Hey Skinnies -
I ran across these healthy dessert ideas in a magazine article I clipped back in 1998.
(Yes...I've been working on weight control for a l-o-n-g time...)
But these are great ideas! You can have ONE of these 100-calorie treats each day.
100 calories:
1/2 cup fat-free frozen yogurt
1 slice crumb cake (1 oz)
1 graham cracker topped with 1 1/2 tsp peanut butter & 1 tsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 slice fat-free poundcake (1.2 oz) topped w/ 1 fresh strawberry & 2 tsp strawberry jam
50 calories:
12 chocolate-covered raisins
250 calories:
(For a little splurge on the weekend)
Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich:
scoop 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream between two 3-inch store-bought oatmeal cookies
1 Chocolate Eclair
And here are a few more ideas...
50 calories or less...
12 jelly beans
1 frozen fruit-juice bar
1 1/2 pieces red stick licorice
2 small lollipops
2 hard butterscotch candies
1/3 cup caramel popcorn
1 packaged chocolate-chip cookie (2 inches across)
5 small chocolate-covered mints
100 calories or less...
4 chocolate kisses
3 chocolate graham crackers
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla pudding
1 frozen fudge bar
3 chewy caramel candies
1 fat-free chocolate-coated frozen yogurt bar
2 vanilla sandwich cookies
1 low-fat almond-flavored biscotti (small)
250 calories or less...
1 fudge brownie (1 1/2 x 3 inches)
1 cup raspberry sorbet
1/2 cup premium chocolate ice cream
1/18 of a 9-inch chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting
22 chocolate-coated peanut candies
1 vanilla milk shake (7 oz.)
1 hot cinnamon roll (2.3 oz.)
2 large peanut butter cups
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Kathy Week 57: Play Day
Slept in 'till 8:30 this morning!!
Amazing. During the week the alarm clock goes off at 5:15 am, and so I almost never sleep past 6:30 on weekends. I guess my body needed the rest--I've been feeling a little sleep-deprived the last few days, and oh, what a luxury to get to sleep longer. There's quite a bit of research that connects getting enough sleep with losing weight in healthy ways. If you're stuck on the scale, you might try heading to bed a little earlier!
Speaking of scales...
I had some happy news at the scale this morning: 134.
(Last two weeks I was at 135.)
Running report: Yes, I ran 1.5 miles 3x last week.
I'm aiming to run 1.75 miles 3x in the coming week.
My knees are a little tender, so I think I'll go back to running at the track for the coming week. It has that nice rubbery surface, which is more gentle for the joints. I enjoy the variety and views of running on streets, but I need to be kinder to my middle-aged body for a bit.
Since we were already way past breakfast time, Mark and I decided to go for a little breakfast date. We headed for a local path along the Willamette River, with a nearby McDonald's as our destination.
The local sternwheeler tied up at dock.
Fishermen out on the river.
The boat dock.
Ready for breakfast!
(We ran into some longtime friends, also out for breakfast, at McDonald's. Thanks, Edria, for snapping the photo!)
At McDonald's I enjoyed a yummy bacon/cheese/egg biscuit (420 calories) and milk (100 calories). They have a pamphlet that lists all of their nutrition info. Mark tried their new oatmeal, which is actually quite tasty (yes, I snagged a couple of bites), and at only 290 calories and 5 grams of fiber, I plan to select that for my breakfast next time we head to the golden arches. I usually grab an Egg McMuffin (300 calories), but I like the fiber options with the oatmeal.
Our walk to McDonald's and back to the car was 1.3 miles of beautiful river view. Before heading home, we stopped off at Spicer's to load up on produce. Love the funky feel and beautiful produce selections of this little produce store.
Have a great week, Skinny friends!
My advice to all of us this week:
Get enough sleep
Eat lots of healthy produce
Get some exercise
And remember to get out and play with your friends/honey/kids, too!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Katie: Week 57 Confessions and A Re-Start
Ok, so I'm posting a little late this week. And--oh my...
Current weight (Week 55): 138 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 135 pounds
Total weight loss: 32 pounds
Part 1: The Confession:
Hello. My name is Katie. And I am addicted to food. Especially sweets.
I know, I know, we all joke about using a line like that. But, for the most part here, I'm being serious.
Some of you may already know this, but my husband and I are also addicted to West Wing. It's a TV show from the 90's about the inter workings of the west wing of the White House. Neither of us watched an episode when it aired on television, but we now own the first four seasons on DVD. And it's actually kind of funny that Bryan and I are so into this show because it's super political and neither of us are really all that into politics. But it also happens to be very well written and--most of the time--pretty funny. So anyway, we watch a lot of West Wing.
And there's this one episode where one of the characters is talking about his addiction to alcohol. And he says something like, "I don't understand people who can just have one drink. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to keep feeling this way. It's not a matter of smart and stupid. I'm addicted." (And for those of us with morals out there, I'll just add that he doesn't say this to justify continuing his habit. He just says it when he's trying to explain how he used to be.)
