Happy Halloween! Brat Soup Recipe

Almost six weeks of six weeks

Weight today: gained one pound

Total lost: 5 pound in almost six weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 graham cracker sheet:70
total:235

1 slice of wheat bread:70
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of natural peanut butter:100
total:185
---------------
running total:420

1 Jimmy John's turkey sub with no mayonnaise but with cheese and light dressing:422
----------
running total:842

2 snack twix bars:150
Reeses Peanut butter cups:100
1 Twinkie:150
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar:15
total:445
--------------
running total:1,302

Today's challenge: Dealing with a one pound gain

Actual fitness: none

Note on picture: Our daughter carved this pumpkin today. I thought she did a nice job. Happy Halloween!

Note on weight gain: I haven't written my calories for yesterday, but the gain this morning is directly related to going over my diet yesterday by a good 1,000 calories. Some of those calories included some deep fried cheese curds. So, I have a few regrets about this...one of which is that I didn't bring my camera along to photograph these cheese curds for you all. The other is, well, lack of self-control in over-eating.

Brat Soup Recipe

-1 1/4 lbs of brats(cut into 1/4 inch slices. You can use raw or pre-cooked. To spice up the flavor, cook the brats on the grill first or use your leftover grilled brats. Is there such a thing?:)
- 2 (10 oz) packages of frozen corn
-1 cup of peeled, cubed potatoes
-1 cup of chopped onions
-2/3 cup of water
-1/4 teaspoon of pepper
-3 1/2 cups of milk
-2 T of butter
-1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
-shredded cheese for garnish

In soup kettle combine brats, corn, potatoes, onion, water and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer about ten minutes or until corn and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally. Stir in 3 cups of milk and butter. Combine remaining 1/2 cup of milk with flour and stir into brat-corn mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly (about 10 minutes more). Garnish with shredded cheese. Serves 8-to 10. Can use sausage or ham instead of brats.

Note: While cooking this up, you may question the use of such little water. You shouldn't need additional water as it cooks down and works out fine.

Brat Soup

Week 5 5/7th of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 6 pounds in 5 5/7th week

Today's challenge: hydration staying on calorie

Planned fitness: 4-5 mile run, my abdominal routine

Note on 7th day of no-sweet-n-low: Yesterday I didn't feel my stomach be so upset like it was the day before. I seems like it did get queasy, though, after my morning coffee. In fact, I was thinking about skipping my afternoon coffee, but didn't. My stomach felt fine doing a double weight lifting work-out, but I didn't run yesterday.

Note on picture: My husband is the bomb! Forget Blue Bunny Bomb Pops. I came home from the gym last night to the smell of cooking soup. He made this "Brat Soup" for a "Soup-A-Thon" for work today. This recipe actually came from a church cook book that was given to me from the people I worked with in honor of our wedding engagement. This brat recipe was actually created by an older gentleman. I know because I had a few questions about the recipe and called him up, and his wife handed the phone to him. Suffice it to say, that I think this proof that brats are a guy thing. And a Wisconsin thing. This is 1/2 cup with a little cheese sprinkled on top. I estimated about 85 calories.

Added note: I will post the recipe today some time.

5 4/7th of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 6 pound in 5 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
total: 225

2 full graham cracker sheets:140
dipped in 1/ cup of 1% milk:35
total:175
-------------
running total:400

2 large eggs:140
1 lefse:30
1/3 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
2 oz of strawberries:18
1/2 tsp of sugar:8
1/2 sheet of graham crackers:35
total:311
---------------
running total:711

1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with 2 tsp of sugar:30
1 cup of special K cereal:120
1/3 cup of 1 % milk:55
1/2 tsp of sugar:8
total:243
-----------------
running total:954

1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
2 eggs:140
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total: 275
-----------------
running total: 1,229

3/4 cup of shredded mini-wheat's:150
1/4 cup of 1% milk:30
1/2 cup of brat soup:85
Hanover Snyder pretzel bites:60
total:325
----------------
running total:1,554

Today's challenge: getting in a double work-out since I skipped my arm work-out last night.

Actual fitness: 50 minute chest and triceps work-out combined with a 45 minute second leg work-out of the week, my abdominal routine

Note on no sweet-n-low: I had some upset stomach during my run last night. This is getting annoying. And since I haven't had any sweet-n-low in over a week, I'm starting to cut down on the caffeine. I really do not like my stomach feeling this way when I run, so I'm going to work toward cutting out caffeine completely to see if that does the trick.

Note on picture: I know I've already posted a similar picture, but here we are again...It appears I may have drowned the Blue Bunny light ice cream in chocolate syrup. 1/2 cup of light Blue Bunny premium vanilla ice cream:100, 1 tsp of chocolate syrup:25 total:125

Need To Go Shopping

5 1/2 weeks of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 6 pound in 5 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar: 30
total: 225

1/2 graham cracker sheet: 35
seven Ritz crackers:105
1 Laughing Cow cheese wedge (to put on crackers):30
1 slice of chocolate cake:150
snack foods: a few pretzels, chips:40
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar with coffee:30
1 cup of Special K: 120
1/2 cup of whole milk:75
1 tsp of sugar: 15
total: 630
--------------
running total: 855

1/2 cup of brown rice:85
2 large eggs:140
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1/2 graham cracker:35
total: 275
----------------
running total:1,130

11 oz of cantaloupe:110
1/2 cup of Special K:60
1/4 cup of whole milk: 35
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny light ice cream:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:25
total:345
------------------
running total: 1,475

Today's challenge: Getting this post put out. :)

Actual fitness: 4 mile run

Note on day six of no-sweet-n-low: I noticed a queasy stomach yesterday afternoon shortly after having a coffee. So, I'm suspicious that maybe the acids in the coffee may be upsetting my stomach. I only drank two coffees yesterday and will have the same for today.

Note on picture: Mac-N-Cheese. I made this today for the kids with whole milk because that's all the milk we had left in the house. I wouldn't recommend eating this if you're trying to keep your calories low. But the kids like this, so I'll make it for them once or twice a week.

