It's muscle, right?

Today I'm up over a pound. 1.8 to be exact. Oops.

I was starving last week. I should have eaten more fruits and veggies but I didn't.. I really wanted bread. Go figure. Ok, to be honest, I REALLY wanted chocolate but I didn't have any in the house. And from the weight gain I had, I really think that was actually to my advantage- can you imagine the damage if I lost control on chocolate?? Whew.

Janae, my work out buddy, pointed out today that some of it might be muscle.

I think that is true too.. when I flex my arms now, I have a cute little muscle pop up. Aaannd, I'm down a 1/2" from just under my bust area (I measure all over) and I'm down a 1/2" from my muffin top area.

The elliptical that kicked my butt last week was so much easier today. It still took effort obviously (a LOT) but I was able to do the 30 minutes (300 cal. burned!) without feeling like I was going to kill over and die. Yay!!

I really do feel so much healthier and I'm enjoying working out. Who would have thought.

Costco.

I need to go to Costco. We're out of Dinosaur nuggets so you understand the urgency.

Because I'm no longer above bribing my children, we stop up front at the food court area prior to leaving to reward those with good behavior (Aubrey: no whining, Hayden: no provoking Carson or doing copy-cat to everything that Aubrey says, which makes her very mad, Carson: no hitting or running off).

Costco supposedly has the nutritional information for their items located behind the counter but it's always so busy that I forget to ask.

Here is a website that people have contributed too when they ask about the nutritional information. People can comment below the chart and they have, when they think there is a discrepancy, so I feel that it's pretty accurate.

Thirsty??

The Fruit Smoothie has 290 (cal)/0 (fat g.)/1 (fiber) = 6 points
But if you can share with someone and not be a pig about it then 3 points for half isn't so bad.

Want a treat?

The Non-fat Yogurt is listed as 390/0/0 = 8
(I'm presuming that's just the yogurt, no fruit/chocolate topping- isn't that an option?)
Which means 1/4 of it is 2 points.. or just a few small spoonfuls is only 1. :-D

A Churro is showing in at 410/18/3 = 9

Only one point more than the non-fat yogurt. I still get surprised at just how much fiber effects a food's nutrition. This is a very valid point on why I am fat. I always thought something fat free would be a WAY better choice than something with 18 grams of fat (but with 3g fiber).

Oh, and If you can sneak 1/4 of a churro without having to wrestle your kids to Costco's floor then it's only 2 points. Who knew.

Need actual FOOD?

The hot dog including the bun and condiments is 550/34/3 = 13
The polish sausage including the bun and condiments is 540/32/3 = 13
Slice o' Cheese Pizza (1/6 of a pizza) is 700/28/3 = 16
Chicken Caesar Salad including the dressing is 670/40/7 = 16
Chicken bake sandwich is 770/25/2 = 17

This last item was particularly painful to find out the nutritional information on- I'm such a sucker for anything that includes Havarti!

The Turkey Wrap is 810/38/7 = 19 Yeah, not so healthy! I can't tell you how many time I ordered that thinking it was so much better than a hot dog.

Hope some of this helps you in your Costco adventures!!

Unexpected.

After the first few times that I worked out, I was pretty sore. But it's been getting better which I was happy about. It was only the 'good' sore where you really felt it was working and not the 'bad' kind where you might kill over and die.

Yesterday, I was able to lift a little heavier weights with my arms. And then there was that episode where I was trying to not feel weak about Grandma Thunder Thighs.

Not my smartest day, I'm thinking.

My body ached slightly just before I went to bed.. but today? Um, OW! My arms.. my back (a little), my sides (a LOT) and my inner thighs all hurt. HURT, I say!

I woke up enough last night (every time I moved) that I decided to skip the gym today. Just confessing.

I'll catch it on the flip side: tomorrow.

I declare it lost.

My scale said I'm either down a pound or up .2. I sure I really lost so I declare myself down a pound for a grand total of 34 pounds. Yay!!

A~N~D I'm down a 1/2" on my arms, muffin top area, waist and hips.

