Overcoming the voices in my head......

Not like the crazy ones.... I don't think anyway.  Just the ones that are there telling you you can't do things... making excuses....holding you back, you know the ones.  They are LOUD in my head lately.  
I need to get back into a healthy mindset- eating healthy, and working out.  But I have so many "excuses".  

I'm tired. SO. FREAKING. TIRED.   We brought Eleanor home on July 10th, and I haven't slept since.  That is an exaggeration.... somewhat.  I get bout 6 hours of constantly interrupted sleep a night. I'd like to think I could make up for it during the day while she naps... that's what everyone says to do ya know.  But those people must not have a 3 year old, and doctors appointments, and grocery shopping, and laundry.... 

So anyhow, that's excuse number 1:  I'm exhausted. She's worth it though....

Number 2: My house is still torn apart, and I have no kitchen.  This makes it VERY hard to eat healthy.  I can't cook anything, so I can't meal prep.  I do ok in the mornings, I have a protein shake or a "Kind" bar, through out the day I snack- which isn't the best.... "Kind" granola, lunchmeats, cheese... it's dinner that kills me.  We eat out almost every night and it's hard to stay on track doing that.  I could make BETTER choices though.  

Unfortunately I don't care for wine- if I did this would be a dinner I could do even with a wrecked Kitchen.

Number 3:  Fear.  It's hard to get out there and push yourself physically when every breath makes you wince in fear of ending up back in the hospital.  I'm scared.  But I can't control it.  If my lung is going to collapse again, it's going to do it whether I'm sitting on the couch, or out running a 5k, and that's what I need to keep in my head.  I can't let this disease control me.  I need to decide to rise above it, and do the things I CAN do for those that can't do them anymore.  I don't want to waste away another healthy moment because of fear.  Don't worry Mom, I won't go run any marathons or do anything stupid, but I will start working back into my regular routine.  I just want to feel healthy and strong again.

So, I've thought of all kinds of things I could try.  Weight loss clinics, cleanses, direct sale gimmicks, crash diets, etc etc etc.  I know they don't last though- and thankfully I'm cheap, and I don't want to blow a few hundred bucks on temporary results.  If it wasn't for that I'd probably be "cleansing" away right now!  So instead I joined The Biggest Loser on Facebook.  I won second place once back before I had Lilah, and I actually participated in a few rounds when I lost the majority of my weight before.  It's accountability if nothing else, its affordable, and I love a chance to win some money!  The competition starts tomorrow and goes for 7 weeks.  My goal is 20 pounds.  Normally I would aim for 1-1.5 pounds a week realistically, but since this is pregnancy weight I think I can lose it a little faster.

I'll check in weekly here with my progress.  I plan to go low carb (only 1-2 servings a day of whole food carbs-no refined stuff) that's always worked for me... with my PCOS causing insuin resistance if I look at sugar too long I gain 5 pounds. As far as exercise I'm going to do the Couch to 5k training, it's something I can realistically do without having to worry about daycare.  I can load the girls up in the stroller and go outside and get it done.  I'd also like to get back to a few classes a week at the gym, but those will just be bonuses if I can get a sitter here and there.  

Now, to eat all the foods before tomorrow........  

Home sweet Hotel.

I feel like a gypsy.  We left our house last Wednesday and stayed the night up in Shingletown, Thursday we checked into the a hotel here in town, Saturday we left for Fresno, and stayed in a hotel there Saturday night.  My dad was elected Commander of the Department of California for the American Legion.  We are all very proud of him, and know he is the perfect guy for the job!  Here we are at the Department convention in Fresno on Sunday-

We checked into a different hotel back in Woodland when we returned Sunday (the original hotel didn't have a pool!), then Monday night we had to move hotel rooms because the AC went out.  We are all settled in a new room now, with a bigger fridge... and Lilah is loving the pool.

It's been an adventure to say the least-  and I'm learning just how "minimalistically" (is that a word?  I don't care...) I can live.  I keep thinking of things I want to grab from the house- and then talking myself out of it.  

Trying to tell myself "it'll just be a few more days, you don't need it." 

 and "that's just more stuff to pack up when it's time to go home." 

Realistically though if I was able to go to the house I'd probably just go get all these things I think of!  I've been given strict orders to stay out though- and Andrew "lost" ( I'm thinking it was on purpose) my house key so I can't even sneak over there!

