Sugar free=Migraine free

Self control is an amazing thing. Once I saw the results of not eating sugar...its not hard! It took a few days of headaches during the beginning of my not eating sugar-perhaps withdrawal, but since I stopped I havnt had a migraine...a headache yes but a migraine-no,THANK GOD!!!! I am able to eat fruit and carbs but no processed sugar. I am not taking this to an extreme Ill have some bbq sauce or ketchup...but in general I check ingredients before I eat the food-Great thing to do regardless! Its kept me from eating a lot of things!
The amazing thing about this all is it teaches me...more like reinforces the idea of self control. I eat kosher-I never think to eat something thats not kosher, and now I dont eat sugar and it hasnt been that hard to avoid. Im almost up to a month sugarfree...when I am Id like to work on my snacking. I noticed on days when I dont pack a real lunch its been a bad decline...even if I pick up a yogurt and fruit for lunch I end up snacking the rest of the day.
Onto other news....this friday is my last test for this semester!!!! I could use some prayers to pass! Nursing school is a new set of challenges...unlike most things...if you study really hard in nursing school it doesnt mean you will do well...Im learning that. Honestly Im not used to that....in High School I was a lousy student but that was by choice, when I went to college I did well...because I tried...now....argh! I try sooo damn hard and at least Im passing but I wish my marks/grades showed my effort.
Im off to clinicals...Its been nice chatting...lol
Have a great day!

Allergy? Addiction? Or annoyance?

Maybe it's all three! I'm talking about sugar. It gives me migraines but I seem to still eat it and crave it. Yesterday I had an awful migraine today I feel the aftermath which feels like a hangover... So today I stayed away from sugar with no problems but what will tomorrow bring? I choose to focus on today I plan just for today to stay away from my devil in disguise. Do you have a food that's hard to stay away from but causes havoc? What do you do? I know once I stay away for a while it gets easier but I need to get there.

Today marks the beginning of an exciting week.

This week is an exciting week for me, I'm spending 2 days in the OR...don't worry folks I'm just observing! When I started nursing school I thought that this may be one of the departments I'd like to work in...now I can get a better picture of whats done! 

Anyways....I was reading my instructions for the day and #2 is to eat a real breakfast and it even says how many carbs, fruit and dairy to eat. At first I laughed and even shared it with a friend. But, then I got to thinking,always a problem I know; They are trying to get us to eat right because we could be on our feet from 630am to 3pm without a break. Its so important...breakfast is what sets us up for the whole day. 

Of course this brought me back to the dieting-eating-exercising portion of my life...I need to get back into it. Do I think I need to chronically diet?!?!! Honestly sometimes yes sometimes no. Do I think I need to be healthier?!?! Hoestly HELL YA! 

This brings me to this morning...I woke up at the crack of dawn to study for my exam that begins in 2 hours 39 minutes. Of course I had to check darn facebook before I got started with the studying business...a friend of mine was writing a list of things she wants to accomplish this year. I started to think of the things I'd like to accomplish. 

My bucket list is vast and contains things like bungee jumping, hand gliding, taking a safari on an elephant, climbing Kilimanjaro, and traveling to Italy. Have no fear my list is WAYYYY longer but I wont bother you all with it now.

 I do however like to make a list of things I'd like to do within a year, 5 years and 10 years. I'll start my list and blog it at some point...but I can tell you off hand...

 I'd like to make more time for yoga, I'd like to run a marathon before I am 40, I'd like to visit Israel with my children within 5 years and I would like to lose 30-40lbs. 

Of course I have more short term goals like go on a few more dates with the hubby (long overdue) become a more patient mother, read more to my children, pack lunch every day and go running with Shmulik-my 7 year old son, who would very much love to out run me!!! 

I have to get back to studying...but hold these thoughts...I would like to revisit them!

I would love to hear what you have on your list please share!

Its a marathon not a sprint....either way it implys an ending!

So I try to imagine a time where I wasnt concerned about my weight...hmmmm NEVER! Which puts me in a bad situation...I cant imagine a time where I wont be concerned with my weight. ARGH
A friend once told me losing weight is a marathon not a sprint...well firstly I am WAY better at sprinting and secondly both imply an ending...I dont see one...brrr

Onto actuality...this weekend I got a book in the mail that I have been meaning to read...'The Mayo Clinic Diet' obviously I sat down and read right through it. For all those who have heard me speak about weight loss, health or anything related, I tend to quote the mayo clinic a lot.
The book is quite different then any other diet book I have read. firstly its about breaking bad habits and forming good ones as opposed to focusing on what you should and should not be eating. Of course there is the part about what to eat...and even that is different, its focus is on fruits and veggies, eating whole grain carbs and just a little bit of lean protein. I have mixed feelings about this diet but I feel like I may give it a shot. I need another day or two to think about it but I will keep you guys posted!
If any of you have tried this before let me know!
Hope everyone is safe and snug with this freak storm coming...
Have a fabulous week!

This journey has no end

I have been off sugar for a little more then a week (mostly) but, I'm still scared to hit the scale. The sugar is motivating because it gives me awful headaches so its simply not worth it (mostly.) The rest of my diet has been just eating healthy and juicing instead of snacking when my kids come home from school. Today I made a tangerine, ginger, celery, kale, apple combo and I've been drinking it out of a martini glass which makes it wayyyy more fun!!! I havnt gotten back into my exercise routine all I have been doing is my beloved basketball twice a week and some yoga on my own here and there to keep me calm :( it's time to get cracking at the exercise....I love love love it... So why don't I just do it?!?! Anyhoots hope everyone is doing great and I hope to be back to blogging, exercising and of course dieting !

