Skipping the holiday baking......

 With the holiday season here, sugary treats are everywhere.  I decided not to bake this year but instead make candles this season.  Candles save calories, last longer and just plain classy!  :)  I LOVE candles so I taught myself how to make them a few years back.  These particular candles are still cooling off, so my label and ribbon aren't assembled yet.  My home smells like French Vanilla- mmmmmmmmm....Excited to try the other scents! Wish I could bottle the scent up and share! 

Below are some of the candles I made this year for Christmas gifts.  Family, friends and co-workers love them and I love them because they are so meaningful.  

                                                      

Burn calories while making a living in an office chair!

I absolutely love my workout exercise ball.  I did a small blog about the ball http://mysheriannblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/love-ball.html on a previous page but I have to share how much this ball is actually helping!  I work from home and on the phones for hours at a time, after work I spend hours working on homework- THAT'S A LOT OF SITTING.  During that time I've been finding small ways to create a calorie burn but still be productive with work and school.  

Sitting on the ball automatically works the ab muscles which helps to also strengthen my back.  While working I'm able to do move around on the ball, leg lifts, ab, squats, and core exercise.  There's something about sitting on the ball that creates a healthy mindset to find ways to move while working.  This also brings awareness to my posture unlike my executive comfy office chair (slouch!). Just sitting and working is burning calories! 

I did some research and learned that 1-hour sitting on the ball can burn 100-200 calories per hour!  Well this is GREAT since I'm working for hours at a time.  GET MOVING EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE TO SIT TO MAKE A LIVING!!!!!

Many do not have the luxury of bringing a ball in the office to work so I recommend using the ball during television, sitting projects, and even hanging out in the living room with the fam. 

Reference

http://www.livestrong.com/article/310665-calories-burned-sitting-on-an-exercise-ball/

Knowledge is POWER!!

So have you ever had one of those ROUGH and emotional days you OWE yourself some good comfort food?  Well mac-n-cheese is definitely a comfort food!  Today was one of those days I was very tempted UNTIL I read the nutrition label.  MY GOSH- This over processed crap is loaded with almost 40 grams of fat, 12 grams sat fat, and almost 1,100 calories!! No to mention- zero nutrition! Emotional eaters can zone out and eat the entire box without much thought to it- including me! THAT'S DISGUSTING!  

When you feel like having unscheduled "comfort" food so "so called" reward yourself, educate yourself before the damage is done.  After seeing the shocking numbers I grabbed a huge glass of water & an apple and took a walk.  No fatty mac n cheese gonna mess with my goals!  :)

Spaghetti Squash

Okay- these pictures really are terrible; HOWEVER, take my word for it.....the spaghetti squash is amazing!  There are SEVERAL ways you can cook spaghetti squash and honestly it comes out the same, in my opinion.  If you want this as simple as possible, cut a few slices on each side for air and pop it in the microwave for 25(ish) minutes.  Check after 20- if the squash is VERY EASY to cut, then it's done.  Mine taken over 20-minutes.  (It doesn't taste good under-cooked)

Cut the squash in half.  BE CAREFUL IT'S HOT AS HECK ON THE INSIDE.  You will need to cover your hands with a cloth or mitt.  After carefully cutting the squash length wise, scoop up the middle guts and seeds and  set aside.  Once the middle is clean, take a fork and scrape the meat of the squash and you'll notice it comes off very easy and looks like spaghetti noodles.  

Add some butter spray, "I can't believe it's not butter spray", dash of sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and even some Parmesan cheese and WOW- it's delicious!!! Some replace spaghetti noodles with squash but I have to be honest, my family was NOT having it! lol  They can enjoy it on the side with some grilled chicken, but don't mess with Momma's spaghetti!  However if you have little ones- there's still time to brain wash them!  :D 

LOVE the ball!!!

Using my exercise ball not only helps me stretch but builds balance, strengthens body, and gives a good workout.  The exercise ball is for any fitness level from beginning to advanced.  I'm amazed how many sit ups I can do on this ball considering I can't do any on the ground! lol  Yes- I have a long way to go.  

I love to stretch on the ball to stretch out my lower back.  Another favorite is to watch TV on the ball instead of the couch. Lifting your legs and balancing on the ball is not only fun but if you do it enough, you will feel it in your abs the next day!  It's a great workout while watching TV.  

In my opinion the exercise ball is a must have! Youtube.com offers different video ideas for a TON of different ball exercises. I personally don't like the smaller balls.  Mine was a 75cm- which some will tell you I'm too short for that size (for a VERY tall person (6'3"-6'7") but I personally don't like the smaller balls.  I picked up mine at Target for under $20 and be sure to get burst resistant (Momma didn't raise no fool!)   

