Diary of a Hungry Mom

Good angel- Bad Angel: I'm not sure which is which these days...

2011-01-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's snowing and cold.

This means I've run on the treadmill the last 2 days.

Yesterday I ran for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

It was the longest 1 hour and 10 minutes of my life.

Sometimes I think that the treadmill was invented by a man that has never run a day in his life. He's jealous and hates runners. He wants them to suffer and find misery in the things they normally find joy in.

It's a slow torture.

It was so bad that at mile 3 the little angel on my right shoulder started making me think that maybe I could just run 3 and call it good. I might not even run the marathon. Who's crazy idea was it to train through January and February for a 26.2 mile race anyway? I must have been crazy to think it was possible. How mad would my friend who's running the race be at me if I bailed now?

And then the angel on my other shoulder (you know- the one that got me into this mess in the first place) said "You can do it!!! Don't listen to her. She's a doubter and wants you to fail, and never reach your goal of running a marathon!"...

...I hate that little girl perched on my shoulder talking me into such things.

Geesh.

So I guess me and the treadmill better become friends, because I have a marathon to run.

Cold Feet Don't Exercise...

2011-01-15T04:12:00.001-08:00

I don't know if it's scientific or not, but I just discovered something.

I'm visiting my parents for a couple of days with my lovely kiddos.

My parents are wonderful people who keep their heat around 70 degrees at night (It's awesome and amazing and I love them deeply for it).

My loving husband on the other hand makes us turn ours down to 60 degrees each night before going to bed- my toes are cold just thinking about it (I'm not even allowed to put it on 70 during the day much less at night).

A little background on myself: I usually like to get up around 5 a.m. and do my running/lifting/exercising- get it done and out of the way and then have the whole day to relax and enjoy with the family.

Present day however(which would be the last couple of months or so since it has gotten really cold): It has been so freaking cold in my house in the mornings that I don't think I could blow myself out of bed with dynomite these days. The mere thought of getting out of my warm bed and being knocked over by the cold in my home makes me cringe just thinking about it.

However this morning I am meeting a friend to run 4 miles. We are meeting at 7:30. Lastnight when I set the alarm on my phone I completely forgot that I am now using my super old one and the time on it is 1 hour fast. So I set the alarm for what I thought was 6:45, but what really turned out to be 5:45 (of course I didn't realize this until I was nice and awake and dressed- hence the reason I writing you dear blog world instead of back in bed).

Anyhoo- I so just looked at the phone, turned off the alarm, and hopped right out of bed. There was no worries of it being too cold- I just got up and got dressed- No worries.

Conclusion- Obviously if it were slightly warmer in my home I would be able to get back to getting up early and working out. I wouldn't have to go through this awful routine of setting my alarm only to wake up with my nose cold and seeing my breath and thinking "Be REAL!!!" I mean I'm starting to think Jack Frost is sharing the bedroom with my son for crying out loud!

I might have to have an ole sitdown with the hubinator to see what we can do to remedy this situation cause this Early Morning Exerciser wants to early morning exercise again!

Move over Oatmeal- There's another Boss in Town...

2011-01-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

Toda y I gave my wonderful go to breakfast- oatmeal- a holiday.

Instead I used Bulgar Wheat. It was delightful and nutty. I feel really good about the decision.

Not only was it nice to have a little break (I mean I love you oatmeal, but it's not you - it's me okay)- but it was good for my body to get some other stuff it needs and can use ya know.

I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a Workout Aholic (sp?)- there I said it.

I ran 5 miles yesterday only after I had brutally worked out my legs lifting and doing plyometrics for an hour earlier in the day...

...I LOVE IT!

So- with that said I need to give my body lot's of yummy and good for it stuff so that it can continue to workout like a rock star!

So- if you want to give your body some good for it goodness- here's the lowdown:

1/2 cup Bulgar wheat cooked (duh)
1/2 cup peaches diced (or whatever fruit floats your boat- banana and some raisins would be tasty here too)
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp chopped walnuts- or almonds or pecans if that makes you happier
1 tsp honey (I buy local for all it's wondermous allergy fighting benefits)/ you could use maple syrup too (yes- the real stuff)
sprinkle of cinnamon

Stir all together and Yay- Oatmeal's Brother from Another Mother is ready for you to scarf down! Enjoy!

How to Cook It All!

2011-01-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

I just got this new cookbook. Awesome!

I've made muffins, dessert, bread, main dishes- And have not been dissapointed even once!

If you are vegetarian or just looking to add some healthier meals to what you already have going- this is a great book!

Happy Cooking!

Marathon Training:

2011-01-12T08:42:00.000-08:00

This is my game plan for the marathon:

I'm so all over it.

Marathon Training Schedule: Novice 1
Week
1
rest
3 m run
3 m run
3 m run
rest
6
cross
2
rest
3 m run
3 m run
3 m run
rest
7
cross
3
rest
3 m run
4 m run
3 m run
rest
5
cross
4
rest
3 m run
4 m run
3 m run
rest
9
cross
5
rest
3 m run
5 m run
3 m run
rest
10
cross
6
rest
3 m run
5 m run
3 m run
rest
7
cross
7
rest
3 m run
6 m run
3 m run
rest
12
cross
8
rest
3 m run
6 m run
3 m run
rest
13
cross
9
rest
3 m run
7 m run
4 m run
rest
10
cross
10
rest
3 m run
7 m run
4 m run
rest
15
cross
11
rest
4 m run
8 m run
4 m run
rest
16
cross
12
rest
4 m run
8 m run
5 m run
rest
12
cross
13
rest
4 m run
9 m run
5 m run
rest
18
cross
14
rest
5 m run
9 m run
5 m run
rest
14
cross
15
rest
5 m run
10 m run
5 m run
rest
20
cross
16
rest
5 m run
8 m run
4 m run
rest
12
cross
17
rest
4 m run
6 m run
3 m run
rest
8
cross
18
rest
3 m run
4 m run
2 m run
rest
rest
race

It's Hal Higdon- Here's the full plan.

26.2

2011-01-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

I'm training for my first marathon.

Scared.

Overwhelmed.

Nervous.

Sore.

Anxious.

Unsure.

All things describing where I am right now.

I think that closer to the race, which is in April, these words will only be intensified.

But I feel like if I don't ever reach into the unknown to see what I'm capable of then there will be parts of myself that will always be unknown to me and I'll always be wondering if I could have done more.

I'm not getting younger.

I'm probably in the best shape of my life.

I'll never have this moment again.

So for now- I'm hanging on to these things like a life support for dear life.

I'll embrace and except the fear and doubts like a close family member who annoys me, but who I realize, at the end of the day, is still a part of me and still deserves respect and love.

Marathon- April.

I can do it.

Spicy Popcorn- Perfect Snack w/ No guilt...

2010-05-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup popping corn kernels
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Heat oil in deep pot over medium high heat. Add corn. Cover pot and pop the corn, shaking pan often. Remove from heat. Combine spices in a small dish and sprinkle the blend over hot corn. Serve.

*You can also add some parmesan cheese- It's Tasty!!!

We always enjoy this Tasty Treat in the evening while watching a movie- We make a lot and eat it as our supper- Yay for movie night!

Butter.

2010-05-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

I bought some raw milk.

Did you know that if you skim off the cream and put it into a blender and blend it- it turns into to creamy, delicious butter?

Well- It does.

and it's Heaven.

and it's all natural and not loaded with crap from crappy cows, full of crappy stuff like antibiotics and roids.

It's Heaven.

And it's even more heavenly on homemade bread.

I would know- because that's how I had it.

Yum!

Heaven.

30 Days of NO SUGAR!!!

2010-04-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary-

I'm scared!

I've challenged myself to 30 days of no sugar.

What was I thinking?

Today is day 1 and already I've discovered that oatmeal w/ no honey tastes like dirt w/ some poo in it! You should have seen me trying to choke it down- IT WASN'T PRETTY!

My game plan is this:

No sweets (I'm an ice cream-aholic)- and yes this includes dark chocolate!

No honey- unless it has been baked into my bread

No sweeteners- even stevia and all that stuff (I don't do equal, splenda, or sweet-n-low to begin w/ because they are basically cancer in a bag- just sayin')

Good Carbs are fine and actually wonderful for that matter (Contrary to popular belief- Not all carbs are the devil): Fruits, veggies, whole grains, whole wheats- they make me happy and they make for some really spectacular poos- you gotta keep that stuff movin' people.

Bad carbs (AKA- Devil Carbs) are out and are as follows: anything refined, bleached, processed, or other wised changed to look and taste different in somebody's laboratory. These are the carbs that go straight from your mouth to your butt and thighs- Think about that!

Absolutely NO SODA!!! The real stuff has sugar/ corn syrup/ and all that crap in it! The Diet stuff has the cancer causing crap in it- so steer clear!

Anything w/ Corn Syrup in it is out! Read those labels!!!

I have my game plan- I'm Ready!

Are you In?

I Almost Forgot I Have A Blog...

2010-04-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary-

I almost forgot you were here.

I've been busy. Life has been happening...

Cooking (eating)
Cleaning
Working out
Teaching Aerobics
Running
Lifting Weights
Running around w/ Friends
Family Time
5 year old Soccer
Gardening

and all of those other little things that fill up a mom's life.

I'm still a hungry mom (I mean who isn't?), but thankfully I love to subside that hunger w/ some tasty Healthy food.

One of my favorite pastimes has become finding and reading cookbooks in the search of Healthy dishes and snacks that taste YUMMY! Of course a lot of these I share here. So try them out- they are taste tested and approved!

And if you want to do some of your own searching and reading of cookbooks- Start with this book- You won't be disappointed- You have The Hungry Mom's word of honor!

(click on the cookbook to check out their site for some other great cookbooks)

Have Fun! Enjoy- and I hope you get Hungry and eat some Tasty- HEALTHY- Goodness! It's the only way to go!

Cooking makes me happy and so does eating...

2010-03-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

I've been baking and cooking my little heart out here lately.

Here are couple of our favorites!

Quinoa and Sweet Potatoes

3/4 cup Quinoa
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced onions
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups diced, peeled sweet potatoes
1 2/3 cups water
2 cups lightly packed finely chopped fresh spinach
1/4 cup currants
1 tbsp minced scallions (I used green onion)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and ground black pepper

1) Warm the oil in a covered saucepan. Add the onions and salt and cook on low hear, stirring now and then, until the onions are transparent, about 8 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes, water, and quinoa, cover, and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

2) Just before removing from the heat, stir in the spinach, currants, scallions (green onion), and lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes. Season to taste w/ salt and pepper.

