Waterton Lakes National Park Canada

I was a little unsure this week about taking my 6 month old on a hike, especially because I would be the one to carry her, but I did it.

I climbed up Bear's Hump in Waterton Canada. I know that it's not an extremely long distance, but it's almost directly uphill. I thought my legs were going to fall off. But it was so worth it.


I know I can take her now. Really she slept the whole way up, so she felt a lot like dead weight. I never thought that a little 16 pounder would feel so heavy when she went limp.

I was just so excited. Thought I would let ya'll know.

WOW!!

I've posted a lot on this blog regarding the Healthy Wife Happy Life Challenge. I joined there group the end of March and have been inspired and uplifted every day. These women are amazing. That is absolutely an understatement. There are no words to describe these women. If you haven't read my past posts, then check out there blog. http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

The blog is designed as a challenge. Each day you get certain points based on the healthy choices you've made. At the end of the two-three week challenge, we report our numbers. The winner is recognized with a picture on the blog and a post.

So last night, we finally got to meet. A few of the women were in town and those who lived around the area got together for dinner. We were so sad not everyone was able to make it, but hopefully we'll all be able to meet in the near future. (Maybe we'll have to plan the next meeting in Wyoming:)

Here's my take on the evening. I had very mixed emotions about finally meeting everyone. For, one, we were physically complete strangers, but I also knew that these women had been a huge support to me. They knew my struggles. They new my strengths. They knew me. I was excited to put a face to a name. I was also a little nervous. See in a blog world, especially this blog, it is a very safe zone. Deep thoughts are shared by all. I was afraid, if we met, and we didn't get along, that safe zone would no longer exist.

I have to say that last night exceeded my expectations. More than I could have even imagined. These women are incredible. They were incredible to me in the blogging world, and they are even more incredible in person. This blog is exactly what I needed at the exact right moment in my life. We laughed, we cried, we shared deep thoughts which I am so grateful for. So, in the end, to all you Healthy Wives out there, thank you for an incredible evening. This blog has so much more meaning meeting you all in person. Hopefully I will get pictures soon to share with you.

And the best part is, the next challenge starts on Monday. We are open to any and all who want to join. Unfortunately, I will be out of the "challenge" until school starts. To many fun plans with the family in the works, but I will continue to check the blog and support each of you in any way possible.

And, Mama Nut, if you're reading this. We missed you, (hope to recruit you, oops did I say that out loud:) and hope you can join us at our next gathering. Maybe we'll have to plan it in your neck of the woods so you can join us!

I read this on a blog this morning and absolutely loved the writing and meaning behind it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

I see it now, you surrendered to food. I don't mean you gave up and relinquished your power to it in the conventional definition of "surrender".... no, you took a big sigh and made the decision to stop fighting against it. To accept that food was there to stay, and like any other reality, it had to be accepted, and dealt with, collaboratively. If you couldn't beat it (and yourself) into submission, conquer it, than you had to find a way to co-exist with it, in a way that allowed you both to flourish. That way, you're still you, in charge of you, enjoying and living with food which is free to be whatever it is.

AWESOME!

Calling All Utah Women

October 9, 2010

Where: Thanksgiving Point

Start Time: 10 K Run starts at 8:30

5K Run/Walk starts at 8:35

Register: Open Now! $25 (10K) $20 (5K)

www.WasatchWoman.com

www.active.com

http://www.active.com/running/lehi-ut/wasatch-woman-love-your-body-5k10k-2010

(keyword: wasatch woman)

*Run is 3.72 miles (6K) to include Thanksgiving Point Gardens

I'm signed up! I'll be taking the kids so we will most likely be doing the 5K walk. No men allowed! My mom did this run last year. The t-shirts were incredible. Cute design and my favorite, dri fit! The registration to pick up the t-shirts was a bit disorganized last year, but they said there are five places to pick up your t shirt this year. Anyone interested? What a perfect time of year for a race!

