Coach Confession!

Coach Confession!
Yesterday was a not-so-great day in my food consumption. If you have been following me for a while you know that I have one day a month of pure rebellion...it is my mind that just says "forget it!" I woke up totally normal yesterday and stuck to my schduled workout routine and then.it.hit...around noon. At lunch I chose wisely...but by 3:00pm I was in full "I can eat whatever the heck I want" mode. So I did!

Wanna know what? Frozen chocolate custard with mint chocolate chip Italian ice (when I go, I go all out!) AND a steak burrito from Café Rio! Yep! I rebelled hard! Here is what I learned from it!
- I am done now and totally back on track because I made sure my moments of rebellion were AWESOME!
- My workout this morning was heavy, I think due to that 5 lb burrito in my tummy.
- My "splurge" over the weekend (fro yo) didn't do it for me...if I am gonna splurge I need to make it count. (You may be completely different, or not).
- I did do some things well yesterday and I need to still be happy about that.
Okay, can't wait to eat clean today!
Do you have a rebellious day? How often?

Insanity Is My Frog

What makes our society think that everything we do has to be rainbows and butterflies? Sometimes we have to do hard things, things that are not fun and things that are HARD. Confession time...I don't love Insanity like I love other programs, but I am dedicated to finishing it (ONE MORE WEEK!). Why? Because I don't quit and I want to teach my kiddos that LIFE requires us to do things that we don't like to do!
So there, Shaun T!

INSANITY IS MY FROG!

Ultimate Reset Day 16

Keeping it real and getting personal here!

Last night was the hardest night by far! Not because of being hungry, I was just plain self-pitiful about not being able to eat junk and be healthy. Yesterday I was shopping all day long at two malls. At one point I glanced in a mirror and saw myself as frumpy and flabby. My mind immediately went to self-doubt and criticism and anger. Anger because there were skinny people all around me eating whatever the heck they want and here I am eating seeds and plants and still look the same! IRRATIONAL, for sure! Yes, I completely and utterly and whole-heartedly credit my hormones for this full-fledged pity party!

So what worked for me was to ride the wave of it, WITHOUT JUNK, and hope it passes soon. I did eat a banana with a 1/2 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. Again, it is not hunger at all, it is just the lack of freedom. But you know what, I have had that freedom before and it lead to MUCH MORE unhappiness that a few hours of self-pity once a month!

I have noticed that my fruits are tasting SUPER DUPER sweet. It is because my taste buds are now sensitized to sugar. Again, the meals are satisfying...I get SUPER excited about my toasted pumpkin seeds and yummy homemade dressing! Do you want the recipe for my new favorite dressing?

Missing endorphins from my workouts and have anxiety that I will not be able to bounce back in. I have big plans for exercise after the Reset is over, so nervous about that. Okay, let's get to the food.

Breakfast- half orange, strawberries, half of an apple. I didn't even eat it all. 

Lunch- salad with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Dinner- steamed kale with lemon juice and curried cauliflower (hubby ate the cauliflower too).

A great big thank you if you are reading this right now. I know it is tedious for you to follow along and that you don't have to. But I appreciate you being here because it helps me to keep going! So, thank you!

Temptations

Nope! This is NOT a French bakery counter...this is my kitchen counter! Apparently the go-to sweet 16 love are sweets! If you cannot see all the yumminess, let me break down for you what I CURRENTLY have on my kitchen counter: chocolate croissants, vanilla cupcakes, cake pops, assorted cupcakes and 1/4 of a decadent coconut cake!!!!!!

YIKES! But I am headed to push play now and THIS IS WHY I COACH and have this page! It keeps me focused and accountable! It would be SO VERY easy to snag a cupcake, heat up a croissant or just eat that cake from the plate....but NOPE, NOT GONNA DO IT!
Why? YOU!
YOU inspire me to do better.
YOU keep me accountable.
THANK YOU!
**Coaches are not perfect! We are all human and working on our own journey every day. If you are interested in this same accountability and awesome opportunity, TALK TO ME! It is TRULY the #bestjobever!

80-20 Rule and Mary Poppins

I LOVE the 80/20 Rule ALMOST AS MUCH as I love this picture! Mary Poppins was my idol while I was a young mother and BEFORE I figured out how unrealistic my expectations of myself were!

