FREE~ Today Only!!!

I got this from Freebies 2 Deals. It's a neat website, it's free to use and you get a FREE stability ball!!!
Free Stability Ball from Sears and FitStudio!
This is back up and working.  So I thought I would hurry and type this deal up for all of you.
Head over to FitStudio and register with promo code 122511SB.  Shortly after doing so, you will get an email from them with the way to redeem your free stability ball!
**For me, it actually took about 12-24 hours before the email finally came.  But once you do get it you have through Dec 31st to head to Sears and redeem the coupon for  Free Stability Ball!  So hopefull you all can get it to work too!

Cleaning your kitchen

I wrote last time about "closing the kitchen" so that you keep from eating late at night. Well, now I'm going to talk about cleaning the kitchen every night. I have found that if I have all of the dishes done, I don't eat. I like having a clean kitchen and don't like to have any dirty before I go to bed. Granted, I don't always have the dishes done when I go to bed, but I have found that it keeps me from eating late. Because of my husband's work schedule, he doesn't eat dinner with us. He usually sleeps until about 6 or 7 p.m. and eats after then. If I have the dishes done, I don't like him to make any dirty dishes.
 But with all of my little hints for not eating late, they really seem to be paying off. I have lost over 20 pounds in the last year. I have almost dropped to a size 9 from a 14 when I started this. Please let me know how you're doing! I would love to post your successes too!

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a fabulous day and here's to not over eating!!!

Turning off your lights

I once read that if you turned your kitchen lights off after you ate, you'd be less likely to go to the kitchen for a late night snack. They said it's because your brain sees the kitchen as "closed" and therefore you aren't hungry. I have been trying this lately and it's amazing how it has worked for me! I don't go into the kitchen when the lights are off and it kind of irritates me when my husband goes to get something out of the fridge. I see the kitchen as closed, so I feel he should be too. It's weird, but it really does irritate me when he eats after I have closed the kitchen. Maybe you might want to try it too?

A sign...

You know you're making progress when you can wear shirts you haven't worn in about 4 years! I still have to wear a white tank top under them so that I don't have constant butt crack, but I can still wear them!! Also, another sign you're making progress when you can handle wearing your jeans all day without wanting to put on pajama pants or sweats while lounging around. So excited, now to just keep it up during the holidays!

Time for Clementines

I LOVE clementines. This time of year they are my favorite thing to snack on. I just found out this week how great of a snack it really is. My kids can peel their own and love to eat them. My baby really likes these and with my two youngest children sick, I'm more then happy to let them eat them because of all the vitamin C they get. I could eat these all day! My kids like them so much, we went through a whole bag full of them in just two days.
I found this article from http://www.ehow.com/list_6572805_benefits-clementines_.html

• The Sweet and Healthy Clementine clementine image by laurent gehant from Fotolia.com

  Clementines, the smallest members of the mandarin orange family, have been enjoyed in the United States since 1909. These small, sweetly flavored citrus fruits are a cross between a mandarin and a sweet orange and are grown domestically as well as imported from Spain, Chile, Morocco and Africa. Clementines possess numerous nutritional benefits. Clementines are easy to peel, readily available, help relieve stress and are beneficial for skin.

Nutritional Benefits

• Clementines have a high vitamin C content. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, consuming two clementines fulfills the daily recommendation for vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the immune system and assists the body in forming collagen in the muscles, bones and cartilage. Additionally, Today's Women & Health points out that clementines contain ascorbic acid and beta carotene, which promote healthy vision and minimize age-related vision loss.

  According to Paramount Citrus Growers, there are only 40 calories in each clementine. Clementines have no sodium or cholesterol; however, clementines do contain nutrients such as potassium, fiber, vitamin A, calcium, thiamine, folate, magnesium and copper.

Easy Snacking

• Clementines usually are seedless and have thin, easily peeled skin, which makes them easy to eat for a snack or with a meal. According to Paramount Citrus Growers, clementines are often called "zipper oranges" because peeling one is so quick and easy. This makes clementines a viable healthy alternative to convenience snacks such as chips, cookies or candy bars.

Enhanced Mood

• According to Today's Women & Health, the clementine's scent causes the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Serotonin also helps to regulate blood pressure, sleep and body temperature. The calming effect can help to alleviate stress or anxiety and elevate mood.

Readily Available

• Clementines are grown domestically in Florida and California, with a growing season which extends from November until May. Clementines are readily available throughout the year due to supermarkets importing them from other countries. Spain produces clementines during the months of November until February. South Africa grows clementines from June until August, and Chile produces the small citrus fruits from August until October.

Benefits to the Skin

• Clementines contain citric acid, which is an antibacterial agent. Using clementine juice topically can eliminate the bacteria that cause pimples. Additionally, the vitamin C in clementines can stimulate collagen production in the skin; thus, minimizing fine lines and improving skin's texture.

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Clementines? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6572805_benefits-clementines_.html#ixzz1fDNHCR00

Eating at Thanksgiving

When thinking of Thanksgiving, I think of overeating. With the Holidays upon us, we often over indulge in food and sweets. When thinking of this, I couldn't help but think of the movie You Again. It is one of my favorite movies! In it, the father does a diet where he covers his eyes and eats. Claiming that he had lost 5 lbs. I sometimes think of doing this.
 Growing up, we were always told to finish our food. I find myself trying to get my kids to eat all of their food. I struggle with them wasting food, and trying not to give them bad habits like mine. I always feel the need to finish eating my food!
 I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

No motivation

I have zero motivation. I have nothing to say any more and would love to have someone post for me. I have run out of ideas and an am more then happy to hand it over to someone else. Or, if someone would be generous and post something, that would be great. I need some ideas!! Thanks!!

Feeling like this?!

