Over the hump with My Fitness Pal

Finished the Dallas Turkey Trot with a personal best. Felt a little bad that I left my husband behind as I creeped towards the start line. But when I finished the 3 miles in a personal best time of 38 minutes I was very happy.

I got caught up with the running group so by the end of the race I jogged about a total of a mile.  

Since then I've struggled for the past few weeks with a plateau. Now plateaus happen especially when losing weight it's how you respond to them that matters most. I initially thought I had been doing pretty good with my calorie and water intake but I was so wrong.

A good friend of mine introduced me to Fitness Pal. It is a great app that helps you track your calorie, water and fitness both cardiovascular and strength.  You can also connect with others on a similar journey so that you can mutually support and cheer each other on.

By taking each day and inputting all of my information I was able to see I wasn't eating enough for my body to burn or drinking enough water to keep things moving.  Since I started using MyFitness Pal I have been able to get over the hump and lose another 5 pounds. Yeah!

So here is my recommendation for the day and for your journey, download the Myfitness Pal app and start tracking your journey.  You will be surprised how your journey can get a jump start.

Staring the Holidays Down

Holidays can be the hardest time for a dieter. If you have ever been on a diet, whatever it was and you  were trying to stick to it during the holidays it was probably very hard.  I mean REALLY hard.  All of the treats, delicious food, gifts in the shape of cookies and loafs of bread.

Well I love the holidays. No really I'm sort of obsessed about them.  I am that crazy woman up at the pre-crack of dawn on Black Friday shopping.  I start my count down of the days until I can decorate my home sometime in June.  At this point I am practically counting the seconds until I can put my tree up on Friday.  There are so many wonderful memories with loved ones that center around the holidays. But I also remember all of the great food, my dad's hickory smoked turkey, snacking on egg salad before the big dinner.  And it doesn't hurt that I love to bake.  I make a mean apple pie.  Some of you might have even had some in the past and so you know it is a tasty treat.

Well my conundrum this year with my new journey is how I can stare down all of those delicious temptations and overcome my desire to dive into the stuffing, mashed potatoes and bread rolls.
So here is my plan.  I am going to face those temptations in their buttery faces and say, "I'm sorry but you are not worth the extra hour in the gym or having my trainer Kevin give me me painful lunges."

I will have the right portions of turkey, green beans, and salad. I might even have a small slice of my apple pie.  But I won't eat the entire thing and I won't feel bad when I do enjoy that slice.

Just make a plan for yourself but don't beat yourself up if find yourself indulging a little.  Just get out and move around whether it's Friday morning ;-) or even after dinner on Thursday.

So that's my plan.  Enjoy the right portion of the right foods and move afterwards.

Enjoy your journey.

Reevaluation of Giving Thanks

I have always tried to express my love and thanks for those around me through gifts.  What happens though are those gifts tend to turn out to be food.  While on this journey I have found that there needs to be a reevaluation of how express my love and the gifts I give.  Especially if I want to have "Healthy" relationships.

I have found that when I have given gifts whether it was food or something else I have always wanted the receiver to know how I feel for them and the impact they have had on my life. I hope that I have been in some way an impact on someone else's life especially in a positive way.

For so many people today we take advantage of our friends, family and those people we "love" assuming that they know how we feel for them.  We don't say the words that need to be said or take moments that need to be taken. So maybe taking advantage is a bit strong but do the people in your life know how you feel for them? Do they know you appreciate them and the impact they have had in your life?

With Thanksgiving fast approaching and all of the celebrations that come with it.  Families being reunited, traditions being continued and new memories being made. I will continue on this journey reevaluating my expressions of my love and thanks.  Take the time with your family and take a moment to express your love and thanks to the loved ones in your life.

Enjoy the journey.

Lights, Camera, Selfie!

When I got home from church this morning I was thinking about posting a picture for you all to see.  I then quickly realized the only ones I have been taking are me in my work out pants and sports bra.  I most certainly am not up to showing you those pictures. At least not yet. :-)

And since I haven't taken a selfie (in non work out clothes) in a while I figured today was a good day to start.

The hair is a little longer but you can certainly see a difference.  