 

note:I just did 1/2 hour of workout from youtube including pilates, crunches and weights

Already feeling better!

Two days into my better eating and I'm already feeling it! I won't lie and say I've been perfect but I won't lie and say I wasn't! I've juiced both days instead of cleaning my kids plates into my mouth. I have eaten 3 healthy good meals each day and eat way less snacks then what I've been doing. I'm heading in the right direction. Have a great weekend everyone!

My spare tire and more

Some how my friends and I got to joking about our spare tires around our waists last night. I came home chuckling..but it got me thinking...
I have 2 more days of holidays...and then nothing for a about 2 months.
Time to get back into healthy eating. I haven't stepped on a scale on way to long but I know it will NOT be nice. I am sick of my tire, I am sick of feeling heavy and weighted down, I am sick of feeling so damn fat!!! So I need a plan and I think I have it.
Starting October 10 2012 I will cut out flour and sugar-this measure is more to keep off the headaches then anything else but I know its good for me as well.
I will get back to my vinyasa yoga 2x a week, basketball 2x a week and when I can gym 2x a week.
I will juice for breakfast and take one to go. I will bring my salad with protein for lunch and pack healthy snacks.
Starting the end of October ill be in the hospital 645-345 2x a week and I know if I dont pack lunch ill end up eating vending machine food.
One more thing I plan to restart and thats my weight loss support group..I found it so helpful!
Now I need to get back to my cooking...sauteed spinach, onion kische, chicken cutlets wrapped around coldcuts, coffee cake, hummus, babaganush, carrot salad, brocalli salad, fresh salad....and a bunch of other things I am sure I forgot :)

Some honesty...as requested!

       I hear from my readers a lot that what they like most about my blog is the honesty. So here is a super honest day...ready?!?!?!

       I woke up at 5am, ground, brewed and drank a LARGE cup of coffee with skim milk. About half way thru I decided its time to step on that damn scale...so I did...and much to my surprise and delight I was down...so now my weight is 197.4...argh...I have such mixed feelings about that number...yes its below that big 2 number but oooo its still to high for me, to be exact its 32.4lbs to high for me. So I decided I need a goal...but not the 10lb type not even the 5lb type...something teeny tiny, something attainable; my goal is 195 by Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year-which comes out at the end of September this year.)

     Sunday night I made myself green grapes and blueberries to drink in the morn. It was too sweet so I diluted it with about 40% water 60% juice. It was delicious and refreshing. I went to class, took my quiz, handed in my homework, sat through some lecture and mainly looked at slides. I then went to sit down and study. OOOOOO it was sooo beautiful outside, I was so relaxed with my 2nd coffee of the day...but argh I ate some chocolate. Not terrible if I simply stopped there. For lunch I had a yogurt...not a bad choice...but to little to hold me over. At around 3pm I got home and was so hungry...booo I ate a bunch of cookies...mindlessly :( thats the worse type of eating!

      So while I made meat lasagna for dinner I juiced some carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley, zuchinni and an orange. Okay...were being honest here...it looked like poo, and tasted just a bit better then that. I drank it anyways (it was tolerable over ice.) I did this to avoid eating the lasagna. I planned to have some meat sauce over brown rice but while juicing watermelon for my kids I decided to just juice some more for dinner for myself. I not only juiced watermelon for myself I juiced the red, white and green!!! It is amazing! I love it! Its so refreshing it tastes like a treat!!! A friend of mine once posted that she juiced the whole watermelon with the rind...I couldn't imagine...but heck I never thought cucumbers would make good juice either!

      I am off to study again with my juice. I look forward to hearing form you guys, and I thank you so so much for all your advice and support! Your all great friends!

I love how the juice came out as white, green and  red!

 This pic doesnt do it justice the color was gorgeous!

 My pre-dinner juice...looks way better before it was juiced!

   

What a day and it's only 630

So I slept in till 8 today made a red tip lettuce and honeydew drink (great combo btw) went to the most intense yoga class I have yet to experience and it was 90 minutes long!! After I realized I didn't pack lunch so I ran to the grocery store and bought baby carrots, celery, hummus, 2 peaches and almonds(100 calorie pack) and then went to study 6 hrs!! Just got home and made a carrot apple celery ginger snd cilantro drink! I poured it over ice it taste great!! Anyhoots I still have homework to do, a quiz to study for and basketball! It's going to be a looong week! Hope it's a good one! ( I did cheat with one square of chocolate no not the dark type:()

Success

I really wanted some of the sandwich cookies my kids were eating but instead I had a pineapple romaine lettuce and purple cabbage drink! It's delish and really filling! And really cool colors! The pics don't do it justice :(! I knew today was going to be a long day it's Friday and I have to be in the hospital by 645 and I never get home before 430/5 so I make 2 juices put them in to go bottles I drank one in the morning around 6 drank my coffe and then at 11 had my 2nd drink by that point I was pretty hungry so the drink didn't fill me up but I packed a salad 2 hard boiled eggs and chick pea patties. I felt great till 4ish when I had 10 pistachios and some chocolate (o well) then got home made dinner an just Ann my juice! I also made pure pineapple juice for my kids(they love love love it!) im going to make a carrot, beet, ginger, celery drink for the morning hope to have a good day tom! anyhoots have a great weekend everyone!