Need To Go Shopping

Hi, folks! Sorry I'm so late getting this post out today. I had some family things to get done this morning and couldn't devote the time.

My diet hasn't included enough protein lately because I've run out of chicken and cottage cheese. It's quite annoying, so I think tonight I'll get to the store to stock up again. I noticed that when I cooked up a whole bunch of chicken breasts and brown rice all at once last week, and then measured and divided them up in to-go containers, I was able to get the necessary protein a lot more often than when I don't do that. It was so nice to get back from a work-out and just grab my container of food, warm it up and know I was eating right on-calorie.

Other than that, did you all notice that I lost another pound yesterday?

This seems to be averaging about a one pound a week weight loss. This is even after splurging to 2,000 calories on Saturday two weekends in a row. And to be honest, it was nice to go out to eat, and eat a sensible portion. I still need to make sure I keep tabs on my calories until I hit my goal weight. Too often in the past I will get side tracked by feeling good about myself and not staying the course.

Once I hit my goal weight, I will do a little research to assess what my caloric needs are to maintain that weight, and then go from there.

Hope you're all having a great day!

The Sneaky Cake

Week 5 of six weeks

Weight today: lost one pound

Total lost: 6 pounds in 5 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer in coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total: 225

1 slice of wheat bread:70
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter: 15
1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
total:186
--------------
running total: 411

1 lefse:30
2 large eggs:140
3 oz of sliced strawberries: 27
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/2 cup of Special K cereal:60
1/4 cup of 1% milk: 24
1/2 tsp of sugar:8
total:365
----------
running total:776

1 slice of wheat bread: 70
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
?:70
total:206
---------------
running total: 982

1/2 sheet of graham crackers:35
1/2 cup of brown rice: 80
2 1/2 oz of chicken breast:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:215
--------------
running total: 1,197

1 cup of Special K:120
1/2 cup of 1% milk: 55
1 tsp of sugar:15
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny light ice cream:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:25
total: 315
-----------
running total:1,512

Today's challenge: staying on-calorie, hydration...perhaps cutting down to two coffees instead of three.

Actual fitness: 60 minute bicep and back work-out, would like to slip in a speed work-out-1 mile warm-up, 4x600 at 7 :30 minute per mile pace, with slower 200s unbetween, with 1 mile cool-down, my abdominal routine

note on day five no sweet-n-low: Did have some queasiness during the later half of the run yesterday

Note on picture: My sister-n-law contribute these Bugles to the party on Sunday. Wow! I'm addicted and I don't know why. They don't taste like chips, but I just can't describe the taste. But 1 1/4 cup of this is 160 calories. Pictured is a little over 1/2 cup so... about 80 calories.


Note on poem: I had a little battle with some cake yesterday.

The Sneaky Cake

I thought I was strong

When really I was weak

I thought I could resist

My temptation to sneak

My desire to put this cake

In my mouth

I was surprised at how fast

My diet went south

All it took was one little bite

For that monster cake

To hold with a vise

like grip over my will

Oh, please, I cried

Does cake control me still?

Over the next few minutes we fought

Me trying to stop my

My eating for naught

I wanted to win

Cause I want to be thin

But that cake was determined

To get me within

So, finally I pulled

out my last stop

The strategy that stops

cake from the top

I searched up high

looking for help

And there it was

high on the shelf

Up I climbed

high on a chair

And placed the cake

on top of there

And when I couldn't

reach it no more

I knew the cake

had lost this score

Then just to make

sure I had won

I changed my clothes

and went for a run

And took a breath of

fresh outside air

And erased the signs

Of the cake that would dare

Try to take my diet down

And make me gain weight

And make me frown

What I learned

after this day

Is vigilance

That's how I must stay

If I want

to keep this look

I must guard myself

From the sneaky

cake crook!

How Competitions Help Fitness & Weight Loss

Five weeks of Six Weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 5 pounds in five weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:225

1 slice of Rotella bread:55
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of natural peanut butter:33
1 4 oz apple:64
total: 167
--------------
running total: 392

2 large eggs:140
1 lefse:30
1 small slice of cake:100
1 tbl of powder creamer:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
330
-------------------
total: 722

three small slices of cake:175
brownie bite:25
3 1/2 oz apple: 66
total:266
----------------
running total: 1,088

1 cup of Special K cereal: 120
1/3 cup of 1% milk: 35
1/2 tsp of sugar:10
1 tbl of powder creamer in coffee:30
tsp of sugar30
Bugles:50
pretzels:35
total:310
----------
running total: 1,318

1 slice of wheat bread:70
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tsp of natural peanut butter: 33
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny ice cream:100
1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup: 20
total:238
---------------
running total: 1,556
running total: 266

Today's challenge: hydration, keeping on-calorie

Actual fitness: 60 minute leg work-out, 4-mile run, my abdominal routine

Day 5 of no sweet-n-low: Did have a slight queasy stomach while running last night, but could be due to me eating an hour before. But also had some queasiness at night...so, could be the coffee after all? May have to cut out coffee if this queasiness continues. That would stink.

Note on picture: This is what was left at our house after the birthday parties celebration last night. I had a swipe of the chocolate frosting last night, but that is all I ate of this food. I'm not planning on having this today. Calories? Hmm....too much?

How Competitions Help

Fitness & Weight Loss

Just wanted to mention today a principle that is in play right now for my diet and fitness goals.

Remember when I wrote here that training for a specific event helps to give your work-outs focus? I also wrote here that it is good to have a second goal in place for after you've reached the first goal, so that you are able to build off of the fitness level you've created thus far and also to avoid the post goal "blues".

About a month ago, I ran in a half-marathon. After that...as a way to keep the intensity and focus going, I began to alter my training for competition in 5K races, while also maintaining my long distance training in the event that if I wanted to, I could be prepared to race in more half-marathons.

