GAG Final Weigh In, plus weekly goals

It's still hard to believe that 16 weeks have come and gone. Wow! I will admit I'm slightly (okay, greatly) disappointed in my loss for the whole challenge. It would have been better had last week not stuck me in the butt (work treat week!)...but, I'll be happy that I at least finished the challenge with a loss.

Don't mind my toenails, they totally need done!

This weigh in was 169.8. VERY close to 170 (a number I HATE). That is a terrible gain of 4.2lbs from last week (thank you chocolate covered pretzels I made this weekend!). But I finish the challenge at 7.8lbs gone. Better than zero, or a gain. Bleh.


Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo....where do I go from here? I'll admit, I'm VERY nervous about setting any goals for this week...and honestly, because I don't want to fail. I also hate using that "it's the holidays" excuse...but quite frankly, it is. So...after much thought, here are my goals.

What I accomplished last week:

• Journal and BE a good WW (7 full days) - Not even one day
  
• Exercise 5 days - Nope...again, not even one day
  
• Get 4 folders off my desk! - uh...does 1 count?!
  
• Get to bed by 11pm - not every night, but MUCH better!
  
• Daily vitamin - YES!!
  
• Take the stairs in my office building 3x/day for 3 days - uh...no didn't happen
  
• Make it through treat week without a gain! - Ha! Gained 4.2lbs!
  

What I want to accomplish this week:

• Journal and BE a good WW 4 days
  
• Exercise 2 days
• Get 4 folders off my desk!
  
• Daily vitamin
• Enjoy Christmas with my family

GAG Challenge essay (Pt 3)

When I started the GAG Challenge, 16 weeks ago, I needed a fuel in my fire. I needed that jumpstart, you know, something to hold you accountable? I set a goal, and really wanted to get there. Unfortunately I didn't reach that goal...BUT, I'm not mad about it. I know that had I not started the challenge I wouldn't even be where I am today.

The GAG helped me stay on track. I knew I had to come in and report my weigh in every week, work on weekly challenges, and offer support o my fellow Gag'ers. That's right, you all helped me stay on track! Thank you! I have met new friends which equals new support that I need on my journey.

In 16 weeks I have learned more about me, and what makes this journey so difficult, and how I can accomplish what I set out to do. It's ME. I need to stop and "smell the roses" and make this commitment for me. The best thing is that I have never given up. It would have been very easy to just drop out of the challenge when the going got tough (or on weightloss in general)...but I didn't. I USED it, and moved forward, and I am learning as I'm going. I still believe the key in this journey is to live and learn, and that's exactly what I have been doing.

I would be very interested in another challenge, and honestly hope another starts soon. Now is a great time to get my focus back on (holidays seem to always de-rail me, and I HATE that), and finish this "race".

Thank you GAG!

Bleh! I can never think of a catchy title!

HI, I'm Mandie...and I'm an avoider. Yes, that's right...I've avoided my little blog here for oh, about a week, not to mention my food journal...and I might as well admit the exercise too. The LAST WEEK of the GAG Challenge, and I fall HARD off the wagon. Bleh!

I am finding my way back on though...so bear with me. I will post my weigh-in tomorrow as well as the final part (the essay!) for the GAG...and will go from there. That's all I can do...right!!

GAG - Time to see what you know challenge

Gulp... here's another challenge for the GAG. Fortunately, this one is multiple choice...hope I know the answers!!!! (just peeking ahead, I think I may be in trouble...please don't laugh, these are my "guesses")

1) How many spoonfuls of sugar are in one can of regular cola?
a- 1
b- 3
c- 5
d- 7

2) Substituting turkey for beef two times per week will save you how many calories?
a- 150
b- 250
c- 350
d- 450

3) Which fast food item has the most calories?
a- Bacon Double Cheeseburger
b- 22 oz chocolate shake
c- Medium order of french fries
d- Medium order of onion rings

4) How many jumping jacks would you have to do to burn off the calories in a pint of ice cream?
a- 2000
b- 5000
c- 8000
d- 12000

5) What percentage of Americans eat fast food as a family meal at least once a week?
a- 10%
b- 29%
c- 52%
d- 70% (sad to think!!)

6) When should you have your first cholesterol screening?
a- At age 10.
b- At age 20.
c- At age 35.
d- At age 40.
e- It depends on your risk factors.

7) What percentage of your diet should fat make up?
a- About 10 percent of your daily calories.
b- About 20 percent of your daily calories.
c- About 30 percent of your daily calories.
d- About 40 percent of your daily calories.
e- There is no recommended amount of fat; you should strive to eat as little of it as possible.

8) How much exercise do you really need?
a- 45 minutes twice a week.
b- 30 minutes three or four days a week.
c- 60 minutes at least three or four days a week.
d- 30 minutes at least four or five days a week.
e- It depends on your age and overall physical-fitness level.

9) Which of the following is not a good approach to managing stress?
a- Talking directly to the person who is causing the stress.
b- Giving yourself a treat, like comfort food or a cocktail.
c- Accepting that there are things beyond your control.
d- Trying cognitive-behavioral therapy to learn new coping skills.
e- Working out regularly.

10) What is a healthy blood-pressure level?
a- 110/70.
b- 125/85.
c- 135/90.
d- 140/95.
e- 150/95.

