Return of the Sweaty Bike Guy...

Yes, you read that right. I went to the "gym" last night. Wahooo for me! I made my friend Riana go with me. I'd been threatening to forever but last night we made it happen. I jumped on the Elliptical because I'm a nice girl (hey, quit scoffing, I can be nice) and Riana wanted the Treadmill. And naturally, "The Walker" wasn't there so she was able to get right on.

And who should come in while I was sweating away on the elliptical but Sweaty Bike Guy!!! We shared the same awkward smile as he got on the bike next to me and then promptly ignored each other.

So I did 2+ miles on the elliptical and then I did about a mile or so on the other bike (the one that used to squeak) by the treadmill so Riana and I could visit while she finished up her half hour. I went a little earlier because I wanted to do 45 minutes. Then feeling empowered we promised to try and go again tonight and walked our separate ways home.

Family Pictures

We got a new family portrait done today.



Don't we look cute? I super love this new family portrait way more than our old one. Can you guess why?



Duh you say, the reason is that I look a TON better in the new one since I've lost 70lbs since May 2010. However, in this picture I'm at my heaviest so I'd say the weight difference between the two pictures is around 125lbs.

In all the poses we took to get the old family photo the photographer always put me in back. I didn't mind, I didn't want to be in the front. In all the poses we sat for today, I was always in the front, surrounded by my boys. I don't know for sure if it the weight made the difference on my placement or my attitude and how I projected myself did it. I know I was miserable 125lbs ago as you can tell by my half-assed smile and I'm a happy girl now as you can tell by my big teeth-baring grin. Don' we all look much happier? I wonder if the old adage is true: "If Mom ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Partied Like It's 1999!

So, I lost 6 lbs last week, right? Guess how I celebrated on Sunday night. By eating my weight in Doritos Spicier Nacho Chips and espresso fudge crunch. Yep. Our neighbors brought over some really heinous coffee flavored cake with peanut butter frosting (super gross) and some espresso fudge crunch that was incredibly good. I'd been craving chocolate for girl reasons so I ate a square, then needed salt and spicy so had some chips, then needed sweet so ate another square, then needed salt and spicy so more chips... you get the idea. I partied like it was 1999 with food.

Am I guilty? Nope. Am I on a shame spiral? Nope. Should I have not overdone it as much as I did? Probably. But do I care? Nope. I'm living. I wanted it. I ate it. And when I thought I would puke if I had another bite (yes I really did go overboard, I'm not kidding) I threw the rest of it away (not the chips... those are the husbands) but the fudge and icky cake so I wouldn't be tempted to eat it again yesterday.

Yesterday, I walked 5 miles to the post office. My legs are sore today. But, as soon as I get the Grumpybutt down for his nap I plan on jogging my 30 minutes anyway. Go me.

Last night I made fish and chips for dinner. I breaded some Red Snapper in Panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs -- better for you than normal bread and crispier too when you cook them) and then fried them in a little olive oil with seasonings. Turned out so good. 3ft had two servings of fish he liked it so much. He has declared that Fish is his favorite and we need to have it more often. The husband, who hates fish and fish smells, is ecstatic about the idea of more fish in the house... really. Not!

I baked a ton of brownies yesterday and only ate a couple crumbs. Doing coconut macaroons today and hoping to only eat a couple. Plus I've got to frost an army of gingerbread people. Christmas baking = busy girl.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 189

Total Pounds Lost - 70.9 lbs

Switch ups and Jogging

So...

I don't know if it's the cereal switch up, the jogging 30 minutes a day 5 days a week, or the fact I've been eating provolone cheese on my sandwiches instead of mayonnaise but I lost 6.1 pounds last week. Let me say that again SIX point ONE pounds last week!!! So I'm point one pound shy of having lost 71 lbs. I'm beyond ecstatic. And I'm totally stoked to have achieved my mini 15-pound goal with 5.9 pounds to spare. How awesome is that? SUPER AWESOME!!!

On Friday, I jogged, had a play date with my friend Riana and her kids at their house, did some baking, and made Enchizagna's for dinner (enchilada/lasagna).

On Saturday, the husband had to work but was able to carpool in so I had a car. I did a lot of running around and shopping. I hit Target for more baking supplies and Christmas shopping, and then I had 20 bucks of Kohl's money so I went there and found some ornaments for this year.

And I still have more running around to do today. 3ft's got a birthday party, then we need to go to Safeway, Costco, Richards (a craft store), and back to Target for some things I forgot. But before I got swamped I just had to share my elation that I've lost SEVENTY POINT NINE POUNDS!!!!

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 187

Total Pounds Lost - 70.9 lbs

Child for Sale.

I'm finally getting to sit down for a second and have a moment to myself. I've had a crazy busy day.

I jogged for 30 minutes this morning. That makes 4 days in a row this week. I'm ever so proud of myself and so is the little balance board on the Wii Fit. Or so it tells me. He looks a little shifty to me though, so I don't know if he can be trusted.

I chased after Grumpybutt all day. He's pulling himself up to a stand against anything and everything. That kids gone on so many headers and butt plops I'm just beside myself. I'm thinking about getting him toddler football gear complete with a helmet so he survives this phase. So, that has kept me busy.

And if those weren't enough, 3ft suckered me into making Gingerbread Cookie Pops for his class. Now, could I go the easy route and buy a couple boxed kits to make them from? Oh, no..... I've got to make the gingerbread from scratch, cut down the "pop" sticks, sand them, then wash them, then roll out the dough, cut the shapes, bake them, make homemade cinnamon royal icing, and then frost those bad boys. However they're totally not that bad for you as it's my gingerbread recipe. I think they turned out pretty cute, though:


After 34 cookies baked, cooled, iced, and packaged -- I'm pooped and would sell my first born for a back rub. Actually, make that my second born -- he's the one who makes me feel like I should be in the Notre Dame Cathedral (get it? I'm hunchback from bending over him while he holds my hands and walks. So I'm like Quasimoto. Get it? I crack myself up).

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 184

Total Pounds Lost - 64.8

Evil Spawn.

Oy. and Vey. My children got me up at 5 am this morning. FIVE A.M.! I keep trying to tell them that it's an ungodly hour and that only Satan's little playmates get up that early so they must be evil children. They snicker wickedly and continue on with their devilish ways. It's not right I tell you. Not right. How did such an angelic girl such as myself get saddled with spawn of evil? That's what I want to know.

So, I've already jogged this morning. I woke up grumpy, irritable, and downright bitchy if I do say so myself and I knew it was going to be a long day. So I remembered babbling something about endorphin highs yesterday on Facebook and how great I felt after jogging. So at 5:30 I pulled on my sweats and sports bra, turned on the Wii Fit, and started jogging. My husband did his best to keep the Grumpybutt entertained and 3ft enjoyed watching my Mii fall (which proves 3ft really is evil). If you run to fast your Mii trips and falls and this morning you'd have thought my Mii didn't tie her shoes. But I jogged for 30 minutes and felt much better after. Now I don't have to worry about it the rest of the day, how awesome is that?

I made homemade Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for dinner last night. They turned out really good. I was impressed with myself. Next time I think I might throw a little ham or bacon inside them and make them a main dish instead of a side dish (especially for how much effort they were to make). 3ft liked them but what he went back for seconds on was the green beans. I spend over an hour and a half making scalloped potatoes and my son goes back for the canned green beans that took me 3 minutes to pour into a bowl and nuke. *sighs* At least he's eating his vegetables.

So we're up and at 'em and ahead of schedule this morning. Go Team Dovichi!