Here is the shot that started it all.  The last selfie.   

(My eyes are nearly closed because of my cheeks!)              

Here I am today...

And a full body for good measure.

55 lbs. lost, 7" from my waist and 2" from my chest (I'm not sure about my legs but I am down 2 pant sizes).  The fun thing about this picture is the rolls in the sweater are from it being too loose!

Well, there you have it.  

Enjoy your journey.

Season of Thanks

On this crisp November Sunday morning I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks.

Thank you for all of you who have supported and cheered me on over the past months.  When I hit my mile stone of 50 lbs lost I sent out a text to a few of you expressing my shock and disbelief.  Those of you who responded to me weren't shocked but ecstatic! You were so excited to celebrate with me that mile stone.   Reminding me that my hard work was paying off.

As I have finished my first week of training I have found myself looking back on how I was when I first started this journey. I would get so tired after just walking a mile and now I find myself wanting more when I have just finished three miles.  I am so thankful for a body that has adjusted to the changes and is responding so well.  This lifestyle change is just that a change in my lifestyle.  I might have those cravings every once in a while (the other day I wanted a huge diet coke) but I take each of those cravings and think about what it would cost me in the end. Is it really worth it?

I am thankful for my husband who in so many ways expresses his delight in my weight loss.  He is so proud of me!  And I am so thankful for Spritz who just looks at me with a comical expression on his face when I parade/dance our apartment in clothes I haven't been in for so long!

So thank you.  I have passed through some rough times and there will be more but for now I just want to celebrate and say thanks!

Enjoy your journey.

I am what I am...

Have you ever tried to convince yourself that you are something you have never been before?

Well that has been the next piece of this journey. Telling myself that I will be a runner. I am a runner. I want to be a runner.

 Here is an interesting point to make, I have never had any interest in running before. Those of you who have known me from the beginning know I would rather take a leisurely stroll than run.  My brother is the runner in my family. My word he played soccer practically his entire life! I was content playing catcher or right field in softball (slow pitch) or I would put my whole heart into cheering others on.  As long as I never had to run. So this whole challenge of a half marathon is just that, a challenge.

So are you telling me you have never seen anyone strolling along during a marathon? No.
Why? Because marathons are designed for runners or even sort of runners.

So that is what I will be, a sort of runner!  I have started my training this week and thankfully I have only had to do 3 miles on the first and third days of training.  Now I have been walking some of those 3 miles but pushing myself to jog parts of them. At some point over the next 20 weeks I will work up to running. It will be a challenge simply because of my size but that will change over the next 20 weeks which us good to know.

At this point I have lost over 50 pounds. Which in itself is a big piece as to why I can easily walk/jog 3 miles. When I first started this journey I was glad to get around my building. But all of those small steps are leading to big steps in March.

So I am going to put this out there. If you are in the Dallas area on March 23 and would like to cheer me on, I would love the support!!

Enjoy the journey.

(I might post a pic soon)

Transparency...

I have received several message and emails talking about how I have inspired so many folks with my journey.  I have been thanked for being so transparent when it has come to my honesty with this entire process.  Well in order to continue with this honest and transparent journey, I need to share some road blocks I have encountered.

First of all I need to mention that I really struggled with putting that commitment of doing the half marathon in March out there into the great unknown. Why? Because now I really had to do it.  I had to get out there and work my butt off for something that the only reward I could see was the weeks of hard work ahead of me.  And to be honest that doesn't seem like much of a reward.  But I went ahead and put that commitment out there.

But as for my road blocks they came in two forms, first a weight loss plateau and second a mental road I have been down before, one too many times.

If you have been on any kind of weight loss program or had any kind of weight loss in your life, you know what I mean when I say I hit that plateau.  I have bouncing between two pounds for the past week or so.  I seem to lose them only to find them shortly after.  I was doing really well when it came to holding off on weighing myself so I didn't drive myself crazy. Only to fall into that horrible trap where I would want to weigh myself almost every morning to see the difference.  I know that this is the first of possibly several plateaus I guess I just figured I was motivated enough to knock it out of the way pretty quickly.  I do know I have made some progress this past week because I have lost another inch on my waist.  But for someone trying to not be ruled by the scale, that inch just didn't seem to lift my spirits.

