I'm pretty excited today, because not only did I find out I won a prize pack on one of my favorite blogs, but another favorite blogger (who I think of as a huge inspiration/kind of like a celebrity) linked up to me today in her entry! I wanted to return the link love & send some traffic their way!
If you haven't already checked her out, head over to Diana's (AKA Scale Junkie) space and leave her some love! I won a great prize pack from Cheerios that she was sponsoring on her blog--I get a box of my FAVE cereal, a gym bag, water bottle, and cereal container!
Also, if you're not currently a reader of Julia's (AKA jewlia goulia) you should be--and why aren't you, btw? She's lost over 140 pounds in the last year or so and is such an inspiration! She also suffered a tragedy this week with the sudden loss of her mother, so please go leave her some love too!
Hope everyone's having a fabulous weekend! I've been pretty sick, but I powered through a 1-hour dance-cardio video today on the on demand FitTV station on our cable. I also officially registered for the Illinois Marathon's 5K today! My friend isn't going to be doing it with me, so I'll be training for this one on my own. C25K starts tomorrow! Any recommendations for good podcasts for it? I know they're out there, I just gotta find them!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Challenging Myself
Earlier this month, I shared my goals and many of them were health/fitness related. I've been working all month to take steps to cross some of those off my list. I've been keeping all our meetings with the trainer, keeping a sticker chart of days that we exercise, and I've lost over 10 pounds this month alone! Things are going well! February is going to see me challenging myself even more.
We only have time with our trainer for about 5 more weeks. The last couple of weeks have been good, but I let her know that we could be pushed a little more. I want to take advantage of her while I have her, and I want her to push me. And push she did yesterday, we had one hell of a workout & my arms felt like jello afterwards... so much so that it hurt to turn the steering wheel once I got into my car! I want to be challenged, so I'm looking forward to that.
I've also pencilled into my calendar three 5Ks in 3 months. My goal is to be able to run one this year. I don't know how much of these three will see me running, but I will give it a try! In April I'm planning to participate in the Illinois Marathon's 5K (you even get a medal for finishing & you end on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium--the football field at the U of I--I'm very motivated by these factors!). I'm hopeful that a friend of mine will have interest in completing it with me. Last summer we discussed doing it & training with the C25K program. I've sent an email her way about it, so we'll see what her thoughts are. Regardless, I'm doing it! In May then is a local 5K called the Kirby Derby. Eddie's goal this year is to be able to walk a 5K, which is a feat for him since he's walked with a crutch for so long & not been able to walk long distances in a long time. He's planning to do the Kirby Derby with me. I can't wait to see him succeed! It will be such an accomplishment for him! Then finally, in June, I'm planning to do a Race for the Cure up in the Quad Cities with my friend Jenny. We've done it two years, then missed last year due to scheduling conflicts, but this year we're hoping to do it together again! I also emailed her about C25K & hope that she'll take me up on my offer to jog at least part of it! Three 5Ks in three months! Woo!
I've also joined an online challenge. A blogger I read, That Wife, is hosting a weight-loss challenge. It goes from February-September, and the person in the challenge that loses the largest percentage of weight gets a 2-hour photo session with her (she is a photographer!) and a disk of images to go along with it. I'm lucky enough that she is living in Chicago right now, so if I won her challenge I could get some amazing pro-pics done with Eddie in the Windy City! Another of my goals from my list up there is to get professional pictures taken, so what a great way to incorporate my fitness goals with some of my other goals! If you're interested in joining her challenge, click her link up there & check it out!
I'm feeling good about all the challenges the upcoming months hold. I had a really successful January and I can't wait to see what February holds!
We only have time with our trainer for about 5 more weeks. The last couple of weeks have been good, but I let her know that we could be pushed a little more. I want to take advantage of her while I have her, and I want her to push me. And push she did yesterday, we had one hell of a workout & my arms felt like jello afterwards... so much so that it hurt to turn the steering wheel once I got into my car! I want to be challenged, so I'm looking forward to that.
I've also pencilled into my calendar three 5Ks in 3 months. My goal is to be able to run one this year. I don't know how much of these three will see me running, but I will give it a try! In April I'm planning to participate in the Illinois Marathon's 5K (you even get a medal for finishing & you end on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium--the football field at the U of I--I'm very motivated by these factors!). I'm hopeful that a friend of mine will have interest in completing it with me. Last summer we discussed doing it & training with the C25K program. I've sent an email her way about it, so we'll see what her thoughts are. Regardless, I'm doing it! In May then is a local 5K called the Kirby Derby. Eddie's goal this year is to be able to walk a 5K, which is a feat for him since he's walked with a crutch for so long & not been able to walk long distances in a long time. He's planning to do the Kirby Derby with me. I can't wait to see him succeed! It will be such an accomplishment for him! Then finally, in June, I'm planning to do a Race for the Cure up in the Quad Cities with my friend Jenny. We've done it two years, then missed last year due to scheduling conflicts, but this year we're hoping to do it together again! I also emailed her about C25K & hope that she'll take me up on my offer to jog at least part of it! Three 5Ks in three months! Woo!
I've also joined an online challenge. A blogger I read, That Wife, is hosting a weight-loss challenge. It goes from February-September, and the person in the challenge that loses the largest percentage of weight gets a 2-hour photo session with her (she is a photographer!) and a disk of images to go along with it. I'm lucky enough that she is living in Chicago right now, so if I won her challenge I could get some amazing pro-pics done with Eddie in the Windy City! Another of my goals from my list up there is to get professional pictures taken, so what a great way to incorporate my fitness goals with some of my other goals! If you're interested in joining her challenge, click her link up there & check it out!
