Ah...Me So Hongry!

You wanna talk numbers?

2012-01-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

When conversing about CrossFit, the following questions either lead or dominate the conversation:

"How much weight have you lost?" OR "How much weight do you want to lose?"

Puhleeze stop asking me how much weight I want to lose! If I learned one thing at CrossFit, I learned to look at more than just the numbers on the scale. Instead of focusing on the scale, I tend to focus more on increasing my strength, endurance, agility, speed, etc.

So, you wanna talk numbers? Instead of asking me how much weight I want to lose or lost, ask me the following:

How much can you back squat? Answer: 100# 1oo may not seem like much, but it's 100 more than I thought I could back squat!

What's a back squat you ask?

Ask me how much can I deadlift. Answer: 160# and probably more.

What's a deadlift you ask?

Try asking me how many inches I whittled from my hips. The answer to that question my friends: 4!! Yes, 4 inches!!

Ask me how many push-ups can I do. And I ain't talking about girl push-ups. Answer: 7

I must confess, my CrossFit experience, changed the way I look at the scale and sometime in the near future I plan to quit Weight Watchers:-(

During the CrossFit challenge I killed myself, by going above and beyond. Each week I weighed in at WW and each week I walked out disappointed. And after one breakdown to many, I decided to part ways with WW.

So, you wanna talk numbers? Leave me some of your impressive numbers, but leave the scale out of it.

I'm about to piss some people off...

2012-01-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

I am about to piss some people off! Before I start this post, let me reiterate...this is MY ~~damn~~ blog. (Remember that post?) So I reserve the right to voice my opinion in regards to various weight loss matters. DO NOT GET YOUR PANTIES IN A WAD!

With my busy lifestyle, I tend to DVR my favorite shows, one of them being SNL (Saturday Night Live). Yesterday, I found a few spare minutes to start watching SNL. The host, Charles Barkley delivered the obligatory opening monologue. While watching Mr. Barkley trip over his lines, I noticed that he dropped a few pounds. Well, according to Sir Charles, he joined the growing numbers of celebrities attempting to lose weight via commercial weight loss programs.

Okay, now comes the part where I piss you off!
I AM a member of Weight Watchers (WW) and you know what? WW let me down:-( They resorted to the cheap tactic of using celebrities to peddle their program. One of the main reasons I joined WW in the first place, the success stories of REAL PEOPLE, not CELEBRITIES.

For me, a celebrity does nothing in the way of persuading me to try a weight loss program or product! First of all, a celebrity possesses the resource to obtain far more weight loss support than an individual with less disposable funds. Case in point, most celebrities procure a personal trainer, chef, personal grocery store shopper, etc.

Let's be honest, the whole point of celebrity endorsements serves as an effort to encourage average people like you and me to join the program. But, how likely is the average person to join a weight loss program, which is more than likely not affordable?

Truth be told, in order for me to sustain my WW membership I do without other amenities. As a single mom, I know the true meaning of the phrase, "Necessity is the mother of all invention." Put simply, difficult situations inspire ingenuous solutions. So instead of paying for a gym membership that I know will go to waste, I use that money to fund my WW membership.

So without a gym membership, how do I exercise? I find ingenious solutions. For instance I plan to strip away the pounds with my 3 pole dancing classes I purchased for $19 from Groupon. For me, 2012 is the year of the GROUPON! I plan to GROUPON my sexy back.

I digressed. Needless to say, these celebrity endorsements leave much to be desired. I am by no means motivated. The only thing JH motivates me to do...jump up and turn off the TV. If I hear "It's a New Day" one more time, I just may find the nearest cliff and jump. For those of you motivated by JH, more power to you and I applaud you for wanting to make a change.

Do you want to know what motivated me to want to change my lifestyle? It wasn't JH, Charles Barkley, Mariah Carey, Kirstie Alley, Valerie Bertinelli, Sara Rue, Marie Osmand, Janet Jackson, Carrie Fisher, Carnie Wilson... the list goes on...

The following picture motivated me to rejoin WW once again:

*Jumps of soapbox* I spoke my piece. Once again, please refrain from getting your panties in a wad. I truly believe these celebrities look fabulous with their new found weight loss and I am sure some frustrated individual may take solace and relate to the weight loss trials and tribulations of the aforementioned celebs.

But you know what if the price is right I'd sell my own children to the highest bidder to hawk a weight loss program or product. ANY TAKERS?!

Has a celebrity endorsement ever motivated you to buy a product

PSYCH! You Think It's Pasta, But It's Not!

2012-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:00

At the onset of my CrossFit journey, I chose to switch to a Paleo Diet (well a variation of the diet). Click here to be directed to a website containing more information of the Paleo Lifestyle.

Without getting into detail, the Paleo Lifestyle restricts grains (bread, pasta, etc.), excess sugar, and vegetable oils. With the absence of bread and pasta (my kryptonite), yours truly had to become pretty creative with my meals. I never realized how much bread and pasta played a role in my diet!

Okay, getting to the crux of the post...

As a single mom balling on a budget, spaghetti pops up into my meal planning rotation quite often. In my opinion, you get the bang for your buck with spaghetti, and you can make it S-T-R-E-T-C-H! So the last time spaghetti night rolled around, I prepared whole wheat pasta for my boys. And for myself, I decided to try my hand at preparing spaghetti squash.

Many times, I read posts about other bloggers cooking spaghetti squash. And you know what, I turned up my nose in disgust at the thought of replacing pasta with SQUASH! EWW! But with the CrossFit challenge in full swing, I had no choice but to try the squash.

Before preparing the squash I went to YouTube to find a video. You can learn how to do any and everything on YouTube! Here's the video I found.

Without further adieu, my foray into the world of winter squash...

Have you ever cooked spaghetti squash before?

I cried in the car...

2012-01-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

I started typing this several weeks ago...so let's pretend this happened last Saturday. Thanks for your cooperation:-)

What an emotional day last Saturday...I tend to lean towards the dramatic side sometimes...and last Saturday seemed to be no exception.

So as most of you know, 4 weeks ago I entered the arduous world of CrossFit. Folks, no words exist to explain the trials and tribulations of my CrossFit undertaking! But allow me to say this...I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!!!

So, getting back to my emotional breakdown...

Okay, so it all started when I walked into CrossFit for the Team Challenge. As I always do, I looked to the whiteboard for the WOD (Workout of the Day). When I spied the WOD, I nearly crapped my pants! See for yourself!

Yeah, you almost crapped your pants too...didn't you? When I read the board my brain skipped over all the words and only registered the 100s. The only thing I saw while reading...100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100!

My first thought...OH EMM GEE! Really?! Are you kidding me?! What did I get myself into. While everyone warmed-up, I thought about slipping out the door. I figured the distraction of the warm-up served as the perfect cover to scram.

Well, during all of my panicking I failed to read ALL of the instructions. In short, this team challenged consisted of 3 rounds. Each round called for each team member to choose an exercise from the list (pictured above).

After much debate, we decided on which exercises to execute. Choosing the exercises proved somewhat manageable, but assigning the exercises to each team member, now that's another story.

My team spent a considerable amount of time trying to convince me that I possessed the strength to complete 100 35# kettle swings. And I begged to differ! Since they believed in me, I had no choice but to believe in myself and I ACCEPTED the challenge. My contribution to the team challenge:

Round 1 - 100 sit-ups
Round 2 - 100 35# kettlebell swings
Round 3 - 100 walking lunges

The plan of attack:

Oh yeah, one detail I forgot to mention, each team consisted of 5 members and only 3 members could workout at any given time. So that meant, when any member grew tired and needed a SHORT break, another team member started their assigned exercise.

So, the challenge started. 100 sit-ups, no problemo. Then came the kettlebell swings. The first several swings challenged my confidence in myself. I remember thinking to myself, "I told them I couldn't do this and I was right!" But I fought through the self doubt. As I struggled through the swings, the coaches gave me advice on technique which helped me establish a rhythm.

By the time I reached the 50th swing, I wanted to quit, but again I pushed through it. By the time I reached the 75th swing, my arms burned hotter than the hubs of hell. I wanted to cry and give up. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, but I pushed them back and told myself:

"Man up and stop acting like a little girl!

By the 80th swing I started panicking as my other team member awaited her turn with the kettlebell. Many negative thoughts started running through my mind,

"Great! Now I'm holding up the team. If we lose, it will be my fault."

As my resolve faltered I started to throw in the towel, BUT the team as well as the coaches rallied behind me and I began to see the light at the end of the kettlebell tunnel. As I neared my 100th swing, my comrades counted down:

"8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2...1!"

When I heard #1 I wanted to sink into the floor and not budge for the rest of eternity, BUT I still needed to complete 100 walking lunges! After a concerted team effort, we finished the challenge with a respectable time. We gave each other a CrossFit high 5 and reveled in the fact we completed the challenge without casualties or calls to 911.

The team name resulted from combing the names of 3 coaches.

After CrossFit, I returned home, showered and reported to Weight Watchers. Prior to my weigh in I felt more than confident that after 4 weeks of CrossFit and cleaner eating, the scale had no choice but to reward my efforts.

So, I stepped on the scale. Lo and behold the scale revealed a loss of .6! YES, .6! I jumped of the scale pissed off to the utmost of pissed-offness!! .6!! After weeks of foregoing rice, bread, fun, cocktails, sweets, doughnuts, pizza, french fries...you get the point, .6 was all I had to show for it!!!

I sat through the meeting. The leader's mouth moved, words filled the room, but all I heard, "Wah, wah, wah, wah wah." You know, like Charlie Brown's teacher.

The only thing on my mind during the meeting...the measly .6 pounds lost! I impatiently waited for the meeting to end. After the leader gave the closing, I darted out of the room and made a beeline to my vehicle.

I looked at my weigh-in book again for the umpteenth time and then the tears started. I posted my disappointing weigh-in results on Facebook and Coach Abbey wrote by far the best comment ever:

Don't get discouraged, Trina!! Remember, CrossFit's end goal is not to get skinny. You're making yourself better, stronger and healthier. Though it is impossible NOT to lose weight if you are truly changing your lifestyle, it may just take a little longer. You're doing awesome. And I think I noticed that moment today, (during the kb swings?) and I am proud of you for fighting through it and finishing. Muscle weighs more than fat- don't get hung up on the number!!

After reading Coach Abbey's comment I came to my senses and followed the advice I gave myself earlier that day. I manned up, brushed away the tears, and stopped acting like a little girl.

The End...

VICTORY is MINE! I survived Thanksgiving & lived to blog about it!

2011-11-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

So, today I weighed in and guess what, I lost 1.6 lbs! For the first time in a long time I managed to lose weight over a week long Thanksgiving break.

Please allow me to be ungrateful for the next few minutes. Truth be told, that 1.6 loss left me disappointed. And please spare me the "A Loss Is a Loss Lecture."

For the last couple of weeks (yes, a couple) I can honestly say I put forth a gallant effort toward my weight loss undertakings. For two weeks I shunned bread, rice, and pasta. I woke up 3 times at 4:25 AM for the 5AM session at the CrossFit gym. Although I am thankful for that 1.6 loss, I feel I deserved MORE! That just means next week I work harder!! GAME ON!

Okay, back to being grateful...I owe my loss thanks in part to my strategies I employed & to my TAKE NO PRISONERS attitude!

My previous post provided a variety of strategies to survive Thanksgiving unscathed. Let me share the strategies that I actually used:

PLANNING! My mom and I planned our Thanksgiving day meal. She took care to ensure the dinner remained as waist-line friendly as possible. I call this... THANKSGIVING-TO-GO!

Traditionally on Thanksgiving Eve, my family kicks of the holiday season with piping hot bowls of gumbo. Well, not me, I ate a salad lovingly prepared by mother. And I sat and stared as everyone else devoured gumbo. Not a big deal, I can always ask my mom to make gumbo anytime I desire...

I saved points by skipping the gumbo and rice. I wanted to use any extra points for the mac-n-cheese my mom made for Turkey Day dinner.

For our Thanksgiving Eve festivities, my Mom made these tasty Paleo Friendly Crab Stuffed Mushrooms.

GETTING IT IN! My top Thanksgiving Day goal ...incorporating activity. Since, I snoozed on signing up for the local Turkey Trot 5K, I ran my own Turkey Trot at the local hike & bike trail. The crisp fall weather made for a pleasant run.

After my run I scooted on over to Wal-Mart to pick a few new games for Family Game Night. While at Wal-Mart I nearly clothes-lined myself on the rope you see pictured below.

The store roped off the store in anticipation of the Black Friday lunatics expected later that evening.

The moment of truth arrived when plating my meal. Strategy #1...I chose a smaller plate. The smaller plate forced me to return to the pan, some of the hearty helping of macaroni I served myself. My initial larger serving of mac & cheese left no room for other sides.

Strategy#2...Veggie Overload. Check out that big serving of farm fresh collards!

So how did you fare this Thanksgiving? VICTORY of food coma?

TURKEY DAY PLAN OF ATTACK! 6 TIPS TO STAY ON TRACK!

2011-11-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, for Turkey Day, an epic battle will be waged ~~(for me, no different than any other day!)~~

Tomorrow, the ENEMY (food) and I will gather at the battle ground, the table!!

