In The Family Way

Well, its been a while since I've posted anything on here....

...and its because I've found myself in the family way.

19 weeks

This basically means I have not been working out consistently, eating whatever I want, and so far have gained 19 pounds..one for each week! I hope to only gain one a week, but the Christmas season may just cause a few extra pounds to accumulate on my behind.
Not being able to go running or do most physical activity has been really frustrating. At first it was because I felt like vomiting, then the contents of my bra couldn't handle me walking let alone jumping up and down, then I was tired, and now... well now I just find the though completely exhausting. So I sit and watch as all parts of my body get larger. So much for just getting the cute baby bump eh?

In all seriousness, I really am trying to be healthy. I am trying to keep active and eat what is good for me, it is just so gosh darn hard!

Happy Weight

Does your body have a "happy weight?"

A weight that maybe you don't want to be at, but it seems like your body is totally content staying at? Me too.

And I'm there, right now.

For some reason, I cannot get passed this weight, no matter how hard I try. I am bound and determined, and its just not working. Why? I don't know. I really wish my body was happier weighing ten pounds less, that would just be great!

Instead, it wants to keep my cheeks looking like this baby's.

This little one seems happy with them, so I guess I should be too.

Suggestions?

Well, hello

Hello dear friends. I have returned and am oh so happy to be back on my own couch, eating my own food, watching tv in a language I understand. Notice, I did not say that I'm happy to be back running, biking, hiking, yoga-ing yet... I have simply been too exhausted and the day to day operations have taken every bit of energy out of me.

I did weigh myself though, and *drum roll please* I did not gain a single ounce! Wow! Must have been all the walking and the lovely stomach bug I caught in Turkey (which is taking its dear sweet time leaving me might I add) . I can tell you that the little muscle I have has all turned to fat, so that needs to be fixed. pronto.

So today I begin again! I want to lose 12 more pounds and my goal is to lose it by the end of September. Pray for me!

My List: Zumba- Check!

I can cross one more thing off my list of 25 things... zumba!

I went,

I "danced" like a white chick who just can't,

I survived,

I will definitely go again.

Running with Angels 5k

We did it!

Krystal and I survived our first (of many, right K-dawg?) 5k!

We were just under a ten minute mile, which I think is pretty fantastic.

We even had matching shoes. Not planned, but definitely good luck.

After the race.

Unfortunately I have consumed two cookies each day since. This is really bad. I need to get back on track! I am depressed because I can't control myself. I hate that feeling. I just need to say no to crap like that!

Arm Poses aka the "ya, keep dreamin' poses"

I love yoga. I do, I truly love yoga. I have been practicing for 5 years now (wow!) and I am no expert. I am confident in my ability to go through a practice without being lost or having much of a challenge.
I also love my yoga instructor. She is the bomb. She loves to challenge us, which makes me hate her for the one minute, until I realize that my body can actually do the pose and then I love her again.
During practice today she had us do a few arm balance poses.

Crow Pose

I love this picture, but to be honest his form isn't the best. Anyway, I love this pose. I am good at this pose. I own this pose. Mainly because this is about the only arm balance pose I can do.

yogajournal.com

One side crane pose.

Before today I hated this pose. I found myself laughing when she asked us to do it. I just couldn't. Well today something happened. Something in my body just clicked and I did it! For the first time ever my back foot came off the ground and stayed in the air! Mybalance was right on and I did both sides successfully for about 5 breaths. I ROCKED IT!

I doubt I will ever be good enough to do the following poses, but one can dream can't she?

yogajournal.com

Tinga

Tinga

Definition: Tasty, thats all you need to know.

Greg was introduced to this meal while serving his mission in Chi-Town. Didn't know a healthy meal could come out of Chicago? Me either. That town is full of deep dish pizza and hotdogs. Anyway, he served among the hispanic population and came back with plenty of tasty unhealthy recipes, and one or two healthy ones.

Actually, this recipe is originally not very healthy, but with one simple substitute you can make it a low calorie, low carb dinner.

