tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70910032903746735722024-02-19T02:07:58.217-08:00Rocked It - Life, Food and HealthAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-41746312541522544612012-05-31T12:20:00.000-07:002012-05-31T12:20:07.092-07:00Getting Back Up - After Falling Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsFrvrhxz_TM-84KLn5-bsCtWnnvmWHsyeAcx9pXOwKgUi4s8c3tntl966GmQXOz_-oYUsrRz5QpV57lo4zbOtL4_xWjRBLOh0G8uA0LBIntqvfW0Zd5rKYM7kH-I9dtobSKdaT3f87GW/s1600/fallen+runner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsFrvrhxz_TM-84KLn5-bsCtWnnvmWHsyeAcx9pXOwKgUi4s8c3tntl966GmQXOz_-oYUsrRz5QpV57lo4zbOtL4_xWjRBLOh0G8uA0LBIntqvfW0Zd5rKYM7kH-I9dtobSKdaT3f87GW/s320/fallen+runner.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have a confession to make. I have fallen off the wagon with my diet and fitness activities.<br />
<br />
Latley I eat more fat than I would like too. Sometimes I eat foods that don't make me feel great. Sometimes I end up being sedentary for a little while.<br />
<br />
I'm facing the fact that 9 months of 100% focus has committed me to 100% free range falling off the wagon. But I believe my ability to succeed can be measured by my determination and focus, as well as an ability to learn from your “mistakes”, as well as reflecting on what is working well during this short "off time".<br />
<br />
<b>So - Whats the Plan?</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Recommit -</b> Commitment is very important. It just means that you're willing to do whatever it takes to get to where you want to go.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Plan Restart </b><b>-</b> I am going to write down everything I eat, drink and enjoy. No matter now good or bad it is. Having an overview on what i'm eating and doing wrong will not only give me a better idea of what i'm doing wrong, but also the times of day that i'm hungry. What's triggering me, and how I can make better choices.<br />
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<b>3. Put Your Sneakers On And Move -</b> I need to get back to what I love. ZUMBA! Getting back on track and in the gym will not only improve my body, but also my mood, sleep and how I feel about the food I eat. <br />
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That's the plan. Now i'm getting on it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-18364670122439933052012-04-03T12:28:00.000-07:002012-04-03T06:41:43.466-07:00Gluten-Free Zucchini and Ricotta Galette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W2F5iCxuYhg5qyWGa8UhG4YjLJQQM2Ky7LKCWr0G1bl6t90sYzxOB1efIaRfvMdBEnklcsMUkiNxeNrSI-5OgzZ-7Lk-EyEHo5xyc7QjXvCl_9wuJEpz8xGe_r17U3WRAA2ulYfsE6Eo/s1600/Nikon_Camera-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1W2F5iCxuYhg5qyWGa8UhG4YjLJQQM2Ky7LKCWr0G1bl6t90sYzxOB1efIaRfvMdBEnklcsMUkiNxeNrSI-5OgzZ-7Lk-EyEHo5xyc7QjXvCl_9wuJEpz8xGe_r17U3WRAA2ulYfsE6Eo/s400/Nikon_Camera-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have been obsessed with playing with different flours and making tarts and galette's. They are an unbelievably good, easy-to-make and visually impressive meal for anytime of day. They have a wonderful make-ahead quality and are an easy-to-reheat and adapt for the veggies you have in your fridge. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhefMuZOK89GlmLRJ4qysrvt2M7dwJXrAXQrCDwR0eLSLUnfekx6xVCYBZi6tltLFBidl8TL3JYdMtNOacb2t4gTq1hjF11PazNefOIWcP4dbqWnSERCG2G8HLYrOwhhwPCgmPwBNuIOK/s1600/Nikon_Camera-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhefMuZOK89GlmLRJ4qysrvt2M7dwJXrAXQrCDwR0eLSLUnfekx6xVCYBZi6tltLFBidl8TL3JYdMtNOacb2t4gTq1hjF11PazNefOIWcP4dbqWnSERCG2G8HLYrOwhhwPCgmPwBNuIOK/s320/Nikon_Camera-6.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<b>For the pastry:</b><br />
1 cup buckwheat flour & 1/4 cup of brown rice flour chilled in the freezer for 30 minutes <br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chill again<br />
1/4 cup sour cream<br />
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice<br />
1/4 cup ice water<br />
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<b>Filling:</b><br />
1 large or 2 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds (i love mixing up colors)<br />
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil<br />
1 medium garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)<br />
1/2 cup low-fat ricotta cheese<br />
1/2 cup (about 1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded mozzarella<br />
1 tablespoon slivered basil leaves<br />
cut Parmesan cheese to layer in between zucchini layers <br />
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Make dough: Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Sprinkle bits of butter over dough and using a pastry blender, cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse meal, with the biggest pieces of butter the size of tiny peas. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice and water and add this to the butter-flour mixture. With your fingertips or a wooden spoon, mix in the liquid until large lumps form. Pat the lumps into a ball; do not overwork the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.<br />
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Make filling: Spread the zucchini out over several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and let drain for 30 minutes; gently blot the tops of the zucchini dry with paper towels before using. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and the garlic together; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of the garlicky olive oil together and season with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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Prepare galette: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch round. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet (though if you line it with parchment paper, it will be easier to transfer it to a plate later). Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the bottom of the galette dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Shingle the zucchini attractively on top of the ricotta in concentric circles, alternating zucchini and Parmesan cheese starting at the outside edge. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of the garlic and olive oil mixture evenly over the zucchini. <br />
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Bake the galette until the cheese is puffed, the zucchini is slightly wilted and the galette is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with basil, let stand for 5 minutes, then slide the galette onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve hot, warm or at room temperature.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-70186202948292782712012-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:002012-03-16T08:41:45.249-07:00Quick, Fresh and Delish - Easy Healthy Pasta Dish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY2L3iGQcf3mf-CN5hAmFFcU6nt0FgwlQ1S_BQKtdAum0BCC4i0_pZFyFA941WjBwMYYVkFspY_yAzNGy-cXsy4eXMYaTOPGMGiywbjeBChxv8iC9Ve0eyrOcQBQZsp383lN3wNntcgJ5/s1600/pasta-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY2L3iGQcf3mf-CN5hAmFFcU6nt0FgwlQ1S_BQKtdAum0BCC4i0_pZFyFA941WjBwMYYVkFspY_yAzNGy-cXsy4eXMYaTOPGMGiywbjeBChxv8iC9Ve0eyrOcQBQZsp383lN3wNntcgJ5/s400/pasta-1.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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I have a confession. I love pasta. My inner Italian yearns for it on a weekly basis. When I joined WW I knew that pasta was going to continue to be a part of my life, but I had to find a way to control myself around it. Meet pasta nests - these pre-portioned fast and easy to cook nests make portion sizing easy! For me 2 small frozen pasta nests = 1 cup of pasta at a 5 pp value, that cooked in 3 minutes! Have dinner on the table in 10 minutes - with this simple, fast and delicious pasta dinner. <br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
2 Cup of Linguine (serves 2) - I used 4 fresh-frozen pasta nests (but you can find them in the dry goods at the grocery store).<br />
1 cup of fresh tomatoes cut into bite size pieces<br />
1 cup of zucchini<br />
3 tablespoons of olive oil<br />
3 cloves of garlic<br />
1 (about a cup and 1/2) of artichoke hearts (cut them in half if they are full) <br />
capers (to your liking) <br />
Salt and Pepper to Taste<br />
1/2 slice of lemon (a small squeeze at the end) <br />
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<b>What to Do:</b><br />
Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add salt to pot (pasta water should be as salty as the ocean) drop pasta and set a timer for 2/3 min (so you don't over cook it). In a small pan, place the olive oil in the pan on low heat. Simmer sliced garlic in the pan, as it becomes fragrant add your tomatoes, zucchini, and capers to taste. As your pasta timer goes off turn your heat off on both pan/pot and grab some tongs. Pull pasta straight from the boiling water and into the pan. The small amount of extra starchy pasta water clinging to the noodles will add to the sauce of your dish and will help you use less oil. Lightly toss pasta in your olive oil mixture until its coated evenly, and add in your artichoke hearts. Plate your pasta and squeeze a little fresh lemon over the top. Viola! An easy-guilt free -fast -filling pasta dinner. enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-61807729614613123732012-03-13T11:21:00.000-07:002012-03-13T11:21:43.162-07:00Gluten Free Savory Buckwheat Breakfast Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Breakfast time! Recently I have been experimenting with different kinds of flours to give myself a boost of protein and a change in my carb routine. Try these easy make ahead - gluten free breakfast muffins. They are high in protein and give you a chance to change up your blah breakfast routine. <br />
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<br />
yeild - 1 dozen muffins<br />
Active Time: 20 minutes<br />
Total Time: 45 minutes<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups buckwheat flour</li>
<li>1 cup brown-rice flour</li>
<li>1 tablespoon baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 cups of milk (I used 2%)</li>
<li>1/3 cup of non-fat yogurt or non-fat sour cream</li>
<li>3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil</li>
<li>2 tablespoons butter, melted</li>
<li>1 cup thinly sliced scallions, (about 1 bunch)</li>
<li>3/4 cup diced Canadian bacon, (3 ounces)</li>
<li>1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1/4 of grated Zucchini </li>
<li>1/2 cup of chopped toasted almonds to top</li>
</ul>
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<b>What to do </b><br />
<ol itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<li>Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.</li>
