Hello Lovely's

It's been a couple days since I last posted and I hate that I have been away so long, but I found out on Wednesday morning that my boss of 2 1/2 years passed away from cardiac arrest.  It's been a very emotional and draining week for me.  I also had a really busy week and it's been a struggle to find time to work out.  I committed myself to working out 6 days a week, and I don't intend on breaking that promise.  So, I have worked out 6 nights this week.  It's just been a struggle to do so. 

I started on my Shakeology on Sunday and I have found that it really does curb my cravings and I don't feel like eating most of the day.  It's fantastic!  So, I'm excited to continue the Shakeology for as long as I am continuing to find my Skinny Gal. 

On Thursday evening, my husband was in another karaoke contest and placed first!  Last year alone he won somewhere around 8K in Karaoke earnings, and so far this year he's at $1500.  He really is a fabulous singer!  I will try to get some videos up soon.  They were taken on my cell phone, so the quality with the sound isn't the best, but you can at least get the point.  With all the contest that I have attended and I've seen him place, it still makes me proud every time.  He has had no vocal training and just started singing 3 years ago, which makes it all that much more enjoyable.

That's it for now.  Next week I will post a recipe for Sloppy Janes, which are absolutely fantastic, give y'all an update on my measurements/weight, and some new updated pictures from this week.  I am just out of control---BUSY--- this week, SO have a great weekend everyone, see you Monday-Tuesday. 

XOXO

 

           

The Golden Handcuff

So, today I am tired.  My work decided they would actually enforce the rules for once and now we're required to work (2) 12-9 shifts, in which I put my foot down with my boss and told him that I go to bed about 9:30pm and I need to keep my Brynnie on schedule.  He said that I could work 11-8, which still puts a hitch in my gitty up.  I have been working 9-6 since I came back to work in December and Brynn and I are on a nice little routine. 

Here's what I hate about the change in shifts. 

1. The 11-8 shift seems to drag on FOREVER. 
2. I'll have to work through lunch and supper, which means I have to plan and prepare even more to eat healthy food all day since I will be here through both times.
3. If I don't come home until 8, then the hubs will let Brynn sleep in his arms from 5:30-8 and not play with her to keep her awake. 
4. That means that I get LESS sleep at night since she won't fall asleep at 9:30-10, it'll be more like 12-1am.  
5. I have to workout at night on the 9-6 shift and then the next day I have to workout in the morning when I work 11-8, which leaves me REALLY exhausted like I am today.  Twelve hours or so is not enough time to recover from the intense Turbo Fire workouts.  There's a reason they advertise that you burn 9X more fat doing the workouts, because it's ABSOLUTELY true!

With that said, if I could find a better job that pays me what I currently get paid, then I would totally go somewhere else.  That's why my co-workers call this place "The Golden Handcuff", because the job itself is horrible, but it pays so well that we have to stay regardless of what we think.  Unfortunately, I am the bread winner in my house, so I have to continue to suck it up until I can find something different.  AND who has the time to apply, apply, apply, all the time???  I surely don't!

I guess that's why I became a Beachbody coach/consultant.  I have hopes that one day I will be my own boss.  The great thing about being a Beachbody coach is that I have a big O' open market.  Unlike Scentsy, Thirty-One, and Mary Kay, I have unlimited people in my area to share my story with and I don't know of any other Beachbody Consultant in my area to step on my feet. 

I can say the only difficulty I have came across is all the pirating of the Beachbody products.  Why buy it when they can pirate it and do it for free??  It's really frustrating, but there are people out there that are interested in actually buying the programs so that they can have the full set of information, calendars, meal plans, etc.

I can say that I had Hip Hop Abs pirated at one time-years ago.  I popped the disk in once and never tried it again.  There is a MAJOR difference in buying the full set and in copying the workout on the disk, ESPECIALLY when/if you join an accountability team or become a coach. 

With that said, if anyone may be interested in joining the Beachbody team or becoming a coach as well, please contact me on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/stephanielpotter

Or shoot me a message on here or to my email: 

slpotter83@gmail.com

I promise I don't bite!

Monday Results???

Results???  Well, I guess so.  If you haven't read my post from Friday, it was all about the sabotage from last week.  I forgot to mention I also had ANOTHER kids Birthday party I was dragged to yesterday and of course it was Shawn's family event. 