Saturday morning, the day of this recent 5K race, I did not want to get up and do it. The fact that I hadn't registered for the race ahead of time also factored in my thinking that I didn't "have" to run it. But I knew that if I didn't...I would not be building on the hard work I had put into my training. In knew this might negatively affect my motivation level in my work-outs. In the past four weeks, I had done some "speed" work-outs to help train for the 5K road race. Not racing would have invalidated those work-outs.

I'm very glad I raced this race as I've since begun to develop in my mind a plan for training for the months of November, December and January. This is a huge thing because if anyone knows, winter can be a tough season to keep up on fitness because it's cold outside which tends to negatively affect motivation to work-out. Training for a specific event, especially during the winter months, is a great way to keep your weight loss momentum going and to also avoid winter weight gain.

During this 5K event, I was able to find out about another race that I plan on competing in next Sunday, which I will talk about later.

As you can see, all of these goals are great to have because I am keeping active while one of the big side benefits is...that I'm also losing weight and working toward meeting my weight loss goals.

Hope this Monday finds you all in good spirits.

Some Hardware For A 5K

Five weeks of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 5 pounds in five weeks

almost 1/2 a sheet of graham cracker:25
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
2 tsp of sugar with coffee:30
total: 250

1 cup of Special K cereal:120
1/2 cup of 1% milk:55
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 slice of toast:70
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
handful of special K:45
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
total: 345
-------------------
running total:595

handful of Bugles: 150
1/2 of graham cracker sheet:35
small portion of chicken bake(est. 1/4 cup):75
small portion of taco dish: 100
small slice of lasagna: 45
1/4 cup of salad:30
1 tbl of powder creamer in coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
total: 495
---------------
running total: 1,090

small slice of cake: 75
small helping of apple crisp:100
1/2 cup of vanilla ice cream:130
another helping of apple crisp:100
total:405
-------------
running total: 1,495

4 oz apple: 64
-----------------
running total: 1,559

Today's challenge: Staying on-calorie during a big family birthday party at our place. It being at our house should help. Also trying to squeeze in a run today.


Actual fitness: 4-mile run

Note on day 4 of no Sweet-n-low: Yesterday, my stomach hurt about half way through my race, not sure what that means...otherwise I had a headache last night, but that could be that maybe I didn't have enough water. But, really other than the race, no queasiness in my stomach.

Note on picture: Yes, I know, you can't eat this, but it sure left a nice taste in my mouth when they gave it to me.

Some Hardware For A 5K

Before leaving for my race yesterday morning, my husband and I have this conversation.

"So, what time does the race start?"

"9:00"

"So, when will you be back?...How long does it take to run a 5k?
A half an hour?"

"Yah...(pause, as I think to myself...it better not take half an a hour.)"

"Well, hopefully not more than 23 minute to be exact."(I'm roughly estimating an 7:30 minute per mile pace.)

"Yah, so I'll be back around 10:00."

Ten 0' clock rolls around as I dial in our home number,

"Honey?"

"Yes?"

"I'm going to be a little late because I have to wait around to pick up my medal."

"You're medal?!!!!! You won?!"

"No, I didn't win. I did get second in my age group and it looks like maybe fourth over all the women."

"Alright!!"

I finished yesterday with a time of 23:13. My time at the half way point was 11:40. The race officials didn't call out any time at the 1, 2, or 3 -mile marks and I didn't wear a watch. But I do believe this time means I ran faster in my second half of the race than in my first half.

I can probably directly attribute that to this wonderful kick I gave at the end in my attempt to beat this guy at the end of the race. I almost got him. He beat me by half a second at the most. Oh well.

All of his buddies were cheering him on, and it just made me smile inside to think that he was trying so hard at the end to prevent a "girl" from beating him.

There were 340 participants and I'm not sure how many were women, but I figure even if a third were women, I was faster than 100 other women. Cool.

When I woke up yesterday morning at 6:00 a.m. to get ready for the race, I really wrestled with going, but after about 15 minutes of laying there thinking about it, I finally decided I really needed to go so that I could get an idea of my current 5K fitness level.

I'm glad I did. There's plenty of room for improvement here on this time and it was nice to bring home some hardware. It was cold, windy and overcast during the race. But with about 400 meters left, in the race the sun broke through the clouds and started shining. And the first thing I thought was..."cool, I can hang my laundry out to dry on the line and it will dry twice as fast..."

My second thought was..."Ok, now to beat this guy who stopped and walked twice before me."

Ahh...the things you think about during a race.

Well, I hope you're all having a great weekend.

About 5 Weeks Of Six Weeks

About 5 weeks of six weeks

Weight today: same


Total lost: 5 pounds in about five weeks


1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
4 oz banana:100
1 cake donut:225
1tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with 2 tsp of sugar:30

total: 550

1 Jimmy John's Turkey sub with no mayonnaise, but with cheese and mustard:422
--------
running total: 972

1 1/4 cup of rice dish:210
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
total:270
-----------------
running total:1,242

3 narrow slice of garlic cheese bread: 225 (75x3...est)
adult beverages:400
2 chips:30
1/2 cup of Blue Bunny light ice cream: 50
1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup:10
bites of Hanover Snyder pretzels: 75
total: 790
---------------
running total: 2,032

Today's challenge: hydration and keeping on calorie

Actual fitness so far... a 5k race (3.1 miles)

Note on third day of no sweet-n-low: yesterday I didn't really have any queasy stomach, although I did have a slight headache

Note on picture: I've been eating some gum lately, but I think I eat too much and then I get tired of chewing it. So, I may quit. But, it is nice to chew on something sweet for about ten seconds.:)

Note on race: I competed in a 5K race this morning and I will give you all the scoop tomorrow on how it went.


Have a good Saturday!!

