Skinny Points http://skinnypoints.com Lose Weight, Run, and Have Fun! Thu, 17 May 2012 23:43:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Does Your Weight Define You? http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/does-your-weight-define-you/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/does-your-weight-define-you/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 23:43:34 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14056

Today was a overall a pretty good day! I started out with a blueberry smoothie, and then headed out to meet my Mom and Sister for lunch at Applebee's!

Lunch was really good, but cost me a lot of my daily calorie allotment....

Holy yum, right? That dressing on the salad was a bacon vinaigrette, which is likely where most all the calories came from in that part of the dish! The Chicken Fajita Wraps were awesome as well. I didn't dip the wrap in the dressing that came with that but instead used my fork to just put a small bit on each bit. It was delish!

I drank my snack today.....

And then dinner was waffles (kids pick) with grapes along with Pepsi Max Yes, in a wine glass - don't judge! I like to feel fancy :-) and water.

I have gathered some additional calories to use today from cleaning (and yoga still to come). I tackled the dishes (they were out of control!) and my van (also out of control!). It amazes me how much mess two little ones can make in the back of a van. That project continues on into tomorrow because there was so much stuff to clean!

While I was making dinner, the kids were playing on the Wii. My middle child's latest obsession is making Miis for the Wii. They are basically little cartoon characters that can portray all types of characteristics. Right now she likes to create new ones and edit the ones we have.

There are five standard Miis with normal names and attributes, then about 100 others that they have created. Tonight, while I was making dinner, they decided to edit my Mii.

It was a heated discussion of whether I should be fat or skinny. My oldest yelled out to me, "Mom, are you fat or are you skinny??" I have discussed with them a million times that it's not very polite to ask/call/yell if someone is fat or not. So, I didn't answer, hoping that the conversation would just go away. Yep, I'm up for Mom of the year, I know.....

My oldest was confident enough to say, "Yep, she's fat. Make her fatter. That's what she looks like."

Heart to the floor.

One of the reasons that I started this whole losing weight and getting healthy thing is that I never wanted to be the fat Mom. But, inadvertently, I already am.

It sucks to hear that your kid thinks you are fat. But honestly, I can't blame him. Here I am 100 pounds overweight - what did I expect?

It would have been really easy for me to have a pity party (although I kinda did in my head anyway, but not outwardly) and just turn the night into a full blown binge or yell and scream at him for being honest again, Mom of the year..., but I instead had a nice talk with him about respecting others and yada, yada, yada.

It's my goal to go from fat mom to healthy mom. I don't even care about skinny. I want to be healthy. I want my kids to know that I'm healthy and I want them to be healthy too. My weight does not define me as a person, nor a Mom. I need to remember that.

Do you feel at times that your weight defines you? What pulls you out?

]]>

Today was a overall a pretty good day! I started out with a blueberry smoothie, and then headed out to meet my Mom and Sister for lunch at Applebee's!

Lunch was really good, but cost me a lot of my daily calorie allotment....

Holy yum, right? That dressing on the salad was a bacon vinaigrette, which is likely where most all the calories came from in that part of the dish! The Chicken Fajita Wraps were awesome as well. I didn't dip the wrap in the dressing that came with that but instead used my fork to just put a small bit on each bit. It was delish!

I drank my snack today.....

And then dinner was waffles (kids pick) with grapes along with Pepsi Max Yes, in a wine glass - don't judge! I like to feel fancy :-) and water.

I have gathered some additional calories to use today from cleaning (and yoga still to come). I tackled the dishes (they were out of control!) and my van (also out of control!). It amazes me how much mess two little ones can make in the back of a van. That project continues on into tomorrow because there was so much stuff to clean!

While I was making dinner, the kids were playing on the Wii. My middle child's latest obsession is making Miis for the Wii. They are basically little cartoon characters that can portray all types of characteristics. Right now she likes to create new ones and edit the ones we have.

There are five standard Miis with normal names and attributes, then about 100 others that they have created. Tonight, while I was making dinner, they decided to edit my Mii.

