50 Snacks under 50 Cals

Satisfy your sweet tooth

1. 1⁄2 medium apple, baked, topped with 1 Tbsp lowfat yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon (45 calories)
2. 1⁄2 small banana, frozen (45 calories)
3. 4 oz unsweetened applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon (49 calories)
4. 1 miniature box of raisins (45 calories)
5. 2 sugar-free ice pops (30 calories)
6. 1 sugar-free fudge ice pop (35 calories)
7. 12 cherries (48 calories)
8. 1 individual serving sugar-free gelatin with 3 Tbsp light whipped topping (40 calories)
9. 1⁄2 cup strawberries with 21⁄2 Tbsp nonfat yogurt (47 calories)
10. 14 seedless red grapes, frozen (48 calories)

Indulge a salt craving

11. 11⁄2 cups salted air-popped popcorn (46 calories)
12. 1⁄4 cup shelled edamame with sea salt (37 calories)
13. 8 oz miso soup (36 calories)
14. 1 pretzel rod (37 calories)
15. 1⁄4 small bag of Glenny's lightly salted soy crisps (35 calories)
16. 1 medium sliced cucumber mixed with 1⁄4 cup sliced onion, 1⁄2 cup chopped celery, 4 Tbsp vinegar and salt to taste (45 calories)
17. 6 oz eight-vegetable juice (39 calories)
18. 1 kosher dill pickle (10 calories)

Crunch and munch

19. 1⁄2 cup jicama with 4 oz salsa (49.5 calories)
20. 11⁄2 cups sugar snap peas (40 calories)
21. Small celery stalk smeared with 1⁄2 Tbsp natural peanut butter (49 calories)
22. 1⁄2 small apple with 1 tsp soy butter (46 calories)
23. 1 brown rice cake with 1 Tbsp sugar-free jam (44 calories)

Smooth and creamy

24. 1 Laughing Cow Light Garlic & Herb wedge spread on cucumber slices (35 calories)
25. 1 tsp almond butter (34 calories)
26. 1⁄2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt with 1 tsp sugar-free strawberry jam (43 calories)
27. 1 oz avocado (about 1⁄8 of an avocado) squirted with lime (45 calories)
28. 8 grape tomatoes dipped in 1 Tbsp light cream cheese (46 calories)

Cheesy whizzes

29. 6 pieces of endive filled with 1⁄2 oz reduced-fat feta cheese (49 calories)
30. 1 slice fat-free American cheese (30 calories)
31. 1 large tomato, sliced, topped with 1 Tbsp Parmesan, broiled (44 calories)
32. 1 oz fat-free cottage cheese on 1 slice caraway Finn Crisp Crispbread (38 calories)
33. 1 oz fat-free mozzarella dipped in 1 tsp marinara sauce (46 calories)

Power up on protein

34. Turkey rollups: 2 slices white meat turkey rolled in 2 lettuce leaves (46 calories)
35. 1 oz smoked salmon (about 1 slice) on 2 Wheat Thins crackers (Multi-Grain) (48 calories)
36. 1 tofu dog with 1 Tbsp sauerkraut (48 calories)
37. 1⁄2 cup plain fat-free yogurt sprinkled with 1 tsp sunflower seeds (49.6 calories)
38. 1.3 oz water-packed tuna with 1 tsp Dijon mustard (48 calories)
39. 2 large hard-cooked egg whites with 1 cup sliced cucumber (48 calories)
40. 1 slice Wasa Fibre Crispbread with 2 tsp hummus (45 calories)
41. 1 medium water-packed sardine with slice of red onion (35 calories)

Solid standbys

42. 1⁄2 cup melon with 2 Tbsp 1% cottage cheese (47 calories)
43. 1⁄2 small grapefruit (32 calories)
44. 1⁄3 cup blueberries with 1 Tbsp light sour cream (47 calories)
45. 1⁄2 cup carrots with 1 Tbsp light ranch dressing (45 calories)

Thirst quenchers

46. 1⁄2 cup nonfat milk with 1 Tbsp Walden Farms calorie-free chocolate syrup (40 calories)
47. 1 packet of sugar-free hot chocolate made with 1⁄4 cup skim milk and 3⁄4 cup hot water (47 cals)
48. 3⁄4 cup almond milk (45 calories)
49. 3⁄4 cup seltzer with 1⁄4 cup cranberry juice and a lime wedge (33 calories)
50. Homemade iced green tea (with artificial sweetener if desired) (0 calories)

OA (Over Eaters Anonymous)

Day 27 & down 9 lbs

I woke up at 5:30 this morning, dreading that on my only one day to sleep in I had to do this. But I had already promised to my aunt that I would go. She has been attending "OA" or Over Eaters Anonymous for 3 years now and has lost a numerous amount of weight, fluctuating up and down because of course she is a "food addict" too. I wasn't sure what to expect. Having a friend who suffered from a drug addiction I already knew what these meetings were structured like - but it being about food had me thrown off a little and I didn't know how it would help ME.