11) What is a healthy body-mass index (BMI) measurement?
a- 17.5 or lower.
b- 18.5 or lower.
c- 18.5 to 24.9.
d- 25 to 29.9.
e- 30 to 34.9.

12) How many cups of fruit and vegetables should you eat daily?
a- At least one cup of fruit or vegetables.
b- One cup of fruit and one cup of vegetables.
c- One cup of fruit and 1 1/2 cups of vegetables, for a total of 2 1/2 cups.
d- Two cups of fruit and two cups of vegetables.
e- Four to five cups of fruit and vegetables.

13) What percentage of weight-loss ads contains false or unsupported claims?
a- 25 percent
b- 36 percent
c- 42 percent
d- 55 percent
e- 67 percent

14) How much weight loss is a safe and reasonable goal? *trick question...because a,b,c are correct in my eyes
a- Half a pound a week
b- A pound a week
c- Two pounds a week
d- Three pounds a week
e- More than three pounds a week

15) Some weight-loss products say they can prevent calories from being absorbed. What's the greatest amount of weight that can be lost using this method, according to experts?
a- One-third pound a week
b- One-half pound a week
c- One pound a week
d- None of the above

16) Some products, such as green tea extract, promise that they can cause you to "burn fat" without working out. How much do they really boost your metabolism?
a- 2 percent
b- 4 percent
c- 5 percent
d- 7 percent

17) Which of these claims should be a red flag about the safety or effectiveness of a weight-loss product?
a- It causes permanent weight loss
b- It helps the user lose more than three pounds a week for more than four weeks
c- Substantial weight loss occurs by wearing a device or rubbing a substance on the skin
d- All of the above

18) High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are faulted because of their emphasis on saturated fats. What's another problem with these diets?
a- They can cause headaches
b- They can cause bad breath
c- They can make you feel tired and weak
d- All of the above

19) If you follow a low-fat diet, you don't have to watch your portions of which of these foods?
a- Pasta
b- Nonfat cookies
c- Nonfat chips
d- Whole-wheat bread
e- None of the above

20) Which items are examples of foods high in "healthy fats"?
a- Olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds
b- Safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils
c- Fatty, cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel and herring), flaxseeds, flax oil and walnut
d- All of the above


Whew...it WAS tough!! Again, don't laugh please :)

Well, well, well....

My fellow GAGers have surprised the heck out of me with a Gaggie award!!!!

Here's what they said about me!

Mandie was recognized for her Healthy Choices, Inspirational Postings, Not Giving Up, Great Rewards List, and finally, the TEAM SPIRIT AWARD. She was recognized for being 'team spirited' because she's always leaving comments for EVERYONE! That's awesome and I think it's totally worth getting recognized for.

Now how cool is that?!!!!! I'm completely shocked, flattered and STOKED about it! Thank you for "voting" for me! WOWOWOW! Oh, and let's not forget the nice things that were said about me! TEAM SPIRIT AWARD?! Awwww!!! SO sweet!

Honestly, I'm truly flattered with this award and thank you all sooo much! It was but a few months ago I didn't even use this blog thing, but it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! For starters, the GAG challenge itself. It has kept me in line, and on track, and I needed it more than words can say. I like having followers, and knowing I'm being held accountable. And let's not forget I LOVE reading everyone's blogs. I really do! It makes me see and realize that I'm not the only one struggling out there. I hate that we are struggling, but knowing someone else is out there going through the SAME emotions really helps matters.

So thank you all for this award! I still am SHOCKED, but sooo happy. Words can't even begin to describe what the GAG has meant to me!!!


Moving on....I'd like to share something...I'm PROUD to say I have been working out all week long!!! The group exercise classes are helping me get back in the groove. I am also doing the Biggest Loser workouts every other night at home. Yes, I'm sore as all get out...and I'm super duper tired. BUT, I know that after a few weeks the energy from working out is going to go THROUGH THE ROOF!!! I already feel better, physical and emotional wise!! I can't wait to see the difference in my clothes before long!!

So, that's that. Nothing else to report in... have a wonderful Thursday friends!!!!!!

Weekly Weigh In

It's that time again...WEIGH DAY! The GAG challenge end is 2 short weeks away, and I still can't believe that. I'm kind of "sad" about it, as it has helped me stay on track and motivated. What will happen when it's over??? GULP! I hate that I'm not going to hit my initial goal, BUT I'm pretty certain that these next 2 weeks will help me hit the "new" goal I set. As long as I stick with it, I will succeed!

This week has been a good week, and I love them. They make me feel so proud. I have got back into exercising, journaling AND eating right. So this morning I had NO problems stepping on the scale. I knew it was going to be a great number!!!

166.6

Hmm.... yeah, it's a 2.6lb loss, but I truly expected more. WHY OH WHY do we do that to ourselves? How can one possibly be "disappointed" with a 2.6lb loss???? Ridiculous is what it is. I lost weight! But in my mind I keep thinking , "But I did so good! I even exercised 2 times a day some days, my weekend was kick ass...and all I lost was 2.6lbs??!!". Silly silly silly! I should be JUMPING with joy...as I'm doing the right things, I am officially back to exercising and I LOST 2.6LBS!!!!

Okay...I'm happy! I'm Happy....I"M HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What I accomplished last week:

• Journal and BE a good WW (especially on the weekend!) - YES!!!!
  