Also- if you have children, get them a ball!  Obviously a smaller ball depending on the age.  My teenager loves this ball and uses it a lot!!!  This is much better than sitting on the couch playing video games or watching TV.  Get those abs workin!  

CLEAN- It was like MAGIC!

I absolutely love a clean home.  Stubborn stains will drive me a little crazy UNTIL I learned this new trick for the carpet!  I was in SHOCK and even my husband was entertained watching the magic! I had a few stubborn stains on my carpet by the entry way but POOF they are now gone!

With some research I learned a new trick that I HAVE to share. 

Products:

• Hot iron
• Ammonia
• Hot water
• Spray bottle
• Dry white washcloth 

Mix half and half hot water and ammonia in a clean spray bottle.  Shake the liquids together and generously spray the mix on the carpet area with the stubborn stain.  After giving the area a really good spray, place a clean/dry washcloth on the stain and iron the washcloth.  DO NOT LET IRON DIRECTLY HIT THE CARPET.....Be sure to only iron the washcloth where the stubborn stain is.  Before you know it, the stain will actually appear on the washcloth in seconds!  IT WAS LIKE MAGIC!!!!! 

Convenient Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are not only tasty and healthy but CONVENIENT! My son requested more and if you're like me, when your teenager is ASKING for veggies, you obey! :)  He not only loves the taste but he appreciates the CONVENIENCE.....grab n go. The wraps are great because you can cater to the taste of your loved ones. For example, my son has not acquired a taste for tomatoes or onions yet (taste buds change with age) so I set up the assembly line and fix all of his wraps to his request.

GET CREATIVE! This is a simple wrap with a very light spread of guacamole, but you can use other spreads such as vinegar and olive oil or hummus. I enjoy mine with a tiny dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Or no spread at all!

KEEP IT SIMPLE! After coming home from the grocery story- wash, cut, and bag it up! For example in the picture you'll see the bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, etc etc washed, sliced, and zip-lock bagged. This way when I create my assembly line it's extremely easy to create the wrap. The clean up afterwards is SECONDS!

KEEP IT HEALTHY! I chose to purchase a fresh lean turkey and fresh cheese from the deli instead of processed sandwich meat/cheese from the packages. This cuts on a significant amount of chemicals that make us ugly and fat! FRESH CLEAN FOODS!

GET THE CHILDREN INVOLVED! This is something younger children would love to help with and teenagers are very capable of doing. Once you get that assembly line going for a loved one, kids will want to grab that step stool and join in! Make it fun and use stickers on the wax to differentiate whose wrap belongs to who. For example Mom's wraps are the heart sticker!

HOW TO WRAP IT UP! You can play around with the different lettuce you would like to use. Once you wash your lettuce put a light spread on two pieces of lettuce. Take one lettuce and add all the cut veggies and any seasons you choose. Now take the deli fresh sliced meat and cheese and roll them together. Place the rolled up meat/cheese and place it in the second lettuce. Sandwich the two lettuce together and roll it in the wax paper. I like to leave the side I'm going to eat a bit open for easy access.  Enjoy!!!  Cheers to healthy living!

Decisions with emotions KEEP YOU FAT!

               Back on routine is a superior feeling!  This morning I started my day with an awesome four-mile walk.  It’s amazing how many creative ideas come to mind while raising endorphin levels or as my son calls it entering “Sheri Land.”  On this weight loss journey I’m learning I act on emotions much more than I realized- good and bad.  I don’t “feel” like working out, I don’t “feel” like making good food choices OR I’m in the mood for cocktails, I feel like Mexican food tonight!  I firmly believe logic is an act of wisdom and emotions should not get a vote in the decision making.   

                Our thought process is a powerful tool.  I know if I let my mind think “I wish I didn’t have to work out.”  I would plant a seed NOT to work that morning.  I’M SO THANKFUL I KNOW HOW TO PLANT POSITIVE SEEDS!   I witness many people whom make decisions with emotion rather than logic and suffer extreme consequences.  BUT I’m excited to know we can establish well rounded lives as long as we are willing to recognize the weakness and put some work in.   

                My personality type is a sanguine.  Sanguine’s tend to think outside the box, very talkative, and live passionate lives.  However, the downfall is that they are not naturally disciplined and need help with organization (This explains why my Mother was CONVINCED I had some ADD issues lol).  Self discipline and organizational skills are important for me to recognize to continue success in my life.  