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 183

Total Pounds Lost - 64.8

Cereal Shake Up

I finally got tired of FiberOne Honey Cluster cereal. After having eaten it everyday for pretty much 4 months I don't think I could eat another flake. I tend to do that, eat something to death and then don't eat it again for a long time. So I've moved on to Kashi GoLean Crunch. I'd had it suggested to me by an old friend awhile back, but I was still loving the Honey Cluster, so I put it off. So, I bought a box and it's actually not that bad. It's not Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Frosted Flakes (Mmmm) but then again what healthy cereal is? I slice up a half banana to add to it and pour a 1/2 cup of homemade almond milk over the top of it and munch it down. I find that it keeps me fuller longer with the protein/fiber combo instead of just the extra fiber of FiberOne. And since I've been jogging everyday, that's a good thing.

I experimented with my take on a Reuben Sandwich yesterday. Sort of gave it a makeover to make it a little better for you. I made homemade sour coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and then I used a ham/turkey meat combination with a slice of 2% Provolone cheese and stuck it in the oven. It turned out pretty freaking delicious. I'm going to have it for lunch again today. I made my friend Riana, who came over for lunch with her munchkins yesterday, try it too and she said it was really good. I think her favorite part of lunch was the S'more Brownie I "forced" her to eat, though.

I've decided I really like jogging. Granted because the husband is working overtime a lot and the weather being cold I've been jogging in place, indoors, on the Wii Fit but I jog pretty fast and do a lot of sweating so I figure it's just as good. Plus I can do it while the Grumpybutt takes his morning nap. So I've been jogging for 30 minutes 5 days a week (taking the weekends off -- too hard to do it with all the boys underfoot and at night I'm too tired) and jogging a little further everyday, according to Wii Fit.

Week of 11/29 through 12/05 Recap

Guess what?

I've lost 64.8 lbs. Do you know what that means? It means that if I lose another .2 lbs by Christmas I'll have achieved my mini goal of losing another 15 lbs by Christmas. Can I get a Hallelujah? Oh yeah! HALLELUJAH!

Not that I'm excited or anything. Really.

WOOOOOOFREAKINGHOOOOOOOOO!

A quick week recap: I jogged everyday for at least 30 minutes nonstop. I'm building up my endurance for when I get off my butt and find a 5K to run. I decorated a graveyard of melting snowmen for a fundraiser/contest at 3ft's school without eating a single cupcake. I sneaked vegetables into my boys by grating zucchini and carrots into my spaghetti meat sauce and they devoured it. I got a yen for s'mores so I created a new brownie recipe I call, "Gimme S'more Brownies". (and in case you missed the picture)


Gimme S'more Brownies

Ingredients
*Graham Cracker Crust

5 graham cracker sheets (crushed)
2 TBS sugar
1 TBS butter (I use Brummel and Brown Spread w/ Yogurt)

*Double Chocolate Brownie

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 TBS butter (Brummel and Brown Spread w/Yogurt)
1 egg
1 TBS water
1/2 TSP vanilla extract
1/2 TSP instant coffee granules
1/4 TSP baking powder
1/4 TSP kosher salt
1/3 cup all purpose flour
2 TBS semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cup mini-marshmallows

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1 tbs melted butter, and 2 tbs sugar together in a medium size bowl and mix together thoroughly.

Line an 8x8 glass baking dish with parchment paper and then spray bottom only with cooking spray (leave enough parchment paper on 2 opposite sides to use as handles to lift the brownie out)

Press graham cracker crumbles into bottom of prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Combine first 9 ingredients (cocoa powder through kosher salt) of Double Chocolate Brownie in a large bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add flour; mix. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour on top of graham cracker crust and spread evenly. Bake for 12 minutes.

Top with mini marshmallows and bake another 5 minutes until marshmallows are browned and melted.

Let cool in glass dish on wire rack for at least 30 minutes, lift out by parchment paper, and cut into 16 equal squares. (cutting tip, use a warm, wet knife to reduce stickage)

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 180

Total Pounds Lost - 64.8

Back on the Wagon... Miss Me?

Not that I ever technically left the wagon. I just didn't pay as much attention as I usually do to how much I ate. So, I didn't lose any weight but more importantly I didn't really gain any either -- a couple ounces. I'm not worried about it.

I had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I ate what I wanted, how much I wanted, and whenever I wanted. I had some of everything. But I have to tattle on myself and confess it just wasn't Thursday. I also ate what I wanted, how much I wanted, whenever I wanted of leftovers til Sunday.

With the holiday, 3ft out of school, and my husband having nearly a week off of work my routine got all sorts of jacked up. So instead of stressing, I just let it go. I'm living. Life does that. So now it's Monday and the world is running the way it should: 3ft went to school and husband went to work. I was able to jog this morning, which was awesome. And tonight after I get the kids in bed I plan on playing some Wii, either Just Dance 2 or The Michael Jackson Experience (which is like Just Dance just with MJ songs -- old school, oh yeah).

I also returned to my normal eating habits and feel better for having done so. I ate a lot of chips and other things not quite fabulous for me and it's amazing the difference it makes in the way I feel. No chips today, no baked treats today, just lots of veggies, fruits, and a Turkey Pot Pie creation for dinner.

I took about 2 cups of chopped leftover turkey, with 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/4 chopped onion, and about 3 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauteed them in a pan and then added a cup of leftover turkey gravy. Cooked it until simmering and then put it in a square baking dish. Topped it with about a cup of leftover mashed potatoes mixed with 1/2 cup 2% cheddar cheese and then tossed it in the oven at 350 until it was all bubbly and the potatoes were crusty. Turned out so good. Serves about 4 and around 300 calories a serving. It was a great and healthy use of leftovers. Tomorrow I'm making Turkey Noodle Soup and then the turkey will be all used up.

What are some of your favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers?

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 173

Total Pounds Lost - 58.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Leftover Challah Roast Beef Sandwich, cucumbers, carrots, and grapes
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 a banana
Dinner - Turkey Pot Pie creation

I Know It's Late.

Ack! I'm running late tonight. I have a good excuse. I had to go last minute shopping. I ran out of eggs and needed whole nutmeg so I had to run out and get some. Of course I had to go to two stores because the first store didn't have the nutmeg. Then of course I found a bunch of things I couldn't live without so it took that much longer.

I took another stab at Eggnog. It was bothering me that it wasn't the right color. So I got whole vanilla beans, whole nutmeg, and cinnamon extract which is clear. I used a little less condensed milk and less flour (bring the calories down) and was able to use less egg yolks too. So I'm hoping this batch is good. It looks right which is important.

I also baked gingerbread people today (yes I'm getting ready to do my Christmas baking) because gingerbread is an awesome cookie, lasts forever in airtight containers, and freezes really well. So what the heck, I had my gingerbread out to make gingerbread bears to take to a play date and figured it wouldn't hurt to bust out some people while I was rolling and cutting dough. So I baked 3 dozen people.

I also baked my Pecan Tart w/ chocolate drizzle for Thanksgiving. It turned out so pretty and smelled so good (and I got some on the spatula when I moved it to a cake container so naturally I had to eat it and it tasted amazing). I'm really hoping it makes it to Thanksgiving (cuz you know I might eat it before hand -- but that's okay I have all the ingredients to make another one).

I exercised. Did Wii Fit Free Step for a half hour. I hit over 3000 steps but I don't remember the exact number. Then 3ft and I went on a walk, not too mention all the housework, laundry, baking, cooking, and chasing the ever busy Grumpybutt around the house. I'd say I got enough exercise.

Before I forget, I had a fabulous moment today. It was pouring down rain when 3ft and I took the Grumpybutt over to my friend, Riana's, house for a play date. I was able to fit comfortably in my husband's size L jacket. Oh yeah. I'm loving it. :)

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 167

Total Pounds Lost - 58.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - (early lunch)
Lunch - spaghetti sandwich
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (still full from lunch)
Dinner - roasted pork and cheese quesadillas

Whole Lotta Bakin' Going On...

