Wednesday, March 23, 2011

ouch

I tried a new workout today. Pilates. It was my kind of workout! I didn't get all sweaty. No boys. Comfy clothes. Bare feet. I have plans to try it again next Wednesday.......If I can walk by then.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

sorry

Don't worry it's not only the blog I am neglecting but the elliptical and treadmill too.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

got out and put on

A very much needed girls night out left me with a good 5 lbs, or more, to lose. Thanks girls! It was worth it. Next time maybe my girls night out should be to a Pole Fitness class. Funnest class you will ever go to! Who's in?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

is anyone feeling neglected?

I haven't been very good about posting lately. But don't you fret.... 30 by 30 is still progressing.
The biggest change of the week has been with the kids. They REQUESTED broccoli tonight for dessert! Crazy hu! This was after our stir fry dinner with asparagus on the side. We are not big meat eaters anymore (not that we ever were, but we are definitely eating less) so the money we save on meat just gets moved over to the produce bill. Instead of having one side of veggies we have 2, or 3 if you count dessert too. Even the baby elephant likes his veggies! His unfortunately look nothing like real veggies all colorful and crisp. His are all smashed up, runny and a weird greenish color. bleh. So glad I have teeth!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

it's working!

Great news. I was able to wear a skirt to church today! And not just any skirt, but one of my NON-elastic waisted skirt! It was still a little snug but IT FIT. I didn't have anything pouring out the top either... well I don't think I did. If any of you reading this go to church with me let me know if I am wrong. But it was a good feeling that maybe finally all the work is paying off, and that the Gap makes a strong zipper!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

don't get too excited

This may be a little premature but I think I might give up sugar.
The fructose was a piece of cake....or lack there of, but I think sugar in general will be super hard! I have a few friends, neighbors, and clients who have all given up sugar and they have had fantastic results. I can only imagine all the money they will save from not having cavities filled! I will for sure not be able to give up chocolate covered strawberries.... because after all they are good for you.
Ya... after thinking about it a few more minutes I don't think I am up for it right now. I'm going to grab a cookie.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

call me crazy

WHAT WAS I THINKING!?! I must have been high on fructose....but now that I haven't had any for a while, and my sugar levels have returned to normal, I am beginning to see my life how it ACTUALLY is.
Make my own bread. phff. I was completely delusional. When am I going to find the time to make bread? I work 6 days a week ... not to mention all the other jobs I have that don't pay squat and I do them 24/7! I have 4 kids... 5 if you count the big one. I run kids to practice, friend's houses, and school things. I visit teach, attend church meetings, and volunteer. I have a home cooked meal on the table EVERY night! Make bread?....why didn't anyone tell me how crazy that sounded? Do you realize that in order to make bread you have to let it rest for at least 2 hours? Why should bread dough get to rest if I don't?!
I have come to accept the fact that I am no Wonder Woman. Sam's Club is more than capable of providing adequate nutritional bread for my family from now on. I have a life to live and I am the ONLY one who can do that!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

be impressed

Are you sitting down? I went to McDonalds today. *GASP *
We (the kids and I) were invited by Grandpa and Grandma for a celebratory lunch. It was Tadderbug's last basketball game of the season and he did AMAZING! So not wanting to disappoint everyone we went. It was fun for the kids to get out of the house and play and spend time with their Grandparents. Everyone ate ...but me. I felt a little bad about not eating. I have never not ate when someone was offering lunch before. In fact I reminded myself of the type of people I hate to eat lunch with! You know the type, they invite you to lunch and then after you order something both amazing and fattening they order a salad....with dressing on the side. UGH! Am I seriously turning into one of those people?! Let's hope not. But I truly did not eat anything there. Two kids enjoyed non-fructose chicken nuggets (once again ...gasp. Although you would know that if you had watched the video!), and the red Rapunzel enjoyed her self a Big Mac... and YES, she can eat the whole thing! It's quite impressive for how little she is.
While we were on the drive home Tadderbug commented..."McDonalds isn't really that good is it." Shout HALLELUJAH (or hella ya!) the kids have finally come around! Eating healthy IS GOOD and good for you. Who da thunk?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Yes I did

Why yes, I did add flax seed to my apple crisp. Top it off with a little ice cream and you have all the food groups covered! I don't even know why I bothered with dinner first.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thank you and goodnight!

