Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Merry Christmas

Well Christmas has come and gone...and so fast Gosh, it seems every year goes by faster and faster. The boys seemed to really like their gifts and I always get something nice. This year I got my engagement ring reset and added 2 diamonds and it is gorgeous. It has been 18 years since I got it and it was getting lose and needed some attention. I love it!!!! I also got a whole new closet system for my small closet. I am so trying to be more organized and this was just the thing to get me started. He did such a great job installing it. We had a wonderful church service and a nice dinner with the grandparents. We are truly blessed. The exercise...almost as bad. I am just in the holiday funk. Ths morning was oatmeal and green juice. Gotta give the digestive system a break. Well wishing you all a blessed New Year. Blessings, Trish

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The dreaded jog...and the recovery drink

Today was that dreaded day of doing the exercise I loathe. I mean I don't love to exercise, but I do it 6 days a week because I have to. I know, more about that bad attitude another day. I really don't like jogging....I dare say I hate it (gasp)

I try to jog at least one day a week though because it is just about the best cardio you can do to burn lots of calories. So today I trudged through my 3 miles...ugh. I walk some of it, but jog a lot of it and boy do I get tired and sweaty.

So, when I get back I need some potassium and protein immediately. It is best to have protein within 30 minutes of working out so your muscles get the protein and vitamins it needs so you are not mega sore the next day.

Here is what I have:

It is skim milk, 1/2 banana, 1 scoop Trader Joes chocolate protein powder, 2 tsp natural peanut butter, Chia seeds, ice.





Blend this all in your blender or bullet type blender.




-Enjoy

It is yummy.

Today's tip: do something for yourself that you dread...it may be the treadmill, weights, walk at the park or yes that dreaded jog. Once you get through it you will feel great.

Blessings,

Trish
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Chicken and roasted vegetables for supper

Last night I made a pretty tasty and healthy supper. I made chicken cutlets in a wine sauce with spinach and chive linguini and roasted fresh veggies.

Just place whatever vegetables you have on hand on a sheet pan. Roast on high heat 475 to 500 for 20 minutes, you don't want mushy.




I just put a little olive oil spray and some salt and pepper..yum.

Then I coated the chicken breasts with some white wheat flour and sautéed in about a tsp of olive oil. After they are a little brown I added 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 c white wine, some garlic powder and cut up some onions and fresh spinach. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook all this goodness covered for 10 minutes and that is it. Done. It was delicious and healthy.



The pasta was Trader Joes spinach and chive and to be honest, it was not my favorite, but whole wheat pasta or rice would work great as well.

The bread you see pictured is homemade wheat with flaxseed, chia seed, and sesame seed toasted up and spread with an olive and spinach tapenade. Yum.

Today's tip: try roasting your favorite veggies. It is super easy, healthy, and gives the veggies a new depth of flavor.

Blessings,

Trish

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, December 12, 2011

The pie

Well this blog post really has nothing to do with health, but in the fact that you can be heathy and enjoy an occasional slice of pie.

Saturday was Sweetys birthday. 45 big ones....lol. Anyway, he is more of a pie guy than a cake guy. His favorite is pumpkin but I was feeling like an old fashioned homemade pie might do the trick. For all of you who know me well, I DON'T MAKE HOMEMADE PIE...I just don't. I can make pizza dough, bread dough, tortilla, naan bread...any kind of bread but please don't make me make a pastry crust. Me and the crust have a bad history, but after all it was his birthday, so I had to give it a shot. So I rolled up my sleeves and made a pie from scratch..crust and all.

Here is how it came out: before baking




Then after about an hour in the oven




Ok...this looks good even to me.

Then the real test:



He looks happy

Then...



Oh my word....I don't like to pump myself up but this one was a total winner.
Delish.

So sometimes you just have to enjoy that slice of pie.

Today's tip: try making something totally from scratch. Even if you think you can't, you may be surprised at the results.

