Emotional Upset

week 18 1/2 of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
(sprinkled with cinnamon and sweet-n-low)
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 grapefruit: 40
total: 236
---------------

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122
1/2 grapefruit: 40
3 egg whites: 48
total: 210
---------------
running total: 446

5 oz chicken breast: 175
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
2 cups of spinach: 10
green peppers: 8
cucumbers:8
broccoli: 5
carrots: 10
1 tbl of Newman's own vinegar and olive oil salad dressing: 75
total: 376
-----------------
running total: 822

chocolate protein shake: 110
------------------
running total: 932

3/4 cup of brown rice: 128
5 oz chicken breast:175
----------
total: 303
--------------
running total:1,235

4 egg whites: 64
1/2 cup of celery: 10
1/2 cup of green peppers: 10
total: 1,319

Today's challenge: I started running out of some of my spinach and other vegetables, but other than that I stayed on target. Oh, I've been busy with some stuff around the house and can't seem to get my run in.

Planned fitness: abdominals

Note on picture: This is what my husband had for breakfast. A Burger King sausage egg and cheese crossanwhich. I'm not even sure how many calories this is. But the kids were eating french toast sticks and cini minis that were dipped in icing. Oh...the smells were delicious! Me? I just stuck to my oatmeal, grapefruit, egg whites and tea.

Emotional Upset

Today marked the first day in this new diet plan of mine where I actually had a little emotional stress related breakdown.

And, no, I'm not even close to that time of the month. Just to rule out that possibility. And I'm not pregnant.

Oh, all the things we women must say to explain our tears.

It is possible I could have been hungry.

Here's what happened. Everyone had breakfast...and I had mine. It was a very satisfying breakfast for me. About an hour or so later...I was confronted with something that felt overwhelming to me. That was upsetting to me...but at the same time that I was upset by that, I also felt upset by the fact that I was missing some of the foods I like to eat. I couldn't sooth any of my feelings of upset with food...which just made me more upset. I'm at a point in this diet where I refuse to cheat until this three weeks is up.

So, instead, I just burst into tears. Lamenting over my feelings of being overwhelmed and also sadness for not being able to eat "fun" food. But, if you think about it, even if I could eat "fun" food, I can't sit there and eat it endlessly. Eventually I'd have to stop. Also, the taste of the food is temporary. Will the taste resolve my feelings of being overwhelmed?

So, I just sat there until I cried it out. Sometimes a good cry will help me clear my head and make me feel better. When I was done, I looked at the clock and figured I should eat my mid-morning snack of chicken breast and egg whites. I usually have a tomato with it, but I ran out of tomatoes a few days ago...so I decided to indulge in the last half of grapefruit. The grapefruit and tomato are both forty calories and I felt that eating the grapefruit meets my diet standards. And, since I started this diet, I have come to really relish the taste of grapefruit.

I ate, and enjoyed it and felt much better. I even made myself a coffee and added some sweet-n-low. The coffee may have been cheating somewhat as far as dealing with my emotions, but by the time I drank it I was already in a better mood.

By the time I was done eating and working on my coffee, I didn't feel so overwhelmed. I actually began thinking of a way to deal with the situation. And the rest of the day went well.

So, there you are. It got a little tough for Sunshine Mama today, but I hung in there and didn't cheat. I didn't get in a run like I wanted to. But, I am actually feeling a little more relaxed on that because I know that I will not lose all of my gains from just a few days off of running. That was one very important lesson I learned when I was forced to take three weeks off from running.

Isn't it interesting how setbacks and tears can teach us more about ourselves?

Well...I think that's it for now. I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Preparing For Pictures

18 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 1/2 weeks

pre-workout:
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

post work-out:
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 grapefruit: 40
total: 236
--------------
running total: 321

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122
3 egg whites: 48
total: 170
--------------
running total:491

5 oz chicken breast: 175
1/4 cup of rice: 43
1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Oil salad dressing: 75
2 cups of spinach: 10
cucumbers: 8
green peppers: 8
carrots: 10
total: 36
total:329
---------------
running total: 820

chocolate protein shake: 110
----------
running total: 930

5 oz chicken breast: 175
2 cups of spinach: 10
cucumbers:8
green peppers:8
broccoli:5
carrots: 10
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
1 tbl of Newman's own Vinegar and Oil salad dressing: 75
total: 376
-------------
running total: 1,306

Today's challenge/victory: The work-out this morning went great. I stayed on track with eating. I was missing eating my "other foods" and I didn't get in my run. Mostly because I didn't "feel" like running. Ooops.

Although, I did complete my push-ups that I was trying to do and so can go on to the next level.

Actual fitness: push-ups work-out: eight sets of : 19, 19, 22, 22, 18, 18, 22, 45 for a total of 190. I've been on this work-out for the third time and was first only able to squeeze out 35 on that last set, and then 40 and finally 45. I knew I'd be able to make it to 45 when I hit the 30s and I could feel the extra strength in my arms.

After push-ups workout, did 50 minute chest, triceps, back and biceps work-out with abdominals.

Note on picture: Our children love the cucumbers I got. Since I bought more than I can use this week, I sliced them up and handed the kids a bunch today. They ate it it like candy. Oh, and found interesting ways to amuse themselves with it too. Now why didn't I think of this?

Preparing For Pictures

This has been hanging out in the back of my head for the last couple of days. The idea that I'm only about ten days away from the completion of this 20 weeks that I've imposed on myself. There's a few things I plan on doing for this blog right around February 7th.

Well, first, there is our 100 month wedding anniversary. All these silly push-ups that my husband and I have been working on? We are training for attempting to complete 100 push-ups on our 100 month wedding anniversary.

The plan is to video tape the attempt for my blog. The only problem is that I have been having a problem posting "long-ish" videos, so we'll see about that.

Also, on the 7th, I plan on getting some "after" pictures taken for what I look like since I've lost the additional weight from when I lost the first twenty pounds as pictured on my sidebar. I've met my first goal weight of losing 12 pounds since the first 20. However, I still would like to see a few more pounds drop before the seventh. Even if they don't drop, pictures are still forthcoming.

I also plan on eating at least part of a chocolate covered cream filled bismark. I really wanted to have that happen on the 7th too, but I may wait until the 8th for that one so that I can have a clean weight going into the final Monday morning weigh in. I wanted to give this new diet menu 21 days and a doughnut on the 7th is only 20 days. I know I'm getting technical here, but it's the way I am.

So, there are some exciting things coming up next weekend that I need to prepare for.

One of the things I did to prepare for my "after" pictures last time was to increase doing my abdominals to twice a day. This helped flatten and tighten my stomach as much as possible. So, I will start doing that today.

I also need too pick out an outfit to wear. I could wear the same top that I had on last time, but I'm actually leaning toward wearing something red. We'll see. I know you guys probably think my favorite color is red...it's not. It's blue.

And, yes, I do have a blue coat. :)

So, there you go. 20 weeks is a long time. It was sunny and warm last time I took some "after" pictures so I'll have to see what I can do this time. I don't think I want to freeze my butt off doing pictures outside.

It's the weekend, folks. Let's all breath a collective sigh of relief!

