That's More Like It

I am back on track today. I don't know what my problem was these past couple of days but I feel more in control today. It is really funny how some days I am in complete control of everything I eat and some days I am completely controlled by food. It seems to me that if I am able to refrain from eating junk on one day, I should be able to do it all of the time.

Breakfast:
Honey nut Cheerios, Almond milk, low fat cheese stick.
Snack: apple sauce and Kashi bar
Lunch: 6 inch turkey on whole wheat with spinach, pickles and banana peppers, bbq chips ( i ordered baked but they gave me regular so I only ate half the bag) and an iced tea
Snack: Another Kashi bar(someone at work is selling chocolate/almond candy bars for the Relay for Life and that is what I really wanted)
Supper: whole wheat penne with turkey sausage and marinara and one piece of garlic toast. I should have had more fruits and vegetables today. I really struggle with this and I just need to try harder to fit more of them into my daily diet.

Hope everyone has a glorious weekend. I won't be blogging this weekend as I am going to be busy with my sweetie. Peace out :)

It's a Struggle Sometimes

I really have been struggling to eat right these past couple of days. I am craving fried junk for some reason. I have been giving into the temptation a little more than I should and the scale is showing it :(

I mentioned on the Hoosier Losers blog that I have found a website that has really helped me stay motivated to eat healthier. It is a blog written by a registered dietitian on Self magazine's website. The web address is: http://www.self.com/fooddiet/blogs/eatlikeme. It gives me lots of good ideas on what I can eat to help satisfy my nutritional needs on a daily basis. I also like it that Cristin (that is the woman who rights the blog) eats like a real person. She has her sweets and her lattes she just has her pineapple and salads too.

So here is my food intake for the day:
Breakfast: Whole wheat english muffin with 100 percent natural peanut butter and reduced sugar grape jelly, skim milk
Snack: No sugar added applesauce
Lunch: Grilled salmon topped with shrimp and a creole sauce, rice, 1 bread stick, 3 hush puppies and green beans, iced tea
Snack: Kashi bar
Supper: Fried fish sandwich from Wendy's without the tartar sauce and cheese.

I started out doing ok but ended horribly. I am working the 5:30 shift at work this week, but for some reason it is just wiping me out. I just don't feel like cooking supper when I get home so we have done the drive thru thing way too many times this week. Alyssa actually told me she was sick of fast food.

Exercise: Nothing. Unless you count running all over creation to pick up the kids after work today.

I'm Baaaaack!!

Long time no see, eh? Well, never fear, blog readers..I am back. I had to take a little break during the IBA season (Alyssa's basketball) because I just did not have time to do it all. I had to choose between feeding the monkeys and writing the blog. I have to be honest, it was a tough decision, but I ultimately went with what would keep me out of jail. :)

I've been doing a good job sticking to my plan...Watching what I eat and trying to exercise on a regular basis. I've been pretty successful on the weight loss front and doing ok on the exercise front.

Weight: 198.5 (that is 25lbs for those of you keeping track!!)

Food for today:
Breakfast: honey nut cheerios, almond milk and applesauce.
Snack: 1 clementine
Lunch: Chinese buffet (please don't make me list it all out. Ashley- you were there, just tell everyone that it was a lot of fried junk and let's leave it at that!!)
Supper: 1 egg salad sandwich (made with miracle whip light) on whole wheat, fresh carrots and cottage cheese.
Snack: Kashi bar

Exercise: I haven't managed to squeeze that in yet today. I might be able to get to the Y a little later and do my customary 25 minutes on the track.

We are getting ready to start track, tennis and baseball so I'm probably not going to be able to post everyday, but I will post as often as I can.

Take care Losers!!

March 9

It was a crazy weekend for me. I ate like a wild woman. Probably because I hadn't eaten very much on Wednesday and Thursday. So, I am back in the saddle, doing it the right way now :)

Weight: 204 (I am actually suprised that I don't weigh more than that, given everything that I ate this weekend!)

Food:

Breakfast: Whole Grain Rice Krispies, low fat cheese stick, V8 Fusion

Snack: Kashi bar

Lunch: Turkey Bratwurst (no bun), baked ruffles, Mixed Greens, Skim milk

Snack: banana

Supper: chicken burger on whole wheat bun, mixed greens, skim milk

Snack: Kashi bar

Exercise: Don't have a heart attack but I exercised tonight!!! I went to the Y and did 15 very strenuous minutes on the treadmill. I would have done more but my MP3 player fell out of the holder thingy, hit the treadmill and then flew across the work out room. I was so embarassed, I had to leave. I just about beaned the guy behind me! So anyway, I am proud of myself!!!