So I know at least one person who will be disappointed in today's post, sorry Mom. I am too tired to tell you that I made some bread for the neighbors.... this time NO exploding glass pans! Or that I did some damage at Costco....but not to their hand dipped ice cream bars. I only ate 1/2! I will tell you that I have left the vanilla ice cream in my freezer UNTOUCHED for over 2 weeks! A personal best, and I am quite proud of myself. Plus the fructose is quickly leaving our house thanks to scouting banquets that require plates of baked goods. I love killing two birds with one stone. It totally makes me look like a contributing member of the scouting society, AND it frees up some pantry space. (Remember I am NOT buying or using things with fructose in it! And that also reminds me......WATCH THE VIDEO!)
On a totally separate note THANK YOU to everyone who has left me a email or comment about how much you are liking this little 30 by 30 experiment of mine! I am so grateful for all the words of advice and encouragement! THANK YOU! It makes me so happy that people are actually reading this thing! Keep sending all your knowledge my way..... I promise I'll take all of it! THANK YOU!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

feeling good!

So I think the small changes I have made are already working! Not so much on the waistline but just in feeling good allover! I feel healthier. It feels good to know that I am helping my kids to eat healthier too. I NEVER feel hungry... yet I don't think I eat as much as I used to. I think I finally understand that all food is NOT created equal. No more 'empty ' calories for me.
My family has made some changes too and I feel like I owe someone an apology.
I'm sorry McDonalds. It was a hard breakup but it truly was me, not you. Your food was somewhat tasty, the toys were fantastic, but I feel like my family deserves better. I am sorry you do not see our car at your drive-through window a few times each week. You might have had to let a few workers go because of our absence. I know with our purchases alone we were able to pay a few worker's wages .... but times change and so do taste buds. I no longer get a thrill smelling fresh fries in the car. It is comforting to know that my food is now prepared fresh and I no longer need to unwrap it. And this may be hitting below the belt but sadly enough the kids don't miss you. I wish you the best but I think it is best for both of us to just go our separate ways, never to meet again.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Call me Martha

Guess who made bread today?! ME! It was easy, fun, and tasty! I made it out of whole wheat flour and it contained NO sugar!
Everyone LOVED it except for a certain redheaded Rapunzel. She thought it tasted like a dog biscuit. She is a snob when it comes to any bread other than Grandma Sycamore's White Bread that her Grandma buys for her. (It's a special Grandma treat that she toasts and then dips in hot chocolate) We have been buying Grandma Sycamore's Honey Whole Wheat for years. And all these years I have been thinking that I am such a great Mom making my kids eat whole wheat. Turns out that I have just been poisoning them once little slice at a time. Grandma Sycamore's contains High Fructose Corn Syrup! UGH....is there anything out there that DOESN'T?!
Just to prove that I am trying hard to make a healthy improvements in my family's diet I have posted some pictures of my bread success! And one unfortunate failure!
The recipe I used was from this website http://www.superhealthykids.com/Recipes.html And in true fashion I didn't follow the recipe as it was written. This is how I did it.........

3 2/3(ish) cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 TBS yeast
2 1/2 cups hot tap water
1 TBS salt
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey
1 1/4 TBS bottled lemon juice
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Mix together the flour and the yeast with a dough hook (stand mixer). Add the water all at once and mix for 1 min. Cover and let rest for 10 min. Add salt, oil, honey, and lemon juice. Mix for 1 min. Add the last 2 1/2 cups of flour a little bit at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be VERY soft. Turn the dough onto an oiled counter top. Divide and shape the dough into 2 loafs. Place them into oiled bread pans.
Pre-heat the oven for 1 min...and then turn the oven OFF (this is just to get the oven warm). Place the bread into the warmed oven and let them rise for 10-15 min until the dough reaches the top of the pans. DO NOT REMOVE BREAD FROM OVEN. Turn oven ON to 350 F and bake for 30 min. Remove from pans and cool on rack.


Don't be sad if your 1st attempt doesn't look as pretty as mine did. I have a gift. And I am sure that with practice yours too can look as nice as mine.
But just so you all know that even perfect people can make mistakes I posted this next picture.


