tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90082687709969874812024-03-06T01:34:08.552-06:00The Eat It Too LifestyleMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-83864262985139996352011-12-19T18:23:00.002-06:002011-12-19T18:27:01.074-06:00Update!<div>Not a ton to say... </div><div> </div><div>The treadmill is great. I think I am going to log my miles this year for the fun of it. (I am sure I will forget, but it sounds fun in theory!) </div><div> </div><div>The eating went really well last week. I am still so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrated</span> that I can eat well for 6 days, take one day off, and gain all of the weight back... is that humanly possible? I get so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrated</span>, and go into an instant funk. I have got to stop weighing for awhile I think. That is all there is to it. </div><div> </div><div>Such a boring post, but trying to stay accountable!</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-35473441232468228342011-12-15T16:22:00.003-06:002011-12-15T16:30:32.434-06:00D@#n You Holiday Cookies!<div>Well, God must be granting me some grace this week. I really have had some steps in the right direction... but last night I had to bake 7 dozen batches of cookies for a holiday cookie swap tonight. Then I started thinking, why?</div><div> </div><div>Why am I subjecting myself and family to all of the delicious sugar that we call a Christmas cookie? I made them. I tasted a few, but overall... I've done much worse. And tonight I am going to bring 72 beautiful, delicious bits of love into the house. Then what?</div><div> </div><div>Laying in bed last night (my head didn't hit the pillow until 2 am) I was thinking, "I just won't weigh in the morning." I've decided that I need to give myself a little breathing room for mistakes... but my obsessive personality got the best of me, and I still lost a bit more weight yesterday, even after a couple cookies. (This is not permission to eat 72 more!) </div><div> </div><div>Now, I just need a plan for all of those cookies...</div><div> </div><div>PS... Treadmill is being put together as we speak!!!!! With a late night tonight, and a busy day tomorrow, I am so excited to see how this goes. I am ready to put the plan into action.</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-6716573059295417412011-12-14T14:24:00.004-06:002011-12-14T14:35:23.269-06:00How is Today Going to be Different?<div><div>It's been a good week. I don't want to raise my hopes too much, but this time it does feel different. Maybe I was ready. Maybe I hit rock bottom. Maybe having a support system helps...I know that for sure.</div><div> </div><div>So after my blog rant Sunday afternoon, I thought a lot about changes. Besides myself, what was keeping me from meeting my goal.</div><div> </div><div>I identified 2 things that I needed to change:</div><div>1. They always so to go into your day with a plan, and I realized that I had no food plan each day. I was waking up hungry, trying to get kids ready for school, etc, etc, and I just grabbed anything. Same story second verse at lunch. By dinner I had blown my meal non-plan out the window, that dinner and snacks didn't even matter. So here is my plan: On Mondays, I am going to fix a really LARGE healthy meal. (This week I made a chicken, black bean, tomato stuffing of sorts that I have been putting on a whole grain tortilla.) I take the LARGE meal, eat it once for dinner, and then I have leftovers for lunch the rest of the week. Then, when in a pinch, I have something to fall back on.</div><div> </div><div>2. The gym has become a problem. The first time I lost weight, I was just there... all.the.time. I am having a hard time with that in my head. So look what Santa brought me: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YdlpuzPwNuv3qlM3Tuwa9E-R2urc7DDcyLFcE0yChGfP-GJ66w_fW3yEEqTWzz8yFnf3B0JasRxf7hIxm5Omg3oqL7A8NHnPMsAH3GsYOyEe-ZEOlNfmitvPL0Hyy02tD6NjDKX3EmCd/s1600/treadmill.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 350px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686084694236794930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YdlpuzPwNuv3qlM3Tuwa9E-R2urc7DDcyLFcE0yChGfP-GJ66w_fW3yEEqTWzz8yFnf3B0JasRxf7hIxm5Omg3oqL7A8NHnPMsAH3GsYOyEe-ZEOlNfmitvPL0Hyy02tD6NjDKX3EmCd/s400/treadmill.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's AWESOME!!!!! It is being delivered on Friday morning, and I really hope on cold nights, or early mornings I can grab a few minutes on it. I still plan more time in the gym. Now I just don't have to spend all my time in the gym!</div><div> </div><div>So there is a quick update. Thanks for your kind words. I didn't realize it, but I have missed this.</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-77834432984607919672011-12-11T15:15:00.005-06:002011-12-11T15:44:54.286-06:00Nothing Witty<div><div>At this point I don't really know what to title this post. Nothing cute or witty comes to me. That's just not my mood about all of this. I have gone down a dark road the past year or so, and it has come back to bite me in the ass. If I am an addict, I would call this a relapse. If I were on Biggest Loser ever, Bob Harper would be beating my door down for some "Where Are They Now?" specials to rip me up one side and down another about how I have gained some (too much, but not all) of the weight back, and asking me how I was going to change.</div><div> </div><div>I NEVER thought I would be here. I thought I was stronger and more centered than this, but I am not. In fact, what I am quickly learning about myself is that I have no balance in my life. I go and go and go until I burn out. I am the person who will not let you down... case in point... I was up until 3 am on Thursday fulfilling commitments to others, then getting up 3.5 hours later to not let someone else down...leaving myself too exhausted for "me".