As of today they are still doing asbestos removal- it should be done today.  Then they need to retest and get clearance, then the water damage team can finish the dry out- THEN we can talk about reconstructing.  I feel like we have awhile still before we get to go home.  We were hoping to go home this weekend, but the asbestos team has taken longer than expected, and until at least the walls are rebuilt we need to stay in the hotel.  Missing walls in 110 degree weather isn't going to work for me.  

I am however, getting nervous about returning home the longer this takes!  I figured we'd be home days ago, and I could get everything unpacked and cleaned before Eleanor makes her arrival.  Now I am beginning to think I will be bringing Eleanor home to the Holiday Inn, and she will be there to help me unpack and clean once the time finally comes.  

Ok, let's get to the real stuff.  I've eaten like crap, and missed a few workouts.  I am tired, our schedules are a wreck, I can't cook, it's freaking hot, and I'm going to have this baby any day I think. There ya go, my list of excuses!  I'm TRYING to do my best- I've gotten Nugget's salad bar instead of McDonald's, I've had apples and whole wheat tortillas with PB for dinner instead of Taco Bell.... but I've also had shakes from Sonic, and M&Ms.  It's stress eating, it's comfort food, it's convenience, and maybe 5% pregnancy cravings.   I'm really trying to get my workouts in though.  I've made it to a few classes at the gym, went for a good walk with Marie in Shingletown, I even did Zumba twice... I hate Zumba- but it's what was available when I had the free time so I did it.  This morning I went and walked around target for about 40 minutes- got in 4000 steps!  Tonight I will go to Ultimate conditioning at the gym.  I went to it last night as well.  Monday I even got ALL green!  I was pretty proud of myself!  Almost did it yesterday, but I slept in so I didn't get my hourly activity at 7:00 am.

I need to start thinking about what I want to do after the baby is born  I want to do something new and fun, some sort of program that will give me motivation and accountability.  I know what I need to do, I know how to work out, I know what foods to eat, but I work harder for other people- instructors, coaches, etc- so I want a program.  Any suggestions??

Oh- Baby update.... I am 11 days from my due date.  I've had some contractiony type feelings but I think they are more braxton hicks that real contractions.  Having some mild back pain today, but that's really about it so far.  Check up Friday morning.

Ladies and Gentleman, Children of All ages....

Welcome to the best show in town.......

My house is officially a circus, and I don't even get to be the ringmaster.

I'm just shy of 38 weeks pregnant....last week I put the finishing touches on the girls' room, baby clothes washed, diapers stocked, bags packed.  My nesting continued to the rest of the house- wash the walls, steam clean all carpets, "Hunny how much work is it to replace the shower stall?" was even in there at some point. But on my terms.... my schedule... in my control.  If you know me, you know that's how I operate,  I have to have a plan, and I can't feel like things are out of my control.

Well, God's a funny guy when it comes to that. He only lets me get away with it for so long before reminding me that I am NOT always able to be in control.

Friday evening I noticed some small water spots on the kitchen floor- I assumed they were from the dogs bowl, or that Lilah had a leaky cup.  Then a short while later I saw more water.... what the heck.  Then I noticed as I walked my feet were getting wet, I looked down and pressed on the floor with my toes and watched as the water seeped up between the flooring.  Shit. Ari came home shortly after, we figured the ice maker was leaking, he pulled the fridge out, checked the hose, everything looked fine.  So he checked the other end under the sink- no problem there either, checked the drains for the washing machine on the other side of the wall- nope, not that.  So he decided he would call the warranty company.  We called them Saturday, they couldn't send anyone until Sunday.  So we waited around all day Sunday- the guy finally showed up around 7:30 at night.  he searched around just like Ari did, and didn't find anything.  Cut a hole in the wall to test inside there, still nothing, then they pulled the stove out, and right behind that and the cabinets was a steady stream of water coming from a cracked hose. Great.

So we've been without water to the kitchen since Sunday night.  Called our insurance Monday morning and filled them in- I figured they'd send someone out to give us an estimate, we'd replace some flooring, collect a check, and have a baby.  WRONG.   Obviously I've never done this before.  They send out Coit, a damage and restoration team, who took pictures, measurements, did leak tesst, moisture tests, asked a bunch of questions, yelled a lot in Russian, let the dog out, let the flies in, and barely spoke English.  They were here until 8:00 last night, and finally when they left, my floor was gone as well, the kitchen was barricaded off with plastic tarps, and 7 HOT and LOUD fans were placed to start the "Dry Out".