Blessings,

Trish

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, December 9, 2011

The egg

Today I started my day with some green juice for me and Sweety. It was kale, spinach, apple, kiwi and celery. Yum. Then after some chores and running around I was hungry. The hubby loves to have eggs for breakfast. Me...not so much, but I thought, why not make an omelet. It has been a while since I have made one. I usually make him eggs over medium, toast and either potatoes or ham.

Today, a spinach, feta, and virginia ham omelet.
5 eggs, generous handful of fresh spinach, small handful of feta cheese, and 3 slices Virginia ham, black pepper.


It was sooooo good. By the way, I split this thing, I had 1/3 and Sweety had 2/3 of the omelet.
It was a nice change from my yummy daily oatmeal. (I will talk about this another day)


Eggs are a wonderful source of protein and don't get so concerned about the cholesterol, it's not that horrible. God made these perfect eggs for optimal nutrition, so enjoy them, just don't fry the heck out of them in tons of butter and oil.

Todays tip: rediscover the egg. It's not just for breakfast either! Try it for lunch or a light supper.

Blessings,

Trish


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Juice

Heathy, yummy, fresh ...juice that is. Not from the bottle, but fresh from the source. I bought a juicer last week and have been juicing every day since. We as Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables in our diet. We are supposed to eat a MINIMUM of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day....a minimum. Some days I don't get that. Some days I look back and don't even get any fruits in. Wow. Shame on me. We wonder why we are feeling so stressed and tired.

So on to the juicer. A juicer will extract all the vitamins and minerals from the produce and leave behind the pulp so you will have pure juice. It does leave behind the fiber too, so don't neglect to actually eat some fruits and vegetables as well as juice.

Because it is pure juice without added junk the body digests it easily and thus gives you a nice burst of energy...naturally. It even tastes good. It may look gross at first with all the colors...but it tastes good and you can combine whatever you like. It is a great way to sneak in some great nutrition.

This is what I have been having:

Kale
Cucumber
Romaine lettuce
Celery


Sometimes I add an apple to sweeten it up.

The end result:



For the kids I make:

Apple
Cucumber
Strawberry
Kiwi

You have to sneak in the veggies. They just haven't been able to accept the dark green ones yet...we will get there. Lol

Todays tip: Give it a try...if you don't have a juicer...start with your blender. Mix it up and see how much better you will feel.

Blessings,

Trish






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

I am back...hopefully

Hi all. I am trying this new app for my iPad that SHOULD make blogging easier for me...I say should reluctantly because I have been having so many problems with it. Anyway, what took me 2 days to try to accomplish took Micah 5 minutes and ... Here I am...for now. Here he is looking so happy to help me:





That is what I have been having trouble with...the pictures and that is what makes the blog fun and interesting.

So...let's see what the others are doing...



Relaxing after getting out of school early from a dusting of snow.

Well, I'm going to try to post this now, please bear with me.

Blessings

Trish

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

hi.....


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Monday, August 22, 2011

Have you ever tried a kettle bell?

Well summer is coming to a close, kids are back in school, and I have to get myself into a better routine. I have kept up with my exercise, bur feel like I have been slacking mentally. I am getting bored of the same old routines.

So today I went through my DVD collection and found my Jillian Michaels kettle bell workout. I thought well I have to start stepping things up a bit so I am going to do this....and I am not only going to do this but I am going to do level 2! What was I thinking?

If you have never tried a kettle bell I encourage you to give it a try. It is great because it is both aerobic and strength training all in one workout, which I love. You know...more bang for your buck. Now this is not for the weary...kettle bells are intense and you have to have proper form or you can easily get hurt. (remember my wrist fiasco)

Anyway, I popped that DVD in and before I knew it I was sucking wind....big time. This DVD did NOT disappoint. I forgot how crazy hard it is. So thank goodness that is over with. I got through it and feel good about getting back into a better routine, even if it means getting my butt kicked on occasion.

