This morning, I was sitting at my desk and just analyzing where I have been in the last 6 months and how much I have made every excuse not to exercise, to eat healthy, do make myself a healthy lifestyle. Is it hard? Heck yes its hard!!!! So out of desperation this morning, I emailed Corinne asking for help. Sometimes I feel like I am so alone at this battle because I am REALLY struggling here, I am trying to get my weight off not just get toned, I keep giving up on myself .... but I have made my commitment that I am going to do it, I am going to do it for myself and for the sake that I am trying to get pregnant, I want a healthy pregnancy and etc!

This morning I was sitting here fighting the tears as I wrote Corinne an email (must admit a few fell down my face as I was typing to her) ... I am willing to do anything and everything that it takes to get going, to stay going!

I do think so far that I have had a good start, I am eating off the menu that I had made with only one or two exceptions on there. I went on a walk/jog last night 1.5 miles in 22 mins. Not GREAT but ok being as I was limping after way back to the house. Today, I didn't let shin splits get me down because there are people that have it worse than I, as Corinne said :) *love ya girl* Instead I went to the gym at lunch, worked out on the bike, then I worked out on some ST but I was running behind schedule, got 1/2 through then I will, yes I will finish up tonight.

I really don't know what you girls can do for me, but I needed to pour my heart out to you. What have you found to help you especially in the beginning? Anything that you can think of, please either email me or post back here. I could really use all your insight!

Thanks again for letting me *cry* on your shoulder!

A little disappointed but continuing to go on my journey. This weekend, I haven't been the best at my eating at all!
Today I made homemade chili, cornbread muffins. Then my hubby made us roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce ... well to say the least I feel like a pig after eating all day!
I hope everyone is doing good; I plan on making tomorrow, the next day and the rest of the week a better week of eating. I did get my menu planned out for the week. I just have to stick to my plan. :)

Football Season Anyone?

I was reading something online today and I came across these little recipes for all those who make a lot of food during football season for the parties! Enjoy!

Score Big With Healthy Game-Time Foods

By Dorian Wagner
It's football season, everyone. Time for tailgating, cheering, beer -- and the death of your diet, right? Wrong!

While we can't find you a healthy substitute for your beer (although studies have shown there are some benefits to drinking), we can help you create a diet-conscious tailgate menu. And don't worry… We know it's football and "the guys" won't eat tofu and carrot sticks. Just trust us on this one -- they won't even know they're eating healthy!

Kick it off right…

Fired-up BBQ Bean Dip
1 can (15 ounces) red or black beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup barbeque sauce
1 tbsp. hot sauce
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with raw vegetable sticks or baked chips. Serves 6.

Fan-Favorite Nuts
1 tbsp. margarine or light butter
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cans mixed nuts
Optional: 2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large pan, combine margarine, Worcestershire sauce and optional garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes (until butter is melted). Remove from heat and stir in mixed nuts.

Spread thoroughly coated nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 13 minutes, or until nuts are lightly toasted. Cool and keep in a tightly-sealed container until you get to the parking lot!

It's half-time, help yourself…

Mascot Meatball Kabobs
1 1/3 lb. ground turkey
½ egg substitute
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup chopped onions
Vegetable oil
2 zucchini, sliced
2 yellow squash, sliced
1 package cherry tomatoes
1 jar pearl onions
Barbeque sauce

Directions: In large bowl, combine first four ingredients. Form mixture into 2-inch balls. Heat oil in large skillet and brown meatballs. On moistened bamboo skewers (to prevent burning), load on meatballs, zucchini, squash, tomatoes and onions. Wrap in foil and keep in a cooler on your way to the parking lot.

Once there, grill over medium heat about 6 minutes, turning halfway through. Brush on barbeque, then grill 8 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender and meatballs are heated through.

Make it to the goal line…

First Down Potato & Chicken Salad
5 medium red potatoes
3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 tbsp. water
2 tsp. spicy mustard
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
8 ounces precooked chicken strips
1/3 cup chopped celery

Directions: Place potatoes in medium saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook 5-6 minutes and set aside to cool. In separate container, mix vinegar, water, mustard, salt and pepper. Add in chicken, onion and potato slices. Serves 4.

Touchdown Teriyaki Steak
2/3 cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine
¼ cup rice vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp. ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup light beer
2 ½ pounds flank steak

Directions: Marinade -- Combine soy sauce, rice wine, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic and beer in saucepan over high heat. Cook until mixture reduces to half. Allow to cool, seal steak and marinade in large Ziploc bag. Leave overnight, or simply let bagged steaks marinate in a cooler while you drive to the game.

At the parking lot -- Fire up your grill and cook steaks for about 4 to 8 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. Dig in! Serves 6.

I did it again guys! I made it to the gym again during lunch hour. I almost wonder if I give a little more at the gym during this time cause I know that I am cracking it all out in one hour. :)


Drinking my protein drink now ..... hopefully I can quit shaking then too!

Btw .... I have had the willpower to stay away from the devil candy today so far!!!!!!

So again this morning my bed was too comfy to get out of so I didn't make it to the gym but I grabbed my gym back and my clothes and I will go again today at lunchtime. I am determined to find the time to do it whether it be before work, during lunchtime, after work ..... Plus I honestly believe if I workout then I eat better, I do better.

I have been thinking in my head that I know that I can do this ... I just have to do it!

One of my struggles is: sugars ... CANDY! I love candy! I am like a candy-olichic on crack :) I could eat it night and day, day and night ....... AKA why I am overweight today. I come into work and there is a BIG tub of licorice from Costco sitting there. I am thinking in my head "back away from the candy ..... back away from the licorice." Now, I know I can't deny myself of all kinds of sweets and treats but that is my problem. EVERYDAY in my head I think I need to have a sweet treat throughout the day and I know that I don't ..... So I have been chewing on Extra "Bubble Gum" flavored gum. :) yummy! I think that gum is going to be my hero, the only thing that can keep me away from the candy .....


This is my morning ..... I will post later how my day is!