So the Spiced Eggnog that I invented yesterday turned out pretty amazing. It was super thick (too much flour I think) so I thinned it out with a little more almond milk and now it's the perfect consistency and perfectly delicious. 3ft likes it too. He calls it "Cinnamon Milk" and he didn't like store bought eggnog. So I don't know if that means mine is super great or it doesn't taste anything like eggnog. But that's what I'm calling it, it has eggs in it so that makes it eggnoggy enough for me. (It's brown instead of white because I put cinnamon and vanilla in it -- next time I'm going to use cinnamon extract which is clear and that might make it more the right color.)

I made Parmesan Herb Challah Bread today. It was totally fun to make. After it rises twice you cut it into six equal pieces and then braid it. It looks so fancy. I'm very proud of it. I haven't eaten any yet because I'm saving it to make small finger sandwiches for Thanksgiving appetizers. The one on the left is going to be black forest ham and provolone and the one on the right is going to be roast beef and provolone. Mmm mmm good.

I also knocked out the 1 dozen hard boiled eggs that I'm making 2 dozen deviled eggs out of. I peeled, cut, and made the guts and then stuck them separately in the fridge to assemble the morning of. I have to do a lot of what I'd normally do on Wednesday early because my husband signed me up to make Pumpkin Pizzas for his work party on Wednesday. So I'll be baking those that day and then running off to a party.

Let's see, what else? I worked out today. I jogged for 45 minutes then did 250 crunches and 50 push ups. I don't expect to lose any weight this week but I'd really like to not gain any either. Mostly, though, I'm not worried about it. I'm going to ENJOY Thanksgiving and all the food I'm making.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 166

Total Pounds Lost - 58.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - (early lunch)
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich, grapes, and carrots
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter sandwich and tried my homemade eggnog
Dinner - Spaghetti

Weekend Report #4

WAHOOOO!! I lost two pounds this week. Oh yeah. My one pound streak has been broken. Bring on the extra pound lost, baby! Oh yeah!! (I'm doing the cabbage patch and squealing -- just so you all know) So that makes it 58.3 pounds lost since the end of May. And I'm 7 lbs away from hitting my Christmas goal! Oh yeah! I think I'm going to make it -- lose 65 total pounds by Christmas.

I've been busy in the kitchen. I don't have any pictures but I will come Thanksgiving of all the stuff I've been baking and putting together.

I've made 4 mini loaves of marbled chocolate banana bread (which you've all seen), 4 mini loaves of regular banana bread, a pumpkin roll filled with marshmallow cheesecake frosting (picture a ginormous pumpkin ho ho filled with marshmallow cheesecake and you'll know what I'm talking about), gingerbread cookies, and I just got done throwing together a Spiced Eggnog (nonalcoholic, of course but that could easily be changed). I'm waiting for the eggnog to set up and get cold, but it tasted pretty amazing when I licked the saucepan I made it in. The best part is it's half the calories and fat of the store bough variety. I'm thinking it tastes better too.

I licked the bowl I made the marshmallow cheesecake frosting in last night as well as dipped an Oreo in it. So because of that, I jogged last night for 30 minutes to make up for the extra calories. Other than that little taste of heaven (I didn't even eat the whole cookie, 3ft came along and ganked half of it), I did pretty good food wise this weekend.

3 days til Thanksgiving. Next up on my baking list is Herb and Cheese Challah bread.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 165

Total Pounds Lost - 58.3

Too Cold for Salad.

The day started out alright enough. I got my 30 minutes of jogging, 50 push ups, and like 250 crunches. I also started some baking. I love baking. Then the Grumpybutt woke up in a foul mood, which is always fun, and we shared a granola bar -- meaning I ate the granola and he ate the chocolate chips out of it. Then to get him to his "happy place" I bundled him up and we went for a walk.

The weather was overcast, cold, and windy. It hasn't rained yet but it really looks like it wants to. So we went for a walk and then picked up 3ft. We had a playdate scheduled for today which included lunch so I didn't have to make lunch which is ALWAYS fabulous. There were even homemade mint chip and nut cookies. I had two. I'm so ashamed (not really). The best part, the Grumpybutt showed off a new skill. He can sit up all by himself from laying down. It's super cute to watch.

When we got home, 3ft pretty much posted up on the couch and that was fine by me because I had to get the Grumpybutt down for his nap. Then I looked at him and noticed how peaked he looked, took his temp, and he has a low grade fever. Can't this kid ever stay healthy? So far no coughing, just a stuffy nose. So here's hoping we avoid pneumonia this time around.

Well, because 3ft is under the weather he got to pick what he wanted for dinner. He wanted eggs and jelly toast. So even though I usually only let him have one breakfast for dinner, I acquiesced and let him have it. With the weather being so cold and ick I didn't feel like a cold salad. I wanted something warm. So I had a leftover hamburger, an egg, some hashbrowns, and a pickle spear. So, hopefully I'll eat the salad tomorrow.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 163

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Hotdog, cucumbers, grapes, and 2 cookies
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (still full from lunch)
Dinner - Hamburger w/ egg, pickle spear, and small portion of hashbrowns

Thanksgiving Insanity

I'm on a roll.

This morning I did over 3000 steps on Wii Fit Free Step while watching Rachel Rae impress and amaze me with Shnitzle. (I have no idea if that's spelled right) and I also had no idea what it was. She made a beef broth and mushroom soup over egg omelet crepe noodle thingies. She called them something but I don't remember what. While the shnitzel doesn't seem to be anything but breaded and fried meat with anchovies on top (shudders over the anchovies) the soup looked pretty amazing. I also went for a walk with Grumpybutt (taking advantage of the nice weather while we have it) and then took 3ft to the park for a playdate. Not too mention all the trips lugging things up and down my stairs -- so all and all a busy day activity wise.

I did breakfast for dinner tonight for 3ft. Once a week I make him whatever breakfast food he wants for dinner. He opted for Cinnamon Vanilla Pancakes. Now before anyone gets all excited about how fancy that sounds -- it's not. It's Krusteaux's Pancake Mix with a little water, cinnamon, and vanilla mixed in before cooking it. Super easy but super delicious. He smothered those bad boys in syrup and went to town. I didn't even look longingly at his plate (I love pancakes) because I had my Asian Chicken Salad again for dinner. I've got one more serving of it after tonight which will be for dinner tomorrow then I'll have to move on to something else.

I've been watching shows on Food Network about Thanksgiving -- something I really shouldn't do because now I'm adding a Brussel Sprout dish that looked absolutely divine to my list of things I'm cooking on Thanksgiving as well as being reminded about the pumpkin roll I make that I'm going to serve as an appetizer along with marbled banana chocolate bread, finger sandwiches, fancy olives, fancy pickles, layer dip, veggie tray w/ ranch, and chips.

I have mentioned I'm going to be eating all freaking day, right? I can't wait! I figure I can't undo the months of progress I've made in one day. Besides, all my dishes are healthier versions so while I'm saying right now I know I'm going to eat WAY TOO MANY CALORIES (look at my "I don't care" face) it could be worse! So since I've clearly gone insane over this Thanksgiving and can't seem to make enough food to graze on all day, what are your go to Thanksgiving dishes that I can't live without?

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 162

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, dill pickle, and Chicken and Stars Soup
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Asian Chicken salad with toasted almonds on Napa cabbage.

Feels Used.

My legs are a little sore today. I guess the 4.5 miles wasn't quite the cake walk I thought it was. Or it could've been all the trips up and down the stairs or the Wii Free Step. Regardless, my legs feel like they've been used.

That didn't stop me from working out today, though. I jogged for 30 minutes while I watched Chopped. I would never make anything from the baskets, probably, but I like watching how creative real chefs get with sometimes gross ingredients. Then the Grumpybutt and I took a half hour walk before picking up 3ft. Oh yeah, and I also did 50 push ups and 180 crunches incorporating leg lifts so I can really feel them in my abdomen which is cool.