This was going to be my second attempt at bread. This was going to be Artisan bread. It required that you add water to a pan underneath the baking bread to give it steam and produce a crusty outer crust (my favorite!).
I knew it was a bad idea to add cold water to a glass pan in a hot oven but I totally was adding BOILING water to it and I thought I would be safe. WRONG. Glass shattered and went everywhere! Luckily the kids were all in bed and no one was hurt. I will try again in the morning, this time with a metal pan.

Monday, February 21, 2011

TMI

This post will contain TOO MUCH INFO. Stop reading now if you would still like to be able to look me in the eye without feeling slightly weird or awkward. If you are a 7 year old boy I am quite sure that you will get a kick out of this post!
Floater or Sinker? Yes people, we are talking about POO. No, I do not have any pictures to post with this. Your welcome.
After watching the video (Have you watched it yet?! You NEED to! It will change your life!) It has been brought to my attention that my family and I are not getting enough fiber. I was talking to the Hubbs about ways we can add more fiber into our everyday diets and trying to come up with easy, simple ideas. After much talk this was his question to me...."Do you know how you can tell if you are getting enough fiber in your diet?" Me... "No". His answer, "If your poop floats." Great. I am so glad that he is such a fountain of knowledge.
I personally have never had a 'floater'. (See this was the TMI I was warning you about!) I honestly can say that I didn't even know there was such a thing! Now that's all I can think about. I MUST be a horrible eater to never have a floater! Not only am I paranoid by Fructose but now I am worried about not getting enough fiber too! This whole healthy eating thing has totally consumed my life. I guess it's a good thing. But my biggest problem now is that I know all this stuff......how do I apply it?! I have enough going on in my life: Trying to raise kind, healthy, happy children. Keeping a house clean. Keeping a yard up to Better Homes and Gardens condition. Being up to date on world events (thanks Star magazine). Volunteering at my children's school (ha, let's not kid anyone about this... I have been once.). Making the world a much prettier place through my job, which I LOVE! It's a lot for a girl to take on!! I have no time to make my own ketchup, tomato soup, or cereal! I thought part of the joys of living in the year 2000 was that life would be easier. But after walking up and down the isles of the grocery stores I had only placed 4 items in my cart. I couldn't bring myself to place anything in my cart that had the word fructose in the ingredient list. I was also on the lookout for high fiber foods. That was a little bit easier but then when you check out the ingredients that darn fructose would be there AGAIN! You would be SHOCKED at how many things contain it! So once again I am asking..... WHAT IS A GIRL TO DO?! Should I now add master gardener to my list of things I must do to be a good Mom?! I do have a big garden I began destroying last fall. Perhaps this spring I can resurrect it to it's original glory. I have been told by many of my neighbors that the previous owners were wonderful gardeners. Well good for them.... I make WONDERFUL cookies! I think our neighbors would rather have a fresh plate of warm cookies than a bushel of fresh produce, right?! Plus the Hubbs had high hopes of the garden growing into a basketball court this summer. I guess we will see how long this 'health kick' lasts.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Reminder

This is just a reminder that you still NEED TO WATCH THE VIDEO I posted a few days ago! It really is well worth your time. Put the kids to bed, invite your significant other to snuggle up next to you, and watch it. I took notes..... you might want to too. Leave a comment letting me know you have watched it. I will NOT post another thing until EVERYONE has watched it, and left a comment.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Lighter

No not me....just my hair! And don't worry I told the Hubbs BEFORE I did anything so he would notice this time. He defence for NEVER noticing last time. "Dark is Dark. When I am reffing a game all I see is black and white. It doesn't matter if it's purple, orange, red, blue or black....I am calling it all black. How am I supposed to notice your hair is darker?"
Isn't he a charmer ladies.... Sorry hes all mine.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

MUST watch

This video is amazing. I learned SO much! We will be making some MAJOR changes at our house!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Yummmm ...... butter

Be prepared now people. This post will be long, obnoxiously long. Still NOT as long as one of my sisters Facebook status updates, but long none the less! I apologize ahead of time.

