Education?!?!

Hubby and I were watching a show last night.  "My Big, Fat weightloss story".  The premiss of the show is of a family that needs to loose weight and they are going to do so as a family.  In theory this is a good thing, right?!?  In theory, communism is a good thing too!

I am not knocking these types of shows, well, not really.  I wish they would show that they are educating the participants of these types of shows.  They might be, but they aren't showing it.  Yes, it is all stuff we may have heard before, but repetition never hurts!  Also, I would love to see the medical professionals in some of these shows being portrayed as people caring about their patients.  Telling someone that they are fat isn't helping them!  Maybe they could work with the participants to come up with solutions that work for the individual.  Simply telling them they are fat and need to loose weight does more damage than good.

I understand that producers are in a time crunch and need to figure out what sells, I do.  I simply want to know what goes on behind all the cameras.  Are they educating the participants about nutrition?  Are they under the care of a doctor?  And most importantly, are they giving them the tools they need to continue making the life changes that are necessary!?!?!?!?

Summer is HERE!

The title says it all!  SUMMER IS HERE, finally!  This makes me so happy.  It is warm, it is clear, it is sunny.  What more can a gal ask for?!

Guess what?!?  The heat doesn't bother me as much as it used to.  WOO HOO!  That is good news, people!  GOOD NEWS!  I used to dread the heat.  Heat was my enemy.  Now, the heat isn't my enemy and a warm day is something to be treasured and enjoyed.

I hope you all had an amazing 3 day weekend.  Happy start of summer, ya'll!!!

Weekend Inspiration

I hope everybody is enjoying the long weekend.  Get out, enjoy time with your fam.  Here is some weekend inspiration for you!

Keep it moving!

Today I went to my first Zumba class, post-WLS.  For those of you who don't know, Zumba is latin aerobics.  It is a dance class, it is aerobics, it is Jazzercise, who cares what it is... IT IS FUN and it gets ya moving.

I think that is one of the keys to weight loss, well for me anyway.  The moving part.  Prior to surgery, moving wasn't a pleasant experience for me or anyone around me, for that matter!  Ok, forget moving, just walking wasn't a good experience.  NOW, moving is a good thing.  A really good thing.  I enjoy it.  I am not even moving a turtle speeds anymore.  I am not at rabbit speeds, but I am not at turtle speeds.

I kept up with my class today.  I didn't have all the moves down, but I kept up!  If I messed up, I just laughed and kept moving until I caught up again.  I turned beet red and had a blast doing it!

Get out there, take a chance, and KEEP IT MOVING!

Better with Protein

I forget sometimes how much I NEED protein.  I always, always, always feel better when my meal/snack is loaded with proteins!  I stay fuller longer and when I do need to eat again, I WANT to eat more protein!

I bring this up today because I just had a bowl of chili.  Chili is LOADED with proteins.  I feel great, right now!  I had been feeling a bit sluggish and just a bit outta sorts!!!  Nothing awful, just a bit off!  I realized it was because I wasn't eating enough protein.

Some of you may know where you can find proteins, some may not!  There are some surprising sources.  I put together this list for ALL our knowledge!  :)

Beef
Chicken
Fish
Pork
Beans
Eggs
Dairy
Nuts
Seeds

These foods come in MANY forms.  You aren't stuck with ONE dindin every night.  Also, I find that if you mix it up, you can get the most outta the protein.  You don't get bored, either.  When I get bored, I find myself reaching for something with maybe less protein and less nutritional value.  Since I can't eat much, packing my meals with protein is SUPER important!

Get yourself some protein and go to town!!!!  Get creative with what you have!  MOST OF ALL, ENJOY YOURSELF!!! :) :) :)

New uniform? YOU BETCHA!!!

Do you all know what an infinity dress is?  Well, I have decided that it will be my new uniform, so to speak!  It is simply a circle skirt with two very very long straps attached.  You can wrap it around yourself in a TON of different way to make it look like a different outfit!  How cool is that!?!?!?  You can wear it as a skirt, a tunic top, and a dress.  

I bought an infinity dress and a few pairs of leggings.  EVERYTHING else is gone!  Yep, you heard me right gone, donezo, bye bye, and so long!  It is exciting to realize that I am getting smaller and I have more options, it seems, in my clothing choices.  However, until I level off a bit, it can be challenging.  Challenging to find something that isn't a tent or not too tight.  

This dress/top/skirt thing is great because I can wrap the straps as tight as I need.  It will work with me instead of against me!  Pair it with a pair of leggings and some fun jewelry, or a fun cardigan and a tank top.  The options are endless.  You don't have to have WLS to get an infinity dress.  I think this is an essential piece for EVERYONE!!!!

Another one bites the dust!

Guess what kids?!?!?!?  Another milestone has come!  I am down 75 pounds! Yes, you heard me right!  A whopping 75 pounds!  Do you know what weighs 75 pounds?  I'll tell ya!


