This was Denise Austin's newsletter this morning. Sounded like some of you might like the wrap recipe so I've included it here.
I'm all for brown-bagging lunches; it's getting it together in the morning that's a challenge. I'd always rather have the girls - and my husband, too - eat something nutritious that I've prepared myself than leave them to buy food that isn't as fresh and tasty as mine. Here's my solution: a quick-to-make, absolutely delicious wrap; you can make the chutney sauce the night before and spend just a few minutes in the morning assembling them. Super easy!
If you happen to be making a roast chicken dinner, consider making a second chicken and saving some of the meat for this terrific wrap. Or use some rotisserie chicken from the market, or even some sliced smoked turkey breast. And if you don't have any chutney in the fridge, treat yourself to a jar of this popular condiment - I like Major Grey's chutney (it's a type, not a brand). The mango and pear flavors are great additions when you're looking to jazz up a chicken dinner.
Chutney Chicken Wrap
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chutney
1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
4 low-fat tortillas (8-inch diameter)
4 large red-lettuce leaves
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, or 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey breast
1 cup finely shredded carrots
Preparation
Mix the chutney and mayonnaise in a small bowl. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.
Spread a scant 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chutney mixture on each tortilla. Top each with a lettuce leaf, 1/2 cup chicken or 2 ounces turkey, and 1/4 cup carrots. Roll the wraps tightly and cut in half diagonally.
Makes 4 wraps
Per wrap: 269 calories, 30g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g total fat, 53mg cholesterol, 2g dietary fiber, 471mg sodium
Now, go have a wonderful day!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dedication, or Obsession
I've only missed one day on my Wii since Christmas Day. One day since December 25th. I'd gone 17 weeks before I missed the one day. And that was the day I returned home from my cousin's funeral in Texas. I just got home too late and too tired to even turn it on and log the time I did work out that morning.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Now, to clarify, some days I've done nothing more than weigh and the two balance games that I start every day with so let's don't be too impressed.
Some days I feel like that guy in the old Dunkin' Donuts commercial - half asleep, trudging to work, mumbling "gotta make the donuts".
But I've found that it does start my day off right. And the longer I can work out the better. That point has been driven home lately.
In the post-busy season slump, and contented in the fact that I had reached my goal, I stopped doing as much cardio, sleeping an extra 30 minutes instead of stepping, and just doing the balance games and not pushing myself. As a result, a few pounds have crept back on - even crossed back over that magic normal/overweight line twice in the last couple of weeks - and I don't have the energy that I did when I was getting up at 4:30 every morning.
Lesson learned.
It is important to have a routine and a schedule. For me, exercise is the real key to both losing my weight and keeping it off. There has to be balance - you can exercise too much and that's not good either - but balance is important in everything.
Balanced meals, balanced lives.
So, while some people might do the math and say missing 1 day out of the last 135 is an obsession, I say it is dedication.
Dedication to myself. Dedication to a better me. Can't think of a better obsession.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
announcement! ANNOUNCEMENT!!
It's Darla again. Hijacking my cousins blog which she graciously offered to let me "guest" appear on every now and again.
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
And so today...I have an announcement.
Minus 10 pounds and counting!!!
I have long been the queen of losing 3-5 pounds and then getting complacent - gaining them back and then losing them again.
Which is why I am so grateful for Deanne making this site. The tips are great, the insight is...well, insightful, but most importantly, she led by example.
And so...wanting to be like my "older and wiser" cousin, I set out on a similar goal.
And let me tell you, even 10 pounds lighter (30 more to go) feels great! I have gone down one size in clothing and I can tell a noticeable difference. I don't think it is noticeable to others yet (which is a little sad because at one time in my life 10 pounds was extremely noticeable, now not so much).
I have waited a few days to share the news because I wanted to make sure it was really gone. Ensure that it wasn't going to come back in a day or week or two. So now I even have a few pounds of cushion between me and my 10 pound loss.
And from here...I'm on to my next 10.