Today's tip: get out of your comfort zone and push yourself...you will be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Blessings,

Trish

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Proud Mama

Today I am not going to share anything about health...recipes or tips. I just want to share how proud I am of my sons. Micah gave his heart to the Lord 3 years ago, Jonah a year ago and Elijah 2 months ago. I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am. There is NOTHING more important to me than this huge commitment they made. I always talk about food and health for our natural bodies but how much more the health of our spiritual bodies. Last Wednesday Jonah and Elijah were baptized and man, were there many happy tears in the building. what a special day.

I pray for them daily and pray that they will continue to serve the Lord and make good choices for life.

Blessings

Trish

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Quinoa



I know I have written about it before, but I just love this superfood.  It is a seed... it is nutty and delicious and soooooo healthy. It really is one of my favorites.  It is quinoa... pronounced keen-wah. Yum.

I went to my sisters house this past weekend and I brought this super salad.  I love this in the summer in a cold salad with fresh garden veggies dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. That is just what I did.

Put 1 cup quinoa in a pan or pot and toast them a little bit.  Add 2 cups of water and turn heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes.  That's it.  It is done.  Now add whatever you like.  If you want it hot add some roasted veggies, olive oil and lemon juice and eat.  If you want to do a cold salad like I did add cucumber, basil, cilantro, tomatos, walnuts, olive oil and lemon juice, salt and pepper and chill overnight. 


Enjoy.

Today's tip:  Try something new... just do it, you may find something new you love.

Blessings,

Trish

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Healthy Cookie?

Who says you can't have your cookie and have it be healthy too?  I love cookies.  Usually I go for soft, chewy chocolate chip or peanut butter, but this time I thought why not a healthy cookie?  So I went to my Italian roots and found a recipe that I modified for a healthy biscotti. You know those wonderful crisp cookies that are wonderful dunked into a cup of hot strong coffee?  They are called biscotti because they are twice baked.  It does take a little time and patience, but it is well worth it.   All I can say is yum. 

Here is a picture of them.  How pretty are they?  So pretty, so delicious and dare I say yes so healthy.

Here is what I did:

2 cups whole wheat flour.  I used a mixture of whole wheat and white wheat
2 Tbsp flax seed meal
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 C raw sugar
1/3 C brown sugar
1 Tbsp chia seeds (these are a superfood, I get mine online, you can substitute flaxseeds, or just omit)
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 C mini chocolate chips (or regular)
1/3 C largely chopped walnuts (or almonds)
Mix dry ingredients.  In separate bowl mix wet ingredients.  Mix dry into the wet and stir.  Batter will be thick.  Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Make 3 6 inch rolls (log shape) and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Pat into 1 inch thickness.  Bake at 350 for 28 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Cool 10 min.  Slice logs into 1/2 inch slices on a diagonal.  Put back on the baking sheet.  Cook 7 min.  turn over and cook another 7 minutes.  Remove and cool on a wire rack.  ENJOY. 

Today's tip:  Go ahead... enjoy a cookie for breakfast.  A cookie like this that is healthy with whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Ciao Bella,

Patrizia

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Happy Thursday

It is Thursday already. This week has flown by. Sorry I didn't get back with you on how the grilled steaks came out. My son broke his glasses so had to do errands yesterday so I am now just getting around to it.

After I marinated the steaks all day {you can also do overnight}, I brought to room temperature. Take out of fridge for at least a half hour before cooking or else the meat will be tough. I sprinkled with more pepper and then grilled outside for...well here is where it varies. We like our steaks medium/medium rare. These steaks literally took 4 minutes to cook. I must use a digital thermometer because I am not skilled enough on the meat department to know when they are finished. So I cook mine to about 127 degrees and then take it off, put in a clean dish and cover with foil. If you want your meat well done or should I say killed (yuck), cook to about 140 degrees. Let sit under foil for 15 minutes. This will recirculate the juices back into the meat. If you cut right away you will have dried out steak and lots of juice on your plate.

I served my steaks with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, and roasted fresh zucchini.

It was delicious.