The Other Side Of The Moon

Over 4 1/2 weeks of six weeks

Weight today: lost 1/2 pound

Total lost: 5 pounds in over 4 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar with coffee:30
total: 225

1 slice of Rotella bread:55
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
total: 136
---------------
running total: 359

2 slices of Rotella bread:110
2 large eggs:140
2 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter:30
1/2 cup of orange juice:55
1 tbl of powder creamer in coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
total: 395
-------------------
running total: 754

1 slice of Rotella bread:55
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
1/2 sheet of graham cracker:35
total: 171
--------------
running total: 925

2 oz of thin spaghetti: 200
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
3 oz of chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of cabbage salad:40
bites of son's garlic bread: 65
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
1 Blue Bunny Bomb Pop: 40
total: 525
------------------
running total: 1,450

2 tsp of sugar in Sleepytime tea: 30
-----
running total: 1,480

Today's challenge: hydration and keeping track of calories as I go.

Planned fitness: 2-4 mile run

Second day of no sweet-n-low: Yesterday, I felt a queasy stomach in the morning and maybe part of the afternoon. During a two mile run, around 4 p.m., I didn't feel any queasiness. My stomach actually wasn't upset for the rest of the day.

Note on picture: I finally cracked open some Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea last night. My husband and I had been outside in the cold, rainy weather and needed something warm and relaxing to warm us up. If you've never had this stuff, it has chamomile which is an herb that helps you fall asleep. Celestial Seasonings also has cool little quotes and pictures on the box that you can look at too. They suggested adding honey, which I didn't have, so I just added two teaspoons of sugar.

The Other Side Of The Moon

I thought of this title last night to describe how I've been feeling lately about my current weight. Since my scale is so finicky, I'm very careful about making sure there really is a weight loss before posting it. Today, it definitely looks like I'm down a pound from the week before.

I'm having some strange feelings about my weight. The last time I was at this weight was about six years ago after I'd gotten back into shape when my seven-year-old was born. At that time I was training for road races. I'm one pound away from matching that weight from seven years ago.

I'm also currently two pounds away from matching the weight I weighed in college when I was racing...the weight I weighed before my 14-year-old daughter was born.

I keep thinking, that something is going to happen and I'm going to wake up one morning and the scale is going to take it all back. Like it had been pulling my leg all this time.

I feel like I'm going places I haven't gone in a long time. I'm going to the other side of the moon. The side I haven't seen in years. The side that not many people have seen in years.

It's the other side of numbers on the scale. The below side.

Last night I was at Blaine's Farm and Fleet. That place sells a LOT of candy and junk food. Oh, and I was craving it too. I sooo bad don't want to sabotage myself, though. If I just keep doing what I'm doing...working out...taking in 1,400 calories a day...the weight keeps dropping.

Slowly but surely.

But really, I thought to myself, "How can I do this for the rest of my life when all I want to do is buy something here and start eating it?"

I told that to my husband last night.

And he said, "But you are doing it. You're doing it everyday."

I suppose he's right. I can't look at it like..."the rest of my life"... but instead I should look at it as "a one day at a time" thing.

I just keep living and eating right one day at a time...and eventually, I suppose, walking on the other side of the moon won't seem so strange.

Would you all care to join me for a moon walk?

Are These Things Hot? Consider These Picts...

4 1/2 weeks of Six Weeks

Weight today: lost 1/2 pound

Total lost: 4 1/2 pounds in 4 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:30
1 tbl of creamer with coffee:30
and 2 tsp of sugar with coffee:30
total:225

1 slice of Rotella Italian bread:55
1 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter:15
2 tsp of natural peanut butter:66
1/2 sheet of graham cracker: 30
total: 166
-----------------
running total: 391

2 slices of Rotella Italian bread:110
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
2 Large eggs:140
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
1 sugar free jello cup:5
2 tbl of light whipped cream:15
total:345
--------------
running total:736

1/4 graham cracker:15
1 piece of snack bar:90
3 oz banana:75
1/2 graham cracker:35
total:215
---------------
running total: 951

3 oz chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice: 113
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
1 Blue Bunny Bomb Pop:40
3/4 cup of Kix: 55
total: 388
--------------
total: 1,339

bites of Snyder Hanover ranch pretzels: 40
1/4 cup of Blue Bunny Light ice cream: 50
1/2 teaspoon of chocolate syrup: 15
2 tsp of sugar in Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time tea:30
total: 135
--------------
running total: 1,479

Today's challenge: Hydration, Keeping track of calories throughout the day--need to be doing that to stay on track

Actual fitness: 2-mile run, 50 minute leg work-out, my abdominal routine

Note on queasy stomach, Day 1 of no sweet-n-low: I still had a queasy stomach yesterday, but it didn't "seem" as bad. Also, my stomach didn't start getting queasy on my run until half-way through it. So, we'll see how the week goes, if the queasiness continues, I might have a gastro-intestional bug, or I could discontinue coffee and see what that does.

Note on Picture: We had an informal Blue Bunny Volcano Lava Hot Cinnamon taste test a few nights ago. Our 14-year-old daughter, Darling Rose, is hamming it up here, but she said it was definitely hot.

Are These Things Hot?

Consider These Picts...
To answer your first question, no, I didn't have our kids eat hot bomb pops for my diet blog.

It was Sunday night. After eating dinner we told the kids to go into the freezer to get themselves some ice cream. We have several boxes to choose from. Usually they grab the box that has a combination of chocolate covered ice cream bars, or ice cream sandwhiches. I also had two full boxes of all American Blue Bunny bomb pops.

Three came out with these already unwrapped Blue Bunny Volcano Lava Hot cinnamon Bomb Pops.

I said, "Are you sure you want to eat these? They are hot."

They said, "yes."

"What's an opportunistic diet blogging mother to do? Take pictures of course."


Picture 1 : Our energetic 7-year old's reaction.






Pictures 2 &3: Our 5-year-old who is also very expressive. I think that means this is hot. And the napkin idea...borrowed from big brother.










Pictures 4 & 5 Our 3-year-old kept it low key until the end. In this first pict he may be doing some copying, although it sure looks like he thinks it's hot. And the last pict: I think he'd like you to try one too.




