They informed me they would return Today, along with the Asbestos and Lead testing company- around 9:30 am.  

As we know I am trying to follow the Fit Girl 28 day program.  I had gotten some food prep done Monday morning before the chaos ensued, but not much.I got the lasagna done which is dinner days 1,3,5 and 7. It's supposed to be Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls, but that sounds weird to me... so it said you could sub other veggies- I chose zucchini and spinach instead.  Also since there's two of us I decided just to make a regular pan lasagna instead of rolls.  I took the recipe and multiplied everything by 8 to make 8 servings.

 Hopefully we can eat it tonight so I can report back on how it turned out.

 Unfortunately that was as far as I got, then I wasn't able to access the kitchen the rest of the day.  So I got up early today and figured I would make stuff ahead of time for the day and place it in the fridge in the garage so we could get to it as we needed it.  Well, I got as far as getting breakfast handled for everyone and the doorbell rang.  At 8:00 am.... surprise.... they were here early, and They got right to work so my plan was shot.  They needed access to the crawl space- which is in my room, in the closet- sure let me just clear my bazillion pairs of shoes, out of the way real quick.  Then the asbestos guys shows up, more questions, more access needs, then the manager from coit arrives... it's literally beginning to feel like LAX in my house at this point, people everywhere, hustling around, phones ringing, Russians yelling, the dogs running around crashing into things with her cone, Lilah is scared of the men in paper suits (they had to wear them to access the crawl space), it's literally a circus.  

Everyone finally cleared out around 12:00.  Gone for the day, hurray.  They left behind the HOT and LOUD dryers, and my kitchen is still closed off, but at least I have my bedroom back, and don't have 6 strangers in my house.  As of right now they are saying the wall between the kitchen and the garage needs to come down, and the cabinets need to come out, but they can't start any of that until the asbestos testing come's back.  So right now we wait.  I am rushing through laundry like a mad women since I won't be able to use my machines after tomorrow... I considered finishing my meal prep- but I won't be able to get to any of it so I don't know what good it will do.  I'm honestly at the point right now where I feel so overwhelmed that instead of doing something I'll just do nothing because I don't even know where to start.  I could pack the kitchen up- they didn't say to- but if they are taking cabinets out I imagine it needs to be done?  Should I let them do it, or should I?  Should I pack the fridge up and put everything in the one outside?  Or will they just move the whole fridge to the garage for me?  I should at least clean it out, half the food will be spoiled by the time I have my kitchen back. See what I mean- too much to think about.

So that's my reality right now.  So much for the 28 day meal plan..... looks like I'll have to give that another go once this is all done and over with.  In the meantime I am really going to try not to just say screw it and go back to eating crap- I am going to try and at least make good choices with whats available to me.  Like last night we had to go out to eat, and I had a large garden salad, I wanted a Burger and fries- comfort food- but I convinced myself to make a better decision.  I did make it to the gym last night in spite of everything else.  So at least there is that.  

Wish me luck as this continues to unfold.  Pray for my sanity please.....and the safety of these workers- it's a crap shoot whether or not I'm going to have a breakdown.

Planks and Sushi- balance people...it's about balance.

Well- the instructor from last night’s class must have read my blog and known I needed to bust out some planks.  We did 10 rounds of 30 second planks-  a few months ago that would have been “Easy Peasy” (as Lilah would say- that’s her new thing).  Last night though, it was rough!  Shaking, fingers digging into the mat, legs wobbling, sweat dripping, - rough.  And today my shoulders feel it!  Tonight I will stick to the challenge and do my Day 2: 20 second plank- I have a feeling I can rock that with no problem, lol!

So after the gym- 15 minutes of cardio on the elliptical, then class- I went home - and per usual, didn’t want to cook.  I had trail mix for dinner.  Fail.  Saturday is the day!  I will go to the farmer’s market and the grocery store, and there will be no more excuses.  Until then though, no promises.  Anyone have any favorite, healthy, no cook, dinner recipes? 