What I like about my fam is that we only get together for the major Holidays, and guess what,,,,, I'm actually excited to see them every time!!!  Family get togethers are nice, but when you start to have them every month it gets to be too much for me.

Luckily, I resisted the crack potatoes even though they were at the B-day party as usual and STARING at me (Come eat me Stephanieeeeee... You shut your face crack potatoes!).  Instead I ate a handful of fresh fruit and veggies from the different trays, a couple spoonfuls of the Italian pasta salad, and 3 halves of deviled eggs.  There's a reason they are called DEVILed eggs too.  Just 3 came out to be 300 calories and 19g of fat.  The fat content was way more than I needed in a single serving.  Plus, they are kind of irresistible for me, those lil' devils.  I love eggs, and can eat them in just about any form they come in, except runny (I don't particularly like to chase after my yokes).  My grandmother will make deviled eggs just for me for every family event my family has, because I have always loved them.  They're just SO delish!

Anyways......   Stop complaining already Steph...... 

Ok, so first off, I hate the scale this week, but I still lost inches, which is all that matters to me.  I'm actually amazed I was able to do so with all the food and beer that was tossed in front of me this past week, BUT I did work out all 6 days and Saturday on my day off, I walked around quite a bit at the Tri-fest.  This is why a workout routine is so IMPORTANT!  If you are losing inches and look better, WHO CARES WHAT THE SCALE SAYS, RIGHT?  Well.....  Yes, but I'd still eventually like to see that number start to diminish.

April 16, 2012
Waist: 41"  -2"
Calves: 17"
Neck: 12 3/4"
Thigh: 23 1/4" -3/4"
Arm: 12 1/2"
Chest: 40 1/2" -1 1/2"
Hips: 45" -1 1/2" 
Weight: 209.6
___________________
TOTALS (Week 2): 2.8 lbs and -5 3/4"

April 23, 2012
Waist: 39 1/2"  -1 1/2"
Calves: 17"
Neck: 12 1/2"  -1/4"
Thigh: 23 1/2"  + 1/4"
Arm: 12 1/2"
Chest: 40"   -1/2"
Hips: 43 1/2" -1 1/2" 
Weight: 210.4  +.08
___________________
TOTALS (Week 3): +.08lbs and -3 1/2"==TOTAL since starting TF:  4.2 lbs and 18"

WHAT!?!?!  18" in only 3 weeks!  That's pretty A-MAZING!

Even though I'm only down 3 1/2" this week, I FEEL more defined and thinner.  I don't measure my badonkadonk, but I am pretty sure I have lost some major inches in that area this week.  It looks tighter to me, which is great considering that is a major fat collector in my body.  I also can tell I am getting definition in my thigh, hence the +1/4" and in my arms.  

I know I measure everything and see results that way, but for the most part I have noticed a lot of weight loss/inches in my back, butt and face/neck more than anything.  My measurements every week is what keeps me going, BUT my biggest motivator is when someone from work or that hasn't seen me in a while asks me how I am losing weight and that they can tell a difference.  I'll take that over the number on the scale ANY DAY!  I received two comments last week.  One even said, "Well, I saw you walk by and thought, 'Wow, she's getting skinny'."  Skinny?  Not hardly, thinner-YES!  Though I am an aspiring Skinny Gal, and I did enjoy the comment.  

That's all peeps, have a good Monday!

       


 

New this week: Sabotage

Every now and then we have those weeks where the world is against us losing weight!!  That week for me is this week.  I'm not sure how Sunday's weigh in and measurements are going to pan out for me.  I feel like I have been completely sabotaged!  I have a very difficult time doing the following:  1.Turning down FREE food, 2. Going to a bar and NOT drinking that golden delish, 3. Resisting the temptation of festival food.  Every time I think of the sabotage this week, Beastie Boy's song "Sabotage" pops in my head. 

So, this is what the Universe had in store for me this week:

• A social bonfire to where I couldn't resist drinking.  It was our annual peep roast, and there was no way I was going to just sit in my lawn chair and not enjoy myself.  Last year I was pregnant, which meant this year- IT..... WAS..... ON! 