<li>Combine buckwheat flour, brown-rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, pepper and salt in a large bowl.</li>
<li>Whisk eggs, milk, yogurt (or sour cream) oil and butter in a medium bowl. Fold in scallions, bacon, cheese and bell pepper. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula until just moistened. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan (the cups will be very full). Sprinkle Almonds to the tops each muffin.</li>
<li>Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges and turn the muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.</li>
</ol>
<span itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation"></span><br />
<b>Calories Per muffin:</b> <span itemprop="calories"> 217</span> calories; <span itemprop="fatContent"> 9 g</span> fat ( <span itemprop="saturatedFatContent"> 3 g</span> sat , <span itemprop="unsaturatedFatContent"> 4 g</span> mono ); <span itemprop="cholesterolContent"> 50 mg<span itemprop="carbohydrateContent"></span> carbohydrates; <span itemprop="proteinContent">9 g</span> protein; <span itemprop="fiberContent">14 g</span></span>. 5PP per muffin.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-91817849332000875942012-03-08T11:52:00.000-08:002012-03-08T11:54:11.169-08:00Summer (or anytime) Veggie Tian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I hosted a small dinner party for a group of friends. Being the ever health-conscious host I wanted a dish that looked impressive but feed my low cal veggie soul. Enter the veggie tian. Its low in calories, full of flavor, not to mention color and brings out oohs and ahhs from guest and guilt free conscious. This dish is also a lovely "fridge clearer" getting lots of veggies out of your fridge that maybe at the end of their lives. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTUSFCwh0YwLtkeymfjTO3yWTOdW78D6NBydxZMFJ7eA1dk3fTiCAi06JF3MwzpIrOxxfSQTNm1-7UBGvHDgetYsvL3uaETXzulhoGEo_zAzySC4ELTTK-Llju4-a7FJB27610w2bvUt2/s1600/Nikon_Camera-79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTUSFCwh0YwLtkeymfjTO3yWTOdW78D6NBydxZMFJ7eA1dk3fTiCAi06JF3MwzpIrOxxfSQTNm1-7UBGvHDgetYsvL3uaETXzulhoGEo_zAzySC4ELTTK-Llju4-a7FJB27610w2bvUt2/s400/Nikon_Camera-79.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<b>What you'll need: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 similarly sized Squash or Zucchini (i used yellow and green) cut in to 1/4″ slices</li>
<li>1 Large Tomato of simular width (about 1lb); cut in to 1/4″ slices</li>
<li>1 Fennel Bulb sliced into 1/4 slices </li>
<li>1 lb sweet potatoe; cut in to 1/4″ slices</li>
<li>4 cloves Garlic; finely minced</li>
<li>1 Onion; halved and thinly sliced (about 1/2 a cup)</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan Romano Cheese</li>
<li>2 tbs Olive Oil</li>
<li>Kosher Salt (to taste)</li>
<li>2 cloves of garlic </li>
<li>Fresh Herbs - whatever you like (finely cut - i used rosemary) </li>
<li>Some sort of casserole or pie pan (i used a pie pan) </li>
</ul>
<b>What to do:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°</li>
<li>Assemble sliced veggies and onions in a casserole dish, layering them in an alternating pattern if desired, or tossing them in helter-skelter style</li>
<li>Sprinkle veggies evenly with minced garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs, salt and pepper</li>
<li>Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender</li>
<li>Remove foil, and sprinkle with romano cheese</li>
<li>Place Tian under broiler until cheese is browned</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEoCMDC8oLygXKMzHDXneWixwtis9_DRDGfnvmmrs8KghYe3KwrE-nmnyQL-ltXlrns51eB0Gp_AGK-qD9ys3OVoxo3M5Ok4pncu7_WBJ0cvdYUU7UAP-EFa9Yptd7wGAzM5FlZQxpAD5/s1600/Nikon_Camera-81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEoCMDC8oLygXKMzHDXneWixwtis9_DRDGfnvmmrs8KghYe3KwrE-nmnyQL-ltXlrns51eB0Gp_AGK-qD9ys3OVoxo3M5Ok4pncu7_WBJ0cvdYUU7UAP-EFa9Yptd7wGAzM5FlZQxpAD5/s400/Nikon_Camera-81.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-69543393349364510992012-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:002012-02-16T12:40:59.120-08:00Workout Inspiration: The Top 10 Winter Workout SongsNeed a little musical inspiration to get you through your workouts? - head over to http://www.runhundred.com/ where you can find a variety of mixes that will keep your heart racing and your feet moving.<br />
<br />
Here is the RunHundred best workout songs for Winter<br />
<span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-tim" target="_blank">Tim Berg - Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) - 127 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/adrian-lux-teenage-crime-axwell-henrik-b-remode-128-bpm/" target="_blank"><span lang="zxx"></span></a><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-katy" target="_blank">Katy Perry - The One That Got Away - 135 BPM</a><br />
<a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/alex-gaudino-kelly-rowland-what-a-feeling-hardwell-remix-130-bpm/" target="_blank"><span lang="zxx"></span></a></span> <br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/alex-gaudino-kelly-rowland-what-a-feeling-hardwell-remix-130-bpm/" target="_blank"><span lang="zxx"></span></a></span><span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-alexandra" target="_blank">Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat (Maan Studio Remix) - 126 BPM</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-flo" target="_blank"><span lang="zxx"><u>Flo Rida - Good Feeling - 129 BPM</u></span></a><br />
</span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-wolfgang" target="_blank">Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am - Forever - 128 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-hot" target="_blank">Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) - 118 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-taio" target="_blank">Taio Cruz & Flo Rida - Hangover - 129 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-enrique" target="_blank">Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s - I Like How It Feels - 129 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-kaskade" target="_blank">Kaskade & Skrillex - Lick It - 128 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #000099;"> </span> <span style="color: #000099;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.runhundred.com/workout-music/win11-kelly" target="_blank">Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - 117 BPM</a></u></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>New App Will Work at your Pace</b><br />
What a great idea - an app that you can control the cadence of the music. Its like having a DJ following you around while you run/elliptical/bike. Check it out!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cadenceapp.com/">http://cadenceapp.com/</a><br />
<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uxZiCjaJZMo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3">
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<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">
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<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uxZiCjaJZMo&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="400" height="260"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-7612329605175885492012-02-07T12:47:00.000-08:002012-02-07T12:47:37.142-08:00Cooking Light & Getting Creative In the Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcDUJH9kf_OVUxwLQ43-Z7a0AemhpjIgj53nzDRGmEQa_rV_rOocaKCShDERFLUzrYSPcWG7oCjP4nOsQxpqpZeNbDdk47G14DWa2yQW8t9jR5hepm71yFFUtaeaoZfy3IIhVtW8cDcSH/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcDUJH9kf_OVUxwLQ43-Z7a0AemhpjIgj53nzDRGmEQa_rV_rOocaKCShDERFLUzrYSPcWG7oCjP4nOsQxpqpZeNbDdk47G14DWa2yQW8t9jR5hepm71yFFUtaeaoZfy3IIhVtW8cDcSH/s400/salad.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Cooking light is one of the keys to developing a healthy lifestyle. Healthy cooking is a crucial component in accomplishing any diet and fitness goal. Easier said that done right? Below are some healthy tips to lighten your meals, get more creative and feel more satisfied.<br />
<br />
<b>Switch it up Tapa's Style!</b> Cut back your portion, by using small plates and bowls. One trick for eating anything you like is to try tapas-style small plates, tastes and bites, as opposed to full-on meals. Not only will you feel satisfied faster, but you'll try new things, share food with friends. <br />
<br />
<b>Leave the scene!</b> Once you've served yourself in the kitchen, get out of it, and away from the family style buffet. You'll be able to track easier, and eat less. Just remember no one is going to take the food away from you so If you use a small plate and want to go back for seconds, go for it, just don't forget to track it.<br />
<br />
<b>Just add veggies! </b>Whether it's starting your meal with a salad, adding a side of roasted veggies, broccoli, zucchini or carrot to a main dish like pasta. Look at every recipe like a detective, asking yourself, "How can I add more veggies to this dish?" Add shredded vegetables like carrots and zucchini to dishes they can “hide” in, like spaghetti sauces. The vegetables will cook down and add extra fiber and nutrition to the dish. In the world of weight loss, fiber is a good thing because it adds bulk and helps keep hunger pangs at bay.You'll be surprised how much bulk your gaining in your dishes with out add bulk to your waistline.<br />
<br />
<b>Substitute! </b>Substitutions are one of the best ways to lighten any recipe. If it calls for sour cream, substitute plain nonfat Greek yogurt. It the recipe wants full-fat cheese, try a low-fat version, or cut the portion in half. Making something with white flour? Sub in whole-wheat flour, or rice flour. <br />
<br />
<b>Measure! </b>Always measure the oil you put in the pan with the appropriate tool. If the recipe calls for a tablespoon of oil, use a tablespoon to measure. If it calls for ¼ cup, use a measuring cup. One tablespoon of olive oil has 119 calories and 13.5g of fat. That’s not bad if you only use 1 – 2 tablespoons in a dish, but if you free pour oil it’s likely to double the oil the recipe requires. This can potentially add another 240 calories to your dish and 27g of fat!<br />
<br />
<b>Broths are your friend! </b>Sauté foods by using half the amount of fat called for in a recipe, then as the pan begins to dry, add a tablespoon or two of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Don’t add too much, or you will steam your food and not sauté it!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-31167672498087652302012-02-02T06:54:00.000-08:002012-02-02T06:54:28.807-08:00Flatbread with Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onions - only 3 PP per slice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRMPLQTRW8m4wi-KIFT9ZMPC4r86U2ULxftGqvhhQyqwtHdw5WaeaBWmI-DLlFaqtcQDF5P7DGetnLOdERQca1s5sSZ2vjha5tBIg_J4lDfqnc-rutZvbb-6zh1E5DuyUW0w3opYgIgg9/s1600/flatbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRMPLQTRW8m4wi-KIFT9ZMPC4r86U2ULxftGqvhhQyqwtHdw5WaeaBWmI-DLlFaqtcQDF5P7DGetnLOdERQca1s5sSZ2vjha5tBIg_J4lDfqnc-rutZvbb-6zh1E5DuyUW0w3opYgIgg9/s400/flatbread.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