Summer Camping With a Baby

Anyone have any advice for Camping with a child under 1 year old?

Anything I should make sure I don't forget?

Reverse Thoughts Are In Order

I read this and thought it was so neat:

I will always be fat
and I refuse to believe that
I can loose this weight
I do
realize that isn't the way most people think but
"Eating to live instead of living to eat"
That's just not working out, and I truly believe
Eating what I want will make me happier in the end
It's just a big fat lie, thinking
Being fit is the most important thing in my life.
Now I understand that
Making myself happy with food
Is more important than
Making myself healthy with food
And this much is true:
People are succeeding at loosing weight every day
But I know in my heart this will not be the case for me
This could wind up killing me
Doctors tell me
I will shorten my life and steal time away from my family
Right now it doesn't seem possible that
I can change my ways and be fit for the rest of my life
This is what I believe:
This journey is just to tough for me
I don't even want to consider the fact that
I can control the cause of my shortcomings and my failings
It's just a fact of life that
People like me are weak willed and lazy
And it's ridiculous to believe that
I will loose weight and be healthy

Now read it backwards

Amazing? Not only are we changing our eating habits, but our mental habits too!

The Choices We Make...

Have you ever noticed that this weight loss journey can be a two step forward, and a one step back kind of deal? You'll score a good week, feel like you are doing great, and then comes a little slip up. A night out. A lunchtime celebration. A slice of pizza that turns into a half a pie. Sometimes I go through days where I feel like a rock star, and other times, I feel like this weight is never going to come off.

But there is something we all need to understand: FALLING IS NOT FAILING!

GIVING IN IS NOT GIVING UP!

It is such a hard game. One minute you feel like you've got a handle on things. You might even feel like it is so easy. The next minute you find yourself struggling, hungry for something you know won't fill you up, won't make you happy.

This is a game of chance, not a game of luck. The setbacks are just us, doing in our hearts what we know is not right. We can make excuses. I used to see skinny people and think how lucky they were to not struggle with their weight. But, it's the choices they make verses the choices I make.

We either choose to do it, or not. Even though it sometimes doesn't feel like a choice, it most definitely is. The rules are so simple: get the eating under control, and work a little exercise into your day. Make good choices most days, and the best ones available to you on the other days.

It's not easy, and it's not a game. It's your life and a roll of the dice isn't what gets you moving. It's just you!

BTW, a new challenge on Healthy Wife Happy Life starts Monday. I highly recommend it to all those looking for a strong support group. I have to tell you, I am so excited to meet some of these fantastic women. A few of them are coming into town in a couple weeks, and we are all getting together. These women have changed my life in more ways than I can even express in writing. If you are interested in joining this fantastic group, check this blog out:

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

Missing...

It's been a crazy summer. Between traveling, and the kids out of school, I haven't had a moment breath. And I'm loving it. I'm sure once school starts again, I'll have a bit more time to post. But for now, here is some things to think about.

This is for all you running mothers out there and those wondering what the point of it all is:

http://workoutmommy.com/2010/07/14/run-like-a-mother/

I think I might have to look into this book. Get some motivation back into my blood.

Calling all emotional readers out there, check this out:

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/healthy-life-inspiritation-and-its-guy.html

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Trainer Momma Giveaway!

Check out the latest giveaway at trainermomma.com!




http://trainermomma.blogspot.com/2010/07/trainer-momma-july-giveaway-amazoncom.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TrainerMomma+%28Trainer+Momma%29

Umm, I'm still trying to figure out how to include a link, so I hope this one works.

