Hey, Everyone!!  I took some time to unplug this weekend after coming back from the shore.  I’ve been playing catch-up on house stuff and finally got a chance to make the blog rounds.  Seems like many of you are unplugged, too!  Hope you all are enjoying life!

So, I’ve been at a bit of a crossroads as to what to do about the gym.  My membership expired in July and I didn’t immediately renew because I was waiting to see if I could get the same deal as before which was $99 for the year!  However, that deal isn’t back and the newest offer is for $199.  Overall, it’s not a bad value, but I’m thinking that I can do without the gym.  When I began my weight loss journey and started exercising, I did it from home.  I would walk, do DVDs or use my dingy basement equipment.  It worked, so I know I can do it again.

And now, I have even more options!  Heather turned me on to Exercise TV!!!  The other day she tried a Bollywood Dance video and it looked like so much fun.  I checked out my On Demand and it was there;  free for the taking!  I turned it on and got moving…

It was a blast!  The moves were not complicated, so my klutzy self was able to follow along.  It was only 20 minutes, but I was seriously sweaty and my arms were burning.  That move pictured above is pretty much how your arms are the entire 20 minutes.  Burn, baby, burn!

I flipped through the other videos offered and was surprised at the variety- dance fitness, strength training, yoga, personal trainers, timed workouts, specific area toning (butt, abs, arms).  There really is something for everyone.   And for FREE!  I can mix and match different videos to do equal a full workout.  This will give me plenty of  choices on the days that I’m not running.  Half marathon training starts September 1st!  Wheeeeeee!

Who needs a gym?!

After my Bollywood dancing, I dug into my breakfast of Overnight Oats…

• 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup nonfat milk
• dash cinnamon
• 1 banana
• 1 tbsp. almond butter

I don’t like overnight oats as well as cooked.  The consistency is a bit chalky for me.  Maybe it will grow on me like the cooked kind finally did?!

Lunch and dinner were pretty non-descript.  I’ve been struggling with cooking inspiration lately…

Boring old sandwich of leftover chicken, guacamole and spinach on Ezekiel bread…

with carrots…

oh, and some lite havarti cheese was in there, too…

Snore.

Dinner was a Black Bean Chipotle Cheddar Burger on the last of Trader Joe’s Country Potatoes with Mushrooms and Haricot Verts…

Could that be a weirder combo?

I think not.

Okay, I’m off to rifle through my ginormous “Recipes To Try” file so that I can find some inspiration!  Exciting times in the kitchen await

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you belong to a gym or workout at home?  What’s your favorite home workout?

Unfortunately the weather at the beach isn’t cooperating (along with the WiFi), but we’re having a great time anyway!  I hoped to get in a bike ride this morning, however the weather had other ideas…

Boo to pouring down rain

Plan B – breakfast…

Egg Beaters and cheese on an Ezekiel english muffin along with a handful of grapes…

Then, on to Plan C – walking the boardwalk in the rain! 

Possibly the dumbest idea ever.  We were pretty soaked and an umbrella, well…..

We decided to pop into a restaurant to dry off and have lunch.  It was Moms’ Choice today!  We picked a fun, Hawaiian-inspired place called The Hula Grill…

When on a boardwalk with so many tempting treats, we were happy to see quite an offering of healthy choices on the menu! 

I sipped on an unsweetened iced tea while deciding…

I opted for one of the daily specials – Island Mahi-Mahi Burger.  It was a grilled piece of Mahi fish served with mango salsa on a seeded bun with lettuce, sweet onion and tomato…

and a mixed green salad with their Tropical Vinaigrette…

Best boardwalk eats yet!

So, what else do you do when you can’t go to the beach?  Why, spend a million dollars in the boardwalk arcade, of course!

The daughters had a blast playing all the games. 

But, they can’t have all the fun

My friend, C and I threw down in a Dance Dance Revolution dance-off…

It was hilarious and a great workout!  And embarrassing for our children who promptly ran away.

