So lets get real,is it really possible to go to a restaurant and get food is it??? Well yesterday this problem presented itself to me. A dear friend of ours took our kids for the day and my hubby and I were off to Williamsburg for a day of adventure. Sounds great right, well it was!!!! The problem arose though, where would we eat, and how could I get away with eating out without wrecking my new lifestyle changes????? Well, this is how it went.
We decided to look at a menu and try to make a wise decision Now for those who do not know my regimen, I eat 12-1500 calories a day and try to make sure every bite counts, so looking at the menu was no easy task. We opened to the salad section, and thought this might be the best bet, a Santa Fe salad with black beans, chicken, mixed Greens, the usual salad stuff. Well, guess what we asked for the nutritional info and it was 1600 calories?!?!?!?!? A salad!!!!!! What??? How???? Well, this proves that salads are not always the answer, so we looked at the nutritional info sheet that gave us (most restaurants will give these to you if you ask) and settled on a nacho,half the chips,400 calories tons of fiber and protein! Perfect and I assure you it was yummy!!!
After walking around all day we decided to have a fast dinner, but you know what that means..... Fast Food!!!! Surely you can not eat fast food and stay under 1500 calories!!!! Well, the ever faithful Subway salad was unavailable, as there was no Subway to be found,so we walked into a Wendy's. Fries were out of the question, and fried was too, so what was left?? Did you know Wendy's posts the nutritional info on the wall. So after much deliberation, we settled on a small chili and a grilled snack wrap a total of 420 calories, and filling!! Not to shabby!!! Needless to say, later when we walked into the Candy Factory, I had enough calories left to have a small piece of chocolate at 75 calories. : )
All this to say, just because a special day has arrived, and you find yourself in a restaurant, that does not mean you have to order a boring house salad. Research low calorie options by asking for nutritional info.Always substitute fries for veggies of a baked potato. Also do not base your decisions on what sounds healthy, find out what is really has in it and how many calories it will cost you. Salad dressings add major calories, and many other added things are just as bad. So salad does not me good for you! We had a nacho at under half the calories!!!! So do not avoid eating out, just be smart!! Happy healthy lifestyles to you all!!!!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Favorite healthy lifestyle tips give away!!
One of my favorite healthy life style things is the Wii. I love to work out with Jillian on it. It is loads of fun and it gives you great tips, and recipes, and keeps track of the amount of calories you burn off. Love it!!!So now it is your turn to share. So I thought I would try to spark some interest and do a give away. All you have to do is give me your favorite healthy lifestyle tip and you could win this.........
This includes a couple of my favorite healthy lifestyle things. A low calorie snack,a great devotional, and since I can not have chocolate, I fill my house with the scent of a chocolate candle : )
If you are already a follower your name will be put in for the raffle once, and if you leave a comment about your favorite exercise, exercise tool, low calorie snack, or a weight loss trick, I will put your name in again. If you become a new follower and leave a comment I will also put you name in twice. Good luck!!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Armed robbery, seriously!!!!!
