Woohoo! That title alone means I made it through my first work week of operation healthy lifestyle! :)
I have all of my meals and snacks in my lunch bag, ready for the day. It's amazing how much easier eating healthy is when you are prepared!
Tonight I am going out to dinner with a friend after work. I was really nervous and anxious about it at first because I thought it would lead to a derail. But then she mentioned Applebee's and guess what!? Applebees actually has some pretty healthy meals to choose from! So this has me feeling more positive, although I won't allow myself to splurge on the fruity drink (I'll stick to water), I should leave there feeling in control. Which I like!
We are expecting some snow this weekend....AGAIN! So this could mean some more shoveling which = a good workout. We just got at least 6 inches earlier this week, but with the snowmobiling that Ryan is still hoping to get it, more snow is welcomed!
Menu plan for today!
Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ PB2
Lunch: Lean Cuisine Spaghetti w/ side salad and apple
Dinner: Applebees (something off the under 550 or Weight Watchers menu, I'll decide when I get there!)
Snacks: banana and of course my 2 Dove promise chocolates!
Wish me luck for the weekend!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Just another day...
I think, just maybe, that this time around I may just be in the right mindset to really make changes.
In the past, even though I have been really motivated (having read every motivation piece, story, blog known to woman) and really sick of my current self, I'd get a week in, or less, and call it quits. I am a quitter, and good at it!
But this time. I think this time is different, even Ryan says he can hear a different tone in my voice when I complain that I'm hungry (haa!)
I think the difference is this time I have the determination to do it and get to my goal. Of course, any other time I'd dream about the end result of swimsuits and shorts....but I feel a determination burning inside of me this time! And taking this with a more realistic approach I think is key for me. (Knock on wood.)
I stuck to my plan very well yesterday. And did not feel overwhelmed. When I get bored, I feel hungry...so my mind must learn the difference between those two things.
This morning was a nice and relaxed day, late start for the girls which means I take those mornings off too. Something about getting that extra hour of sleep that makes the day so much better! I was able to move slower and get my coffee ready, eat breakfast, put my lunch together and still chat with Ryan and the girls. Every day should be late start day!
Here's what my meal plan today looks like:
In the past, even though I have been really motivated (having read every motivation piece, story, blog known to woman) and really sick of my current self, I'd get a week in, or less, and call it quits. I am a quitter, and good at it!
But this time. I think this time is different, even Ryan says he can hear a different tone in my voice when I complain that I'm hungry (haa!)
I think the difference is this time I have the determination to do it and get to my goal. Of course, any other time I'd dream about the end result of swimsuits and shorts....but I feel a determination burning inside of me this time! And taking this with a more realistic approach I think is key for me. (Knock on wood.)
I stuck to my plan very well yesterday. And did not feel overwhelmed. When I get bored, I feel hungry...so my mind must learn the difference between those two things.
This morning was a nice and relaxed day, late start for the girls which means I take those mornings off too. Something about getting that extra hour of sleep that makes the day so much better! I was able to move slower and get my coffee ready, eat breakfast, put my lunch together and still chat with Ryan and the girls. Every day should be late start day!
Here's what my meal plan today looks like:
Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ PB2 and Coffee
Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Salad w/ yogurt ranch.
Dinner: Fried egg pita w/ baked chips and apple
Snacks: banana, popcorn, and dessert = 2 dove dark chocolate promises
It's going to be a great day!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
How many weeks make a habit?
So I am on Day 3, which means I successfully finished Day 2. I keep waiting for it to get easier....it's supposed to at some point, right!?
Yesterday was just ok.
I did it. I measured, and counted, and survived. I also went to bed at 8:00pm which helped with any night time cravings. Ha!
Ryan and I made some dinner plans for the week, so I feel more in control that way, which is awesome! I like control, and hat feeling out of control...which I think is what finally "broke" me into this healthiness challenge with myself...
Ryan and I are hoping to make a second visit to Hawaii this next winter, and for me it is VERY important to not have to go on another vacation feeling fat!
My meal plans for today:
So there you have it...trying to be accountable in every way possible!