</div><div> </div><div>So what happened? Well, anything I write from this point on is merely an excuse, but it is also my reality... So, in May of 2010, my dad became ill, and I spent many days in the hospital watching him die. I ate... cafeteria food... comfort food... really bad for me. He died, and before leaving the hospital me and a group of people stopped at the cafeteria "one last time for cake and pie". At this same time I lost many of my workout buddies (whatever, I have no comment on this...if you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all). By the time the dust had settled, I was hanging on by a thread. I trained for my half marathon, and the goal helped me, but when that was over, things just fell apart. For the next few months my motivation would waiver back and forth until I broke my foot in June. 14 weeks in a cast did me in. I started seeing things differently, and I began to feel hopeless. (I know... this post is not a bag of sunshine) </div><div> </div><div>That brings us to today. I have never lost sight of the feeling of being thin again. I want it. I really do. I still weigh every morning, but instead of glee, I cry. Then I try to change things, and I fail...</div><div> </div><div>I would love to call this a re commitment, a rebirth, a renewal of vows to live healthy, and exercise, and to change (again), but I don't know what tomorrow brings. I think I have to do the three things I have been dreading the most though:</div><div>1) Admitting this to myself and my friends... as if it's a secret that I am fat again?!? In my head it's like I am hiding, but I know everyone knows. </div><div>2) Writing my first post on here again: I think this is hard to admit to so many people who cheered me on. </div><div>3) Returning to the gym and the things I love to do. I know I will be talked about behind my back. People will gasp internally, then politely ask me how I am or tell me they have missed me. It's tough knowing that will happen, but I am going to have to put on my tough skin and move forward again. Going to the gym the first time was hard. I was the fat girl, but I transformed, and people watched that... I am dreading the return, and I hate myself so much more this time around.</div><div> </div><div>I can't change if I keep letting these fears hold me back. I can't keep burying my fears, and worries in food... hoping it will all go away. It won't. So there it is. Still nothing witty to say. I am just going to hit publish now, before I hit delete... which would be much easier.</div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-69977690892992431442011-03-17T15:43:00.002-05:002011-03-17T15:45:52.733-05:00Have you tried these?<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBnAgj_bKUb9Ho8DEGV93V94QOlN1fMiPPeSI5oJXMmrOW54xUTeXMvivV9F_lKsio1Zq5LnRoxsmZeTM9qLxcex33ZdU10LHsD93TW_fBnqneCZ-RGA_qyAxDu0TyXw39hab85itYFrC/s1600/popchips.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585152624580171106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBnAgj_bKUb9Ho8DEGV93V94QOlN1fMiPPeSI5oJXMmrOW54xUTeXMvivV9F_lKsio1Zq5LnRoxsmZeTM9qLxcex33ZdU10LHsD93TW_fBnqneCZ-RGA_qyAxDu0TyXw39hab85itYFrC/s400/popchips.bmp" /></a> You should. Love them! </div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-3481258371921637592011-03-16T14:20:00.002-05:002011-03-16T14:43:56.620-05:00Orange Crumb ChickenI give my friend <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> ALL THE CREDIT for this recipe. I changed mine quite a bit. Mostly because I am a horrible planner, and I realized as I was making it that I did not have everything I needed. If you want her original recipe go <a href="http://hleggett.blogspot.com/2011/03/spa-orange-crumb-chicken.html">here</a>. Otherwise, here is mine. It was d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!<br /><br />1/4 c Naked Mighty Mango Juice (original calls for OJ, but hubby drank it. The naked juice was very thick and stuck to the chicken well... plus it has TONS of good stuff in it!)<br />1/4 c Spicy mustard<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />some chopped white onion (to your liking)<br />1 roll of Whole Wheat Ritz<br />2 lbs of chicken breast (believe me, you will want leftovers!)<br /><br />(I know Heather, don't have a heart attack... it's different! I didn't intend for it to be. I'm just a horrible cook. Thank goodness for forgiving recipes, lol!)<br /><br />1. Combine the juice, mustard, salt, and onion.<br /><br />2. Mash your Ritz into crumbs. I used a food chopper, and it worked really well.<br /><br />3. Dredge your chicken in the juice/mustard mixture. Be sure to coat it really well, and get some onions to stick to it.<br /><br />4. Place your chicken in the Ritz crumbs and coat the chicken well.<br /><br />5. Place in 9x13 baking dish pre-sprayed with cooking spray.<br /><br />6. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, flip the chicken over, and bake for another 15- 20 minutes.<br /><br />7. Enjoy! <br /><br />Here's the nutritional info:<br />This is per 3 oz serving of chicken- recipe will make about 10 servings<br />Calories: 123<br />Fat: 2.9g<br />Cholesterol: 53mg<br />Sodium: 374g<br />Carbs: 5g<br />Sugars 1g<br />Protein: 19gMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-25284307030908023182011-03-09T14:48:00.002-06:002011-03-09T15:04:43.916-06:00The Only One Who Thinks You Can'tis you!<br /><br />We are our own worst enemy. It's true. We hold ourselves back, second guess, doubt, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">diminish</span> our best selves.<br /><br />Today I put the rubber to the track and took off running. I have not run since I completed my half-marathon in October. I have continued to struggle with stress, and weight, and time commitments, etc this winter until I kind of feel like I reached rock bottom. It felt SO good to run. <br /><br />Here's the sad part. I didn't believe I could run anymore. I kept telling myself that because I had gained weight since the half I was to heavy to run, and that my body would not tolerate it. I was allowing myself to fail before I even tried... and we ALL know I can run. Good grief, just 6 months ago I ran 13.1 miles. So I thought, just run a couple of laps, then stop. Get your foot back in the game...<br /><br />I ran 4 miles! My first day back on the track and I ran 4 miles. Guess why I stopped... my NEW shoes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">frickin</span> hurt. I really believe I could have gone farther, but I was gaining blisters in several places, and there is no point in putting myself in that much pain. I ran 4 miles! I am so stoked. <br /><br />All I can do is encourage you to know who you are. Know that you are stronger than your mind will often allow you to be. The road may be long, the muscles may ache, and no one said it wouldn't be hard, but it is ALWAYS worth it to be stronger and healthier. So get out there and do 1 thing today that you think you can't do, because the only one who thinks that is you!