I had Asian Chicken Salad w/ toasted almonds again for dinner. I've been on a kick for it so I'll probably be eating it for the rest of the week or until I run out of the ingredients. Do you guys ever do that -- get a craving for something and then just eat it for four days to a week straight? Or am I the only weird one?

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving. I'm already planning the food I'm going to make. I'm going a little overboard this year, I know. I'm making a homemade healthier eggnog, 3ft's pumpkin pizza, a healthier pecan tart instead of a pie, then some homemade cheese and herb challah bread to do roast beef and ham finger sandwiches for an appetizer along with the standard turkey, stuffing, candied yams, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls, and good lord I don't know what else. I can't wait. A whole day dedicated to eating. Luckily, all my dishes are going to be healthier versions so I can eat a little more guilt free.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 161

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich and carrots w/ranch
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - Asian Chicken salad with toasted almonds on Napa cabbage.

Holy Hot Dogs, Batman!

I definitely think I got my exercise in today.

I did Wii Free Step for half an hour -- 3000 steps, oh yeah! Then I went on a 30 minute walk when I went to pick up 3ft from school this afternoon. The Grumpybutt was being fussy and the easiest way to get him to "happy up" is to take him outside. Then this afternoon I went on a 4.4 mile walk with 3ft and the Grumpybutt.

3ft's new glasses came in today. 3ft had the choice of going on a VERY LONG walk or waiting until tomorrow when Daddy could take us. He was so excited and couldn't wait so he insisted he could handle the walk. I asked him multiple times and told him it was super far. He wouldn't change his mind so we went. (Talk about really wanting his glasses!)

He rode his scooter and I pushed the Grumpybutt in his stroller. It took us about 45 minutes to get there. 3ft would switch on and off from riding the scooter and walking (he walks slow). It took us about an hour to get home because 3ft was so excited about having the glasses and new case for them he had to carry it which meant walking. I finally convinced him to ride and we finally made it home.

For dinner, I made an Asian chicken salad with toasted sesame Asian dressing (light), chicken cooked in teriyaki sauce, and sliced almonds on Napa cabbage. It turned out super delicious. But because I missed my snack because we were somewhere between home and the optometrist I ended up having a hot dog with 3ft too. It's totally okay, I buy Chicken Franks so they only have about 100 calories, granted most of them are fat, but I figured after the long walk on top of everything else meant I could handle it.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 160

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich and carrots w/ranch
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (walking)
Dinner - hot dog on a bun, and Asian Chicken salad with toasted almonds on Napa cabbage.

Too Tired, Completely Forgot.

Darn it. I was so tired last night I completely forgot to blog.

Had a pretty good day yesterday. I jogged for a half an hour while I watched cooking shows. Is it wrong that I watch Tyler's Ultimate just to watch Tyler Florence? His food looks yummy too, though, so it's not JUST for him. I was able to jog the whole time and it really flew by. I love being in better shape.

I also did 180 crunches yesterday that incorporated the lower abs by doing leg lifts at the same time and 50 push ups. I was going to do another couple reps of both after having put the kids to bed last night but I was too tired. It was a long day and I'm still recouping from being sick. I can't quite seem to shake this cold completely. It's annoying.

I also did the standard chase the baby and baby lifts. Now that's he's about 20lbs and 10 months old it's actually quite a workout. And let's not forget the torturing of 3ft although yesterday I think it was him torturing me.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 159

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich, carrots w/ranch, and cucumbers w/ Italian dressing
Mid-Afternoon Snack - chocolate banana bread and crackers w/ tuna salad
Dinner - (not hungry)

Weekend Report #3

It has been a hectic weekend. Can I get a weekend from my weekend please?

First things first. I'm happy to report that I've lost another 1.4 pounds last week bringing up the grand total to: 56.3lbs lost. Which is pretty good considering I've been sick and haven't been doing much exercise. So, I'm doing a happy dance right now even though I'm exhausted from the weekend.

On Saturday, we had "Italian Thanksgiving". We're not going to make it to my husband's family's Thanksgiving gathering for three reasons. I love cooking so I want to cook the Thanksgiving feast (I know I'm sick, right?),I'm cooking it for my family's gathering this year, and it's too far to drive to just stop in when we have Mr. Grumpybutt. So I thought we'd have my husband's family over and do an early Thanksgiving type deal and so we did an Italian theme (hey, we're Italian, I thought it sounded like a good idea).

So I made lasagna bowls again... and again I forgot to get a picture of them. They seemed to be a big hit. Everyone ate it, no one horked it up, and no one keeled over and died. So that's a win for me. Then I made delicious garlic bread which I practically burnt. I'm really good at keeping so close an eye on it it doesn't seem to cook and then forgetting about it completely until I smell burnt coming from my oven. I also did a giant garden salad.

For dessert, I made 3ft's creation The Pumpkin Pizza again and I perfected it (carries along the Italian theme well, yes?). Instead of throwing chips on to the "sauce" I made a chocolate ganache and drizzled it over the top. Yes, I made the ganache with almond milk instead of milk or heavy cream and it turned out super delicious. You couldn't tell it was healthier for you. The crowd was a little apprehensive about trying it but did so because 3ft was so proud of his creation. It was a big hit and everyone loved it, telling 3ft he was a genius. He naturally ate up the attention.

Today, I threw together a new invention then Enchilasagna or Enchizagna. My husband likes the second name better -- I think I like the first. What do you guys think? It turned out super delicious and it only has about 175 calories and 8 grams of fat per piece. It was really filling and didn't taste like it was remotely healthier for you. I used 1/2lb lean ground beef and 1/2lb lean ground turkey.

If anyone wants to be a guinea cook and try out this recipe, just let me know. It was super easy to make, tastes super delicious, and it even has hidden veggies that pack it full of nutrition that you can't even taste!

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 157

Total Pounds Lost - 56.3

Cinnamon Frosting and Apple Gravy

I tried out a new recipe tonight. I made Roasted Pork with Apple Gravy. The roast pork wasn't anything fancy just rubbed with some olive oil, chopped garlic, and salt and pepper. I'm pretty proud of the apple gravy. It's apple cider, chicken stock, apple sauce, Chinese 5 spice blend, and sauteed onions. It was super delicious. If anyone's interested, shoot me an e-mail, and I'll send it to you.

I'm proud to say that even though 3ft and I played in frosting and gingerbread all day long I barely had any. Sure, I had some frosting. It's homemade cinnamon frosting. How can you avoid it completely? But I didn't eat it straight from the tubs like I wanted so that's something. It wasn't any issue to avoid the gingerbread. I burnt it. 3ft and the husband are hovering like vultures but I'm totally fine with NOT eating it. Now when I bake it again and do NOT burn it, then I might have a problem.

I didn't do any extra exercising. I just did the normal everyday chasing after kids and housecleaning. I'm starting to feel normal again. I should be back at it by Monday for sure. Have a great weekend!

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 157

Total Pounds Lost - 54.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - banana w/ peanut butter
Lunch - mini pizzas, cucumbers w/ Italian dressing, and a slice of chocolate marbled banana bread
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (not hungry)
Dinner - Roast Pork w/ apple gravy, herb pasta, and green beans

Baked Goods and Cinderella

I felt better today, but not completely back to normal so I took it easy again.

Well, kind of.

I mopped my kitchen floor, the bathroom floor, wrestled with children, baked...twice, and did 3 loads of laundry. No wonder I'm so tired. I was a busy girl.

I had bananas that were practically dead and begging to be put out of their misery on my counter, so this morning I made Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread. It turned out so delicious. The best bananas for baking are the ones that are practically disintegrated they're so ripe (which would be the state of the bananas I used today). So I made 4 mini loaves (I love mini loaves, they're so cute and you can trick your mind that you're having a lot by having multiple slices for the same calories as one full sized loaf slice). I had to take a picture because I love the way the marbled looks and I'm still all proud of the epiphany about how to do it that I had.