I love pizza & I love flatbreads. But the caloric devastation of some of the dining out options leaves me steering clear from them. With a few tweaks i've made this recipe a must have. They're so easy, fast tasty and good. You can cut them into small pieces for a party or eat one on your own for dinner. Feel free to use less fancy ingredients to make its as kid friendly as you like. <br />
<br />
<br />
Flatbreads with Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions - (makes 2 flat breads or 1 medium pizza)<br />
<br />
5 sprays of olive oil<br />
1 red onion<br />
2 cloves of garlic<br />
1/4 of a cup of balsamic vinegar<br />
1 sprinkle of salt<br />
freshly ground pepper<br />
1 teaspoon splenda<br />
1 can reduced fat pillsbury crescent dough<br />
3 ounces goat cheese<br />
3 ounces of low fat mozzarella cheese<br />
(a splash of flour is great to dust the dough to keep it from sticking)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil, (for easy clean up) and spray with non-stick cooking spray.<br />
<br />
De-can your reduced fat pillsbury crescent dough and smash it into a ball. (This part needs a little elbow grease). Then roll the dough into either 2 smaller flatbreads or 1 larger pizza, be patient and dust with a little bit of flour if needed, this is the hardest part. Once dough is layed out, set it aside. <br />
<br />
Cut your onion into strips, and saute in a low pan with a light spray of olive oil, on medium. Once they become glossy add in your balsamic vinegar and splenda. Once your onions are nice and soft set them aside.<br />
<br />
Lighlty spray your pizza with a little bit of olive oil and add your garlic evenly around the center. Then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Spread the caramelized onions over the pizza and sprinkle the remainder of your mozzarella cheese, and goat cheese over the top<br />
<br />
Bake for 12-15 minutes and vioa la - flatbread time!<br />
<br />
6 slices<br />
Calories: 100 Per Slice<br />
WW PP: 3PP per sliceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-8288872522458148162012-01-31T09:21:00.000-08:002012-01-31T09:21:56.875-08:00New! WW Barcode Scanner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkQymUsZ-G-2QiiKysPGxbm1RKivVh2G_Su_HWABPRW15uWe7oPabpUCkBJgrbxdE_QcjoxSDtAS1PdcQcea7tMBakYYbUZ1pti3VuTNRzli5Mj_mA78hBm932LsIZgg8P4yrpQr08Hj8/s1600/weight-watchers-barcode-scanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkQymUsZ-G-2QiiKysPGxbm1RKivVh2G_Su_HWABPRW15uWe7oPabpUCkBJgrbxdE_QcjoxSDtAS1PdcQcea7tMBakYYbUZ1pti3VuTNRzli5Mj_mA78hBm932LsIZgg8P4yrpQr08Hj8/s1600/weight-watchers-barcode-scanner.jpg" /></a>No more excuses for tracking! WW has released a new app that allows you to scan your foods and it auto-tracks to your food tracker. How cool! You can now walk around the grocery store, scanning and comparing your Points Plus Values with all kinds of foods.<br />
<br />
<b>Here's how it works:</b> <a href="http://www.itsuxtobefat.com/reviews/weight-watchers-barcode-scanner-review.html">I think Jennifer from "It Sux To Be Fat" Explains it best:</a> All you have to do is be an e-tools subscriber or an online member
and it links with your e-tools so they can “talk!” Here’s how it works:<br />
<ul>
<li>Download the app from the app store.</li>
<li>Put in your e-tools subscriber information.</li>
<li>Load the app and automatically the barcode scanner pops up. You can
either scan the barcode off the product you are looking at or you can
enter the barcode manually. There is even a light button in case you
are somewhere dark.</li>
<li>It will vibrate to let you know the scan took and then it will
either give you a “Cha-ching” to let you know the product is in their
database or it will tell you the product was not found and ask if you
want to go to the calculator or continue scanning.</li>
<li>If the product is found successfully, it will pop up in the bottom of your screen.</li>
<li>Click on the product and it gives you all the information you need including serving size and how many points plus it is.</li>
<li>Then, just click add to tracker and keep on scanning.</li>
<li>When you finish, load the regular Weight Watchers app and all the items you scanned will be in your tracker already.</li>
</ul>
The app can also be used offline to compare previously scanned items,
access your personal shopping history and utilize the PointsPlus
calculator. The app is available for iOS and Android devices. <br />
Weight watchers just simplified our lives for food tracking in every way possible. Give it a try! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CEQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Fweight-watchers-barcode-scanner%2Fid487351352%3Fmt%3D8&ei=_VQYT_WuG7G70QHFtYnQCw&usg=AFQjCNFfy4_IzNpHdohO7NVieqiaO5ulHg&sig2=64JnpsLyKIY4kjw57yPA8Q">Get it for free in iTunes Store </a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-7474070916191363132012-01-19T11:42:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:42:37.280-08:00Fitbit ReviewSince Christmas, I wrote about the new tool I received called a fitbit (read about it <a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-year-new-tool.html">here</a>). Fitbit and I have been attached at the hip (literally), I wear it to work, bed, going out - and I talk about it to anyone who is willing to listen. I LOVE my fitbit.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nALywdTSUS4" width="360"></iframe><br />
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The Fitbit accurately has been tracking my physical activity, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and my overall sleep quality. The overall goal of the Fitbit is to make you more aware of your daily activity and promote you to live a more active lifestyle resulting in a healthier you, it certainly has. I now try to go for walks during lunch, take the stairs more often, and I get fired up at a zumba class to put in an extra jump or walk to get my steps up in a day. I'm not perfect everyday, but at least the fitbit reminds me how my body is doing, and takes away the "assumption" of activity and makes it worth it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzglb5UvREiyEseyVL_CZHyNwU8Lbf5lnUrU7jNL1UBlDkjUK9NOxnoiLNT1WzO2oxPlNAm2hsQumQyAk1gSrAxwaBjkPhCdh1sjGUPy8oyaQ3-WNOHm2BwXJlcFbltE-9SVcD74G2_jHy/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.44.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzglb5UvREiyEseyVL_CZHyNwU8Lbf5lnUrU7jNL1UBlDkjUK9NOxnoiLNT1WzO2oxPlNAm2hsQumQyAk1gSrAxwaBjkPhCdh1sjGUPy8oyaQ3-WNOHm2BwXJlcFbltE-9SVcD74G2_jHy/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.44.16+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 30 Days With Fitbit, Tracking and Graphing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Tracking: </b>One of my favorite parts of the fitbit, is the website/app food tracking. While tracking on the fitbit and the weight watchers site can be a bit of a pain, the wonderful thing is it creates graphs in real time about my imput vs output in food intake. If i've been working out - I really try up my food intake, and the same if i've been more sedentary during the day. Your intake allotment will also increase with your activity, meaning the more active I am in a day to more I can eat.<br />
<br />
<b>Setting Goals </b>The fitbit system also allows you to make goals for yourself. If you want to loose 20lbs by summer, the fitbit system will tell you how many calories you need to take-in & burn during the day. Then it will plot your progress onto a graph to track your progress. This along with my WW points plus plan really helps me stay motivated and on track. For example: While WW counts a banana as free, fitbit doesn't you've now added 118calories to your count. This basically means I pay more attention to what i'm eating even though they maybe "free", it also means not all calories are created equal. I will reach for a banana over an equal amount of chips, because of the fiber and sodium differences.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0lXcwbvjd4-DtUnsCggnDF612bs1SvIAlfQdImiTg39NVY4HPr9VXQmRLH_j63qs54vh29q_C8FscZg9jxYjfNitY47WGMM8ag6pO-VpRgbnBJOinzcq2sb-rL1J50R-pOsjjr6e7fEx/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.52.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0lXcwbvjd4-DtUnsCggnDF612bs1SvIAlfQdImiTg39NVY4HPr9VXQmRLH_j63qs54vh29q_C8FscZg9jxYjfNitY47WGMM8ag6pO-VpRgbnBJOinzcq2sb-rL1J50R-pOsjjr6e7fEx/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.52.36+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting Goals, the fit bit will self adjust my calorie amount with how active i'm being.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Weekly Progress Reports </b>- Your week resets on Sunday night (you can control this) and seemingly it feels like all of you hard work and data has reset and disappeared. However - fitbit emails you a weekly progress report with a a tally of all of your calories, weight-loss, steps taken, floors climbed, etc. They also will share with you the badges you have earned, and how you compare to yourself (or your friends). <b><br /></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMEn0297dS31on_gHHhNsfQSTqlmlVIs8HZTtavEFMVCZxGK2HNo60vVSG_GIOVCIYcMfHVCSPDW0qzApL1hGi8v9K5uKkNKQmyLuKO7vGvOXHfb8LVz8oJxPu9lYD6NUmN0AsqkVWPZp/s1600/FitbitWeekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMEn0297dS31on_gHHhNsfQSTqlmlVIs8HZTtavEFMVCZxGK2HNo60vVSG_GIOVCIYcMfHVCSPDW0qzApL1hGi8v9K5uKkNKQmyLuKO7vGvOXHfb8LVz8oJxPu9lYD6NUmN0AsqkVWPZp/s400/FitbitWeekly.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weekly progress report for 01/09 - 01/15 (i've hidden my weight)</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Getting More Sleep - </b> The "bonus" feature to me, is about the amount and quality of rest I get each night. I've had sleep issues for years, and just learned to live with being a little sleepy and relying on coffee and sugar free red bulls to get me through a long day. But actually seeing my sleep reports, and learning how much sleep I was really getting was jarring. I vowed to work on getting more sleep during the week. I went to bed earlier, and gave myself a chance to "settle down" with a book or a glass of water before bed. If I really feel like I cant go to sleep I will take a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin">melatonin supplement</a> and gradually send myself to sleep-land. Overall I feel like the quality of sleep I get is better, I'm tossing and turning less, and I can see patterns of disruption in my sleep (wine disrupting your sleep? unfortunate but true) and I have more energy during the day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zkI5W1-Z4VC7ikF-0oKGfpk7vSvWeyin0VMzLMcZQ07DWRKMHi7fklN6veolpQj2VtGEjNtpLPgPaame1TKooEiyb4Zg_tNR-zlLPBU9_MTcmNlvbGVVw13jkiGcolu1a8DD2SFi6rJU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.51.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zkI5W1-Z4VC7ikF-0oKGfpk7vSvWeyin0VMzLMcZQ07DWRKMHi7fklN6veolpQj2VtGEjNtpLPgPaame1TKooEiyb4Zg_tNR-zlLPBU9_MTcmNlvbGVVw13jkiGcolu1a8DD2SFi6rJU/s320/Screen+shot+2012-01-18+at+2.51.06+PM.png" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did'nt think sleep was so important until I realized<br />
