09-04T06:02:00.001-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

My question is:

What is your favorite fruit?

I have recently discovered nectarines and I love them!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T06:37:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T06:26:00.005-04:00

Today is my official new start. So this week I lost 1.1 pound, wow, I'm starting off on a good start! This is definitely the motivation I need. I will report my food journal and exercise log next week.

Recap:

First Week Weigh In: 201.9
This Week Weigh In: 200.8
Total Weigh Lost: 1.1 Pounds

Only 0.9 pounds to go before I hit my first goal: 199

A New Start

2009-08-30T12:48:00.004-04:00

I've been debating whether I should start from a clean slate again or just continue looking at my weekly weigh in's and be discouraged. Every time I look at my sidebar there's no change in 21 weeks, very unmotivated. So, I did it. I erased the data on my sidebar and started fresh. I don't want to look at like a failure or someone who gives up. I had to do this because my brain was just not comprehending what I was seeing and just didn't give me the motivation or encouragement that I need. For some reason, by erasing those numbers I feel new and ready again. Lets just hope the next 21 weeks show more weight loss then the last 21 weeks!

I have a full body picture of myself displayed. I'm going to be creating a food journal, again & I'm also going to write down my first goals. This will be known as step one. I will record and share all of this on September 8th.

Create A Food Journal

Set Goals For Week 1:
1. Drink 1 Bottle of Water Per Day
2. Weigh 199 Pounds

My Reward:
Dye My Hair

My First 21 Weeks...Not To Good

2009-08-30T12:37:00.001-04:00

08/18/09-Week 21 202.0 (+1.0)
08/11/09-Week 20 201.0 (+0.1)
08/05/09-Week 19 200.9 (+1.1)
07/28/09-Week 18 199.8 (+0.9)
07/21/09-Week 17 198.9 (+0.8)
07/14/09-Week 16 198.0 (-1.8)
07/07/09-Week 15-199.8 (-0.8)
06/30/09-Week 14-200.6 (-0.2)
06/23/09-Week 13-200.8 (+0.4)
06/16/09-Week 12-200.4 (-1.8)
06/09/09-Week 11-202.2 (+1.0)
06/02/09-Week 10-201.2 (-1.2)
05/27/09-Week 09-202.4 (-1.0)
05/19/09-Week 08-203.4 (-0.4)
05/12/09-Week 07-203.8 (-0.8)
05/05/09-Week 06-204.6 (+0.8)
04/28/09-Week 05-203.8 (+1)
04/21/09-Week 04-202.8 (-0.2)
04/14/09-Week 03-203.0 (+0.6)
04/07/09-Week 02-202.4 (-1.0)
03/31/09-Week 01-203.4

Aloha Friday - August 28, 2009a

2009-08-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

My question is:

Do You Exercise On A Daily Basis?

I wish I could answer yes to this question, but unfortunately, I don't. I'm trying to do my Wii Sports Active at least every other day. Though if I did it more, I know I'd lose more weight.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - August 25, 2009

2009-08-25T10:06:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Aloha Friday - August 21, 2009

2009-08-21T07:25:00.002-04:00

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

My question is:

Are you a water drinker?

I am so bad a drinking my water. I'd be lucky if I drink a glass once a week.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - August 18, 2009

2009-08-18T11:51:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - August 18, 2009

2009-08-18T11:45:00.003-04:00

Shucks, I forgot to take a photo of my weigh in. I was in such a hurry to weigh in, then drink my coffee that I forgot to actually take the picture. But it wasn't that great of a weigh in anyway. I know a lot has to do with this past weekend to now. We've been having temps in the high 80's & 90's which, I have no energy to exercise when it's this hot. Then, because it's so hot, I don't want to cook, so we order take out. I hope this heat comes to an end soon, because I can feel myself bloating and I don't like it. So my weigh in this morning was 202.0. I gained 1 pound since last week. UGH! Will I ever get it right?

My Photo Updates

2009-08-13T09:52:00.004-04:00

Me @ 201 lbs.

I've decided to take my own advice. I published an article on eHow on how to stay motivated while losing weight, and now I'm going to do what I wrote. One of the suggestions I suggested was to take a full body picture of yourself, and ugh, I hate ~~full body~~ pictures of myself, and yet I'm posting it here where everyone in the world can see me. Wow, now this is motivation.

I also suggested to take a picture of yourself every now and then. I will post another picture of me ever 10 pounds I lose. This should be some motivation too.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - August 11, 2009

2009-08-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - August 11, 2009

2009-08-11T08:18:00.003-04:00

I knew this was going to happen this week. I really didn't want to go on the scales. I have to say though, it could have been worse. I just drank 2 soda's all week. Need to push the exercising though. I'm going to make some changes in my life so it'll change the rest of me. I've been doing some short exercises, signed up for Break Pal that motivates you to exercise while your at your desk (or just in front of the computer at home). It randomly announces "it's time to exercise!" and you do a 3-5 minute exercise from your desk. I'm also hosting a lifetime premium membership giveaway to Break Pal on my other blog, From Pigpen To Paradise.

Getting On The Right Track

2009-08-05T16:52:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry I didn't post the Tip The Scale Tuesday. I was excited about spending a whole day with my dear best friend Carrie (with no kids), that I forgot to post it. I also haven't been doing to good. I'm not watching what I'm eating, I'm not exercising and I feeling really crappy. Well I was, I've regroup myself and I realizing I'm need to start dedicating myself and more self discipline. So starting tomorrow, I've made it a rule that I can not get on the computer until I do my workout. Let's see if I can do it!!!

Works For Me Wednesday - Avoid Snacking

2009-08-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

When I'm board I tend to eat when I'm really not that hungry or I think I'm hungry. So to avoid snacking I go to the bathroom and brush my teeth. There's something about the taste of toothpaste in my mouth that discourages me from eating. This works for me!

Get more tips at www.wearethatfamily.com

Tip The Scale Tuesday - July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T04:01:00.000-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to MckLinky.

Weekly Weigh In - July 28, 2009

2009-07-28T04:00:00.001-04:00

I'm so sorry that I wasn't here last week. I wasn't able to get a picture of my weigh in, plus I had gained a little bit. This week TOM is visiting again, so I knew I wouldn't lose anything, I just was hoping to gain either, but I did! Last week I haven't been to serious on dieting, so I got what was coming to me;)

Anyway, this is a new week, right? So one of my biggest issues is drinking soda and not drinking any water. So this week, I will NOT be drinking any soda and I WILL be drinking more water. That's my goal. I'm sure it'll be noticable on the scales....(I Hope).

This week I gained +0.9 Pounds...ugh.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - July 21, 2009

2009-07-21T07:38:00.002-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to McLinky.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T06:13:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky.

Weekly Weigh In - July 14, 2009

2009-07-14T06:07:00.003-04:00

Very good week this week, I went down 1.8 pounds.
I did a lot of walking last week when we were on vacation, that probably helped!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - July 7, 2009

2009-07-07T07:18:00.004-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in.
To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky.

Weekly Weigh In - July 7, 2009

2009-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Finally! I'm under 200!!! I can't believe that this moment has finally come!
I went down another 0.8 pounds this week!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T06:57:00.002-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in. To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky. Also by adding your name and blog to Mr Linky your name will be going in a giveaway. The giveaway is for The Core Balance Diet Book. You can get 2 name entries per week by:

1. Leaving a comment each week on the Tip The Scale weekly weigh in post.
2. Link your weekly weigh in through the weekly Mr Linky post. (If it's working).

You can only do this once a week, but this giveaway will be going for 13 weeks, which if you do this every week, your name will be entered no more than 26 times, if you do both of the above stated. Our last weigh in will be June 30, 2009. I then will draw a name by using random.org.

**Blog links that do not show or tell about your weigh in will be removed from Mr. Linky and from the giveaway.**

***US Residents Only - Excludes Alaska & Hawaii***

Good Luck!

This is the last day for the giveaway!!!

Weekly Weigh In - June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T06:53:00.003-04:00

I didn't do much this week for exercise, and I didn't watch what I ate either. Was a very lazy week, but I am happy to see the scale on my side! I went down .2 pounds this week. Not a lot, but I think pretty good for not watching what I ate!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T05:00:00.002-04:00

Weekly Weigh In - June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

Started my EA Sports Active again on Sunday. I'm not doing the 30 Day Challenge, just because if I need to take a break due to my shoulder/arm problem.