• Shawn's competition finals at the Fox in Hound.  I couldn't resist being a social butterfly and, well, drinking on top of that too.  

• Work catered in Toroni's pizza (local establishment), which is like my FAVORITE pizza.  So, I had (5) 2-3" veggie pizza squares and tried to resist any more than that.

• If that wasn't bad enough, work catered Grandy's in again yesterday.  I only ate veggies again and didn't eat the fried chicken.  I did probably have bigger portions as well of the veggies.  It was torture watching everyone else enjoy the fried chicken that I resisted.  

• I'm pretty sure Brynn's first tooth has been pushing through this week.  She has been majorly fussy, we've had two sleepless nights, and even though I couldn't see a tooth this morning, it felt like one was just about there and pushing through her bottom gum.  When I don't get enough sleep, I tend to want to eat more the next day. 

• AND LASTLY, this weekend is my hometowns annual Tri-fest.  I already have plans to eat a big ol' bratwurst with onions, mushrooms, green peppers, and mustard.  THEY ARE TO DIE FOR!  Plus, an orange or lemon shake-up.  HEY don't look at me like that, Tri-fest only happens ONCE a year.  I can sabotage one week out of the 20 committed Turbo Fire weeks. 

On the positive side of the house, I have worked out every day so far.  I'm hoping that this week I can just pull out a MAINTAINED weight and measurement.   

I was totally agitated this morning when I went to upload Shawn's videos of the karaoke contest the other night and found that the video took on his cellphone, but for some reason the audio was just static.  I wanted to cry.  He only does these songs for contest finals and so it's not often he sings them.  Regardless, here is an audio of Clay Walker's "Fall" from country week.  He does a great job with the song, but it's definitely not his best.  This was an audio recording from a cellphone, so you can hear all the feed in the background and it's nothing like it sounds like in person.  

 

So, there ya have it.  Hopefully, everyone else is doing better than I am this week.  It is MOTIVATIONAL Friday, so I leave you with this: 

I need this on my fridge this week--->>>>

I saw this picture on Pinterest and could not stop laughing.  It's so fitting! 

     

And a photo of a midsection I would absolutely die for!-->> 

TGIF! 

Shakeology

Shakeology-The Healthiest Meal of the Day!

So, I want to take a minute today and talk about Shakeology.  Shakeology is a shake that Beachbody created.  BUT, don't let it fool you, this isn't your average shake on the market!  This is my favorite video that shows how much nutrients are packed in ONE single serving of Shakeology:

 Isn't that amazing?  Once I saw this short video, I was intrigued.  I wanted to know more about it.  So, then I found this video:   

Did I mention how low it was on the Glycemic Index scale????  What does this mean you ask?  Foods that are low on the Glycemin Index scale help you get full, stay full longer, and give you energy! 

Ok, so I was sold.  I tried a sample of the chocolate Shakeology with a half banana, a tbl of reduced fat peanut butter, ice and water.  It was SO good!  It taste like those little Easter egg Reese's in a liquid form.  If you like chocolate like me, you will definitely get your chocolate fix on a daily basis.  I can't wait to get my 30 day supply today in the mail! 

So, being a Beachbody consultant, I actually now sell Shakeology.  If you are interested, head over to my website and check it out at: 

http://myshakeology.com/esuite/home/turbomomma83 

Before you go though, let me give you a little bit of perspective.  The most common response I get with Shakeology is, "Wow, that's kind of expensive."  Well, yea if you look at the full cost it is expensive, BUT PEOPLE it's a 30 day supply!  If you take the $119.95 cost and divide it out 30 days, then it comes out to be $3.99 a meal.  Pretty much the only place you can buy a meal that cheap anymore is on the McDonald's menu, in which is NOT healthy food in your tummy.  

Two other things I'd like to mention.  If you get Shakeology on home direct, which means they will ship it to your house automatically every 30 days, then your shipping is FREE!  Also, if you DO NOT LIKE Shakeology, you can get a FULL refund of your money.  

Enjoy, 

   

Brynnie @ 7 months!

Sweet baby Jesus, I have a 7 month old! 

Ok, maybe I am biased, because I am Momma Bear to Brynnie-Boo, but she is ABSOLUTELY the most BEAUTIFUL BABY I have ever seen and she turned 7 months old on Sunday.  