Running With BIG Red

18 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

(sprinkled with cinnamon and sweet-n-low)

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total: 236

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

3 egg whites: 48

total: 170

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

running total: 406

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/4 cup of brown rice: 43

1 tbl of Newman's own vinegar and olive oil dressing: 75

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers:8

green peppers: 10

carrots: 10

total:331

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

running total: 737

chocolate protein shake: 110

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

running total: 837

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

1 tbl of Newman's own Vinegar and Olive Oil dressing: 75

2 cup of spinach: 10

cucumbers: 8

broccoli: 6

carrots: 10

total:369

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

running total:1,206

post work-out:

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

4 egg whites: 64

1/2 cup of celery: 10

total: 159

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

running total:1,365

Today's challenge: I was beginning to feel somewhat bored with the egg whites...go figure I've been eating them ten days in a row now. Other than that, I stayed on track.

Actual fitness: 50 minute leg work-out, 1 1/4 mile run

Note on picture: A little salt and pepper on this brown rice makes it tastes just great. Since I've been off eating any junk food, the brown rice tastes richer. Of course I love my chicken. It's seasoned with Mrs. Dash ?. brown rice: 85, 5 oz chicken breast: 175 total calories: 260. This was part of my dinner tonight.

Running With BIG Red

A new commenter to my blog misunderstood me in the last post and thought that I was actually outside running in my big red coat.

Nope, I said, ha, ha wouldn't that be funny if I did.

Well, then tonight because my husband and I slept in this morning, I decided I wanted to get in that work-out tonight...and just run home from the gym...which is only a little over a mile away.

It IS really cold out...but c'mon a whole mile? Do I really want to bring five layers of shirts, two sweatshirts, and three pairs of running pants to the gym with me?

Just to run home?

Then, I got to thinking about what Amy said and that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea running in my red coat after all. Think about it.

It's almost long enough to cover my legs...so I don't need all those running pants.

It's...well, a coat so I don't need seven layers of clothing.

I got the hat and scarf built into it with the way it buttons up to my nose.

And then, when I get home I can just pull the thing off without having to pull all those layers off.

And even if I do manage to eak some sweat onto it through the two shirts that I'm already wearing...well, heck I only paid five bucks for the thing...who cares? I'll wash it.

Seems like the perfect solution to me.

So that's what I did. I ran home in Big red. And it wasn't too bad at all.

I brought a hat and scarf just in case. But, I actually had to unbutton the top part of the coat's hat because I felt like I was suffocating. And then, I did have to shorten my stride because, well, the coat went down to my ankles almost. Then, I did get a little cold on my legs. It did feel strange for my legs to be cold from the knees down.

Then, about half way through, I started to get HOT. I was wearing a long sleeved shirt and sweartshirt underneath. So, I'll have to remember that next time I go running in Big red, maybe not to wear the sweatshirt.

But, all in all, it worked out well. Thanks, Amy.

Hope you're still staying warm! Friday's about here!

The BIG, Red Winter Coat

18 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 1/2 weeks

pre-work-out:
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

post work-out:
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
(sprinkled with sweet-n-low and cinnamon)
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 grapefruit: 40
total: 236
-----------------
running total: 321

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122
3 oz tomato: 30
3 egg whites: 48
total: 200
-----------
running total: 521

5 1/2 oz chicken breast: 175
1/4 cup of brown rice: 43
1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Olive oil dressing: 75
2 cups of spinach: 10
cucumbers: 8
green peppers: 10
carrots: 10
total:331
---------------
running total:852

chocolate protein shake: 110
----------
running total: 952

post run:
5 1/2 oz chicken breast: 175
3/4 cup of brown rice:128
1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Olive Oil dressing: 75
cups of spinach: 10
carrots: 10
cucumbers: 8
green peppers: 10
total: 416
--------------
running total: 1,368

1/2 cup of celery: 8
4 egg whites: 64
total: 72
-----------------
running total: 1,440

today's challenge/victory: I was feeling a little tired on my run tonight, but I did it. I also noticed that I had snacking urges right around the time I was suppose to eat...and then the urges went away after I ate. I think that's a good sign.

Actual fitness: Push-ups work-out with eight sets of: 19, 19, 22, 22, 18, 18, 22 and 40 + 10. The work-out asked for 45 push-ups in the eighth set and it was a struggle to get in the last ten. Hopefully I can get those 45 in on Friday so that I can move on to the next work-out. Total push-ups: 190.

After the push-ups work-out, we did a 45 minute chest and triceps work-out. I had to go lighter on some of my weights because my muscles were fatigued from the push-ups.

abdominals, and five mile run tonight in 52 minutes.

Note on picture: This is what I looked like after I came back from this morning's work-out.

The Big Red Winter Coat

Allow me to introduce to you...my big, red winter coat.

I'm sure you are ALL wondering about the secret reason I am able to get up at 5:00 a.m. every morning, get dressed and brave old man winter... morning after morning after morning.

I mean up here in Wisconsin it's so cold we kiss like eskimos; we're all addicted to hot, hot coffee or tea, and we leave our vehicles running outside to warm them up before driving somewhere.

But, this, folks....this is the real reason I can make it to the gym every morning without crying out from the pain of sub zero wind blasting an errant open piece of skin.

Do you realize that tomorrow morning, it's going to be one degrees with a 25 below zero windchill? That is cold.

But as you can see, I have the solution. I simply cover myself head to toe in this red coat. And since I am only 5'2", it works our perfectly. I just burrow myself in this coat. And if it gets really bad, I even have a red scarf to match. Then, my husband drives us to the gym, while I'm hunkered down in my winter protection.

It's like a gigantic snugly. While in the car, I have this long coat to cover my legs from the cold air.

And the twenty second walk into the gym from the car isn't nearly as bad.

So, where did I get this bad boy? You'll be even more impressed when I tell you that I had been looking for a long coat for a couple weeks at the local thrift store. I actually found this one on the rack half off...

...for only five bucks!!

Five bucks. Can you say Sunshine Mama scores again!

I mean look at the hood. First, you can take the hood off if you want, but the coat snaps up all the way to your chin. And,then, the hood snaps up the coat up to your nose. And then...there are these drawstrings that I can pull to tighten the hood more snugly around my face. I don't really even need a scarf.

Granted since I got this at a thrift store, I couldn't get it in exactly my size...but, hey, I could use it if I get pregnat again.

Plus, c'mon let's add in the value of the comic relief I get every time I put this thing on...I mean I have to laugh.

"Yes, I just outsmarted winter, thank you very much!"

Hope you're all having a good week. Keep warm for me, will ya?

Are We There Yet?

weeks 18 of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 weeks

pre-work-out:

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

post work-out:

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

(with a dash of sweet-n-low and cinnamon)

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total: 236

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

running total:321

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

3 egg whites: 48

3 oz tomato:30

total: 200

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

running total: 521

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/4 cup of brown rice:43

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and olive oil salad dressing: 75

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers: 8

green peppers: 10

carrots: 10

total: 331

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

running total:852

chocolate protein shake: 110

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

running total: 952

post run:

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and olive oil dressing: 75

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers:8

green peppers: 10

carrots: 10

total:373

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

running total: 1,325

4 egg whites: 64

1/2 cup of celery: 10

1/2 cup of green peppers: 15

total: 89

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

running total: 1,414

water intake: 1/2 gallon

today's victory: wow. I was actually having some stronger than usual cravings this afternoon. If I wasn't following this diet, I know I would cave and be munching on graham crackers and then maybe some cereal. I can always smell all the food everybody else eats, and I enjoy the smells. So, I suppose the victory is not snacking...although, I doubt if I was actually in danger of it. I'm still planning on some of that chocolate covered cream filled bismark on February 7.

