Frustrated, embarrased, but not afraid to start again!

It's been 3.5 years since I hit GOAL with Weight Watchers. Over these years, SO much has changed in my life. My boys are growing like weeds. My oldest is 7.5 and my "baby" is 5! How did THAT happen?

Last year, my husband and I started a company focused on painting and remodeling. We grew so quick and were so busy that by June I was able to leave my full time job and work for US! Which has been AMAZING! This has allowed me the flexibility to take care of our boys and eliminate daycare from our lives.

The challenging part has been trying to stay focused on my mental and physical health. After hitting below goal in March of 2014, I have had a tough time maintaining the weight. It seems like the 150's disappeared quickly and I went into 160's. Over the last 2 years, I've fluctuated there. As soon as I get to 170 I do a quick refresh of WW and get back on plan to get down to 160. But it NEVER lasts.

This summer has been THE MOST challenging time in my health journey. I tried to put the boys into a summer program for 6 weeks. It was from 9 am to 3 pm daily. The problem was DAY 1 my oldest fell, hit his head, and ended up with 2 staples in his head. Fast forward 3 more weeks and he FELL again, this time breaking 2 bones in his wrist and ending up with a cast. Bye Bye summer program, bye bye workout time, health eating, etc.

The past 4 weeks have been a free for all! I spent the last week in Florida with my parents (which was SO fun) eating whenever I felt like it and not really paying attention to WW friendly foods. Against my better judgement this morning, I got on the scale. 185 lbs!! WHAT THE F**K! Not cool. I am NOT OK with this. I PROMISED myself I would never go back, and here I am, inching back to that 200 lb mark. No way, no how!

So here it is, my first blog post of getting back on track. I'm smiling below, because I KNOW I got this, but I need your help. I need you to come along on my journey. Join me, support me, call me out when I fill my plate at the BBQ.

We have a family Christmas in Palm Springs and I plan to wear ALL my goal clothes. So, who's in?

New Year Meal Plan #1 - 2017 - BACK TO GOAL!

Well hello, new year = new meal plans. 

 

This week, it was time to get my A** back in gear. Workouts completed this week = 5 (doubled up Wed). I signed up for Beach Body on Demand and have been doing Country Heat - which is a low impact aerobic dancing along with my Zumba game- FUN!

I've stayed within my points EVERY DAY this week and I weigh in tomorrow! I've been loading up on fruit in the am, snacking on almonds and making salad for lunch so I've had higher point dinners. My plan to shed these pesky 15 lbs is well on it's way!

So my meals this week:

14 SP meal - Baked Orange Chicken (9 SP), Brown Rice (4 SP) , and Steamed Edamame (1 SP)- Recipe here- I DID only use 1/2 cup of Brown sugar- 1 cup seemed like too much!  : http://www.adashofsanity.com/2015/02/baked-orange-chicken/

14 SP Meal -Turkey Chili- No specific recipe, just something I had in my freezer- gave myself 8 SP for 1 cup and also 6 SP for a piece of Cornbread (Next time, skipping cornbread or making my own WW kind....)

12 SP Meal - Green Chicken Pitas - Chicken with Wildtree Opa Seasoning, Pita Pocket from Aldi, WT Tzatziki blend in Greek Yogurt (8 SP), Roasted Potatoes (4 SP), Carrot sticks

12 SP Meal - Baked Coconut Shrimp (Made a recipe with panko, coconut, eggs, and cornstarch- if you want details, write me back- otherwise there are a lot of them online), Couscous (store bought - 4 SP for 1/2 cup), Grapes, Cutie

7 SP Meal - Crock Pot Picadillo (I added 1/2 t. of cinnamon to recipe) over 1/2 cup brown rice, apple slices, carrot sticks http://www.skinnytaste.com/crock-pot-picadillo/

NEXT WEEK to try!

11 SP Meal - Pizza Chicken Roll Up's (5 SP), Pasta (4 SP), Roasted Broccoli (2 SP) - http://showmetheyummy.com/pizza-stuffed-chicken-roll-ups-recipe/

10 SP Meal - Crock Pot Kahlua Pork (6 SP), Salad with Avocado (4 SP) - http://www.skinnytaste.com/crock-pot-kalua-pork/

8 SP Meal - Crock Pot Kahlua Pork (6 SP), Lettuce Wrap with Avocado (2 SP)- for the kids I'll do tortillas- http://www.skinnytaste.com/crock-pot-kalua-pork/

12 SP Meal - Ground Turkey Tacos (9 SP), Refried Beans (3 SP), Carrots/Celery

? SP Meal  - Shrimp Stir Fry, lots of veggies over Ramen Noodles (no MSG packet) - Haven't figured out details yet...but should be around 9 SP?

