Day 1 of Week 9 Date With A Dressing Room

Weight today: same

Total lost: 15 pounds in 8 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of 2% milk: 45
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:255

5 Ritz crackers: 80
1 Laughing Cow French Onion light cheese spread: 35
1 vanilla protein shake:110
total:225
----------------
running total:480

3 oz of strawberries:27
1 tsp of sugar:15
1/4 cup of fat free cottage cheese:40
2 Swedish meatballs:90
1/2 cup of pasta:100
with butter: 20 (est)
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
sweet-n-low:0
total:317
-----------------
running total:797

vanilla protein shake:110
5 Ritz crackers:80
1 Laughing Cow French Onion light cheese spread:35
total:225
------------------------
running total:1,022

1 tri-berry energy gel on run:100
2 Swedish meatballs :90
1/2 cup of pasta:100
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny premium light ice cream:100
1 1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup:22
3 Laughing Cow creamy Swiss cubes: 15
total:457
------------
running total:1,479

Today's challenge: staying hydrated and on my calories

Planned fitness: five mile run, my abdominal routine twice today.

Note on picture: I had french toast yesterday. 3 slices of Natural Ovens Bakery bread Weight Sense:150 calories, approximate 1.25 eggs on bread:100, 2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30, 1 tbl of syrup:50, for a total of 330 calories. I could have probably gotten by with just two slices of french toast, which would have put this in the 250 calorie range. Not bad on calories and pretty tasty.


Date With A Dressing Room

I've been feeling pretty snazzy lately, thanks to this most recent weight loss. Fif-teen-pounds-baby!!

Can you say, "High five!! We're kicking butt!"

So I've added a little wiggle to my walk
A little swagger in my step
A twinkle in my eye
And some 'tude'
In my 'dude'

But, really, I'm thinking I'm starting to rip it up a little. So much so, that I think I may just need my bubble burst. Because... this is when you have to be careful about watching your calories. Because if you think you already look good, you may feel less inclined to stick like-glue to your diet. Right?

Well, yesterday I stumbled upon the perfect strategy to combat that pitfall.

Make a date with the dressing room.

Yes, the one in the store. The one that has three mirrors so that you can see the eastern, western and southern sides of your body.

It will work perfectly like a shiny little compass to point you back in the right direction. The direction that takes you right out of that dressing room and back into your gym clothes for another round of stairmaster.

I was clothes shopping with my daughter today for school, and made the mistake of trying something on myself.

Man, talk about an ego deflator...every bulge, and every bump is magnified under the lights and mirror of that dressing room stall.

So, now I'm refocused, and ready to attack those next five pounds with vigor. I'm not done yet.

On a positive note, I looked a lot better than my last date with the dressing room.

Day 7 of Week 8

Weight today: same

Total lost: 15 pounds in almost 8 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:210

2 small rice krispie bars:100
5 Ritz crackers:80
1 Laughing Cow French Island light cheese spread:35
total:215
-----------------
running total: 435

3 slices of Natural Ovens Bakery Weight Sense bread:150
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
1 tbl of off-brand syrup:50
approx 1.25 eggs with french toast:100 (est)
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low: 0
total:360
-------------------
running total: 795

2 1/2 oz of strawberries:37
1/2 tsp of sugar:8
1 cup of noodles:200
1 tsp of Smart Balance light Butter:15
4 Swedish meatballs:180
2 tbls of meat sauce: 30
1 light garlic bread:65
total:535
--------------
running total: 1330

1 Jell-O vanilla caramel sundae:70

total: 1400


Today's challenge: Keep to calories and stay hydrated.

Planned fitness: My abodminal routine twice today.

Note on picture: I had this to eat last night because I didn't have many calories left on the day to use. It's Maple and Brown Sugar instant oatmeal-160 calories- topped with 1 oz of blueberries-15-, not pictured is 1/4 cup of skim milk 22- for a caloric total of 197.

Added note: Thanks to Actual Scale yesterday for interpreting what Pedro said in his comment to me. And here I thought he was encouraging me on my diet.

Day 6 of Week 8 Who Can Read This?

Weight today: lost 1 pounds

Total lost: 15 pounds in over 7 1/2 weeks

4 1/2 oz banana:112
vanilla protein shake:110
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar: 30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
total:432

3 energy gels during run:300
espresso bean,
chocolate outrage
orange octane
1 4 oz banana: 100
total: 400
------------------------
running total: 832

1 large egg:80
1 large egg white:12
1 lefse: 30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese: 80
3 oz of strawberries: 27
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:274
----------------
running total:1106

2 to 3 oz of Famous Dave's pulled pork: 150
1 oz meat on 1 rib: 75
vegetables and dip: 75
several chips:50
1 small brownie with caramel: 75
total:425
--------------------
running total: 1531

1 maple and brown sugar oatmeal packet: 160
1/4 cup of skim milk: 22
1 oz of blueberries: 15
total:197
------------------
total: 1728

Today's challenge: Getting my other activities done despite being fatigued from my run. Staying hydrated. Staying on track with my calories.

