Trying to get to a computer so I can fully post for today. I'm pecking on my phone right now. 1 more day until my first 5K...... I am super excited. Just hope my knee holds up. ...been having pain and swelling this week in it but much better today. :-)

I am down this week to 191 lbs, last week I weighed in at 194, glad about that but I still have some work to do. I got an email link of black bean burgers and brownies from a friend that I must try. Today I woke up with a funky headache and it is still lingering some even after taking some tylenol. I hope I feel better soon.
Have not worked out in 2 weeks so I must get back in the groove of that. I know my personal trainer on the Wii game (like they are real) will chew me out when I start back lol! Can't wait!!!!
Later!
BTW! I hope ya'll enjoy the recipes!
Hey, I am from the south, (Mississippi!)

Mexican Black Bean Burgers | Tammy's Recipes

Mexican Black Bean Burgers | Tammy's Recipes

Got to try these too!

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies | Tammy's Recipes

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies | Tammy's Recipes

I was looking for a recipe using black beans in a brownie mix. I think I will try this one.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't Seem to get back on TRACK!

These last 2 weeks has been a disaster for me. I can't or haven't found the will-power to get back on track. I am just stuck in a rut.
I've been back and forth to the doctor's office with my mom for follow up appointments, Chemo, and other various things. I try not to stress but I know I have a level of stressing going on. My was to cope is eating.
I had started losing on WW points + but when we were told my mom had to have more chemo because they found cancer in another area of her body....I lost it.
Lord please give my mother and I strength to make it through this. I know You will...Amen.

Time to relax and meditate.
Later!

Hump Day coming to a end for me!

Made it through another wonderful day. Going home to cut grass because here where I live the grass has started to grow like crazy. Minimal AP cause I will be riding a lawn mower lol.
Things are going pretty good with my eating and I am so happy about that. I was thinking of going to weekly meetings but decided not at this time.
I've been reading many wonderful blogs of ladies and men following the weight watchers' plan and getting a lot of great tips, ideas, and inspiration. I know if I keep this blog going and keep my plan up.

Menu
Breakfast~ bagel thin with Brummel and brown spread coffee with creamer (5 points)

Snack~ WW'ers yogurt (2 points)

Lunch~ Lean cuisine Angel Hair pasta, broccoli and carrots (7 points)

Dinner~ Turnip greens, small piece of roast, 1/2 piece cornbread (10 points)

Snack~ SF pudding, 1 laughing cow wedge, 7 wheat thins (6 points)
Total points 30 points 1 point over!!!!

When is a Salad Not a Healthy Choice?

I was emailed this article today and thought it was worth blogging. Not all salads are made equally!

Posted by Christine McKinney, M.S., R.D., C.D.E. 

More and more restaurants and fast food joints are carrying a variety of salads.  

That's a good thing, right? Well, it can be, but don't make a quick ruling on that. It's true that vegetables are the lowest-calorie food group; the problem is that salads aren't just composed of vegetables anymore.  

Because not all salads are made the same, it takes some work by the consumer to figure out which restaurant salads are healthy choices. Let's compare the fat and calories in a few salads made by popular food outlets.  

l Taco Bell's Fiesta Salad® — 840 calories and 45 grams of fat  

l Macaroni Grill's Chicken Caesar Salad® — 920 calories and 69 grams of fat  

l Panera's Bistro Steak Salad® — 630 calories and 58 grams of fat  

l Applebee's Grilled Steak Caesar Salad® — 1,190 calories and 75 grams of fat  

Compare the salads above to the infamous McDonald's Big Mac®, which has 540 calories and 29 grams of fat.  

And keep in mind that four cups of salad mix — with no added meats, croutons, sliced eggs, dressings, and so on — have only 100 calories and no fat.  

Salads don't need to get a bad reputation, though. It's all the extras that get added to salads nowadays that pack on the calories and fat. Use these tips for selecting a healthier salad.  

l Order salad dressing on the side. And before spearing a bite of your salad, each time dip the tines of your fork into the dressing. You will taste dressing with each bite but you'll only be using a small amount.  

l Try a light or low-fat salad dressing or dilute the dressing with vinegar or lemon juice. This will help to reduce the calories.  

l Stay away from all things fried. Salads now come with fried meats. Ask that these be baked, grilled, or broiled.   