Hope you're all having an amazing start to the new year! If you have a recipe to share or something you made, please share!

My 1st attempt at Meal Planning for friends AND YOU!

Welcome to my first email as a "meal planner" - I hope this is helpful for you all!

Now, as a pre-cursor, I use most of my points for dinner. I like to have a good meal to look forward to. My breakfast is usually a smoothie or some fruit- nothing over 2-3 SP. My lunch is usually around 7-10 SP - so this helps me have a bigger dinner. I can even have a small piece of chocolate as a treat :-)

Here's my plan for the week - menu with recipe links (I always do my grocery list ahead of time- most I can buy at Aldi - except for Ginger:

MONDAY:
Massive Turkey Meatball- I'll use some Aldi sauce instead of her recommended sauce- serve over Cremette 150 thin spaghetti - also a salad and maybe a small slice of Italian bread (depends on points I have left - it adds 3 SP)- Total SP Dinner: 13 SP without bread http://www.skinnytaste.com/giant-turkey-meatball-parmesan/

TUESDAY: Honey Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks (or breasts) - serve with 1/2 cup brown Rice and Roasted Asparagus - Total SP Dinner: 12 http://www.skinnytaste.com/honey-teriyaki-drumsticks-skillet-or-instant-pot/

WEDNESDAY: Crunchy Parmesan Chicken- (Changes to the recipe- 2/3 cup crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 2 eggs, 3 T. Oil) - Served with Salad and Carrot Sticks, Apples Total SP Dinner:  12 SP
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/dinner-recipes/Crunchy-Parmesan-Chicken

THURSDAY: Greek Chicken Sandwich on Naan Bread with Tzatziki sauce (I can share some Wildtree if you want to make this) No Link - this will be my own recipe :-) Will serve with carrots sticks or fruit - Didn't figure out SP yet. OR I may make pizza for the boys since I have a class- If so, I'd make a sandwich and fruit to take with me.

FRIDAY: Turkey Stuffed Tenderloin http://www.skinnytaste.com/butternut-stuffed-turkey-tenderloin/ - served with Brussels sprouts (on sale at Aldi) - recipe for brussel sprouts - https://weightwatchers.com/us/recipe/roasted-brussels-sprouts-maple-balsamic-drizzle-1/5626a624a6d5b39610700d5e Total SP Dinner: 7 SP   

SATURDAY:
Thai Chicken Peanut noodles- I'll modify slightly for the boys- I'll also steam or roast some broccoli (carrots sticks for the boys)- no sriracha for me Total SP Dinner: 15 SP (it's a huge serving- so I may just half it? OR it's Saturday and I'll just back off lunch)   http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/thai-chicken-peanut-noodles?trkid=soc-skinnyms-rdp

Feel free to call or ask me if you have ?'s- here are 2 more meals I have in my pocket in case I don't want to make one of the above.

Alternatives:

Bangin Good Shrimp over angel hair pasta (150 calorie cremette) with broccoli Total SP Dinner: 8 SP http://www.skinnytaste.com/bangin-good-shrimp/

Chicken Tacos - No recipe, just chicken breasts (3 oz), seasoned and sauteed- then sliced and served with El Rey corn tortillas (3 tortillas) and refried beans (1/2 cup), carrot sticks - Total SP Dinner: 11 SP (Cheese and Sour Cream are 2 SP)

I'd love ideas or stuff you'd like to see- let me know. 

A holiday weekend and a GAIN?

Ugh. That about sums up how I'm feeling this morning.

Last week was a success. At least until Sunday....then yesterday. I was on point with my food choices EVERY. SINGLE. DAY until Sat- I indulged in 2 s'mores, but I still stayed on track. Then a HUGE church cool out on Sunday before fireworks. I certainly indulged more than I should, but I had earned almost 70 EXTRA points on top of my weekly. I didn't eat that much, did I?

I skipped my work out yesterday, had biscuits and gravy for breakfast (fat free milk made, but STILL), relaxed and watched a movie with my kids, air popped popcorn with butter and then an AMAZING blue cheese burger on a pretzel bun. I didn't bother to track Sun or Monday. I think that's what hurt.

I made sure to get up and get RIGHT back on track this morning. After 15 min of my T-25 I went to check my fit bit and I had forgotten to put it on my sports bra! Darn! So I missed approx. 2300 steps, so it's like it didn't happen. However, it did and I need to remember that :-)

Anyhoo, let's get to the UGH part, I got on the scale and expected to see a bit of a down. BUT-----I was UP 1.4 lbs! SERIOUSLY? UP? I get that I indulged a bit, but did that REALLY not only UNDO my work but ADD 1.4 friggin LBS!