I'm feeling good about all the challenges the upcoming months hold. I had a really successful January and I can't wait to see what February holds!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lack of Control
No, this isn't an entry about how I've gone all crazy and been bingeing like mad the past week or so (though I know some of you crazies that read this would love that, right?). This is an entry about a *different* kind of lack of control... a good kind, actually.
The times in my life where I've been one to gorge on food because of whatever reason (happiness, sadness, all a previous reason to binge), I thought it was due to lack of control. I thought I lacked the control to straighten out and not eat like crazy. When in reality, it was just the opposite... I was in total control. But control isn't always a good thing. When things have been amiss in my life in the past, the one thing I could control was food. I was deciding that if I couldn't control all the other stuff that was going on, I could at least control food, and I was going to control it to my little heart's content... in a bad way. I was going to make the decision to eat whatever junk I wanted--because I was the boss & I was in control.
At the time, I didn't realize that... at the time, I thought it was a total lack of control that made my weight soar over 300 pounds. But hindsight is 20/20 and I didn't lack control. I freaking OWNED that food.
So flash forward to now... eating healthy, living the WW plan, etc. I should be IN CONTROL now, right? Only the thing is, if I'm "in control" it means that food is something that I need to have power over. I give food enough credit that if I'm not in control of it, then it will control me, right? I give food way too much credit.
I read a lot of weight loss blogs, and I know that not everyone will agree with my rambly thoughts up there... but I've seen so many of my online weight loss friends become OBSESSED with food, exercise, counting calories, etc. And in my mind, that means that food and things associated with it (even if it's HEALTHY food, etc) are the ones controlling you, not vice versa (Who has seen a number on the scale, for instance, and let it dictate their entire mood, for example?). Do I believe in being aware of what you eat, what activity you're doing, etc? Yes, of course, but I'm moving beyond the aspect of control... on my part, or food's part. It's just not that important. My health is important, of course, but I will not allow food to be the thing that makes me happy when I'm sad or celebrates with me when I'm happy. Food's purpose is to nourish my body, and that's it. So rather than agonize over food and what's off limits, etc, I'm letting go of that control. Call me crazy, but as long as I think of food as this big, powerful thing that can threaten my success, I'll be constantly worried that I won't be able to succeed. I'm throwing that idea away. I will succeed. You'll see.
The times in my life where I've been one to gorge on food because of whatever reason (happiness, sadness, all a previous reason to binge), I thought it was due to lack of control. I thought I lacked the control to straighten out and not eat like crazy. When in reality, it was just the opposite... I was in total control. But control isn't always a good thing. When things have been amiss in my life in the past, the one thing I could control was food. I was deciding that if I couldn't control all the other stuff that was going on, I could at least control food, and I was going to control it to my little heart's content... in a bad way. I was going to make the decision to eat whatever junk I wanted--because I was the boss & I was in control.
At the time, I didn't realize that... at the time, I thought it was a total lack of control that made my weight soar over 300 pounds. But hindsight is 20/20 and I didn't lack control. I freaking OWNED that food.
So flash forward to now... eating healthy, living the WW plan, etc. I should be IN CONTROL now, right? Only the thing is, if I'm "in control" it means that food is something that I need to have power over. I give food enough credit that if I'm not in control of it, then it will control me, right? I give food way too much credit.
I read a lot of weight loss blogs, and I know that not everyone will agree with my rambly thoughts up there... but I've seen so many of my online weight loss friends become OBSESSED with food, exercise, counting calories, etc. And in my mind, that means that food and things associated with it (even if it's HEALTHY food, etc) are the ones controlling you, not vice versa (Who has seen a number on the scale, for instance, and let it dictate their entire mood, for example?). Do I believe in being aware of what you eat, what activity you're doing, etc? Yes, of course, but I'm moving beyond the aspect of control... on my part, or food's part. It's just not that important. My health is important, of course, but I will not allow food to be the thing that makes me happy when I'm sad or celebrates with me when I'm happy. Food's purpose is to nourish my body, and that's it. So rather than agonize over food and what's off limits, etc, I'm letting go of that control. Call me crazy, but as long as I think of food as this big, powerful thing that can threaten my success, I'll be constantly worried that I won't be able to succeed. I'm throwing that idea away. I will succeed. You'll see.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday's Words of Wisdom
A friend's facebook status had a quote that he'd seen somewhere and was reposting. I'm following suit & reposting this quote as well. I think it's great, and oh-so-true.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Steering Clear & Other Strategies for Success
As some of you may know, I work as a prevention specialist at a local mental health center. What that means, is that the bulk of my job is spent in classrooms throughout the county teaching life skills to students, in an effort to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. One lesson I teach is about peer pressure refusal strategies... you know, ways to handle peer pressure, such as saying no, walking away, etc. One of the strategies I teach though, is something called "steer clear". This strategy teaches that if you know something is going to be going on somewhere, where you think you might be pressured to do something you don't think is right, you simply steer clear of that situation and avoid it entirely. This strategy can also be applied to weight loss. For example, if I don't want to be tempted to get a Big Mac, steer clear of McDonald's. Seems simple, right?
However, just like kids can't always steer clear of those tempting pressure-filled situations, neither can adults when it comes to their weaknesses--mine in particular happens to be food. Sometimes there are people in our lives that either intentionally or unintentionally can sabotage our efforts for success. You would think that family and friends would be supportive when you're trying to better your life, but it doesn't always work that way. I've decided to take the concepts I teach in my peer pressure lesson (for 5th graders, btw), and apply it to my own life. I need to take the skills that I teach to the kids and utilize them for me when I find myself in those situations where I'm feeling pressured or not supported by others to reach my goals. There are nine strategies I teach, and I think just about every one of them can be useful in certain situations I might find myself in... maybe you can relate?