Actual fitness: 50 minute back and biceps work-out, five mile run.

Note on picture: I was pouring vinegar and oil dressing on my salad tonight and noticed the almost somewhat white creamy texture of it. I have been really loving this dressing. I feel like I'm having a treat every time I pour it over my salads.

Are We There Yet?

Remember when you were a kid in the car on a family trip to somewhere far, far away? I recall it taking like two days to get to Florida from Wisconsin.

Heck, even as an adult two days would seem like awhile.

Well...it feels like it's taking forever for winter to be over with. I mean...

Are we there yet... already?

I know I've been a good sport about the winter up until now. I haven't really complained. I've bundled up and ran outside when it's been really, really cold...but today I actually started feeling impatient with it all.

By my calculations, we have eight weeks until spring...but for Wisconsin, that means at least ten weeks until it's warm enough to run around outside in shorts, and for it to start getting dark at maybe 7:00 instead of 5:30 at night.

You'd think I'd be happy about the fact that the sun was actually shining when I went outside to run today before it got dark. And, I thought I was dressed warm enough.

It was thirteen degrees.

I wore two pairs of running pants, three long sleeved shirts under a big thick outer sweatshirt, a hat, plus my hood over that, a long red, scarf and red gloves. But, what I wasn't anticipating was the wind blowing from the west, which, of course, was the direction I was running in when I finished my last mile.

It was flipping cold! The wind was slicing through my sweatshirt like it was nothing. I kept thinking..."I am so cold..." and then, four blocks from home, I hit a patch of dry pavement and totally fell. I somehow managed to not fall on my right knee. Actually, that probably had more to do with luck than my maneuver-bility.

My right knee doesn't hurt when I run, but if you press on the spot where it got hurt, it is still tender. So...I fell on a spot just below my left knee and it wasn't anything major at all.

And actually this is the second time I've fallen since "the fall". Last Thursday, I went on a run and it had rained that day and then got cold enough to freeze. So, I basically ice-skated a five mile run. My fall happened when I was landing from leaping over some snow after crossing an intersection.

But this was a fun fall.

My foot slipped out from under me and I landed on my butt... the part of my tush that still has 25 percent body fat clinging to it. Ha, Ha. So, it didn't hurt.

So... are we there yet?

I'm cold. I'm bruised. And I'm scraped up.

So there you are; I've officially complained.

Hope you're all having a great week!

Review Of First Week Of New Diet

Week 18 of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 18 weeks

pre-work-out:

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

post work-out:

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

(sprinkled with sweet-n-low and cinnamon)

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total:236

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

running total: 321

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

3 egg whites: 48

4oz tomato: 40

total: 210

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

running total: 531

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/3 cup of brown rice:56

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and olive oil salad dressing: 75

2 cups of spinach: 10

carrots: 10

cucumbers:8

green peppers:10

total:344

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

running total:875

chocolate protein shake: 110

----------

running total: 975

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/4 cup of brown rice: 43

1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Oil Salad dressing: 75

2 cups of spinach: 10

carrots: 10

cucumbers: 8

green peppers: 10

total: 331

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

running total:1,306

post run:

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

1/2 cup of celery: 5

1/2 cup of green peppers: 10

4 egg whites: 64

total:164

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

running total:1,470

water intake: over half a gallon

Today's victory: It was a tough day in the gym and we made it through. Also stayed on plan.

Actual fitness: push-ups work-out with eight sets of: 19, 19, 22, 22, 18, 18, 22, 35, +15 for a total of 190 push-ups. I followed the program up until the eighth set which asked for 45 push-ups. I was only able to do 35 and so completed a ninth set with an extra 15 push-ups. (I will repeat this work-out on Wednesday and hopefully push out 45 push-ups on the eighth set.)

After the push-ups work-out, I did 55 minute leg work-out and abdominals.

Later tonight a five mile run in 46:08.

Note on picture: The breakfast of champions. Tell me all that food wouldn't make you fat and happy? 1/2 cup of oatmeal sprinkled with sweet-n-low and cinnamon: 150, six egg whites sprinkled with salt and pepper: 96, 1/2 grapefruit: 40 with french vanilla tea that is sprinkled with sweet-n-low:0 for a total of 236.

Review Of First Week Of New Diet

The week before this diet began...I was getting myself mentally prepared to be committed to it. I knew that I would no longer be able to snack, to have creamer in my tea, alcohol or basically anything extra.

So, the week before I would think to myself and keep saying to my husband, "well, I won't be able to eat this on my diet, or I won't be able to eat that."

The day before the diet, I partook of my favorite foods while still staying on calorie. A slice of toasted white Asiago bread with Smart Balance light butter and peanut butter. I savored the flakey white bread and creamy peanut butter. For breakfast I had pancakes and bacon; lunch was served at my favorite restaurant with fettuccine and steamed vegetables and chicken. And finally, I had a vanilla ice cream cone at MacDonald's.

I did this because I knew it would be awhile before I would allow myself to eat these foods again. I wanted to give this diet a chance. I want to see if it would work in the final sculpting of my body to give it the look I'm looking for.

I even bought a notebook to keep a journal. On the first day I wrote this, "Eating some of this food isn't really enjoyable at all. At least the chicken breasts do taste good... I have to view eating now the same way I do working out...in that it's just work."

But, honestly, working out isn't just work for me. I like it.

One day after this diet, the weight stayed the same. The second day of this diet, I lost two pounds. The third day, I lost another two pounds. I lost four pounds total in one week.

And, contrary to that diary entry on my first day on this diet, I am enjoying the food immensely. My taste buds feel as though they have come alive. I can't get over how much I enjoy the grapefruit.

I think the reason my tastebuds have changed is because the effects of white flour and sugar are getting off my tongue and out of my system.

I like that I don't have to wonder or worry about what I'm going to eat for the day. I already know. And I know that it is healthy food. I'm not giving my body any food that will clog it up or cause me to slow down.

I like waking up in the morning with a flat feeling belly because I didn't put anything bad in it. I like the confidence I feel before I step on the scale, knowing that I ate exactly the way I wanted to eat and that the scale should not go up. And, if it does, it's not because of what I'm doing.

I like stepping on the scale and seeing that new number...that number I haven't seen since I was in high school.

I like the feeling of anticipation for the next morning or the next week...wondering when the next pound will drop.

I like seeing how my body is responding to this diet by becoming more defined and leaner.

Other things I've noticed, and I've mentioned this before, is that I am thinking more clearly and I have more energy.

And last but certainly not least, I like how this diet has impacted our family.

Do you realize our seven year old demands broccoli with his lunch? He begs for green peppers and cucumbers and spinach too? He wants my tomato...And he wants to top it off with Newman's Own Vinegar and Olive oil dressing.

That just blows my mind. Kids want to eat what you eat. Maybe it makes a difference that I didn't put it on their plates and make them eat it. See, as soon as it became only mom's food...all of a sudden it was food they wanted too.

But the family wants to eat more vegetables!!!

The first week came and went faster than I thought it would. I'm looking forward to the next few weeks. I may try and change things up here with a different whole foods carb or different vegetables. Maybe I'll do that next week.