Sunday
162.2 Calories Burned
25:32 Workout Time
15/15 Exercises Completed

Monday
No Workout

This weeks weigh in I kind of know I would gain. TOM's visiting and I always gain. So next week *fingers crossed* there should be a loss!

This week I gained 0.4 pounds.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T06:13:00.001-04:00

Weekly Weigh In - June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T06:03:00.004-04:00

Good news this week! The number went down. I feel so good! I had some struggles because of the pain in my shoulder and arm, but since I've been going to therapy I've been feeling a lot better.

This week I lost 1.8 pounds!

Picture Yourself Thinner

2009-06-13T13:28:00.003-04:00

OMG you all have got to check this out! Ok, let me start at the beginning. A few weeks ago I won a giveaway from Jessica's blog, Pudget. The giveaway was for a free realistic thinner photo of yourself from pictureyourselfthinner.com. I was surprise that I had won, since I never win anything!

So today, I finally gave my information to Linda at pictureyourselfthinner.com and within a couple of hours she got back to me with these photos! Isn't it incredible, the difference I "Could" look after I lose some weight! I sure would like to.

(Click photo to enlarge)

So you should check out this website to see more before & after photo's.
Also check out her blog which is:
http://pictureyourselfthinner.blogspot.com

Tip The Scale Tuesday - June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T06:43:00.001-04:00

Weekly Weigh In - June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T06:29:00.002-04:00

Today I went up, which I knew I would. For the past 5 days, I've been dealing with a lot of pain on my left arm. I went to the doctor's yesterday and was diagnoses with shoulder impingement syndrome. Which with all the pain and no ability to move my arm has made it very difficult to workout. On Thursday I begin therapy, so we'll see what happens. I still will be careful with what I eat, but I'm so discouraged about not able to workout. I felt results with the EA Sports Active. I'll have to start fresh when I'm able to do it again.

This week I gained 1 pound.

Day 7 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-07T17:59:00.004-04:00

7. Chocolate Craving Fix!

More women find themselves craving chocolate than men. Eating chocolate doesn’t always make you feel good, with those guilty after pangs and the physical side effects: weight gain, blood sugar imbalance and coming down after the high. Satisfaction can be very short lived. How can we cure our craving for chocolate?

So what is the cause of chocolate craving?
Recent research shows that craving for chocolate can indicate a nutritional deficiency. Chocolate cravings may be caused by a deficiency in magnesium. Many women crave chocolate with PMS; when magnesium levels are usually lower.

Chocolate contains not only caffeine (obviously addictive) but also alkaloids; the same addictive compounds found in alcohol and cocaine.

Chocolate can give a high similar to orgasm. Why? It contains mood enhancing substances which precipitate the release of super feel-good neurotransmitters. As the chemicals stream though your body you experience great pleasure: for some it’s better than sex.

People may self-medicate with chocolate, when they do not have other effective of reducing anxiety. This is because tryptophan, an amino acid, is essential in the production of the calming hormone serotonin.

The power of your chocolate craving may be increased by ‘psychological reversal’. You know theoretically that too much is not good for you, but feel helpless to resist.A complicated network of neural pathways, (habitual thought patterns), reinforce the action of getting chocolate, over resisting.

How to cure chocolate craving

Eating chocolate is only a problem if you are trapped in a cycle of binge eating. You know there’s a problem if you can’t resist, even if you want to, and if you feel guilty afterwards.
What can you do about it?

1) Look at the emotional states and thoughts which accompany the craving; are you feeling anxious, frustrated, sad? How do you feel afterwards? Use an emotional healing technique like EFT to release these emotions which trigger cravings.

2) Visit a naturopath, kinesiologist, or specialist doctor who can test for allergies and nutritional deficiencies like magnesium.

Day 6 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-07T17:44:00.002-04:00

6. Lunch Break Walk!

Health and fitness is all the rage—and we all know more physical activity is better--but it's always a question of finding time for exercise. Taking a walk can be a great way to spend your lunch break while also helping you move towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is a thirty-minute power walk or a ten-minute leisurely stroll, taking a walk is a great way to spend your lunch break. As is the case with most exercise, walking at a steady and consistent pace is the best.

Day 5 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-07T16:51:00.003-04:00

5. Make New Friends!

Support is a great weight loss motivation technique. Surrounding yourself with people you care about and who care about you will help you to stay motivated. Tell your family and friends about wanting to lose weight. They will be your best weight loss motivation. Make sure your group is supportive and not drill instructors. You want their support not their disappointment.

Sometimes dieting can be a real pain. That's when we need a diet buddy to turn to.
Someone to remind us about the benefits of losing weight. Someone to help us stick to our diet plan.

Many dieters don't bother with this kind of weight loss support. They try to lose weight on their own. Which is one reason why they quit dieting and stay overweight. Don't make the same mistake. Get a diet buddy.

Choose someone with a motivation to lose weight that is equal to or higher than yours. If your regular diet buddy is losing interest in losing weight, find someone else.

If all else fails, join a weight loss forum and find an online diet buddy. It's well worth doing, because having a diet buddy makes a huge difference to your general motivation and weight loss.

Day 4 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-04T20:38:00.003-04:00

4. Low Calorie Meals!

Ingredients

* 6 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
* 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
* 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* 4 chicken cutlets (3/4-1 pound total), trimmed
* 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 10-ounce package mushrooms, sliced
* 3 large cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
* 2 teaspoons butter

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

Meanwhile, whisk 5 teaspoons flour and broth in a small bowl until smooth. Place the remaining flour in a shallow dish. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and dredge both sides in the flour. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the middle, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; keep warm.

Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add garlic and wine to the pan and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth-flour mixture, lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in parsley, capers, butter and the reserved mushrooms. Measure out 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan with the remaining sauce. Serve the pasta topped with the chicken and the reserved sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 401
Carbohydrate 3
Carbohydrates 46 g
Protein 30 g
Fat 8 g
Saturated 2 g
Cholesterol 57 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Sodium 477 mg
Potassium 750 mg
Exchanges
2 1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 3 1/2 lean meat

You can find more here.

Day 3 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-03T16:50:00.003-04:00

3. Stress Eating!

One of the major obstacles in your journey to lose weight and stay thin is stress eating. We, as people, have a tendency to overeat whenever we feel tension or other negative emotions. Some of us eat out of boredom, other out of loneliness, and some out of stress. This is all emotional eating and you need to overcome it to have any chance to really get or stay thin.

So what are some possible stress eating solutions that you can put into practice today?

1. You need to write down your stress triggers, the situations in which you become stressful and turn to eating. Unless you know your weaknesses, you will never overcome them.

2. You have to eliminate all possible stress triggers. Naturally, if you get stressed out at work, you can't quit your job, but there might be other situations which are easy to eliminate from your life.

3. Practice the breathing method before eating. Once you begin stress eating, you will not stop until you've stuffed yourself silly. To give yourself a chance to not overeat, you must pause before turning to food. You do that by counting to 30 and breathing deeply in the process.

4. Each of us has his or her comfort foods which make us feel good and calm. The problem is that these foods are usually very fat and unhealthy. To make sure you don't succumb to temptation, eliminate the foods you eat the most, or cut them down drastically. If it's not in the fridge or cupboard, it's much harder to overeat.

5. Practice yoga, meditation, and workout regularly to reduce overall stress and tension. This is a process which will take time but will have tremendous results.

If you do the 5 tips I've written above, you will gradually overcome your stress eating and never be controlled by food again.

Day 2 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-02T16:44:00.001-04:00

2. 5 Minute Workouts!

Fast & Effective Five-Minute Workouts

Time is in short supply for almost everyone these days but it’s still important to include physical activity throughout your busy day. Most people believe that to get a good workout, you must exercise for thirty minutes or more without stopping or else you don’t get anything out of it. Wrong! Research proves that short, intense segments of activity spread throughout the day are just as effective as one long workout, so there are no more excuses about not having enough time. Everyone can spare at least five minutes somewhere and there are brief workouts that challenge your whole body in that amount of time. To get you started, here are some fantastic workouts that really only take five minutes!