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I love the 80% healthy 20% not-healthy rule, especially on days like today when I had a piece of my daughter's birthday cake. It was lovingly made by a good friend and was three layers of coconut yumminess! WHY would I ever want to miss out on her sweet 16 cake? LIFE is full of celebrations that involve indulgent treats! THE TRICK IS....DON'T CREATE CELEBRATIONS DAILY JUST TO EAT TREATS! Let's face it....life is so cool we COULD find something to celebrate multiple times a day if we really wanted to....SO the 80/20% rule is the way to go!

Mental, Emotional, Cognitive Health and our Physical HealthSi

Zig Ziglar

How do you keep yourself emotionally, mentally and cognitively engaged?

For me, this was HUGE to my physical transformation. I learned that whenever I felt down, verbally attacked, bad about myself I searched for food to comfort me. As a matter of fact it happened yesterday! Hubby and I got into a disagreement and all goals flew out of my head and wanted FAST FOOD FAST! But, knowing that about myself, I stayed strong...I redirected my uncomfortable feelings by crossing things off my to do list! I got engaged in progress and I felt better. By late last night when I saw hubby I had completely forgotten about our "tiff" and I hadn't gone down a path to lead me to more negative feelings! 

I don't always have success like that, but the key is to learn about ourselves so we CAN see progress in changing those mental and emotional obstacles.

Priorities~ Where are YOURS?

Let's chat a minute about priorities. When I was unhealthy for my entire THIRTIES it was because EVERYTHING else was my priority over taking care of myself. Of course, our families needs often come before our own...however, do other things creep up and invade OUR priority of being healthy? I have learned that making MY HEALTH A PRIORITY IS NOT SELFISH! Why? Because when I am exercising and eating right I am a better wife, mom, friend and daughter of God. It makes me the opposite of selfish. AND I am showing my family that health is a PRIORITY, and let's face it...don't we want our children and spouse to be healthy too? We have to teach it! So....here are some ways that have helped me make my health a priority...share your tips below too!

• - Scheduling my workouts. Do NOT be intimidated or guilty if 30 min or one hour of exercise takes away from "family time". I hear this a lot! How are we going to teach our children that exercise is important if they don't SEE us doing it?
• - Say NO to unhealthy habits. This is where I struggled with my family. Be strong and show yourself AND others around you that your health is a priority. With Thanksgiving coming up, take this opportunity to stand up for yourself. My own mom is finally catching the drift that this change is forever, but I have to be strong around her!
• - Invest some money in your health. This is the tough one! BUT when you spend some money on a new workout outfit, new running shoes, a new workout program or a piece of equipment...it makes us NOT want to waste that money so we stick to it more! I hear, "I cannot afford it" A LOT! Yes, you can, if it is a priority, it is amazing what we have money for when it is important to US.

NOW YOU! GO!

Disneyland Resort ~ The HEALTHIEST Place on Earth

Yesterday my kiddos and I (dad had to work) went to the "happiest place on earth". I decided I wanted to prove that health is a choice and you can even make wise healthy choices at Disneyland Resort in California.  Come on, admit it, haven't you justified high calorie foods at an amusement park because a) you are on vacation b) food is part of the fun c) walking burns so many calories that you might even lose weight OR d) ALL OF THE ABOVE ?

I have been there. The food has always been the most memorable part of any recreation. It is a stubborn habit to break, 

but it IS possible.

 Here is proof!

Both parks (Disneyland and California Adventure) were not opening until 9am so I was still able to wake up at a reasonable hour, 6am, to get my exercise in. I followed up with a healthy Shakeology shake to get my day started off right. 

What is Shakeology? Click here. 

 I packed some protein bars, carrots, tomatoes and snap peas in my backpack. We went to California Adventure first to see Carsland for the first time. Awesome!

LUNCH

We are originally from the Bay Area and my family loves Boudin bread so the Wharf Cafe is always a favorite. I ordered the Chicken, Apple and Cranberry salad without the bread bowl and dressing on the side. The chicken was "chicken salad style" but was not mayonnaise based. Since they charged me the same price they offered to give me the bread bowl in a separate bag for later. My kids were happy with that. 