1. Say No. This seems like the most obvious way to combat the pressure to do something you don't think you should do. It's oftentimes easier said than done though, and this strategy works best when combined with another, because unfortunately sometimes "No, thank you" isn't enough to stop the pressure.
2. Broken Record. The broken record strategy just means that we keep repeating our reasoning not to do something if someone continue to pressure us. For example, if someone offers me a slice of cake & I politely say, "No, I don't care for any," then they continue to tell me how delicious it is, I would simply repeat the same phrase--like a record stuck repeating itself.
3. Ignore. I find this most effective when I have people in my life who make little side comments about how I "can't have this, since you're on your diet" or things of that nature. No matter how many times I reiterate that I can have anything I like, and that I'm not "on a diet", it doesn't get through to some people. In those cases, rather than waste my energy on setting the record straight, sometimes it's just better to ignore the comments & move on, knowing that I'm doing something good for my body & my future.
4. Walk Away. Sometimes removing yourself from the situation can be the best thing, especially because some people can be relentless in their efforts to negatively influence you. Are your coworkers trying to tempt you into eating the cake in the breakroom? Leave the breakroom! Sometimes this strategy is best used in combination with another. As I mentioned before, sometimes saying "no" isn't enough--if the pressure continues, just excuse yourself & get outta there!
5. Better Idea. When teaching this to the kids, I tell them that if someone tries to pressure you to do something you're uncomfortable with, suggest something else instead. So if they are wanting you to smoke, for example, you could say "I have a better idea, why don't we go hang out at my house instead." Well, adults can use the same technique when pressured to eat badly. A lot of times old friends want to catch up over lunch or dinner. If they suggest somewhere that I know I'll be tempted to eat something not-so-good, I can always suggest a better idea--a restaurant that I know I can eat something at and still stay on-plan for the day!
6. Make an Excuse. As an adult, it seems silly to tell you to make an excuse to get yourself out of the situation, but if these other strategies don't work, use it! Someone brought donuts to the staff meeting this morning? "No thank you, I'm still full from breakfast". It's as easy as that--just make an excuse to diffuse the situation!
7. State the Facts. Sometimes people honestly just don't know that you're trying to eat healthy or avoid certain foods. You can't blame someone for politely sharing their food or inviting you out for an unhealthy meal if they don't know what your situation is! So state the facts--let them know that you're trying to lose weight or eat more consciously and that you appreciate their offer, but no thanks! Even when you share this info with some people, they may still pressure you, but utilizing one of these other strategies can help you with dealing with that situation if/when it arises!
8. Reverse the Pressure. Those people I just mentioned that still pressure you despite knowing the facts? Well, reverse the pressure on them! This is most easily done by turning the situation back to them & asking them why they continue to ask you, despite knowing that you're trying to do something good for yourself. It puts them on the spot, which sometimes can quiet their mouths!
9. Steer Clear. Once again, we're back to what I started with, steering clear. This is a really important strategy for me to practice and use. You wouldn't encourage an alcoholic to go to a bar to get a glass of water, so avoid tempting situations that you know would make you feel weak & likely to give in or "relapse".
This weekend Eddie and I had date night (see our date blog at http://www.onecheapdate.wordpress.com/ ) and we went overboard with popcorn & pop at the movies. I had intentions to get their "healthy" option, which is a cup or two of popcorn, water, and a nutrigrain bar... but at the last minute, the decision was made to get a large popcorn & pop. Had I steered clear of the concession stand entirely, the crisis would have been averted. And you know what, even though I had points for that popcorn & pop, it didn't just end there... my body had a taste of the "old lifestyle" food, and it craved it all weekend. The next day, I felt like I couldn't get satisfied. I was constantly hungry & wanting sugar & salt. Junk led to me wanting more junk. Thankfully after about 24 hours, those cravings went away, and despite the cravings we still stayed within points all weekend. However, if I'd used some of these strategies, I may not have found myself in a jeopardizing situation.
So while I know that these 9 refusal strategies might seem childish or common sense, they really can be helpful to keep in mind. I know I'll be more aware of them now & try to use them on a more regular basis to deal with the enablers in my life & those that try to sabotage my success. What do you think? Could you appy these to your life?
However, just like kids can't always steer clear of those tempting pressure-filled situations, neither can adults when it comes to their weaknesses--mine in particular happens to be food. Sometimes there are people in our lives that either intentionally or unintentionally can sabotage our efforts for success. You would think that family and friends would be supportive when you're trying to better your life, but it doesn't always work that way. I've decided to take the concepts I teach in my peer pressure lesson (for 5th graders, btw), and apply it to my own life. I need to take the skills that I teach to the kids and utilize them for me when I find myself in those situations where I'm feeling pressured or not supported by others to reach my goals. There are nine strategies I teach, and I think just about every one of them can be useful in certain situations I might find myself in... maybe you can relate?
1. Say No. This seems like the most obvious way to combat the pressure to do something you don't think you should do. It's oftentimes easier said than done though, and this strategy works best when combined with another, because unfortunately sometimes "No, thank you" isn't enough to stop the pressure.
2. Broken Record. The broken record strategy just means that we keep repeating our reasoning not to do something if someone continue to pressure us. For example, if someone offers me a slice of cake & I politely say, "No, I don't care for any," then they continue to tell me how delicious it is, I would simply repeat the same phrase--like a record stuck repeating itself.