What you will need:

2 chicken breast, boiled and shredded

1 small can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, unsalted (the picture above has a small can, but it isn't enough)

1/2 medium white onion, sliced

1 tbs olive oil

about 1 cup of light sour cream

1 package of queso fresco (mexican cheese)

Romaine lettuce leaves (if you are feelin' foxy there have a brand for you!)

1 package of tostadas (if you choose)

Part 1: The Sauce

This sauce is super simple, and the recipe is really up to you. It all depends on how spicy you like your food. I like mine with just a little kick. You will combine the diced tomatos and one (or two, or three) chipotle peppers and 2 tbs of adobo sauce together. If you have a stick blender, this is the best way to puree (sp?) them all. If not, you could use a food processor or even just a regular blender. Just make sure to clean it out VERY well afterward, you don't want your next smoothie to taste like this. Trust me.

Once the diced tomatoes and peppers are completely liquified you are done. Easy as that.

Part 2: The Chicken

Heat a large pan or pot over medium heat. add the olive oil and onions. Cook the onions until they are soft. Add the sauce and shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer. Heat for 10 or 15 minutes. Just long enough to heat the chicken through and let the sauce thicken a little.

Part 3: Lettuce, and other ingredients

While the chicken is simmering you will want to prepare the lettuce. Make sure you are using romaine lettuce (the long, skinny leaves) or else the meal will be incredibly messy. Fill your sink up about half way with ice cold water and just about a dash or two of vinegar. Take the romaine leaves you want to use and let them soak in the sink for about 5 minutes. This will not only clean your leaves, but make them crisp. Once I am ready to put them out I just shake them over the sink to get the excess water off.

Other ingredients: Place the sour cream, cheese, and tostadas on the table, ready for assembly.

Part 4: Putting it all together.

Once the chicken is ready it is time to assemble! Take your lettuce leaves (or tostadas if you want the carbs and messiness they bring) and put a small layer of sour cream over top. Then add the chicken and top it off with crumbles of queso fresco! The sour cream and cheese really help cool your mouth if your sauce is too hot.

Part 5: Enjoy!!

Calories: It all depends on the sour cream and cheese you use, but it is right around 100 calories per lettuce leaf!

This is a picture of the chicken cooking, sorry it is a little out of order!

I must be doing something right because this belt hasn't fit this well in a few years! Its on the last hole!

I promise that is a skirt I am wearing and not some awkwardly bunchy jeans.

Running with Angels

5k Run/Walk

Saturday, May 21st 8:00 a.m.

Runningwithangels.org

Who's with me?

Remember

Hey, remember me? Remember how I was supposed to update this blog once a week?

Things have been a little busy lately and I just haven't had enough time. So here is an update:

I have only lost 7 pounds, but I have been able to keep it off! Starting today I am back off sugar. This is what helped me lose the first 7 and I hope this helps me continue to lose the next 12!

I have been really good at not eating out. I can't remember the last time I had a burger!

I think I am going to sign up for a 5k. I know I can run it, I run more than that most days. But, I want to prepare for a 10k and this is a good stepping stone. I have never ran a race before so this is a whole new experience to me.

Greg and I have a freakin' rad trip planned for this summer and I want to be bathing suit ready by the time it comes. This gives me two months to shed those 12 pounds. I CAN DO THIS!

Grilled Cod

I used to HATE fish, true story. Just the thought of eating fish would make me want to vomit. Then I married Greg. Somehow, with his magical powers, he convinces me to try so many things that I would normally refuse to do-the biggest being to try new foods. I was never a picky eater, I just hadn't been introduced to so many different types of food. Thus began my philosophy of "I'll try every food at least once." This decision led me to really love most seafood. The only kind I truly hate is salmon, weird I know.
Anyway, then I created a new rule to eating fish: I would eat fish as long as it wasn't cooked inside our house. I seriously cannot stand the fishy smell that lingers and sticks to EVERYTHING. Gross.
My favorite fish to eat at home is Cod. It is one of the less smelly fish and really easy to prepare. Below is a recipe for grilled cod, mashed potatoes, and creamy cucumber salad. It's funny, a few years ago I could not stand fish, mashed potatoes (I had never had real homemade before) or sour cream. I'm not totally in love with sour cream, but in this dinner is it vital and simply amazing.