• Exercise 3 days - YES I exercised 6 days!!!!!!!!
  
• Get desk clean - Ugh...STILL working on
  
• Get 1 purse finished (sewing) - 2 purses were finished!!!
  
• Daily vitamin - I think I forgot 1 day...but I'm not 100% sure if I really did forget it that day?
  
• Make a new recipe - I made chili in the crockpot. It wasn't really a new recipe, but it was a different way.
  

What I want to accomplish this week:

• Journal and BE a good WW (again, especially on the weekend!)
• Exercise 5 days
• Continue to get desk clean
• Get material for 2 more purses and get at least 1 purse finished (sewing)
• Daily vitamin
• Take the stairs in my office building 3x/day for 5 days!!!
  

A GAG Challenge!

Fun stuff here! It's time for another GAG Challenge! Should be testing what I've learned already, hope I pass :)

1. Women who lift weights will get bulky muscles.
FALSE!

2. "Spot reducing" (focusing on one area with exercises to see faster results in that one area) is possible.
FALSE!

3. Exercise boosts brain power.
TRUE!

4. No pain, no gain.
FALSE!

5. Movement melts away stress.
TRUE!

6. Exercise requires a hefty time commitment.
FALSE!

7. If you exercise, you can eat whatever you want.
FALSE!!!!!!!! I know this one for a fact!

8. There’s a magic bullet (quick fix) out there somewhere.
FALSE! But I doooo wish!

9. Exercise gives you energy.
TRUE!

10. All excuses aside, it's actually not that hard to find some amount of time for fitness daily.
TRUE!

11. You need a gym membership if you want your exercise routine to be most effective.
FALSE!!

12. People who have exercise partners stay with their programs and reach their goals more often than those who try to go it alone.
TRUE! I totally know this one too...when I lost my partner, it was easier NOT to hit the gym!

13. Exercise helps ward off disease.
TRUE!

14. Exercise is good for the heart.
TRUE!

15. Pound for pound, muscle burns more calories at rest than body fat -- so you can eat more calories and still lose weight if you exercise regularly.
TRUE!

Weekly Weigh In

I still am having a hard time grasping that this is DECEMBER 1ST?! HOLY MOLY! And ya'll know this is a crazy month with Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, sewing (yes!)...and in the midst of it all I want to LOSE MORE WEIGHT and get back to exercising CONSISTENTLY!!! I'm serious about it too!!!

So backing up....today was that dreadful day. I hated to step on that scale today...but I HAD to. It's the rules! I'm up 2.8lbs (169.2). Under 3lbs after a crazy 4 day weekend with a holiday....I'll take it. Not happy about it (or with me), but I knew what the outcome would be if I ate like I did and was so sedentary!!

Moving on....that's all I can do!!!! Today is day 2, and I even got a workout in yesterday....wasn't the gym, but it still definitely counts! I hit it up with the hottie Bob from the BL and did the Cardio Max. I'm embarrassed that I only did the beginner level, but know by the end of the month I'll be doing BETTER!!!!

So this is the last 3 weeks of the GAG challenge. Can't believe it has gone by this quickly! WOWOW! So for the last 3 weeks I want to get back to exercising, and REALLY want to get under 165. That will be short from my original goal...but I'll take it with a smile.

Goal time!

What I accomplished last week:

• Journal and be a Good WW - 1 day, yesterday!
  
• Enjoy Thanksgiving (Free day) and make sure I talk about what I'm thankful for - wooohoo! Got this one!
  
• Exercise 3 days, even if it's walking!! - 1 day, thanks to yesterday
  
• Continue 30 days of Affirmations - 0 days
  
• December monthly menu plan - YES!
  
• Get DESK clean! - Uh...still working on!
  
• Have fun Black Friday shopping with Mom!! - The best time...and got LOADS of great deals!
  

What I want to accomplish this week:

• Journal and BE a good WW (especially on the weekend!)
• Exercise 3 days
• Get desk clean
• Get 1 purse finished (sewing)
• Daily vitamin
• Make a new recipe

And for fun...here is the turkey cake my husband and I made for Thanksgiving! It is a annual tradition to do a different Thanksgiving cake to take to my family gathering. SOOO fun!!!

It all comes to an end

And boy oh boy am I ever thankful for that!!!! I admit to not doing ANYTHING I planned to be/stay healthy, figures. But, I enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. I think that means something. I ate ONLY my favorites at Thanksgiving...but hate that I LOVE cheese ball and crackers! Those should be illegal or something. I also had a few chocolate chip cookies...that one right after another slipped in my mouth and melted away. Oh, and when the Hunney and I were making our "annual Thanksgiving cake" (different every year!) I ate spoonfuls of my homemade buttercream icing! Oops. But, I have to stop beating myself up...and move on. That's ALL you can do. So I'm thankful that Thanksgiving has come, and GONE. I'm also glad to be back at work and back into routine...it helps me. I DO hate the thought of stepping on the scale tomorrow...and wish I had a free day for GAG. But, I used those babies up already. So...tomorrow I will hesitantly step on the evil piece sitting in my bathroom.

Today is new...and I am back on track. There's nothing more important than that! I'm working on December's menu, and planning on visiting either the love of my life (Bob from the Biggest Loser) or the guy that kicks my butt every time (Billy Blanks) tonight before the Hunney rolls in. I'd also like to do a 15 minute interval training...but maybe one step at a time?