Moms Gone Wild

I found this mirror attached to the photo booth.  I love this mirror!!!!  It took about 30 lbs. off of me!

I marveled at my teeny tiny hiney…

In the dark of night, I am going back to steal this mirror. 

We left the boardwalk before having to take out a second mortgage on the house and drove around the town.  We ended up coming across a seafood place that we never tried before, so we ordered dinner for take-out…

Lobster Bake!

and a little indulgence – Fried Crab Balls…

Moms dined al fresco, while daughters dined on pasta al kitchen table.  My plate of goodness…

I couldn’t finish it all, but what I did eat was terrific!

Now, it’s feet up and PJs on.

Have a great day, everyone!

What was your favorite arcade game when you were a kid?  Mine was the squirt gun balloon race!

Hi Everyone!  How was the weekend?  Mine was so relaxing in every sense of the word!  I relaxed with the family, didn’t do any formal exercise and let loose with the food, too.  I snacked a whole lot and ate things I don’t normally – pizza, caesar salads, Chinese take-out and dug into some bites of sugary treats.  My body was saying “stop the insanity”!!!

I noticed something different about this weekend.  Every food I was eating, I enjoyed.  I did overeat for sure and wasn’t listening to my body’s hunger cues at all.  In fact, there wasn’t much hunger involved because I kept munching all day!  But, the difference in this weekend was that I didn’t care!  I don’t mean the “I give up” kind of not caring.  This was different.  It was more of a thought process that I am eating the food and yes, I am overeating, but it’s okay because this is not forever.  I learned from prior forays into these type of weekends that I cannot stay long  in overeating mode anymore.  My body really hates it and feels sluggish, tired and blech.  However, this time my mind didn’t match up with my body’s feelings.  I didn’t beat myself up,  I didn’t worry that I would gain 5 lbs., I didn’t obsess and start to conjure up ways to undo the damage.  For the first time, I ate and overate guilt -free.  My body may be paying for it, but my mind is free!!! 

It’s a great relief and getting to this point has made it so much easier for me to get right back to the healthy way I like to eat.  Today, it’s back to making my body happy, too

It loves this breakfast – egg and cheese on an Ezekiel english muffin…

I broke out some old school workout DVD’s after breakfast.  I did Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away The Pounds – 3 Mile.  It brought back memories of my early days of weight loss.  Walking was about all I could do at 234 lbs. and being able to do it in the privacy of my home was a benefit!  I used that DVD 4 days a week and remember how hard some of it was for me!  I enjoyed revisiting it today and seeing the difference in my endurance – it was definitely much easier!

It took me a long time to feel any twinge of hunger during the day.  The heaviness of the food I ate over the weekend was still with me and made it hard to choose for my lunch options.  I finally decided on a yogurt bowl.  It was all that sounded appealing!  Hit the spot…

My cooking mojo came around late in the afternoon!  I’ve been lacking inspiration the past week, but looking through my bazillion recipe binders got  it going.

I whipped up a batch of Smoked Salmon and Parmesan Omelet Muffins to snack on during the week, then got to work on dinner – Black Bean Chipotle Cheddar Burgers and Zucchini Coleslaw.  The bean burgers were inspired by a recipe I found on the Cabot cheese site.  I changed it a bit due to what I had on hand…

Black Bean Chipotle Cheddar Burgers

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 ounces Cabot 75% reduced fat Cheddar, grated
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, diced fine
• 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs (made from 2 slices toasted light bread)
  
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or Italian parsley
  
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  
• 1 tablespoon mild chili powder
  
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  

1. In medium bowl, mash about half of beans with  a fork;  add rest of beans, cheese, chipotle, breadcrumbs, red pepper, cilantro or parsley, egg, cumin, chili powder, garlic and salt.

2. Shape mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Bake on  baking sheet  coated with cooking spray at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes per side.