So, that's where I am today. I'm frustrated, I want to eat and just say forget it, but I can't. I know the work I did last week, I KNOW this will pay off. So I'm hoping when you hear from me next week, I can tell you I lost that 1.4 plus some. But if I don't, I'm not going to quit because I can't. My goal is to get back to GOAL- that's now 20 lbs. This  is GOING to happen.

So many changes

This is the start of week 3 in my new life. What's my new life? It's an exciting, scary, amazing, frustrating time.

My husband started a business in January- he left his job (steady paycheck) and embarked into a journey doing something he loves. Contracting- more specifically painting, drywall, texturing, finishing- a little bit of everything. He loves it and even better he's REALLY good at it.

Fast forward 6 months and he's so busy we haven't invoiced anyone in 3 months, we're behind on collection, he needs to hire someone. So we take a LONG look at Daycare versus my job- stress levels, what should we do. We pray on it- HARD. I asked Him for guidance every night. Something in my gut told me it was time to focus on our family.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm staying home with my boys. I'm working as a partner/owner with my husband. We're building a successful company. I'm focusing on my health, including eating better. Cleaner and less "crap". That's why I'm also re-launching my Wildtree business. (www.mywildtree.com/michelledable)

The last 2 weeks have been insane. I've felt every emotion in the book. I've been happy, sad, frustrated, annoyed, exhausted, you name it! BUT, I don't miss the 9-5 - AT ALL! I don't miss the expectation of checking into an office at 8 am and feeling guilty when I am home making dinner before 5pm.

So today I begin again - I begin AGAIN- look back at this blog- I've started over so many times. I sit here weighing 168.6 lbs- that's 20 lbs more than when I hit goal. It's time to get this off.

I have 9.5 weeks left of summer with these boys. I want to do 1 special things every day. That means I have to take care of me. Stop eating the breakfast I make for them, drink my smoothie. WORK OUT- 6 days per week. Enjoy this time.

I started my day at 5 am with Day 1- Cardio of T25 and the Crazy 8's routine of Cize. Here's my workout selfie - I'm feeling good!

And to keep myself accountable- I PROMISE to write at LEAST 1 time per week.

How a comment can change your outlook

I don't have much time, but I wanted to share something that happened to me this morning. 

Ok- let's take a quick step back. The scale wasn't my friend on Saturday. In fact, when I got on and saw a .2 lb loss, I was downright SALTY! I know I put in the work. I KNOW I stayed within points. It was frustrating. 

Well, there was a part of me on Saturday that was tempted to just give in, but I didn't. I ended up being sick on Sunday, Monday and most of Tuesday this week. With being sick, it left my husband in control of my meals. I ate crackers, turkey, cheese, soup, and on Sunday night.....DOMINOS! Eek. 

I tracked it all and I feel like I'm coming out on the other side of this sickness with an overall satisfaction of staying on track. My pants are feeling looser and I am feeling better.

This morning, my co-worker (and fellow WW'er) came up to me and said- "You did it - didn't you?" I asked "What?" She replied "You hit the 10 lbs lost, right? I can see it in your face." It was an AWESOME comment and I needed it, because NO, I have not hit my 10 lb mark, I am only at 4.5 lbs, but it made my DAY!

It reminded me that even when the number on the scale isn't cooperating, there's still progress being made!

2016 - The year of MY best body

Have you seen it? We will see how long I can keep the link here....

Oprah's commercial

The new Weight Watcher commercial with Oprah. She explains that there's no pair of pants to fit into, no special dress, been there and done that. She explains that 2016 she wants to be the year of her best body. I'm in agreement.

With all the new changes with Weight Watchers. Moving from Points plus to Beyond the Scale is exciting but also scary. I lost all of my weight on the old plan. I am comfortable with the old plan. BUT in the 20 months since I hit goal, I've seen the weight slowly creep back. I am 165 lbs now, down 5 lbs from when I weighed myself 3 weeks ago, but I still long to be comfortable.

Comfortable in my pants, in my "space". I have some work to do. I hope any of you out there who read this are with me. Let's make 2016 the year of OUR best bodies.

And so it begins....again

Alright, I'll admit it. I got cocky. I was "all good". I didn't need to follow the plan all the way, I didn't need to exercise. I GOT THIS.