Anyway, back to what he said. When I watched this episode for the first time I couldn't help but think, "That's how I feel about brownies!" And then, the moment after I'd had that thought, I recoiled. Really? That's how I feel about brownies? It startled me, but it's true. I really can't understand people who just want one brownie. Or one cookie. Or one helping of a dinner that tastes so good. Even if I know my body doesn't need anymore, I just want to keep tasting that good food.
Then, when I was at my in-laws' house for Christmas I was reading a copy of Prevention magazine and it was talking about a study that somebody had done recently to prove that people really can be addicted to sugar the same way that people can be addicted to other things. And, reading this, my initial thoughts from that episode of West Wing came back to me. Is it true? Am I really addicted to food, especially sugary foods? Yes, I think so.
Part 2: The Re-Start
I had let myself relax on my health goals over the holidays. And I guess I just kept thinking that I would automatically feel motivated to jump right back into my goals again the moment we got back home. But I didn't. And I kept waiting to feel motivated. And I haven't.
Even my sad attempt at doing something (making homemade meals) last week didn't really pan out to be all that helpful. Mainly because I kept making sweets and meals with a lot of meat. No good, no good.
So, last night as I was getting ready for bed and thinking about how my tummy just keeps getting bigger and how I do not want to completely regress, I decided it was time to get back into the swing of things even thought I still don't really feel all that motivated. So, last night, I wrote down some things on the old goals chart again. And I wrote down some goals. And this morning I started entering everything into MyFitnessPal.com again. Sigh.
I know that these are good things, but I think I've been having a harder time getting super motivated this time around because it's beginning to set in more and more (especially with my recent weight gain just in the past week) that if I'm really going to reach and maintain my goal weight, I'm going to have to make permanent life changes, and not just stick with things for a few months.
Anyway, my goals are super exciting, but one other thing I wanted to mention was that in the article I was reading in that Prevention magazine it talked about ways to combat sugar addiction. And one thing it said is that, when we eat something sugary, our bodies want more of that. But if we hold off on sugar for a few days, it gets out of our blood stream and then we don't want it so badly. And I know that entering everything into MyFitnessPal is always a sure way to get me to majorly cut down on treats, so I'm going to be cutting way back on the sweets.
And I had a friend mention to me the other day that she's made a lot of progress in her fitness goals simply by cutting out dairy (she's lactose intolerant anyway, she says) and red meat. I don't think I'm ready to fully cut out either, but I have been thinking a lot since my conversation with my friend about not eating so much red meat. And, to help with that, I bought some chicken breasts on a great sale the other day.
But... uhh... here's the thing. I don't really have any great (and healthy) chicken recipes up my sleeve. Any great ideas? (Easy ones, please? Especially crock pot meals?)
Anyway, I'm still feeling pretty blah, but I do want to move forward rather than backward. Any encouragement you have to offer would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone.
Current weight (Week 55): 138 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 135 pounds
Total weight loss: 32 pounds
Part 1: The Confession:
Hello. My name is Katie. And I am addicted to food. Especially sweets.
I know, I know, we all joke about using a line like that. But, for the most part here, I'm being serious.
Some of you may already know this, but my husband and I are also addicted to West Wing. It's a TV show from the 90's about the inter workings of the west wing of the White House. Neither of us watched an episode when it aired on television, but we now own the first four seasons on DVD. And it's actually kind of funny that Bryan and I are so into this show because it's super political and neither of us are really all that into politics. But it also happens to be very well written and--most of the time--pretty funny. So anyway, we watch a lot of West Wing.
And there's this one episode where one of the characters is talking about his addiction to alcohol. And he says something like, "I don't understand people who can just have one drink. I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to keep feeling this way. It's not a matter of smart and stupid. I'm addicted." (And for those of us with morals out there, I'll just add that he doesn't say this to justify continuing his habit. He just says it when he's trying to explain how he used to be.)
Anyway, back to what he said. When I watched this episode for the first time I couldn't help but think, "That's how I feel about brownies!" And then, the moment after I'd had that thought, I recoiled. Really? That's how I feel about brownies? It startled me, but it's true. I really can't understand people who just want one brownie. Or one cookie. Or one helping of a dinner that tastes so good. Even if I know my body doesn't need anymore, I just want to keep tasting that good food.
Then, when I was at my in-laws' house for Christmas I was reading a copy of Prevention magazine and it was talking about a study that somebody had done recently to prove that people really can be addicted to sugar the same way that people can be addicted to other things. And, reading this, my initial thoughts from that episode of West Wing came back to me. Is it true? Am I really addicted to food, especially sugary foods? Yes, I think so.
Part 2: The Re-Start
I had let myself relax on my health goals over the holidays. And I guess I just kept thinking that I would automatically feel motivated to jump right back into my goals again the moment we got back home. But I didn't. And I kept waiting to feel motivated. And I haven't.
Even my sad attempt at doing something (making homemade meals) last week didn't really pan out to be all that helpful. Mainly because I kept making sweets and meals with a lot of meat. No good, no good.
So, last night as I was getting ready for bed and thinking about how my tummy just keeps getting bigger and how I do not want to completely regress, I decided it was time to get back into the swing of things even thought I still don't really feel all that motivated. So, last night, I wrote down some things on the old goals chart again. And I wrote down some goals. And this morning I started entering everything into MyFitnessPal.com again. Sigh.
