Motivation and other Ramblings!

I have found my groove and am really on track to "getting there!" I have reorganized my days to be able to stay on a routine. I find a regular routine helps me be most successful. I am freeing up some mornings to do more on this blog. I love it but somehow it is always one of those things that gets put aside... I am gonna credit that to being a mommy martyr. I am now making a concentrated effort to do more "me things".

I have been taking more time for "down time" too. I finally got to read Dear John last weekend and LOVED it... well not the ending but the book was great and I am so happy I read it before the movie came out. Channing Tatum is soo hott. I am pretty sure I would have gone to the movie even if the book had sucked, but alas it didn't so I get to watch a great story as well as watch that hottie at the same time. Woo HOo! It's the little things that make me happy!

I had an odd encounter last week. A woman I know from WW had approached me at a public place and asked me if I still did WW. Now I do know this is one of the most passive-aggressive people I have ever met, like if there were Oscars for being passive-aggressive she would win, hand down... but anyway I am guessing this was her way of cluing me in to the fact she has noticed that my weight loss has slowed and is at a virtual stand still. Although I probably prefer never to speak to this woman again I found this very motivating. Maybe because she is so clueless to so many details in her personal life... I think when you don't notice your teens are doing things that are ruining their lives (I have some inside information on this) but you notice the fact I haven't lost weight.... well, need I say more? I know I am venting but come on.... it was a turning moment for me and I think I have come away with a positive spin on a less than positive situation. AND I love the fact I can vent here without the backlash of the "OH I heard's", so thanks for being my personal therapsits! LOL

I am still motivating myself on a daily basis to get in more exercise. My newest addition is stair climbing. I have begun the silliest routine, but I feel it will be very effective... Every time I want to check email, browse the Internet or sit down and blog (any type of computer time) I am running my steps 10 times before and 10 times after. I KNOW- crazy right, but I'm telling you I really think this little extra is gonna go a long way for me... I will keep you posted!

I made a great WW Mexican Casserole last week, only 6.5 points for a huge serving and will share that later today on here. I am searching for WW friendly appetizers and snacks to serve during the Super Bowl. If ya have any good ones , I would LOVE it if you shared!

Hope you have a great day! and remember... if ya kinda do WW you will kinda get good results, if ya really do WW you will really get good results!

Warmer weather on the way.....

So finally it would seem that it is going to go from frigid cold to normal cold, at least that is the forecast. I was thrilled to see some numbers in the upper 50's over the next week and no more teens in the AM. Cold weather makes me lazy. Not only lazy it makes me want to eat... not because I am hungry because I am cold. that sounds insane but true. I am a very emotional and environmental eater. For instance, I crave strawberries in the spring, tomato's in the summer, and apples in the fall. Then winter hits and until it is time for grapefruit and oranges I crave everything else. Pumpkin desserts, decadent chocolate and of course cookies. I need to pinpoint and change the reasons for these cravings but today mashed potatoes and gravy are at the top of my list.
I was able to get through breakfast with a super tasting egg white sandwich on a Thomas's light multi grain English muffin with tomatoes. I used Mrs. Dash table blend and that really made it yummy! I also ate a yoplait delights lemon yogurt, I love those, they taste like lemon meringue pie. So 5 points well spent this AM.
I am trying to work on weekly menu's. Deciding what I am going to eat each day. I find that preparation is everything when it comes to my success and this will eliminate so many trips to the grocery store to the I don't know what to eat so that package of Oreo's is looking pretty good kind of eating.
I need to increase my activity. That is the hardest thing for me during cold weather. I would much rather curl up under a blanket and read or watch a movie. I know this is coming up in week 3 of the momentum challenge but I am going to get a head start on it. Today will be Wii fit and go from there. I know once I get back into a routine it is so much easier but right now it truly is the last thing I want to do... but no more procrastinating..... I am going..... now! Really, I promise you I am!

Slacker no longer!

OK- so yes the last 3 months have been crazy and yes I have not been "Being all I can be" but I am still at it.
Sometimes I think I just need to step away. I have an OCD personality so whatever I am most focused on at the moment seems to consume me, often at the expense of othe things I need to give more attention to. So I have wrapped up some loose ends and with a little nudge I am back.
On the weight loss front... well lets just say I have recommitted. Nothing horrible just not focused and slipped occasionally, OK, a lot. The great thing about WW is it allows me to forgive myself and move on with the days ahead.
I am loving the 10 week momentum challenge and (knock on wood) have been tracking everyday, every bite- We were told, " I have been kinda tracking and it's kinda working" but if you really track it really works and I must admit seeing is believing because I am doing great this week, already down 1.5 pounds and don;t weigh in until Friday! WOO HOOO !
I also joined the biggest loser Pound for Pound challenge and am shooting to be down my last 40 pounds by June... anyone wanna join me.... I do need a nudge from time to time!
I have a lot of great recipe's to post over the next several days (see it was doing WW related things, just not blogging about them) and being here gives me so much confidence, not to mention the amazing things I find on other blogs! So wish me luck! It's good to be back!

