Life is too short to eat shitty food.

I draw inspiration from other people.  That's what inspires me.  Whether its a conversation I've had with them directly, something I've overheard or something that I've seen them post.  You might read these and think - Hmm... she is probably talking about me. You are probably right.  Unless you are a total dumb ass you probably have nothing to worry about.  I'll not single you out or quote you directly but know that I'm an observant person and some day I might be writing about something you've said, directly or indirectly.

I over think damn near every aspect of my life.  It's a habit that I need to give up for Lent, although I don't typically conform to religious holidays and observances.  I'm not sure if it's a control issue or just how my brain is wired but I like to know every aspect of every possibility when it comes to things in my life.  It's tiring.   I like to think that others are the same way.  When I post a question or a thought online I fully expect people to chime in with their opinions.  Sometimes it's not always a good thing.

Something that I've learned is that everyone needs to have their own journey or experience when it comes to health.  What works for me might not work for you.  It's a lot of trial and error in some aspects.  The basic idea of it is pretty simple math.... expend more energy than you put into your body.  Fuel it with MOSTLY good foods.  Lean meats, fresh vegetables, whole grains.... it isn't rocket science.  I probably follow an 80-20 or 90-10 approach, keeping in mind that ratio could change at any time.  80% of the time I'm eating good shit... 20% it could be questionable.  Any time someone tells you that they have a magic shake, pill, workout or ritual that will make you lose all your belly fat... they're a fucking liar.  Unless it's working out and expending more calories than you put it.... they're lying.  Don't buy whatever they are selling you.  There are no magic beans.... except for maybe chickpeas and those are delicious.

I think what is so off putting to a lot of people are the vast amount of choices about what they should eat.  It's overwhelming.  Everyone has an opinion about what YOU should be eating, what kind of diet you should follow..  It's not about them.... it's about you.  Don't eat gluten, don't eat meat, eat this meal supplement that's made of gel or a protein bar that is really just a glorified candy bar, don't eat after 8pm..... we aren't gremlins eat the fucking snack at 8 if you want.  At least make it a good one and not a half pint of ice cream. Unless you have a specific food allergy to something or a personal reason for not eating something then don't. 

Anytime that you have to spend MASS amounts of time looking for, preparing or convincing your family to eat a special spelt wrap.... it's not worth it.  No one wants to eat food that tastes like shit.  I, for one, have NEVER found any vegan recipe that doesn't taste like absolute dog food.  Don't get all in an uproar vegans... I'm not saying your way of eating is wrong. I'm simply saying that for me it isn't pleasant.  Period.

Find a balance between what's good for you and what you like.  You can't eat perfect all the time.  Who gets to decide what's perfect?  You do!  Find a recipe you like and google ways to make it healthier.  The Internet is this amazing resource if used properly.  If that means a whole wheat wrap instead of a flour one... at least you've made a small step towards a "better" choice.  If you want to work up to lettuce wraps and other random grains... more power to you. I'm content with wheat.

Finally..... in an effort to help you make your healthy food taste better I have one piece of advice:  Befriend your spice rack (or cabinet if you are me).  The secret to making healthy food taste good... spices.  Turmeric, cumin, rosemary, curry, garlic powder, onion powder, peppercorns, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt (in moderation and get sea salt for the love of Christ.  Table salt is garbage) cinnamon... PUT THAT SHIT ON FOOD.  Bland food sucks. 

Fajita Seasoning recipe:
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon paprika (Mexican is best but I know that not everyone has that)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

 

Sprinkle it on your veggies, onions, chicken while it's cooking.  You know what's in it.  You could omit the salt if you wanted but I like it.  Some people also put a bit of sugar in but I find it unnecessary.   If you like it spicier put more cayenne in... or red pepper flakes.  I LOVE garlic so I'm heavy handed with that and the paprika. 

 

About me

I love surveys and talking... about myself.  This was fitting.   I stole this one from another blog. 

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
 Unfortunately, yes.  My mother and I have the exact same name.  I think they were hoping for a boy and when I came out a girl they just were like... eh... let's name her after you.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
 I cry all the time about dumb shit.  Dog videos, commercials..... so probably within the last few days.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?It's awesome.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
 Roast beef.  It tastes funny.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?Yep.  A 16 year old son.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?Probably not.  I'm kind of annoying and a bitch.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Nope. Never.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?Yes.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?I already have.  So yes.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?Cookie Crisp!  I wish that shit was healthy!