                I have to admit I love emotions as I’m a very passionate person.  My personality allows me to celebrate to the fullest, love passionately, initiative to make things happen, and keep things fun and entertaining.  My personality type also make excellent entrepreneurs as our creativity is above average- HOWEVER without discipline or organization I could be a HOT MESS!   I’ve incorporated discipline and organization to most parts of my life EXCEPT weight loss.  I never associated my weight loss struggles with my personality.  

                As I mentioned in earlier blogs, my husband Darak is kicking butt in his weight loss journey.  IT SEEMS SO MUCH EASIER TO HIM!  My husband’s personality type is a phlegmatic.  Phlegmatic are easy going, don’t carry strong opinions, and very logical.   They tend to be patient and hardly ever worry about things.  This personality type never stress over guilty feelings like many women do!  Darak and I have very opposite personalities and THANK GOD for that because TWO OF ME in the same room would be an overwhelming circus and TWO OF HIM in the room one would wonder if there was a pulse (I hear crickets)!?  Together we bring a balanced lifestyle.  

                I used to always wonder- HOW DOES EVERYTHING COME SO EASY FOR HIM!?  It used to drive me crazy because I couldn’t figure out how he lived stress free or how decisions came so easy.   It was later I realized I’m an emotional thinker which can get messy if it’s not controlled.  My husband makes decisions out of logic (which explains all of the UN-romantic evenings. LOL)  I admire how bad social situations would not phase him but I will bite at the bit to shut my big mouth!  I was thinking and reacting on emotion rather than logic.  Don't get me wrong- it's just as important for phlegmatic's to work on their weakness, however sanguines have it much harder when it comes to losing weight. 

                So my new motto is TO MAN UP!  Emotions are GREAT and I’m thankful for my personality HOWEVER I know I can battle this weight loss journey with less emotion and more LOGIC.   I appreciate all the support and encourage any chit chat- mysheriann@yahoo.com 

I GAINED……..not weight BUT WORKOUT PARTNERS!

I GAINED……..not weight BUT WORKOUT PARTNERS! 

     This evening I held a weight loss support group meeting.  We came to the conclusion we don’t really need weekly meetings- BUT we are exercising together a couple days out of the week.  They are joining my early morning power walks and swimming pool exercise.  I love group workouts as they help keep accountability and fun.  I prepared frozen drinks and refreshing fruit during our chat.  Excited about my new workout buddies…TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE!!!

     I’m learning that I need people in my life to help accomplish goals.  We were not placed on earth to live alone……it’s important to reach out to receive and give support.  I hope I can support ones around me as much as I’m being supported.  THANK YOU TO EACH PERSON WHO HAS BEEN AN INFLUENCE ON THIS AWESOME JOURNEY!  

Tomorrow I’m scheduled to power walk at 6am and attend Weight Watchers at 9am before work………….more to come! 

Mind is powerful.......

     To start my day I beat the sun and did a power walk this morning for an hour.  It was such a beautiful morning out (picture below).  I’m looking forward to another walk tomorrow morning before work.  During the walk I thought of all the things that are good for us but HARD TO START.  The hardest part of working out seems to be JUST DOING IT- “showing up”.  Our mind is a powerful tool.  Some may relate to church- you really don’t feel like getting up, getting ready and going to church BUT once your there and the pastor is really on His or Her game you are SO glad you went!  Some may relate to a seminar, it’s hard to get going and your mind may want to stay home but once you’re there and the motivational speaker is sharing with  life-changing secrets with you, you can’t help but to think…..I’m glad I showed up! 

     Starting the day like this I immediately grabbed the cherries for a morning snack without thinking about it.  If I would have had a lazy morning, a pastry with my coffee probably would have sounded much more tempting.  THE MIND IS A POWERFUL TOOL…..Train it right! 

We fall down- BUT we get UP...............

WE FALL DOWN- BUT WE GET UP!  

     I have to admit it- I’m an all or nothing type of woman if I'm not careful.  So if I splurge, I REALLY SPLURGE or if it’s a healthy day, it's a REALLY HEALTHY DAY.  I either have the Super Woman cape on OR letting kryptonite kick my rear-end!  Sure this trait benefits me in some areas, but when it comes to weight loss I struggle with balance.  For example if I’m in the mood to throw my sons friends a pizza party- WE HAVE A REAL PIZZZZZZZZA PARTY!  One small slice of pizza and salad would be a logical choice, but this Momma PARTIED with too much pizza!  Not to mention the couple drinks offered to me later than night and the story goes on and on……….. I’m starting weekly weight loss meetings at my home which helps ensure accountability.  It’s easy to shy away from workouts, people, and the scale when things aren’t going so well, but going PUBLIC holds accountability.  I HAVE TO FACE YOU! ~smile~

Ideas that keep me on track 

• Hang out with friends who stay active, make good choices, and have things going for them in life  

•  Read uplifting success stories

•  Keep a consistent schedule

• Hold support meetings, attend spiritual engagements, and POSITIVE mindset before getting out of bed

• Go to bed at a decent hour! (I NEED my sleep or it throws me off!)  