Keep the toppings to a minimum. Croutons, cheese, fried wontons and noodles all add up in calories. Ask that these be replaced with extra vegetables.  

Made the Day!

It's the end of another work day and I am glad to be going home.....well not home just yet, I will be going to J-town to buy some more flooring to finish the sitting area joining my bedroom. 2 boxes short, from there I will swing by the Walter-Payton Center  to register for the "SWEETNESS 5K WALK/RUN & 1 MILE FUN RUN" April 2, 2011.


This will be my first 5K and I am super excited about it.
Today I am back in the swing of things being on plan. Feel much better about things because yesterday I was in a big FUNK due to gaining weight last week.
How much did I gain.......I hate to say but it was 6 pounds.
I hope most of it is water retention so I will see next week at weigh-in. I'm thinking about starting to go to meetings, the last time I went which was years ago.....the leader was not inspiring and pretty dull.

Menu so far
Breakfast- cream of wheat (this stuff was terrible ate 1/4 of the bowl)
coffee with creamer, apple (I will count 2 points)

Lunch- Pasta salad, with tuna (9 points)

Snack- WW yogurt (2 points)
13 points so far 16 left for dinner
Dinner- ? will post later. Quarter pounder with cheese, loaded with lettuce and tomatoes, diet coke. (13 points)
Later!!!

Our Products

This is a product I found when I was just browsing the internet. I think I will try it, Great reviews and it's Vegan. Fat Free and Sugar Free. I'll get back with you when it arrives. Got to find me some very low point chips to go along this this product.

Our Products

It's the queso that made us famous. OurULTIMATE VEGAN QUESO.Described by food writers, critics, tweeters, and bloggers as "amazing", "the best queso ever", "bigtime product find", "my new addiction",  "full of flavor, spice and cheesy goodness" &, our favorite..."the queso that changed my life forever", our little queso literally flew off the shelves as fast as it reached the stores simply from word-of-mouth raving fans.  Men who couldn't pronounce the word "vegan" told us they bought it for its great taste...and the fact that they could eat a whole jar of queso for only 160 calories. Yeah, we like that part too. 

Ingredients: tomatoes, water, nutritional yeast, unbleached flour, green chiles, paprika, salt, garlic, citric acid (a natural preservative), spices

CONTAINS WHEAT

Been away too long.

Sorry I've been gone for about a week but last week was Spring Break here in my neck of the woods and that means I was home too. My hubby and I took spring break to do some remodeling of the bedrooms in our home.

My family suffers from allergies and the carpet in the rooms did not help at all but often made it worse. So the carpet came up and the dust was too much for me to handle, sneezing and watery eyes for me started. My hubby and son were okay because they had taken a Claritin before we started. I am the one who usually don't have any symptoms but I did.

We got the carpet out of the house, floors swept and prepped for laminated hardwood flooring. Walls were painted, trim painted too.
Finally the floors went in and they are beautiful. 3 large bedrooms were done which the smallest room being 18x19. Talking about alot of work last week.

Okay how did I eat????? I was waayy....off plan. I tell you I ate everything and did not track a thing because I did not have time to track, and was to tired and frustrated to make good food choices.
Now this is my down fall and I really need to fix this. I need some stress busting techniques to keep me on track and not fall off the wagon.
I am learning, learning many things about myself and how I handle life. I am so use to grabbing food when stressful time comes around, so I need to learn new healthy eating techniques to replace those bad habits of mine.

I was finally losing on this new program and had a big setback......
Well, at least the house looks good......but I want to look good too!
Later!

Love this article!

