Only Gets Better With Age

Hello there, I thought I would write about someone close to my heart - my Mom. Saturday the 26th of Feb was her birthday. I won't reveal her age, but I will tell you she certainly doesn't look it. The reason? Healthy living and a very active lifestyle. She can outwalk us all over Birmingham I can promise you that.

A few years ago, Mom got totally off sweets because her triglycerides were a little high. She looks amazing - She also works out at the gym Monday through Friday for an hour and a half - she can even get in there with the muscleheads and lift weights. She eats lots of vegetables, whole grains, no fast food and lots of water or tea and she's HAPPY! She made up her mind to be happy and healthy and that is what she is.

We can all be there on the same plane as my Mama. No excuses....just willpower!

Love and gracefully aging, Mom!

Hungry like the wolf

My first question is this: why the double fudge brownies is Russel Brand at the Oscars? Do they invite anyone now?

I digress. Admittedly, I've been lagging a little. After three'ish weeks, my energy is not as high as it was when I first started. I'm guessing it's because my body is getting used to everything and fighting me on my weight loss adventure. Just a theory. I had to make myself go jog today, but when I got back I felt great. Even during, I was more chipper and awake than I have been all day. Right now I'm fighting the urge to eat something. I'm pretty hungry and, as I said, I've been not doing quite as well. This includes not eating after seven. I've also had quite a bit of candy in the last two days. But, what else can I say besides I'll try to do better? I can't say I won't eat candy, but at least I can say I'll try harder.

I've also been doing a lot of outside exercise recently due to the weather. It's really nice and the hills around here are killers. But, I'm trying to go to Savannah, GA as a present to myself for my birthday, so I really want to look a little more healthy. You know, bikini's and shiz.

If anyone out there has a bike they don't want, mine got stolen and I need another form of exercise, so give me yours. Please.

There's a 5k coming up at the end of March I might be interested in. Anyone know of a good way to train for that?

Love and double chins,
MICHELLE

Let's Get Physical!

Let's talk about my workout routine. Usually ( I say usually because I've been off the band wagon), I do some type of activity for thirty minutes at least six times a week. Whether it is walking/slow jogging, doing some kind of aerobic video, or doing circuit training at the gym, I want to do something. Also, I get bored of doing the same excersise over and over again. I like to shake things up.

Speaking of shaking things up, I'm in Athens for the weekend. Today, I went with my mom to her gym to do Zumba. I've done Zumba before and really enjoy it. I loved today too, the only thing is that the room we were in was covered in mirrors. Now, I love to dance and I'm just going to throw this out there--I dance in my apartment by myself if a good song comes on TV or my Itunes. However, my apartment is not covered in mirrors. Neither was the room in the last place I took Zumba. I was a little self-concious today. I know that the other people aren't looking at me because you are too busy watching the instructor to look (and make fun of) other people. I just don't like me looking at me, you get me? Even at the gym there are mirrors for you to watch yourself as you are doing weights. "Why?", I ask.

Anyway, I digress....lately I have been walking a lot. With the weather we've been having, it's almost a sin not to go do something in it. There are two awesome girls from work (Hey Jenny and Angie!) that I walk with at least twice a week at school. I also like to walk at my local park or around my apartment complex. I also tried the workout videos on Netflix that my nemsis (and sister, Michelle) told me about. They are really good and all I have to do is log-on.

Basically, I will try anything once as long as it's a good workout.


I take that back. There is one workout I will not do. I will let the picture talk for itself.

***Weight Loss Update: I have lost 6.8 lbs on Scale Back Alabama. Although I only think that 1.8 lbs count towards the competish. Things are looking up! Or down, hopefully if you are talking about the scale. :)

Love and Love Handles,

Laura

Take that, carbs!

This entry is mostly unimportant and I was going to post it last night, but, as usual, my memory is about the same as a gold fish's memory, I forgot.