I was'nt getting enough and it was affecting my weight loss goals!</td></tr>
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In conclusion - get one! Or at least sign up for free tracking on their website (you will have to do things manually, but you still get all of the great graphs. What the fitbit really does is it helps me get an overall better picture of my health and activity. Its hard data, that shows a direct relationship to input and output. I can look at it through out the day and feel motivated, get the real time ability to make adjustments to my calorie intake as the day progresses. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-76610788487220271642012-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:002012-01-18T11:28:24.145-08:00My Stubborn Payoff - DOWN 4.8lbs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Bokwx7sCS-DdqBNVqCodgKaqOX_TdXBoaKhrFroBZsC5MHdazNrEMN7n1HDwJZDugwVD9SuUEz-pOq_qVZSK9ftwVlAQLLoWnHJC_pQQxeydCE9oUAEbcveRDremB6GNcXEw0sVrEz0/s1600/156148312049877651_6lrn7l6a_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2Bokwx7sCS-DdqBNVqCodgKaqOX_TdXBoaKhrFroBZsC5MHdazNrEMN7n1HDwJZDugwVD9SuUEz-pOq_qVZSK9ftwVlAQLLoWnHJC_pQQxeydCE9oUAEbcveRDremB6GNcXEw0sVrEz0/s400/156148312049877651_6lrn7l6a_c.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
For some of you, being stubborn is part of your nature. When it comes weight-loss it certainly wasn't part of mine. I used to hit a plateau and give up - then gain double the weight back. Finally I was stubborn - and stuck to it and when I weighed in today I lost<b> 4.8lbs!!!!</b><br />
<br />
<b>The Plateau</b>- If you've been reading my blog for the past few weeks you will notice i've been stubbornly struggling through a plateau. I tried everything, eating more, eating less, tracking, crying, working out more, working out less, when finally I hit a wall and said to myself - "You are doing everything right, your body will catch up with your head - just keep it up."<br />
<br />
With a little bit of self-reflection in "<a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2012/01/breaking-my-rules-paying-price.html?utm_source=BP_recent">Breaking My Rules & Paying the Price</a>" I put my mouth where my words were and got more sleep, drank more water, and watched my alcohol intake. That does'nt mean I did'nt drink, eat and have fun, I did - I just had more water in between. Kept my workouts going and did'nt give up on myself.<br />
<br />
<b>STICK WITH IT & meet Dr. Google! - </b>When I hit this plateau I went into researcher/detective mode, trying to uncover all of the things that i've been doing wrong in my diet. I felt very alone - then I read this article in <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/lose-those-last-10-pounds-of-stubborn-weight">Women's Health Magazine</a><br />
<br />
"It's tempting to change tactics completely. But busting through a weight-loss plateau is all about tweaking the diet you're on, not launching a whole new one. When Tufts University researchers recently tested the effectiveness of four different weight-loss plans on 160 people, they found that the diet didn't matter so much as your ability to <b>stick with it</b>. Of the 25 percent who lasted a year, all lost at least 5 percent of their total body weight..."<br />
<br />
Finding help in "Dr. Google" can really help you stick to your diet plan, because you realize your not alone - even if you feel your doing everything right and its not working. In every weight-loss chat room, blog or food tracker site you will find people chatting away about plateaus.<br />
<br />
Ultimately - What I learned in my research is weightloss is 80 percent diet and 20 percent sweat, and 10% - (to give it an extra 110%) perseverance. <br />
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<b>Spending "quality" time with carbs. </b>I love pasta, bread, rice, flour, beans, sugar - basically I have never met a carbohydrate I did'nt <strike>like</strike> LOVE. The only other diet plan I had ever tried with any success was the Akins diet. I lost around 60lbs and banned my love for food, it then gave me a complex about eating, then made me gain weight back the minute I ate one morsel of sugar.<br />
<br />
The truth is, if your physically active - you need carbohydrates to sustain your energy levels, and you need protein to build muscle. Its not so much about what carbohydrates your eating as WHEN your eating them. I stick to whole grains, and brown rice, but instead of loading them after a work out - I eat them for breakfast or lunch to turn that sugar into energy to pull through my evening workouts. Then at night I load up on lots of veggies (meet my new friend <a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2012/01/craving-french-fries-try-kale-chips.html?utm_source=BP_recent">kale chips</a>) and lean protein such as chicken, lean cuts of steak and lean cuts of pork chops. <br />
<br />
If I do an early morning workout on the weekends, I will end that workout with a 3 egg white omelet, with feta cheese, tomatoes, and spinach. I'll also pair that with some pumpernickel/rye or wheat toast, for a lean protein boost, with complex carbohydrates to pull me through the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
<b>Drinking more water - read what you write. </b>I started this blog to not only share my struggles, but also to share what works. In my post - <a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-water-please.html">more water please</a> I had plenty to say about drinking loads of water and seeing the benefits - "drinking water has lots of benefits. Clear skin, weight-loss, a clear knowledge of fullness (a great thing when you like to nibble on snacks when you think your hungry but in reality your really thirsty)." After re-reading this entry, I upped my water intake threefold. I realize I'm less hungry, I feel better, and yes my skin is clearer.<br />
<br />
Being stubborn through a plateau is not easy. In fact it is the hardest emotional portion of my weightloss journey. But i'm learning, if I practice to what I preach and stick to the plan.<br />
<u>I</u><u> will change my life</u> - for the better. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-45242407163685737052012-01-17T13:58:00.000-08:002012-01-17T13:58:08.998-08:00Craving French Fries??? Try Kale chips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>They rock!!!</u></b> I put a bit of kosher on them to make them kind of salty like fries/chips. They really were like thin potato chips! You can also sprinkle a little bit of wasbi powder or parmesan cheese on them to make them even more delightful. Once you eat these you'll want to eat then entire bag, and you can! - at only 155Calories for the entire pan you can have your chips and eat them to. Best of all - <b>Its easy, healthy, yummy and <u>fast</u>.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuzHT69uKF_IQ6uNOwha06be5Kg0T1Nd5ML61Ewl-hZEPRCtv160BtKLSix7ytnYD4fttQljdpBz5sQ9JintdvE3PHO02gEeNwXRYpUv2BcpLBApA6kz27puXP3dZMRzmSKxkBMIrXEBv/s1600/kale_chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuzHT69uKF_IQ6uNOwha06be5Kg0T1Nd5ML61Ewl-hZEPRCtv160BtKLSix7ytnYD4fttQljdpBz5sQ9JintdvE3PHO02gEeNwXRYpUv2BcpLBApA6kz27puXP3dZMRzmSKxkBMIrXEBv/s400/kale_chips.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Preheat oven to about 375*<br />
<br />
-4 Cups of Kale (which was a stuffed grocery store veggie bag). Tear the leaves off the thick stems into bite size pieces. Spread onto cookie sheets<br />
- Spray with Pam cooking spray, about 5-7 sprays to lightly<br />
- Sprinkle with kosher salt.<br />
<br />
Bake for about 12/15 minutes, until edges are brown and kale is crispy when moved in pan.<br />
<i>Optional: </i>Sprinkle with Parmesan, Asiago, wasabi or your seasonings of choice.<br />
<br />
Servings: 4 at 1PP/ or 39 Calories for the lightly salted version ( it would go up if you added parmesan or asiago)<br />
<br />
If your like me and you love these, you can eat the ENTIRE pan of these chips, (and you will want to) it's only 5PP or 155Calories.<br />
<br />
If you craving a salty snack, give these a try, you wont regret it. Enjoy! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-77141876824581701262012-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:002012-01-13T11:46:14.874-08:00Breaking My Rules & Paying the PriceTime for a reality check : Am I REALLY doing everything that I could be doing to break the weight loss plateau & slump i've been in for the last few weeks. I'm working out more, tracking everything I eat, but to no avail, the scale is'nt budging. So I thought I would get honest with myself (and my readers), and pick apart the things that could be self-sabotaging.<br />
<br />
<b>“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”</b> <br />When I come home from work, or the gym - I whip open the fridge and fill myself with the contents of it. While yes its mostly veggies, fruit, and healthy snacks. The key to healthy living and weight loss is to fuel your body with food during the day, starting with breakfast and have a lighter dinner. This week i'm going to focus on “protein and produce” at dinner. Swapping my light lunch salad or soup for a light lunch salad or soup for dinner. This should also help fuel my evening workouts with a boost of carbs and proteins from lunch. <br />
<br />
<strong>Controlling Alcohol Intake</strong> – This is so hard! I've given up drinking for the weekends but its also the number 1 behavior I see in myself when the scale sits at a stand still. When I think about weekends, with friends I can take in 2-5 drinks on a Friday or Saturday night. That adds up to over 800 extra calories that i'm not getting from food. This week, we are going to limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks twice a week.<br />
<br />
<strong>Getting More Beauty Sleep.</strong> According to researchers at Stanford, people with short sleep (5 hours a
night) have reduced leptin (thin hormone) and elevated ghrelin (hunger
hormone). Based on what the hormones do in the body, the researchers