Today's menu

Breakfast- juice of cantaloupe, kale, romaine lettuce snack-handful of baby carrots and an orange (not juiced) lunch- juiced beets, carrots,ginger, celery snack- 2 small rice cakes with peanut butter (approx table spoon) dinner- chicken brown rice vegetables my new walking partner:hunter see pic below!!

Drink of the day

Sweet potato carrot zucchini and Brussels sprouts- interesting combo.... Boy do I need to go grocery shopping!! For breakfast I had a green machine combo! I had a norm lunch- 4 corn thins with 2 slices muenster cheese, 3 mini bell peppers, handful of baby carrots, 1/2 corn on cob, and nectarine. A lot of carbs but my house is pretty bare of anything besides noodles and pizza! I made chickpea patties I plan to eat later they are chickpeas and spices and a tiny bit whole wheat flour. My day was really tough and I applaud myself for not eating junk! Not even chocolate! Hope you all had a great day!!!

Gift

I got a gift of a juicer today....carrot apple was my first drink! Then my 5 yr old wanted pineapple juice so I juiced a pineapple gave him some (he loves it) then added carrots and brocalli to mine ooooo soooo good! Taste like a treat! My plan is to substitute one meal a day with juicing I want to feel the effects but I also don't want to feel deprived! My juice will need both fruits and veggies! I'll keep you posted with results! As far as weight loss goes.... A few of my dear friends have asked! To be honest I'm avoiding the scale! Since i did hypnosis I feel I have more control over myself! I feel good because I've been super consistent with exercise! Anyhoots last I checked I was down 2 1/2 but that's still up a but from my lowest on weight watchers but...it's in the right direction! Thank you for all your encouragement it's wonderful to have such a kick ass support system!

I need this back

I should start with I lost 2 1/2lbs!!! I just came across this pic it's 8 yrs ago 33.4lbs ago and I need that back!

Have you ever...

Have you ever meditated? Have you ever spent 30 selfish beautiful wonderful minutes deeply giving yourself courage, power and love? I just went to a session of hypnosis...I feel as if I spent my day in a spa! My toes should be painted, my face should be clear of blackheads, my tummy should be full of mojitos and my back shouldn't have a knot in it! But in truth my face still has pimples and black heads my toes are desperate for some help, my back is crying from my 10lb text books but my soul is smiling! Okay I officially sound like a nut a cracked nut at that! I went to hypnosis to help me reform my eating habits and to reinforce my exercise patterns! I want to be healthy I want to be fit and boy would it be nice to lose 30lbs! What the hypnopsycologist kept saying ( I have the session recorded) is 'you are string you will do this and you will feel good!' I will listen to this recording over and over again giving myself power and strength to do this! My food plan is breakfast : 1 egg +egg whites on a rice cake with tomatoes or a yogurt with coffee of course lunch: salad with a portion (hand size) of protein or cut up veggies with hummus and boiled egg dinner: protein (hand size) with loads of veggies and a small carb ie:small potato or small portion of brown rice snacks: serving of almonds or popcorn or fruit or fudge pop twice a day I will drink loads of water and exercise daily! I'll keep everyone posted on my progress! I'm signing off an empowered women! :)

Think good and it will be good!

This is one of my hubby's favorite sayings! We have the power to change things for the good through our thoughts. When we feel we will succeed we will! When we feel we will pass the test we will! This week I've been thinking about this allot. Is my subconscious keeping me from being at the place I see as perfection?(health wise) or is it a lack of effort? This morning I took an hour and twenty minute yoga class, as my muscles were burning and shaking and i was contemplating quitting the pose, I heard my subconscious argue 'the harder you work the better your results will be...na I've been working out for years...yes but this is different this is new...bla bla bla' I then consciously said (almost out loud) think good and it will be good! By the time my skitzo convo was over it was time to shift positions and move on! I felt good, I felt empowered, so my mantra now (at least for yoga) is think good thoughts, think I can, think I will!! Any hoots good news I didn't gain this week (didnt lose either) but for a week that I didn't really diet I'm glad! Have a great week my friends!

Walking against the tide

Ever feel like your walking against the tide? Your pushing thru a crowd that's heading in the opposite direction? I have one area in my life that I've felt like this....no I feel like this! I always have! And that's my weight :( it just doesn't seem right:( Maybe in a previous life I was a skinny pretentious bitch who mocked those who were heavy hmmm more likely a fat pretentious bitch who mocked the thin cuz rounder people were looked at as rich and healthy...maybe during the time of corsets my previous life pulled so tight and got my waist so tiny i used my thin genes up... Or maybe it's New karma?! Have I recently done something? Maybe it's psychological? I've heard that before! Should I find a therapist?! Delve into the inner workings of my flub? Your probably wondering where this is all coming from (or not) so I'll share.. I've been doing yoga (I love it! It's amazing, my body feels tested-in a good way) so this morning I set my alarm for 515 so I could leave by 545 to make my 615 class. It was hard getting out of bed but I know how good it makes me feel so I dug deep pulled out some strength and got my hiney out of bed. At some point I forgot the class was at 615 and thought it was 630 so I left my home at 6 wondering why I had plenty of time to check Facebook and do some dishes.I pulled up to flow yoga studio at 620 thinking 'perfect timing' went up stirs and saw the class already in session. I left, went home, got dressed and took lots of deep breaths. So the good- I could likely go to the 430 class because my amazing husband is so supportive, and I now have an hour to study for my test on Tuesday. But, it still is so frustrating to me that I work so hard and it just doesn't seem to pan out (in this part of my life) thanx guys for listening to my ramble! Have a great day! I'd love to hear feedback feel free to leave a comment or txt/call/email me! :)

I'm a yogi!