I know that these are good things, but I think I've been having a harder time getting super motivated this time around because it's beginning to set in more and more (especially with my recent weight gain just in the past week) that if I'm really going to reach and maintain my goal weight, I'm going to have to make permanent life changes, and not just stick with things for a few months.
Anyway, my goals are super exciting, but one other thing I wanted to mention was that in the article I was reading in that Prevention magazine it talked about ways to combat sugar addiction. And one thing it said is that, when we eat something sugary, our bodies want more of that. But if we hold off on sugar for a few days, it gets out of our blood stream and then we don't want it so badly. And I know that entering everything into MyFitnessPal is always a sure way to get me to majorly cut down on treats, so I'm going to be cutting way back on the sweets.
And I had a friend mention to me the other day that she's made a lot of progress in her fitness goals simply by cutting out dairy (she's lactose intolerant anyway, she says) and red meat. I don't think I'm ready to fully cut out either, but I have been thinking a lot since my conversation with my friend about not eating so much red meat. And, to help with that, I bought some chicken breasts on a great sale the other day.
But... uhh... here's the thing. I don't really have any great (and healthy) chicken recipes up my sleeve. Any great ideas? (Easy ones, please? Especially crock pot meals?)
Anyway, I'm still feeling pretty blah, but I do want to move forward rather than backward. Any encouragement you have to offer would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Kathy Week 56:
Good morning, Skinny Friends!
Today's weight...same as last week...135.
(But since the scale tipped up to 136 for a couple of mornings this week, I guess I'm not complaining.)
Ok, so the weight thing is boring. But I am very happy to say that I feel a little stronger in my running today than I did a week ago.
I ran 3 times again this week. Ran 1.2 miles each time, according to mapmyrun.com.
Instead of running to the nearby track (lots of rain this week = mushy muddy path), I ran on sidewalks to the nearby elementary school and back. It was nice to have streetlights in the evening.
Which brings me to a question: AM or PM?
What is the best time of day to run?
Haha - just asking that question, I know the answer:
Whenever you WILL run.
But I have been thinking about this. Some days, I run first thing in the morning. When I do that, I have more energy after I get home, and I seem to get more done during the day. Other days, I run in the evening. When I do that, I have more energy as I'm running; my form is better, I just feel like I'm a better runner, and I enjoy the running a little more.
Does anyone have any advice on this for me?
It was on one of those evenings that I was running this week, enjoying the feel of my body moving, thinking about becoming a runner this year, I decided: IT'S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR A RACE.
Yes, I did it! I signed up for a 5K race in April!
(I found it by going to this website and entering the info for location and type of race.)
After looking through the list on Running World's website, I thought that Running for Risa, on April 23, sounded just right for my first race. (Any of you Portland-area locals want to run it with me?)
Alex and Emily were right when they posted on The Skinny last year about this time and said that signing up for a race helps you stay motivated. So true! Now I feel like I have a motivation to prepare for the race. I need to keep running, adding a little to my distance each week, and I need to address my eating habits, which have backslid into some sloppy tendencies over the holidays.
Now that I've signed up for my very first 5K ever, here are my training goals:
1. Continue running 3x per week. This week I'll be running 1.5 miles on 3 different days.
2. Walk the running distance (1.5 miles...or more...) 2x per week.
3. Track my meals/calories on myfitnesspal.com again. Sigh. I wish I were perfect, and could eat just the right amounts of very healthy foods without having to track what I eat. But I'm not. At least not yet. So in the meantime, I'm just going to be very grateful for quick and easy tools that make it simple to behave myself.
Ok, Skinny Friends, I think that's all for today. I welcome your advice and encouragement, and I'm sending it right back atcha!
The days are getting longer, and spring will be here before we know it.
Whatever your goals are for health and fitness in 2011, you CAN do it!
Today's weight...same as last week...135.
(But since the scale tipped up to 136 for a couple of mornings this week, I guess I'm not complaining.)
Ok, so the weight thing is boring. But I am very happy to say that I feel a little stronger in my running today than I did a week ago.
I ran 3 times again this week. Ran 1.2 miles each time, according to mapmyrun.com.
Instead of running to the nearby track (lots of rain this week = mushy muddy path), I ran on sidewalks to the nearby elementary school and back. It was nice to have streetlights in the evening.
Which brings me to a question: AM or PM?
What is the best time of day to run?
Haha - just asking that question, I know the answer:
Whenever you WILL run.
But I have been thinking about this. Some days, I run first thing in the morning. When I do that, I have more energy after I get home, and I seem to get more done during the day. Other days, I run in the evening. When I do that, I have more energy as I'm running; my form is better, I just feel like I'm a better runner, and I enjoy the running a little more.
Does anyone have any advice on this for me?
It was on one of those evenings that I was running this week, enjoying the feel of my body moving, thinking about becoming a runner this year, I decided: IT'S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR A RACE.
Yes, I did it! I signed up for a 5K race in April!
(I found it by going to this website and entering the info for location and type of race.)