And I can't wait to see how good minus 20 might feel!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sympathizing
I saw a video clip today of Kirstie Alley and I could totally sympathize with her. You see, she's put back on a lot of the weight that she'd lost on Jenny Craig and she's doing an interview with Oprah (to be aired on Thursday I think) and in it she apologizes for all the people that she's let down.
First and foremost, I'm certain she feels she's let herself down.
That is why I harp so much on things like I do. Only improve yourself because YOU want to. The pressure you put on yourself is too much otherwise. And I don't support one program over another because I'm not sure you learn all that you need to about yourself when someone else is dictating what and when you eat.
I'm very proud of myself. Make no mistake. And I'm tickled to death that other people look at me and see something they can do also. But I'm glad for them, not because they want to be like me, but because they want to better themselves and see it as an attainable goal. The whole "if she can do it I can do it" thing.
I've said before that I fully, though incorrectly, thought I could do this and no one would notice. But now that losing 50 pounds is out there, I can see how Kirstie feels she let people down by gaining it back. I'm constantly watching myself and hoping I don't mess this up. Not because anyone else is putting pressure on me, but because I am counting on me. And I'm glad that I can be a positive role model and an example of what can be done if you apply yourself.
But you can see how easily you could slip back into old habits. Roll over in bed a few mornings instead of getting up to exercise. Tell yourself that one little piece of cake won't matter. Have just a little more pasta for dinner.
In her case, a new spokesperson came along. And I've said that Valerie Bertinelli looks fantastic - even though you'll not catch me in a bikini. I'm sure that lead to some of Kirstie's backsliding - she wasn't the one being watched all the time, wasn't the one with an exciting new goal. She'd met her goal and just needed to maintain it. I'm sure that was hard to deal with and the emotions got the better of her.
So I go back to my original statements:
Improve yourself for yourself. If no one is watching, so much the better.
Use your brain. It is the most important weapon you have in the battle for better health. You can think your way through situations instead of making emotional decisions.
Accept and love yourself. Better health is a constant effort that takes time. You have to love yourself at all stages. That doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to what you are - you can be better. But acknowledge that you are a work in process and some phases of construction go more quickly than others.
Follow what works for you. I will probably never run a marathon. But I can walk to work just about every day. I may never play anyone in tennis other than my family. But I can give that match my best effort every time. I'll never, ever be a vegetarian - vegetables are not my thing. But I can watch what I do eat and how much.
Educate yourself. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Surround yourself - with support and knowledge and all the things you need to be a success.
Now, go have a great day!
First and foremost, I'm certain she feels she's let herself down.
That is why I harp so much on things like I do. Only improve yourself because YOU want to. The pressure you put on yourself is too much otherwise. And I don't support one program over another because I'm not sure you learn all that you need to about yourself when someone else is dictating what and when you eat.
I'm very proud of myself. Make no mistake. And I'm tickled to death that other people look at me and see something they can do also. But I'm glad for them, not because they want to be like me, but because they want to better themselves and see it as an attainable goal. The whole "if she can do it I can do it" thing.
I've said before that I fully, though incorrectly, thought I could do this and no one would notice. But now that losing 50 pounds is out there, I can see how Kirstie feels she let people down by gaining it back. I'm constantly watching myself and hoping I don't mess this up. Not because anyone else is putting pressure on me, but because I am counting on me. And I'm glad that I can be a positive role model and an example of what can be done if you apply yourself.
But you can see how easily you could slip back into old habits. Roll over in bed a few mornings instead of getting up to exercise. Tell yourself that one little piece of cake won't matter. Have just a little more pasta for dinner.
In her case, a new spokesperson came along. And I've said that Valerie Bertinelli looks fantastic - even though you'll not catch me in a bikini. I'm sure that lead to some of Kirstie's backsliding - she wasn't the one being watched all the time, wasn't the one with an exciting new goal. She'd met her goal and just needed to maintain it. I'm sure that was hard to deal with and the emotions got the better of her.
So I go back to my original statements:
Improve yourself for yourself. If no one is watching, so much the better.
Use your brain. It is the most important weapon you have in the battle for better health. You can think your way through situations instead of making emotional decisions.