This is so yummy! We eat it w/ supper, for a snack, and tomorrow I'm having it for breakfast- and I can't wait! Enjoy- and remember- if you've never heard of it and your local store hasn't either you can probably get it at the health food store.

Butternut Cookies

1 1/2 cups Pureed cooked butternut squash
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or pecans (I used walnuts)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp sesame seeds

(Just so you know- these are Divine!)

1) In a bowl, mix together the squash, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold the flour mixture into the squash mixture until will blended. Stir in the nuts, chocolate chips, raisins, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, if using ( I did). Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto two large unoiled baking sheets, about 18 cookies per pan. Space the cookies evenly giving them a bit of room to spread as they bake.

2) Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until slightly browned on the bottom. Use a spatula to move the cookies to a wire rack to cool. Store in a covered container.

Note*: I only baked the amount I wanted to eat at that moment and put the rest in the freezer to be enjoyed at another time. To do this you: Place a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet, then drop cookies by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper, place in freezer until frozen through, then remove them and place them all into a freezer bag- When you want to enjoy cookies take out the number you want, bake at 375 degrees for about 15- 20 minutes or I watch until they are starting to brown and YUM!!!!

The great thing about these is they are full of all sorts of things that are good for you like beta-carotene, omega-3s, whole grains, and fiber, but they still taste like heaven! And with these you can let your kids eat cookies for breakfast or snack and not feel the least bit bad about it- I'm just sayin'.

These really do rank up there with unhealthy cookies- I'm not even kidding! Enjoy!

Snack ideas: Best Granola Ever!!!

2010-02-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Granola:

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Canola Oil
1/2 cup Honey or Pure Maple Syrup
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
2 cups Coarsely Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, or any mixture of these)
6 cups Rolled Oats (Old fashioned)
1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds and/or Pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp Sesame Seeds

Directions:
1) In a small saucepan on low heat, warm the oil, honey or syrup, and salt. Stir in the vanilla.

2) Place the nuts, oats, and seeds in a large bowl and stir together. While stirring, gradually pour in the warm oil and honey mixture, and stir until all of the ingredients are evenly coated.

3) Spread the granola on an un-oiled baking sheet in a preheated 325 degree oven, bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown; stir after about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and , to prevent clumping, stir every 10 minutes or so, until cool. Store in a closed container at room temperature.

Serving: 1/2 cup: 316 calories (makes about 16 servings)

I leave half out in a container on my kitchen counter and freeze the other half for later.

Great to eat alone, or with milk. You can add raisins or fresh fruit. Sprinkle on yogurt and fruit or make a lovely parfait! Have fun w/ it!

Snack ideas:
-apple or banana with/ 2 tbsp peanut or almond butter
-toast or bread(snack- 1 slice, meal- 2 slices) w/ 1 tbsp peanut or almond butter and half banana on it
-1/2 cup old fash oats w/ 1 tbsp almonds or walnuts, honey (no sugar- not even brown), 1/2 banana or 1/4 cup berries or 1/4 cup raisins, cinnamon to taste (I also add 1 tbsp flax oil)
-Kashi wheat crackers w/peanut butter or 1 serving lean turkey and cheese stick
-1/4 to 1/2 cup hummus with broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower (Great Hummus recipes Here, Here, Here, and Here)
-1/4 avocado wrapped w/ serving lean turkey and mozz cheese stick (great dipped in spicy mustard)
-spinach salad w/ 2 tbsp raisins, 2 tbsp walnuts, 1/4 avocado, 1/4 cup diced apple, tomato, broccoli chopped w/ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar for dressing
-almonds (15) w/ piece of fruit
-fatfree- plain- all natural yogurt (greek yogurt is the best!!!) w/ 1 serving fruit (berries or 1/2 banana) and 1 tsp honey and 1 tbsp wheat germ (find it on the cereal aisle)
-1 boiled egg w/ 1/4 avocado and 1/2 apple or 1/2 serving of berries or 1/2 orange or grapefruit

-I also have some recipes for muffins, pancakes, granola bars, and breakfast cookies (serving= 2 cookies for a snack or 2 for breakfast w/ half grapefruit) on here that are great- and they can all be doubled for freezing- because I'm all about saving time! (All the muffins are wonderful cut in half w/ 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter- while the pancakes are great to pull out of the freezer, toast in the toaster, and then spread w/ 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter for a pancake sandwich- YUM!)

-and of course the granola above (1/2 cup alone or as the ideas given)

I personally avoid dairy (and meat) unless I have a recipe that specifically calls for the dairy, but in moderation (and because I know not everyone is as weird as I am) it won't kill you in these snacks.

Also try real hard to work variety into your eating- meaning you don't want to be eating the same thing for every snack or meal. That way you are getting all the things your wonderful body needs!

Happy Snacking!!!

Still Running and Eating Of Course...

2010-02-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm still running.

It's been hard to say the least with the insane weather we've been having lately.

I mean I can do cold.

But what I don't and can't do is snow and wind. Which we've had a crazy amount of this winter.

But I have still managed to get my 4 days of running in some how.

Treadmill.

Indoor track.

Outside when I can.

I've done it.

My 1/2 marathon is in 2.5 weeks. With things being so crazy with my training schedule I'm concerned about how it will go. I mean I know I can finish and run it, but I just worry that I won't be able to do better than last time which was 2 hours.

Oh well.

You live, you learn.

Next year- No marathon training in January and February- Lesson learned.

Buffalo Chicken (Tofu) Chili

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds ground chicken breast/ I used tofu instead (1 package-firm)
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
5 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground paprika
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup hot buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank's® REDHOT Buffalo Wing Sauce), or to taste
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can white kidney or cannellini beans, drained (I used dry beans)
1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained (I used dry beans)

Directions

Pre-cook beans- I cooked mine in my small crockpot. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Place chicken (tofu) in the pot. Cook and stir 7 to 10 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in the carrot, onion, celery, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt and pepper, and cook and stir until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are beginning to soften, 3 to 4 more minutes.
Stir in the hot sauce, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and white and red kidney beans. Bring to a boil, and simmer over medium-low heat about 1 hour, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.

If I had it to do over again I would probably cook extra beans and leave out the tofu, and just make it a bean chili.

Here is a recipe for some delicious and healthy Sesame Flaxseed Corn Muffins to enjoy with your chili (or they are also super yummy w/ some honey or all fruit preserves as a little dessert).

Ingredients

3 tbsp sesame seeds
3 tbsp ground flaxseeds (I grind mine in our coffee grinder)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup whole grain cornmeal
2 large eggs
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Honey, Pure Maple Syrup, or Agave Syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven 375 degrees. Lightly oil or line with muffin liners the inside of a muffin pan.

2. In a spice grinder or coffee grinder whirl the sesame seeds and flaxseeds until they reach a consistency like cornmeal.

3. Sift or stir together the dry ingredients. In another bowl mix together the wet ingredients. Make a well in the dry and pour in the wet stirring together until just blended; do not overmix.

4. Pour evenly into muffin trays and bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean- about 15 minutes or so.

Happy Cooking and EATING!!!

Seed Bread for the Bread Machine...

2010-02-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

* 1 1/3 cups water
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 3 tablespoons honey
* 1 1/2 cups bread flour
* 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup flax seeds, ground
* 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

Directions

1. Place all ingredients (except sunflower seeds) in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select basic white cycle; press start. Add the sunflower seeds when the alert sounds during the knead cycle. Great with almond butter and honey- or just almond butter- YUM!

Also try adding 1 1/2 tsp Vital Wheat Gluten per cup of wheat flour to the recipe it will help with the rising and texture (get it in the baking aisle or at the health food store)

I usually do all wheat- and cook it on the wheat cycle but it's up to you. I grind my flax seed in our coffee grinder, and I replace the butter with about 4 tbsp unsweetened applesauce.

And I like to roast my seeds or nuts (not the flax seeds) before adding them- to do this put them on a cookie sheet and place them in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes (watch them to make sure they aren't burning) -stir them half way through.

This is my husband's favorite bread machine bread. It has nice texture with the seeds in it- you can change it up with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, raisins, almonds, old fashion oatmeal (all of these raw- and you can roast them at home)- or any combo of the above.

I do usually add pumpkin seeds to the mix when I make the original recipe. and because it is 100% whole wheat, if you go that way, it will be more dense that's just the way it goes I've decided, but the applesauce should help with the dryness, and the wheat gluten with the rising.

Have fun with it and enjoy! (it usually takes me making a bread recipe 2 or 3 times before I get it how I want it- so don't give up!)

Bran Muffins- Your Colon will thank you (Gross!-HA!)...

2010-02-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

These Bran muffins are great because they are full of wonderful complex carbs and protein that- wonderfully enough- the body is nice enough to burn nice and slow- which means your body won't suck it up in about 30 minutes leaving you starving and crashing.

I like to go a little further and smack a little (1-2 tbsp) almond or peanut butter on mine with a piece of fruit of my choosing on the side.

As always save yourself some time and double the recipe leaving out only what you need for a couple of days and freezing the rest to be enjoyed at a later date (in a sealed container- these will keep nicely for a few days)!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Plain nonfat yogurt
2 Large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp molasses
3/4 cup finely chopped dates
1 cup oat bran (found mine at the health food store)
2 cups finely chopped apples (chopped mine in food processor)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup rolled oats (not quick or instant)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds (I grind mine in our coffee grinder)
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional- hand held chopper)

Directions:

preheat oven 375 degrees.

In one bowl mix together first 4 ingredients then adding the next 3.

In a separate bowl mix together remaining ingredients (except walnuts).

Fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Spoon into lined muffin pan or lightly oiled muffin pan. Sprinkle with walnuts if desired.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Great for Breakfast or snack!

Here's another recipe for you to enjoy at snack or lunch time- or supper for that matter:

Chunky Guacamole Sandwich Spread

Ingredients:

2 Large Hass Avocados
1 Medium Tomato, diced (about 3/4 cup- I used 2 roma tomatoes)
1/2 cucumber, peeled, and diced
2 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
2 tbsp finely chopped scallions, chives, or green onion
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp salt

4 slices whole wheat bread

Directions:

In mixing bowl stir together ingredients. Toast bread and spread each piece with a generous 1/2 cup of Chunky Guacamole Spread.

Enjoy!

Hibernation- Did I turn into a bear?...

2010-02-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

Why am I having so much trouble getting out of bed to run in the morning?

I'm still running, but just not in the freezing weather that looms over me outside.

I seem to have entered this hibernation mode where I just want to go to sleep early and sleep late. I really don't like it. I mean I do, but I don't!

I like getting my runs in early and not having to worry about them getting done.