This is a pretty hearty burger, so I served it sans bun with guacamole and fresh salsa…

Spicy and delicious!

The Zucchini Coleslaw was not so yummy…

It has potential though!  I may try it again.

Time to clean the kitchen (boo) and pack!  I’m off with the daughters to spend a couple days with friends at their beach house.  Hope to blog the shenanigans if the WiFi cooperates!

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you try a recipe again if you didn’t like it the first time?

Hi, everyone!  Hope you’re having a spectacular weekend!

I’ve gotten quite a few emails asking how I make coffee in the French press using the cold method, so here’s a tutorial for you.  Let my goofiness begin…

Have a great day, everyone

Have you tried French press coffee?

I thought I’d share a few non-food related items that I love today!

First up…

Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls

I received a coupon for these at Fitbloggin and sent away for them not long after. Okay, actually long after because you know how  it takes me forever to unpack.   Anyhoooo, these have been a godsend for after my runs. 

At first, the “yoga” part threw me off.  I thought these were something that is used during a yoga session.  After checking out their site, I realized that they are also used to help reduce pain and loosen up locked muscles in all areas, including hip, lower back, IT band, hamstrings and legs.   Immediately after a run, I roll the ball up and down my hip, IT band area and around my knees.  They help to relax those areas and relieve any pain that might start acting up.  I like that they are small and portable.  I keep them in my car, so they’re available for use right after the run that way there’s no time for the tightness in the muscles to escalate.  They come in a pack of two, so I can share with my running partner.  She found them to help her post-run, too!

Along those same lines is the Foam Roller.  I bought this one at Dick’s Sporting Goods after reading about the benefits of foam rolling for runners…

I’ll admit I don’t do this as often as I should.  Mainly because it hurts like a mother.  Here’s me in action, straining to not scream expletives while rolling…

I mainly use it for my hip and lower back.  Although it hurts almost as bad as childbirth, it also feels good at the same time.  Yep, you know where I’m going with this…Hurts So Good.  It really does work to release the tightness of the muscles and I rarely have any hip pain or soreness after a run when I remember to do this.

My all-time favorite running related gadget has been the GYMBOSS….

When I discovered the Galloway Method of run/walk was the method that would keep me injury-free, I needed something to help me  time the intervals so that I wasn’t constantly checking my watch.  Since a Garmin Forerunner or Polar wasn’t in my budget, I decided to give the GYMBOSS a try.  It was priced right at $19.95, so I didn’t have much to lose.  Strange as it sounds, this has become my best fitness purchase.  It is small and lightweight…

Easy to use, with user-friendly instruction printed on the clip in case you forget…

and has a clear display screen along with a beep or vibrate alarm feature…

I’ve been smitten with this great gadget; so much so that I joined their affiliate program.  I don’t do a whole lot of advertising or pumping of a particular product on the blog, but this one is something that has been very beneficial to me and I can really vouch for how it has helped with my running.  I’ve even used it for strength training /cardio sets!

So those are a few of my favorites!

What are some of your new favorite things?

Disclosure:  I belong to the Gymboss affiliate program and receive a small percentage for any Gymboss purchased by clicking through my site.  All opinions and reviews of Gymboss or other products listed are expressly my own and I have not been paid to give favorable reviews.  Just sharing things I really like

Waffle fun continues!  Who doesn’t love a Waffle Sundae for breakfast?

A Clean Eating Brownie Waffle topped with banana “ice cream” (or soft serve as it’s known around the blogosphere) and sliced almonds…

I added a 1/4 cup nonfat greek yogurt while processing the frozen banana to up the protein content.  It came out great! 

I enjoyed my Waffle Sundae with a cuppa press…

I’m sure having a good time with breakfast lately

Lunch was not so fun.  I spent a good 20 minutes staring in the fridge and freezer trying to decide what to eat.  It was taking so long, I started to get to that overly hungry point where I knew I would start grabbing anything that wasn’t nailed down!  I hate that indecisiveness!