Grilled Cod: I have tried both fresh cod and frozen and really can't tell a difference. If you are going to buy fresh make sure you purchase it from a reliable source. I bought this from Harmons and was well pleased.

What you will need:
-I large fillet or two small
-Salt
-Pepper
-Paprika
-Olive Oil
What to do: We rubbed the cod with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste and grilled it on our BBQ- simple as that. done and done. Brush the BBQ with Oliv Oil before placing the fish down to cook. The fish grills really quickly, so don't start it until everything else is almost finished. *You can create your own rub if you are not a fan of paprika. Be creative! Lemon is always good on fish.
Calories: 90 calories for 4 ounces.

Mashed Potatoes: We have a problem, we always make WAY too many. So, just remember that you aren't making these for a family of 8 and they usually don't store well.
What you will need:
-Three small potatoes or two large ones You could also use several small red potatoes (that is my favorite)
-Light sour cream
-Butter
-Salt and Pepper
What to do: Peel and dice the potatoes. Put them in a pot of boiling water and let them boil for about 15 minutes. I know when they are done if I can mash one easily with a fork. Once they are the perfect mushiness drain the potatoes and put them in a mixing bowl. Add one or two tablespoons of butter. Mash. I prefer to mash by hand, but you can use a hand mixer if you like. Once they are almost mashed add the sour cream. Depending on how many potatoes you make you will want 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sour cream. I use light sour cream because it really saves on calories and fat. You can also substitute milk for sour cream, in fact that is how you usually make mashed potatoes, I just really like the sour cream. Make sure everything is mixed together but don't over-mash. If you love garlic like I love garlic try adding a peeled garlic clove (a clove is just one piece, not the whole thing) to the boiling potatoes. Then mash it up with the potatoes, or pull it out. Just don't leave it as a whole piece or the person who gets it in their bite might never recover.
Calories: Totally depends on the amount of potatoes and sour cream you use. There are about 150 calories in one medium potato and light sour cream is typically 80 calories per half cup. So, if you use three medium potatoes, 1 tbs of butter, and 1/2 sour cream and only eat 1/3 of the mashed potatoes you will have a 210 calorie serving.

Creamy Cucumber Salad: I LOVE this "salad". You can eat it as a side dish or put it over warm white rice for a delicious lunch.
What you need:
1/2 C light sour cream
1 T Vinegar
1/2 t salt
1/4 t dried dill
dash of black pepper
1 large cucumber- halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/3 C thinly sliced onion
What to do: In a medium bowl combine sour cream, vinegar, salt, dill, and pepper. Add cucumber and onion. Toss to coat. Cover and chill for 4 hours or up to 3 days, stirring occaisionally, stir before serving. **I don't always prepare beforehand, and it tastes just fine.
Calories: 45 per 1/2 cup

These three recipes make up a great meal, but you can always try them on their own or with your favorite dish!

25

Yes, I just turned 25 and yes, I did freak out a little bit. For the first time ever I feel like I should now be an adult.
25 = mature
25=established
25=responsible
uhh.. I don't feellike I am ANY of those things. And thats okay, because I am re-writing my definition of 25.
25=exciting, spontaneous, and full of new things.