Oh, I haven't even eaten one of these yet, but I think the gel in the middle make these things pretty messy.

The Queasy Stomach Question

Day 31 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in four weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
total:165

1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
3 oz chicken breast:105
1/2 cup brown rice: 113
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:293
--------------
running total: 458

2 large eggs:140
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of cottage cheese:80
1/4 cup of canned fruit in heavy syrup:45
total:295
-------------------
running total: 753

3/4 cup of Reeses Puff cereal:120
1/4 cup of milk:30
1 tbl of creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar:30
1/2 graham crackers:42
total: 252
--------------
running total: 1,005

1 4 oz banana:100
2 oz chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:113
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
2 tsp of sugar in coffee:30
handful of cheerios:30
total: 423
-------------------
running total: 1,428

1/2 cup of Blue Bunny Light ice cream:100
1 tsp of chocolate syrup:25
total 125
-----------------------
running total: 1553

Today's challenge: Staying on-calorie, hydration and getting in my work-outs. I'm lacking motivation lately.

Actual fitness: 1 mile warm-up at 10 minute mile pace, six 400s with 400 rests inbetween at 10 minute/mile pace, the first 4x400 at 8/min mile pace, the fifth at 7:30/min mile pace, the sixth at 7:03 min/mile pace, 50 minute chest and triceps work-out, my abdominal routine.

Note on picture: What are these things? Someone at work gave them to my husband to bring home for the family. I ate two the other day before I realized there was seven total and only had five left for the kids. Guess I ate my husband's treat. They're made of marshmallows, cheerios and the coating, although appearing like chocolate, I don't think was actually chocolate. Wow, were they good.

The Queasy Stomach Question

So, I mentioned that I am no longer drinking protein shakes because of upset stomach symptoms that may be related to the protein shakes.

Well, to be fair to the protein shake makers, I'm still getting upset stomach and I haven't had a protein shake in over a week. So, that means either I've just got some gastro-intestinal bug, or it's something I'm eating that my stomach doesn't agree with.

So, I've looked at my diet and have pinpointed a possible culprit. And I have to admit, I'm sad that the possible culprit may be the sweet-n-low in my coffee. Or it could be the caffeine in my coffee. To be sure of which it is, I should probably first eliminate the sweet-n-low for a week to see if my stomach settles down and if not, then the coffee itself. However, the idea of drinking unsweetened coffee...well, it's gross.

So, I thought of throwing out coffee altogether and maybe instead drinking some hot slightly caffeinated tea with a teaspoon or two of sugar, which would still keep the calories for that drink at about 30. But if I did that, then I wouldn't know for sure if it was the sweet-n-low causing the stomach upset or the caffeine.

I did a little reading on sweet-n-low. The articles against sweet-n-low blamed it for brain tumors and even said you shouldn't take it if your pregnant because it has saccharin. They also said it increases your cravings for food and makes you gain weight.

An article that denounced these claims said that sweet-n-low was perfectly safe but that it has been known to cause upset stomach and headaches if taken in large quantities. I buy sweet-n-low by the box and use a little dipper to dip it in my coffee and I don't really measure it. But if I were to estimate, it may be three bags ( the pre-packaged baggies you see by the coffees) or more a day.

Another reason, I've thought of throwing out the coffee is because I tend to drink more water when I'm not drinking coffee. And lately I've noticed I'm struggling with taking in enough water. And of course, if I'm already not drinking enough water, coffee just makes it worse.

And with as much as I work out, I need a lot of water.

But the upset stomach thing is bugging me enough that I think I'd like to eliminate sweet-n-low for a week and see how I feel. I mean it's getting to the point, where my stomach feels queasy when I run, or if I'm just sitting around hanging out. That's not normal.

So, I suppose I could maybe cut my coffee intake to two cups a day instead of three so as not to bring on the onslaught of headaches, and just add sugar instead.

Fun stuff. Hope you all have a great day!

Day 30 of Six Weeks

Day 30 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in four weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:195

3 oz chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:113
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:233
----------------
running total: 418

2 large eggs: 140
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of cottage cheese:80
1/4 cup of canned fruit in heavy syrup:45
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:325
------------
running total: 743

1/2 cup of brown rice: 110
3 oz of chicken breast: 105
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter: 15
total: 233
------------
running total: 976

1 slice of Natural Ovens Baker bread, oatmeal: 110
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter: 15
1 1/2 tsp natural peanut butter: 45
1 1/2 cup of Reeses Puff cereal :240
3/4 cup of 1 % milk: 75
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
handful of Reeses puffs cereal: 50
total: 565
--------------
running total: 1,541

1/2 cup of Reeses Puffs: 60
1/4 cup of 1 % milk: 25
1 sugar free jello cup:5
total:90
-------------------
running total: 1,631

Today's challenge: Staying on-calorie, I was over on my calories yesterday...I've been wanting to eat more so...need to stay focused.

Actual fitness: 60 minute bicep and back work-out, my abdominal routine

Note on picture: This was the dessert I shared with my husband on our date last Saturday night. This is a nut bottom, with fudge, caramel, and cheesecake top. I estimated my half to be about 300 calories. And, yes, it tasted wonderful!!!

An Assessment Of Things

Day 29 of six weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 4 pounds in four weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
1 tsp of sugar: 15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 195

1/2 cup of brown rice: 113
3 oz of chicken breast: 105
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total:223
----------------
running total: 418

1 large eggs: 140
1 lefse: 30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
1/4 cup of fruit in heavy syrup:45
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 325
----------------
total:743

2 cookie snacks:150
1/2 cup of brown rice:113
3 oz of chicken breast: 105
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
total: 223
total:373
--------------
running total: 1,116

1 1/2 cup of cereal: 240
3/4 cup of 1 % milk: 83
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
total: 333
----------------
running total: 1,449

1 slice of Natural Ovens Bakery Oatmeal bread:110
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tsp of Natural peanut butter:33
total:158
---------------
running total: 1,607
Today's challenge: hydration, am happy to be back to my normal diet

Actual fitness: 4 mile run, 60 minute leg work-out, abdominal routine once

Note on picture: This is a mini-loaf of bread that was served to us hot out of the oven at the place my husband took me out to eat at last Saturday. So, it was still warm and I even had some melty butter on it. It was whole wheat bread as a I could taste the grain. I estimated a single slice to be about 75 calories, which is It think is pretty close to accurate when compared to larger slices that I have at home. plus with the butter it put me at 200.