Last night, Alyssa and I had laundry to do and we usually go to the laundry mat that is next to a local tex mex/"americana?" restaurant. Before I started my "new lifestyle" (how many times do I use quotes in one day?), I found a burrito they serve there to be AMAZING. It's got all sorts of goodness on the inside and is covered with queso and salsa on the outside. So, knowing these factors, I knew that I could not order this amazing treat without losing myself to guilt and shame...and, let's face it, delicious fattyness. Instead, I ordered the blackened talapia tacos. This entree comes with cole slaw, black beans, and rice. I was apprehensive about the cole slaw, mostly because I know generally what's in it and I don't really like cole slaw, but when my food came out I tried it and it was sooooo good. Knowing that I would probably be eating the cole slaw, I did something surprising. Something I have never done in my lifetime:

I got rid of the taco tortillas and the rice. In the back of my head, I could hear my mother yelling,"WHEAT NOT WHITE, WHITE NOT WHITE!" And knowing that these tortillas were not wheat and the rice was not brown, I gave it away and didn't eat them. Also, I couldn't even eat that much before I got full and had tasty leftovers for lunch.

This may seem like such a small matter to anyone else, but I really felt accomplished. Three or four weeks ago, even the day before yesterday, I wouldn't have been able to do that. It felt really good knowing I can.

Love and wheat,
MICHELLE

The Fat Strikes Back

So, it's time for some discouragement issues. I haven't lost any more poundage. I've been mentioning this to various people who have shown a lot of support and simply give me tips to get through it, but I have found myself unmotivated once again. I haven't eaten an entire gallon of ice cream, yet, so hope is not lost. My friend, Erin, told to weigh myself once a month so that I don't get discouraged so quickly, but this idea makes me a bit nervous. I like to know if what I'm doing is successful, and how can I know if I wait an entire month? But, then again, this might be a better idea seeing as how I'm basically proving her theory by being discouraged right now.

This morning, I made an egg white omelet with these eggs that Alyssa brought home. Apparently, her boss at the barn she works at (she works with dem horses, ya'll) has chickens and she was having too many eggs. I was a bit apprehensive since, well, eggs are supposed to come from a store, right? RIGHT? But, they actually turned out quite nicely and I enjoyed my free chicken eggs.

I'm starting to wonder if maybe the advice to eat whenever I feel hungry was what made me not lose weight. I didn't overeat, mind you, but I ate a little something. I hear that this makes your metabolism faster, but when I wasn't doing that the first two weeks, I actually lost weight. Confusing this all is, people. Confusing. So, if there's anyone out there knowing a good answer, let me know.I burned 800 calories at the gym, and still I am no pound less.

I suppose this means I'm losing the competish so far. I hope Laura worked her buisnass off last week. Someone should have at least lost something, right?

Love and chick flicks,
MICHELLE

Gettin' Crunk

My first question is this: WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?! February is almost gone and the weather is awfully springy. It makes me nervous. The weather here always seems to play tricks on us. But, I digress.

Due to the recent beautiful weather, I have taken to fast pace walking/jogging outside. I live slightly on a mountain (I say slightly because...well, I've seen bigger mountains), so I've been walking up on top of the "mountain" and walking the trail that's on the top. The way up is kind of hard because, obviously, it's uphill, but I cut through this awesome apartment complex that has crazy stairs that lead up to the top. It literally feels as if I'm going back in time to a German village. I love going through it. I'll have to take pictures next time I go. Anyway, so I go up all these stairs and reach the top of the mountain where the trail is. Today was kind of funny because I got stuck behind this rather interesting couple. The girl had fake platinum blonde hair with streaks of blue, striped gloves on, and worn down converses...also, skinny jeans. I immediately loathed her. The guy had longer hair than I do and the entire time he was having to hold his pants up, though not really succeeding because his boxers were visible to me the entire time. His shirt said "SADISTIC MAGICIAN", so, naturally, I followed them into the woods.

The trail itself is a mile long, but by that time I've already gone maybe a mile. It ends on the other side of the mountain and then I have to walk another  mile'ish back to my apartment. I have enjoyed it the past few days. I keep singing,"On top of Red Moooouuuntain, where pollutioniseasierto seeee." (Yes, I live in a polluted city what of it?)

At night, I usually do some pilates exercises (squats, lunges, etc) and 400 crunches. I also bought one of those exercise balls, only to be embarrassed after not realizing that I grabbed one that was for people 5'3" and under...I'm 5'10"...So it looks a bit awkward when I'm on it.

OMGZ I TOTALLY FORGOT A SPECIAL PART OF MY WEEK.