It wasn't the first time I thought I might be a food addict, or realized I had an unhealthy relationship with food, as compared to others anyway. Not that I thought that way about myself often, but being 27 days into the "healthier me" I knew that the way I felt about food was more of an addiction or a way of thinking and feeling, than a hunger in my stomach telling me to eat. 

I had recently slipped up one day when I came home late from work about 930 pm and it was a Friday night, we had money in the bank but no groceries - I offered for us to eat out, picturing a big fat turkey sub (instead of a steak bomb or a cheese burger special) as soon as my husband mentioned MCDONALDS... I had absolutely no self control. The minute the words mumbled out of his mouth I was committed. I could taste it and there was nothing else I could eat. I sent him off to get me a 2 cheese burger meal, large with a coke, and a chicken nugget on the side! After I ate all of that I felt horrible. For one, about a half an hour later I still felt hungry, and for two I felt like a failure. I kept asking myself inside my head, "why do you have no self control. Why cant you just say no?" And I couldn't see why it was so hard for me.

Another example just a week or so ago. One of my best friends threw a 4th of July cook out. I knew that morning it was going to be a challenge for me because I was heavily counting my calories at this point and doing an amazing job, so I already had in mind that I would eat only the healthy stuff and I would not ruin what I have worked so hard for that week. When I got there, I tried to fill up on a bottle of water and a fresh fruit salad. Being out in the sun, almost fully dressed because I am fat and don't dare to show up any where in public in shorts - I was already miserable. I tried to have a good time, hanging out with friends, and later my husband showing up (which is a rare thing to happen.) My besty Lauren was cooking up a storm- first came the hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. I made my husband a huge plate and I refrained from eating any of that, instead I had a few fresh slices of pepper and some celery with dip. I tried to patiently wait for her to cook up the chicken. I intended on throwing it on a pile of salad and thought about how great I was doing. But during this time, I had an awful, bitchy, jealous, feeling inside of me. Cause so badly I just wanted that f_cking cheeseburger! Or that f_cking hotdog! And finally I felt like the chicken was taking too long and I was starved and was not able to control myself any longer so me and my husband actually left and went home!

It was that night that I realized that my want or need for food was unhealthy. That I let it affect me in such a way that it ruined a perfectly good time for me. I felt like a drug addict. While everyone else was happy around me, eating their burgers and dogs - they didnt even realize how I felt deep down inside. And it made me angry. Im like wtf is wrong with me?

So this morning I attended an Over Eaters Anonymous group at 730 this morning. I'm still not sure what I think of it. There was more of an older (and even older) crowd there, just a few young people. I related to some of their stories about food. Most of them stick to 2 salads a day and have cut out all sugar and flour from their diet. Personally, I don't think I ever could. I've watched so many shows about weight loss; Biggest Loser and Extreme Weight loss Make over myself that I feel like, why should we have to completely give up the foods we love? Instead we should be able to control ourselves and eat them in moderation. I have met hundreds of people online through out the last couple years who believe the same. That by counting calories, eating fresher, healthier foods, and with exercise that you can still eat what you love and lose weight. I also am not sure about having a "sponsor". Although it seems great to be able to call or go to just ONE person who is there, dedicated to helping you make the better choice.... I am not sure that I am ready to let someone like that into my life right now. I may check out a few more meetings before making a decision about that. Again, all of their stories were great and it was awesome to see people who have been dedicated to OA for 20+ years and have kept the weight off. There was also a strong presence of spirituality in that room that made me feel like I was at church and that God was beside me :) 

If you'd like to check out a meeting with me and are close by - just let me know. Here is the website just incase you want more information! http://www.oa.org/

For now, I am going to continue counting my calories on my MFP and trying to exercise. When things aren't so tight anymore money wise I plan on getting a gym membership to help me along as well....