Weekend Recap, Weekly Weigh In

I'm in a slump...and trying to claw my way out. Ugh. Do you ever just get so disappointed in YOURSELF that you don't know what to do?! That's me. I KNOW what to do...but struggle with doing it. I am good for a few days, and then crash and burn. Very disturbing. But don't worry...I'm okay. I always pick up the pieces and try again. It's really all you can do, you know?!

Okay...so on to the fun stuff.

My plans were:

• Journal and be a good WW
  
• Drink my h20 - 80oz/day
  
• Workout at least once
• Enjoy Friday date night with the Hunney
  
• Enjoy my Saturday with family and friends

Here is my outcome:

• Did not journal ONE DAY! Pathetic!
  
• Totally drank some h20, but on Sunday I was short of 80oz!
  
• Did NOT workout. On Sunday when I was getting ready to go with a friend I realized my gym clothes (and more importantly sports bras) were at WORK!!!!
  
• Had a wonderful date night with Hunney and saw 2012!!!
  
• Totally enjoyed craft day at my house with my aunts and friends!!! We had a BALL!

Totally blew the weekend when it came to weightloss. But, life isn't all about weightloss right??

So today...weigh day. Gulp Was not looking forward to it. Like I said, I'm in a slump. No exercise in 4 days and no journaling the same! SCARY STUFF!!!

I was fortunate to see a MAINTAIN. I hate it...but I will take it. I mean, I deserve it...but I still hate it. I HATE that I'm not moving the way I want to. I asked myself this morning..."Mandie, you've lost 50'ish lbs, WHY is it so hard to lose the remaining 30?!!" One day at a time....


On to goals....

What I accomplished last week:

• Journal and be a good "WW" - only got 3.5 days in
  
• Exercise 3 days - again worked out 2 days
  
• Continue with 30 days of affirmations - missed 4 days
  
• Make 1 new recipe - YES, french dip in the crockpot that was AWESOME!
  
• Finish the work on my desk (my personal goal with GAG) - YES 75% complete!
  
• Take my Multi-vitamin- missed 2 days on the weekend
  
• Drink at least 80oz h20 (weekends I struggle) - Only missed 1 day (Sunday)
  

And for new goals....

What I want to accomplish this week:

• Journal and be a Good WW
• Enjoy Thanksgiving (Free day) and make sure I talk about what I'm thankful for
• Exercise 3 days, even if it's walking!!
• Continue 30 days of Affirmations
• December monthly menu plan
• Get DESK clean!
• Have fun Black Friday shopping with Mom!!
  

There ya have it... not too happy today... with myself. Need to reread some blog posts I made when I was motivated and map out my plan :) There...I put on a smiley... it's okay. It's Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday! And yeah, I LOVE food. I just hate this is such a struggle. Really...I do!

Ouch and Love

I am happy to report that yesterday I finally made it back to the gym. It had been oh, nearly a month I suppose (strenght training anyway), so I really didn't want to go. But thanks to my coworker, she MADE me go!

It was weird walking in there, that's for sure. All the "regulars" were there, and honestly they were the people I didn't want to see. I felt all flabby, and unsure what to do. I HATE going to the gym without a plan. But, I got there, cranked my mp3, and did it! Really - I DID IT! I got myself focused, sweated like crazy, and you know what... I felt AWESOME!

I'm trying something "new" and "different" this month...15 minutes FAT BLASTING workouts. So, I did 15 mins of resistance training, and then 15-20'ish mins of high interval "tabatas". This consisted of jump squats, mountain climbers, box jumps (gulp!), jumping rope, jumping jacks, etc. WOWZA! It was tough...but it was worth it. I was so stinking sweaty I sent a "sweaty pic" to someone I stalk. Ya'll must check her out... I give her the credit for motivating me to get all sweaty. I'm SO THANKFUL FOR HER!!! Thank you Prior Fat Girl! What she has accomplished, and endured...inspires me. She keeps on keeping on...and for that, I love her!!!

Now today....I can BARELY walk! I'm telling you people....OUCH! And wouldn't you know that my favorite little coworker spunks up to me and is like "we're going today - right?". Ugh... are you kidding me, I can barely walk, and you're lucky I made it out of bed and to work!!!! But...okay...fine...if I must. Today I ran 2 miles, walked 1/2, did some ab work and lots of stretching. I'm slowly working myself back up to running...and hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get to start my 1/2 marathon training I want to accomplish in the spring. If I don't start training, well that mini is going to come QUICK!!!

So there ya have it...I exercised. I'm in horrible pain...but I love it! And I know after a week or so I'll be back in full swing and feeling like myself again. I HATE falling off that wagon, it's harder to start back up than even eating right. Well..maybe not! LOL!

On to something more fun....GAG! This weeks challenge is going to be AWESOME! We get to talk about what we're thankful for! WOOHOO!!! Let me just start by saying I'm thankful for lots...so this WILL be a fun "challenge". What I'm thankful for more than anything is my love and faith in God. He is truly what keeps me sane, strong, and ticking. I may not attend church weekly, but He is always in my heart and mind. It's so fun, because now I get to teach my boys all about God's Love and his Promises. It can be tough...because I dont' know all the answers they ask, but the one thing I want them to know is that God DOES hear their prayers and loves them unconditionally. Getting us to church is something I want to work on though...as I don't have all the answers. I want them growing up with Gods Love and a church family. It's hard making those first steps though... Anyway... that's what I'm thankful for, always and FOREVER!