3. Ignore. I find this most effective when I have people in my life who make little side comments about how I "can't have this, since you're on your diet" or things of that nature. No matter how many times I reiterate that I can have anything I like, and that I'm not "on a diet", it doesn't get through to some people. In those cases, rather than waste my energy on setting the record straight, sometimes it's just better to ignore the comments & move on, knowing that I'm doing something good for my body & my future.
4. Walk Away. Sometimes removing yourself from the situation can be the best thing, especially because some people can be relentless in their efforts to negatively influence you. Are your coworkers trying to tempt you into eating the cake in the breakroom? Leave the breakroom! Sometimes this strategy is best used in combination with another. As I mentioned before, sometimes saying "no" isn't enough--if the pressure continues, just excuse yourself & get outta there!
5. Better Idea. When teaching this to the kids, I tell them that if someone tries to pressure you to do something you're uncomfortable with, suggest something else instead. So if they are wanting you to smoke, for example, you could say "I have a better idea, why don't we go hang out at my house instead." Well, adults can use the same technique when pressured to eat badly. A lot of times old friends want to catch up over lunch or dinner. If they suggest somewhere that I know I'll be tempted to eat something not-so-good, I can always suggest a better idea--a restaurant that I know I can eat something at and still stay on-plan for the day!
6. Make an Excuse. As an adult, it seems silly to tell you to make an excuse to get yourself out of the situation, but if these other strategies don't work, use it! Someone brought donuts to the staff meeting this morning? "No thank you, I'm still full from breakfast". It's as easy as that--just make an excuse to diffuse the situation!
7. State the Facts. Sometimes people honestly just don't know that you're trying to eat healthy or avoid certain foods. You can't blame someone for politely sharing their food or inviting you out for an unhealthy meal if they don't know what your situation is! So state the facts--let them know that you're trying to lose weight or eat more consciously and that you appreciate their offer, but no thanks! Even when you share this info with some people, they may still pressure you, but utilizing one of these other strategies can help you with dealing with that situation if/when it arises!
8. Reverse the Pressure. Those people I just mentioned that still pressure you despite knowing the facts? Well, reverse the pressure on them! This is most easily done by turning the situation back to them & asking them why they continue to ask you, despite knowing that you're trying to do something good for yourself. It puts them on the spot, which sometimes can quiet their mouths!
9. Steer Clear. Once again, we're back to what I started with, steering clear. This is a really important strategy for me to practice and use. You wouldn't encourage an alcoholic to go to a bar to get a glass of water, so avoid tempting situations that you know would make you feel weak & likely to give in or "relapse".
This weekend Eddie and I had date night (see our date blog at http://www.onecheapdate.wordpress.com/ ) and we went overboard with popcorn & pop at the movies. I had intentions to get their "healthy" option, which is a cup or two of popcorn, water, and a nutrigrain bar... but at the last minute, the decision was made to get a large popcorn & pop. Had I steered clear of the concession stand entirely, the crisis would have been averted. And you know what, even though I had points for that popcorn & pop, it didn't just end there... my body had a taste of the "old lifestyle" food, and it craved it all weekend. The next day, I felt like I couldn't get satisfied. I was constantly hungry & wanting sugar & salt. Junk led to me wanting more junk. Thankfully after about 24 hours, those cravings went away, and despite the cravings we still stayed within points all weekend. However, if I'd used some of these strategies, I may not have found myself in a jeopardizing situation.
So while I know that these 9 refusal strategies might seem childish or common sense, they really can be helpful to keep in mind. I know I'll be more aware of them now & try to use them on a more regular basis to deal with the enablers in my life & those that try to sabotage my success. What do you think? Could you appy these to your life?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Workin' It
I spent the last week fully devoted to being on plan with the new WW program. I stayed within my daily/weekly points, but I just wasn't confident come weigh-in day. Usually I know if I've had a good or bad week. If I've stuck to the program, I know I'll lose weight... if I've not stuck to it, it's likely that if I lost, it's not much, or perhaps I've even gained. This week though, the equation didn't work out in my head. I followed the program. Which should mean I knew I'd lose weight... but I just wasn't so sure.
Eddie and I both were having issues with the amount of points we were given... we'd find ourselves with 20 or more extra points in the evening after dinner, but we didn't want to eat just to eat! We were actually having a hard time eating all our points! We certainly weren't feeling deprived... in fact, several nights we had treats, just as long as we had the points for them... one night we had wings for dinner, one night we had pizza, and one night we got ice cream. I think that's why I felt skeptical--we were staying w/in our points, but we still were indulging from time to time.
But all my worry was for nothing. The program works, even when you doubt it... if you follow it, you will lose weight. Bottom line.
8.4 pounds for me, 10.2 pounds for Eddie.
We ROCKED this new program this week! Granted, as we lose weight and our daily points values go down, we won't be able to indulge like this, but it's great to be able to take baby steps to go from our old lifestyle to a newer, healthy one. Right now, we dont' have to totally give up those treats, but as we lose, the treats will become less and less... it's just nice that it gets to be gradual, so we don't feel deprived.
We've also been going to the gym. Five days we exercised last week, which was more activity than we'd probably had in the previous year! It feels good to be doing something for ourselves & putting ourselves first! I was talking to Eddie this morning about how it's as much of a mental journey as it is a physical journey. Sometimes when good things happen, you get it in your head that it has to be "too good to be true". And sometimes, that really is how things are... but when it comes to following the program & losing weight... as long as you put in the work, you'll reap the rewards. So while it may seem "too good to be true" that we lost a combined 18+ pounds last week, the fact is that we earned those pounds and we worked hard to shed them from our bodies. As long as we continue to do that, it will never be too good to be true, because we earned it & we should be proud!