The second road block I am dealing with is all in my head. Literally!  I have walked on this mental path of feeling that I am not good enough for a very long time.  The discussion I tend to have is, "Well Jenna you probably won't do very well at that so why start? True but what if this time is different.  But we know it isn't different it is going to be the same line, you will say I am up for this challenge and once it starts to get a little bit too hard you will give in.  Only to laugh it off (cry inside) that it wasn't for you and somebody else can have a go."  I can't continue these thoughts anymore.

Here is the turning point for me and it came to me during my Life Group this evening.  I know that this time is different because for all of my life, well for most of my life my struggles I have kept private.  I have only shared of them once they have past or I am so deep in the pain I can't even see a way out so I ask for help.  This time I have laid it out before you.  All of you.  You can see the journey. You can be a part of my journey.  This is something new.  You all know me and love me (I hope) and have been a part of my life.  For me sharing this journey with you will get ME out of my head.  And I NEED to be out of my head.

I have seen for so many including myself that when our thoughts are private and not shared with those who love us, especially when we are in need.  Then Satan will use them against us.  He will infiltrate our thoughts and use our doubts and negative feelings to bring us further down than we ever need to be.  By getting out of my head and being transparent with you then I remove the power he has over me.  I give back the control to who should be in control from the very beginning.  The only one who can truly meet me in those dark moments and show me the way out.  God.  I have put my life in his hands and was reminded tonight that "For with God nothing is impossible." Luke 1:37

So to this journey, this inner dialogue, this training for a half marathon. This entire experience.  I will do it with God with all of the transparency I can muster.

And please,

Enjoy your journey.  

The Next "Steps"

Here is the literal next step in my journey.  

On Monday, November 4th I will begin my training for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Dallas.  The actual event is on March 23, 2014.  Please hold your applause…. although I will certainly need the encouragement.  At this point my best pace in walking I am about 30 minutes under the time limit for the race.  Which is good.  So over the next 5 months I will be following a 20-week training plan to improve my time (maybe even get some running in).  I will love and relish the cheers along the way.  As for the race I do plan on raising funds for the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.  I am not sure how yet but I will find a way.  As for now these are my next steps.  

These Shoes are made for walking...

Let me first start with I am so thankful for the new job Joey has.  He has set hours and it is so nice to see him so happy again.  With that being said it has been an off week when it came to my working out.  With Joeys early mornings and later nights, I have had challenges getting out to do some long walks.  So I took every advantage of my walks with Spritz.  We would jog as far as I could since we all know at this point Spritz could out last me.  But for all of his morning, afternoon, and evening walks I took each opportunity to get my needed exercise.  

So this morning when my boys were sleeping in I took FULL advantage of that time and headed out on a new walking path.  

As I started out my walk this morning here is was my view.  I love how low the clouds are here.  It reminds me of Africa.

I was determined to find this walking path I have been on before but at it's beginning.  

Isn't the beginning beautiful?!

I walked along the path to its end near an elementary school but I wasn't done walking yet.  So I continued past the school and through a neighborhood that faced Ridge Road. So I found myself at the proverbial fork in the road.  Do I continue down Ridge Road and end up on Stacy or walk all of the way back the way I came? Well this new journey I am on is all about moving forward….  so I proceeded to walk to Stacy Road then down Stacy to the Service road for SH tollroad.

Here is the view of our apartment building this morning from Stacy Rd.  I love the break in the clouds!!

 

When I was all done trudging through the edge of corn fields and totally freaking out my husband when I called him to wave at him from the service road.  I had walked 4.5 miles.  My shoes were muddy, my toes were soaked, and I was cold but I will tell you one thing I could have walked another 4.5 miles.  

Although, I promised my husband for my future walks, that if there isn't a sidewalk I won't walk it. 

For my California readers, what I walked today would be the equivalent of walking along side the 5 freeway right before rush hour.  I know. What was I thinking?! 

Quick Tip on a beautiful Friday!

I read about this tip in Fitness magazine and let me tell you it has been very motivating.

Put your fork down between bites during meals.