Well, I am trying. Really, I AM! Just when I thought I was making progress I went to the Dr. just to have them tell me that I weigh the SAME. The scale at home said I am down 8 lbs. How can I trust my cheep white scale I bought on sale, over a scale with a PHD and fancy buttons?!
I am the first one to admit I haven't made any HUGE changes... but I thought not eating out, drinking water, and exercising (somewhat) would have made some differences. Perhaps the problem is MY cooking?! Trust me.. I am a FANTASTIC cook... but I might not be the healthiest cook. Paula Dean has nothing on me. I buy butter every week! And not just one box. I am talking Sam's club size people! And I am sad to say I have been making myself a treat every night for a few days. Italian Cream Sodas! Delicious! But alas, they are made with HEAVY whipping cream.....and I am afraid I know now how it got the name heavy.
So whats a girl to do?! Stop making my wonderful baked goods and creamy sauces? Stop eating dessert every night? Those are things I just can't walk away from, nor do I want too. So my other option will be to try new things. I can try new healthier recipes on weekdays and my good tried and true recipes (aka deliciously fattening) on weekends. That doesn't sound too bad right?
I have found a few great websites/blogs that have pretty tasty looking recipes. A little adventure never hurt anyone right?! I might need to hit the store up everyday to get fresh veggies. (How is it that my fridge kills fresh vegetables and fruits after a few days?! Does anyone else have this problem? Am I the only one? Is my fridge just a big mean bully who hates fresh things that have just been plucked from outside sources?) I also might have to look up pictures of a few of the ingredients that the recipes call for ....just so I don't wander around the produce section looking like a crazy lady that hasn't seen a vegetable before.
What the heck is a chickpea? A veggie? a bean? Does it come in a bag? a can? frozen? Will I need to shop at a health food store? These are questions I need to know the answers to! And how can I get the salads that I make at home taste as good as the ones in the restaurants? Do they have better iceberg lettuce than me? Am I going to have to buy a steamer? If you microwave a veggie does it lose it's nutritional value? UGH! I am getting so worked up! Perhaps I should just stop now before I get so stressed out that I have to find a dark corner where I can rock myself back and forth in. Please leave any comments that might be helpful for this big undertaking! I can do this! right?

Saturday, February 12, 2011

cough* cough*

I think I might be getting sick. Dry cough, scratchy throat, voice leaving...... Yep, I might actually lose weight after all! As a friend once said, " I am a few good stomach flus away from my goal weight." I'm not, but missing a few meals couldn't hurt.

Friday, February 11, 2011

New Low

By reading the title of this post you make think that I have good news to share. Unfortunately I do not. I have a new low.....a bad low.
For dessert tonight I made strawberry crepes. Delicious, Yes! But after I ate it I felt like I needed a dessert. A DESSERT for my DESSERT?! SERIOUSLY?! Yes. Seriously. Cookies and Cream Ice cream. Also delicious! I am now depressed. Goodnight.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Easy smeazy

Apparently weight loss can be as easy as smelling grapefruit! Research has shown that the smell of grapefruit oil helps you fight cravings and spur weight loss! Sound too good to be true?! Perhaps, but worth a shot don't you think?! I must get my Scentsy lady on the phone ASAP! They have a Grapefruit Spice smell that is sure to do the trick (plus it is my FAVORITE scent, next to Fresh Cut Grass of course)!
This weight loss stuff is easier than I ever imagined! I wonder why it's not all working quite yet? I guess it just takes more time. It couldn't possibly be the lack of regular exercise and proper eating habits.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Splenda. Not so much.

I have noticed that many 'diet' foods have no sugar, less sugar, etc. Why does sugar make you fat anyway? Is it just that sugar makes everything taste better so you eat more?! Whoever got rid of sugar and tried to replace it should be fired! They think Splenda is the answer?! BLEH! I don't care if it does save me 60 calories. NOT WORTH IT! I actually saved more like 100 calories because I threw out my cup of rice pudding after 2 bites! What am I going to do with 7 more? It would be such a waste to throw them all out, even if I did save $1.00 on them with my coupon. Maybe I could pass them off to my Mother-in-law. She can't taste anything anyway.
And seriously people she can't taste anything ....really. I am not just being rude.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Feeling good.

So YES I did wear sweat pants to the Super Bowl party. And I don't feel bad about eating the Chicken Buffalo Dip because I totally used Philadelphia cream cheese 1/3 less fat. Plus I made homemade guacamole dip! Guacamole has Avocados in it....and avocados are GOOD for you. Check it out. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Who's ready!?