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?Rarely.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?No.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?Cheesecake from Coldstone or Mint Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Teeth. I'm a tooth snob

15. RED OR PINK?Pink

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?I hate my hair.  It sucks. It's graying, with split ends and stringy.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?I don't miss anyone in particular
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18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
 The art of keeping my mouth shut.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
 Black and brown riding boots

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
 Some artesian crackers

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
 Pandora currently. Specifically Maroon 5

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Something LOUD like chartreuse or neon orange

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
 Gain laundry detergent and anything vanilla

24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
 Eh. 

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
 Beach. All. Day. Long.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
 I hate sports.  None.

27. HAIR COLOR?Its naturally dark brown but most of it is graying.  I color it so dark brown.

28. EYE COLOR?
 Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?Not any more.  I had Lasik a few years ago

30. FAVORITE FOOD?Mexican.  Anything Hispanic.  Every day... Mexican

.31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
 I don't really get into watching movies. I fall asleep. I don't do scary movies though.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?Couldn't even tell you.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?Blue and green chevron

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?Summer.   F WINTER
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35. FAVORITE DESSERT?I'm not a huge sweets eater.  I do like some cheesecake from time to time though.

36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?I do both.  I would rather strength train than cardio though.

37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
 Both

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?As ignorant as this makes me sound... I don't read much.

39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?I'ts a beach scene with fish in it.  When you move the mouse it looks like the fish are swimming.  My boss brought it back from a meeting for me.

40. FAVORITE SOUND?
 I hate noise.  I like it quite

41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
 Rock

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
 Oregon

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Not really.

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
 Ohio

45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?Ohio

46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?Brick

47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
 Orange!

48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
 Loves me some surveys!

Put down the McFish and walk away!

Sometimes you just eat something not good for you.  We've all been there.  No one can be perfect all the time as that would be incredibly boring.  It is a slippery slope though so you have to be careful.  One sandwich leads to two.  Two sandwiches today leads to two tomorrow.  A slip up every once in a while is OK.  When it becomes the norm then you have a problem. Don't go beating yourself up too bad because there is redemption! 

Overeating is an addiction. Period.  Don't let anyone tell you that it's not. The people who "eat to live" just don't get it.  You know those people who only eat because their body tells them to.  It SUCKS.  You eat shit that you know you shouldn't because you just can't stop!  It's a horrible habit.  I've been know to, at restaurants where they give you portions that are WAY TO BIG ANYWAY, to pour salt or water all over my food just so that I would stop eating it.  Super neurotic?  Yes.   Right now it's what helps me to stop eating otherwise bring on the overeating!

Don't get too down on yourself.  I mentioned that everyone struggles from time to time.  Every once in a while I just need to eat an entire bag of chips.  I know while I'm shoving them into my face at a rate that would probably cause most people to choke to death that later I'm going to be crying about it.  I am fully aware of the emotional ramifications and at that moment the delicious crunchy, saltiness is worth every calorie... until the morning when I'm bloated and questioning WHY WHY WHY.

Get back on the wagon.  I've made the comment before that I've fallen off the wagon and eaten it.  My sister, being the wise life coach that she has been for me, told me that everything comes in cycles.  There are cycles of being great, eating right, exercising and logging your intake.  Then comes the cycle where you just can't motivate yourself to do what you need to do.  Sometimes it might be 3 months doing great and a month where you really just lose sight of what you are trying to accomplish.  The trick is to make the cycles shorter on the bad times and longer on the good.  It really is just creating habits, good and bad.  The more you do something the easier it is!  Don't let one bad meal ruin your whole week.  Log it and move on.

Get a support system, it helps.  I use my sister. Great for me because she's walked the same walk I'm trying to master now.  I really look up to her and know that she will be there for me and will only judge me in her head, if at all.  I'm not sure how much she appreciates it because I know that she has her own struggles also but I lean on her anyway.  Find someone who will listen to you rant about food, eating, working out, cooking whatever you need to get you through it. There are online meetings, weight loss forums, Weight Watchers- where ever you feel comfortable.  I've had many people criticize my eating habits, my neurotic logging and food weighing.  Those are the people who need to F off and let you have your own journey.  The haters.  Stay away from them.  They are toxic.

Don't be afraid to throw something away.  We live in a society where we are (should be) taught to clean our plates and not waste.  Get the notion out of your head.  DO IT.  When you've eaten enough either portion the rest out and save it for lunch or dinner the next day or THROW IT AWAY!  You don't have to clean your plate.  The amazing thing about cooking your own food is that you know what's in it, it typically tastes better than fast food and YOU control the portion.  You control how big you make your burger.  You control the bun.  YOU.  You are the key.  YOU can do it.  You just have to start.  One change leads to two..... two to three... then it isn't a diet.  It's how you live.  You don't have to be a slave to food.