So, that's my official review. If anyone wants to try this kind of diet, I highly recommend it.

We Have Each Other

17 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 17 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

(sprinkled with sweet-n-low and cinnamon)

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total:286

chocolate protein shake: 110

-----------

running total: 386

5 oz chicken breast: 175

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers:8

carrots:10

green peppers: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and olive oil salad dressing: 75

total:288

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

running total:674

3 egg whites: 48

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

4 oz tomato: 40

total:210

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

running total: 884

5 oz chicken breast: 175

2 cups of spinach:10

cucumbers: 8

carrots: 10

green peppers: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Oil salad dressing: 75

total: 288

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

running total: 1,172

4 egg whites: 64

1/2 cup of green peppers: 20

1/2 cup of celery: 15

total:89

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

running total: 1,261

Water intake: almost half gallon

Today's victory: Kept on target with the menu

Actual fitness: Took today off. Since I wasn't exercising today I took out the brown rice from my diet.

Note on photo: I had a similar picture a few days ago. Just wanted to show a little diversity in the way I can prepare these eggs. Three scrambled egg whites: 48, 3 /2 oz chicken breast: 122 and 4 oz tomato: 4o for a total of 210.

We Have Each Other

Hi folks!

Sunshine Mama is feeling a little sad right now. I was really hoping I could write this post with some exciting news about how Brett Farve took the Minnesota Vikings to the Superbowl.

But I can't.

Wow. It may take me a few days to quit being so sad about this game. You know...I was really caught up into it. I mean...I felt like my very life was hanging on each play. First, they would get ahead with a good throw... then, my heart would plummet with a turnover...back and forth and back and forth like that.

You know what I mean?

And then, with seven seconds left in the game...Brett Farve throws an interception. He makes a move that a veteran quarterback should never make. But he made it nonetheless.

Of course there were other lost opportunities throughout the game that culminated to the interception...and then to the overtime.

I was just so wanting to see Brett Farve go to the Superbowl.

But, you know what? It's a good thing this isn't a life and death situation. It's a football game after all. The rest of us who aren't Colts and Saints fans will continue on with their lives and do the things that need to be done.

It's a good thing my happiness doesn't hinge on the Vikings going to the Superbowl. This is probably why it's a good thing to have balance in one's life. I have our children, my husband, my family, my health, God and supportive blogger friends. Ha, ha of course I was going to add that in.

Where am I going with this post?

I'm not sure.

I guess I just wanted to let you all know that I appreciate you guys is all.

Win or lose a few pounds...we still have each other.

A Good Day

17 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 17 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total: 236

5 oz chicken: 175

4 oz tomato: 40

total: 215

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

running total: 451

2 cups of spinach:10

cucumbers: 8

green peppers: 10

carrot pieces: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Oil dressing: 75

4 1/2 oz chicken breast:158

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

total:356

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

running total: 807

chocolate protein shake: 110

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

running total: 917

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers: 8

green peppers: 10

carrot pieces: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and olive oil salad dressing: 75

total: 373

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

running total:1,290

4 egg whites: 64

1/2 cup of green peppers: 20

1/2 cup of celery: 10

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

total:179

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

running total:1,469

Today's victory: I love being able to have victory days. Well, let's see keeping on plan and doing 170 push-ups tonight. Also, went shopping for clothes and was able to pick up several shirts that accentuated my slimmer figure. Very fun.

Actual fitness: Push-ups work-out: five sets of 36, 40, 30, 24, 40 for total of 170. After that I went on a five mile run.

Note on picture: This is my last meal of the day. 4 egg whites: 64 scrambled with 1/2 cup of celery and 1/2 cup of green peppers: 30, and then with 1/2 a cup of brown rice: 85 for a total of 179.

*Note: I probably wouldn't have the brown rice in this last meal of the day except for the fact that I eat this just after my run. I need the carbs for recovery from the run.

A Good Day

How was everyone's Saturday?

It was nice to sleep in this morning and not go to the gym. After eating my first meal at 8:00 a.m. this morning, I felt pretty fat and happy. If you think about it, I'm actually eating a bigger breakfast than I used to eat before I started this diet.

Before this week, I would have my bowl of oatmeal and then a tea with creamer and sugar in it. With this diet, I have three things spread in front of me: my plate of six scrambled egg whites, my bowl of oatmeal, my half grapefruit, waiting to get pre-sliced, and, then, my cup of french vanilla tea that I have sweetened with sweet-n-low.

It feels like quite the production.

And everything tastes so good. The oatmeal, with it's toasty warm and homey taste. I have sprinkled a little cinnamon and sweet-n-low on it. The scrambled egg whites I have seasoned with salt and pepper. The grapefruit I'm beginning to really enjoy. I find it somewhat amusing at how long it takes me to eat it. I use a knife to cut and loosen each individual section. Then, I get a smaller spoon to gut out the flesh. I like to squeeze out all the juice from it after I have eaten the inside.

I'm finding that I rather enjoy all the theatrics involved in eating a grapefruit.

And our children are envious. They love watching me prepare the grapefruit and always ask for a bite of it. I oblige.

I could tell you about the other meals...but I'll leave that for another post.

Subject change.

Is anyone watching the playoffs tomorrow? Who are you all rooting for? Who do you think will win?

Of course, you should all know that we're rooting for Brett Farve and his Vikings. Ha, ha.

Everyone better go and have an awesome Sunday!!

Where I Got My Menu

17 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 12 pounds in 17 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

6 egg whites: 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total: 236

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

4 oz tomato:40

3 egg whites:48

total: 210

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

running total:446

5 oz chicken breast: 175

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers: 8

green peppers: 10

carrot pieces: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing: 75

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

total:373

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

running total: 819

post work-out meal:

chocolate protein shake: 110

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

total:195

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

running total: 1,014

5 oz chicken breast:175

1/4 cup of brown rice: 43

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers:8

carrots: 10

green peppers: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own olive oil and vinegar dressing: 75

total: 331

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

running total: 1,345

4 egg whites: 64

1 cup of celery and green peppers: 40

total: 104

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

running total: 1,449

Today's victory: I stayed on plan and was able to get in a work-out in the afternoon. We decided to sleep in this morning.

Actual fitness: 2 1/2 mile run, 50 minute chest, triceps, back and biceps work-out, abdominals

Note on picture: This is what one of my big spinach and veggies salad looks like. It's quite delicious and with the oil and vinegar dressing is only 113 calories.

Where I Got My Menu

Hi y'all!

Thank you for all of your kind words and supportive comments on me losing four pounds in three days. It really is exciting.

A few of you have asked me where I got this menu plan.

This is actually a menu that I took and then modified from a magazine that is published by a company that sells supplements to people who are training for body building and figure competitions. The company is called Beverly International and their magazine is free. We are on its mailing list because a few years ago my husband ordered supplements from them because he competed in a body building show.

You can order this magazine yourself. It's nice to be able to walk around and read a hard copy. Or they also have a website with the same articles that are in the magazine.

For example, the menu that I took was taken from a story about a gal who trained for a figure competition. In the story, they had two different menus that she used in the course of her competition. The menu from phase 1 and the menu from phase II. I picked out the menu from phase II that had about 1,150 calories in it. I felt I needed a few more calories in my diet, so I added about 250 calories.