I finally settled on another Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burger.  I made it “wrap-style” (well, really “bundle style”) using a La Tortilla Factory tortilla .  Toppings included baby spinach, Laughing Cow Queso Fresco Chipotle cheese wedge and salsa…

I bundled it all up and devoured it along with a side of carrots…

In the afternoon, I had a small encounter with some Pita Chips…

I put them back before things got way out of hand.  Feeling good about that.  In older days, the bag would have been MIA

The remainder of the afternoon was spent shopping for back-to-school supplies.  I like to call this The Apocalypse trip.  It is generally an epic disaster filled with screaming (me), incessant talking, begging, shenanigans and time-outs in the middle of the store (little daughter) and indifference coupled with offering to be adopted into another family (big daughter).  After going to 87 stores (why is rubber cement so hard to find and who the heck still uses that stinky stuff?), we came home with the loot…

Actually, that is only little daughter’s loot.  Big daughter had already put hers away as soon as we got home.  Obviously, she did not inherit my procrastination gene.

It was a spectacular afternoon…

Needless to say, I was in no mood to cook dinner.  After more rifling through the freezer, I decided to eat this…

Potatoes and veggies for dinner don’t sound too fabulous, but these are fancy!  The bag even says so…

I cooked them along with a big handful of baby spinach and served it with a fried egg on top  …

The end. 

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you think it’s wrong to drink alcohol while shopping with children?  It would sure make it more fun, don’t ya think?

Okay, I know that’s not a legitimate question.  Tomorrow’s will be better!

I love starting the day off with an amazing breakfast!  I branched out into a different sort of breakfast sandwich…

Clean Eating Brownie Waffles, PB2 and sliced banana…

Can you stand it?!  It was just as wonderful as it sounds!  Complete with iced cold press coffee…

~~~~~~

This breakfast got me thinking about my food choices.  You guys know I haven’t been counting POINTS or calories for quite some time as I’m working on changing my love/hate relationship with food.  However, I am still conscious of calories because it’s been burned into my brain like a branded cow.  I don’t count overall calories anymore, but sometimes, if I’m in the mood for something that might seem over the top, I will check into the calories to make sure it’s not too ridiculous.  I do still get these doubtful moments. <—- working on….

When I first had the idea to make this sandwich, I was concerned it might fall into that “ridiculous” category.  So, I decided to run the numbers (after I ate it –oops!)…

•  Clean Eating Brownie Waffles (2) -  252 calories
• 2 tbsp. PB2 – 45 calories
• 1/3 large banana – 35 calories

*Total – 332 calories, 5.5 grams fat, 11 grams fiber, 15 grams protein. 

See, not so bad after all?! 

I’ve been leaning toward larger breakfasts anyway because they seem to hold me better and prevent that late afternoon snacking that I’ve struggled with for years.  This breakfast definitely did the job in fulfilling both those goals.

Interestingly, if I was currently following the WW plan, I would never have eaten this.  It would just be “too POINTY” for breakfast.  (Not the fault of WW which I believe is one of the best plans out there – more so the user of the plan *points finger at self*).  But, in essence, it is only about a quarter of what my calorie intake for the day should be.  Plus, it was much more filling than something I would have chosen previously.  I got to eat something that I WANTED  rather than something I thought I “should have” been eating.

It occurred to me that if we really listen, I mean REALLY listen to our bodies, it will send the right signals.  We will eat what we want and what we need.  We will be satisfied and not looking for more.  We will enjoy and not feel deprived.  And we will, eventually, level out to the weight we are designed to be. 

It will not happen overnight.  That’s where we get into trouble.  Frustration takes over the natural order of things.  If we relax about it, it will happen.  It will.  I tell myself this every day.  I am starting to listen, starting to believe. I realize that I am in no hurry.  It’s already taken me 42 years to get to this point.  Lots of turmoil, self-deprecation and brutalizing my body with the latest and greatest of fad diets.  Past is past.  I can’t get those years back with the new knowledge that I have.  I can only move forward, continuing the change and the awareness.  I’m relaxing and trusting more and more.  It’s happening …very slowly and little by little.  No matter… I’ve got all the time in the world

~~~~~~

Okay, wanna see what else I ate today? 