If you have a bad day just remember why you started to begin with.  To look good for summer, to be a good role model for your kids, to feel better, to fit into your wedding dress, to impress your spouse....  Whatever the reason you need to take care of your most valuable asset: YOURSELF!  Without your health you can't be there for your kids and your family and that shit is important!

I hope that this helps even one person know that it's not just you.  TONS of people struggle with over eating and portion control and food addiction.  When you are feeling weak send me a message, a text a comment.  I'll talk you down off the ledge.  Put down the McFish and come to the good side with me!  (And FYI the McFish isn't the worst thing you can eat of the McCrappy menu)  ;)

Hypocritical rant in 3....2....1

As a teenager and a twenty something I did a lot of stupid shit.  Even to this day sometimes I might not make the best choices.  It's all part of life IMO. One thing I did learn is that the older you get (typically) the more educated you are on certain aspects of life.  That's the way it is meant to be otherwise we would all be born knowing everything we need to know.  I know that not everyone will appreciate my life experiences or advice.  I'm not sure why though because OBVIOUSLY I know everything.  Clearly, I do not.

I typically don't participate in any type of forum discussions online for many reasons.  First no one is ever going to agree.  Second you have many different types of people from different backgrounds at different stages in their lives and different maturity levels.  Even if your "opinions" are backed up by facts or just being stated someone is going to flame your ass.  Believe it because it happened!

I recently "let" myself get dragged into a conversation, and I use that term loosely, in a thread about tanning beds.  I really threw myself into the conversation fully knowing that it would cause issue.  I must have been feeling confrontational that day.  I know, really?  Yes. I swear there is a point to this that IS health related.  The end result was me being called an idiot.  Probably not the first time that's happened. 

Living in Ohio as spring approaches everyone rushes out to get their glorious orange glow of fake tan. It's almost like a competition to see who can get the darkest and look the LEAST natural.   As a younger individual I spent my fair share of time in the tanning beds.   Some people like to have a tan for summer - I get it.  Until a few years ago I would sunbathe.  Last year I was pretty brown from vacation and I use sunscreen EVERY DAY but my skin tone tans easily.  I've learned with age that this probably isn't the best health choice to make.  As a 35 year old adult you can now see the damage on my face from those decisions.  My freckles are larger and more pronounced, I have a spot on my forehead that is sun damaged and when I get really tan it's darker than the rest of my face.  My life choices have taken a toll on my overall health and appearance.  Smoking, drinking, being sedentary, not eating right.... all of the above.  Some of you will argue to death that it's my genetics and they have tanned for years and have no damage or their family member has smoked for years an no one has cancer.  I call bull shit.  At this point in my life it's just not a chance I want to take.

With all of the dumb shit in life that COULD be bad for us or MIGHT be bad for us why would you want to subject yourself to something that WILL be bad for you?  It ranks right up there with smoking for me.  I'm not saying that EVERYONE who tans will get cancer or everyone who smokes WILL get cancer.  I won't get on that rant.  As an ex smoker you know I'm the biggest bitch about smoking. 

The moral of the story is we should TRY to take care of ourselves while we can.  It seems like the majority of the population is overweight or obese, on a medication, a smoker or has some health issue. Maybe I'm the one behind the times but it seems like we are all on our way to being the characters from the cartoon Wall-E.   I wish I could rewind life and have a do over for some things but it can't happen.

Do you tan?  Don't worry I won't call you an idiot I just want to hear your thoughts on it and why you do or don't use tanning beds.

Let the flaming begin... I'm prepared for it being the idiot that I am. :)

Exercise equipment

You don't necessarily need a gym membership or expensive equipment to live healthier.   I workout in my bedroom in a 12' x 5' area that I've cleared out.  That required moving the bed against the wall and the dressers as well.  We do what we need to do.  We recently got hardwood floors instead of carpet in the bedroom which has proven to be a bit difficult because my shoes tend to slip. 

The majority of my equipment came from a big box store and I have had most of it for a couple years.   I think that I've spent a less than $200 on all of it.  I've lost 42lbs just using these items.

10lb kettle bell  $15
3lb hand weights  $11
5lb hand weighs  $15
10lb hand weights $23

My well worn yoga mat. $30

I need to invest in a new one but this one was fairly expensive (by my standards) and it still works just fine.  I like it better than regular mats because it is thicker and my knees and elbows don't grind into the ground when I'm doing Pilates or yoga. I also use this when I am doing any high impact activity such as high knees or jumping jacks because it's easier on my joints.