After looking through the list on Running World's website, I thought that Running for Risa, on April 23, sounded just right for my first race. (Any of you Portland-area locals want to run it with me?)
Alex and Emily were right when they posted on The Skinny last year about this time and said that signing up for a race helps you stay motivated. So true! Now I feel like I have a motivation to prepare for the race. I need to keep running, adding a little to my distance each week, and I need to address my eating habits, which have backslid into some sloppy tendencies over the holidays.
Now that I've signed up for my very first 5K ever, here are my training goals:
1. Continue running 3x per week. This week I'll be running 1.5 miles on 3 different days.
2. Walk the running distance (1.5 miles...or more...) 2x per week.
3. Track my meals/calories on myfitnesspal.com again. Sigh. I wish I were perfect, and could eat just the right amounts of very healthy foods without having to track what I eat. But I'm not. At least not yet. So in the meantime, I'm just going to be very grateful for quick and easy tools that make it simple to behave myself.
Ok, Skinny Friends, I think that's all for today. I welcome your advice and encouragement, and I'm sending it right back atcha!
The days are getting longer, and spring will be here before we know it.
Whatever your goals are for health and fitness in 2011, you CAN do it!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Blueberry Raspberry Whole Wheat Oatmeal Muffins
Like I said in my last post, I got the urge to make muffins this morning. And, despite (or because of?) a minor miscalculation on my part, they turned out REALLY good. And not just like "they're pretty good for being healthy muffins," but like, "I'd want to eat ten of these even if I didn't know they were only made with wheat flour." Want to make some too? Here we go...
Blueberry Raspberry Whole Wheat Oatmeal Muffins
(recipe adapted from the basic muffin recipe in Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, pg. 115)
Ingredients:
Combine whole wheat flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Once ingredients are combined, make a well in the center.
In another bowl (I do it in my 2 cup measuring cup so I can measure my ingredients and then I don't have to get another bowl dirty) combine milk, oil, and egg. Pour all at once into the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
Mix in blueberries and raspberries (no need to thaw, if frozen).
Spoon muffin batter into 12 lined or greased muffin cups.
Bake for 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Mmmmm. Try not to eat too many. ;)
I'll admit that I kind of messed up. I meant to do half white flour and half wheat flour, but I miscalculated (story of my life) and realized that I had added the entire amount of flour after I finished adding the wheat flour, so I figured I'd just see how things turned out. And they turned out great! Really--so, so yummy.
Olivia and I already shared 4. (eek!) :)
Blueberry Raspberry Whole Wheat Oatmeal Muffins
(recipe adapted from the basic muffin recipe in Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, pg. 115)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats*
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 beaten egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 3/4 cup frozen (or fresh) raspberries and blueberries
Combine whole wheat flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Once ingredients are combined, make a well in the center.
In another bowl (I do it in my 2 cup measuring cup so I can measure my ingredients and then I don't have to get another bowl dirty) combine milk, oil, and egg. Pour all at once into the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
Mix in blueberries and raspberries (no need to thaw, if frozen).
Spoon muffin batter into 12 lined or greased muffin cups.
Bake for 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
I'll admit that I kind of messed up. I meant to do half white flour and half wheat flour, but I miscalculated (story of my life) and realized that I had added the entire amount of flour after I finished adding the wheat flour, so I figured I'd just see how things turned out. And they turned out great! Really--so, so yummy.
Olivia and I already shared 4. (eek!) :)
Enjoy!
Katie: Week 56-- A new goal
Could the title of this post possibly be any longer?...
Current weight (Week 55): 135 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 136 pounds
Total weight loss: 35 pounds
Blah. That is how I've been feeling about weight loss. And eating healthy. And remembering to weigh myself. Which is why I didn't check in yesterday. I just forgot to weigh myself in the morning. Lame, right? Right.
I've had a hard time getting back into the swing of healthy living since we got back from Christmas vacation. And then we had a big family wedding (Yay Lisa!). And then Bryan started a new semester. So things were just kind of crazy. Now life has settled down a lot, but I've still been feeling blah about healthy living. And a big part of that was due to the super cold weather we were having. (See last week's post for more whining about that.) So I haven't wanted to set goals for going running or going on outside walks since I know I'd be frustrated and stressed if I couldn't meet the goals due to bad weather. Aaaaaanyway, I've been due for a goal. And this morning I thought of one. And I'm actually pretty excited about it.
I'm going to make things from scratch this week.
I'm not generally the kind of person who just loves to cook. I don't look up new recipes. I don't try new ingredients. Out of necessity, I cook the same five meals all the time. And since I get sick of those meals I don't cook all the time. And--ahem--we've been having a lot of store-bought cookies lately. (Sheepish face) So it was a little strange when I suddenly got the urge this morning to bake muffins, but I decided to go with it. And it was while I was mixing up muffins that I decided to make things from scratch this week.
Oh, I'm sure there will be plenty of things I eat that I don't make from scratch, but my goal here is to eat meals prepared at home. And I figure that, this way, if I want some cookies then at least I have to want them badly enough to make them. And I can make them with whole wheat flour. And there's no way they will be as bad as the store-bought cookies we've been eating. (Heh heh...)