• By: Food Network Kitchens

"When you say 'healthy eating,' a lot of people think lettuce, tomatoes, that's it," says chef Robert Irvine . Healthy eating is just the correct balance of foods.
Do Keep it Simple
Flavorful, healthy meals don't have to be complex, and they don't have to include a main dish and two sides.
Don't Deprive Yourself
"A 'diet' implies that you're depriving the body of something. I can eat French fries every day of the week if I want, but the time I eat them and what I eat in between and what exercises I do is the important thing."
Do Learn to Regulate Heat
Heat your skillet before you cook a protein so it spends the least possible amount of time cooking. "Master heat control, then with any grill, any pan, any oven, you can cook nutritious meals," Robert says.
Do Make Friends With Your Blender
A blender is amazing -- you can throw (almost) anything in to make a flavorful sauce. "I use a lot of fruit, like strawberries and mangoes, to blend into sauces for proteins," Robert says.
Don't Kill The Vegetables!
"I grew up with my mother cooking vegetables; it was like drinking them through a straw," Robert jokes. It only takes a couple of minutes to cook fresh veggies -- any more and they start to lose precious nutrients, not to mention taste.
Do Use Healthy Flavor Boosters
"Rice wine vinegar and ginger are my go-to flavor boosters -- they travel with me anywhere I go!" he says. Robert uses them for sauces, dressings or flavorful broths. "Stone-ground mustard is also a big one, because you need it to emulsify dressings."
Don't Get Burnt Out
Don't try to eat chicken breasts and a salad every day -- mix it up! "If you have chicken on Monday, have fish on Tuesday, then some kind of beef or pork on Wednesday," Robert says.
Courtesy Robert Irvine on foodnetwork.com

TGIF! And Spring Break Here I Come!!!!

Loving Spring Time. I have to admit, Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons of the year. Spring because of the newness of everything, Fall because of the reward of the harvest from all your hard work.
I pray I have a great harvest this Fall from the hard work I'm putting in my life of eating healthier, exercising and just loving myself.
Weight Watchers is helping me finally achieve my goals. I just have to stay focused and reap the rewards coming later this year.

What I've eaten so far and possibly this evening.

Breakfast
Coffee with creamer (1)
Bagel thin (3)
egg beater Southwestern flavor (1)
shredded cheese (1)

Total breakfast (6)

Snack
WW lemon snack cake (2) So not worth it too small but my sis wanted me to try them

Lunch
Lean Cuisine Herb Roasted chicken (4)
Water

Dinner
?

All this and a bag of chips!

Had a craving for some potato chips. I went to the vending machine from hell and bought the smallest bag in the machine. They were the Lays Classic Potato Chips.

10gms of fat, 15 carbs, 2 protein, 1gm fiber.
I know this was not the best choice but it was this or a extra large bag of Frito Chili cheese  corn chips...lol.

Points in this bag, 4.....Got to do some working out today....I know I will get some good exercising today because I have to finish painting my DD's bedroom.

Okay my Tips for today!!!!!
1. For that persistent sweet tooth, try frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. Frozen yogurt is lower in fat and calories and may even contain live cultures, which are great for your digestive health.
2. Eat mindfully-savoring the texture and aroma of each bite, instead of wolfing down food while watching TV, checking e-mail, or driving.

Todays Menu
Breakfast- Thomas Bagel Thin "cinnamon and Raisin" 3 points
                 1 tsp Brummel and Brown- 1point
                 Fiber one yogurt  1 point
                 2 cups Coffee with creamer 1 point
Total points 6

Lunch- Progresso light Southwestern-Style Vegetable Soup 2 points per serving (4 points for me)
            WW'ers Yogurt, (Cherry Cheesecake) 2 points
Total points 6

Snack- Chips 4 points

Dinner-
Maybe grilled chicken thighs (3), broccoli(0), small baked potato (5) with LF sour cream (1) and 1oz shredded cheese (1)
2 slices Sara lee bread (low cal) (2)
1.5 tsp of Naturally More Peanut butter (1)
Jam (1)
Bag of doritos chips (4)
Total 8 points for dinner

Snack- 100 cal popcorn A few French fries (3points)
Total for the day 23 points

Painted DD's room for my exercise....
Later

Time to stay focused!

This week I will stay focused and on Plan to a "T". I want to have a good loss next week.
Today's Tip....
Making a fancy beverage? Choose seltzer or sparkling water as a mix instead of high-sugar sodas and drink mixes. This could save you an estimated 100 calories per drink!