An Indoor Workout!!

My husband's schedule has changed, again. I have not been able to find time to go running, at all. My sister found this workout schedule and did it herself and she hurts today!! I can't wait to try it myself!!

The 100 Workout:
 100 Jumping Jacks
 90 Crunches
 80 Squats
 70 Leg lifts
 60 Jumping Jacks
 50 Crunches
 40 Squats
 30 Leg lifts
 20 Jumping Jacks
 10 Minutes of Running
She got it from http://losinggweight.tumblr.com/post/10481536746

Migraines and exercise.

My younger sister, Jordanne, and I suffer from migraines. Jordanne gets them more frequently then I do and we have tried lots of things to help with it. She found this article on Foxnews.com and sent it to me. I like that exercise has been found to help with migraines. Another reason I need to get back to running!

Regular aerobic exercise worked just as well as relaxation therapy or the anti-epileptic drug topiramate in preventing migraine headaches in a Swedish trial.

"This non-pharmacological approach may therefore be an option for the prophylactic treatment of migraine in patients who do not benefit from or do not want daily medication," wrote Dr. Emma Varkey and her colleagues from the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, in the journal Cephalalgia.

Varkey's team randomly assigned their subjects to one of three regimens for three months: aerobic exercise on a stationary bike (40 minutes three times per week), a standard form of relaxation therapy or daily topiramate.

Previous studies have shown that relaxation therapy and topiramate are both effective for migraine prevention, the investigators note in their paper.

The 91 women in the trial were all from a single headache clinic in Sweden. They were between 18 and 65 years old, had neurologist-diagnosed migraine, with or without aura, and got headaches two to eight times per month.

All three treatments reduced the frequency of some women's migraine attacks by as much as three quarters, although the average reduction was more modest.

In an e-mail to Reuters Health, Varkey admitted that she was a bit surprised by the small between-group differences. 

"Topiramate is a drug of first choice which has shown great effects in studies. It was a bit surprising and very interesting that the change in number of migraine attacks was almost similar in all three groups," she said.

"The only parameter where topiramate was better compared with exercise and relaxation was the reduction of pain intensity," Varkey added. "On the other hand, the non-pharmacological options were free from adverse events and the exercise group increased oxygen uptake, which is very positive."

None of the women in the relaxation group or exercise group reported side effects, but eight women (33 percent) in the topiramate group did and three withdrew from the study as a result. The most commonly reported side effects of the drug included numbness or tingling, fatigue, depressed mood, vertigo and constipation.

Finding that exercise is not inferior to topiramate as a prophylactic measure is "of great value," the researchers note in their report, because patients often seek non-pharmacological options for migraine.

"From a wider health-based perspective, it should be stressed that patients with migraine are less physically active than the general population, and that exercise has positive effects in terms of general well-being and the prevention of disease," they added.

"Additional and larger studies are, of course, needed to verify our results and to gain evidence for exercise as migraine treatment, but our results are hopeful," Varkey told Reuters Health

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/10/exercise-may-offer-drug-free-migraine-prevention/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fhealth+%28Internal+-+Health+-+Text%29#ixzz1bp774N8p

Malea's new baby!

One of my favorite cousins, and helper of my blog, has had her baby! I am so excited for her! Her little girl is healthy and so is she. I hope that they recover well and adjust to new life together. Congrats Malea! We are all here for you! I can't wait to see more pictures.

(I would post pictures but I don't feel that I have that right since it is not my child. I hope you can all send her your best though!)

Does this count?

Hunting

I am going hunting. I haven't hunted with my own tag since I was 14, so it's been a little while! I am excited to be going. Hunting burns 489 calories per hour! I hope I don't have to spend too many hours hunting, but at least I'll be burning a lot of calories.

Yard Work

Before I got to the yard

I love to do yard work! If I had to choose between house work and yard work, I would choose yard work. On Tuesday I got a bee in my bonnet about getting flowers planted. I like the looks of the green shrubs, but they like to hide scorpions and other bugs, so they had to go! I have decided to plant flowers in their place.
 I worked on the yard for 3 hours and just managed to cut through two extension cords and make a mess. I had to know how many calories I burned because I was sweating and am still tired from it!!
 So clearing land burns 408 calories per hour! That makes me feel good! Hopefully I will be able to get the roots out of the ground and get some pretty flowers in and post them for you to see!! I hope you all have a great weekend!

After!

Shopping

For anyone that knows me, knows I do not like to shop. I find it boring and tedious, but something that needs to be done. Two of my sisters love to shop and take it as a sport. My baby sister and I find it boring. Well, this weekend we had to make a trip to Bass Pro Shop. If you ever want an experience, go there! Because of all the animals, I end up spending a lot of time chasing my baby around to keep him from touching things. He wont stay in the stroller any more and it's a good way to wear him out for naps.
 With the shopping, I thought I'd let you know how many calories it burns:
244 per hour!!
I think that is worth the shopping!!! I hope you have a great day!!

I love beets!!