Oh, and if you are wondering...my goal is to make calorie changes first....and once I feel I have that in control, I will work in getting in the appropriate food groups. Knowing myself, if I expect too much of myself right away, I'll quit. So small steady changes is key.
We also walk the dogs every day (except the last two days...I was too exhausted), so besides that I'm not planning on adding in exercise until I've lost my first 10 lbs...and then I'll introduce exercise to my body. Slow and steady, people. I'm going into this as real as possible, and not setting myself up for failure by expecting my diet to be perfect and exercise 6 days a week right off the bat! I'll get there though...you just wait!
Yesterday was just ok.
I did it. I measured, and counted, and survived. I also went to bed at 8:00pm which helped with any night time cravings. Ha!
Ryan and I made some dinner plans for the week, so I feel more in control that way, which is awesome! I like control, and hat feeling out of control...which I think is what finally "broke" me into this healthiness challenge with myself...
Ryan and I are hoping to make a second visit to Hawaii this next winter, and for me it is VERY important to not have to go on another vacation feeling fat!
My meal plans for today:
Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ 6 oz of PB2 (a powdered form of peanut butter that adds a TON of flavor to oatmeal for this peanut butter lover!)
Lunch: Light Chicken Pot Pie soup w/ extra veggies, apple
Dinner: Turkey Burger w/ thin bun and french fries (baked, of course)
Snacks: yogurt, banana, and my dark dove chocolate after dinner...what can I say, I have a sweet tooth.
So there you have it...trying to be accountable in every way possible!
Oh, and if you are wondering...my goal is to make calorie changes first....and once I feel I have that in control, I will work in getting in the appropriate food groups. Knowing myself, if I expect too much of myself right away, I'll quit. So small steady changes is key.
We also walk the dogs every day (except the last two days...I was too exhausted), so besides that I'm not planning on adding in exercise until I've lost my first 10 lbs...and then I'll introduce exercise to my body. Slow and steady, people. I'm going into this as real as possible, and not setting myself up for failure by expecting my diet to be perfect and exercise 6 days a week right off the bat! I'll get there though...you just wait!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Day 1 - Check!
Okay, well day one was a success.
I actually felt pretty good all day long...no big cravings. I do know that I need to have my week of meals planned out better. When I don't have something planned, that's when I make horrible decisions.
Not planning = Not good. End of story.
Today was not bad though. I had cottage cheese with a peach for breakfast, grapes for a snack, and chicken breast for lunch. Once I got home I was starving and had a pita with salsa dip (low cal) and for supper I had a Smart Ones Rice & Beans with a low fat tortilla and a banana. Since I was still under I treated myself to 2 tiny squares of dark chocolate. Not bad, but not perfect...I know I need to put more thought into my whole day of eating.
So my goal this week is to begin meal planning for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I work full time, and over half of that time is spend on the road or working with child care providers in their homes...so planning is key to me not stopping at McD's or Taco Bell. When I leave the house in the morning, I need to have breakfast, lunch, and snacks with me or I'm doomed! Also, I need to be able to get home and throw together supper and not be tempted to just order pizza or make something quick (and unhealthy!) These are the things that I need to learn about myself and work on!
Another of my struggles is others food....for example, this morning I came to work and someone was microwaving a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich..., now this is something I would not choose to eat normally, but not that I know I wouldn't choose to include that in my diet it makes me want it more....bacon smells delicious. Just saying.
I actually felt pretty good all day long...no big cravings. I do know that I need to have my week of meals planned out better. When I don't have something planned, that's when I make horrible decisions.
Not planning = Not good. End of story.
Today was not bad though. I had cottage cheese with a peach for breakfast, grapes for a snack, and chicken breast for lunch. Once I got home I was starving and had a pita with salsa dip (low cal) and for supper I had a Smart Ones Rice & Beans with a low fat tortilla and a banana. Since I was still under I treated myself to 2 tiny squares of dark chocolate. Not bad, but not perfect...I know I need to put more thought into my whole day of eating.
So my goal this week is to begin meal planning for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I work full time, and over half of that time is spend on the road or working with child care providers in their homes...so planning is key to me not stopping at McD's or Taco Bell. When I leave the house in the morning, I need to have breakfast, lunch, and snacks with me or I'm doomed! Also, I need to be able to get home and throw together supper and not be tempted to just order pizza or make something quick (and unhealthy!) These are the things that I need to learn about myself and work on!