Awesome Apple Crisp WW recipe

So it is apple picking season for many of us. They are so delicious right off the tree, but if you find yourself craving some apple crisp this time of year as much as I do you certainly want a recipe that will fit in your healthier eating lifestyle... this one does the trick! I did use the light butter and it was SUPER! So try it and let me know what you think.





"Healthified" Apple Crisp
from Eat Better America

What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Variation
For variety, stir 2 to 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed into the topping mixture before sprinkling over apples.
Did You Know?
Good apples for apple crisp are the same as those that are good in apple pie, such as Braeburn, Jonathan, McIntosh or Northern Spy

48 ratings - Click to rate50% less fat • 33% more fiber • 29% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. By using fiber-rich whole-wheat flour and oats, we were able to add a third more fiber to a dessert that's good to the core! From eatbetteramerica.



Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:50 min
makes:8 servings (about 2/3 cup each)



6 cups sliced unpeeled cooking apples (6 medium)
1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or no-trans-fat 68% vegetable oil spread stick, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Reduced-fat vanilla ice cream, if desired





To reduce the points of this recipe from 4 points to 3 points substitute light butter for regular butter (It is not necessary to substitute Splenda Brown Sugar- it actually increases the points back to 4- so use the real stuff if possible!) Ice Cream is not included in the points calcualtions-



1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix apples, apple juice concentrate and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well mixed. Spread in baking dish.



2. In same medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.



3. Bake uncovered 25 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.


Serve with ice cream.






Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 60);


Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g);


Cholesterol 15mg; Sodium 45mg;


Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 21g);


Protein 2g %





Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/4 c Fruits, 1 oz-equivalents Grains


*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Gained 9 pounds in 3 days????

OK, so I really didn't think this was even possible... but since weighing in at my meeting on Friday (with a 1.8 pound loss--YAY!!!) and arriving home this afternoon from an impromptu beach trip, my scale says I have gained 9 pounds??? WHAT!?!?! There is no way! Did I stay on plan? NO, but I wasn't crazy either, well there were a lot of frozen fruity drinks involved all weekend but still ---9 POUNDS-- that's just crazy?
Anyone have a similar thing EVER happen, is it from eating all restaurant prepared food? Someone please tell me this will go away- like tomorrow when I wake up- I am good with a 1 or 2 pound gain but 9.... seems IMPOSSIBLE!! (and yes- I exercised BOTH days at the beach!!)

Give more than 100%!!!

OK this is completely off subject but it is too funny not to share. Enjoy!

Here is a little something someone sent me that is indisputable mathematical logic. It also made me Laugh Out Loud.This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions: If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then: H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T 2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND,

look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.

'REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM

Cooking Light Magazine

I am very excited about the lose for good WW program. I feel that I am doing better because I feel my effort will also benefit others.. so if I don't I feel a little guilty. I have lost 45 pounds since March, which I am very proud of. I had a good (odd) encounter yesterday. My daughter's fall soccer team started practice last evening and I ran in into a friend I hadn't seen since last fall (football season). She actually squealed as I walked towards her ans said, "Oh my goodness you look fabulous, you are so skinny, what are you doing?" I told her I joined WW in March and have lost 45 pounds. I expected a positive response but instead she seemed disappointed. She told me she thought that maybe I had surgery or was taking something"good". She also said she thought my loss was very slow and that she needs to lose 30 pounds but could do it in a month if she tried. She couldn't believe it has taken me 6 months to lose 45.

So how should I feel after this encounter.. I know I am doing a great job and have changed my habits, but man her "compliment" didn't feel so great... but whatever! I feel great about my healthier lifestyle no matter how long it has taken!

So I want to share a great deal on some magazines (plus it is a way to help out my son's school!). Of course back to school means selling CRAP!!! I was pleasantly surprised when he brought home his sales info and realized 2 magazines I love Cooking Light and Health magazine's and realized they are really a great deal!! You can get Cooking Light for $15 for 8 issues or $20 for 12 issues and Health is $15 for 15 issues and $20 for $20 issues! If anyone is interested in ordering these (actually there are a bunch of titles that you can choose from, but these are my 2 favorites!) email me at neatnickk@yahoo.com and I will send you the link and details. Everything is ordered online and it is sent directly to you. Plus my son will be super grateful because he needs to sell 25 items to get to go to the Magic Show at the end of the sales period! Thanks so much for considering!!!