Which is really exciting for me since I only worked out once this past week and this was a hard week emotionally with my brother-in-law and his wife moving out of state (they were at our house All. The. Time. so this was a huge impact on my little family).

Also pleased to report that I made it to the gym this morning. I read that you burn more if you lift weights prior to cardio so Janae and I did that.. half hour of weights and half hour of elliptical (last time I only made it 15 minutes!!).

Oh. OH! Have to tell you this.. so I mostly worked my arms but I also did the machines that work your inner/outer thighs (they need it!) and there was an old (like OLD) lady on it prior to my turn. I figured I'd probably be able to do the weight she had on it- she was a LOT more frail looking than me. So I sit down at the inner-thigh machine and she had it at: 120 pounds! :-O I was able to do ONE and then I stopped because I was afraid I'd hurt myself. (no one ones to hurt there!!) I really pushed myself to do my reps at 90 pounds.. but yeah. Holy strong thighs, batman!

Funny, huh.

Hope everyone else is doing well..

Accentuate the Positive

I didn't lose or gain this past week. Earlier in the week I was down.. then I went up a little.. and today I'm back where I started.

I know that my problem is not tracking my points (finally updated my card yesterday so I can access it again). I have a hard time eating breakfast which I know is what I should be doing.. but I'm just not hungry and then in the late afternoon I get munchy and I snacked on not as good stuff instead of healthier options. Not BAD stuff.. no bowls of ice cream or anything but I could have made wiser choices.

Although I did have one night at Cheesecake factory.. I was careful with the appetizer and bread (no butter) and resisted the 200 page menu and ordered their Lower Fat chicken dinner (which was fantastic, by the way) and saved half of it for lunch the following day. And I did order cheesecake.. but I took TINY bites and skipped the whip cream.. and took 90-95% home for Drew and the kids to devour. (by the way, it was lemon raspberry and FANTASTIC!!)

So.. trying not to be discouraged that I'm yet again sitting at the same weight.. cause it's my own fault.. so I'm going to accentuate the positive.

Since January 6th, I've lost:
5 inches from Hips
5 inches from Waist
4 inches from my chest (just under my boobs)
3 inches from each thigh
and 2.5 inches from each arm

33 total pounds (and kept it off)

Really, that's not so shabby, right???

And I woke up early to exercise again. Honestly, it helps that my friend Janae is there.. I know she'll go no matter what but it's motivating that someone else I know is there. Not sure why that is. You should see her though- she's a freaking rock star on the eliptical!! I had to get off after 8 minutes because I was about to die. Almost. So I switched to walking on the treadmill but at 4 to 4.5 incline. For weights I focused on my arms for today. And because I'm sure you wanted to know, boy shorts undies (no matter how cute they are) that are a little big are NO GOOD for working out. They were all over the place!

In other motivating news, my sister came over on Friday and I tried on EVERYTHING in my closet. It took hours. Although we did take a few breaks.. it was fun seeing how much didn't fit. (anyone want them??) I was surprised just how big some stuff was too.. I put on a sweatshirt that was a little loose (back when I was bigger) and told my sister I'll probably keep it because who doesn't like a big sweatshirt.. she started laughing and told me to turn around. I did, and I had my arms out, and it was HUGE! I could have flapped myself away... it was pretty funny. Then we were talking about the fact that she could probably fit inside of it too... and so she climbed in there a la Two Headed Monster. Very fun. I even peed my pants from laughing so hard.

Bring on this new week and I WILL report a weight loss this next week. :o)

Yogurt Chicken, Curried Potatoes & Golden Basmati Rice

The family next door to us is from India. Their son is the same age as Aubrey and their daughter is six months younger than Hayden. Any time they have any sort of celebration, they invite our family over to eat and eat and eat. They even expect Drew's brother, his wife and my step-brother to join the party since they're always at our house.

The last time they brought food over was after Drew mowed their lawn. I resisted as much as I could since it was Ten at night and really, I didn't need to indulge that late.. but it's just so tasty! Renu, my neighbor, even knows to let me know which items don't have as much heat since I can't handle much.

