Visualization

Visualization

In order to reach our goals, we must be able to see it. It has to be about what we want and how we plan to achieve it. If someone tells us, is it really ours? We need to put forth the effort in the planning as well as the doing.  When I found myself following a book's order of things, I grew frustrated. I didn't like being told exactly what to eat and what my exercise plan would be. I wanted to be in charge of those things. I wanted to be able to incorporate my favorite foods and feel confident as well as competent. When I'm being told what to do and when, I feel more like a disobedient child waiting to rebel! I have to be able to do it all and if things fall apart, have myself to blame.  My topic for this Sunday is titled Paper Dolls. It has to do with a way I found, as a WW Leader to help see the goal 'I' planned for me. I am hoping that my idea will help others to see theirs too. I always have fun doing this one. I hope others enjoy and can take from my actions and become more of a Visualist as well!  Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

"Muffin Top" - Week 9

"Muffin Top" - Week 9

This week, I speak on the universal and global menace, Muffin Top.  It is a terrible fad that, unlike the high-watered pants of Michael Jackson or the neon bracelets that Madonna wore, will not seem to disperse.

Here's my take on the problem!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Couch to 5K

Okay, so I was really looking for a 5K program to help get me pumped about jogging/running and taking on another 5K marathon this year.

Last year, I was so proud of my first marathon that I made a promise to myself to complete one every year for as long as I was able.  Well, since beginning this new weight-loss journey, I put that as one of the items to accomplish and jump to.  Well here I am!

I asked a few people about any good programs but didn't get too much feedback from my weight-loss community.  So I did a little digging.  Last night, I couldn't sleep so I began searching 5K apps.  I found this one by Zen Labs.

It looked really great and only cost me a buck.  You can't heath that, eh?  Well, I tried to put it on my iPod but it's too old and the program requires iOS4 or more.  So I had to put it on my actual iPhone4- no big.  Well, I took it for a spin today and it works just like the video shows.  It worked like a dream and I didn't ache or fuss or even quit!  I did it!

I am going to run the program, it's eight weeks.  I will give periodic reviews as I go.  I am so happy!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Are You Ready?

ARE YOU READY?

Are you ready for this week's topic?  Muffin Top has become a major issue amongst the masses and no one is excluded.  Both men and woman are suffering to this disaster and I will talk about why...

Recipe Wednesday: Fire Roasted Vegetables with Giant Scallops

Hey Gang!

Since today is the first day of Lent, I decided that in order to make it to church on time, I had to make something quick.

I used my Trader Joe's frozen bag of Fire Roasted Vegetables in a balsamic vinegar sauce with scallops.  My hubby bought me some that were huge, as you'll see in the photo collage.  He got them from Sams and they are AWESOME!

As you know, I'm working on my sodium intake to beat BP, so I only used salt-free seasonings.  The only sodium was in the pre-packed food.  I am making sure that I stay under 2,300 grams per day!

The scallops were so huge, one equaled 4 ounces, so I was only able to have two and a piece of another.  I didn't complain at all; I just wanted to be as precise as I could.  

 I sprayed the pan with my fat-free olive oil spray and added the scallops, allowing them to cook slowly and evenly.  I added the minced garlic and garlic/herb salt-free seasonings while they cooked.  Once they were finished, I added the frozen vegetables.  The balsamic sauce made the scallops brown more and ever so tasty!

I have to admit that it didn't look like much on the plate but it was filling and I enjoyed it very much.  I will be eating that again!

NUTRITION INFORMATION:

Calories:  340

Fat:           12

Carbs:       16

Sodium:    720

Protein:      36

I did pretty good, don't you think?  You should try it.  It was a quick meal and tasted great!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Mission "Is"possible! - Week 8

MISSION: "Is"possible! - Week 8

In this week's vlog, I speak on how nothing is impossible with planning and believing in yourself.  I apologize for looking frazzled and such, I was out of it a bit over the weekend and recuperating now.  Have a great week!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Confidence

Confidence

Confidence is like an immunization shot: You introduce it to a hostile environment and an immunity develops, creating a defense against the "I Can'ts" & "Never Wills".