Ouch...gotta try and walk to the restroom...ouch!!!

Weekly Weigh In

It's that time again folks...time to WEIGH IN!!!! And, for the first time in a long time, I was actually excited and have a NEW BEST FRIEND.... Yes, that's right...the SCALE! WOOHOO!

It had been 2 weeks since I weighed, thanks to leaving the scale at work last week. Still, I busted butt and was OP all week long! Yay me! It paid off too!

Drumroll please....

The scale said - 166! That is a 5.2lb loss! WOOHOO!!!! And I'm only 1.6lbs from my "first" goal! Which I'm hoping to meet next Tuesday! YIPPIE!!!

I have lost 11.6lbs since starting the GAG challenge, and only have 11lbs to hit my goal!!!



So, I'm going to start some weekly goals to help me stay on track. Here we go...

What I want to accomplish this week:

• Journal (at least 6 days since I have a *free day* with my birthday!)
• Exercise 3 days
  
• 30 days of affirmations (I'm currently on day 4)
• Make 1 new recipe
• Paint my nails
  

What I accomplished last week:

• Journal 6 days!
• Painted my toenails
• Had a successful OP weekend
• Started daily affirmations
  

GAG Week 9 Challenge - answering question # 2

So, we're asked to write a post about a few things. My first one here is going to be about my biggest fear. I admit, I have plenty of fears, most of them having to do with my family and boys. But my biggest "life/weightloss" fear is that I will never get to goal. I fear that because look...I've been at this journey off and on again for so many years. WHY oh why does it have to be so hard. I'm not trying to do quick fixes, or magic pills...I've been doing it the hard way. Yeah, I may take a "sabbatical" here and there, but come ON!!! It's been very frustrating, and well I'm the only one to blame.

SO, I say that I fear most NEVER reaching that goal. I never stop trying though... I want to BEAT that fear!!!!!!!!!!!!

A whole week, and a recipe!

Wow, I can't believe it's been a whole week since I posted a blog! I have a valid excuse though...I've been at home dealing with a sick little one all week long! Seriously! Fortunately the little one is finally feeling better - fever free for 2 days now - and is back at daycare! Whew!

First and foremost, last Saturday's plan was a flop. I didn't get to go to the Cardio Kickboxing class! Grrr.... But I have a plan this Saturday to meet up with a new friend and buddy up some exercise at the Y. I like the idea of a Saturday buddy, but not crazy about the $3 or $4 expense every Saturday. Hmmm... Anyway, for now it's okay.

Secondly, I lost 1lb at weigh in on Tuesday. Hey, I'll take it...because I probably didn't deserve it. But I hope it sticks with me and doesn't end up biting me in the butt come next weigh in!!!

Thirdly, I have NOT journaled all week long nor have a I exercised! GULP! That means today is the day to get back on track and really stick with my goals. One of those goals being that I really need to work on my Holiday Plan some more. I've generally been working on it...but obviously NOT enough!!!

I'm disappointed that I have all these good intentions, and then I can't even get through a whole stinking week of following through. What is up with that? What is up with ME?!!! A year ago I was literally rocking. SO, I'm trying to figure myself out and get this show on the road. What do I want more....that's what I HAVE to keep asking myself.

So, the GAG week 9 challenge is to try a new recipe. We get points for doing so, and if we use a new ingredients we've never tried before, take pictures of it , and share nutritional info we get points! How exciting eh?!! Well last night I tried something new - kind of just whipped it together. I had a few friends telling me how they make it...so I kind of just went off of that. The boys and I liked it...Hunney, well he didn't get to try it since I KNEW he wouldn't like it (frozen pizza night for him). So, here ya go!

1.5 cup(s) Green Peppers strips (bell peppers)
1 cup red Peppers, sweet
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 cup sliced Onions
Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning Mix, 2 tsp (I just used a TINY bit out of a packet, and next time probably would omit and use my own seasonings)
6 La Tortilla Factory High Fiber-Low Carb Whole Wheat Tortilla
1 can Black beans
2/3 cup Colby & Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese
3 Tbsp Daisy Light Sour Cream

Heat oil in skillet. Add peppers and onions and saute until soft, remove from skillet. Add chicken to skillet (I sprayed a little canola spray in the skillet). Cook chicken until done. Add fajita seasoning with a little water. Cook until thickens slightly. Return peppers and onions and warm. Fill tortilla shell with mixture, add 1/2 Tbsp, cheese, and beans. YUM!
*I actually ate the beans on the side - just my thing, as I always have to have a "side" with a meal...weird I know.

Serves 6

Weekly Weigh In

Hmmm...where do I start? Okay...first off, I had a pretty good week. Not 100%, but pretty good. I lacked some exercise here and there, and honestly, didn't journal on the weekend (even though I felt I did REALLY good), and then there was my family reunion on Sunday, which well....ugh....that was hard. The hard part wasn't the "real" food, but the darn sweets! It's not something I typically have in the house, so when my boys asked for a cupcake, that meant I had to go up to that TABLE of goodies. I caved. Literally. I had almost a piece of everything! GULP! And unfortunately several of those damn persimmon pudding cookies! OUCH!