On Wednesday, I, Michelle Bloggerson, got crunk. My friend Caroline brought me to this exercise class at the rec center and it was pretty fun. It's called Crunk class. And yes, we did get crunk. I learned how to shake that thang while also panting and sweating like my dogs. It was funnnnnz.

That's all for now. Still feelin' the good ole burn!

Love and egg whites,
MICHELLE

Are you ready for this?

Just some music to get us pumped up for our competition, seeing as how we started on Monday. Thoughts as we start this thing:

• The other night, I was incredibly hungry. I did not eat, so I was proud of myself. What I did do—bite my nails and chew gum.
• I don’t think I have mentioned this, but I am doing Scale Back Alabama. So far I have lost 4 lbs.
• 4 lbs is one less than Michelle lost in a week. I NEEDZ TO STEP IT UP!
• I had realization on the phone tonight with a friend (Hi Carla!) that while I love reading blogs, I especially love reading blogs about food and recipes. Probably, not a good idea, but not going to quit anytime soon.
• I’ve mentioned this before-but why do my calves burn like rubbing alcohol to an open wound whenever I walk/jog slowly?
• After watching the Grammys, I’ve decided I want Rihanna’s body to replace the current mess I have now. The only way I could have it would be to A) have mucho money B) take that money and a picture of her to a plastic surgeon.
• If I had Rihanna’s body, I promise I would dress it better. Just sayin’ Rhee!
• Found some more healthy recipes, plan on using them when I get paid and can actually shop. (http://www.recipegirl.com/category/recipes/weight-watchers/)
• Grocery shopping because you are cooking more is CRAZY expensive sometimes.
• I need to start using coupons more.
• Read somewhere that New Zealand is one of the healthiest countries in the World. Maybe that will be where I use my plane ticket. Sing it me now “I’ve got the golden ticket! I’ve got a golden chance to make my way (to New Zealand, perhaps).”
• Props if you can name the movie that contains the above quote (sans New Zealand)

Love and Margarine,

Laura

Weekly weigh in

So, the weight is in and I have lost another 5 pounds after week 2. I slacked off a little by eating a little too much chocolate, but I tried to make up for it by doing over a thousand crunches. Alarmed? Don't be. I took breaks in between them so it wasn't as hard as it sounds, but my stomach does feel like a jungle of pain.

Unfortunately, academics has been calling my name the past few days and I haven't been able to write. I did go hiking and it was worthy of a good vlog, but Alyssa forgot the camera (I'm never to blame, of course). But, since I have been busy studying the books, I haven't had as much time to go to the gym. So, along with the thousands of crunches (that's finally not an exaggeration!), I memorized my pilates video and try to do it while studying. Maybe I'll write a book about studying while exercising...for dummies, of course.

The recent craze in my house last week was the low fat berry crepes. These babies are about 106 calories and taste like sugary fruit rolled up in a pancake. I got some lite syrup and put it on them and they were delicious. If you hate regular breakfast food or have to have something sweet after dinner, I recommend these. SO GOOD.

Last night, I had a realization (besides having withdrawals from blogging). I realized that I don't really feel like I'm starving myself or dieting anymore, but the things that I'm doing, like portion control, exercise, etc, feel like something I've done for a longer amount of time than it has been. I hardly think about food as much (and Alyssa has stopped looking like prime rib when I'm extra hungry at night). I will admit that I eat some fruit or a cracker after 7 and I should probably chill out on that, but other than that, I've been doing well not thinking about it.

Now, I've saved the best for last, the competition has started AND MAY THE BEST WIN!

BRING IT, LAURA. YOU ARE GOING DIZOWN!

wake me up before you go go

Does anyone else find it really hard to "diet" when you work at a restaurant? I try really hard not to eat too much of anything fattening, but ugh. What I really want is a large burrito with chips and queso. I went to the grocery store today and bought every fruit ending with berry imaginable (exaggeration...i think) after finding out how little calories they are. I also got oat meal, grits (I love them, don't question), ingredients for spinach lasagna rolls, and tons of other things (I hope, I spent like 70 bucks...what did I get?).

One of my biggest cravings is chocolate, so I've decided to quit milk chocolate and go for dark. It's not as good as my beloved, but it does the trick nonetheless, so I bought some dark chocolate covered espresso beans. I take a few, throw them in the mouth, and go on about my business. This gets rid of my chocolate craving AND I haven't used up too many calories. 

