Monday, May 31, 2010

Scale Down!

A few weeks ago, I wrote about some of my favorite books. There was one book I left out...simply because I could not remember the name of it! ;) So, after surfing the Internet...I FOUND IT! The name of the book is Scale Down: A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul, & Spirit by Danna Demetre. It is not really a "diet" book in the normal sense. It is inspiring and thought provoking. The author was on a talk show years ago and I found her story amazing. A week later, I bought the book at Wal-mart. I read a lot of it (did not finish...kids! ;) in the late summer of 2005. I somehow lost the book, but I am so excited I remembered the name and found it on Amazon. So, I am going to start it as soon as it arrives! If you would like to join me, that would be great! (Just leave a comment below!) Even if not one person wants to join my "book club", that is fine! I am so excited to finally read Danna Demetre's wonderful book!

I hope you can find the book (free!) at the library, or you can find it at Amazon!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Pictures!!!!







Friday, May 28, 2010

Oh, Happy Day!


What makes me happy?

Major....
My Faith
My Family
My Friends

Minor....
my husband...wink, wink (maybe that should be major! ;)
loose jeans
wonderful food
dancing
The Beach Boys
a clean house
flowers
the smell of my children's hair after a bath
a good book
the "Footprints" poem
old pictures and videos
taking a wave...and riding it!
the beach
Thanksgiving to New Year's Day!
music
surprising people (especially with little things!)
giving to St. Jude (that might be major, too!)

I guess you can say I am always pretty happy. It is about the little things...they do add up quickly!


Life is too short to not celebrate everything...even a great Diet Coke with crushed ice!

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

Baby Food...It's What's For Dinner!

I read in a magazine that celebrities are starting a new diet trend...Baby Food. Mostly noted, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.  I have NO clue if it is true.  Sounds a little strange. The article stated it is about perfect portions...I guess for a size 0????

According to The Huffington Post, "Jennifer Aniston is rumored to be the latest celeb to try the baby food diet, created by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. The diet involves eating 14 servings of baby food a day followed by a healthy adult dinner, and Jen has reportedly lost 7 pounds in the past week as she films 'Just Go With It' in Hawaii. "

"I developed a cleanse where you can still eat and it's a lot of puree foods. I was very careful about the foods I chose to put in it," Tracy told Hollyscoop.com. "When you do these liquid cleanses I felt a responsibility to come up with something. Liquid cleanses do help you lose weight but you will gain more the next week. I wanted something where you can eliminate toxicity, break bad habits but still have your digestive system going. That is when the baby food cleanse was born."

MMMmmmm....Yummy! ;)

So, what do you think????? 

Would You? Could you eat baby food to lose weight?

Keep in mind, gals...Guys LOVE curves and can't stand it when a girl orders a salad...let alone pulls out jars of baby food! lol ;)

Day 28

Today...so far:
fruit and yogurt parfait
coffee w/ cream and sugar
1 slice sausage, onion, mushroom pizza
*************************************
5 cups water
************************
walked 2 miles

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Day 27

Today:
milk
kettle chips
1 slice hand tossed pizza w/ 4pc. pepperoni, onion, banana peppers, pineapple
1 slice deep dish sausage (very little), onion, mushroom
banana
******************************
8+ cups water
*****************
no planned exercise

I am so bummed about this past week.  I have been sick...a virus in my lymph nodes. I always get the weird stuff! ;) Anyway, it has been SO painful and I have been very tired! I am going to workout tomorrow! I do not think I always made the right choice, but I did not eat way too much...which is a good thing! The pizza today was WONDERFUL!  I have not had it in weeks!!!! I think that is why it tasted SO good!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Pot Luck Wednesday!!!!!!

I need to keep things EXCITING! Healthy eating should NOT equal boring! So, I am making every Wednesday a Pot Luck Wednesday!

What will you bring to the table????

 To keep it fun, I will give it an Iron Chef spin...a SECRET ingredient! All you have to do is write a post that contains an awesome, healthy recipe that includes the secret ingredient. (I will share the secret on Tuesday mornings to give you enough time to type!)  Please use the Linky Tools found below.

HELLO??? Promote your blog!

 And, if you could please put a link back to this blog in your recipe post, that would be wonderful!