Actual fitness: 10 mile run, my abdominal routine once today

Note on picture: Grilled cheese sandwiches made me gain weight, but yesterday I ate the lighter version. Two slices of Natural Ovens Bakery Weight Sense bread: 100 calories, 1/2 oz of shredded cheese:40, 1 slice of turkey cotto salami:45, 2 tsp of (one for each side for grilling) of Natural Balance light butter:30. Total calories: 215. With calories this low, you can have this for lunch and still have enough calories for a salad, or cottage cheese with fruit.

Note on weight loss: About time. Maybe there's hope for me yet.


Who Can Read This?

ALERTA TODO TERITORIO MEXICANO-MUY IMPORTANTE:La estafa automotriz MAS grande en Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Porfavor, tengan mucho cuidado y NO hagan negocios con www.expoautos.con.mx y www.globalbit.con.mx porque lo que parece barrato te va salir carrisimo! A veces una onza de prevencion sale mejor que creer a un tipo llamado Omar Garcia Millan y sus promesas que nunca se cumplen. PARA MAS INFORMACION SOBRE LA ESTAFA VISITEN: http://expoauto.blogspot.com/ http://pedromillan.blogspot.com/ PIENSATELO ANTES DE HACER NEGOCIOS CON ESTE LADRON OMAR GARCIA MILLAN! ===============================================================================================ESTAFA AUTOMOTRIZ MEXICO!http://pedromillan.blogspot.com/ PELIGROSO!

Ok, I know it's small...but I didn't want it taking up this whole page.

No, the reason I asked this question is because it's in Spanish. Someone by the name of Pedro left this on my comment section yesterday.

Who can read Spanish?

What's interesting is that I love Spanish. I took it in high school for a few years and then a few in college, but it's been long enough that I'm not completely sure what this says.

Maybe I can figure out what this says. Maybe Pedro wanted to encourage me on my diet, after all I did lose another pound today...whooo hooo!!

Hmmm....let's see.

I get the part "alerta" where's he's alerting me to something...Maybe he's wants to alert me to stay away from high calorie foods today. Yes, I agree. I'm so close to losing that last five pounds, that I totally get staying away from fatty foods.

Also, I understand "muy importante" --very important, yes, I know that eating right and not going over my calories is very important to losing weight. Ha, Ha, you don't have to tell me that calories are everything.

Pedro adds and that I should "tengan mucho cuidado por favor"--please take great care-- Yes, Pedro, I am taking great care of my body, believe me! Heck, I'm running 10 miles today, doing abs twice a day, and weight lifting three hours a week, plus the other running I'm doing. "No problemo, there Pedro! Ha, get it? problemo?"

He stresses that I "no hagan negocios con.." --should not negotiate with .... What?!? That I shouldn't negotiate with some of my calories? C'mon Carlos...I mean Pedro, I need a little negotiating room here with some of the food I eat. I mean as long as I don't go over my calorie limit, I can eat some unhealthy food..."

Oh, wait, erase that. He says I shouldn't negotiate with "www.expoautos.com"--....a car company?

Well, that just doesn't make any sense at all.

Wait, there is this part, "mejor que creer a un tipo llamado Omar Garcia Millan" which I think says....that if you really believe, you can call Omar Garcia with your tips.

Well, maybe Omar's on a diet too.

Pedro, just have Omar visit my site, he'll get plenty of diet tips here. He could even visit a few of my follower's sites too because they're pretty cool too. Jack is funny. My newest follower, Kristin, has wonderful mouthwatering, easy-to-cook, low calorie recipes, Lindsey is great runner and encourager,...well, I could just go on here, but you get my point.

Wow, that was fun. I told you I like Spanish.

Thanks for the comment Pedro, I'm encouraged.

Day 5 of Week 8 Is It Worth It?

Weight today: same

Total Lost: 14 pounds in 7 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar: 30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
chex bites: 30
total: 270

1 banana:100

2 slices of Natural Ovens Bakery light bread: 100
1 slice of turkey cotto salami: 45
1 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese:80
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter: 30
lefse:30
1 slice of Laughing Cow light french onion:35
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:350
------------------
running total: 700

4 oz chicken breast:140
1 1/2 tsp of bacon ranch dressing: 35
3/4 cup of brown rice: 128
1 1/2 tsp of smart Balance light butter: 22
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:353
--------------------
running total:1,053

1/2 cup of Blue Bunny vanilla ice cream light: 100
1 1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup:22
1 sugar free orange jello cup:10
total: 132
---------------------
total: 1,185

Today's challenge: Getting everything that I need to get done today. Staying hydrated.

Planned fitness: 50 minute chest and tricep work-out, 2 to 3 mile run, doing abdominal work-out twice today.

Note on picture: This is one of the very first pictures that I took when I first started my Our Darling Kids blog six months ago. I'm using it this morning because I'm having a few snafues with my camera. But don't these strawberries look good? I bought this for a $1.50 at the time, and their only 9 calories an ounce. Go eat some strawberries people! It's Friday!

Added note: And here's a ditty for my newest follower Mr. Jack (sorry can't swear here.)

Is it Worth It?