My weight is scary I am back up to that scary 2 number but I've been tracking my food for 2days. I feel I'm on a good track. I went to venyassa hot yoga yesterday and today it makes me feel calm cool and collected. I'm amazed at the way my body is being tested, I'm inspired to work harder and reach higher yoga heights. I'm excited to continue, there's so much to achieve so much to get to. I'm blown away at how focused and calm I was when I walked into class today. Any hoots it feels great!

Rearrange, Reframe, Reboot

Im stealing this from a friends facebook status "Rearrange, Reframe, Reboot. Being upset is just a shift in your original expectations. Everything happens for a reason, so choose to make yourself happy NOW and see the good in what YOU can do out of the situation at hand." 


This works so well for what I wanted to blog about today. 
I have a problem...when I hit 10lbs lost I hit a plateau when I hit a plateau I lose my umph when I lose my umph I dont lose weight...argh!

I know this type of problem can be rooted psychologically...

Ive been dieting for to many years 21 to be exact and Im only 29! I need to stop thinking about dieting constantly. But to be honest I dont know how to do that and not get super fat. 

Help...Id love advice. 
So looking back at my opening sentence...Being upset is just a shift in your original expectations...Yes when I restarted Weight Watchers I was determined for it to work...but its not....Everything happens for a reason...O it sure does!...So choose to make yourself happy now and see the good in what YOU can do out of the situation at hand...in regards to my weight this will be hard. 
But I have a choice...give up now...or try try try again. I thats what I will do. Starting sunday morning I will track better, be more conscious of what I should do, exercise more...and stop hitting myself on my head for not being where I want to be. 

On another note I plan to try a hot yoga studio here in Pittsburgh I absolutely LOVED it in NY but its a diff style yoga...so time will tell!!!

interesting fact and pics

So random and interesting fact (or study I should say): a study showed people who were at a normal weight did faster and better at crossword puzzles and lost their car keys less...lol its a true study..dont know how many ppl participated and how many already did crosswords etc but its fun to hear these things

Frustrating and exhausting

Im up to 198lb again...which means I went up...or evened out since Shavuot. Ok...lets be honest...I did have a slice of cake shabbos morning and fri night I had almost a bottle of wine and 2 pieces of my kids pieces of cake. I was ready to stay the same even go up .2-.5 but up over a pound and half....argh...O well...Im heading to do a 5k now (just a walk not a run) for March of Dimes, later today I'll be playing basketball.
My goal for this week...tomorrow go running...do 3k...give a class in the evening
Tuesday...won't have time unless I wake up at 430 and Im at the gym by 5 (Ill try)
Wednesday...beat my 3k from monday and give a class in the evening...
Thursday...basketball...
I will drink more water...pack better lunches...
And I will smile and not let this ruin my week! :)

And Im back in the game!!

Henry Ford  said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

This week, after a shocking weight gain...I put my mind to it...ok to be honest I didnt work out as much as I would have liked to and I did eat 2 sandwich cookies (which I calculated into my points) but I did it! 

I stayed out of my extra points and I lost the weight. I'm down to 196.8...Ill weigh in again tom to make sure its right!!! thats almost my 5% goal!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

So my plan for this week...pass my micro test!!! lol It has alot to do with my weight loss...stress releases cortisol in our bodies which holds on to our fat. But...that doesnt mean I cant lose that just means I need to try harder and try not to stress out.....hmmmm

My plan is a run today a basketball tonight. Class tom evening. Wed, class in the park and hopefully a run or gym earlier in the day. Thur night basketball and friday the gym. Ill keep you posted on what happens. 

At minimum I will be doing my 2 classes and 2 basketball games.

Food:Plan ahead...Make double dinners...cut up veggies 2-3 days at a time. 

Have a great day my friends.

The aftermath

Soooo let's be honest I ate a whole lot of cheese cake over Shavuot probably 1 cake worth!!! But dang it...it was worth it...only cuz I do it once a year! When I weighed myself the nxt morning it looked like I gained 4lbs which of course freaked me out but then I realized all that dairy made me super constipated! I weighed in again this morn and it looks like I only gained 1lb! But now I'm back in the game!!! Yesterday and today were def good days!! I wanted to be under 200 by my bday and I was now I need to get to 195 by July 4th! Have a great week!

down 8lbs and counting

Soooo at first I weighed in on friday, thinking maybe my problem is the day I am weighing in...but then I weighed in again this morning and im down another .1 of a pound. So long story short...goodbye 200's hello 190's! I know that still sounds like a scary number and Im only just dipping into it (I currently weigh in at 199.1lbs) but I am down over 8lbs (8.1lbs to be exact) and I feel strong to continue.
My problem of course is this coming up weekend is a holiday that is full of cheesecake and other goodness...I know from previous years if I dont have my cheesecake fix over those two days I look for it for the rest of the year. So...I need to be super de duper this week...not dip into my extra points AT ALL and save it all for the weekend. That is the plan!