Tomorrow is SUPER-FULL SUNDAY! Or Super Bowl ... whatever. I am just excited for the food and commercials!
I will be cutting my nails SUPER SHORT tonight. Why you ask? Well, because in my new Shape Magazine it says that clenching a tight fist and tightening your arm muscles will boost your willpower, giving you the strength to resist temptation. So I figured I have a lot of temptation coming at me tomorrow like Chicken Buffalo Dip, Artichoke Dip, Pizza, and many, many more tasty treats. How is a girl like me going to make it through the day?! I can't decide..... should I wear my tight pants so I am uncomfortable (and maybe not eat so much) or do I just throw my hands in the air and wear baggy sweats and enjoy? I think we all know the answer.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

What's the point?!

So I dyed my hair 2 days ago and the Hubbs still hasn't noticed! And YES it is a very noticeable change. In fact it's so noticeable that a receptionist at my daughters dance studio noticed as soon as I walked through the door! So my question is this......If he can't tell a change in hair color how on earth is he going to notice a 5lb difference in weight?!
So NO, I am not going to tell him about my hair. And you all can't either! I feel very confident in writing this on here and him still not finding out. He never reads my posts. The only thing he reads on the internet is sports related. I wonder how long it will take for him to notice. All I know is the longer it does the bigger my Valentine's present will get! So here's to oblivious Husbands!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

New treat!

I found a new treat! POPCORN! Yes, I realize that it is not 'new' but I found a new-ish topping for it... Kernel Season's Nacho Cheese. They also have White Cheddar and Butter flavored. The best part. 2 calories! That's IT! Seriously people that is better than a stick of gum! Combine it with some fat-free popcorn and your calorie total will not even reach 40! And that's for an ENTIRE BAG! Forget about portion control! I am having a WHOLE bag tonight! Heck, maybe TWO!
Here is the link so you know what to look for....... http://www.kernelseasons.com/index.php

Monday, January 31, 2011

Justified

So my MOST favorite treats are CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES!
It's the best time for strawberries. Sam's had a lovely display of huge, delicious strawberries just begging to be dipped in chocolate. I can't get enough of them....I like them even more than ice cream!
How can I make room for these delicious bites of heaven in my already tight fitting pants? I knew there must be a way. And then I thought of it. Justification. I knew I could count on the internet to ease my mind as I indulge on chocolate covered perfection. Check out what I found at
http://www.orcaracing.net/?p=71
I love justifying my actions, it makes everything so much easier! Except the losing weight part. And yes I justify eating ice cream every day because it's the only form of milk I usually get. And it helps keep the baby elephant in the healthy 99th percentile for his age...... and who doesn't like a chubby baby?!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Really?!

Guess who lost 21 lbs in 4 weeks....... NOT ME! Stupid boys. The hubs lost 21 lbs. I am happy for him but seriously, what da hewl? (what the hell in kid talk) He misses a few days of work, sleeps ALL day and drops weight like crazy. Oh, and he might have been super sick but so what... NO FAIR! Gosh guys. Give us gals a break! If I would have laid in bed for a few days the house would have fallen down around me, the kids would have been shipped off thanks to CPS, and you can bet that I wouldn't have lost ANY weight!
Congrats on your 21 lbs Honey...... I am so glad someone in our house is losing weight.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Yippee!

I have my elliptical back! Thank you SO much Shannon and Dave for bringing it back up to me! My workout room is looking AMAZING! I think I will buy another equipment/fitness mat and I can cover more of the wood floor. Maybe hang up some exercise routines, pictures, goals, etc. I should add some music.... anyone have any recommendations? I will for sure paint it when the weather gets warmer. I am SO EXCITED! My own little gym! Yippee!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sorry

It's late. I'm tired. And I have a sick husband. Enough said right!?!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Good vs Bad

Good news: I walked, ran, and carried the baby elephant today.

Bad news: Working out made me hungry and I took a bite of food that was too hot and burned
my gums. (Who knew you could even do that?!)

Good news: My hurting mouth made it hard to eat.

Bad news: Ice cream feels really good on my hurting gums.

