Its been awhile since I last posted.  Its been crazy around here.  I run the book fair at our school and I was busy putting books in children's hands. 

My eating this past week has been pretty good.  Very careful of what I put in my mouth.  Dinner has been a breeze since I have a menu in place and shop accordingly. 

I did something for myself yesterday.  I had a day at the hairdresser.  This really makes me feel better about myself.  Which is something that I have dealt with all my life.  Self image is hard for me.  I am very critical of myself and if I don't like it I work on changing it.  That is why I am working on changing how I look. 

What do you do on a beautiful day?

Well to answer that question, you plant flowers.  I spent the day outside in the beautiful weather planting flowers in my flower bed.  Spent 2 hrs which was great exercise.  All the bending and walking from here to there. 

This evening we are going grill dinner.  It will be so nice to finally get to the weather that I can grill out more often.  Love my grill. 

After dinner I will take my 30 min walk if its not storming.  If it could just rain and not bring tornadoes, hail, lightning and thunder I would be ok. 

Well it has been a very stressful past few days.  That is why I haven't posted.  All I wanted to do was crawl into a ball and stay there.  Thursday night brought relief to my stress.  Was a good thing. 

Today my kids and I went to the park and then treated ourselves to a small amount of frozen yogurt.  I had peach and vanilla.  Just a little bit but was it tasty.  I figured after the week I had I should treat myself.  There is a new place in town that I had never tried.  Really nice place.  While there I did a good deed.  3 teenage boys had gotten 3 cups of yogurt and were short money.  I overheard them calling a parent for 44 cents.  So I got up and just gave the 45 cents so that the parent didn't have to come all the way out just for that little bit.  What comes around goes around.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  They were very nice boys and even said Thank you.  I still have faith in young boys today. 

I am sitting here making up my menu and grocery list for the next 2 weeks.  I am really looking to add more veggies to my meals.  One night we are having roasted chicken with roasted eggplant.  I am trying to add different veggies as well as stand by veggies.  I am starting to plan my garden for this year also. 

Drink Water!!

Drink Water!!!!

That's my life today drinking water. I am trying to drink more water every day.  The more I drink the better my skin feels and looks. 

This is what I found from the Mayo Clinic

Water is essential to good health, yet needs vary by individual. These guidelines can help ensure you drink enough fluids. By Mayo Clinic staff
How much water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.
Although no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

Health benefits of water

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Functions of water in the body

Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

What about the advice to drink eight glasses a day?

Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." That's about 1.9 liters, which isn't that different from the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reframed as: "Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.


So as you can see by reading this that water is the most important part of my diet and anyone's diet.  Drink water instead of that soda.  If you want a little extra in your water, make up a large jug of water filled with lemons, limes and cucumbers.  That's refreshing!!!

Well I have missed a few days.  But I have been recovering from being sick.  The virus I had lasted 5 days.  Boy did it take a toll on me.  Lost weight from it.  Not very safe though.  I have been doing better as of Monday. 

I started back on green juice.  Its spinach, strawberries and a banana.  Put into a blender with some ice.  Mix and enjoy.  This is my breakfast.  This really helps to jumpstart my mornings.  If you want some more smoothie ideas check out www. incrediblesmoothies.com  . 

Well today is a little better day.  But still not all better.  I got on the scale this morning and have lost 2lbs.  That's a good thing but its because I have been sick.  I have been catching up on all the shows I have missed because of a busy schedule.  Being sick is not a good way to loose weight I know.  I am glad that I haven't gotten what others have. 

Its been a struggle lately with ups and downs in my world.  Stress has shown its evil face to me in the form of chocolate.  I struggle with that addiction but lately I have been fighting the craving.  Its hard for me.  With so many things that tempt me it makes me feel like I have to grow an even bigger back bone to fight off that feeling. 

One thing I have a problem with is snacks that tempt me.  I have found almonds have helped. 

Well today is a rough day for me.  I am sick and don't feel like eating or doing anything today.  I have at least eaten a little bit but just don't feel like eating hardly anything.  My water intake has increased today but that is because the more water you drink when you are sick the easier it is to get better.  So with that I am going back to rest. 

Well today I did much better on eating.  I am proud of myself.  Its one thing that made me smile today. 
I am very upset with the teachers at my sons' school who won't acknowledge me.  When I ask questions I expect an answer.  But in a reasonable amount of time not 2 weeks or more.  But I am not going to let this setback affect the way I feel with food. 

My son had his first track meet today.  I was very good and just watched the meet and avoided the concession stand.  I drank my water and that helps. 

Struggle today

Last night after dinner my husband and I took a 2 1/2 mile walk.  We cut it short because my ears were really cold. 

I did get on the scale this morning but didn't like  what I saw.  Which means I need to focus more on my goal.  Its hard sometimes when you feel like you try and try and nothing happens.  There are times when this process is really hard and can make you feel like everything your doing is not doing any good.  I know the walking is building muscle in my legs.  But not seeing the number go down really causes issues. 

I am really going to try even harder for the next month and half.  I want to really get down before my sons graduation. 