 

Dinner one day this week was sauteed asparagus, broccoli and brussel sprouts with tofu cooked in a tbsp of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce and loads of garlic. My lesson from this dinner....I need twice as much to really be full!

This was a really yummy and filling lunch! Chopped up 1/2 big onion, a red pepper, 1/4 of and english cucumber, can of tuna in water, TBSP of homemade Hummus, TBSP of mango salsa. 6 Skinny rice cakes (3 for 1 pt on ww) and a nice big starbucks!!! I studied for 3 hrs straight in that spot! 

Have a great week!!!

Todays food...ooooo sooo yummy

Fresh Salad with fake crab and mustard! YUM!!!!

Fake meat crumble and feta over sauteed asparagus, red pepper and portabella mushrooms...with loads of garlic!

Weight gain :(

Yup....it happened...I gained weight this week .6lb. I know its not allot but I've been so damn good on my diet its just not fair! :( Instead of feeling sorry for myself I am making sure to MEASURE EVERYTHING! And get more gym time in! This week so far I played basketball sunday night, I did 1 hr on the elliptical and 1 mile on the treadmill (12 1/2 min) and I'm giving a class for 45 min tonight. I plan to go to the gym wed and give a class in the park. Thursday I will play basketball (IYH) and Friday I hope to get to the gym at school. Lets see what the week brings!

Egg white omelet with asparagus

My packed lunch: 6 egg whites, carrots, peppers, cucumbers with 2 Tbsp Hummus, and apple and a plain low fat yogurt

Dinner: portabella mushroom with feta, tomatoe and a slice of edam cheese with a side of asparagus (I should mention a light beer-I calculated the points dont worry)

Heres some pics of what I have been eating:

I love where I live

I am smiling!! Seeing the community coming together time after time to help each other during times of joy and happiness and sadness and loss! Meals, playdates, grocery runs, shoulders to cry on, arms to hold and hug. I've been pleasantly surprised when I hear ppl bringing each soup to someone home with the flu! I keep experiencing an outpouring of support for going back to school whenever I doubt myself I'm reminded by living friends here that I'm doing the right thing! Last night I selfishly left the lag baomer BBQ to go for a run... As I left I turned around and I had tears in my eyes.. All colors shapes sizes, all shuls, school and walks of life! All with one thing in common- Jews celebrating lag baomer with family and friends!!!! I experienced one more heartwarming thing yesterday- hugs and words of condolence that were so sincere to our crossing guard on her loss of her father it was touching to see how much everyone cared!!! I love living in Pittsburgh!! Sry for the ramble!!

Vegetarian Options

Since noticing how much lower in points tofu and the fake meat scramble is I've been eating more of these options and they are YUMMY! This here is  a snappeas and carrot stirfry with tofu. I seasoned it with Soy sauce fresh garlic salt and pepper.

I got a recipe from a friend for an 'orange soup' Im not super at following directions so I made my own version...and dang its good! 1 Can pumpkin, 5carrots, 2 zuchinni, 2 onions, dill, salt and pepper. I decided not to shmush it just to leave is chunky! It was delish and only 1pt a bowl!

A few people asked me how my weights going...here is it...now dont freak out I know the numbers are still extraordinarily high...I weigh ALOT. On April 15 I weighed 207.2, On April 22 204.6, On April 29 202.6, On May 6 200.6. My goal is to be under 200lbs by my birthday May 16. My next goal is to finish next semester at 185lbs. And finally my final goal is to be 165lbs by graduation. I have to admit the 2 in the beg of my weight is what freaks me out the most! I made a promise a long time ago that I would NEVER have a 2 in the beg....o well. But I can tell you this....I am working hard to get rid of it! 

My goals for this week: 1. Get to the gym at least once (and if any of my 2 classes are canceled I need to workout anyways) 2. Cont to stay within my points 3. Drink my 8-10 cups of water daily.

Ok...Time to get ready for school! Have a great day my friends!

A good ole day!

With only 4 hours of sleep (ya I gotta work on that) I had a super fantabulous day today! I lost another 2lbs!!! this brings a huge relief to me!
My new nephew, Shalom Dov Ber had a beautiful wonderful amazing bris! So many wonderful people helped so many wonderful people participated!
And now...Im off to study microbiology!!! lol
Anyhoots Ill blog later on in the week but this week I want to focus on exercise!!! I havnt been getting enough and my legs are beginning to ache...argh

pics from this weeks food!

banana and quark cheese with cinnamon 

Hot dog salad with turkey dogs, fresh salad, salsa

banana blueberries quark cheese and cinnamon 

Kale chips...ooo sooooo yummy

Tofu stir fry with light tofu, sauteed onions and garlic and steamed brocalli

Kale chips and weight loss

From the title it seems kale chips will cause weight loss but in reality its just that I discovered kale chips...so easy and YUM! and I lost weight again this week!!!
Im am so proud! I lost 2lbs! Im feeling better already!
Tonight for dinner I made a broccoli tofu stir fry and kale chips....All I did was put some EVO on kale and spice it I put it in the over on 350 for a bit till it was just a tid bit browned....they are delish!
Pics will follow shortly!
My goals for this week:
Workout 2x in the gym 2x out of the gym
Drink my 8-10 glasses of water
Stay within my points
Lose weight!