If you would like to check out their website and find out what kind of sample menus that their female competitors are using it is http://www.bodybuildingworld.com/. After you get onto their main website, you can click onto their past articles on female competitors and browse through there to see what they're eating.

One thing you want to keep in mind with the type of diets that you will be reading about, is that they are tailored to reduce body fat and increase muscle. Consequently, these are diets that are high in protein and have a controlled level of carbs and fat. In fact each diet breaks down the macro nutrients into a certain percentage...fats, carbs and proteins.

So, some diets may have a higher percentage of carbs than others. What I have found is that the closer the female competitor gets to her show, the less carbs are found in her diet.

In this magazine or website, you will see many references to the type of supplements that they sell. As of yet, I have never used any of their supplements. The only supplement that I currently use is the chocolate protein powder that I picked up at our local grocery store.

I think its good to know how body builders eat to get their bodies as lean as possible. The truth about body builders is that the way they look is controlled 15 to 20 percent by their work-outs and the rest by their diet.

I believe that the biggest key to me losing this extra weight so quickly and suddenly is probably directly related to the fact that all of these diets have no sugar, no white flour.. and it's all very, very healthy, whole foods.

For example, there is no Smart Balance light butter on my brown rice.

There is no sugar or creamer in my tea.

I don't eat peanut butter, however, I probably could if I wanted to substitute a tbl of natural peanut butter with 1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing.

If I wanted to, I could add more variety in my diet. Instead of 5 oz of chicken, I could eat 5 oz of tilapia, salmon, tuna, or lean ground beef.

Perhaps instead of brown rice I could eat a sweet potato or a white potato. In the Phase I of the contest diet that I didn't chose to follow, I could eat a small apple in the morning.

But notice, that all the foods are whole foods and not dressed up with anything extra on it.

Also, this diet has you eating six times a day to keep your metabolism running strong.

For some of you, this type of diet may not work in the long term because it doesn't allow for any type of cheat foods. But I would say that unless you're actually training for a figure competition, occasionally rewarding yourself with a cheat food once a week probably isn't going to completely throw off all of your efforts.

Take for example, my desire to have that chocolate covered cream filled bismark doughnut on February 7...will that throw off my diet?

Maybe. If I ate the whole thing. I'm still trying to decide if I should eat a quarter of that doughnut or a half of it.

What do you guys think I should do?

After three weeks of no sugar, I'm wondering if eating a white flour, sugar bomb like that just might make me throw up. Ha, Ha. It could be risky.

So, anyway, I hope this will help with some of your questions. If you're really interested, I would suggest ordering their magazine and reading it with a cup of tea.:)

Have a good weekend.

I Lost Two MORE Pounds!!

17 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: lost 2 pounds

total lost: 12 pounds in 17 1/2 weeks

pre-workout:1/2 cup of brown rice:85

post work-out:

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150

(sprinkled with cinnamon and Sweet-n-low)

6 egg whites (scrambled): 96

1/2 grapefruit: 40

total:286

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

running total: 371

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122

4 oz tomato: 40

3 egg whites (hard boiled): 48

total: 210

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

running total: 581

2 cup of spinach: 10

cucumbers: 6

green peppers:10

carrot pieces: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own Vinegar and Oil salad dressing: 75

5 oz chicken breast:175

1/4 cup of brown rice: 43

total: 329

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

running total:910

chocolate protein shake: 110

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

running total: 1,010

2 cups of spinach: 10

cucumbers:6

carrots:10

green peppers: 10

1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil salad dressing: 75

5 oz chicken breast: 175

1/4 cup of brown rice: 43

total: 329

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

running total:1,339

4 egg whites: 64

3/4 cup of celery: 15

1/4 cup of green peppers:10

(vegetables and egg whites made into an omelet)

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85

total: 174

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

running total: 1,513

water intake: half a gallon

Today's victory: I would definitely say the losing another two pounds this morning, keeping on track, and also doing a total of 160 push-ups this morning.

Actual fitness: 50 minute leg work-out that was preceded by the push-ups workout with five sets of 29, 33, 29, 29, and 40.

Would just like you all to note that when I first did my initial push-up test, I could only crank out 41. But...eleven days later, I can do 40 push-ups on my fifth set after already doing 120 pushups in four sets before that.

Note on picture: I ate this around 9:30 a.m. this morning. It is three egg whites (hard boiled): 48, about a 4 oz tomato: 40, and a 3 1/2 oz chicken breast that was measured before cooking: 122. Total calories: 210

I Lost Two MORE Pounds

Yes, you read correctly. I lost two more pounds this morning on this new diet making it a four pound loss in three days.

If I was shocked yesterday with a two pound loss, I was pretty much speechless this morning when I looked down at the numbers on the scale and realized that I had met my goal weight.

You know...the weight that I had originally said I wanted to attain...before changing it to wanting to lose three more pounds, and then changing it back to this weight. My reward for reaching this particular goal weight is a that I can eat that chocolate covered creme filled bismark that I have on the side bar.

But eating that now...just doesn't seem right. I mean, I guess I thought it would take me until the end of the 20 weeks to reach that goal. And really, let's face it, I kind of wanted to wait until my 100 month wedding anniversary to eat that treat.

I also wanted that to be the day where I do 100 push-ups with my husband.

That was also the day I wanted to post some pictures of this weight loss.

But, really, four pounds in three days is changing up my game a little. It makes me think that perhaps I still can lose that extra three pounds that I've wanted to lose by our 100 month anniversary.

So, what do you say?

Are you all as surprised at this weight loss as I am?

We (my husband and I) are so surprised that we're a little concerned that I might be losing some of that hard earned muscle that I've been building for the last several months.

So, concerned was I, that I added about 135 calories more of good carbs to my diet today.

Then, I talked to someone who is familiar with the effects of what the combination of white flour and sugar will have on your body. She said that our bodies were never designed to digest white flour and sugar. When those two things combine in your body, they create some type of "antihistamine" which actually prohibits weight loss.

So, she doesn't think I'm losing muscle, just perhaps getting the bad stuff out of my body.

And what's really interesting to me is that I've been feeling strong-er. When I went to do my leg work-out today and my push-ups, I felt stronger than I did the last time I did those things.

Suddenly all those things that my mom would say about how sugar robs your body of strength and causes all these bad things to happen to you, are starting to ring true.

What's more... is I feel like I'm thinking more clearly.

And my taste buds are changing. I love everything I'm eating. I love my salads topped with all those vegetables and then with oil and vinegar dressing. I like the egg whites which aren't bad at all when you sprinkle salt and pepper on them. I love my chicken which is a little more expensive than some of the other chicken out there, but tastes way better than the cheaper chicken.

What more can I say, folks?

This diet is working. I can see the difference in my body...already. I feel like I've stumbled upon some ancient hidden treasure or something. Like I've found the secret.

I mean think about it this way... this is a diet plan that body builder's will use to get their bodies to look like a million bucks. They're doing what works. Eating like this works for a reason. (I did want to add that this menu of food is most definitely NOT the only eating option available. In fact, there are many different things you can eat. I just happened to pick this out from a magazine and then adjusted it to my caloric needs. There are definitely different ways to put together a successful menu.)

So, anyway that's enough for tonight. Thank you all for listening and observing and for your enthusiastic comments. I'm excited too.

In the meantime...

Have a great Friday!!!