Beets are one of my favorite veggies! I like them pickled or boiled with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, and butter. I love beet greens!! I honestly like that they turn my pee pink! I really do like them and remember my mom eating them all the time. My little baby, Cartr, loves them too! My other two kids and my husband do not like them at all, which is fine with me because I get more. Here are some health benefits to beets:
I got this from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/538479/15_health_benefits_of_beets_fight_cancer_pg3.html?cat=51

1. Beets have ZERO trans fat and ZERO saturated fat. They are also low calorie! How's that for a food to satisfy your hunger and have the ability to satisfy a sweet tooth at the same time? You've got to love a food that meets a sugar craving and doesn't harm your body!
2. Canned beets are very inexpensive! Buy them sliced or whole and buying the store brand they will cost about 60 cents or less! Just put a few cans in the refrigerator and next time you are looking for a snack food they will be super cold and ready to eat, no dirty pots, no cooking. Just drain and enjoy with a fork!
3. Beets are high in carbohydrates which means they are a great instant energy source, but unlike processed foods which are high in carbohydrates, beets will energize your body. Beets can be regarded as body fuel.
4. Beets contain sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus! They are also considered a fiber food and contain vitamins A and C as well as niacin! You can't beat that!
5. Beets contain folic acid which is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. This is especially important for pregnant woman or anyone undergoing physical healing. Many people take folic acid in the form of herbal supplements, but if you eat beets, you won't need to! It is always better for the body to receive it's nutrients and vitamins through food over a supplement because it is like mainlining the natural source into your bloodstream. The benefits are far superior and faster with real food over powder mixes or pills.
6. Studies have shown that beets guard against cancer, especially colon cancer.
7. Medical studies have also shown that including beets in your diet helps protect a body against heart disease.
8. Beets are available all year round! So they are not difficult to find in any produce section if you want them fresh!
9. Beets can be eaten raw or you can boil, steam roast or saute them. Additionally raw beets can be juiced in a Jay the Juiceman type juicer very easily! But be warned, beet juice is EXTREMELY strong and powerful! If you want to get naturally drunk without alcohol, take a glass of beet juice and see what happens. It is startling! If you want the benefits of beet juice but candle handle drinking it straight up, then mix it with some carrot or apple juice for a milder but still beneficial juice.
10. Borscht, a very popular vegetable soup made of beets is a traditionally loved dish in Poland, Russia, Germany and other Eastern European menus. There are cold and hot Borscht soups and each country varies some of the ingredients, but beets are the one common and main ingredient of this revered and hearty soup.
11. Even the leaves of raw beets have been eaten and useful and beneficial to one's health. The leaves have been known to counter "garlic" breath and in Roman times Hippocrates advocated the use of beet leaves as binding for healing wounds.
12. Beets being naturally colorful and bright red make an excellent and healthful garnish for artistic presentation of a meal. They also can be made into a number of cold salads for a change of pace meal. Betacyanin is the pigment that gives beets their red color, this pigment is what is responsible for helping to fight cancer.
13. Beets have been shown to help cleanse the blood, cleanse the colon and strengthen the gall bladder and liver.
14. There is something called Beet Therapy. Doctors have used it to get rid of tumors and to help people with blood diseases and leukemia.
15. Some people have used beats to treat and cure boils, abscesses and even acne. http://www.healing.org/only-23.html
So, after knowing all this, isn't it time to introduce beets into your diet? What have you got to lose? In fact they will even help you lose weight! So, go on and enjoy a couple of beets and spread the word!

So funny

The proper running form

I got this from http://www.runnersworld.com/. Now hopefully I can remember it and run better!

Head Tilt How you hold your head is key to overall posture, which determines how efficiently you run. Let your gaze guide you. Look ahead naturally, not down at your feet, and scan the horizon. This will straighten your neck and back, and bring them into alignment. Don't allow your chin to jut out.

Shoulders Shoulders play an important role in keeping your upper body relaxed while you run, which is critical to maintaining efficient running posture. For optimum performance, your shoulders should be low and loose, not high and tight. As you tire on a run, don't let them creep up toward your ears. If they do, shake them out to release the tension. Your shoulders also need to remain level and shouldn't dip from side to side with each stride.

Arms Even though running is primarily a lower-body activity, your arms aren't just along for the ride. Your hands control the tension in your upper body, while your arm swing works in conjunction with your leg stride to drive you forward. Keep your hands in an unclenched fist, with your fingers lightly touching your palms. Imagine yourself trying to carry a potato chip in each hand without crushing it. Your arms should swing mostly forward and back, not across your body,between waist and lower-chest level. Your elbows should be bent at about a 90-degree angle. When you feel your fists clenching or your forearms tensing, drop your arms to your sides and shake them out for a few seconds to release the tension.

Torso The position of your torso while running is affected by the position of your head and shoulders. With your head up and looking ahead and your shoulders low and loose, your torso and back naturally straighten to allow you to run in an efficient, upright position that promotes optimal lung capacity and stride length. Many track coaches describe this ideal torso position as "running tall" and it means you need to stretch yourself up to your full height with your back comfortably straight. If you start to slouch during a run take a deep breath and feel yourself naturally straighten. As you exhale simply maintain that upright position.

Hips Your hips are your center of gravity, so they're key to good running posture. The proper position of your torso while running helps to ensure your hips will also be in the ideal position. With your torso and back comfortably upright and straight, your hips naturally fall into proper alignment--pointing you straight ahead. If you allow your torso to hunch over or lean too far forward during a run, your pelvis will tilt forward as well, which can put pressure on your lower back and throw the rest of your lower body out of alignment. When trying to gauge the position of your hips, think of your pelvis as a bowl filled with marbles, then try not to spill the marbles by tilting the bowl.

Legs/Stride While sprinters need to lift their knees high to achieve maximum leg power, distance runners don't need such an exaggerated knee lift--it's simply too hard to sustain for any length of time. Instead, efficient endurance running requires just a slight knee lift, a quick leg turnover, and a short stride. Together, these will facilitate fluid forward movement instead of diverting (and wasting) energy. When running with the proper stride length, your feet should land directly underneath your body. As your foot strikes the ground, your knee should be slightly flexed so that it can bend naturally on impact. If your lower leg (below the knee) extends out in front of your body, your stride is too long.

Ankles/Feet To run well, you need to push off the ground with maximum force. With each step, your foot should hit the ground lightly--landing between your heel and midfoot--then quickly roll forward. Keep your ankle flexed as your foot rolls forward to create more force for push-off. As you roll onto your toes, try to spring off the ground. You should feel your calf muscles propelling you forward on each step. Your feet should not slap loudly as they hit the ground. Good running is springy and quiet.