•  GO PUBLIC WITH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SO WHEN YOU GET OFF TRACK LOOKING LIKE A DWEEB IT’S A MUCH FASTER PROCESS TO GET BACK ON TRACK!  ~Smile~       

Progresso Soup to the RESCUE........

                 

              This soup is a lifesaver for my weight loss.  I don’t like cooking much in the summers.  The soup is not only convenient but inexpensive- especially on sale!  There are 2-servings in each can which is only 4pt on WW for the entire can.  In the summer time I eat it cold (weird to some but I love it!) but looking forward to the winters to warm it up.  The chicken noodle is my personal favorite but Progresso has a good variety.  I’m excited to see if Sam’s Club carries this so I can purchase it in bulk for savings. 

 

                I recently read in the WW weekly magazine that people who eat at least 1-consistent meal (the same meal) on a regular basis lose more than not.  I found this interesting because my brother and sister who are VERY fit eat the exact same meals on a regular basis.  Of course they splurge and change it up once in a while but for the most part they eat very consistent meals.  I’M LEARNING TO OBSERVE YOU SKINNY PEOPLE!  

                TODAY WAS WEIGH IN……….This week I lost 3lbs!  It’s not a huge number but any loss is invited!  It’s about the LIFESTYLE and the rest will fall in place!  I’m SUPER proud of my husband as he joined a gym and staying very consistent with his workouts.  A man in his 70’s has been his motivation……..apparently this guy is ripped and in crazy excellent shape!  He said he puts the fit boys to shame!  I may have to go in and meet this guy.  My husband refuses to weigh but once every couple months- so I’m excited to see his results.  

                So to kick today in full-gear I’m tracking all my WW points, exercising after work (stationary bike), drinking plenty of water, and taking my vitamins.  Tomorrow I’m super excited as a good friend of mine is coming over early in the morning for a 60minute power-walk and a couple hours of swimming (I love swimming!).  We’ll sneak some coffee chit-chat time in there too.  Until next time! 

Plus Size Apple Shape Women can feel sexy at the pool too!

Plus Size Apple Shape Women can feel sexy at the pool too! 

One of the best purchases is my swim suit.  I LOVE my black one-piece swim suit skirt.  It’s made by Merona.  I had to buy a larger size than I normally wear, which women HATE to do, but I’m very glad I did.  Don’t hesitate to go larger if it looks better!  Many apple shape women have nice legs, larger breast, decent arms but we suffer from the large GUT.  Hide the gut and show off those legs women!  NOBODY could have convinced me I would look half way decent in a suit- but I do.  My suit really does an EXCELLENT job hiding my stomach and showing off my legs.  My thinner pear shape friend (brat!) said “Wow you really have nice legs!”  Yes, the pear shape gave ME a compliment!  I always wanted to be a pear shape woman, but I’m gonna WORK with what I got.  

I was too embarrassed to go to the pool until I made a promise not to be so hard on myself!  I was determined to FEEL GOOD about going to the pool.  I’m an all or nothing type of person, so not only did I go to the pool but I held a family/friend pool party.   We spent several hours outside the pool but I wore my swimsuit the entire time.  I wore a beautiful sun hat (super inexpensive at Target), make up all done up, hair in a cute bun, bronze Jergen’s natural glow (cheap at Walmart), pedi/manicure (coupons women!!), light see-through open front swim suit cover (this is actually a dress shirt that I turned in a perfect swim suit cover for when I’m out of the pool), and cute sandals (paid $5bucks for!).  It takes some effort but anyone can look nice with an inexpensive budget! The compliments kept coming……even from the thin/fit ones.   We had a blast and I felt wonderful. 

Be good to yourself and get some swimming in this summer! 

*****Living Strong wrote an article claiming swimming (light to moderate) can lose ½ pound per week without any other changes.  That was motivating to add to my weight loss journey.  I LOVE swimming!  Everyone knows the benefit of swimming on joints and muscle pain but what I noticed is I can tread water, swim, and stay active (light to moderate) for a LONG time!  My time working out in the pool is much easier, more enjoyable, and rejuvenating.  Be kind to yourself and get in that pool.  *****