~CFW

How I Reached My Goal

     Be the author of your life: take control of this journey 
of Bettering Yourself and being as healthy as possible. 
Write of your struggles, yeah but don't forget to add in 
how you overcame those obstacles while being proud 
and avoiding hubris! MISSION: "Is"possible!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 God Bless you all and have a wonderful day, loving those about you.  Mostly,  remember to love yourselves.   Many times we gaze within and discover our every fault but how often do we look and appreciate the beauty?  We are worth as much as we value others.  Be kind to yourself.  Treat yourself.  Love you-  Happy Valentine's Day! 


Alyssa
Creating From Within

 

Mission: "Is"possible!

Mission: "Is"possible!

     This post is for all of my friends who are contemplating weight-loss.  I know that you're wondering if you can do it; if you should do it and the ever ringing "Can you do it?"  This is to tell you that you can!  

     I know that things look difficult right now.  You look at yourself and think, I have way too much to lose to even know where to begin!  Well don't think that way.  You have to look at the picture, yes but what you do is break that down into sections or pieces and work them like a puzzle.

   First, you make an exact list of what you'd like to accomplish.  You have to know what you want to do and making it specific allows you to pay attention to details.  Things that you'd easily look over if you were just doing things from the hip.  Writing them down solidifies them - makes them real.

     Secondly, you need to decide which are THE most important and rearrange the list accordingly.  If you tackle them in this order, your feelings of accomplishment will mount!

     Thirdly, you must find your determination.  You have to stay focused.  I enjoy cutting a photo of a lovely model - one shaped in the manner of which I'm desiring, out of a magazine. Once the photo is cut, I then decapitate the model and add my head in her place.  Motivation is seeing where you want to be.  Seeing my face on the body of my dreams or outfit that I want, works great!

     Lastly, you need to make sure that you actually DO what you've listed.  I know that implementing something as tough as a weight-loss program can be frustrating but you can do it.  Once you know what program you have decided on (Step One) you need tools that make your Staying On Track fun!

     I use apps from my Mac, iPhone and iPad2.  They allow me to be as creative as I desire.  I love to make things, have fun with things and document things - especially with pictures.  Find ways of making it fun and easy to stay on track.  The more fun, the more you're apt to follow through.

     So look back at the things I've mentioned.  See what works for you and either work them in the order I've provided or mix them up.  Take something away or add something in, whatever works for you.  Just know that it's not impossible to accomplish.  You can take the steps that will lead you on the journey of your weight-loss lifetime!

     Good luck to you and remember to 

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Put A Pencil In Your Mouth - Week 7

Put A Pencil In Your Mouth - Week 7

This week, I speak on smiles and how they can impact your day.  Being positive is of the utmost importance while going through your weight-loss journey.  I hope this video helps you out and keeps you smiling!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

p.s.
I caught an error I made.  My BMI info: I am 31.2, placing me in Class I and not seventy-something, for Class III.  I can't believe I missed that! LOL  I'm still happy though- and smiling!

Defeating The Need To Cheat!

 