I didn't want to ruin all my hard work for the week with ONE lousy meal...so I wanted Monday to kick butt. I plan month menus to help stay on track, so I knew I could do it. Then side entrance Hunney, the PICKY eater of the family, the one who REFUSES to go out to eat and spend money on food like that - yes, he feels he doesn't get $10+ worth of food when we go out to eat, thanks to him being soooo stinking picky - he calls me at work, 4:00pm mind you, to ask if we should GO OUT to eat tonight. I believe I drop dead on the floor. "Mandie...are you there?". "uh...yeah, I'm here...OK...what do you want?!!!!!!". At this point I'm so excited, no cooking and clean up for me, eating OUT...oh my goodness what a flippin treat!!!! He says 2 scary words..."Olive Garden". My heart almost stops. The handful of times I've been to the OG I have only tried one thing...pathetic I know. But like I said, we NEVER go out to eat. So I instantly know what I'm going to have to get...the worst thing on the menu...the 1400 calorie dinner not including salad and breadsticks. I remember...weigh in tomorrow morning... ugh. But this day only comes once in a blue moon...so I cave. Why didn't I just order something HEALTHIER from the menu? I don't know...because I didn't have time to prepare?? Because I WANTED to indulge in that wonderful dish that I get very rarely....because it's a happy meal. Yea, it was wonderful...but I hated myself afterwards. The good thing is we went to Walmart and walked around for an hour grocery shopping and such. But it doesn't make up the 1400+ dinner I just swallowed. Yes, that's over my daily calorie LIMIT. Do you see the tears streaming down my face now?

The worst part...when Hunney knows how unhappy I am with the decision I made and says "well, you're going to have to determine what you want more Mandie. Staying where you're at, or losing the weight". Hmmm...really?! Are you sure? Because I'm not getting that dear!!! Somehow in the process of having our home flooded in June 2008, having to MOVE IN with my PARENTS, demolishing the old house and rebuilding...oh and let's include having to live with my parents and their family for 10 LONG months....and finally moving into our new home ...I've REGAINED...yes REGAINED 20'ish lbs, and honestly I'm STUCK. I can NOT get past this, and they won't budge. So remind me...you're just saying I have to decide WHAT I want more? Hmmm....okay, that's easy!

If only it were. Clearly I can see what I want...I can remember what it was like to be 16.4 lbs lighter (yes, I've lost a FEW from the 20)...and I want to taste that again, and move down even more. So why why why am I literally stuck here? UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have worked on goals, I'm meal planning, I'm journaling, I'm exercising (okay, not NEAR as much as I should, or was), but somewhere I must be lying to myself or something...because I'm STUCK.

Weigh in this morning.... 172.4 - a big fat maintain. I suppose I'm lucky for that, after that disgusting meal last night, and the craziness I went on those sweets on Sunday. So I'll smile and try again. It's all I can do, right?

Sigh...literally. At least the GAG challenge should be really challenging me this week. We get extra points for doing some new kind of exercise. That'll spice and shake things up a bit I suppose.

And that's what I did today during my lunch hour. After a couple of weeks of bbbrrrrrrr, cold, weather, it's warmed up a bit. So my workout bud and I went to a nearby park and ran ... drumroll.....OUTSIDE! Oh my goodness, with hills and everything! It was tough, but it was "easier". Running on the track in the gym, or even the treadmill literally wear me out. It's sooo boring. This though physically harder was much more pleasant and ...easier?! I loved it, and look forward to giving it another whirl.

This week I'm aiming for 500 extra exercise points for shaking things up. Hey, I just made a goal for myself. Maybe doing that will help get me refocused and get this weight moving a bit more. Not sure WHAT those differences are going to be...but I'm definitely going to try!!! Shoot, I may be able to get 700 points! Maybe I'll do a video, or take some pictures, but for sure I should be blogging about them!

Another change ... I'm going to stop counting calories. I know...don't faint, or start freaking out on me. If you've been looking at my journals, you'll see I count calories along with WW points. I'm going to just focus on WW points...for 1 month. Starting TODAY. It's worked sooo well for me in the past, I'm praying it will help me again.

One more spark ... I've slacked seriously on my Hundred(s) Challenges, and today I'm starting them again (well week 2 anyway) . I can do these during the Biggest Loser commercials tonight, so I have NO excuse.

I'm going to measure myself and quit focusing JUST on the scale. Maybe I'm stuck on that. I know when I was measuring myself last year (once/month), seeing inches lost was exciting. Not sure why I stopped?

Okay...I think that's enough for now ... you know how my ramblings get. Crazy confusion!

Weekly Weigh In

I'm down 2lbs this week! WOOHOO! I'm happy about that, it should help me stay on track. I tried to stay moving all weekend...dancing with the kiddos, Tae-Bo, resistance training and even a 3 mile run around town! Between that and eating A LOT better, drinking my h20 AND journaling help contribute to my 2lb loss this week, and I KNOW it! :) Very happy about it.

I was not online yesterday because my nephew J had his surgery and I was at the hospital all day with my Mom and J. He did very well, and now the long recovery starts. The hospital is not allowing visitors now because of the threat of H1N1, so it doesn't look like I'll be able to visit my Mom and J anymore. They will be able to come home probably Sunday or Monday. A long time....

