Something is working!

Because I have lost 10 pounds in just under a month!!! Woo hoo! Got me all motivated to keep going even stronger now.

On side news, Steven is in Oklahoma again working with his Dad. Even on summers off her has to do something I suppose. He took Gage with him to stay with Granny. I will be taking Ryker and Kieran to see Toy Story 3 later. In all honesty I am not a Toy story fan, but supposedly it is pretty good. Time to go make lunch for the kiddos.

Top 5 in awesomeness (diet foods)...

At least for this week.

1. Multigrain Cheerios



I don't know why I have avoided these for so long but they are addictive. Naturally low in calories (150 per serving with milk), not to mention 3 grams of fiber, 100% DRA in Iron, Folic Acid, and lots of other stuff. They have the right amount of sweetness to cure a sweet tooth. I eat them for breakfast of course but found I ate them for dinner one night this week as well.

2. Lean Cuisine (Particularly flatbreads)



I have the freedom at work to leave for lunch but hardly ever take myself up on that. Mainly I like to work through lunch so I can leave earlier. These are quick and awesome. I remember bringing one into staffing one day and the Doctor had huge eyes and asked "Is that what they are having for lunch today in the cafeteria?". Sadly he looked like a child who lost his toy when I told him that it wasn't. :(
Note: I eat a variety of lean cuisines for lunch, not just these, and they are all pretty darn good.

3. Thomas high fiber English Muffins 100 calories (not pictured)



Can't beat the 5 grams of fiber in only 100 calories. Keep in mind for every gram of fiber one consumes it keeps 7 calories from being absorbed. So technically these little gems only net 65 calories with no toppings. My Kiddos love them too, they put jelly on thiers. I prefer yogurt spread. Awesome either way.

4. Smart Ones Desserts



My three fav's are the chocolate chip cookie dough, brownie sundae, and the new peanut butter cup sundae. But I have tried most of them and they are all good. They range in calories from about 150-200. They also have fiber which most desserts lack. Plus the portions are perfect.

5. Kashi Oatmeal cookies



Most of Kashi's foods are good. Gage loves the bars. I prefer the cookies myself. Each cookie is about 130 calories with 4 grams of fiber and seven whole grains and ALA Omega-3.

2 months...

To the day until I turn 30! I am actually super excited, with a tinge of sadness as my 20's will be over. Mostly because so much has happened in my 20's. 3 kids, 2 degrees, 1 out of state move (with several tiny moves in there as well), introduction of my career plus Steven's, and so much more!! I look forward to my 30's as well though. I know there is still a lot that is going to happen in those years. Hopefully an addition to the family, purchase of 1st home (I know we are late in the game there, time has just never been right), Gage's graduation from High school (yes, that's a hard one to think about), and who knows what else.

So the past year I have been thinking a lot about what I want to do for my actual birthday. Lots and lots of thinking. Being that I am not a drinker, nor much for partying, I need something that is somewhat out of the norm for most 30 year old birthday festivities. If I had my ultimate wish I would like to play a huge game of mud football with as many people as I could muster. Of course this is hard to find the right environment for such an event. Sigh. Oh well, moving along... I need something that fits my personality and I honestly think I want something more intimate. I am debating on a BBQ with a small group or family or weekend trip with the immediate family to somewhere family oriented. The latter is probably more what I am looking for, plus I can do the BBQ the actual day of the birthday. We shall see, still 2 more months to decide.

The best cream enchilades recipe (healthy)

Since I mentioned this recipe I figured I would go ahead and post it for the curious.

3 cups chicken (shredded or diced)or turkey (ground or shredded)
4 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
1 4-oz. can diced green chilles
6 8-inch whole wheat or corn tortillas (we are whole wheat fans)
1/2 cup jarred salsa (On the Border is my favorite)
2 oz. shredded monterey jack cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees

2. In large skillet, combine cooked meat, cream cheese, sour cream, and green chilles. Heat over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is melted.

3. Place about 3/4 cup of the meat mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold in the ends of the tortilla, and roll tightly. Place the enchiladas in a 9x13 inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour salsa over the top of enchiladas, and then sprinkle with cheese.

4. Bake the enchiladas, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Serves 6

Per Serving 306 Awesome Calories!

Simplifying...

At least for awhile. Maybe it's because I have been super overstimulated by lots of things lately, so I figured I would at least simplify my blog.

I am so happy today is Friday. I have had a bad case of the "work week", forget just "Monday". Actually today wasn't so bad considering I was prepared for lots of stuff and had time to spare when nothing traumatic happened. While I have no doubt that my job is more stressful than most therapist jobs, this week has been especially bad. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose specifics due to what it is that I do, just trust me when I say I found myself rubbing my temples more than I have in the past 3 months combined.

On a positive note I have lost 7 pounds in 3 weeks! I have been working out almost daily and diet has been super healthy. I even found the most awesome enchilada recipe that is only 300 calories a serving, and it is probably one of the best I have ever had. My biggest obstacle has always been dinner time and mostly due to portion issues. I have been paying better attention to how much I eat and not do mindless eating. I also realize when I eat healthier I find food tastes so much better. The first week was the hardest, but now I find I hardly miss greasy stuff and get sick just thinking about it. Aside from the recent stress I have been feeling a lot better health wise. So onward I go!

Another plus, I got approved for my vacation next month. I am going with my Mom to Colorado to visit family. I am super excited. Haven't been in years!

Zumba week 1

It's been a full week since I started Zumba. I have done it the past 6 days out of 7. So far I love it! It probably makes me sweat more than anything I have ever done before. I literally have to wash my whole face after each workout. Granted the only con I can find on it is it sometimes reminds me of the old Kids incorporated. Really can't explain it other than that. Maybe it's the clothes?



So I figured since I was going to be doing the workouts anyways I would go ahead and change my diet. I have gone back to my diet from when I lost all the baby weight from Gage when I lost 28 pounds. The only cheat I have had thus far was on Thursday for lunch when my coworkers and I went out to La Hacienda. Soon as it was over I was back on. I think that is pretty good for a week. I have also been utilizing some cognitive behavioral techniques to help me stay on task. I find my biggest challenge is actually drinking a lot of water. I have a hard time gulping flavorless stuff. Looks like I maybe integrating some flavoring to help out. Hello crystal light!

I am thinking my goal is to fit in my skinniest jeans by my 30th birthday in August. Best to start the 30's right. Also time to start planning my festivities.

I think way too much...

Rue McClanahan from the Golden Girls died today at 76. The show followed several "older" women. Only in 1985 when the show first came on, Rue was only 51. To put that age in perspective, Madonna is 51. I am sorry but that isn't "old" to me.