First off, let me just say that I can not believe she is already 7 months old.  It felt like it was yesterday that I had her.  She is SO sweet and smiles nonstop everyday.  She definitely makes my world brighter.  

So, what's new with Brynn?

-She still has NO teeth.

-She sits up with no help and doesn't wobble a bit while playing.

-She can stand for about 30 mins and weeble wobbles about five steps.

-She can get into crawling position and sways forward and backward like she wants to take off, but can't quite figure it out.  SHE SEEMS LIKE SHE IS SOOOO CLOSE, and I can't wait for that new adventure!

-She can go from a sitting position to all fours like she wants to crawl. 

-She says "DA, DA, DA, NA, NA, NA, MA, MA, MA, BA, BA, BA" all the time now.  Not in that particular order, but she is constantly being a chatter box and socializing with EVERYTHING.  She can entertain her self talking to the floor, her favorite toys, the dog, Shawn and I, and any stranger off the street.

-If you can not tell, she absolutely LOVES bath time and playing with her rubber toys in the suds.

-She eats veggies/fruits once a day with cereal, formula, formula with cereal, and 50% juice now.

-She just started turning and reaching out for Shawn, Grandma, and myself just last week, which absolutely melts my heart every time.

-AND she has the biggest smile I have ever seen.  I love it!

And that's what's new with my Boo Bear.  :) 

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup

This is another recipe that I found and absolutely love!  It's inexpensive, taste great, and it's HEALTHY!  If you like Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup, then you will love this healthier/spicier version.

This lovely is 112 calories, 4g of fat, 9.2g of Carbies, 10.9g of Protein, and 2 WW plus points per serving=1 CUP

Ingredients

2 packages of frozen Broccoli florets

3 cups of Chicken Broth

Handful (about 3/4 cup) of matchstick carrots

1 can of Rotel mild tomatoes

10 oz of 2% Velveeta cheese

 Directions:

1. Put broccoli, carrots, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth in your slow cooker on high for 4 hours. 

2. Once cooked, break up broccoli to smaller pieces.

3. Cube up Velveeta cheese and throw into slow cooker and stir until completely melted.  Serve with fat free cheddar cheese/crackers.

Enjoy!

Beachbody Coach/Results

Good Afternoon and Happy Monday! 

So, over the weekend I finally decided to dedicate myself to being a Beachbody Coach.  For any reader out there, that's currently doing a Beachbody program and may be interested in joining a FREE online membership and being on my Team, then let me know.  There are many ways for you to connect with me. 

First, you can go to:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/stephanielpotter and add me as a friend on Facebook.  No weirdos or stalkers please - Along with adding me, please send me a message to FB letting me know you want to be apart of my workout team! 

You can also go straight to my Beachbody website page and join my team there.  My team is called "Team Lollapaloser".  We losing weight, y'all!  :)  You can find my Beachbody page at:  http://beachbodycoach.com/TurboMomma83 .  Once you reach my Beachbody page, you can click the box that says "JOIN" for a FREE membership to where you can log your workouts for cool daily prizes, join the chat rooms, and get free workout tips and such.

If you DO NOT have a Beachbody program and you would like to know more, feel free to follow the same process or write me a comment.  I promise I don't bite, well not hard at least!!!! 

BTW, for those that read my blog and are interested in following it, there is an option in the right column that says "JOIN THIS SITE".  As long as you have a google/gmail, twitter, or yahoo account, you can follow/stalk me everyday!  How much fun would that be???  :)    

OK, so on to the Juice.  Here are my week 2 results with Turbo Fire:

April 9, 2012
Waist: 43"  -3"
Calves: 17"    
Neck: 12 3/4"  -1/4"
Thigh: 24"  -1 1/2" 
Arm: 12 1/2  - 1/2"
Chest: 42"  -1"
Hips: 46 1/2"  -2 1/2" (These hips don't lie!) 
Weight: 212.4 lbs 
                                     
TOTALS (1 week): 2.2lbs and -8 3/4"
TOTALS from beginning: 22.2 lbs and 26 1/4"