Tomorrow, I'm going hiking, and since it's always humorous to see me hike, I'm going to be vlogging (video blogging) for tomorrow's post. Fingers crossed that I don't trip over a tree root.

Love and aspargus,
MICHELLE

I got 99 problems, but a list ain't one....

Michelle told me to write a top ten list of my favorite songs to listen to while exercising (the demons..kidding!Maybe!). What I require in a song is a good beat and inspiring lyrics; athough these two don’t have to go together to work for me every time (See Animal Collective as an example). At the very least, something that will keep me moving when my calves are burning like the hottest part of the sun and all I want to do is stop.

This list also changes with my moods and the day I listen to them. This list looked a little different when I started on it last week. It changed today when I went walking and it will probably change again the next time I work out.

Anyhoo, may I present….Laura’s Top Ten List of Songs while Exercising (the demons):

1. “99 Problems” by Jay Z.
2. “Dogs Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine
3. “Ramble On” by Led Zepplin
4. “Bulletproof” by La Roux
5. “Good Life” by One Republic
6. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap
7. “Fireworks” by Animal Collective
8. “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
9. “This Too Shall Pass” by OK Go
10. “I’ll Believe in Anything” by Wolf Parade

Peace and Popsicles,

Laura

This is a Test to see if Mom knows what she's doing.

The jury is still out, but just in case I"m going to type something up. I have been in this horrendous class this week. I hate it, don't like it and worst of all, I believe it's a waste of my time and Government money. How they can justify two weeks of this crap is beyond me.

Anyway, it has put a stress on my nerves and I want to eat the left side of the menu which is NOT a good thing. Studies have shown that stress causes you to eat and gain around the middle. I was given an assignment to write this ridiculous paper and will have to present it next Wednesday (can you say 6th grade speech class???). Uhhhhh

I say this to remember when you feel stressed, either go work out as soon as possible or channel the chi (yoga). Stress isn't worth it in the grand scheme of things. Hot tea actually helps as well and it's fat free. No matter how old you are, you will always have some kind of stress in your life, you just have to learn how to deal with it.

I hope this post helps and I hope you have a great day! Love my girls!

little monsters, put your paws up?...seriously?

So, I went to the gym with my friend Caroline tonight. Working out with her goes by so quickly since all we do is talk smack for an hour. Then, we played racquetball for a bit before I went home and had dinner. I am telling you that I had a serving size of whatever it was we ate and I could not finish it. We also had asparagus, but by the time I got down to the last bites,I thought I was going to die I was so full. It was awful. My stomach was hurting so badly.  WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?! I didn't have more than I've been having, so what happened? If anyone has any answers I would love to know, because I'ma need to avoid that for the rest of my life. At least now I know what would happen if I ate a lot like I did just a few weeks ago: severe pain for hours.

The only other thing I have to write about is a question: does ANYONE like the new gaga song?

mmm mmm michelle

So, I'm insanely excited because my bossy boss, Sarah, showed me zis: Skinny Taste. I know I'm not on the weight watchers diet, but these recipes are awesome! I'm going to try and make the potato skins tonight with a side of grilled asperagus. I know whatsup. So far today,  I've had a serving of  Banana nut cheerios, some grapes, blackberries, and egg whites for breakfast. The 8 pack chicken nuggets from Chick Filet (they're 305 calories and addicting...what of it) with a side of a serving size of carrots. It was hard making them taste like fries in my mouth, but I trudged through it.

I got the elliptical machine with the hdtv again! I was on there for a good 55 minutes, burned over 600 calories, and went for almost 4 miles.I felt really good afterward, but now I'm just tired. So, I'm now going to lay on my bootazy and watch TV. Don't judge.


love and low fat food,
MICHELLE

p.s. i'm leaving you with something to make the day better : D

from the bottom: Adalade, Scout (middle), and Maybe (big fluff up top)

It Just Got Real, Y'all

Michelle asked me to blog about my top ten favorite songs to work out to, but instead I’m going to vent. (Sorry, shellbug*, I’ll get to the list next time).

Although the competition (that I’m going to win) hasn’t technically started, I’ve been doing this non-diet for about a month. So….