I like the feeling once I'm out there.

I like how doing it early gets it out of the way and doesn't take precious time during the day away from my sweeties- hubby included as a sweetie.

I LOVE the feeling when I run early and get it done and have the rest of the day before me!

I think once it warms a little I'll get my stuff together- but I worry.

MUST. RUN. EARLY.

Get it together woman. Sheeeesh!

BMI- Body Mass Index- Are you in a healthy range?...

2010-02-01T07:46:00.000-08:00

Go HERE to find out if you are in a healthy weight range.

The Calculator will let you know if you are in a healthy weight range for your height.

Remember that it doesn't take things like muscle and stuff like that into consideration, but it is still beneficial to have an idea of where you are for your height and weight.

Here's to Healthy living!

Success Story on Cathe...

2010-01-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

I've talked about it enough that I'm sure you all know, but just in case here it goes- I'm a huge fan of Cathe Friedrich. She's my workout Hero!

In the past 2 years since I had my sweet baby girl

-(Who by the way- is Celebrating 2 years today! Happy Birthday Sweet little girl! We love you!)-

Cathe has helped me shed many unwanted lbs, gain new and happier outlooks on my life, and even given me the desire to get back into other exercising like- running and yoga.

I visit her site occasionally just to see what new things are going on in Cathe land.

The site is having a Success Story Contest with the Winner winning $100 to spend on Cathe stuff- Well I have been dying to buy her new STS 3 month Series that is for muscle gains and her STS Shock Cardio Series. So needless to say I could really use $100 dollars to go towards these purchases right?!
Go Check out my Success story HERE and even though I don't know if it matters- Leave me comments there in case they choose the winner according to number of comments! Thanks!

And if you don't know who Cathe is- you should check her out! Order her DVDs or Yay- she's on Fit TV! Lucky you right!?!!

Have a great day! I'm off to run 10 miles on the treadmill- Ugh!!! I mean- YAY! - HA!

Spicy African Yam Soup

2010-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here's another great-healthy recipe.

As always I tripled it and put the extras in the freezer to be enjoyed at later date.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 large sweet potato precooked in oven and then peeled
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup chunky salsa
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans or cook 5 oz. of your own dry beans (5 oz. dry beans makes 15 oz. cooked), drained
1 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup cooked whole grain rice
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (I tripled the recipe and used 1/2 jar of crunchy all natural peanut butter)
1 tbsp jalapenos
ground red pepper to taste

Directions

Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Saute onion, sweet potato, and garlic until onion is soft. Turn down heat and stir if necessary to prevent burning.
Stir in the vegetable broth, thyme and cumin. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in salsa, jalapenos, red pepper, garbanzo beans and zucchini. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Using a hand held mixer blend slightly.
Stir in the cooked rice and peanut butter until the peanut butter has dissolved. Serve hot.

Enjoy the Healthy Goodness!

Changing the world one bite at a time...

2010-01-23T09:56:00.001-08:00

In the past year my family's eating habits have changed drastically.

We have stopped buying or eating meat at home.

I don't buy white flour- white sugar- Honestly I don't buy many things that are packaged.

I buy my eggs and milk locally.

Have you ever read the things that are in your foods?

YOU CAN'T PRONOUNCE MOST OF THE THINGS IN THEM!

It's scary.

I don't know about you- but I don't want to eat things that I don't even know what they are!- and I for sure don't want my children eating them!

Did you know that cows shouldn't eat corn? Did you know that their bodies can't process it? Did you know that they cram them into stalls and have them eat- not grass- but guess what: CORN and, oh yeah, antibiotics- to help them stay alive longer in order to eat more CORN-

Why?

So that they can get bigger- faster and so that someone's wallet can get bigger- faster.

Eat Local.

Eat Fresh.

Eat in Season.

You'll be amazed at how good you'll feel.

If you want to learn more about what is going into your body do some Research.

Some Great Books are:
Fast Food Nation, The Omnivores Dilemma, In the Defense of Food

Some great Movies are:
Food, Inc. and Fresh

Go HERE to check out the trailer for Food, Inc.

Go Here to check out the trailer for Fresh.

Get Educated- Make a difference- not only at your own dinner table, for your own family- but for the world!

Argentine Lentil Stew- Yummy and Healthy!

2010-01-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

This Recipe is so good and Good For YOU!!!

We loved it! I doubled the recipe and put the leftovers in the freezer for another time!

It is great for those cold, winter nights- It will warm you right up!

Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 cup dry lentils
* 1 quart vegetable broth
* 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 large onion, diced
* 1 carrot, sliced
* 1 medium apple - peeled, cored and diced
* 1 large sweet potato - peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1 large clove garlic
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup barbeque sauce (I used corky's)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* ground red pepper to taste
* salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place the lentils and veg broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.

2. Stir the tomatoes, onion, s. potato, carrot, apple, peas, garlic, olive oil, barbeque sauce, and paprika into the pot. Continue to simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper to serve.

I don't eat or cook meat at home, but I'm sure if you just had to have it- some chicken might taste okay in this recipe. But I thought it was wonderful just the way it is!

Exercises for the Core...

2010-01-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

In this video I'm showing 2 advanced core exercises using an exercise ball. The first shown is a pike on the ball and of the 2 it is more advanced.

Both take concentration and core strength.

Be careful and if you don't succeed just keep trying!

Do the second one shown and then as you get stronger you can try the first one (the pike).

If both are too advanced just start out with your feet on the ball in the start position (or plank pose) and hold that for 10 to 20 seconds. As you get stronger- hold it longer. Once you master that- try these!

Good luck! You can do it!

Weights Aren't Just For Body Builders Anymore...

2010-01-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

This is a great article on the benefits of lifting weights.

I love to lift weights.

It gives definition to your muscles.

It keeps you from having that soft/skinny look- I mean who wants to be skinny but still look soft?

It promotes afterburn- you know- when your muscles continue to burn up calories and stuff post workout.

It gives strength to your runs.

Here's a little taste of what this great article has to offer (but I strongly suggest you read the whole thing- it's got a lot of good info):

Weight training is anaerobic and therefore burns carbohydrates (sugar). Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, cycling, step classes, or stairclimbing are aerobic and therefore burn fat. So it seems logical to focus on aerobic training for fat loss. However, something interesting happens "beneath the surface" when you lift weights. Weight training increases your lean body mass - aerobic training does not. Low calorie dieting and aerobic training without weight lifting can make you lose muscle - in fact, it can actually make you fatter! If you lose lean body mass, your metabolism slows down, and this makes it easier to gain fat. If you increase your lean body mass, you increase your metabolic rate. And the faster your metabolism is, the more fat you'll burn all day long - even while you're sleeping! This explains why bodybuilders, who have extremely high muscle to fat ratios, can stay lean year round without doing much aerobic work.

Go forth and feel the BURN!!!

Stronger Core= Stronger Run?

2010-01-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

(in case you were wondering this is not me- however much I might wish it.)

I've read and I believe that a stronger core can make for a stronger runner.

A lot of the time towards the end of long runs form can start to suffer.

Shoulders round.

Arms droop.

The core fatigues.

I love to do core workouts.

It started with 30 minutes of Cathe Friedrich ab workouts a couple times a week.

Then I was teaching a 30 minute core workout twice a week.

I've seen a drastic change in my core strength.

I think it is so important.

I think I'll start sharing little clips of great Core Exercises- starting tomorrow.

It can make for a stronger runner- a stronger person- and if I'm being completely honest and vain- it can help with the whole flab to fab process too- I'm just sayin'.

Anyhoo- until tomorrow!

Loser?...Maybe - Happier?...For sure.

2010-01-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well I'm a big wiener.

Yeah- you read right. I said wiener.

I've made the executive decision to run only the half marathon in Little Rock in May.

Why you might ask?

I don't really know.

Scared?...maybe

Not Ready?...maybe

Don't want to run that much for the next 2 months?...pretty sure that's part of it.

There were many factors, but he bottom line was that I just wasn't enjoying the thought or the process. So, I decided to stick with the half on this one.

There are many full marathons- will I run one some day?...maybe-maybe not, but when and if I do I want to be ready for it and I'm just not this time.

I feel good about it and I really feel like that's all that matters.

So there! - HA - just kiddin'.

Aerobics...

2009-12-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Cathe Friedrich

I love aerobics. I find it to be fun and a good workout. My favorite is Cathe Frierich on Fit TV.

She's real.

She's not fake acting and overly perky.

She uses equipment that I've actually heard of.

She's helped me along the road I've taken to lose 40 lbs.

I was actually doing her for months before I started running.

I'm a Cathathlete and I'm proud of it.

Cathe Friedrich- this is to you- THANKS!

Walking on the Long Run: For or Against?...

2009-12-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Today I ran 15 miles.

I found it to be hard to say the least.

My husband and my most wonderful friend, Yvonne, ran it with me.

My husband is anti-walk on any run (okay maybe I shouldn't say that- he walks for about 1 minute at the halfway point to drink his gatorade). I however feel like a short little walk during the last couple of miles of my run gives me a new mindset and makes me feel better. So because my husband feels the way he does about it sometimes I feel guilty when I stop to take my little walks.

I've read in magazines that it is okay to walk here and there on the long run.

So here is the question- When running the long run are you for the walk or against the walk?

What do you think the pros and cons are?

Do you yourself do it?

I'm also curious to know of some ideas for snacks on the long run. I'm pretty freakish about the things I eat. I'm all about the clean eating. So processed snacks don't interest me at all. Last week I ate orange slices (pretty good), today I did raisins (probably not again). Any other ideas for me?

Okay- so that's it- The Long run- walking during it- for or against? ( and when I say walk I mean for about 30 seconds to a minute on every mile for the last 2 or 3- if you do it different I would like to know about it- I'm interested).

Granola- Hungry Mom Style...

2009-12-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Diary,

HERE is a fabulous recipe for homemade granola:

Hungry Mom's Changes are as follows:

1) I used 1 cup applesauce for the 1 cup oil

2) Instead of one full cup of walnuts and 1 cup pecans I did 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup pecans and I added 1 cup pumpkin seeds

3) I didn't have maple syrup so I added a little extra brown sugar and honey.

4) I cooked mine at 300 degrees for about 40 minutes stirring about every 10 minutes or so.

YUMMY!

So Get Cookin' Hungry Moms- So you can get to eatin'!!!

I ran 4 miles this morning. Last night I made my aerobics class lift heavier than normal- it was nice to feel the burn- It hurt so good! We have 15 miles tomorrow. It's gonna be great!

Happy Friday to Ya!

Marathon Training Schedule...