Good news: The ice cream had some ice crystals on it because it's been so long that I haven't
had any.

Bad news: The crystals are gone and so are a few frozen balls of cookie dough.

Monday, January 24, 2011

for sure!

I have no more excuses. Everyone is feeling good. I have stretchy pants. A treadmill (thanks Jen!!!) A spot for MY eliptical.....ehem....MOTHER. And a plan. 8:45am tomorrow morning I will be running. Well maybe I should start off with just walking.... but it will be at a brisk pace! If you call I will not answer because I will for sure be out of breath. I must go now to find fun workout music to download. I will tell you all about it tomorrow!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

carrots taste better than cake

...carrots taste better than cake....carrots taste better than cake..... carrots taste better than cake.
Strangely enough I actually DON'T like cake! But I have a few exceptions..... and one of them is sitting on my kitchen counter tonight. (pumpkin cake)

crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch...... No that's not me doing sit ups. I am munching away on healthy carrots. GO ME!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

What the?

9 glasses of water = a bazillion trips to the bathroom.

Ok so maybe I over exaggerated a bit...but I had more potty breaks in one day then I usually do in a week! I sure hope the pounds are flushing away with it!

Friday, January 21, 2011

The workout

Today was good. I worked out and ate better.
The workout.......pushing 3 kids and a car seat around in a shopping cart with bad wheels. Add a HUGE case of diapers and wipes and THAT ,my friends, is a good workout. Plus I parked really far away. Who knew that Costco is the place to be on a Friday afternoon? Everyone must have know it was try it before you buy it day. Which leads me to my portion controlled lunch. Chocolate milk, artichoke dip, pizza, Madras Lentils (so delicious I had to buy it), and a gummy fiber vitamin. Just one bite of each and I felt so satisfied I only ate HALF of my hand dipped ice cream bar of deliciousness! All in all I say it turned out to be a pretty good day.

Thursday, January 20, 2011



Who knew I could figureout how to MAKE and ADD my own button!?! As my husband once told me "Even blind squirrels find nuts in the forest every once in while."
Grab my NEW button over to the right. Thanks!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Every little bit helps.....

I am sure we all know we should be drinking LOTS of water each day. In fact we should be drinking 1/2 our body weight. Example a person who's weight its 120lbs (ha, I wish!) should be drinking 60 oz of water. That is about seven and a half glasses!
And wouldn't it be nice if drinking all that water helped us loose weight?! Well it's your LUCKY DAY people because IT CAN! Drinking water has MANY benefits: healthy skin, flushing out toxins, regulates body temperature, helps with our metabolism, etc. Brace yourself because it gets even better!! While you are drinking all that water make sure it is ICE COLD and it can actually INCREASE your metabolism. That means you can be burning and EXTRA 10-20 calories per beverage! And if my calculations are correct drinking 7 glasses per day at 15 calories burned (this is just an average) will save you 105 calories a day! Just think...... you could have a bite of a doughnut, or maybe 6 Cheetos! WoW! So glad I read my Star magazine today or I might have never known!
I am actually a water drinker. I love it! But I like my water room temp. I will have to try cold water for the next week and see if it grows on me. It would be nice to burn some extra calories without really doing much.
Cheers!

If you would like some important facts on drinking water, and to find out how much YOU should be drinking, check it out here:
www.diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/How_Much_Water_Should_a_Person_Drink_a_Day

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Housework = Fitness?

I once read that people who are fit tend to have well kept houses.
Apparently those people have enough self discipline to workout everyday (even when the don't want to) have the same discipline when it comes to keeping their house clean.
I fell like my house is well kept, but my body is apparently telling me otherwise.
I guess I should be lunging more while mopping, or using heavier dish cloths to wash the dishes. Perhaps I should be pulling out the fridge every night to clean behind/underneath it. I try to get all the bathrooms at least once a week. Maybe I should stop using Scrubbing Bubbles...... they really must be doing ALL the work! I could trade in my feather duster and get something a little heaver. Perhaps if I STOP using fabric softener on the clothes it would make doing laundry a little HARDER?!
I once again have to thank my kids for helping me out with this 30 by 30 plan. They sure do give me a lot of housework to keep up on. It's so nice that they are thinking of me!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Walked right on by.