April 16, 2012
Waist: 41"  -2"
Calves: 17"
Neck: 12 3/4"
Thigh: 23 1/4" -3/4"
Arm: 12 1/2"
Chest: 40 1/2" -1 1/2"
Hips: 45" -1 1/2"   
Weight: 209.6
___________________
TOTALS (Week 2): 2.8 lbs and -5 3/4"==TOTAL since starting TF:  5 lbs and 14.5"
TOTALS from beginning: 25lbs and 32"

Alright, I am going to go back to talking about Turbo Fire again.  I want to give everyone a little bit of perspective on how well it's working for me.  In 2 1/2 months while doing Weight Watchers and walking when I could I lost 17".  OK, so 17" in 2 1/2 months.  Now, in just 2 WEEKS I have lost 14.5" since I have been doing Turbo Fire.  The workout program works damn it, and that's why I am passionate about it!  :)

Have a great work week everybody!

XOXO

  

Honey/Banana French Toast

Honey/Banana French Toast

This is a breakfast that I eat quite often on the weekends when I have time to make food and I'm not in a hurry.  This is 217 calories, 3.5g of fat, and 2 WW plus points per serving.  This recipe makes 2 servings. 

Ingredients

1 banana

2 slices of whole grain/wheat bread

ground cinnamon

1 tsp of honey

1 egg

1 tbl of skim milk

dash of salt

1. Whip together egg, milk, and salt in a bowl.

2. Transfer mixture onto a plate.  Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the mixture and lightly swirl it around.  Dip both sides of bread into the mixture and throw onto a skillet at medium heat.  Make sure to use Pam or oil on your skillet so that the french toast doesn't stick. 

3. Flip french toast until cooked.

4. Slice up a banana and once the toast is done, put slivers of banana onto the toast.  Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the bananas.

5. Lastly, drizzle honey on top and serve!

Enjoy!

-Skinny Gal.....  Somewhere.

Tools for Weight loss

This might be a post that I really should come out with later, but I wanted to share some of my favorite tools that I use for losing weight/inches and working out.  

First off, write everything you put in your mouth down in a WRITTEN journal.  I've used the cell phone apps that are weight loss journals and if you're like me, then it's just not the same.  I have a hard time remembering to put the information in my phone, because IT IS indeed my CELL PHONE.  I pick my phone up and I think about my text messages that I have to respond to, the Draw Something peeps I have to play, my missed calls, AND IT'S NEVER the thought of inputting my food into an App. 

So, keep a small journal in your purse, back pocket, or where ever you can access it at all times.  I accidentally left my journal in my diaper bag last week and I felt completely naked the entire day at work.  That also makes a good point too---At first writing down what you eat seems like a hassle, but once you start doing it, it becomes a natural habit.  Writing down your workouts and what foods you consume is the ONLY way you will be able to make changes with your diet.  If you're not losing weight/inches, then you should be able to see the mistakes you have made on a daily and weekly basis.  That you can make adjustments for the future.

Secondly, right beside my journal I will also have my Calorie King 2012 edition Counter.  Of course you could again use your phone and look up the food calories and such, but I've found that having this handy little book is MUCH faster when on the go.          

Of course there are different versions of this book that you could use, but this one is small and has just about everything I need in it.  I keep this in my purse along with my journal.

On my off days for Turbo Fire, I enjoy walking around my neighborhood.  My absolute favorite app for walking is "RunKeeper".  It should look like this -->>

Every 5 minutes it will update you with how long you have been running/walking, your pace speed (which motivates me to walk faster), how far you have ran/walked (LOVE THIS), and how many calories you have burned.  How great is that?  It's just a great tool that motivates me to walk longer and push myself harder. 

I consider all things that help you lose weight as tools, SO with that said, Turbo Fire is my favorite tool to date.  I've been doing it now religiously for 2 weeks and I still haven't gotten bored with it.  Actually, I am considering becoming a Beachbody Coach.  

Being a Coach for Beachbody doesn't mean that I am the most fit person on the planet.  It mostly means that I enjoy the workouts and I can spread the word on how great the product is working for me.  I'm sure most of you would question, "What's in it for me?"  For the most part I'd like to be a Coach, because it can help me continue the program and complete it until I can try a different one.  This commits me to the fullest, plus there are a few other money incentives that I'd like to tap into as well.  I enjoy motivating others and I do love the program, why not help others and benefit myself?!?  I've actually been doing Turbo Jam since 2007, but not religiously like the Turbo Fire.  In the end, it works out for me, the company, and getting others involved.  