It was a heated discussion of whether I should be fat or skinny. My oldest yelled out to me, "Mom, are you fat or are you skinny??" I have discussed with them a million times that it's not very polite to ask/call/yell if someone is fat or not. So, I didn't answer, hoping that the conversation would just go away. Yep, I'm up for Mom of the year, I know.....

My oldest was confident enough to say, "Yep, she's fat. Make her fatter. That's what she looks like."

Heart to the floor.

One of the reasons that I started this whole losing weight and getting healthy thing is that I never wanted to be the fat Mom. But, inadvertently, I already am.

It sucks to hear that your kid thinks you are fat. But honestly, I can't blame him. Here I am 100 pounds overweight - what did I expect?

It would have been really easy for me to have a pity party (although I kinda did in my head anyway, but not outwardly) and just turn the night into a full blown binge or yell and scream at him for being honest again, Mom of the year..., but I instead had a nice talk with him about respecting others and yada, yada, yada.

It's my goal to go from fat mom to healthy mom. I don't even care about skinny. I want to be healthy. I want my kids to know that I'm healthy and I want them to be healthy too. My weight does not define me as a person, nor a Mom. I need to remember that.

Do you feel at times that your weight defines you? What pulls you out?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/does-your-weight-define-you/feed/ 0 A Perfect Three Mile Run http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/a-perfect-three-mile-run/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/a-perfect-three-mile-run/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 13:43:38 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14050

I went out running last night, and it felt soooo good! I hit my distance target and didn't have any pain in my tendons and ankles. I made sure to stretch well before and that made all the difference. I kept with 3:1 intervals, but was happy with the progress.

I also stuck to the no eating after 8:30 plan last night and it seemed to work well. I may adjust this thinking as I go on. I think I would be okay with a night time snack as long as I plan for it. Planning is the key, because my ice cream attacks are almost never planned!

I have no idea what I am doing for meals today. As it stands right now, it's past 9:30 and I still haven't eaten breakfast. Bad, I know! The kitchen needed cleaned though, and I don't like to cook and/or eat in a messy kitchen. (Anyone else like that or am I just a bag of crazy??)

Lunch is at Applebee's for my Sister's B-Day and I have no idea what I am going to order. I looked at their menu online, but it is surprisingly confusing. They have lunch specials but evidentally the restaurant location we are going to does not? I just want to have something yummy and try to avoid the Triple Chocolate Meltdown.....it's so good!

What do you like to get at Applebee's? Any suggestions?

]]>

I went out running last night, and it felt soooo good! I hit my distance target and didn't have any pain in my tendons and ankles. I made sure to stretch well before and that made all the difference. I kept with 3:1 intervals, but was happy with the progress.

I also stuck to the no eating after 8:30 plan last night and it seemed to work well. I may adjust this thinking as I go on. I think I would be okay with a night time snack as long as I plan for it. Planning is the key, because my ice cream attacks are almost never planned!

I have no idea what I am doing for meals today. As it stands right now, it's past 9:30 and I still haven't eaten breakfast. Bad, I know! The kitchen needed cleaned though, and I don't like to cook and/or eat in a messy kitchen. (Anyone else like that or am I just a bag of crazy??)

Lunch is at Applebee's for my Sister's B-Day and I have no idea what I am going to order. I looked at their menu online, but it is surprisingly confusing. They have lunch specials but evidentally the restaurant location we are going to does not? I just want to have something yummy and try to avoid the Triple Chocolate Meltdown.....it's so good!

What do you like to get at Applebee's? Any suggestions?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/17/a-perfect-three-mile-run/feed/ 0 This Is What Can Happen When You Believe In Yourself http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/this-is-what-can-happen-when-you-believe-in-yourself/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/this-is-what-can-happen-when-you-believe-in-yourself/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:39 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14043 The next time you are feeling frustrated and that you "can't do it", remember this story. It is such an inspiration.

Full Disclosure: You may need tissues. Consider yourself warned.