Tomorrow is my last day of work before maternity leave.  I am so excited.  I can’t wait to have a little time to catch up.  Catch up on sleep…. Catch up on laundry… Catch up on cleaning.  It’s been really hard getting up at 5:00 am and getting ready for work after a long night of waking up every 2 hours to pee, or just to lay there with my eyes open for 2 hours – because why not.  So it’ll be nice to have a little flexibility and sleep in a little when I have a rough night.  And my little bug starts preschool, and ballet, and swim lessons, and I get to be home to take her to all these things!  I am more excited than she is!  I don’t see a whole lot of resting in the next 4 weeks- but I do hope to be productive.  Luckily I’ve gotten most of the baby prep done- all that’s left really is washing and assembling the co sleeper in our room, and washing the infant carrier. So I’m ready for ya, Ellie- but no rush, I’ve got lots going on the next few weeks- LoL!

I think that’s all for today- pretty uneventful yesterday… and Tonight I’m having sushi for dinner and probably not making it to the gym… so don’t expect much from me until Sunday or Monday when I’ve redeemed myself and have good things to discuss ;)

Have some self control.... No really, please do.

I’m still here…. I’ve been quiet because it’s been busy around here.  We are in the last week of school for the year and I am on my last week of work before maternity leave- so things have been hectic! 

Saturday was a success!  I dropped my car of at Big O for my oil change- and went for a walk (with slight jogging spurts).  Decided to dust off my Couch to 5k app…. Started from the beginning- Week 1… it’s been a LONG time since Week 1 was the best I could do {sad face}.  But- I did it. 

After that it was all party mode.  It was SO. Damn. HOT.  Gross.  I am so sorry everyone, and thank you for bringing your littles anyway- Lilah had so so so much fun, so to me, it was worth all the sweat.  She told me on the way home “Mom, I had so much fun at my birthday”- music to my ears.

Sunday was a rest day- got my steps in though- running errands, shopping, chores, etc. 

Monday was UJam- have I mentioned yet that I love it?  I do.  It’s fun, and upbeat, and I can modify to make sure I’m no over doing it.  I did a quick mile on the Elliptical before class for a little extra.  Not sure what my calorie burn has been because my fitbit is hanging on by a thread, and my new one isn’t due to be here until Friday… How will I ever survive!?

Last night was Charlie’s class.  I took Andrew with me this week.  Thought it would be good for him since he does most of her walks at home.  He did really well with her!  And she actually did really well too- she doesn’t do so well for me- I’m sure it’s because I have ZERO patience and she can sense my fuming frustration!  Ha!

Tonight is that “strength training class that has no name” that I tried last week.  I am looking forward to it!  Hoping to get to the gym a little early and do some cardio before class.

Now- on the other side of things…. Nutrition.  Terrible.  Plain and simple!  LoL.  I had fast food again… ugh.  And Candy- I keep eating candy.  A piece here, and piece there, but it all adds up! I don't know why it's been so hard for me to use self control!  I've done it in the past like a champ, lately though- I can't find it anywhere! I’m hoping once I am on maternity leave I can curb the mindless snacking.  I honestly think I will be pretty busy and on the go so that should help.  And I never got to the grocery shopping last weekend- so my healthy options are very limited in the house right now… and have I mentioned how HOT it is, the last thing I want to do is cook dinner!!  It’s miserable.  My back hurts, my feet are swollen and it’s a bazillion degrees, who wants to stand in the kitchen like that and cook? I see lots of salads in our future.  So that is a goal for next week- clean up the eating.  I have to, you know what they say- you can’t out exercise a bad diet….

Gah- and the plank challenge- I keep forgetting!  I vow to start TONIGHT.  Anyone else?  I could use some accountability!

Fri*YAY* and Planks

Oh Glorious Friday!  This has been a long “short” week!  Am I the only one who felt like it dragged?

Made it to the gym last night, go me!  Sweated through 40 minutes of Ujam, and went home.  I’ll be honest I was SORE from Wednesday night's class- and it took all I had to even get my butt to the gym last night.  And let’s not even talk about the swollen Flinstone feet I’m dealing with.

Speaking of Wednesday- I planked in class… I haven’t planked in over 8 weeks I’d say.  And at that point, even pregnant, I could hold a solid 60 second plank like a champ.  Wednesday I was shaking at 25 seconds.  That’s disappointing!  So, it’s on my list of things to work on.  Maybe I’ll do one of those 30-day plank challenges.  Has anyone done one?  Did you get stronger? Here is the one I am going to follow- join me!