My friend Trish just finished up a week of lettuce wraps on her blog and one evening they enjoyed indian inspired cuisine.

I decided I was going to give it a whirl... I'm so glad I did!

Yogurt Chicken
1 cup plain yogurt
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in small pieces
1 small onion, slivered
1/4 cup scallions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground tumeric
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Let stand in refrigerator at least 1 hour. Longer is better.

Heat large skillet over medium high heat. Pour chicken and yogurt mixture into hot skillet. Cook and stir till chicken is cooked through and sauce has slightly thickened. 10 - 15 minutes.

My variation: I used a 1.25 lb package of Chicken Tenders and I did NOT have scallions or chili sauce to use.


Curried Peas and Potatoes
1 Tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 pound diced, raw, potato
1 1/2 cup frozen green peas
1 teaspoon garam masala
4 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped

In a large saucepan, saute the onion in the butter over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for one more minute. Add the cumin, turmeric and coriander. Cook and stir till spices are fragrant. About 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the potatoes, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the peas and cook for 10 more minutes. Stir in the garam masala. Cook one more minute.

Just before serving, top with chopped cilantro.

My variation: I forgot to buy peas! Details, details. Oh well. I also forgot to buy ginger.

Golden Basmati Rice
2 Cups Basmati Rice
4 Cups Water
1/2 tsp Cumin Seed
3/4 tsp tumeric
1/3 chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt (stirred in at the end)

Combine all ingredients except salt in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover and let cook 15-20 minutes. Use a glass lid if possible.

Check after 15 minute and let it continue to cook till the water's gone. If it starts to stick on the bottom don't worry; take it off the heat.

Let the rice sit, mostly covered, for 7-10 minutes. This time will allow the rice to firm a little, and none will be stuck to the pot.


The above is how I prepared the rice, it's slightly different than the original recipe (you can get to the link by clicking on the recipe title). It made a TON! Next time I'll probably make half.

I also soaked the rice for 30 min. and then rinsed and drained until water until it ran clear.


I looove the yogurt sauce that my neighbor always has available at her meals. I've asked for a recipe before but rather than giving it to me, she just gives me some. So at the beginning of the prep time I sent Aubrey over to get the recipe and not return until she had it. It worked!

Yogurt Sauce
1 cup Plain Nonfat Yogurt
1/2 a bunch of Cilantro
1/2 of a tomato
1 clove garlic
1-2 jalapenos depending on desired heat
Salt to taste

Combined in a food processor and serve.

I don't have a food processor. But I do have a vita mix blender. Which liquidized everything. Oops. So then I mixed that into additional yogurt so it was the right texture and added more cilantro. It was good.. but not as good as Renu's.

Mine's on the left.. Renu's on the right. Yes, Renu's... I'll explain more in a minute.

So this is how it all went down..

I was about 10 minute in and feeling like I belonged on Top Chef.. I was mixing this and adding that and nothing was burning. Then, there was a knock at the door. Which I ignored. I was busy!! Plus, I didn't shower this morning after I worked out and never put any make up on.. and I was wearing a fitted tank top that was not flattering to my "I've had 4 kids" tummy (plus I hate my arms). But I was comfortable so that was fine...

Well in walks Renu.

Her: Becky? What are you doing?

Me: (resisting the urge to throw that same question back to her) Umm.... cooking.

Her: I thought you never cooked.. Aubrey said you were going to make something but I didn't think you were serious. But I could smell Indian food outside so I had to check it out.

Me: (walking around Kaitlyn who was stepping in and out of all of the pots and pans that she had pulled out) Yeah, I know.. apparently I eat out too much, huh. But my friend made it sound easy so I figured I'd give it a try.

Drew: (who walks in the door) Smells good, Oh Hi Renu, did you bring dinner over?

Renu: Nope, it's your wife's doing! Did you know she can cook?

It was all slightly awkward, at least for me.