So, this weeks secret ingredient is....DRUM ROLL!!!!

Chicken

Wow...that was hard! LOL I thought I would make the first challenge an easy one!

So, to use the Linky Tool, write the name of your blog and your blog's address...Then write a Pot Luck Wednesday recipe post that contains a link back to this blog! Have fun!!!!

Day 26

Today:
fruit and yogurt parfait
2 whole wheat hot dog buns
2 Hebrew National 97% ff hot dogs (SO GOOD!)
1 serving kettle chips
five bean salad
roll
1t. butter
1 cup low fat ice cream
**************************************************
8+ cups water
*****************************
15 min. dancing

 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Day 25

Today:
blueberry tea
brie
swiss
olive oil bread
grapes and apple slice
ice cream
1 T. magic shell (I know!;)
milk
chicken
corn on the cob
1T. honey mustard
roll
*************************************
8+ cups water
*************************
no planned exercise

The Green Eyed Monster


I hope you do not think less of me...gotta keep it honest...

Let me tell you, Facebook is great when you are flying high, but not so good when you are low. I find it mostly gives you a very one sided snap shot of a "friends" life. They should call it Bragbook. ;) Google, Zillow and Linkedin are not much better.  It is for this reason that I TRY to stay off the computer, but I am SO darn nosy!

So, how do you define success? 

I am in my 30's.  I have friends with 6 children.  I have friends that are having their first child.  I have more than one child. I have friends who have yet to marry or are on a second marriage. 
Is it about money? 

 
 Is it beauty?  Is it about looking 20 when you are over 30?  Looking 70 when you are 90?  I feel like I look about 47... ;)

Is it about weight?  I have to admit, I find it VERY hard to be happy for certain people and their weight loss.  But only certain people...not you! ;)

I hate when I get in this mood.  I KNOW I am blessed. 
 I need to start counting my own blessings, instead of counting others....and then getting jealous.

The Green Eyed Monster...

It does not happen every single day...more like 4 times a year.  I KNOW what really matters. 

I love a line in the movie, The Family Man.

"Don't you see? I'm talking about us finally having a life...that other people envy."

"Oh, Jack.  They already do envy us."


I can't say I am all that materialistic or vain...but every once in a while....

We all have different lives with different roads traveled.  I love my life and family.  But, every once in a while, I "find out" things, via the internet, and I start comparing (without true knowledge of the other person's life.)
 Now, don't get me wrong, I wish no ill will to those and their blessings.  But, before I judge someone as "perfect" or getting everything "I want",  I need to step back. Nothing is perfect.  But, I do need to pray that I am not jealous when good things happen to people...even people who I think do not deserve it...Wow, I really need to pray.

So, what are your thoughts?????  I REALLY want to know!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Day 24

Today:
2 cheese sticks
Lean Cuisine
Cheerios
milk
cheese
grilled chicken
corn on the cob
1t. butter
olive oil bread
ice cream
1T. magic shell
1T. cool whip
***************************************
8+ cups water
*************************
no planned exercise

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Day 23

Today:
3 rolls
some tortilla chips
lean cuisine (6 pointer ;)
healthy choice (5 pointer)
3, yes, 3 Twinkies...that will go straight to my butt!
2 cups Gatorade
cheese stick
*******************************************
8+ cups water
*********************
no planned exercise

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Well, this was not a good day. I am sick...bad sore throat, fever...TIRED! I am SO mad. Every time I start exercising, I get sick. I know the two are not related, but it is very frustrating! To make matters worse, I did not eat well. You would think I would not want to eat with such a sore throat, but NO, I had to shove food down my red throat! What was I thinking?!?!?!?

Warning: this is BAD!

Today:
1 Mr. Goodbar
1 WHATCHAMACALLIT
1 king size Take Five
lean cuisine (6 points)
2 rolls
1/2 cup beef au jus
1 cup twice baked mashed potatoes
1 cup corn souffle
1 T. potato salad
strawberries
shortcake round
3 T. whipped cream
2 cups gatorade
******************************************
8+ cups water
***********************
no planned exercise

NEW...Week 3 Pictures!