Face to ~~food~~ face, a line will be drawn in the terrain! And I will rise to the challenge and fight to fulfill the promise I made to myself when I started the CrossFit Challenge. I vowed to honestly put forth 167% by committing to 4 workouts a week, tracking my food intake and making WISE, but HEALTHIER food choices. So far, so fabulous (few bobbles here and there)!

I refuse to let one day break that vow! THANKSGIVING, you will NOT get the best of me.

So, tomorrow I plan to go into battle ARMED and READY FOR ATTACK!!! Armed with the tools necessary to stay on track. My goal this Thanksgiving, not gain one single pound. Of course a loss would be ideal, but maintaining or not gaining shall suffice.

So what's my plan of attack to stay on track this turkey day?

1. PLAN YOUR GRUB! My mom and I collaborated on the menu:

Turkey
Mustard Green
Purple Hull Peas
Okra
Macaroni
Sweet Potatoes
Collard Greens
Paleo Sweet Potato Pie

Instead of our usual starchy smorgasbord, we decided to prepare more vegetable side dishes. Side note, as a CrossFitter, the coaches encourage the participants to commit to a Paleo Diet. Most of the items on our menu, except the macaroni, represent paleo friendly choices.

This year, my mom and I incorporated some Paleo meals into our festivities. For our Wednesday hors d'ouevres we decided to make some Paleo friendly stuffed mushrooms.

For thanksgiving my Mom wants the recipe for the Paleo Pumpkin Sweet Potato Pie. Or she may use the paleo crust recipe to make our favorite waist-line friendly key lime pie.

2. SHAKE A TAIL FEATHER! Plan to participate in some type of physical activity on Thanksgiving Day. I regret not signing up for the 5K Turkey Trot. Instead of wallowing in regret I intend on walking or jogging for at least 2 miles in the morning. I may throw in some squat thrusts w/weights and a few push-ups.

2. BATTLE GEAR-When you suit up for battle, remember to leave the buffet pants at home. Buffet pants include all pants containing elastic in the waist which expands with your stomach. In my opinion, baggy sweaters and elastic pants, gives you the invitation to overindulge. By wearing clothes that fit, you know to stop when the button on your pants starts unraveling.

3. ~~AVOID FAMILY~~ Just Kidding! TRY TO CONTROL YOUR ENVIRONMENT! This Thanksgiving I opted to stay home with my boys. What better way to control your environment, by staying in your OWN environment.

By staying home I control what I eat and when I eat. My mom cooked our dinner, so I know she took the necessary measures to ensure the food is prepared to help, not hinder my weight loss efforts.

Not everyone possesses the luxury of a mom who makes your own to-go Thanksgiving meal, and for that I am thankful!! For those of you without control of your environment, beware of food pushers.

Food pushers come in all varieties, from your sweet Aunt Hattie to the Unnamed-Hater-Extraordinaire Distant Relative. Here's a few ways to say NO to your pusher:

The PUSHER: "Can you eat that? I thought you were on a diet!"

YOUR Response: "Are you from the department of CAN YOU EAT THAT? ARE YOU TAKING A CAN YOU EAT THAT CENSUS? Yes, I can eat THAT. I can eat what I want...in moderation."

The Pusher: "That's all you're going to eat! Girl it's Thanksgiving! Pile that plate up!"

YOUR Response: "Yes it is Thanksgiving, but I'd like to live to see another! ~~From the looks of your plate your days are numbered~~."

I said I had a few ways, to say no. I never said they were nice ways. How do you say no?

Back to the list...Oh yeah, ways to stay on track.

4. THE CARNAGE- What to do you do with the leftovers? One option, send the leftovers home with guests. Or what I decided to do with leftover side dishes, divvy them into plastic containers and freeze.

With the left over turkey I plan to make the following: *You have to read the next part in you FORREST GUMP VOICE* turkey salad, turkey soup, turkey chili, turkey tacos, turkey wraps, turkey sandwiches, turkey enchiladas, turkey tetrizzini, turkey spaghetti, turkey stuffed bell peppers, turkey stock, turkey omelets, turkey quesadillas, turkey pitas...LOL.

5. If YOU know YOU plan to do some damage at Thanksgiving dinner, eat a healthy breakfast or lunch.

6. When plating my meal, I intend on using a smaller plate...less room, less food. As well, the TNT rule will apply...TNT stands for Things Not Touching. In the past I plated my meal and squeezed & squished as many choices on the plate that would fit, with food almost running over the sides of the plate. Another tip to for me to remember, more than 1/2 of my plate will consist of veggies.

7. BONUS TIP!-This year I made the decision to forgo some of my favorites like dirty rice and cornbread dressing. I figured I can eat those side dishes all year round. There's nothing special about dirty rice or cornbread dressing.

So, think about it...can you think of a not-so-special, high calorie, unhealthy food that you can do with out? Tell me, is there a special dish only offered at Thanksgiving?

With a battle plan like that, VICTORY is MINE! So, what do you choose, VICTORY OR FOOD COMA!? As I lead us into battle let me leave you with an inspirational battle cry to keep you motivated:

REMEMBER, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! In the immortal words of the administrative staff at our school, MAKE IT A GREAT DAY....or not. THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Ready for tomorrow!?!?!?! Push play...

CHARGE!!!

Houston Healthy Lifestyle Meet-Up Recap

2011-11-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, November 12, 2011 a few bloggy friends and I convened for the First Annual Houston Healthy Lifestyle Meet-Up!

The ladies and I met around 10 AM and enjoyed a brisk morning walk at Hermann Park. Even though a few of us met for the first time, we conversated and giggled like sorority sisters. At the end of the path, we stopped to commemorate our walk.

After the walk, we ventured to Hungry's Bistro & Cafe for a bite to eat. I ordered the Sunrise Wrap. After I received my wrap I scraped the gelatinous cheese to the side of my plate.

This wrap served as my last meal, so to speak, before my big challenge!

After our lunch we disbanded and went our separate ways:-( I thoroughly enjoyed the company of these jazzy ladies! When you get a minute take the time, mosey on over, and get to know these fabulous fit bloggers:

Miesha from Mi-Inspire

Ro from Ro Gets Fit

Shawn from Changing My Weighs

Dee from Just Dee...living and loving

Kia from Interior Intensive

and not to mention these two arriving fashionably late...lol:

Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes

Juanette from Fashion Nette-Work

This gathering served as the first of many more fun events to come!

As a matter of fact, for those Houstonians who missed the first get-together, get yo hot pants, satin jackets, and leg warmers ready. For the next meet-up we decided to take it to the rink, the skating rink that is...ROLL...BOUNCE!

More details to follow but the tentative date is December 3rd.

Stay tuned for more deats!

Upcoming blog post you might not want to miss:

You Think It's Pasta, But It's Not! PSYCH! It's Spaghetti Squash!
CrossFit...DAY 2! I AM CROSSFIT!

Fresh Start...

2011-11-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday Morning I congregated with a few bloggy friends for our first meet-up EVER!

A couple of them reprimanded me a few times for my lack of presence on Blogger. So, I had no choice but to come home and blog. Okay ladies, I hear you loud and clear. Look...I am blogging...lol.

I tried to explain, that my need to blog pretty much reflects the state of my weight loss efforts:

No blog post = no progress.

Long story short, I veered off path and got lost. But never fear my friends...

Last Saturday, November 12th, 2011 at 7:13 AM, I forgave myself for my recent weight loss transgressions and indiscretions. AND, I gave myself a FRESH START!

A fresh start in the form of a challenge...

"The I Am CrossFit Challenge"

Not familiar with CrossFit...click here. Law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and military branches utilize CrossFit as a form of training. Be afraid...be very afraid.

A coworker sent out an email informing the staff of the challenge. Being the competitive person that I am, I took the challenge as an opportunity to ~~beat~~ engage in a little friendly competition with my fellow colleagues.

If you know me, you know me + competition does not equal friendly. And I am a sore loser!

Initially, I considered the CrossFit Challenge as a competition between my coworkers and me. But after Day 2 of CrossFit, I now know that the challenge exist between Me, Myself, & I.

Day 1 of CrossFit put me to the test and pushed me to my limits. Yes, Day 1!

On the 1st day of the challenge I arrived at the facility bubbling with excitement. My excitement soon faded as the coaches explained the WOD (Workout of the Day) The WOD consisted of the exercises listed below using the following rep format 21/15/9:

squat thrust while pushing weights up as you ascend,
sumo squats
7 burpees
run 200 meters

In short, the participants completed one rep of 21 (each squat), 7 burpees, and ran 200 meters. We repeated the same pattern for a rep of 15, and 9. By the end of the last rep my legs felt like J-E-L-L-O! And I did my absolute best to keep the vomit rising in my throat at bay.

O wait, did I mentioned that we executed dead-lifts prior to the WOD? And did I mention that I lifted 83 lbs?

So, the Day 1 WOD also served as the challenge test. At the end the 8 week challenge the participants will perform the Day 1 WOD again to determine if our strength, flexibility, agility, endurance, speed, power, etc. increases.

Needless to say, I survived Day 1 and lived to blog about it...barely. Sitting, standing, and walking seemed like a painful chore. I must admit, the handicap bar in the bathroom received quite a workout today. If it weren't for the handicap bar in the bathroom, I would still be sitting there...

in the bathroom...just sitting and waiting for help...

From now on, I should probably take my cell into the bathroom in case of an emergency. I can send out a distress SOS text.

If you need a a fresh start and welcome a new CHALLENGE in your life, try CrossFit...

Wait until you hear about Day 2!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Another Year Old...One Foot In The Grave! Literally!

2011-11-04T04:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!! Today I turn another year older! I keep inching closer to 40 and I feel it in these old bones. 40 sounds old! I now understand the meaning of that saying...

ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE...LOL!

But you know what? 40 is the new 21! 40, 50, 60, no matter the age I will rock it! That's what FABULOUS people do! And as we all know I A.M. F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.!

Inching closer to 40 has me thinking. I need to stop playing around and jump start my weight loss. By the time I reach my 40th birthday I want to hit my goal and be the epitome of...

FABULOUS AT 40!

Uh Ohhhhhhhhh...I smell a challenge coming on! I need to sleep on it... more details to come!

ANY WHO... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Not another beware of Halloween post...it's not

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Awwwwww...FALL...

A magical time of year.

Leaves crisp underfoot.

Quiet evenings on the patio listening to Vince Guarldi.

Mugs overflowing with piping hot chocolate.

Aroma of baking cookies fills the air.

FALL!

Fall makes me nostalgic. What do you love about this time of year?

Saturday evening my boys and I partook in our annual Halloween tradition...

...Gulping hot cocoa and devouring fresh baked Halloween cookies while watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!" Any traditions for you and your family?

Well I wanted to share an oldie but goodie...

The POINTS PLUS Halloween Candy Cheat Sheet
Almond Joy, snack size = 2 Points Plus
Baby Ruth bar, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Bit-O-Honey, 1 piece = 1 Points Plus, 6 pieces = 4 Points Plus
Butterfinger, fun size = 3 Points Plus
Candy corn, 20 pieces = 4 Points Plus
Charms Blow Pop, 1 pop = 2 Points Plus
Nestle Crunch, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Dots, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Gummi Bears, 14 pieces = 3 Points Plus
Heath Bar, snack size = 7 Points Plus
Hersheys milk chocolate bar, snack size = 6 Points Plus
Hersheys miniatures, any flavor, 5 pieces = 6 Points Plus
Kit-Kat, snack size, three 2-piece bars = 6 Points Plus
Lemonheads, fun-size, 1 pouch = 1 Points Plus
M&Ms milk chocolate, fun size, 1 package = 2 Points Plus
M&Ms peanut, fun size, 1 package = 3 Points Plus
M&Ms milk chocolate, fun size, 1 package = 2 Points Plus
Mounds, fun size = 3 Points Plus
Nerds, 1 box = 1 Points Plus
Oh Henry!, miniature = 2 Points Plus
Pay Day, fun size = 3 Points Plus
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, 2 = 6 Points Plus
Reese’s Pieces, 51 pieces = 5 Points Plus
Skittles, original fruit, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Snickers, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Take 5, fun size = 6 Points Plus
Tootsie Roll midgets, 6 pieces = 4 Points Plus
Twix, fun size = 2 Points Plus
Twizzler Twists, fun size = 4 Points Plus
Whoppers, fun size = 2 Points Plus
York Peppermint Patty, fun size = 1 Points Plus

HOUSTON HEALTHY LIFESTYLE MEET-UP!

2011-10-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

The holiday season, my favorite time of year, LOOMS just around the corner. And with it, comes the ONSLAUGHT of food....FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD!

For me, the holidays consume and overwhelm me. In the past, my hectic schedule filled with holiday soirees, shopping, and family functions served as the perfect excuse for me to forget about my personal health goals. What about you my friends? Do you find staying focused during the months of November and December challenging?

To help stay focused and motivated through another frenzied holiday season, Ro from Ro Gets Fit, Miesha from Mi-Inspire and myself decided to team up and host a few healthy lifestyle meet-ups.

For those of you in the Houston area join us for the first meet-up!

When: Saturday, November 12, 2011

Time: 10 AM

Where: Hermann Park

Put ya running shoes on! The first meet-up will consist of a walk/jog around the Rice University Loop (3 miles). After the walk we plan to grab a bite to eat (location TBA)...healthy of course.