Today's tip is try some steaks or chicken on the grill with fresh vegetables. It is delicious as well as healthful.

Blessings,

Trish

Monday, July 11, 2011

Hot hot hot

Well it must be summer. The heat is almost unbearable and we live up on a plateau! When it gets hot like this I like to grill outside. It keeps the house cooler and grilling foods instead of frying them is a lot more healthy. So today I am making grass fed ribeye steaks on the grill. My brother and mt niece are in from pennsylvania and they requested steak. So I am fulfilling their request sine I did buy a whole cow a few months ago. Since grass fed beef has a little stronger taste and it is much leaner than grain fed, I marinate my steaks before grilling them. Today I am marinating them in:

Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Soy sauce
Worsteshire sauce
Steak seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

I am hoping they will be tasty...will let you know tomorrow how they turn out.

Today's tip: try grilling outdoors. It will save your electric bill and is much healthier than frying. If you do t have an outdoor grill you can always use a stovetop grill...just crank up your air conditioner.

Blessings

Trish

Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence Day

Hi all.  For most of us today is a day to BBQ... enjoy time off from work and spend time with family and friends.  We forget what this day is all about and that is FREEDOM.  I just want to say how blessed I feel to live in America, the greatest country on earth.  This country has been founded by great men of God who prayed and sought the Lord in all things.  I am so grateful for that.  God has truly blessed America. 

Let us never forget the men that fought and died for our freedom today.  Let us also not take it for granted because if we are not careful these freedoms can (and are) being taken away little by little. 

Enjoy your 4th of July!!!!  God Bless America.

Blessings,

Trish

Today's Tip:  Take some time and read online or a book to your kids about the founding fathers and some key pieces of History.  I learned some things today that were really interesting that I didn't know about our country.  Good stuff !!!!  (Google the Black Robes... so cool) 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Too long...

I know, I have totally slacked off on my posts.  I don't really know why.  No excuses here. 
I do know that I am so glad winter is behind us and spring is in the air.  This week though it feels like summer.  It is supposed to be in the 90's here... gonna have to suck it up and turn the air on. 

One thing about warm weather is I feel more like eating lighter, healthier meals.  In the cold of the winter comfort foods like stews, chili, mac and cheese are our go to meals.  Once it gets warmer grilled foods, crisp salads, and vegetables seem to take center stage... which is a good thing.  Americans don't get enough vegetables in their diet.  I really try but I too fall short.  One great way to get enough in is to have a big salad before dinner every day.  You can mix up anything you like.  I have been really enjoying a greek salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, a few olives (monounsaturated fats aka mufas)  and feta cheese.  It is ok to add some cheese to your diet.  Just pick ones that are lower in fat, like feta and parmesean.  You can also add carrots, celery, peppers, mushrooms... whatever you like.  This will #1 fill you up so you eat less dinner and #2 give you a good portion of veggies for the day.  Follow up your big salad with some grilled chicken and veggies and you are well on your way. 

Tip for today.  Like your mother always said "Eat your vegetables", she was right.  The food pyramid says 3-5 servings of vegetables a day, but aim on the high side, especially if you are trying to lose weight.  I would recommend 5-8 servings.  This will fuel your body and fill you up for way less calories. CAUTION:  DO NOT DRENCH YOUR HEALTHY SALAD WITH A TON OF FATTENING SALAD DRESSINGS.  THIS CAN ADD UP TO MORE CALORIES THAN A BIG MAC IF YOU DO!!!  Dress your salad with a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar or lemon juice.  Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper and you are good to go.  If you want to jazz it up a bit add some fresh berries to your salad and a few nuts to get in some fruits and good fats and protein.  Also, you can add beans, lean chicken, or tuna to your salad to create a whole meal. 

Pictured below is a simple spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts and shaved parmesean cheese dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.  Simple...heathful...delicious.