Week in Review!
This past week was nice. I exercised, ate pretty healthy and drank my water...no complaints here! I do wish I LOOKED thinner! Wow, this is slow. Years ago, I would have lost more...getting older is not as much fun as I thought it would be! ;)






Friday, May 21, 2010

Day 21

Today:
english muffin
piece of sausage
lettuce
tomato
chargrilled Chick-Fil-A
salad
FF honey mustard
croutons
honey roasted sunflower seeds
6 waffle fries
coffee w/ cream and sugar
2 hot dogs
2 wheat buns
1 serving kettle chips
five bean salad
pickle
*********************************
8+ cups water
********************
no planned exercise
***
Also, I wrote everything down from last week while my computer was broke...I am going to post that and the pictures from last week ASAP!  Plus, I will get up tomorrow and take more pictures! I have been doing so well...I hope it comes through the pictures!

So, what do you for exercise?

How do you deal with weekend "eating"...I find it SO hard! :-)

***

Have you seen these portion plates?  Wow, TOO cool!
(Why didn't I think of this?????)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

You Can't Worship The Lord And A Donut At The Same Time!

Over three years ago, I was on vacation with my family.  After swimming in the hotel pool, we all went back to the room to get ready for bed and to settle in for the night.  The kids wanted to watch the show, "That's So Raven."  I was so excited to see Candace Cameron (from Full House) playing a teacher on the show. (I loved Full House as a child!) I could not believe how THIN and HEALTHY Candace looked...she was always known as the cute, chubby teen when she was younger. So, with my exhausted husband fast asleep next to me and the kids watching t.v., I jumped on our laptop to Google Candace. As it turns out, I found she was married with three children and living (at the time) in Florida. She also had an email address on her website. I wrote her an email, never expecting a response, about her weight/ diet and exercise. Much to my surprise, she responded in a day. What she shared with me changed my thinking...and has haunted me for years. I thought I would share some of the emails that were sent!

Her first reply:

"My secret to staying slim and healthy is (drum roll please!)…eating well and staying active."

"OK, I know that was a pretty simple answer, but it’s the truth. Over years of being on a weight roller coaster, I finally got to the point where I wanted to stay fit and feel good ALL the time. I always feel healthier and prettier when my weight is lower, and of course my clothes fit better. I had to change my eating habits and lifestyle once and for all. Luckily, my husband was 100% on board and was probably the biggest encourager to our family in this area. So, eating habits changed not only for me, but for my children and my husband."


"As I’ve said here before, consult your doctor before choosing any diet or fitness routine, then consider what’s best. For me, the key has been eating fresh, healthy foods and not over eating. I’d prefer to eat more of the yummy foods I enjoy in smaller quantities, rather than eating large portions of ONLY healthy foods that I don’t really enjoy. For me, eating is about the taste and not the quantity. A lot of woman I know are just the opposite, where quantity is important, rather than quality. You have to figure out what is important to you and get into a new way of eating from there."


"Include your whole family. If you just try to diet on your own, it’s not going to last for very long. If you change your whole family’s eating habits and fitness/sport routine, you’ll have a better chance at sticking to it."


"I take pilates about 3 times a week as well as play tennis, and I walk about 1 1/2 miles every day (around my neighborhood). The kids either walk with me or ride their bikes. This turns into family time not only to share and laugh, but also exercise. (When the kids whine about walking the circle… telling them “no desert” usually quiets them up pretty fast.) And FYI… desert is usually fresh fruit. They have ice cream or something sugary sweet once or twice a week. (And we keep that to a small portion). Trust me, this makes the once a month trip to Cold Stones–for whatever they want–all the better!"


"Ultimately, I had to give my “food issues” over to God. There are bad habits I’m prone to repeating, but they never make me feel good for long. That’s when I ask myself, “Is food or God more important to me?” This usually stops my bad habits as well."


"I hope this helps and encourages you."



I then wrote her back about "giving up her food issues to God"....


"By “food issues” I meant some unhealthy eating habits I’d acquired in the past. For me, the only way to get past my abuse with food was getting serious about it with God. I needed to constantly pray that I’d stay away from unhealthy alternatives, and that I’d eat right, and exercise instead."


"This sin was one that I loved and didn’t want to give up. I was scared. I constantly wrestled with it. And I knew it was keeping me from a closer relationship with God, and that I had to give it over to Him."