Ear buds and water bottles

I need some new ear buds for my ipod. I have some that are "running ones" but every time they thump against my body, I can hear it. Any suggestions for a good pair?

Also, I have reached the point in my running that I have to take water with me. I have freakishly small hands, so it's hard to find a water bottle that is skinny and will hold enough water for me. I need help with this one too! Any suggestions?

How to prevent side aches while running

I really liked this article I found while researching side aches while running. I got it from http://www.military.com/

How to Avoid Stomach Cramps When Running

by Stew Smith

A Marine asked about running during the USMC three mile run.

Here is his question:

"Every time I run hard to get a good score on the three 3 mile PFT, or when IÂ’m training for the test, I get a stomach cramp or side stitch about half way in the three mile timed run. My question is - what can I do to prevent it and what can I do to stop the pain or lessen it?"

Running with stomach cramps is never fun, but there are ways to lessen or work through the pain - or even prevent the cramps altogether.

First, it is still a big mystery to many physiologists and doctors as to what is the real cause of stomach cramps. The experts have theorized that the common side stitch is caused by the exertion that running and bouncing forces inside the abdominal walls. Basically, your stomach and other organs - like the spleen and liver - bump into each other as your feet jar the ground causing connective tissue to stretch on the nerves and cause pain. This connective tissue is also attached to your diaphragm which helps with breathing. This pain is usually on the right side and just under the ribs. Exercise like horseback riding, running, and sit-ups are common causes of the side stitch.

Ways to Prevent or Lessen the Pain of the Common Side Stitch:

1) Do not Run on a Full Stomach

You shouldn't drink large amounts of water or eat 2-4 hours before exercise. Sip small amounts (1-2 swallows) before and during exercise and wait to fully re-hydrate until after the workout. Dehydration can cause cramping as well, so do not ignore water/Gatorade during running. Always sip a few swallows at regular intervals if running for more than 30 minutes and in hot temperatures.

2) Decrease Pace and Breath Deeply

Decrease fast pace for a few minutes and continue deep breathing techniques during running. A common running sequence is a three step inhale and two step exhale pattern. Slowing down your pace will allow for you to keep up with that pattern. As you increase to near maximum speed, your breathing will become more labored. However, you can push through the pain and keep your pace if you concentrate on breathing deep by pushing your stomach out when you inhale and relaxing it as you exhale. 

3) Pre-Stretch With Side Torso Twists

Pre-stretch before running by doing side torso twists. One of the best ways to pre-stretch the area is to lift your arms over your head and lean to the left and right at the waist.

4) Perform Lower Back and Abdominal Exercises

Do more lower back and abdominal exercises - see "Achieve Washboard Abs" for more ideas. Having a strong core will help you prevent the side stitch.

I hope these ideas can help you during your timed runs and training for faster paced running.

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com

Love

Jordanne and Andy

My little sister, Jordanne, is getting married next week. (I should probably say younger since she is taller then me now!) She is going to marry Andy, who is an awesome guy! So in preparing for her wedding, I have had to lose some serious weight! My sister Jessica and I have really started to compete with losing the weight for all the wedding photos that we are going to be in. We have gone about it different ways, she has been getting up and running consistently, while I have had my stomach issues and been running sporadically.

But all in all, all that matters when it comes to Jordanne's big day, is that we both feel good about what we have accomplished. We have both lost quite a bit of weight as well as inches and pant sizes. We can both run farther now then last year at this time! She is up to running 2 miles and I am up to 3.5 miles. We are eating better and living healthier lives. And most importantly, we couldn't be more excited about our sister getting married to such a great guy!

(Don't worry, I'll post pictures from the wedding!)

All of us girls (and my Dad) at Jillian's graduation in May



My Hero

My Dad is my hero. He has been through so much, I can't even go into detail of his life. One thing he has show us, is the love of running (I'm still not feeling the love, but we're getting there). I love him so much, I would do anything for him! Here is a little about him:

 How did you get into running?
 I was fat.  (Direct quote)

How many times have you run the St. George marathon?
2. The third time he hurt his foot during it and knew he couldn't finish it.

What is your most interesting race?
The Inaugural San Diego Rockin R Race. There were 21,0000 runners and not enough enough port a potties. It ran through some cool parts of San Diego!

My Dad is my go-to guy for running questions. He works hard and plays hard. He loves his Grand kids and boating. He sat with my Mom while she died. He is full of wisdom and crap. He loves to make people laugh and will spare no expense to do so! My kids love him so much (especially Mily, his only Granddaughter)! Today is actually his birthday! I hope you got a chance to get to know him too!

A Newer picture of me

I will post of picture of me in my slimmer form... My sister is getting married October 7, so we will have some professionalish ones taken, but for now, I'll let you see the difference.

So I guess you're going to have to wait for the professional pictures. I am the one behind the camera and refuse to have my picture taken, so you'll have to wait and see the results! Sorry. I searched my computer, but they only ones I have a from the neck up!

Mind prep

When you run, what do you think about? I asked my sister and my Dad and got some good responses.
When I run, I use it as a time to clear my mind and not think about the day that is coming. I like to just listen to music and people watch. If I think about the coming day, I struggle with the run and I get very cranky!
 When Jessica runs, she uses the time to think about the day. She plans out what all she needs to do and she gets ideas for her blog. She feels her run goes faster when she's thinking about something, or she spends her time thinking "I hate running. I hate running."!
 I asked my Dad and he said it depends on the day of what he thinks about while running. He said if he has a problem, he thinks about that as he runs. When my Mom passed away, my Dad came up with a poem while running (he had never written a poem in his life!).
 What do you think about when you run?