Workout 1: Fast and Furious Cardio & Conditioning Work

Have hand weights nearby and ready to use.

0:00 – 0:30: Warm up by briskly walking in place.

0:31 – 1:00: Increase the pace to a power-walk speed.

1:01 – 1:30: Keep walking and add a simple overhead reach by raising your arms straight up with every two steps.

1:31 – 2:00: Change the arm movement to reaching in front and then pulling back. Continue walking.

2:01 – 2:45: Pick up the hand weights and perform as many bicep curls as possible while you continue your walk.

2:46 – 3:30: Change the movement to pushing the weight directly overhead and then lowering as you keep the pace.

3:31 – 4:00: Put the weights down and slow down to your original pace.

4:01 – 4:30: Perform as many squats as you can by sitting back and keeping your heels pressed into the ground.

4:31 – 5:00: Walk slowly as your breathing and heart rate return to normal.

This workout increases your heart rate quickly and conditions the cardiovascular system with the high speed of walking in place. Using weights for arm work while you walk maintains the aerobic work while you build muscle at the same time. By gradually slowing down, you allow your body to return to a normal state slowly but still fit in muscle toning by doing squats. The steadily decreased demand on the body allows the body to stabilize comfortably. By combining aerobic conditioning with muscle toning, you get twice the benefits in one brief workout – what could be better?

Workout 2: Steady Muscle Work

0:01 – 0:30: Warm up by walking gently and moving your arms at the same time.

0:31 – 1:00: Begin working the lower body muscles by doing as many squats as you can for thirty seconds. Make sure your body is properly aligned with your knees forming a right angle with your thighs and your back staying centered over your buttocks. Keep your heels pressed into the floor for support as you slowly lower and raise the body.

1:01 – 1:30: Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. With hands on hips, lower your body into a pliè and then raise for as many repetitions as possible in thirty seconds. At the end of the time, lower your body one more time and hold.

1:31 – 1:45: Stay in your lowered pliè position and move up and down very gently, no more than an inch or so. This helps isolate the inner thighs and tone them up.

1:46 – 2:15: Stand with your weight on your left leg, point your right foot behind you, and lift your right leg as many times as possible in thirty seconds. This helps tone the muscle at the back of the leg.

2:16 – 2:45: Switch legs, stand with your weight on your right leg, and lift your left leg behind you as many times as possible in thirty seconds.

2:46 – 3:15: Stand up straight with feet shoulder-width apart and then bend from the waist until you are slightly more than at right angles with your lower body. Stretch your arms in front of you and then raise each arm back. Repeat for thirty seconds. Be sure to hold your abdominal muscles in tightly. This tones the arms and upper back as well as the abs.

3:16 – 3:45: Stand up straight and place hands at shoulders. Begin reaching arms up and bringing back down to shoulder height. Repeat for thirty seconds.

3:46 – 4:15: Drop to the floor on hands and knees, and then ‘walk’ your hands forward several inches. Begin performing modified push-ups and do as many repetitions as possible.

4:16 – 4:30: Lay on your back, knees bent, with arms behind head and fingertips just touching the back of the head. Use your abdominal muscles to pull your upper body towards your knees but not too far. Lower down slowly for maximum muscle building.

4:31 – 5:00: Still lying on your back on the floor, stretch legs out and raise arms above the head, inhale deeply and stretch. Let your breath out slowly and let your body relax.

This workout focuses on building muscle and strength all over. The variety of exercises works dozens of muscles all over the body for an overall toning effect. Switch between the two workouts for maximum results in your weight and muscle tone.

Day 5 - 30 Day Challenge EA Sports Active

2009-06-02T14:15:00.002-04:00

Today went good! Had another great workout, I'm loving this more and more everyday! I ended up sweating and grabbing a bottle of water after my workout. Feels so good to sweat sometimes. LOL. No EA Active post tomorrow, it's my rest day!

Here is my report for today...

136.1 Calories Burned
18 Minutes Of Workout Time
Completed 18/18 Exercises

Tip The Scale Tuesday - June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T05:36:00.003-04:00

Weekly Weigh In - June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T05:30:00.003-04:00

Yippee! I went down again! I felt like I lost this week, and when I got on the scales I was so happy to see the number still going down!

So for this week I went down another 1.2 pounds!

Day 1 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-06-01T17:32:00.006-04:00

1. Rewarding Yourself!

Here is a list of ideas to reward yourself after hitting small and big goals on your weight loss!

1. Manicure/Pedicure
2. Spa Day
3. Get A Massage
4. Buy New Clothes
5. Buy A New CD or Some MP3/Itunes Downloads
6. Buy A New Pair Of Shoes
7. Get A New Hair Style/Cut
9. Buy Some New Earring/Jewelry
10. Buy An Ultimate Thermal Spa Bath Mat Massage
11. Got To A Movie/Rent A DVD
12. Go To A Cosmetic Counter & Ask For A Makeover
13. Buy A New A Bra
14. Buy A New Cookbook
15. Buy A Smoothie Maker
16. Buy A New Charm Bracelet, Then Add A New Charm For Each X Pounds You Lose
17. Subscribe To A Magazine
18. Hang A Pretty Ribbon Around Your Rear View Mirror & Add Pretty Beads To It As You Go
19. A Bouquet Of Flowers
20. Put A Set Amount Of Money In A Safe Place (Don't Have To Be A Lot $1.00, Or Whatever You Choose), And Add To It Every Time You Lose 1 Pound, So In The End When You Reach Your Final Goal You Have A Big Money Reward!

Day 4 - 30 Day Challenge EA Sports Active

2009-06-01T17:25:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my rest day, & today I did a low workout. I didn't really sweat as much today as I did the other 2 days, though today's focus was more on the upper body.

Here is my report for today...

98.8 Calories Burned
17 Minutes Of Workout Time
Completed 16/16 Exercises

Day 2 - 30 Day Challenge EA Sports Active

2009-05-30T20:33:00.002-04:00

Today I decided not to over due it like I did yesterday. I did the low workout, but I still ended up sweating and grabbing my water bottle. I love this game! I really recommend it!

Here is my report for today...

156.4 Calories Burned
23 Minutes Of Workout Time
Completed 18/18 Exercises

Day 30 - June 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

30. Create a 30 day Self Challenge for the next month!

Here are the three different categories
orange/happiness,
green/nutrition,
blue/fitness.

1. Rewarding Yourself!
2. 5 Minute Workouts!
3. Stress Eating!
4. Low Calorie Meals!
5. Make New Friends!
6. Lunch Break Walk!
7. Chocolate Craving Fix!
8. Boost Your Happiness Emergency!
9. How To Keep Exercising!
10. Eat A Rainbow Of Foods!
11. Eat More Weigh Less!
12. Motivation - A Thinner You!
13. Fitness Online Programs!
14. Celebrating My Your Birthday!
15. Boredom Eating!
16. Fun Workout Ideas!
17. The 12 Commandments of Goal Setting!
18. 10 Questions To Ask Yourself!
19. Going Out Of The House!
20. Self Respect!
21. Play With The Kids!
22. What's In Soda!
23. Exercising Before, During & After Pregnancy!
24. Counting Points, Calories etc!
25. Journal Your Thoughts & Feelings!
26. Swimming!
27. Eating At A BBQ!
28. Clothes Shopping!
29. Hitting A Goal!
30. Create a 30 day Self Challenge for the next month!

Day 1 - 30 Day Challenge EA Sports Active

2009-05-29T08:25:00.005-04:00

Today was my first day on the 30 Day Challenge from EA Sports Active. OMG! Only minutes into it I started sweating and I had to grab a bottle of water. Of course I did the intense workout. This is the best piece of equipment I've ever bought. My body feels like I got a great workout.

Here is my report for today...

236.1 Calories Burned
38 Minutes Of Workout Time
Completed 18/18 Exercises

The only thing I had trouble with was the inline skating. My legs felt like they were ready to collapse. But all in all it was fun!