Goals for this week are going to be to continue our exercise routine (we're going to the pool after work today!) and to spread our points out a little more. Last week we found ourselves with extra points in the evening, so this week we're going to try to boost our breakfasts & lunches a little more so we won't be tempted to get those "treats" as much in the evening. It's great to feel confident about our journey. I should remember this day in the future if I'm feeling down or discouraged... I am capable of doing well, I just have to put in the work to earn it.
Eddie and I both were having issues with the amount of points we were given... we'd find ourselves with 20 or more extra points in the evening after dinner, but we didn't want to eat just to eat! We were actually having a hard time eating all our points! We certainly weren't feeling deprived... in fact, several nights we had treats, just as long as we had the points for them... one night we had wings for dinner, one night we had pizza, and one night we got ice cream. I think that's why I felt skeptical--we were staying w/in our points, but we still were indulging from time to time.
But all my worry was for nothing. The program works, even when you doubt it... if you follow it, you will lose weight. Bottom line.
8.4 pounds for me, 10.2 pounds for Eddie.
We ROCKED this new program this week! Granted, as we lose weight and our daily points values go down, we won't be able to indulge like this, but it's great to be able to take baby steps to go from our old lifestyle to a newer, healthy one. Right now, we dont' have to totally give up those treats, but as we lose, the treats will become less and less... it's just nice that it gets to be gradual, so we don't feel deprived.
We've also been going to the gym. Five days we exercised last week, which was more activity than we'd probably had in the previous year! It feels good to be doing something for ourselves & putting ourselves first! I was talking to Eddie this morning about how it's as much of a mental journey as it is a physical journey. Sometimes when good things happen, you get it in your head that it has to be "too good to be true". And sometimes, that really is how things are... but when it comes to following the program & losing weight... as long as you put in the work, you'll reap the rewards. So while it may seem "too good to be true" that we lost a combined 18+ pounds last week, the fact is that we earned those pounds and we worked hard to shed them from our bodies. As long as we continue to do that, it will never be too good to be true, because we earned it & we should be proud!
Goals for this week are going to be to continue our exercise routine (we're going to the pool after work today!) and to spread our points out a little more. Last week we found ourselves with extra points in the evening, so this week we're going to try to boost our breakfasts & lunches a little more so we won't be tempted to get those "treats" as much in the evening. It's great to feel confident about our journey. I should remember this day in the future if I'm feeling down or discouraged... I am capable of doing well, I just have to put in the work to earn it.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy
I tried this recipe, found on weightwatchers.com, and it was SO delicious... delicious enough that I didn't even get a picture taken of it because we ate it right up! Trust me though, it looked as good as it tasted, and wasn't really very difficult at all to make.
Makes 4 servings, 7 Points Plus each
Ingredients:
3/4 pound(s) raw lean beef tenderloin, trimmed of all visible fat
3/4 tsp Durkee Ground Cumin Seed, or other brand
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tsp olive oil
2 medium onion(s), thinly sliced
8 oz mushroom caps, fresh, sliced
3 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
1 1/2 cup(s) Swanson 50% less sodium beef broth, or other brand
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray the rack of a roasting pan with olive oil nonstick spray and place in the pan.
2. Sprinkle the beef with 1⁄2 teaspoon of the cumin, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1⁄8 teaspoon of the pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned, 6–8 minutes.
3. Place the beef on the rack in the pan and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 135°F, 25–30 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand 10 minutes (The internal temperature will increase to 145°F for medium-rare.)
4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, garlic, and the remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon cumin, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and mushrooms are browned and softened, 9–10 minutes. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Boil until the liquid is reduced by about one-third, 7–8 minutes. Yields 2 slices beef with 3 tablespoons sauce per serving.
*Notes*
I changed some things up a bit--I couldn't find a beef tenderloin roast that was this small, but I was able to find beef tenderloin steaks, so I used them instead. Because they were smaller individually than a roast, I browned for less time (about 4 minutes total) and cooked them on 350 for 25 minutes. They were cooked perfectly & SO tender! I also used 2 cups beef broth, as that's what comes in a can & I didn't feel like wasting 1/2 cup of perfectly good beef broth. Because this made it a little more liquid-y, I added a tsp flour (cornstarch would work too) to thicken it a bit more.
Again, this stuff was SO good and I'd highly recommend it!
Makes 4 servings, 7 Points Plus each
Ingredients:
3/4 pound(s) raw lean beef tenderloin, trimmed of all visible fat
3/4 tsp Durkee Ground Cumin Seed, or other brand
3/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tsp olive oil
2 medium onion(s), thinly sliced
8 oz mushroom caps, fresh, sliced
3 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
1 1/2 cup(s) Swanson 50% less sodium beef broth, or other brand
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray the rack of a roasting pan with olive oil nonstick spray and place in the pan.
2. Sprinkle the beef with 1⁄2 teaspoon of the cumin, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1⁄8 teaspoon of the pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned, 6–8 minutes.
3. Place the beef on the rack in the pan and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 135°F, 25–30 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let stand 10 minutes (The internal temperature will increase to 145°F for medium-rare.)
4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, garlic, and the remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon cumin, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and mushrooms are browned and softened, 9–10 minutes. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce; bring to a boil. Boil until the liquid is reduced by about one-third, 7–8 minutes. Yields 2 slices beef with 3 tablespoons sauce per serving.