HA! We all have experienced this, eh? Craving something so bad that it eats at your inner-being, causing you to sneak and eat. Or you break out in a sweat as you watch a television commercial, showing Pizza Hut's stringy, mozzarella cheese gliding across the screen. You may have even burned out your refrigerator light because you're constantly opening and shutting the door, only to find nothing is in there that you truly want/need to eat! This is when you begin to do the one thing that can make or break your strength. You begin to think it's okay to add a ..."Cheat Day." Oh yes, we've all done it. So many times, we tell ourselves, "I've been good all week. I deserve to eat whatever I want today!" Don't succumb to this fantasy, this myth. It's not real- you aren't dieting, this is your life! I don't know about all of you but when I revamped my lifestyle as of January 1st, it wasn't for a resolution. It was because I'd been dealt a hand that wasn't allowing me to win. I kept working at what I wanted (healthy weight-loss & vegan lifestyle) but wasn't determined enough. I kept allowing my husband or friends convince me that a day wasn't so bad and that I deserved to do whatever for that day. The problem was that those days popped up more than the ones where I was supposed to stay on track! I was getting nowhere fast. So I decided that enough was enough. I paid a visit to my GP, re-evaiuagted my goals and desires and made a plan of action. I started on New Year's Day only because it was so close to the beginning of the year, it seemed fitting. Honestly, had it been the middle of the summer, I'd have done the same. Anyway, I then put together a Defensive Plan. This plan steps in when the desire to 'cheat' rises. I designed a list of things to do, to eat, or places to go to stay the need to eat something. Just yesterday, I kept wanting to take advantage of the $10 pizza deal- I know you all have seen it. When I was about to ask my son if he wanted pizza for lunch, I caught myself and ran downstairs and jumped on the computer to make sure of my remaining calories. I then snatched him up and ran to QuikTrip and snatched a kid's 12 oz cup of my safety Fat-Free Blackcherry Slushie! A treat that's not bad for either of us. It was so good, cold and filing that the pizza crave vanished! I had to rearrange my entire food journal to accommodate it but in the long run, it was truly worth it. I was away from the crave and found myself happy. This morning I got up and weighed myself. I was down two pounds! THIS tells me, I did the right thing. Had I eaten that pizza, I could have gone up three! Or more, who knows with my body! The thing is, there are no true cheat days. Even if you eat a few too many calories or something that was not planned, you can go back on track with the following meal or snack. But when you throw Cheat Days in, you're only fooling yourself. You only push back your goal and keeps you in the habits that you so truly want to be released from. Don't do it. If you want to treat yourself, go for it but don't allow your entire day to get away! It's not real- there are no Cheat Days! Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Indian Spiced Rice with Raisins and Tofu Recipe

1 tbsp canola oil 1 cup onions (chopped) 1 tbsp ginger root (minced fresh) 1 clove garlic cloves (minced) 12 tsp coriander seed (ground) 12 tsp ground cardamom 14 tsp ground nutmeg 12 tsp ground cumin 1 14 cups jasmine rice (dry)

34 tsp salt 12 cup lentils (dry) 3 cups water 1 potatoes (peeled and diced) 1 red bell pepper (chopped) 12 cup green peas 3 tbsps raisins 1 tbsp butter (optional)

1	In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, and cook, stirring frequently until they have softened. Sprinkle in the ginger, garlic, coriander, cardamom, nutmeg, and cumin. Cook for 3 minutes more, stirring frequently.
2	Pour the rice into the saucepan and saute the rice with the spices for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour the lentils and salt into the saucepan. Pour 3 cups of water into the pan, stir.
3	Place the potatoes into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the pan and turn the heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes.
4	Place the bell pepper, peas, and raisins into the saucepan. Stir well, then cover the pan again. Cook 10 minutes more, or until the rice, potatoes, and lentils are tender. Stir in the butter, if you like. Serve and enjoy. Amount Per Serving Calories 439 Calories from Fat 66 % Daily Value * Total Fat 7 g 11% Saturated Fat 2 g 10% Trans Fat 0% Cholesterol 8 mg 3% Sodium 482 mg 20% Total Carbohydrate 81 g 27% Dietary Fiber 11 g 45% Sugars 7 g Protein 13 g Vitamin A 18% Vitamin C 49 mg 81% Calcium 65 mg 7% Iron 5 mg 30% Potassium 702 mg 3% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. I modified it by eliminating th lentils and butter, using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and tofu instead.  I also added a little red pepper flakes.  I think you;ll enjoy this one! Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Too Thin Can Do Harm!

This article caused an uproar!  I found this in the Shine online mag from Yahoo.  It was by Brett Michael Dykes (Fall Beauty- Wed. Oct 7, 2009). But the purpose of my mid-week issue isn't to actually speak on the article but to voice the harm in the article.

     You see, when we strive to lose weight, sometimes we get lost in the idea of being thin.  We get raptured in the numbers and images on television - pushing for more loss until our perception is distorted and eventually lost.