So, to make it all happen, I've already made a batch of SUPER yummy muffins (I'll share the recipe for that in an upcoming post, hopefully later today if my internet connection will stop going on the fritz.). And I planned out a couple of meals and went grocery shopping. And I bought bread flour. Yes, I'm going to attempt making bread again. Or at least I'm telling myself that I will.
And you know what? I'm excited about it. And that's the first weight-loss/ healthy living thing I've been excited about since we got back from Christmas break. So, while it's not quite the same as counting calories and running three times a week, it's a start. And that's important.
Anyway, I'll try to share recipes I try this week as often as I can. Even if they're just the same ol' same ol' ones I always make. Wish me luck! :)
Current weight (Week 55): 135 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 136 pounds
Total weight loss: 35 pounds
Blah. That is how I've been feeling about weight loss. And eating healthy. And remembering to weigh myself. Which is why I didn't check in yesterday. I just forgot to weigh myself in the morning. Lame, right? Right.
I've had a hard time getting back into the swing of healthy living since we got back from Christmas vacation. And then we had a big family wedding (Yay Lisa!). And then Bryan started a new semester. So things were just kind of crazy. Now life has settled down a lot, but I've still been feeling blah about healthy living. And a big part of that was due to the super cold weather we were having. (See last week's post for more whining about that.) So I haven't wanted to set goals for going running or going on outside walks since I know I'd be frustrated and stressed if I couldn't meet the goals due to bad weather. Aaaaaanyway, I've been due for a goal. And this morning I thought of one. And I'm actually pretty excited about it.
I'm going to make things from scratch this week.
I'm not generally the kind of person who just loves to cook. I don't look up new recipes. I don't try new ingredients. Out of necessity, I cook the same five meals all the time. And since I get sick of those meals I don't cook all the time. And--ahem--we've been having a lot of store-bought cookies lately. (Sheepish face) So it was a little strange when I suddenly got the urge this morning to bake muffins, but I decided to go with it. And it was while I was mixing up muffins that I decided to make things from scratch this week.
Oh, I'm sure there will be plenty of things I eat that I don't make from scratch, but my goal here is to eat meals prepared at home. And I figure that, this way, if I want some cookies then at least I have to want them badly enough to make them. And I can make them with whole wheat flour. And there's no way they will be as bad as the store-bought cookies we've been eating. (Heh heh...)
So, to make it all happen, I've already made a batch of SUPER yummy muffins (I'll share the recipe for that in an upcoming post, hopefully later today if my internet connection will stop going on the fritz.). And I planned out a couple of meals and went grocery shopping. And I bought bread flour. Yes, I'm going to attempt making bread again. Or at least I'm telling myself that I will.
And you know what? I'm excited about it. And that's the first weight-loss/ healthy living thing I've been excited about since we got back from Christmas break. So, while it's not quite the same as counting calories and running three times a week, it's a start. And that's important.
Anyway, I'll try to share recipes I try this week as often as I can. Even if they're just the same ol' same ol' ones I always make. Wish me luck! :)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Kathy Week 55: Checking In
Not much news to report. January weather...bleh.
I did get out and run 3 times this week.
Weight this morning is 135. Double bleh.
The one bright spot in my Skinny life for the week: I ran 1 1/4 mile on my third run. So that's my new goal for this week. Run 3 times, 1 1/4 miles each time.
Oh, and also, get my weight back to 134, at least.
Maybe I need to go to this website to get myself out the door. I need to get outside and play!!
Sorry, I guess I'm in a mid-January slump, but at least I'm hanging in there. Hope you are, too! I keep reminding myself that every day, there are a few minutes more daylight than we had the day before...
I did get out and run 3 times this week.
Weight this morning is 135. Double bleh.
The one bright spot in my Skinny life for the week: I ran 1 1/4 mile on my third run. So that's my new goal for this week. Run 3 times, 1 1/4 miles each time.
Oh, and also, get my weight back to 134, at least.
Maybe I need to go to this website to get myself out the door. I need to get outside and play!!
Sorry, I guess I'm in a mid-January slump, but at least I'm hanging in there. Hope you are, too! I keep reminding myself that every day, there are a few minutes more daylight than we had the day before...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A Dangerous New Years Resolution
So I made a New Year's resolution to be back to my pre-pregnancy weight...yikes. I haven't even had the baby yet and I am already thinking about losing my baby fat! And I have plenty of it...I have gained almost 40 pounds this pregnancy! Yes I know this is more than the traditional healthy recommendation of 25-35 pounds, but it is obviously what my body needed and so I am not that concerned about it...even if my doctor is!
Anywho, so I have this goal and it is kind of frustrating not to be able to get to work on it now while I have the motivation. And then I thought on my walk this morning that I am already working on it by keeping some sort of exercise in my daily routine- and while I will definitely have to step it up to lose the extra weight, it is nice to know that I am not going to have to completely overhaul my habits. I think that is what we should all strive for...not to just make changes to lose some weight but to intend to make a change for life.