Foam roller - $30

I rarely use this anymore but it does come in handy when trying to work out some of your tight muscles.  I used it when I was getting shin splints.  They make several different kinds.  This one has a flat surface as that was my preference.  There are "bumpy" surfaced ones but they left bruises on my body.  There are tons of beneficial uses for this thing.  I need to start using it.

Physio ball - $15-$20

This thing is great.  I actually own 2 of them but I think I've lent one to someone and it's not been returned.  It works your core and helps with balance.  I use it when I'm doing upper body workouts. I used to watch tv while sitting on it also.

My iPad and www.fitnessblender.com.  I use this website SOLELY to workout from.  Every lb I've lost as a result of working out came from this site.  It's FREE!

Obviously this isn't included in my total cost.  This is an invaluable tool for me.  I can put it to good use instead of just sitting in front of the tv and crushing candy.  You can use your computer, smart phone, tablet - whatever resource you have to find the videos.

This is the whole area.  That is my bed in the lower left hand corner.  It's nothing fancy.  I know that most of you have at least this much space and CAN DO IT.  Just start.  5 minutes.  Do a warm up routine.  Everyone has 10 minutes of a day that they can devote to themselves. Once you carve out that 10 minutes you'll find that the feeling you get from accomplishing it is amazing. You will find another 10 to do it.  It all adds up!


This is the photo that really made me step back and realize I needed to change something.

 I have never EVER shown this picture. 








This is me after my 1st 5k last year. I BARELY did it and it all started with just moving one day.  You just have to do it!  I've lost about 20lbs since this time. I still have a way to go but I just keep moving.  It's a never ending battle. Healthy is a lifetime not a diet.

 

I don't know what to eat. Help!

I've had several people ask me what I put on a menu for a week.  I’m listing below what my family will be eating this week. I’ve also included the links to the recipes and tips that you might need to know.

In our house typically Monday is meatless.  This week since I made the avocado chicken salad it needs to be eaten so that it won’t be wasted so  I’ve altered it for this week. 

Eggs are a huge staple in our house so you’ll notice that I eat the mostly the same things for breakfast each day.  Keep in mind that this is only what I DO.  I’m not saying this will work for you or anyone else nor did I learn it from a dietician. It’s just what I eat.

I use the internet to its full power.  I’m not a super creative person when it comes to creating meals and I’m not a trained chef.  I can, however, cook.   I use these sites to plan my meals or to gain inspiration from them.  I have linked them to give credit to the original creator of the recipes.

Monday

B: Private section (Kroger) Amber Honey Yogurt

L  Chicken avocado salad sandwich ( on Sara Lee 45 calorie multi grain bread)
D:  Broccoli alfredo w/ salad and garlic bread

Tuesday:

B: Cake batter protein smoothie.  These will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!  YUM
L:  Taco salad – I used leftover 96% Laura’s Lean ground beef from last week’s tacos. Just make sure you aren’t loading it down with lots of cheese and sour cream.  PORTION PORTION PORTION
D: Grilled chicken with mushroom and gruyere cheese quesadillas and an undetermined side
 

Wednesday:

B: 3 egg whites, 1 tsp bacon bits, 1 T of shredded parmesan cheese w/ 1 slice of Sara Lee toast w/ sugar free strawberry preserves
L:  Yogurt w/ fruit
D: Slow cooker venison roast French dip sandwiches  w/ roasted veggies – The recipe does not use venison but we have that on hand and it’s much leaner.  You can use whatever you choose
 

Thursday

B:  Cheesecake protein smoothie – same as Cake batter recipe above but substitute sugar free cheesecake pudding mix instead of vanilla.
L:  Chicken (I grilled extra on Tuesday so I could eat it though the week) wrap. Make sure you are getting whole grain or wheat wraps.  Flour is not your friend.
D: Slow cooker picadillo with tostones and rice

 

Friday:

B: 3 egg whites, 1 tsp bacon bits, 1 T of shredded parmesan cheese w/ 1 slice of Sara Lee toast w/ sugar free strawberry preserves

L: Romaine lettuce salad with veggies and grilled chicken
D: Homemade pizza

 

Saturday and Sundays are typically a crap shoot.  We either end up eating out or eating leftovers or whatever I can scrounge together from what is in the fridge and pantry. 

 

Hope this helps. 