Thanks to Roni for sharing this! ]]> The next time you are feeling frustrated and that you "can't do it", remember this story. It is such an inspiration.

Full Disclosure: You may need tissues. Consider yourself warned.

Thanks to Roni for sharing this! ]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/this-is-what-can-happen-when-you-believe-in-yourself/feed/ 0 I Did It Again http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/i-did-it-again/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/i-did-it-again/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 12:38:54 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14037

The ice cream monster got me again last night. I have got to stop that!

I actually did really well initially when hubby says, "You want some ice cream?" I said, "Can you actually just buy me some sliced watermelon instead?" But then later on when he went to the store, he forgot I had initially asked for watermelon and said, "What flavor do you want?".......and of course, instead of putting my willpower out there, and saying "No, silly - remember I asked for watermelon???", I confidently said, "Cookies N Creme".

I think I might institute a no eating after 8:30 deal for myself. Not that I think you should do that for necessary weight loss, but for the fact that after that time tends to be where I blow my day and eat a bunch of crap.

Anyway, I tracked it all and it is done and over with. I started today with some strawberries and berry yogurt crunch cereal. And of course, coffee and water.

I also did not end up running yesterday. I was scheduled for 3 miles, but due to some family scheduling, I'm not going to be able to do a longer run on Thursday like it was scheduled. Plus, my lower legs/ankles/tendons were still barking pretty bad. So, I took last night off and will be turning today's run into a 3 mile rather than a 1.2 mile. My mileage may end up being a bit lower this week than I was hoping for, but I've got to be flexible with the schedule or I won't keep with it!

I weighed in today and actually lost from last week but gained 0.4 since my last official weigh-in. Considering my diet hasn't been superb lately and I increased my running a lot and my muscles are sore - I'll take it. Tonight I'm gonna start my no eating after 8:30 and see how that affects my upcoming week. I'm guessing it will be positive!

Do you have a cut off time each night for snacking?

]]>

The ice cream monster got me again last night. I have got to stop that!

I actually did really well initially when hubby says, "You want some ice cream?" I said, "Can you actually just buy me some sliced watermelon instead?" But then later on when he went to the store, he forgot I had initially asked for watermelon and said, "What flavor do you want?".......and of course, instead of putting my willpower out there, and saying "No, silly - remember I asked for watermelon???", I confidently said, "Cookies N Creme".

I think I might institute a no eating after 8:30 deal for myself. Not that I think you should do that for necessary weight loss, but for the fact that after that time tends to be where I blow my day and eat a bunch of crap.

Anyway, I tracked it all and it is done and over with. I started today with some strawberries and berry yogurt crunch cereal. And of course, coffee and water.

I also did not end up running yesterday. I was scheduled for 3 miles, but due to some family scheduling, I'm not going to be able to do a longer run on Thursday like it was scheduled. Plus, my lower legs/ankles/tendons were still barking pretty bad. So, I took last night off and will be turning today's run into a 3 mile rather than a 1.2 mile. My mileage may end up being a bit lower this week than I was hoping for, but I've got to be flexible with the schedule or I won't keep with it!

I weighed in today and actually lost from last week but gained 0.4 since my last official weigh-in. Considering my diet hasn't been superb lately and I increased my running a lot and my muscles are sore - I'll take it. Tonight I'm gonna start my no eating after 8:30 and see how that affects my upcoming week. I'm guessing it will be positive!

Do you have a cut off time each night for snacking?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/16/i-did-it-again/feed/ 0 The Run That Should Have Never Been http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/15/the-run-that-should-have-never-been/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/15/the-run-that-should-have-never-been/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 15:49:31 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14025

I headed out last night to do my 2.5 Mile Run. I mapped out a route on Map My Run that would get me the exact mileage and looped out and back from my house. The thing that I again forgot to check was the freaking elevation.

Now, I know hills are good to run - they are. They're good for speed and endurance, and believe it or not, sometimes in those crazy races they get all wild and throw one in. However, when it's pretty hot outside and you're just getting back in the groove of running, the last mile of your run should not look like this......