My own recipe!

This is my favorite recipe! I made it up one day when I had some extra veggies and wasn't sure exactly what to do with them.

2 c. chopped yellow squash
2 c. chopped zucchini
1/2 purple onion diced
2 cans diced tomatoes
Italian seasonings
2 tbs olive oil
1 serving linguine (you can use whole wheat pasta)

 Prepare pasta as directed. In a 2 quart sauce pan, add oil and saute onion, yellow squash and zucchini. Add the two cans of diced tomatoes and let simmer with Italian seasonings until veggies are as done as you like. Serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese.

I liked this from www.caloriecount.com

How the Pros Drop a Few Pounds Fast

By ismile67 on Sep 05, 2011 06:00 PM in Tips & Updates

Long to lose weight this week?  Here, nutrition experts divulge their tricks.

Make veggies the star

"I make sure my plate contains up to 2 cups of fruits and veggies as the 'main course,' with 1/2 cup of wholesome carbs like wild rice, and 3 ounces of lean protein like chicken or steak.

Making produce the focal point means you can eat more, stay full, and easily cut up to 700 calories from your day.' —Marissa Lippert, RD, author of The Cheater’s Diet
Shake it up"I whip up a 300-calorie smoothie. Drinking one in place of a restaurant meal can save up to 500 calories. I combine 2 cups of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of protein powder, 1 chopped apple, 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a few ice cubes." —Sharon Richter, RD, a healthy-eating expert in New York City, NY

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate"Chugging 8 to 12 cups of water a day is one of the most important keys to weight loss, since you hold onto water weight when dehydrated." —Connie Guttersen, RD, author of The New Sonoma

To Gym or Not to Gym...

So I'm in the huge debate of whether or not to get a gym membership. On one hand, I don't want to pay to work out, on the other, I need a babysitter so I can work out.
 Once upon a time ago, bk (before kids), I used to attend the gym with a friend, Emilee, about 4 to 5 times a week. We would meet at the gym right after work and workout for an hour or so before heading home. Unfortunately, when I had my baby and decided to become a stay at home mom, I had to decide to drop my membership. I love going to the gym and working out. When we moved to Beaver, the only gym they had was the High School gym and you could only go on certain days at certain times.
 I was discussing this with my husband last night and would really like to get a membership at a place that has babysitting. Zorn's schedule isn't one that I can make plans with people, because there's always the chance he'll run late or other problems will occur.
 What do you think? Gym membership, or suck it up and keep running when it's 6 am and 94 degrees outside?

Highs and Lows

So yesterday, as I was getting ready to attend church services, I tried on a skirt that I haven't been able to wear in about 4 years.... it fit! I was so excited to be able to wear it and know that I am making my goal for a skinnier me. I was feeling at one of my highest points!
 Last night I went to sit down on a chair downstairs. As I leaned back to put my foot under me, the wood splintered and snapped and I ended up stuck between the wall and the chair. My wonderful husband decided to take pictures and laugh instead of helping me get out of the situation. I was feeling pretty low. I had to remind myself that the chair is older then most people to make me not feel like a fat cow. I hate the lows!
 I hope things are going good for you! Please tell me your story so I can share!

I love Summer... I love dried apricots!

 Some of my most fond memories of summer growing up, where spending time with my Grandpa McArthur (my Mom's Dad). He and my grandma spent quite a bit of time with us during the summer and put us to good use! We were cheap child labor (free) and we thought it was great while we did it, thinking we were just getting to spend time with our grandparents. My Grandpa had all kinds of fruit trees in his yard, and we were lucky enough to get to help him pick them all... buckets full! My Grandpa was one for believing that if you wasted anything you got called a "wasty beach um". We kept all of the fruit and got to help him dry it. My Grandpa had the old fashioned way of drying fruit... we stuck them on crates with chicken wire and put them on the roof of his house. In St. George, it didn't take too long to have them dry, we just had to make sure it wasn't going to storm! My family has always enjoyed dried fruit, except when you make the mistake of eating too much and getting the fun stomach ache with it. I thought I'd look up what health benefits they had, I got this from http://www.ionehealth.com/:

Apparently dried apricots are better for you then fresh, because the water drains out, but keeps all of the nutrients in the apricot. Therefore, you get more nutrients in less.

1. Treat Constipation — Apricots can act as gentle laxative due to its cellulose and pectin content. Hence, if you suffer from chronic constipation, consume 6 to 8 apricots per day should help improve your condition.
2. Ease Indigestion — As they produce an alkaline reaction on the body system, they can help you to digest better if you take some before meal. Just make sure you don't take too much so as not to disturb your proper meal consumption.
3. Good for Anemia — Anemia is a condition whereby the blood has a lower-than-normal concentration of red blood cells (RBCs) or the RBCs have a below average amount of hemoglobin. This condition is most commonly caused by iron deficiency. Since dried apricots contain high content of iron, they're usually included in the treatment of Anemia.
4. Fight Fevers — Apricot juice with glucose or honey can help cool your body during fever. It can also quench your thirst, eliminate the waste products from your body, tone up your eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying vitamins and minerals.
5. Treat Skin Diseases — You can use apricot leaves to treat scabies, eczema, sunburn and itching of your skin due to cold exposure.
6. Avoid Fat Deposits — As apricots are low in calories and fats, you can purée canned apricots in a blender until smooth and use it as substitute for oil, prunes or applesauce in high-calorie, high-fat recipes.

So good reasons to eat dried apricots!! Do you like them?