"What do you eat?"

Over the last year I've learned many things about the foods and products that I put into my body. I have tried MANY different types of foods and cooking methods.  I feel like I have had many successes and some failures along the way (Indian quesadillas and the squash soup I tried to make last night -YUCK) .  While the amount of weight I have lost is not so dramatic that I have tons of people asking me, it is noticeably significant.  Many people have asked how I've done it but the biggest question I get is what do I eat?

One of the most annoying things that I've come across is when people ask me do I even eat?  I'm not sure why this is an acceptable thing to say to someone who clearly isn't starving.  I am currently still overweight.  Yes, I eat.  Frequently. I eat 5 to 6 times a day.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 small snack in between. The snacks can consists of anything from serving of string cheese, a handful of almonds, a serving of whole grain crackers to an apple, banana, or hummus.  I only need something SMALL to tide me over until the next meal.  Please keep in mind this is just what has worked for me.  Everyone will be different and I am not a health care professional. So.... here are the basic rules that I live by when it comes to food and eating.  If anyone is interested in getting a sample menu with links to the recipes I have that too. 

I'm not a on a "diet".  It's a lifestyle change.  I know, I know.  Cliché.  It's really true.  That moment that you realize that the fast food or microwaved meal you are eating tastes like absolute SHIT compared to something that you can make in a short about of time is glorious!  The majority of food that you would consume in a restaurant if you really looked at it's nutritional value would make you puke.   The portion sizes are also double or triple what you should actually be eating!  When I have to work out, sweat pouring, almost throwing up from pushing myself so hard to make progress to burn 300 calories in 1/2 hour only to negate it by eating HALF a burger at a sit down restaurant..... no thank you.

Here is my rule for restaurant food:  PREPARE.  My younger sister has really guided me through a lot of my eating neuroses when it comes to food.  One thing that she told me was to EARN my splurges and don't do penance workouts after you've eaten.  Gotta pay the piper FIRST.  Before you go out check online for the nutritional values for where ever you are going.  If you're a calorie counter, a Weight Watchers person or whatever your method is there are TONS of websites out there for you to find out what you are putting in your body before you put it there.  I could tell you just about everything that I would have on a "safe list" for any given restaurant in my city.  Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster..... I know what I can eat with good conscious and what I should stay away from.  I could make you a list, from memory with the nutritional value of those items if you really want.

At home foods: PPP


PLAN.  Make a menu!  DO IT.  It takes time.  You have many things to factor in.  What will my family eat?  You don't want to leave them out of your healthy changes because it will make it easier to stick if everyone enjoys what you are cooking.  What can my family afford to spend?  How much time do I have to prepare?  What type of "diet" do I want to follow?  Do your research, save webpages of sites that you like that have recipes.  Don't get discouraged if you find that initially you are having to buy things you don't keep on hand like spices or other random things.  That will come in time after you kind of get down what you like to eat.  I love www.skinnytaste.com and www.cookinglight.com.  There are tons of recipes on there that are classic things that have been made healthier.  If you have something that you LOVE and want me to help you make it healthier let me know and I'm sure I either know of a recipe or can help you make one.

PORTION.  Get a scale.  Weigh your food.  I  know it's super annoying and no one wants to do it but in my experience IT'S NECESSARY.  Chances are you are eating too much and don't realize it.  Try not to choose reduced fat items just for the fact that they are reduced fat and you can eat more of them. If you really want something just eat a smaller portion of the REAL full fat version.  After a while your body will readjust and you won't require as much food to satisfy you.  If you find yourself hungry choose a GOOD SNACK which leads me to my next P.

PRODUCE.  Produce is your friend and it should be your BFF.  The majority of my grocery spending is on produce.  For a family of 3 I spend approximately $100 a week on groceries.  90% of the time I am eating food that I made, that grew from the ground and is fresh.  The other 10% could be restaurant food or something that I didn't make like pastas, taco shells (I tried to make those myself - YUCK).  Peppers, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, bananas, lettuce, avocados, carrots, apples, lemons, limes... you get the point.  Buy fresh food.  It's just better for you. 

If this helps you then great!  If it doesn't then eventually you will find something that does.  Remember it is not an overnight fix.  It takes time and trial and error.  Don't get discouraged.  I'm 2 years in and still haven't made it to my goal because I'm human and sometimes I just want a 1000 calorie cheeseburger.  Just remember that 1 bad meal won't ruin all of your progress just like 1 good meal won't make any.  You can't out exercise a bad diet and really... who wants to?