Like Pasta? You HAVE to try this! June 27, 2014

Best $14.99 I have spent in a long time!  It is the Veggetti and turns veggies into long, thin strips of “pasta”, but without the carbs, calories and guilt! I have been using zucchini with mine, and after I twist it through the little machine, I pop it in the microwave for about 2 minutes, and add toppings.

Here is what I have tried so far:

pizza sauce and a little parm cheese

soy sauce and a little red wine vinegar

soy sauce, PB2, and a packet pf splenda – tastes just like Pad Thai!

What is PB2? Chick here.

If you are a Pinterest person (I am), search zucchini spaghetti.  You can also use cucumber, potatoes, carrots, or anything else that can be twisted through this little gadget.

Yay for new foods and new gadgets that make eating healthy more interesting and easier!!

Let me know if you try anything and what you think!

Join My DietBet!!! June 24, 2014

I am going to need accountability and motivation after my vacation!  Join in with me!

Cost $25 per player

Begins 7/20/2014

Ends 8/17/2014

Here is the link to my game!

http://www.dietbetter.com/games/45825

How much can we lose together????

Don’t Forget About Non-Scale Victories June 4, 2014

Sometimes when the scale seems to be slowing down as it has for me lately, I need to remind myself of changes that are not necessarily being  represented by the numbers on the scale.  These non-scale victories are what keeps me motivated and encouraged.   Here are some  that I have experienced as of lately:

1.  I bought new underware….at Victoria’s Secret.  They are not even the biggest size that they carry.  That was huge for me, I used to not even be able to step into that place.

2.  I shopped last week and bought some things from H&M, once again not the biggest size they carry, and they are cute, trendy things that I have  been dying to buy.

3.  I am out of plus sizes for just about everything now. I even fit into a size 14 jean jacket, which I bought of course 🙂

4.  I used to be able to do 5 minutes on the stair treadmill (see stair “dread”mill post here).  I can now do 20.  I still hate it and I still want to die, but I can do it.

5.  I have increased my weight in every single one of my weight lifting exercises.  That makes me feel pretty damn badass, especially when I am doing weights that are as heavy as some of the men at the gym.

6.  My endurance is definitely increasing.  When I began I could hardly do 5 minutes on the elliptical (see elliptical issues here).  My pace was under 3.5 mph.  I can now do interval on level 6 at a pace between 5.5 and 6 mph.

7.  I have learned how to push myself and I know now I won’t die doing it.  That is a major difference from before.  Last time I lost the weight, it took  a lot longer, mostly because once my heart rate got higher, I stopped working as hard.  Now, I am going….”balls to the wall”….every day.  Sweat dripping down my face, down my shirt, on the floor….and I LOVE IT!

8.  People tell me I am  an inspiration.  Wasn’t what I was going for,  but it has definitely helped my motivation, so now spread the word.  The more people  I feel the need to be accountable to, the better.

9.  Small thigh gap.

10.  My BMI has gone from a 49 to a 35.1.

11.  I am happier.  All the time.

12.  I am more confident.  I no longer feel like that fat girl walking into a room and  wondering what people think about me.  I feel “normal”.

13.  My kids and husband are proud of me.

14.  I don’t sweat as much when I am just doing regular things (not working out) basically because my body isn’t having to work as hard to move it around.

15.  Although the scale says I still have some more weight to lose, I can see  the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am now starting to research maintenance.  I have never felt that close to my goal before to even contemplate how to keep it off once I am done losing.  My life has been either a period of gaining or losing.  Never maintaining.

I am sure I could think of more, but this is a pretty good start.  Remember, the scale does not tell you everything about your journey.  While you are working on this new lifestyle, you are also getting stronger, healthier and learning to life in a way that will allow you to not just exist, but enjoy your life!

New Healthy Food- Quest Protein Bars May 18, 2014

If you are looking for a new snack, low calorie, high protein, low carb, then meet Quest Bars. Holy Mary Mother of God are these babies yummy! Haven’t found one over 200 calories yet, and they take away the hunger pains when you need them to.  Found in GNC or Vitamin World, or ordered online at Amazon, these are by far the best bars I have eaten for the nutritional value.  Here are some examples:

My favorite flavors so far are Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Double Chocolate Chunk.

Now, here is what makes them more than just a protein bar.  There is a literal ton of recipes which can be made with the bars.

Simply google “quest bar recipes” and there a pre a ton of sites.  Instagram also has 15 second recipe posts.  Take any of the bars and out them in the microwave for like 20 seconds and you instantly have a warm cookie right out of the oven or a fudge brownie.

Their phrase is “cheat clean” and it really does seem like you are cheating.  I completely and totally recommend these bars.  Have fun watching the quick videos with recipes.  I know I will be trying some new ones this weekend camping for Memorial Day!

Eggplant! May 3, 2014

I go through phases where I eat the same things for a while, then get sick of that and need to move on to something new.  I was on an edamame kick for a while, then moved to cauliflower.  Now I am looking for something else to try.  So I picked up an eggplant the other day and had my husband grill it for me.  Then I added roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.  This is the result.  It was delicious!!

 

 

What new veggies have you tried this spring?  Any recipes to share with me? I am always looking to try new foods when I get bored with what I am eating!

What Am I Eating? January 2, 2014

As many of you know, and as I have said before, I am using Nutrisystem as my primary means of food. It worked two years ago, the food is actually really good and easy to make, and so it was an easy choice to go back to again. They provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a dessert daily. However, you need to add in veggies (lots of them), power fuels (proteins) and smart carbs as well as drinking a ton of water. So I thought I’d share some of my main “go to” foods that are yummy and easy. Remember, mom of two teenagers here, who is also a middle school principal and in doctorate school….I NEED….wait…..I REQUIRE easy when it comes to food or else drive through here I come….

Yoplait light yogurt – I’m typically not a fan of the Greek yogurt the world seems to have gone crazy over, so I do the light….but I’m trying out some of yoplait’s Greek yogurts and it’s not too bad.

Baby carrots and hummus – Love hummus! It’s easy and great with carrots and makes a quick snack while I’m at work.

“Fizzy” water as I call it (carbonated flavored waters) – Sparkling Ice is my favorite, but our local Giant Eagle makes a good brand too. Much better than plain water or when you are MIO’ed out.

Edamame – my new favorite snack, and I am seeing it around more and more. In the pod with some sea salt sprinkled over it, or shelled and roasted in the oven until they turn golden brown. Yum!

These are just a few of my go-to’s. I switch them up when I get bored. I like trying new foods and am always reading what other people eat to stay full, healthy, and happy.

Let me know if you like any of these too and if any are new and you try them out, how do you like them?!