Radishes

My husband LOVES radishes! He will eat one full bunch (about 10 radishes to a bunch) a day. He likes them hot and spicy. He eats them while he drives his truck. He tries really hard to take healthy snacks and food with him since he sits in a truck all day (he is a truck driver).
 I do not like radishes. When I was pregnant with my last child, we had our own garden and Zorn grew three huge rows of radishes. One day we sat down to eat tuna fish sandwiches for lunch and I found myself craving radishes. I was so grossed out, but couldn't help myself! I ate quite a few of the radishes and with each bite I was trying not to gag! It satisfied my craving and I continued with this craving the rest of my pregnancy. I now find myself craving radishes when I eat tuna fish sandwiches! Dang pregnancy.
 Here is a little information I found out about radishes:

• They help lower cholesterol.
• They are High in potassium, so they help with blood pressure.
• They are a natural stimulant for bile production.
• They help prevent cancer. (which is good for my family)

Do you like radishes?

Bad Post

I have a very good posting idea, but because of my migraine, I cannot get it to swing together today. I will try to get my mind to think as one, not the 50 it has been trying to do. Thanks! Sorry! I hope you're doing well!

Raisens

I do not like raisens! They are some of my kids' favorite snacks. I don't like the texture or the flavor, so there really isn't a lot to for me to like about them! I guess it's good that my kids love to sit and eat them plain or put them in their food. So, here are the nutritious facts about raisens.

Running at night

As I was in bed last night and couldn't sleep, I decided to get up and go running. It was well after 9:30 and just figured I'd probably only make it a mile since I hadn't been running in quite a few months. I decided to just keep running until I was tired. I made it 2.6 miles! My furthest yet! It was such a great run! I hurt so bad today, but it's a good hurt. My biggest mistake was not letting my sleeping husband know that I had gone. Safety reason, not a good idea. I should have known better for my safety. But it was a very nice run and wasn't too hot that late.

Body Movement

I feel as if I have dropped off of the cyber world planet. Apologies. As I have gotten larger and more stiff throughout my pregnancy, I have realized what makes a difference in how I feel each day - stretching. Getting up and moving my joints by head movement, arm circles, hip motions, and leg swings I am able to take on the day with confidence. I know I will be able to move and that is a great reward!

The benefits of apples

Since my children both love apples. I thought I'd do my posting on them. I am not the biggest fan of apples, it's mostly the peel. My Grandma McArthur used to spoil me and peel and slice all of my apples for me. She truly spoiled this little girl. I will occasionally eat apples, but I am always taken back to childhood and my fond memories of my Grandma.
I got this from http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html
We're told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what exactly are the health benefits of apples? Here are ten reasons to heed the advice of that old proverb.
Bone Protection
French researchers found that a flavanoid called phloridzin that is found only in apples may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis and may also increase bone density. Boron, another ingredient in apples, also strengthens bones.
Asthma Help
One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing than children who drank apple juice only once per month. Another study showed that children born to women who eat a lot of apples during pregnancy have lower rates of asthma than children whose mothers ate few apples.
Alzheimer's Prevention
A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples may protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Lower Cholesterol
The pectin in apples lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol. People who eat two apples per day may lower their cholesterol by as much as 16 percent.
Lung Cancer Prevention
According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers believe this is due to the high levels of the flavonoids quercetin and naringin in apples.
Breast Cancer Prevention
A Cornell University study found that rats who ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent. Rats fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39 percent and those fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44 percent.
Colon Cancer Prevention
One study found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 43 percent lower risk of colon cancer. Other research shows that the pectin in apples reduces the risk of colon cancer and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Liver Cancer Prevention
Research found that rats fed an extract from apple skins had a 57 percent lower risk of liver cancer.
Diabetes Management
The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin and may help in the management of diabetes.
Weight Loss
A Brazilian study found that women who ate three apples or pears per day lost more weight while dieting than women who did not eat fruit while dieting.

And a whole apple only has 95 calories!!

My family is doing the post today!

Mily's favorite healthy snack: Apples

Brejden's favorite healthy snack: Bananas and Apples

Cartr's favorite healthy snack: Cheese

Zorn's favorite healthy snack: Any fruit or veggie

What are your kids' favorite healthy snack?

Grocery Shopping

 I do not like to grocery shop! With three kids, it can be such a daunting task, but one that has to be done. I have heard that grocery shopping while hungry is not only bad for you, but for your wallet as well. I have seen a few articles that have said to never go grocery shopping while hungry because you buy foods higher in fat and calories. But, going on a full stomach can be bad too. I feel like I leave the grocery store with nothing to make or eat. I try to make my menus ahead of time so that I use items I already have, and so that I buy with a purpose. I find that I buy healthier items when I have my menu finished and am ready for the next two weeks.
 Do you feel you shop healthier when you're not hungry?
But, grocery shopping burns 191 calories per hour (I think pushing a cart with 3 kids in it should burn more!)

Sleep and Weight Loss

Do you ever feel like you don't get enough sleep? I do, all the time!! My family is HUGE into sleep! We all have some form of narcolepsy, kindly passed onto us from our Dad. But because of this, we don't get deep sleep and we have very vivid dreams, and we never get into the REM cycle. All of my siblings and Dad can sleep anytime, anywhere!

Studies have shown that if you don't get enough sleep, then you are more likely to gain weight. They say it is because you are more likely to go to comfort foods when you are tired. Also, it is said that your metabolism gets off when you don't get enough sleep.

So here you have it, why you need your sleep!! Good enough reason for me to put my kids to bed by 8 p.m. so that they get good sleep, and so do I!