     I've been there.  I've been a four before and thought it was the greatest thing in the world, until I saw pictures.  Looking back now, I understand why some kept telling me to stop.

     People who didn't know me thought I was awesome but the ones who did thought I'd jumped on the Crack Diet!  I was too small and they began to worry.  But not me; I loved it.  I loved being a smaller me but found it hard to maintain.

     Everyone isn't meant to be a zero or so.  Sometimes, our bodies relay messages that we refuse to listen, causing distress and even health issues like malnutrition.  Some folks even push to taking on new detrimental hobbies like Bulimia and Anorexia.  NO JOKE, we do harm when we try to live up to, well... tiny standards.

     As we traverse this arduous weight-loss journey, let's remember to listen to our GP.  Remember to eat and exercise.  Remember to make healthy decisions and drink water.  More importantly, do your best to be happy.  Avoid the sadness, deprivation and depression, seeking to be fulfilled and healthy.

     This time, it's about doing things properly.  Do your body, mind and spirit a favor and think positive.  Think about what YOU want and not about what others think or say.  More than anything else, find ways to not look like this chic from the Ralph Lauren photo shoot!

THAT'S NOT BEAUTY- IT'S STARVATION AT IT'S WORST!

H2"Oh Boy!" - Week 6

H2"Oh Boy!" - Week 6

This week, I mention a few reasons we need water and how to make it enjoyable for those who don't like to drink their 8 cups!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy!

Distorted

1. The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds. 2. The average size of the “ideal” woman, as portrayed by models, has become progressively thinner over the years and has stabilized at around 20% below the average weight. This thin ideal is unachievable for most women. A 1995 study found that three minutes spent looking at models in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and ashamed. 3. It is estimated that 40-50% of American women are trying to lose weight at any point in time. 4. One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder. 5. Almost half of all women smokers smoke because they see it as the best way to control their weight. Of these women, 25% will die of a disease caused by smoking. 6. At age thirteen, 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies.” This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. 7. In a sample of male and female high school students, girls had higher body dissatisfaction scores than boys on all measures. Girls reported magazines as their primary source of information regarding diet and health. Boys reported their parents as their primary source of information. These are the typical messages girls can expect to get from womens magazines. 8. A majority of girls in a 1999 study (59 percent) reported dissatisfaction with their body shape, and 66 percent expressed a desire to lose weight. Only 29 percent of the girls were overweight. 9. At 5’9” tall and weighing 110 lbs, Barbie would have a BMI of 16.24 which is considered severely underweight. Because of her ridiculous proportions (39” bust, 18” waist, 33” thighs and a size 3 shoes!), if she was a real woman, she wouldn’t be able to walk upright – she would have to walk on all fours. Note that the target market for Barbie Doll sales are girls ages 3 to 12. 10. Nearly 11.7 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2007. Women had nearly 10.6 million cosmetic procedures, 91% percent of the total. (I don't know who to give credit to for this article.  It wasn't listed.)

Wednesday Recipe: Shrimp with Cheesy Grits

 Okay, so when you think of shrimp, you normally do not think of grits, let alone with cheese right?  I didn't think it would be good either but I must confess, it was tasty and filling.  

I originally got the recipe from my SparkPeople Cookbook, as you can see.  My problem was that no one else in my home eats shrimp.  So instead of actually following the recipe, I decided to make a revised version.  One that worked for me to enjoy the meal and not have to worry about food wasting away in the fridge.

So I tagged my own version below.  I hope you try either one.  It was wonderful and I will be eating it again.  My only difference was that I used  2 pks of instant grits, frozen veggies & asparagus, one serving of shrimp, diced tomatoes, and English cheddar cheese.

Wonderful meal and it cost me 563 Calories, 36 carbs, 26 fat and 24 protein!  It was very filling, tasty and not bad in the #'s department!

I hope you try it out- original or revised version!

 

  Mmm!

Be Happy❤Be Healthy

*if you'd like the recipe, slip me an e-mail!