Day 29 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

29. Self acceptance!

Self acceptance is being loving and happy with who you are NOW. Some call it self-esteem, others self-love, but whatever you call it, you'll know when your accepting yourself cause it feels great. Its an agreement with yourself to appreciate, validate, accept and support who you are at this very moment, even those parts you’d like to eventually change. This is important...even those parts you'd eventually like to change. Yes, you can accept (be okay with) those parts of yourself you want to change some day.

The Motivation Behind Your Lack of Acceptance

If acceptance feels so good and is so good for us, then why don’t we accept ourselves? The answer is motivation. We use our lack of acceptance (punishment - cause it feels bad) as motivation to get us to do, not do, be, and not be what we think we should. Many people believe that if they accepted themselves as they are, they wouldn’t change or that they wouldn’t work on becoming more of who they want to be.

Typically, we judge ourselves unfavorably with the hope it will motivate us to change. We hope if we feel bad enough about ourselves, that maybe that will motivate us to change. Does this work? Sometimes, but only short term. Most times all it does is cause us to feel bad which saps the energy you might have used to make changes. It can be a vicious cycle. It works exactly counter to what you wanted to do.

“Acceptance allows change. The 'acceptance mode' includes everything, even my judgments. It allows me to be okay now, even before I reach my goals.”

“When you begin to accept yourself the way you are right now, you begin a new life with new possibilities that did not exist before because you were so caught up in the struggle against reality that that was all you could do.”

- Traveling Free, Mandy Evans

So if it doesn’t work, why do we keep doing it? Because we hope it will work. And if you don’t know any other way to change, what options do you have? We’ve been trained to believe that in order to change, we need to first feel bad about it. That if we’re accepting and loving of that particular quality, that we won’t do anything to change the situation, which is not true! You don’t have to be unhappy with yourself to know and actively change those things you’d like to change about yourself. Acceptance is actually the very first step in the process of change.

Think of acceptance of yourself like being okay with where you live now. You may want a bigger house one day. You may dream about that new home. But there ARE advantages to living in a smaller home if you only took the time to think about it. It is possible to be happy with the home you're in now, while still dreaming and working to make your new home a reality.

Process Of Acceptance

Acceptance exists at the core of your being. It is your default status. In order to reach this base level of acceptance, you need only remove the items laying on top. To do this, you must first identify all the things you do not accept about yourself. Then, one by one, eliminate them by examining and questioning your beliefs around that issue.

Know yourself and your beliefs
Take a good hard look at your honesty level
Know you are doing the best you can
Relax your value judgments
Examine guilt
Understand your motivations
Ask yourself questions about what you don't accept

Day 28 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

28. Pamper Yourself With This Easy-To-Make Facial!

Ever though of making your own facial? I never really thought about it, but I'm going to try it. Here is a list of links of different kind of facial recipes to try!

All Skin Types

Homemade Clay Mask for All Skin Types
This clay mask will make skin super soft.

Yogurt Face Mask for All Skin Types
This refreshing face mask is made up of only 2 ingredients.

Oatmeal and Yogurt Mask for All Skin Types
This is a great basic face mask that includes just 3 basic ingredients.

Homemade 'Cat Litter' Mask for All Skin Types
We got this recipe off a TV show years ago. The beauty expert (Diane Irons) swore cat litter is made of the same ingredients as special clays found in $100 spa facials. We tried this and loved it.

Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Banana Mask for Oily Skin This recipe requires super-ripe bananas and a bit of honey.

Homemade Juice Mask for Oily Skin
Strawberry and lemon juice contain natural astringents.

Green Clay Mask for Oily Skin Types
This clay mask will help draw out excess sebum from pores.

Homemade Clay Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Clay masks help neutralize skin. You can pick up clay from any health-food store.

Simple Mask for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Recipe adapted from Paula Begoun's 'The Beauty Bible.'

Combination Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Combination Skin
A rose-based mask is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

Dry, Chapped Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Dry Skin
Avocados and honey are particularly moisturizing.

Homemade Milk Mask for Dry Skin

Aging Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Aging Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Dry Skin
Avocados and honey are particularly moisturizing for mature skin.

Sensitive Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
This soothing mask is great for chapped, sunburned or irritated skin.

Day 27 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

27. Burn and extra 1000 calories!

1000 calories can be burned in a day easily by planning correctly. You can burn 1000 calories a day in divided sessions or at one time. However burning 1000 calories in 2 or 3 divided sessions will be wiser than to struggle at one time. The type of activity you choose is important than just how to burn 1000 calories a day.

For example you can burn up to 900 calories in sauna just in 30 minutes. But will the calories burned in this way contribute to weight loss or more importantly body fat loss? No, so you need to be practical if you want to lose 1000 calories per day. If you choose other aerobic exercises like running, jogging, swimming, stair treadmill, dancing, tennis, basketball, rollerblading, or hiking then it will prove beneficial.

Supposing you weigh 160 pounds and practice rollerblading twice a day for just 35 minutes you can easily burn 1000 calories per day. If you jog once in the morning and once in the evening for an hour at the speed of 5 miles then you can burn 584 calories per session. This means you burn more than 1000 calories a day. Stair treadmill can burn around 657 calories in an hour, so if you are unable to take time out twice a day, you can walk on a treadmill for a long period of time to burn 1000 calories at one go. Swimming in laps is also a good idea, swimming just for an hour can burn up to 511 calories at a time. You can even combine 2 activities together to burn 1000 calories. If you feel swimming or jogging twice a day is boring then you can swim for an hour in the evening or jog for an hour in the morning or vice versa. There are many ways to burn 1000 calories that can be healthy, provided you plan your activities in a healthy way.

Cutting back 1000 calories in your diet or being on a 1000 calorie low carb diet is a very drastic change. This diet should only be followed if you want quick weight loss results or want to start a long term weight loss plan.

Even if you are on a 1000 calorie diet for quick weight loss, it should ideally not be followed for more than a week under correct guidance and supervision. A 1000 calorie diet is not only low in most of the vital nutrients but it also restricts food consumption to a greater extent. When you are on a 1000 calorie low carb diet and want to burn 1000 calories a day, your body is convinced that it is in a middle of a famine or in other words your body goes in the starvation mode. Once your body perceives this, the body metabolism rate slows down in order to hold each calorie for as long as possible to conserve energy. When you are keen to lose weight a decreased metabolism is the last thing you want to happen. This is the reason most of the health care specialists recommend to lose not more than 2 pounds in a week with a balance of both calorie intake and calorie output, in other words diet and exercise.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T06:02:00.003-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in. To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky. Also by adding your name and blog to Mr Linky your name will be going in a giveaway. The giveaway is for The Core Balance Diet Book. You can get 2 name entries per week by:

1. Leaving a comment each week on the Tip The Scale weekly weigh in post.
2. Link your weekly weigh in through the weekly Mr Linky post.

You can only do this once a week, but this giveaway will be going for 13 weeks, which if you do this every week, your name will be entered no more than 26 times, if you do both of the above stated. Our last weigh in will be June 30, 2009. I then will draw a name by using random.org.

**Blog links that do not show or tell about your weigh in will be removed from Mr. Linky and from the giveaway.**

***US Residents Only - Excludes Alaska & Hawaii***

Good Luck!

Weekly Weigh In - May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T05:55:00.004-04:00

I am so happy to see the number going down after the Memorial Day weekend! Whoa, I was a little nervous about going on the scale this morning. My first small goal is to weigh in at 199! I hope to be reaching it soon. I see I'm moving at a very slow pace, so I won't be hitting my first goal of 30 pounds gone by July, oh well, some gone is better then none!

So for this week I went down 1 pound!

Day 26 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-26T05:00:00.004-04:00

39!

26. 39 Day's Before Vacation!

I only have 39 days left before my vacation in July, and I don't think I will be hitting my goal weight. Though I do feel I will lose some, which is better than none, or even gaining. We take a lot of pictures when we're on our vacation, and I look awful. Plus, my mom seems to get a good butt shot every year of me. Ohhh, I always hate that picture. So, my hope is that I lose at least 10 pounds by vacation. That I think is a reasonable goal.

Day 25 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/walk/united-states/vt/bristol/136124377148776664"&amp;gt;05/31/2009 Route&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-walk/united-states/vt/bristol"&amp;gt;Find more Walks in Bristol, Vermont&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

25. 2 Mile Walk!