I said I'd get my journals posted today...but I just don't have time. Hopefully tomorrow!! Sorry!

GAG Week 6 Challenge

This weeks challenge is a PERFECT one for me. I actually like the ideas of getting points for doing things, and seem to do fairly well with it! So....I should succeed and get me back on the RIGHT track! It will be easiest for me to track it here, since there is SO much to do! :)

Water – 15 pts per 8 ozs
Supplements – 10 pts per day
Stay OP – 25 pts per day
Exercise – 25 pts per 30 mins
Sleep: 6 hours = 10 pts
7 hours = 15 pts
8 hours = 20 pts
Blog – 25 pts per day
Team Support = 50 pts (check in with them two times this week!!)
Holiday Prep = 50 pts
Do Something for YOU = 50 pts


Tuesday - 205 pts total
Water 150 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 0 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 0 pts

Wednesday - 316 pts total
Water 216 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 25 pts
Sleep 15 pts
Blog 25 pts

Thursday - 446pts
Water 291 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 25 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 25 pts
Team Support 50pts

Friday - 230 pts
Water 150 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 0 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 25 pts


Saturday - 368 pts
Water 188 pts
Supplements 10pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 50 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 25 pts
Something for YOU 50 pts

Sunday - 305 pts
Water 150 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 25 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 25 pts
Holiday Prep 50 pts (yay I got presents wrapped and my wrapping paper all sorted and ready!)

Monday - 190 pts
Water 135 pts
Supplements 10 pts
Stay OP 25 pts
Exercise 0 pts
Sleep 20 pts
Blog 0 pts

TOTAL WEEKLY POINTS ~ 2060

Finally Friday!

That's right my little chick-a-dees it's....FRIDAY!!!! I've got a good busy weekend planned out of town with my 2 little ones...for my girlfriends wedding reception, should be a blast. I'm confident in succeeding this weekend even with being out of town. I know that I am WORTH this...and I CAN do it!

I want to admit that I did NOT want to go workout today at lunch. You know what I wanted to do instead? Eat....yeah, and not just what I brought/planned....but something terribly good and fattening and derailing....Qdoba. But I have the best coworker in the world, and she PUSHED me to go workout with her. Whew. Thank you D! She's my rock...because if I would have caved to my cravings, that would have only set me up for ... gulp ...disaster already for the weekend, and we all know I don't want that! SO...I went and ran 2 miles and then did my 15 min FYM supersets...KILLER 15 mins I want to add there!!!

I now feel even more confident I can do this. I'm taking a veggie tray to the reception, so I can fill up on those! WOOHOO! And I've got my workout clothes packed...just in case I can squeeze in a few moments of jumping jacks. etc. MOVE MORE MANDIE!!! Gotta remember my weekly goal of 10,000 steps on the weekend...so I've gotta be moving!!

Hope all my fellow GAG'ers have a successful and fantastic weekend!! I DOUBT I'll be online this weekend, and that stinks, because I'll miss out of some points, but it'll be okay.

October 1st Journal

Weekly Weigh In

I can't believe yet another week has gone by for this challenge...wow! It's going fast, and my weightloss is going SLOW SLOW SLOW. But, I'm happy to report a 1.2lb loss this week! Hey, I'll definitely take it! Now, if I can just continue to get ones like that, I'll be HAPPY.

Yesterday I wanted to try and FLUSH out as much of the weekend as possible. Eating my homemade, low calorie soup, drinking gobs of water, and staying away from sugar and too many carbs. Well, I stuck with my plan, but what I wanted to happen...didn't. ARGH! I even drank some Metamucil and worked out hard at home for 30 mins. Nope...I'm still sitting here pretty miserable. Hmmm...thinking I'll try an apple this evening!

I might have goofed though yesterday with my calories. I was WAY more under than I thought...and that isn't good for the body. But a few higher days, with a few lower days SHOULD keep my body guessing. I know I'll have more calories today, because I don't want the wrong thing to happen where my body is HOLDING ON. So...that'll be different today.

I also had a KICK BUTT workout at lunch today. I love working out at lunch...working out last night was TOUGH. Making myself do it for one thing, plus I went to bed right after...and it felt like it did no good. I know that's not the case, but you know how empowered I feel after an awesome lunch workout?! I didn't get that last night cuz I went to bed. Anyway, today I made up for it with 30 mins of spinning using Cardio Coach ; and then did some wogging - a total of 50 mins of interval training. Yay me :)

So here's to a kick butt week with eating and exercising!!! I'm feeling the power again!

Journal 9/28

Week 4 Challenge Survey

Week 4 Challenge Survey

1. Do you feel your eating habits that ended you into this challenge are a direct result of habits formed during childhood? (Please explain)

Slightly. I mean I was always taught to clean my plate, because there were starving children in other countries. I was given my brother's leftovers too... And my Mom is the BEST cook ever. She's never had a weight problem, so she never focused on "healthy". It was just homecooked GOODNESS!!! I started dieting while I was a sophomore...and here I still am.