You Are Not Alone

I used to feel so alone. That my eating habits were one of a kind. I'm beginning to realize that most people have a comfort relationship to food. I am certainly jealous of those who don't. I feel like I have come a long way, although I am not perfect. I still have bad days, where I just don't care and don't want to think about the consequences. Comfort food is a true honest battle for me. I know we all have our weaknesses, and I can fully admit that food is one of them for me. I have used food to self medicate myself since my parents divorced when I was thirteen. Eating, overeating, allows me to fill the basic need for comfort in that moment when the emotions are going wild. And yes, I want all you comfort eaters to realize, IT IS ONLY A MOMENT! Sure comfort eating might make us feel better for a moment, and I absolutely realize that moment feels worth it. A moment of pleasure sounds better than just dealing with my emotions in a moment of weakness. I have been working on a measure of forgiveness to myself. And, I can honestly say, after many years, I think I have achieved it! How do I know that? Because I don't give up on myself anymore. I keep moving forward because I want to conquer this battle. When I have the anxiety to eat, I force myself to work through the emotions. If I do, when the emotions are over, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. When I give in, it is a temporary fix. Not only do I feel physically sick, but my emotions feel worse than when I started.

So here is my encouragement: I challenge all you emotional eaters out there to feel the accomplishment of success. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, move forward, and overcome this challenge. If you are like me, this is the hardest thing you will ever do, but it will be the most rewarding!

New Challenge Starts Monday

New challenge for Healthy Wife Happy life starts Monday!

I am so excited! I didn't participate in the last challenge do to traveling and I am excited to get back into it. I know I've done this post before, but I can't emphasize how amazing these women are. This blog is such a huge support for anyone just looking to live a healthier life. I went into this blog only knowing one person. I highly encourage all to join and I can think of a few, not to mention names, who read this blog, who would have so much fun with this challenge. Check it out. You have til Monday before the next challenge starts.

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/2010/06/put-your-final-points-here.html

In a Slump, Not a Funk

I just celebraed my ten year anniversary with the hubby. We decided it was time to leave the kids for a week and go on a vacation. We headed to St. John Virgin Islands. The picture above still doesn't do it justice. We had a relaxing vacation snorkeling, and lounging on the beach. It was AMAZING to say the least! I came home all jazzed and ready to hit the exercise hard again, but I hate to admit, I am in a slump (very different than a funk) While I feel the motivation, I am exhausted. How do I get in gear when all I want to do is crash on the couch? I read Trainer Momma's recent post on traveling:

http://trainermomma.blogspot.com/2010/06/traveling-fit-momma-style.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TrainerMomma+%28Trainer+Momma%29

So good! While I am so used to throwing in the towel and eating whatever I want on vacation, it doesn't feel so good anymore. Time to readjust my way of traveling.

As a side note, are you wondering how to buy a good running shoe? Check this article out:

http://workoutmommy.com/2010/06/14/why-you-need-to-invest-in-great-running-shoes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Workoutmommycom+%28workoutmommy.com%29

SIX

6. . .SIX. . .really?. . . .6!!

So, I went to the clothes store this week. (Never good right?) The outing was spawned by the lack of clothes that I can squeeze into. (My baby is precious, but really? do I HAVE to kill my body to have one?) I get there and try on my previous fat size.

NOpe.

Don't fit.

I grab the size bigger.

Nope. Going again.

18!!!! I'm an 18. Okay, so I know that this is not the fattest I COULD be or that anyone HAS been, but it's the fattest I'VE ever been. Even after my freshman 20.

If I have to gain 6 sizes over every pregnancy. I'm not having anymore!

Ugh.

That's also how my exercising has felt. Less than productive. But I do go out walking ever morning. It's a step in the right direction. RIght?

Work out music?

I have found exercising to be a lot more enjoyable when I do it to music. I was curious, what music do you guys listen to when you excerise?