Side Note about food allergies: While I was waiting for my food a family approached the counter asking to speak with the chef due to food allergies. I was completely impressed by what I saw. The chef went through the child's allergies and made recommendations until the boy found something that suited him. The chef showed the special pan that his meal would be cooked in also. I asked the father about this and he said that it is offered at ever restaurant in any Disney resort. Nice job Disney!

SNACK OPTIONS

I have to say, this is where my socks were knocked off! There are fruit stand-style venues set up in both parks everywhere offering an array of healthy snacks. Fresh mango, berry bowls, pineapple spears, apple slices, grapes, bananas, raw veggie bowls. . . amazing!

 But my favorite was the Sabra single serving hummus pack with pretzel thins. I crave this hummus and was thrilled to have it as an afternoon snack.

Enjoying my berry bowl in "Hollywood" at California Adventure.

An example of what the fresh fruit/healthy snack venues look like.

If smoothies are your thing that "Schmoozies" in Hollywood at California Adventure is where you should head to. The smoothies all have low fat yogurt and lots of fresh fruit.

Carrots are my go-to-on-the-go snack.

DINNER

As night falls there is magic in the air all over the place! But the magic does not need to include thousands of calories.

The kiddos just never seemed ready for dinner. And I was still content after all of my healthy snacks. But I was so happy to see that "Tomorrowland Terrace" at Disneyland has added some healthy options to their usual burger menu. First off, FRESH FRUIT is always offered in place of french fries here. Item #3 is a grilled chicken sandwich with avocado salsa. #4 is a portobello and vegetable sandwich. #6 is a grilled chicken chop salad. YUM. I didn't even know which one I would've chosen.

 Other great options are this "Kid's Power Pack" available at Tomorrowland Terrace at Disneyland and I also saw them in California Adventure. Perfect, even for picky eaters.

 Don't forget to check out the kids menus. They do not "card ya" for ordering one. I noticed a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with carrots and grapes offered everywhere on the menus (except exclusive restaurants like the Mexican one at Disneyland). Ordering off the kid's menus not only keeps calories down, but keeps the costs down too.

TREATS

These adorable treats below used to be my obsession at Disneyland. They are caramel covered marshmallows dipped in chocolate. I DID NOT succumb to this temptation last night. 

 Instead I opted for the dark chocolate dipped pineapple spear. It was SO good that I didn't even miss my caramel and marshmallows. If I would've deprived myself of a treat I would've pouted all night long. . . nobody wants that, trust me! 

Full fledge chocoholic!

I am learning that fun is still fun without garbage foods! And a bonus was this morning when I woke up energized to go for a run. I know, for a fact, if I would've eaten junk all day it would've spilled over into today. An extra bonus is looking at the pictures of our day and not cringing at seeing myself. . . Priceless!

Nice Job Disney on offering healthy options.

It really is the healthiest place on earth!

Summer Weekly Challenge ~ #2

I am so glad you are joining us! 

How did you do last week? How do you feel?

If you missed the challenge last week, check it out here. 

Be sure to read the "No Excuses" section for tips on how to stay motivated. 

We all know that diet and exercise go hand in hand for our overall health. Some people struggle with both, while others eat healthy but hate to work out. I, personally, love to exercise but I also love sweets. 

courtesy of Pinterest

For the last several months I have taken this to heart and seen great results. I am NOT on a diet nor do I deprive myself from things I love.  .  . like chocolate.

The key, for me, is focusing on what I am putting into my diet instead of what I am taking out. I do a lot of research about nutrients for my body and try to add as many components that I can. It is so much easier to eat healthy when you know how those foods are benefitting you, rather than a generic "...because it is healthy." I have found that when I load up on nutrient dense foods I eat less junk. When I eat less junk, I crave less junk.  When I crave less junk I see results!

This weeks challenge is all about adding nutrients into your day. So many people say, "It is hard to get my servings of fruits and vegetables in everyday." I get it! I understand that it takes focus and planning. 
That is what this week is all about!

Week 2 Challenge

• Continue to break a sweat and pump your heart for one hour, five days a week.
• For AT LEAST five days a week have AT LEAST one serving of fruits and/or vegetables at EVERY meal. Fruits and veggies for snacking is above and beyond and you get "extra credit". ;)

Are you always wondering what exactly is a serving size?

Here ya go... Basically, eat a fist size of 

fruits and veggies at every meal, aim for five servings a day.