claimed the differences in leptin and ghrelin are likely to increase
appetite, possibly explaining the increased BMI observed with short sleep duration.<strong> </strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong>Sleep allows you to recover from your workouts. Which means you have to get sleep if you want to lose weight. With my new fitbit (<a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-year-new-tool.html">click here to learn more about it</a>) i've been able to track my sleep patterns into some sleek sleep graphs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnlsz1wHZ5pewKKMNwkq0Tr0XIafRs1NPYSZz4jhVFtbRRPyxOmMG6IDi1f6KTEJEvMvQILiRG80XPtp21c1ymNtDQpAubVbSFXqLgfozq_BkUFzEZbSAZbyYCzYciJo_aL3hDkSujvTz/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-13+at+2.34.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnlsz1wHZ5pewKKMNwkq0Tr0XIafRs1NPYSZz4jhVFtbRRPyxOmMG6IDi1f6KTEJEvMvQILiRG80XPtp21c1ymNtDQpAubVbSFXqLgfozq_BkUFzEZbSAZbyYCzYciJo_aL3hDkSujvTz/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-13+at+2.34.25+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
From these graphs i'm learning that I average 6hours and 34mins of sleep at night. For my age, it is recommended that i get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night, and i get 26 min less of sleep a night. Another interesting fact is to see how sleep effects your sleep cycle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO6rZ9gfI2M9LK3toDvOH1altlyhnEF2NvPbzj3bhSMO_aDNtVWF5hm2njGQE3kjZ4HvbqOizoxBXtD8bc5lMJsb6Vz1x2YIBQjwin463g_15co6uWVe0i5LFqXk2szSTobA8q-Cqdpuq/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-01-13+at+2.36.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO6rZ9gfI2M9LK3toDvOH1altlyhnEF2NvPbzj3bhSMO_aDNtVWF5hm2njGQE3kjZ4HvbqOizoxBXtD8bc5lMJsb6Vz1x2YIBQjwin463g_15co6uWVe0i5LFqXk2szSTobA8q-Cqdpuq/s400/Screen+shot+2012-01-13+at+2.36.36+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
See Sunday night, when I went out with some friends, for a little "girls night out" . We had been drinking, and while it only took me 5 minutes to fall asleep, I tossed and turned and "awakened" 11 times that night and only got 5 hours of sleep, on a weekend! Ouch, its time for bed!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-27805357739656715202012-01-05T11:08:00.000-08:002012-01-09T08:02:20.568-08:00One-Pot Spicy Chicken Peanut Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDgW17a_ls2Cf67a9Cu87wFSIRL47RfKb6wipmZcSmiNfSDDBJvhcADJCJJou5ffF8LuPtn3N9RuOZb1F_KhczaPmKwOvRrRdDny8WSoeFGrjV7dyLO7s98BvvwL4aea4g-WGDgamASNT/s1600/chickpeanutsoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDgW17a_ls2Cf67a9Cu87wFSIRL47RfKb6wipmZcSmiNfSDDBJvhcADJCJJou5ffF8LuPtn3N9RuOZb1F_KhczaPmKwOvRrRdDny8WSoeFGrjV7dyLO7s98BvvwL4aea4g-WGDgamASNT/s400/chickpeanutsoup.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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This is my new favorite winter soup. Easy to make, PACKED with lean protein, low in calories (only 5ppl per serving, about 200 calories for 2 cups) and a <u>quick</u> 1 pot wonder! This is also a great "fridge clearer" because you can use the base of this recipe (chickpeas, peanut butter, red pepper flakes, and chicken/vegetable stock) and add any combination of veggies to get your own unique and delicious results. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>What you will need: </b><br />
<ul class="bulletList" id="postIngredients2424">
<li class="ingredient">1 tbsp olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup yellow onion, chopped</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 (4-8 oz) chicken breast, diced</li>
<li class="ingredient">1½ tsp cumin</li>
<li class="ingredient">1½ tsp red pepper chili flakes</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 tsp paprika</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 1/2 tsp of <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com/">PB2</a> or ¼ cup natural peanut butter </li>
<li class="ingredient">15.5 oz can chickpeas</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 cups chicken or vegetable broth </li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup grape tomatoes</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 cup of shredded cabbage</li>
<li class="ingredient">2 cups chopped spinach</li>
<li class="ingredient">salt to taste</li>
<li class="ingredient">pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<b>What your doing:</b><br />
<ol>
<li> Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot on medium-high heat</li>
<li> Add garlic and onions and sauté for about 30-60 seconds</li>
<li> Add chicken and sauté about 5 minutes more, until chicken is cooked and onions soft</li>
<li> Stir in coriander, red pepper chili flakes and cumin</li>
<li> To a food processor, add PB2 and about 15-20 of the canned chickpeas with about a tablespoon of the chickpea can juice(reserving the remaining chickpeas). Add the chicken broth in two stages, and blend until desired consistency</li>
<li> Add the peanut butter/broth mixture to the pot of simmering onions, garlic and chicken</li>
<li> Add remaining chickpeas, cabbage, the grape tomatoes and simmer (low boil) for about 5 minutes</li>
<li> Stir in the spinach. Check flavor and add salt and pepper to taste (if needed). Once spinach has wilted, about 30 seconds, the soup is ready to serve</li>
</ol>
See my recipe inspiration on how2heroes! http://how2heroes.com/videos/soups-sauces/one-pot-chicken-peanut-soupAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-16443280437489664472012-01-02T12:12:00.001-08:002012-01-05T10:27:37.588-08:002012 Inspiration<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="redstripe" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f0RWXnFxK3jg3C-zRWqU81OORg9YoMU-IfhDDw-zZxWcPd9niQSqYerMXoyj5kP55dAdYHGv6VztrgftEUlOSjFNde6IzOHT1RVLaV4AnAL0zoSsWryHV_ycFPPObyRZ6uaM0QzNBD9K/s1600/thediffayearmakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2f0RWXnFxK3jg3C-zRWqU81OORg9YoMU-IfhDDw-zZxWcPd9niQSqYerMXoyj5kP55dAdYHGv6VztrgftEUlOSjFNde6IzOHT1RVLaV4AnAL0zoSsWryHV_ycFPPObyRZ6uaM0QzNBD9K/s400/thediffayearmakes.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Difference a Year Makes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(on the left: New Years Eve 2011 - on the right New Years Eve 2012)</span></td></tr>
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Its a New Year! Which means - Resolution Time! If you are a member of a weight-loss program and you already work out, these next few "resolution months" make for a busy new year. In honor of the excitement of new people into the gym and on program, I thought I would feed off of some of their excited weight loss energy, and share some inspiration to kick this new year off right. <br />
<br />
<b>Looking Back to Look Forward</b><br />
I've never taken two photos of myself (see above, before and after) and really looked at them side by side. Since New Years 2011 gave me the motivation to start loosing weight . I thought I would put a before and after next to each other to put my weight loss into perspective. Wow what a difference a year makes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjLcyEcpGpSMDVVs5i8LrkRvQ39rQpnbNQYlVFi-cmuErE4652dZHEyzuDj9o_IkBYVaO8VAvLd8V5cB_FQsjYkZkBznOnyD5ztW_EjskjIGvWVYr8VJe-7pA2ifum00jJBH8hnc9zvLK/s1600/pick-yourself-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjLcyEcpGpSMDVVs5i8LrkRvQ39rQpnbNQYlVFi-cmuErE4652dZHEyzuDj9o_IkBYVaO8VAvLd8V5cB_FQsjYkZkBznOnyD5ztW_EjskjIGvWVYr8VJe-7pA2ifum00jJBH8hnc9zvLK/s400/pick-yourself-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>A Dose of My Own Medicine</b><br />
Part of writing this blog for me is a reflection of the choices I have made that have worked and what has not. In my post "<a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2011/10/when-going-extreme-doesnt-result-in.html">When Going Extreeme Does'nt Result in a Loss</a>," I wrote about how emotionally tolling a vigorous workout and food schedule can take a toll on your emotions when you don't see your hard work pay off on the scale. Having just experienced another week of 0.0 weight loss on the scale, and earning 90 - YES 90 activity points, and staying at least 2-3 points under my daily target, everyday. I'm taking a dose of my own medicine and learning from my mistakes. Again.<br />
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Upping my Caloric intake along with my fitness regimen should hopefully turn my metabolism around. But most importantly I need to find what works for me and my body.<br />
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<b>Small Goals to Get Big Results.</b><br />
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<u>Fitness Goal</u><br />
I recently received a <a href="http://rockedit.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-year-new-tool.html">fitbit (read about it here)</a>, and decided to set myself a weekly goal of 10,000 steps a day and 70,000 steps a week. Doing Zumba weekly and also enjoying hip hop classes and other forms of exercise. <br />
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<u>Date Goal</u>: <i>The Skinny Valentine </i>- i'm looking to loose 10lbs by Feb 14th! This is going to be a challenge as i've noticed i've hit a plateau lately. I've worked hard to loose 2.8lbs over the holiday season. While its in the right direction - its not enough to help me hit my goals. <br />
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<u>Community:</u> Meetings are an excellent way to check in with other people who can relate to your weight loss journey. If your like me, once a week is a great way to say hello and set myself up with a weekly goal and reality check. However there is an entire community of bloggers, youtube-ers, and social networks to help you through this weight-journey. Below are a few links that I find helpful: <br />
