I watched the game… they fell asleep:

This year was different. Different teams, different location, different people (Me, My dad and Matt) and different food.

This year, Matt and I decided we would make Green Chili Chili. This too, is a low-calorie chili full of flavor. So much flavor, it is starting to radiate through my skin. My co-worker just walked in and said that my office smelled like garlic. You can imagine my embarrassment as I explained to him that the night before, I had to cut up 10 cloves of garlic! (The original recipe called for 5 but we doubled it)

Anyways.. the game was intense… and so was the chili. It called for beer and I’ve never cooked with beer before but it added a different flavor that none of us were use to. My dad was not aware of the “secret” ingredient because I’m not sure he would have eaten it had he known… so we didn’t tell him! He he he

Anyways! After I indulged myself with the chili and a few too many fritos, I was SO sleepy! I had grown tired of seeing the Tigers slip around on the turf and wanted to go home. We don’t have cable at home which is why we were at my parent’s house. Matt said he would just listen to the game online. SO we went home and I fell asleep.

The chili was good. The recipe is here. You may want to go easy on the beer, though. Unless you really like that flavor? I don’t and wonder how it would have tasted if we hadn’t of used it?

Yay! Auburn Won!!!

Because of the fritos yesterday, I am most certain I went over my calorie goal. Today is going ok though. I need to work out and plan to this evening.. hopefully

Until next time!

Pico De Gallo

These are the things dreams are made of… or what REALLY good Lunches/Dinners are made of.

If you like Mexican flavors then this dish is FO YO!

First, make the Pico De Gallo! That way the flavors can marinate a bit. You can find the recipe here.

Secondly, prepare the chicken. I slice it up in strips and pour a pack of taco seasoning, salt, pepper and lime juice.

THEN You put a little bit of Olive oil in the pan and blacken the chicken. Leave the stove on high and cook the chicken on each side for a couple of minutes. Note: This may make your smoke detector go off, so use the vent

I LOVE black beans so I warm some of those up to go on my burrito or wrap or whatever it’s called.

I bought little green wraps that are supposedly made out of spinach from Winn Dixie. They only have 70 calories and are packed with Fiber! (WE LOVE FIBER) So I put all of the contents in the wrap. I also used low-fat mexican blend cheese. It has 80 calories per quarter cup.. If you grate your own cheese, you may find that it is more favorable. The pre grated cheese has corn starch on it and takes away from the deliciousness BUT works if you are pressed for time or get anxious when using a grater.. I know I do..you know, when the cheese is almost to the end! I always get scared that the grater will cut me!

I have leftovers for tonight so I think I am just going to take all of the deliciousness and make a salad out of it instead of putting it on that wrap. The wrap is good but not my favorite for mexican.

I am estimating that one serving would be about 300 calories. (I hope)

I love food. I love mexican.

The other night I grilled with some of my gal pals. I made BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. They were pretty much the bomb.com. You can find THAT recipe here. If you are just tuning in.. you will come to find that I absolutely LOVE the pioneer woman. Her recipes are DELISH and NEVER fail me (except for her grown up mac & cheese). The only problem is that her recipes aren’t always the healthiest so I try to modify them accordingly. That often means using olive oil instead of butter…. and many other things.. She is my best friend and one day I will meet her and thank her for teaching me how to cook. (My mom tried but I never wanted to learn, then.)

My first time to ever cut up an entire fresh pineapple!

BBQ Pineapple Quesadillas! YUM

Oh and I guess it would be good to know that I’ve lost a total of 6 pounds. WOOTIE WOOT WOOT. Yes, that’s mostly water weight but weight is weight, right?

YAY for being a loser! Happy Sunday and Happy Monday for tomorrow! (Ewww Monday)

Here are a few more pictures from cooking this past week. If you ever want some really delicious baked veggies, cut them up and toss them in olive oil and kosher salt! DELISH:

in the oven:

After baking or roasting or whatever I did???

This is my tin foil dinner! VERY good!

I was dog tired last night and completely forgot to post.

So.. here’s the run down:

My breakfast, lunch and snacks were all the same as they were on Monday.

YUMMY Chobani Yogurt!

Clif Bars - My "go to" breakfast

These oranges are from Target and they are SO sweet!

My dinner, however was different. Again, Matt and I were not going to get home until late, and because I am eating less calories and burning more calories, I have been STARVING by 5 o’clock so we decided to get some sushi.