I’ve had a frustratingly, bad day this week. Who hasn’t had bad days? However, couple that with bad choices here and there…and that leads to either weight gain or no weight loss at all.

That’s what I do. I let life’s little problems (and let’s be honest, they may be annoying and dramatic at the time, but they are insignificant in the long run) get in the way of real change. I could lay blame on a variety of different places, but in the end, I am the only thing standing in the way of me.

Aaaand, I just sounded like a Grey’s Anatomy episode.

So, how do I stop myself?

Pray? Slap myself? Tell myself to get over it?

Or do I just give up completely? Being honest, usually this would be the point in the “diet” where I would give up. Throw up my hands and scream “WORLD, YOU WIN!.”

Except this isn’t a Grey’s Anatomy episode. Bad days happen, good days happen, and amazing days happen and this episode doesn’t end at the sixty minute mark. So, I am not going to stop just because life got annoying for a day. It will be annoying again, but by taking care of myself, I’ve learned that I can make those days better.

In order to do that, sometimes you just have to admit your mistakes and move on. My mistakes being that I made delicious corn flake cookies (like rice crispy treats, but with corn flakes and peanut butter), I went overboard at the Stupid Bowl, and I missed a workout.

There. There it is. Now I’m going to pick myself up and get back on that metaphorical horse.

Also, Michelle has lost 8 lbs, so she is bringing her A-game. What’s a letter better than “A”? I’m bringing that.

Laura

*Michelle’s nickname since she was little. I still call her that even though she’s in college.

do you belieeeeve in life after love?(food)

Before mentioning anything else, I have to say (because there are those out there that don't notice the username after a post...SARAH), this is Michelle writing this. Laura has written two under the username McBridesMaid and our mother has posted as Mom. Perhaps we should mention our names in our posts, but we're a little more preoccupied with other things, like...

KICKBOXING WORKOUT DVD ON NETFLIX INSTANT OMGZ.(And gyming, not eating, etc).

So, today was my workout dvd day on Netflix and I decided to go ahead and do the first one I did, Fat Burning Pilates, because it hurt me and I want to hurt it back. Actually, I really am sore from Monday when I did it the first time. AND THEN, I found another dvd. It's called 10 Minute Solutation: Kickboxing Bootcamp. There are 5 ten minute workouts on here consisting of different things that center on different parts of the body. I did basic training and it felt pretty good. I was already hurting from the Pilates before this one or I would have done another one, but it gets intense later on. I recommend it. Netflix instant has other 10 minute solution videos that I will be trying in the coming weeks, so PAY ATTENTION TO THAT.

Do you feel like I yell at you a lot? Well, that's either 1)me cracked out on my own energy or 2) I WANT TO EAT SO BADLY.

I can feel myself starting to crack a bit. At work today, I was so close to eating chips and queso. I know I said that I'll eat whatever as long as it's in small amounts, but I cannot start eating chips and queso. It is a weakness that, if started, will not stop. Whenever I feel extra hungry, I am so close to wanting to give up. I've gotten a lot of great feedback that makes me feel so good, and that is an extremely large part to why I've been trying so hard. I also feel a lot happier and energetic, but then I think about a chicken fanger plate from my fav. chinger fanger joint and my mouth literally effing waters. I hate it. I've been doing pretty well not thinking about it for a week now, but last night almost got to me.

And on that note, it seems the weight loss bug has been spreading. My bosses at work are in their own competish and I'm excited to see who wins. Laura and I will start ours in 6 days and counting, so mark your calendars and pick a side (as in mine), because one will lose (as in Laura).

Tonight, I'm going to try the potato tortilla. I tried making it Monday night, but it wasn't the exact way I wanted, but tonight I will hopefully get it right. I'll keep you posted.

love and glutes,
MICHELLE

Never too old to notice a butt like that

So, this morning, I had an exciting start to my day. I've lost 8 pounds since I started this a week ago! I now that it won't be that much every week...as in, it probably won't even be NEAR that much every week, but I'm enjoying the moment.

My awesome friend Letty helped motivate me into working out yesterday when I really didn't feel like it. It was rainy and cold outside and I had planned to go to the gym, but once it came time to, I just didn't have it in me. So, she told me about these work out videos on Netflix instant play. It's not like a library full of work out tapes, but it's got a few good ones. The one I did was called Fat Burning Pilates and I thought,"Yeah, okay, but I'll probably not get enough from it and still have to go to the gym."

uh...no. I was mistaken. I could hardly move my legs this morning. But it was pretty awesome!