O.k. So I know this is far fetched, but I willl try to tie this to my new lifestyle change some how. We were in the Ocean view shopping center, where I rarely like to go simply because it is a crazy place to be, to quickly buy some valentine stuff. I left my husband and son outside and ran in with Chloe to buy some candy for Sunday school, and then the craziest thing happened! Two men came running in the store,one complete with gun, and robbed the place!!! I know, sounds crazy, but sure enough, Chloe and I were standing there about to get in the check out line and the craziness began!!! It was lightning fast!!! They just ran in waved a gun around, pushed the cashier to the ground and grabbed a bunch of ciggarettes, and then ran off. They dashed thru the door, and I do mean thru the door.One went one way, one the other way and got in a car. Then half the store proceeded to run after them. One man got in his truck and chased after the car and as he was turning the corner crashed his car. Crazy right!!!! Ok, so what goes thru my mind while all of this is happening???? First, Chloe never really saw a thing as she was tucked under my arms, and being drug back into the candy section, and then when the coast is clear, I grab her and drag her out of the store to find out where my son and husband are. I left them in front of the broken door, so you can imagine what was going thru my head when they were not there. I am franticly loooking for them and a few seconds later they walk out of Radio Shack totally oblivious to the events that had just unfolded. Did I mention that I am standing out from with my hands full of merchandise that has not been paid for????? So shaking and glad to see that everyone in my family is safe, I throw, and I am not exagerating, throw the merchandise back in the store and walk away as fast as my feet will get me out of there. Now as I calm down, I realize how God's mercy had rescued us once again. We could have been closer to harms way if I was not so wishy washy about the candy, my husband and son could have been right out in front by the broken door where I left them, and no one was seriously injured. Now, the next thought that came to my head was, how stupid is it that they went thru all that trouble for ciggerettes?!?!? They did not ask for money, they just grabbed as many ciggerettes as they could and ran. Not too bright!! Well, I guess that is kinda like eating, if I stuff my belly full of junk, what is it really doing for me?? A few seconds of pleasure and a few extra pounds that add up to a few more and then what next??? Not too bright?!? Ok, so I told you it was a bit far fetched, but kinda true!!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tips on how to be a loser!!!
O.k. so I promised to share a few tips, so here I go. Now remember, I am not an expert, and what works for me will not necessarily work for everyone, so take it for what it is worth to you. I have gotten more then my share of unsolicteted advice,believe me,but these are few of my favorite ideas.
1.Exercise is great, but change it up often. Not only will you get bored with running around the block everyday, but your body will adjust to your routine, so have some variety. I do running, kickboxing, yoga circuit training, swimming, Wii workouts, the shred, weights, and change it up often. Have fun, do not let yourself get bored. Remember you do not need a Gym membership or fancy equipment, be creative.
2. Try to add strength training to your workouts.
3. Pick a calorie goal and stick to it. I have a thyroid disorder, so I switch between 1200 - 1500 calories a day.
4. Once you pick a calorie goal, record everything that goes in your mouth. You would be surprised at what you are eating. Just trying one of your kids chicken nuggets, or a casual thing here or there and your calories have gotten out of control. If you have a I pod or I phone there is a wonderful FREE app called My Fitness Pal, and it will even give you the calories for fast food and pretty much anything else. It has been a wonderful tool for me : )
5. Keep track of your exercise. During high energy workouts you can burn tons of calories, so you can bring your net calorie intake way down. I love the feeling of knowing that I ate 1500 calories then burned off 600, for the net calorie intake of 900!!! Be sure that you do not try to make up those calories by eating more or you will erase your work. : ) (The Fitness pal will keep track of this as well.)
6. Even the Biggest looser people eat at least 1200 calories a day, so do not short yourself. You do not want to put your body in starvation mode.
7. WATER, drink tons of it!!! Trust me it is worth it. It also makes your skin clearer!!!
8. Diet drinks really are not the best for you. They actually can increase your appetite, and cause some degree of memory loss over time. If you have to have them limit them to 8 oz a day. Also watch for things that have artificial sweetener. It seems to be everywhere these days.
9. Protein makes you feel fuller longer, so try to eat foods high in protein. For example, tuna, milk, lean sliced turkey, chicken breast, eggs, etc....
10. Fiber is good, enough said!
11. Do not deprive your self. If you want a piece of chocolate, go for it, but remind yourself that if you are going to cheat, do it wisely. That means you do not have to eat a big piece of cheese cake with a chocolate bar on the side. If you choose to have 1200, calories a day you have blown it!!! Try a york pattie at 130 calories, or 100 calorie packs. find something that will satisfy your craving, but not mess up any progress you have made.
12. Sleep, 8 hours of sleep really helps!!!
13. Never sit still, even if you are sitting, read, or do something, idle hands eat!!!
14. Carbs are not the enemy. Choose them wisely, but eat them!! Stay clear of processed carbs, and ones that contain lots of sugar. Steel cut oats, brown rice, buckwheat, even potato's can be great, just again watch the amounts.