This is for you Todd. 22 t-shirts. He had to have help getting them on and then taking them off.

Sectional Spirit Week

Make sure to click on this picture to enlarge it :)

It was crazy red, white and blue day for spirit week. They look full of spirit, don't they? Right before I snapped this picture they got into a shoving match because Alex was standing too close to Alyssa. I just have to tell you, when I dropped them off at school, the pride I felt cause me to get all choked up!

March 5

I really didn't eat that great today...I didn't over-indulge, but I didn't hit all the food groups either :( I really wish I enjoyed vegetables, I really do. I have to make myself eat them and I am only successful with that on the occasional day.

Weight: 203

Breakfast: Whole Grain Rice Krispies, low fat cheese stick, V8 Fusion
Snack: Vita Muffin
Lunch: Salad and roll
Snack: dried pineapple
Supper: Parmesan Couscous with shrimp and 2 Special K bars

Exercise: Nothing :(

March 4

Howdy Guys and Gals!

What a red banner day!! I went shopping this afternoon and I was able to buy one size smaller in both shirts and jeans!! Woohooo! I believe that call that a non-scale victory (NSV)!! Anyway, it feels good to have a little success. :)

Weight: 203.5

Breakfast: Whole Grain Rice Krispies, lowfat cheesestick, V8 Fusion
Snack: Vita Brownie
Lunch: (This wasn't the best food choice!!) Arby's Chicken Club (I got it without the "zesty" sauce and then got rid of half of the bun and ate it like an open faced sandwich and half of a medium order of curly fries, and a med. dt. coke.
Snack: dried pineapple
Supper: turkey hot dog and bun.

Exercise: Nothing. I'm not sure when I am going to get off of my butt and start moving. Anyone have any suggestions for motivation?

Shakin It Up

I've made a decision. I'm changing the blog. Don't be too alarmed, you will still be able to find out what is going on with the monkeys, I just need to do something a little different for myself.

As you all probably know, I am trying my darnedest to lose weight. I need a little accountability so I am going to try posting my weight, what I eat and my exercise, everyday! I'm sure it won't be the most exciting reading but I think if I know that other people are reading what I have done that day, I might be more inclined to do better. If anyone wants to post their day in the comments, please feel free to do so. There is nothing like a little commiserating to help you get through a rough spot.

Ok, so here I go. I can't believe I am going to do this.
Weight: 204.5 (I have actually gained a pound since our last weigh in on the 28th)

Breakfast: Whole Wheat Rice Krispies, lowfat cheese stick, V8 Fusion
Snack: Vita Brownie
Lunch: Lean Cuisine and Special K Bar
Snack: Banana
Dinner: Turkey hot dog, bun, baked Cheetos and 2 peanut butter girl scout cookies.

Exercise: None, Nada, Zilch. This is the area I am really struggling with. I know that I NEED to exercise but I just have not been able to get myself moving. I am planning to go to the YMCA tomorrow evening, of course I have been planning to do that for the last 2 weeks and have yet to go. Maybe since I've told everyone on here that I am going to go, I will.

I'm going to go watch the Biggest Loser now...Good night :)

Sick and Tired

I am so tired of being sick (and having sick monkeys) and I am so sick of being tired. Spring cannot come fast enough to suit me. I have a case of the winter blues. :(

Alyssa has had IBA tournaments for the last two weekends, which means that I have spent the last two weekends trying to perch my big butt on a 12" gymnasium bleacher. I hate bleachers. Anyway, her team finished first last weekend and second this weekend (they lost by one point tonight). We only have two more tournaments after this one and I seriously cannot wait for the end of basketball season. Tennis will be starting in a few weeks so she won't have too much time to sit around.

Alex was just inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Actually, he missed the induction ceremony because he was sick, but he is a member. We are so proud of him. He is also getting ready to start baseball and track. He is going to be playing baseball and running track for the middle school and he is going to be playing baseball in the Vincennes Cub League. He will be moving up into the highest division this year. My baby is going to be playing with the big boys.

Jilian is doing her brownie scouts and I am trying to talk her into doing tennis again this year. She doesn't really seem all that crazy about the idea so I don't know how successful I'll be. She is trying to talk me into letting her do 4H. I absolutely hate the thought of tromping to the fair, but she really does want to do it, so I will probably let her.