And of course I will always take pictures of what I eat and document my every move, so get over it!

 

This was breakfast - A PROTEIN SHAKE at 425 Calories

Chocolate Shakeology, almond milk, strawberries, peanut butter and ice.

 

This was my lunch - just 357 calories and delicious!

I call this GREEN EGGS AND HAM!

Spinach, over easy eggs, apple wood smoked ham,

onions, and an english muffin. 

I skipped the cheese this time to save calories!

Dinner was (thin stir fry cut) chicken strips,

a whole mango, and some broccoli. About 300 calories. 

And that ended my day :) 

What did YOU eat?

Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn!

I decided to make these Easter Pails for my family, my in-laws, and my co-workers.

These make for great personalized gifts for any holiday or get together, and they are cheap enough to make that you can do a bundle of them!

I found everything I needed at The Dollar Tree and Micheal's craft store.

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1 - Set up your pails / baskets / etc
2 - For this project you will need: pails, ribbon, chocolate, popcorn, candy confetti, and paint.
3 - Get your chocolate and your popcorn ready in separate bowls.

4 - Melt your chocolate in microwave friendly dishes. I started at 2 minutes each, then stirred.
5 - I mixed butter popcorn & white cheddar together then drizzled the 2 different colored choc. over!
6 - I painted the names onto each pail to give it a customized, personal, look :)

7 - Stick your popcorn into the freezer or fridge to chill for a half hour.
8 - Bag up your popcorn, tie it with a bow and stick it in a pail.
9 - Use a few ribbons to tie on the handle of the pail or bucket to give it a finished look.

D-I-Y Tastey Treats!

Craving something delicious and fun to make? Recently I've been planning a baby shower for one of my best friends. She is pregnant with her FIFTH child, but first boy. So my mom and I have been spending the last month preparing for the big day, which is this coming Saturday.

I can't give away any clues yet because she might see this, but I will just say that everything was D-I-Y! There is nothing I like more than being creative and putting a personal, unique touch on everything I come in contact with. I knew I wanted her shower to be sleek and elegant so I used "Tiffany" colors- teal,white, and brown and went from there.... pictures to come next week.

In the midst of all that I have been to Michael's craft store about 100x and have gotten a billion other ideas of what to do for other gifts and just some fun at home. Everyone loves food and snacks and it just so happens that today I came across some great ideas from other fellow bloggers that I just wanted to share, so enjoy!

PARTY POPCORN
 Over at Fashion Meets Food

"Spring brings on colorful accents and cheerful moods. I knew that my friendship gift for April needed to counterpart what spring has to offer. In my mind there was no better choice than my party popcorn. A sweet and salty combination, with a pop of confetti color."

Caramel Apple Parfait

Over at Reasons to Skip the Housework

"My newly invented Caramel Apple Parfait is just one more treat that is made better with COOL WHIP.  You can keep these items on hand and make it up in a flash for the kids!"

{ Some Easter Ideas }

Graham Cracker Peep House

Over at Kasey Buick

"On occasion…i will sit down with my children and do something that requires me to actually be a hands-on…fun…totally cool…mother."

Easter Egg Cake Balls 
over at Success Along the Weigh 

"Do NOT even attempt to do these on Easter Sunday or you will be in the worst mood ever...good thing for them they taste so damn good!"

 { Pinterest Finds }

Smores on a Stick

over at Blogs. Babble. com

"Not only did I not have to turn the oven on, I made a few dozen in under five minutes. These will no doubt be on the menu at a certain sixth birthday party later this summer. What kid (or grown-up) doesn’t adore food on a stick"

Chocolate Party Spoons
over at Delicious Delicious Delicious

"Then you simply go mad with whatever small sweets, silver balls and sprinkles you have. Jelly beans are a must - we all agreed they go nicely with the chocolate, however odd that may sound. If your sweets are chocolate themselves though, wait ten minutes before putting them onto the molten chocolate, just in case they also start melting."

[ YOU CAN CHECK OUT MORE GREAT IDEAS LIKE THESE BLOW AT INDULGY.COM ]

Top 10 Weightloss Foods

{Low Carb - High Protein} Of course, I can't tell you what YOU should eat because I don't know your likes and dislikes, not to mention whether you have any intolerances, allergies or foods you don't eat for ethical reasons, etc... but research has shown that there are some definite advantages to a low to moderate carb and higher protein diet for fat loss purposes. These include reduced appetite, higher thermic effect of food and “automatic” calorie control. Keep the green and fibrous veggie intake higher however, along with large amounts of lean protein, small amounts of fruit, and adequate amounts of essential fat.