Every meal? Even breakfast? Yes Siree! 

You CAN do this! 

You say that you hate vegetables?

I say, TOO BAD!

I will be giving you tips and tricks ALL week long to help you. Think smoothies, homemade juices, snacks, and enhanced nutrients. Hit the grocery store, peruse the produce and stock up on the ones you love. 

Here is a tip for ya already!

I always, always, always keep tomatoes (preferably cherry), cucumber, carrots, onions, broccoli and bell peppers (preferably red and yellow) in my fridge. Why? Well, besides their nutrients, I do this because when I am cooking dinner it is SO easy to chop these up and add this to things I am cooking. My favorite way? Adding the sautèed veggies to cooked quinoa. (But you already knew that if you follow my Facebook page)

Here is a trick for ya...check out this throwback post about putting  a buffet of fresh veggies on the kitchen island and kitchen table. Keep it out all day and watch how many you (and the kids) eat as you walk by. It works!

Last thought. . . lunch can be tricky.

 How often do you take the time to prepare yourself a lunch? If you are like many, you squeeze something in between this and that. Below is an example of one of my favorite lunches. . . it is quick, easy, HEALTHY and filling.

Okay, I honestly think there is something wrong with my iPhone. Even when I try to get the pics focused they come out blurry. Maybe it is because I dropped it while on the elliptical this morning.

This lunch consists of:

• 2 Wasa crispbread crackers (high fiber)
• 2 slices of lean turkey
• Cheese (preferably Laughing Cow light wedges)
• watermelon
• cucumber
• cherry tomatoes

Are you inspired for this week's challenge?

I hope so!

Eating healthy foods is the sure way to feel better and see healthy results!

You in?

We would love to hear about your favorite ways to incorporate fruits and veggies. Comment here or on Facebook.

Summer Weekly Challenge~ #1

Happy Summer! We've made it!

Now, you have a choice to make. . . 

you can use this summer to "take a break" 

or 

you can use this summer to get healthier! 

Visualize yourself at the end of August. 

Do you want to be a few pounds heavier, huffin' and puffin' as you climb the stairs and feeling awful? All because you had to eat that cheeseburger at the barbecue or deserved an ice cream cone day in and day out? 

or

Do you want to put on your fall jeans and have them feel good, be able to chase the kiddos and feel like you accomplished something? 

I can help you get healthier over the next 12 weeks! We can do it together! 

The Plan

Each Monday I will give you a challenge. Strive to accomplish the challenge five days a week. The challenges will be for any level of fitness and health. 

Your Part

Try your best! Listen to your body. Push yourself, but don't overdo it. Be confident, you CAN do this! Be committed. Don't worry about the big picture, take it one day at a time and one week at a time. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Check in with me via Facebook as much as you need to, remember that I need your motivation too!

My Part

I strive to make this blog and my Facebook page for and about you! I will continue to support you in these challenges each day. I am not a Doctor or a nutritionist, but I will create challenges for your overall good health using basic strategies. I will participate in each challenge along with you. I will strive to motivate you to be the best you can be. 

No Excuses

If you are anything like me, making excuses does not help you reach your health goals...here are some of my excuses and how I combat them.

• I can eat that ________. I deserve it. I work hard. You are right, you do work hard. You work hard being the best you can be and that ____________ is not helping you in any way at all. Find another way to reward yourself. How about a new article of clothing or a nap or a couple hours reading?
• I can eat ___________. Other people do and they look healthy. You are NOT other people. Unhealthy food DOES affect you. Plus, they may look healthy but that Snickers bar as their lunch is not really making them healthy on the inside.
• I don't want to take away time from the kids summer plans to go exercise. Mommy Guilt! No room for it. Being an example of health is better than most things you do for your kiddos. Get up before them to exercise. Early risers? Do a play date swap or do it after they go to bed. Older kids? Encourage them to exercise with you. 
• It's vacation time! I want to enjoy my entire vacation, including the food. Boy, do I know this one intimately! The problem with this theory is while the junk food tastes yummy on your vacay the bloating and self-consciousness doesn't feel good. Instead, treat yourself once a day moderately and stick to 80% healthy and 20% less healthy. 
• It's vacation time! I don't want to exercise! Are you in it for the temporary or the permanent lifestyle change? The goal is to make it a part of your life, no matter where you are. A big benefit is that hotels usually have sweet gym amenities  Take advantage of it. Also, take advantage of jet lag. Get up early and beat the heat and crowds with a power walk. Taking a vacation from being healthy just equals laziness!
• There is no time, our schedules are even crazier with the kids home. How committed are you? Do you really want to get healthier this summer? If so, MAKE TIME. Schedule it and stick to it!
• It's too hard. I haven't exercised in ages. What if I can't do it? You have to start somewhere. I don't even care what you are doing, as long as your heart is beating and you have sweat on your brow.Work at your own level. DO NOT compare yourself to others! You are not alone. IM me, comment, email me and I will talk you through it. No negative thoughts. YOU CAN DO IT! I agree with Nike when they say, "If you have a body, you are an athlete!"