A Little Anxious

There are two things that are getting me a little anxious:

This fun challenge starts today. YAY! I had big plans today to get my miles in. The four year old has his final day at preschool today. It's a Teddy Bear Picnic in the park. We were going to walk up so mom can start her miles. Life always has challenges and I've learned that being a mom doesn't always allow your days to happen the way you would like. The two younger boys have been throwing up this last week. Yeah, the four year old is on day 9! GRRRR! He's so happy and then he'll run in the bathroom, puke, and run off and keep playing. The six year old woke up at 4:30 this morning and has been throwing up non stop. I think I might have to come up with a plan B. I'm a little exhausted to say the least, but no excuse, right. I'll find time squeeze in the miles sometime today. Even if it's on the boring dreadmill, oh I mean treadmill while the youngest has a nap.

I am so excited that these have finally arrived! I can't wait to workout so I can try them out. They are called Powerblock Sportsblock 3-24 Pound Adjustable Dumbbell set. I've been eyeing these beauties since Trainer Momma mentioned they were her favorite. Brent got some gift certificates at work and generously gave them to me so I could order them on Amazon. How exciting that new exercise equipment gets me excited.

I Am Still Thinking About It!

Before I go any further with this post, did you remember you only have 4 more days to sign up for these two amazing challenges. I know you've been busy, and trying to find time to do it. Now is the time! I promise you won't regret it. Click the link on the right sidebar to find out how to join or leave a comment and I'll give you some instructions.

I am still thinking about the events of this morning. It began when my alarm was set to go off at 5:35. (Yes, at that time in the morning, five minutes does make a huge different.) I opened my eyes at 5:34 to see if it was almost time to get up. YES!! I jumped out of bed, put on my running clothes, scarfed down my banana, and drove to my mom's house for our first early morning run of the season. I was thinking we would do a nice leisurely run, but she had a different plan. She wanted to take on the four mile hill climb. AHHHH, not the four mile hill climb! I don't know if I'm ready for the four mile hill climb. I didn't want to tell her that, so I reluctantly agreed. Do you think I made it?
YES!!! I did it! Talk about a huge mental boost. The best part is my legs and rear end are only slightly feeling the effects of the run. BEST RUN EVER! I am still thinking about this morning.

Then, to top it all off, I made this for breakfast:

1 Sunny Side Up Egg with the yolk completely cooked

1 Toasted Sandwich Thins

2 Tablespoons of Avocado

1 oz of Mozzarella Cheese, melted between the egg and warm toasted sandwich thin.

All for a whopping 310 calories. Yes, I measure everything out. It's so easy for me to overeat on cheese and avocado without even knowing. OH MY! I usually don't reflect back on a healthy meal and anxiously wait to try it again, but this one is going to be repeated in the morning.

New Challenge Coming Up

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

I have a link to this blog on my side bar. I highly encourage all to join. It is so much fun. It's a health challenge, but more importantly, it's a group of women trying to support each other to live a healthier lifestyle. Each day, you get points based on the healthy choices you made that day. Each session lasts about three weeks. Each Sunday, you report your numbers. At the end of the three weeks, the person with the highest numbers gets featured on the blog. These women are awesome in supporting each other in reaching their goals. Everyone posts at least three times a week and talks about their challenges, healthy recipes, new exercises, whatever they are doing related to living a healthy lifestyle. To get all your points you need to comment each day on someones posts. It's about supporting each other. It has really helped me stay on track. We are all going through the same thing. The next challenge starts June 1. Check it out and sign up!!!

True Junkie at Heart

Okay, I hate to admit this, but I am a true junkie at heart. I still prefer the sweet taste of sugar more than the vegetables I try to eat for lunch. Unfortunately my rear end and thighs don't agree with me. So, when I saw this post, I was immediately drawn to it. It's from Dani Spies, a health food nut: Banana Split Breakfast Bites. MMMM, just the wording sounds so yummy. Of course I knew it was going to be healthy. Check this out:

http://www.danispies.com/archives/breakfast/banana_split_breakfast_bites.php

Even this one looks like it might satisfy my sweet tooth!