I do not eat seafood but I don’t get sushi with fish. I absolutely love the garden rolls from Fuji-San. If you’ve never been there, it is in mid-town near the loop in an old black and white house. I’ve had garden rolls from many-a-sushi place in Mobile, and to me, Fuji-San is the Crem de la Crem! I don’t know about the seafood rolls, but my friends that frequent Fuji-San, agree with me. Plus.. I like that their name is Fuji-San. I think it’s more original than some of those other Sushi places. The people there are very nice and you will always be offered some sort of Banana thing for dessert. Of course, I always decline. It’s a little strange.

I’m not exactly sure how many calories are in a Garden Roll but “My Fitness Pal” told me that 12 pieces had 349 Calories. Well.. I ate 18 pieces (Gosh, that’s a lot) So added 175 calories to the 349 for  a total of 524 Calories. I just hope that that is an accurate number. I don’t want to cheat.. because then I’m only cheating myself out of losing weight.

Hipstomatic + Sushi = Pretty

I had hoped that I would lose maybe another pound (I’ve lost 3 (water weight) so far), but I didn’t today when I got on the scale. SO.. it could be from all of the rice taking awhile to digest? I’m not sure.. but hopefully, I’ll have better luck tomorrow, even though I’m not running today.

By the way, for my fellow running friends.. My left hip is starting to hurt. It’s never felt this way before? I don’t know why…It scares me a bit, though. Should I stretch more or is there any particular stretch that I can do to help with the pain? It just feels really strange.

Moving on..

Today, My gal pals and I went to Scaryland to hold hands and pray for our Ruby Tuesday’s lunch. There, I had the Grilled Chicken Wrap and Steamed broccoli. I also drank my weight in diet coke. I couldn’t help it, though.. I had not had one since Sunday and have started itching and breaking out in cold sweats. My lunch totaled to be 543 Calories PLUS one bite of a garlic cheese biscuit which was probably about 10 calories? I’ll burn 10 calories just from typing this, so I think I’ll be ok.

Chicken Wrap + Broccoli

For dinner, I really am going to cook! I am having baked chicken with various vegetables. I love roasted Zucchini and Squash, so I’m thinking I will probably roast some and sprinkle some Kosher salt on it. Is that healthy? Hmmm. I am having Chicken Tin Foil Dinners. These are comprised of chicken, onions, salt, pepper, carrots, zucchini, squash, and bell peppers. You season to taste and pop it in some tinfoil, wrap it up and bake at 350 for probably 45-60 minutes? The carrots take awhile to cook all the way through. It’s a really easy meal to prepare, though.. and if you want it to go faster crank up the temperature and don’t use carrots. You can also uses ground beef or ground turkey.

I’m going to include some screen shots from “My Fitness Pal”, for those of you that have not gotten it, you will see how it works and will be convinced! It makes you feel SO good. After you tell it how many calories you had for the day it will tell you how much you will weight in 5 weeks! It’s a good number if you do things right Of course results vary but it’s very encouraging to see!

This is the Food Diary where you log in your food consumption via My Fitness Pal's Food Database

So that’s about it for the day. I have not drank enough water for today but I will try and drink more to wash out all of the sinfully delicious Diet Coke that I’ve consumed… and who know’s.. maybe the “Shred” is in my future for this evenings work out?

Toodles!

Last year, after beginning my weightless blog, I lost a total of 40 pounds. Around Easter, I found Myself
getting a little jaded and burned out. My blogging dwindled along
with my weight loss. Now that am full circle I must confess that I
have GAINED about 13 pounds. I am not proud if this but must admit
that part of may weight gain was due to justification by exercise.
I can now run a 5-k but will guiltlessly indulge in a few slices of
Pizza afterward. On occasion that is ok, but my over indulging was
turning into a daily regimen. Hence the poundage. Poundage on the
pavement ironically lead to poundage on me. Granted my weight
increased these past two weeks because I stopped running due to my
demanding holiday schedule. The fact of the matter is that I still
love the taste of all foods and often eat for entertainment. The
drinking of my 64+ ounces of water a day has also subsided. I have
indeed fallen off of the wagon. BUT what are resolutions for!? To
resolve one’s self, of course! And that is what I aim to do. I am
here to say that despite my recent failed efforts, I will somehow
muster up the confidence to try try again. Will I stick with my
previous goal in reaching a size 10? I’m honestly afraid to commit
to that…let’s take baby steps. I am excited to hop back on the
wagon. I feel that with my new found love for running plus eating
healthy, drinking plenty of water and the plethora of fitness aps I
have on my iPhone, I should have no excuse for failing! I will
succeed and I will appreciate any support the readers I may or may
not have can give me! I hope to inspire one person that may inspire
another. We can do this, friends. Yes…we… Will! Happy New Year!
Here’s to do-overs.