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-73389778349153343592011-02-21T13:53:00.006-06:002011-02-28T23:10:01.710-06:00PB2<div>It was brought to my attention that I have not posted in a couple of weeks. Sorry! I have had a couple of things on my mind, and wanted to share them... it's all about food!<br /><br />1. My good friend Sherrie and I were talking about Peanut Butter in the locker room the other day, and how much I LOVE IT. She mentioned adding powdered peanut butter to my Shakeology drinks. I had never heard of it! A couple of days later, she brought me a jar to try. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!!! It is sososososooooo good, and the nutrition labels sell me for sure.<br /><br />Here is a comparison of the 2 Peanut Butters (2 tbsp serving size)<br /><br />PB2 (Powdered Peanut Butter) ............Natural JIF<br />Calories 45 ................................................190<br />Fat 1.5g....................................................16g<br />Sat Fat 0g...................................................3g<br />Sodium 94mg.............................................65mg<br />Carbs 5g......................................................8g<br />Fiber 2g.......................................................2g<br />Sugar 1g.......................................................3g<br />Protein 5g....................................................7g<br /><br />A couple of things to mention:<br />1. PB2 tastes wonderful. (I should be getting paid for this ad!) I eat it just like regular peanut butter. You rehydrate it with water, and spread it like any other.<br />2. Because it is so low cal, low fat, etc, I actually use a double batch of the PB2, so although the protein content is a little lower, it's actually higher for me because I eat 4 tbsp. This still works out to be lower cal, fat, etc in the end. Imaging getting twice as much P on your PBJ : )<br /><br />If you want to read more about it check it out <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com/">here</a>.<br /><br />Finally, the only way you can get PB2 (in my area anyways) is to order it online. It comes in cases of 4 or 12. I will be honest in saying, I think I could eat 4 jars in less than 3 months, but if someone wants to go in and try a jar, or to split some, let me know by tonight! </div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-6146361082116996552011-02-11T15:15:00.002-06:002011-02-11T15:26:17.540-06:00Just ChillSo I am starting to chill a bit on my weight. Here's what is going on. I run this vicious cycle on myself: eat perfect, exercise a ton, lose weight, eat something bad, sulk, sit at home, gain weight, sulk, sit at home, eat more crap...<br /><br />It's actually a trap that many dieters fall into: <a href="http://stress.about.com/od/dietandsuppliments/ss/diet_tips_4.htm">see here</a>. I am definitely one of them. <br /><br />So I finally realized, I need to do the right thing as much as I can, and relax about the rest. That is what I have been doing. We have been eating at home more, and I am working out when I can which allows me to more easily to stay withing my daily calories.<br /><br />It's going great! The weight is coming off again, and I've had dessert every night this week. So much happier this way.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-49402218764687543602011-02-03T13:51:00.003-06:002011-02-03T14:07:24.853-06:00Lean Into ItSo my eating habits have most <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> evolved over the past 2 years, as has my lifestyle. One thing stays too much the same though... our grocery cart.<br /><br />I seem to be stuck in a rut of processed foods. I will say that I take a lot of care picking our processed foods...that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one. However, I really do stand there and try to compare the calories, fat, fiber, protein, sugar, and sodium in each item to choose the least evil, and I lived with it...<br /><br />... Until yesterday. I had some time in this fab weather we're experiencing to catch up on Oprah, and she presented a show about being vegan. VERY INTERESTING.<br /><br />Oprah allowed her staff the opportunity to go vegan for one week to see how it impacted them. Nothing astonishing, some weight loss, some weight gain. She showed a beef slaughtering plant, and how beef is made... gross, seen it before.<br /><br />Here's what I did take from this:<br />1. Why don't I buy more whole foods? I enjoy them, why don't I try shopping at a whole foods store for them?<br /><br />2. Why does America (myself included) feel the need to eat meat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOOO</span> much, sometimes at EVERY meal. This brings us to meatless Mondays. Oprah decided that she and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Harpo</span> studios will be going meatless on Mondays, I am going to try it. (Brian is not pumped!) Our consumption of beef is minimal at best. I can't tell you the last time I purchased ground beef... probably 2 years ago. We do ground turkey for items such as chili, spaghetti, etc, but I am willing to take it another step further and work to eliminate turkey when we can also... maybe some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">tofurkey</span> or something.<br /><br />Am I going Vegan? No. Vegetarian? Nope, but I will "lean into it," as Oprah likes to say. Let's just see what happens.<br /><br />BTW, as I was researching this a bit more, <a href="http://www.eatwild.com/">THIS</a> website was posted today as an option for finding responsibly raised meat and animal products in your area. Take a look. Lean into it.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-52317292132754680262011-01-24T14:17:00.002-06:002011-01-24T14:32:42.014-06:00And Then She SnappedI've been really struggling with my weight over the past couple of months as most of you know... if you can't tell by my posts, then surely my waist has made it clear. A case of the blahs, the holidays, and just being sick and tired of needing to lose a little more weight can do that to you.