Time is Running Out

http://nutsinanutshell.blogspot.com/2010/05/challenge.html

You only have about 1 week to sign up for the summer challenge. Sure 120 miles seems like a lot, but it's only 1.5 miles 6 days a week. I'm sure most people do that without even thinking about it. As for me, this is a great challenge for the whole family. I plan on doing this on top of my normal exercising. The kids are finally realizing how important it is to mom to exercise. Now, I need to teach them how important it is for them to exercise. The kids will be riding their bikes, scooters, walks, while mom walks/runs to get her miles in. Very doable. Are you interested yet?

What Does 50 Pounds Look Like

A Double Mattress is 50 Pounds
A Kayak is 50 Pounds
An Airedale Terrier is 50 Pounds
The Worlds Largest Rabbit found in the UK Weighs 50 Pounds

50 Pounds of Flour

50 extra pounds is a lot of weight to be carrying around. Ouch! No wonder why it was so hard to exercise. My four year old weighs 50 pounds and I can barely lift him. How was I carrying around this extra weight 24/7?

120 Mile Challenge

Wanna join? You know you want to:

http://nutsinanutshell.blogspot.com/2010/05/challenge.html

Why Can't I Have the Title?

There's this blog that I follow. It's called the Fitness Freak. She was once over weight and now she is definitely a Fitness Freak. I love that name. I often think to myself "I want to be called the Fitness Freak." I started thinking about all the wants in fitness I have. There is this lady who runs in my neighborhood, with two kids, pushing a double stroller. We've labeled her "The Crazy Runner Lady". Kind of a funny name, but deep down, I think I am a bit jealous of her title. Than today, I thought to myself, no more wants. No more somedays. It is today. So, today, I'm calling myself the Crazy Runner Lady, or The Fitness Freak. It's what I want, so I mine as well make it a reality. So if you see me running down the street, whisper loudly, "Wow there goes that Crazy Runner Lady. She is such a Fitness Freak." I'll give you a wave and a little happy dance to go along with it. Besides, I am almost down 50 pounds. There has got to be some craziness in that!

Mothers Day Tradition

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

The crew. Sorry the picture is so discolored. My mom, three kids, and me. We usually have my brother, sister, and sister in law, but they were out of town this year. We did try running it one year with two strollers, but it wasn't very fun. Trying to run through 20,000 walkers just doesn't work to well. After the "race" we always have brunch at a local restaurant. I look forward to this event every year. My six year old walked the whole way!
This is one of my favorite traditions. We've done this nine years now, and I look forward to it every year. The picture above doesn't do it justice, but all the white dots up the street are people. 20,000 to be exact. It's a 5K run/walk and it is so inspirational!

Quinoa Meatballs

1 1/2 cups cooked Quinoa

3 tbsp onion flakes

1/2 pound lean ground beef (93%)

1/2 pound extra lean ground turkey

2 tbsp olive oil

1 egg

3 tbsp dried parsley

1-1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Cook Quinoa according to package directions. Mix all in bowl using hands. Roll into balls and place in greased baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 min or until cooked through. Makes 18 meatballs. 262 calories for two These are big meatballs

I tried doing meatball sandwiches for my kids with a bit of BBQ sauce on whole wheat 100 calorie Flat Sandwich Bread. I should have just given them the meatballs plain because that's all they really wanted. But, they ate them up. Try it and let me know what you think.

Rain or Snow

I just have to share a little experience last night and encourage you to get your exercise in. As I've said many times before, my mom is my running partner and I would definitely label her as the Fitness Freak. Rain or Snow, she is at my door at 6:15 every Tuesday and Thursday for our run. When we first started doing this, I would call her to give the weather report and see if she really wanted to run. Really, in my mind, I was looking for an excuse not to go. In the beginning, running was still really hard for me. Her reply was always, "As long as it isn't icy on the road, it doesn't bother me." So, I knew last night wouldn't be different. The rain was pouring and my mom shows up, right on time, ready for our run. At first I thought she was crazy, but I think my new favorite run is in the rain. There is something so magical about it. Is it the rain, or is it the bonding time I get to spend with my mom? Thank goodness for her fitness commitment or I wouldn't be as far with my fitness goals as I am today.