It’s not so much about the high carb - low carb argument or any other debate as much as it is about calorie control and compliance. The trouble is, restricted diets and staying in a calorie deficit is difficult, so most people can’t stick with any program and they fall off the wagon, whichever wagon that may be. Low carb vs. high carb is getting really old… so like… get over it everyone, its a calorie deficit that makes you lose weight, not the amount of carbs. 

“Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with and good habits are hard to form but easy to live with.”  -Jim Rohn, motivational speaker

http://www.burnthefat.com/list-of-top-10-weight-loss-foods.html

10 top natural starchy carb and whole grains
1. Oatmeal (old fashioned)
2. Yams
3. Brown rice (a favorite is basmati)
4. Sweet potatoes (almost same as yams)
5. Multi grain hot cereal (mix or barley, oats)
6. White potatoes
7. 100% whole grain bread or sprouted bread
8. 100% whole wheat / whole grain pasta
9. Beans (great for healthy chili recipes)
10. Lentils

Top 10 top vegetables

1. Broccoli
2. Asparagus
3. Spinach
4. Salad greens
5. Tomatoes
6. Peppers (green, red or yellow)
7. Onions
8. Mushrooms
9. Cucumbers
10. Zucchini 

Top 10 lean proteins
1. Egg whites (whole eggs in limited quantities)
2. Whey or Casein protein (protein powder supplements)
3. Chicken Breast
4. Salmon (wild Alaskan)
5. Turkey Breast
6. Top round steak (grass fed beef)
7. Flank Steak (grass fed beef)
8. Lean Ground Turkey
9. Bison/Buffalo (lean game meats)
10. Trout

Top 10 fruits

1. Grapefruit
2. Apples
3. Blueberries
4. Cantaloupe
5. Oranges
6. Bananas
7. Peaches
8. Grapes
9. Strawberries
10. Pineapple 

Note: I DO include healthy fats as well, such as walnuts, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil (supplement - not to cook with), avocado and a few others.  

If you'd like to learn more about fat burning nutrition and what to eat for maximum fat loss, then be sure to take a look at the Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle nutrition program. Thousands of men and women call this their "fat loss bible." For all the details, visit: BurnTheFat.com There you can check out Fat Loss Coach Tom Venuto and see how he deals with burning fat!

So after reading this article, it seems I have been kind of on the right track. The first things I buy at the grocery store to use almost every day are: red & green peppers, apples, eggs, lettuce, and spinach. For breakfast I usually start out with a cup of oatmeal, vanilla yogurt, or eggs ( I rotate from scrambled to hard boiled)  For snacks I usually have an apple with peanut butter or nutella, or some fruit. For lunch I eat a salad topped with 2 pieces of turkey & little chunks of cheese, as well as red & green peppers, cucumbers, and sometimes pickles. And for dinner it's always fresh veggies (asparagus, broccoli, zuchini, squash) with chicken. Unless I am extremely worn out, tired, and lazy - Ill make a grill spinach & cheese sandwich (2 pieces of wheat toast, fresh spinach stuck between 2 slices of american cheese, pam spray or very light butter) with some crackers & salsa on the side. I love to cook so I love to experiment! 

What is YOUR to go to diet food? We all have a favorite "help us lose weight & keep us on track" food or meal. Share it with us :) PS - today is a weigh-in day for me, wish me luck!

Days 1, 2, 3 {weightloss}

So let me just start off by saying THANK YOU for actually being here right now and reading this. Most of the time I actually blog it's because I just wanna get stuff off my mind, upload photos to save forever, and try to make myself accountable for my actions by tracking what I do every second of the day! Which right now includes what I eat. I am trying to lose weight for the third time and today is day 3. 

Let me tell you about my strategy. I have obviously thought about weight watchers. But honestly, I cant even afford to join online right now. Its like $60 to sign up for three months and with that, they waive the joining fee which is an extra $28. Yeah right? So then, I tried to "understand" how to just do WW and I even downloaded the free (droid) phone application but it has bad reviews, bugs, and keeps freezing my phone. So I deleted it. Then - I decided Im just gonna do it how I always have...