Ok, so my walking path is a little short from 2 miles, but close enough. My mom and I take this route when ever the weather cooperates. It's a really nice walking route in a peaceful neighborhood town. You can make your own routes too. Check out MapMyRun.com.

Day 24 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

24. Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After an 8 hour sleep, our bodies are starving!
A healthy breakfast is essential in refueling and recharging our bodies. The components of a healthy breakfast include carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fats.

Some recommendations are:

Whole Grain Cereals
Eggs
Peanut Butter
Oatmeal
Fresh Fruit
Orange, Grapefruit or Pineapple Juice

Click on link for healthy breakfast recipes

Day 23 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-23T05:00:00.002-04:00

23. Clear your home of clutter!

I found this article from and how this could be me!

Click the link below and check it out...

How Clutter Hinders Weight Loss
Organizing Your House Helps You Lose Weight

Day 22 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

22. Cook A Healthy Pizza Recipe

Here's a website that gives a list of different kind of Healthy Pizza Recipes. It also suggests pizza cooking tips. Check it out.

Healthy Pizza Recipes

Day 21 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-21T05:41:00.000-04:00

21. Plan A Vacation!

I found this at www.dietbits.com

Vacations come few and far between, so concentrate on enjoying every moment of the magic! Even when dieting.

Just think about this for a moment. How many times have you been on a diet when a special occasion has rolled around? If this shoe fits, you probably passed on the luscious celebration goodies and that didn't feel very good, did it?

On one hand, you felt proud because you'd passed up the naughty treats and your willpower had won out. On the other hand, you were frustrated that you had to do such. Then two days later, you may have gotten off your diet. Again, you missed the magic of the moment.

Why couldn't everyone just have been born thin? But they weren't.

Atmosphere, the company, the decorations - all of these elements help comprise the magic of a special occasion - particularly when we're on vacation. And while on vacation, it's important for you to relax, let your hair down, and enjoy!

If you are fixing to head out for vacation, and you are on a diet, please DO enjoy the magic. Three or four days isn't going to make or break your diet scale. YOU are in charge. YOU are in control. YOU are focused. YOU are on track and will just be taking a short, and cautious, break.

Here are a few tips that will allow you to enjoy your vacation without overshadowing you with guilt:

Eat a very light breakfast and go easy at dinner. Try to make lunch your biggest meal of the day.

At the restaurants, if the appetizers are irresistible, as well as those baskets of chips and bread that arrive before your meal, then consider ordering another small appetizer rather than a meal. Go easy on the butter, sour cream and cheese.

Mixed drinks are very high in calories, so carefully decide if you'd rather have some spirits or something solid.

Avoid the salty treats if at all possible. Salty foods tend to make us crave water, thus adding false pounds to the scales. In turn, this may cause a dieter to 'falsely feel' as if they have blown their diet plan.

Make healthy choices, but if there is something that catches your eye on the menu, then go for it.

Be aware of what you eat, but don't obsess. If you think a treat will cause you stress, then pass it up because it's not worth that. The trick is to enjoy your vacation without going on a total binge. This is a great exercise in control that has many benefits for the dieter. Listen to your wise thoughts. Enjoy, but don't binge.

Try to save a bit of room for sampling throughout the day for goodies you may run into along the way.

Buy a cute water bottle and keep it close by during your vacation. Sip from it very often; this will keep you hydrated and quench your thirst. Remember, when you opt for water rather than sugary drinks, your body will naturally crave water rather than the sugary drinks. It's all about adjusting.

You're probably going to be a lot more active on your vacation than your normal daily routine. This will help spend a few of those extra calories.

Enjoy the sights, take a long walk along the beach, or tour a museum. When you move, you burn. If you're with your lover, turn on the heat! Dance, boogie, and enjoy lots of whoopee for a super calorie burn.

Put on your new bathing suit and wear it with pride! Who cares what anyone thinks? You'll probably never see the people on this beach again! And even if you do, who cares? Do you actually sit around thinking about how someone looks in a bathing suit? Of course not! We're all too busy worrying about how WE look. Besides, you're going to donate your bathing suit to a charity anyway, because next summer you're going to need one that's a size smaller, right? Yes.

When you return home, get right back on track with your diet.

Summing it up:

Enjoy your vacation, take in plenty of fun activities, choose foods wisely, get back on track when you arrive home, and don't forget the souvenirs!

Day 20 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

20. Get Your Daily Of Calcium!

An adult requires 800 milligrams per day. To get your calcium you can drink all milk & other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt & ice cream. If you don't like milk, eat foods that contain milk such as pudding, custards, milk base soups & sauces. You can also add unreconstituted nonfat dry milk to meatloaf, casseroles, mashed potatoes, meatballs and croquettes. Or blend ice cold milk with sweetened fresh or frozen fruit.

Main dishes such as cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, cheese souffle, quiche, chili con carne with beans, and even spaghetti and meatballs topped with cheese provide significant amounts of calcium. Bread products prepared with milk, such as pancakes or waffles, also add to your calcium intake.

If you need to increase the calcium in your diet, seek ways to add cheese, milk or yogurt to the foods you prepare. Instead of a hamburger, have a cheeseburger. Top your baked potato with yogurt or cottage cheese instead of butter or sour cream. Not only does this add calcium, it reduces calories.

Day 19 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-19T21:04:00.005-04:00

19. Have A High Fiber Meal!

Need some recipes for High Fiber Meals
Check these out..

Frozen Chocolate Bananas Prep: 5 min, plus freezing time.

4 large bananas, peeled and cut into 1 inch slices
3/4 cup light hot fudge topping

Freeze bananas. Dip in topping and place in freezer until topping is firm. Serve immediately.

Per serving: calories 376, fat 2.0g, 4% calories from fat, cholesterol 0mg, protein 4.2g, carbohydrates 92.9g, fiber 10.8g, sugar 75.5g, sodium 63mg, diet points 6.0.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.0, Vegetable: 0.0, Fruit: 4.2, Bread: 0.0, Lean meat: 0.0, Fat: 0.0, Sugar: 1.5, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

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Banana Date Nut Salad in Pastry Prep: 10 min, Cook: 10 min.

4 frozen puff pastry shells
2 bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices
8 dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp. lemon juice

Bake puff pastry shells according to package directions.

Combine bananas, dates and walnuts in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice and toss. Just before serving, spoon fruit mixture into baked puff pastry shells.

Per serving: calories 574, fat 23.2g, 34% calories from fat, cholesterol 0mg, protein 7.2g, carbohydrates 92.6g, fiber 13.1g, sugar 56.0g, sodium 119mg, diet points 11.3.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.0, Vegetable: 0.0, Fruit: 4.5, Bread: 0.0, Lean meat: 0.0, Fat: 4.2, Sugar: 1.4, Very lean meat protein: 0.2

-----------------------------------------------------------

Spicy Cuban Chicken Prep: 15 min, Cook: 15 min, plus refrigeration time.

2/3 cup nonfat Italian dressing
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
11 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4 inch-thick strips
2 tsp. olive oil
1-1/4 medium green bell peppers, chopped
3/4 medium onion, chopped
3/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
3 cups cooked rice
1-1/4 lbs. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/4 lbs. canned, diced tomatoes
3/4 tsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

Combine dressing, garlic, and red pepper in a glass measure or medium glass bowl. Place chicken in large glass bowl, pour dressing over chicken, cover and refrigerate 30-60 minutes (or overnight). Remove chicken from marinade, drain well, discard marinade.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, cook 5-7 minutes, stirring until chicken is slightly brown, spooning off any excess liquid. Add bell peppers, onion, oregano, pepper, and cumin. Cook, stirring 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add rice, black beans, and tomatoes. Cook 2-3 minutes more, or until thoroughly heated. Garnish with cilantro, serve immediately.

Courtesy American Dry Bean Board.

Per serving: calories 522, fat 6.5g, 11% calories from fat, cholesterol 66mg, protein 38.4g, carbohydrates 76.6g, fiber 13.1g, sugar 14.3g, sodium 596mg, diet points 8.9.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.0, Vegetable: 2.0, Fruit: 0.0, Bread: 3.9, Lean meat: 0.0, Fat: 0.7, Sugar: 0.0, Very lean meat protein: 3.0

-----------------------------------------------------------

Fresh Fruit Salad Prep: 15 min.