So even though I am not to the point where I am going to up my fitness routine yet, I am making some life changes now; I am focusing on drinking lots of water and getting more veggies into my daily meals. What are you going to change this year? Not just for a set amount of time or until you are a certain size, but what life change are you going to commit to this year?
Wish me luck that I have the baby this week...he is so low now that sometimes when I walk in the mornings I think he might just fall out! (Wouldn't that be nice?) And get ready to get back to some intense exercise with me in a month or two! :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Katie: Week 55 Coping with a New Year
ehhh...
Current weight (Week 55): 136 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 130 pounds
Total weight loss: 34 pounds
Sigh.
I ate too much during the holidays. Too much eating and not enough exercising. Though, to my credit, I did go running once and to the gym once while on vacation. And I have tried to go on walks as often as I can since we've been back from vacation. But it's harder right now than it used to be.
My excuses/ struggles in not progressing in my weight loss goals as much as I'd like are three fold.
Unfortunately, it's not just up to me. As a stay at home mom, my life is inseparably connected to my daughter, now almost 1 1/2 years old. And she has developed two likes/ dislikes that have recently made it nearly impossible for me to enjoy outside walks. First of all, she's officially started walking. And with that new-found independence has come a dislike for being strapped into the stroller. She does okay for a while, but after a certain amount of time she just screams when I don't let her out and walk. This combined with her utter refusal to keep a hat or mittens on has made outside walks in the frigid cold an impossibility for me for the time being. It used to be a somewhat manageable problem. But with the temperature below freezing every single day, I just can't keep her outside without a hat and mittens on. We have a great little snow suit for her and I've done my best to bundle her up, but she screams when anything covers up her hands or head and she screams when they get cold. Agh. So for now I've decided to surrender. At least until the weather gets warmer or until she'll tolerate things to keep her warm, I've consigned myself to inside walks only. Needless to say, we've been doing a lot of mall walking. And it's good, but it's just not quite the same, you know? Doesn't quite burn calories the same way as walking up and down hills and walking longer distances. That being said, there are some definite perks to walking indoors, especially at a place like the mall. Most especially, we can stop and go back to the car whenever we want and there's easy access to public restrooms. Both of these are major pluses when your walking partner (i.e. my walking partner) is 8 1/2 months pregnant. :)
As for the third problem, the eating too much. Gah. I don't know. I know I've been eating a lot less at home than I was when we were on vacation. And I'm glad about that. But I'm still hooked on the little things--cookies and milk or a little bowl of ice cream at night. And I don't feel ready to give it up. I think mostly that's because I feel like I have to do all or nothing. And I don't want to go completely without sweets. I think it's a struggle I'll be working on for a long time. It's hard.
Anyway, I'm not progressing as quickly as I'd like to be right now. But I haven't given up. I'm going pretty slow at the moment, but I am still going. And, at least for now, I'm proud of that.
Current weight (Week 55): 136 pounds
Last week's weight (Week 51): 130 pounds
Total weight loss: 34 pounds
Sigh.
I ate too much during the holidays. Too much eating and not enough exercising. Though, to my credit, I did go running once and to the gym once while on vacation. And I have tried to go on walks as often as I can since we've been back from vacation. But it's harder right now than it used to be.
My excuses/ struggles in not progressing in my weight loss goals as much as I'd like are three fold.
- It's very cold outside.
- My daughter throws tantrums nearly ever time I go on a walk.
- I still want all the goodies.
Unfortunately, it's not just up to me. As a stay at home mom, my life is inseparably connected to my daughter, now almost 1 1/2 years old. And she has developed two likes/ dislikes that have recently made it nearly impossible for me to enjoy outside walks. First of all, she's officially started walking. And with that new-found independence has come a dislike for being strapped into the stroller. She does okay for a while, but after a certain amount of time she just screams when I don't let her out and walk. This combined with her utter refusal to keep a hat or mittens on has made outside walks in the frigid cold an impossibility for me for the time being. It used to be a somewhat manageable problem. But with the temperature below freezing every single day, I just can't keep her outside without a hat and mittens on. We have a great little snow suit for her and I've done my best to bundle her up, but she screams when anything covers up her hands or head and she screams when they get cold. Agh. So for now I've decided to surrender. At least until the weather gets warmer or until she'll tolerate things to keep her warm, I've consigned myself to inside walks only. Needless to say, we've been doing a lot of mall walking. And it's good, but it's just not quite the same, you know? Doesn't quite burn calories the same way as walking up and down hills and walking longer distances. That being said, there are some definite perks to walking indoors, especially at a place like the mall. Most especially, we can stop and go back to the car whenever we want and there's easy access to public restrooms. Both of these are major pluses when your walking partner (i.e. my walking partner) is 8 1/2 months pregnant. :)
As for the third problem, the eating too much. Gah. I don't know. I know I've been eating a lot less at home than I was when we were on vacation. And I'm glad about that. But I'm still hooked on the little things--cookies and milk or a little bowl of ice cream at night. And I don't feel ready to give it up. I think mostly that's because I feel like I have to do all or nothing. And I don't want to go completely without sweets. I think it's a struggle I'll be working on for a long time. It's hard.