By counting my calories! And although I've never counted my calories on a "regular" non-dieting day. Im guessing they are pretty high-- considering I usually eat fast food, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, and french fries. While filling up on juice and soda! Not that I dont love fruits and veggies, because I do. But throwing a pizza in the oven or grilling something up in 5 minutes is much easier than preparing fresh, healthy, foods. Especially when I go to school in the morning and work all day/night. By the time I come home, the last thing I want to do is stand in the kitchen and cook for a half hour. S I guess, not only am I "on a diet" but I am living another lifestyle, lol.  

Besides counting calories I am being more aware of what I put in my mouth. One easy way of doing this (which sucks but Im getting used to) is preparing snacks and meals ahead of time. For example, before I sat down (here) for the night - I made my lunch for tomorrow, which is a big delicious salad, and I set aside some watermelon & strawberries for a snack, and some oatmeal for breakfast. I'll be at work for breakfast, lunch, and snacking so that's why its easier for me to prepare ahead of time. That keeps me from running to Mcdonalds next door or filling up on Starbucks coffee or Monster energy drinks which I love!! On a typical "non-diet" day I would normally skip breakfast, drink a coffee or an energy drink, probably skip lunch, then come home at night and eat like two grilled cheese, eight chicken nuggets, and two big ass glasses of soda. I dont wanna be that way anymore. I run out of energy, I am lazy, and needless to say in the past ten years I have put on sixty to seventy pounds that way. 

 

Now a days, I have either oatmeal, eggs (scrambled or boiled), or yogurt for breakfast. I have fruit (like strawberries, apple & peanut butter, or watermelon) for snacks. And when I come home for dinner I have something full of protein, like chicken with some fresh veggies. I am trying to make my portions smaller. And staying away from as much bread and potatoes as I can stand. I absolutely love them so its hard. I've managed to drink water at work, I just throw a green tea packet in there and its delicious. I hate, hate, hate water. I can almost literally not even drink it. But the green tea helps cause I dont like crystal light either. Im a picky eater and drinker ;)

I also signed up to MyFitnessPal to help track what I eat. They have an awesome phone app that has a barcode scanner for easy tracking. They told me I should be eating about 1600 calories per day but so far, Ive been way under. My first short term goal is to lose 20 lbs and be down around 250. That would make me happy. I cant remember the last time I was 250. I was close last year when I lost 18 lbs, but not right on target.

Day 1 - weighed in at 270 lbs ate 1334 calories of 1610 calories allowed.

Day 2 - weighed in at 271 lbs ate 1077 calories of 1610 calories allowed.

Day 3 - weighted in at 268 lbs ate 1014 calories of 1610 calories allowed.

 

Fruit Detox

I myself have tried a Detox Diet, and I lost a few pounds but not compared to the girl who lost 12 that I got the idea from. I did it to lose weight fast than to cleanse my body from nasty toxins. So I read this on LiveStrong this morning and thought it had some good information to share! So enjoy...

The notion that you can live whatever lifestyle you choose and then undo any damage by detoxing for a few days is not a new one, though it has never been proved to be either medically necessary or even effective. But, according to research reported by the Linus Pauling Institute, fruit may offer more health benefits than previously known. No fruit blend is a magical detox cure-all, but an occasional fruit blend as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle can help you feel your best.

 

Detox Facts

Detoxing in the sense that most people misuse the term is not physically possible, according to experts at Harvard medical School. Your body is equipped with it own detoxing system which includes your kidneys, liver and lungs. They scour toxins from your body, process them and eliminate them. No diet or combination of foods can make this process go faster. But, common sense dictates that if you stop putting harmful substances into your body you will give it a chance to clean itself out.

Vitamin C Blend

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. When you breathe or metabolize food, substances called free radicals are released into your system. They are also released when you smoke, or are exposed to environmental toxins like air pollution. Free radicals are thought to cause certain kinds of cancer, and also to contribute to some of the physical difficulties you face as you age. Vitamin C helps your body fight free radicals. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, Apples also contain high levels of vitamin C. Blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates also contain powerful antioxidants, so mix and match them for snacks, desserts or blended into smoothies.