An Assessment Of Things

Today might be a good day to update you all on my progress in this diet and of the last weekend and what I learned about myself.

First things first, I've incorporated a change in my diet that I began last week. I no longer eat protein shakes during my 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. snacks. Instead, I am eating whole foods like a 3 oz chicken breast and half a cup of brown rice with 1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter.

There are a few reasons for this. I have read recently that protein shakes may cause your stomach to feel upset or queasy, which is actually something I have experienced. Also, I think whole foods will fill me up more than a shake. And finally, I think perhaps my body would prefer the whole foods as fuel. Because I'm trying to skim off the last several pounds, this is something I'm trying to see how it works. I don't want to cut below 1,400 calories as I feel my body needs that fuel.

It appears that I am averaging about a one pound a week weight loss. I anticipate dropping perhaps two more pounds this week. I've noticed that the weight loss seems to happen in every ten days increments. It does not come off at exactly on time at one pound a week rather it seems to average that.

I'm fine with that.

After eating out this weekend, I think I did ok. I feel like I could still work on the whole stopping eating when full thing. When we ate out on Saturday, I was soo stuffed. There was an eight oz chicken breast involved and I probably should have just ate half of it. But one of those things I struggle with is the idea that I don't have to clean off the plate. Also, I need to work on my food choices and learning to take the lower calorie version.

But this whole thing is a learning process, and well...we're learning and improving right?

The final thing, is that I might be racing in a 5K race this weekend. On Saturday.

Ok, I just got a little nervous writing that.

Other than that, I hope you all had a great weekend and are having a great day today!

Day 28 of Six Weeks

Day 28 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in four weeks

1 blueberry Panera Bread Bagel:330

toasted with 1 container of low fat plain creme cheese: 140

1 Panera Bread Mocha:370

total: 840

Annie's cheddar bunnies (handful): 130

powder creamer with coffee:30

with sweet-n-low:0

total:160

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

running total:1,000

2 squares of pizza: 400

1 slice of cheese bread:200

powder creamer with coffee:30

with sweet-n-low:0

total:630

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

total: 1,630

1 slice of toasted Natural Ovens bakery wheat bread:90

with 1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15

with 1 tsp of natural peanut butter: 33

total:138

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

running total: 1,768

Actual fitness: 5 mile run

Note on picture: This looks pretty, but I probably should have eaten something like a latte that only had 120 calories. This bad boy was 370 calories. ouch! Also, I probably should have not put cream cheese on my bagel and saved myself 140 calories there. Oh well, live and learn.

Added note: Can't wait to get on my regular food routine. Oatmeal, here I come!

It's Our Anniversary Weekend today...

Day 27 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in almost 4 weeks

Mocha at favorite coffee shop: 350 (est)
Jimmy John's Turkey sub with no mayo, but with cheese:422
total:772

8oz chicken:270
with nut honey crusted and dressing:200
2 small slices of fresh baked bread:150
with 1/2 tbl of butter:50
salad with honey poppy seed dressing:50
1/4 cup of wild rice:75
1/4 cup of steamed vegetables:25
1 6 to 8 oz glass of wine:150
2 cup of coffee with four half and half creamers:50 (est)
1/2 slice of fudge, caramel, cream cheese cake:300
total:1,320
----------------------
running total: 2,092

Today's challenge: Not going over calorie too much. It's our anniversary weekend and the kids are with grandma and grandpa "yippie"!

Actual fitness: off

Note on picture: I made these cinnamon rolls last night, topped with orange Halloween frosting for the kids and my parents as part of my birthday week celebration. They are 140 calories a piece. Not too bad.

It's Our Anniversary Weekend today...

And we slept in till almost noon...

Hope you all have a had good start to yours too!

My Busy Life...

Day 26 of 6 weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:195

4 oz banana:100
(before work-out)

slice of Natural Ovens Oatmeal bread:110
with 1 tbl of natural peanut butter: 100
(half way throught the two hour work-out)

1 slice of Natural ovens Bakery oatmeal bread: 110
with 1tbl of natural peanut butter:100
five mini-sandwhich cookies:60
total:580
-------------------------
running total:775

1 large egg: 70
1 large egg white: 10
1 lefse:30
1 1/2 sheets of graham cracker:105
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 245
-----------------
running total:1,022


Today's challenge: The day's almost over...and I've been meeting my challenges. But if I had a challenge, it's not getting in enough protein and water.

Actual fitness: 60 minute bicep and back work-out, my abdominal routine, 5-mile run

Still planned...another five mile run tonight

Note on picture: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. And as good as these red delicious look and taste, I'll never be seeing my doctor again...well...unless I get pregnant of course...well, you know what I mean.

My Busy Life...

For some reason, this week has my schedule completely up in the air. I usually post my diet blog first thing in the morning.

But, this morning, as I was getting my children ready to leave to walk to the gym for my work-out, I thought to myself...

Well, it's either the blog...or the work-out.

I chose the work-out and figured you would all understand.

But the good news is that I'm almost completely caught up on all my work-outs, which I feel great about.

And I learned something very interesting. I have not worked out with my daughter during my last three weight lifting work-out because she's been in school and normally we do it after the kid's are in bed. But lately this week, we've had to do it separately.

The thing I learned is that it goes slower when we do it together. In fact doing some of these work-outs by myself has been awesome. I guess I hadn't realized how much "work" I put into making sure she does it right when we're together. She does all the same weight lifting exercises that I do except that she doesn't run as much as I do.