If you want to join the fun, email me at gainestrina@yahoo.com by November 5, 2011. Space is limited to 20 participants, including Ro, Miesha, and myself.

I look forward to meeting some of you I chat with via Blogger, Twitter, and Facebook! Hope to see you there!! Toodles!

HELP WANTED: help ME, save ME, from MYSELF!

2011-10-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

I weighed in last week, and I noticed, since July, 7 extra pound found their way BACK! I KNOW, I KNOW...

I think subconsciously I surrendered, and I continue to just go through the motions of pretending to TRY with my weight loss efforts. My recent efforts explains my lack of blog posts. Who wants to blog about failing? It gets old and kinda of self-defeating after awhile.

Well, help IS on the way!

Miesha, Ro, and I decided to put together a HOUSTON area holiday support group to help those in need. The support group arrives just in time to help me, as well as others with holiday gluttony just around the corner: Thanksgiving, MY Birthday, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, etc.

So if you reside in the Houston area, stay tuned for details. Miesha and I plan to meet tonight in efforts to bang out the details.

O yeah, I did not forget about the NSV post I promised.

Stay tuned... can't wait to tell you about the best NSV...EVER!!

2011-10-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

I miss ya'll! Thanks to those of you hanging in there with me. To those of you who stopped following...HOLLA HATERS!

Stay tuned if you want to read about my 15 minutes of fame...

How do I stay motivated to lose weight?

2011-09-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

First and foremost I want to thank ya'll for showing me such an abundance of love on my last post...This is MY blog! I hope my post helped and encouraged you to find your own blogging voice and or blogging persona.

So, now...I want to take the time to address a comment I received on my previous post. JM writes:

"I have been off for a few weeks now too!! I was doing soooo well and then fell of track! How do you motivate yourself to start back again? I will wake up every morning saying I'm gonna do this today!!! And I go to bed every night saying OK tomorrow I will do this!!!!"

Well....let me start by saying this:

JM, I can totally relate! Like you, I wake up EVERY morning and I begin my day with some positive weight loss affirmations:

I tell myself...today I WILL make healthy food choices.

I tell myself...I WILL work-out.

I tell myself...I WILL drink at least 64oz. of water.

I tell myself...I WILL follow the WW healthy guideline.

I tell myself...I WILL track my food intake.

I tell myself...I WILL stay away from the snacks.

I tell myself...I WILL only eat when hungry.

Yes, I tell myself the same thing(s) everyday. But sometimes, my day fails to go as planned. And those positive weight loss affirmations fly out of the window. When that happens, I learn from my mistake(s), and keep it moving.

Along with learning from my mistakes, one of the most important things I do to stay motivated...

I FORGIVE my weight loss indiscretions, rather than stew in my own failure and misery! I must forgive myself and move on. In the past I mulled over bad choices, which always resulted in wallowing in guilt...which in turn resulted in me eating my feelings.

Another important aspect of staying motivated:

When you fall... YOU GET THE HELL BACK UP!

YOU GET UP NOW!

...NOT ON MONDAY

...NOT TOMORROW

...NOT AFTER LABOR DAY

NOW! If you falter at breakfast and eat a doughnut, rebound with a lighter lunch and healthier snacks. Never scrap the whole day and say...TOMORROW! GET UP NOW!! ~~Easier said than done~~.

And when all of this positivity crap I just ranted about fails, I just look at old pictures of myself...

BAM!

Do you think I want to go back to looking like that? I think NOT!

And my final method of motivation I want to share...

Keep an old piece of clothing at your highest weight. When you feel like a failure try on the old piece of clothing and see YOUR PROGRESS!

I kept these slacks from Layne Bryant.

So, how do you stay motivated?

JM, I hope this post answers your question and motivates you!

THIS IS MY BLOG!

2011-08-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

I joined the Blogger blogging community in February of 2009! After two years of blogging I recently arrived at the following realization...

THIS IS MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG!

Two events led me to the aforementioned realization:

My last post.
A twitter conversation.

After I published my last post, I shared the link on Twitter:

@mesohongry: FABULOUS people don't give up!! New blog post! Ah Me So Hongry!: back from the dead....

@singlema: you back from the dead with EVERY post. lol.

@mesohongry: lol...I can't shake it! Can't get it togetha!

@singlema: that's ok. no need to apologize every time. you are sharing your real life and real struggles with us. it is what it is.

@mesohongry: that's been my go-to phrase lately...It is what it is!!

@singlema: you may not be losing right now but you are maintaining and looking fab, so that's a win!

Every time I disappear from the world of blogging I feel like I owe everyone an apology. You know what...

I owe no one an apology...

THIS IS MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG!

Kudos, props*, big-ups*, round of applause, etc to those of you who maintain a 9 to 5 job and a successful blog. And by successful, you blog daily or manage to provide some level of consistency to your readers.

No matter how you slice it, blogging takes work and dedication! And believe it or not, when time allows...I invest mountains of work and energy into Ah Me So Hongry! Despite the amount of work and dedication I contribute, sometimes life events take precedence over blogging.

But you know what...

THIS IS MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG...

And I write my own rules, so that means I blog when I see fit. I blog when I get ready. I blog when I feel the need to blog. Not to be a blog snob, but I refuse to post fluff EVERYDAY for the sake of posting.

THIS IS MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG, AND I WRITE MY OWN RULES.

So, if I choose to blog once a day, three times a week, once a week, once a month...so be it.

I also arrived to the conclusion, that I can choose the subject matter of my blog. I run across dozens and dozens of weight loss blogs that discuss an array of topics...other than weight loss.

You know what...

THIS IS MY DAMN BLOG, AND I WRITE MY OWN RULES.

So, if I choose to write about my high school reunion, my talented kids, kayaking, strippers, and crack-heads...so be it.

Why the sudden revelation? Several months ago I read a post from a popular, self-righteous, judgmental blogger describing the characteristics of a reputable weight loss blog. Long story short...the sanctimonious blogger passed judgement on others for various blog transgressions that inadequate bloggers commit on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, I allowed the words of this preeminent blogger to seep into my subconscious and somewhat alter the way I blog and see myself as a blogger >:-\

What I want to know...who died and made Judgy McJudgerson the boss of all weight loss blogs?!?

What I really want to do...confront the holier-than-thou blogger! I need Judgy to jump off the soap box and dial it down!

But you know what...who cares...

THIS IS MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG, AND I MAKE THE RULES!

Now that I got that off my chest, I feel better about blogging.

@singlema said it best:

"No need to apologize every time. You are sharing your real life and real struggles with us. It is what it is."

She's RIGHT! IT IS WHAT IT IS! And what is it?

IT'S MY ~~DAMN~~ BLOG AND I WRITE THE RULES!

back from the dead...

2011-08-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Lately...

I have not blogged.

I have not tracked.

I have not planned.

I have not exercised.

The old fat me squeals..."Hells to the yeah!"

The new fabulous me screams..."O Hells to the NO!"

This picture inspired my post!

I AM F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.!

2011-08-09T00:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow bloggers. Pardon my absence, but my recent 20-YR High School Reunion took precedence over E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.! I plan to elaborate on my A-MA-ZING weekend, but for now I want to end the suspense and reveal "THE DRESS."

Without further adieu ...THE DRESS! In the immortal words of MYSELF..."BOOM!"

Despite my many temper-tantrums and excessive whining about my weight loss adventures, ALL of my excruciating, painstaking, hard work paid off!

Look at me now...dressed to IMPRESS!!

Stay tuned for more pics and details of my reunion shenanigans!

You had me at hello...

2011-08-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings y'all! This weekend I attended the wedding of a blogger friend God's Favorite Shoes!

A portrait of the bride and groom...

One of the highlights of the wedding (besides the bride's charming dress and fierce shoes)...

I finally met a fellow weight loss blogger, Robin a.k.a. Ro, from Ro Gets Fit! She had me at hello!

When Ro walked away to congratulate the bride, my friend Teryka (who by the way makes the most fabulous jewelry), asked me about Robin:

Teryka: How do you know Robin?

Me: She blogs about weight loss. Sometime she and Reiko workout together. I just met her today *looks at imaginary watch* about about 30 minutes ago.

Teryka: FOR REAL!?!? Y'all act like you've been friends for years!!

It's true Robin and I carried on like age old friends! Her bubbly infectious personality made her quite personable!

Long story short, Robin and I met in the parking lot of the Mosaic while searching for the complimentary valet parking garage. After our quick dispute with the parking attendant, who insisted that parking cost $3, we drove off bewildered in search of the complimentary valet parking garage. We never found it, so I followed Robin and parked across the street.

The parking dilemma added to one of my many mental breakdowns that occurred that day!

Breakdown #1: My kids asked to attend a close friend's impromptu birthday celebration, which put me behind my dress shopping schedule.

Breakdown #2: DRESS SHOPPING! A little unknown secret about me...I HATE SHOPPING! Ever heard of Murphy's Law...anything that can go wrong...will go wrong. The law applies to shopping.

For example:
...you decide to go shopping for something as simple as a new bra, but as you walk through the department store you see 432 of the most adorable dresses EVER! As you reach for one of the dresses, you remember that you went to the mall to buy a bra...not a dress. So, you leave the dress(es) at the department store.

Murphy's law kicks in when you actually NEED a dress for an event. So, you return to the department store to purchase one of those 432 adorable dresses you saw previously when shopping for your bra. Unfortunately, you arrive at the store and discover those 432 adorable dresses were replaced by 435 of the most hideous dresses EVER!

Despite Murphy's Law of Shopping, I found the PERFECT, junk loving dress. This dress hugs my junk-in-tha-trunk...tastefully.

Breakdown #3: I planned to leave on time. Be quiet, YES I wrote on time! (I suffer from CLS, Chronic Lateness Syndrome...This IS real folks. GOOGLE IT!) Like I said, I planned to leave on time, but breakdown #1 threw me behind schedule and thwarted my plans to leave early. AND breakdown #3 intensified when I remembered I agreed to meet Robin in the parking garage by 6:45!!

Breakdown #4: I followed, or so I thought, those idiotic iPhone map app directions. Well, leave it to me to turn down the wrong street...TWICE. And Breakdown #4 intensified my anxiety about Breakdown #3!

So...I finally made it to the wedding and guess what? I forget my dayum camera battery. So, yes I arrived with a camera, and NO battery...genius!

Despite my many psychotic breaks throughout the day I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the wedding. The thing I loved the most about Reiko's wedding...

NO contrived, pretentious traditional hoopla. If...no WHEN I get married it will be far from traditional (did you ~~hear~~ read that mom?)

Wedding highlights:

The blushing bride & groom! Check out Reiko's and Sean's fierce foot-ware.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Juanette (the picture crasher) from Fashion-Nette Work! She gave me the best fashion tip ever on how to create the fabulous statement necklace you see pictured above!

And me....dancing!

Guess where I learned how to WOBBLE? ZUMBA! That's right ZUMBA!! For those of you not familiar with the WOBBLE, or for those of you who want to learn...I present...THE WOBBLE!

I would to see a video of you doing the wobble!

Before I sign off I want to tell Reiko and Sean CONGRATS and a big THANKS to Robin for the cookbooks she gave me!

Now get outta here and get yo WOBBLE ON!

Would you love a FABULOUS free personalized layout for your blog?

2011-07-26T17:19:00.000-07:00

I already know the answer to that question! HELLS TO THE YES! If you want a free blog designs visit Miss Felicity Designs.

If all goes well, I plan to ask Miss Felicity to design a blog layout for my mom's business, A. Marie's Cakes (shameless plug).

Check out some of A. Marie's work:

See more of A. Marie's work on Facebook. Like A. Marie's Cakes!
Follow on twitter @AMariesCakes. Just announced...A. Marie's now provides mail-order cookies!

Don't forget to check out Miss Felicity for a free layout!

To the Winner Goes the Spoils...Weight Loss Rewards

2011-07-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

So, let me first start by saying, the blogging community let me down a little bit. I blog for me, not for the comments. However, I asked for feedback a.k.a comments in my post titled, Did You Know There's a Weight Limit For Kayaking? I just wanted some ideas in regards to how you reward your weight loss efforts.

The thing that chapped my hide...I received over 100 views for that particular post, but only 12 comments. Baffling. I took my comment temper-tantrum to Twitter and a few fellow tweeps responded with reasons why they do or do not comment.

One response, which made total sense, blog readers comment when they can contribute positively to the conversation at hand. And I respect that. Like my momma always says, "If you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all!"

Well...a few people left some nice comments about weight loss rewards, which I found helpful:

To cut cost, Mesha from Potter's Clay suggested that I keep my rewards thrifty by visiting my local thrift store. Great Idea Mesha! Check out my new purse from a local thrift store.

You like? With these hard times, I am becoming a quite the recessionista.

Krystal from Skinny Jeans Dreams gave me a novel idea:

"I am supposed to be doing this but due to some serious lack of funds, I haven't been. But I originally planned to reward myself with $10 for every week I stayed on track with weight watchers and put it away for a real treat."

A couple of other bloggers, Ro and Plum Petals also offered a similar idea of saving up for a big reward.

I think in the mean time I will stick with the plan of rewarding myself with a small token for every 5 lbs lost, and I will save up for a big reward when I accomplish huge milestones: reaching a certain size, 75 lb loss, 100 lb loss, etc.

