The Beginning, the Middle......

   

AFTER- DEC. 2012

BEFORE- JULY E2011

June of 2012 I started a journey that I had no idea where it was going to take me. I knew I was overweight and unhappy with myself.  I wasn't always overweight. It happened slowly over a long period of years. I stopped exercising which I used to do so often, and stopped being mindful of my eating. I loved to bake and got a feeling of satisfaction watching others enjoy my baked goods. Raising 3 kids was not always easy but made it easy to let myself go. For whatever reason, I could not find the motivation to "get it together" to make positive changes in my life.  My son. Christopher, is a professional cyclist who has ultimate health and fitness always on his mind. When I go to the races, I am surrounded by athletes and spectators who seem to focus on taking care of themselves. Carissa, my daughter is involved in high school cross country and track. Again, runners, keeping fit.  I felt like I never fit in with these people...like I didn't belong. I was responsible for rubbing my bad habits off to my children. My daughter Caitlin, had a weight problem too. The family was headed down the same road that I was on. We all loved sweets, loved baking, and lacked good exercise habits. This was my doing. I felt responsible and it made me sad knowing that. It was time for a change, not just temporarily, but permanately. I wanted my husband and children to be proud of me. I wanted to make the change. It was time for all of us. 

     Caitlin, Krista (my sister in law) and I stepped into a Weight Watchers meeting on June 21st, 2012. I wasn't convinced that "it" was going to stick. After a few weeks of having successful weight loss weeks, I was asked by Sandy (my mother in law) if I was going to go all the way. That was it, I knew I was in it for the long haul, the challenge was on. By Thankgiving I was down 51 lbs and today Jan. 23rd, down 55 lbs. I have decided to go for another 11 lbs. to reach my goal. It has been a eye opening experience that I have fully enjoyed.  I am very proud of Caitlin who has lost 30 lbs and still working at it.  She has turned her life around, motivated in school and life in general. She's completely changed her way of eating not just to lose weight but also for the health benefit. This whole journey has brought us closer then we have ever been.  Carissa has become more focused and interested in making healthy changes too. Success breeds success. Here's the question that has come up often, lately. "So how did I do it? What did you eat?" 

Roasting veggies

So here's my answer:

My typical breakfast

My snack off the lunch truck.

     I eat mostly whole,natural,real food with less portions then before. I eat ALOT of fruit and vegetables. If I am hungry I have fruit and vegetables FIRST. I bulk up my sandwiches up with spinach, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, red onion, pickles. I prepare my breakfast and  lunch on my work days. I am always armed for success. I don't eat donuts, bagels, or junk food that is readily available at work. My dinner is mainly vegetables and protien, less carbs but complex carbs mostly. I only eat natural peanut butter or almond butter with no added sugar. I don't use added butter, sour cream, or fatty cheeses. I make better choices when eating out. I eat mindfully.I drink a ton of water and unsweetend tea.If I am not riding my bike, I walk, or work out on my elliptical trainer. I don't bake, I don't buy candy or junk food. I am not saying I haven't had any of it, I have, but I eat it out and in small amounts. I always get back to it. I never wait until "Monday". My go to snack has been Skinny Cow or Weight Watcher ice cream. I exercise alot. I have taken up bike riding and thoroughly enjoy it. It's work in process. It's not easy but the one thing I know for sure, this is life! For the rest of my life  I will be working on this and that's ok because I feel better then I have in YEARS.  

I plan on blogging my experiences. I want to share great recipes and hope to motivate others while they motivate me.

I think you will like this recipe: We all love homeade kettle corn here.

Kettle Corn -

It’s healthier than some of the kettle corn out there because it’s popped in canola oil and with less oil and sugar then other kettle corn recipes..  1 serving is 125 calories, 7 grams fat and 3 Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS. Wait until you taste this!!!  It’s sure to become a staple in your home. Have fun crunching!  Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup canola oil or vegetable oil (do not use olive oil for this recipe)

¼ cup white sugar

2 tablespoons water

⅔ cup unpopped white popcorn kernels, if possible, see shopping tip

½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

1. In a large, deep nonstick pan or pot add the oil, sugar, water, popcorn and mix together until all kernels are coated.  Shake to spread out over pan.  Cover and heat on medium-high heat.   Shake the pan often to keep the sugar from burning.  Once the popping has started, shake pan continuously until all kernels have slowed to once every 2-3 seconds, remove the pan from the heat and continue to shake until the popping has stopped.

2. Immediately pour into a large bowl so it doesn’t burn the popcorn.  Sprinkle with a little salt and serve warm.  It’s delicious at room temperature too!  Store any leftover kettle corn in a plastic bag or airtight container.

Serves 8 (about 2½ cups each serving)