I tried to squeeze in more veggies today.  I was seriously lacking yesterday!  Lunch was an egg white fritatta…

• 2/3 cup liquid egg whites
• leftover Oven Fries, diced
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers
• big handful baby spinach
• Laughing Cow Light Cheese wedge

So filling!

I needed a little crunch with it, so I opened these bad boys…

I was careful to dole out a small serving instead of munching out of the bag because these guys are crackilicious…

Dinner was yet another turkey burger concoction.  A hot one – Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burgers!  This was the star…

I placed 4-5 chipotle peppers in a small food processor with a few tbsp. water and blended until mostly smooth…

and added the puree to 20 oz. ground turkey breast along with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. ground cumin.  Mixed well and formed into 4 burgers.

Ready for grillin’…

I topped my burger with guacamole and fresh salsa…

together with a simple salad…

Such fresh flavors and the burger came out juicy with just the right amount of kick!  Ole!

By the way, unpacking FAIL …

On a fun note, Kathleen at Journey to Becoming Healthier Inside and Out is having her First Giveaway!!!   Click HERE to check it out!

Have a great day, everyone!

How do you feel about counting calories?  Do you find that you need to count to stay on track or do you trust yourself to eat the right amounts for your body?

I have to say that this….

is not anywhere near as fun as this…

I daydreamed of ocean breezes while cranking out 35 minutes in my dingy basement.  It certainly was an exercise in visualization!

Thankfully, I didn’t have to visualize a delicious breakfast.  Although, the pickings were slim since I hadn’t gone to the grocery store yet, I had the makings for an egg white and cheese on an Ezekiel english muffin…

Always good!

I got the after-vacation lazies and poked around the house most of the day.  Haven’t even unpacked yet!

I had a strong craving for pasta, so I decided to make some for lunch.  I dug around in the bare bones cabinets and came up with this mix…

Hmmm.  What to do???

Take 1/2 cup of each of these…

Mix together…

and add to cooked pasta…

Not too bad for a slim pickings stash!

I made it out of the house later and headed to the supermarket to restock.  Good thing since I invited Gram for dinner!  I had a fun meal in mind – Chicken Cheesesteaks, Oven Fries and simple green salad…

I thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast and cooked it with a little olive oil, green peppers, onions, s +p.  Added some cheese and served it on an Ezekiel hot dog bun…

Along with Oven Fries made with russet potatoes cut into wedges, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned and baked at 425 degrees for about 40 minutes…

It was one carb-tastic day!  Gotta get my green on tomorrow.  And unpack

Have a great day,everyone!

Do you unpack immediately upon coming home from vacation?  I have been know to live out of my suitcase for a week after vacation!!!  I just hate letting go…

My parents joined us at the shore this weekend, so my Dad came with me for a morning bike ride!  Look at us in our matching t-shirts…

LOL!!!

We set off to do another 7 mile ride.  I wanted to try to beat my previous times of 39 minutes.  Poor Dad thought this was going to be a leisurely ride!  But, he was up for the challenge.  We started off  great and got down to the north end in about 18 minutes.  However, on the way back, we realized that the annual Brigantine Island Triathlon was in progress!  We ended up smack in the middle of the biking part of the race.  We got to see some of the leaders of the pack racing through the streets…

We couldn’t really continue on our ride until there was a break in the packs, so we hung out and cheered everyone on as they flew by us!  It was so fun!  Some of the racers said "thank you” as they rode by;  especially the ones who were struggling a bit.  You could tell they appreciated the encouragement.  It was very inspiring to see them all!