Tonight I won’t make it to the gym- I have errands to run for the party tomorrow, and Andrew has baseball.  So I think I Lil Red and I will walk Charlie (our puppy…) to the game. At least I’ll get my steps in that way. 

I have an appointment to get my oil changed at 8:00 am tomorrow morning- a few blocks from the gym- so my plan is to drop off the car- walk to the gym- work out- walk back to get the car.  Then I can have it all done and out of the way before 10:00 am- and I won’t waste an hour just sitting in the Lobby at Big O- being tempted by Donuts.  They always have donuts!  Jerks.  Kidding.  I love them, and 100% recommend them.  They are family owned by a great local family, they always take great care of us- honest and quick, and it’s one of very few places my husband approves of.  If you know him, you know that means a lot!

Anyhow, enough about that.  Not sure what is on the agenda for Sunday- I usually try to get my steps in by shopping.  Don’t judge me. I wanted to go to the Galleria last weekend and we didn’t make it- so maybe I can talk the husband into going Sunday- guaranteed to make your step goal at the Galleria.

So that’s that- 2^nd week down… Still have some places to improve- but I’m doing better than I was!  Stay cool this weekend, and get your sweat on!

34 weeks, Ponies, and Scorching Temps.

Had my 34 week checkup yesterday afternoon.  Up 1 pound since my last appointment at 31 weeks.  Not too shabby.  I’m far over where I wanted to be weight gain wise, so I was hoping to just maintain these last few weeks- not gain, but 1 pound is better than the multiple pounds I was seeing at previous appointments!  Fundal height is 37 cm, heart beat was good and strong, good to go for another 2 weeks.

Tried a new class at the gym last night.  Not sure what it was called- but it was pretty much a strength training/muscle conditioning routine.  I got there a little early and did 20 minutes – medium intensity- on the elliptical, then headed to class.  It was 3 sets of 4-5 exercises, 3 rounds each.  For example, the first set was: Deadlifts, bent over rows, plie squats with a row, squat thrusts, and jump rope- repeat 3 times.  Lots of squats and lunges, good amount of arms, and just the right amount of cardio bursts to keep the heart rate up and the sweat pouring.  Yuck.  It was so hot.  Even in the air conditioned gym.  It’s just miserable.  Triple digits all week and rising.

Speaking of triple digits and rising, the hottest day is supposed to be Saturday.  Wonderful, glorious Saturday- the day of Lilah’s 3^rd birthday party… outdoor birthday party…. Hottest part of the day- Birthday party.  Ugh.  It was originally a projected high of 108- there’s been a small drop- looking at 103 now.  But let’s be real- it’s all hell after 95.  I legit have considered cancelling the party!  But my sweet little ginger girl is so very excited to ride ponies- I will grin and bear it for her sake.  Aside from the heat I am so very grateful that I decided to go this route.  I booked this party back in March at a local horse stable- they do Pony parties- they supply the ponies; you supply the kids.  I knew I’d be too pregnant and tired by this point to host a party at home and have to deal with weeks of prep and days of clean up.  This way I just have to brings snacks, a few decorations and games and then throw it all away at the end!  And a huge thank you to Aunt Marie for doing the crafty side of it, and making the cupcakes- what would we do without you?

Tonight is Ujam!  Yay- looking forward to it since Monday was a holiday.  Is it totally obsessive that I hate that the display on my FitBit is broken because I like to check my steps and heart rate at the end of each song?  It is?  Yeah… I kind of thought so.  Shout out to FitBit customer support though- a quick live chat online and a new one is in route to me and will be here Wednesday.  In the meantime, I am flying blind- no heart rate tracker and I can only see my steps through the app for now.  How will I ever get through until Wednesday… LoL

9 more Working Days...

9 working days until Maternity leave.  Thank goodness!  I am ready.  This whole work thing really gets in the way of other stuff.  

I used to get up at 3:30 a few mornings a week so that I could go to the gym at 4:00 and get my workout done.  However, with this wonderful pregnancy insomnia, I just. can't. do. it.  I am awake a few time a night as it is, and not getting great sleep, so the 3:30 alarm just isn't happening.  

Which means I have to squeeze my gym time into the evening- also when we have baseball, scouts, meetings, puppy class, etc.  It's hard.  

Anyhow- I made it to the gym Thursday for Ujam!  Yay, and again Sunday- cardio and weights.  Bringing my grand total to 4 days last week.  I'll take it!  