Fiber Blend

Fiber helps fill you up and also aids in healthy elimination. Constipation is one symptom of eating fatty foods that don’t move through your system as they should. Apples contain high amounts of fiber, especially if you eat them raw. Watermelon and cantaloupe contain soluble fiber, which helps keep you feeling full. Soluble fiber also helps lower the levels of low-density lipoproteins in your blood. These are associated with increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Soluble fiber helps remove LDLs from your system, so in that sense they can be considered beneficial to detoxing.

Warning

It is not possible to speed up your body’s internal methods of detoxing, nor is it possible to undue weeks or even days of unhealthy eating with a juice fast. But, occasionally drinking nothing but fresh juices and eating whole fruits for one to three days should not harm you and can help you break bad habits. Plan your detox for a quiet time when you don’t have to do much and make sure that you take in enough calories to keep you nourished. Aim for 1,200 calories for men and 1,500 calories for women.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/555216-fruit-blends-for-a-detox/#ixzz1mScGqH9A

Food and Fun!

Food and fun shared with you by pictures!

So since my dreadful last post about being miserable, I have managed to get out of the house and hang out with some pretty awesome friends of mine, while taking pictures to share with the world. So breifly, here they are.....

One night - I decided to take it upon myself to ask a bunch of friends to hangout at my other friend's house - where she has a fire most nights, along with some physically fun activities like bat mitten and volleyball. She also usually has a stocked fridge of coronas and twisted teas too! Although you can't tell in my pictures because I only took a few - all of my friends (besides one) have children. So while all us girls & (about ten of us) and James sat around the camp fire, talking shit, and reminiscing about crazy old times... we also had about ten kids (and two dogs) running around the yard like a bunch of hellians. Mind you, bat mitten is my all time favorite game to play, but as soon as the ADULTS want to play, along come the kids to take it over. We couldnt play for more than five minutes without a child running off with the "birdie." Anyways - it was a great night to catch up with friends and have a few drinks and two smores!

Another day, one of my besties {Lauren} invited me to a SUMMER BASH. Probably the b-e-s-t one that I have been to, maybe ever. Lauren and Michelle picked me up in the [cadillac escalade] packed with four adults and five kids!! We drove about 40 minutes away on a hot summer day and arrived at Dave's house. It was awesome. There was a live band, portable potties, four grills with a shit load of food, a humongous blow up slide, and games like sack in the hole, beer pong, and delicious jello shots!



While in the midst of people watching, enjoying the music, and having a BLAST... my friends (lauren, michelle and lisa lips) got WASTED. Which was fine, they told me early on that I was the "designated driver" which was okay because afterall, I didn't come prepared so had no liquor of my own, and cant stand the dreadful taste of beer. So I sucked down a few jellow shots just to relax and filled up on fruit. There was literally over fifty people there, all strangers, but we had a great time, it was a great party. When we were ready to leave I was worried about driving because the cadillac is HUGE, I am really bad at directions when it comes to highways, and all my friends were drunk! We packed the kids back in the truck and took off. I took the advice of a drunken friend and got us on the wrong highway initially, and once we got back on track I had to get off at the nearest exit because boligerant people might piss themselves! Overall, it took us about an hour to get home that night but it was well worth the craziness :)

Then lastnight was Yankee Homecoming a few towns away. It's a tradition in the town of Newburyport, Ma. where every summer in the center of town they have a ton of food vendors, leisure activites, performers, a live band, boat parade, and fireworks. Although me and the boys didn't make it till about 8pm, we got a great seat right on the boardwalk where we got to feel the ocean breeze and see the fireworks. It was also great to people watch!

Now... here it is, the last day of my "vacation" and I am watching Coraline on dvd, listening to the puppies and my husband snore beside me. It is a groggy, muggy, rainy, day and I'd much rather fold laundry and re-organize my closet than go outside in this weather. Though, I am eager to get back to work tomorrow to see my awesome co-workers and weigh in on Wednesday.