Week 1 Challenge

For five days this week get moving for one hour each day. Walk, jog, run, zumba, cross fit, spin, bike, swim, jump rope, DVD, sports, yoga, pilates,  (shall I keep going?)...find something you like and DO IT.

Get your heart pumping, blast some tunes, be proud of that sweat and DO IT. 

Be sure to check Facebook for tips and motivation. Let me know when you did it! Remember, I need your motivation too!

You In?

So far, So good! Tips for Travel.

It has been a little while since my last post and all is working out very well. 

Focusing on eating more protein, low sugar and white carbs, has shown great results with me. I say white carbs instead of low carbs because I don't want to discourage myself from fruits. If I were on a diet, maybe I would omit fruits, but I am hoping to omit white starches and excessive sweets long term from my diet.

We recently returned from a week long trip from Sydney and Singapore. I was very dedicated to sticking to my eating plan. I wasn't tempted, very much, by the "food food" my family was eating while I chose salads most of the time. When I got a little resentful was when it was treat time. I found myself getting angry inside while they enjoyed ice cream, etc. So I modified and allowed myself one moderate treat a day. That way I didn't feel like I was on a diet. When others were getting two scoops of ice cream I got a junior scoop. It was perfect for the taste I desired without the resentment or calories. It paid off because I came home right on track on the scale. That is a first for me!

Another thing that helped me was the breakfast choices. We had access to the executive lounge breakfast buffet daily. Each morning I didn't even allow myself to think about eating the stale, mediocre danishes. Instead I chose yogurt and a hard boiled egg. If I was more hungry I would have some fruit also. I steered clear of the greasy bacon, bagels, and fake scrambled eggs. 

Despite the scale agreeing with my choices I did feel lumpy after not exercising for a full week. Don't get me wrong, we were walking a lot each day. However, I did not run once which I am so regretful about. Our hotel was right at Circular Quay on the harbour and it was the most glorious place to run, but leaving my family to do it was a sacrifice I just didn't choose to make. Regret!

In two days I am leaving, yet again, on a jet plane and heading to the US for three weeks! It will definitely be a challenge because for only five days of the entire trip I will be responsible for my own meals. The rest of the time I will either be staying at my in-laws or my parents house. I am determined to stay focused!

One big challenge about traveling for me is eating healthy on travel days (long waits at airports and airplane food). Do you have any tips to help with airport and airplane cuisine? If so, please share in comments below!

Wow! So that is why...

I have sat down to write this post numerous times and hit delete over and over. It is personal. And it has everything to do with the work that I put out on this blog.

So, it is no surprise that for two weeks out of the month I am on track, in balance and relatively rational. Then for the other two weeks I am depressed, unmotivated and pretty irrational. TWO WEEKS! Half of the month! Half of the year! 

I had been to the Dr before, but hubby and I were feeling it was time again to go. I am so glad I did. We now have a plan to try to get me more in balance. After reading this book I learned so many things about myself. 

• I learned the physiological aspect to my symptoms. It is real, just like any other physiological condition.
• I learned that exercise doesn't just help our self esteem. There really are chemicals that changes the make up of your system. PROOF that exercise is mandatory!
• I learned that there is hope and that I don't have to spend half of my month/year as Jekyll and Hyde. 

For over a week now I have stopped eating all white starches and sugar. I know it seems extreme but I have learned that these are poison to me. Before, I was sticking within a range of calories. But I would see what I could still eat while staying within those calories. Sure, that was great for maintenance but not for weight loss. So far, this is working well. The temptations are there but, for now, they are manageable. I keep telling myself, "I know what that tastes like." and "I've met my lifetime quota for that already."