<br /><br />I knew I had made a transformation in my life because each time I would notice myself regressing, I would claw at it just enough to not become the old me. I had been fighting this battle since my dad became ill...<br /><br />... Then two weeks ago, I snapped. It happened right before our mini-vacay to KC. I can't say I did fabulous on the trip, but 2 hours at the hotel gym, and pushing plates away prematurely surely helped. <br /><br />When we got home last Monday night a spark was ignited like old times. I woke up Tuesday ready to go, AND SICK AS A DOG.<br /><br />I ate really well Tuesday, and lost 3 pounds (mostly water weight). I couldn't workout, yep, that sick, so I ate well again Wednesday. Three more pounds gone. This continued throughout the weekend (I was actually able to workout again after my knight and shining armor called my doctor behind my back and got me antibiotics) and I continued to lose weight.<br /><br />The weekend included Pina Coladas, birthday cake, chips and salsa, movie popcorn, etc. It also included salads, egg whites, veggies... The difference, a new frame of mind. <strong>I don't need it ALL. I will have the opportunity to eat this again.</strong><br /><br />So, I lost 8 pounds this week, and I am REALLY happy with that. <br /><br />Here's the lesson I hope to share through all of this: When you are working on ANYTHING that is difficult, and you have a success... celebrate it (in a healthy way), and then work to have another small success. Last week each time the scale dropped a bit,(or didn't go up), I congratulated myself, did a happy dance, and worked to do it again the next day.<br /><br />Baby steps.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-25383742854674717662011-01-21T06:02:00.003-06:002011-01-21T17:07:44.406-06:00Dump CakeI recently learned a new dessert recipe and have been wanting to share it with you. I wanted to have pictures, but the first time I made it, it was gone in about 10 seconds, and I have not had a good excuse to make dessert for 10 since (and we would probably eat it ourselves if I did make it!)<br /><br />Here's what you need:<br />2 large cans of sugar free cherry pie filling<br />1 large can of crushed pineapple in it's own juice<br />1 box of sugar free yellow cake mix<br />12 tbsp of some type of low cal butter (i use Smart Balance with Omega-3)... it doesn't matter, most butter is evil :)<br /><br />So simple:<br />Spread your cherries on the bottom of the pan. Layer the pineapple over the cherries. Dump the cake mix over the fruit. Place the dollops of butter evenly around the pan on top of the cake mix. DON'T MIX ANYTHING TOGETHER. Place in the oven at 350 degrees, and bake until your butter melts over your cake and it starts to look crispy.<br /><br />So calorie count has been changing their website, so i wasn't able to do my normal nutrition form, but I did figure the calories. I will try to remember and update this when their site is up again.<br /><br />Makes 12 servings<br />Calories per serving: 209<br />Trust me it's worth saving 200 calories for! Yum!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-70667209784364874222011-01-20T13:30:00.002-06:002011-01-20T13:37:21.938-06:00A Good Friend...... stays on the elliptical for another 50 minutes just to keep you company, even though her workout is technically done<br />... makes sure you really want the calories of another piece of candy or jalapeno popper<br />... asks you to make her your "fitness project"<br />... watches you<br />... texts you to see why you haven't been to the gym (even if the excuse is legit!)<br />... comments on your blog posts<br />... encourages you<br /><br />This list could go on forever. The point is I have a lot of really good friends and fitness buddies out there. I've had a really good week getting my eating back on track, but illness is keeping me at home a lot. Still losing this week though! Thanks to any of you who have offered any type of love or support during this journey...<br /><br />So tomorrow night at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">GNO</span>, I need a good friend to keep me from eating all the chips and salsa. Thanks in advance, friend!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-63035592280929460962011-01-10T20:06:00.002-06:002011-01-10T20:32:44.328-06:00Back to the BasicsLosing weight is not easy...if you complicate it. I have complicated it for myself. I am still under my current dreaded weight, but I just seem to keep sabotaging myself. I am sorry to those readers who used to find this to be a cheery blog about a girl who was losing a ton of weight, but here's the truth. <br /><br />1. I haven't lost any new weight since my dad got sick.<br />2. My desire to spend my events at the YMCA has been low. I've been getting in about 4 days per week...I need more like 6!<br />3. I need a fitness buddy bad. I have always had someone around me to push me, someone who I felt like cared whether or not I had over-eaten or under-exercised for the day..<br />4. I saw a picture of myself today and did not like what I saw.<br /><br />Here is how I see the glass half-full:<br />1. Although I have not lost any new weight, I am still 70 pounds less than ever, and I weigh 10 pounds less than last year at this time.<br />2. I still know how to do this.<br />3. I have lots of amazing weight loss tools to use.<br />4. I have an amazing and forgiving body that remembers how things should be.<br />5. I still have a strong desire to change, and to never be who I was again.<br /><br />So, back to the basics of weight loss: <br /><br /><br />1. I will log my food daily at www.calorie count.about.com They have an amazing and free website!<br />2. We will eat at home at least 5 nights per week. I will go back to the old-standby of bagged meals and veggies.<br />3. I will get to the gym 5 times a week whether I like it or not... I will also try and find one new class I like...maybe Zumba again!<br />4. I will find a new fitness buddy... Buddies for hire!<br />5. I will work to minimize my weekend splurges... More fancy salads, less comfort food and dessert.<br /><br />How are your new years goals going?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-37808134368042913212011-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:002011-01-05T08:00:09.807-06:005 Sneaky Ways to Lose the PoundsSo here are 5 simple or sneaky ways to lose weight...