If anyone reading this has any suggestions please leave them.

Serves:4
Cook Time:25 - 30 minutes
Summer is coming and nothing says summer like the light and refreshing taste of lemon. This Lemon Chicken with Pasta recipe is perfect for easy entertaining on a hot summer night. Everything is made on the stovetop in under 30 minutes, so you can beat the summer heat. If you like lemon, try this Lemon Rosemary Coleslaw as well!

What you'll need

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 8 chicken cutlets, pounded thin (about 1 ½ pounds total)
• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• juice of 1 ½ lemons
• ¾ cup water or stock
• ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons capers
• ½ cup parsley, chopped

Helpful Tip:Don't like capers? Use chopped olives instead.

How to make it

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, pour flour into a shallow dish. Dredge cutlets in flour, shaking off excess.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, adding remaining oil as needed, until light golden brown, about 2 - 3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a dish and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Add garlic to skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in lemon juice and water and bring to a boil, cook until reduced by half. Reduce heat to low. Add in butter, chicken and capers and swirl until butter begins to melt. Turn off the heat and cover skillet with lid to keep chicken warm.
5. Once your water has boiled, add pasta. Cook until al dente and drain. Serve chicken over pasta topped with sauce and parsley.

You could use whole wheat pasta instead.  That's what I use.

Happy Monday.  Today I am making low sugar strawberry jam.  Strawberries were  99 cents a lb at the store so I decided to buy a bunch and make some jam.  I am also going to clean some more and put them in bags and freeze them.  Nothing like having frozen strawberries for the summertime. 

Easter was pretty easy food wise.  I had one slice of ham without bread, little broccoli salad and a little bit of green beans.  Had a small piece of carrot cake.  I was really good and snacked on veggies without dip. Very proud of myself. 

Yesterday was an odd day for eating for me.  After having only a small doughnut for breakfast we headed out for an Easter egg hunt.  That was a busy time.  Then headed to do some shopping and a trip to play laser tag.  That was a lot of fun.  Since we weren't home at dinner time we ran through the drive thru because everyone was tired and didn't want to sit down.  Well after we got home I decided I needed to walk.  My oldest daughter and I set out and walked 2.08 miles. We did this in about 34 mins.  Not to bad considered we stopped and watched the baby goats play for a bit and looked at the horses. 

That walk really felt good.  My legs didn't hurt this morning which is great news.  I will hopefully be able to walk again today but this weather has not been very nice.  Its suppose to thunderstorm badly today. 

I will post some yummy recipes on Monday that are keeping me on track for breakfast. 

Just read an article about coupons.  I do use some coupons but I wish they had coupons for real food instead of processed foods.  Coupons for the outer parts of a grocery store.  Have you ever really though about it.  They put the good for you food on the outside of the store and the processed stuff inside.  Don't get me wrong I do buy canned veggies and such but all the box foods forget it.  No way hosae.  Non processed foods have all the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to loose weight.  Filling up on fruits and veggies are a great way to help loose weight. 
This is just my opinion.  Everyone has their own views of a grocery store. 

Happy Shopping.

Well its been an interesting weekend.  Passover dinner had a lot of food but I restrained myself to just a small plate.  That was hard but I did it.  The only thing I did really indulge in was an apple pie that I made myself.  I only used a little bit of sugar therefore you tasted the tartness of the apple vs the sugar.  It was very good. 

Yesterday was the snow storm and was stuck in the house during it.  But after it slowed down we all went out and played in the snow.  It was a lot of fun.  Definitely needed hot chocolate after we came back in.  But all in all the weekend was a success.  I didn't eat a lot even though the temptation was there. 

Spinach and Cheese Bake

Cooking spray 2
(6-ounce) packages fresh baby spinach
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (about 5 3/4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup egg substitute
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Pour the butter into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; tilt dish to coat. Place spinach evenly in bottom of dish; sprinkle evenly with cheeses.
3. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk until blended. Pour milk mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.

Well I got on the scale this morning and down 2 pounds.  Yay!!!  Love to see that number go down. 

Snack idea:

1/2 c low fat cottage cheese
small handful of red grapes

This is my snack when I get a sweet craving.  The red grapes are sweeter. 

With Easter coming my goal is to focus on filler foods such as a handful of almonds about an hour before we eat. This way I will have something in my stomach and won't be as likely to eat a lot at Easter dinner. 

Its been an up and down roller coaster here lately.  But my goal is only 2 months away.  I want to loose 20 more lbs before my sons graduation.  He graduates from 8th grade in May.  I want to be able to sit comfortable at his graduation. 

I am in the planning stages of my garden for the summer.  The more fresh veggies I have on hand the less tempted I will be.  So melons will be a high priority.  Fresh melons don't have all those pesticides on them. 

I have been trying very hard to stick with a proper eating cycle.  My dad recently started back on Nutri System and it is working for him. 

New start this week.  The kids are back in school and the temperatures are rising so that I can start walking again.  Thats the only problem with living in the midwest is that the weather is crazy.  Walking is my friend.  I am going to count my steps starting tomorrow.  That will help with my progress.