I have to report that I am now officially 29 lbs from my first target weight.  I am super excited and I wanted to share with anyone who happens to read this.  I have changed my  way eating and how I think about food recently.  Since we are going through money issues right now I have really changed how and what I eat.  Smaller portions have found their way to me.  Smaller portions mean less food.

I have gone back to my healthy ways and no snacking.  I think that has been the biggest factor in my weight loss recently.

I have come up with new food strategys and I will post them as soon as they are completely written.  I am going to follow them and focus on the end result is a healthy me!!

Well its been a bit since I last posted.  But I have good news to report I am only 23lbs from my first goal weight.  This morning I weighed and the weight was down.  Working in the afternoon has stopped the snacking which seemed to be my biggest problem.  I am feeling better weight wise but currently I am faced with a sinus infection.  Its not fun having these. 

I have started making healthy snacks for me and my family.  My dad was recently diagnosed with diabetes .  Now both of my parents are diabetic.  So that makes me want to loose weight that much more.  So that I don't end up being diagnosed with it.  I want me and my family to be healthy. 

Well its a new week.  Hope everyone who reads this had a good holiday weekend.  It was busy for me but was fun.  College football kicked off in style for my college team on Saturday with a win.  I will be hosting tailgates so I am going to be making healthy food which tastes great for tailgates. 

This weekend challenged me food wise.  I did cheat a bit but today I am back on track completely.  I am fighting allergies right now so it makes life challenging. 

I started my part time job and really like it.  It makes my afternoons go fast plus the food temptations aren't there either.  I keep busy and chew my gum.  It seems like gum is my best friend but it has helped with the food cravings. 

Trust in yourself and know that you can do.  That is my mantra that will help me obtain my weight goal.

Life has certainly got in my way of blogging.  I have missed it but now I am back.  Since I have limited internet sometimes I have been saving up my usage so that my kids can use the computer. 

I have continued to loose weight.  I am down another 5lbs.  With school back in session here I am a busy mom of 2 kids at home and 1 kid in college.  So I am going constantly.  I started making healthy snacks that can go in the car with me in case I miss a meal.  I am feeling like a whole new person.  I have about 20 more pounds to get to my first goal weight.  I am working very hard on it.

I recently started working part time 2 days a week.  Its a little extra money for our home which helps.  I am enjoying being busy.  Not like I am not busy at home but this just adds a new element to my life. 

Went to a healthy cooking expo on Saturday.  Great ideas and substitutions for heavy ingredients.  Here is a recipe from the cookbook they gave out:

Chocolate Crinkles

4 oz of bittersweet chocolate chopped
1/2 c canola oil
1/2 c sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg plus 2 egg whites
1 c AP flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 c powdered sugar

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the choclate on high for 20 seconds, stir and continue to microwave at 10 second intervals until melted.

In a large bowl mix chocolate, oil, sugar and vanilla.  Stir in egg and whites.  In another bowl combine flours, salt and baking powder.  Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture and stir until combined.  Cover and refriderate for at least 3 hrs. or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly coat baking sheets with nonstick spray.

Roll dough into 3/4 inch balls. Roll in powedered sugar and place about 2 inches apart on baking sheet.  Bake for 10-12 mins .  Immediately remove and cool on wire rack. 

Makes 48 cookies 1 cookie per serving

Calories 61
Fat 4g
Saturated fat 0
Cholesterol 4mg
Sodium 14mg
Carbohydrates 8g
fiber 0
Protein 0

I have been missing for awhile.  Life has gotten in the way.  My son had his Bar Mitzvah and then followed by football camp.  I don't know if I am coming or going.  Today(saturday) I made homemade salsa with veggies from my garden.  Nothing like fresh salsa in the winter time.  I am looking forward to apple season so that I can make apple sauce.  Gotta love that fresh sauce.  I have been doing well with my weight.  I am down another inch in my waist.  To me loosing the inches is a great sign. 

I bought a new dress for my sons event and it really looked great on me.  The weight loss contest is coming to an end but my weight loss will continue.  I have many more pounds to loose and intend on getting to my target by spring of next year.  My son will graduate from 8th grade and my daughter will graduate from college.  So I have major goals to shoot for. 

I feel better since I have lost weight.  Once school starts back I can get back into a routine and I love routines.  Helps me out better.

Well today started out great.  Went to the garden to fetch some veggies and voila a whole bag full.  One tomato starting to ripen.  So let the veggie diet begin.  Weight loss is at a plateau right now.  Kind of tough but I will get through.  I have lost 2 inches in my waist line which is a great thing.  I have noticed a difference though in the way I feel.  I have more energy.

Went to the dr today about my toe.  Now I am off to see the podiatrist in a few weeks.  Such fun.  But I have more important things ahead of me this week.  I will be so busy I am going to have to remind myself to eat.  Otherwise I will keep working straight through meals.