I'm also working on a Gingerbread Sleigh Project. I made gingerbread dough after the kids went to bed and did a single sleigh cutout to see how well it'll put together before I do an assembly line sort of thing. So I made a ka-ton (it's a word, I just made it up) of gingerbread dough, rolled out some and shoved the rest in the fridge for another night. I already designed and cut out the sleigh pieces (I geeked out on that yesterday). I set my shapes on the dough, got a sharp knife, and cut them out. In retrospect, I'm going to bake the dough about halfway next time and cut it out then. The cookies had some expansion, which I didn't even think about (I did mention I was tired) so I can negate that from the final shape by cutting it out after it's expanded but not fully cooked yet.

As you can see, I got distracted and let the cookies get a little more "done" than I had wanted. My husband keeps telling me he'll eat them (he's weird and likes his cookies a little on the burnt side anyway). Normally I'd fret, but this was just an experiment which makes me extra glad I did it as such, because I'd already do things different in the baking process. I'm assured the dough is delicious and tastes like gingerbread (I haven't had any since I don't eat after 8pm). So tomorrow I'll make the "glue" and frost that bad boy together and see how it turns out.

Naturally, my mixer went nuts and spewed dough all over my freshly mopped floor. I didn't have a clean floor for even a freaking hour so after I got all the dishes washed (I cannot stand having dirty dishes in my sink) I got on my hands and knees with a washrag and cleaned my floor again. I felt like Cinderella. Except I already have my "prince". Do you suppose she ever mopped the floors after she "lived happily ever after"?

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 156

Total Pounds Lost - 54.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - (early lunch)
Lunch - Chicken Salad w/ ranch
Mid-Afternoon Snack - Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread
Dinner - Mc Donalds Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/out mayo

Getting Better... Hopefully.

I think I'm starting to feel a little better. My throat isn't hurting quite so bad and my nose quit running. Here's hoping I feel normal again tomorrow so I can do some exercising. I wasn't completely without any today. I walked to pick 3ft up from school pushing the Grumpy's heavy butt in his stroller. Then, after lunch we walked over to the park to play with our friends and then back home.

Then Mr. Grumpybutt thought he'd help in the weigh lifting department and insisted on getting into the electronics constantly. No sooner would I pick him up, tell him no, and then try to distract him with his toys, he'd roll back over and get right back into it. There was absolutely no distracting him. So after doing that "game" for about an hour I did the unthinkable. I set up the playpen and popped his ornery butt in it just to give me a little break. He hates it. Maybe he'll have learned his lesson (not bloody likely).

I tried out a new recipe invention tonight: Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches. I chopped up a couple cloves of garlic and threw it in a 1/4 cup hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I mixed it all up and marinated chicken tenders in it for 24 hours (I was originally going to cook it yesterday -- I don't ever marinate for 24 hours intentionally, I never think that far in advance) and then threw it on a grill pan and popped it in the broiler for 5 minutes. After it was done cooking, I slapped it on a whole wheat orowheat sandwich thin with a slice of provolone and then threw it back in the broiler to melt the cheese. Topped it with a couple tomatoes and ranch sauce (a packet of ranch mix and a tub of fat free sour cream) then ate it. Super delicious. A spicy sweet chicken that is a lot better for you than bar food hot wings. I served it with 3ft's favorite veggie, broccoli, and homemade french fries. It's definitely a keeper and super easy to make.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 155

Total Pounds Lost - 54.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich with provolone and cucumber chips with Italian Dressing
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 5 Reduced Fat Ritz Crackers with a teaspoon of tuna salad on each and a dill pickle
Dinner - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with provolone and ranch sauce, broccoli, and french fries

Sick...

...and wishing I was dead.

Grumpybutt woke me up at 4 am (I believe I've mentioned how much I HATE switching the clocks) yesterday morning and by mid morning/early afternoon I had a sore throat and a runny nose. I was going to workout after I got the kids to bed -- actually go to the gym. That was the plan anyway but by 7:30 last night I felt even worse, if that's possible, and was asleep by 8.

Today was better because at least the kids slept til 6:30, which is normal for them.

However, we were crazy busy and I've practically lost my voice.

I had to get over to Costco for bananas and formula (I know, what a combination, right?). 3ft had his very first parent/teacher conference ever. The biggest problem he has is too much talking and my husband was really very quick to point out that 3ft came by it naturally while pointing at me! As if. (It's true.) Then right after, 3ft had an optometrist appointment because during school eye screening they thought he might have astigmatism. Which he does. He's very excited to be getting glasses (weird kid).

We had Carl's Jr. for lunch today and I'm proud to say that even though I really wanted to try their new Philly Burger I saw they had a Hawaiian Chicken Salad that looked pretty good and opted for that instead. We pretty much avoid fast food except for Mc Donald's once a week for 3ft where I get a chicken sandwich or a salad or something. So I was super proud that I stuck to salad even though there were a ton of greasy burgers I wanted instead. I was hoping the salad would be kind of like the drowned Asian salad I got from Applebees (minus the drowned part of course) but it wasn't. Still pretty good but I don't know if it was worth the nearly 6 bucks for it.

So, I'm still sick. Have a wicked cough and no voice -- which my kids and husband love of course. Not the cough but the no voice part. I'm giving my body a break to recoup -- so other than the running around I did trying to get everywhere I needed to be when I needed to be there I didn't do any exercise. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow.

On a side note. I'm changing up how the blog works again. The Grumpybutt has all but given up his morning naps (sad face) and it's hard to get on the computer when he's rolling around the house getting into things. So instead of blogging for the previous day the next morning. I'm just going to blog after bedtime for the actual day of. I don't do anything interesting after then anyway. So I played catch up today and did Monday (uneventful cuz I was sick) and Tuesday (pretty much the same) so tomorrow night will be for Wednesday.

We'll see how that goes.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 154

Total Pounds Lost - 54.9

Weekend Report #2

Sorry about missing Sunday but holy moly I was busy this weekend. I left the house early yesterday morning and didn't get home til late and man was I beat.

On Saturday, I had 2 sick kids. 3ft had pneumonia and Grumpbutt had a cold. So that pretty much sucked up my day except for doing laundry and baking Cinnamon Mini Coffee Cakes for my brother-in-law's birthday.

Saturday was also my sister's birthday which we celebrated on Sunday with a family get together. I made her Triple Chocolate Brownies which she assures me she loves as well as got her a hand mixer -- she's getting into cooking. I like having something in common with her again.

We went to Applebees for her birthday dinner so our mom could buy her a drink. She just turned 12 (although she keeps trying to say it's 21 but I refuse to believe I'm that old). I got the Oriental Chicken Salad with Grilled chicken and I ordered it with the dressing on the side. Well. I got dressing on the side alright along with it swimming in dressing. When I asked what happened with the dressing being on the side the waitress looked at me like I was stupid and said it's right there. So, apparently I was specific enough that I didn't want ANY dressing on my salad, I wanted to do it myself. I was too hungry and tired of fighting with the misunderstanding waitress that I just ate it. WAY. TOO. MUCH. DRESSING. C'est la vie. Next time I'll be more explicit I guess. Although I'm not sure how.

I also had a few bites of birthday cake. It was pretty delicious with butter cream frosting -- my favorite. So, aside from the salad dressing incident the day went pretty good. And it was nice to hang out with my sister and her boyfriend. I don't get to see them very often.

*drum roll* As to how much weight I lost last week. Well, I lost 1 pound. With Halloween candy around, the extra baking, the horrible weather, birthdays, and sick kids I'll take 1 pound. Could've been worse. Could've been no pounds or gained pounds -- so I'm a happy camper. I've lost nearly 55 lbs total.

The highlight of the weekend: my sister told me my jeans made my butt look great. And that I was getting so skinny. Have I mentioned how much I love my sister?