I did NOT make it there yesterday however, we were out all day enjoying the day off and time got away from me. I did do a good amount of walking though. But now I realize that I wish I would have squeeze a workout in somewhere- because today isn’t going to happen either.  We have Scouts, Baseball AND puppy class all at once this evening.  So as I said, 9 more days…. 9 more days of juggling.  Then I can breathe.  Once I am on leave I can get up and go first thing in the morning and then get on with my day- and I can’t wait. In the mean time I am just going to do my best.  I will get to the gym tomorrow and hopefully Thursday and Friday, too.  Saturday is Lilah’s birthday party- so It’s bound to be a busy day- but if I plan well I can make it a priority in the morning.  If I can stick to that I will still hit my 4 days.... we will see.

Now, food.  I’ve actually done Okay!  I’ve stuck to my 80% rule rather well…(80% real food). And I only slipped once on the fast food- Had a sausage biscuit from Carl’s Jr. yesterday.  Damn it.  I can only be so strong!  I did some shopping this weekend and got some staples- so I should be ok this week as well- I hope.

The main thing though, is I’m getting back in the right frame of mind.  I’m making a conscious effort to plan my workouts into my day, and thinking twice when making food choices instead of eating whatever whenever because I think I can. 

Oh!  I also got some a peek at a fun new program courtesy of Katie, and I am excited to try it.  Have you heard of the Fit Girl 28-day jump start?  I’ve been following them for a while- and after reading the program I am thinking I will use it post-partum.  Check it out if you haven’t heard of it…. And if you have- or have tried it- please share your experience and results! 

Catch up!

I'm back!  We left Saturday morning for a family road trip, and I played catch up on chores all day yesterday in between work, and dropping off and picking up kids.  Hopefully today will be back to business as usual around here, I hate when my routine is disrupted for too long!

So Saturday morning I got up early and went and got my run in. I made sure to bring my little 4 legged companion, I wanted her tired since she would be home alone for the night.

 I was going to go to class as well, but Ari wanted to get on the road early, and if I went to class it would have been close to 11:00 before we could leave.  So I decided to skip that and save some time.  

When I got home from my run I took advantage of the early morning hours of peace and quiet while everyone else slept, and got some trip prep done!  

I decided we would stop at one of the state parks and have a picnic lunch on Saturday.  The kids have ham and turkey roll ups, snap peas and cherry tomatoes, triscuts, and two snackwell cookies.  The huisband got a bagel sandwich, broccoli, cookies, and sunchips (not pictured), I had caprese salad, peanuts and broccoli.   

We ended up having lunch at the state park that has the Chandelier Drive thru Tree.  

After a few other tourist attractions we hit Patrick Point, to see the ocean.  I particularly liked this stop, because it snuck in some good ole family fitness!  There was not getting to the beach, or the look out point, without a good hike.  So we hiked down to the beack, then back up.

 Then up to the point, and back down.  

I wish I could say the rest of the trip was as friendly to my diet and exercise regimen.... but it was not.   I had pie Saturday night *gah*, and ate nothing but crap in the car on the way home Sunday.... Chips, pretzels, a cookie.... what is it about sitting in a car, being bored, that makes you want to eat?!  Oh well, stuff happens.  I guess what matters is getting back on the wagon, and I have.

Yesterday morning was a new day, I got up and went to the HS and did stadiums/ ran, I went to Intervals class, and I led an AB class last night.  Not a bad start!

I completely forgot to take a picture of today's lunch, oops!  But here is yesterdays:

Light Salami, laughing cow cheese, Newman's organic whole wheat pretzel rods, snap peas and cherry tomatoes, organic whole wheat graham crackers, and healthy harvest blueberry applesauce.

I planned to make Egg Frittatas for dinner last night, but because I subbed for the AB class, and Ari worked late, things got messed up.  I made quick healthy choice meals for the kids instead, and ended up making the Frittatas around 8:30, so they are ready for tonight's dinner.  Here is the recipe:

Personal Egg Frittata

12 eggs

1/4 cup coconut milk

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Mix ins- 

Bell pepper

Jalapeno

Broccoli

Ham

Cheese

(however anything would work)

Pre heat oven to 375

Spray 12 cup muffins tin, liberally

In a large bowl combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper.  Whisk thoroughly.