*Notes*
I changed some things up a bit--I couldn't find a beef tenderloin roast that was this small, but I was able to find beef tenderloin steaks, so I used them instead. Because they were smaller individually than a roast, I browned for less time (about 4 minutes total) and cooked them on 350 for 25 minutes. They were cooked perfectly & SO tender! I also used 2 cups beef broth, as that's what comes in a can & I didn't feel like wasting 1/2 cup of perfectly good beef broth. Because this made it a little more liquid-y, I added a tsp flour (cornstarch would work too) to thicken it a bit more.
Again, this stuff was SO good and I'd highly recommend it!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day Two Success & a Recipe
Day Two=Much Better Than Day One!
I successfully squeaked my way through a really great day two--though I feel like I'm eating so much now, since fruits/veggies are zero points! I love having that freedom to eat an orange or a banana & not think about how that's a few less points I have in my budget for the day. I also had a ton of points at the end of my day (and you're supposed to eat all your points so you make sure you're eating enough) and I treated myself to a dish of ice cream. No guilty feelings necessary because the points were there, I measured out my ice cream, and I enjoyed every bit!
Dinner was a new dish. I got it from the WW website, but I modified it a bit. It's a really versatile dish that you can eat just on its own, or you can throw it in a tortilla, eat it on a bed of lettuce, top some brown rice with it... the options are endless! We opted to cook some brown rice & add some taco seasoning to it to make a seasoned rice, and it was pretty good... but it was a TON of food per serving!
Southwest Chicken
1 pound chicken breasts, diced & cooked
2 small onions, thinly chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
1 cup canned corn, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp taco seasoning (reduced sodium)
1. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a skillet & cook onions & peppers until tender. Add beans and corn and heat through. Set aside in a dish.
2. In same skillet, cook your chicken breast through. Once cooked, add the remaining olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Stir to coat.
3. Add your veggie mixture back into the skillet & mix all items together, making sure veggies are heated through.
4. Serve as-is or with rice, tortillas, lettuce, etc. It's also good topped with low fat sour cream (for extra points) and salsa!
Makes 4 generous servings at 8 Points Plus each. If served over a cup of brown rice, add 4 Points Plus
I successfully squeaked my way through a really great day two--though I feel like I'm eating so much now, since fruits/veggies are zero points! I love having that freedom to eat an orange or a banana & not think about how that's a few less points I have in my budget for the day. I also had a ton of points at the end of my day (and you're supposed to eat all your points so you make sure you're eating enough) and I treated myself to a dish of ice cream. No guilty feelings necessary because the points were there, I measured out my ice cream, and I enjoyed every bit!
Dinner was a new dish. I got it from the WW website, but I modified it a bit. It's a really versatile dish that you can eat just on its own, or you can throw it in a tortilla, eat it on a bed of lettuce, top some brown rice with it... the options are endless! We opted to cook some brown rice & add some taco seasoning to it to make a seasoned rice, and it was pretty good... but it was a TON of food per serving!
Southwest Chicken
1 pound chicken breasts, diced & cooked
2 small onions, thinly chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
1 cup canned corn, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp taco seasoning (reduced sodium)
1. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a skillet & cook onions & peppers until tender. Add beans and corn and heat through. Set aside in a dish.
2. In same skillet, cook your chicken breast through. Once cooked, add the remaining olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Stir to coat.
3. Add your veggie mixture back into the skillet & mix all items together, making sure veggies are heated through.
4. Serve as-is or with rice, tortillas, lettuce, etc. It's also good topped with low fat sour cream (for extra points) and salsa!
Makes 4 generous servings at 8 Points Plus each. If served over a cup of brown rice, add 4 Points Plus
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day One Meltdown
So wanna hear a good recipe for disaster? Starting your healthy eating/exercise plan on the same day that you go back to work after having 4 days off, as well as it being that lucky time of the month for me.
I did good for 2/3 of the day. Really good. In fact, I still had 35 points left going into dinner and I'm wondering how on earth am I gonna eat all those points? (Anyone else doing the new WW have this same issue... now that fruits/veggies are zero points, I feel like I have soooo many points & don't know what to do with them!) So I go to make dinner... and the kitchen is a mess. There's no clean silverware or plates because we haven't gotten them cleaned up for our big holiday fun times... and I have a total meltdown. All I can think about is how I want to eat the Reese's that I got in my stocking and I want to have my favorite pizza that wasn't open on our "last night of freedom". And I pouted like a big dumb baby. And I cried.
It was DAY ONE and I was already having a freakout? We were supposed to work out with our trainer that day, but she called sounding sick as a dog, so we didn't work out. I have high anxiety about going places & doing things that I've never done before, so I opted not to go to the gym on my own w/o the trainer there to explain how things work. So I blew it off.
And then I start to feel guilty because I'm supposed to be there for Eddie and it's DAY ONE and I'm already talking about how I want to eat crap for "just one more day" and he's trying to be supportive, like we talked about, and telling me about how good we did all day & how he'll cook dinner & wash dishes, and I was just being a brat & wasn't having any of it. I wanted my damn peanut butter cups and pizza. Like a freaking child. And so I ate them. And temporarily it made me feel better--but I've gotta find a way to feel better w/o running back to the old standby, cuz that's what got me here! So I counted my remaining 35 points for the day, as well as the 49 flex for the week as all used up, and I turned on the Biggest Loser for some focus.