Notice how at about 1.7 it starts climbing and just keeps on climbing....yeah, I should have noticed that too. But unfortunately I did not until about 1.85 miles when I thought about the roads it was having me turn on. I was pretty tired and truly exhausted by that point, so I called it done. I was also having some ankle/inner tendon issues which tend to arise when I don't stretch my calves like I should.

So, This is what I ended up with yesterday:

My electronics were all wonky at the beginning too. I use Run Keeper to track my pace and distance, then run my music, and then run an interval timer since I'm still doing 3:1 intervals this week. Well, the interval timer wasn't working, so I had to stop, unstrap my arm band, then reset it. I think I lost some time there as well.

Today, I'm scheduled for 3 Miles. I'm going to plot out a run that meets my distance requirements but doesn't kill me by running up a hill at the very end. It's also nice and sunny, and fairly warm today, so I need to pack some water to go along with me.

I've done well so far food wise today. I did well yesterday until burgers and ice cream were brought home. I really need to learn that just because it's a pint I don't need to eat the whole thing!

What are your plans for today? I'm off to make some lunch and plan my run for the afternoon!

]]>

I headed out last night to do my 2.5 Mile Run. I mapped out a route on Map My Run that would get me the exact mileage and looped out and back from my house. The thing that I again forgot to check was the freaking elevation.

Now, I know hills are good to run - they are. They're good for speed and endurance, and believe it or not, sometimes in those crazy races they get all wild and throw one in. However, when it's pretty hot outside and you're just getting back in the groove of running, the last mile of your run should not look like this......

Notice how at about 1.7 it starts climbing and just keeps on climbing....yeah, I should have noticed that too. But unfortunately I did not until about 1.85 miles when I thought about the roads it was having me turn on. I was pretty tired and truly exhausted by that point, so I called it done. I was also having some ankle/inner tendon issues which tend to arise when I don't stretch my calves like I should.

So, This is what I ended up with yesterday:

My electronics were all wonky at the beginning too. I use Run Keeper to track my pace and distance, then run my music, and then run an interval timer since I'm still doing 3:1 intervals this week. Well, the interval timer wasn't working, so I had to stop, unstrap my arm band, then reset it. I think I lost some time there as well.

Today, I'm scheduled for 3 Miles. I'm going to plot out a run that meets my distance requirements but doesn't kill me by running up a hill at the very end. It's also nice and sunny, and fairly warm today, so I need to pack some water to go along with me.

I've done well so far food wise today. I did well yesterday until burgers and ice cream were brought home. I really need to learn that just because it's a pint I don't need to eat the whole thing!

What are your plans for today? I'm off to make some lunch and plan my run for the afternoon!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/15/the-run-that-should-have-never-been/feed/ 0 Green Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/green-peanut-butter-banana-protein-smoothie-2/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/green-peanut-butter-banana-protein-smoothie-2/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 19:47:53 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=14015

I made this smoothie for my lunch today!  I have recently started experimenting with adding Kale to smoothies.  You get added nutrients and you really can't taste it.  This is a great combo I made based off of two of my favorite combos - peanut butter and banana!  If you don't have protein powder (or don't want it) you can leave it out.

I like to use a frozen banana because it helps to cool the drink down, but you could use ice cubes as well if your fruit isn't frozen.

INGREDIENTS

25 g Kale

50g Frozen Banana

3/4 Cup Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla Milk

3 Packs Splenda Essentials With Fiber

2 Tbsp Better N Peanut Butter Low Sodium

1/2 Cup Fit & Active Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt

17 g Muscle Milk, Vanilla Creme Powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all ingredients to blender

Mix well until smooth

Enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories: 344

Fat: 7g

Protein: 18g

Carbs: 53g

Fiber: 9g

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 7

What are your favorite combos in a smoothie?