But, I actually don't. I don't got this. I'm kind of stuck. Gaining weight is the worst feeling. Especially since I worked SO hard to get to a place where I was comfortable with "me". Now I'm at least 17 lbs heavier. I'm not happy :-(

Here's why I know I need to do something:

1. My pants are tight. Not my size 4's (can't get them over my butt). Not my size 6 (Can't button those), but my size 8! They're S.N.U.G. Tight, not comfortable.

2. My size "Small" sweaters miraculously are too short.

3. My shoes feel tighter- how did THAT happen?

4. I have that overall nauseous feeling at night right before bed. I also wake up STARVING.

5. I've had heartburn a few times- hadn't had it in 2 years!

The Dable Fam- all my guys!

So, here's my plan. Back on track (pun intended). TRACK everything! Work out- 3-5 times per week. No excuses, no more "it's a celebrations" type crap. DONE!

I didn't weigh in at my meting this week, sadly I didn't want to know. However I DID attend a wedding with my guys and it was a BLAST! While I wore a dress that was a "M", I didn't feel comfortable in my skin. So GOAL- get back to comfortable in my skin.

4 weeks in- 4 lbs down- Supper in a snap!

So, not doing as well as I had hoped with my keeping up, but I'm here and I'm still working! Down 4 lbs, but not officially as I need to weigh in this Saturday. Speaking of this Saturday, IT'S MY FIRST WEIGHT WATCHERS MEETING! Can you tell I'm excited? 

After months of waiting and training being coimpleyed, it's time for me to have my own group. I'm really excited to meet the members. Hopefully I can help them and learn from them the way I learned and helped Angela. It's a matter of support. That's what I love about meetigns. Not only am I there to lead a discussion, but I always feel like I way away with my lessons too. 

Let's talk about walking. Or working out I guess. I'm week 4 into T25. Not even a little cold (or a big one) could slow me down. I took a day off, but I doubled up my workout and even did a Sunday workout. I can tell the difference already. It's such an awesome feeling to experience your body reacting to a work out. The first 2 weeks I was REALLY sore. All the muscles tearing and re-building and such, but now I just feel good. 

For being 20 days into the month, I am overall excited for 2015. I am still 160 lbs and have 10-15 I would LOVE to lose, but my size 8 pants are starting to fit well and even a little loose. This motivates me....I've also been working on yummy dinners. Tonight I am making the EASIEST recipe. I'm not usually a fan of boxed items but I LOVE Stove Top. Here's the recipe. I'll also list the points plus values at the bottom. 

what you need1-2/3 cups  hot water1 pkg.  (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 lb.  boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 can  (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 Cup frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup  Sour Cream

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

ADD hot water to stuffing mix; stir just until moistened.

PLACE chicken and mixed vegetables in 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix soup and sour cream until blended; pour over chicken and vegetables. Top with stuffing.

BAKE 30-35 min. or until chicken is done.

4 servings = 10 points per serving!

Oh crap. How did that happen?

Well here we are (or here I am) on the day after Christmas. 2 1/2 years into a journey of weight loss and maintenance. Looking back, the weight loss part seems easy. Ok, no it wasn't EASY, but I got used to it. I learned it and lived it. Became a Weight Watcher leader as I was so passionate about the lifestyle change. And now, here I sit, 12 lbs above my goal weight at 162 lbs. One word, Sh*t. Maintenance is REALLY hard.

Ugh, so it begins again. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of cookies on my counter right now. Maybe thousands is too much, but it feels like it. Frosted gingerbread, frosted sugar cookies, cinnamon roasted pecans, banana nut bread, coffee cake, popcorn (cheese and Ranch flavored). It's insane. I cannot stop snacking. CAN NOT!

My plan is to do my best the next couple days. We have our delayed Christmas with my husband's Mom on Sunday. I'm making the turkey....and potatoes, and stuffing. Do I even bother to start now? Yes, because you can always start fresh. One bite at a time. One meal. One choice. One day. It all adds up. I'm ready.

I guess more than anything, I'm back. I mean, REALLY back. The last year has shown me I'm no different than anyone else. I've fought my will power, gave up, eaten like crap, experienced heartburn again (NOT FUN). I'm ready to fight again. Fight to get these 12 lbs and maybe some more off again.

Starting on 12/29/14 at 5:00 am, I will begin another round of T-25. This is almost the same weight and size I was when I started last year. Went from a size 6 (almost a 4) to a Size 8 (almost a 10). Need to get back, need to be healthy. Especially since I GOT MY OWN MEETING! Saturday morning, 9 am in Waterford. My meeting starts on January 24th, 2015. Cannot wait!