Sometimes I don't feel like doing it all

Eating right and eating small

I don't want to go work-out

I just want to lay about

I'm tired of running

and weight lifting too

Tired, just tired

Of all that I do...

To make my body

Look magical

Is it all worth it?

Worth it all?

Is it worth it?

To try to be small?

I think it's worth it

To seek your prize

To sweat and die

And try till you cry

It's worth it all

When in the end

You love how you feel...

You'd do it all again.

Day 4 of Week 8 It's Crunch Time

Weight today: lost 2 pounds

Total Lost: 14 pounds in 7 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 240

41/2 oz banana:112
vanilla protein powder:110
1/4 graham cracker:15
total:237
------------------
running total:477

2 large eggs:140
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 oz of blueberries:45
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 340
----------------
running total: 817

4oz banana: 100
vanilla protein powder:110
total: 210
---------------
running total: 1,027

2 cups of chex:200
1cup of Honey nut cheerios:110
1/2 cup of skim milk:45
total:355
---------------
running total: 1,382

Today's challenge: Staying hydrated, focused on sticking to calories

Planned fitness: 60 minute back and tricep work-out, 2 to 3 mile run, abdominals twice a day.

Note on picture: Honey Graham crackers are not exactly your friend when you're on a diet, but they are so tempting when I'm also feeding these to my kids. As long as you can keep control and write down what you eat...1/2 sheets as shown stacked here are 35 calories a piece.

It's Crunch Time

In case you hadn't noticed people, it's crunch time for me.

I'm about 2 1/2 weeks away from being on this diet for 10 weeks. I finally dropped a few more pounds and I'm at a 14 pound drop, so that means I need to lose six pounds in 2 1/2 weeks.

And, according to my calculations, I'm a little behind. To keep on schedule I wanted to see that 14th pound drop three days ago and then the 16th pound drop by this coming Monday.

But, hey, my cheap scale could be partly to blame since it may have been a little off when I started. But no excuses here. I'm the one that bought the cheap scale. So, we'll just have to figure out a way to scale these last six pounds.

One thing I decided to add to my routine today...to kind of spice things up is to add doing my sit-up routine twice a day instead of once a day. Remember when I said that's what I did lose 2 inches off my waist when getting ready for my wedding?

Well, if (big IF here) I'm going to post pictures to this blog...of before and after pictures...it would be really nice to bring in my abs and waist as tightly as humanly possible. Ha, Ha...that just sounded funny.

I didn't taken any measurements before I started, so why don't I start today? I'll meaure my waist today and then again in 10 days, and 2 1/2 weeks from now...we'll see how many inches I've trimmed off.

What do you say?

And what's with 10 days? Labor day, my friends. I've got a party to get skinny for.

Yep. It's definitely crunch time.

Day 3 of Week 8

Weight Today: same

Total lost: 12 pounds in 7 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 240

4 oz banana:100
vanilla protein shake: 110
total: 210
-----------------
running total: 450

2 large eggs:140
2 lefse:60
1 Laughing Cow French Onion Light:35
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny Premium Vanilla light ice cream:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:16
total: 351
------------------
running total: 791

Graham cracker sheet:70
1 1/2 tbl of peanut butter: 150
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:250
-------------------------
running total: 1041

2 1/2 oz of chicken breast: 88
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
1 tsp of Smart Balance Natural light butter:15
3/4 cup of chex:75
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 292

running total: 1333

Tri-berry energy gel: 100

total:1433
Today's challenge: continue counting glasses of water. I drank eight to ten 8 oz glasses of water yesterday. Yeah!

Actual fitness: five mile run

Note on picture: I finally had some salad last night. If you follow what I eat, you may notice I haven't been getting enough greens in. The only problem with last night is that I got carried away on the croutons. But, man, were they good! Next to the salad is pictured the Stove Top chicken dish that I make that's super easy to prepare, but I haven't figured out the calories on it yet.

More info on tooth: I actually called my dentist yesterday because of tooth pain on a pain level of 5 with 10 being the worst ever. After I got off the phone with her, it went up to a 6 maybe 7. Still refused to take codeine. Then, after I took some Ibuprofen, it went away. It hasn't come back since. So, we're scheduling a root canal as of right now.

Day 2 of Week 8

Weight today: same

Total lost: 12 pounds in 7 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1tbl of powder creamer for coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:240

vanilla protein powder:110
3 1/2 oz banana: 87
total: 197
-----------------
running total: 437

2 large eggs:140
2 lefse:60
1 laughing Cow French Onion light cheese:35
1/2 graham cracker:35
total: 270
------------------
running total:707

4oz banana: 100
vanilla protein powder: 110
total: 210
---------------
running total: 917

1 cup of chicken stove top dressing dish 325(est)
salad with many croutons(125)
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
1 Blue Bunny orange dream bar:70
total:550
-------------------
total: 1467

Today's Challenge: drinking 8 glasses of water today; I want to count them

Planned fitness: 60 minute leg work-out, 2 mile run, abdominals

Note on Picture: Blue Bunny Orange Dream Bars. Again, something my husband picked up without intending to get something low calorie but that tastes great. The are reduced calorie vanilla ice-cream covered with orange sherbert. Only 70 calories.