Simply put it down and pull your hand away from it. Don't focus on creating that next perfect bite on your fork.  What you fill find is that you actually take your time eating your food.  It may seem weird at first but let me tell you it works.  I don't eat as much as I used to and I really do become fuller faster.  By letting go of your control of your fork you give back the control to your body to let you know when it is done.

Just remind yourself, no one is going to steal your food even if you put your fork down.  Give your mind a chance to catch up to your stomach.

Have a great day and enjoy the journey!

Changes...

There is safety in the known.  But there is a different kind of safety in the unknown.  That safety is brought to you by who will meet you in your darkest time in the middle of the unknown.  

When I was a child my mother, brother and I would visit a beach off the coast of Massachusetts, Horseneck beach. It isn't an amazing beach by any means; it's covered in rocks and broken shells.  But Horseneck beach is a beach that brought my family safety, security and peace of mind. It is a place that we would visit when we didn't know where our next step would be or when the next bend in the road would come.  I have found myself often thinking of Horseneck Beach and how when I have visited this place whether in my thoughts or in person I am reminded of the various changes in my life that has taken place.

  When my mom a single parent had to work 3 jobs just to provide for my brother and I and spending some time on those rare days off at the beach brought her peace.  When my dad became an epic person in my life.  When I was reminded that being a part of a family meant I needed to contribute (no matter how far I had to lug the beach blanket over the sand dunes).  And when my family decided to move to the others side of the country for new opportunities.  

The place and idea of Horseneck beach has always been a part of my life and where I am constantly reminded that there is someone so much greater than myself in this world.  God has met me at every one of those changes in my life and He has challenged me to use them, embrace them and to learn from them.  I have always said I would not be the person I am today if I had not gone through the life experiences I had.  But it would be better said, that I would not be the person I am today if I hadn’t met God in those moments and learned from him the lessons he had planned.

So I am very thankful for Horseneck beach and the rocky shore it provides.  Because it is walking on it’s rocky shore that I have found God.

For my mom and brother,

"Me and You and you and me, No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be, The only one for me is you, and you for me, So happy together" 

Sun Salutations

I love the fall in Texas.  Yes you heard me right love and Texas are in the same sentence.  It reminds me of June gloom in California, when the marine layer is thick like pea soup and you can't wait to throw on your comfy sweatshirt.  So I did just that and on my walk this morning I came across this view.  I was impressed by the waves of motion in the clouds and I was reminded by the wave of motion I have created in myself.   I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity to improve myself and to stop wasting the talents and gifts he has given me.

When I got home from my walk I decided to do some stretching using the Pocket Yoga app on my iPad.  If you haven't tried it you should.  I love the simplicity of the program, the range of stretching poses and the flexibility in timed sessions.  For those days when you may not be up for working out doing these simple moves with help strengthen your core and soul for when you are ready to head out again.    That little bit of white fluff in the corner of the picture is my little boy Spritz.  He cracks me up every time I catch him stretching on the yoga mat.

Enjoy the journey.

p.s. I am thinking about doing a Half Marathon in March. :-)

Not Going to be Just "Comfortable" Anymore

There is a saying that we should "Eat to Live not Live to Eat".  Well I did the latter.  I lived to eat.

You will see in previous posts they are posts about food and different recipes.  I always found myself talking about food and nothing more.  There is nothing wrong with food.  What was wrong in my life was that it focused around food.  As time went on my weight continued to go up.  I stopped weighing myself because I dreaded the number I saw.  I knew that what I was eating certainly wasn't helping my waistline but I didn't feel I needed to change.  I knew I was always going to be the token "Big" girl among my friends and family.  I didn't need to change.

So I stopped being in photos, I became a great photographer so I didn't have to be in the shot.  Last year my husband and I went on a trip to Boston (one of my favorite places in this country) and there is only one photo of me while on this trip.

I didn't like how I looked in the pictures.  So here is the solution I came up with, stop being in photos.

In late July, I finally was tired of being just comfortable with how I was living my life.  If you can call what I was doing living.  Something awoke inside me and I realized I was wrong and I wasn't happy with how I was and I needed to change.  I have had my bad days and I have certainly survived those days so I most definitely going to survive this new journey.