So, until next week or maybe sooner. With this, I include 2 family pictures. Taken in October. I can see the gain in my face, but I am still SUPER happy with the pics!

It's been 2 years and 2 days....

2 years and 2 days since I decided to change my life. I don't think I fully understood what I was taking on. To be honest, I don't know if I believed I would be successful. But as my husband, Jason would tell you..."Just tell Michelle she can't do something, that'll make her show you."

So I guess I did it, I showed myself! On July 13, 2012 I left my house and stopped at McDonald's. I ordered a breakfast burrito and a McGriddle, sausage McGriddle. After eating those, I walked into my first (3rd attempt) Weight Watchers meeting. My leader, Angela was a thin, very pretty blonde woman with smart looking glasses. She was kind and sincere. There was something I connected to and I left the meeting feeling empowered.

My tosies

As I share how it happened and a lot of my journey here, there are a few items I have noticed I do now, that I did not before.
For example:
I don't go into Handicap stalls anymore. I don't need all the extra room. 
When I get into my van next to my husband, I don't put my purse or diaper bag over my belly. Used to try and hide it!
I shave my legs once a week now (luckily I'm not a hairy person!)
I can clip my own toe nails now. Not that I couldn't before, but it was a struggle and my hubby used to help. 
I paint my toe nails again! See?

Side by side- 3 years!

I never thought I would wear a 2 piece swimsuit again. I used to be uncomfortable in any swim suit. I would hide or usually avoid any activity that required a suit. This "before" picture in the side by side was taken by my parents and included a bunch of people. The "selfie" was me last Sunday. I was not feeling well but decided to go lay in the sun and get some Vitamin D. I put on my suit and smiled. Do I look awesome?  No. BUT, after 2 kids, I'll take it!


So when I break it down, I am maintaining the weight lost. I waiver from 151 - 148 lbs. At 9 months pregnant with my #2, I was 279 lbs! I'm now within my healthy range.  I'm happy with that. I am 3 weeks into T25 again. Taking this week off as I have been super sick, but may even jump back into the saddle tonight. Overall, if anyone is reading this, you can do it. I did!

Or maybe if I tell you, "You CAN'T do it"....you will

My success story video

I meant to post this a long time ago, for those of you who were not local and unable to see my TV debut!

After my last post, I was asked to be a part of our local news station and with the support of my amazing leader, Angela Wein, I think it turned out pretty good.

What do you think?

My leader, Angela and me

My Success Story!

Here's the recipe for the Mango Avocado Salsa.

Thanks to Skinnytaste for the assist, as always:

Avocado and Mango Salsa
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 119.4 • Fat: 8.2 g • Carb: 12.6 g • Fiber: 3.4 g • Protein: 1.3 g  

• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 plum tomato, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalepeño, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients and let it marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Honored and Excited! Can I be a success story???

This week I submitted my story to Weight Watchers as a possible Success Story. I'm hoping I am chosen to represent my amazing leader :-) Here's my application!

My Story:

250 lbs

After having my second child I found myself more overwhelmed, overworked, and more tired than I've ever been in my entire life. In July 2013, I’d had enough and I decided, "I'm going to lose 100 lbs!" I knew Weight Watchers worked and had tried it with success in the past. Prior to that, I’d tried pretty much everything; personal trainers, diet pills, Adipax (phentermine), working out, low carb, you name it, I tried it. I would just yo-yo up and down.  

I had sizes 12, 14, 16, 18, and even 20 in my closet at any given time. Not only was it frustrating to fluctuate like that, I knew it wasn’t good for my body. At 250 lbs I had heartburn every day. My back hurt, my knees hurt, and I would become winded walking up 1 flight of stairs. I had an active 2 ½ year old who wanted me to play outside. I had a newborn that needed me. Mommy was always “too tired”. I was miserable.

Starting weight watchers I made sure I did everything the way it was suggested. I made weekly goals. As each week passed I made that goal a part of my new lifestyle. 5 weeks in, I had a new set of guidelines which were attributing to my healthier life. I attended meetings regularly, I used my phone to track my meals, and when we went out to eat, I made sure to add up points. It was not easy at first, but the weight started coming off and I was so excited I wanted to keep going.

There were so many excuses I could make for not losing the weight. I work full time.  I have two kids, one a newborn. We’ve gone through sickness and stitches, sleepless nights, and every holiday meal. I hated exercise. Though active in high school athletics, it had been years since I really “worked out”. I thought I had to go to a gym and life weights.