<br /><br />1. Exercise for 10 minutes 3 times a day... Squats while you are showering or drying your hair, not just taking the stairs, but taking them quickly, a brisk walk during your morning break. Squeezing in shorts bursts of cardio can burn calories. Minutes of burn are minutes of burn, no matter how you time them! <br /><br />2. Don't drink your calories. Soda: 120 calories, juice: 80-120 calories, vodka... You get it :). By Not drinking your calories, you could save literally hundreds of calories per day.<br /><br />3. Workout while you watch. Did you know that during an average 1 hour television program, there will be 20 minutes of commercials! Instead of sitting there (or fast forwarding through them), try squeezing in some jumping jacks, squats, lunges, free weights, or crunches.<br /><br />4. Skip one thing. Instead of eating your full meal, pick one item on your plate,and leave it behind. Leaving your dinner roll behind could spare you 150 calories... Just don't leave the veggies!<br /><br />5. Try 3 bites. Instead of forgoing dessert all together, try 3 bites of it, then let it go. Most cravings can be squelched in 3 bites. Then you don't feel guilty, and your waistline doesn't suffer!<br /><br />Have any good tips to share?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-27300371951394681302011-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:002011-01-04T08:00:07.474-06:00It Feels So GoodSo day 3 of "the end to chaos", and I am happy to say that I feel great. I wish I would remember how good I feel when I am totally on. I wasn't even "perfect" today, but that is ok. That's what I have to realize. That's what we must all realize... Instead of a resolution, or a diet, there has to be change. One foot in front of the next. <br /><br />I thought back to the first days when I started losing weight, and I remembered something that kept me motivated on a daily basis. I hope this tip will help you...<br /><br />I loved reaching "a new low" each day. Each day I would weigh in, ( my scale weighs in tenths), and it didn't matter how much lower the scale was, I just wanted a new low. To see the scale go down boosts your confidence, and pushes you to go farther. Some days I would lose one tenth of a pound, other days a full pound. Just work to make small steps each day to move the scale down.<br /><br />My next post I will discuss the small changes we can make to lose weight.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-716186315741792692011-01-01T18:25:00.003-06:002011-01-03T13:58:41.337-06:00And A Happy New YearI love the new year. For me, it brings this renewed sense of spirit. A sense that I can change, be better, be different. The truth is, that is not far fetched. I have experienced the change and the difference, so I know it can be true.<br /><br />HOWEVER, I DO NOT LIKE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS. They feel like a diet to me. You make one, keep it a few days, fail, it's over.<br /><br />I feel like I have enough going on in my life to not add new stress to it. The holidays brought chaos to our home which made it's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">crescendo</span> on Christmas Eve with my husband throwing up for hours while I pulled an all-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nighter</span> to spend Christmas morning exhausted on the couch. Blah.<br /><br />My go go go lifestyle causes my children, my finances, and my waistline to suffer. I will not create added stress for myself. I should cap all of this by saying that I love the holidays. I love my life, what I do, etc. I just run it into the ground.<br /><br />So I just want to get back to the basics this year. To make things more simple. I will take time for the lifestyle change I created 2 years ago. I will take time to make lunch and dinner for my family instead of driving through. I will take time to workout and not feel guilty. I will cut out the excessive and enjoy 2011.<br /><br />There you have it. No major changes here. If you are looking to lose weight or get healthy this year, I think you have found the right place. I plan to continue to post new recipes, tips, and tricks to help you along the way. Is there anything you would especially like to discuss in the new year?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-10236439753785563592010-12-20T23:11:00.004-06:002010-12-20T23:49:32.224-06:00Like being sucked down a black hole...That is what this month has felt like. I need to say this one more time, then you will just have to know, I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I probably love it too much. I want to fill our time with it. I love tradition and non-tradition. I love the new and the old. We eat, we drink, and at our home we are Merry!<br /><br />BUT I AM BEING SUCKED INTO A BLACK HOLE OF NON-HEALTHY! I swear I can't win, not even for trying. For the last three weeks our evenings have consisted of AT LEAST 6 out of 7 nights having some sort of major event in which our family has to dawn our December best. Our gracious hosts always offer delicious treats, and if they don't, well dinner on the run will have to do.<br /><br />I fixed dinner at home tonight in the first time longer than I can even remember.<br /><br />My body is suffering for it. I have actually gained weight the past 3 weeks, ugh! I really do hate the thought of that. I must confess it, or I am going against my weight loss beliefs that you must confess what is really happening, so here it is, oh God, this will hurt...<br /><br />Since my dad passed away 6 months ago, I have gained 20 pounds. That's a lot. The gain has been slow up until the past two weeks. I usually gain some weight around this time, so I am praying that when I finish falling from the tree (January 1st), that I will only have about 10 pounds to get back off.<br /><br />I think this is a sad time of year also. It makes me sad that my boys and I have to do this alone. Don't get me wrong, there are TONS of people around us who love and support us, but THESE people deserved to be here, and when my babies stand in front of others to perform a Christmas program, I can't help that think that life isn't fair, and chocolate will make that better.