Lastly, I give a lot of my success to my measuring tape.  It's the most simple and inexpensive tool that you can buy.  Of course this isn't something that helps me lose weight physically, BUT this little guys is an instant gratification tool that pushes and challenges me to keep going every week-Mentally.  I personally find this more important than having a scale to weigh myself.  

Sometimes our body weight fluctuates based on what we eat and drink every day.  I found that my little silver beast of a scale that sits in my bathroom floor frustrates me more than ANYTHING when it comes to losing weight.  Almost to the point of asking myself, "Why do I work so hard every week?"  I'm sure many of you have this same feeling, SO don't go by the scale (at least not on a daily basis).  It truly is the DEVIL OF ALL THINGS!  

----------------------------------

Guess what????  IT'S MOTIVATION FRIDAY!  

Well, why the hell not???  LOL  I love this message and constantly have to remind myself of it.  My mom told me just the other day, "It took time to gain the weight, it's going to take time to lose it as well." 

Well played Mom!

And a photo of hottness...  Wow, I can't wait to look like that someday....  --->

Have a great weekend and enjoy yourself, I know I will at our annual Peep Roast!

Ciao.

Skinny Gal..... Somewhere.

                  

Green/Red Pepper and Turkey Bacon Scramble

Green/Red Pepper and Turkey Bacon Scramble

I found this recipe in my Turbo Fire-Fuel the Fire book. I was a little skeptical, because you microwave the eggs and that's my first experience with doing that.  It actually came out great!!!  This meal is 345 calories and 10g of fat.

Ingredients

2 slices of turkey bacon (cooked)

1/4 green pepper-diced

1/4 red pepper-died

3 scallions heads (only the white portion)-diced

1 oz of pepper jack cheese

1 egg and 2 egg whites

1. Scramble egg and egg whites, add in remaining ingredients and microwave for 3 minutes.  Enjoy!

-Skinny Gal....  Somewhere.

Italian Zucchini boats

Italian Zucchini Boats

This is something that I came up with for dinner last night.  It's really good and full of flavor.  This food breaks down to be 126 calories and 5g of fat per boat.  Enjoy!

  

Ingredients

4 medium zucchini

1 tbl of refrigerated Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp of garlic powder

dash of salt

1/4 tsp of pepper

3 tbl of tomato paste with added oregano, basil, garlic

1 egg white

1/4 cup of crushed Total whole grain cereal

2 tbl of grated Parmesan

1/4 green pepper

1/4 yellow onion

1 lb of ground turkey

1 cup of chicken broth

1. Dice onion and green pepper

2. Cook ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, green pepper, and  onion together in a 1/4 cup of chicken broth.  Continually break up the ground turkey and stir around.  Once turkey and veggies are cooked throw in tomato paste and  mix around. 

4. Transfer to a bowl and mix in crushed cereal, egg white and Parmesan.

5. Cut zucchini in halves and scoop out center. 

6. Fill zucchini boats with turkey filling.

7. Transfer boats into a casserole pan 9 X 11.  Fill the bottom of the pan with the remaining chicken broth.  Once all boats are transferred in and not tipping over, throw aluminum foil over the top. 

8. Bake on 375 for 45 mins.  Let set 5 minutes before serving. 

9. I added parsley for decoration.  You could also top with fat free mozzarella for additional taste.  I'm just trying to stay away from cheese while dieting.  :) 

XOXO

-Skinny Gal.... Somewhere.



What are your weaknesses?

Last night I was watching the Biggest Loser, and I typically don't watch it on a regular basis, but I do catch snippets at the end on Tuesday nights when my in laws watch it at our house.  The point that stood out the most to me in the show was when Chris was crying about being on the show and that the show was her "temporary" and that being at home with her husband/family was her "forever" as she proceeded to eat a hamburger continually dipped in Mayo and.......  Peanut butter???? 

That's just gross!  Really Chris?!? 

Anyways, what stood out to me was that her weakness was her husband.  She cared more about what he thought than her own health and the OPPORTUNITY that was given to her.  The Biggest Loser probably has a ton of applicants for the show that would truly appreciate the opportunity and the experience to get healthier.  She ended up gaining 2 lbs back from her binge and was sent home.