Here are 25 things I want to do this year:
1. Write in my journal every day. I used to be such an avid journal-writer and the past few years have been sporadic at best. So, I will write one thing I am thankful for every day.
2. Lose 10 pounds. This has been on my to-do list for years, but I am going to do it now!
3. Run a 10k
4. Consider running the wasatch back with Risa, but I can't guarantee I'll do it. Life events may interfere
5. Begin micro lending. I took a rural development class 3 years ago in college and learned all about micro lending. Since then Greg and I have always wanted to start, why not now?
6. Save some serious money
7. Go to Chicago
8. Learn to Sew
9. Start a shop on Etsy
10. Cut back on the sweets
11. Get my serger working and learn how to use it
12. Go camping every chance we get 1
3. Ride my bike more often
14. Actually do my visiting teaching
15. Finish the New Testament
16. Spend more time with the grandparentals.
17. Spend less time in front of the tube
18. Beat Greg in ping pong
19. Paint our spare room
20. Eat more meals at home
21. Try zumba
22. See James Taylor in concert
23. Go to the Sundance Film Festival
24. Go to the Temple once a month
25. Try going vegetarian

I am a goal-oriented person. I like to plan, organize, and work toward achieving something. I'll let you know how it goes.

I Am Perfect

I could not work out without music, it motivates me like nothing else. I am constantly updating my running mix and it always has the strangest mix of music on it. For example, I may listen to Justin Timberlake, Sugarland, Ben Harper, Lady Gaga, and Mo-Tab all in the same run. Here are two songs that I love. I love the message and I like the little reminders that I am who I am and thats okay.

Help

Alright those who read this blog, I need help.

I lost 5 pounds and have kept it off (yay!) but I would like to lose 10-15 more. I just can't seem to break through this plateau.

Have you ever had this problem? If so, what worked for you? UVU offers free personal fitness training for faculty and staff and I'm thinking about doing it. I wonder if my workout routine is just getting too mundane and I need someone to kick me into shape.

Please send your tips, thoughts, ANYTHING because I need to get back into it!

Anna's Best Salad Ever

Alright, I have a new goal. I want to post one new recipe on here each week. Basically, I want to try a new healthy recipe each week and this will give me the motivation to do it!

This recipe comes from my SIL Anna's blog. She is an amazing cook. This salad is at every family get together and I love it.

Everything Salad
1/2 c. sliced almonds
3 T. sugar
Mix sugar and almonds together in a skillet over medium heat, until sugar begins to melt. Keep stirring until almonds are coated and begin to turn golden brown. Be careful, because they will burn quickly. Spread onto foil to cool.

1 head green lettuce
1 c. chopped celery
4 green onions, chopped
1 (11 oz) can mandrain oranges, drained
1 diced avocado
1 diced apple
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese

Mix ingredients together and toss with dressing and nuts just before serving.

Dressing:
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. olive oil
1 T. chopped parsley [can sub dried]
2 T. sugar
2 T. apple cider vinegar
*Salad dressing is sooo easy to mix in a blender bottle.

25

No, this post isnt about how in a few short weeks I'll be turning 25 (eek!), that depressing rant will probably come later.

This is about how within the last week I have ran 25 miles! That is my record for a week and I am pretty proud. Now, time to go weight myself and see if all this running has me any lighter.

...I also ate like crap this week so maybe it all just evened out.

Morning Routine

The Hubby and I have the same routine each morning:

5:30 a.m. Greg's alarm goes off. He hits snooze. This continues until 6:30

6:00 a.m. My alarm goes off. I hit snooze. This continues until 6:30

6:00-6:30 a.m. I have completely tuned out both alarms, every ten minutes I get a nudge from Greg to turn mine off.

6:30 a.m. Greg obeys the alarm clock and gets out of bed, gets in the shower and falls back asleep

6:37 a.m. After playing the "what if I just called in sick" game for the last 7 minutes, I decide to get out of bed

7:10 a.m. Ready for work we head downstairs to make our breakfast and lunch

7:15 a.m. Greg makes two of his delicious berry spinach smoothies (trust me, they are not delicious when I try) I stick with making sandwiches or putting leftovers in tupperware for lunch.

7:22 a.m. I make one last frantic run upstairs to grab my phone, shoes, ring, purse, or whatever it is that I about forgot and couldn't possibly live without that day

7:25 a.m. closing the garage door and dreaming about what that day would bring if I had called in sick.

Best part of the morning: Greg's berry spinach smoothie. Although I cannot make it nearly as good as he can, I thought I'd share the "recipe".

