Some cutesy little title is just not coming today

I would have to say the thing that slips me up the most is...change.  I hate change.  Life with four busy kids is doing its best to challenge my journey.  It is moments of stress and anxiety that I eat when I am not thinking about it.  Long stretches of these emotions send me hungryless (not a word - I know) but short ones...they are the killers.  Strange huh?

This morning on the elliptical I was actually fantasizing about a completely regimented life.  I wondered how long it would take for me to want to die of boredom.  I would really like the chance to find that out:/  Remember when you were a kid and your teachers would sometimes write the day's agenda up on the board - loved that.  I imagine having someone there, like a butler or something, making sure I was on schedule for the day and bringing me healthy meals and snacks.  Heaven I tell you, but it is all about perspective - right?

Perspective is the crack in the story that allows me to attempt a change.  Someone else is having the exact opposite experience and I, because I am a human being capable of empathy, can try to understand "her" thoughts and feelings and that can bring me more to center. 

One way this has worked for me in losing weight has been to experience another's love of healthy food that I am not blessed with.   I never liked veggies and fruits but I remember Mrs. Smith, my 5th grade teacher, long before I ever had her, monitoring the halls during lunch and eating a bowl of fruit or salad or something.  She genuinely seem to enjoy her food.  I remember wishing I had a bowl of fresh fruit myself.  I started to eat fruit through her eyes and, although it is not my favorite thing in the whole wide world to eat, I can see why she smiled so.  There is a freshness and crunch you just can't get anywhere else.

Being able to think outside myself has served me well in losing weight.  I am able to try new things and learn what works for me.  I do have to be careful to not get distracted when "what works for me" changes.  This is a life long process and I love it, truly I do.

MmmmMMmm  Fruit - y'all are wanten' some I know it!    

More on Food

I happen to catch this the other day.  This lady was me!  I could not understand why I wasn't thinner. She says earlier on that she works so hard that she should be skinny.  She can't understand it either.  Like her, I was not spending my savings at the drive-in and I wasn't stuffing myself sick most of the time.  I was exercising enough that I "should have been thinner". 

My diet and hers in the clip were very similar.  That old me would have been angry at Alison Sweeney.  I would have thought she was insane and I would have shouted at the TV "easy for you to say you health planned, trainer afforder, personal styled.... TV... star" :P  But, really what I would be saying is "I don't want to give up my food, I neeeeeed it".

I have been pleasantly surprised at the food I have been able to eat, but that teacup of cereal and the flute glass of pasta is a fact.  Sure I can have more of both of them but at a cost of other calories somewhere else.  I have made peace with that.

People, I get all the excuses.  I lived them all myself.  Sure you have to have real expectations about what your body can do, but I know you can make the changes to be the best you can be.  There is life after a flute of pasta and it is enjoyable...I promise.        

Weight loss should be No Sweat (ok maybe a little sweat)

I have some unusual opinions when it comes to exercise. I believe exercise is not the number one weight loss tool. In fact, it comes a few steps down for me. I in no way want to diminish the need for exercise. It is vital to our health and well being - I am a true believer in that. However, my criticism is about exercise for weight loss.

I believe and have lived the truth that when I "new years resolutioned" to exercise I did not really lose weight. I might have lost fat and gained muscle and that is good but I did not lose weight or drop sizes significantly. I am often surprised when I speak to people and they believe that they will have to devote hours a day to the gym in order to lose their weight. Not True. Whether it is good news or not, eating is the key.

In the beginning of weight loss there will be some discomfort. You will feel a some hunger. You will mourn a little for the change you are and will experience - no one loves change, even good change. BUT, it will get better. Our bodies adjust to our changes and they become the new norm. I used to get the two cheeseburger meal at McDonalds. It was just what I did. I questioned myself one day why I needed two, I ate only one and although I wasn't my usual full/stuffed self I was really okay. Now I don't have that nagging feeling of wanting more - my body has adjusted.

I say take a short two weeks to "go for it" and plan for feelings and emotions to arise. After the two weeks re-evaluate. How bad was it? If it was horrible then add some more daily calories and try again. Yes there is discomfort and the like but it should not be devastating. Your body will rebel against devastating.

More than any other tool to weight loss, finding your own balance with your food is the key. We have to be at peace with the amount of food we eat and our size. As you work to find that balance the exact point will become more clear.  You will feel better than you have ever felt and your summit will be sweet.  

Today's Menu

I must blog about my latest go-to lunch. I went to bed dreaming about lunch today and now it is finally here! I am going to savor each and every bite.

I find that the more textures I eat the more I am satisfied. For example, instead of a sandwich I would rather have some lunch meat with a side salad and some kind of yummy bread. And, I am less offended by a carrot if it comes between bites of other foods I love. Just some little tricks for ya.

Today I eat:

One english muffin toasted with zero calorie butter spray
1/2 of an avocado sprinkled with season salt
about a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with a scoop of salsa on top
and today 1/2 of a left over lemon pepper chicken breast (this gets changed up quite a bit)

Calorie wise I put it at 422. I know it might sound like a little bit of food but all the protein and good fat help keep me fuller longer. I can add a fiber bar or some popcorn later in the day if I need.


AAahhhhh!! That is my taste buds singing.

Lemon Chicken Recipe
5-6 chicken breasts
1/2 cup light oil (canola or vegetable)
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 T. oregano
2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. pepper
2 t. garlic powder

You can use this as a marinade and then grill or I just stuck it all in the slow cooker and enjoyed the smells all day long.

Smaller portions

Check out this clip. It is truth!

Recipe Trick 1.1

I wanted to pass on this little trick I use.  When I am making anything with a cream sauce or a recipe that calls for milk or cream (savory type dishes), I subtract some of the dairy for chicken stock or broth.  You will be amazed at the flavor and the dish instantly skinnys up.  Chicken stock allows me to use a less fattening dairy as well.  I have been known to go from half and half to 1% without missing a thing. 

Tonights Recipe (the original version had cream, 1/4 cup butter and a lot more salt)  

Cajun Chicken Pasta

1 lb. linguini
2 chicken breasts
1T. cajun seasoning
1 T. butter
2 T. olive oil
1/4 cup flour
2  c. milk
1 can chicken broth
2 green peppers diced (I use the frozen, a couple handfuls)
1/4 cup of onions
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
a couple handfuls parmesan cheese


Cook pasta, set aside.  Cube chicken and toss with cajun spice in ziplock bag until coated.
Melt butter in large frying pan add olive oil and saute chicken until done. Add flour and cook for a minute.  Stir in broth and use the liquid to scrape up anything that is sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add peppers and onion,  saute until tender.   Add the milk and stir.  Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer on low to thicken.
Toss sauce with noodles.

For a gluten free recipe use GF noodles and then omit flour and add some cornstarch to some of the broth and add as the mixture comes to a boil. 

Last Chance

I have decided to add a few more seats for the Workshop.  If you are interested email me (on my profile for those that don't know me) and I will get you set up.  It is tons cheaper than therapy, a haircut or even a message and you will walk away just as refreshed.  DO IT!