Focus on eating lots of leafy, green vegetables. The darker the green, the better. I know this pic is not the best illustration but you get the picture lol!!!

Now off for my afternoon cup of coffee!
Later!

Lost 0.2 of a pound! Boo! Hoo!

This past week I did go out of town a lot taking my mom for her appointments and various other places. Saying that....I ate out a lot. Last night I did eat a Quarter pounder with cheese but that sandwich had so much fat and sodium packed in it I knew the scales were not going to show great results. Saturday I ate 2 slices of pizza with extra cheese knowing it was too fattening and packed with sodium. Thursday when I ate out it was not too bad. I had a grilled pork chop and a baked sweet potato minus the butter....the chop was loaded with sodium cause I could taste it.
I am not making excuses why the scale did not move more than it did but I do need to make better food choices if I want continued success on the plan.

Plan for the week....
1. Eat more vegetables
2. Continue to exercise
3. Stick to the GHG's as closely as I can
4. Stay within my points (never went over)
5. Stay POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later!

Ate at McDonalds!

Tomorrow is my weigh in day and I sure hope I am down from last week. I got a good feeling the scale will show a good loss. I had a busy day reviewing skill with the students for this 9 week exams and skills check off. I sometimes get frustrated with some of the students who tell me they don't really care about learning and are in the class because they were forced in. Then I have those that are happy and elated to learn and a re a pleasure to teach. Well...you can't have it perfect Janice!!!! lol.

I ran errands for my mom picking up medication and other things she need. I pulled into the drive thru at McDonald's and ordered a Quarter Pounder with cheese and diet coke. I was glad I still had 17 points because it added up to be about 13 points. I got home safely and got my exercise in and I feel great.

One thing I did not do was getting all my GHG's in but will most definite work on that tomorrow.
Hitting the bed for a good night sleep. Remember sleep is important!!!!! Good night!

Please Join Blooming Humans movement!

Blooming Humans

Dream Seed HuManifesto

Once upon a Waking Dream ...

A Seed of Love awakens within the Heart of Humanity.

Drawn by its Brilliant Light, our attentions quicken Life

in this Divine Space of Creation.

Radiant Beauty fills our Hearts

as we witness this Dream Seed sparking!, spiraling, diversifying;

Roots rushing to Crystalline Core of Changing Mother

Shoots rising to the HeartFire of Father Sky.

Now growing, glowing, weaving and flowing

through the Sacred Space of our Hearts,

this Seed is becoming a living, breathing Tree of Love.

We are this Tree of Love.

Our roots are connection portals

nourishing and sustaining the continuance of Life,

grounding our body,

and strengthening our ability to thrive.

Our branches reach to drink the Light,

providing a Space of Love

for each bud to blossom, each flower to fruit.

Blooming Humans are WE ...

Infinite Combinations in Infinite Diversity.

We Birth New Reality

as One Heart, One World, One Love.

Beloveds!

Our hearts now beat in Divine Union

Each breath is a prayer of Gratitude.

Our True Divine Nature Awakened,

we Re-member the Language of the World.

We enjoy Life with grace and ease,

for we are Dreaming Awake

the contents of our Heart.

Flowing in Harmony with the Seasons of Life,

we seed, nurture and harvest for the Good of All.

Abundance springs from being True to Self,

We thrive in our Authentic Power;

Providence is ours, as we are open to receive.

Star Families, Masters, and Guides mirror Wisdom within,

revealing the Ancient-Future-Now

in every thought-word-action-deed.

Leisure is our Joy-Full Expression

of Thanks and Appreciation.

Our Spirits soar above the landscape of creation --

With Clarity of Vision, we follow our Bliss.

We are the Lineage of the Codes of Love,

Carrying the Source Code for Life.

The wisdom of the Ancestors is ours for the asking,

All we seek is found within.

Creator, Father Sky, Giver of All Life

we send out our voice of intent,

Aligning our Will with Divine Will

in order to benefit Humanity and all Creation.

Changing Mother, Divine Mother Earth

Guide us as we, too, are changing each day.