Spinach salad

Blessings,
Trish

Thursday, March 17, 2011

St. Patty's Day Muffins







Happy St. Patricks Day to all.  Even though I am 100% Italian, I still like to celebrate the little holiday.  If you look into St Patrick he was a great man of God.  So, today I am making my usual corned beef and cabbage with red potatoes for supper.  For dessert I thought I would try something new.  I switched up my blueberry muffin recipe to make it a St. Patty's Day sour cream muffin.  I like to play around with ingredients so I thought I would give it a try.  Well, interestingly enough they taste good, really good and they are healthy.  I did use some real sugar, but cut it down to 1/2 cup and replaced some with 1/4 cup agave syrup.  I used white wheat flour and if you think I got the green color from food coloring you are wrong!!  I blended up some frozen spinach with the sour cream and egg for the green color!  How great is that?  Shhhh... don't tell the kiddos though. 

Here is the recipe:
1 1/2 C white wheat flour
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C agave syrup (you can get this at any supermarket nowadays)
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
2/3 C sour cream or you can use plain yogurt
1 egg beaten
I used about a Tbsp milk to thin out the sour cream a bit, you may or may not need it.
1/4 - 1/3 C frozen (or fresh) spinach shhhh don't tell.

Preheat oven to 400
Combine all dry ingredients and agave.  In a blender or a food processor blend the egg, sour cream and spinach.  I used a magic bullet blender.  Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.  Mix until just blended.  Don't over mix.
Fill muffin tins.  I also sprinkled some sugar on top. 
Bake for 18-20 minutes until done.
It made 11 muffins for me.  But figure around 10.

By the way, you CANNOT taste the spinach at all !!!

Today's tip:  Sneak hidden fruits and veggies in your foods.  You will get added color and nutrition.

Blessings,

Trish


                                                                     Very moist !!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Chicken with potatoes and onions

I know it seems I have been slacking and maybe I have, but my computer has had some major issues lately.  I hope that it is fixed but who knows with computers.  I made a really quick and easy recipe last night that I want to share.  Shame on me for not taking a picture, but it is so easy and really delicious and even healthy.

1 package chicken thighs or breasts (bone in)
1 large onion sliced
5-6 potatoes skin on and cubed
1 can whole tomatoes or diced whatever you have on hand  15 oz can
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste and about 1/2 tsp of garlic powder or any spices you enjoy.

OK this is so easy... Spray bottom of a baking dish with cooking spray
Put the onions and potatoes in the pan.
Lay the chicken on top of that and sprinkle with salt and pepper and garlic powder.  Drizzle with about a tsp of olive oil and bake for 30 minutes. 
Take out of oven and add the can of tomatoes and cook for another 10 minutes or so until the chicken is cooked. (I use a meat thermometer because I never know when the meat is done )
That is it !!  So good and so easy. 
You can serve this with quinoa or brown rice to soak up the juices from the chicken and potatoes and a side salad. 

Enjoy!!

Tip:  Try adding some fresh herbs to your meals.  They add so much flavor and NO CALORIES.  Gotta love that.  I added fresh parsley and basil to this when i added the tomatoes.  Yum.
P.S  The aroma while this is cooking is unreal.  So good.

Blessings,

Trish

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Ugh... I got it

Well I got it.  As much as I tried to avoid it at all costs, I still got it.  I try to eat healthy most of the time, exercise and drink enough water and yes I still got it.  Now mind you it has been a very long time since I got it, but nevertheless, I got it.  What did you get you ask?  The flu.  The dreaded fever, chills, cough, head congestion flu.  First my oldest son got it, then son #2, and then me.  I thought moms weren't supposed to get sick?  I guess not.  No I didn't get a flu shot and the kids didn't get that up your nose flu mist which didn't work last year.  I am so sceptical about those vaccines.  I don't want to sound weird but injecting a sickness into me so I don't get sick sounds not so good.  I know it works for many people and even Sweety has gotten his since he works in the medical field.  So, let's see if he gets it or not.  There are many strains of the flu so you can still get it if it is a different strain than the one you got the shot for.  How dumb is that?