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 152

Total Pounds Lost - 54.9

Cake Invention and Castle Defense

What are these you ask? These are Mini Cinnamon Coffee Cakes and another creation of yours truly. It's a cinnamon infused cupcake with a brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat crumble topping. I filled the cupcake wrappers too full so the crumble isn't solid like I'd wanted it. Next time I'll only fill them half as much and that way it'll "look" more like a coffee cake than just taste like one.

I haven't tasted one yet, but I'm assured they're fabulous by the husband. I made them last night after the boys went to bed and it was too late to eat one. But you can bet your bahooka that I'm going to have one today for a snack. Is it 10 am yet. Cuz that's snack time! Wahooo. I actually made them for my friend, Riana's, birthday. It's on Sunday and she's coming over with her munchkins for a playdate today so since I'm going to be out of town on her birthday she's getting her baked goods today. I gave her a chance to put in an order and she said, "Whatever. Surprise me."

So, that naturally means that I threw caution to the wind, saw the cinnamon oil extract in the cupboard which started calling me. I thought a cinnamon cake would be delicious and then it sort of morphed into the mini coffee cakes. They're a little higher in calories than I usually do, but I blame that entirely on my over filling the cupcake wrappers. I'd have gotten 2 dozen cupcakes if I hadn't been so heavy with the scooper and then they'd have been around 100 calories per cake instead of the 200 these are. Oh well. I'm still having one.

Took the boys to the playground yesterday and met up with Riana and her boys. While her baby girl slept in her stroller she played with the Grumpybutt and I chased around 3 active boys (one of which was 3ft). I got up on the playground structure and defended my castle from the boys' onslaught. I owned them, guarded my castle, and I got a lot of running around in. It was fun and naturally the kids thought it was hilarious and an awesome game to play. I still love, Love, LOVE, that I have the energy to do that with the kids, especially my own. 3ft absolutely adores when I play tag, chase, and rough house with him and I love having the energy and the flexibility to do so. When it comes down to it, I'm doing it for him, the Grumpybutt, and the husband so I can be around a LONG time to torment and torture...er.. I mean love and nurture them.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, chasing three active boys around a playground, 400 crunches, and 90 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 150

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Lunch - Tuna Sandwich, pickle spear, and organic yellow corn tortilla chips
Mid-Afternoon Snack - apple chips and a triple chocolate brownie
Dinner - Spaghetti and eggs (it's a family tradition thing)

Uneventful.

Unless you call a mountain of laundry eventful.

A sick baby pretty much leads to an uneventful day. I got my crunches, push ups, and laundry done (the highlight of my day, really) and not much else. But really with 4 loads of laundry to wash, dry, fold, and put away all while toting around 20lbs of baby who absolutely did NOT want to be set down yesterday is quite a workout. I did get some walking in as we had to go pick up 3ft from school.

I didn't cook anything spectacular yesterday. I didn't have time. Mr. Grumpybutt would not let me out of his sight or out of my touch. So I did breakfast for dinner for 3ft (which he loves) -- eggs and jelly toast. Grumpybutt tried some eggs, he didn't hate them but he didn't suck them down like he does pasta shapes. I threw together a quick spaghetti sandwich -- bread, spaghetti, eat. Super simple.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, 400 crunches, and 90 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 149

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich and hot tea
Lunch - Tuna Sandwich, pickle spear, and one fun sized Snickers
Mid-Afternoon Snack - sliced cucumbers w/ fat free Italian Dressing, ham and crackers, and carrots w/ hummus.
Dinner - Spaghetti sandwich

Chocolate Victory.

I did it. No sweat. Not even a blip on my radar.

I'm, of course, talking about the ginormous candy bowl filled with Halloween treats -- more importantly all the chocolate (I'm a sucker for chocolate). I had no desire whatsoever to have any candy yesterday even though 3ft had it right in front of me. I even had to open some of them for him and even the delicious smell of the chocolate didn't tempt me. Letting myself have it on Monday seems to have worked quell the chocolate allure. I don't want any today either.

We had another playdate yesterday with 3ft's best friend from school. This one included lunch as well. I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to have someone else make lunch for me but better still how great it feels to not tweak on what it is they're going to make because of "dieting". I had a delicious roast beef sandwich made even more so because I didn't have to make it and apple slices. Now my friend (because it's not just 3ft's best friend), she knows about my healthy lifestyle (how can she not, I talk about it cuz I'm passionate and she sees me daily) so it could be she caters to that a bit -- I don't know -- but it wouldn't matter what she made, I'd eat it and just balance out the rest of the day with healthier eating guilt-free.

I also made Shepherds Pie last night for dinner. Underneath that delicious layer of cheesy mashed potatoes is ground turkey and lean ground beef, a rich gravy made with low fat beef broth and tomato paste, onions, garlic, lots of mushrooms -- cremini and baby portabella, carrots, and seasoned with fresh parsley and thyme.

It serves 6 and 1 serving has approximately 288 calories and about 6 grams of fat.

It was a huge hit. 3ft absolutely loved it and cleaned his plate. I mean it's basically meat and potatoes with gravy, what's not to love? It's also a great recipe for leftover mashed potatoes with the holidays coming up. I made the mashed potatoes specifically for the dish but I know when I have leftovers this is definitely going to be a go to recipe. I'm already thinking of making one with a turkey twist -- like a pot pie but made in the style of Shepherds pie. It'll be a nice change to the turkey noodle soup that's usually made. Who am I kidding -- I'll end up making both.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, chased after multiple kids at the playground, 400 crunches, and 90 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 148

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich and hot tea
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich and apple slices
Mid-Afternoon Snack - craisins
Dinner - Shepherd's Pie

Siren's Call.

I know I said the candy wasn't calling me in yesterday's blog, but the siren's call was loud and clear yesterday and...well, I might have done a small overkill on it. But the upside -- because I let myself have it, all I that wanted of it with no guilt, I don't want any today. So while I might have eaten more than I should've, I think it balances out because I'm done with it. The bowl is sitting not a foot away from me and I couldn't care less. By making it something not forbidden I took away the allure. And the best part I don't feel guilty. I enjoyed my candy day yesterday and now I'm over it.

I took 3ft to the playground to have a play date with one of his friends yesterday afternoon. I ended up chasing him, his friend, and his friends little brother all over the park/field next to the play structure. I'd catch them, toss them up, tickle them, and then release them. And then do it all over again. They had fun and I was totally enjoying the fact that I was chasing after some pretty fast runners and catching them -- loving that I had the energy to do it and had the stamina to keep it up.

I upped my push ups and crunches again yesterday. I'm up to 400 crunches and 90 push ups. Now I'm trying to figure how high do I go before it's ridiculous? I figure I might stop at the 400 crunches for awhile and stop raising the push ups when I hit 100. I'll cruise with that a bit and see what happens. They seem like nice round numbers.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, chased after multiple kids at the playground, 400 crunches, and 90 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 147

Only Water - Day 141

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - candy (couldn't resist the siren's call)
Lunch - Tuna sandwich, a pickle, and homemade french fries
Mid-Afternoon Snack - more candy and 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner - wasn't hungry

They're Heeeeeeeere...

The holiday season is officially here. The fattest time of the year with four holidays that focus on parties, eating, food, eating, family, and...eating. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve. Am I the only one that thinks that it was poor planning on our forefathers to put them bam, bam, bam instead of spacing them out better over the year?

Normally I'd be worried, but so far I've survived Halloween unscathed. I spent the evening carting around 20 extra pounds, Mr. Grumpybutt the Skeleton, as we walked around the neighborhood trick or treating. I had one Payday fun sized candy bar the whole night. The bowl of candy isn't really beckoning to me too much -- not like it is for 3ft who stands over it, stroking the bowl, and murmuring, "We wants candy, my precious. Yes we wants it. Lots of it, don't we my precious?" Apparently we have the one "bowl" that rules them all. 3ft started off as a ninja but morphed into Gollum once his bucket was filled with candy.