Speaking of big rewards...my mom and I went shopping for my 20th high school reunion dress. After hours of grueling shopping, we finally found a dress! And here it is!!

Awww come on...did you honestly thing I would revel my reunion dress? Really? In due time my friends...in due time.

My mom purchased the dress for me. While at the register, she says, "That's your reward." Reward for what you ask? For being the most fabulous daughter in the world...ummm...heeelllooo!

Dressed to Impress with Crystal Light's Flavor Over Fizz Challenge!

2011-07-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Summer's HERE! And in my opinion...Summer rivals that of Halloween. How you ask? Just like Halloween, you see some VERY SCARY sights in the summer:

as the temperatures rise, so do the hemlines,
ghastly UN-pedicured feet in fabulous sandals make unwanted appearances, and
people begin rocking this season's summer frocks two sizes to SMALL revealing body parts better left to the imagination.

To help end the horrifying summer madness, I want to offer a couple of summer DO's & DON'Ts (free of charge):

DO receive pedicures on a regular basis, or purchase yourself some snazzy versatile flats.
When purchasing clothes, DON'T buy it just because they make it in your size!

In addition to the scary sights, the summers down South bring with it hot scorching HEAT and record breaking TEMPS! And what better way to beat the heat...The Crystal Light Flavor Over Fizz Challenge!

Participants of the Flavor over Fizz Challenge replaced their fizzy soft drinks with Crystal Light. I breezed through the challenge...a piece of cake. I generally run in the opposite direction of sodas, but every now and then I like to wash down a greasy slice of pizza (my kryptonite) with some carbonation!

So, I further challenged myself by deciding to increase my water intake. I understand the benefits of water, but the taste...or lack there of leaves MUCH to be desired. Most of the time I drink my water straight or on the rocks. When time permits, I add fresh fruit or cucumbers to make my water more palatable.

With the help of the Crystal Light Flavor over Fizz Challenge I added a little excitement to the my water. As well, I found creative ways to enjoy Crystal Light AND increase my water intake.

And one more thing...
As part of the challenge I had to show "how I dress up" my Crystal Light. So how do I dress up my Crystal Light? It depends on my mood.

When I feel SASSY & FLIRTY...I dress up my Crystal Light Lemonade and make my favorite mocktail...the Lemon-Drop Flirtini! Using Crystal Light makes this drink waistline friendly!

When I feel FUN and PLAYFUL...I utilize my sno-cone machine and dress up my ENERGY Wild Strawberry Crystal light with fresh seasonal fruit!

My FUN & PLAYFUL mood also inspired these Crystal Light ice pops! As well, you can dress up these ice pops by adding fresh fruit!

How do you dress up your Crystal Light?

No monetary compensation was provided by Crystal Light or Glam Media for this post. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Crystal Light.

Part 2...Pinky's Response

2011-07-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Before reading this post, click here to read part 1...Did you know there's a weight limit for kayaking?

Pinky's Kayak Rentals

Before I share my conversation with Pinky's, let me set the scenario for the email I sent. I pretended that I planned to bring a group of friends kayaking. Going were two couples and my overweight friend. Not completely unheard of! That used to be me, the overweight friend...the 5th wheel!

So, I emailed Pinky and the following conversation ensued:

Me:

I'm curious, how do you handle the weight limit issue? Your website says if one exceeds the weight limit, you can set the person up with a partner and a tandem kayak?

What do you tell the person your setting the overweight patron up with? When do you make the arrangements? I want to bring a group a friends, and this could be a potentially embarrassing situation for one of them. Thanks for your time.

Pinky's:
Good morning Trina :-)

Thanks for your interest in our services and a great question. We have two types of Kayaks available a single and a tandem both with weight limits due to safety and the structural integrity of the kayaks...Oops! I am sorry Trina, I did not mean to bore you with the details, but in a nutshell it comes down to safety and making sure the kayaker is comfortable.

So usually what occurs is the overweight kayaker is paired with a lighter weight one, this can be done at the launch site discreetly. Or what typically happens is the overweight kayaker comes to the launch already paired up with one of their friends or family members, so there is no mention of weight at all since everything is decided ahead of time. Hopefully, this answers your question, but if you need further clarification or have any other questions please feel free to ask away.

Have a fantastic week :-)

I DID INDEED NEED FURTHER CLARIFICATION...SORRY PINKY!

Me:
I'm hoping that we can find a partner for my friend, but in the event that we don't...you mentioned that you pair the two discreetly. What exactly do you mean by discreetly? Do you just pull the two to the side? If we don't find a partner can I email you ahead of time and let you know? Do we need to arrive ahead of time so the pairing can occur? Thanks on advance for your assistance!

Pinky:
Hey there Trina,

What will likely occur is the following: Say we have a tour for 8 people. You guys show up with 5 people having reserved two tandems and a single and the other group of 3 reserved singles, well the overweight person will be paired with someone from your group since you guys reserved the tandems. So you will still have 2 tandems and 1 single. The others in the group of 3 people will not be affected, as they reserved 3 single kayaks. So if you are coming in as a group, we reserve the kayaks requested for that group. It would be much easier for you guys to figure it out ahead of time so that this will not be an issue. If we need to move people around we will, but it starts and stays mainly with your group, as it would be unfair to move someone expecting a single to a tandem. We hope this helps clarify the situation for you. Please let us know if we can help you out any further Trina.

Thanks again and have a great day!

He kinda answered my questions. BUT, not really. What I want to know IS...

What if my hypothetical overweight friend shows up to the park without a partner?

The moral to the story:
From me to you, I advise all overweight patrons to bring a partner or you may endure an unpleasant experience.

You know what friends...2 years ago that weight loss restriction applied to ME! Fast forward two years later, I AM NOT THAT GIRL...not the 5th wheel...not the overweight mortified kayaker!

My last statement reminded me of one of the best comments I have received in a while from Jane:

Just found your blog and it's so funny! Love it. :) As for the kayak scenario...I was somewhere when i saw a "weight limit 200 lbs" sign (maybe a rickety old elevator in Paris?) and it felt SO good to say to myself "HA! I can ride this bitch now!!!" when I wouldn't have been able to a few months ago. :)

So...to the kayak I say...
As Jane so eloquently put it, "HA! I can ride that bitch NOW!"

Did you know there's a weight limit for kayaking?

2011-07-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

OH EM GEE Y'ALL! For the past few days I experienced Internet connectivity problems. The Internet issues frustrated me to no end, AND now I MUST tweak my blogging schedule in order to maintain posting consistency.

Originally, I planned to churn out 3 post this weekend for next week. And...as of right now, 3 post by the end of today...not gonna happen, especially with my self diagnosed ADD.

So...the other day I received a comment from C of The Evolution of Me. She basically put me on blast in regards to how I reward my weigh loss efforts:-)

Put on blast: to be called out for something, to put someone's personal business or secrets in the spotlight, to be told off in front of a lot of people.

Used in a sentence:
The Weight Watchers receptionist put me on blast. She told everyone my weigh in results! *not a true statement*

I appreciate C for putting me on blast. Her comment made me sit down and reevaluate my weight loss rewards system...or lack there of.

At the beginning of my weight loss adventure, I set small mini short term goals and rewarded myself upon completion. Examples of my mini goals included the following:

5% weight loss
consistent tracking for a set number of days
working out a set number of days
5 lb weight loss increments

In addition to rewarding my mini short term goals, I also celebrated my long term accomplishments:

10% weight loss
25 lb.
50 lb.
running a 5K

As well as personal rewards I honored myself with, I also received tangible accolades from Weight Watchers. *shameless WW plug* And one of the reasons why I love WW, (besides the fact that it works)...THE REWARDS.

So yes, at the beginning of my weight loss adventure I did reward myself.

Truth be told...
I guess...some time ago I stopped rewarding myself. Well, not I guess...I did stop. Why you ask. Lack of funds. In the early days, simple rewards (e.g. mani, pedi, massage, new clothes, etc.) satisfied me.

But now, those "simple" rewards seem so...mundane. So..BEEN THERE, DONE THAT! So...I stopped rewarding myself. O, and those mundane rewards... they cost.

So where does my money go? Look folks, I am a single mother of two teenage boys trying to ball on a teacher's salary. Aside from trying to save money for a rainy day, I invest a considerable amount of my extra funds into my kids dancing talents! Check em out!

From experience, I know losing weight requires an abundance of determination and motivation. More often than not, my determination and motivation wane and leave me feeling discouraged and defeated...cue the REWARDS!

Weight loss requires a lifestyle change: eating habits, activity...you know the drill. And from experience, I also know you need A LOT of perseverance to maintain these new healthy lifestyle changes...cue the REWARDS!

Rewards help maintain motivation and encourages you to keep your eyes on the prize! And as a teacher, I should know better. In the classroom, I sometimes utilize rewards to motivate my students academically and behaviorally. So again, why did I stop rewarding my efforts? Lack of funds!

The rewards I want cost! For the longest time, I allowed my weight to limit my life experiences. Well, now I want to have fun, and I want to reward myself with adventurous escapades: rock climbing, spa day, tennis lessons, kayaking, etc.

I know what y'all are thinking. But Trina, so many free and fun rewards exist. Okay, like what? Help me out here!

Well ladies and gentlemen, I think I found a way to help myself afford these adventurous escapades...GROUPON and Living Social. I downloaded the Groupon app to my phone a few weeks ago, and daily I receive a Groupon alert. In addition to Groupon, I also receive daily emails from Living Social.

Getting to the topic at hand...the other day I received a kayaking deal from Groupon. I investigated the deal, which led me to the website...Pinky's Kayak Rentals. As I perused Pinky's page I ran across the age and weight restrictions information.

Did you know there's a kayaking weight restriction? 225 lbs. for single kayaks and 400 lbs. for tandem kayaks. The thought of a weight limit never occurred to me.

After I finished browsing though Pinky's site I thought to myself, how might a weight loss restriction conversation play out? Here's my version of an otherwise potentially embarrassing moment.

Guide: Okay, so raise your hand if you exceed the 225 lb. weight limit.

Mortified Patron: *reluctantly raises hand*

Guide: Alrighty then. Let's see. YOU! *guide points to unsuspecting bystander*

Unsuspecting Bystander: Me?

Guide: Yes, YOU! I need you to partner up with HER!

Unsuspecting Bystander: WHY?

Guide: SHE exceeds the 225 lb kayak weight limit, so it's your lucky day!

Mortified Patron: *walks away humiliated*

Seriously, I wonder how the kayak guides deal with the weight limit situation? Well...like "they" say, curiosity killed the cat. Sooo...I emailed Pinky and asked.

...waiting with baited breath.

...still waiting for Pinky to respond.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this post...Pinky's response.

Before I wrap up this post I want to thank C for putting me on blast. I plan to set in motion a new and improved reward system. Maybe my new system will jump-start my recently stalled weight loss.

For now, I need you to do me a favor and help me out. Do you reward your weight loss efforts? How often? Please leave me some examples of your rewards. Thanks in advance!

By the way, I passed up the kayak offer...it's not in my budget. Maybe next time.

Blog Renovations

2011-07-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

No new post today (well technically this qualifies as a new post)...just wanted to let you know I plan to continue my blog renovations! Thanks to all of you who commented on my new look! The credit goes to Jen, the creative force behind Just Foolin' Blog Designs!

I visited Jen's blog the other day, and I saw quite a few familiar names in her queue. A queue?!? Yes, a queue!! When I purchased my design, I saw no queue! Ya'll better jump on the bandwagon before Jen blows up and forgets the little people:-)

So what renovations am I making?

For starters, I decided to switch to the new blogger dashboard, which I discovered via Blogger Plugins. The best thing about the dashboard...the STATS page.

Even though I appreciate the aesthetics of the new dashboard, I still sit here struggling trying to figure things out! It's well worth the trouble.

Currently I am working on my sidebar. The plan...make new pages for the information located on the sidebar. So stay tuned for new pages: progress pics, blogs I follow, FAQ, contact page, etc.

As for the empty pages already created many eons ago...the plan...uh finish the empty pages. First up...my about me page. I am ashamed to admit that I never created a decent about me page. All great bloggers provide a dazzling about me page to entice new readers.

Despite my self diagnosed ADD, I finished a couple of my self assigned tasks. Look to the right of the screen and you will see my new formspring icon (photo credit).

Now if you will, look to the top of the screen, and feast your eyes on my new favicon, which I painstakingly spent hours trying to change. In my opinion, favicons give your blog a lil extra bloggy bling that sets your blog apart from other blogs.

If you want to change yours, just goggle "How do I change my favicon?" Sorry for the vague instructions, but changing your favicon depends on a few factors (I think): Internet browsers, your pic, and your patience.

Moving On...
Many more task on my list of blog renovations STILL need to be completed. To help keep my ADD in check AND finish my tasks, I created a renovations to-do list. Basically, I dug an old notebook from my drawer of incomplete, abandoned journals I started but never finished.

Besides my personal to-do list, I plan to participate AND FINISH the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge via the SITS girls.

So, all that I ask from my bloggy buddies...please bare with me. I needed to make these changes long ago, and my summer vacations seems like the perfect opportunity to do so! Here's hoping I finish my blog renovations before school starts in the fall (*fingers crossed*).