This approach is not for everyone. For me, it is helping me to focus on healthy foods like vegetables and protein. For once, I am focused more on what I eat rather than what I do at the gym.  I have been to three major events this week (one being a huge super bowl party) and I did not eat one piece of bread, potato or treat! Hooray!

I will keep you posted. 

Check in ~ 10.12.12

Pic of the Week
My mandarin teacher and friend, Lily, treated me to a feast!
left to right: spicy noodles, rice "disks" with veggies, baozi with leek and mushroom, sweet and sour pork ribs, "chicken flavored" fish, jiaozi filled with soup. This is cantonese chinese food which is very different from Beijing style- much better in my opinion. 

Challenges of the Week: Getting back into the swing of things after a relaxing vacation is usually a challenge. I always want to spring right back into exercise and counting calories the second I land but I am learning that it often takes about a week to settle back in (and for my airline bloating to subside).  For me, the goal is not to panic.
This week had many opportunities for failure...treats at scripture study, lunches out. I'd like to say I was too busy to go to the gym, but I just simply chose not to on a few days. I simply stayed up way too late on many nights and was too tired in the morning.  NO MORE EXCUSES!
 I did about 50% good and 50% not so good...instead of looking at it as a failure, I see that this week was a step back to my 100% (which WILL be next week!)

Successes of the Week: Part of the 50% good included: I chose to split something at a lunch out. Stopped eating when I was full. On Wednesday I went to the gym and then walked for 2 hours and 40 minutes all around the city. 

Weigh In: down 1.4 lbs

Looking Ahead: This weekend will be the son's birthday party with pizza and brownies (he hates cake. . . my  child?). Have to come up with a plan because I hate pizza, but if I am hungry I will eat it. Must go to gym daily next week...

Hawaii countdown is on! I am using that trip as a road marker on my journey. I would really like to be 10 pounds down by then. 10 Weeks To Go...1 Pound a Week! Let's do this!

Check In ~ 10.6.12

**special post vacation check-in**

Not a flattering picture but proof
I went to the gym on our Thailand adventure.

Challenges of the Week: Duh, vacations are such a challenge for me! We say that it is a lifestyle change but whenever I am on vacation, or my circumstance changes, I fall right back into my old eating habits. It makes me wonder if there ever can truly be an internal change, where despite your circumstances, you still make healthy choices?  Or will high calorie food always be a temptation to me?...I already know the answer. I am not alone in the fact that food is such a big part of the experience of traveling, hence all the food shows on the travel channel.

Calamari by the pool, pad thai, pineapple rice, chocolate croissants, steak and lobster...I will just stop there.

Successes of the Week: Started each day off with a sensible breakfast of Protein shake, protein bar, etc. Only had breakfast out one day. Exercised a few times at the gym. From the mental health aspect, this trip was absolutely perfect! I am counting the minutes until I can go back. We are so lucky to be able to take vacations like this so often. Grateful to my husband who persuades me to go...can you believe I didn't want to even take this trip? CRAZY!

Weigh In: up 3.4 lbs!

Looking Ahead: Back to it! No time to waste! Back to recording my food and exercising daily. I write this on Monday so just a few days until my next weigh in...here we go!

I couldn't just leave you with a pic from the gym.
Check out this beautiful water!
Family dove while I snorkeled.

For more information about our amazing Thailand vacation, 

click here.

Greatness

Enough Said.

Homemade Breakfast Bars

Adapted from this recipe at Urban Nester

Why you should make this recipe too: It is healthy. It is easy.  It takes like dessert! Make once a week and have healthy breakfasts and after school snacks ready to go.

2 C Steel Cut Oats- quick cooking (I used Bob's Red Mill Organic)

1/3 C brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon, more for sprinkling on top

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 C almonds, coarsely chopped

1 C frozen unsweetened blueberries

1/2 C chocolate chips

2 C skim milk

1 large egg

3 TBLS butter, melted

1 TBLS vanilla extract

1 banana, peeled and sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and spray 13 X 9 baking pan, Place pan on baking sheet, set aside. In a large bowl comine oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt. Divide almonds, berries and chocolate chips in half and add to oats mixture. In a different bowl combine milk, egg, butter and vanilla. Whisk together. Lay oats mixture evenly in pan. Sprinkle remaining almonds, berries and chocolate chips on top. Pour milk mixture over oats and gently shake to  distribute the liquid evenly. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until the center is dense. While warm sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top. Place pan on cooling rack and allow to cool. Cut into squares. Serve with a dollop of vanilla greek yogurt if you desire. Store remaining in air tight container. Enjoy!