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]>

I made this smoothie for my lunch today!  I have recently started experimenting with adding Kale to smoothies.  You get added nutrients and you really can't taste it.  This is a great combo I made based off of two of my favorite combos - peanut butter and banana!  If you don't have protein powder (or don't want it) you can leave it out.

I like to use a frozen banana because it helps to cool the drink down, but you could use ice cubes as well if your fruit isn't frozen.

INGREDIENTS

25 g Kale

50g Frozen Banana

3/4 Cup Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla Milk

3 Packs Splenda Essentials With Fiber

2 Tbsp Better N Peanut Butter Low Sodium

1/2 Cup Fit & Active Nonfat Vanilla Yogurt

17 g Muscle Milk, Vanilla Creme Powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Add all ingredients to blender

Mix well until smooth

Enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories: 344

Fat: 7g

Protein: 18g

Carbs: 53g

Fiber: 9g

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 7

What are your favorite combos in a smoothie?

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/green-peanut-butter-banana-protein-smoothie-2/feed/ 0 Week 1 Training Plan Complete: 8.29 Miles http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/week-1-training-plan-complete-8-29-miles/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/week-1-training-plan-complete-8-29-miles/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 14:48:43 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13996

I finally completed a week of a training plan again! I'm so excited!

Week 1 of my training plan logged in with 8.29 miles for a duration of 2 hours and 4 minutes. My average distance ended up being just over 2 miles with a average pace right around 15 minutes per mile. Considering I'm still doing 3:1 intervals, I'll take it.

This week I step it up a little bit on the distance, but I'm still going to be doing 3:1 intervals. Here's what my week looks like:

S: Rest

M: Run 2.5 Miles

T: Run 3 Miles

W: Run 1.2 Miles

R: Run 3 Miles

F: Rest

S: Run 3.5 Miles

I've been coming up a little short on my scheduled mileage, so I need to make sure my routes are long enough to reach my goals!

In food news, I haven't been doing the best at my diet.....actually pretty bad. Lots of processed food and sodium loaded stuff the last couple of days. I'm back to trying to eat much better today, and started out pretty well this morning.

I had watermelon (it was good, not mushy!), toast with jam and a little bit of margarine, coffee, and water. It was good.

Then I got snacky, so I made some popcorn and tried my new Starbucks Refresher.

I don't like the Starbucks Refreshers, at least this kind (Orange Melon). It is drinkable, but I won't be running out to buy a ton of them anytime soon.

I've planned out dinners for the week as well....

M: Smoked Sausages (Grilled) with Homemade Fries

T: Turkey Stuffed Peppers

W: Fish

R: Spaghetti and Meatballs

F: Tuna Burgers

S: Chicken Thighs - Some type of something in the crockpot - we'll see!

I feel like I've lost some inventiveness in the kitchen lately. Maybe you can give me some inspiration - what are you having this week for dinner?

]]>

I finally completed a week of a training plan again! I'm so excited!

Week 1 of my training plan logged in with 8.29 miles for a duration of 2 hours and 4 minutes. My average distance ended up being just over 2 miles with a average pace right around 15 minutes per mile. Considering I'm still doing 3:1 intervals, I'll take it.

This week I step it up a little bit on the distance, but I'm still going to be doing 3:1 intervals. Here's what my week looks like:

S: Rest

M: Run 2.5 Miles

T: Run 3 Miles

W: Run 1.2 Miles

R: Run 3 Miles

F: Rest

S: Run 3.5 Miles

I've been coming up a little short on my scheduled mileage, so I need to make sure my routes are long enough to reach my goals!

In food news, I haven't been doing the best at my diet.....actually pretty bad. Lots of processed food and sodium loaded stuff the last couple of days. I'm back to trying to eat much better today, and started out pretty well this morning.

I had watermelon (it was good, not mushy!), toast with jam and a little bit of margarine, coffee, and water. It was good.

Then I got snacky, so I made some popcorn and tried my new Starbucks Refresher.

I don't like the Starbucks Refreshers, at least this kind (Orange Melon). It is drinkable, but I won't be running out to buy a ton of them anytime soon.