We make about 16 ounces and split it between the two of us. Here is what you need:

- 2/3 cup sugar free apple juice. We usually do 1/3 cup apple juice and 1/3 cup noni juice, but that is because we have all the free noni we want and its really good for you.

- Handful or two of Spinach- I promise no matter how much you put in, you can't taste it at all!

-1/2 to 1 cup of frozen berries. I prefer a mix of raspberries and blueberries. Strawberries don't blend as well.

-Blender

Instructions: Start with the berries and put them into the blender until they break down. Add the spinach and some of the juice and blend until the spinach has turned into green goop. Then add the rest of the juice and blend together until you reach your desired consistency.

Once finished you can pour into a cup and drink then. I prefer to take mine to work in a blender bottle. If you do not have a blender bottle, you should invest in one- they are great for keep smoothies from separating, mixing a fiber drink, making pancakes from a mix or making salad dressing. They just mix everything so well!

Here is a picture of me enjoying my smoothie at work. Two things- first, I don't know why it is upside down, I really can't figure it out. Two, I think I need to decorate my cubicle. That is all.

If you want a yummy addition to your breakfast, or just a quick healthy snack, try it out!

Bad Bad Bad

February has been bad for me. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost any either. So, I started fresh yesterday and have big goals for March!

Coming soon: a recipe for delicious berry spinach smoothies, yum!

Curves

I love the fact that I have curves, but, why can't my curves look this good?

Isn't it the truth

Week #3

Okay Okay, I haven't been the greatest at documenting my weekly goals. Why, you ask? Frankly, I don't know. But, I do have to say that I have been good at keeping my weekly goals (with the exception of a sugar cookie or two last sunday).

So here is habit change #3: Be Grateful.

I want to have a healthy body, but I also want to be mentally and spiritually healthy. I want the whole package. Showing gratitude not only helps us recognize all the good we have in life, but it can help heal depression and lead to better physical and psychological well being. Studies have proven that giving gratitude may also reduce your risk of certain types of psychopathy. I'll take it.

Whenever I write in my journal I try and write three things I am grateful for that day. Sadly, I haven't been writing very often. So, I am starting a gratitude journal. I will document the happenings in my life by writing about only what I am grateful for each day. EACH DAY, not once a month. I also have purchased several sets of adorable thank you cards and want to write at least one a week.

So, to kick things off, here are a few things I am grateful for tonight:
*My husband. I could not have asked for a better, more caring person.
*Amazing friends and family. How did I get so lucky?
*My health
*My testimony of Jesus Christ
*Clean sheets
*Yoga
* My job

My little helpers

It is no secret that I have a sweet tooth. Another thing everyone should know is that I just love food in general. With limiting my calories to about 1000 a day (more if I workout) I have had to find sweet low calorie treats to curb my cravings.

Being the generous person I am, I want to share these little helpers with you.

That sounds like I'm talking about drugs, doesn't it? Don't worry, just speakin' about sugar fixes..

First, if you haven't tried Sobe Life Water Zero, you need to! These drinks are sooo tasty, all natural, and 0 calories! My favorites are three pictured above, especially fuji apple pear!

Drinking one of these with my lunch and throughout the afternoon covers my sugar fix. When it comes to flavored drinks, I'm a sipper, so one of these can usually last me all day.

Second, Stretch Island Fruit Co. fruit leather. This 45 calorie snack is a great way to curb your appetite and perfect to put in your purse for those times you are tempted to get a candy bar from the vending machine.

Last but NOT least are these little gems. I am kind of obsessed with these lately. I am a chocolate girl and these give me a guilt free chocolate fix! Almonds covered in cocoa.. genius! Not only do they taste great but you get all the benefits of eating almonds and a small portion of dark chocolate!

Well folks, those are my healthy eating little helpers, what are yours?

Week #2

My Week #2 goal: No french fries. They make me sick anyway, I can do without 'em (I hope)

**Update on week #1 habit change: I did pretty well, I did eat a cookie or two. It was Greg's birthday and I made him all sorts of goodies, it was really hard to resist! But, that was last week and I haven't faltered since!