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<a href="http://www.itsuxtobefat.com/">http://www.itsuxtobefat.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://theantijared.com/">http://theantijared.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dashingdish.com/">http://www.dashingdish.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sherylyvette.com/">http://www.sherylyvette.com/</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-11922820596903561142011-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:002011-12-27T09:17:42.630-08:00A New Year & A New Tool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://fitbit.com/">FitBit</a> is a tiny semi-permanent companion that’s meant to track your every step, calorie, activity and even your sleep. I've been virtually stalking the <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> since they came onto the market in beta phase around 2007. I love tech-geeky gadgets and it's even better if they come with statistics and charts and graphs. I debated with myself… it was expensive, at $100 for the fancy tracker, so I waited and talked about it for 2 Christmases and low and behold It was gifted to me. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lxheM1qeJ3nkHu0QS_1cE5xLJk-ezphYdJ5qxwt07pHvM43AgdTHPJD9ALkL6eAVbzXKzgKemUMqDSgFcUM0MU4wjPPTx2IU48GkC2uDcmDcxIXv5oW6Iry99sVJLhvpfpcMz-4hZJsY/s1600/01-500x299.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lxheM1qeJ3nkHu0QS_1cE5xLJk-ezphYdJ5qxwt07pHvM43AgdTHPJD9ALkL6eAVbzXKzgKemUMqDSgFcUM0MU4wjPPTx2IU48GkC2uDcmDcxIXv5oW6Iry99sVJLhvpfpcMz-4hZJsY/s320/01-500x299.jpg" width="320" /></a>The device itself has little to see it’s a featureless clip that you attach to your clothing. It has ONE button. Which you press to rotate between steps taken, calories burned, distance walked, flights of stairs taken, the current time, and your overall daily activity as evidenced by a flower of varying length. It’s cute and dead simple. There is no confusion. <br /><br />Originally part of my hesitation on the device was that I was tracking but I didn't understand much of what calorie counting meant. The pretty charts and graphs that site gave me did'nt mean much to me. That is until I joined the WW Points Plus program and learned that tracking your both your food and activity points lead to big losses on the scale. <br /><br />Since i'm already tracking my food and activity points, with WW - using the <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> tracker in conjunction is second nature. While it is a pain to have to enter my stats in two places, i find that the <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> gives me tighter tracking on the kinds of activity and sedentary moments I have through out the day. This allows me to see what i'm eating and at what time of day? Am I eating because i'm bored, am I hungry and crabby after a work out (the answer is yes). What are my sugar spikes and falls throughout the day. Does this make me eat food differently. Also, the fitbit has a sleep tracker, which actually calculates the amount of movement you do in your sleep. This also, is allowing me to think about my movements thoughout the day - and set goals towards calories burned vs. calorie intake.<br /><br />You maybe thinking SO WHAT? Using a <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> allows you to know when your tired, and hungry. <br /><br />Its more then that. Using a <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> in conjunction to fitness monitoring is helping me make more rational and less emotional food choices throughout the day. They also have a great interface for adding foods and seeing your caloric intake, and encourage you to make goals for yourself and hit them. Also realize i'm competitive and I love a challenge and the <a href="http://fitbit.com/">fitbit</a> allows me to set and see my stats in one pretty long running graph to help me reach my goals.<br /><br />There’s something surreal and interestingly futuristic about the whole experience. You might be saying that you already have a pedometer, or that your phone can track a lot of this information. But at this level of detail, reliability and great interface in the forefront, there is nothing on the market that compares.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-85135362587510529382011-12-16T09:46:00.000-08:002011-12-16T09:47:19.346-08:00Rum Spiced Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJR10E_b0BxcjTlosL4UzKiDpFLe_ywcJTX4FDJcfoFRHm554Uil98V6fO0Xfxd70qGRQkA6kf2ZkX951_dXCOgITHC-HmwDmVy9y05T6f8ULrHMyzbzH-3j5loM4SBTcq16Ngy1e1-d3/s1600/Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJR10E_b0BxcjTlosL4UzKiDpFLe_ywcJTX4FDJcfoFRHm554Uil98V6fO0Xfxd70qGRQkA6kf2ZkX951_dXCOgITHC-HmwDmVy9y05T6f8ULrHMyzbzH-3j5loM4SBTcq16Ngy1e1-d3/s400/Cupcakes.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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These special little cupcakes taste sooo good and are guilt free! Finally eat an entire cupcake frosting included for only 3pp or 115 calories. I was inspired by all of the wonderful delights from Dashing Dish and this cupcake is the fantastic base for many flavors. With a few sprinkles of my own creativity this cupcake was a hit several holiday parties.<br />
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Inspired by Dashing Dish <a href="http://www.dashingdish.com/2011/12/1st-day-of-christmas-egg-nog-cupcakes/">Egg Nogg Cupcakes</a><br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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For the Cupcakes:<br />
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2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 cup of sugar substitute (I used Splenda) <br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
5 egg beaters whites<br />
1/3 cup plain fat free greek yogart<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 1/2 tbs rum extract<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla extract <br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/2 tsp of orange zest <br />
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Frosting:<br />
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1 cup cold fat free milk (or milk alternative)<br />
1 small package sugar free vanilla pudding mix<br />
1 (8oz) container fat free cool whip <br />
1/2 tbs rum extract<br />
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a pinch of nutmeg)<br />
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<i>And cinnamon for dusting!</i><br />
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Method:<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 2 (12 count) muffin tins with cupcake liners, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.<br />
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2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the cake, and whisk until batter is smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the 24 muffin tins. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.<br />
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3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix until smooth. Fold in cool whip, rum extract, and nutmeg. Chill frosting in the fridge until the cupcakes are completely cooled, and ready to be frosted.<br />
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4. When cupcakes are ready to frost, place whipped frosting in a large ziplock bag. Cut the tip off a corner of the bag, and squeeze frosting down to the cut corner. Squeeze frosting out while making a swirling/upward motion and lift at the peak! Dust with cinnamon if desired. Store cupcakes in fridge until ready to serve. <br />
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Servings: 24 cupcakes<br />
Calories: 115 calories per cupcake (includes frosting!)<br />
Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 3 pp per cupcakeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-77674915831716090432011-12-09T10:48:00.001-08:002011-12-15T07:29:32.162-08:00Beautiful Slimming (and Bra Friendly Tops)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If your like me - you love your jeans, but changing up your tops can be a daunting task. You want to look professional, unique, chic, and most of all comfortable. Besides going with a basic t-shirt EVERY-day here are some beautiful tops to accompany your denim (or any bottom really) that are slimming, chic, and bra-friendly!<br />
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Use these tops as inspiration for shapes and colors, while remembering a few of these basic rules.<br />
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<b>Neckline</b> - having an interesting neckline draws attention towards your face. Some of the best shapes for slimming include, v-neck, crew neck, or a scoop neck. These shirts also can bring you from the office to the evening. <br />
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<b>Color</b> - Keeping a monochromatic color palette helps gives the appearance of a slimmer figure by not focusing the eye on a wide stripe or busy print. Adding a skinny belt or having a shirt that color blocks vertically (like row 1, top 3) is slimming and sexy. Use accessories, like a skinny belt to make these tops work hard for your wardrobe and give each outfit more versatility. <br />
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<b>Mind Your Waist Line</b> - Your waist is the thinnest part of your mid-section, by finding a top that cinches in towards the center of your waist gives a sexy hour glass figure and also a wonderful girlie touch. Don't have a waist line? Fake it! - adding a ribbon or a skinny belt to your waist just above your belly button, will take a flowy top in and also make your waistline look long and lean. Do you have a short waist? Look for a slightly longer top with a lower flair, this will elongate your waistline and draw attention to long legs. <br />
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1st Row (from the left)<br />
1. <a href="http://www.aliceandolivia.com/mayra-silk-sleeveless-top-with-belt.html">Mayra Silk Sleeveless Top With Belt</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.brownsfashion.com/Product/Women/Women/Clothing/Knitwear/Gathered_cashmere-silk_tank_top/Product.aspx?p=3397391">Nina Ricci Gathered Cashmere-Silk Tank Top</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/307343/Product.aspx?siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-9IJdFSSh_JWYj7wu0Y6MYg&source=60567">John Lewis, Oasis Colour Block Ponte Top, Black/White</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.julesb.co.uk/womenswear-2/knitwear-23/milly-beaded-shell-top-363210.htm??">Milly Beaded Shell Top</a><br />
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2nd Row (from the left)<br />
1. <a href="http://www.cureuk.com//shop-Ladies-Vivienne-Westwood-Anglomania-14/Marghi-Blouse-2002-104-in-Red-14">Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - Marghi Blouse</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c6181/6742/moreviews/">Mullbery Pleat Front Top</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/tops/maxmara-MAX-C-FOLCO-tops-BLUE/54767?qxjkl=tsid:30065%7Ccat:Hy3bqNL2jtQ">Matches-MAXMARA - Folco Top</a><a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/fcp/product/Matches-Fashion/tops/maxmara-MAX-C-FOLCO-tops-BLUE/54767?qxjkl=tsid:30065%7Ccat:Hy3bqNL2jtQ"></a><br />
4. <a href="http://us.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=34072&storeId=13065&productId=3633507&langId=-1&_$ja=tsid:34094%7Cprd:Hy3bqNL2jtQ&cmpid=aff_ls_us&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-3yetFlNjpoJTQKWkosFQRg">Dorothy Perkins - Magenta pleat top</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-90110653197145050802011-12-09T08:06:00.001-08:002011-12-09T08:06:50.097-08:00Puff Pastry HeroI've been featured on how2heroes!<br />