2 large peaches, sliced
2 cups blueberries, picked over
2 firm bananas, peeled and sliced
1/2 lb. Bing cherries, halved and pitted
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (optional)
2 cups plain or vanilla nonfat yogurt

Combine fruit with sugar and Grand Marnier in a large bowl. Toss and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with yogurt.

Per serving: calories 336, fat 2.5g, 6% calories from fat, cholesterol 2mg, protein 10.8g, carbohydrates 76.3g, fiber 8.7g, sugar 65.2g, sodium 100mg, diet points 5.7.

Dietary Exchanges: Milk: 0.7, Vegetable: 0.0, Fruit: 3.6, Bread: 0.0, Lean meat: 0.0, Fat: 0.0, Sugar: 0.8, Very lean meat protein: 0.0

You can find more high fiber recipes here.

Tip The Scale Tuesday - May 19, 2009

2009-05-19T06:50:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in. To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky. Also by adding your name and blog to Mr Linky your name will be going in a giveaway. The giveaway is for The Core Balance Diet Book. You can get 2 name entries per week by:

1. Leaving a comment each week on the Tip The Scale weekly weigh in post.
2. Link your weekly weigh in through the weekly Mr Linky post.

You can only do this once a week, but this giveaway will be going for 13 weeks, which if you do this every week, your name will be entered no more than 26 times, if you do both of the above stated. Our last weigh in will be June 30, 2009. I then will draw a name by using random.org.

**Blog links that do not show or tell about your weigh in will be removed from Mr. Linky and from the giveaway.**

***US Residents Only - Excludes Alaska & Hawaii***

Good Luck!

Weekly Weigh In - May 19, 2009

2009-05-19T06:43:00.002-04:00

It's good to see the number going down, though when I weighed myself on Saturday I was at 200! Of course "TOM" is visiting this week, and I tend to gain a pound or two. So I'm not to disappointed, I'm just hoping for a bigger lost next week. I'm now actually where I was at Week 1!

Weekly Food Log - May 12, 2009 - May 18, 2009

2009-05-19T05:00:00.023-04:00

I'm incorporating my 26 Daily & 35 Weekly WW points in as well

Tuesday

Breakfast 9:30 AM - Hungry 4
Fiber One Yogurt 1 pt

1 Point

Snack:

None

Lunch: 11:30 AM - Hungry 4

1/2 Cup Mac & Cheese Box - 2pts

1 Orange - 1 pt

1 Hard Boiled Egg - 2pts

6 Points

Snack: 2:00 PM - Hungry 3

Fiber One Yogurt - 1 pt

7 points

Dinner: 4:30 PM - Hungry 4
Pancake - 2 pts
2 Tbsp Sugar -2 pts
1 Tbsp Butter - 1 pt
4 pc Bacon - 4 pts
Banana - 2pts
Milk - 2pts
100 Calorie York Peppermint Patty - 2 pts

22 Points

Snack: 7:00 PM - Hungry 3
100 Calorie Hershey - 2 pts

24 Points

Exercise:
30 Minute Workout @ Curves - Earn 5 Points today I'm allowed a total 31 points!

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
(*)(*)()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 0 WPA , 35 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday

Breakfast 8:00 AM Hungry 3
2 Scrambled Eggs - 5 pts
1 Cup Milk - 2 pts
1 Banana - 2 pts

9 Points

Snack
None

Lunch 12:00 PM - Hungry 4
1 Cup Salad - 0 pts
2 Tbsp Dressing - 2 pts
1/3 Cup Cottage Cheese - 2 pts
1 Fiber One Yogurt - 1 pt
2 Servings Of Water - 0 pts

13 Points

Snack 3:30 PM - Hungry 4
Orange - 1 pt

14 Points

Dinner 5:00 PM - Hungry 5
4 1/2 oz Hamburger - 9 pts
Hamburger Bun - 3 pts
1/3 Cup Cottage Cheese - 2 pts
2 Pickles - 0 pts
1 Cup Watermelon - 1 pt
Hershey 100 Calorie Pack - 2 pts

31 Points

Exercise:
30 Minute Workout On The Wii - Earned 5 Points today I'm allowed a total 31 points!

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
()()()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 0 WPA , 35 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday

Breakfast 8:00 AM Hungry 5
1 Cup Orange Juice - 2 pts
2 Poached Eggs - 4 pts

2 Toast - 2 pts
1/2 Cup Home Fries - 3 pts
2 Teaspoons Jelly - 1 pt

12 Points

Snack
None

Lunch 1:30 AM - Hungry 3
4 1/2 oz Hamburger - 9 pts
Hamburger Bun - 3 pts
Hershey 100 Calorie Pack - 2 pts

26 Points

Snack 5:30 PM - Hungry 2
Powdered Doughnut - 5 pts

31 Points

Dinner
None

Snack 8:00 PM - Hungry 2
Shortbread Cookies 100 Calorie Pack - 2 pts

33 Points

Exercise:
None

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
(*)(*)()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 7 WPA , 28 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday

Breakfast 8:00 AM - Hungry 2
Fiber One Yogurt - 1 pt

1 Point

Snack

Lunch 11:30 AM - Hungry 4
Hot Dog - 5 pts
Hot Dog Bun - 3 pts

9 Points

Snack 1:00 PM -Hungry 2
2 Chocolate Chip Cookies - 4 pts

13 Points

Dinner 5:00 PM - Hungry 4
4oz Beef Roast - 5 pts
1/2 Cup Potatoes - 2 pts
1/2 Cup Corn - 1 pt

21 Points

Exercise:
None

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
(*)()()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 7 WPA , 28 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday

Breakfast 8:30 AM - Hungry 3
Fiber One Yogurt - 1 pt

1 Point

Snack
None

Lunch 11:30 PM - Hungry 5
4 1/2 oz Hamburger - 9 pts
Hamburger Bun - 3 pts
1/3 Cup Cottage Cheese - 2 pts

15 Points

Snack
None

Dinner 5:00 AM - Hungry 4
2 Hot Dogs w/ Buns - 16 pts
1/2 Cup Potato Salad - 6 pts

37 Points

Exercise:
None

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
(*)(*)()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 18 WPA , 17 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday

Breakfast 8:00 AM - Hungry 3
1 Pancake - 2 pts
4 Pieces Bac0n - 3 pts

6 Points

Snack
None

Lunch 12:30 PM - Hungry 4
2 Hot Dogs w/ Buns - 16 pts

22 Points

Snack
None

Dinner 5:00 PM - Hungry 4
3 Pizza's -12 pts

34 Points

Exercise:
None

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
()()()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 26 WPA , 9 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday

Breakfast
None

Snack
None

Lunch
Chicken Patty Sandwich - 6 pts

6 Points

Snack

Dinner 6:30 PM - Hungry 5
6oz Rib Eye - 8pts
Potato - 2 pts
Cottage Cheese - 2 pts

18 Points

Snack 8:30 PM - Hungry 1
2 Reese Cups - 2 pts

20 Points

Exercise:
None

Water Intake (8oz Servings)
(*)()()()()()()()

Weekly Points Allowance
Used 26 WPA , 9 WPA Left.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minor Setback

2009-05-18T15:48:00.002-04:00

I wanted to update everyone that I may be in a minor setback due to tendinitis. For the past month I've been having pain in my left arm. It would come and go, and I put off from going to the doctors because I was hoping the pain would just go away. Well yesterday, I was in so much pain that I ended up going to the emergency room. After about 4 hours of just waiting, I finally got a doctor to see me and about 5 minutes of examining me, he diagnosed me with tendinitis.

I was prescribed 800mg of Motrin and some Vicodin. So today I've been really groggy. My arm still has pain, just not throbbing. The nurse told me t could take a month to heal. So looks like I won't be going to the gym for a bit, because they also gave me a sling to wear for daytime. I haven't been eating much today, but dinner is approaching and I am getting a bit hungry. So well see what happens.

Day 18 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-18T05:00:00.001-04:00

18. Wii Run With Music

If you don't have the Wii Fit, you should check it out! I just recently unlocked the Free Run.