Accept and love yourself. Better health is a constant effort that takes time. You have to love yourself at all stages. That doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to what you are - you can be better. But acknowledge that you are a work in process and some phases of construction go more quickly than others.
Follow what works for you. I will probably never run a marathon. But I can walk to work just about every day. I may never play anyone in tennis other than my family. But I can give that match my best effort every time. I'll never, ever be a vegetarian - vegetables are not my thing. But I can watch what I do eat and how much.
Educate yourself. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Surround yourself - with support and knowledge and all the things you need to be a success.
Now, go have a great day!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Before and After - By Request
OK, I wouldn't do this for just anyone. Someone (who shall remain nameless) really likes the Biggest Loser and thought I should put some before and after pictures up. First, I don't like pictures of myself - at any size. But I did it. I'm kind of hoping I won't be alone in this. Secondly, I do want to emphasize that I've always been OK with myself in the physical sense. I just wanted to make sure that I was living better so I'd live longer. Having a 95 year old grandmother is inspiration for that!
But, this blog is all but trying to help/inspire/support others so if it works, here you go.
But, this blog is all but trying to help/inspire/support others so if it works, here you go.
These first 2 were taken at my 40th birthday. May 2006
This was December 2006 - just before I got serious about the healthy lifestyle in January 2007.
December 2008 - roughly 50 pounds into the process. Naunie still looks good doesn't she! This is the most current that I have.
So, it's done. Hope it helps.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Multitasking
This is today's newsletter from Denise Austin. My contribution is at the bottom.
Can You Work Out on the Phone?
Who doesn't love a long chat on the phone with an old friend or a family member who lives far away? If you're blessed with the gift of gab — as I am! — you can use that time to your fitness advantage.
Turn your next phone call into a workout by pretending to sit down in a chair! How? Instead of sitting on the couch or in a chair, lean your back lightly against a wall, making sure to press your spine flat. Then, as if you are sitting down in a chair, slowly lower your body along the wall until your knees are bent to at least a 45-degree angle (but don't go lower than 90 degrees). Hold the position for as long as you can: Start with 20 seconds and work your way up to 60-second intervals. Repeat the exercise every few minutes during a phone call and you'll really give those thighs a workout!
Makes you wonder what else you can do to get those workouts in. I've heard of people that also do exercises while talking on a cordless phone - walking around the room, plies', dancing while you're dusting, and so forth. Just another reminder that getting your 30 minutes of exercise in doesn't always have to be a set routine at a set time. It doesn't have to be a disruption in you're everyday life. Look for new and creative ways to work your body and pretty soon, like everything else we're doing, these things will become habits and you won't even realize that you're doing it!
Now, go have a great day!
Can You Work Out on the Phone?
Who doesn't love a long chat on the phone with an old friend or a family member who lives far away? If you're blessed with the gift of gab — as I am! — you can use that time to your fitness advantage.
Turn your next phone call into a workout by pretending to sit down in a chair! How? Instead of sitting on the couch or in a chair, lean your back lightly against a wall, making sure to press your spine flat. Then, as if you are sitting down in a chair, slowly lower your body along the wall until your knees are bent to at least a 45-degree angle (but don't go lower than 90 degrees). Hold the position for as long as you can: Start with 20 seconds and work your way up to 60-second intervals. Repeat the exercise every few minutes during a phone call and you'll really give those thighs a workout!
Makes you wonder what else you can do to get those workouts in. I've heard of people that also do exercises while talking on a cordless phone - walking around the room, plies', dancing while you're dusting, and so forth. Just another reminder that getting your 30 minutes of exercise in doesn't always have to be a set routine at a set time. It doesn't have to be a disruption in you're everyday life. Look for new and creative ways to work your body and pretty soon, like everything else we're doing, these things will become habits and you won't even realize that you're doing it!
Now, go have a great day!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Where ya' been?
Hi! This is Deanne's cousin Darla. She graciously offered once for me to post a blog on her Losing It site. And to be honest, I wasn't really sure what I'd say if I did.