"I said to Him, “I can’t do this on my own. I’m willing to take a step in faith to stop doing it the wrong way, knowing with all my heart that You will provide me the willpower to say ‘NO’ or give me a way out”."


"That was the last time I was ever going to pray it. I didn’t want that struggle for the rest of my life. And while my view of food is not problem for me anymore, it’s an area I always have to keep close at heart, and pray about. I know the enemy is lurking, waiting at the door to creep in."


"I think going on a diet like Weight Watchers is GREAT to learn portion control and to retrain yourself to eat properly. Food is a hard battle for most American’s since we have such an abundance and it’s so readily available to us. Stick to a plan and keep God close by your side."

I really love her reply.  It makes so much sense!  How many times have I allowed food to get in the way with my relationship with God?  How many times have I skipped church because I looked fat and had nothing to wear?  I was blessed by God with wonderful friends and family, but have (at times) chosen to push them away or not be with them because of my weight. 

Up until she wrote back, it never occurred to me that I was worshiping food. That I WAS allowing food to get in the way with my relationship with God.  I had never thought of it as a false idol...but it can be!  I am mad at myself for allowing food to take first place.  I am done.  NOTHING sneaks in and gets in MY way of MY LORD!  I am sorry that I sinned...that I did not change my ways... right away.  But, I am human.  Enough is enough.  I am going to pray that God comes into my heart as I turn away from my false idol.  Lord be with me.

I choose God.

*****************************

Also, my hometown...


Well, I am not sure how to "show" you this one...Hmmm...
I HAVE to stay Anonymous!
Okay...I live about 7 hours from N.Y.C. ;)
http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/

...I am hungry.

******




Day 20

Today:
whole wheat bagel
WW cream cheese
deli roll
ham
tomato
1 1/2 t. mayo
lettuce
tomato, cucumber and onion salad
light Italian dressing
pecan and raisin oatmeal cookie
kettle chips
popcorn
FF 100 cal. kettle corn
**************************************
8+ cups water
*********************
no planned exercise

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Day 19

Today:
8 oz. sweet tea
southwest dressing
salad
croutons
plain grilled chicken snack wrap
1t. light mayo
chocolate banana bread
1 cup milk
3/4 Hershey almond bar
************************************
8+ cups water
**********************
45 min. elliptical machine

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 18


Today:
Hershey almond bar
whole wheat pasta
lettuce and cucumbers
blue cheese dressing
2 rolls
****************************************
8+ cups water
*************************
45 min. elliptical machine

Monday, May 17, 2010

Day 17

Today:
cheerios cereal
milk
mashed potatoes
bite of beef tenderloin
2 bacon wrapped asparagus bundles
3 rolls
1t. butter
banana bread
1/2 Carmello
*********************************
8+ cups water
*******************
45 min. elliptical machine

GGGGRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

My computer broke, but it is now better! I wrote everything down so I can type in everything!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Day 16


Today:
wedding cake cupcake (not very big, but worth EVERY calorie)
chocolate cookie cupcake (ditto!)
3 rolls
1t. butter
beef tenderloin
honey mustard
mashed potatoes
3 bacon wrapped asparagus bundles
strawberries
small slice cake
*************************************
8+ cups water
**********************
30 min. elliptical machine

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Last Weeks Pictures...AT LAST!!!! DAY 15

Today:
whole wheat bagel
1 T. WW cream cheese
salad
southwest salad dressing
grilled chicken wrap with light mayo
Caramello bar
cantalope wedge
2- 97% FF hot dog (Hebrew National...SO good!)
mustard/ ketchup
2 whole wheat buns
1/2 C. five bean salad
pickle
WW 2pt. raspberry/ choc. ice cream bar






Friday, May 14, 2010

Day 14

Today:
whole wheat bagel
1 T. WW cream cheese
salad
southwest salad dressing
grilled chicken wrap with light mayo
Caramello bar
cantalope wedge
2- 97% FF hot dog (Hebrew National...SO good!)
mustard/ ketchup
2 whole wheat buns
1/2 C. five bean salad
pickle
WW 2pt. raspberry/ choc. ice cream bar

What's Ahead...