150 lbs

After I had lost about 40 lbs, I felt so much better. I had a Wii, so I purchased Zumba and Just Dance. I alternated those work outs in my living room. Completing just 25 minutes of Zumba and 25 minutes of Just Dance the first week was easy. The second week, I did 2 zumba classes. The following month, I was working out 3-4 times per week. With my eating following Weight Watchers and my workouts, I found the losses steady each week.

If I had a craving, I found a way to satisfy the craving either by recreating it in a more healthful way or using my weekly points to splurge. In the 20 months it took me to lose the weight, I never felt deprived. That’s why it worked for me. Recently, I completed a 10 week workout program that included 60 workouts, resting only on Saturdays. That’s not something I EVER would have done before.

My life is completely different than it was before. My husband and I are happier, I play with my kids outside, and I have even been complimented for my positive outlook at work. Things are incredible! I am very happy. 

Photos I submitted are above.

My stat sheet from WW: Join Date, Goal Date, Lifetime Date (hoping tomorrow)

Sick. Sick. Sick. AND, Sick some more....

 This is ridiculous. I mean, RIDICULOUS! Our little team Dable cannot get well. We cannot! It's driving me CRAZY!

My brave boy!

This is my last 2 weeks of frustrations. Apologize for taking away from my weigh loss mommy and going into bitchy mommy here, but hopefully some of you can relate.

Monday- Phone call. Oldest Son fell on the playground. 3 stitches. Trip to Urgent Care.
(Hubby leaves to go out of town Tue-Thu)

Thursday- Youngest son crying in agony. "Mommy. Ear. HURT." Another quick run into the Urgent Care, Antibiotics for an ear infection.

Friday- Back to Urgent Care to remove the stitches. Wound is healing great! Time for Mederma

Fri night- Hubby home, happy weekend. All seems great!

Monday am- Oldest son wakes up sneezing, coughing, etc. "Mommy- I am too sick for school." Stay home.

Tue- Hubby leaves again- gone until Thursday....

Tue NIGHT- Pick up younger son from daycare and he seems fine. At bath time, I notice he has a few bumps and a slight rash. Before my eyes, it doubles. AGAIN, go to Urgent Care. It would appear he has a reaction to Penicillin..... New antibiotics.

Poor little man! 

Wed- Pick younger son up from daycare. Rash is SO bad he can barely see out one eye. Call my Dr. they say he should be seen. AGAIN, Urgent Care. They say, "Well I don't want to say the Dr. last night was wrong, but....this isn't an allergy. This is just a viral infection. BUT, he needs Steroids".... UGH!"

Thu- All good BUT younger son refuses to take medicines. I tried hiding it in Ice cream, yogurt, chocolate milk, you name it. NO DICE! He's too smart for my games.

Fri- All good BUT after our friends leave at 12:40 am, I realize I am not feeling so good, so I take Ny-quil. Next thing you know, my OLDER son gets up at 2:30 am. He threw up, EVERYWHERE. Change the sheets, snuggle him back in, give him a bowl. good, right? NOPE. 3:45 am- "Mommy, I frew up again". Cut to another sheet set soiled and put him in the guest room with me next to him. Poor guy up the rest of the night. Moaning and in pain. Mommy- NO SLEEP.

Sat am- YOUNGER son wakes up. Having labored breathing. Seems to be very lethargic and not better at all. Hubby takes him to EMERGENCY ROOM! 3 hours later, a chest x-ray and breathing treatment, he has a Viral Infection which just has to run its course....Great!

Sunday- Mommy sick all day. No rest for mommy.

Monday- Mommy still very sick, but needs to be at work. Boo.

Tuesday- Feeling a little better- still at work.

Wednesday- FINALLY better. 45 minute walk on my lunch break! I'm back baby!

I didn't weigh in last Saturday (you know the whole ER thing) and I am nervous at my number this coming week. In guessing, I think the last 2 weeks added about 3-4 lbs.

I have this week to make it up. Back to my healthy eating and get my workouts completed. Hope you all have had a better couple weeks than me....

Next challenge accepted

T25 is done. I finished it a week and a half ago. After 10 LONG weeks, I am able to share that I went from 155.4 to 148.4 lbs. I also lost a total of 9 inches from my chest, waist, arms and thighs. Went from a size 8-10 to a size 4-6.

It was HARD work. I've never committed to 10 weeks of anything in my adult life. I always thought the people on infomercials were fake. And maybe some of them are, but DANG! This worked. I gained muscle in places I never knew existed. I toned my legs, butt and arms. I can see clearer definition in my abs and I definitely lost some of the apron-y fat which sets in front of my tummy.