Summer Squash Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 2 small yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion about 5 minutes, until tender. Mix in the tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook and stir about 5 minutes. Mix in the zucchini, yellow squash, bay leaf, and basil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving.

I am sorry for not posting this week.  My aunt passed away on Monday morning so I have had a hard time getting onto the computer.  Today was the first day I have been on.  Its been tough with weight loss when people are feeding you food.  But I have only gained a few pounds from this week but I intend on getting back to work this weekend.

My garden is doing rather well.  But I have a plethra of yellow squash and zucchini.  But that seems to have calmed down for now.  The pumpkins are growing and there are cobs forming on the corn plants.  Waiting paitently for the green tomatoes to turn red. 

Well this week has been a struggle.  The pain on my toe is back but I have to wait another week before going back to the dr.  Makes it hard to walk but I am going to deal with it.  Tomorrow is Relay for Life.  We will be walking for those who have had to deal with a lot more pain than just my simple wart.  So needless to say my weight loss has been an issue this week.  I am going to really have to put my foot down on myself and get back onto that wagon.  This up coming week my husband and I have planned to a 6 mile hike one morning.  I know I can do it.  Just have to remember to bring water with me as it is suppose to be in the 90's this week.  We are going early in the morning while its still cool but it will be a trek for me.  I will report how the walk goes. 

Recipe Monday!!!

Mexican Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 jar of salsa
1/4 colby jack cheese shredded

Preheat oven 350 degrees

1. place chicken in a 9x13 casserole dish
2. pour the salsa over the chicken
3. cover with foil and bake for 30 mins
4. remove from oven and sprinkle cheese over the top.  Put back into oven until the cheese is melted
5. Remove and enjoy with a side salad

Well today marks the first week of my blog.  I ended this week with a new pant size.  This has made me feel like all this hard work I have been doing is worth something.  But with all my good news comes sad news.  A friend from high school has passed away.  He was 41 years young.  To young to leave this world.  G-d Speed Todd.  May the angels welcome you into G-d's loving arms. 

I have had several good days this week food wise.  I was just able to start walking again as I had a wart removed from my toe.  Walking and swimming are two of my favorite summer things to do.  They help with the weight loss a lot. Now that the toe is better I am able to do both of these things.  Yay me!! 

I put on a bathing suit for the first time since last summer and have noticed my weight loss in the way I look in it.  I am hoping to get down another size before the big day in July but that will take a lot of work and dedication and I intend on getting there. 

Todays weight loss tip!!!

Drink 5- 32oz cups of water a day and don't eat anything after 8pm. 

Recipe Monday!!!!
Todays recipe is:
     
      Turkey Burgers

1 lb of ground Turkey
1/2 onion grated (Make sure you keep the liquid)
1 stalk of celery finely diced
a pinch of salt and pepper
1 T olive oil

Combine all ingredients together just until they are incorporated
Preheat an indoor grill or frying pan. Form the meat mixture into 4 patties.
Right before you put the patties on put the olive oil in the pan.  Put all 4 patties onto the grill or into the pan and cook for about 8 mins on each side.  Cook over medium heat.  Turkey is a meat you have to make sure its done completely.  So test to make sure its completely done.

Serve with a mashed avocaodo spread over the top for a very yummy buger and a side salad. 

Well today I have to post.  I was able to start walking again.  I have to start slow as I just had a plantars wart frozen off on Friday.  That stupid thing has slowed my walking down.  I am pushing through so that I can walk/jog a 5K on Saturday morning with my son.  It felt great to be able to do that today.  Worked in the garden like I do on a daily basis while doing my rain dance.  I just wish it would rain.  I am anxious to start getting fresh veggies from all of my hard work.  I will post some pictures once I start having veggies growing.  Don't forget tomorrow is Recipe Monday. 

The journey begins

On May 1st, 2012 I began a weight loss journey with 5 women.  My goal is to loose a set amount by the end of the challenge.  But its become more than just the challenge to me.  Its a complete life style change and the way I view food.  My husband has joined me on this journey.  We are doing this for different reasons but the ultimate reason is to be healthy.  This blog will allow me to post what I am making for dinners as well as tips that I have learned through my weight loss journey. 

My goal at the beginning was to loose two dress sizes by my sons Bar Mitzvah in July.  I am well on my way there. One little step at a time.  The next goal is to be able to sit in the bleachers at our college football games and be comfortable.  Baby steps but will be worth it in the end.

I will be posting a recipes that have helped me in the weight loss and tips.  Many of the ideas are simple and basic but that is what works for me.  I have developed my own plan as we can't afford the commercial plans.  With one child in college, one in junior high and one in preschool our money is tied up in our children.  My kids mean the world to me.  Those who know me know my other love besides my family is Disney.  Being able to go to Disney and sit comfortably in the rides and such would be wonderful.  So sit back and follow me through this journey.  Soon what I used to look like will just be a Figment of your Imagination!!! 

I will post to this blog on Fridays and Mondays.  Look for great recipes on Mondays and updates on Fridays.