15. This is the biggest, pray about it and hand it to God. Dive into the scripture, and see what it says about it. I think this could be a future blog post as well : )
Well, I hope some of these can be of some help to someone. I will try to share some of my favorite things to eat and great low calorie substitutes in my next blog, along with my favorite workout ideas and tricks. Oh, and one last tip, Diet, is a four letter word, never use it. I am not a dieter!!! I have changed my lifestyle. , The word Diet is overused, and often discouraging, so I do not like to use it!! Happy lifestyle change to you all!!!
1.Exercise is great, but change it up often. Not only will you get bored with running around the block everyday, but your body will adjust to your routine, so have some variety. I do running, kickboxing, yoga circuit training, swimming, Wii workouts, the shred, weights, and change it up often. Have fun, do not let yourself get bored. Remember you do not need a Gym membership or fancy equipment, be creative.
2. Try to add strength training to your workouts.
3. Pick a calorie goal and stick to it. I have a thyroid disorder, so I switch between 1200 - 1500 calories a day.
4. Once you pick a calorie goal, record everything that goes in your mouth. You would be surprised at what you are eating. Just trying one of your kids chicken nuggets, or a casual thing here or there and your calories have gotten out of control. If you have a I pod or I phone there is a wonderful FREE app called My Fitness Pal, and it will even give you the calories for fast food and pretty much anything else. It has been a wonderful tool for me : )
5. Keep track of your exercise. During high energy workouts you can burn tons of calories, so you can bring your net calorie intake way down. I love the feeling of knowing that I ate 1500 calories then burned off 600, for the net calorie intake of 900!!! Be sure that you do not try to make up those calories by eating more or you will erase your work. : ) (The Fitness pal will keep track of this as well.)
6. Even the Biggest looser people eat at least 1200 calories a day, so do not short yourself. You do not want to put your body in starvation mode.
7. WATER, drink tons of it!!! Trust me it is worth it. It also makes your skin clearer!!!
8. Diet drinks really are not the best for you. They actually can increase your appetite, and cause some degree of memory loss over time. If you have to have them limit them to 8 oz a day. Also watch for things that have artificial sweetener. It seems to be everywhere these days.
9. Protein makes you feel fuller longer, so try to eat foods high in protein. For example, tuna, milk, lean sliced turkey, chicken breast, eggs, etc....
10. Fiber is good, enough said!
11. Do not deprive your self. If you want a piece of chocolate, go for it, but remind yourself that if you are going to cheat, do it wisely. That means you do not have to eat a big piece of cheese cake with a chocolate bar on the side. If you choose to have 1200, calories a day you have blown it!!! Try a york pattie at 130 calories, or 100 calorie packs. find something that will satisfy your craving, but not mess up any progress you have made.
12. Sleep, 8 hours of sleep really helps!!!
13. Never sit still, even if you are sitting, read, or do something, idle hands eat!!!
14. Carbs are not the enemy. Choose them wisely, but eat them!! Stay clear of processed carbs, and ones that contain lots of sugar. Steel cut oats, brown rice, buckwheat, even potato's can be great, just again watch the amounts.
15. This is the biggest, pray about it and hand it to God. Dive into the scripture, and see what it says about it. I think this could be a future blog post as well : )
Well, I hope some of these can be of some help to someone. I will try to share some of my favorite things to eat and great low calorie substitutes in my next blog, along with my favorite workout ideas and tricks. Oh, and one last tip, Diet, is a four letter word, never use it. I am not a dieter!!! I have changed my lifestyle. , The word Diet is overused, and often discouraging, so I do not like to use it!! Happy lifestyle change to you all!!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Why The Life of The Loser???
O.k, so I said I never would, but here I go!! I have decided to do a blog. I always thought, why would I? I am not a interesting person, and I have never really thought I had a cause, so why now?? Well, I have been inspired. My sweet friends, and you know who you are, are creative, and have interesting families, and entertain us immensely thru the blogs, but having none of that myself, I was most inspired by the thought my dear friend Lauren had to use a blog as a form of encouragement to those in a similar situation. Now, I promise I am not a writer, nor am I a speller, so expect grammar and spelling errors,but what I do hope to accomplish is to encourage and hopefully entertain a little.