8.5 lbs

That is how much my little souvenir weighs from my summer trip!

Check In Again!

So the scale at the Dr didn't scare me at all. I was totally fine with what it said! I have continued to enjoy my time here at home. We have less than a week before we head back to China.

But a BIG a-ha moment was the seam in my favorite pants split down the back! Uh-oh! I guess I have indulged a bit too much!

The down-side of going back to China is leaving my family and friends behind for another extended time. 

The up-side of going back to China is getting back to working out and eating healthy and in moderation! Bring it on!

It's THAT time again

Today we are headed home for this summer! Wooohoooo!

But with all the excitement I am also worried about all of the temptations! I DO NOT want to undo all of the good I have done! It is ALL IN THE MIND. I can already feel "vacation mode" coming on when I am faced with food. Vacation mode for eating is all about convenience and taste. It will be a challenge, but a challenge that I am up for.

Here are some worries and my PLAN to attack them!

• We are heading to the US from China via Dubai and London. That means jet lag induced laziness. I will set out my work out clothes before I fall asleep. That way when I wake up in the middle of the night due to jet lag I can throw on my clothes quickly and utilize the 24 hour fitness facilites at the hotels we are staying at. Working out helps combat jet lag!
• Straying from my work out routine. I am a creature of habit and usually a change even in scenery could send me into a tailspin, but I already began modifying exercises away from machines and even weights by applying my own weight resistant exercises (push ups, sit ups, etc). The good thing about running...you can do it anywhere! I have already visualized my runs in California. It will be nice to actually run outside in clean air!
• Burgers, fries, ice cream...oh my! Good food choices will be the challenge for me. Before we get to California we will be faced with resort food. In Cali I will be faced with all the food that I have not had since Christmas (my mom's cooking, In N Out, See's candy, my favorite ice cream parlor). I have to keep telling myself that feeling healthy is WAY BETTER than the taste of any of those things. Plan A is to consistently work out. For me, once I have exercised I am much more apt to eat consciously.  Plan B (not an "or" but an "and" plan) is to start on a shake implementation as soon as I can get my hands on it.  I would like to do a shake two times a day when possible and allow myself some indulgences for one meal a day. This was not a temporary life style change and this summer will prove that!
• Keeping my head on straight. The balance is to allow myself to be on vacation and enjoy my cherished time back home without totally going crazy and then beating myself up for doing so. That will just lead to an awful downward spiral. So, my goal is to maintain for these next several weeks and not lose at all. Then when I get back to China I have another chunk of months where I can continue on with my weight loss. 
• Bask in the greatness! I am known to not fully enjoy trips because I am self conscious about the way I look. I want to take the focus off of how I look in pictures, what I look like to others (i.e. swimsuits) and bask in the glory of where I am and what I am doing and who I am with. Good mental health right? I will not waste one single second on negative self talk!

I will keep you posted!

 Until then, happy trails!

The Food I Hate But Keep Eating

I HATE PIZZA! 

I know, I know...how can you hate pizza right? 

I don't like the taste. 

I don't like the crust. 

I don't like the toppings.

 I don't like the sauce.

 I guess I sort of like the cheese. 

The best pizza for me is the kind that has a cracker thin crust. (Amici's)

BUT whenever pizza is around me, I eat it!!!! 

Why? I can totally pass on other things that I don't like (pasta...sorry Italian ancestors). Why is it that I cannot pass up pizza? From the first piece to the second piece all the way until the next morning when my fingers are so swollen I can't remove my ring I regret even eating it! 

This rant is because last night we ordered pizza. I have a 10 and 14 year old and it was Friday night...they LOVE pizza! I was thirsty all night and I felt like garbage this morning. I still headed to the gym and it was good motivation to crank up the watts!

Is there a food that you do not like but still eat just because it is there?