The good and the bad

3 things I did well last week: 1.cut up veggies 2 servings at a time so I had extra in fridge 2. Didn't eat nachys bday cupcake or the kids left overs 3. Stayed within my points. 3 things to improve 1. Drink more water 2. Exercise more 3. Plan dinners better

First Weigh In...

To say I was scared is an understatement...I was petrified to go on that scale this morning....I kept thinking after working so hard what if I didnt lose? What if I lost only a little?!? It's the first week of a diet I should be losing alot...bla bla bla but I pulled on my big girl panties and stepped on that scale....lo and behold I lost 2.6lbs!!! I know its not the 5-6lb others lose their first week but its good for me!!!! I know its going to slow down..WW is made so that people lose .5-2lbs a week but Im hoping this week Ill have more time to work out and I will see great results as well! But as long as the numbers are going down I need to be happy!!!

Now what!!?!?! My first week is done, my plan for this week (PS I have off of school this week)
 'Man plans and God laughs' with that in mind...

I plan to workout 6x for atleast 45 min this week starting today!
I plan to eat loads of veggies and stay within my points
I plan to take family pictures
Study for 2 tests that I have nxt week
Review micro and A&P
I plan to unpack 2 boxes (thats realistic no!?!)
I plan to go out with friends at least once
I plan to take Hubby out at least once
and make real dinners!!!

Most importantly I plan to.. Have a terrific week!!!

just a peak

I dont have much time to write but I figured Id share some of the pics of the food I have been eating.

 

spaghetti squash with mozzerella cheese, mini peppers and diet coke

                                                        cut up veggies for two days

                                       zero point smoothie made with banana, frozen strawberries and peaches and water

Lunch for tom, is cut up veggies, multigrain melba toast, tuna made with jalepeno hummo

My new journey

So Pesach (Passover) was amazing! It was full of family, food, wine and just an all around good time! To say it wasn't a challenge would be a lie, but it was definitely not as hard as it could have been. Being in school during a holiday like this one, is hard. I wish I had more time to spend with my kids, more time to cook, etc etc etc...

But the truth is we did have a fabulous trip up to a friends farm!!!! The kids already want to go back!! We hiked, we bbq'd hotdogs and marshmallows, the kids ran free and it felt so damn good! We also went to an IMAX at the science center and spent about an hour and half in the science center...the IMAX was phenomenal its called 'Born to be Wild' highly recommended...even Rachelle (who is 3 loved it.)

Now onto my new journey...I just resigned up for weight watchers. The scariest part....I had to weigh myself this morning...and not only have I put on 5lbs with my move, starting school etc....a few more have snuck on over the holidays. My weight has NEVER been this high...ok when I was pregs it got to be a bit higher then this...but I AM NOT PREGNANT and I weigh sooo much I am embarrassed to say. So instead of feeling sorry for myself...my job is to lose it!

My motivation?!?! (this order is not in any particular order)
1.I HATE the feeling of my thighs rubbing together
2. I want to feel fit again
3. I DO NOT want to be a FAT nurse!!!!
4. I want to feel pretty
5. I NEED to be healthy

Not a food thought...

I have a friend in school who comes from India, her name is Niru. She lives past the waterfront so I often give her a ride. We have the most wonderful conversations. Today we were talking about religion. Well let me start from the top...Im in a program with 48 others in my graduating class. Out of 49 students only 2 are black, 1 Asian, 1 Indian (from india not native American) I should say visibly because I dont know their heritage just going by looks. As far as I know I am the only Jew.
Niru, felt she is the only one who isnt religiously affiliated. I told her in America people consider themselves christian but are not necessarily practicing.  She appreciated that...then we got into the discussion about faith which brought out good thoughts...why do we need to hold ourselves to one belief?!?! Im not saying I believe in Judaism and in Christianity...but when it comes to beliefs...I thought...I believe in God...Im Jewish, I am a practicing, orthodox Jew...but I believe in Karma, I believe in people....We can believe that the good we do comes back to us, that the evil we do comes back as well...even if we believe that God controls what happens in the world....
Then... Niru quoted one of our nursing professors, who is a christian (possibly Catholic) saying women were only created for the purpose of procreation. Both of us STRONGLY disagree. If this were so barren women, single women, women who chose not to have children, lesbian women...would not have a purpose...hmph. It bothered us both that in 2012 in a world were we have to be so careful with our lingo so careful with our PCness that a professor would say something like that...but we concluded she's entitled to her opinion but we strongly disagree. 
I know this is alot...I know its way to philosophical to just jot down like this...but I figured..why not?!?! maybe I could get some feedback...but please no bickering just thoughts and ideas even if they aren't the same as mine even if they contradict mine...just be tactful I dont want this discussion to turn sour...

Over and out!

Sugar=energy

So as many of u know sugar gives us energy. The question is what type is the right type and is the quick fix the way to go, or should I be going for protein which will give me less energy but last longer and be better for me?!? I think I know the answer.... But after 11 hrs of studying/schooling and still having loads to read I want sugar.....ahhhhh I'll go make a cup of tea and munch on an apple. Back to reading and studying...

On my journey

How's my eating and weight going a few of u asked...it's going but not in the direction I hoped. 2 b fair I haven't gained more then I did with the move but I was hoping to lose. Today I took a step in the right direction I used the campus gym!!! It's nice, small but nice I had fun! Now I gotta figure my food out better. I pack food but not enough so I end up snacking on crap. I gotta go to class but I wanted to give y'all an update! Have a great shabbos!!