1) $34019 US dollar bills (around $453 per pound)
2) Average Alaskan Malamute Husky Dog
3) Average Weight of 11 year old boy
4) 100 cans of Beer
5) a little less than a bag of concrete
6) 2 1/2 cinder blocks
7) 12 1/2 red bricks
8) 300 apples
9) 37,500 plain M&Ms
10) 5 High Performance Racing Bicycles
11) 247.5 Wigs
12) 960 Matchbox cars
13) 300 average weight kittens
14) 1440 AA Batteries
15) 3600 comic books
16) Around 54 bibles
17) 4037 gum balls
18) 300 Sticks of Butter
19) 5-10  Large Hams
20) 262,500 Bees


That is some list, if I do say so myself!!!  I am going to keep grooving and moving along!!!  WOOT WOOT!

I LOVE SPARKLES!!!!!

Today I got my Sparkle Skirt in the mail!  What is a sparkle skirt?  You don't know?!??!  It is only the most amazing and practical thing ever!  It is a pair of running/walking compression shorts with a sparkly skirt over top!  How can that be bad?!?!?!  The shorts have nice cargo-y pockets on both legs and they STAY WHERE YOU PUT THEM!  That is kinda important as gracefully picking short outta your bum is not possible!

On my WLS path, I am finding that pretty things help me focus and make the daily exercise dread way more fun.  Sparkle Skirts is so helping me with that!  When I feel pretty and sparkly, I walk faster and am more willing to push myself!

These skirts come in all sizes, even plus sizes, and in tons of fabrics!  You can get them with or with out shorts underneath.  I am so excited about these skirts, I HAD to share with you!  OH, I didn't tell you about their amazing customer service!  Leah and her team are amazing.  She personally wrote me a quick email to thank me for the kind words I put on the order form.

I can't say enough about Sparkle Skirts!  I am running my first 5K on July 4th.  I will SOOOOO be wearing my purple sparkly skirt and telling EVERYONE where I got it!

This is what a sparkle tech skirt looks like.   ***THEY HAVEN'T PAID ME TO SAY ALL THESE THINGS,   THEY ARE MY OWN OPINIONS!!!!!*****

Obesity: The last acceptable prejudice?

Non Scale Victory this morning!

I had a TOTALY NSV this morning.  I had to get some blood drawn this morning.  Have you ever had your blood drawn?  You know those weird arm bar chair things you have to sit in, right!?!?  Those chairs have always been a NIGHTMARE for me.  ALWAYS.  I never fit.  The bar that come across your front would never come across my front.  I'd make it work, but it was never comfortable.  My tummy spilling over the top and me squished into the chair.

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN TODAY!  Nope!  I sat in the chair an was pleasantly surprised at how easy the bar came down.  As an added bonus, it didn't even touch my tummy!  TALK ABOUT A WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

I did a happy dance out of the lab today!  Oh, and happy Friday to ya too!

QUICK kitchen sink chili

Last night was one of those nights.  You all know the ones... Everybody running in a million different directions and you forgot to take out something for dinner!  Let me assure you dinner can be on the table in 15 min with this recipe!  Also, it tastes great and make a ton!

Kitchen Sink Chili

*1 pound ground beef
*1 packet of chili seasoning
*1 can corn, drained
*1 can Great Northern beans, drained
*1 big can of crushed tomatoes with juice
*1 can pinto beans in light chili sauce

Brown and drain your ground beef.  Dump all the rest of the stuff in a pot and simmer for about 10 minuets or until heated through.

I call this kitchen sink chili because you can use anything you have, except the kitchen sink!  You want chicken instead of beef, go for it.  Don't have great northern beans, use what you do have.  Want it spicier, add more spices!  Honestly, this is a quick and easy dindin that is tasty, filling, and full of good things!  You get a nice protein boost!

The difference is clear!

About a year ago, my parents got on a plane to come see me.  They wanted to go and do and I wanted to go with them.  I REALLY wanted to go with them.  In the end, I did go with them.  Kind of!  I had to keep sitting down because I couldn't breathe.  My face was beet red and I was huffing and puffing!  NOT a pretty site, mind you.  Also, I was moving at glacial speeds.  Needless to say, we didn't see much on account of me.  Talk about embarrassing.  It was humiliating!  My parents came all this way and we didn't even get to see much.

Fast Forward to this year, Some gal pals came into town and we had a blast sightseeing!  Yes, it was long days and LOTS of walking, but I kept up for most of it!  Yes, I slowed down at points.  However, I wasn't huffing and puffing or even beet red.

I wish my parents could come back and we could do everything and see everything now that I am capable!

Traveling after surgery

Hey Kids!

It is so good to be back home!  I have had a BUSY week.  A great, but busy week!  A couple of my high school girlfriends came into town.  I hadn't seen them in about 13 years!  It was really nice to catch up.

There was one problem, though.  WHAT DO I EAT WHEN I AM ON THE GO AND TRAVELING!?!?!?!?  Well, I'll tell you!  It simply takes a bit of planning and prep.  In the end, it is nice because you can save some bucks and you KNOW you have something to eat!

Here are my traveling essentials, food wise anyway....