Speaking of weightloss. We did grocery shopping yesterday and for the first time in my life I skipped out on a bag of potatoes. I am a potatoe queen and it was literally like giving up heroin. I stood beside the bag of potatoes for five minutes wondering if I could go without, almost sweating with anxiety, and then in the freezer aisle (where I normally skip) I came across an already chopped bag of potatoes and I had to open and close the freezer door three times before walking away. I cook potatoes in many forms during the week - I like to cut up baby reds and throw them in the skillet with all sorts of things, mostly various veggies. In my house, we are not junk food junkies. Growing up my mother always bought snacks; ding dongs, funny bones, cookies, and ice cream. In my house we pleasure more on chips and dip and pudding. Other than that, I cannot remember the last time we had a package of cookies or ring dings in the cabinet. My guilty pleasure is CARBOHYDRATES! I love bread, I love chips, and I love potatoes! Yesterday I replaced chips with a bag of grapes, and I replaced potatoes with more fresh vegetables. I've also been struggling with finding something healthy and quenching to drink. While I have finally gone 100% at drinking water all day at work, I just cannot do it at home. I was filling up on gatorade but I am sick of it, and v8 is becoming dreadful too. So yesterday I got myself a bottle of Sprite Zero. Figured I could have a glass with my sandwiches or as a "dessert" to myself when I am craving soda. I gave up soda a few months ago cold turkey. Went from 2-3 bottles in the house a week to NONE! Also, SPINACH HAS BECOME MY FAVORITE FOOD ACCESSORY lately. It is absolutely delicious in grilled cheese and on every cold cut sandwich ever! However, it does go bad very quickly if you do not store it properly, which I havent figured out yet....

Anyways - I have to pee and pretty soon I am going to take a shower and go over to my mom's house. I decided that I need a hair cut. Quite honestly, I am very careless with my hair. I would let a homeless man on the sidewalk cut my hair if he wanted to. My hair is just so thick and grows so fast that I don't even care who messes it up, and right now Im at the point where it is even getting too heavy for a pony tail so I need a change! Pictures later in the week..... toodles :)

In Better Spirits & Delicious Food!

First, I'd like to say thank you to a few girls that commented on a post I had put up a few days ago. I was really in a bad state of physical being and even yesterday, I had a horrible day at work. I was emotionally down and out, I even broke down crying in the bathroom during my lunch break. I have alot of things going on behind the scenes at home and my husband and I are just trying to straighten out our credit and get things back in order. But it seems sometimes that good things don't happen fast enough to those of us that deserve them. Needless to say, when I read your comments today I felt so blessed that someone had read what I wrote and actually taken a minute (not only to pray for me) but to reach out and say hello, and to offer me to feel better. Even far away, strangers to one another, and behind a screen... I am greatful - and it touched my heart <3 thank you.

Today though I must say I was in a more chipper mood. For those of you who are just "following" me and don't actually "know" me. I am the clown of the bunch. I am constantly sarcastic, or telling a completely made up story just to one-up somebody as a joke, or to make you laugh. I will burst out in song and dance out of no where and reach out my hand to anyone in need. Today was one of those days that I spent taunting my co-workers in the pharmacy and flirting with all my elderly customers. I had a great day.

I have even been contemplating going back to school.
Although I have known for awhile now that I want to, I just was indecisive about what. I did a Medical Assistance course back in 2004 and then recently did some online classes (at a sketchy school in Iowa) towards my Bachelor's in healthcare. Which I dropped out due to mis-communication factors on their part. Now, here I am wanting to go back again. My pharmacist and my bff James (who is also my pharmacy supervisor, kind of) pretty much talked me into pharmacy school. I had thought about it before, but it seemed just like a  DREAM. It seemed like something too unnatainable for me. Because how could I possibly work full time, take care of a husband, house, and dogs, and go to school full time too? Crazy. But then I was told that I could probably get a loan big enough to live off of, while I am in school. So... here's my thoughts - I could do could all my pre-requisites done at the local community college in town that would take me about 2 years, and continue working full time at CVS. And then I can apply to Pharmacy school toward the accellerated program which is only 3 years. And although its about an hour away, maybe by then I will have a not-so-shitbox-car and a loan to help me pay my rent so I won't have to work as much, or at all. And after 3 years of pharm-d school I will graduate and make over $100,000 a year! Yes! That's it! I got it all figured out. Doesnt seem too bad now does it? Speaking of pharmacy stuff... here's some pictures of James and I at work late lastnight......

And just an update about my weightloss.

So I started my journey (again) at 278 at the end of June (I think it was the 26th). I quit soda, changed my eating habits, and lost 14 lbs right off the bat within 20 days and got down to 263. In the past two weeks I have watched the weight go on, day by day, pound by pound. Now - for the past 4 days I have been at 268. My pharmacist {who is literally just like Jillian Michaels. She is my health expert and food advisor and weightloss motivator} told me that its probably just water weight cause I've been PMSing and finally have my period now. I did have a few days where I failed :( I had Mcdonalds twice, a few sodas, and some french fries at the theme park. But besides that, over all, I have been eating really well and drinking water daily at work vs the usual soda or juice. I was doing a really good job using either my FitnessPal app on my android, or logging via Livestrong, but I've been slacking & haven't been counting calories. But I've still been photo-capturing everything.