So I know better than to go grocery shopping when I am hungry. I ALWAYS over buy and get treats that we don't need. But today I went shopping hungry. I had to. The kids were finally well enough to eat something and we had nothing in the fridge. I was worried for myself.... I'm not going to lie. But, today was a NEW day! I did so good! I walked right by the doughnut section! They smelled fantastic and I just kept repeating in my head...30 by 30.......30 by 30. Good thing I though of such a catchy slogan. Who knew it would actually work?!? I am proud to say the doughnuts did NOT make it home with me!
I was so proud of myself that I decided I should have a little treat. (after dinner of course!) I made myself an Oreo shake. I know what your thinking.....but hold on and let me explain myself first before you go rolling your eyes. I used reduced fat Oreos, scraped out the filling, and mixed it by hand! That's got to count for something right?! Little steps people....little steps.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

In honor of...

To honor Harold Pullman Coffin I did exactly what he wanted today. NOTHING!
This is National Nothing Day, set aside each year for people to sit around for the entire day and just hang out. No celebrating, observing or honoring anything. It was created by Harold Pullman Coffin. January 16th, 1973 (thanks
http://www.coolquiz.com/)
Oh crap! I honored HAROLD PULLMAN COFFIN! That is EXACTLY what I was NOT supposed to do! Gosh, I guess I will just have to try harder next year!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

willpower

Willpower....Yep. Don't have it! But I could sure take a lesson from my sick 3 year old. This was my conversations with her throughout the day.
Me: "How about eating some applesauce or yogurt?"
T: "no"
a few hours pass
Me: "Carrots? Banana? Apple?"
T: "no"
Me: "Want to eat some soup? Bread? Leftover Chinese?"
T: "no"
* I tried the soup and the chinese just to show her that it was indeed both editable and delicious.
a few more hours pass
Me: "Want some Orange Julius? Ice cream? Cookies? Apple crisp? Chocolate?"
T: "no"
** I also tried the Orange Julius, Ice cream, and Apple crisp.....this time I wasn't even trying to convince the 3 year old it was any good!
I sure hope their medicine kicks in soon! They need to help me finish off the ice cream.....otherwise I guess I'll have to do it on my own.

After typing this post I have realized that as the day gets longer my healthy eating takes a turn for the worse. I guess I will just have to stop eating earlier............. like around noon?!?

Friday, January 14, 2011

repeat

Since I handled yesterdays workout so well the kids felt like I needed more of a challenge. So for today's workout they kicked it up a notch. Add one more sick child.... grand total FOUR!
The day was once again filled with step aerobics, weightlifting, and squats......but today's twist was the Grab and Carry.
To do the Grab and Carry correctly you must do at least 4 reps... one for each child of course! For those who are experienced with the G&C you can try the more advanced version. For this you will need at least two kids. One in each arm works great! Double the burn, half the time!
I have learned that when working out, especially doing the G&C, it is more entertaining when you do it with a friend....or in my case a complete stranger going by the title of Nurse. I had already completed one set of reps myself (going into the Dr.'s office) but when trying to start my second set (to get out of the Dr. office) I was challenged with 2 vomiting children. This is when the sweet nurse decided to step in and try the G&C with me. (And just in case you were wondering we both did the more advanced version.) When we reached the car the kids were loaded in and I was left to fend for myself. Which got me thinking......
I have heard that getting back into shape is easier when you have a partner. Someone to workout with, share tips, and help you reach your goal. My goal for tomorrow will be to get my kids feeling well again. My partner for this will be someone who goes by the name of Dad in our house. We feel like this is such an important task we have cleared our day. No Basketball games, Cheer leading, or work! For either of us!
WE are SO committed to this new goal....... WISH US LUCK!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I worked it!

What a workout I had today! I did step aerobics, weight lifting, and squats all day!
The step aerobics consisted of me running up and down the 3 flights of stairs in our house checking on sick kids. Three out of the four were sick today.....all with something different. Upstairs contained the stuffy nose, middle level the cough, and the basement had the sore throat. Up and down stairs all day checking temperatures, giving medicine, wiping noses, getting drinks, finding lost toys.....it was quite the day.
The weight lifting was holding the coughing baby who weighs as much as a small elephant. The squats were also thanks to the small elephant. Squatting down to change a diaper. Squatting down to let the small elephant have tummy time. Squatting back down to pick up the small elephant who doesn't like tummy time. Up, down, up, down......and so the trend continued all day.
Thank you children for helping Mommy get her workout for the day.
I sure hope everyone feels better in the morning!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Once upon a time....