I've planned out dinners for the week as well....

M: Smoked Sausages (Grilled) with Homemade Fries

T: Turkey Stuffed Peppers

W: Fish

R: Spaghetti and Meatballs

F: Tuna Burgers

S: Chicken Thighs - Some type of something in the crockpot - we'll see!

I feel like I've lost some inventiveness in the kitchen lately. Maybe you can give me some inspiration - what are you having this week for dinner?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/14/week-1-training-plan-complete-8-29-miles/feed/ 0 Giant Spiders, Clover Meadows and One Sad Duckling http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/13/giant-spiders-clover-meadows-and-one-sad-duckling/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/13/giant-spiders-clover-meadows-and-one-sad-duckling/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 04:23:04 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13991

You know when you look out your window and see what looks to be feathers flying??? And then later it all makes sense? Yeah, that happened today.

I looked out the window and saw feathers and thought - wow, that's odd. Not so much. We have a bird nest above our security light heading out to our patio. It looks like a baby didn't make it or something didn't want it.....whatever happened, it was disgusting and a sad day for baby duckling. And we now need a new welcome mat for the back.

After lysoling the crap out of our cement steps, I decided to start tackling the basement. Since we may be moving in a few months, I decided to go down and start clearing things out. I figure if there are things down there that we haven't used in a year, we can likely get rid of them and no one will really care much. Our basement is pretty much the land that time forgot. It is basically a storage shed underneath our house, really. It's damp, dark, and scary......and after what happened today, I will likely never go down there without wearing every piece of protective equipment I own.

I was digging through some things and moved a bag. I saw something move, and thought, because of the massive size, that it was some type of cricket. How I wish it had been a cricket. Instead, it was this:

Terrifying, right? After running around in circles and not being sure of what to do with the thing, I sprayed it with lysol and then stepped on it with a plastic bag under my foot. And now I just have to pray none of it's family saw me and is plotting revenge for the next time I enter the basement.

After being scared to my very core, I headed out to Edgewood to go on my run. I used Map My Run to find a new route. I think on my longer runs each week I'll probably do this just to keep things fresh. They have a great selection of routes all planned for you! Unfortunately, the Edgewood route was in a completely residential area and I felt odd parking in front of someones house, so I found another route.

I ended up running part of the route down Turkeyfoot Road, which is really nice, except for the half mile stretch of sidewalk where purple clover is growing over on each side. This was really pretty to run through, but seeing as I am allergic to bees and wasps and they were all over the flowers, it was a tad bit stressful!

I survived the clover, and continued on my run. It was tough today! I also made it just shy of the three miles I was scheduled (2.71). My legs were tired - I think part of it was that I have significantly increased my distance this week, but it was also a very hilly run. There were three big hills throughout. I'm not much of a hill person. I need to really watch the elevation when I pick a run. Lesson learned.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! I have a rest day and I'm gonna enjoy it!

]]>

You know when you look out your window and see what looks to be feathers flying??? And then later it all makes sense? Yeah, that happened today.

I looked out the window and saw feathers and thought - wow, that's odd. Not so much. We have a bird nest above our security light heading out to our patio. It looks like a baby didn't make it or something didn't want it.....whatever happened, it was disgusting and a sad day for baby duckling. And we now need a new welcome mat for the back.

After lysoling the crap out of our cement steps, I decided to start tackling the basement. Since we may be moving in a few months, I decided to go down and start clearing things out. I figure if there are things down there that we haven't used in a year, we can likely get rid of them and no one will really care much. Our basement is pretty much the land that time forgot. It is basically a storage shed underneath our house, really. It's damp, dark, and scary......and after what happened today, I will likely never go down there without wearing every piece of protective equipment I own.

I was digging through some things and moved a bag. I saw something move, and thought, because of the massive size, that it was some type of cricket. How I wish it had been a cricket. Instead, it was this:

Terrifying, right? After running around in circles and not being sure of what to do with the thing, I sprayed it with lysol and then stepped on it with a plastic bag under my foot. And now I just have to pray none of it's family saw me and is plotting revenge for the next time I enter the basement.