Free Run lets you change the channel on your TV as you still participate in the Wii Fit Running game! Yes, that’s right-you can literally watch your favorite TV shows or listen to your favorite music while running in place in your living room.

All you have to do is place the Wii remote in your pocket or simply hold it in your right hand.

You will hear the sounds of your Will running through the Wii remote, and you will hear it as you get faster or slower (just like you were watching it on the screen). You will occasionally hear a voice through the Wii remote telling you to keep a steady pace, or that you’re keeping a nice pace. The voice will also let you know when it’s been five minutes, and then at two minutes, one minute, and then down to ten seconds, etc.

Day 17 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

17. Carrots, Tomatoes & Green's OH MY!

Here are some facts about the carrots, tomatoes and green veggies...

Carrots
Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate and Manganese

Nutritional Values

Preparation	Serving Size	Carbs	Fiber (g)	Energy (kj)
Carrot - peeled, boiled	1/2 cup (70g)	4	2	80
Babby Carrot - peeled, raw	50g	3	2	55
Carrot - canned	100g	4	3	85
Carrot Juice	125ml	8	5	165

Tomatoes
Low in Saturated Fat, Sodium, and Cholesterol
High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper

Nutritional Values

Preparation	Serving Size	Carbs	Fiber (g)	Fat (g)	Energy (kj)
Tomato - raw	1 medium (130g)	2.5	1.5	0	75
Tomato - canned in juice	250g	8	3	0.5	195
Tomato Paste	1 tablespoon	2	1	0	50
Tomato Puree	250g	13	5	0.5	300
Sundried Tomatoes - natural	5 pieces (10g)	5.5	1	0.5	110
Sundried Tomatoes - in oil, drained	3 pieces (10g)	2.5	0.5	1.5	90

Brussell Sprouts

Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol

High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Potassium, Manganese, Riboflavin, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus

Nutritional Values

Preparation	Serving Size	Carbs	Fiber (g)	Fat (g)	Energy (kj)
Raw Brussel Sprouts	100g	2	4	0	100

Cabbage

Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol
High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamin A, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium

Nutritional Values

Preparation	Serving Size	Carbs	Fiber (g)	Energy (kj)
Chinese Cabbage - raw	1/2 cup 40g	0	1	14
Chinese Flowering Cabbage (Pak Choi) - raw	40g	0	1	20
Mustard Cabbage (Dai Gai Choi) - raw	75g	0.5	2	45
Red Cabbage - raw	40g	1	2	40
Red Cabbage - cooked	1/2 cup 60g	2	2	50
Savoy Cabbage - raw	1/2 cup 60g	1	2	40
Savoy Cabbage - cooked	1/2 cup 60g	1	1	30

Day 16 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-16T06:37:00.004-04:00

16. My Inspiration!

What inspires me? Not models, that's for sure. It's real women who have been where I am. Women who have been over weigh and have succeeded on weight loss. When I see a before and after picture of women who lost weight, that just get's me more motivated and inspired. If they are able to do it, then I should be able to.

What also inspires me, is real bodies. What do I mean by real bodies? Real bodies are every day women who may be born skinny by looking good. They don't have a personal trainer, they don't have a make up artist coming into their home to doll them up, it's just the good looking fit women out there who don't flaunt their appearance, but do look good. I'm not sure why these people inspire me, but they do.

Here are some pics I found online of before & after of women who lost weight...

Before/After

Conger Clan

The Schipaanboord's

A Note From Luvey

Weight Loss Is Possible!

Great Weight Loss!

Another one of my goals and inspirations is, that I want to be an inspiration to others. I want to post a before and after pic of me, to show that it can be done!

Day 15 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-15T08:23:00.003-04:00

15. Making It Count!

When exercising, it is important to make it count! I've learned from this week alone, how important it is to do a complete workout, not just half of one. Half is better then none, but doing at least a 30 minute workout is better! I've been doing a 30 minute workout at Curves or at home on my Wii Fit. 30 minutes may think like a long time in your mind, but think about your 30 minute lunch break at work, now don't that go by pretty quick? I know it did for me when I worked outside the home. Always would joke to my other co-workers how short lunch break would be and to bad the rest of the work day wouldn't go as fast as lunch. So you need to incorporate a workout as a fun time. Which it's what's making you fitter, stronger and healthier. Keep those thoughts in the back of your head, which will motivate you to do your workout.

Now after a workout, look back and think how good you feel and how you know you've just done something wonderful for your body. In due time, your body will be thanking you for those workouts, and what I mean by that, well of course, the healthier way you feel and the way you LOOK!

Day 14 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-14T05:00:00.000-04:00

14. Celebrate Yourself Day!

Today is the 14th! What happens on the 14th? Well it's Celebrate Me Day! My birthday is June 14th so on every month on the 14th it's about me! It may just be something small like a relaxing bubble bath with no kid interruption or a day out!

Today my family and I are going out for breakfast. I know, that's really not a good thing for dieting, but I'll try to be good. I think it's a great idea to spend one day (preferably your "Birth Date") every month to think about "YOU".

Day 13 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-13T14:26:00.004-04:00

13. Encouragement!

Encouragement is really needed when losing weight, or at least when we seem to be going in the wrong direction or when we look in the mirror and don't really notice anything different, even though the scales say we have. During these times we get depressed and yes, fall off the wagon. Sometimes just hearing, "You're Doing A Great Job" really can motivate someone. That's why I have this blog. When I feel I have failed there's usually someone who will comment how not to give up or keep going, which get's me determined to try it again! I have fallen off the wagon many times but each time I fall off, the more disgusted I get with myself and the more I want to prove to me and everyone else that I can do this! I've done it before I can do it again.

I have a picture of me at the my goal weight from years back (it's my avatar) and this is my encouragement as well. This is what I want to be again!

1. Set A Goal

My goal is to weigh what I weighed in this picture. I was 140 pounds. I was happy, I felt great, of course in the pic, someone had yelled "Angie" and snapped the picture without me realizing it. So I look unhappy, but believe me I was happy. This is the only picture I have of me at this weight.

2. Remember Why You're On A Diet

When I'm tempted by the powdered doughnut or another serving of mac & cheese, I have to remember why not to eat that doughnut or why I had measured out my mac & cheese in the first place. By not going by the diet plan is why I'm where I am today.
Also, I have to make sure and realize, am I hungry or am I just board. If I'm board, there plenty of stuff for me to do that doesn't involve eating.

3. See The Positives Not The Negatives

It's so easy to look at things with a negative attitude, for an example, I get on the scales and I gained a pound. That can be very discouraging, and looking at it at a negative view, I would feel like I failed, but, looking at it at a positive view would be, I could be building muscle from my workouts, or I got a one pound gain this week, but next week will be better. Our bodies fluctuate so, we have to take that in consideration. It's going to happen. It's also going to make us work harder and stronger and be more determined!

Tip The Scale Tuesday - May 12, 2009

2009-05-12T06:08:00.001-04:00

Tip the scale Tuesday is a day for us to do our weekly weigh in. To take part just add your name and blog link to Mr Linky. Also by adding your name and blog to Mr Linky your name will be going in a giveaway. The giveaway is for The Core Balance Diet Book. You can get 2 name entries per week by:

1. Leaving a comment each week on the Tip The Scale weekly weigh in post.
2. Link your weekly weigh in through the weekly Mr Linky post.

You can only do this once a week, but this giveaway will be going for 13 weeks, which if you do this every week, your name will be entered no more than 26 times, if you do both of the above stated. Our last weigh in will be June 30, 2009. I then will draw a name by using random.org.

**Blog links that do not show or tell about your weigh in will be removed from Mr. Linky and from the giveaway.**

***US Residents Only - Excludes Alaska & Hawaii***

Good Luck!

Weekly Weigh In - May 12, 2009

2009-05-12T06:00:00.004-04:00

Well I'm glad to see the scales went down this week! I haven't been really been good writing in my food journal, of course it's on the computer. So this week, I'm going to be carrying around my notebook as well. I went down 0.8 pounds this week.