Another of my struggles is others food....for example, this morning I came to work and someone was microwaving a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich..., now this is something I would not choose to eat normally, but not that I know I wouldn't choose to include that in my diet it makes me want it more....bacon smells delicious. Just saying.
Monday, March 4, 2013
It's time!
Okay, so today marks the day where it's time for "operation healthy". Although this has been a journey traveled many times before, today feels different. After the past 3 years of stress and weight battle, I am ready to say adios to junk food and laziness.
Today is a good day!
My hope is by posting a blog about it, although only 2.5 people read my blog (I count Ryan as a .5 because it's kind of his duty as a husband), anyhoo..my hope is by posting it I'll be accountable.
What's my plan you say?
Eat healthy and exercise....good ol' fashion fix all for those extra pounds I don't want hitching a ride anymore!
Although I have always, always struggled with weight...and when I wasn't struggling with my weight, I was struggling with healthy eating or lack of eating. It's been about 3 years since my parents divorced and I think that's what has really triggered the past 3 years of eating too much and exercising too little. My parents trigger a stressor in me that I cannot control (or couldn't feel in control in the past) and this has led to very unhealthy habits in my life. I am hoping to let this go...and that, I hope, will be the difference this time around! Of course I think I will need to deal with those feelings at some point, as I don't always feel I have a good, healthy relationship with my parents. But for now, I have my family to focus on, and they deserve a healthy wife and mom.
So there it is.... a little peek into my Monday. And an introduction to a new lifestyle. Wish me luck! I will NEED it!
Today is a good day!
My hope is by posting a blog about it, although only 2.5 people read my blog (I count Ryan as a .5 because it's kind of his duty as a husband), anyhoo..my hope is by posting it I'll be accountable.
What's my plan you say?
Eat healthy and exercise....good ol' fashion fix all for those extra pounds I don't want hitching a ride anymore!
Although I have always, always struggled with weight...and when I wasn't struggling with my weight, I was struggling with healthy eating or lack of eating. It's been about 3 years since my parents divorced and I think that's what has really triggered the past 3 years of eating too much and exercising too little. My parents trigger a stressor in me that I cannot control (or couldn't feel in control in the past) and this has led to very unhealthy habits in my life. I am hoping to let this go...and that, I hope, will be the difference this time around! Of course I think I will need to deal with those feelings at some point, as I don't always feel I have a good, healthy relationship with my parents. But for now, I have my family to focus on, and they deserve a healthy wife and mom.
So there it is.... a little peek into my Monday. And an introduction to a new lifestyle. Wish me luck! I will NEED it!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Hello, there....
Hmmmm. I really have no excuse for not blogging the past 6 months (give or take a few), besides for the fact that we are BUSY! I thought I'd pop in for a quick update!
Ryan has been working, working, working....70 hours per week, most weeks and usually he is home less than 24 hours per week which makes for some sad girls (and a sad Momma!). But we do this every year and we can do it again! Only 4 or so months until layoff, gotta save that $$$ for the fun to begin! :) He's been up on the Canadian border, which he enjoys the scenery (although, not the drive!) He even gets to see flocks of pelicans! We went to visit him over the 4th, and then he proudly showed us his territory, even the girls sat in his ride (a caterpiller backhoe).
Hannah has been enjoying summer by reading, texting (ugh....), and playing with friends. She also joined softball this year and is loving it! She's about the least competitive person ever, so it's fun just to watch her socialize. She's beginning her preteen mood swings already, Lord help us! She's 11 going on 21. Even just typing 11 makes me tear up a little!
Brooklyn has totally blossomed this year. She is less shy, and more "chatterboxy" (that's what we call it). 1st grade was wonderful for her, but she's ready for 2nd grade! She's learned how to find all her favorite songs from her favorite movies on Pandora, and has been memorizing them! She also enjoys our $10 pool quite often as the summer has been a hot one!