Anyway, I'm not progressing as quickly as I'd like to be right now. But I haven't given up. I'm going pretty slow at the moment, but I am still going. And, at least for now, I'm proud of that.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Kathy Week 54: I Am a Wealthy Woman
For a novice runner, I couldn't ask for a better place to run. There is a middle school track at the end of my street. How sweet is that!!??
This is so perfect. I run out my front door, down the street to the path, and then across the field to the track. That's 1/4 mile. Then I run around the track twice--1/2 mile. Then back home for another 1/4 mile, and I just ran a mile!
I thought it was just the rich people who had something like a track in their back yard. I realize that I am a wealthy woman!
I ran this route on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week. Monday was slightly damp, Wednesday was overcast, and Friday was a light steady rain. Temperatures were in the high 30s or low 40s.
Mark ran with me on Friday, and I was able to run more than him!! Not that I mean to be competitive or anything, but I would just like to point out that this was the first time we've run together that he had to stop and walk while I kept running. Of course I was nice to him about it, but I have to admit that I was secretly just a little tickled.
My weight is still 134. The weather forecast is cold and icky this coming week, so I don't feel any pressing need to raise my weekly goal above three miles for next week. I think it's a good way for me to maintain my commitment to running.
A friend recommended this website for getting started as a runner. I read through the different pages, and realized that I am already way better at running than the "couch potato" status the website describes for beginners.
Are you just getting started on running? Not sure you can do it? You CAN!! I am 56 years old and out of shape, and for years I believed I could not run, but I am doing it. If I can do it, you can too. I don't run fast, and I don't run far, but I AM becoming a runner, a little bit at a time.
Will I lift some weights this coming week? Maybe...
Count calories?? Never can tell...
But for sure, my skinny friends, I will be running.
What makes you wealthy?
This is so perfect. I run out my front door, down the street to the path, and then across the field to the track. That's 1/4 mile. Then I run around the track twice--1/2 mile. Then back home for another 1/4 mile, and I just ran a mile!
I thought it was just the rich people who had something like a track in their back yard. I realize that I am a wealthy woman!
I ran this route on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this week. Monday was slightly damp, Wednesday was overcast, and Friday was a light steady rain. Temperatures were in the high 30s or low 40s.
Mark ran with me on Friday, and I was able to run more than him!! Not that I mean to be competitive or anything, but I would just like to point out that this was the first time we've run together that he had to stop and walk while I kept running. Of course I was nice to him about it, but I have to admit that I was secretly just a little tickled.
My weight is still 134. The weather forecast is cold and icky this coming week, so I don't feel any pressing need to raise my weekly goal above three miles for next week. I think it's a good way for me to maintain my commitment to running.
A friend recommended this website for getting started as a runner. I read through the different pages, and realized that I am already way better at running than the "couch potato" status the website describes for beginners.
Are you just getting started on running? Not sure you can do it? You CAN!! I am 56 years old and out of shape, and for years I believed I could not run, but I am doing it. If I can do it, you can too. I don't run fast, and I don't run far, but I AM becoming a runner, a little bit at a time.
Will I lift some weights this coming week? Maybe...
Count calories?? Never can tell...
But for sure, my skinny friends, I will be running.
What makes you wealthy?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I'm not sure how much I weigh today
Hey Skinnies!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break! I had a great time out in Virginia with my fun in-laws and then back here at home for my sister-in-law's wedding. We ate and played and ate and played and ate and ate some more. I literally gained ten pounds (I think) since Thanksgiving. But I've already lost at least half of that since we came back--not even really from doing anything. Anyway, we've still got some family in town and it's been pretty cold outside and my daughter has been sick, so I haven't really been getting back into my regular groove yet. Part of me would love to switch back into mega workout and eat healthy mode, but the other part of me is content just to kind of ease back into daily life for a few more days while we've got family in town. So, anyway, I forgot to weigh myself today. But I did have fun watching my little girl count the days on the calendar and tell me what a doggie says about ten billion times. Life is pretty quiet and slow right now. I'm sure it'll pick up again soon. Probably by next week.
Until then,
Katie :)
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break! I had a great time out in Virginia with my fun in-laws and then back here at home for my sister-in-law's wedding. We ate and played and ate and played and ate and ate some more. I literally gained ten pounds (I think) since Thanksgiving. But I've already lost at least half of that since we came back--not even really from doing anything. Anyway, we've still got some family in town and it's been pretty cold outside and my daughter has been sick, so I haven't really been getting back into my regular groove yet. Part of me would love to switch back into mega workout and eat healthy mode, but the other part of me is content just to kind of ease back into daily life for a few more days while we've got family in town. So, anyway, I forgot to weigh myself today. But I did have fun watching my little girl count the days on the calendar and tell me what a doggie says about ten billion times. Life is pretty quiet and slow right now. I'm sure it'll pick up again soon. Probably by next week.
Until then,
Katie :)
Happy New Year!
So I know it isn't my regular posting time, however I just wanted to wish y'all a very happy new year! My posts may be a little irregular in the coming weeks, but I am still thinking of all of you!