Weekly Food Log - May 5, 2009 - May 11, 2009

2009-05-12T05:00:00.011-04:00

Hungry Level
1 - Not Hungry
2 - Little Hungry
3 - Hungry
4 - Very Hungry
5 - Starving

Tuesday

Breakfast: 7:00 AM - Hungry 4 - 2 Pc. Bacon, 2 Eggs, 2 Toast & Coffee

Snack: 10:00 AM - Hungry 2 - Yogurt

Lunch: 12:15 PM - Hungry 3 - Hamburger In Bun & Tang

Snack: 3:30 PM - Hungry 2 - Yogurt

Supper: 6:30 PM - Hungry 4 - Pork Ribs, Corn, Cottage Cheese & Potato

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Wednesday

Breakfast: 8:00 AM - Hungry 2 - Yogurt

Snack:

Lunch:

Snack:

Supper:

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Thursday

Breakfast: 2 Poached Eggs, 2 Toast, Homefries & Orange Juice

Snack: None

Lunch: 2 Hotdogs & Cottage Cheese

Snack: None

Supper: Mac & Cheese & Cottage Cheese

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Friday

Breakfast: 7:00 AM - Hungry 2 - Banana & Coffee

Snack: None

Lunch: 11:30 AM - Hungry 4 - 2 Hotdogs & Yogurt

Snack:

Supper:

Water Intake (8oz Servings) (*)(*)()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Exercise: 25 Minutes of Wii

Saturday

Breakfast: 8:45 AM - Hungry 3 - Banana & Coffee

Snack:

Lunch:

Snack:

Supper:

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Sunday

Breakfast: Big Mother's Day Breakfast

Snack: Nothing

Lunch: Nothing

Snack: Nothing

Supper: Mom took the family out for dinner

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Monday

Breakfast: 9:00 AM - Hungry 3 - Oatmeal & Coffee

Snack: None

Lunch:

Snack:

Supper:

Water Intake (8oz Servings) ()()()()()()()()
Fruit Intake: ()()()
Vegetable Intake: ()()()()
Dairy Intake: ()()

Day 12 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-12T05:00:00.010-04:00

12. Healthy Snacking!

1. Frozen Fruit - Prepare Ahead Of Time
2. Fat Free Frozen Fudge Bars
3. Use About 1 Tablespoon Of Peanut Butter On A Piece Of Celery
4. Smoked Salmon On A Whole Grain Rye Cracker.
5. Apple Slices With Peanut Butter
6. Fresh Berries With Fat-Free Whipped Topping
7. Smoothie With 1⁄4 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk, Fresh Strawberries Or Blueberries, & A Spoonful Of Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt.
8. Small Bowl Of Oatmeal
9. Mini-Sandwich With A High-Fiber Cracker & A Wedge Of Light Cheese
10. Sugar Free Fruit Popsicles
11. Low-Fat Or Fat-Free Yogurt With Just A Few Unsalted Cashews Or Almonds
12. Air-Popped Popcorn With Low-Cal Butter Spray

Day 11 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

11. Portion Size!

With new dietary guidelines suggesting as many as 7 cups (or cup equivalents) of fruits and vegetables daily (based on age, activity level, sex and weight), it is understandable that the idea of getting the recommended amount can be daunting.

What many don't realize is how many cups they are already getting, and how many more they can fit into their daily routines quite easily. Remember that fresh, frozen, canned, dried and juiced fruits and vegetables all count towards your daily servings.

When all of these forms are combined with proper serving size, it is quite easy to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables daily.

Special Notes on Serving Sizes and Cup Equivalents

1 medium piece of fruit or vegetable (baseball sized) is about 1 cup

1/2 cup dried fruit is equilvalent to 1 cup of fresh fruit

1 cup (8 oz.) 100% fruit or vegetable juice is equivalent to 1 cup of fruit or vegetables

2 cups of leafy greens are equivalent to 1 cup of vegetables

1/4 cup (1 oz.) nuts is one serving

For more information check out www.producepedia.com

Day 10 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

10. Look Like A Model!

I found this at ehow.com

Find the right undergarments for your body. A well-fitting bra and Spanx can be your best friends. Lane Bryant carries an entire line of beautiful and functional plus size lingerie, and bras have special features to slim and support you.
Don’t deny your true size. I know it would feel better to see a lower number size on your jeans, but trust me, when it comes to the fit of your jeans, it can make or break your look. If you’re bulging out of your pants at the top (a muffin-top) it’s going to kill the sexiness of any outfit.
Play up your good points. If you have sexy legs, flaunt them in a knee-length pencil skirt or Bermuda shorts with a more conservative top. If you love your shoulders and cleavage, wear an off the shoulder or lower neckline top to show what you love about yourself.
Great hair and make-up are a must. Whether you have wavy, curly, or straight hair, always make sure it’s styled nicely. Misting with a curl enhancer, or smoothing a straightening balm through helps keep most styles looking sleek, and is easy to do before running out the door.
Make-up should highlight the best parts of your face, your amazing eyes, luscious lips or gorgeous cheekbones. A good tip if you feel you have a double chin, is to swipe bronzer underneath the chin and onto the neck to make that area recede back and appear slimmer.

Day 9 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

9. Dance Your Pants Off!

We all love to dance, admit it. Even if you don't like to dance in front of anyone, if you get a moment of alone time, you may pop in some music and start dancing your pants off. I know I do.
So why not try to do it every time you have 20 minutes of alone time (or if you don't mind doing it in front of your family or friends). I wouldn't mine dancing in front of my children, they would join in too.

Here is a guide for calories burning off while high impact dancing for 20 minutes:

Weight..............................................Calories Burned:

140......................................................................................156
150......................................................................................167
160......................................................................................178
170......................................................................................189
180......................................................................................200
190......................................................................................211
200......................................................................................223
210......................................................................................234
220......................................................................................245
230......................................................................................256
240......................................................................................267
250......................................................................................278

Day 8 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-08T05:00:00.004-04:00

8. Burning Calories!

Did you know that if we kept track the calories we burnt off, we maybe more careful what we eat! I found a great tool that everyone should have over at About.com. It's a calorie calculator. It'll calculate all kinds of activities that we do everyday to how much calories are burnt. Here are a few...

Brushing Teeth
Gardening
Grocery Shopping
House Cleaning
Kissing

and a lot more.

Also when drinking you 8 glasses of water for the day, make sure the water is at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit, because by drinking 8 eight ounce glasses of water, you will burn 70 calories.

Day 7 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-07T12:06:00.004-04:00

7. Sit Up!

Again, I've been doing some research and found out that sitting up straight could actually lose some poundage. Over at ebiologynews.com they state that

....Researchers at the University of Sydney have found that sitting up straight all day increases an individual’s energy expenditure by the equivalent of an hour’s walk.

The team also discovered that this energy expenditure increases when a person fidgets with both legs at the same time.

According to the study, the energy burned with the sitting up straight and fidgeting is 59 percent more than when slumping in a chair....

This simple exercise could help when we're at work or at home on the computer or watching TV. Why not do something this simple where you don't have to break a sweat but yet helps burning calories. I know I will.

Day 6 - May 2009 30 Day Self Challenge

2009-05-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

6. Food For Thought!

Ok, I've been doing some researching and read that a diet that draws heavily on fatty food and only lightly on fruits and vegetables may also be a major cause of depression. Well that makes sense to me, wait that is me. I also read that our brains intellectual performance requires the specific type of fat found most commonly in fish, known as omega-3 fatty acids. I've heard of this, but again, I'm not a big fish eater, I guess I've got to make some changes in my diet.

Below is a list of foods that will help for your brain.

Food with Choline - (Helps Boost Alertness, Memory & Stress Resistance)
Eggs
Beef - Kidneys
Beef - Brains
Fish - Caviar
Pork- Chitterlings
Beef - Liver
Chicken - Liver
Fish - Cod
Beverage - Instant Breakfast Powder, Chocolate, Sugar Free
Beef - Heart
Fish - Salmon
Turkey - Liver
Turkey - Heart

You can get a more detailed list here.

Foods with Omega-3 (Helps With Intellect)

Flaxseed oil
Fish oil, salmon
Radish seeds, sprouted, raw
Nuts, butternuts, dried
Spices, oregano, dried
Broccoli, chinese, cooked
Spinach, frozen, chopped or leaf, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt

You can get a more detailed list here.