But I do have a tip and Deanne is always the one with the great tips. I'm just so excited that I finally have a tip (that I'm sure she has known about forever but it's new to me), so here goes.
First thing is that I went back to the gym today. I say back because it's been awhile. The weather here in Houston has been as near perfect as it gets and so when I ran, I hit the bike trail by our house. (And to be totally honest, I only ran twice, so don't be impressed or anything.)
Today...even though it is gorgeous outside....I headed indoors. The treadmill pushes me harder than I do myself so it's good for me to go run there. When I arrived I got the dreaded...."Hey! We haven't seen you for awhile." I was both happy on the one hand that they knew who I was and embarrassed on the other that they knew I hadn't been there.
And of course I felt obligated to tell them where I'd been and so I mentioned the whole "running outside because it's such beautiful weather" thing.
And then I got my tip. You see, the fitness trainer/employee told me that running is great and important and necessary...in fact, he said cardio is the most important. But...and here is the tip...he said when you run you only burn extra calories for two or three hours after you finish your run. But he said that when you combine it with strength/resistance training you will continue to burn additional calories for as long as you are sore.
And that's good news for me. Because I decided to do some resistance bands to work on my arm strength. And I'm planning on being very, very sore tomorrow...so the calories will keep burning for several days! At least that's my plan.
And then...hopefully the next time I post...I can tell you about my own weight loss success story.
Three cheers for being sore!!!
But I do have a tip and Deanne is always the one with the great tips. I'm just so excited that I finally have a tip (that I'm sure she has known about forever but it's new to me), so here goes.
First thing is that I went back to the gym today. I say back because it's been awhile. The weather here in Houston has been as near perfect as it gets and so when I ran, I hit the bike trail by our house. (And to be totally honest, I only ran twice, so don't be impressed or anything.)
Today...even though it is gorgeous outside....I headed indoors. The treadmill pushes me harder than I do myself so it's good for me to go run there. When I arrived I got the dreaded...."Hey! We haven't seen you for awhile." I was both happy on the one hand that they knew who I was and embarrassed on the other that they knew I hadn't been there.
And of course I felt obligated to tell them where I'd been and so I mentioned the whole "running outside because it's such beautiful weather" thing.
And then I got my tip. You see, the fitness trainer/employee told me that running is great and important and necessary...in fact, he said cardio is the most important. But...and here is the tip...he said when you run you only burn extra calories for two or three hours after you finish your run. But he said that when you combine it with strength/resistance training you will continue to burn additional calories for as long as you are sore.
And that's good news for me. Because I decided to do some resistance bands to work on my arm strength. And I'm planning on being very, very sore tomorrow...so the calories will keep burning for several days! At least that's my plan.
And then...hopefully the next time I post...I can tell you about my own weight loss success story.
Three cheers for being sore!!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Haters
You know how I feel about negative people. Don't have much time for them personally. More importantly, I don't understand it.
Valerie Bertinelli showed a lot of guts wearing a bikini on the cover of People Magazine last week. Anyone approaching the age of 50, irregardless of what their body looks like, shows a lot of guts wearing a bikini - period. For me, past a certain age, wearing a bikini falls into the category of "just because you can does not mean that you should".
42 and 9/10ths years is way past that point.
But, more power to her. I think it takes a lot for these celebrities to publicly attack their weight and lifestyle challenges. They live in a world where appearance is everything and to admit that you've been weak and are now taking control again is a major feat.
So I was very dismayed when I read the mailbag in this week's People. While most of the letters were very complimentary there was one that expressed her disdain with the celebrities who have personal trainers and special food delivered to their door. Made it sound like it was a breeze under those circumstances.
Yes, those things can help. But it is still up to the person to follow the program.
We know that weight can be lost without those things. All of us are living proof. Yes, it took me longer to lose my 50 pounds than it did her to lose her 43, or Marie Osmond her 45, and so on. I liked doing it this way because I felt like I was making the right changes in my overall lifestyle. The focus stayed on my overall health not just the number on the scale or the size on my clothes lables. I made the choices, did the research, and took ownership of my decisions.