Of course I shall continue training with her until she joins a sport (basketball or dance team), and even, then, I may insist on being some way involved with her weight training. I can't imagine anyone at school will have her weight training for four hours a week.

So, anyway that was what I noticed. Even as hard as it was to get to the gym lately, when I finally did get there I felt somewhat liberated because I just had "me" to worry about.

Hope your all having a great Friday...

And I echo Fitcetera..."Fight For Yourself..."

I did this week, and won.

Apples And Oatmeal...

Day 25 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total: 195

almost 4 oz banana:90
2 slices of Natural Ovens Bakery oatmeal bread: 240
1 1/2 tbl of natural peanut butter:150
total:480
-----------------------
running total: 675

1 3/4 cup of chicken Alfredo Fettuccini dish: 300
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
handful of pretzels (about 50):110
1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
total:475
-----------------
running total: 1,150

Snyder Hanover pretzel bites: 60
1/2 banana:40
1 tbl of Natural peanut butter:100
total:200
--------------
running total: 1,350

1/2 cup of Blue Bunny light premium ice cream: 100
1 1/2 tsp of chocolate syrup: 35
total: 135
---------------
running total: 1,485
Today's challenge: getting to the gym

Actual fitness: my second leg work-out mixed with my triceps and chest work-out mixed with my abdominal routine, and then a 2 1/2 to 3 mile run. Then later in the evening, I did a five mile run.

Note on picture: My birthday dessert. This is apple crisp using freshly picked apples from the apple orchard served with low calorie vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately this is high calorie at 53 calories and ounce. This was five ounces at 265 calories with about 25 calories in ice cream for a total: 290

Apples And Oatmeal...

This sounds like a healthy combination...and I was pretty sure it would be health-ier than cake, but after I made it and tallied the calories, I realized how much butter and sugar calories can add up. Apparently if you add enough of that stuff, the health value decreases.

And no wonder this stuff tasted sooo good.

I even took time to peel the apples instead of throwing them in there unpeeled. I'll have to admit that I ate more of this than I should have and even think I went over my calorie limit by a few hundred calories. But I did do the right thing and made my husband take the rest of it with him for the day.

Thanks for all your birthday wishes. Especially the "Volcano Hot Mama" comment by Lynn from actual scale. That one made me hoot out loud. You come up with the funniest stuff.

Also decided that I'm not getting up at five a.m. to go to the gym. So, hopefully I'll find a way to make it to there. There's just few things going on this week that are pushing me to the limit as far as being able to get in my work-outs. It's really annoying, but I know sometimes life throws you curve balls and I need to figure out a way to bend with them.

I did manage to run for two miles yesterday.

But I had an awesome birthday yesterday. My children blessed me with a ton of wonderful gifts including a home-made "double binocular" gift that my seven-year-old son made with toilet paper rolls and broken clothes pins and glue. If you'd like to see his creation, click here, and scroll down past the photo of me wearing Uggs and of the kids handing me their gifts.

Have a Great Day!

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Day 24 of six weeks

Weight today: same

Total lost: 4 pounds in 3 weeks

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

Today's challenge: Didn't get in a work-out yesterday because there were "more important" things to do. I hate when life trumps my work-outs. It's another busy day, so I really want to get in my work-out.

Actual fitness: 2 mile run

Note on picture: Tell me this picture doesn't intrigue you. And since it's my birthday today, a picture of volcano lava hot cinnamon bomb pops seemed more than appropriate. I haven't tried these out yet, but their 60 calories a piece and look like they have exciting things going on.

Happy Birthday To Me

Happy Birthday to me
My food's mostly fat free
And my bo-dy is happy
Living low calorie

Happy Birthday to me
I love my body
Since I've lost all this wei--ght
I'm feeling so great

Happy Birthday to me
I love Blue Bunny
Their Bunny tracks are the be---st
They're a regular icecream fest

Happy Birthday to me
Too bad for Schwan-y
Their bomb pop flavors
Lacked in-ten-si-ty

Happy Birthday to me
I don't like monkeys
They're bad for your body
Adding...imaginary calories

Happy Birthday to me
So, see you monkey
Go back to your zoo friends
Where they throw poop-ies

Happy Birthday to me
I like filled pastries
Filled with cake frosting
And cho- co-late-y

Happy Birthday to me
I lose weight quickly
If I eat low-ca-lor-ie
and don't eat pastries

Happy Birthday to me
I love poetry
I rhyme on a dime
Or a pe--e--e--nny

Happy Birthday to me
My kids are grumpy
For staying up late
For shopping for me

Happy Birthday to me
They all need napp-ies
lay down their sweet he-ads
And go to bed.

Happy birthday to me
I could do this endlessly
So, maybe I should sto--op
while I'm a-head (I know, I know that one didn't rhyme)

Happy Birthday to me
The best things are free
So think up something happy
And share it with me

Yah, it's my birthday today. My kids are all grumpy this morning because they stayed up too late going birthday shopping for me with my husband. The gift-opening happens tonight. We'll see if they can all hold in what they picked out for me.

It looks like it might be tough week for getting in my work-outs. I may have to get up really, really early on Thursday and Friday. AYE carumba! Like 5:00 a.m.

Can she do it?

The funny thing is, I used to have an early morning paper route for many years. But there's something about the combination of cold and early morning work-outs that send shivers up my spine. Maybe this week just needs to be an induced break.

No!!! not that!

Well, I'll let you all know how it goes.

Hope you're all having a good day!

And The Winner Is...

Day 22 of six weeks

Weight today: lost one pound

Total lost: 4 pounds in 22 days

Chex bites:20
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
with 1 tsp of sugar:15
a little 1% milk: 25
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:240

5 oz red delicious apple:80
Annie cheddar bunny snacks: 125
total: 205
----------------
running total:445

2 large eggs: 140
1 lefse: 30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 1/2 oz of sliced strawberries: 31
1 tsp of sugar:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee: 30
with sweet-n-low
total:326
-----------------
running total:771

1/2 graham cracker sheet:35
1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
2 tsp of sugar:30
with cinnamon:0
total:215
--------
running total:986

1 1/2 cup of chicken Alfredo fettucine:250
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
280
----------
running total: 1266

3 oz of strawberries:27
1 1/2 tsp of sugar:22
Annie cheddar bunnies:30
total: 77
------------
running total:1343


Today's challenge: There's SOOO much to do today, and it's going to be tough to get in the work-outs.