Needless to say, we didn’t beat my previous time, but it was still a great ride!  I was ready for a nourishing breakfast after seeing these athletes.  I got powered up with some Peanut Butter Banana Oats…

• 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup nonfat milk
• 1/3 cup water
• dash salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract
• small banana
• 2 tbsp. PB2
• 1 tbsp. walnuts

Never thought I would, but I officially like oats!

We packed up lunch for our last day on the beach.  This was one of my favorites of the week …

An Ezekiel english muffin with a new flavor of Laughing Cow Cheese – Mozzarella, Sun-dried Tomato and Basil …

topped with sliced garden tomato…

Along with a salad containing an interesting ingredient…

Can you guess?

Sardines!!!  Hey and pork and beans…

Yeah, I went to summer camp as a kid.

Anyway, I know you’re thinking “eeeewwwww” !  I’ve thought that also.  But, my Mom opened a can to add to her salad and asked if I wanted to try it.  I said HELL NO but she worked on me relentlessly, “of course”!  I’m adventurous like that    I liked it!  It tasted like canned tuna and has a stellar nutritional profile- high in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, B-12 and vitamin D.  I would definitely eat it again.  SHOCKER

Most of the afternoon was spent soaking in the last hours of sun and surf.  I even managed to get in the frigid water and boogie board.   Fun times!

Afternoon snack – sweet honeydew…

Our last night ended with a pool party and bbq …

I loaded up with salad, chicken and a delicious pasta salad…

I nibbled on some cashews and pretzels throughout the evening.  And danced the night away…

Glow sticks, Electric Slide, Conga line and all.

Best vacation ever

Have a great day, everyone!

What and where was your best vacation ?

It’s so nice waking up to this in the morning…

I took another 7 mile bike ride along the shore road.  It was so invigorating!  On the quiet ride, I reflected on my past vacations here. 

In my pre-Loser days, my mornings were quite different.  I would wake up, sit around having a leisurely breakfast of a New York style bagel with eggs. bacon and lots of cheese.  There would be more sitting around until it was time to make lunches for the beach.  Lunches would consist of sandwiches on long bakery rolls with Italian lunchmeats and more cheese.  Potato chips were the side with the occasional piece of fruit.  There would only be a short walk to the beach before more sitting and sitting for hours on end.  The sitting continued through much of the evening, too.

I used to call it “relaxing”, but looking back, I realize it was just an excuse to be inactive.  I didn’t want to be active.  At 234 pounds, being active was exhausting.  My whole body would hurt and I would feel lethargic.  And the unhealthy way I would eat would only contribute more to the lethargy.  It was a bad cycle.

Now, an early morning 7 mile ride or a run or even just a walk, is the norm for me.  Sometimes, I get bonus exercise on the beach or in the evening with more riding or walking.

And breakfast is a lot healthier, too…

• 1 cup nonfat greek yogurt
• 3 drops NuNaturals Liquid Vanilla Stevia
• 1/2 diced peach
• 4 large strawberries
• 1 tbsp. chopped walnuts

Lunch has changed for the better.  Sandwiches are still the go- to choice for ease of packing, but the components are more nutritious.

• Turkey, lite cheese, organic tomatoes and horseradish sauce on Pepperidge Farm German Dark Wheat…

A different kind of chip…

And instead of fruit being optional, it is usual…

Dinner would often be at restaurants with large portions and multiple courses.  Now, I just save one night for an indulgent meal.  Tonight was the night!

THE basket always gets placed right in front of me.  How do they know????

A small dish of caesar salad…

And a satisfying plate of Orecchiette with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe…

Instead of ending with big bowls of ice cream and plopping into bed, the night ends with a long walk…

Then, plopping into bed!

It takes time, but change can happen.  Baby steps to living a healthy life … for a lifetime.

Have a great day, everyone!

Do you try to eat healthy and stay active while on vacation?