But some people need the structure of the Jenny Craig program, or NutriSystem, or Weight Watchers. Some people need "forced discipline". They don't want to disappoint that trainer so they make their appointments and they try their best. Or they don't want to feel like they are wasting money so they follow through with what they signed up for.
Either way, you should be supportive of anyone's efforts to improve their health. Whether or not they follow the same path as you. And no one should think it is an easy process under any circumstances. It isn't.
I really felt sorry for that woman who wrote the letter. My guess is that she wishes she was in better health and so far has not been successful in making the right changes. But she shouldn't be so negative towards someone's success.
She is being a hater. And haters are just ugly. And ugly doesn't improve as the scale goes down. That has to be changed from the inside out. It takes a whole lot more than diet and exercise.
A lot more.
Valerie Bertinelli showed a lot of guts wearing a bikini on the cover of People Magazine last week. Anyone approaching the age of 50, irregardless of what their body looks like, shows a lot of guts wearing a bikini - period. For me, past a certain age, wearing a bikini falls into the category of "just because you can does not mean that you should".
42 and 9/10ths years is way past that point.
But, more power to her. I think it takes a lot for these celebrities to publicly attack their weight and lifestyle challenges. They live in a world where appearance is everything and to admit that you've been weak and are now taking control again is a major feat.
So I was very dismayed when I read the mailbag in this week's People. While most of the letters were very complimentary there was one that expressed her disdain with the celebrities who have personal trainers and special food delivered to their door. Made it sound like it was a breeze under those circumstances.
Yes, those things can help. But it is still up to the person to follow the program.
We know that weight can be lost without those things. All of us are living proof. Yes, it took me longer to lose my 50 pounds than it did her to lose her 43, or Marie Osmond her 45, and so on. I liked doing it this way because I felt like I was making the right changes in my overall lifestyle. The focus stayed on my overall health not just the number on the scale or the size on my clothes lables. I made the choices, did the research, and took ownership of my decisions.
But some people need the structure of the Jenny Craig program, or NutriSystem, or Weight Watchers. Some people need "forced discipline". They don't want to disappoint that trainer so they make their appointments and they try their best. Or they don't want to feel like they are wasting money so they follow through with what they signed up for.
Either way, you should be supportive of anyone's efforts to improve their health. Whether or not they follow the same path as you. And no one should think it is an easy process under any circumstances. It isn't.
I really felt sorry for that woman who wrote the letter. My guess is that she wishes she was in better health and so far has not been successful in making the right changes. But she shouldn't be so negative towards someone's success.
She is being a hater. And haters are just ugly. And ugly doesn't improve as the scale goes down. That has to be changed from the inside out. It takes a whole lot more than diet and exercise.
A lot more.
Friday, April 17, 2009
YEA!!!
I get excited when others get excited! I just got a comment about a 4.6 pound loss this week by someone who has been reading our support group blog.
And I had no idea she was reading it.
The other day one of our contributors told me she'd lost about 9 or 10 pounds herself. She hasn't posted it so I'm going to "out" her.
THIS is why I keep trying to find more and more people to join in. We can motivate and support each other. Sometimes we don't even know we are doing it.
I never wanted it to just be "my blog". It has always been about the whole group and whoever else we can drag in.
This excites me. It is less about what I'm doing for myself right now but how I (WE) can help others do for themselves. I know I'm rambling, but that is what I do sometimes, especially when I get pumped up!
SO - YEA for everyone out there that is trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I know you will succeed! YEA for us!
And I had no idea she was reading it.
The other day one of our contributors told me she'd lost about 9 or 10 pounds herself. She hasn't posted it so I'm going to "out" her.
THIS is why I keep trying to find more and more people to join in. We can motivate and support each other. Sometimes we don't even know we are doing it.
I never wanted it to just be "my blog". It has always been about the whole group and whoever else we can drag in.
This excites me. It is less about what I'm doing for myself right now but how I (WE) can help others do for themselves. I know I'm rambling, but that is what I do sometimes, especially when I get pumped up!
SO - YEA for everyone out there that is trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I know you will succeed! YEA for us!
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