Actual fitness: My abdominal routine.

Note on picture: This is shrimp Alfredo. Something we cooked up in seven to ten minutes. 1 1/2 cups is only 220 calories.

Note on weight loss: I was thinking that changing how I weighed myself yesterday may have registered a gain. I weighed myself after I ran a 4 mile run and had drank a few cups worth of water. You wouldn't think I'd gain after running, but it was something different that I did. Or we can just blame the monkey...that's more fun.

And The Winner Is...

Good morning to you all.

Today you get to find out which Bomb pop tasted better. Was it Schwan's or was it Blue Bunny. I did want to mention, though, that, unlike those chocolate covered creme filled bismarks, the nice thing about both bomb pops is that they are so low-calorie, I could eat four before I started to worry about gaining weight off of them. The Schwan's Bomb pop is 45 calories, and the Blue Bunny is 40.

Well, I've put you all off long enough. I've waited for three hours now for some video footage to upload and it won't finish uploading which leads me to wonder if it ever will.

The winner is Blue Bunny. (I know that was so anticlimactic)

Yes, I am happy. I went grocery shopping last night and picked up two more boxes. That's when I noticed that Blue Bunny also makes Bomb Pops in different flavors besides the classic red, white and blue. So, yes, I did pick up one of those new flavors.

The one I picked up was called "Volcano Lava-hot cinnamon" flavor. Have you ever heard of such a thing.

Hot-flavored...ice cream.

I suppose I should taste it before giving one to one of the kids. If I know Blue Bunny it will be hot and it will taste great. Ahh...suddenly there's so much to write about.

Also, for those who don't know, tomorrow is my birthday. I've declared, like what Lil Miss Blogger did on her blog, that this week is Sunshine Mama's birthday week. So, everyday I've been doing something special.

Last night my 20-month old son said, "mama" for the first time and I also had the kids practice singing "Happy Birthday" to me.

Tonight my husband is going to take the kids out "birthday shopping" for mom.

Also, I'm not making birthday cake for my birthday. Sorry, SunshineMeg, no frosting tomorrow. But what I am making I'm really excited about because it's healthy--ier and I can't wait to eat it.

And if I ever do get that dratted video to upload, I'll share that with you too. I know, you guys are bummed because you wanted to see Sunshine Mama in action eating these bomb pops.

All I can say, is if Blogger had a phone, they'd be getting a call from me.

Happy Tuesday! Enjoy it. The sun is shining.

A Blindfolded Bomb Pop Taste Test

Day 22 of six weeks

Weight today: gained one pound

Total lost: 3 pounds in 3 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150
with 1 tsp of sugar:15
and cinnamon:0
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:195

2 oz of chicken breast: 70
1/3 cup of brown rice: 50
1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
4 oz red delicious apple:64
total:199
---------------
running total: 394

2 large eggs:140
1 lefse:30
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
3 oz of sliced strawberries: 27
with 1 tsp of sugar:15
1 Ritz cracker:16
1 tbl of creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
total:338
-----------------------
running total:732

3 oz of chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
1 tsp of Smart Balance Light butter:15
1 Dorito chip;16
1 Ritz cracker:16
3/4 cup of Kix cereal
with 1/2 cup of 1% milk:55
total:366
-------------
running total: 1,098

3 oz of chicken breast:105
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
with 1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15
1 tbl of powder creamer with coffee:30
with sweet-n-low:0
1 Schwan's Bomb Pop:45
total: 280
----------------
running total:1,378

Today's challenge: Already got my run in at 6 a.m., hopefully not feeling too tired to do my leg work-out later today.

Planned fitness: 4-mile run, 60 minute leg work-out, my abdominal routine once.

Note on picture: The Bomb pop face-off happened last night.

Note on weight gain: I know you guys told me how bad that monkey was for me, but....I took him back. He was begging and pleading and even started crying. I'm such a softy. Don't worry, I'll kick him out. It's only for a couple days. Gosh, I hate these co-dependent relationships.


A Blindfolded Bomb Pop Taste Test


Hi, everyone.

Well, the moment you've all been waiting for has almost arrived. The bomb pop face-off.

Which tastes better, is it Blue Bunny my all-time favorite ice cream company or is it Schwan's the ice cream company that has bomb pops as it's number one selling frozen treat?

I've been eating both bomb pops for the past two weeks and like them both. They are both similar in taste texture. In fact, they both taste great. But only one can taste the greatest.

So, last night, without further adieu, I got myself blindfolded, with a blindfold that matched the bomb pops no less, and let our daughter snap some pictures.

Before I began, I was pretty sure I'd be able to tell which bomb pop was which. I was actually sorely mistaken in that area. I could not tell which bomb pop I was eating.

In fact, I felt a little in limbo out there. Both bomb pops seemed to weigh the same in my hands. I would take a bite of one and think, wow, I love this texture, this must be the Schwan's bomb pop, and then I'd take a bite of the other, and the texture would rival it or taste perhaps even better.

I think I was getting a little confused even because the texture of both were so great. Just to explain, the texture in a bomb pop refers to the cream-a-bility and how it melts in your mouth after you take a bite. Both were amazing.

As I was getting to the end, I finally decided to pay attention to the flavor. There are three flavors. Cherry, vanilla and blue raspberry.

My reason for finally choosing the winning bomb pop was based on the taste of the flavors. The winner's flavors "popped". It totally tasted like blue raspberry, while the losing bomb pop had a much milder taste. In fact, I couldn't tell that it was blue raspberry at all.


So, who's the winner?

That answer....tomorrow.