So anyway I have been down and out this week with the wrist still hurting, the broken tooth that I had to get a crown for on Monday and now yes on top of it, the flu.  (Did I mention that son #3 woke up this morning feeling sick and has a headache and now has a fever as well?)  Ugh.  Am I going to make it through till Spring? 

I guess we can't avoid everything out there.  We can only do our best to stay well, but if we get the bug we get it.  So, If you do, keep up your liquids so you don't get dehydrated.  That is a big problem for me because I only like to drink when I am thirsty.  Eat healthy foods and plenty of veggies for the vitamins. 
Tea with honey and lemon is great for the throat and cough.  My personal biggest problem is the head cold.  I cannot stand it when I can't breathe.  The only thing I know that works for me is pheudophedrine.  The real kind you get at the pharmacy.  I have heard many people have great success with these sinus draining contraptions.  You shoot saline up one nostril and the fluid comes out the other.  Sounds gross, but I have heard it works great.  Maybe I will have to give it a try.

Today's tip:  Try not to get sick.  lol  good luck with that one.  If you do, take it easy, give your body the rest it needs to recover or else you will just take longer to heal, stay hydrated, and eat plenty of fruits and veggies.

Blessings,

Trish

Monday, January 31, 2011

Injury

Happy Monday everyone !!  My day started off with me dreading getting out of my bed.  Why is it Monday mornings my bed is just way more comfortable than any other day?  Oh well, after pulling myself up and coming down for my coffee, my oldest son has a 100.4 fever.  He has been sick off and on this weekend but this boy does not want to miss school, but he has too.. bummer.  So, I get the other 2 boys ready to go and when I get to the van it is totally dead.  I mean the electric doors won't even open.  Hubby has already left and I don't know what to do.  So, we call my Pastor... thanks Pastor for coming and jump starting the van so I could get the boys to school. 

So that is the start of my week.  Anyway, I wanted to write today about my little injury.  About 2 weeks ago I hurt my wrist.  What did I do you ask?  I have no idea.  I was getting ready to go out to dinner and bam....pain..that wouldn't go away.  So, after a week of not getting better I go to my local medical clinic to see the Physician Assistant there.  He takes an x ray and thank God there are no breaks but I have several torn ligaments in my wrist and I have to wear a brace for the next 6 weeks he says.  6 weeks... I can't use my wrist?  I can't lift weights or do my yoga??  He smiled and said if you don't baby it, this could be a 6 month or more recovery.  Ugh.....  not what I wanted to hear.  Did I also mention I am left handed and this is my left wrist.  So needless to say this has been really hard for the past 2 weeks....4 more weeks to go.  Everything I do from putting on my contacts to make up to pouring anything uses my left wrist.  I have tried to use my right hand and boy am I clumsy with that.  Try using your opposite hand... it's really awkward.

So now I have to adjust my exercise routines to not use my wrist.  This is not easy.  I refuse to stop exercising.  Not an option.  So, I am back to walking and jogging.  It seems simple enough except I hate jogging.  Walking I could do, but jogging.... ugh... it is torture.  I want to love it.  I want to be a runner.  But every time I think of doing it I dread it big time.  But last week I started doing it and in a week I lost 1.6 lbs.  So my total is 5.4 lbs.  I am getting back to my goal weight.  I am determined. (even though I went to the Chinese Buffet yesterday, hey gotta live a little)

So, my tip for today is when something happens, like an injury or something that stops you dead in your tracks, to stop where you are, pray and redirect.  Don't give up.  Don't stop.  Just redirect your energy somewhere else.  I may not be able to lift weights, but I can improve my mile run now by focusing on that while I am not using my wrist.  Let something positive come out of something negative.  It really is encouraging when you redirect something that is a big problem or negative into something new.

Blessings,

Trish
All things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called to His purpose. 
Romans 8:28

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Scale or not...