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhsEbUpHCJrxhX6fRAv-b3YkR8opw1hJpa1iM5CdrdscJlu59VR_DhByrjIei_Ezu0t1F8ummBcdxkrMHmM2Y5PPmf1ULZI87kJ_vBvK4_CNk1aK3uyIYUmvsixY_5bNjF4tGr7r3WIsf/s1600/Mom+and+Dad+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553006354620704146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhsEbUpHCJrxhX6fRAv-b3YkR8opw1hJpa1iM5CdrdscJlu59VR_DhByrjIei_Ezu0t1F8ummBcdxkrMHmM2Y5PPmf1ULZI87kJ_vBvK4_CNk1aK3uyIYUmvsixY_5bNjF4tGr7r3WIsf/s400/Mom+and+Dad+collage.jpg" /></a> I miss them a lot, and I take it out on the cookies, popcorn, etc. this time of year. It doesn't help that my dad loved to cook and it was part of the holiday tradition to make tons of stuff and to EAT it all through December. We would generally have no less than 16 types of cookies on the table in December, and when one would run out, he would stock it with something new. He loved to make goodies for us, and I guess a little bit of me feels like if I don't taste that in December some of the memories may slip away.</p><p>So, for 10 more days my hips may get wider, but it's not over for me. Although painful parts of my journey are because of them, I do take this journey to change the outcome for my kids, so twenty years from now I can still be toting them around to see Christmas lights, or watching Christmas movies with them. I journey because of all of them, and this black hole will not get me as long as I can see their faces.<br /></p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-4838369921231086112010-12-14T13:39:00.002-06:002010-12-14T13:48:52.799-06:00It's The Most WONERFUL time of the year?!?Really?<br /><br />I'm not a scrooge AT ALL, at least I don't think so, but this time of year my healthy lifestyle SUCKS! I try hard, but fail often. The goodies, the business, the stress, it all gets to me.<br /><br />Here's how my month has gone... cookie baking, decorating, gift buying, something every.single.night., Christmas party, wrapping, more shopping, open a new business... what?, the list is absolutely endless. I finish one thing, and three more have added themselves to the end.<br /><br />I am trying to eat well, but failing miserably. Trying to workout, but I'm exhausted.<br /><br />Here's the good news... this happened last year. Then New Year's Day came, and I truly had a fresh start. I was sick of eating crap, and had plenty of time to workout again. So I did, and I regained some motivation, and I lost 35 pounds. <br /><br />So maybe this is the most wonderful time of the year. Maybe it's just the break that my body and mind need to be ready to do this one more time. Does that give me permission to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gorge</span> myself on everything? No, but enjoy this time. Enjoy your family. Eat a little, workout a little, and love the moment that you are in. Then, January first, I'll meet you <a href="http://www.ymcawichita.org/UserFiles/File/events/zumbarecord.pdf">here</a>.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-70862762067973730192010-12-01T14:07:00.003-06:002010-12-01T14:38:53.685-06:00Dip Away, and Day One Done!So the first day of the rest of my life is over, and I am working hard to stick to the <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/changing-my-ways.html">holiday plan</a>. I have already <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">faltered</span> a bit, but maybe not... see, we made sugar cookies last night to decorate, and like I mentioned, each person only got enough to eat right then. No leftovers. However, part of the plan was to only bake once a week at my house, and then I baked 4 loaves of Christmas Bread, YUM!<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's where I think I am still OK, I HAVE NOT CUT INTO THE BREAD YET. Therefore, the sin does not count. I have to get rid of some of the bread, but I had enough bananas to make more and more, and I just couldn't waste the opportunity. I did make it as healthy as possible using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">splenda</span> instead of sugar, and applesauce instead of oil. I can't wait to eat it... do I have to wait until next week, or can I justify it as breakfast???<br /><br /><br /><br />I had my first morning (extra) workout today. I'm not going to lie. I hit the snooze, hit the snooze again, then reset my alarm to get up at the normal time, aka, no workout. Then, I felt guilty that I wasn't giving the morning workout a shot. Then, I bribed myself with a skinny vanilla latte on the way home if I went (no, it didn't cancel the calories burned), and I really liked my morning workout! I felt accomplished by 6:30 in the morning. I have been more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">conscious</span> of my eating all day because of it, and I feel good!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadLBLUOGwL4pJFnnz0_V5jb1BDu5okBdv_ZR7U0YOWWJdiUcxdg4HN6cMGL3urwbTO5FrHPt5i4X1Ibjmzu1d848anlaSX3meD5fVQBYRK1bxo6JWThMuq81wB1zCeERFDZ5us_yCDOpV/s1600/imagesCAMN8GHD.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545814631165906194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadLBLUOGwL4pJFnnz0_V5jb1BDu5okBdv_ZR7U0YOWWJdiUcxdg4HN6cMGL3urwbTO5FrHPt5i4X1Ibjmzu1d848anlaSX3meD5fVQBYRK1bxo6JWThMuq81wB1zCeERFDZ5us_yCDOpV/s400/imagesCAMN8GHD.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I also made a new discovery in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Walmart</span> Salad isle this week. <a href="http://www.marzetti.com/products/marzetti/product.php?bc=44&cid=65"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Otria</span> Greek <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Yogurt</span> Dips by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marzetti</span> </a>. They were located near the refrigerated salad dressing. Here is why I love them:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>They are delicious. My favorite so far is the Cucumber Dill Feta.</li><li>They are made with Greek Yogurt. This means more protein, less salt, and less <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span>... that is if you are comparing it to regular yogurt. Imagine the benefits of eating Greek Yogurt vs. Hidden Valley Ranch!</li><li>Way less calories. It is a thick creamy dip that has at least half the calories of dressings and other dips that we put on our veggies.</li><li>They come in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chipotle</span> Cheese, Cucumber Dill Feta, Garden Herb, Salsa Cilantro, and Spinach Artichoke</li></ul><p>So if you haven't tried Greek Yogurt yet, give this a try with some veggies. Dip Away!