Added note: I can't believe this is week 8.

Day 1 of Week 8

Weight today: Same

Total lost: 12 pounds in 7 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

2 tsp of sugar: 30

1/3 cup of skim milk:30

total: 210

3 1/2 oz banana:87

vanilla protein powder:110

total 197

--------------

running total:407

1 large egg:70

1 large egg white:12

1 lefse:30

1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80

4 oz of blueberries:60

1 tsp of sugar:15

total: 267

-----------------

running total: 674

4 oz banana:100

vanilla protein shake:110

1 tbl of natural peanut butter:100

1 1/2 sheets of honey graham cracker: 105

total: 415

--------------

running total: 1,089

2/3 cup of rice hot dish: 200 (est)

1 small slice of Italian bread:45

1/2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:8

1 tbl of powder coffee creamer for coffee:30

with sweet-n-low:0

total: 283

-------------------

running total: 1372

Blue Bunny sherbert covered vanilla bar:70

total:1442

Today's challenge: Getting my run in. Feeling a little out of it with all this tooth stuff. Don't have to worry about snacking since I don't have an appetite.

Planned fitness: abdominals and 5 mile run

Note on picture: These grapes in this picture were still warm from the sun shining on them. They were freshly picked from my neighbor's mini-vineyard. They have a rich taste and are not as firm as grapes that you buy in the store. The came picked with this white coating on them.

Update on tooth: Went to the dentist at 8:00 a.m. this morning. They said part of my filling fell out which could have been causing the pain, and also they found a cavity under the filling, which also could have contributed to the pain. You can't see the cavity in an x-ray, and apparently cavities can form under fillings. I just had a checkup two weeks ago, and my filling was still intact then. So, they put a filling in it. If I still have tooth pain after this, it could need a root canal. So, I'm feeling tired and I wonder if this headache is due to the fact that I haven't had a coffee since Friday.

Comment on Weight: Oh, and I'm also annoyed at my weight. I should be at a 14 pound weight loss right now, not a 12. I'm just waiting to wake up one morning with a three pound drop.

Day 7 of Week 7

Weight today: same

Total lost: 12 pounds in almost 7 weeks

2/3 portion of normal oatmeal breakfast: 140

2/3 portion of brat:175 (est)
handful of french fried: 125(est)
Schwan's ice cream toffee bar: 200
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23

total:663

5 tbl of chocolate malt-0-meal:215
1 tbl of sugar:45
1/2 cup of skim milk:45
snacking on Kix:75 (est)
total:380
-----------------
running total:1043

turkey brat:140
4 oz of blueberries:60
1 tsp of sugar:15
2 tbl of light whipped cream:15
total:230
--------------
total:1273
Today's challenge: hydration. The pain medication for my tooth is making me feel nauseous. So, I probably need more water.

Planned fitness: abdominals

Note on picture: I had one of these the other night. They are Shwan's Toffee bars and are 200 calories. Not as light as the Blue Bunny Bars.

Added note: Not feeling well today. I threw up this morning most likely from the codeine from last night. Plus I have a headache.

Day 6 of Week 7

Weight today: same

Total lost: 12 pounds in over 6 1/2 weeks

vanilla protein powder:110
3 1/2 oz banana: 87
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
total: 407

3 energy gels during run:
espresso love:100
chocolate outrage:100
blueberry pomegranate Roctane:100
post run: 3 oz banana:75
mixed with ice, 8oz of water and vanilla protein powder: 110
total: 485
-------------------
running total:892

1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white:15
1 lefse:30
total:125
-------------------
running total: 1,017

5 tbl of chocolate malt-o-meal:215
1 tbl of sugar: 45
1/2 cup of skim milk:45
total: 305
----------------
running total: 1322

icecream: 300(est)
total: 1622
Today's Challenge: I have major tooth pain now when anything touches my tooth. I need to get through my 9 mile run so I can use painkillers if necessary. Hopefully this doesn't degenerate into constant pain.

Planned fitness: abdominals, 9 mile run

Note on picture: Despite my tooth pain, I was VERY excited when my husband brought home this stash of energy gels last night. We have chocolate flavor with caffeine, espresso love with 2x caffeine, tri-berry caffeine free, strawberry banana and then two new types of gels I haven't tried before, Roctane in blueberry and orange flavor. I didn't know till he got home that they cost twice as much money at $2.50 a pop. So, maybe I'll try one on mile 7 today to see if it Rocks my run. ha, ha.

Energy Gel giveaway: Link up to Lindsay at Chasing the Kenyans if you want a chance to win some of these GU energy gels.

Day 5 of Week 7

Weight today: same

Total lost: 12 pounds in 6 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 240

2 1/2 oz banana:62
2 lefse:60
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
1 oz of blueberries:15
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white: 15
1 Laughing Cow french onion light cheese:35
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1/2 graham cracker:35
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny ice cream:100
1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup:8
total: 522
-----------------
running total:662

4 oz banana:100
vanilla protein powder:110
total: 210
-----------------
running total: 872

2 1/2 oz chicken breast:88
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
5 oz baked red potato:110
2 tsp of Smart Balance light Butter: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1 Schwan's Ice cream Toffee Crunch bar:200
bites of chocolate from son's crunch bar: 45
total: 526
------------------
running total: 1398

Today's challenge: hydration and not snacking. Also been having some tooth pain that hopefully won't make me go off track on my workout and diet.