Sometimes while dieting/exercising we don't get the greatest support.  People get jealous of your success, get tired of hearing about it, or they get tired of you not being able to participate in fattening foods, restaurants, etc., because you are in fact "on a diet".  My best advice is to find new friends.  Not to totally get rid of the other ones, but find other friends that support and motivate you in finding your own success.  For the most part my friends are also working on dieting and exercising, so it works out for me. 

My question to the readers that I do have is:  What is your weakness when it comes to weight loss?  Is it a certain food, person, and/or atmosphere?  It's hard to be committed 100% of the time, especially when it comes to a diet. I know I have only a few followers, but I do have a ton of daily readers, so PLEASE comment!  I'd really like to know.    

So, with that said, I'll fill you in on my biggest weakness.  It's really the atmosphere that pulls me into my demise.  My hubby is a singer.  Not only is he a singer, he is a GREAT singer.  He'd put most of The Voice contestants to shame this season.

Aw, just look at that sexy piece of man meat.  -->> 

Regardless, he is typically in some kind of karaoke contest to where he needs support and a crowd.  I usually go out once a week to watch him and of course, it's usually at some kind of bar. 

My biggest weakness is BEER.  I'm usually great with resisting foods and keeping things in moderation, but when it comes to that golden bubbly, then moderation is forgotten.  "Once it hits your lips" is my motto, in my best Will Ferrell impression that I can do.  

It's not only the taste that gets me, but it's also that sense of relaxation that comes over me and I'm NOT talking about being drunk...  It's that sense of calm I get while hanging out with my friends and relaxing since I'm usually so busy that I can't keep up at home.  If it's not taking care of Brynn, I also have laundry, cleaning the house, taking the trash out, mowing the yard, doing the up keep in the yard, working out, washing dishes, making food for Sam, making food for Shawn, washing bottles, finding time to make food for myself, going grocery shopping, taking photos of for someone, editing those photos, etc, etc, etc.  You get the point.... I'm a busy biotch! 

Sitting there while that golden delight flows down my throat is the only time where I get to just SIT and not think about any of my at home routines.  Yes, working out is my only "me" time I get as a mother and even though I DO enjoy it, it's still work.  It is the ONLY work I actually enjoy doing though!

This week Shawn is in two contest, both of which I am not attending....  Like I said earlier, I only allow myself away from my daughter ONE night a week and that happens to fall on Saturday this week.  We're invited to our friends annual "peep roast".  Basically, we do a bonfire and roast some Easter peeps for smores and such, in which I will not partake in, but I will be super excited for some Coors Light!  :))))

Ok, I shared, now what is your weakness?

XOXO

 

                  

#1 Rule-CARDIO

**Warning** Explicit language follows!!

For those of you that don't know me, I'm a huge zombie junkie.  I'm generally fascinated by any kind of zombie show or movie, which is why I am a HUGE fan of the Walking Dead series.  I guess it's just my inner nerd coming out, but generally I enjoy any kind of supernatural show.  For some reason though, zombies are my favorite.  I think I am just intrigued with the survival instincts that kick in when it comes to a post apocalyptic lifestyle.  How WOULD one survive????

If there is one reason to do CARDIO, it would be to survive a zombie apocalyptic lifestyle--that could happen?!?  Maybe?   

The thought often crosses my mind when I work out, BECAUSE the first TO GO, as quoted in Zombieland, "Were the fatties".   Don't be that guy ^^^^^^^ 

Poor, FAT, bastard! 

This random thought of the day is brought to you by  this photo:

This photo literally made me "LOL".  

I think we all have a few people that we want "taken out" in our lives!!  MAYBE a few co-workers????  

Ok......  So, that last comment might just be me, and really if it came down to it, I think I would probably get eaten, because violence is not in my nature.

So to avoid being eaten, remember CARDIO is Rule #1!  Here's another fun photo just as a reminder to keep working on our fitness and to avoid being a human Happy Meal --->    

Random ramblings by:  Stephanie 

HEY!  I did warn you have have a slight case of ADHD, and it's a *SQUIRREL* kind of day.