2009-12-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

So this is what my training schedule is looking like for the next 3 months:

December:
Week 1: 3-3-3-14
Week 2: 4-7-4-15
Week 3: 4-7-4-11
Week 4: 4-8-4-17
Week 5: 5-8-5

For a total of: 130 miles

January:
Week 1: 18
Week 2: 5-8-5-13
Week 3: 5-5-5-20
Week 4: 5-8-5-12
Week 5: 5-5-5-20

Total for month: 149

February:
Week 1: 5-6-5-12
Week 2: 5-8-5-20
Week 3: 5-5-5-12
Week 4: 4-5-4-8

Total: 114

March:
Week 1: 3-3-2-MARATHON!!!

The rest of the month will be up in the air.

After the marathon I would like to start training to run a 5k in June in under 22 minutes. So that means that whatever program I pick it will include lots of hills and speed work- which I've never done but am looking forward to trying out.

Today I plan to bake it up. Pancakes, Granola Bars, Bread, Muffins- I can't wait!

Happy running and eating all!

Make things happen...

2009-12-05T08:48:00.000-08:00

Good thoughts are no better than good dreams, unless they get executed.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes it's tough to put our thoughts into action, but it is possible.

I never would have thought that I could run a 1/2 marathon, and now here I am 2 weeks post race and I am starting my marathon training this week.

I run 14 miles tomorrow. It will be the furthest I've run ever. period.

I've been super sore since the race. My knees are crying out daily. I'm nervous about how my body is going to hold up through out my marathon training. (if anyone has any tips I'm open for whatever you got!)

I've not really had a great run in weeks. Why?

-is it the weather?

-is it the soreness in my knees?

-is it my attitude?

-is it the horrible way I've been eating the past few weeks?

I don't know, but whatever it is I need to have a good run. I feel myself getting frustrated and I don't want to let myself go there.

Maybe I just need to have happy-good run thoughts and then put those thoughts into action!

I think- No I know- that 14 miles will be great and I"ll feel great!

Happy running and eating this week!

Half Marathon Survival Tips...

2009-11-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Our traditional pre-race photo

Dear Diary,

I did it!

My friend Yvonne did it!

My loving husband, Nolan, did it!

We all survived our first 1/2 marathon!

Yay!!!

We got to Tulsa Saturday night and hit the hay early.

We woke up around 5:45 a.m. so that we could grab a small bite to eat and hit the road to the race. I ate a piece of toast with some peanut butter and drank a glass of water.

The race started at 7:30 a.m. and we got there about 6:30 a.m. It gave us enough time to look around, hit the bathrooms, stretch, and just relax.

My friend, Yvonne, and I started with the 9 minute mile grouping, while the hubs headed to the 8 minute. We tried to make our way over to the 9 minute mile pacer but it was so crowded we couldn't get over to them. So we decided we would catch them once things cleared out a little. Well, they made it out before us. So we spent about the first 4 miles trying to catch them.

I felt great the first 6 miles. 7 and 8 were fine, but for some reason at mile 8 I felt like I could fall out. I have never felt so bad while running. My whole body was miserable and I just wanted to stop, but amazingly I kept my feet moving. By mile marker 11 I started to feel somewhat better but only minimally. I did finish though! Yay!

2:00:55- that was my time.

I crossed the finish line with my friend Yvonne, holding hands, with our hands held high.

Even though my body was tired- I felt amazing! and so happy, proud, elated, and pumped!

It was the best feeling ever!

It's kind of like child birth- I've already forgotten about the hard-hurting part and I'm already ready for another one!

Hubs did great- He finished in 1:41. I'm so proud of him!

My only complain about the race would be that after mile 9 we never saw a water station again. Which really made me angry since I thought at mile 12 I was going to die if I didn't get water!!!

But on a high note they did have a live band at every single mile marker which was so cool!

My 10k split was 53 minutes- which means that I slowed considerably the second half, but that will give me something to work on for next time.

And no one told me how sore I would be afterwards!

OMGoodness!- I felt and at moments am still feeling like my knees are going to fall apart any moment!

Running since race:
Monday and Tuesday- Rest
Wednesday- 3 miles
Thursday (turkey day)- 5.5 miles
Friday- Rest

Eating:
I've been pigging out- hasn't everyone?

Here are some pics from the fabulous day:

Before the race- Yvonne and Me

Me and my man

Nolan finishing

Yvonne and Me-almost there

The Finishers...

Me reliving how I felt around mile 8...

I love this man...

This guy was racing another guy for the Guiness Book of World Records- Record for the fastest Baby. They were both pushing their babies in strollers while running marathons. You can see his time behind him- He not only broke the record but won the entire marathon as well. The other stroller pusher came in second about 2 minutes behind this guy!...

Yvonne's biggest fan- her husband, John

Waiting in line for our massage and stretch- so awesome!

The metal- and yes everyone gets one- but still so cool to me...

Yum!!!...

We did it! Yay!!!

Next up: 9 mile Trail Race at Devil's Den State Park

Happy Running and Turkey Day!

2009-11-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

With my upcoming 1/2 marathon on Saturday I thought this quote I found was super appropriate:

Recognize your victories.

-Joan Benoit Samuelson

I think so often in running people get discouraged or they compare themselves to others they see running.

I run with two wonderful women and I am always trying to remind them of how far we have come.

This past May is when we started our running journey (I've run before but this was the first time in a while). The fact that we started running- Victory

We started with 8 women and within a month we were down to the 3 of us.
-Victory

We did a Couch to a 5k program, and now 6 months later we are getting ready to run our first, of hopefully many, 1/2 marathons. -Victory

Are we the fastest?
-No

Will we win?
-No

Will we have the best form?
-probably not

Will we finish and try our hardest?
-Yes- Victory.

So even when you aren't the one crossing the finish line first- There are victories.

What are yours?

Upcoming Race- Recipes- and Busy, Busy!

2009-11-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Dear wonderful, almost forgotten Diary,

It has been so long.

I love your new look.

I've been so busy w/ projects, running, cooking, and I'm self teaching myself how to sew.

For my lovely new sewing projects (and they are mighty cuuuttee!) go HERE.

I have so many new recipes to share.

Where to start?

HERE's the recipe for a tasty little Greek pizza w/ spinach, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.

My changes- and you know there were some- are as follows:

1) I added the whole jar of kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

I also made my own pizza crust, but I'm not going to share the recipe because it wasn't all that great to be honest.

I'd give this pizza (aside from the crust) a 8 out of 10.

HERE is one of my all time favorite recipes for Granola Bars.

Changes:

1) applesauce for butter

2) also add 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

3) I add only rainsins

4) I use whole almonds

Delicious!!!

Recipe #3 is for Whole Wheat Blueberry pancakes. Check them out HERE.

I've made these 2 times and did them different both times.

1st time changes:

1) Brown sugar for artificial sweetener

2) 2% milk and more than 1 cup because I like them thinner

3) tsp of vanilla

2nd time changes:

1) Brown sugar for artificial sweetener

2) tsp vanilla

3) 1/2 cup oatmeal and 1/4 cup wheat germ

4) soy milk for milk

Both times I used NO syrup, but you can if you want:

This is a great recipe for homemade syrup:

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water

put all in saucepan and bring to boil. stir. serve when sugars are melted.

Results: Next time I will stick with 1st time changes. The soy milk made them taste too different and the oatmeal made them kind of mushy. #1 is the way to go.

I also doubled this recipe cooked them all, put them in the freezer on a cookie sheet layered with wax paper and froze them. I then put them in freezer bags and now when we want pancakes we can just pull them out and pop them in the toaster.

My Half Marathon is this upcoming Sunday in Tulsa.

I am so excited and nervous!

I know I'm ready though. We followed our training program to a T. Never straying- not even once.

This week we are tapering.

I'm so READY!!!

I love running so much. The girls I run with are great. I love running with the hubs too. It has made me stronger is so many different ways. I'm so thankful for it.

I also have aerobics tomorrow (I teach it). I'll take it easier than normal on them- they're lucky.

I'm busy- but happy.

Times are good!

Homemade Tortillas...

2009-11-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

Are a pain in the butt to make!

Okay- really they're only a pain in the butt if you make 30 like I did.

I think I'm going to have carpal tunnel for life now from rolling those suckers out!

Why was I putting myself through this torture you ask?

Besides the fact that I'm convinced that preservatives are the evil behind cancer and obesity- I just wanted to enjoy the goodness that is fresh and homemade of course.

And I love to cook.

What other reason is there?

So without further ado here is the recipe for the pain inflicting beasts: HERE

These are my changes:

I replaced the 1/2 cup shortening with 1/2 cup olive oil, but next time I will do 3/4 cup oil (they were a little dry- which is why they were so hard to roll out. I might also add a little more water until they are just a little tacky. )

HERE is what I filled them with (Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos). I doubled the recipe, filled all of the tortillas and put all the tasty-healthy extras in the freezer because they are wonderful to grab on the go or for hubs to grab on days there are no leftovers.

My changes:

1) I used black beans in the place of kidney beans. I used dry ones that I had cooked all day in the crock pot.

2) I added the seasonings to the onion and garlic when I was sauteing.

3) I mixed the sweet potatoes and bean mixture together in the bowl before adding it to the tortillas.

4) I used fat free cheddar cheese in the burritos.

5) next time I will use vegetable broth instead of the water it calls for.

I also had some of the sweet potato/bean filling leftover. I put it in the freezer and I plan to use it for breakfast sometime with eggs and salsa and avocado...YUM!

Get to cookin'! It'll be worth every bite!!!

Running:

11/03- 4.5 miles
11/04- 5.5 miles

It felt great! I untied the top lace of my shoe and my ankle felt so much better. I think it must be a nerve or something.

Have a great day- Get out and get movin'!!!

Weekend Run...

2009-11-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

The hubster and I headed out yesterday for a nice 12 mile run. We were visiting family in Tulsa so we hit up a great trail there. We headed out nice and early. The sun was just coming up...

I felt really great about the first 5 or 6 miles, but about mile 6 I started feeling some soreness in the ole knees and a little in the hips. The top side of my left ankle is giving me some grief too (I only notice it when I tie my shoes up and when I run). Does anyone have any wonderful advice on how to make it stop hurting? I iced it and my knees last night and plan to again today.

It was just us and the cows- who, by the way, kept looking at us like we were crazy!...

Almost back to the house on mile 11 and still smiling!...

This week I start tapering off in order to start getting ready for my 1/2 marathon in less than 3 weeks. I'm so ready, but still super nervous all the same!

To all of you that had races this past weekend- Great Job- you inspire me!