Procrastination

In order to avoid studying MicroBiology, I decided to blog..... or yent...lol.
Yesterday, my husband sat for hours making transformer costumes out of cardboard boxes for my boys. They look amazing...they are amazing...the kids are thrilled and Im simply amazed...I am not artistic, so it fascinates me that someone could do that! I sure am glad that someone is my hubby!!!! I started my kids off packing the Shalach Manos and then had to run out...when I came back...they were done!!! I can't get over it! My Shmulik finished the Shalach Manos!!!! It's times like this that I wonder where time has gone...he was just born...ahhhh. So, back to the MicroBiology...if I want time to pass I better continue on my journey of Krebs cycles, covalent bonds and fermentation....
Have A Great Day!!!

School

So I started school wow it's a ton of work...but to be honest I knew this signing up. I guess I just didnt realize to what extent! I need to keep my eyes on the prize! Dec20, 2013 is my graduation day that's def not to far away!!! So just like everything when I started school I wanted it to be a good healthy experience so I'm being careful to pack food and now I just need to figure out how to also workout!!! Any hoots I'm off to a good start! I am so grateful for my awesome mother in law who helped us get a house, my amazing friends and family who have been so supportive and encouraging and my friends who are helping me with mornings I can't thank you enough!!! Every time I start doubting myself something happens to remind me I'm doing the right thing!! I'm blessed!!! And I'm super appreciative!!! Have a great Shabbat/weekend my friends

Happy Valentines day....

This day is special to me for the best reason...no my husband didnt propose on valentines day but the 3rd guy in my life...came into my life today!! Yes 5 years ago my Menchie was born and boy was he cute!

We joked about calling him Valentino Verezano (due to a snow storm we thought he might be born on the verezano bridge)...but settled on Mendel. But, just to make sure we got a good laugh my roomate in the hospital named her son valentino!!!

On that note...today is the day of chocolate and I found an article to prove its goodness!! The trick...More is not better! Sorry ladies....http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/how-chocolate-can-help-your-workout/
Enjoy the read!!

Sorry for the MIAness

Hey guys,
Sorry for being MIA. I have been working out daily...but food wise I've been bad bad bad....
although...I must give myself credit I DO NOT eat after 8pm! The one time I did was when I went to an event that had sushi...I couldnt help it! (Could u blame me?!?!)
I have so much going on that I feel like the food will stress me out to much...but on the flip side of that I know if I am eating better I'll have more energy and feel better...so with that in mind...my goal this week is salad for lunch (that makes me eat real lunch,) a fruit with breakfast and a wholesome dinner. Snacks I will try nuts, fruit and veggies but I will not stress about calories.
I plan to cont to work out daily and try to get myself back into doing crunches before I go to bed.
A friend suggested I drink 16oz of water upon awakening in the morning...I can't seem to remember...but I will try. (maybe a reminder in my phone)
Well anyhoots I am giving a class in 9 min...so tootaloo and I would love to hear more feedback and suggestions.

Back to school

Good morning!!! :)
Today I am grateful to see the left over cake still on the counter. I know that sounds silly but to me its a victory. Instead of me eating it last night I drank 2 glasses of cold water and walked out of the kitchen! Yay me!!!

I had a 90 cal nonfat yogurt so far. I plan to eat a real breakfast after I drop the kids off at school.
I want to make a big salad with some protein for lunch. I dont have much in my house at the moment so it may just have to be tuna and lettuce.
My goal for this week....stop eating after 8pm Only have water seltzer or tea.
Workout every day.
Drink water whenever I want something I shouldnt have.

Have a great week my friends!

just a thought

a friend emailed this to me and it was too good not to share!!!

As for me...I gained weight...argh...its cuz I stopped caring to much...and now....it caught up with me. This morning I got back to writing my food down. And...Im going to start to try....to wake up 530am to get a workout in first thing in the morn.

vacation.....

So every day besides wed, I have worked out!! I am giving myself credit! I deserve that credit!! Yesterday I did 48 min on the bike, 35 push ups, leg lifts, but kicks, 200 crunches (variety) and felt I had a great workout at the end!

I have been eating a big salad daily (or cut up veggies!)
 but...and I feel compelled to say this I did eat some cookies, some bread and some pasta.

I am trying to control the amounts....I feel like I need to do this in a way that doesnt make me crabby or crazy because this week is VACATION and its the 3 kiddos and me!!!

Vacation has been wonderful and Im looking forward to my 24 hours in monsey on sunday...but I am def ready for school to start again!! ;)
Today I am grateful for a larger picture...I know that sounds strange but I have to believe everything is part of a larger picture...it makes me feel better!!! :)
Have a Great Shabbos my friends!!

Great start to vacation!

Last night a very wise women said...'why dont we give ourselves credit for not eating the last 3 cookies, but we give ourselves a heck of alota guilt/pain for eating the first 3?!?!'
I have been thinking about this all night.
Today I am giving myself credit for shoveling for half hour, then going on the bike for 40 min. I am giving myself credit for eating a big salad with my lunch and snacking on blueberries when I wanted to eat. I am not giving myself guilt or hating me for whatever else!
I will not weigh myself more then once a week will not let the scale control me!
XOXO

Vacation!