I Lost Two Pounds

17 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: lost 2 pounds

total lost: 10 pounds in 17 weeks

pre-work-out:
1/2 cup of brown rice:85

post workout:
1/3 cup of oatmeal: 100
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 grapefruit: 40
total: 236
------------
running total: 321

3 1/2 oz chicken:122
4 oz tomato:40
3 egg whites:48
total: 210
---------------
running total: 531

2 cups of spinach: 10
cucumbers: 6
green peppers: 10
carrot pieces:10
1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing:75
5 oz chicken breast: 175
total:286
----------------
running total: 817

chocolate protein shake: 110
-------------
running total: 917

2 cups of spinach: 10
carrots: 10
cucumbers: 6
green peppers: 10
1 tbl of Newman's own vinegar and oil dressing: 75
5 oz chicken breast: 175
total: 286
------------------
running total: 1,203

1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
4 egg whites: 64
total: 149
---------------
running total: 1,352

water intake: over half a gallon

Today's victory: Kept on task with my new diet again today, and lost two pounds

Actual fitness: 50 minute chest and triceps work-out, abdominals, five mile run

Note on picture: Here is a picture of my 1/2 grapefruit that I had this morning. It tasted sour the first few mornings. But this morning, it tasted less sour. I think my taste buds are adjusting to the taste of grapefruit.

I Lost Two Pounds

Well, in the first two days of this new diet of mine, I've reclaimed the two pounds that I lost four or five weeks ago. Well, maybe not reclaimed them, maybe re-lost them would be a better word.

To be honest, I was quite shocked when I stepped on my cheap temperamental scale this morning and it said, "No if's, and's, and but's about this...you've lost two pounds."

I mean...my best guess for the end of the first week was that I'd lose two pounds total.

But...not two pounds in the first two days.

I figure this is going to have to slow down eventually. I still have a good three or four days of working out before Monday rolls around. At this rate, I could lose a third pound by Monday.

How strange would that be?

What's more I can totally tell the difference in this loss. My stomach is flatter...

I was having an epiphany at the gym. So, let me get this straight...no sugar, no white flour, no extra fats except good fats, lots of water, lots of vegetables...and the weight is sliding off ...

Why isn't everyone doing the body builder's diet? I suppose this is similar to the Atkin's diet and is hard to maintain this type of eating style.

But this sure says a lot about the positive impact that natural healthy foods can have on your body.

I actually have a lot more wonderful things so say about this diet, but I should probably save it for another post. I should probably see how I feel about it after I've been on it for three weeks. We'll see if I'm sick of vegetables then.

Hope you're all having a good week.

The Smell Of Cake

17 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 8 pounds in 17 weeks

pre-workout:85

post workout:
1/3 cup of oatmeal: 100
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 grapefruit: 40
total:236
----------------
running total 321

3 1/2 oz chicken breast: 122
4 oz tomato:40
3 egg whites: 48
total: 210
---------------
running total: 531

2 cups of spinach: 10
cucumber: 6
green peppers: 10
carrot pieces: 10
1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing: 75
5 oz chicken breast: 175
total: 286
--------------
running total: 817

chocolate protein shake: 110
running total: 917

5 oz chicken breast: 175
2 cups of spinach: 10
carrots:6
cucumbers:10
green peppers: 10
1 tbl of Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing:75
total: 286
running total: 1,203

4 egg whites: 64
1/2 cup of green peppers: 10
1/2 cup of celery: 10
1/2 cup of brown rice: 85
total: 169
-------------
running total: 1,373

Today's victory: I stayed on plan again. We celebrated my husband's birthday today with cake, tacos and ice cream and I didn't indulge.

Actual fitness: 60 minute biceps and back work-out, preceded by push-ups in sets of 25, 29, 25, 25, 36 for a total of 140.

Note on picture: The family had cupcakes for my husband's birthday. Hmm...purple sprinkles topped with little footballs. I wonder what that signifies...Brett Farve and his Vikings perhaps.

The Smell Of Cake

I wonder if I would have eaten some of this cake if I didn't happen to start this really strict diet yesterday. Doesn't it look soooo good? And it tasted very good I'm sure.

I took infinite pleasure in taking this photo and even more enjoyment in editing it. It just looks so pretty sitting there.

Unfortunately, the affect it has on our bodies is not pretty. Actually it's far from pretty. Certainly when you take into consideration that if I don't restrain myself, I will want to have more than just one cupcake.

When I picked these up at the store today, I got a package that happened to have exactly six cupcakes. One for each of the family member that was going to eat cake in celebration of dad's birthday. As it happens, one of the kid's, our 14-year-old daughter, wasn't interested in her cupcake. So, that means just one more for my husband.

I found it interesting and amazing that she didn't want it. I think perhaps the frosting was too rich. But I think this is a good sign that she has somehow developed a healthy eating habit by not feeling compelled to eat something sweet just because it's there. Make no mistake about it, she definitely has an appetite because she is a growing girl, and does a lot during her long school day...but she looks at food with a certain air of "pick-i-ness".

Anyway, it was interesting.

Throughout this second day of no snacking, I kept having the urge to snack. For example, after I would give my son a piece of graham cracker...and a bit of it would crack off...I had this compulsive urge to just eat it. I mentally had to stop myself.

As I was giving the family their cupcakes, frosting kept getting on my fingers. I could smell it. Ohh...it smelled so good. There were two separate smells...the frosting which had a heavy sugary smell and the cake itself...which was lighter...and also wonderful.

But one time I actually did put a very tiny bit of frosting in my mouth. Like a speck.

"Really, Sunshine Mama, a whole speck?"

"Yes, a speck. I don't think you could count it; it was so small. It'd be like the wind blowing an errant piece of floating sugar in my mouth."

But eventually I had to take to using napkins and towels to wipe the frosting off my fingers that kept getting on me...and the ice cream too. That in itself was a strange practice because I'm sure I probably would normally just lick my fingers off. Eventually I even had to throw away some cake because some of the kids didn't eat all of their cake.

I'm so determined to stick to this new diet plan that I feel like I have this little bubble around me from the outside "food world".

So, I hope you don't mind another "bad food" picture. I just love taking them.

Meanwhile, as hard as I tried to get them clean, the kids still smelled like cake when I kissed them good night.

The New Diet Plan

17 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 8 pounds in 17 weeks

pre-work-out:
1/2 cup of brown rice:85

post work-out:
1/3 cup of oatmeal:100
6 egg whites: 96
1/2 a grapefruit:40
total: 236
-----------------
running total: 321

3 1/2 chicken breast:122
4 oz tomatoe: 40
3 egg whites: 48
total:210
--------------
running total: 531

2 cups of spinach:10
1/3 cup of cucumbers:6
1/3 cup of green peppers: 10
1/3 cup of sliced carrots:10
topped with Newman's Own vinegar and oil dressing:75
5 oz chicken breast:175
total: 286
--------------------
running total: 817

chocolate protein shake:110
-----------
running total: 917

5 oz chicken breast:175
2 cups of spinach: 10
with carrots, sliced carrots and cucumbers:30
total:215
------------
running total: 1,132

post run:
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
4 egg whites: 64
1/2 cup of green peppers: 10
1/2 cup of celery:15
total: 174
running total:1,306

water intake: over half a gallon

Today's victory: Not a single snack today. I've re-vamped my diet as you can see by my food diary and I was able to stick to it today.