Confessions:

1) I ruined part of our run by fussing at the hubs. I was cranky, I don't know why. Sometimes I need to pull it together and have my booty kicked around I think.

2) I ate my weight in pizza today. There is no excuse for the gluttony that took place in that pizza restaurant!

3) I hate Sonic for the power that their Butterfinger Blast has over me.

All shameful, but all true...

Have a great day!!!

Vegetarian Fruity Curry Chicken Salad and a tasty Smoothie...

2009-10-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Last night we ate some super yummy Vegetarian Fruity Curry Chicken Salad.

HERE's the recipe.

and these are the changes I made to it:

-I didn't have any celery so it didn't get added, but next time I will make sure to have some for the added crunch.

-I added tofu in the place of chicken and this is what I did to it so that it would taste like chicken (and we couldn't tell the difference- I promise!):
-First I drained it
-then I sliced it about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
-I then placed wax paper on a cookie sheet
-Put the tofu slices on the cookie sheet
-placed it in the freezer for 24 hours (I did mine uncovered)
-after 24 hours pull out and thaw
-sprinkle with salt and cover with paper towels to soak up moisture (you will have to change out paper towels a few times to get most of the moisture)
-put a little over 1 tbsp of olive oil in skillet and brown both sides of tofu (until golden brown)
-cut into small cubes and add to salad

-The same day I put the tofu into the freezer I also went ahead and made the salad minus the tofu of course and let it sit, covered in my fridge until the next night's supper when we were ready to eat it. It allows the flavors to combine.

-and the next time I do it I will probably wait and add my toasted pecans right before we eat it because they were soft from sitting overnight.

We ate ours with homemade bread but it would be great with crackers or by its self too! Enjoy!

And this is a great smoothie recipe (it's my own creation):

Ice- I usually like about 6 cubes to get it to
the consistency I like- I like it nice and thick.
3 oz. pineapple juice
1/4 cup milk or 1/2 cup sow milk
1 tbsp wheat germ
1/4 scoop sow protein
1 tbsp honey
1 small banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries

Place in blender or smoothie maker and blend until nice and smooth.

This is great! My kids love it because it's sweet and delicious, but not sweet with bad stuff. We enjoy it for breakfast or for a snack!

You can also have fun with it and add different fruits (I would stick with the banana though it is what gives it the punch of sweetness it needs). I've used strawberries, raspberries- or mix them all!

Enjoy!!!

Born To Run...

2009-10-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Have you read this book?

You should.

It was amazing.

It was motivating.

It was inspiring.

It made me want to lace up the ole sneakers and go run 50 miles.

It made me want to be a trail runner.

It made me want to be a runner for life.

Good stuff.

Good stuff.

Speaking of Trail Running- I'm super pumped because the hubs and
I are going to be running a 9 mile trail race in December.
Ssswwweeetttt!

Running so far this week:

Monday: Rest from 13 mile Sunday run (my ankle is giving me some grief)
Tuesday: 4.5 miles
Wednesday: 6.4 miles

Other fabulous excercise:

Tuesday: 1 hour Aerobics class and 30 minute ab class and Yoga
Wednesday: 1 hour leg and shoulder workout

If you think of it send up some super, wonderful thoughts for my good running buddy, Yvonne. She's struggling with some hip trouble. She's supposed to run the 1/2 marathon in 3 weeks with me. I need her to be healthy! She's worked way to hard to get to this point to be sidelined by injuries! Bummer!

Happy Running and Eating All!

Oh yeah- I'm trying out a new recipe tonight...I'll let you know how it works out. Bye!

5k Results and Some Slammin' Scary News...

2009-10-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

The good news is I ran my 5k faster than I've ever ran it - the bad news is I missed my goal of under 25 minutes by 31 seconds.

So I ran in 25:31.

Bummer.

But I still feel good about it considering I ran really hard and it was a super hilly race- it was also my 3rd 5k ever and it was a 2 minute improvement from my last race.

So it can only look up from here- right?!

Hubby ran hard too. He reached his goal of under 22 minutes w/ a time of 21:30- I think.

I was so proud of him!

This is my fun new shirt I got for free at last weekends race...

This is what really, super tired legs look like in case you were wondering.

The Happy Racin' Couple...

The gorgeous hubs and I went on a nice little run yesterday (13 miles- 1 hour 56 min 25 sec). We went on the prettiest route. The fall foliage was so amazing and it was so great to have that time with him just talking and running. Was a little sore afterward but feeling pretty good about it overall.

And here's my Super, Slammin', Scary news...

Nolan and I are officially signed up for it!

Yay!

Scary!

Exciting!

OMGoodness!

Help me!

Yes!

Many different emotions with this being my first marathon ever.

But overall- the emotion is Stoked!

Happy Running and Eating All!

Looming 5k...

2009-10-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I'm sitting in the floor of my son's room with a blanket over my legs hovering over the heater- it ain't summer anymore- I'm just sayin'.

I'm thinking about the 5k race I run in a little over an hour.

My goal is under 25 minutes.

I've only been running since May and even that started out as a run/walk- the no walking didn't even start until the end of June.

I ran my first 5k in August. My time was around 27- 28 minutes.

Is under 25 too extreme of a goal for today? Am I setting myself up for failure? Will I take off too fast and fizzle? What is the trail like? Will it kick my butt within the first mile?

There's a race and then a fun run? Should I except the fact that maybe I'm just a "fun runner"?

I want to be a racer - but if you come in last are you still considered a racer?

I just feel like if I am to reach my goal then I need to be with the faster crowd. I think it will push me and make me dig a little deeper.

I'm nervous to say the least.

But I've always been pretty good at getting my "game face" on when the time comes.

So today- I race.

Even if it is just against myself.

Because if I'm being totally honest with myself- that's why I started this running/racing journey anyway...

To see how far I can push myself.

To better myself.

To become more confident.

To have something that is just for me.

To get better and see improvement.

and okay- maybe to lose a little weight too, but whatever.

Today- I race.

Under 25 minutes- I'm comin' for ya!

True Confessions:

2009-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I confess- I did it:

1) Yes I did eat french fries, a butterfinger blast, and jalapeno bites from Sonic for lunch and strangely I feel pretty good about it.

2) I bought some workout clothes with some grocery money the other day- I suppose we could always eat them if worse came to worse.

3) After I run I always weigh myself. I know it's not accurate because I just lost a load of water weight from all the sweating, but it's always a smaller number and secretly (although not secret now) gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.

4) I have the lingerie from my wedding night hanging in my closet and I try it on occasionally (I mean try it on not for any "special" reason -get your mind out of the gutter- Jeez!) just to make sure I can still get it on.

5) I try to tell myself that the reason I exercise is for that great feeling it gives me (you know- the exercise high), and yes sometimes that is why, but if I'm being completely honest it's also to see my boobs and butt lifted- even if it is ever so slightly. A girl has to fight gravity ya know.

6) Can you be vegetarian and still eat meat about twice a month? Or am I a liar?

7) I used to have a secret stash of dark chocolate m&ms until my husband found them and ate them all. I find myself thankful that they are gone, but at the same time a little annoyed that he didn't just get his own.

8) Sometimes I eat ice cream just to get it off of my mind. It haunts me!

9) Sometimes I stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom (long mirror) and clench my butt cheeks together in hopes that they will stay that way. So far many failed attempts.

10) It's 2:30 and I'm still in my pajamas. I even went to Wal-Mart like this. Why is it that I workout to get all in shape just to sit around in pajamas or workout clothes all the time? Jeez get it together woman!

I did these things. I'm doing these things. I feel better now for sharing.

Blog Redo- Look at this blog- I need to win!

2009-10-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

I need to WIN this blog redo! And Hil is a super great blog redoer-
I should know because she so did my other blog for me twice!

Click on the super cute button to go check it out!

Black Beans are the Magical Fruit...

2009-10-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here's another great recipe: Black Beans a la Olla

I didn't do anything to alter this (actually my sweet husband cooked them). I think it was pretty simple and straight forward.

This dish is an Argentinian dish and is meant to be eaten with rice. So we enjoyed ours with some brown rice. They would also be tasty wrapped in a whole grain or wheat tortilla. Which brings me to how I really enjoyed them-

The day after we had them I ate them leftover and this is what I did:

I scrambled 3 egg whites with 1/4 cup fat free cheddar cheese.

I warmed about 1/2 cup Black Beans a la Olla.

I placed the beans in a bowl then the cooked egg whites on top of that, then I diced 1/4 avocado over that and then about 4 TSP salsa on top.

It was Black Beans a la Olla Breakfast Style and it was SO STINKIN' YUMMY!!!

I also did it the next day but crammed everything into a tortilla- Still fabulosso!

So get to Cookin'!

10K Race

2009-10-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Diary,

The day of my 10k race started off with a bang when my sweet baby girl woke me up at 4 a.m. wondering around the inside of my parents house looking for me while yelling out "Mama! Mama!" (we stayed the night before the race w/ my parents since it was closer to their house than ours).

While up I realized that my throat was killing me so decided to check it out with a flashlight and I'm tellin' ya it weren't pretty!

So I never really went back to sleep and then around 6 a.m. my loving husband woke me up (or got me out of bed anyway) to start getting ready.

We parked our car and caught the shuttle to the race site.

Here we are looking all bright eyed and bushy tailed on the shuttle ride over...

My running buddy, Yvonne, arrived and we had a little time for some pre-race pics.
Just so ya know - it was Freezing!...

Me and my main squeeze all bundled up and ready to go...

Over 600 runners! Can you see me- HA!...

Nolan is the one in the black and red...

About at mile 4.5 here and wishing the stupid ipod was working!...

Go Yvonne! Her husband and son were nice enough to be our photographers and cheerleaders...

Almost to the finish line- what form (if you look real close at my shoes you can see how horribly muddy it was!)...

Watch the video to see me "blaze" on through the finish line- HA! I told my husband that I felt like I had really sped up here on the straightaway to the finish line and he laughed at me- watch and you'll be able to see why! It looks like I'm practically crawling!...

Yay! We did it!!!...

Yvonne with her husband, John, and son, Shane...

I felt pretty good throughout the race despite feeling pretty funky that morning.

My time: 54:16 minutes- I had hoped to break 51 minutes, but maybe next year. Of 39 in my age group (25 yrs-29 yrs) I came in 12th, and of 201 women I came in 88th.

Nolan's time: 44 something minutes

Yvonne's time: 56 something minutes

This picture I took in the car after the race on our way to the doctor. I ended up with Strep Throat. Can you believe that? So maybe next time I won't have Strep and I'll reach my goal! I can do it!!!

I love running!!!

Ideas that my stomach thinks are swell...