What's Your Vegetable for Dinner Tonight?

Swiss Chard

Have you tried this? I haven't, but we are tonight. This is supposed to taste a bit like spinach. The six year old loves spinach so we'll see how this one goes. Curious what chard is? Check out this video:

http://www.danispies.com/archives/101_video/chard_101_-_video.php

Ready For A Challenge?

Back when I started this blog, I mentioned it to a friend of mine and she told me about this Healthy Challenge blog she was part of and how awesome it was. I started casually reading the blog, not really sure if it was a commitment I was ready to do. I decided to give it a whirl, and can I just say, it has changed my life. I don't know any of these women, but I have shared with them some of my deepest food struggles, and them with me too. They have a point system. You get so many points at the end of the day depending on what successful healthy things you have accomplished. The challenge usually lasts for three weeks and in essence it is a competition, but it is so much more than that. It is a group of women who are committed to having a healthy life. It isn't about dieting, it's about a lifestyle change. So at the end of the three weeks, the winner gets their picture posted for everyone to see how hard they worked. I was the winner of the last challenge! So rewarding, and so motivating to keep going. The commitment comes because you have to comment on someone elses post everyday. You also have to post something three times a week. Otherwise you don't get all your points for the week. At first I thought this was way to much, but these women understand me. They are going through the same thing I am. They are amazing people even though I haven't met them. I want to support them. So I check this blog everyday, to know what they are doing, and to constantly remind me of why I am trying to live a healthy life. Anyway, if you are needing the support, even if you are maintaining your weight, check it out. I promise you won't regret it!

http://ahealthywifeequalshappylife.blogspot.com/

[it's here!]

i'm so excited!

my mari package arrived!

have you tried winsor pilates?
it's the BEST! after i had my first baby, this totally transformed my body - i looked better than before :) i've worn out all my discs and decided to switch it up and hit the gym instead.
well, nothing has made me longer and leaner like this. so i ordered her latest package. check it out here
i'm most excited to try the accelerator she's added. i've never tried a pilates machine, but wanted to. this supposedly replaces those bulky contraptions and delivers the same results.
has anyone tried it?
and most of the workouts are only 20 minutes! that for me is golden!
i'm so ready to jump back in and get ready for swimsuit season!

i'll let you know how it goes!

What's Your Multivitamin?

Do you take a Multivitamin? I was never a firm believer in multivitamins. My mom was just diagnosed with early stages of Osteoporosis, and encouraged me to at least take calcium supplements. My grandmother was also diagnosed with Osteoporosis. So, I've been good about taking my calcium, but I thought, "what's the point of a multivitamin?". I heard a lot of good things about this multivitamin. It's the Kirkland Signature brand from Costco. I thought I'd give it a try. Can I just say, I notice a complete turn around in the way I feel. I have more energy, and I just feel healthier! So here's my encouragement for the day: If you aren't taking a multivitamin, I strongly encourage you to start. It does make you feel better. Do you give your kids a multivitamin? I've been thinking about starting mine, but I don't want them to think it's candy and down a whole jar without me knowing. Any suggestions?

Pork Chop Baked with Apple and Sweet Potato

Pork Chops are a funny thing to me. I don't have many recipes that make them moist. I did discover this one, and it is my new favorite pork chop recipe:

1 lean boneless pork loin

1 medium sweet potato

1 medium apple

Preheat oven to 350

Slice the sweet potato thinly. Quarter, core, and slice the apple into eight pieces.

On a large piece of foil, layer sweet potato slices, pork chop, and then apple slices. If desired (I desire), sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper (I just do cinnamon)

Wrap well and bake for 40 min. (That's what the directions say, but I usually have to bake for 1 hr)

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! This is my "I don't have time to cook" meal. I can get it all ready the night before if I need to and then dinner is ready to be cooked the next day.