Frustration

I have been oh so frustrated with my weight loss journey for several weeks now. It seems that after I lost my 35 pounds, that my body has decided that 35 pounds is all it is willing to give up. I don't really understand it. I am doing everything that I know how to do to lose the weight. I count my calories every day. I eat mostly fruit and veggies. I work out between 4-6 times a week. I even gave up sugar for a week(one of the hardest things ever) and I actually gained weight at the end of that week. I am more than frustrated! I don't really know what to do anymore. It seems like my body is just comfortable at this weight. The problem with this is that I am not comfortable with this weight. I still have a goal for losing at least another 20 pounds. I just have no clue how to go about it.

My husband and my mom keep telling me just to be patient, that I need to love my body regardless what the scale reads. This seems impossible for me to do. I have never loved my body. So I am trying hard to change the way that I think about my body and my weight loss. This will be a hard thing for me to do.

My goals for this next month are:

• Try to be kinder to myself and think uplifting things about my body
• Continue to train for my 5k that is scheduled for the beginning of September
• Find some family friendly healthy recipes that not only I love but my children will eat too.
• Continue expanding my raw diet. I have started sprouting beans, lentils and grains and I am really enjoying it. I have been learning about eating raw and I am convinced that it is one of the best things that you can do diet wise for your body.
  

• Get my thyroid checked and my birth control changed. (I have a sneaky suspicion that my weight issues are probably thyroid or PCOS related.)

I hope that I can get my butt back in gear and be more motivated. How are YOU doing with your weight loss journey?

Favorite Ab workout

I like to work out my abs. Right now, they are invisible, but I like the feeling of pain when you move your chore. My favorite ab workout is doing crunches with my kids sitting on my chest. They think it's super fun to sit on my chest while I try to sit up, and I like it because I have two 40 lb kids and one 20 lb kid, so I get to mix up my weight a little. What is your favorite ab workout?

Cooking

I know we often think of cooking as just preparing ourselves for calorie consumption, but it also burns calories. As long as you're making something low in calorie, it can actually be pretty beneficial for you! Yesterday, my oldest, Brejden, requested some homemade strawberry jam. So as I was making potato salad, macaroni salad, hamburgers and hot dogs, I whipped up a 4 cup batch of jam. It took me two hours to get this all done! (Luckily my husband was home so I didn't have "help" from my children!) But, with those two hours of cooking, I burned 348 calories! At least it has some perks! The cooking doesn't include clean up or getting the kids ready for bed.....

 (The strawberry jam turned out pretty darn good!)

Bike Race

I had the opportunity to go to Beaver, Utah this past weekend (that's why I didn't post Thursday.... totally dropped the ball) and got to help with a huge bike race. It was a combination of professionals, amateurs, and beginners. It was 69 miles starting at an altitude of about 6000 feet and climbed up well over 10,000 feet. I was amazed and awed at these bikers! I have new respect for bike racers.

 Leisure biking burns 522 calories per hour. The fastest racer averaged 20 mph UP HILL!!! So he was burning somewhere around 1000 calories per hour. The  biker's legs were so toned, it made me jealous and guilty! It was a great experience and can't wait until next year to help out! (Next year I'll take sunscreen so I can avoid getting fried and blistered!)

Some good news!

I have now been working on this weight loss thing for almost a year! I can't believe it has really been that long. Sometimes I feel like I just started, and then I feel like I should be smaller then I am. I have some undiagnosed stomach issues that I have been dealing with since the summer between my Junior and Senior year of High school. I am still trying to figure out what is going on. Fortunately, I can't keep any food in me. But that also means that I have zero energy and I can't eat if I plan on going anywhere. Well, my stomach issues have started acting up again and I have been doing some testing to see what it is. I have been having this problem for about 8 weeks now. On the plus side, I have dropped a complete pants size in this time! I have also gone down in t-shirt sizes as well. I am excited for the loss, but frustrated at the lack of being able to exercise. I hope you are all doing great! I would love to hear about your successes as well!

A fun little swimming challenge

I had the opportunity to go to the lake with my family for three days. I have always enjoyed the lake (other then being in a swimming suit) and enjoy starting my kids into this family tradition. I had a few good opportunities to exercise, but in a fun way, so I thought I'd share and challenge you to enjoy your workout!

• I went kayaking with my Dad. My arms are so soar from it! I had Cartr between my legs and had to work extra hard to not hit him in the head with the bar on the paddles. We really had such a fun time! We were in the kayak for about an hour just traveling around the area.
• Kicking your feet while swimming. My sister and I decided to try and kick above the water! We were just trying to create a bigger splash, but it sure works out your legs!
• Swimming with using just your arms, or just your legs.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! Thanks for your support!

Happy 4th of July!!

I hope you all enjoy your holiday! Just remember to count your calories!
Have a great day though!!!

Running

I go to visit family, and after a bad night of little sleep, my little sister drags me from my bed to make me run. We are such a competitive family, that I can't bow out!
So I ran, I ran a mile and a little more and tried not to throw up. I am not a good enough runner to enjoy conversation while I run. I have to concentrate on my breathing and I have to have a focal point to concentrate on.
But I ran, and I only had 5 hours of sleep, and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed running with my sister and having someone to keep up with and to keep trying harder.
Here's to the rest of my "vacation" that I don't think I'm really getting a vacation from anything though!

Mediterranean Chicken

I got this recipe off www.kraftrecipes.com and it was one of the easiest meals I have ever made!