</p><br /><p>There you have it, a little bit of random for your day!</p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-77031645058227182962010-11-30T14:03:00.003-06:002010-11-30T14:24:12.731-06:00Changing My WaysSo here I sit. Stuck at this weight again. Last year it was 200. This year it's 180. So stinking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrating</span>. I won't lie. I know why I am stuck here. It has something to do with holiday cookies, and drive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> dinners, and turkey, pear pie, cream cheese corn... you know.<br /><br />Yet I get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrated</span>, every year when I get stuck. So I figure I have 2 choices<br />1. Wallow, and gain weight OR<br />2. Change my ways!<br /><br />I am opting for #2 this year.<br /><br />Here are my weaknesses, and here is the plan for each:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Weakness:</span> <span style="color:#000000;">I LOVE holiday treats!<br /></span><span style="color:#6666cc;">Plan: </span><span style="color:#000000;">First of all, I must always remember that I have done this without dieting, just by making good choices, so I will not be cutting treats out. However, at our home, we will be limiting our baking to one treat per week through the holidays, and it will only be enough to serve our family one time... for example, only 1 batch of cookies, not 5 dozen. I will also eat only half servings of any desserts that I am offered at parties, and if it's something that I can eat anytime like M&M's or chocolate chip cookies, I will pass it up all together. Hopefully by limiting treats I will drop some pounds (or not gain them anyways!)</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Weakness: </span><span style="color:#000000;">We are always rushed for dinner.</span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">Plan:</span><span style="color:#000000;"> I am sure we all get in the habit of eating out from time to time, but our wallets and waistlines suffer greatly for this. So we will only be eating out for lunch Saturday, dinner Saturday (if necessary), and lunch Sunday. We love to eat out, and last week did it EVERY DAY (I am ashamed to admit), so 2 lunches and a dinner is a drastic improvement. Brian and I also always talk about sharing a meal, then never do it, so I will work harder to split meals with him. I am also going to make a menu for the week, so there is a plan in place.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;">Weakness:</span><span style="color:#000000;"> During this busy season, I WANT to skip workouts.</span><br /><span style="color:#6666cc;">Plan: </span><span style="color:#000000;">I capitalized WANT in the sentence because it is rare to actually skip them. We are pretty consistent about doing what we need to. This is why I generally maintain my weight instead of gaining. I know I have to work hard to eat like I do sometimes. What I would like to change is adding 3 more workouts per week in. I would like to start going to the Y on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings to offset things a bit. This would be on top of the other workouts we do each week.</span><br /><br />There you have it, this is my holiday plan to lose weight. Wouldn't it be fabulous to start 2011 10 lbs lighter instead of heavier! Do you have weaknesses during the holidays, do you have a plan, I would love to hear your thoughts!!!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-32197965865310100772010-11-16T13:49:00.002-06:002010-11-16T14:00:18.227-06:00An UpdateSo the first two weeks of the <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/self-discipline-challenge.html">Self Discipline Challenge</a> are over at our household, and we are still going strong. Brian's commitment to this challenge has done a world of good for me. He is so good about choosing healthy options and doing the right thing. He makes me really proud.<br /><br />In fact, <span style="color:#3366ff;">he won last week</span>... if you are keeping track, that's one for him and one for me. I just had a rough week last week. I could not seem to <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/week-2-on-ranch-is-always-rough.html">let the birthday cake go</a>, and this birthday just didn't end. Four celebrations... dessert, dessert, dessert, and dessert. Oh well, it only comes around once a year, and this was a big one!<br /><br />So what was the weigh in last week? Brian lost a couple of pounds, and I was up half a pound from the week before (on the ranch that would be a big +1... gasp!!!!) . I FOUGHT TO THE BITTER END. I just wasn't able to put in quite enough work to redeem myself.<br /><br />Finally, I have some issues I am working through weight loss wise. I feel very secure in saying I don't think I will ever be the girl I used to be, but lately I've been wondering if I'll ever be the girl I want to be? I have some things that I will discuss further this week...Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-63593701915340838132010-11-11T15:08:00.004-06:002010-11-11T15:29:06.363-06:00A Quickie!Dirty minds ;)<br /><br />This post has nothing to do with the bedroom. I just had a couple of quick things to share...<br /><br />First off, I mentioned turning, ahem, 30 this week, so AGE has been on the brain. I read <a href="http://www.oprah.com/health/Exercise-for-Your-20s-30s-40s-50s-and-60s_1/1">this </a>article today, and liked it. I don't think it's the end all of workouts, but worth a read. I actually do circuit training 2 times a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and really love it. I also started taking Pilate's this week and I AM IN LOVE! It's very relaxing, but I can tell it will change my body over time. If you haven't tried it, do.<br /><br />Secondly, I am LOVING this fall breakfast. It tastes like warm apple pie, and if you think this is any comparison to the dried fruit pieces you get in oatmeal, well... you have to try it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4jDP8lpRreyN7zP0LbCL0E8fndi-roBs1Yht-M-lLLkORZCsecBWGi1M-euWIPk4GJKCxUrIIhPXXdXgjIonmyyUvnhyphenhyphenjRH-4rXQicDA0bCTHscsdyLGhuGXRpZqKB5wAba8KpujWmIC/s1600/151.