Vacation Vacation Vacation...its a good/bad thing when it comes to weight loss.
My goal for this week: Eat HUGE salads for lunch and exercise daily!
Wish me luck!

Just a cute cartoon

I dont have long to write but I wanted to let you know I have been really good on my diet and I havnt stepped on the scale cuz Im petrified but I feel good....Heres a cartoon to make you ponder...I took this from Jillian Michaels facebook page.

its been too long

Hey guys its been a week since I last blogged...o dear!
So remember last we chatted I was thinking of doing WW...in the mean time I got an Iphone and I looked up free apps. I found an app called Lose It! It does the same thing as the WW app does on the phone. It calculated your food calories etc. The coolest part is I could scan bar codes and it automatically puts the info in. So for now this is what I am trying. (Does this all make sense?!?!?)

Anyhoots yesterday my kiddos asked me to make waffles...so once again I attempted...but my darn waffle maker has yet to work..so once again we had pancakes instead. The cool part...I grind-ed in my coffee grinder whole oats into oat flour and did half oat flour half whole wheat.

These past two 'weigh in to weigh less' we spoke about finding your weak point in exercise and diet...facing it head on and doing something about it. My weak point is when I get home from school I dont eat because I am not hungry...but and hour later when the dinner/homework/bath/bedtime rush begins I am starved and my diet goes out the window. The trick...to eat when I get home. So I started making an extra salad the night before and I eat it the moment I get home from school. The truth...it worked like a charm! Fri I didnt do it because of all the hectic preshabbos nuttiness and I ended up nibbling nibbling nibbling. So long story short this week I will (god willing) prepare my post school salad every night and eat it as soon as I get home.

I went to my Doc this week for my yearly. I was told I have to slow down on the coffee...it is causing me problems...just to name a few...weak bladder and dry skin. So....in addition to my salad prep I am also only having 1 (which is really 2) cups of coffee a day. If I feel its impossible because I need something to calm me down I can have 1 more or 1 can of diet soda.

Sorry for such a long post...Have a great week my friends and I look forward to hearing about your food/exercise plans and comments about mine!

Its a gooood morning!

Today is the day!!! My nephew is having his bar mitzva today....its surreal...this boy was my baby! I was a high school kid when he was born and I took him around with me EVERYWHERE!!! Now....a blink later he is having his bar mitzva!! AHHHHHHH

Over the weekend I have been in monsey....to be totally honest I am not watching what I am eating...I am just trying to eat normally and not overdue it. I did get in 10 min of laps yesterday and about an hour of off and on low key dancing at a wedding!!! But I'm just laying low and enjoying a relaxing trip to NY!

When I get back...then the serious stuff begins....I was thinking of starting up weight watchers again....but then I thought how about I just use a calorie counting app on my cell phone....so well see I have till wed to decide. Any of my readers feel one way or the other? let me know....

Anyhoots...have a super fabulous day and a super fabulous week!!!

Good Morning!

I saw this on a friends facebook status this morn:

Things That Can Make Us Feel Good in the New Year:
Laughing so hard your face hurts.
Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
A hot shower on a cold day.
Just once, no lines at the supermarket
Savoring that perfect first cup of coffee in a quiet kitchen.
Hearing your favorite song on the radio just when you need a boost.
Warm towels fresh out of the dryer.
A heart-to-heart conversation with someone you trust.
Reading something surprisingly wonderful.
Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat pocket from last winter.
A surprise phone call from an old friend.
An inspiring sermon that touches you and lifts your spirits.
Holding a new baby.
Laughing at an inside joke with your BFF's.
Finding a kindred spirit who becomes a BFF.
Playing with a puppy. Or a kitten. Or your own pets.
Hearing your dentist say, "Everything looks great."
The smell (and taste) of homemade cookies.
Waking up one morning feeling no aches, no pain. Even for just a day.
Getting an unexpected compliment at work.
Seeing your child accomplish something you thought might be impossible.
Meeting someone new who gives you that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling.
Playing with a child. And laughing. And learning.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans. And shoes.
Getting something off your chest just the right way so no one is hurt and your message is received.
Hearing from a partner, a parent, a child, a friend, "I love you."
Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what. And that you're not alone.


I def want some of these to happen this year!






Today my food plan is to stay away from cookies, candies, chocolate, kids left overs etc...eat real food! Snack on fruit and vegetables. I plan to get sushi and a salad for lunch!! Otherwise I dont have a plan yet!

Starting again

So today I braved the scale....ouch! It was so awful to me...201.1 I am still trying to wrap my head around it!
At first I was furious...then I was sad...then I was determined...
I started off with a real breakfast:
1 egg
3 egg whites
sprinkle of shredded cheese
3 skinny rice cakes (57 cal for all 3)
3 slices of tomato
coffee with low fat milk

Lunch:
Im in the process of making...
1/2 can albacore tuna
1/2 Asian pear
1/2 avacado
1/2 carrot shredded
1/2 Tbsp of the Thai Peanut sauce
served on a bed of lettuce
I will give the other 1/2 to hubby if he rather eat pizza ill have it for tom

Dinner:
Left over meat stew from fri night
salad

Snack:
Apple
2 rice cakes
popcorn if needed

Edit: Its been 20 min since I ate lunch and I am hungry so I drank 2 cups of water and I am still hungry...so I am going to finish the salad I made for tom lunch.