23 Days

They say it takes 23 days to form a habit. Well, I'm going to try!

Every week, for the next few weeks, I am going to change one bad habit.

Week #1: no baked goods or candy bars.

...Heaven help me....

Just Call Me Linus

Today was one of those days. One of those "my aunt flow is visiting and I just want to lay on the couch and eat everything in sight" days. And guess what, I did. I am ashamed to admit that I have no control when it comes to my fun week.

Other than food, the only thing that brings me comfort when I feel like crap is my tiger blanket. I have had this baby for almost 10 years and I reach for it any time I need to wrap up to get warm or feel better.

Maybe if I carry around the blanket everywhere I can overcome the need for food comfort.

Just Call me Linus.

Potstickers and Edamame

If your life is as busy as mine, its not always easy to cook dinner every night. If you are weak like me, a pizza sounds like just about the best thing ever on those busy nights. And if you are even more like me, you shove the pizza into your mouth, satisfying your craving, and then feel incredibly guilty for the next two days.

Well ladies, I have a solution for those crazy busy nights. Frozen edamame and postickers! These can be found at almost any grocery store.

I talked about this in one of my past posts, but edamame is really good for you, and super tasty! Just heat them up in the microwave and add a little salt for flavor. I don't reccomend eating the shell, its not that good. And don't go for the already shelled edamame, half the fun is pulling out the pods with your teeth. These babies run about 100 calories per half cup of pods and are a great source of protein so they fill you up. Not bad eh?

Potstickers, oh potstickers. I have loved you for so long. These babies are just so dang good. There are several ways to heat frozen potstickers. I recommend putting them in a pan with a little olive oil and 1/4 cup water (for about 5 potstickers), cover for 6 minutes or until water is absorbed and then uncover and let cook until the bottoms are dark. Most postickers run about 50-60 calories each. Really not bad considering the deliciousness they bring. Dip them in low sodium soy sauce for a great main dish.

This tasty meal will take about 10 minutes tops to make and only has 300-400 calories in it! Sounds good to me!

Lose It

Alright, so the Lose It app... I. Love. It. End of story.

It is probably my favorite (and least favorite) feature of my phone. You can track your daily calorie intake, exercise, and weight loss goals. It comes with literally thousands of food entries already from Wendys to steamed broccoli to different brands of graham crackers. There are tons of exercises on there from running to tennis to home repair (what?) and it tells you how many calories your body weight should lose doing those activities. You can also add anything that isn't on there already. Then it stores all of the food/exercise that you have either selected or entered on your own for easy finding later.

The hard part is being honest with yourself everyday. Sometimes I have to just realize how crappy I ate that day, and it sucks. but this app keeps me on track! It makes me want to work out just so I can see my calorie allowance go up for the day!

If you don't have a phone that accepts this app, not to worry, just go to loseit.com and start there!

New Beginnings

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am thankful for new beginnings. I sure need one right now. I have had a two-week food fest and I am SO ready to get back into my routine. Or, start a new routine, yup, that sounds even better.

I am not the type of person that loves making new year resolutions- why wait until the new year, shouldn't I be able to make and accomplish my goals at any time? This year I am giving in and making a few new goals regarding my health:

1. Write a new blog post at least once a week. This is just one extra thing I can do to stay on track.

2. No Soda. I have done it before, I can do it again!

3. Limit my fast food and sugar intake. I know that I cannot go cold turkey, it just won't work with me. I do know that I can really cut back and be totally fine. The last time I lost weight I said goodbye to candy and all those great sugary treats. I have done it before, I can do it again!

4. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and time for myself. I want my whole life to be healthy, not just my percentage of body fat. I want to make sure that I am not only physically healthy, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy too.

5. Use the Lose It app on my phone EVERY DAY. It is a great way to stay on track of my food intake and exercise. I will write another post about the awesomeness that is Lose It at a later time.

These are my goals for 2011, what are yours??