Do you have any suggestions or recommendation on how to build a winning blog?

I interrupt the end of this post to inform you that I just added the option of receiving my posts via email. Carry on...

O, one more question...

What's a deal a blog deal breaker for you? What do you consider blog repellent?

Okay, so that was two questions:-)

Weight Watchers' Sausage and Pepper Pasta

2011-07-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

Weight Watchers Eye-talian (Italian) Sausage and Pepper Pasta

Course: main meals
PointsPlus™ Value: 7
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 25 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Spicy sausage, red wine and fire-roasted tomatoes come together in this ragout-like sauce. Truly hearty and satisfying

Ingredients


	1/2 pound(s) raw turkey sausage, Italian-style, casings removed
	2 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin
	2 medium yellow pepper(s), cut into 2-inch long thin strips
	1 medium onion(s), thinly sliced
	1/2 cup(s) red wine
	1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
	28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted recommended
	1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or less to taste
	1/4 tsp table salt
	8 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, fusilli
	1/3 cup(s) basil, fresh, chopped

Instructions

Cut peppers, onion, and garlic.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Meanwhile, to make sauce, in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, stirring and breaking up meat with back of a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove to a plate.

Heat oil in same skillet. Add yellow peppers and onion; cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are lightly colored and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.

Add wine and garlic; cook until most of liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper, salt and browned sausage; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender and sauce is heated through, about 10 minutes.

While sauce simmers, add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add sauce and basil; toss to mix and coat. Yields about 1 1/3 cups per serving.

Bon Appetite!!

I am in desperate need of new recipes! Please link up and share a link to a new or old post discussing one of your favorite recipes!

Weight Loss Motivation... 7 Reasons Why I'm Still Wearing a DAMN Size 14!

2011-07-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

Alright already, I need to get this party started and stop dragging my dayum feet. At this point in the weight loss game, size 10s or 8s should be hanging in my closet! I know what I need to do, but my brain and my stomach continue to battle for control! To help myself get it together I composed the following list of reasons why the size 10s still elude ME:

1. BAD DATES
When experiencing a bad date, make the best of it. And you do that by spending your dates money. And spending your dates money translates into A LOT of drinks in hopes that you erase the bad date from your memory. But we all know that alcohol consists of a bunch of empty calories, and it interferes with weight loss efforts. Alcohol pretty much negates all of your hard work.

2. BRAIN MALFUNCTIONS
Lately I seem to think with my nose, rather than my brain...which in turn leads to the infamous "My-Eyes-Are-Bigger-Than-My-Stomach-Syndrome!" Less is more...less IS more!

3. LEGALIZED CRACK HOUSES
On every corner I see legalized crack-houses, also referred to as a fast-food restaurants. *If you follow my blog, you already know...I ALWAYS compare my food addiction to drug addiction. Daily, the lure of local fast-food eateries entice me. I try to stay strong, and I often look to Hungry (who sits on top of my rear view mirror) for support.

Before I know it, reason #2 listed above occurs, and strangely enough, I find my car being pulled into the drive-thru by some unexplained gravitational force...its baffling!

And when I falter, I find Hungry looking on with disdain and disappointment. And I...well I just ignore Hungry and enjoy my drug of choice:-(

4. LSD, LAZY-SLACKER DISORDER

Causes:
Do you suffer from LSD? LSD develops from being OVER IT!
Definition of over it: to want nothing to do with it; to not want to hear about it, see it, deal with it. NOTHING!!...OVER IT!

Symptoms:

EATING OUT at legalized crack-houses (see #3) instead of COOKING HEALTHY MEALS

IGNORING food and beverage TRACKING responsibilities

FAILING to plan weekly menu

SKIPPING weekly grocery shopping excursions, which leads to more eating out.

MISSING Weight Watchers meetings

Signs:

WEIGHT GAIN!
Fast food containers in your trash can, as well as fast food receipts exploding from your purse
Fridge and pantry bursting with processed and packaged crap
Dents in your couch and bed from excessive napping

Treatment:

Attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings
Motivate my self with before/after mugshots

Blog regularly (or try to...)

More often that I'd like, my LSD flares up and prevents me from staying on track.

5. VACATIONS OR STAYCATION TO: DESTINATION...HELL
I often refer to the stressed out periods of my life as vacations (or in some cases staycations) to hell. Getting to the point...as some of you know, I teach. Well this year, I taught 1st grade for the first time. And this year, I went to hell and back and then back again. AND THEN, one time the DEVIL himself picked me up and we went around the block a few more times during my staycation in hell this school year.

Needless to say, the stress eating caused my weight to yo-yo up and down. I played with the same 5 lbs for several months, pretty much the whole school year.

6. ~~ENTER~~ EXIT SANDMAN
The insurmountable amount of stress I experienced this year resulted in many sleepless nights. Some nights I stayed up watching movies on Netflix, talking on the phone, or surfing the net. According to the experts, a lack of sleep leads to a rise in Cortisol levels. High Cortisol levels causes me to crave salty french fries and other junk food high in calories. For those nights when I need to get to sleep I use the Ambiance App.

So, there you have it, 7 REASONS WHY I'M STILL WEARING A @#$%& SIZE 14! Really and truly, the number #1 reason...ME! I must NOT want THIS bad enough! What happened to my drive and determination?

SAME blog, NEW look!

2011-06-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

Last week, I impulsively decided to get a blog makeover. I tried to redesign my blog myself a few times, but it took FOREVER to figure out the in and outs of blog designing. It took me 2 DAYS to design my previous header.

For several months I searched for a blog designer, a reasonably priced blog designer...but to no avail I found a bunch of high priced designers. I gave up my search, but thanks to Toot at Wonderfully Complex, I found Jen from Just Foolin Blog Designs.

Since I decided on a whim to make some necessary and much needed changes, I had absolutely, positively, no idea of what I wanted. Jen sprung into action and suggested the pic you see in the header! I quickly grabbed my camera, turned my dining area into a portrait studio, and started snapping away. In no time Jen created a mock-up for me to see! She works FAST!

And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my Facebook and Twitter badges!! LOVE IT!! And my blog button...SUPER JAZZY. I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! The video below describes exactly how I feel about my new look!!

Make sure you grab my button, it's FREE!!

I plan to make a few more changes and then my new look will be complete! FYI, iPhone and iPad users, the blue background does not show up. As much as I love sitting here yammering on and on about my new look, I really want to finish watching Season 1 of TRUE BLOOD...FANGBANGIN TIME!

THANKS AGAIN JEN!

DANCING QUEEN! I CAN'T BELIEVE I NEVER POSTED THIS!

2011-06-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

I strongly believe in the power of dance! I dance EVERYWHERE: in the car, in the kitchen while cooking, at the gas station pump, in the mall, in the street, during after-school dismissal duty, at the park while jogging, EVERYWHERE!

Dancing enhances my life in so many ways:

Dancing provides an opportunity to squeeze in some cardio and burn calories. Sometimes at red lights, I activate my Polar to see how many calories I burn while waiting for the light to change.

YES, I dance in the car, and YES people see ME! My fave red light tunes: SINGLE LADIES by BEYONCE, FIREWORKS by KATY PERRY, SOMEBODY TO LOVE by J. BEIBS, and FOREVER by CHRIS BROWN!

Dancing adds excitement to my day!
Dancing offers a creative outlet for me to express myself!
And the best thing about DANCING...IT'S FREE! YOU CAN DANCE ANYWHERE FOR FREE! G'HEAD...BUST A MOVE!!!

Speaking of dancing, the other day I ran across the video posted below, and I thought to myself, "I CAN'T BELIEVE I NEVER POSTED THIS!" 2 summers ago my boys talked me into taking a Mommy & Me class, well in my case Mommy & MEs. Despite much apprehension about participating, I...well we, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I even burned a few calories! Without further adieu...

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Did &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;" class="goog-spellcheck-word"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;lt&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Did you see my sweet moves? And can you believe when I do dance, my boys have the audacity tell me, "MOM, sit down! Where do they think their talent comes from? Heeellloooo...ME! You know the saying:

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!"

My apples received all of their talent from this tree. The first video features my oldest showcasing his choreography skills from a class he taught last week:

The next video showcases my youngest...the comedian.

So, now I challenge YOU! Shoot a video of yourself busting a move (e.g. running man, cabbage patch, robo-cop, the wop, dougie, wheelchair stuntin, etc) and then post the video on your blog!

I CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH...The Truth About Tracking!

2011-06-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

NO...I CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH...the truth about the foods I eat, well the truth about the bad food choices I make. When I choose poorly, I conveniently forget to TRACK. Why do I conveniently forget to TRACK? I don't want to face the truth.

Last week's WW meeting on TRACKING, arrived just in the nick of time! I missed the previous meeting due to my son's high school graduation. Which I might add took place OUTSIDE! "It was HOTTER than a whore in church with no panties on!" WHO plans a graduation, OUTSIDE, in JUNE, in TEXAS!?!? WHO DOES THAT?!?

Okay I digressed a bit, so back to the meeting. The WW program advocates weighing, measuring, and tracking all foods and beverages consumed. And as a WW member, I struggle with tracking. THE TRUTH....lately, I rarely track! And the consequences of not tracking, no weight loss or unwanted weight GAIN! I just need to be honest with myself and track EVERYTHING!

When it comes to tracking, I lack consistency. I usually start off strong, tracking like a champ. And at some point during the week, I slowly but surely STOP. Instead of tracking and looking up accurate points plus totals on e-tools, I guesstimate and track points in my head. From experience, I learned guesstimating equals underestimating!

To help with my tracking struggles, I decided to try a few new strategies:

iPhone:

Last month, I finally purchased an iPhone. One of he first apps I downloaded, Weight Watchers Mobile! When time allows, I use the WW app to track food and beverages consumed, physical activity, and the WW healthy guidelines.

Two things I discovered last week, while using the app:

You can set tracking reminders. Three times a day I receive a message telling me to track.
You can designate foods as favorites. The designated favorites will be listed together. When I track I can find the foods that I eat often (e.g. eggs, oatmeal, fruit, etc.) conveniently in one place.

dietSNAPS

I recently read an article about keeping a visual food journal. Well...I skimmed the article and found out what I needed to know. Basically, people that maintain a visual food journal tend to make better food choices. I guess the pictures keep you honest. After reading the article I perused the iTunes app store and found the dietSNAPS app for $1.99. Sometimes I don't have time to track using the WW app; so, I use dietSNAPS to take a picture. When time allows, I track using the picture to help me remember exactly what I ate.

Other Strategies I decided to try include:

Plan ahead...easier said than done. When I plan ahead, I track ahead. Every now and then I sit down and plan a weekly menu. When I know what's on the menu, I can track before I eat. Tracking ahead gives me the flexibility to make changes as needed
Start small...set small tracking goals. Next week my goal is to at least track breakfast and lunch. I can always go back and track using my pics from dietSNAPS.

Tracking works. At my last weigh in, tracking helped me remove 2.6 lbs!! You know, this week I came to the conclusion that, I am NOT going to beat myself up about tracking. If I fail to track, then I plan to recommit and track the next morsel of food that enters my mouth. If I want to continue losing weight, I know I need to track.

Plain and simple, I need to be honest with myself and start handleing the TRUTH..the truth about my bad food choices.

I Got What I Deserved!

2011-06-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! It took many tries, but I finally remembered my Blogger password and user name. I bet, if I blogged more than once a month I would remember. Anywho....

So folks, I got what I deserved! Plain and simple, I tried to buy some donuts in a vending machine...

and....well the donuts refused to budge from their home.

I placed my dollar in the mouth of the vending machine, my money disappeared and in return I received nada, zilch, zero, nunca! BUT I GOT WHAT I DESERVED! I HAD NO BUSINESS BUYING DONUTS IN THE FIRST PLACE! Lesson learned?

EVERYDAY I STRUGGLE!

Introducing my..."I KNOW I CAN!"

2011-04-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Y'all! You already know, when my blog posts begin to slack...my fight to stay in control rages ON! And rather than blog, I suffer in silence. Yes folks, I still continue to struggle with staying on track and focused on my goals. I desperately need a motivation makeover. Lately, I seem to long for that January 1st New Year's spark that ignites my enthusiasm and discipline in regards to attending meetings, tracking my points, and measuring my portions. Truth be told, I missed my weigh-in and meetings two weeks in a row:-(

Despite my waning motivation, I do know one thing, I MUST PERSEVERE! If you recall, my 20 year reunion looms around the corner, August 6th to be exact! HELP! Does anyone have a cure for my low motivation diagnosis?

In efforts to refocus, I try to remind myself to "KEEP MY EYES ON THE PRIZE!" I also need to keep in mind that moments of low-mo (low motivation) may creep up from time to time. When the going gets tough, I need to recall how good success feels! By success, I am referring to my non-scale victories or THINGS I CAN DO, that people sometimes take for granted: like cartwheeling in freshly cut grass, keeping up with my son while playing Just Dance2, jogging/walking 6 miles, resisting popcorn and candy at the movies, etc.!

To help cure my latest case of low-mo I created my I KNOW I CAN! HOW CUTE IS THAT?!?!

I use my I KNOW I CAN to remind myself of what I CAN DO NOW after losing 50+ lbs.