I also knew I have to do this for myself and no one else.  I love my friends and family but I can't make this a permanent change if I base it on someone who can change.  I needed to do this for myself. I need to be the change.

So here we go....

At my heaviest (the number will be revealed later) I was very unhappy probably even depressed.  I seemed to be busting out of my clothes the ones I could fit into.  First thing first I needed to move.  I started with just walking around my building about 2/10 of a mile.  I wasn't out of breath doing it but in the beginning I could feel my heart rate raising.  I decided to cut out foods I knew I needed to cut out, later they might be reintroduced into my life but for right down I didn't need them.  I cut out carbs in the forms of bread (all kinds), pasta, and white rice.  I reintroduced into my life vegetables and fruit.  I would start my day with a home made smoothie with blueberries, strawberries, coconut water and Flax seed oil.  I will put some greek yogurt in my smoothie on those days I felt I wanted a little bit more.

As I continued to walk I was able to walk farther than the day before.  Some days I would push myself just to see what I could do and I always seemed to surprise myself.  There were days I just didn't want to put the work into it so instead of sitting back on the couch I would do some chores around the house.  Once I got moving I wanted to keep moving so I would take our dog out for a walk and the next thing I knew I was walking a mile.  The key was to not give into the lazy voice in my head encouraging me to sit down on the sofa.

Cutting back on food didn't seem like I was on the typical diet especially since I was filling up on the right foods I wasn't depriving myself.  I also didn't beat myself up when I had a treat.  I just worked really hard to recognize the work I had put in and that sometimes that treat, sweet, snack, or whatever wasn't worth sweating for another hour.

Will all of these changes since late July my life has certainly changed.  I have lost over 45 pounds and have found the my wardrobe has expanded while my waist has shrunk.

Remember this is my journey, you are on your own journey embrace it!!  I hope in some way my journey inspires you to make changes in your life.   I would love to hear if it has inspired you and how.  I will continue to document this journey as I am on it.

And remember just move.

The Sweet Life

Well it has been over a month and I have found my computer again after the move.  I wanted to share a quick treat idea I was given by a friend at work.

Many of you I am sure have all succumbed to the delicacies sold by the Girl Scouts. In case you haven't yet run... literally run to your nearest grocery store before they are gone.

Why should you run well when I show you this little taste treat you are going to kick yourself for walking by those darlings.



First you need to find some tasty Lemon Curd, I enjoy the one offered by Sticky Fingers Bakeries.

Then you need to find some of those delicious shortbread treats called Trefoils.

Put them together, just a dollop will do.

Then all you have to do is enjoy them.  Either by themselves or with your favorite cup of tea.

Let me know what you think.  I know my husband can't have enough.

A Day late and a dollar short

We have all been there, looking into our fridge at cold leftovers thinking to ourselves, "maybe I will get take out..." Don't despair there are always options.  Now mind you I am not the first to polish off the leftovers so this took some time to think of what to do with my left over pulled pork.

I thought it over and after having such a rich dinner have a lighter version with similar ingredients sounded good to me.

I decided to make a wrap using the pork.  Let me tell you it was so very satisfying.

For my wrap I took a whole wheat wrap, some shredded lettuce and a good spoonful of the pork.  Rolled it up and it was delish!

For my husbands wrap I put some grated cheese between the meat and lettuce and drizzled a little ranch on top.  Before I sat down to eat mine his was gone and he was asking for seconds.

Since I will be moving in the next couple of weeks my cooking will be limited but I will go over some of the recipes from my highlight reel.  But once I am in my new kitchen I will tap into my inner Julia/Ina and whip up some delicious dishes for you to enjoy.

As with everything I make, may it bring you happiness, fulfillment and contentment.  Enjoy!

Just a few highlights

I wanted to share with you a few highlights in my cooking adventures in 2012.  If you want the recipes or are curious about how they tasted just leave me a comment and I will get back to you.

Think of this like David Letterman's Top 10 (but unfortunately I only have 8).