Today is a new day. And yesterday wasn't a complete failure. I ate way healthier yesterday than I have for several weeks. So I binged a little at dinnertime--I'm not proud of it--but I still did better than before. Until 6:30PM, it was a great day. And so today I'll work harder to stay focused all day. I know I can do it, it's just a matter of doing it.
I did good for 2/3 of the day. Really good. In fact, I still had 35 points left going into dinner and I'm wondering how on earth am I gonna eat all those points? (Anyone else doing the new WW have this same issue... now that fruits/veggies are zero points, I feel like I have soooo many points & don't know what to do with them!) So I go to make dinner... and the kitchen is a mess. There's no clean silverware or plates because we haven't gotten them cleaned up for our big holiday fun times... and I have a total meltdown. All I can think about is how I want to eat the Reese's that I got in my stocking and I want to have my favorite pizza that wasn't open on our "last night of freedom". And I pouted like a big dumb baby. And I cried.
It was DAY ONE and I was already having a freakout? We were supposed to work out with our trainer that day, but she called sounding sick as a dog, so we didn't work out. I have high anxiety about going places & doing things that I've never done before, so I opted not to go to the gym on my own w/o the trainer there to explain how things work. So I blew it off.
And then I start to feel guilty because I'm supposed to be there for Eddie and it's DAY ONE and I'm already talking about how I want to eat crap for "just one more day" and he's trying to be supportive, like we talked about, and telling me about how good we did all day & how he'll cook dinner & wash dishes, and I was just being a brat & wasn't having any of it. I wanted my damn peanut butter cups and pizza. Like a freaking child. And so I ate them. And temporarily it made me feel better--but I've gotta find a way to feel better w/o running back to the old standby, cuz that's what got me here! So I counted my remaining 35 points for the day, as well as the 49 flex for the week as all used up, and I turned on the Biggest Loser for some focus.
Today is a new day. And yesterday wasn't a complete failure. I ate way healthier yesterday than I have for several weeks. So I binged a little at dinnertime--I'm not proud of it--but I still did better than before. Until 6:30PM, it was a great day. And so today I'll work harder to stay focused all day. I know I can do it, it's just a matter of doing it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sharing My Goals
Every year for as long as I can remember I've made a goal list, rather than making resolutions. I know, call them what you want, they're pretty much the same... but I liked the idea of goals better... resolutions often get forgotten about within a few weeks! Last year I made a goal list, but I failed to evaluate it periodically as I'd done in the past, and I didn't achieve all that I had hoped. Not long after the new year in 2010 though, I decided I'd like to put together a list of 101 in 1001. The idea is that you list 101 things that you'd like to do in 1001 days (about 2 years, 9 months). It took me a long time to put this list together, but I finally finished naming my goals in December (9 months after starting the list!). So, rather than annual goals for 2011 & 2012, I will be working on my 101 in 1001 list! Here you have it!
101 in 1001—started 2/1/10
Family/Friends
1. Send birthday cards instead of emails/texts in 2011
2. Reconnect with an old friend
3. Meet Mathew
4. See Christina again
5. See JC again
6. Spend time with Hannah
7. Take Robin to a movie
8. Invite Hope up for a visit
9. Cater in Red Lobster to Mom
10. Have a discussion with Poppy if/when he leaves nursing home
Personal
11. Go to a psychic for fun (11/10)
12. Sing karaoke by myself
13. Write a future me letter to be opened on day 1001 (9/23/10)
14. Have shamrock tattoo re-done
15. Eat a meal with chopsticks
16. Bake a red velvet cake from scratch
17. Meet a celebrity
18. Complete elephant journal 10/10—12/11
19. Actively participate in therapy
20. Complete homemade xmas gifts for Mom/Poppy
21. Make myself an afghan
22. Frame & hang more pictures for house
23. Organize clothes & store them by size or season
24. Continue to keep “peace” journal
25. Have a Monticello garage sale
26. Clean parents’ upstairs
27. See my car turn over 100,000 miles
28. Finish thinking of 101 things! (12/28/10)
29. Re-read the Harry Potter series
30. Treat myself to a pedicure for no special reason
Husband
31. Have a baby
32. Go on a date to the drive-in
33. Celebrate our first anniversary (8/22/10)
34. Take a hot air balloon ride together
35. Finish our 52 dates jar
36. Go to a pro-sports game together
37. Go on a road trip together with no planned destination
38. Offer to mow the lawn w/o being asked
39. Get professional pictures taken
40. Initiate more "you know"
Crafts/Hobbies
41. Get 100 blog followers
42. Read all 20 Rebecca Caudill books from a single year
43. Successfully read 50 books in 1 year’s time
44. Complete a Project 365
45. Blog about 52 dates, 52 weeks
46. Take a class for fun
47. Make anniversary photo book (9/10/10)
48. Start an etsy shop
49. Complete 2 scrapbooks
50. Organize craft stuff & set up work area
51. Make Eddie a hat
52. Join or start a club of some sort (like stitch n’ bitch or a book club)
53. Make stuffed animals as baby gifts in 2011