I'm just going to hold on to my key word this holiday season: Moderation. I can have the candy, if I want it, in MODERATION. I can have the cakes, the pies, the food, the treats, all the deliciousness, if I want them, in MODERATION. Plus, I'll make sure that I have a lot of healthy snacks and better for you food around so that I can enjoy it in MODERATION and not have to worry about my waistline as much.

Now that I've achieved my goal of getting down to my prepregnancy weight (GO ME, I even surpassed it). I want to lose another 15 pounds by Christmas. Seems like a reasonable goal -- I have a little over 10 pounds to go (10.1 lbs to be exact). I'm making sure I have a goal so I don't get complacent over the holidays and just promise myself I'll start back up diligently after my birthday (January 1st). A lot of damage can be done with complacency so I'm doing my best to ignore it. Besides if I start thinking, "I can start back up after my birthday" well then that becomes a diet and not a lifestyle, doesn't it? Which goes against everything I believe in. So, I shall put up the good fight this holiday season, I shall lose another 15 pounds, and I shall do it while LIVING!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, carrying the Grumpybutt around while Trick or Treating, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 146

Only Water - Day 140

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - Slice of Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread
Lunch - Soup and Salad at Olive Garden
Mid-Afternoon Snack - didn't need
Dinner -Tuna sandwich, pickle, and a fun sized Payday

Weekend Report #1

With the holidays coming on and my seemingly increasing busy weekends, I've noticed a trend of me missing Saturday's blog. So from here on out until I say otherwise (It's good to be boss) I'm going to just do a two day blog on Sundays. We'll see how that goes and then maybe I'll quit feeling guilty for completely spacing Saturday's blog because I was so busy.

I tried out a few new recipes:

Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread

I had an baking epiphany. I'd been trying to swirl melted chocolate within banana bread batter forever trying to get this effect. As I was stirring the melted chocolate this time, I happened to look at my banana bread batter and though what if I just mixed the chocolate in and make chocolate banana bread -- it'd be easier. Then it hit me. Why didn't I mix the chocolate into half the batter and then plop the two different batters into my mini loaves pan and then swirl it. It turned out BEAUTIFUL! And it's super delicious too. So I'm all sorts of proud of myself. I'm such a simple creature -- it really is the little things.

Pumpkin Pizza

3ft also wanted to get in on the recipe inventing action so he decided he wanted to invent a recipe for Pumpkin Pizza. He came up with the toppings -- which were chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and whipped cream and it was my job to figure out the pumpkin "sauce" and the crust. This was our first attempt. It was really good. Of course when I cut into it I thought, "How pretty would it look if I had drizzled melted chocolate over the marshmallows instead of having chip clumps?" Well, the next one I make I'm going to do drizzled chocolate and check it out. 3ft did the toppings himself this time which explains the chip clumps. The marshmallows were pretty forgiving of the clumping because they melted and oozed over the pumpkin "sauce". He ran around the rest of the night calling himself a genius and telling the husband and I how lucky we were to have such an awesome kid. Yes, we're so proud of his modest demeanor.

As you know, I'm a huge cooking show whore. I can't get enough of Food Network. Well I was watching Rachel Rae the other night while doing Wii Step and she made Lasagna Bowls. They looked super good. She made it with a Bechamel Sauce, which is a base white sauce that french cuisine uses a lot, and she added Parmesan to it. She mixed it in with a short pasta, I used Rotini, and then she made a hearty meat sauce that she spooned into the center of the pasta and while you eat it you mix the meaty sauce into the white sauced noodles and it tastes like lasagna without all the lasagna effort. Well I thought, how awesome would that be? I bet the Bechamel sauce would be healthier than all the melted cheese in an actual lasagna and if it tasted as good a total win!

So last night I made my version of Lasagna bowls. I used almond milk for the cream, I simmered it with onion, a big clove of garlic, some nutmeg, and a bay leaf. Then after it set and I strained it I did the Roue (I think that's how that's spelled) which is melted butter and flour cooked for a minute and then you slowly add in the cream. It totally thickened with the almond milk then I threw in a half cup of grated Parmesan. I mixed it with whole wheat Rotini. Then I made my favorite hearty meat sauce with half ground turkey and half lean hamburger and spooned it into the center. It was a total win!!! The boys totally loved it. The cheesy Bechamel sauce would also go great on Fettuccine as an Alfredo sauce. And with the almond milk and using only a little butter and little flour it's so much better for you and it tastes decadent. Sorry, I don't have a picture to torture you with. We were hungry and I forgot.

I'm also happy to report that I lost another pound this week. It might be only a pound but I'll take it because think I gained some muscle -- my jeans are a little looser and my shirts are too.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - walking, rocking out on Rock Band 3, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 145

Only Water - Day 139

Total Pounds Lost - 53.9

Wake Me Up...

Before you go-go.

Third day in a row of Just Dance 2. Still loving it. I shook it to the Beetle Juice song -- you know the one at the end that Winona Ryder dances to because she like got an A on a test or something? Yeah that one and then you probably figured out I Go-go'd with Wham! I love the eclectic mix of music on it.

I also busted out my push ups and crunches and since the weather was nice the Grumpybutt and I went for a walk before we walked over to pick up 3ft. It's funny, other than the bane of my existence (the push ups) and the crunches, I don't really feel like I'm working out. I know I am because I'm losing weight, and working up a sweat, but I'm mostly just having fun. When the weather turns I'm hoping to get back into the gym to battle it out with "The Walker" and "Sweaty Guy on the Bike" but right now I'm just enjoying goofing around.

I surprised 3ft last night with hamburgers and french fries for dinner. Well he had a cheeseburger. I perfected my patty. I used 1/4lb ground turkey and a 1/4lb lean beef. I added some Worcestershire Sauce, ketchup, sauteed onions and chopped garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and some grill seasoning. I made four patties and then stuck them on parchment paper and stuck them in the freezer (I do all my dinner prep work during Grumpybutt's afternoon nap so I can just quickly throw dinner together at dinnertime). The patties had a lot of moisture and they were thin so I figured freezing them would help them keep their shape while they started cooking. It totally worked out perfectly. 3ft inhaled his cheeseburger like it was ambrosia. And was super excited about the homemade french fries.

The fries were super easy because I got a Chef's Envy for an early Christmas present. It's basically a mandolin (which I really really wanted). So it cut those fries up in no time and they were all the same size and perfect. I was so proud of them. But the camera's battery was dead so I couldn't take any pictures and 3ft was circling like a vulture so I couldn't wait for them to charge. Next time.

I also made another batch of cranberry chocolate granola bars yesterday. I cut way back on the chocolate and made a more caramel type sauce to mix into the oats and it turned out super delicious. I sprinkled a little kosher salt on the top so it's a sweet and salty type of deal and it was all I could do not to eat the whole pan. We'll see how it is the second day because I'm looking forward to horking down a bar for snack today.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 30 minute power walk, 30 minutes of Just Dance 2, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 143

Only Water - Day 137

Total Pounds Lost - 52.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Honey Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Ham sandwich, carrots w/ hummus, and sweet pickles. Split a sugar free pudding with the Grumpybutt and 3ft.
Mid-Afternoon Snack - homemade cranberry chocolate granola bar
Dinner -Hamburger and homemade french fries.

Jump Jump

I forgot to mention it but I made homemade granola bars on Monday with cranberries and chocolate chips. They were good but too chocolatey. *gasp* I know!! I've never said too chocolatey in my life but they were. I sent them to work with my husband in individually wrapped bars in festive saran wrap. He sent out an e-mail calling them the Too Chocolatey Granola bars and they were all gone before lunch. One of his coworkers told him to tell me they were fabulous but my husband agreed with me they had too much chocolate. So I'm going to make some more today and I'm going to cut the chocolate WAY back. Hopefully they turn out better.