Today, I finally got an elliptical machine with an hdtv attached to it. It probably sounds sad how much I enjoyed having that one, but I stayed on it for almost an hour and the time went by really quickly. When I was done, there was a trainer talking to a girl in front of me and he was like,"Okay, let's do some stretches!" So, they start stretching and all you can hear is him going,"Ahhh...that's it...oh yeah, that's a good spot, right? oh yes." I let a few giggles escape and the old woman next to me goes,"Oh Lord, give me a trainer like that one!"

And that's the end of my post today. You're welcome.

Morning Glory

I am not a morning person. I naturally don’t wake up until around 9. Due to my job, I have to get up around 5:30. Then, I hit snooze and actually get up at 5:45 when my alarm goes off again. I don’t talk until I get to work, so needless to say, I’m not hungry that early in the morning either.

Therefore, fore with, and how fore, breakfast is not my favorite meal of the day. The foods you have for breakfast are not my favorite and I’m just not in the mood for it. But what is the most important meal of the day? Say it with me people: BREAKFAST! One of my doctors told me one time that I should eat like a king (or queen) for breakfast, a prince(ss) for lunch and a peasant for dinner. Yeah, I’m more of the opposite. I just like dinner food better.

So Sunday morning I’m trying to eat good stuff for breakfast and it totally blows up in my face. A name brand yogurt that will remain nameless because I don’t want to get sued (but let’s just say has a familiar celebrity spokes person if you like horror films) has a cherry flavor with 20 grams of sugar!!!!!!!!! Per serving. Doctors say you should get 40g of sugar on a 1600 cal diet.*I should have known, because that first bite tasted AWESOME! Of course, I didn’t look at the nutrition label before I bought it. I just thought it would be good for me to eat and didn’t think that it would have double the amount of sugar that a regular human is supposed to have in a day. Lesson learned: Always check out the nutrition label, even if you think something is “healthy.”

I think what I’m going to have to do is start actually getting up at 5:30 (Gasp!) and making myself breakfast. I’m going to copy Michelle and start making oatmeal. I’m going to mix in some low fat peanut butter to add taste (I don’t believe oatmeal has any) and some protein. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Now for something completely different----Michelle and I have decided to make this somewhat of a competish. She who loses the most gets some sort of prize. We just decided today that whoever loses the most by February 14^th, 2012 receives a plane ticket to wherever she wants to go. However, we can’t go over $400. We both love to travel, so this is perfect for us. Sadly, it would also take us a year to save $400. We will also check in each week to see how each other is doing. That being said, our family is very competitive. Don’t play rook with us and don’t come watch an Alabama football game with us. So, there’s no way I’m letting my baby sister win this.

I’ve got my game face on!!!!

*My source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/reduce-your-sugar-intake-0

Weekly top 10

LOOK AT THESE PANTS OMGZ

I've decided to start a weekly top ten. I already see this ending in two weeks since I'm not good at thinking, but YOU GET TOP 10 THIS WEEK.

Okay, to start off my weekly top ten, which I will
be doing every Monday (until I run out of things
to top 10), I am starting this shebang off by doing
my Top 10 songs to exercise to. I'm hoping
my lovely sister will read this and do it, too, but..
it's Laura.

(in no particular order)
1. "Help I'm Alive" by Metric
2. "Psychic City" by YACHT
3. "Shutterbug" by Big Boi
4. "The Girl and the Robot" by Royksopp (ft. Robyn).
5. "DARE" by Gorillaz
6. "Riot Rhythm" by Sleigh Bells (and most of their other songs).
7. "Black Sheep" by Metric
8. "Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine
9. "Phenomena" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
10. "We Don't Want Your Body" by Stars

I want to know what you listen to when you work out! (or even just what makes you shake that thang).

One last thing before I go, Laura and I are desperate for ideas for a prize for the winner of our weight loss tournament of champions. We're starting it a week from today so please give us ideas!

p.s. my friend sent me a link to this and I thought it was pretty cool. You should check it out Marks Daily Apple

CLICK THIS SU BUTTON TO PUT US ON STUMBLEUPON. DO IT. RIGHT NOW.