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Being seasonally appropriate I made puff pastry swans, as a lovely light dessert, for the wonderful cooking website how2heroes. It was such an honor to be featured on the homepage as well as in their <a href="http://how2heroes.com/newsletters/2011-12-08_christmas_dishes/">12 dishes to christmas newsletter</a>. You can also view my bio video here: http://how2heroes.com/videos/profiles/about-amber-wilkins.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.how2heroes.com/">www.how2heroes.com</a> and enjoy many dishes accompanied by full recipes and videos of chef's and home cooks making delicious meals.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-50921725832035630432011-12-08T13:45:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:56:26.990-08:00Mocktail Cocktail Time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a -0ape54fgdda="" 1"="" 3.bp.blogspot.com="" 330110_9506.jpg"="" aaaaaaaafpo="" b5sof1vq8fk="" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7091003290374673572" http:="" imageanchor=" href=" s1600="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" tt_gssgmlci=""><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYtiJfjpoQuzPBbXbhLOyl2rtpBZVDNZAVAs0f5WnfGRzRqvzMnDAKrhj-bRf3XgNyq_rYI0mocH5d0JvJ4U130a4TEOAsoVzjl4ijq6yTHdGV71Iq2lAjdI5LHMyDqTamG3jfjFtQjC_/s320/330110_9506.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you know me - you know I love a yummy cocktail. In fact we collect vintage cocktail shakers, and are constantly thumbing through vintage books and looking for wicked way to make delicious concoctions. However those yummy drinks come with a price - a high calorie - easy to gain - price. <br />
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During the holiday season, it can be easy to avoid an extra dessert, or a second helping of mashed potatoes, but what about an extra glass of wine or champagne? Instead of giving up your glass and feeling like an outcast, I propose you mix in a mocktail, between your cocktails. You will still feel very much a part of the party, yet you'll consume half the calories and less guilt, and avoid a hang-over! <br />
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Mocktails- <br />
<b>1. Mocktini</b> – Add 3 ounces of diet tonic water, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass. PP Count: 0, Calories (virtually 0!)<br />
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<b>2. Coconut Cooler</b> – In a cocktail shaker add 4 fl oz of organic light coconut milk and 4 fl oz of fresh lime juice and shake well. Pour into a glass with ice and top off with sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Calorie Count: 122 calories. PP Count: 1<br />
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<b>3. Cape Cod </b>– Combine 8 fl oz of 100% organic cranberry juice and 4 fl oz fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a tall glass and garnish with a slice of lime. Calorie Count: 112 calories. PP Count: 1<br />
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<b>4. The Caribbean</b> – In a blender add 1/4 banana, 1/4 mango, the juice of an orange and a squeeze of lime. Blend well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Calorie Count: 170 calories. PP Count: 2<br />
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<b>5. Pomegranate Princess</b> – In a cocktail shaker add 2 fl oz pomegranate juice, 2 ½ fl oz grapefruit juice, 1 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey (dissolved in a little hot water). Shake well and garnish with mint sprigs. Calorie Count: 163 calories. PP Count: 2<br />
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<b>6. Grape Juice Mimosa</b> – Fill half a champagne flute with freshly squeezed orange juice and top with sparkling white grape juice. Calorie Count: approximately 130 calories. PP Count: 1<br />
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<b>7. Sparkling Mango</b> – Pour 2 fl oz of high quality 100% mango juice into a champagne flute and top off with diet tonic water. Garnish with a slice of mango. Calorie Count: 37 calories. PP Count: 0<br />
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<b>8. Mock Champagne</b> - 2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale, chilled, 1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled, 1 (64 fluid ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled. To make Ice ring: Fill a ring-shaped cake pan to 1/2 with ginger ale. Freeze until partially frozen. At this stage you can place edible flowers, or pieces of fruit around the ring. Fill pan with ginger ale and freeze until solid. Place in punch bowl just before serving.In a large punch bowl, combine 1 bottle ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice.<br />
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<b>9. Cherry Fizz</b> - 1/2 cup frozen cherry juice concentrate, thawed. 1/2 cup ginger ale. Place cherry concentrate in a glass. Slowly stir in ginger ale.<br />
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<b>10. Citrus Mint Cooler</b> - 1 cup fresh lemon juice. 1 cup fresh orange juice. 2 cups sugar. 2 1/2 cups water. 10 sprigs mint. 32 fluid ounces ginger ale. water. Place first five ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover; remove from heat and let steep until cool. Strain. Cover and refrigerate. To serve, fill glasses or a pitcher with equal amounts of fruit juice, ginger ale and water. Add ice and serve immediately.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-69764367166939781342011-12-07T13:37:00.001-08:002011-12-07T13:38:00.242-08:00New Points Plus 2012!Its been awhile, but i'm working up a storm on new recipes and weigh-in updates. So far i've lost a total of 38lbs and counting and I can't believe how close i am to hitting the big 40. That being said - this has been a slow and un easy road. Perfect timing for the New Points Plus 2012!<br />
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Unlike last year when, around the time that i joined, ww is not doing a complete re-haul of their program. Rather, they are making mind or "tweaks" to the program for people like me to be more successful!<br />
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<b>Lowering My Own Points:</b> For the last few months I have been creeping very slowly down the weight loss road, and have found myself a little frustrated with the rate at which i'm loosing. The New Points Plus 2012 program is designed to help me control my own points. Now I can lower them weekly, and really put a focus on eating more Points Plus Foods. Also, having control over my own points means that I no longer will have the 2 week learning curve of trying to figure out how to adjust to my new lower points target. Now I have more control, which leaves me feeling like lowering or raising my points is up to me, and not up to the WW points gods.<br />
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<b>Jump Starting Your Program:</b> The New PP 2012 plan also gives new and old members a chance to "jump start" yourself into the new plan. This week we talked about managing our environment, and how to make smarter choices, by controlling (yourself) in the environments your in. For me my biggest challenge is going out to eat, and making smart choices. One thing I will strive to do this week, is manage the amount of cocktails or wine I have when i go to restaurants, by watching the amount of water i'm intaking and maybe changing my drinks out with a few "mock-tails" in between, so I can still feel like i'm part of the bar/party but i'm drinking less and taking on less points.<br />
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They also outfitted us with a new tracker that made suggestions on meals to eat for the week. While I primarily track everything via their website and apps, I think this recipe suggestion book will come in handy when i'm looking for something to eat thats low points and satisfying. <br />
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<b>Everyone's Getting More Active:</b> Now to accelerate weight loss and get everyone moving, WW is putting a weekly 15 activity points a week target into their program. Since I clear this target a few fold a week (i'm usually between in the 30's-80's in activity points) this part of the program for me is a no brainer. I actually think it will help me, stay on target and push myself further. Weight watchers gives some great tips on Everyday ways to get moving <a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=48811&sc=3039">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-7182434830210795622011-11-09T12:30:00.000-08:002011-11-15T07:32:37.126-08:00An Amazing Work Out Mix - for FREE !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQKs4rLIgP867vnf9ZbdP0ttzjiGyfvrCnxIjMWpWf4XEmhLvudaaYQmNilH_4TjbiIJCERKJ8gJA7LPfcOZXEDFTRUYJVLHolxKfCdLKSHFcysR21VLWKn-RvCD3OOL2TrLCMafVbaOa/s1600/allday_frontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQKs4rLIgP867vnf9ZbdP0ttzjiGyfvrCnxIjMWpWf4XEmhLvudaaYQmNilH_4TjbiIJCERKJ8gJA7LPfcOZXEDFTRUYJVLHolxKfCdLKSHFcysR21VLWKn-RvCD3OOL2TrLCMafVbaOa/s320/allday_frontcover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently stumbled upon this wonderful workout mix by Girl Talk. You can download it for free! This covers an incredible amount of genres with new and old school tracks. Definitely a great mix to rock-out to when your at the gym or running!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1630600875"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://illegal-art.net/allday/">illegal-art.net/allday/</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-37175872206115108862011-10-26T13:17:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:18:28.037-07:00When life gives you Apples....Make an Apple Tart!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Apple Tarts</b> <br />
Tarts aren’t typically considered “healthy” foods, but with a few
alterations in the ingredients, it is possible to have delicious
cinnamon-apple warm tart-lets that give you sustained energy and keep
you feeling full and satisfied.<br />
<br />
This past weekend I spent a quintessential New England afternoon
going apple picking with my lovely fiance. Needless to say we picked
about 20lbs of apples and I needed a healthy recipe to use some of the