Planned fitness: 50 minute chest and tricep workout, abdominals, 2 mile run

Note on Picture: We need to be getting plenty of water to drink during the day. Preferably not in this manner, however, using this icky rusty spout.

Day 4 of Week 7 Official At Home Leg Workout

Weight today: lost one pound

Total lost: 12 pounds in 6 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 240

3 1/2 oz banana:87
vanilla protein powder:110
1/4 graham cracker:15
total: 212
----------------
running total: 452

2 lefse:60
1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white:15
1 Laughing Cow Garlic Herb slice:35
almost 1/2 cup of Blue Bunny Premium light ice cream:90
1 tsp of chocolate syrup: 15
1/4 graham cracker:15
total:310
-------------------
running total: 762

3 1/2 oz of blueberries:53
1 tsp of sugar:15
total: 68
----------------
running total:830

2 saltine crackers:22
4 tsp of powder creamer for coffee:40
3 1/2 oz chicken breast:122
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
5 oz potato: 110
2 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter: 30
1 cup of Honey nut cheerios (don't ask): 110
total: 458
-----------------
running total:1288

powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 1318

Today's Challenge: Staying focused on work-outs and staying hydrated and not snacking

Actual fitness: 5 mile run, abdominals,

Note on Picture: Who says you can't get the full flavor of Bacon Ranch Dressing on a diet? Sure it's high calorie, but not if you eat one teaspoon at a time. Then, it's only 23 calories. Perfect for dipping on a 3 oz piece of chicken. Ahh... and the taste...you will savor every bit of its flavor on a diet. Hey did that rhyme?

Official At Home Leg Work-Out

For those of you who don't already do any type of lunging or squatting exercises, these exercises that you can do at home will definitely hit the spots on you legs that you want to hit.

What I first want to make sure you understand is this: The lunge and squat type of exercises are THE leg work-out you want to be doing if you want your buttocks and adjoining leg muscles to look great. It's very important that you do these exercises with the correct form to get the maximum great benefits from them.
---------------------------------------------------------
First, what I consider the easiest exercise is the step-ups. My daughter is using a chair in this picture because she's so tall. Obviously, the higher the step, the more intense the exercise, and the greater the benefit. But to start out, I might use something that is perhaps the height in between your knee and your foot.

And it's pretty basic. I go up and down on one foot 15 times and then switch to 15 repetitions on the other foot. If 15 is too hard to begin with, then maybe start with 10 repetitions. You complete three sets altogether.
------------------------
I would next do the walking lunges. This may feel awkward at first, but after a few weeks, you will get the hang of it. You want to go down on each leg 12 times each. So, if you're at home, pick a long hallway and begin by standing upright. Then, take your right leg and move it forward and move downward until your left knee is bent and almost touching the floor. You want to make sure that your right knee does not go over your toes, otherwise, you are bending your right knee too far. So, then, you next move your left knee forward and past your right knee and bend it the same way you did with your other knee.

You will notice that you may feel a little off balance while transferring to the next step. This is normal and good. Walking lunges bring into play your balancing muscles and also forces you to isolate the use of each leg as it is brought into play during the lunge. This is also good for your leg muscles, but after several steps, you will feel like you are dying. You may have to work up to 12 repetitions.
So, I will end up counting to 24 by the end of the first set, thus exercising each leg 12 times. You then proceed with two more sets. As you progress, this is an excellent exercise to add holding dumbells in each hand.
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If you felt odd doing the walking lunge, the jump squats will seal the deal. But please, don't laugh while doing the jump squat, it completely disrupts your movements. And don't ask me how I know that.

This is the exact position that you should be in for starting a jump squat. It's critical that your legs form this 90 degree angle. If you sit too high, you will be robbing yourself of those precious few degrees that work your butt like nothing else. And you will know when you are sitting too high because it feels easier. At 90 degrees, you will feel uncomfortable, like your legs may give out at any minute. But at this angle, you are sculpting a beautiful body...you have to start at this angle and land down at this angle for each jump squat repetition.

Notice how her arms are reaching outward. This is to help her with momentum for when she jumps upward. So, in one smooth motion, you jump up and land down, up and then down. I do three sets of 15. This exercise will leave you literally out of breath. You may need to start with just 10, which is what my daughter is currently at. I'm still trying to work up to three sets of 20.

So, if you don't go to a gym, here are some leg exercises you can do at home. After a few months of doing these exercises, you perhaps are ready to get a gym membership and do another level of leg exercises.