That's the scoop from the zoo for today...check back soon for a great story about Alyssa setting her hair on fire last year at her NJHS induction ceremony!

Life's a Beach (Part Two)

Here are a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure :) We spent about an hour on the beach this afternoon, It was a little cool and the sun was hiding, but the kids still managed to squeeze in a little fun. We are heading back tomorrow evening (Monday evening), so we will be back to Vincennes sometime Tuesday.

Life's a Beach!!

So here we are in sunny, gorgeous Florida. We are visiting my parent's who have graciously welcomed us into their very nice vacation home. This picture was taken from the back steps...

We are so close to the ocean... This is a picture from the water's edge looking at the house...it is the green one in the middle.

These are pictures from inside the house...Jilian is in every picture because she likes to be in the spotlight :)

This is a pretty nice little house. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a very nice kitchen and an enclosed back porch that is about 90 feet from the water.

The temperatures so far have been great! Yesterday was about 75 and today was 73. The kids have been playing in the ocean. I don't know how they can stand it, the water is freezing! Here are some pictures of them frolicking in the surf :)

The temps the rest of the week are going to be a little cooler with a chance of rain. We are planning to leave Monday night and drive straight through, so we should be home early Tuesday morning. I'll try to get a few more pictures over the next couple of days so come back often to check them out.

10,000 Steps A Day Challenge

As I mentioned on the Hoosier Losers blog, I am challenging everyone to walk 10,000 steps a day in order to get active. Please feel free to post your steps on here as I will be doing. I am going to Wal-Mart tomorrow on my lunch hour to buy a new pedometer, as the one I have does not seem to be working properly. My steps tomorrow will be from about noon to the end of the day. It is really going to be a challenge to get 10,000 steps in because I have a very sedentary job. I sit in front of the computer for 8 hours a day, relieved only by walking to the printer (about 10 steps from my desk) and the bathroom (about 20 steps from my desk). I will have to get on the treadmill in the basement to make up the majority of them. HOWEVER, I will do it.

Build-a-Bear and Pictures from Jilian's Camera

We had great time yesterday when we went to Build-A-Bear Workshop with Aunt Jerri! My sister Missy and niece, Claire came too. This was Claire's second trip to Build-A-Bear, but she was really too young her first time to enjoy it. She definitely enjoyed it this time :) She was so much fun to watch! Jilian had a great time too. She didn't take very long selecting the animal she wanted to adopt, but boy howdy, did it take time to pick out the clothing! Everything I suggested she did not like. It took Aunt Jerri's seal of approval before the final choice could be made! Here are some pictures...The little sweetheart with the big blue eyes is Claire :)

Jilian & Claire with their selections and getting "stuffed"!

Claire watching Jilian's dog getting stuffed and the dog shower!!

As I was getting these pictures off of Jilian's camera, I came across these pictures that she took at Paul and Don's birthday party. I love the one of Kristy giving Trace a kiss. The look on his face is classic "Aww Mom, cut it out!!"

Jilian is quite the photographer :)

I'm going to try to get a recipe posted this week. I'm making low-fat stuffed chicken breasts. I am making this recipe up as I go so if it flops, I will not be sharing :) Hope everyone has a great week!

Try this!!!

EASY bean dip

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed well.

somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa.
Puree together in a food processor (I used a hand blender) until smooth.

I warm this up and top it with a bit of reduced fat shredded cheddar. It is really good and filling.

The monkeys took one look at it and declared that it looked like something in the bottom of their cages and refused to even try it. Silly monkeys, that means more for me :)

On a separate note, it was really good to see everyone on Sunday. It was nice to be able to visit and watch the bowlers. I was able to stay away from the cake but not the pizza. I ate only one small square of cheese pizza and it was good. When I was really wanting the cake, I had some grapes instead. Thanks for bringing the grapes, Jill - they were a life saver!!

Kristy and Jerri are making me jealous talking about their "Walk Away the Pounds" successes. I'm going to have to dig out my dvd's and give them a go.

Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

Let me apologize for not having pictures of this recipe. I was taking them out of the pan when I realized I didn't take any pictures! I know, I am slipping!

These muffins are really good and not bad nutritionally either. All three of the monkeys like them and so does my fellow zookeeper :)

Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup non-fat milk
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 egg whites
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt ( I omit this)
1 tsp cinnamon
raisins or nuts (optional)

Directions:
Soak the oats in milk for about one hour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray the muffin pan with cooking spray. Combine the oat mixture with the applesauce and egg whites and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, measure and whisk the dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined. Add nuts or raisins if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until done.
Remove from pan, cool and enjoy. These can be frozen and reheated in the microwave.