I have not been very exciting, just busy! Working, and classes keep me quite occupied, plus my new job calls for quite a few evening meetings and traveling so that's a big change! I really would like to make a goal of inquiring more activity and hobbies into my life, but not sure yet where to squeeze that in! It'll happen though! I have a closet full of clothes I'd really like to fit into again, so hopefully some hardcore activity will be in my future!
We've started looking at some houses, need to get ours listed, but Ryan and I are learning a lot about ourselves this time in house hunting....we are NOT going to settle....we each have a laundry list and want it met. Our realtor actually enjoys our directness in that he doesn't have to guess at what we want...we are very particular! Of course, we need to list ours...or rent it, with the market the way it is!
Stay tuned....I promise to be back soon! ;)
Ryan has been working, working, working....70 hours per week, most weeks and usually he is home less than 24 hours per week which makes for some sad girls (and a sad Momma!). But we do this every year and we can do it again! Only 4 or so months until layoff, gotta save that $$$ for the fun to begin! :) He's been up on the Canadian border, which he enjoys the scenery (although, not the drive!) He even gets to see flocks of pelicans! We went to visit him over the 4th, and then he proudly showed us his territory, even the girls sat in his ride (a caterpiller backhoe).
Hannah has been enjoying summer by reading, texting (ugh....), and playing with friends. She also joined softball this year and is loving it! She's about the least competitive person ever, so it's fun just to watch her socialize. She's beginning her preteen mood swings already, Lord help us! She's 11 going on 21. Even just typing 11 makes me tear up a little!
Brooklyn has totally blossomed this year. She is less shy, and more "chatterboxy" (that's what we call it). 1st grade was wonderful for her, but she's ready for 2nd grade! She's learned how to find all her favorite songs from her favorite movies on Pandora, and has been memorizing them! She also enjoys our $10 pool quite often as the summer has been a hot one!
I have not been very exciting, just busy! Working, and classes keep me quite occupied, plus my new job calls for quite a few evening meetings and traveling so that's a big change! I really would like to make a goal of inquiring more activity and hobbies into my life, but not sure yet where to squeeze that in! It'll happen though! I have a closet full of clothes I'd really like to fit into again, so hopefully some hardcore activity will be in my future!
We've started looking at some houses, need to get ours listed, but Ryan and I are learning a lot about ourselves this time in house hunting....we are NOT going to settle....we each have a laundry list and want it met. Our realtor actually enjoys our directness in that he doesn't have to guess at what we want...we are very particular! Of course, we need to list ours...or rent it, with the market the way it is!
Stay tuned....I promise to be back soon! ;)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Still kickin'!
We are alive! We have a severely neglected blog...but we're alive! To say we are busy is an understatement! I swear sometimes we are busier when Ryan is off for the winter then when he is out of town for the highway season! I thought I'd pop in and do a few updates...
Christmas was great! We had some sickies shortly before Christmas, but we got it all out of our system and had a wonderful time!
I had a job change...my job ended 12/31, and I was moved to Pine City...same job title, same pay, same benefits...just a new location and completely different duties! I'm working hard at trying to learn what I'm suppose to be doing, it feels good to challenge myself again!
I started classes through UofM a couple weeks ago...so far I'm holding my own very well, but again, challenging parts of my brain that have lazily sat for the past several years is exhausting! I took my College Algebra exam yesterday and am still holding onto an A! We'll see how it's going in a few weeks...
Ryan (who will be celebrating his big 3-0 in a few days) is now off (as I mentioned before) for the winter...however he's lost at what to do because we have no snow, which means no snowmobiling...let's just say I come home to a very clean house everyday! He's been working on putting some finishing touches on his "truck baby"....boy stuff...boring. He also watches a TON of History Channel and Discovery Channel shows....a TON. He probably knows how to crab fish, fly airplanes, aligator hunt, win storage locker auctions, and pawn old things better than anyone I know. He's getting ready for heading up to his annual safety/mining meetings in a couple weeks...in fact it is the 3 days before we leave to Arizona...(more on that in a bit)
Kaylee (my sista) as most of you know, moved in with us back in November. It's been an introduction to the life of a teenage girl, let me tell ya! We have enjoyed her here though...especially the girls....they adore her. She's been busy with "teenager" stuff....and has a boyfriend...so that takes up a majority of her time. She's a great addition to our family though...she fits right in!