Superrrrbowl!

Happy Super Bowl the (what number is it?)! Somehow, I woke up at around 8:30 this morning and, for anyone who knows me well, this is not something I ever accomplish. And I'm also extremely awake! I think I've had this much energy before...when I was 9.

As I'm sure most people in America are, I am going to a Super Bowl get togetha, and the food of course will not exactly be at the top of a Weight Watchers list. So, I've devised a little plan for today so that I can still eat the food I want tonight. So far, for breakfast, I've had half of a delicious blueberry bagel. Now, normally, if you eat the entire bagel (at least this brand), it's around 270 caloriese and, since I HAVE to have cream cheese, it'll be almost 300. This normally isn't a very big deal, but since I do plan on eating Super Bowl food tonight, I have to keep it light (it even rhymes). Half the bagel is obviously 140, and then I had half a tbsp. of cream cheese (the serving size is 2 tbsp. 30 calories). Then, the most tasty part, I had a yoplait light white chocolate strawberry yogurt. SO GOOD. So, instead of almost 400 calories, I've topped out at 250 for the morning.

Since I have to work, I won't get to snack, so I've planned to have a light lunch at work and wait it out until tonight. The last time I watched the Super Bowl, Janet Jackson showed her nickels*. I was at my youth pastor's house...you can probably see how awkward this was.

Last night, Laura sent me an awesome looking recipe from Food Librarian called the Basque Potato Tortilla. Since it was taken from a book, I had to google the actual recipe and, though I'm sure it still may be different, it's as close as I've got at the moment. I'll definitely save more on that for later when I actually make it, but I felt it necessary to go ahead and share it. Let me know if you make it before I do!

Laura and I came up with the idea of making our weight loss a contest. We couldn't figure out a prize, though...maybe you could! Leave us a comment or send us a message on facebook and let us know. The best idea we had was $100...not a nail biter, right?

Have a good Super Bowl Sunday and pray for me as I try not to eat my weight in chips and dip (or burgers, fries, wings, pigs in a blanket, other various football food). I'll mostly be watching for the commercials (and the girl from Glee).

*Nickels is obviously the replacement for...no, I can't say it. It rhymes with ripple. And I absolutely hate the word. HATE IT.

"Big Mama"

While I am not near as eloquent as my two beautiful daughters, I will attempt to share my problems with weight gain/loss. My parents were both very health conscious, my dad extremely athletic. I grew up believing I was overweight, but when I go back and look at pictures, I would give anything to look like that now. Mom and Dad were really ahead of their time - they kept us busy doing "athletic"things - throwing a frisbee, shooting basketball, playing softball, etc. My brother who is 6'5" never had a weight problem and was the golden-haired child (the star of basketball and baseball, not to mention honor student).
I believe I got my love for food from my Mee-Maw. She was an awesome cook and I can see the "Lard" bucket right now in my mind. She believed in having something sweet after every meal. I don't remember there ever being any fruit unless you count fruitcake at Christmas. They did grow watermelons, but I couldn't eat them (yuck).
I have battled weight gain my whole life and need support as well. Let's all get together and help each other through this journey. I know they say the formula is easy - burn off more calories than you eat, but it's easier said than done when you have to work and by the time you get home, you are exhausted. Working out in the morning is out of the question as I have to be at work at 6:30.
Right now, I am working out at the wellness center and loving Zumba classes. It's my favorite. I have the tools, now I just have to get to work. :-)

I AM SO PROUD OF MY TWO BABIES for doing this - you are both amazing!!

This is Just My Motivation...Running Away With Me!

“Always a bridesmaids, never a bride.” “Three times a bridesmaid….” Blah, blah, blah.

This June will mark the third time I have the privilege of standing up and supporting a great friend in her wedding. My fourth time will be next year. I don’t believe in the stupid sayings, because unlike most people, I love weddings! I love the tradition and the love that goes into this day that represents these two people who are (hopefully) made for each other. And a great reception doesn’t hurt either

Although this day is so far from being about me, let me be truthful in saying that I am, as of right now, making it about me. Mostly because I do not want to stick out like a sore thumb on the best day of my friend’s life.