Actual fitness: 60 minute leg work-out, abdominals, 38 minute run for about 4 miles.

Note on picture: Just me hanging out on Sunday.

The New Diet Plan

Good Monday everyone.

I've decided to embark on a different diet plan over the next few weeks to see how it goes.

Here are the basics:

*135 grams of protein a day

*no sugar

*no flour

*boatload of vegetables

*lots of water

*a few tablespoons of good fat

*no snacking

I took this menu from a body building magazine where the idea is to build lean muscle while reducing your body fat.

I will say that I don't think I've ever eaten this much vegetables in my life... all in one day.

Also, I don't think I've ever cut sugar or flour from my diet either...

Or have committed myself to absolutely no snacking.

So, this is day one and so far so good. I'll be posting pictures this week of how all this food looks.

Do It Like Brett Farve

16 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: 8 pounds in 16 1/2 weeks

total lost: 8 pounds in 16 1/2 weeks

3 four inch pancakes: 270
1 1/4 slices of bacon: 50
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
2 tsp of Butterworth syrup:34
4 tsp of creamer in tea:40
2 tsp of sugar:30
total: 454

3 oz chicken breast:105
slice of Asiago bread: 120
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
a little sugar and cinnamon: 10
total: 255
--------------
running total: 709

1/2 of favorite chicken dish at local restaurant: 257
2 hazelnut creamers in coffee:40
total: 297
-----------------
running total: 1,006

rest of chicken dish: 258
1 sugar free jello:10
2 tbl of light whipped cream:15
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar in tea:30
total:343
running total: 1,349

lowfat vanilla ice cream cone at MacDonald's: 150

running total: 1,499

today's victory: Had a some food today that I really enjoy and was able to stay pretty much on calorie

Actual fitness: 5 mile run, 147 push-ups in sets of: 23, 28, 23, 23, 30, 10

Note on picture: My husband can cook up the best bacon ever. He got me into liking it really crispy, so that when it dries after pulling it out of the pan, it crumbles. Hmm...yum! One slice is only 40 calories. Not toooo bad.

Do It Like Brett Farve!!

Have to give a hooray for Brett Farve and the Minnesota Vikings today after they pulled off a beautiful win at the Metro dome against the Cowboys.

If I haven't mentioned it before, my husband and I are Brett Farve fans. When he left the Packers two years ago...our loyalty followed him. We were always trying to catch him playing last year with the New York Jets. He is just so wonderful to watch.

We did watch a few Packer's games this year. We watched their loss last weekend. However, I missed part of the game because I was in the middle of a five mile run.

Not this weekend, I made sure I got my run in before the start of the Viking's game.

He epitomizes the loyal factory worker that worked for the boss for 20 years and then got let go because he became too much of a liability when he became too old. Instead of the industry telling Brett Farve that his career needed to be over...he told them it wasn't.

He shows us all that age is just a number and that you can still be your best in the years ahead of you. You can finish strong no matter what your age.

His play this season has obviously stumped the experts. Just tonight on the news they said this, "He's playing at a level we've never seen him at. He's never thrown four touchdown passes in a play-off game."

Let's diet like the way Brett Farve plays football. I'll leave you with this quote that he said tonight,

"I came back for this. You have to be confident. You have to play the same way that you know you are capable of doing."

We are all capable of making it through our weight loss and fitness journeys, folks.

Do it like Brett Farve!!!

We're Halfway Through January

16 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: gained one pound

total lost: 8 pounds in 16 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150

1 1/2 tsp of sugar: 22

1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30

2 tsp of sugar in tea:30

total: 232

pre-work-out:

about 4 oz banana:100

post work-out:

about 4 oz banana:100

running total:432

3 1/2 oz chicken breast:122

1 moderate slice of Asiago bread:90

2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30

1/2 tsp of sugar:8

total: 250

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

running total: 682

1 Jimmy John's turkey sub with no mayo but with mustard:422

1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30

2 tsp of sugar in tea:30

bites of son's corn dog and fries: 100

total: 582

running total:1,264

a few glasses of wine: 250

running total: 1,514

sugar free jello:10

with 2 tbl of whipped cream:15

total:25

running total: 1,539

Today's victory: For some reason, the weekends are easier for me to keep on track with my calories than the days called Monday through Friday. Not sure why that is...except that the schedule is different with my husband being around more. Maybe I feel less pressure because of that reason and so eat less.

Hmm....which makes me wonder if I'm snacking out of stress. No. not that.

Actual fitness: Completed a fifth day of weight lifting this week which included four supersets that worked my back, biceps, triceps and chest muscles. Did my abdominals and ran about 3 miles.

Note on photo: No. I did not partake of these doughnuts. I just took the picture because...well, I thought it might look nice. Actually, my husband brought these home from work and we gave them to the kids as a treat.

We're Halfway Through January

In this post I'm not really talking about a whole lot. It was a nice Saturday. I walked the kids to the gym to get my work-out in.

My husband and I actually slept in Friday morning and did not get up at 5:00 a.m. and work out. I was the one who actually suggested to him that he go back to sleep. He's been doing some overtime this week and I felt that he needed his sleep.

Besides, this fifth day at the gym is not totally necessary yet. However, we would like to begin doing it. Also, I knew I perhaps could get it in on Saturday.

So, we actually had to do our push-ups work-out separately.

What's funny is that one of my blogger friends, Lindsey, actually said in one of her comments that I should make sure that I don't suggest he go back to sleep. But in this case...especially at 5:00 in the morning, it seemed perfectly logical that he needed his sleep...Ha, Ha...isn't that funny?

Of course it would seem logical at that hour.

I did want to say to you all that I am grateful for all of your kind comments, and your encouraging words.

When my dad came over the other night we figured out that he was not doing a "full push-up" which was going all the way down. He tried going down all the way and it got much harder, real fast...

Since he has heart problems...I said, "nope. Don't do them that way dad. Just make sure you don't do that."

I know it's hard to not work-out a certain way because of an injury when you want to. It actually makes me more aware of doing exercises with the proper form and not increasing my weights too quickly so as to avoid an injury.

With this whole getting up at 5:00 a.m. thing, my husband says that all we need to do is to "scrape and claw" our way to February. By then, it will be a habit and much easier to do.

What's interesting is that it doesn't feel quite like scraping and clawing. Maybe that's because we're doing it together. Ahh...I love my husband.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!!

Death By Push-Up

16 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost:9 pounds in 16 1/2 weeks

1/2 cup of oatmeal:150

1 1/2 tsp of sugar:22

4 tsp of creamer in tea:40

2 tsp of sugar: 30

total: 242

1 graham cracker sheet:70

2 saltines:30

handful of pretzels:60

creamer & sugar in coffee: 45

total: 205

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

running total: 447

1 slice of wheat bread: 110

2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30

2 tsp of peanut butter:66

1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80

1/4 cup of canned pineapple:35

total:321

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running total:768

1/2 cup of brown rice:85

4 oz tilapia:100

2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30

1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30

2 tsp of sugar in tea:30

1 Star burst: 20

Some Snyder Hanover pretzel pieces:35

total:330

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running total:1,098

3 oz chicken breast:105

1/2 cup of brown rice:85

1 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:15

more Snyder Hanover pretzel pieces:100

1 1/2 Blue Bunny Bomb pop:60

total:365

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running total: 1,828

slice of bread:100

with Smart Balance light butter:15

3 oz banana:75

1 1/2 tsp of peanut butter:50

total:240

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running total:2,068

Today's challenge: I was doing well on my calories today until the evening when I began to feel hungry.