I also made Orange Chipotle Glazed pork last night (forgot to take a picture). I took a small 10 oz jar of orange marmalade Simply Fruit, two chipotle peppers diced up, and a teaspoon of adobe sauce (it's what the chipotles are canned in) and after searing some pork chops I dumped the sauce on and cooked it until it glazed up. Oh wow, was it spicy. Good, but spicy. I was glad I made Cream Corn Quinoa to go with it. The mild creamy taste of the quinoa really cut through the spice, thank goodness.Next time I make it, I'm going to only use one chipotle pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of adobe sauce and see what happens. The husband is taking it to work today for lunch. He loves spicy so we'll see what he thinks of it. Needless to say, 3ft had chicken nugget dinosaurs and quinoa for dinner. If it was too spicy for me it was way too spicy for him.

I did Just Dance 2 again last night. I "jumped jumped" with Criss Cross. Remember those guys who wore their pants backwards in the early 90's? Mac Daddy make you wanna jump jump. It was pretty awesome. I hated them and that song then and now I just laughed my butt off as I danced to it. That followed by Proud Mary by Ike and Tina. What a combination, right? I love vintage music. The game is seriously so fun. I know I dance like a spasmodic epileptic chicken with white girl rhythm but I'm having too much fun to care.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 30 minute power walk, 30 minutes of Just Dance 2, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 142

Only Water - Day 136

Total Pounds Lost - 52.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Raisin Bran Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Ham sandwich, carrots w/ hummus, and cucumbers w/ fat free Italian dressing and split a sugar free pudding with the Grumpybutt
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner -Orange Chipotle Glazed Pork and Cream Corn Quinoa

Dancing Queen.

The stars finally aligned and 3ft and I played Just Dance 2 yesterday for all of 9 minutes. Then he decided he was done, turned off his Wii mote, which turned off the entire game. He has a bit of his father in him and is a little competitive and the game keeps score giving a "crown" to the one with the higher score. I was rocking it so he didn't want to play cuz he wasn't getting the crown. Lame, right? Oh well, he likes Dance Dance Revolution better because he gets to flail around on the dance pad where Just Dance using the Wii mote and you just dance holding it.

It wasn't a complete waste of time because it reminded me how much fun it really is so after the kids went to bed last night I got it back out and danced for 1/2 hour on it and set up a workout counter on it to keep track of what I'm doing weekly. So I shall be dancing again tonight.

I tried out a recipe for Orange Chicken yesterday. It was pretty good. It needed more sauce though, so the next time I make it (if there is a next time) I'll double the sauce. I think most of the problem was I was expecting it to be like Panda Express Orange Chicken and it soooo wasn't. So I was disappointed from the get go, you know? However 3ft inhaled it and said it was his "favorite" chicken ever. He says that a lot so I don't get too giddy. I'm just happy when the little brat eats it with a smile.

Orange Chicken


I did make an awesome garlic chicken brown rice though. Which for me, really saved the chicken. I used boil in bag rice and cooked it in equal parts chicken stock and water then when it was done cooking I drained it, then added garlic salt and pepper and mixed it up. It sounds really simple but it really really made a difference in the flavor. Even 3ft, who doesn't really like rice much, ate all of his.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 30 minute power walk, 39 minutes of Just Dance 2, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 141

Only Water - Day 135

Total Pounds Lost - 52.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Raisin Bran Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Tuscan Chicken w/ beans
Mid-Afternoon Snack - homemade cranberry chocolate granola bar and cucumbers dipped in Italian dressing
Dinner -Orange chicken, garlic chicken brown rice, and broccoli

Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit...

By and far the best beans I've ever eaten came out of the recipe I made for dinner last night.

Tuscan Chicken


The chicken was good, but the Italian style beans made this dish a total winner and it will be in my culinary line up from now on. It's basically cannellini beans, petite diced tomatoes, fresh rosemary, fresh spinach, bacon, onion, and fresh garlic with some salt and pepper. To. Die. For. And once you get all the prep done (which involved massacring a whole chicken with my dull knives) it's really easy to throw together. The hardest part was cutting up the bird and really, if I weren't so cheap, I'd have just bought one already cut up!

I got the base of the recipe from the October Issue of Cooking Light and then jazzed it up from there and made it more my family friendly. It was a huge success and both the husband and 3ft inhaled their food. And just so there is no confusion, you read it right, it has BACON! I love bacon. Mmmmm *drooling*. Oh, sorry. Got lost there for a second in bacony goodness.

I love trying new foods and new recipes. It helps me avoid food boredom. And that is something I've learned can be very detrimental to a healthy lifestyle. To be honest it wasn't only getting pregnant with the Grumpybutt that helped me gain nearly half the weight I lost he was the excuse I used to eat the foods I was missing in mass quantities. I've found with all the new things I'm trying, I'm not bored and not craving empty calories and junk food which, let me tell you, makes it easier to control the portions when I do eat something less than stellar for me. Plus I'd never have known how delicious quinoa is or cannellini beans.

I've upped my push ups and crunches again. I'm now up to 80 push ups (40 twice a day) and 350 crunches (175 twice a day). And then I've been throwing in the "plank" (which I hate more than push ups) and some scissor kicks and whatnot for my lower abdomen (which I hate more than the "plank"). The things I do to maintain my healthy lifestyle.

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - 30 minute power walk, 350 crunches, and 80 push ups

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 140

Only Water - Day 134

Total Pounds Lost - 52.9

Meals:
Breakfast - FiberOne Raisin Bran Clusters w/ homemade almond milk
Morning Snack - FiberOne Granola Bar
Lunch - Roast beef sandwich and grapes
Mid-Afternoon Snack - 1/2 peanut butter and banana sandwich
Dinner -Tuscan Chicken

Birthday Party Survival

3ft was invited to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. The whole family was invited which was super cool I thought. That is, until we got there. I remember Chuck E. Cheese's as being awesome. This place had to have been violating fire code occupancy levels. It was jammed back from corner to small corner with screaming kids -- mine included. They had so many birthday tables jammed in that you couldn't walk in between them when people were sitting in the chairs. It was crazy. I wouldn't want to work there.

Well, I survived the pizza party. I splurged a little, I mean it was a party. But I didn't get out of control. They had a veggie tray, a bunch of different kind of pizzas, mini sandwiches, french fries, and then, of course, birthday cake and ice cream. I had two small slices of vegetarian pizza (Mr. Grumpybutt chewed on the crusts), a mini sandwich (like three bites), some celery off the veggie tray, and I shared a small slice of cake and ice cream with the husband and Mr. Grumpybutt so I really ended up only have a couple bites.

When dinner time rolled around I wasn't very hungry so I just had some tea and mini toast.

Sure, I probably went over my usual calorie counts yesterday (not that I really count calories anymore. If the scale starts climbing again I will, but as long as I'm maintaining a steady weight loss and feel good, I'm just going to wing it) but I'm not worried about it. I don't feel guilty. It was a party. I had fun. I talked with other grown ups, snacked on terrible food, savored delicious chocolate cake with custard and fresh strawberry filling, and played with my kids. I felt normal and the birthday boy's mom told me how great I looked. So you know, the day was a win!

--Previous Day Tracking --

Exercise - Took the day off.

Healthy Lifestyle - Day 139

Only Water - Day 133

Total Pounds Lost - 52.9

Meals:
Breakfast - eggs, banana slices, and 2 small slices of cinnamon swirl toast
Morning Snack - cucumbers with Italian dressing and carrots with hummus.
Lunch - Chuck E. Cheese's Birthday Party
Mid-Afternoon Snack - (late lunch)
Dinner -Tea and 2 small slices of cinnamon swirl toast