Day 3 of Week 7 Pictures For Leg Workout Tomorrow

Weight today: same

Total Lost:11 pounds in 6 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1/4 graham cracker:15
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 255

4 oz banana:100
vanilla protein powder:110
1/4 graham cracker:15
total: 225
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running total:480

1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white:15
2 lefse:60
6 oz of cantaloupe:60
1 Laughing Cow light Garlic Herb cheese wedge:35
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:280
-----------------
runnning total:760

4 oz banana:100
vanilla protein powder mixed with banana for shake:110
4 0z banana:100
total:310
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running total: 310
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running total:970

3 oz potato:66
1 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter:15
5 oz chicken breast:175
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer with coffee:30
sweet-n-low:0
1/4 graham cracker:14
toffee chocolate covering from son's ice cream bar:75 (est)
total: 405
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running total: 1375

Today's challenge: hydration and not snacking

Actual fitness: 3 mile run, 60 minute bicep and back weight lifting work-out, and abdominals. 3
Note on Picture: Watching Brett Farve play for the Minnesota Vikings, or simply a Packer in a Viking uniform is good enough to eat. What's nice about this, is it's fat free, calorie free and great for your diet. Of course as long as you don't over-eat while watching. This photo was taken by Hannah Foslien of the Associated Press during practice in Eden Prairie yesterday.


Added note: Hopefully some actual pictures of a leg work-out you can do at home.

Pictures for Leg Work-out Tomorrow

It just occurred to me, well, not just...but it's going to take me a few minutes to put together this post on the pictures that I took for the leg work-out that you can do at home.

Yes, my 14-year-old work-out partner consented to some pictures.

You see, I like to keep my posts at just one a day for easy reference. The only problem with that is that I update my post throughout the day, which isn't usually a problem if it only takes a few minutes. But with pictures and getting everything set up correctly...the current post may be MIA for more than a few minutes.

Oh...if only I was more organized like Sunshine Meg and have everything good to go at 5:00 a.m. Ahem... but I'm not...I'm getting there. Lucky for you all, I am somewhat compulsive about calorie counting and working out so...this blogs works out.

I have to tell you all something, though. My daughter and I were at the gym tonight and she says to me while flexing her arms and admiring the ensuing bulge...

"Mom, I know what I want to do...Can I be in a bodybuilding show next year...get all tan and muscular? That would be just great!!"

"Darling...doing a body building show takes a L-O-T of work...besides, I don't even know if 14-year-olds can be in body building shows."

Can they?

So, there you are folks, pictures for the leg work-out will be ready tomorrow morning.

Day 2 of Week 7 My Leg Work-Out

Weight today: same

Total lost: 11 pounds in 6 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer for coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 240

1/2 oz of Hanover Garlic bread pretzels:70
20 regular pretzels:35
vanilla protein shake:110
total: 215
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running total: 455

1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white:15
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of 1 % fat cottage cheese:80
4 oz of cantaloupe: 40
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:275
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running total:730

1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
1 lefse:30
1 Laughing Cow Garlic Herb slice:35
vanilla protein shake:110
total: 210
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running total: 940

3 1/2 oz chicken breast:122
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
3 oz potato:66
1 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter: 15
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1 ice cream bar:160
pieces of son's chocolate of his ice cream bar:50
total:466
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running total: 1406
Today's challenge: hydration and not snacking

Planned Fitness: abdominals
2 mile
50-60 minute weight lifting leg work-out (didn't get it in yesterday)

Note on picture: I use salt-free Mrs. Dash on both sides of my chicken breast when cooking it up over the stove. It's better than just a plain chicken breast, and is also salt free.

Added note: I will be providing some more information on my weight lifting leg work-out today.
My Leg Work-out

Well, I just remembered that told you all how I was going to write about my weight lifting work-out that I do for my legs.

I did it this afternoon. It is as follows:

3 x12 leg curls
3x12 leg extensions
3x12 leg press
3x15 step-ups on each leg
3x12 backward walking lunges on each leg
3x12 straight legged dead lifts
3x12 squats
3x15 jump squats

For those who are new to weight lifting terms, the three means that I did three sets of that exercise twelve times each. I didn't include a weight because I didn't want to intimidate you...no, just kidding. Actually, the weight you use depends on the level you are at and the machine you are using because a different brand of machine may have things set-up differently which might affect the weight you use. So it doesn't make sense for me to say the weight.

But, really, believe me, I'm an animal on those weights. Ok...enough joking.

But seriously, I feel like such a pud because I don't have pictures. This particular weight lifting leg work-out is actually something I found on-line from someone else's work-out that they put together to compete in a bodybuilding fitness competition.

But out of this work-out there are a few things you can do without going to the gym that will help sculpt your lower body. They are the walking lunges, step-ups and the jump squats. I would even wager that you could figure out a way to do calf raises at home too. I do those on a different day.

Perhaps tomorrow I can have myself or my 14-year-old protege demonstrate a few at-home moves for you all.

Would you like that? You just have to promise not to laugh.