2. Tell me about your living situation. Are you married? Kids? In College? What is your life like OUTSIDE of weightloss?

I'm a 33 year old and I'm married for the 3rd time in my life to a great guy. I love him to pieces and I'm thankful every day for the man, husband, and father he is to our kids. We have 3 sons (Jabin 16 year old step son ; Brody 4 year old from a previous relationship ; Tucker 2 year old from my husband). Last June our home was flooded and the town made us demolish (the home was 90 years old and NEVER had been flooded before). We moved in with my parents basement for 10 LONG months while our road to recovery/rebuilding went on. It's been tough for us...but we're headed in the right direction. I work full time at Indiana University...I have been there for 12 years!!!! My husband drag races every weekend in the summer, and it is our life away from life! EVERYONE in the family loves it!!!

3. If you were given a magic wand that you could use one time to do one thing, what would you use it for?

Ugh!!! What a HARD question to answer!!! I have to come back to this one....wow. So now I'm back and I STILL am having a hard time with this question. I guess because there are personal things I'd like to fix, as well as family things. But since this survey is kind of about me...I'll use it as personal. I'll say I'd use it to have a breast reduction. My whole life I've been unhappy about that part of me...and I want it fixed!!! :)

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year? Least favorite?

Favorite thing...the LEAVES falling!! Oh man they smell awesome and look gorgeous!!!

Least favorite...the winter approaching!! Ugh!

5. You have a day off, no responsibilities, so what will you do with it?

Sadly I'd be cleaning. Or out bargain shopping for the house! I'd LOVE to just be sitting at home watching TV on Lifetime all day thougho!!!

6. What is YOUR sin food?

Ha! Like I can pick just one. BUT, I'll have to say Mexican. I can LIVE on it!!! Potatoes are CLOSELY behind though... I like them any way you make them!!
7. Your in a foul mood, what lifts you out of it?

My boys. They can ALWAYS lift me out of that hole. They're so compassionate and try their hardest by letting me know they are there for me, even if it just means kisses!!!

8. Your in a good mood, what keeps you there?

My boys again! I love watching them grow up. They say the funniest things and make me smile from ear to ear!

9. What is one of your biggest struggles right now?

Finding time for ME...and knowing I'm worth that time. I go non-stop from the time I wake until I hit the hay...for the household. I literally do it all...and I feel so unappreciated.

10. Your motivation is running low, where do you find your refill?

Friends....WOW! The support I get from an online group of friends is phenominal! I couldn't do it without them! Old photos of the fat me!!! My all time highest was 233! I'm 60lbs lighter now...I feel like a NEW PERSON! So when I look at those fat pictures...wowowow...motivation kicks right back in!
11. Your in house support (meaning the people in your life that you see face to face) is beginning to dictate your weightloss journey by telling you your too heavy, or your getting too thin, but your not where you want to be. What do you do? How do you handle it?
I listen to their advice and seriously look at myself. AM I gaining weight? Maybe I am too thin? I re-evaluate my goals.

12. List me your favorite:
color: Purple smell: My husband's scent activity with your child: book reading every night Activity with your girlfriends/ guy buddies: talking and laughing until our sides hurt! way to relax: Ha! What's that? Reading a good book!

13. Where do you honestly see yourself at the end of this challenge?

I see myself hitting the goal I set. And back on fire like I once was not too many months ago. I see myself confident and proud!

14. What are your goals AFTER Gag?

Continue the journey to get to goal... using GAG as a stepping stone. I want to finally get to goal, and maintain it! I want my life permanetly changed...

15. How do you think GAG is going so far? What would you like to see done differently? (I must be asking for torture! LOL)
I love every bit of this challenge. It's truly what I've needed to get back in the swing of things! Nothing differently..it's just PERFECT! Thank you :)

16. Tell me all about your "typical" autumn weekend? Special activities that arise as well?

Racing is always in the mix of a weekend. Just vegging out with the boys is nice. We always have our family reunion in the fall, as well as a trip to the Pumpkin Patch, Covered Bridge Festival, 5K, etc. There is always MUCH to do on the weekends...so fall flies by FAST!

17. Is there one person in your life, who you hope your weightloss journey inspires?

My Dad. He needs to deseprately lose weight...but we all know how difficult it is. I want to inspire him to get on the bandwagon too. Not just half on, and half off...but ALL the way on! Maybe if I get to goal and he sees I can do it...he will too.

18. How did you find GAG, and what made you committ to join?

My good friend Heather told me about it. I REALLY needed something to get my going again...as I was in a biggest SLUMP of my life!!!

19. If you could nominate one BIGGEST INSPIRATION out of all your Team Gaggers, who would you nominate?

I'm still learning everyone and their journeys, since I'm BRAND new. But I would say that Sheila (YOU) have truly inspired me! WOW...look how far you've come, and look at what you've put together for us! WOWOWOW!

20. Please, tell me about you. What are your dreams? What are your desires for your life? What sparks the passion inside of you about your life? What goals do you have that seem impossible?
I just want my life to be happy. I've seen lots of unhappiness on this road of life...and I want for ONCE it all to go right. I'm tired of worrying about little things that though they matter...but realizing there is a BIGGER picture! I would love to further my education and DO something with myself. I sometimes feel so blah because I didn't finish college. I'm lucky to have the job I have...but I want more!!!! I would give anything to be a professional photographer...it's my true passion. And one day I will justify that expensive camera and work on this dream!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And here's my journal from Thursday. I was under my calories...I'm not sure how that happened...but I suppose ONE day isn't bad :)