Pour evenly among the muffin cups

Top with mix ins of your choice, then stir each cup gently.

Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until egg is set. 

Please excuse the messy pan, I know, presentation is everything... but I got a little careless sprinkling the toppings.  Oops!

I hope everyone has an awesome, positive, and productive week!  Keep your goals in mind, and make sure your actions are working towards them!

The "Almost" Biggest Loser

Today ended my second round of the Virtual Biggest Loser Competition.  Between the two rounds, I have lost 33 lbs over a total of 16 weeks.  I was down a little over 1 pound this week,  leaving me with 9 pounds to reach my goal. 11.05% was my total lost this round, just shy of claiming 3rd place like I did last round.  No worries though, I'm still pretty proud of my accomplishments!  I have to say I am kind of glad it's over though, I find myself too consumed with it, and with being so close to my goal and not having a huge amount to lose, I don't want to spend my time stressing about loosing more weight than a stranger on Facebook next week!  LoL

We ran out to Sacramento for a tool sale Friday evening when my hubby got home from work (I know, we really DO know how to party on a Friday night around here!).  It was almost 7:00 when we got back to town, so I was trying to think of something I could throw together quickly for dinner.  Here is what I came up with

 Flat Out Breakfast Pizza!

1 Flat Out

Shredded Cheese

Bacon

Turkey Sausage

2 eggs

-Pre Heat oven to 350

-Lightly spray Flat Out with EVOO, and place directly on oven rack for 7 minute

-Remove from oven, top with cheese meat, and eggs.

(I made little "wells" in the cheese to hold the eggs in their place)

-Return to oven and bake for another 7 minutes.

These were a hot, even more so that the regular pizzas we made using flat out.  I will definitely be adding this meal to my menu rotation! Someday, when I make a menu rotation.  Right now my strategy is writing out a list on Monday mornings off the top of my head.

Saturday morning I went to class with Danielle, and then we did a quick run on the treadmill.  No stadiums again, boo. Today is my off day.  Danielle and I mentioned going to the High school this morning, but due to the fate of the coin toss, we took a pass. :)  I am looking forward to getting back to my routine tomorrow morning now that my early morning buddy is back!

I have been thinking about getting a new tattoo for awhile now.  Something to kind of signify the changes I have made/am making and all it took to make them happen.  I decided I want a white tiger to be the focus of  it.  I want it to be big, like from my waist to my shoulder.  I see it looking feminine, mysterious, almost a sexy look to it maybe, not viscous.  I want it to have my eyes, and over stated lashes.... and I want it to have black and pink stripes.  I want it's paws on my shoulder,  "clawing" me, revealing a matching tiger striped patter under my skin,   representing the change or transformation.  Now I just need to properly convey it all to an artist and hope that the drawing turns out how I see it in my head.  Maybe I can plant a seed in the hubby's mind that it would be a great Christmas present.... of big 3-0 gift!

Banana Wraps and Other Yumminess

Today's school Lunch:  Banana with natural peanut butter and local honey wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla, apple slices, carrots with laughing cow cheese wedge, and Trader Joe's all natural organic oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  For breakfast we had protein pancakes, I switched it up a little bit and used whipped cream cheese instead of cottage cheese.  I liked the consistency much better.  If you haven't tried these, you should!  They are good, and very very filling.  My kids can usually down 3 fluffy pancakes no problem, but they can barely finish 2 of these before they are full, and they keep them full through out the morning.  Here is the recipe.

I went to the high school this morning and did 3 miles.  I ran 2, then did stadiums for the equivalent of a mile (according to my Map My Run app.).  Tonight I have my class at the Y, hoping for a better turn out!  Here is what I have planned for that:

Warm Up

Walk a lap

Jog a lap

Jumping Jacks

Jog a lap

Squats

Jog a lap

Set 1

Burpees - 1 min

Speed skaters- 1 min

Standing side crunch - 30

Squat hop twist - 1 min

Break- 1 min

repeat 3 times

Tabata

Exploding Jacks- 20 sec

Break- 10 sec

Butt Kickers - 20 Sec

Break- 10 sec

Repeat 4 times

Set 2 (using a step)

Side to side lunge with forward punch- 30 sec

Side to side lunge with punch towards knees- 30 sec

Side to side lunge with hook- 30 sec

over the top with rows - 30 sec

repeat

Break-1min

repeat 3 times

Tabata (using step)
Box Jump - 20 sec

break - 20 sec

run up/down- 20 sec

break- 10 sec

repeat 4 times

Since I'll be gone for class from 5:15-6:30 I planned a quick easy dinner, Cobb salad.  Or, my variation of it anyway. We are going to do ham, hard boiled eggs, avocado, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.