Hannah is wrapping up her first basketball season, she has loved it. There team was at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the rest of the travelling league, just because Mora just started a league this year...others have been playing at least one more year, and they practice at least a couple times a week more...Hannah's team practices twice a week. They've still won a couple games though, and Hannah has learned so much! She also switched from clarinet to flute, she's enjoying flute and has amazed her teacher by how fast she has caught on. She's enjoying school and is doing well in all of her classes! She also just got her first cell phone (what!?) and is learning the rules and responsibilities that come with that! Lord help us!
Brooklyn is an avid reader now (just like myself and her sister) she loves the fact that she can read about anything that's put in front of her! She is also a whiz at math (also like her momma!) and is getting great compliments from her 1st grade teacher. Brooke is a huge animal lover and her new thing is to set up all of her stuffed animals and read them all of her Dr Seuss books...I think they enjoy it ;) Brooke is waiting patiently with her dad for the snow to come so they can head out on an outing together...
Well theres a quick blurb on us and our house! We are making our second trip down to AZ in a few weeks and couldn't be more excited! We are so ready for sun and warmth! And excited to head to San Diego for a couple days and go to the big zoo! I have been waiting for that for YEARS! This year Kaylee is coming too, which means our van will be LOADED with stuff!!! We are so excited!
Christmas was great! We had some sickies shortly before Christmas, but we got it all out of our system and had a wonderful time!
I had a job change...my job ended 12/31, and I was moved to Pine City...same job title, same pay, same benefits...just a new location and completely different duties! I'm working hard at trying to learn what I'm suppose to be doing, it feels good to challenge myself again!
I started classes through UofM a couple weeks ago...so far I'm holding my own very well, but again, challenging parts of my brain that have lazily sat for the past several years is exhausting! I took my College Algebra exam yesterday and am still holding onto an A! We'll see how it's going in a few weeks...
Ryan (who will be celebrating his big 3-0 in a few days) is now off (as I mentioned before) for the winter...however he's lost at what to do because we have no snow, which means no snowmobiling...let's just say I come home to a very clean house everyday! He's been working on putting some finishing touches on his "truck baby"....boy stuff...boring. He also watches a TON of History Channel and Discovery Channel shows....a TON. He probably knows how to crab fish, fly airplanes, aligator hunt, win storage locker auctions, and pawn old things better than anyone I know. He's getting ready for heading up to his annual safety/mining meetings in a couple weeks...in fact it is the 3 days before we leave to Arizona...(more on that in a bit)
Kaylee (my sista) as most of you know, moved in with us back in November. It's been an introduction to the life of a teenage girl, let me tell ya! We have enjoyed her here though...especially the girls....they adore her. She's been busy with "teenager" stuff....and has a boyfriend...so that takes up a majority of her time. She's a great addition to our family though...she fits right in!
Hannah is wrapping up her first basketball season, she has loved it. There team was at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the rest of the travelling league, just because Mora just started a league this year...others have been playing at least one more year, and they practice at least a couple times a week more...Hannah's team practices twice a week. They've still won a couple games though, and Hannah has learned so much! She also switched from clarinet to flute, she's enjoying flute and has amazed her teacher by how fast she has caught on. She's enjoying school and is doing well in all of her classes! She also just got her first cell phone (what!?) and is learning the rules and responsibilities that come with that! Lord help us!
Brooklyn is an avid reader now (just like myself and her sister) she loves the fact that she can read about anything that's put in front of her! She is also a whiz at math (also like her momma!) and is getting great compliments from her 1st grade teacher. Brooke is a huge animal lover and her new thing is to set up all of her stuffed animals and read them all of her Dr Seuss books...I think they enjoy it ;) Brooke is waiting patiently with her dad for the snow to come so they can head out on an outing together...
Well theres a quick blurb on us and our house! We are making our second trip down to AZ in a few weeks and couldn't be more excited! We are so ready for sun and warmth! And excited to head to San Diego for a couple days and go to the big zoo! I have been waiting for that for YEARS! This year Kaylee is coming too, which means our van will be LOADED with stuff!!! We are so excited!
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