Teach us the Power of Love,

so our Hearts will shine the Light of Life

through all Creation.

We take our Place in the Great Circle of Life,

honoring All Our Relations.

In this Great Coming Together,

We remember we are ONE

Our HeartFires ablaze,

our Spirits Lighted in Ecstasy

We enter the Age of Peace and Illumination

We are ALIVE! We are ALIVE! We are ALIVE!

With Love-filled Hearts,

we give thanks.

It is so, and so it IS.

Blessed BE!

Ukehi Shi'bijii (Thank you for being our heart)

Ashne ate (We are Love always)

~ Stacey Sophia Robyn, 2011

This is finally working.

This thing is finally working. I woke up this morning and after a brief encounter with the toilet ...lol I took a peep at the scale. My weigh in day is not until Tuesday so this was a chance I took. Down 1.2 pounds since last week. My official weigh in day is 2 days away and I hope I will be down more....well If I don't I am so proud of myself.

See last month I had no loss. I had just came off low carbing and doing HHCG for over a year. I was just tired of the roller coaster so I promise myself I would eat the right way no matter how slow or fast the weight comes off. 

I did get discouraged because of a losing I gained. I really think my body needed to get back readjusted to being healthy because it was all jacked up....lol.

I got my exercise in and feel great.

Later!

Workout will cleaning!

My mom has not been feeling well lately due to surgery and chemo. I went to her house to clean today. We have been running from doctor office to doctor office, hospital and just everywhere and have neglected our homes from the cleaning they most desperate need. I cleaned and scrubbed cabinets, cleans out the cabinets (top and bottom) cleaned the refrigerator, and last but not least the floors. I am just tired but it was a good work out.


Relaxing now with a cup of coffee....or two.


Meal plan has not been the greatest but I will most definite get back on track today.

Day 32!

Sitting here munching on some carrots and they are yummy. I've been eating the WW'ers point plan for 5 weeks and have gained and lost but I am 1 pound below my starting weight. I feel smaller even though the scale says no weight loss or minimum loss. I know If I lose 2 pounds a month by December that's 20 pounds, 3 pounds a month by Dec. that's 30 pounds. I know I will be in a much better weight than I'm at now. I believe my blood work would improve, and just better overall. I am done with the quick fixes....I'm ready to give slow and steady a chance.

Jan 

Day 31!!!! Still going!

I am still going and going. I really wanted to cheat today on something really sweet but just had popcorn instead. Still went over my points but earned 3 AP today and already had 10 banked....I hope I did not do too bad.

Got more WW'ers yogurt and other items to help me stay on plan. I had an apple today for the the first time in 2 weeks. I really believe that's why I had the sweet cravings. I can't eat apples and lose, the make me crave like crazy. Maybe it'ss the sugar in them, yes natural sugars in some things makes me crave like crazy.

Hitting the bed now so everyone have a great night. I know I will....HAPPY DREAMS!!!!!

Day 31!!!! Still going!

I have had a very busy day and I am just too tired. The last 2-3 nights I did not sleep too well. I hope I get a full night tonight. Menu was pretty good today but still have a small problem with nibbling. Got to stop it cause those bites here and there adds up.

My mom is spending the night with me because she has an early appointment in the morning. I made her Potato soup and hit was a hit. I plug all ingredients into to recipe builder and came out with 6 points....had 2 slices of bacon crumbled on top Yum!!!!

45 minutes  of Wii "Walk It Out" 

Overall I am feeling very empowered, calm, satisfied and confident that I can continue this journey.

Later!!!

New Month....Day 30 on WW'ers

March 1st came in like a lamb! I am so glad because many areas in the country had really stormy weather with damage. This winter has been really cold, snowy, sleeting, and miserable but we made it through. Spring is just around the corner....come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Stayed on plan pretty well today and have not been very hungry. I know when I was eating a lot of fruit I was hungry more often. I am getting my healthy oils in and I think it really helps my hunger. 


More yogurt has been consumed and it is now one of my fav. Exercise has been completed also a nice long soak in the tub. Off to bed now!
Later!!!!