YES, I PLAN TO SALE MY "I KNOW I CANS!"

What CAN you do?

A New Weight Loss Tool for My Toolbox...

2011-04-06T23:46:00.000-07:00

Before I share my new toy, I wanted to thank everyone for the glowing compliments and comments from my GOT MILF? post. I forgot to share the most integral part of my ensemble...DUH, my shoes!

I love these shoes, but every time I wear them I commit SHOEicide. By the end of the night my swollen right ankle throbbed in pain. Any who, moving on.

So several weeks ago, during my blog hiatus my mom and I ordered THIS from Crate & Barrel:

THE TAYLOR DIGITAL SCALE WITH MEASURING CUP

A food scale plays an important role in my efforts to exercise portion control. I previously owned a Weight Watchers food scale, but one unfortunate evening my scale took a tumble to the floor and the glass platform shattered. Weighing my food helps me alleviate my portion distortion. With certain foods (e.g. meat), I can eyeball the appropriate portion size. While other trigger foods (i.e. chips, crackers. cereal, cheese, etc) must be measured to prevent me from losing control and eating more than the recommended portion size.

With my new digital scale and measuring cup combination, I love the ability to weigh both liquids and/or dry food. For those of you without a scale, I am by no means a weight loss expert, but using a weight loss scale can serve as an important tool to help you stay on track within your Weight Watchers points budget.

Here's one last look at my new toy:

What weight loss tool(s) do you use to stay on track?

GOT MILF?

2011-04-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

I would love to take credit for my witty post title, but...I ripped the title off from an email I received from Spark People. I originally planned to title this post " O NO SHE DI'INT!" Instead I opted for GOT MILF...get it?

Okay, so I rocked this ensemble last month at a quince I attended (BEST QUINCE EVER!). When I arrived on the scene the young men my kids dance with whipped their head around, and then proceeded to hoot and holler about HOW HOT I LOOKED! And I quote: "DANG MS. GAINES WOOOO HOOOO! YOU LOOK HOT! OOOOO MS. GAINES! GOOOOOO MS. GAINES!"

I let the dance crew carry on for several minutes and I loved every second of it! Check me out...MILF in da hizzy!

My boys participated in the quince and performed with their dance crew.

Okay, so back to me...check out the jacket. You like? Well let me tell you the back story.

I spotted my coworker Karen rocking this jacket one night at happy hour. I immediately cornered Karen and asked where she purchased it. Surprisingly , she bought this jacket from Dot's, yes Dot's! Sooooooo...the next day after my boot camp class, I vamoosed to Dot's.

I arrived at the store (while talking on the phone to my homie) and spied MY jacket as soon as I opened the door! Panic set in when I realized only two jackets remained, one draped across a hanger and the other on a mannequin. I literally ran to the rack to investigate the sizes. Before I reached MY jacket, this girl sauntered over and started man-handling MY jacket. Luckily for her, something else caught her eye, and she walked away from MY jacket before things could get ugly.

Okay...okay...I'm getting to the crux of the story. When I checked the sizes I discovered one large and one medium on the mannequin. I wanted the medium; so, what did I do? I stripped the mannequin and snared MY jacket. With my peripheral vision, I noticed someone staring at me as I removed the jacket. Next thing I know, some lady walks over to me and the following conversation ensued:

LADY: "I really like that jacket."

ME: *thinking to myself* Does she not see me talking on this phone. Yeah, I like the jacket to that's why I ravaged the mannequin and jacked it! "I like the jacket too."

LADY: "What size is it?"

ME: "A medium. I'm about to go try it on now!"

LADY: "Well, I'll wait for you to try it on...in case it doesn't fit. That's the last medium."

ME: *processing what this BIYOTCH just said* O_o

After I realized what this fool was implying, I casually told my homie I needed to call her back later, and I then made my way to the dressing room. THIS STALKER FOLLOWED ME TO THE DRESSING ROOM AND ACTUALLY WAITED FOR ME TO TRY ON THE JACKET! CAN YOU BELIEVE THE NERVE OF SOME PEOPLE!?!?

The Dot's store stalker made one fatal mistake as she gawked at me. She judged a book by its cover, and only saw baggy sweats and a hoodie 2 sizes two big. So, I entered the dressing with MY jacket and a few other garments. As soon as I closed the door, I ripped the jacket of the hanger and tried it on. IT FIT! I let out a silent BOOYAH in the dressing room as a celebrated my non-scale victory. I celebrated my medium!

Out of spite, I lingered in the dressing for an EXTENSIVE amount of time. DO YOU KNOW THAT STALKER WAITED FOR ME? I emerged from the dressing with a smirk on my face, and I informed my stalker friend that the jacket DID INDEED FIT! Little did she know, if the jacket didn't fit, SHE SURE AS HELL WASN'T GETTIN IT! THAT'S FOR DAMN SURE! Can you believe that stalker?! You know sometimes I say things in my head, and the words never leave my mouth. But she actually said, "I will wait in case it doesn't fit." To you Dot's Store Stalker, I say:

"IN YO FACE!!"

BOOM! LOOK AT ME NOW!

You know...now that I think about it, this types of situation seems to happen to me more often that I'd like. Remember that episode at Dillards?

Well folks, that's the end of my story. Me and MY jacket enjoyed the quince and we had a blast!

Gustavo jumped in the booth, and I was telling him to get out! GUSTAVO!

FYI, I lost .4 this week..betta than nothin! GO ME!!!!!!!!!

GIMME AN M...M! GIMME AN E...E! GOOOOOOOOOOO ME!

2011-03-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! WAAAAZZZZUUUUUUUP!?!? Once again, I fell of the proverbial weight loss wagon and hid from the scale for about 3 weeks (maybe more). Last Saturday I finally decided to MAN UP and weigh in! GUESS WHAT...I ONLY gained .8 lbs., not even a whole lb. That minuscule gain tells me...even though I get off track (more often than I'd like) my healthy lifestyle changes help me keep my bad habits and weight in check. Just think what would happen if I consistently applied myself!

Every now and then I experience weight loss setbacks and lose sight of my goals and objectives. SO...what's the best thing to do when setbacks occur? For me, I like to reflect on my accomplishments, and focus on all the things I CAN DO NOW! In other words..CHEER MYSELF ON! GOOOOO MEEEEEEEEEE!

As I reflect on my accomplishments...

...the one that come to mind first, LOSING 50+ LBS!

The above picture shows me holding 50lbs of sugar. When I start to slip back into old habits (i.e. frequenting drive-thru, slacking on workouts, making bad food choices, etc.), I look at this picture and remind myself that I used to carry 50 lbs of excess weight on my pocket-sized 5'2 frame. LOOK HOW FAR I'VE COME!

I went from FAT to...

PHAT...Pretty Hot And Tempting!

GOOOOOOOOOOOO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

As I reflect on my accomplishments...

...the one I'm most proud of, CROSSING THE FINISH LINE OF MY FIRST 5 (AND LAST) 5K!

I used to spend most of my free time putting a dent in the couch watching television. With the assistance of the Couch to 5K app, I went from a couch jockey to a slogger (slow jogger). In May of 2010 I ran my first 5K, and from my 5K experience, I realized I am capable of pushing myself to do things I considered impossible!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

OPERATION SEXY-FICATION!

2011-01-31T22:05:00.000-08:00

Aside from feeding out bodies, we also need to feed our minds. So, I got a little brain food for ya. Stimulate your mind and solve this riddle:

Question: What has two thumbs AND is 5.4 lbs lighter?

Do you need a little think music to contemplate your answer (press play)?

STILL THINKING?

QUESTION: What has two thumbs AND is 5.4 lbs lighter?

ANSWER: THIS GIRL!

My last two weigh-ins yielded a substantial loss:

1/29/11...-1.4

1/22/11...-4.2

For the last two weeks I followed the WW points plus program by tracking my daily food intake (part of my New Year's solutions). Several bloggers expressed interest in my opinion of the new Points Plus program. At this time, the verdict is still out since your truly fell of the wagon over the holidays. After my two week winter break I managed to find 10 of my lost lbs. And my stomach after two weeks of reckless eating...I looked about 3 months pregnant. But of course I KNEW, pregnancy WAS NOT the source of my bloated belly. The day I get pregnant, is the day I ice skate to work. And today's high...71 BALMY DEGREES!

In addition to the tracking, I also squeezed in 3 workouts: Zumba, Boot Camp and my new favorite Wii video game...Just Dance 2. I recommend this game for anyone who loves to dance AND wants to lose weight! And ya'll know how I roll...expect a Wii Just Dance 2 vlog demonstration sometime in the near future.

On to other late breaking news...
So, last week I received a Facebook notification from our high school reunion planning committee! Believe it or not...this year marks our 20 year reunion! Do I look like I graduated from high school 20 years ago (rhetorical question...lol)?

20 YEARS! WOW! For my reunion, I want to saunter through the door looking my most FAB-U-LOUS! So...from now until October I plan to lose my last 40 lbs. So, that means I must transform into a BEAST and bust it out for the next 8 months.

LET OPERATION SEXY-FICATION COMMENCE!

Forty lbs seems like a tall mountain to climb, BUT...if I arm myself with the right attitude, weight loss tools, and lean on my support system...no mountain is to tall to climb (corny...I feel like I should insert Miley Cyrus' video The Climb here...O_o)

OKAY PEEPS LET'S MAKE 2011 THE YEAR OF OPERATION SEXY-FICATION! WHO'S DOWN?! I think I need to make an OPERATION SEXY-FICATION badge.

Just a heads up...I plan to bring back the "CUTE AS A BUNNY CHALLENGE." Stay tuned for details!

FYI...the Compusave guy saved my baby (laptop) and removed all of the viruses. For those of you out of the loop...aside from falling of the weight loss wagon, my laptop crashed during the holidays :-(

How are those New Year's resolutions working out for ya?

2011-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for your continued support:
My New Blog Buddies: Thanks for allowing my blog the opportunity to entertain and motivate you as we both struggle through our weight loss endeavor. Many many many times I wanted to surrender and just give up, but your blogs and comments encouraged me to persevere.
Me So Hongry First-Timers:WELCOME! Sit back, strap on your seat belt and get ready for a roller coaster ride. Experience my ups and downs with me, and I hope you plan to return time and time again.
My Supportive Lurkers:You know who you are. Show me some love when stopping by my blog.

So, how are those New Year's Resolutions working out for ya? If you made resolutions and stuck with them, congratulations, you successfully made it through DAY 26! For those of you who floundered, shake it off! As of 2011, I resolve to never make another New Year's resolution...wait, I think I just inadvertently made a resolution. Okay, starting now, no more resolutions. As most of you know, I pride myself on keeping it real; so, let's get real! For eons, millions of people start the New Year by resolving to lose weight, and by the end of January that resolution among others falls by the wayside. Well, instead of making New Year's Resolutions, how about making some New Year's Solutions!

PROBLEM #1: I NEVER TRACK!
Aside from sheer laziness, I never track. According to our leader, those who fail to track eat 30-50% more. Based of my previous dismal weigh-ins, I believe that statistic to be true.

NEW YEAR'S ~~RESOLUTION~~ SOLUTION #1:
To remedy my lack of tracking, I PLAN AHEAD! That means, I create a weekly menu listing options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. At night (if time permits), I choose meals from my weekly menu. Based on my meal choices, I track my food using the WW app or eTools. Last night I tracked my meals for today, and I stayed within my daily points allowance...even when faced with the temptation of cookies at a school event. In short, tracking the night before holds me accountable.

PROBLEM #2: 1:00 & 3:00 PM HUNGRY MONSTER ATTACKS!
First of all, I teach first grade. As a result, I eat lunch at 10:30 AM, YES 10:30 AM!! By 1:00 PM the hungry monster starts knocking on my door saying, "Let me in!" If time permits, I sneak a little snack. On hectic busy days, I struggle to steal away for a 1:00 PM snack. Sometimes, time flies and before you know it, the dismissal bell rings at 3:05 PM. When I skip my 1:00 PM snack, the hungry monster beats down my door saying, "FEED ME NOW!" If I fail to pack appropriate snacks, I grab the first available bag of crap: chips, mini donuts, leftover lounge goodies...anything. So what to do to stave of the hungry monster when you eat lunch at 10:30 AM?

NEW YEAR'S ~~RESOLUTION~~ SOLUTION #2:
To stave of my little friend, I pack an abundance of fruit and veggies! With the new points plus program I enjoy MORE nutritious and filling fruit and veggies for 0 points! YES 0 POINTS! With the old WW program, a points value was assigned to each fruit and some veggies.

So with the old program...when face with the choice of choosing a 2 pt banana or a 2 pt WW ice cream treat...you know which one I choose. I choose the ice cream sandwich! Who the heck wants to waste 2 pts on a banana when I can eat ice cream. NOW WITH THE NEW PROGRAM I CHOOSE THE BANANA FOR 0 POINTS AND I EAT THE ICE CREAM LATER IF POINTS REMAIN IN MY DAILY POINTS TOTAL OR WEEKLY POINTS ALLOWANCE. In short, fruits and veggies keep you satisfied and full longer.