Number of servings: 12

Nutritional information:

Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 20.5 g
Calories: 93.5
Protein: 2.9g

If you are looking for a filling idea for breakfast, try these. Seriously. I usually have a glass of orange juice, 1 muffin and a lowfat cheese stick at about 7 and I am comfortable until noon.

Better Late than Never - Alyssa's Dance Pictures

Sorry I am so late in getting these pictures on here. We have had some serious router issues at the Monkey House this weekend. Let's just say that I am soooo glad to work for a computer repair company :)

I took these pictures with Alyssa's camera, so they really could be better but at least you can get the idea. MY BABY HAS GROWN UP!! Lordy, it just hurts my heart to look at her, she is such a beautiful young lady... but right when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, she belched like a man and I felt better. She also wore sweat pants under her dress. I wish I could have gotten a picture of that, but she wouldn't let me. Spoil Sport!

Enjoy the pictures :)

It's Purty Darn Cold Out Dar

Geez! Does anyone have warm feet? If you do, I want your secret!! My feet have been cold for the last week and I just can't get them warmed up (probably because Jason has been in Indy and I don't have his back to put them on - that always warms them up quick like)!

I have a quick question for anyone who reads this silly ole blog. I wanna know two things actually. Ready?

1. What is your favorite childhood winter time memory.

Mine is ice skating at my Grandma's house. She lived on a lake and it really only got cold enough one time to freeze it solid enough to skate on (that I remember anyway). I remember Grandpa testing the ice before he let us go out on it. He took a big ole concrete block out to the center of the area where we would be skating and held it up over his head and slammed it down with all of his strength. He didn't fall in so he let us skate. That was so much fun!

2. What is your favorite go to winter time recipe. It doesn't have to be healthy, just something that you only make in the winter that is a favorite of yours.

Mine is taco soup.

In a slow cooker layer the following ingredients:

2 bonless skinless chicken breasts (frozen)
1 envelope of taco seasoning
1 envelope hidden valley ranch dressing mix
1 can rotel tomatoes & green chili's
1 can black beans, undrained
1 can great northern beans, undrained
1 can light or dark kidney beans, undrained
1 can Bush's vegetarian baked beans
1 can corn, undrained

Do not stir. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Before serving, remove chicken breasts and shred. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese. This soup freezes well.

So there you go, you have my answers, now it is your turn. So get to answering. Seriously. Start Typing.

Thanks and have a wonderful evening :)

Homemade Pizza Rolls

I was messing around in the kitchen not long ago, trying to come up with a way to use an extra package of egg roll wrappers that I had taking up space in the fridge, when I stumbled upon something relatively low fat and super yummy :)


I just love these things...I buy them in the produce section at Super Wal-Mart.

I have always just used them to make egg rolls because I am not all that imaginative. But, if you look at the back of the packaging, they have some really creative uses for them. Anyway, I was looking for something to stuff in them that the monkeys would like when divine inspiration struck and I came upon the idea of stuffing them with pizza filling. What could be more monkey friendly?

So, does anyone want to make pizza rolls? I do and since this is my blog, here we go!!

Start out by browning one pound of turkey sausage.

Throw in some pepperoni that has been roughly chopped up. I put mine in a little food processor and gave them a quick whirl. Then I added about a 1/2 cup of pizza sauce and removed it from the heat. I then added about 4 ounces of skim milk shredded mozzarella cheese.

Now we are ready to wrap it all up. I just follow the directions on the cardboard insert in the egg roll wrapper package. It shows you step by step how to fold the wrappers. It is super easy.

Once you get them all wrapped up, dip your finger in some water and seal the seam up. See, piece of cake (or pizza roll!)

Now we have two different ways to go here. You can deep fry them or bake them. The monkeys are not fond of them when they are fried because they are just too greasy. We prefer ours baked. Just preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray. Line your pizza rolls up and then spray the top of them with the cooking spray (just a light little spritz). Bake for 10 minutes and then turn your broiler on and let them sit under the broiler for about a minute. Watch them closely because it would stink to get this far and then burn them.



The monkeys love these. They tear through them like bananas! I haven't sat down and worked out the nutrition information because frankly, I just don't have that kind of time but they can't be too bad as they are made with turkey sausage and turkey pepperoni, and low fat mozzarella.


Come over sometime and I'll fix you some!!!