2009-10-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Okay so here are a few ideas that I follow that seem to help me in my attempt to not over feed my stomach:

1) Instead of using the big plates for our meals we use the salad plates that came with my dishes. This way I can feel it up and it isn't too much ya know.

2) I never bring the whole dish of whatever I made to the table. I used to and it never failed that after I ate what was on my plate I continued to get more because it was just so handy being right there. Sometimes I even fix our plates and then put the leftovers away before we eat.

3) I do not- I repeat- Do Not eat my children's leftovers. If they don't eat it then it goes into the fridge where it can be eaten by them at the next appointed eating time. I used to do this and there is seriously no telling how many extra calories I took in doing so.

4) I freeze a lot of food. If I didn't then I would force myself to eat whatever it was so that it wouldn't go bad (this includes breads, muffins, and cookies- as for the cookies I freeze them raw and throw them into the oven to cook when I need a power cookie).

5) When we go out to eat we share (Yes- all four of us share one meal), and I always walk away satisfied and not guilty!

That's all I got right now, but these things have really helped us.

HERE is the totally fun and super tasty recipe for African Peanut Soup that I promised you. I promise you it is nothing weird and it is so yummy! And if you like trying new things then it will be just perfect for you!

And of course it just wouldn't be a recipe I tried unless I altered it just a tad. So these are my changes:

I added a 1/2 teaspoon chili powder instead of 1/4 tsp.

I added 1 cup brown rice instead of 1/2 cup.

I also added the rice at the same time it said to add the veg. broth and other goodies. I then brought it all to a very brief boil and then let it simmer for about 40 minutes and then added the peanut butter letting it cook until the peanut butter was nice and smoothed in.

I used all natural, chunky peanut butter (you know the kind that you have to stir the oil and butter together).

It was probably one of the best soups I've ever eaten! Yum, Yum! We enjoyed it with a nice spinach and tomato salad and the boiled egg was for my sweet little girl...

Enjoy!

I run in a 10k (6.4 miles) tomorrow. My goal is to run it in 51 minutes or less. If you could send up a little cheer for me I know I'll sense it- Thanks!

Sassy Running...

2009-10-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

SASSY!

SASSY!

I just love that word don't you?

My friend, Robin, who is also a runner brought it to my attention that even while running we can still be stylish.

She's thinking about making her style statement in these bad boys...

Arm Warmers.

Are they a Do or a Don't?

Even if you think it's a don't you have to agree...They are a little SASSY right?!

I say go for it!

They're stinkin' cute, and anything that serves the dual purpose of keeping you warm while also looking super fly and SASSY- Is OK in my book!

S-T-U-P-I-D RAIN!!!

2009-10-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

Okay- Besides the fact that we now have a leak in the roof from all of the psycho rain I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this is another day I've not been able to go running!

Okay so - YES - technically I was supposed to run yesterday and not today, but yesterday I felt like my leg was going to have to be amputated from my 10 mile run on Sunday.

I needed the rest okay!!!

Sorry.

I'm not getting testy with you- it's the little voices in my head that are yelling at me telling me I'm a slacker. I'm not! Get off my back!

(I'm really not crazy)

Anyhoo, I did eat good yesterday and do yoga so that's something right? Aerobics Class tonight will be good and if the rain will allow it then we will run tonight or in the morning.

I mean we HAVE GOT TO run! We run a 10k Saturday! Frankly saying I'm a nervous wreck about:

my leg hurting,

not running yesterday,

it raining now,

and the race looming over me like a big looming hard race-

would be a slight understatement!

I need yoga...I'm going to do yoga right now.

p.s. On a not quite so hysterical note- in honor of Columbus Day yesterday we decided to do some exploring ourselves and we set off on a great journey to explore the great food of Africa last night. So I have a super tasty recipe for African Peanut Soup to share with you later today! bye~

Survival...

2009-10-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I go out and run I feel like I could run forever. I feel good, strong, fresh, and like I was meant to run!

Today however went a little like this:

Blah

Ouch

Oh my goodness

Is that my knee popping?

Look at that hill!

Now it's my hip

Did a bus just hit me?

What? I'm only at 3 miles!

I need a bathroom!

Better!

Never mind.

Maybe I could put my thumb up and get a ride.

Lord help me.

4 more miles

Help me!

Pain.

Hurt.

Ooohhhhh.

2 more miles.

Did my leg just fall off?

I still have two legs. Good.

I wish my legs would just go ahead and fall off.

1 more mile

I can do it.

No. No I can't

Yes. Yes I can.

Almost there.

Right around this corner.

My knees and hips!

Did I turn 100 and forget about it?

Ouch.

Hurt.

DO Not fall over- you won't get up!

YES!!! To that light and I'm done!

3 steps.

2.

1.

VICTORY!

10 miles.

I survived.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-10-09T04:01:00.001-07:00

Dear Diary,

I'm supposed to be running right now.

It's raining.

So now I'm going to have to squeeze it in today or tomorrow.

Today I'll have to push a jogging stroller.

Tomorrow is the day before I have to run 10 miles.

Blah.

Stinkin' Rain's raining on my parade!

What was it thinking?

I mean seriously.

Healthy Can taste Good...

2009-10-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

I made some super tasty spinach and artichoke lasagna last night.

Confession: It was so tasty that I ate WAY too much of it, but you know what? I do really good all the time so it's okay every once in a while. (however the sonic blast that I talked myself into going out and buying after dinner not such a great idea- It was so good though!)

Today is a new day!

Here's the recipe. It's full of good healthy stuff so (unlike myself) if you can keep from over doing it- it's some healthy goodness fur ya!

Artichoke and Spinach Lasagna:

Go Here for the recipe but these are the changes I made to it:

I did not boil my noodles (they cooked in the oven)
I didn't have any fresh rosemary so I used 1 tsp dried basil and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary instead
I only used about 3/4 of the veg. broth (it will be to juicy otherwise)
I used homemade spaghetti sauce
I couldn't find garlic and herb feta cheese so I made my own. I bought plain feta and then added these dried herbs: thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and garlic powder

Thawing and draining the spinach...

My feta cheese concoction...

The layering process...

It was so amazing!...

This was my first serving w/ a nice spinach and tomato salad...

Best Breakfast Cookie:
Go HERE for the recipe. Here are my alterations:

I only did 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
I also added 1/2 cup cocoa powder for a chocolate taste
I did 4 cups whole wheat flour instead of the all purpose flour
I added 4 scoops of Soy protein to up the protein
Instead of 1/4 cup canola oil and 1/2 cup prune puree I did 1 cup applesauce (because I did all whole wheat I added more to make them more moist)
I didn't have any walnuts or apricots so I did 1 cup raisins and 1 cup chocolate chips

This recipe (with my changes) is full of good-healthy stuff! You don't have to feel bad for letting your kiddos eat cookies for breakfast (although we usually just do afternoon snack with them).

When I make them again I will probably leave out the cocoa and do either raisins or chocolate chips- Not both together.

The Dough...

I rolled them all into golf ball sized balls and then flattened them out with my palms, cooked a few for us to eat right away, and put the rest on this cookie sheet separated by wax paper, and stuck them into the freezer to freeze...

Once they were frozen I had the Kane-man put them into a freezer bag for us. Now when we want them I can pull them out, cook them, and have warm, fresh cookies!

The finished project...

4 scoops means 100 grams of extra protein to my dough. It helps make them more of a meal replacement and since we've pretty much cut out meat we need the extra...

Lunchie Lunch:

Water, Homemade Whole Wheat Bread, Black bean veggie burger w/avocado, dijon mustard, and pickles, and some carrots

Healthy food makes you happy:

1/2 boiled egg (which I bought from a local farmer who doesn't feed his chickens feed w/any antibiotics or chemicals), raisins, carrots, broccoli, whole wheat crackers, apples, and avocado.

Breakfast of some oh so tasty goodness:

Soy milk, peppermint green tea with honey, water, Health Nut Blueberry Banana Muffins (click the link to get the recipe) w/ chunky organic peanut butter, and some grapes. Oh yeah!

Green Chile Hummus:

I used THIS recipe but instead of roasted red peppers I used a 4 oz can of green chiles. I then topped it with cumin, EV olive oil, and paprika instead of fresh parsley. I have never found garbonzo beans in a can so I cook my own in a small crock pot and then measure out the 15 oz.

And it is YUM, YUM Good!!! We eat it with fresh veggies and whole wheat pitas and sometimes I slap a little on some bread.

So Dive on in and getcha some!

It was Hard...

2009-10-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Yesterday I over did it. I started teaching an aerobics and ab class at a local gym and I wasn't sure how it would go it being my first class ever so I decided to go ahead and do some stuff yesterday morning. I woke up in the middle of the night with the muscles in my lower back just throbbing! I finally had to get out of bed and stretch it out, and it felt so much better.

I had my medium run this morning. After a long night of back pain and both kids waking up and staying awake for a while 5:00 a.m. seemed to come even earlier than normal!

The entire run I felt like I would get into my stride and then immediately hit a brick wall. Over and Over again! But I did it! And even though it was super hard I am so thankful that I gutted it out. Since I have begun this running journey I have learned so much about myself. Here are some things I've learned:

1) I'm so much more physically stronger than I ever imagined
2) I'm mentally stronger than I thought too, and believe me ever run I feel my mental strength being tested- sometimes it seems more than my physical strength.
3) I actually like running
4) It's okay to tell your fellow runners that you're hurting and that you need for them to tell you that you can make it (I'm a silent sufferer)
5) I love the way I feel after a nice long run- I feel- accomplished, proud, cleansed, strong, and on some days even victorious
6) I don't have to listen to those little voices in my head that tell me I can't do it! I can shut them up with the louder voice in my head that says- "Go Girl! You can do it!"

So today was hard, but I overcame. I think it is so amazing to see my body and mind get stronger and healthier. So in lots of ways this was one of my best runs- Because I made it!

2009-10-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

It's 5:59 a.m. I'm sitting on my couch thinking I should get up and workout. For some reason I keep sitting here. Why is it that some days I feel so focused and others I just want to worm my way out? I know I need to and I know how wonderful I feel after I've done my workouts.

I always think about how strong I will be from the weights that I lift or the running and yoga I do, but in all honesty the hardest muscle to workout is my mind. Sometimes it feels so weak. I know I can do it physically but my mind is weak and tells me I can't or I don't want to. I have to tell myself that I am stronger than the little voices that try to get me down. I can- I will- and I'm going to.

So I guess I have to go...I have a workout to do.

***Update***

I got it done! Yay! It's amazing what you can overcome when you set your mind to it!