I also keep other snacks in my hungry monster attacks emergency bag:

WW cheese sticks (1 pt) & orange wedges
hard boiled egg & apples
For my sweet tooth: Sugar Free Jello & Pudding
Sometimes I need a little crunch: Light BBQ Pringles, Wasa & Laughing Cow
Homemade Tortilla Chips and Salsa

PROBLEM #3: LACK OF CONSISTENCY

I usually stop blogging for one of two reasons (or both):

Life gets in the way...
I lose my motivation and fall of the wagon.

For whatever reason I frequently lose my motivation which makes consistency something hard to maintain. And the problem with a loss of motivation, I eat whatever, my workout frequency decrease, and my writer's block returns and prevents me from blogging...which explains my recent 2 month hiatus.

NEW YEAR'S ~~RESOLUTION~~ SOLUTION #3:

The only advice I can offer for a lack of consistency...a quote from a previous WW meeting:

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but ANYBODY can start TODAY and make a NEW ENDING!"

75 Reasons to Welcome Me BACK...CSN Giveaway!

2011-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! What's the perfect way to start a new year....

a CSN GIVEAWAY!

So, NEW year...how about some NEW stuff!? The fabulous folks over at CSN generously offered one lucky Ah...Me So Hongry reader a $75 promotional code for use in one of their 200+ online stores. CSN's online shoppers can find any and everything from leather messenger bags to weight loss products!

So, how can you get your hands on the $75 promotional code? Glad you asked!

To enter:

Tell how YOU would spend the $75 promo code at any of the 200+ CSN stores.
I won't blackmail you into following me, but if you choose to follow leave a comment telling me.
Tweet about my "75 Reasons to Welcome Me Back $75 CSN Giveaway!"

Additional Entry Opportunities:

Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me.
Become a friend of Me So Hongry on Facebook and leave a comment telling me. Just click my badge on the sidebar.
Use any share option below like digg, stumble, etc. and leave a comment telling me.

The giveaway will close on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM CST...just in time to buy a gift for your Valentine's sweetie (Please do not get me started on Valentine's gifts.) A winner will be randomly selected, and notified via email!

GOOD LUCK!

WEIGHT WATCHERS WORKS!

2011-01-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

My laptop crashed, so I decided to republish one of my favorite post.

You know what pisses me off? People that say:

"This time I am losing weight on my own. NO WEIGHT WATCHERS, NO JENNY CRAIG, NO SLIM FAST, NO DIET PILLS, NO SURGERY...NOTHING! I'M DOIN IT ON MY OWN!"

No Weight Watchers! So choosing WW means not losing weight on YOUR OWN? Let me tell you something:

No one from Weight Watchers calls me EVERY SATURDAY and says, "GET YO HAPPY HOUR GOING SELF UP & GET TO BOOT CAMP!"...I DO IT ON MY OWN!
No one from Weight Watchers works out for me! Imagine that...sending someone to work out for you and the results transfer by osmosis! Unfortunately, weight loss does not work that way...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!
No one from Weight Watchers creates my weekly menu or grocery list to accompany the menu...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!
No one from Weight Watchers drives to the grocery store, shops, and then delivers the groceries to my place...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!
No one from Weight Watchers washes, cuts, and divvies up my weekly produce...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!!
No one from Weight Watchers cooks my meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!!!
No one from Weight Watchers accompanies me when dining out to help me make good choices like grilled chicken, rather than chicken strips...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!!!!
No one from Weight Watchers pops out of the pantry and says, "FREEZE AND STEP AWAY FROM THE CHIPS!"...I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!
No one from Weight Watchers shadows me to make sure I walk away from the triple dipped chocolate covered cake balls in the lounge, the pepperoni pretzels in the mall, the box of free pizza offered at the staff meetings, the buttered popcorn at the movies, and the many other food land mines I come into contact with on a daily basis...

I DO IT ON MY OWN!!!!!!!!!!

So why choose Weight Watchers!?

MY TOP 5 REASONS FOR CHOOSING WEIGHT WATCHERS:

#5. THE TOOLS

Weight Watchers provides me with the tools I need to be successful. One tool I use quite often, Mental Rehearsing, helps me deal with challenging situation before they happen. Before attending social functions, I mentally rehearse myself making healthy food choices; I visualize myself filling my plate with mostly veggies and fruits before heading to the high fat treats. Sometimes mentally rehearsing works and sometimes...not so much.

As well, I use mental rehearsing and visualize myself living at my goal weight of 130-135 lbs.

#4. A HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS CHOICE

The Weight Watchers program focuses on slow and steady weight loss. Slow and steady wins the race! Studies show that people who lose weight at a steady pace tend to keep the weight off. Believe me, prior to WW and in between my many WW stints, I tried all the quick weight loss fads: 3 Day Diet, The Grapefruit Diet, The Juice Fast Diet, Weight Loss Pills w/Vitamin B Injections; you name it...I did it!! And guess what, I lost the weight and gained back more than I lost!!

In addition to the steady weight loss, Weight Watchers educates me on health principles that I can take with me wherever I go!

#3. SUPPORT

Every Saturday I look forward to attending a WW meeting. Aside from our witty, exciting, and awesome leader, the meetings provide the momentum I need at the beginning of the week to keep me motivated and on track. During rough times, the meetings also serve as a restart button to wipe the slate clean.

#2. I CAN EAT WHAT I WANT!

My favorite aspect of the program, I CAN EAT WHAT I WANT,within reason. With Weight Watchers I can still enjoy my favorite foods, but I exercise portion control.

#1. And FINALLY, my #1 reason for choosing WW...

WEIGHT WATCHERS WORKS!!

You be the judge!

With everything in life, you take it with a grain of salt. The WW program works for me, but you may choose another avenue to lose weight...to each his own. But don't take my word for it, just ask TJ or Suzi Storm about Weight Watchers.

Oh, by the way...I lost 3.2 lbs this week...I'm jus sayin'!

Where did the year go?

2010-12-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Already December...where did the year go?

THIS IS WHAT 50 LBS LOOKS LIKE!

2010-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

As of late, I seem to be yo-yoing on the scale...up & down, up & down, up & down. I try not to place much emphasis on the number I see each week on the scale, but sometimes I do get caught up. Each day I remind myself that weight loss revolves around more than a number on the scale. For me, weigh loss means:

trying new things, like Zumba
making positive changes, like saying no to food pushers
doing things my weight permitted me from doing
feeling and looking great AND LIVING LIFE!

What does weight loss mean to you?

Yesterday, my boys and I made our weekly trek to the grocery store. I turned down the spice aisle to look for some garlic powder; however, a huge bag of sugar caught my eye. Upon closer examination, I discovered the humongous bag weighed 25lbs. I thought to myself for a moment...Since beginning my weight loss endeavor, I managed to shed 50+ lbs. With that in mind I quickly grabbed my camera took the following pictures:

THIS IS WHAT 50 LBS. LOOKS LIKE!

I needed this visual to remind me of my weight loss accomplishments! And let me tell you, I tried to lift those heavy bags of sugar by myself, but I eventually enlisted help from my boys. I cannot believe I carried all that weight on my petite frame. When I hit 60 (soon, real soon), I plan to grab a wagon out of the toy department and fill it with 60 lbs of something.

Now, I challenge YOU to take a "THIS IS WHAT ___LBS LOOKS LIKE" picture. Post your pic on your blog and leave me a comment so I can check it out!

GO! RUN TO THE GROCERY STORE, TAKE YOUR PIC, AND POST IT!!!

The turkey ain't the only thing that got stuffed...

2010-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update...last week's Thanksgiving shenanigans and high jinks brought with it, a 2.8 pound gain! I confess, I overindulged. But, that happens when you fail to plan. You know the saying ( I use it quite a bit here on my blog), If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

I started my week off with the best intentions of staying on track, but my resolve weakened in the presence of ALL decadent desserts. I handled the Thanksgiving dinner with ease; however, my downfall transpired courtesy of the cakes, cookies, and candies that mesmerized my palate with their ooey gooey sugary sweetness!

Despite my holiday weight loss debacle, I vow to not lose any more ground this holiday season. I hope the new Weight Watchers Points Plus program gives me the spark I need to steer my weight loss into a more positive direction...more bout the new program later...LOTS MORE!

In the midst of my overindulging I managed to find time to get out and enjoy life. My boys and I attended the Usher OMG Tour...O, O, O, O, O, O...OMG! I picked up this jazzy ensemble from my new favorite store, FOREVER 21! A couple of months ago, the mall expanded the original FOREVER 21 by combining the woman's, men's, and accessories stores...AND they added a plus sizes and children's clothes.

Some of the clothes tend to lean toward the younger crowd, but after I weed through the hoochie wear, I tend to find a few age appropriate piece.

In keeping with our yearly tradition a few family members gathered at my aunt's house the day before Thanksgiving for GUMBO! Check us out, line dancing in the kitchen...GOOD TIMES!

ME AND MY MOM

Well, that concludes my Thanksgiving recap. One last thing, I apologize for the lack of blogging and blog following...no excuses. There's just no enough hours in the day!

DEAR SANTA,

CAN YOU PLEASE BRING ME TWO ADDITIONAL HOURS FOR EACH DAY? THANKS. THAT IS ALL. O, AND CAN YOU BRING ME A HUSBAND TOO...A GOOD ONE. THANKS SANTA.

SINCERELY,

TRINA

Haters & Food Pushers: NO MEANS NO!

2010-11-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday's WW meeting AND tomorrow's impending Thanksgiving celebrating, prompted me to republish one of my favorite post titled HATERAID #1 DRINK OF HATERS. With any holiday, food, family, and friends surround you. And unfortunately, the food pushers come from out of the woodwork to bombard you with phrases like, "Try this, one little bite won't kill you." Or, "You can work out tomorrow."

As well as food pushers, a hater or two may try to throw salt in your weight loss "game" my making you feel bad about your weight loss efforts thus far. They may say things like, "Why do you want to lose weight?" Or, "50 lbs...that's it! You could stand to lose more!" To help you survive the Thanksgiving pushers and haters, please use the following post at your own discretion.

throw salt: throw salt means to interfere with one's plans or actions.

Hater: Someone who makes themselves feel good by knocking others down. Haters fail to recognize the accomplishment of others. Put simply, haters will not be happy for you.

An example of conversing with a hater:

Tina: Every since the promotion, Martin has stepped up his wardrobe.

Lisa (hater): If he's stepped up his wardrobe then why does he still wear that 1985 Member's Only jacket?

Hater-Aid: The drink of haters.

Used in a sentence:

Dang, why are you hating on Martin? Have you been drinking hater-aid?

Unfortunately haters live among us. Some work with us. They arrive at work with their boxes of kolaches and donuts coercing us to gobble them up. "Go ahead....eat one. You can eat just one." I call them THE PUSHERS. Drug dealers more like it...pushing my drug of choice...FOOD! The pushers push and push and push and push until you cave. AND THEY KNOW...they know you're trying your very bestest (not a real word, but it is now) to lead a healthy lifestyle. They know. In my opinion haters thrive on your failure. In the mind of a hater your failure confirms what they think they know about you...that you will fail to succeed at losing weight.

At my previous job (Head Start, no names), my colleagues sometimes made comments dripping with sarcasm, "Oh look at you eating all healthy. Hmmm...good for you." Whatever hater! I so badly wanted to respond, "The grocery store sells healthy food to everyone, not just me." Fortunately the ladies at my current job respect my weight loss efforts and offer food just once. AND A few of them provide encouragement and cheer me on...THANKS LADIES! But for those of you, not so fortunate I offer a few ways to avoid the THE PUSHERS a.k.a workplace HATERS:

Bring snacks or store snacks at work in case of hater emergencies. Same thing applies for holiday gatherings. Bring an emergency snack if you arrive and the holiday feast is not ready.
Lead by example...bring healthy alternatives for breakfast like bagels from Einstein Bros.
STAY OUT OF THE LOUNGE or whatever "corner" the pushers hang out on. During holiday gatherings, stay OUT of the kitchen or away from the dessert table. Hang out outside and toss the old pigskin with the kids.
Eat a hearty breakfast.

The same rules apply for potlucks or holiday feasts:

Bring your own lunch and only serve yourself the healthier potluck options: fruit, salad, low-fat dishes, etc.
Lead by example..bring a healthy dish to the potluck and only eat your food and some of the healthier options.

Refrain from falling victim to haters at work. Simply tell them no and keep it moving. If they can't take no for an answer then simply high-five their face with your hand. Keep in mind, not all pushers at work are haters. Just explain to unintentional pushers that you tend to move in a healthier direction when making food choices.

Now, the next type of hater (the most devastating type of hater) which I tend to lump into one category...THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY HATER! I deemed this hater the most devastating BECAUSE you expect friends and family to support whatever decisions you make regarding your healthy lifestyle changes. Sometimes your friends and family take on the role of the saboteur by making you feel bad about wanting to better your life and by discrediting weight loss progress made. O...you can count on them all right...you can count on them to point out ALL of the mistakes your making during your weight loss endeavor. Fortunately I have an awesome support system composed of my MOM and the SC (shout out to the Sista Circle). You know your friends and family better than I do, but when faced with a FRIENDS AND FAMILY HATER I offer the following advice:

You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends. I've HAD friends who made me feel like I needed to hide my successes. The operative word in the previous sentence ...HAD!
Try to refrain from forcing your new lifestyle on other people. This is a hard one. I enjoy sharing new products, successes, tips and recipes. Just make sure you share with people who...ummm...actually care. I decided a "safe" place to talk about my journey is here in this blogosphere chocked full of encouragement!
DO NOT RELINQUISH YOUR POWER TO HATERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haters can't make you feel bad about yourself UNLESS you give them the power...YOUR POWER!