*Protein rich snacks, ie: Just the cheese and beef jerky
*I always check to see if there is going to be a supermarket near by.  If there is, YAY!  I can get some apples that I can smear with almond butter brought from home.  I can also see if they have any cheese that is portable, as well.
*Sugar free candy for those sweet attacks!  I prefer sugar free Jolly Ranchers, but you can pick whatever you like!  Be careful though, sugar free candy has kinda a laxative effect if you have too much!!!!
*I pre-measure protein powder into zipper bags and always carry a mixer/shaker cup.  Just add water or milk if you can get it, and you have a great breaky!
*I also pre-pack/pre-measure snacks into the small zipper bags, that way I can control my portions.  Portion control is a HUGE thing for me! I also use single serving packages that I can throw in my bag!

See... easy-peasy!  I found that if I take the time to plan, I can really enjoy my travels and I don't have to worry about what I am going to eat!

Updated pic with Sassitude!!!!

According to Jennifer Rizzo, one of my High School girl friends  "Sassitude" is where it is at!!!!  Sassitude is a sassy attitude!  Put it together and and you have SASSITUDE!  It's my new word!  Get used to it!  It is here to stay!

Here is an updated pic of me... Taken yesterday!

Happy Trails to you...

This is going to be a SUPER busy week for me.  Some of my high school girlfriends are coming into town!  We get to play tourist and all that fun stuff!  I am really excited to see them.  I haven't seen these girls in a bajillion years.  I am SO not giving you the real number, because then I would have to admit my real age!!!! :)

As we'll be on the go a TON this week, finding healthy eating options will be a challenge.  For me anyway.  I need something that I can grab a handful of and be ok!  ALSO, I need to know that I won't boot the food in front of everyone!  So I came up with this version of trail mix!  Trail mix is great because it isn't messy, You only need a bit, and you can put ANYTHING in it!

Kelli's awesomely yummy Trail Mix


1 c. High Fiber Cereal, I used Puffins
1 c. whole cashews
1 c. chopped hazelnuts
1 c. almonds
1 c. dried fruit, I used cranberries, pomegranate, blueberries, and cherries.  I did 1 cup of each.
1 c. dark chocolate mini chips
For some extra crunch, I also used 1 c. Cracklin' Oat bran cereal.

Not my photo, but it looks about the same!!

Put everything in a zipper bag an shake to mix.  You only need a 1/4 of a cup at a time.  ENJOY!!!!

WOOT WOOT!!!

Hey kids!

Guess what?!?!  I stepped on the scale this morning and guess what it said!  It said...... Drumroll, please!

230!  Yep, that is what is said.  That means that I am 70 pounds down from where I started!  70 pounds, people!  These are things that are the equivalent of 70 pounds...

*A full helium tank 
*An electric fireplace 
*31752 thumbtacks 
*A big wingback comfy chair 
*The world’s biggest atlas 
*187 Bananas 
*A bushel of Corn 
*The average sheet of drywall 


I have been working hard.  I won't stop working either.  If I never loose another pound, however, I am happy!  I am learning every day what my body needs and how to be the healthiest me I can be!  Now I sound like a recruiting advertisement, sorry about that!  I can't help it!

Weekend Inspiration

Here is an AMAZING story.  SUCH inspiration!

Happy Weekend!!!
 

Just a general howdy!!!

Hey kids!

Happy friday!  I am so glad it is friday, y'all have NO idea!  Maybe you do as it seems to have been a long week for everyone.

I have a clean downstairs!  No, that isn't a euphemism , you dirty people, you!  I really do have a clean downstairs!  My dining room, living room and entry way!  I have an entry way now.  All vacuumed and organized and lovely!  Did I mention that I have new to me furniture?  I do!  Grown up furniture that matches and everything!

I hope everybody has a GREAT weekend.  Enjoy spending time with your family and loved ones.  Be NICE to one another!

Fancy new furniture... with Kelli Ann-ness added!

50 things to do instead of snacking...

I got this list from a great gal!  Check out her blog and her list.....

It makes sense!!!

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.co.uk/2006/11/50-things-to-do-instead-of-snacking.html

So far, yet not...

Sometimes I have negative thoughts!  Shocker, I know.  :)  Sometimes, I think to myself, that I have SOOOOOOOOO far to go.  Sometimes those thoughts crowd everything else out!

I have to remember how far I have actually come.  That is why I made this side by side comparison.  For days when I think I have so far to go... I can look at this and see how far I have actually come.  I am a visual person!  I need pictures!!!

Let's review....

Starting weight: 300 pounds
Sleep apnea, Type II Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol
Special order clothes, wedding rings cutting off circulation, glasses too tight, oily skin
Exercise:  HA!!! Yeah, right!




Now weight: 240 pounds
ALL and I mean ALL co-morbidities GONE!  Out the window, bye-bye!
Can get clothes in a non plus size store, had to take rings off because they are too big, glasses fit, normal skin on the way!!!!
Exercise:  Any and every chance I get!  Walking is my preference, but who knows what is next!?!?!




I think I am going to print this pic out an keep it where I can see it.  It will give me encouragement on those off days!