Yes... once upon a time these pants, along with many others, fit great! And that time was not that long ago.

I decided to post this picture myself so that it will not be able to be used against me in the future for blackmail purposes. It's definitely not a flattering shot but I think it shows the area of concern quite well. I have a little too much 'love' in my love handles. Too much 'muffin top' above the cup. A whole set of 'spare tires'.....and well, I think you get the picture.
Many of you have been kind in saying that I "look great after having 4 kids." I know you mean that nicely (well, some of you) but one day I hope to hear the words....."You look GREAT!" or how about .... "SERIOUSLY?! You have kids?!" perhaps even...."You two could be sisters!" Well maybe I went a little too far with that last one...My oldest girl is only 5 after all. And who doesn't want to be able to walk into their closet and get dressed with 2 items or less....those two items being a shirt and pants. My daily attire now consists of a pair of pants, shirt, tank top (loose fitting of course), jacket and maybe some sparkly earrings to draw attention upwards. There is much to be said on the powers of attention grabbing jewelry!
I have become quite the expert on 'hiding' my flaws. But it would be so nice not to have to hide anymore! Not saying I wouldn't have flaws.....just that I wouldn't mind having people see them. I find that most people don't like perfect. And I still want people to like me.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Day 2...well kinda day 1...and maybe not even that!

So today was going to be the day! Yes, I said going. But I guess in a way it kinda was. I ran the kids around all day ...in the car, hahaha for a second you might have thought that I actually ran! We had Dr. appointments, dance, cheer, errands, etc. Carrying around a 23 lb kid + a car seat has to count for exercise at some point right?!
I was able to eat healthier.......I shared my doughnut with the kids! Totally counts! That's like 1/2 the calories right there! Plus I didn't eat ice cream. I think it's fair to say that I am off to a GREAT start!
Perhaps tomorrow I will post a picture of the goal.....The jeans that fit once upon a time.
Let me know you are out there and leave a comment or two. And follow me! It's much easier than punching in www.30lbsby30years.blogspot.com!

Monday, January 10, 2011

The BIG idea

So it dawned on me that I will be turning 30 this year! How on earth did this sneek up on me?! I remember when I used to think that 30 was OLD! Well I still think it's old, but there is NO way I am as old as other 30 year olds are! Plus I still have 9 months.... Nine months to make some changes!
Having 4 kids has been the best thing ever! But keeping the extra 10lbs after each kid hasn't. (yes, I do know that 10 x 4 is 40 but somehow 10lbs got lost along the way and I am NOT about to find it)
The reason for my blog is to make me accountable to all the blog readers. I haven't been able to lose the weight because I have always had an excuse like: I plan on having another kid someday, or, I can't let the kids waste food! I must finish their plate. Regardless of the excuse I have never got down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I thought that maybe letting people know my plan would help me not let another year slip by with pants (that used to fit) going unworn, collecting dust in the closet. So here is the plan: Follow ME! Let me know you are out there. Leave comments! It might be frowned upon to beg for my own cheerleaders but I am going to do it anyway!
Some have said that 30lbs is a high number to reach for (Thanks MOM) but it sounded so good for my plan and as the saying goes "If you shoot for the Moon and miss you at least land among the stars". I am not expecting to be a size 0, or even wear a bikini. (remember the 4 kids?! no one wants to see that!) I just want to go into my closet put something on and not be afraid of flying buttons when I bend over or try to sit down!


Now for my plan of attack. I will NOT do trendy diets, exclude bread from my diet, or eat fish. I probably won't even give up ice cream. I will make healthier choices, watch my portions, and exercise more. That means you need to bring MY elliptical back Mother!! I hope you have enjoyed your 3 years with it. Heck, I might even tear off the plastic wrapping from my P90X DVDs I have stored for 4 years!

So it starts TODAY! Well maybe not to day....I had to go to Costco and their hand-dipped ice cream bars are to die for! But TOMORROW... YES! TOMORROW will be the start of a NEW me!