Forced Exercise

We LOVE to camp!

My husband LOVES to four wheel!

Until now, we've used our stock vehicles to hit the trails, but here is his project he's been working endless hours for:

I don't know if the picture does it justice, but lets just say my four year old calls it the Monster Truck. The frame of the truck starts at my hips. Why does this vehicle force me to exercise?
Who else is taking the pictures? I get a little scared of the trails my husband attempts to do, so I end up getting out the the truck to walk a lot. Great exercise and great leg raises getting in and out. By the end of the trip, my thighs were sore from climbing in and out constantly, no joke! I don't know if you can tell, but the back tire is off the ground. It also helps my heart pump fast from fear. Makes me feel like I've finished a sprint! (Minus the wetness down my pants from fear :)

Our other choices of exercise include: Puddle Jumping

Rock Climbing

Isn't Moab beautiful!?

Lots of exercise makes this four year old strong!

Sprinting down Sand Dune Arch!

Sand Angels

Rock Jumping

And in the end, the hill that caused the picture below:

Yes, that's a tow rope attached to the jeep in front of us. That jeep had to tow the tent trailer and us to Spanish Fork Canyon, where we waited for a larger truck to tow us the rest of the way home. Still an AWESOME trip and I needed a day to recover from sore muscles. This is the best kind of exercise. You are having fun and don't even notice the kind of exercise you're getting! Anyone want to join us?

Trainer Momma Giveaway

Do you follow Trainer Momma? She has a giveaway this week. Check it out

http://trainermomma.com

Sounds like she is going to have a few this month so keep your eyes posted.

I Am Hooked-Agave Nectar

Okay, so I know this is going to surprise you (sense the sarcasm), but I first heard about this through Trainer Momma. Every time she promoted this beauty I thought, "What in the world is she talking about?" I realized it was a natural sweetener and she used it in place of sugar, but I thought, "Really, what is the big deal?" I was at Costco yesterday, and they had the Agave Nectar on display. I thought I'd give it a try. Besides, anything that is healthy is worth a courtesy bite.

"Wow" is the only word I have to describe this.

This stuff is incredible. It's a natural sweetener extracted from the heart of the agave plant. Agave is a low glycemic index sweetener, so it is slowly absorbed into the body preventing spikes in blood sugar. It has been consumed by ancient civilizations for over 5,000 years. It is 25% sweeter than sugar, so you need less. What does that mean to you? Less calories! You can use this stuff as a substitute whenever you use sugar. It is AWESOME! Definitely worth a courtesy bite!

Recording Calories

I am in serious weight loss mode. I've done a fad diet before, great for another post later, but I wanted to do it the good old fashion way: Healthy eating, and exercise. Simple right? Well, I have had such bad eating habits for so long. I don't even know what a healthy portion size is anymore. So here's what I'm doing, to teach myself the correct portion sizes and eating within my calorie range. Check out these two sites. It'll give you a range of calories you should be in and an idea of how to do the calorie break down during the day.
http://trainermomma.blogspot.com/2010/01/figuring-out-your-daily-calories.html
http://trainermomma.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-ok-now-eat.html

Okay that's great, but I never know how many calories I'm eating unless I track them. Have you ever kept a food journal? Studies show that those people who do end up loosing and maintaining their weight better.

I got a netbook for my Birthday. Our computer is downstairs and it is such a pain to go down there, load the program, and record my food every time I eat. This way, my netbook is in the kitchen and easy to record my food.

This is the site I use to record my calories: http://www.livestrong.com/

Very user friendly

Even has calories from restaurants

I used to record my calories in a spiral notebook. I used a calorie counting book. It was so time consuming, but still worth the effort. Do you keep track of your calories? What do you do to know your eating the right amount of food? Kudos to those who can eye ball it. I am not to that point yet, but it is definitely a goal.