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538403640368841170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4jDP8lpRreyN7zP0LbCL0E8fndi-roBs1Yht-M-lLLkORZCsecBWGi1M-euWIPk4GJKCxUrIIhPXXdXgjIonmyyUvnhyphenhyphenjRH-4rXQicDA0bCTHscsdyLGhuGXRpZqKB5wAba8KpujWmIC/s400/151.JPG" /></a><br />Here's what I use.<br /><br />1 packet of instant oatmeal. (Something like Maple and Brown Sugar or Plain. I use Quaker Oats Lower Sugar Maple and Brown Sugar.)<br />However much skim milk you like to make your oatmeal. I like mine really thick, so I only use about 1/4 of a cup. You can always add extra milk at the end if it's too dry.<br />1 small apple<br />2 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar<br /><br />Directions:<br /><ul><li>Peel your apple, then cut it into chunks. Put your apple in a microwave safe bowl, and cover with a paper towel. Heat for 3 minutes.</li><li>Mix your instant oatmeal and milk in a separate bowl, and heat in microwave for 2 minutes.</li><li>When both are finished, combine the apples and oatmeal. Top with splenda and mix it up. </li></ul><p>Nutritional Info:</p><p>Calories: 255<br />Fat: 2g<br />Carbs: 52g<br />Protein: 6g<br />Fiber:4.5g<br />Sodium: 296mg </p><p>This yummy fall breakfast will keep you peppy and full all morning. Enjoy! </p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-45074780331475250132010-11-10T14:25:00.004-06:002010-11-10T14:44:08.555-06:00Week 2 On The Ranch is Always Rough!Week 2 sucks. Historically on the Biggest Loser, week 2 contestants lose NO WEIGHT. Some even gain it.<br /><br />LIVING IT, right here! Last week I lost almost 4 pounds. This week <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nada</span>. In fact, if the bod doesn't cooperate soon, I'm going to finish with a small gain. Worried, no. Pissed, a little. Surprised, not in the least.<br /><br />I need to explain... this is how my weekend went:<br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MhdLaCim2xGQRnfl17tnNckvFNicEgbW04K0vCsoTUEaxsPFgxtGLjyxIkFvK8VyOkFRT6x6G8i7VNSjUbJvE-FcRJJkXgaXgYTsaMP8XSdkP95My0ErCuEFh8Jc_WeZWMlV16ZwLbu-/s1600/Mandy+turns+30.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538022083008539266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MhdLaCim2xGQRnfl17tnNckvFNicEgbW04K0vCsoTUEaxsPFgxtGLjyxIkFvK8VyOkFRT6x6G8i7VNSjUbJvE-FcRJJkXgaXgYTsaMP8XSdkP95My0ErCuEFh8Jc_WeZWMlV16ZwLbu-/s400/Mandy+turns+30.jpg" /></a> Was it fabulous? Absolutely. Was there food, cake, and alcohol involved. Sure... there was also lots of dancing to burn some calories! </p><p>I don't do it every weekend, and I don't feel the least bit guilty for the celebrating I partook in this year. This was a once in a lifetime celebration (literally). </p><p>So if you haven't joined <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway.html">the giveaway</a>, it's not too late. If you didn't gain weight this week, you probably beat me!</p><p>** Um, just so you know, I haven't thrown the towel in though. I have 2 major workouts left this week, and I will give it all I have. If I turn the bracelet over to hubby on Friday morning, it's not because I didn't try.**<br /></p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008268770996987481.post-17252611046372051522010-11-05T14:13:00.003-05:002010-11-05T14:43:59.889-05:00GIVEAWAY!<div align="center">Yep, you heard it correctly, I am having a little giveaway. More friendly competition if you will.<br /><br />First off, we finished our first week of the <a href="http://theeatittoolifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/self-discipline-challenge.html">Self Discipline Challenge</a>, and the winner is...<br /></div><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536146589894325586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4Jcj5fdJqOB89hRuBvVvRS9gnc16QFmbm19kpxHk2r9gvMh6ZNYasOum559p1RxxujaQsGvJwfLA3qVA-EbzHcQV4KpzhatNNGMRsdG8TkkCGpjbpjT33ot0qj6qnqkj36lCOurGkcTG/s400/self+discipline.bmp" /> <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>Me!</strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;"></span></span></p><p align="left">It was a close race. I ended up losing 1.85%, while Brian lost 1.32%. That may seem like a large difference, but in the end, Brian only needed to lose 1 more pound. He was a great sport and I look forward to another week competing with him. That brings me to our giveaway...</p><p align="left">Want to win a Self Discipline Bracelet? You can! I have decided to extend our competition to all of our readers this week. Here's how it's going to work:</p><p align="left">Competition starts now, and end next Friday, November 12th at 10:00 p.m. Each reader will have the opportunity to compete against Brian and I to be the biggest loser. Sometime during the day next Friday, you must come back to this post and tell me what percentage of weight loss you had this week. The reader with the highest percentage for the week will win a bracelet.</p><p align="left">Here's your advantage... If you post on Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog that you are competing in this (and give a link back to this page), I will give you a .20% advantage for each one up to .60%! Just post a comment in the comments section letting me know where you left links.</p><p align="left">How to figure your weight loss percentage: Weigh in now, no clothing. Then, next Friday morning (Nov 12) weigh in as early as possible, no food, no clothes. Take today's weigh minus next weeks weight. Divide that total over your first weight, then multiply it by 100.</p><p align="left">Example: Start weight 200, Nov 12 weight 197<br />200-197=3 3/200= .015 .015x100= 1.5%</p><p align="left">Let me know what percentage you TRULY lost was. I will add your advantages on myself. The person with the most weight lost for the week, plus advantages will win the bracelet!</p><p align="left">GOOD LUCK!</p><p align="left">Disclaimer: Please choose to lose your weight in a safe and sound manner. I take no liability for any injuries or illness during this challenge. If you do not need to lose weight, don't. You have already been given a better gift. All members who chose to participate will be trusted in their weight loss claims. I will not ask you to prove in any way how much weight you lost, be fair, be honest.</p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552780366830688299noreply@blogger.com1