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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Totally Random Thoughts

Hello All-

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking of all these ideas that I could write on the blog.  Well, it turns out that I am much busier than I think I am and never seem to find the time.  So, I have decided to share just a few things that have crossed my mind over the last month.

-Getting healthy feels awesome!  In 4 short weeks I have lost 6 lbs. but more importantly have gained back my self confidence, a feeling of control and a new lease on life.  I can see myself with more energy, a smile on my face and a spring in my step.

-Counting calories and keeping a food journal can be daunting but right now it's my secret to success.  I have underestimated my calorie intake and overestimated my calorie burn.  I highly recommend this for someone on a weight loss journey.  At least for a few month until you can recognize sensible portion sizes and correctly identify calorie/protein/carb/fat amounts.

-Here is a picture of the pants in my closet that I cannot wear right now.  My goal is to fit back into them by April 2, 2012.  Hopefully the next picture will be of the pants that are too big for me!

-Do you have someone in your life that may be a negative influence on you?  This could be a co-worker or friend.  Do you sometimes feel that everytime you talk to that person they only have negative thoughts to share with you.  Or maybe you just never know if they are going to be "in a mood".  It may be time to end that friendship.  Surrounding yourself with like-minded, positive and especially supportive people can do wonders for your own mood and success at a healthy lifestyle.

-Placing exercise equipment in front of the TV is like a magnet for little kids.  I set my BOSU in the living room the other day (becasue I had the best of intentions to actually work out at home) and the kids are constantly on it.  Maddie watched a 2 hour movie and never stopped bouncing.  Anyone that has used a BOSU knows that that is quite the workout.  In my bedroom I have a portable ballet barre set up and Maddie loves to workout on it while watching TV.   I'm able to write this post right now because Maguire is watching Toy Story and bouncing away on the BOSU!

-Hummus, salsa and hot sauce have become my new favortie condiments.  Get rid of the ketchup, ranch dressing, etc... made with high fructose corn syrup.  I just read an article that said food companies put an ingredient in ranch dressing that is also used in paint to make it appear whiter! 

-Which brings me to my next point....be an informed consumer.  Take a few minutes each day to research the foods that you are eating.  Can you identify the pink slime in your McDonalds hamburger?  I just read that the FDA allows maggots in canned mushrooms.  I used to open a can, drain them and eat the entire can...why would I ever think there would be maggot parts in it.  Fresh, organic is best, incorporate it whenever possible.

-I have a pretty strong love affair with pumpkin.  One of my favorite things being a Spiced Pumpkin Latte.  Oh, they are so yummy...and so fattening...and so expensive.  Until now...I have found an amazing recipe that I hope you'll like too:

1/2 cup Almond milk
2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
Pumpkin Pie Spice (as much as you like)
Sweetner such as Honey, Stevia or Agave
Coffee

Stir together the milk, pumpkin, sweetner and spices.  Heat on the stove or in the microwave.  Add coffee and enjoy.  These come in around 100 calories depending on the sweetner that you use.

Wow, I feel like I just got a lot accomplished.  Now I'm off for some kitchen therapy.  I just came across a clean Chocolate Muffin recipe that I'm dying to try.  I'll let you know how they are!

Tennille

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