Day 1 of Week 7 Preview To The Lower Body Workout

Weight today: Same

Total lost: 11 pounds in 6 weeks

bites of Hanover Garlic Bread pretzel pieces:30
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
1 tbl of powder creamer in coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:270

4 oz banana:100
mixed with vanilla protein powder:110
1 energy gel on 5 mile run:100
total: 310
----------------
running total:570

1 extra large egg:80
1 extra large egg white: 15
1 lefse:30
1/3 cup of fat free cottage cheese: 55
3 oz of strawberries:27
1 tsp of sugar:15
2 -1/4 pieces of graham crackers:30
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low: 0
total:282
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running total: 852

vanilla protein shake:110
1 saltine cracker:11
total:121
----------------------
running total: 973

pretzel bites:35
3 1/4 oz chicken breast:122
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
5 oz potato:110
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
1 tbl pf powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 327
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running total:1300

1/2 cup of Blue Bunny premium vanilla ice cream light:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:15
pretzel bites:30
total:145
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total: 1445

Planned fitness: 5 mile run
50-60 minute weight lifting leg work-out
abdominals

Today's challenge: Hydration, not snacking because of all the physical activity.

Note on picture: My husband unintentionally picked up some ice cream bars I can eat. These Blue Bunny Toffee Crunch bars are only 130 calories a piece compared to normal sized bars that are around 160 to 180 calories. They are skinnier than the normal sized, but perfect for me and for the kids for after dinner.

Added note: I will be writing an article later today on what I do for my weight lifting leg work-out.
Preview To The Lower Body Work-out

Hello everybody. Welcome new followers!!

I have been putting off writing this article on my weight lifting work-out that I do for my legs because I feel like if you can't see what or how I'm doing the work-out, you won't benefit from the information.

But, that hold-up has just caused me to put off writing anything at all...so here we go without pictures.

There's a lot of different things you can do to sculpt your lower body. I've always thought that running is the best way to make your legs, butt ect... look great. Therefore, I've always done a minimum amount of weight lifting activity on my legs.

Boy was I wrong.

Last year I began weight training my legs two days a week in preparation for a bodybuilding fitness competition. I had to stop my training about five months after I started for various reasons. But, not before I saw and felt the results that the weight training had on my legs.

If you're a runner. Weight training your legs will make you run faster and stronger.

If you just want your legs to look great...wow. Weight training is the ticket.

Now, I understand a lot of people don't have time to weight train their legs for an hour let alone two hours...Maybe you don't even have a gym membership. Depending on the time and access to a facility that you have...I can make some recommendations that will, without a doubt, make a difference on how your legs look and feel.

But not in this post. Sorry.

I just wanted to give you all the heads up that weight training on your legs will do wonders to your legs. I think I'll spend the next few days going over what you can do starting out, up to what I may be soon doing. I currently only work my legs once a week. However, I have been thinking about adding another day.

Day 7 of Week 6

Weight today: lost 2 pounds

Total lost: 11 pounds in 6 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/3 cup of skim milk:30
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
1 Laughing Cow cheese bite: 5
total: 245

1/4 piece of raised glazed doughnut:45
4 candy gummy pieces:75
bite of muffin:25
total: 145
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running total:390

1 jumbo egg:90
1 large egg white: 13
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese: 80
4 oz of sliced strawberries:36
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer for coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 294
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running total: 684

3 Laughing Cow pieces: 15
4 oz of blueberries:60
1 tsp of sugar:15
2 tbl of light whipped cream:15
total:105
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running total: 791

5 oz potato: 110
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
2 tsp of light sour cream:14
1 tsp of Bacon Ranch dressing:23
4 1/2 lightly bread, grilled chicken breast:177
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1 Blue Bunny toffee Crunch bar:130
1 /4 graham cracker:15
1 Jell-O vanilla Caramel Sundae:60
total: 574
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running total: 1365
Today's challenge: hydration and not over eating. Wanted to hit the 12 pound weight loss mark by tomorrow morning, may not make it.

Planned fitness: abdominals

Note on pictures: The kids had Burger King Cini-Mini's for part of their breakfast yesterday. Just one cini-mini is 123 calories. I'm not sure if that includes the frosting or not. Now 1 cini-mini just might be worth it. They're flaky and you can pull them apart and then dip them in the frosting. Yummy.

Day 6 of Week 6 A Silly Sit-up Story

Weight today: gained 1 pound

Total lost: 9 pounds in almost six weeks

3/4 cup of oatmeal:225
1 tbl of sugar:45
1/2 cup of skim milk:45
total:315

2 energy gels:200
vanilla protein shake:110
4 oz banana:100
total:410
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running total:725

4 oz of blueberries:60
1 tsp of sugar:15
2 Laughing Cow cheese bites:10
1 graham cracker square:15
1 tbl of powder cream with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 130
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running total: 845

1 turkey brat:140
1 tsp of Bacon ranch dressing:23
4 1/2 oz boiled potato:99
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tsp of light sour cream: 7
1 Blue Bunny Toffee Crunch bar: 130
extra bite of bar:35
popcorn with butter:300 (est)
total: 719
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total: 1564

Today's challenge: hydration and control of snacking

Planned Fitness: abdominals and 8 mile run

Note on picture: My husband brought home Burger King for breakfast. He even had this "extra" sausage egg and cheese croissanwhich. Thought you'd enjoy this visual comparison. The croissanwhich dwarfs the oatmeal in calories with 537 calories, while the oatmeal dwarfs the croissanwhich in size by probably a 2 to 1 ratio, but with only 315 calories. I increased my oatmeal intake this morning because I will soon be going on an eight mile run.