"fruits" of our labors.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2HILap1MhVm2Si3M9aqdj6lW9228HrC2RE_lVzBe0iEwgBi4NlV7_993WJypOrCQrihvSWo8YJpYRcIhN-7wxffvmGJzAp5zpBXv7JU1wRuC4za7ZdoVjhLVMVseSTEOsMHbTV3UeBiQ/s1600/apple_tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2HILap1MhVm2Si3M9aqdj6lW9228HrC2RE_lVzBe0iEwgBi4NlV7_993WJypOrCQrihvSWo8YJpYRcIhN-7wxffvmGJzAp5zpBXv7JU1wRuC4za7ZdoVjhLVMVseSTEOsMHbTV3UeBiQ/s400/apple_tart.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwdG6RfYu1V28NYQRidl4P8MDQTFxfWxyhVEFOWYKwdcPUxTUjVcmGJA24P5FBRPPgEs6jQdzqJDsK7Kc8AMKOkimTq4t00qe1gi6hnzFZlIXzPk0pEvE98B2iq0pkZPpLtO8DC_P57Kd/s1600/apple_tart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwdG6RfYu1V28NYQRidl4P8MDQTFxfWxyhVEFOWYKwdcPUxTUjVcmGJA24P5FBRPPgEs6jQdzqJDsK7Kc8AMKOkimTq4t00qe1gi6hnzFZlIXzPk0pEvE98B2iq0pkZPpLtO8DC_P57Kd/s400/apple_tart2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
3/4 Cups of all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 tsp of sugar<br />
1/4 tsp of salt<br />
3 Tbsp of reduced - calorie margerine, (i used i cant belive its not butter)<br />
2 Tbsp of Sugar<br />
1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon<br />
3-4 small apples<br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour with 1/4 teaspoon sugar and salt.</li>
<li>Cut margarine into flour mixture with a fork until flour is the
consistency of cornmeal. Mix with 2 or 3 tablespoons cold water until
dough forms a ball (a little drier is better than a little sticky). You
can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead of times if you wrap it securely
in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you need it.</li>
<li>Divide dough into four pieces. Roll each into a ball and then
flatten into a disc about 5 inches (13 cm) across. Place the discs on a
baking sheet a few inches apart.</li>
<li>Combine remaining sugar with cinnamon.</li>
<li>Arrange apple slices on top of dough discs, overlapping and fanning
them (so they make a flower shape). Sprinkle generous amounts of
sugar-cinnamon mixture over them.</li>
<li>Bake until crust is browned, approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
</li>
</ul>
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<br />
WW: 6 PP per tartlet (AND you get to eat the whole thing!)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-7516208216661009092011-10-19T11:27:00.000-07:002011-10-26T13:22:29.672-07:00When Going "Extreme" - Does'nt Result In a Loss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr7puqpLF9kos6ye3IKhywTcnfHL0zr0_a8BfbyjvhHRDeCtmaukoux75CBzcnpyCAzwy04kHVy9T4i2yEqXzrRCXX8_qGcSeuuXS72SzXrL0Qcg4RZQTeg9qPo1E6RYxv2B50qRCH7QK/s1600/340844696_kuRToUGG_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr7puqpLF9kos6ye3IKhywTcnfHL0zr0_a8BfbyjvhHRDeCtmaukoux75CBzcnpyCAzwy04kHVy9T4i2yEqXzrRCXX8_qGcSeuuXS72SzXrL0Qcg4RZQTeg9qPo1E6RYxv2B50qRCH7QK/s640/340844696_kuRToUGG_c.jpg" width="372" /></a></div>
<br />
This week I made it a goal to "go extreme" and go by the book. After 2 weeks and a total of 5lbs in losses I thought to myself - "what you have been doing is working but, lets really kick this up a notch and see how far we can really take this".<br />
<br />
So I set out to work out and eat right. I worked out 5 days last week for - 60-80 min- of high impact cardio and managed to gather and extra 70 activity points! While I had one 'fun' night of going out and dancing (and drinking), I managed to eat really well this week too. I ate either vegetarian, or chicken or fish - and left wine out of my vocabulary for the week ( a tough one for me) and managed to stay around 5-10 points under my allotment everyday. By my weigh-in date, my clothes where fitting looser and I was confident I would see big results on the scale.<br />
<br />
While I was telling my leader about my fabulous week of "activity" and doing the "weight watchers take off your shoes" dance, I was gleefully boasting about my week of progress. My leader had a nervous look on her face and asked if I had been eating enough to maintain my workouts - she did not share my gleeful tone - instead she looked worried. Sure enough I managed to gain 2lbs - and my leader knew I would gain before I even stepped on the scale.<br />
<br />
<b>So What Happend?</b><br />
<br />
I expected her to mention that I had put on muscle, and give me a bunch of mumbo jumbo about measurements going down and concentrating on that. Instead, she got real with me. She mentioned that I need to eat at least half my activity points if I am going to work out that hard. A two week loss and then a sudden extreme uptake in workouts and down take in food threw my body into "starvation mode" she mentioned that while this weight gain is partially about muscle gain, but she also suspected that my body when into retention mode.<br />
<br />
You have to think of your metabolism like a furnace -- if you don't keep fuel in the furnace, the fire will die down and go out. when you don't eat enough, your metabolisum goes into "save" mode. Human bodies are designed this way, to withstand and survive starvation conditions. Feeling hungry may mean you are in this kind of counter-productive metabolic state.<br />
<br />
While exercise is an essential part of maintaining long-term weight control, there is in fact such a thing as doing too much exercise, or exercising too intensely. Exercise is hormonally depleting, If exercise is experienced as stressful, this can stress the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands make cortisol in response to stress. When there is too much cortisol release, the body goes into the "save" mode I mentioned earlier, and will retain weight, especially around the midsection. (you can read more about this <a href="http://www.momlogic.com/2009/05/weight_loss_mistakes.php">here</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>My Reaction</b><br />
<br />
Instead of being able to take this news in stride I burst into tears. Like - water POURING out of your eyes and not being able to control it! Thats right, I cried at a weight watchers meeting - and while my pride was a little shaky, she and my fellow members took this experience and made it the majority of the meeting topic. Having a forum to talk about this and also realize I wasn't the only one to have a week like this (there we 2 other people in the room with very similar experiences this week), and most members in the room could relate or had the exact same expereince. Almost everyone in the room participated, which made me realize I'm not alone in this at all. Infact everyone can have a week like this, what is important is we learned the NEXT steps to make a change without being detoured from the A++ we we had with working out and tracking.<br />
<br />
<b>So Now What?</b><br />
<br />
What surprised me most about my meeting this week was my leader said THIS week would be one of my most challenging. Really its not about my body doing the right thing, its going to be about my head doing the right thing. These are the weeks where people give up because all of the mental and physical motivation I had this previous week which week gave me an opposite result.<br />
<br />
I plan on adding in a little afternoon snack on days that I work out intensely. On these days especially I plan to be sure to intake at least all of my daily calories to make sure I dont create a deficit. I think that adding in a smart point plus snack throughout my day will really help keep my metabolic furnace burning.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to let this snap my motivation out of me - I deserve to loose weight, and i'm going to keep working hard to get to my goals. <br />
<br />
Which brought me to this last thought. This is exactly why I started this blog, so I could share these experiences with others and look back on hard weeks like this and reflect on what hasn't been working. All of my life, my mentality was to loose weight all you have to do is eat right and work out more and watch the pounds melt away. So naturally taking that idea to the extreme should result in faster weight-loss - right? Wrong! The real trick to loosing weight is to find balance. While I don't want to decrease my workouts (i'm having a blast doing zumba) maybe instead of going under points so often i'll try to actually enjoy a little of that hard work that I worked so hard to give myself.<br />
<br />
<b>Update- Oct 26th</b><br />
After working hard and eating right, I weighed in this week, and low and behold I lost a whopping 4lbs! Not giving up and keeping my head in the game really paid off. I'm so glad i stuck with it!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7091003290374673572.post-19857426849656615302011-10-18T16:00:00.000-07:002011-10-31T07:57:57.256-07:00Why am I Here?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEIOQ7WqRGR9zv-KNM6Jm1ghk8vIDL6gv4dXulqnHmYIY-2GO-GbqUxs8Fgjz8GeTnq-WfCUi94ZgK-z3ci2RIkg37_5ZschMvjsz54NhgGlOveaM_52PVLuEjmSwR-IFgcplzAeB9psN/s1600/_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="redstripe" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEIOQ7WqRGR9zv-KNM6Jm1ghk8vIDL6gv4dXulqnHmYIY-2GO-GbqUxs8Fgjz8GeTnq-WfCUi94ZgK-z3ci2RIkg37_5ZschMvjsz54NhgGlOveaM_52PVLuEjmSwR-IFgcplzAeB9psN/s400/_1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This week’s meeting was about controlling your environment. This one is not difficult for me. I have a husband who eats healthy also and neither of us can have junk food in the house or we eat it. That makes it easy for both of us. We just don’t bring it in the house.<br />
<br />
But I was asked this week - Why are you here at weight watchers - and i had to think WHY - besides looking great in a wedding dress am i here - <br />
<br />
So like all things in life that are meant to be remembered i wrote down my reasons - here are my top 10!<br />
<b><br />
Here are my reasons:</b><br />
To look AMAZING in my wedding dress<br />
To be proud of myself<br />
To be a great role model to my friends and family<br />
To go shopping with out reservation of size<br />
To have control over myself and the scale<br />
To be an inspiration to others<br />
No more tired, painful, knees, feet, back, and ankles<br />
To FEEL sexy (and look it too!)<br />
To have energy ALL DAY LONG<br />
To FINISH WHAT I STARTED!!!<br />
To be able to work out in a sports bra <br />
To Learn how to eat healthy and make it a habit!<br />
To FINISH WHAT I STARTED!!!<br />
<br />
The list could go on and on and on. These are just my top reasons why I started Weight Watcher. The biggest reason part of writing this down is to not re-gain all of the weight i have lost. All of the things listed above I deserve to have, and while shoveling food in my face might feel good for a moment - i am finding that it feels BETTER to finish what i started and keep the weight off!<br />
<br />
<b>This week, in order to be successful, I need action plans. Here they are:</b><br />
<br />
Count every single thing I put in my mouth<br />
Stay within my daily points plus target<br />
Exercise at least three times this week<br />
Drink at least 80 ounces of water every dayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11722119532569156257noreply@blogger.com0