Well, I decided to STOP handing over my power to haters, and I resigned to stop associating with them as well. Hanging out with haters produces too much negative energy.

In closing...I leave you with this:

BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL PERSON IS A PACK OF HATERS!

How do you deal with the haters in your life?

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

2010-11-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

Before you read this post...help a sista out and VOTE...free furniture for the staff lounge WHEN we WIN!

Listen up Houston blogger peeps...THIS FRIDAY MARKS THE 1st ANNUAL HIP HOP SHOWCASE FOR FLY WELLNESS & MOVEMENT ARTS STUDIO! Support the ARTS and attend...

FALLOUT: A HIP HOP CONCERT! TICKETS...$10!

Witness energy and enthusiasm on stage as some of Houston's best hip-hop dancers represent!

Watch some of the fabulousness for yourself; CHECK OUT my oldest performing with the core crew!

Here's my boys attending a choreo class:

Watching these kids makes me want to get up and shake what my momma gave me! O, you best believe I get on the action too! Check me out in Mommy and Me Class (In my case, Mommy and Me's, since I made both of my kids participate AGAINST THEIR WILL!)! The girls at the studio asked me to attend, so I obliged them!

Even though they thought they were to cool for school both of my boys enjoyed the class, AND I enjoyed spending quality time together. Extra added benefit, I burned some calories and had a BLAST! Exercise rocks when you find something you love. And as we all KNOW I LOVE TO DANCE!

Marvelous Mini Meatloaves...MMMMMMMMMM!

2010-11-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

In my quest to jazz up my weight loss efforts I decided to try a new recipe...Turkey Mini Meatloaves from the cookbook, Cook Yourself Thin (as seen on Lifetime Television). Baking the meatloaves in mini loaves or individual portions helps maintain portion control.

Turkey Mini Meatloaves

Serves 4
Calories per serving , meatloaves:227

For the meatloaf:
1 slice whole wheat bread
½ cup skim milk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
5-ounce bag baby spinach leaves
1 ¼pounds of ground turkey
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

For the glaze:
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce

1.PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees.

2. GRIND the bread in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a large bowl, and pour milk over crumbs.

3. HEAT 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Add spinach, and stir until just wilted , about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl with soaked crumbs. Add the turkey cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Combine the mixture with your hands until well mixed, it may be quite wet. Okay...I veered from the recipe just a bit. Instead of spinach, I threw in some carrot shreds and zucchini.

4. PACK 1 cup of the mixture into a 1-cup dry measuring cup. Invert the cup onto to a rimmed baking sheet, gently shaking the cup to release the mixture. Gently pat the mound to smooth its shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture, Bake mini meatloaves until cooked through and golden , about 40 minutes.

5. WHILE THE MEATLOAVES ARE COOKING, make the glaze: in a small bowl combine the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. I did not make the glaze. I ate my meatloaves sans glaze.

6. REMOVE the meatloaves form the oven, brush the glaze over meatloaves, and enjoy!

Tip:
According to the cookbook authors, spinach keeps the mixture moist without adding fat. I concur; even though I substituted zucchini and carrots for spinach, the meatloaves remained moist even after eating leftovers for 2 days.

EAT, DRINK...AND BE SCARY!

2010-11-07T22:56:00.000-08:00

Hope your Halloween brought you a night full of fun and frights! Despite a last minute costume change (beyond my control), Halloween proved to be spook-takular delight! Originally, I planned to rock a ~~Whore-thy~~ Dorothy costume, and in my excitement I hastily purchased ruby slippers and basket complete with Toto.

So, instead of going as Dorothy I pulled this vintage ensemble from my closet.

In keeping with our yearly tradition, the boys and I rolled to Mimi's (my Mom) and distributed Halloween eats & treats to excited trick-or-treaters. This year we added a new addition to our Halloween tradition...our little cousin Spiderman!

After we handed out the last piece of candy we hit the streets to get some trick-or-treating done! My youngest decided to dress as JabbaWockee for Halloween. No, not the Jabbawokee from Alice in Wonderland. A JabbaWockee from the critically acclaimed dance crew.

The video below highlights the JabbaWockees' last performance on the show America's Best Dance Crew.

In the entire neighborhood, only one teenage boy asked my son if he was a JabbaWockee. Everyone else just gave him a WTH look...guess they're not big dance fans!

I put together this photo montage to share some Halloween highlights. Make sure you check out the video of me screaming in the "haunted house" towards the end of the montage.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I hope you enjoyed the montage.

As far as my candy consumption, I used my cheat sheet. I only ate 1 Snickers (2pts), and 1 Resees' Peanut Butter Cup (2 pts). I wanted to use my point for Gumbo my mom made, rather than candy.

For next Halloween my boys and I decided to make it a family affair. We're gonna "EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD" as Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. AND...my mom will play the role of the Good Witch! So, GET STARTED on sewing those costumes MOM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2010-11-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

TODAY I CELEBRATE MY 37th BIRTHDAY ( 57 POUNDS LIGHTER)! ROCK ON!

AND THE WINNER IS...

2010-11-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

THE WINNER OF MY "$75 CSN Christmas Comes Early Giveaway IS...

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Heather over at Scoomer! CONGRATS HEATHER and HAPPY SPENDING!

Quick weigh-in update...

Last Saturday's weigh results, -.6, the equivalent to a tube of toothpaste. Not bad, I lost a tube of toothpaste. A loss is a loss no matter how big or small. And you know what? All of those small losses add up!

So what's in store for this week? MY BIRTHDAY! AND I PLAN TO GET MY PARTY ON!

"EGG-cellent" Breakfast Cassarole

2010-10-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Weigh In Updates...
Okay...so week before last I weighed in, and nearly chucked the scale through the WW store-front when I saw the 4 lb. GAIN in my weigh in booklet! YES, 4 lbs! I thank TOM and few skipped days of taking my blood pressure meds for the gain:-( Well this past Saturday, TOM vamoosed and I got back on track with my meds...and guess what? I LOST 6.7 LBS. I KNOW...A WICKED AWESOME LOSS!!

Blogger Meet Up...
God's Favorite Shoes (my homie) suggested a Houston blogger meet up sometime during the month of November. Anyone game? If so, hit me up via email or leave a comment!

Alright, on to the crux of my post. My big loss gave me the momentum I need to stay on track and focus this week. As a result, I planned my menu and I am actually executing it. You know planning is key, but planning only works when you FOLLOW the plan...DUH. Many many weeks I sat myself down, made a menu and veered from the menu by eating random crap like frozen dinners.

Well, as I thumbed through some recipe books, I found one of my breakfast favorites in the Body for Life Cookbook by Bill Phillips.

EGG-cellent Ham and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen diced Potatoes (The recipe calls for Ore Ida Hash Browns in the frozen section, but I used Simply Potatoes... pictured below.)

1 cup cooked lean ham, diced ( I used the deli meat pictured below.)

½ cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 green onions
1¼ cup egg substitute
½ cup skim milk
½ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Break It Down:
1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

2. Lightly coat a 9"X13" baking dish with cooking spray. I used an 8"X8" baking dish.

3. Layer potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish; top with ham, mushrooms and onions.

4. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg substitute and skim milk with a fork or whisk until well blended. Pour egg mixture over ham and vegetables in baking dish and top with cheese.

5. Top with cheese and bake until eggs are firm and top is lightly browned, approximately 40 minutes.

6. Cut into 4 portions and enjoy!

I entered the recipe into Weight Watcher's recipe builder. Each piece of casserole..3 pts.

3 POINTS...WHY THAT'S JUST EGG-CELLENT!

Trick-or-Treat Cheat Sheet

2010-10-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

In my world, October starts the season of gluttony. Kicking of the gluttonfest...Halloween. For some, Halloween conjures spooky, SCARY images of ghost, vampires, Michael Meyers, Jason Vorhees, and Freddy Krueger. For me, Halloween conjures horrifying images of: Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, M &Ms, Kit Kat etc. At this time of year the overwhelming candy onslaught makes it hard to stay on track and on plan! To keep it together this, Halloween I employed a few tips.

For the past few weeks, one by one, candy bowls popped up on random desks all over campus. Last year, I remember struggling with my candy temptations, but this year I fared much better. For instance, I know the location of all "good" candy hot spots and I AVOID those areas.

So, tip #1...AVOID THE CANDY BOWL HOT SPOT TRAPS.

For some reason at the end of the day, I feel I deserve a sweet treat for enduring the wrath of 19 first graders. Several days for the last 2 weeks I found myself inadvertently reaching into the candy jar on my way out the door. A sweet treat here and there starts to add up and dip into my daily points; so, I decided to bring my own sweet treats: homemade trail mix with unsalted nuts and raisins, fruit, or a granola bar.

Tip #2...BRING YOUR OWN SWEET TREATS AND KEEP YOUR HAND OUT OF THE CANDY BOWL!

Tip #3...Wait until the last possible minute to purchase candy for the trick-or-treaters. The longer you wait, the less time the candy spends in your environment taunting you!

On to tip #4...I pride myself on keeping it real on this blog. So let's get real! Halloween means candy as far as the eyes can see! I refuse to deny myself candy; so, that means If I choose to eat candy, I need to make good choices. To help me make good choices, I use a Halloween candy cheat sheet sent from a former coworker. Check it out!

Trick-or-Treat Cheat Sheet

Candy...Portion Size...Points Value

3 Musketeers, 2 fun size bars...3.5

1000 Grand, 2 mini bars...4.5

ANDES Creme de Menth Thin Mint, 8 pieces...5.5

Almond Joy, 2 snack size bars...4

Atomic Fireballs, each...1

Baby Ruth, 2 fun size bars...4

Bit-O-Honey, 6 pieces...4

Blow Pops, Each...1.5

Butterfinger, 2 fun size bars...4

Candy Corn, 22 pieces...3

Carmello, 2 snack size bars...4

Double Bubblegum, 2 pieces...1

Heath Bar, 5 snack size bars...6

Hershey's Bar (plain), 2 snack size bars...5

Hershey's Bar (almond), 2 snack size bars...5

Hershey Kisses, 8 pieces...5

Hershey Kisses or Hugs, 3 pieces..2

Hershey Miniatures, 5 pieces...5

Hershey Tastations (any flavor), 3 pieces...1

Hershey Sweet Escape...2

Hot Tamales, Each snack box...1
Jolly Rancher, 3 pieces...1
Joly Rancher, Mini Stix, Each...1

Kit Kat, 3 (2 pc) snack bars...6

Kit Kat, Each mini...2
Lemonheads, Each box...2
Life Savors Five Flavor Candy, 4...1.5
Life Savors Gummi Savers, 2 rolls...
M & M (plain), Each fun pack size...2
M & M (peanut), Each fun pack size...2
M & M (crispy), Each pkg...5
Mars, 2 fun size bars...4
Mike & Ikes, Each snack pkg...1
Milk Duds, 4 fun size boxes...4
Milky Way, 2 fun size bars...4
Milky Way Lite, minis, 5 pieces...3
Milky Way Lite, regular bar...3.5
Mounds, 2 snack size bars...4
Necco Wafers, Each roll...1
Nerds, Each box...1
Nestles Baby Ruth, Each...4.5
Nestles Crunch Fun Size, 4 bars...5
Now & Later, 3 mini bars...3
O'Henry, 2 fun size bars...5
Raisinettes, 3 snack boxes..4
Red Hots, Each box...2
Reese's Crunchy Cookie Cups, 2 snacks...4
Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, 5 pieces..5
Reese's Peanut Butter Bites, 3 pkgs...5.5
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, snack size...4
Reesesticks, 2 snack size...4
Skittles, small pack 3 pkgs..4
Smarties, 3 rolls...1
Snickers, 2 fun size bars...4
Snickers, minis (4 pieces)...4
Spree Candies, 8 pieces...1
Spree Twist, 2 rolls...1.5
Starburst, 3 fun size pkgs...4
Starburst Fruit Chews, 8 chews...3.5
Sugar Babies, 2 snack size pouches...4.5
Sugar Daddy Pops, 3...3.5
Sweet Tarts, 2 rolls...1
Three Musketeers, 2 fun size bars...4
Tootsie Roll, 2 snack bars...2
Tootsie Roll Midgets, 6 pieces..3.5
Tootsie Roll Pops, Each pop...1
Twix, (mini size) Each...1
Twix, Each snack size bar...2
Twix, Regular Size, Each (2) pack...7
Twizzlers, Pull-n-Peel Cherry Candy, 3 pieces...2.5
Twizzlers, Strawberry Twist, 4 twist...2.5
Werther's Original, 3 pieces...1
Whoppers Malted Milk Balls, 2 snack size pouches...5
Wonka Nerds Gumball, Each..1
Wonka Shock Tarts Gumball, Each...1
Wrigley's Chewing Gum, 5 pieces...1
York Peppermint Patties, 3 patties...3

One more week left to win my $75 CSN Christmas Comes Early Giveaway!