Especially since she stayed. She stirred everything around and told me what to do.. like the chicken, it says it's supposed to have a sauce.. she said to cook it until it's gone and then add butter. I reminded her I was making these Weight Watcher friendly (which she's interested in) so she had me get out the fat free 1/2 and 1/2 and stir 3 TBS in. I figured by the end that it would just be best to let her do what she does every day as long as it was still healthful.

And then she saw my sorry attempt at the yogurt sauce and had Aubrey go back home with her so she could make me some real sauce. lol Hers tastes that much better so I was fine with that. I took pictures while I waited for Aubrey to return.

Reviews: Aubrey and Drew looooved it! They were very happy sweaty people and ate a lot. Drew is exicted for the leftovers tomorrow.

Me: I lreally liked it and the portions were big! Yum. About half way through I started getting hot and my mouth was burning so I had to mix my yogurt sauce (a little spicy) with fat free ranch dip that I had on hand and then eat almost every bite with a little sauce. Gotta do what ya gotta do. ;o)

Can't wait to make this again! I'll have to post the individual point values later.. my CC expired and I guess the monthly billing was just done because it's saying it needs the new exp. date.. but my purse is across the room. I'm tired. Sorry about that.

I'm... ow... sore.. ow....

Looks like I lifted the right amount of weights yesterday.. the back of my arms hurt.. and my shoulders and back and sides are a little sore too.

Guess those muscles have been a little neglected.

Oops.

I'm going to hit the treadmill today.. or I need to go food shopping too. Maybe I could power walk in Walmart while pushing the kids in the cart for resistance. Hmmmm...... lol

Down 2.6

So apparently the working out thing actually.. works!

I counted my points and worked out on Wed. and Thurs. (the daycare was closed Friday or I would have gone then) and it was the boost my body needed. I'm down 2.6 for a grand total of 33 pounds.

Woo hoo!!

This morning I met my friend Janae at the fitness center so she could give me a run down on the weight machines and how to adjust them for us short people. She rocks. I think adding this in will really help.. my poor 'I've had 4 kids' body. May the flabbiness go away!!

Let it begin.

Tuesday I finally went and signed up at the fitness center. (sorry, it used to say Monday but apparently today is Wed. so that means I signed up on Tuesday).

Today I went and worked out.

Apparently I need to work on being smarter than the machines though.. I had to try THREE before I figured out how to get it to turn on. I guess I missed that day at exercise school.

Anyway, I finally settled on a treadmill and it was a kind of ghetto one with no fancy stuff. Which is why I was able to get it to work, I'm sure. But I bumped up the incline and walked at a decent pace.. I was sweating after 10 minutes. I hardly ever sweat! I walked for 24 minutes and burned 130 calories.

Then I walked around trying to figure out the bikes.. finally got one to work AND where I was able to reach the pedals but in case you've never noticed, I have a big butt and this particular seat was NOT comfortable at all. We were definitely fighting.

After 5 minutes, I bagged it and asked a lady near by how to make a different one turn on plus how to move the seat forward.. turns out it was a simple as sitting on the seat while moving the handle thing (I wasn't sitting before). And you just pedal to make it turn on. Seriously, who knew??!?!?

I'm sure I was the amusement for many people.. so for that, I'd publicly like to say: You're Welcome!

I biked for ten minutes and went a little over 2 miles and forgot the calories.. like 30?

My ankles pop a lot when I walk up and down stairs and apparently it applies to biking as well. So it wasn't all that fantastic. Hard to concentrate on texting (my sister was giving me mucho encouragement) when all you hear is pop pop pop. ;o)

Then I took a quick hop onto the scale and I was 8 pounds lighter than from when I went to Zumba 6 weeks ago. AWESOME!

At that point I went to pick up Aubrey and Hayden from the play area (where they had a lot of fun and reported they were nice to each other) and then Kaitlyn and Carson from the daycare. They were playing together when I got there.. that's pure magic in itself!

I'm happy to say that I feel great! I'm looking forward to going with some friends too and learning from them. And I'm really proud of myself for finally starting this part of my life to be healthier. I can tell it's something I'm really going to enjoy.

p.s. please remind me of that last sentence if I wake up sore tomorrow and feel like being lazy..