And I'm bored at work. 

STAY and GET fit gang!

    

Lemon-Herbed Grilled Chicken

Lemon-Herbed Grilled Chicken

I wanted to make something that I hadn't seen a recipe for and I came up with this.  It's pretty simple and easy and taste great!   

Ingredients
Skinless/boneless chicken breast
1-2 fresh lemons
1/2 tsp. Mrs. Dash
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
a bunch diced-Fresh Basil or 2 tbls of refrigerated dried Basil
1/4 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tbls Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Squeeze 1-2 lemons in a bowl/pan.  Coat the container with juice.  Mix in olive oil and herbs/seasonings until blended well.

Rub Chicken in the mix, marinate for 30 mins, and throw it on the grill.

Take time to appreciate your surroundings while grilling.  What a beautiful day it was yesterday!!

I like to toss little bits of water on the chicken when I flip them to keep them moist.  Once cooked fully, pull them off the grill and serve with your side of choice. 

ENJOY!!!

Hello Monday-Weekly Results

First off.....  I have a case of the Mundays!  The weekend was too fast and short.  Here's hoping that this week moves quite a bit faster than last week.  On to the juicy part of my blog.  Here are the weeks results.   

Oh---it's a work in progress, but I'll just keep chipping away at this fat suit.  I used to be able to lose weight so much better before my thyroid crapped out on me.  Regardless, here they are:

Jan. 23, 2012
Waist: 51"
Calves: 18.5"
Neck: 14"
Thigh: 29"
Arms: 14.5"
Chest: 46" (Breastfeeding)
Hips: 50"
Weight: 234.6 lbs

April 2, 2012
Waist: 46"
Calves: 17"
Neck: 13"
Thigh: 25 1/2"
Arm: 13"
Chest: 43"
Hips: 49"
Weight: 214.6 lbs

April 9, 2012
Waist: 43"  -3"
Calves: 17"    
Neck: 12 3/4"  -1/4"
Thigh: 24"  -1 1/2" 
Arm: 12 1/2  - 1/2"
Chest: 42"  -1"
Hips: 26 1/2"  -2 1/2" (These hips don't lie!) 
Weight: 212.4 lbs 
                                     
TOTALS (1 week): 2.2lbs and -8 3/4"
TOTALS from beginning: 22.2 lbs and 26 1/4"

I have to say that I am pretty happy with my inches lost.  I am a little bummed about my weight, because I was down 3 lbs the day before.  I KNOW it's just muscle taking over and so at first this weight loss is going to be slow, BUT, I have goals and I'd like to be under 200 lbs by May 12th (I have a wedding, plus I am the photographer for it).  I just have to push it harder the next 4-5 weeks.

I guess that's something that I haven't yet revealed about myself.  I started taking professional photos on the side to earn extra money.  I'm just now starting to get paying customers, since I had to build my profile for a while.  May 12th is my first wedding, so I am super excited for it!!!  Check out some of my work:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/CreativeSmilesPhoto and "like" my page to follow.  Maybe I will get more followers from that than on my blog.  :)  I'm new to the blogging world, so I don't expect to get 1000's of followers right away anyways.  Though, I do get several views a day.  I guess I am interesting enough to read, but not to follow.  LOL

I hope everyone had a great Easter.  I have to admit, I probably had a little too much of Shawn's aunts CRACK potatoe casserole.  Yes, I say CRACK, because they are just as addicting as crack, so I had to come home and bust out some Turbo Fire-45 min class which I found to be the hardest of the Turbo Fire series so far.  The 45 minute class does more kicking, high knees, and squats.  I am what society calls a 'pear' shape, so I'm heavier in the hips and lower waist.  I had a hard time through the transitions, BUT it's a work in progress and eventually I will be a pro at all these workouts.

Here are some photos of my daughter and I from yesterday: 

We were bored, so we had a photo shoot....  Well, I was bored.  I don't really care for Shawn's family events.  As he would tell you, it's like visiting a retirement home since majority of the people attending are 65+ years of age. 

Anyways, I'm glad it's over and we don't have to attend any family events for a while.  His family literally likes to get together for every occasion and usually we're dragged to it since everyone wants to see the new baby (Brynn).  

Have a great work week y'all!

XOXO,