So, now to the point!!!! Why the life of a loser?? I do not consider myself a loser, well for the most part anyway. I am however a loser. You see for a long time now I have struggled with weight. I have always been athletic and loved working out, but I tend to love food as much or more!! all of a sudden things have changed. In the last couple years I have watched as a dear person in my life has let herself become morbidly obese. She can barely walk from a chair to the bathroom. Has pretty much remained at home for most of the past year, and has slipped into a very dark place. Now, I know that I am no where near this, but really could easily be this. I know I may be exaggerating a little, but it scares me!!! So almost a year ago I decided to start a a journey to become a healthy person. Note, that I did not say skinny!!! I am a large framed person and came to the reality a long time ago that I will never be a tooth pick! I started working out, running, and doing all the "right stuff", but failed many times over. The fact that I exercise was not enough! Diet is 80% what goes in your mouth, and exercise is not the only solution. Neither does it mean you can eat twice as much food! So I got discouraged many times, and never really achieved too much. Almost 6 weeks ago I got this invite to the do a Diet Challenge, and being the competitive person I am I took it. I took it, but knowing I would probably fail at that too. So I decided to approach this differently, first I decided to hand this to God. You know Idols come in many forms,mine was, and easily can become again,food. I loved food so much, that I was willing to let it control me. I had to make a decision. God always wins, beside this is his temple, and I was no worse then a drug user by stuffing it with junk!!! So the calorie counter was loaded in the I-phone, and the exercise was revamped, and now I can say I have the real makings of being a loser!! So far It has been hard, but I am doing it, and feel great!!! This Blog will not only hopefully encourage others, but help me be accountable. I hope to fill it with great tips, and any other weird ideas and highlights of my life that come along.( Most of which will be much shorter then this. : ) Now remember, I am human and may fail at any given moment!!! I am hoping I can share those moments, as openly, and then hand them to Jesus and pick myself back up and move forward again. So all this being said, post questions,comments, and I will be posting more details of my adventure into being a loser soon.
So, now to the point!!!! Why the life of a loser?? I do not consider myself a loser, well for the most part anyway. I am however a loser. You see for a long time now I have struggled with weight. I have always been athletic and loved working out, but I tend to love food as much or more!! all of a sudden things have changed. In the last couple years I have watched as a dear person in my life has let herself become morbidly obese. She can barely walk from a chair to the bathroom. Has pretty much remained at home for most of the past year, and has slipped into a very dark place. Now, I know that I am no where near this, but really could easily be this. I know I may be exaggerating a little, but it scares me!!! So almost a year ago I decided to start a a journey to become a healthy person. Note, that I did not say skinny!!! I am a large framed person and came to the reality a long time ago that I will never be a tooth pick! I started working out, running, and doing all the "right stuff", but failed many times over. The fact that I exercise was not enough! Diet is 80% what goes in your mouth, and exercise is not the only solution. Neither does it mean you can eat twice as much food! So I got discouraged many times, and never really achieved too much. Almost 6 weeks ago I got this invite to the do a Diet Challenge, and being the competitive person I am I took it. I took it, but knowing I would probably fail at that too. So I decided to approach this differently, first I decided to hand this to God. You know Idols come in many forms,mine was, and easily can become again,food. I loved food so much, that I was willing to let it control me. I had to make a decision. God always wins, beside this is his temple, and I was no worse then a drug user by stuffing it with junk!!! So the calorie counter was loaded in the I-phone, and the exercise was revamped, and now I can say I have the real makings of being a loser!! So far It has been hard, but I am doing it, and feel great!!! This Blog will not only hopefully encourage others, but help me be accountable. I hope to fill it with great tips, and any other weird ideas and highlights of my life that come along.( Most of which will be much shorter then this. : ) Now remember, I am human and may fail at any given moment!!! I am hoping I can share those moments, as openly, and then hand them to Jesus and pick myself back up and move forward again. So all this being said, post questions,comments, and I will be posting more details of my adventure into being a loser soon.
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