Recipes

2009-10-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary,

Today I tried out some new recipes. Muffins, Butternut Squash Soup, and Bread.

They all turned out tasty even with the changes I made. That's always nice. Here's the recipes:

Health Nut Blueberry Muffins click HERE

Here's the changes I made:
(I doubled the recipe so that is what the measurements are for)

2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
no white flour- Instead all 100% whole wheat flour
pecans instead of walnuts (just because that's what I had)
no oil- Instead 3 tablespoons applesauce
no buttermilk- instead 2 cups fat free yogurt
no white sugar- instead 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey

Turned out Tasty- Kane ate 2 right out of the oven.

I doubled the recipe. I plan to keep some out and freeze the others for another time.

The Bread recipe I've used a few times- I use it as a base and then add different things to it each time to make it different. It's great for sandwiches, toast, and anything you want to use it for I would guess.

Bread Recipe: HERE

Here are the changes I made and the stuff I added:

I roasted about a cup of pumpkin and sunflower seeds to add while I was kneading

I roasted about a cup and 1/2 of old fashion oats and wheat germ that I then mixed with the ww flour I added while kneading

Replace white flour with all 100% whole wheat flour

4 tablespoons Applesauce in the place of 3 tablespoons butter

I knead for exactly 10 minutes w/ my Kitchen Aid Mixer and while kneading I add the seeds, the 1 and 1/2 cup oatmeal and wheat germ and enough ww flour until just barely sticky to touch.

The Butternut Squash Soup was so stinkin' good (and healthy) it's not even funny! I was so happy with the way it turned out.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe: HERE

Changes:

I baked the squash whole on 350 degrees for a little over 1 hour (until a knife slid through it easily) and then I cut it in half and scooped out the seeds. I then scraped out the insides and put them in my measuring cup (it came out to exactly the 4 cups needed)

Along w/ the other seasonings I also added a pinch of ground red pepper

I left out the cream

I used a hand held mixer to mix it

This was super easy and so good! Because I added the red pepper my son did say it was a little too spicy, so if you choose to do that be aware that it doesn't take much!

Happy Cooking!

Hungry Mom's Walking Challenge (Runners Welcome too)...

2009-10-02T05:21:00.001-07:00

I challenge YOU to walk every week for a month.

10 miles

6 miles

15 miles

8 miles

The point is- It doesn't matter how much you do. Or when...Just do it!

Rules:

1) Pick an amount of mileage that you want to walk each week (it has to be atleast 6 miles- I encourage you to challenge yourself)

2) Sign up with MckLinky

3) Leave a comment letting us know your mileage goal

4) Come back once a week for the next month and let us know how your doing!

Don't we all need a little accountability?

Think about it. Find a Friend or 2 or 3, or 10 and get out and WALK!

Runners are welcome to join in the fun too. Just let
me know you're a runner and
your mileage you're willing to reach for.

Before and After...

2009-10-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was asked to post some before and after pics of myself.

So here goes...

This was me about 3 months after having the baby. I had already lost about 5-10 lbs. here. The pink dress was my Pink Princess dress w/ matching Pink Princess shoes that my sweet son insisted on buying me for my birthday (this was right after he had given it to me. His daddy let him pick it out all by himself.)

So now 17 months later...

These pictures I took this morning before I worked out (you'll have to excuse my no makeup and bead hair. It was 5:30 a.m.. I had just woken up.).

There you have it...Post baby weight loss. With a little work it can be done!

Motivation- Where'd it come from?

2009-09-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share with you the things that keep me motivated to keep exercising and eating healthy.

1) What I do is not a "diet". I have made a life style change. To me the difference is this:

-I do not eat different things than the rest of my family.

-I eat the way I do to be healthy and because I want for my family to be healthy. Losing weight has just been a bonus (when I made this one simple change in thinking it became a lot easier to eat right).

-I do not drink anything "diet" (do you know what they put in that stuff), or eat anything "diet" or fat free (other than dairy products and that is because the fat in dairy is super bad for you).

-I eat all my servings from each food group. There is no cutting out carbs or proteins or eating just grapefruits, or starving. I eat. When your not hungry and not denying yourself food it is much easier to stay the course.

2) I kind of hit on this above, but my husband and children are right there with me. It is motivation for me to make sure that my kids and husband are eating right. I want them to grow up healthy and happy. It will also be easier for them to make healthy eating habits when they are older if they start now (and yes I give them junk sometimes, but not daily- it's called a "treat" for a reason). And I love my husband so I want for him to be here with me for a long time!

-If my kids want a snack they can have fresh fruit, oatmeal w/ honey and fruit, cottage cheese, boiled eggs, almonds, fat free plain yogurt w/ honey and fruit, granola, you get the picture.

-My husband is encouraging of it. I know this might be hard for some of you because your husbands might just not be on board. I would encourage you to find healthy recipes that still taste yummy and then they will be on board and not even know it.

3) I exercise with other people.

-I have to get out of bed at 5 a.m. because I know there are people waiting on me.

-It's more fun.

-Ask your friends or join a class or if you're wanting to run join an existing running club (they are everywhere- and don't feel like you will be behind. They have people at all levels.)

-As far as my running goes: I sign up and pay for races when they are still months away even though I am not actually ready for them at the time. What better way to get up and run than to know if you don't the race is going to kill you.

4) Results!

-I take a picture of myself each month in the same swimsuit, doing the same poses, and then I pull them out side to side and compare. It works believe me!

-If you can just hang in there long enough to have to go buy smaller clothes. There is nothing better than the feeling of your clothes getting too big and having to get smaller ones! That first pair of new jeans and you'll be hooked!

5) I set goals for running, weight lifting, aerobics, clothes, and my weight.

-I sign up for races. In November 1/2 marathon - In March marathon

-After the marathon I want to get pregnant and I want to be in good enough running shape that I can keep running throughout it.

-Aerobics- if I do a show and can't do something for as long as the lady on the show then I set my goal of continuing to workout so the next time that show comes on I'll be in better shape and I'll be able to do it.

-Lifting Weights- I set goals of getting stronger.

-Weight goals: small ones! 5 lbs in month - NOT 40 lbs in month! Be realistic about your goals and you'll be much happier!

-Try to fit into 1 size smaller- then once you get there try for the next one instead of being a size 12 and saying I want to be a size 4. Because it is a long road, but we all want instant gratification and if we don't get it then we are more likely to quit! So set smaller goals and the sooner you will see results!

6) I only talk to positive people about my exercise and health goals because there are some people that will give you a hard time about it (they are jealous because they wish they could do what you're doing). You will find out who these people are pretty fast. If they show they are going to be negative just remember and don't talk about that subject with them. I don't need negativity- only positive stuff here!

7) My husband exercises and I don't want him looking all fine while I'm sitting around looking all frumpy!

-Sometimes we exercise together (we do enter races together)

-I'm pretty sure my new look is appealing to him.

8) Variety

-I don't just run. I do aerobics and I lift weights. I do Yoga too.

-The Aerobics and the weights that I do are from a show I follow called Cardio Blast w/ Cathe Friedrich on Fit TV. It is hand weights and step aerobics. It motivates me that the show is a different workout each day. If I had to do the same video everyday I would pull my hair out!

-Yoga is so relaxing and frankly I need some relaxation in my life! Being a mom can be hard and tiring!

That's all I have for now. I didn't really intend for it to be so long, but ya know! So I hope that you can find some motivation from my motivation, and I would love for you to leave me a comment telling me what motivates you!

Breakfast of Champions...

2009-09-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries thawed
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 scoop soy protein powder
(if you don't have soy protein just leave it out. I don't eat a lot of meat so I need the extra protein to rebuild my muscles after working out)

Put ingredients in bowl and add boiled water, stir and let sit for a minute or two. Eat.

Calories: 235 (without soy protein 210)

I also drink a glass of Skim milk with it. So add another 80 calories.

Blueberries: To find out how great these little guys are for you go HERE.

Oat Meal: Head HERE to read all the great health benefits of this yummy stuff.

Honey: I always buy local honey. Local honey helps with allergies because it is made from the same pollen that is in your own air causing you your allergies. Warning: Don't feed honey to babies under the age of 1. Go HERE to check out more about honey.

Soy Protein: Is found to help lower cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of heart related diseases.

For my children I also add 1 teaspoon of Flax Seed Oil.

Flax Seed Oil: Is considered to be the #1 source of Omega-3 Fatty acids. All of our body systems can benefit in a positive way to this oil. Go HERE to learn more.

This will give you lots of energy and it tastes yummy! Here's to a healthy breakfast or snack!

How I stopped being hungry ALL the time (and yes I still am sometimes!)...

2009-09-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

20 months ago I had a wonderful and beautiful baby.

I also had some extra weight that just had to go!

At 162 lbs I was about 24 lbs heavier than I was before I had gotten pregnant. I was 40 lbs heavier than I was when I graduated high school. None of my clothes fit, and frankly I was bummed.

I had never dieted in my life. I had no idea how to even start!

A high school and college basketball player I had always just been fit and able to eat pretty much whatever without having to worrying about it. However, 10 years and 2 babies later and that did not seem to be the case anymore.

So I decided to try out Weight Watchers. I didn't go to the meetings. My mother had all the stuff for me to follow. It was super simple and easy and honestly kind of a challenge.

While doing WWs I also decided to train for a 5k using a training program called From the Couch to a 5k. From March to June of '08 I was able to drop 24 lbs. and find my way back to pre-baby weight. Yay!

Unfortunately after the 5k in June I found myself busy with some other things and got off track. I gained about 5 lbs back over the next few months.

In February of '09 I decided it was time for a change. The food I was eating was making me feel gross. My clothes were tight again. And I just didn't feel good about myself. So, I went back to trusty old Weight Watchers, and slowly but surely the weight started coming off again.

About the end of March I decided I was ready to incorporate some exercise into my routine so I started doing FIT TVs Cathe Friedrich and Yoga. I was instantly hooked and it was so exiting to not only be losing weight with diet but to be seeing myself firm up muscles I had forgotten I even had!

Around May I decided with some women at my church that we would start meeting 3 days a week to do the Couch to a 5k. We started off with 8 women and sadly dropped to 3. But in August the 3 of us, another friend, and my husband ran our 5k! Yay!

We are now training to run our first 1/2 marathon in November! Just this past Sunday I ran 8 miles!

I still do Fit TV's Cathe and Yoga, and starting next Tues. I will be teaching my own Aerobics classes!

It really just became a matter of prioritizing. In order to workout without neglecting the kiddos I have to get up everyday but Saturday at 5:00 or 5:15 a.m. Even on the days I run we run at 5:30 a.m.