Hello!  I will be posting pictures tomorrow.  Week 2 is over!!!!  ;-)  Also, I am working on a post that I think many of you will find very interesting.  It is an emotional one, not sad, but I am taking my time putting it together.  I am hoping to get it out before Sunday!  I hope everyone is having a great day!!!!!

(This is such a great picture.  I love the look of sailboats in the morning...and in the evening as the sun goes down!  How beautiful!  Summer is almost here!)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Books I Like!

Here are some books that I think are super groovy!
(I watched 3 episodes of The Brady Bunch today! haha!)




The fourth book is: Shaped by Faith

The fifth book is : The New American Plate Cookbook: Recipes for a Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life


Day 13

Today:
Cheerios
milk
strawberries
lettuce
dried cherries
1 T. poppy seed dressing
1 T. Gorgonzola
Lean Cuisine steak flat bread
broccoli
2 WW raspberry/ choc. ice cream bar
wheat bagel
2 T. WW whipped cream cheese
1/4 onion bagel

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I Should Have Married Ronald McDonald!

Ladies, he just might be the perfect man.  He can bring home the bacon (burger)...and the fries! ;-)
*****
I am ADDICTED to fast food and restaurants! (I am not joking!!!!!)

What is it about fast food/ eating out that makes me so happy?????

Have you ever had this problem????

How do I break this habit?

I KNOW you have an opinion...GIVE IT TO ME!!!!!

Day 12

Today:
coffee
cream and sugar
side salad
1/2 Southwest salad dressing
grilled snack wrap
1 t. light mayo
onion bagel
2 T. WW whip cream cheese
1 crispy supreme taco
1 chicken burrito supreme
1/2 caramel apple empanada
1/4 nachos supreme
********************************************
8+ cups water
************************
no planned exercise

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Day 11

Today:
Cheerios
Sushi
green tea with sugar
hibachi chicken
shrimp sauce
ginger soy sauce
veggies (onion, mushroom, zucchini)
rice
salad
ginger dressing
mini choc. donuts
********************************************
8+ cups water
*******************
no planned exercise

Walk Like An Egyptian!

Today we are going to take a look at THE PYRAMIDS.  No, this is not a history lesson on Egypt. I am talking about food pyramids. I am amazed by how many there are out there on Google.  Here are some of my favorites.  When you are looking at these, think of the people in that part of the world. Is the typical person overweight?

(You might want to click on the image to make it larger.  Also, if I missed any pyramids, and I am sure I did, please let me know in the comment section.) 

The Classic American Food Pyramid. (I love how next to the healthy oils we have a cupcake and a sundae.)   This pyramid has been replaced by:

The new American food pyramid. What I do not understand is why they got rid of the healthy oils???? Where is the water and exercise?

Here is another pyramid used in the U.S. I think this is more realistic for our everyday life and culture.

The Canadian Food Pyramid. It is very similar to the American Food Pyramid. It does not give a lot of details.

The Australian Food Pyramid.  I really like this one...especially the "no salt" and more water. I do not think this one would work well in America. The breads, beans, fruits and veggies are in one group...which one do you think we would eat more of....BREAD!


The British Plate. I think this one is pretty realistic. They have a place for sugar and fat. It is absurd to think that most people do not consume these items...you might as well give them a guide as to how much they should be allowed to eat in a healthy diet.

The Latin American Pyramid. VERY different than the United States. I really like how they are telling you to have certain foods at every meal.

The Mediterranean Pyramid. I find it so interesting that some food items should only be consumed a few times a week or for the entire month.


The Japanese Spinning Top. I LOVE it! I really do believe that food, exercise and water are the key. My grandfather would have liked this one, too. It really backs up his diet theory.

The Asian Food Pyramid. I really dig the fact that you can have sweets weekly, but red meet monthly! I am moving to Asia! haha I also like the daily physical activity that is at the base of the pyramid.

The Vegetarian Pyramid.  This one is great. It does not work for my life, but they are spot on!

I am not sure where this one is from....But, this is my favorite. (Although I do wish they mentioned less salt, more water and daily exercise.)
***
So, what do you think? This is just a nice little sample, but it does make you ponder food. Which one is your favorite? Please share your comments!