I’ve always been a “big girl”-- A term I hate. There are currently no terms that could describe me that I would say I love (“heavy” would be another one). Right now, I look like the “big girl” in the beautiful bridesmaid dress. All the other bridesmaids are cute and tiny, like little Tinker Bells. I’m going to look like the Jolly Green next to them.

So, this is my motivation---to NOT look like a Jolly Giant next to all the cute, petite fairies around me. Yes, I want to ultimately be healthy and live a long life. But I reeeeallly want to look good in that dress. I have to take one step at a time or I tend to burn out. Believe me when I say this—I have been on diets since I have been in 6th grade and when they would tell me how much I needed to lose in the long run, I probably gave up then and there. The wedding is my short term goal. After June 25th, we’ll see what happens next.

I’m not on any kind of specific diet, per se. I’m writing down everything I eat. I’m exercising (which is a big deal for me). I’m cooking at home and not eating out a lot (let it be known that I’m probably a wee bit addicted to fast food). What’s most important is that I have help. I’m not an “ask for help” kind of person, but I’m working out with friends, which is so much more fun than by yourself. Oh, and this awesome blog that my sister came up with and asked me to co-author.

HOT BRIDESMAID DRESS, HERE I COME!!!!!!

Step 1-Admitting there's a problem

My name is Michelle and I am a foodaholic. I'm 21 years old, in college, and muffin topping my pants.

The following is a list I have compiled showing the factors in which I have diagnosed myself:
1. I eat when I'm bored
2. I eat when I'm sad
3. I eat when the TV is on
4. I eat when I'm mad
5. I finish my plate NO MATTER WHAT.
6. I give pmsing as an excuse to eat multiple chocolate deserts.
7. I sneak food from my signifcant other (I even say I haven't eaten dinner when, yes, that last snack from Zaxby's probably should have counted).
8. When someone eats in front of me, whether I've eaten or not, I froth at the mouth like a rabid animal. 
(tune in for more on this list as it develops)

I stepped on my handy scale last Sunday afternoon thinking,"I highly doubt I've gained THAT much." Oh, how the scale can be such a stupid beyonce*.  So, on Monday morning I woke up determined (and a little doubtful) that I could lose weight my own way. And, unfortunately for my addiction, that's what I plan to do.

Me on the left, Laura on the right. Thanks blender for hiding the gut

First things first: a plan. The one thing I know for sure is that no commercialized diet has ever helped me cure the itch. Sure, they might have worked for a few months, but after I would lose a good amount, I felt it was okay to "cheat". And so cheating became a long lasting affair and, needless to say, diet and I separated. I won't list any names as I'm sure there are diets out there that work for different people. I commend you for this as I am immensely jealous of you, but lend an ear (or an eye) and hear me out. A diet may be a good solution to lose weight, but is it something that, after weight lost, is long lasting? What I need is not a diet, but a lifestyle change. A lifestyle of portion control and calorie counting (and skinny jeans). I won't dare to limit myself and what foods to eat, but when I crave food that I gain weight just looking at, I will only have a small portion of it and move on. Oh, and one more thing, I won't eat after 7.
 

Technically, my day 1 was Monday, but seeing as how I don't actually feel like writing down everything I've done or eaten, we'll call this Day (blog) 1. This morning I had a bowl of oat meal with milk at around 9:30. Around 11:45, I had little pack of peanut butter crackers. I went to the gym and burned over 600 calories, played basketball with a friend, and had a 6inch veggie delight from subway.These are really good with mustard and light mayo if you need the mayo. It's about 230 calories and tastes like a salad in a sandwich.
The only drink I've had in the past four days is water. I know that it's not the only thing out there, but it's easy, free, and comes right out of the sink. Now, even though I did get a bag of baked chips, I felt too full to eat them, so I'm saving them for another time.

As for how I feel, I feel great. I have a lot more energy, I pee a lot, and it isn't quite as hard to suck in my stomach. But, here's the thing, I have a very old track record of starting things and quitting them shortly after. So, my biggest plan is to not think too much into this, but take it a day at a time. Let's not beat ourselves up over one day of indulgence, but celebrate it by working a little harder the next day.

More to come tomorrow and feel free to share your plans!




Beyonce* is a word I've come to use in place of the B word. Pay close attention to more slang since I'm a huge fan of it.