Actual fitness: 138 push-ups

Note on picture: This is a little dessert my husband brought home the other night. At first I was delighted. Then after a few bites, I noticed a "custard-y" taste. He didn't personally order it himself. He was at a special dinner with some co-workers and his work paid for his meal. So...I do believe that this is some type of custard bread pudding dessert. There was a bread thing going on with this dessert too.

Well, I just can't "do" custard types of food. My mom used to make it here and there for us as kids, but it always grossed me out for some reason. My older brother always wolfed down anything custard. Not me.

Wow. A dessert that is actually safe from me. Ha, Ha.

Death By Push-Up

So...I figured out that this whole push-up routine with it's five sets and 90 second to two minutes rest in between, when combined with the actual push-ups, only takes about fifteen minutes of my life...only three days a week. Right?

Why, then, when it gets time to actually doing this cute 'lil, harmless workout do I feel like I'm walking the gang plank?

I mean I will spend a full hour in the gym weight lifting my chest and triceps...and come away thinking it was the easy work-out of the week. I will, in fact, look forward to that work-out.

But, when I approach the "push-up" work-out, I feel like saying a little prayer and crying for my mama.

Last night our five year old wanted me to show her the proper form for a push-up, because of course all the kids want to do push-ups now, and I'm like...

"Nope! Are you kidding?!? I've got to save my arms for my push-up work-up tomorrow."

What the heck is this all about?!?

Well, I think I might have the answer. The first two sets I can do. I'm not dying yet. But by the end of the third set, I am hanging on by a thread.

Then, the final two sets are just a blur as I give all I've got until I can't do a single push-up more. I mean... I am sweating... and my arms are ready to collapse on me.

Lifting weights with a machine in a weight room feels so sanitized... so clinical.

Getting down and dirty on the floor and lifting your own body weight with your own brute strength feels rugged, powerful and painful.

Well, I really hope I'm not scaring you all away from the whole 100 push-up challenge.

Here are some benefits: Today I did 25, 29, 24, 20 ,20 for 118 total. Then, later tonight my dad came over and we both had to show each other how we did our push-ups. So, I took the opportunity to slip in another 20. With this added 20, I did 138 push-ups today.

What that means people is that last week with my sedate little four sets of 15 push-ups, I did 60. One week later, today, I push myself more than I knew was possible and I was able to do almost double that in five sets with 118.

Last week I had no idea that I was capable of cranking out 118 push-ups in the course of five sets. Wow. I actually feel empowered.

And what's more? It could just be my imagination, but I think my pectoral and shoulder muscles are bigger!!

Ha, Ha!! Just what Sunshine Mama needs.

Have a nice weekend y'all!!

Finally...The Chocolate Covered Creme Filled Bismark

16 1/2 weeks of 20 weeks

weight today: same

total lost: 9 pounds in 16 weeks

pre-work-out:
1 slice of Natural Oven better white bread:110
with 1/2 teaspoon of Smart Balance light butter:8
total:118


post work-out:
1/2 cup of oatmeal: 150
1 1/2 tsp of sugar:22
4 tsp of creamer in tea:40
2 tsp of sugar:30
total:242
---------------
running total:360


4 oz tilapia: 100
1/2 cup of brown rice:85
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
10 pretzels: 20
total:235
-------------
running total:595


1 large egg:70
1 large egg white:16
1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese:80
1/2 cup of canned pineapple: 35
2 Starburst candies:40
3 bite of custard shortbread cake:40
bite of son's nutty bar:40
total:326
---------------
running total:796



1 slice of Asiago bread:150
2 tsp of Smart Balance light butter:30
topped with 2 tsp of peanut butter:66
2 other tsp of peanut butter:66
with pretzels dipped in:30
1 cup of 1% milk:110
with 1 tsp of chocolate for chocolate milk:20
total:473
running total:1,394


2 cup of Special K cereal:220
1 cup of 1% milk:110
2 tsp of sugar:30
1 tbl of powder creamer in tea:30
2 tsp of sugar in tea:30
total:430
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running total:1,824



1/2 cup of Frosted Mini wheats:100
1/2 cup of 1 % milk:55
total:155
--------------
running total: 1,979

Today's challenge: The problem I keep encountering is that I don't have my lean protein and carb meals made up ahead of time, so that when I'm hungry I can just grab it, heat it up and eat it. But, to be honest, today's food choices tended to be a little impulsive. Chocolate milk? Really...when was the last time I drank chocolate milk? I think the reason I had that is because I'm all out of my Blue Bunny ice cream.

You know what food snack idea I was even thinking up of making up? I was like, "Hey, I've got this peanut butter and chocolate syrup... I wonder if it would taste a little like Nutella if I combined it together."

People, I'm on a diet. This isn't good. My one consolation is that I won't gain anything because of all the physical activity I did today.

Actual fitness: 60 minute leg work-out, abdominals, 5 mile run in about 49 minutes.

Note on picture: I finally have it. A picture of the chocolate covered, creme filled bismarks.

Finally, The Chocolate Covered

Creme Filled Bismark

So...I have been waiting all week to do this post on the chocolate covered creme filled bismarks. But those little push-ups posts kept getting in the way. I had thought of combining a post talking about push ups and doughnuts and calling it "Push-ups for Doughnuts", but that sounded dumb and besides, this doughnut really deserves a post all to itself.

I mean how often in your life do you find the perfect doughnut?

I know that people on diets shouldn't be fantasizing about calorie filled doughnuts, but this is different.

I'm using this as a motivational tool to reach my weight loss goals. Do you realize that I've been dieting for almost 30 weeks? I haven't had a single bite of this doughnut in at least that long because I'm waiting to reach a certain goal weight?

I'm 3 to 6 pounds away from that goal weight. See, I changed my goal weight mid stream so now I'm actually six pounds away. However, I have decided that I shall eat one of these doughnuts after I've lost three more pounds and have met my initial goal weight.

Three pounds, folks!! Why can't I get my butt in gear for the next three weeks and get this job done? This chocolate covered creme filled bismark is waiting for me.

Look at that second picture! Those bismarks are even waiting for me in neat little rows, all dressed up with a dash of vanilla icing.

What is so good about this doughnut? Well, it's actually quite large for just an average doughnut. The outside is slightly crispy/flaky. It's that perfect blend. It's not soggy they way some creme filled doughnuts can get. It's perfect.

Then, there is the creme. They must take it from their cake frosting. It's definitely a heavy enough creme that after several bites of it will make the faint of heart sick to their stomach. But, if you like cake frosting...wow. It's unbelievable.

Of course, it's unfortunate that you can't actually see the creme. I actually went inside the store, took this picture, didn't buy any, and then left the store. I wondered if anyone was looking...but I really did not want to take the chance of having it sit at home in front of me. I did think about having the kids share it, but a few won't even eat it because they complain about it being too rich.

You know what's funny? With all the calories that I used to eat a box of raisinets yesterday, and some bread and chocolate milk today...I could have eaten one of these doughnuts.

Ahh....but that's ok...soon enough me and the doughnut will be meeting.