So here are some pictures of what I've been eating lately...

L U N C H

And... like I said, have been drinking way more water than usual. Eating alot of peanut butter and apples too. I think that is my favorite snack. It's very thirst-and-crunch-quenching! I haven't incorporated any exercise yet into my weightloss. Although I am very determined quite honestly I WANT TO! I can't use my body pain & problems as an excuse, but they truly are. As well as it being 100 degrees here in Mass on most days - I can't really go outside. I have gotten in alot of walking & swimming though. And plan on trying to jog (or something similar) in the fall. I will be joining the gym as soon as we have some money to spare, we are literally b-r-o-k-e. No lie. Literally broke. But anyways....

We also don't have the internet or cable. I {very luckily} can get a connection off someone else with my wireless usually, and get about 10 basic cable channels cause we live in an apartment complex. So I've been missing all my reality shows and watching sitcoms and the news alot alot alot, and I cannot tell you how much I miss it all. I have also been summonsed (spelling?) to court to pay for an outstanding $4,000.00 ambulance bill (around the time I lost the baby last year) but I had insurance but supposably the hospital & e.m.t service that was used was "out of network" so now I have to worry about that and paying back some owed taxes from the beginning of the year as well. Ugg, I need to play the lotto......

Anyways - this never usually happens to me, but my wrists hurt from typing, good night.

5 Foods That Make You More Attractive!

They say that youth is often wasted on the young -- that we can't appreciate great skin and a fast metabolism until we get older and both start going in a direction we wish they hadn't.

But in the wide world of nutritional benefits, it doesn't hurt to add some foods to enhance our beauty as well, right? In addition to the expensive skin creams, treatments and potions, food can make a huge difference on your complexion, hair and even nails! In this article, I'll share 5 foods that you should include in your "eating pretty" diet!

 

PAPAYA

In 2007, a study in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher dietary intake of Vitamin C was associated with a decreased likelihood of a wrinkled appearance.

To get more Vitamin C in your daily menu, think beyond your morning glass of orange juice and go for some additional (yet excellent) sources of Vitamin C such as papaya, broccoli, brussel sprouts and bell peppers. In fact, you could throw all of that in a stir fry for a beautiful meal! Buy some

OYSTERS

Oysters are a fabulous source of the trace mineral zinc. While zinc is important for proper growth and development, as well as wound healing, it may also play a key role in helping to promote great skin by boosting collagen production.

Additionally, studies have found that zinc may help prevent or improve acne by controlling excess oil production as well. During the summer months, oysters can be grilled for a different yet satisfying BBQ treat.

SWISS CHARDS

This tasty green is highly versatile in recipes and may have a beautifying effect on both hair and skin as it contains high amount of biotin, a b-complex vitamin that has been associated with positive beauty attributes.

Swiss chard is also high in vitamins A, K and C, which all happen to be vitamins associated with overall anti-aging.

SOY BEANS

If you're a fan of edamame, you're in luck! While most of us correlate omega 3 fatty acids with fish, you could get plenty of plant-based omega 3 in walnuts, flax seed and even soybeans! It has been well documented that soybeans can help in lowering cholesterol, waist size and risk for high blood pressure, but did you know that they can also provide radiant, glowing skin, as well? The omega 3s in soybeans have been shown to help fight against inflammation in the body (a real beauty bummer) and help skin look younger as well by avoiding dryness.

BRAZIL NUTS

Brazil nuts are a goldmine of Selenium, a trace mineral essential to good health -- and great skin -- but don't eat gobs of them! One of the most important things you should know about selenium is that only a small amount provides powerful antioxidants shown to help prevent the formation of free radicals (free radicals can make us not too pretty, by the way). Too much selenium can cause hair loss, discoloration of skin or blotchy fingernail beds. You only need small amounts of selenium to prevent a deficiency, and most Americans are getting plenty in their diets. A couple Brazil nuts or a serving of salmon should be all your need to reap the benefits.

{ This article was taken from AOL - written by Kristin Kirkpatrick, a Dietitian and wellness manager, at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute and the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program }