So, I took a week off. I deserved it, right? Whew! Let me tell you. I ate and ate. And ate some more. I went out to eat 5 DAYS IN A ROW! I dined on Chicken Teriyaki wrap with Sweet Potato chips, a bacon cheeseburger with an egg on top and fries, a plate full of Chicken Marsala from Calderone Club, a grilled ham and cheese panini with FRIES (again). I haven't been this mean to my body since before I began my journey.

Interestingly enough, the scale wasn't too cruel. I had lost a little weight, but I am a little nervous to see what happens this weekend. I am on Day 2 of 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. This is a 3 DVD set I bought on Amazon for $8.50 or something. It is meant to do DVD #1 for 10 days, #2 for 10 days, #3 for 10 days. I believe you're supposed to rest on Sunday so it's a 33 day challenge. This one seems much more do able for me right now. I don't think I could commit to another 10 weeker! Whew!

I'm back on track with eating and I have discovered a new food line which is 100% organic that I'm excited about! It's been Yummy and Healthy! Will keep you updated. Stay tuned for my 10 week photos. I am a bit delayed, but I still look pretty good!

I just have to share this!

If you follow me, you know I don't go to the gym....I get my workouts in at home. This video below is PROBABLY why I avoid....It's funny! Enjoy!

Post by BuzzFeed Video.

I had stopped trying

I realized the other day while I was in the shower shaving my legs, my life and overall being is in a much different place than it was 20 months ago. The reason I thought this was the fact I was shaving my legs and it was SO much easier to do! No grunting or hard work, just easy peezy!

It sounds silly, but something like that is a pretty big deal. Not only was it easier to actually shave my legs, I was DOING it! I had pretty much stopped caring about those maintenance and upkeep items of my life over the last year and a half. The upkeep of ME didn't exist! Shaving, having my hair done, putting on lotion, brushing my hair at night. Little things I had always done as part of my beauty regime, but had stopped because I no longer felt good about myself. Why bother, right?

In thinking back, not only did I give up on my diet and exercise and my beauty routine (because let's face it, I never liked looking in the mirror) I had given up on everything. My clothing consisted of XXL comfy pants and XL t-shirts. My "going out" clothes were a pair of jeans and a sweater. For work, I wore the same 3 pairs of pants because I didn't want to buy anything larger.

I never took much time on my hair. I wore it in a bun a lot of the time. My makeup was very minimal and I just used plain soap and no moisturizer. Again, why did it matter? I didn't feel pretty. I didn't feel desirable. Why should I even try?

NOW- I notice I am taking much better care of myself. My whole self. Working out, eating healthy, SHAVING my legs....Even making sure to moisturize my face and body (I have all this extra skin that needs tightening- it is our biggest organ, right?) Flossing my teeth and working on a cleaner, brighter smile :-) I also LOVE shopping again. The only problem is now I have to actually decide which looks the cutest, because overall things look pretty good. Hope that doesn't sound conceited...All of these things I had stopped doing- Why? If anything I made myself feel WORSE because I wasn't taking care of Me!

I am now. I am still a mom. 100% . All the time. My youngest has pneumonia and I took 2 days off work to make sure he had tons of snuggles and felt better. I made sure to continue my smart eating and my workouts. A little lesson- don't have crap food around the house and when you feel like snacking- YOU CAN'T. HAHA!

Week 10 of T25 is almost over- I've not taken final measurements or pictures, but I will on Sunday. That was 10 weeks of hard work. I feel incredible though! Weigh in at Weight Watchers Saturday and hoping to be back to my Goal of 150 and MAINTAIN!

I just don't want to.

Not every day is perfect. I don't always feel like eating the right way, and working out, and going to my meetings. This was my thought recently.

(Inner dialogue Saturday morning....)

I don't want to go to Weight Watchers this morning. I really don't. It's honestly the last thing I feel like doing.

My husband is out of town in Minnesota and was supposed to get home yesterday but he still isn't home and now I am sitting here with my two small children thinking I really don't want to go to Weight Watchers. 

I put my car into a snowbank yesterday and had to wait 2 hours for a tow truck. I am tired and just wanna relax! Ugh.

Turn it around, turn it around. My negative attitude won't win this morning, there are some major reasons I need to go to Weight Watchers today. The first being, I haven't gone the last two weeks. Oops.

Second, I have not been eating as well I had planned and I haven't been able to make it up yet. (you know when you delay going to a meeting because you figure "hey I'll do really really good next week and then it'll make up for this week"). 