It’s really quite funny because writing about what I eat everyday does help me stay focused. If I don’t write.. I feel less inclined to keep my word. SCANDAL, I know.

mmmm...peanut butter

Today I had 1 cup of coffee, 2 small…very small pieces of bacon. Infact, so small I would say I really only had 1 piece. Then I went to carpe diem for a little HTML training and had a very bad for me Non Fat Caramel Mochiatto followed by about 17 peanut butter m&m’s. Because of that horrible treachery, I did not allow myself lunch because I knew that was already bad and since today is my mother’s birthday, I was going to indulge in a little cake and ice cream later. Which I did.. but only after I Had Dressing, Dumplings, Purple hull peas and the best macaroni and cheese that my taste buds have tasted since I don’t know when!

Ice cream and cake.

I know.. I’ve been bad and last night, I ate at Fuego. Granted, I did partake in a grilled chicken salad but let’s face it.. chicken salads from places like that are still bad for you and since we went to see a movie after that I had my favorite movie num num, Rasinettes. I like rasinettes because believe it or not, they are kind of good for you. They are rich and anti-oxidants because they are part fruit. HA. Whatever I have to tell myself.

BUT I have lost 3 lbs. I thought it was 4 but I must have gained one? I don’t know? Probably from that night I ate at Matt’s grandmaw’s house and she MADE me eat corn bread. She doesn’t want me to be skinnier than her, I think.

THe point is.. I have done a little better.. but I need to focus and I need to run. I wish I was one of those cool kids that was disciplined and could wake up early.. like when it’s still dark outside and go running. That would be cool.. but alas, I’m not one of those uber disciplined, self help book reading, organic food eating, hot tea drinking people. I’m just not. Sigh.

Althought.. I must say.. I kind of like who I actually am. I’ll tell you who that is later….

Getting to know Anna Grace pre-birth

My best friend had a beautiful Anna Grace today. I already love her. I can’t wait to meet her. I wish I could show you a picture but I’m not able to because it was only texted to me. She’ll be on facebook eventually. I love that she is a big baby! Amy’s not a big girl. She’s rail thin and she had an 8 pound 10 ounce baby girl! Big babies are the best (no offense to those who do not have big babies) I just like substantial babies that you don’t have to worry about breaking, ya know. I think babies are breakable anyway, so I usually don’t volunteer to hold him.. until they can at least crawl and then they don’t want to be held anyway. HA, go figure.

Happy Saturday. I’m done. <3

• Clif Bar for breakfast (260)
• Fiber One Bar (140)
• Turkey and Cheese Sandwich on Wheat (about 250)
• Yogurt (100)
• String Cheese (70)
• 3 cup of pop corn (45)

For a total of 739 Calories

I drew my food because I left my camera at home today and I am a nerd.

Before I popped the popcorn, I decided that I need to start eating foods that keep me fuller longer. I began having hunger pains and that’s not going to fly! I don’t like the feeling that at any moment, if someone offered me a twix, I would say yes and scarf it down because I was feeling so hungry. When I’m hungry, I feel vulnerable! I need to work harder eating more protein. Protein keeps you fuller longer, right?

Ok… after researching I’ve found from Spark People that you need to eat foods with Low Density.

“Calorie density refers to the number of calories per gram of food. Foods that are HIGH in calorie density contain a high number of calories per gram; foods that are LOW in calorie density contain a low number of calories per gram. Calorie density is the key to feel full without overeating.

When you eat too many calorie dense foods, you’ll end up consuming a lot of calories to fill your belly. If you focus on low-calorie density foods, you can fill up on fewer calories because low density foods contain a lot more water, which adds weight and volume to the food, but no calories. “

Low Calorie Density Foods are like clouds. They are heavy… but are less dense, so they float. (I’ve never understood that until now! Sorry… I’m an artist, not a scientist!)

To combat hunger through out the day…

EAT MORE broth-based soups like chicken broth and vegetable broth. (WHO KNEW!?)
EAT MORE leafy greens like lettuce, baby spinach and mixed salad greens with fat-free dressing.
EAT MORE fruits like apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, strawberries and watermelon.
EAT MORE non-starchy vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes and winter squash.
TIP: Start your meal with a bowl of broth-based soup or low-calorie leafy green salad to fill up on fewer calories. Turn to non-starchy vegetables when you get the munchies.
Another option is to eat foods that are high in Fiber and Lean Protein.”