 

2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked

4 small  boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

1 small onion, chopped

1 tsp.  dried oregano leaves

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained

1/4 cup  KRAFT Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing

2 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 cup  sliced stuffed green olives

Make It

COOK rice as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat. Add chicken, onions and oregano; cook 6 min. or until chicken is lightly browned on both sides and onions are crisp-tender, turning chicken after 3 min. Add tomatoes, dressing and garlic; stir gently. Cook 4 to 6 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF), turning chicken after 3 min. Stir in olives.
SPOON rice onto platter; top with chicken and sauce.

per serving

Calories

 360

Total fat

 8 g

Saturated fat

 1.5 g

Cholesterol

 65 mg

Sodium

 720 mg

Carbohydrate

 42 g

Dietary fiber

 3 g

Sugars

 6 g

Protein

 29 g

Vitamin A

 6 %DV

Vitamin C

 20 %DV

Calcium

 6 %DV

Iron

 10 %DV

Healthy Living Information

Low fat

Low calorie

Diabetes Center

Carb Choices: 3

Diet Exchange

2-1/2 Starch + 1 Vegetable + 3 Meat (L)

My tips:

• I used red bell peppers and did just regular diced tomatoes. I was afraid that the flavors would be overwhelming with Italian diced tomatoes.
• I served the original dish with brown rice, like it called for, but had some left over and ate it with fettuccine noodles and LOVED it! 
• My kids even liked this dish, as well as my husband! I will be making this again! 

 

.

Fresh Tomatoes!

I love summer and that it brings so many fruits and veggies. I have been trying to grow a garden for the past two years. This year, since I don't have my land space that I had in Beaver, I have planted 4 tomato plants and quite a few onions in potters. I am so excited to see my tomatoes turning from green to red. Unfortunately, I have had 2 tomatoes turn red, but haven't had the chance to eat them because my dog keeps picking and eating them.
What is your favorite summer time veggie?

Tortellini soup

This is one of my favorite recipes and is super easy to make. I have found I like the spinach, regular tortellini mix for this.

1 lb. Italian bulk sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
2 cans (10 3/4 oz) condensed tomato soup
3 cups water
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
8 oz dried or frozen tortellini (meat or cheese filled)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

-Brown sausage, drain, add onion and seasonings. Add everything but tortellini. Bring to boil. Add tortellini, reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Add cheese.

It is really good if you serve a crusty french bread with it.

Motivation

One thing that was super motivating to me in my weight loss journey was joining a biggest loser competition that my sister started up in January. I was not that motivated when I first joined but just a few short weeks after, I was totally into it and looking forward to(and dreading) the weekly weigh ins. We started the competition in January and ended it at the end of May. Throughout the whole competition I lost almost twenty pounds. Both of my sisters lost 30! I was so sad when the biggest loser ended, I wanted it to just keep going. My sisters have decided to start another one this next Wednesday!! I am so excited!

There will be two parts to this competition. The first part with be of course weight loss. Each week we will weigh ourselves and report on the private blog our weight loss and the overall percentage that we lost that week(Don't worry you don't have to post your weight if you are not comfortable). The biggest loser at the end of September will be the winner of a cash prize.(oh yeah each contestant needs to pay $15 dollars to join. The money will be used for the winners!!)

The second part of this consists of a list of healthy choices that you can make during the day like: drinking 8oz of water 8 times a day, exercising 30 minutes a day, eating 5 fruits and veggies a day etc. For each healthy choice that you make you will get one point. At the end of the biggest loser competition the person with the most healthy points also gets a cash prize.

I loved the healthy points portion of the competition because even if I had a bad week with my weight loss, I was still able to have a chance at winning because of the healthy points.

We are starting the next biggest loser next week on Wednesday. If any of you readers would like to join you are welcome too! Just leave a comment with your email address and I will send you a message with my sisters email so that you can get her the money and she can invite you to the private blog.

This was so much fun when we did it last time, super duper motivating and I hope that some of you take up this challenge and decide to do it too. You wont regret it!

I absolutely love asparagus! When we moved into our house in Henderson, we were doing yard work and thought we came across more weeds, but realized (luckily before we pulled any out) that it was asparagus! So excited!

I usually just boil it and put salt on it. I also like to put it on a cookie sheet, put some olive oil on it and bake it until it's soft. I didn't know what great nutrition it had too!

I got this great article from http://www.naturalnews.com/023368_asparagus_food_foods.html

Asparagus is a springtime vegetable that is versatile and uniquely delicious. Buying it this time of year is best as it is fresh and particularly nutritious, since it is in season. Studies show that asparagus balances insulin levels, which means that it powerfully prevents diabetes. Ensuring that our insulin levels are stable is one of the most important things we can do for our health. It allows us to live long and feel good. Its unique mineral profile makes it an effective natural diuretic. Natural diuretics promote the formation of urine in the kidneys, aiding in detoxification and cleansing.

Asparagus is also a powerful aphrodisiac and one of the best foods to increase libido. Just check out its shape.

Asparagus is also one of the only vegetables to contain inulin, which feeds friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine. This makes it a great food for preventing yeast overgrowth, and it generally keeps the digestive system and belly well.

Asparagus contains loads of folate. Among other health benefits, folate is essential for pre conception and the early stages of pregnancy. Asparagus' high level of this mineral means that is can reduce the risk of birth defects and helps the nervous system develop beautifully.

Here are some other benefits that make asparagus one of the best super foods on the planet.

* Great for your heart

* Asparagus fights depression and puts you in a good mood

* Gets rid of warts by eating one of the best super foods on the planet!

* Asparagus lowers cholesterol

* Stimulates milk production in nursing mothers

* It is a potent antioxidant

* Is antifungal and antiviral

* Your kidneys will love asparagus... it helps cleanse the body and prevent kidney stones

* Asparagus prevents bladder and urinary tract infections

* Helps with treating HIV

* Helps prevent multiple sclerosis

* Asparagus contains anti cancer properties and is especially powerful in preventing lung cancer

* Is energizing and fights chronic fatigue syndrome

* Asparagus will lower blood pressure naturally

* Asparagus is top of the list of alkaline foods

* Asparagus stimulates hair production and is one of the best super foods for balding.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/023368_asparagus_food_foods.html#ixzz1PSX4hURS