54. Re-read the Time Traveller’s Wife
55. Read The Giver series
Health/Fitness
56. Run a 5K
57. Complete the C25K program
58. Meet my 5% WW goal
59. Meet my 10% WW goal
60. Lose 50 pounds
61. Lose 75 pounds
62. Lose 100 pounds
63. Bike 5 miles in 1 trip
64. Bike 10 miles in 1 trip
65. Keep a sticker chart of gym use in 2011
66. Complete all personal training sessions
67. Be able to run 1 mile
68. Take a daily vitamin (finish whole bottle)
69. Consistently post progress/recipes to Teale’s Meals (100 posts in 2011)
70. Contact 94.5 about progress in July 2011
Finances
71. Eliminate credit card debt
72. Donate to Mix Christmas Wish in 2011
73. Put $ away for life insurance policy
74. Settle work comp case
75. Pay off hospital bills
76. Open a Christmas Club account in 2011
77. Pay for most Christmas gifts with Swagbucks in 2011
78. Make a budget & follow it for 6 consecutive months
79. Don’t eat out for one month straight
80. Create bill organization so I don’t forget when things are due
Home
81. Create a nursery
82. Make homemade ice cream with our ice cream maker (5/25/10)
83. Start a garden
84. Re-do the back yard landscaping
85. Add lattice to shed bottom
86. Plant morning glories by lattice in front
87. Have a fire in our fireplace (11/10)
88. Successfully host a party at our house (12/24/10)
89. Paint spare bedroom
90. Put up blinds/curtains in every room
Travel
91. Travel to Hershey, PA
92. Travel to Gatlinburg, TN (2/12/10)
93. See the Grand Canyon
94. Get a passport
95. Go to Canada for Melissa’s wedding in June 2011
96. See Niagara Falls
97. Make a photobook about Canada trip
98. Keep a travel journal when we travel
99. Visit the St. Louis Zoo
100. Visit the Sears Tower “ledge”
101. Go to IKEA
101 in 1001—started 2/1/10
Family/Friends
1. Send birthday cards instead of emails/texts in 2011
2. Reconnect with an old friend
3. Meet Mathew
4. See Christina again
5. See JC again
6. Spend time with Hannah
7. Take Robin to a movie
8. Invite Hope up for a visit
9. Cater in Red Lobster to Mom
10. Have a discussion with Poppy if/when he leaves nursing home
Personal
11. Go to a psychic for fun (11/10)
12. Sing karaoke by myself
13. Write a future me letter to be opened on day 1001 (9/23/10)
14. Have shamrock tattoo re-done
15. Eat a meal with chopsticks
16. Bake a red velvet cake from scratch
17. Meet a celebrity
18. Complete elephant journal 10/10—12/11
19. Actively participate in therapy
20. Complete homemade xmas gifts for Mom/Poppy
21. Make myself an afghan
22. Frame & hang more pictures for house
23. Organize clothes & store them by size or season
24. Continue to keep “peace” journal
25. Have a Monticello garage sale
26. Clean parents’ upstairs
27. See my car turn over 100,000 miles
28. Finish thinking of 101 things! (12/28/10)
29. Re-read the Harry Potter series
30. Treat myself to a pedicure for no special reason
Husband
31. Have a baby
32. Go on a date to the drive-in
33. Celebrate our first anniversary (8/22/10)
34. Take a hot air balloon ride together
35. Finish our 52 dates jar
36. Go to a pro-sports game together
37. Go on a road trip together with no planned destination
38. Offer to mow the lawn w/o being asked
39. Get professional pictures taken
40. Initiate more "you know"
Crafts/Hobbies
41. Get 100 blog followers
42. Read all 20 Rebecca Caudill books from a single year
43. Successfully read 50 books in 1 year’s time
44. Complete a Project 365
45. Blog about 52 dates, 52 weeks
46. Take a class for fun
47. Make anniversary photo book (9/10/10)
48. Start an etsy shop
49. Complete 2 scrapbooks
50. Organize craft stuff & set up work area
51. Make Eddie a hat
52. Join or start a club of some sort (like stitch n’ bitch or a book club)
53. Make stuffed animals as baby gifts in 2011
54. Re-read the Time Traveller’s Wife
55. Read The Giver series
Health/Fitness
56. Run a 5K
57. Complete the C25K program
58. Meet my 5% WW goal
59. Meet my 10% WW goal
60. Lose 50 pounds
61. Lose 75 pounds
62. Lose 100 pounds
63. Bike 5 miles in 1 trip
64. Bike 10 miles in 1 trip
65. Keep a sticker chart of gym use in 2011
66. Complete all personal training sessions
67. Be able to run 1 mile
68. Take a daily vitamin (finish whole bottle)
69. Consistently post progress/recipes to Teale’s Meals (100 posts in 2011)
70. Contact 94.5 about progress in July 2011
Finances
71. Eliminate credit card debt
72. Donate to Mix Christmas Wish in 2011
73. Put $ away for life insurance policy
74. Settle work comp case
75. Pay off hospital bills
76. Open a Christmas Club account in 2011
77. Pay for most Christmas gifts with Swagbucks in 2011
78. Make a budget & follow it for 6 consecutive months
79. Don’t eat out for one month straight
80. Create bill organization so I don’t forget when things are due
Home
81. Create a nursery
82. Make homemade ice cream with our ice cream maker (5/25/10)
83. Start a garden
84. Re-do the back yard landscaping
85. Add lattice to shed bottom
86. Plant morning glories by lattice in front
87. Have a fire in our fireplace (11/10)
88. Successfully host a party at our house (12/24/10)
89. Paint spare bedroom
90. Put up blinds/curtains in every room
Travel
91. Travel to Hershey, PA
92. Travel to Gatlinburg, TN (2/12/10)
93. See the Grand Canyon
94. Get a passport
95. Go to Canada for Melissa’s wedding in June 2011
96. See Niagara Falls
97. Make a photobook about Canada trip
98. Keep a travel journal when we travel
99. Visit the St. Louis Zoo
100. Visit the Sears Tower “ledge”
101. Go to IKEA
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