I am out of gum, but chewing gum through out the day, has helped me to fight my hunger cravings, and for some reason causes me to drink more water. I think water is a flavor enhancer, so while I’m chewing gum, I like to drink water. To me, it brings out the flavor in the gum!

This is such a pretty painting!

The article goes on to say,

“Now that you know which foods have the staying power, it is important to spread these satisfying foods throughout the day into designated meals and snacks. Then you’ll be reaping the benefits all day long.

Even better, slow down and savor every bite. Research has shown that it can take 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you have reached satiety (Satisfaction). So take your time and enjoy every delicious bite along the way. “

I think all of this is easier said than done but it is certainly helpful information. I think I need to go BACK to the grocery store! We forgot to get fresh fruit and veggies yesterday (oops).

Moving on to my run…

I was meeting my friend, Sarah D and her mom, Melissa D. at my alma mater to do a little cardio. Well, there’s a track and then there’s a long trail that goes around the entire school. I was under the impression that I was going to meet them at the track but they had already started on the trail. For fear of my life and not catching up with them, I decided to hit the track running.

He reminds me of me

I printed the From the Couch to a 5K work out out, but left it at home, along with my camera, thus causing me to do my own little work out routine. I walked a lap then jogged a lap. Then wondered why I was son confident in my running abilities because it tore me up! I don’t think I got the right speed down and was running faster than I usually do. So I walked.. and then I pretty much got into the rhythm of walking half of each lap and running the other half. It worked out well enough.

I only did 2 miles before it started getting dark and I had things to do at home, so I left.

I’d like to pose the following question: Why don’t we do the things that are so good for us? After my work out, I felt great! It wasn’t too painful.. I mean, really…What is the deal? We are crazy messed up people and by “we” I mean “I”.  I understand why I don’t always eat right all of the time because I want to eat the good foods.. but exercising isn’t really that hard. I mean thank the Lord we have legs! I just get so mad at myself! I am a lazy bum! I need to remind myself of this every day!

Ha.. this reminds me of me too!

I need to make it part of my daily routine.. like brushing my teeth, or putting my shoes on. Then, if I know that I don’t have a choice… it is something that has to be done, maybe I will do it!? I’m just preaching to myself, friends

And after all of that has been said, I must say that day 2 is rest day of from the couch to a 5-k. ha ha ha

Well, whatever the case may be, it’s time.. It’s time to get back on that band wagon and lose some more weight!

To start, I’m going to the grocery store. I’ll be honest. I have not bought groceries in several weeks. Which means I have not cooked in several weeks. “What do you eat?”, you ask. I eat out. That’s bad..bad for me and my pocket book, so while I am loosing weight, I will (hopefully) be gaining dollars to go to more important things… like bills.. or to a goal dress that I’ve been eyeing from Anthropologie and have yet to buy (from all of my money being spent on eating out!)

I will buy the necessities of eating well. Clif bars, fruits and as many fresh veggies as I can find. I will continue to buy chicken and ground turkey meet. I should make a few menus so I will have a better idea of what to buy.

Jake likes Sandwiches too!

For lunches, I like turkey on wheat with a slice of 2% american cheese. I could always eat Lean Cusines, but I think I’ll stick to sandwiches for awhile. Then, I will get some yogurt and fiber one bars! Got to keep the fiber in the diet.

For dinner, Baked Chicken with zucchini, squash, and onions, Taco Soup, and lots of veggies! I may just make a vegetable plate tonight, in fact! What else can I make for dinner that is healthy? I do not own a grill. If I did, I’d grill chicken every night! I just run out of ideas

Another thing is to drink plenty of water. I try to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day but it is definitely better if I drink more than that!

I have been very inspired by my sister-n-law, Jessie who has lost 15 pounds. She has been eating right and has recently started doing From the Couch to a 5-K. I’ve noticed many of her friends are doing it to and I want to try it as well. I ran a few weeks ago and was able to run about a mile and a half without stopping, but I want to do this right, (and i’ll have an excuse to walk) so I am going to follow the plan exactly. I will blog about my progress.

I hope that the few people who do read this will hold me accountable. I noticed that I started eating badly again when I stopped writing. Several people asked me why I stopped. It became a chore, I suppose…or maybe I got burnt out? But if writing about everything helps me stay accountable, then I am going to start writing again!

Wish me luck. I’ll post pictures of everything later.

New name.. new blog.. new me (hey, I’m 35-40 lbs lighter!)