Wednesday, March 27, 2013

My Weight Loss Journey

It has been 10 years since I lost 50 pounds on Weight Watchers. Since then I have gained the 50 pounds plus more back. I have lost 10 pounds here and there but I always manage to find it again. I lost 30 pounds before getting pregnant with my daughter and after I had her I lost all the pregnancy weight pretty quickly. I was down to the weight I was before getting pregnant. Now, I have gained some back and have been struggling to find motivation ever since. I shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Farmer's Markets. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies. I eat a lot of lean protein and whole grains. My problem is I love sugar WAY too much and I don't exercise enough. I also work at a coffee shop where drinking high calorie drinks for breakfast has become routine. 

I love when I eat healthy and work out because I have so much more energy and feel so much better. But then I give into my sugar cravings (I'm like a crack addict for sugar) and my healthy eating and motivation go out the window. After I come out of the sugar-induced coma I am left feeling sick, low on energy, and my weight is back to square one. 


So, I decided that I would share my successes (and failures) on my blog. I will post healthy recipes and other tips and tricks I find along the way. I know that I will need to remain dedicated and work hard to reach my goal.

My plan for the first month is:
  • Eat healthy, all-natural, organic, and whole foods. I will cut way back on high sugar processed foods and indulge my cravings with a small piece of dark chocolate or frozen grapes.
  • Drink a green smoothie (or 2) daily.
  • Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
  • Work out 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes. I will be walking and taking weight lifting classes.
  • Have one meal out a week with dessert. It will most likely be at Chipotle, Blue Lemon, or Bocata, so I know it will be fairly healthy. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Hungry For Change


The documentary, Hungry For Change, changed the way I think about food. I watched it last year when it first came out and ever since I read labels and I know, whether it's good or bad, what is going in my body. I know that diets don't work. I know that sugar is an addiction. I bought the Hungry For Change Book just so I could have a reference manual when I need it. 

In just a couple of days you will be able to watch this film for free online. I promise you that is so worth it. This film is life-changing! (Just watch the trailer above to find out more.) To sign up for the free online screening, click here.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Toddler Smoothie

I have mentioned this before, but my 2 1/2-year old loves smoothies. Every time she sees me making a smoothie she runs over and wants to help make our "smovvies." I have found a recipe that makes just the right amount and that she loves. It includes one of her favorite foods, yogurt tubes. 


Her favorites include; Chobani Greek Yogurt Champions, Trader Joe's Organic Squishers, and Horizon Organic Tuberz. 


Toddler Smoothie

1 Yogurt Tube (or 1/4 cup yogurt)
1/2 Cup Frozen or Fresh Fruit 
1/2 Banana
10 Baby Spinach Leaves
2 T. Vanilla Almond Milk (add more, if needed)
1 tsp. Flax Seeds or Chia Seeds 

Blend until smooth and creamy.


I found a frozen fruit mix that has mangos, strawberries, pineapple, and peaches - all of her favorites. If you use fresh fruit, just add a couple of ice cubes. 


Serve in their favorite cup and know that your little one is enjoying something healthy for them that they will love (adults love this recipe, too). 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Breakfast For Dinner

I am not a huge breakfast fan (in the morning) and usually make a smoothie of some kind to fill me up until lunch. Even though I make a good breakfast for my family most mornings they still LOVE breakfast for dinner. We make pancakes or waffles from scratch, french toast, frittatas, or breakfast burritos. Sides include scrambled eggs, bacon (nitrate free, of course), and potatoes.

The breakfast for dinner we are loving right now are breakfast skillets. The following Denver Breakfast Skillet recipe is from Pink Pistachio. It is easy to make and so delicious.

Via Pink Pistachio

Via Pink Pistachio