Note on weight gain: I'm not sure what's going on. Could be hormones, could be my scale. I'm sure it will right itself by next week sometime.


Added note: I will be writing another article on sit-ups

A Silly Sit-up Story

Ok. So, maybe this story isn't silly, but it made for some nice alliteration.

Remember when I wrote about how sit-ups are a bride's best friend, and how I lost two inches off my waist because of doing sit-ups, but didn't lose any weight?

Well, apparently you weren't the only ones reading that story. My 14-year-old daughter read it too.

I didn't figure out what was going on until the second day when it seemed like every time I turned around she was doing sit-ups in the morning and at night. She also had read the part where I said I had 6 to 8 eight weeks to go for the wedding when I started doing sit-ups twice a day. And, that was about how long she had before she started high school.

For several weeks now, I, on the other hand, have been doing sit-ups a mere 3 times a week. My daughter, however, has been bragging to me about how she does 1,000 a day!! Yes, you heard me right. 1,000. She's definitely determined.

Well, I decided to up my sit-ups last week to every day, which is still only 225 compared to her 1,000. But, after only a few days of doing it every day, I can already tell a difference. Especially on my waist. I use side-crunches to work the waist. The slower you work those crunches, the more defined your waist will get.

The reason I'm sharing this with you all is because setting goals for upcoming events are a good way to motivate you to get started on something. Take Labor Day weekend, for example. Who wouldn't want their bellies and waist to look more narrow by then?

That's about three weeks away. Plenty of time for implementing a sit-up regimen, and seeing a noticeable difference. Maybe in a few weeks, I'll be upping my sit-ups to twice a day too.

I've got an eight year wedding anniversary to celebrate in October. Happy crunching!

Day 5 of Week 6 I Want To Soar Again

Weight today: same if not slightly more...(it's hard to tell with my scale.)

Total Lost: 10 pounds in 5 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

2 tsp of sugar:30

1/3 cup of skim milk:30

1 tbl of powder coffee creamer for coffee:30

with sweet-n-low:0

total:240

4 oz banana:100
vanilla protein shake:110
total: 210
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running total:450

1 jumbo egg:90
1 jumbo egg white:17
lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
4 oz of strawberries:36
1 oz of blueberries: 15
1 tsp of sugar:15
2 Laughing Cow pieces:10
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 310
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running tota: 760

pretzels:125
rice crispie bar:90
total: 215
--------------
running total: 975

5 tbl of chocolate malt-o- meal: 215
2 tsp of sugar: 30
1/3 cup of skim milk: 30
2 laughing cow pieces: 10
1 tbl of powder coffee creamer:30
with sweet-n-low:0
2 pieces of honey graham crackers:30
total:345
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running total: 1340

tortilla chips: 75
3 tbl of humus: 75
small slice of strawberry and pineapple light cake:50
1 beverage:80
total:280
-------------------
total:1620

Today's Challenge: Hydration, with no snacking. If you looked at my final calorie count yesterday, you'll see I did a lot better yesterday on not snacking.

Planned fitness: 3 mile run with abdominals

Note on 1st picture: My latest food experiment. I picked up this four oz package of Laughing Cow Swiss Cheese bites for $2.19. Each cube is only five calories. I like the taste and it's kind of nice to grab a few of these when I feel like snacking on something, but don't want the calories...the story of this blog, right?

Note on 2nd picture: Each cube has a few little pieces of facts that you can amuse yourself with while munching on the cube. Maybe it's a ploy to keep your mind occupied so you don't snack mindlessly...you know cause you're using your mind.


I Want To Soar Again

So, here I am...I've lost 10 pounds. So, being ten pounds lighter, you would think, would put me in a good mood. Right?

I mean at the weight that I'm at right now...I could walk down the street and not feel uncomfortable with how I look. In fact, if I was not exercising and not watching my diet, I would think I was doing alright with the weight that I'm at.

But my perspective on my body has changed.

I'm working out and using this body to run, jump, weight lift...and all I can think is...these activities would be sooo much easier to do if I could drop those next ten pounds.

My runs would be easier if I carried less weight. I could run faster if I carried less weight. My belly would be flatter if I did more sit-ups. My legs and arms would look leaner if I lost more weight.

And so, instead of feeling good about these last ten pounds of weight loss, I feel determined and re-focused. I feel impatient and somewhat disgusted at the extra weight clinging to my frame. This weight loss is just the beginning of cultivating a new body. A body that can move faster, jump higher and live life more fully.

So, I can't wait to run at a breakneck pace with the wind in my face. I can't wait to let my body loose and let it fly. I can't wait to move around doing the every day things that people do, but to do it with strength, power, grace and ease.

I can't wait to feel my body full of that boundless energy that we used to have as kids. Where the things we wanted to do weren't hampered by a tired body, but by a body that liked being active, thrived off activity, and wanted to jump in feet first.

I can't wait to get to that point where instead of struggling to stay in the air, you're already up there and are letting the rising air currents carry you along...you're soaring.

Ya, so I don't want to just fly, I want to soar again.