Lastly, I am getting ready to bake "One Bowl Oatmeal Muffins" with Blueberries and white chocolate chips for the kiddo's, so be on the lookout for a review tomorrow!

School Lunches and Breakfast...for Dinner!

My school year resolution is healthier lunches for the kids. So I have googled, and pinterested, and brainstormed, and I think I have come up with a good variety of healthier options, that the kids will enjoy.  (here are a few places I got some ideas http://easylunchboxes.smugmug.com/The-Best-Lunchbox-System/Yummy-Lunch-Ideas/10136835_YSuyb#!i=696914291&k=YxmUd, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mslil65/1637854803/in/set-72157601755804789/ - on this one scroll through the album, hover of the picture for names of food items) Now, keep in mind, I am new at this.  I do have some not so healthy stuff still in the cupboards, and I plan to use it up and phase it out.  So for the first few weeks there might be a questionable treat lurking among the otherwise healthy lunch (who am I kidding, even after the first few weeks I fully intend to give them the occasional treat).  The picture above was today's lunch.  Ham slices rolled with cream cheese in the middle, baby dill pickles, all natural veggie chips, mandarin oranges in juice, and 2 Snackwell's cookies. The kids love the new system, and both enjoyed their lunch.  My goal is to train them on how to assemble a healthy balanced lunch at some point so that I can relinquish my lunch making duties!

While we are on the topic of the lunches, I did a store run today to finish my shopping list for them.  Some of the things I have gathered as options are: 100 % whole wheat tortillas (for wraps, quesadillas, etc), ham, turkey, laughing cow cheeses, cottage cheese, berries, veggie chips (all natural organic from trader joes), oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (all natural organic from trader joes), triscuts, baby carrots, apples, pinapple chunks in juice no added sugar, mandarin oranges in juice no added sugar, pickles, Whole wheat organic pretzel rods, boiled eggs, bananas, and some other things that I am sure I am forgetting, but will show up in pictures later!

I tried a new addition to my yogurt this morning.  I took 4 strawberries and pureed them, added 1 tablespoon of spelnda, and mixed it with 1/3 cup of yogurt.  I think I might be able to actually enjoy it this way.  I'm sure it's easier to just cut them up and throw them in, but I have never liked chunky fruit yogurt...!  I think I might try mixing some up and letting it sit in the freezer for a bit to make some sort of a sorbet. That'll have to be another post.

Tonight for dinner we made Baked Egg Baskets, Whole Wheat toast (100% Whole wheat double fiber bread from Oroweat), and cottage cheese with frozen berries (organic, no sugar added).

Egg Baskets!

12 Eggs (or however many you wish to make!)

12 thin slices of ham (round) 

1/2 Cup of  cheese (I used shredded cheddar)

1/2 Cup diced scallions

Fresh cracked Sea Salt and Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400.  Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.  Lay a piece of ham in each hole creating a little ham cup.  Crack one egg into each hole and sprinkle with salt and pepper. (I found it easiest to lay the ham flat across the hole, and while cracking the egg kind of pushing the ham down, hard to explain...)

Bake the egg for about 12 minutes, until the whites are firm.

Carefully remove each egg from the tray and top with cheese and scallions

I have already been brainstorming ways to tweak and evolve this recipe. I was thinking little personal sized quiche would be fun.  Instead of just cracking the egg into the cup, you could whisk the eggs, add some veggies and pour them in.  I might do some experimenting next week with that, so stay tuned!

Oh!  And since I am here typing, I guess you know I survived teaching my class last night!  Unfortunately only 2 people showed up to take it... I am hoping it has a lot to do with the fact that it was the night before the first day back to school... Hopefully I will get a better turn out tomorrow.  After that I ran over to Oasis and took Muscle Conditioning.  I added up all my time and came up with just shy of 4 hours of exercise yesterday, phew!  This morning I did stadiums and went to Intervals class, it was a combination of weights and cardio.  I am sore, and tired, and think I am done for the day!  We'll see though, I say that, and then feel lazy and end up doing something, so you never know!