Well that didn't happen,  I had to go out to eat 3 times this week. In some cases I made good choices but I also ate more than I should and not ALWAYS the BEST choices....

Finally, last time I went I actually gained 2 pounds and that completely deflated my spirit as the week before I finally hit my goal of 100 pounds! Urph. Get your ass to the meeting, Michelle!!

Well, I loaded up my guys into the car and I went to WW on Saturday. I was down .8 lbs. My goal weight is set at 150 lbs. I was at 150.4 just 3 weeks ago, but now I am 151.4 which means, only 1.4 more lbs to go to hit my goal weight....I am 151.4 lbs and 5'6". Why am I stuck on the idea I should be 130-140 lbs?

My new thought process is all about non scale victories though. I managed to finish ALL my T25 workouts - 8 weeks completed- 2 weeks to go. I bought my FIRST ever SIZE 4, yes, SIZE 4 skinny jeans at Gap. Overall, I am feeling good about me. Still a work in progress, eating one bite at a time. 

My new 1/2 way through T25 photo!

5 weeks into T25

My version of my fav- Pasta Fresca

There have been some awesome developments with my journey, but also with work I've been too crazy to share. That being said, I do not have time to write and share all the fantastic news right now, coming later today or tomorrow! I did want to share my new favorite at home make over recipe....

PASTA FRESCA = PASTA DELICIOUS!

First things first, here is the AWESOME Pasta Fresca recipe. It's a copycat of Noodles and Company, but I'm more inclined to make this at home as it's only 9 points. Add some grilled chicken and voila, only 11 points! AND you made it at home. Much cleaner (less preservatives and such) and much more delicious. Noodles and Co. regular version is 17.

Past Fresca Recipe:

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

2 1/2 cups pre-cooked penne pasta

1/4 cup cubed roma tomato

1 tablespoon diced red onion

2 dashes kosher salt, and

cracked pepper

1 ounce baby fresh spinach

1/4 cup fresh garlic

Fresca Sauce:

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 T. balsamic vinegar

2 T. sweet white wine

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Sauté Instructions:

In a very hot sauté pan, add: extra virgin olive oil, pre-cooked penne, roma tomatoes, diced red onions, kosher salt & cracked pepper.

Sear noodles, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.

Add: baby fresh spinach, fresca sauce.

Toss to combine, serve with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Meatless Mondays- trying something new

LOVE my menu board!

I decided this year I am going to get further into my menu planning. I've made (Yeah, so my hubby made it) a board where I post my weekly menu. I've got it down to 5-6 meals per week where I have EVERYTHING on hand in my fridge and pantry. Recipes at the ready, too. If I decide I don't feel like eating a certain meal that evening, then I can trade it out! It's been a blessing. It also helps my hubby know what to get started should he beat me home from work.

This photo was right after I made it. Before I had decided on Meatless Mondays. However, I am on week 2 of Meatless Mondays. Tonight is Pasta Fresca (copycat version from Noodles and Co) and I'll let you know how it turns out. 

However, I have to share the recipe I made last week! It was simply awesome! Not too hard, but even my kids had 2 servings each! It was Whole wheat linguine with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto.


Recipe as follows:

1 cup sun dried tomatoes - not in oil (produce area)
1 T. Olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not the powder stuff- buy real and shred!)
2 medium cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups basil (FRESH)
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 t. sugar (I added this to offset acid)
Whole Wheat Linguine Pasta (Or high fiber pasta)

Place tomatoes in a heat-proof bowl; cover with boiling water. Let sit until softened, about 20 to 30 minutes. Drain tomatoes but reserve tomato liquid.  

Place tomatoes, 1 cup of tomato liquid, oil, 1/2 cup of cheese, garlic, basil, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor; process until smooth. 

Add more tomato liquid, if desired, and adjust seasonings. 

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water; drain pasta. In a serving bowl, toss pasta with pesto and about 3/4 to 1 cup reserved cooking water, depending on desired consistency; sprinkle with remaining cheese. 
Yields about 1 cup pasta, 1/3 cup sauce and 3/4 teaspoon cheese per serving. 

I served it with Steamed Broccoli, sprinkled a little more Parmesan on top of the broccoli. Yumm! 
NOTE: There was a lot of Pesto left, so I put it into a Tupperware container and have been using it as a spread for my turkey sandwiches and egg sandwiches in the morning! 

Oh, and I also figured I'd share my new license with you! The picture on top was me 1 month after my 2nd son was born. I was 250 lbs (I lied to the DMV- oops). I don't even recognize the woman in the picture.... Making the little changes can make an AWFULLY big difference, huh?