8.  Chicken and Mushroom Soup

 7. Blueberry Yogurt Mini Tarts

6. Shredded Crock Pot Chicken

5. Pioneer Woman's Easy Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

4. French Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce

3. Smoky BBQ ribs

2. Garlic Parmesan Home Style Fries

1. Apple Pie Cheesecake

As with everything I make, may it bring you happiness, fulfillment and contentment.  Enjoy.

Three little pigs...

So tonight I decided to cook up a pork tenderloin I had in my fridge.  

I am calling this post Three Little Pigs as a play on how to serve this delicious dish.  The first is the basic recipe that could be build on with just a few additions or tweaks.  Use your best judgement and taste buds.  

Using my trusted Le Creuset pot I melted a little butter just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.  I trimmed off the silver skin and excess fat lining the top of the loin.  Seasoned it with some salt and pepper, then seared the tenderloin on all it's sides and ends.  Once there was a light crust on the loin I topped it with a bottle of Kraft Honey BBQ sauce and 1 cup of water.  I simmered it on low for 4 hours.  At the end of that I shredded it with a fork and let it continue to simmer for another hour or so.  With all of the slow cooking it was so very tender and tasty.  

So here is the first of the three little pigs.

Here is the second little pig.  A morsel of deliciousness.  Some shredded pork with a bit of cheese on a sweet yeast roll.  A pulled pork slider with cheese.

And finally, the last of the little pigs.  Shredded BBQ pork loin with smashed sour cream potatoes.

As with everything I make, may it bring you happiness, fulfillment and contentment.  Enjoy.

Feeding the soul

So after giving it some great thought I have decided to transition my blog from the randomness of life with the occasional smattering of oddities. Into something of some substance.

I want to share what has become a passion of mine and that is cooking.  I dream that I am the next Julia Childs or Ina Garten but in reality I am a woman with a passion for cooking with a kitchen that wouldn't be featured on Food Network or HGTV.  I don't know when this passion started but it has been with me for as long as I can remember.

The fun part of it all is that my husband will let me experiment with cooking food and thankfully he will eat just about anything (or at least give it his best to try it).

So in this new blog adventure I will share some of my favorites with cooking; both in recipes and the whimsy in the kitchen...



To start I want to show off my pride and joy... my Mushroom Risotto.

Below I will so some images of the steps and stages of the process.  Keep in mind this recipe is not for the faint of heart or who has a lot of distractions.  This dish will keep you stove side for a least 2 hours.

So here goes..

You need to saute about 2 quarts of mushrooms with 2 tbsp of butter you don't want to add to much liquid or the mushrooms will become mushy (I prefer the white button and baby bellas).  Once these have been saute'd remove from the pan and place on the side for addition later.  In the same pan saute one small onion and three stalks of leaks. With the leaks I cut about a half and inch from the root base up about 5 inches where the stalk starts to spread apart.   You will need to saute the onion and leaks in 4 tbsp of butter until tender, salt and pepper to taste.  While this is happening you will want to be heating up in a separate pot about 5 cups of Chicken Stock or Vegetable stock (I prefer Mushroom) for vegetarian recipes.

 You will then add 1 1/2 cups of Aboria rice, this rice is the best for Risotto.  Mix the rice with the onions and leaks then add 1 cup of a dry white wine.  If you don't like the taste of the wine in the bottle you don't need to use it.  I like a dry Chardonnay, it ends up in total being about a cup and half in the pot and a glass for me. :-)  Reduce your heat to low/medium low.

Once the wine has been mostly absorbed you will need to add one cup of simmering chicken stock.  You will repeat this process of adding 1 cup or 1 ladle of stock into the rice.

Just before you add the remainder of your stock you will want to stir in 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese and the saute'd mushrooms.  This will transform your risotto to a creamy texture.  Once the parmesan cheese is mixed in add the remaining stock.  I would reduce heat to low or turn off your burner and cover.

Your end result should look like this.  I simply served it with a baked chicken breast and topped with slivers of Parmesan cheese.  It was delicious.

My husband kindly informed me that this was the best meal I had cooked for him in our entire marriage.  I just laughed.

Well I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I had making it.

There will be more to come as my mind seems to always be creating new recipes, even when I am sleeping.  The notebook on my nightstand is proof alone.

Enjoy!