I will admit that this year it was a little bit liberating to have the new year roll around and not have to start trying to up my exercise or change my eating habits right away...I will get there this year for sure, however at about 8 1/2 months pregnant it isn't really the time to start doing sit-ups and such! But I want you all to know that the first thing I do each morning (besides brush my teeth and make my husband breakfast and a lunch, of course) is get out and go for a walk; it has been about a month since I stopped running but I still walk a couple of miles each morning. And you know what? I feel great! Sure my back aches here and there and little things like that, but for the most part I feel really good and I know that it is in large part to my staying active throughout my entire pregnancy. Mentally I am invigorated to get a lot done each day when I start with exercise while physically it has helped me to not be so achey and actually sleep pretty well still at nights.
So I know that this is a time when a lot of us feel a tad bit more motivated and pretty soon it just seems like too much hard work, but I can testify to you that if you keep at it you will feel fantastic. You will feel proud of yourself as well as healthier! 2007 was the year I whipped myself into shape and I wouldn't go back for the world...no amount of sleep or snacks or anything is worth how great I feel inside and out each day now! Lets make 2011 your year!
Good luck!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Kathy Week 53: Hello 2011!
Dear 2011,
Ready or not, here you are, a brand-spanking new year filled with 365 mornings just waiting to surprise me! What kind of year will you be?
It's kind of hard for me to believe that Katie organized The Skinny a whole year ago! I've been a bit AWOL for the last while, but I'm ready to get back on track with my health goals again.
Remember this photo?
Ouch! One year ago today. Weight: 151 lbs. The weight can creep up so easily, no?
By summer I was here:
So much healthier and happier! My weight was just below 130 in this photo.
Today it's in between those two: 134 on the scale this morning, and for the last 2 or 3 weeks. Not as much fun as 127, but a whole lot better than 151.
Katie and I have both mentioned in earlier posts that we have love-hate relationships with the scale. Yes, it's a useful tool for monitoring one aspect of our health. But on the other hand, both of us have experienced times when worrying about the scale/calories/numbers has taken over our lives. How to strike a balance??
So in this new year, I've decided that I will continue to monitor my weight with a daily weigh-in...it's been a morning habit for years...but my focus is going to be on counting miles, not calories.
That's right, I said miles, as in, I want to be a runner.
When I mentioned this to one of my grandkids last week, he immediately wanted to know if I would be running a marathon. Ah, um, hahahahaha. I don't think so. Like I said to hubby today, I don't know if you can call what I do on the track "running," exactly. I huff and puff. Today (32 degrees plus a breeze outside) I only ran for 1/4 mile before I was beginning to wheeze a little and I just didn't have any oomph. I walked the rest of the mile.
But I'd like you to know, 2011, that I want you to go down in my history as the year I became a runner. Last week I ran a mile or more, on three different days, even though one of the days was rainy! I looked online for tips on how to run in the rain, and you know what? I didn't melt, I didn't freeze, and my shoes dried out just fine in front of the heater vent, with newspapers stuffed inside.
The forecast for most of the week here is clear and cold, but my goal is to get out and run at least a mile, at least three times during the week. I'll be checking in again next Saturday to let you know how I did. Until then, welcome, 2011!
Sincerely, Kathy
PS - Dear Skinny readers - What are your goals for a healthier 2011?
Ready or not, here you are, a brand-spanking new year filled with 365 mornings just waiting to surprise me! What kind of year will you be?
It's kind of hard for me to believe that Katie organized The Skinny a whole year ago! I've been a bit AWOL for the last while, but I'm ready to get back on track with my health goals again.
Remember this photo?
By summer I was here:
Today it's in between those two: 134 on the scale this morning, and for the last 2 or 3 weeks. Not as much fun as 127, but a whole lot better than 151.
Katie and I have both mentioned in earlier posts that we have love-hate relationships with the scale. Yes, it's a useful tool for monitoring one aspect of our health. But on the other hand, both of us have experienced times when worrying about the scale/calories/numbers has taken over our lives. How to strike a balance??
So in this new year, I've decided that I will continue to monitor my weight with a daily weigh-in...it's been a morning habit for years...but my focus is going to be on counting miles, not calories.
That's right, I said miles, as in, I want to be a runner.
When I mentioned this to one of my grandkids last week, he immediately wanted to know if I would be running a marathon. Ah, um, hahahahaha. I don't think so. Like I said to hubby today, I don't know if you can call what I do on the track "running," exactly. I huff and puff. Today (32 degrees plus a breeze outside) I only ran for 1/4 mile before I was beginning to wheeze a little and I just didn't have any oomph. I walked the rest of the mile.
But I'd like you to know, 2011, that I want you to go down in my history as the year I became a runner. Last week I ran a mile or more, on three different days, even though one of the days was rainy! I looked online for tips on how to run in the rain, and you know what? I didn't melt, I didn't freeze, and my shoes dried out just fine in front of the heater vent, with newspapers stuffed inside.
The forecast for most of the week here is clear and cold, but my goal is to get out and run at least a mile, at least three times during the week. I'll be checking in again next Saturday to let you know how I did. Until then, welcome, 2011!
Sincerely, Kathy
PS - Dear Skinny readers - What are your goals for a healthier 2011?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