In my post yesterday, I shared my story of gaining 10 lbs over a year without even realizing it.  I have read many articles about not weighing yourself.  I totally understand this concept because as I said it really defined how my day went, good or bad.  How shallow is that?  I feel very guilty letting some number define who I am, but I am working on it everyday with Gods help.  Anyway, the scale or not the scale.  Should we weigh in? 

 On the flip side of the coin when we don't hold ourselves accountable, we don't realize how that scale just creeps up.  (It makes me think of sin, how if we give in just a little at a time thinking it is no big deal how it just creeps into our lives unnoticed until one day we are miserable and our lives are in turmoil.)  Anyway, back to the scale.  I have done the weigh in thing and the avoid the scale at all costs thing and for me, I have to weigh in to keep myself in check.  It is a lot easier to get on that scale and see that you have gained 3 or 4 lbs, than to weigh in once every year or 2 and gain 25 lbs.  I let it go too far so from now on, I will weigh myself once a week to keep myself accountable.  I have worked way too hard to get here and I never want to go back to where I was at 4 years ago.  So, you have to decide for yourself what is best.... the scale or not...

Tip for today is go ahead... weigh yourself.  Don't let it define you but let it encourage you to be a better you. 

Blessings,

Trisha
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Stuff happens

I know it has been ages since I've blogged and I guess I have felt like I didn't have anything to say.  No real tips.. boring stuff.  Well today's topic is me.  You all know I have lost 42 lbs and kept it off for 4 years... well sorta.  I have avoided that scale at all costs because it just freaks me out.  I don't know why I have to be scared by that number, but I know I am.  So, for probably 5 months I have ignored that scale.  When I used to get on I guess I let it define me.  If I was down a little I would have a good day, up a pound or 2....really really bad day.  I know this is shallow, but it is how I feel.  So instead of weighing in, I just totally ignored the scale so I wouldn't let it create a mood for me.  Fast forward to 3 weeks ago.  I had this inkling that I should get on the scale.  I was feeling a bit .... bloated... yeah bloated.  So after 5 months of abstaining from that weekly weigh in I stepped on that darn thing.  Well, needless to say, what I was feeling was not bloating but a pretty substantial weight gain.  UGH.  7 lbs since my last weigh in and 10 lbs from my goal weight.  10 lbs.  That is why I say stuff happens.  Life happens.  When I tell you I have exercised 6 days a week (minus 2 or 3 days) for the past 4 years, I mean it.  I have busted my butt working out and eating healthy.  Thus the healthy tips blog I'm writing.  But here I sat feeling over come and defeated.  I felt really really bad.

So, I could do one of two things.  I could throw in the towel and eat my way through a few pizzas and ice cream or I could go back... reflect on what I have done in the past and do it again.  I did do this once and yes I let it creep up a bit, but I can do this again.  So, my main problem that I have realized is my eating.  I just love to eat.  I really do.  So while I was exercising regularly, I was still eating too much. 

So, I cut back on my portions, started eating more fruit and veggies and stop eating that after dinner snack.  That is my biggest downfall.  I can do good all day, but after dinner my sweet tooth kicks in. 

So, now in 3 weeks I have dropped 4 lbs and hopefully on my way back to my goal weight.  I guess I needed some accountability so I felt like I needed to share this. 

So, I guess my tip is for myself mostly.  It is don't give up.  Setbacks happen sometime.  Stuff happens.  Just stop where you are and figure out where you want to be and start doing what worked in the first place. 

Blessings,

Trish

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Don't over resolute !! Is that even a word?

I don't know if that even makes sense, over resolute.. but it makes sense to me.  So many of us for the new year make resolutions... too many of them all at once!  We want a new year to be the spark of the new us and that is great but then by the end of January every resolution is broken !!  I know I do it.  So this year instead of trying to do TOO much all at once, why not pick one thing.  Just one thing that we could change or do.  If we can master one thing then we can go on to the next.  So this 2011 go at it easy.  Pick one thing that is important to you this year and stick with it!  I know you can.

Today's tip  Don't go overboard with too many resolutions.  Pick one thing and make it happen.

Blessings,

Trish