I'm not doing Weight Watchers anymore, but I try really hard to eat around 1600 calories a day (I chart it) broken up into 6 small meals a day (which is the best thing in the world for your metabolism) , but I still sneak in a Mcdonald's sundae or Sonic Blast about once or twice a week, and yesterday we made homemade donuts for breakfast (so I'm not suffering and I don't deny myself).

It's become a way of life and I feel great! I buy organic when I can, we've cut out meat for the most part, and I try real hard to make a lot of our snacks and bread from scratch (all the preservatives they put in food are bad news). We drink milk, water, or decaf tea, and I can't remember the last time I had a coke. We try our hardest to get our servings in of the 5 basic food groups.

Right after the baby I was wearing a size 10 and larges and I am now wearing smalls and size 4s. And I now weigh 120 lbs. I've lost 42 lbs. since I started this journey about a year and 1/2 ago. I would still like 1 or 2 more children, but my goal is to be much healthier about it and to continue running even during my pregnancy so that next time I won't have to lose 40 lbs.

I hope that this will motivate and encourage you. It can be done. It's hard and sometimes I just want to sit down and eat a Big Mac and say forget it! And sometimes I do just that! But then after I eat that Big Mac I get up the next morning and I say this day will be different and I'll do better- and I do!

I want this blog to be a place where I can share my ideas and goals about health and fitness. Where I can confess my weaknesses- Big Macs, Ice Cream, Chocolate. Where I can share yummy and still healthy recipes. I hope that it will be a place where all of us Hungry Moms and non-moms can come to get encouraged!

Hungry Mom's - Internet Goodness

2009-01-23T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here is a great site for everyone to check out: Hungry Girl

She has all sorts of recipes, tips, and diet advice. The only thing I have found that I don't like about her recipes is that she uses a lot of splenda (in her baking recipes I should say). I am usually kind of funny about things like fake sugars, but hopefully it will be okay in moderation because, let's face it, sometimes this Hungry Mom needs something sweet - you know what I mean?!

Anyhoo, here is a sample of some of the goodies awaiting you over at the Hungry Girl:

TOP ATE Calorie-Saving Cooking Swaps!
1. Nonstick cooking spray instead of oil (for stovetop cooking)
2. Canned pumpkin instead of eggs & oil (for baking)
3. Light vanilla soymilk instead of milk or cream
4. Fat-free liquid egg substitute instead of eggs
5. No-sugar-added applesauce instead of butter
6. Ground-beef-style soy crumbles instead of ground beef
7. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granular) instead of sugar
8. Butternut squash instead of potatoes

Have fun!!!

No guilt and being able to button my pants makes for a happier me!

2009-01-21T06:51:00.001-08:00

I've done really good these past 2 weeks on watching what all I eat. I have to stop and wonder sometimes though why I don't eat healthier all the time. I feel so much better when I do.

Emotionally I feel better because I'm not dealing with the guilt that I sometimes feel (for instance): after I consume a large mocha frappucino only to pull directly out of the Starbucks parking lot and immediately turn into the Chic-fil-A parking lot to order myself a large sweet tea, 8 piece nuggets (with sauce), and fries, all supersized of course. And yes, I eat it all. (although I have to say I do miss the tea)

Physically I feel better because I have more energy, I don't feel bloated from eating gross things, my pants aren't tight anymore, and I have to say that every time I pee and it is clear I have some kind of wierd satisfaction (strange right?).

My point is, I am feeling great and I am happy that I am eating right. I can definetly tell a difference which is what I was going for.

So now my only problem is exercise. My plan is to join a gym at the beginning of February. I'm excited about it. I think it will be good for me to get out of the house and do something active and for myself. Just imagine how good I'll feel after eating right and exercising! It's gonna be great!

So I hope you will all join me and get healthy! Go Us!!! Leave me a comment if you are willing to join me in this new eating right and exercising not because we feel like we have too, but because we want to so we can feel better!

2009-01-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this moment to step up on my soap box and share something that bothers me.

I find it strange that as mothers we spend so much of our time obsessing over how we, ourselves, need to be healthier but yet we continue to fill our children with sugary cereals, pop tarts, candy, processed cookies and snacks, ice cream, , marshmallows, chocolate milk, soda, and the list could go on and on! I am a firm believer that part of the reason we all struggle to get healthier and to eat right now that we are adults is because we weren't taught the "right" way (or healthy) way to eat as children.

I mean we teach our children to obey, use their manners, use polite language, and not to pick their noses in public in the hopes that they will carry these things on with them into adulthood don't we? So why not encourage and enforce healthy eating habits now, while they are children, and maybe, just maybe our children won't have to struggle with this issue the way we all are now that we are adults.

I'm not saying that kids should never be allowed these more unhealthy treats, but what I am saying is that they should be just that "treats", and not the everyday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

-End of soap box.

So listed below is a list of some of the healthier items that I try to feed my kiddos (or Kane, and someday Ruthie):

1) Instead of Sodas, juices, and Milk with chocolate or strawberry "syrup" in it try mixing strawberry yogurt into milk (or any flavor your little one's heart desires)

2) Kane's favorite breakfast is Kashi Heart to Heart Cereal (it is similar to Cheerios) mixed with yogurt and fruit (you can also substitute this cereal for granola)

3) Natural Peanut butter mixed with a little honey and then spread on whole wheat crackers (again we eat Kashi crackers)

4) Natural Peanut butter spread on apple slices

5) yogurt and fruit

6) cheese (off the block or lowfat sticks) and Kashi crackers

7) no-sugar added applesauce

8) dried fruit and nuts (sometimes I mix semi-sweet chocolate chips and a few marshmallows- I stress a few- in for a trail mix and he thinks he's getting something really special), yogurt covered raisins are good too!

9) whole wheat bread with natural peanut butter, 1 tbsp honey, and sliced banana put together for a sandwich - he loves when I cut it into a shape with a cookie cutter!

10) any fruit - he really loves it all cut up into a fresh fruit salad

11) sliced turkey (I usually get all natural), with cheese, and crackers

It might take some adjustments and some creativity on our parts, but I think our kiddos will thank us in the long run!!!

Fiber: Friend or Foe...

2009-01-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Same magazine as yesterday (Fatloss by Oxygen) says that "you could lose up to 12 pounds (of waste, not fat) by having more regular bowel movements." It said to aim for 25 grams of fiber per day.

Holy WOW!!! is all I'm sayin'.

Also it is proven that your body burns food high in fiber slower than other food. Meaning= it will stick with you longer and you won't be as hungry as often.

So what can we learn from this?: To eat our fiber! It is your Friend!!!

Below I have compiled a list of some of my favorite high fiber, healthy snacks:

Fruit (all- make a smoothie with high fiber yogurt)

All Veggies (yes, even the gross ones!)

Fiber one bars (Fiber One makes all sorts of High Fiber snacks and breakfast items)

Kashi TLC crackers (Check out their site here for lots of other great high fiber foods) paired with Laughing Cow Light Cheese

Jell-o pudding Live Active has 3 grams of dietary fiber compared to 1 gram in regular pudding snacks

Buy yogurt with added fiber (it says on the labels)

Thomas brand Light multi-grain english muffins (8 grams dietary fiber). You can find this in the bread isle (I usually buy 2 or 3 and they freeze well).

LaTortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Tortillas (fiber 6 g) and if you are doing WW they are 0 pts. I love to spray a little oil on them and make fish tacos with them - Yum!!! (I usually find these back by the deli at Wal-Mart)

And last you can always add Wheat Germ to any snack to give it that extra boost!

You want to stay away from white flours (bleached -enriched), they are no good!

And always, always buy bread that is 100% whole grain or wheat (they are the highest in fiber.

Get to eating that fiber! You'll be happier and lighter because you did!!!

Warning: A diet high in fiber can lead to having some serious gas, so be a friend to all those who have to be around you and make sure to drink LOTS, I stress - LOTS, of water, as it will help to alleviate some of this!

The Caffeine Debate

2009-01-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

I read the following info in Fatloss (by Oxygen) magazine:

For those of you that have been drinking diet soda to avoid the extra calories, I have some bad news.

When you mix caffeine with the stress hormone cortisol (we're women so we all know we're stressed - am I right?), caffeinated drinks become your fats best friend!

So ladies...It's time to get rid of those caffeinated drinks!

For me and some of you - this means no more sweet tea!

For others - this might mean no more soda (this includes DIET!) or coffee (the horror! I know right?)

Instead: it said to drink Green Tea in the place of those drinks (especially coffee since you normally drink green tea hot, but it's great over ice too). Studies show that green tea burns fat!!! I have been doing this for a while and I love it! I drink it in the morning and it warms me right up! It is also great with about a tablespoon of honey in it!

So my challenge for us all is to put the soda, tea, or coffee down because those drinks might just be the reason our body is hanging on to a few of those unwanted pounds!

Weigh in Wednesday...

2009-01-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Weigh in Wednesday over at the Sisterhood (I've entered a Valentine's weight loss challenge at Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans). So here it goes:

My goal (because one must always have a goal!) is 129 lbs.

At the beginning of the challenge I weighed: 137 lbs.

This morning (after I tinkled and nursed the baby of course) I weighed: 134.6!!!

WaaHoooo!!! So I lost about 2.5 lbs this week, which I couldn't be happier with.

Go me, go me, Go me!!! Not far to go now - No but really my main goal through all of this is to get healthy! So get healthy with me (you'll feel better if you do)!!!

I'd love to hear how you all are doing, so share, share, share (if you don't know what this means, it means leave a comment!!!). And if you want to find out more about the sisterhood Challenge check it out here...

From the Couch to a 5-k...

2009-01-14T09:12:00.001-08:00

Say What?!!!! Oh yes, you heard me!, and it can be done!

How do I know?

Well, I've done it!

I used to be a big runner in college and a little after I had gotten married. So last Spring after I had my sweet baby girl and wanted to shed some extra weight that I had acquired during the pregnancy, I started Weight Watchers and I went through this program.

It is called "The Couch to a 5-k run" . Don't get scared! This program is for everyone, old runners wanting to get back into it (me), and people that have never run before (maybe some of you?).

I lost 20 lbs in 2 months doing this along with WW!!!

The program lays everything out for you and tells you exactly what to do! Sometimes I ran outside and sometimes on a treadmill, and you only have to run 3 days a week. This program builds you up to a run slowing so don't freak out!

Go check it out here. Good luck and let me know what you think!!!

Diary of A Hungry Mom...

2009-01-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

You can click on the above post to enlarge it. It was an experiment of mine in an attempt to make the post pretty, but it turned out too small. Oh well, better luck next time!