After being scared to my very core, I headed out to Edgewood to go on my run. I used Map My Run to find a new route. I think on my longer runs each week I'll probably do this just to keep things fresh. They have a great selection of routes all planned for you! Unfortunately, the Edgewood route was in a completely residential area and I felt odd parking in front of someones house, so I found another route.

I ended up running part of the route down Turkeyfoot Road, which is really nice, except for the half mile stretch of sidewalk where purple clover is growing over on each side. This was really pretty to run through, but seeing as I am allergic to bees and wasps and they were all over the flowers, it was a tad bit stressful!

I survived the clover, and continued on my run. It was tough today! I also made it just shy of the three miles I was scheduled (2.71). My legs were tired - I think part of it was that I have significantly increased my distance this week, but it was also a very hilly run. There were three big hills throughout. I'm not much of a hill person. I need to really watch the elevation when I pick a run. Lesson learned.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! I have a rest day and I'm gonna enjoy it!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/13/giant-spiders-clover-meadows-and-one-sad-duckling/feed/ 0 Starting The Day Right http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/12/starting-the-day-right/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/12/starting-the-day-right/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 14:17:06 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13977 I started my Saturday on the right foot - with a giant cup of coffee.

Yep. Full. And free refills with that mug on Mondays!

I also had this.....

Which has me within 2 grams of my fiber intake for the day. I'm making some weird left over casserole tonight that will have zucchini in it, so that should handle the rest.

Don't you love left over casseroles? I hope I'm not the only person to ever make those. We once made a left over casserole and called it Boom Boom's Delight (that was our cats name at the time). It ended up really good and then we were never able to replicate it. I'll be sure to take good notes on my casserole tonight in case it ends up awesome and I want to share.

So, today I have three miles on my plate. I'm pretty excited to go out and get this done! I wanted to find a different route since this is a little bit of a longer run. I found a nice route in Edgewood.

It's going to be a bit warmer today and sunny so I will probably bring along my water belt. I really don't like running with it because it is bulky, but I already carry my phone in my hand and don't want to have to carry a water bottle in the other.....so this bulky belt will be coming along with me today.

I really want to get something hand held or a smaller belt. I've been looking at these....

What are your plans for this beautiful Saturday??

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> I started my Saturday on the right foot - with a giant cup of coffee.

Yep. Full. And free refills with that mug on Mondays!

I also had this.....

Which has me within 2 grams of my fiber intake for the day. I'm making some weird left over casserole tonight that will have zucchini in it, so that should handle the rest.

Don't you love left over casseroles? I hope I'm not the only person to ever make those. We once made a left over casserole and called it Boom Boom's Delight (that was our cats name at the time). It ended up really good and then we were never able to replicate it. I'll be sure to take good notes on my casserole tonight in case it ends up awesome and I want to share.

So, today I have three miles on my plate. I'm pretty excited to go out and get this done! I wanted to find a different route since this is a little bit of a longer run. I found a nice route in Edgewood.

It's going to be a bit warmer today and sunny so I will probably bring along my water belt. I really don't like running with it because it is bulky, but I already carry my phone in my hand and don't want to have to carry a water bottle in the other.....so this bulky belt will be coming along with me today.

I really want to get something hand held or a smaller belt. I've been looking at these....

What are your plans for this beautiful Saturday??

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/12/starting-the-day-right/feed/ 0 Icy Hot Is The Bomb http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/icy-hot-is-the-bomb/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/icy-hot-is-the-bomb/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 03:47:21 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13960

I am in complete shock right now - good shock! I was scheduled to do a 2 mile run tonight, and by 4 this afternoon I really wasn't feeling it. I had this weird shoulder pain in my left shoulder yesterday, and today it had moved to my right side. Not really pain, but more of a deep muscular ache.

Then dinner decision came and Skyline it was. Yeah, I had a burrito. And it was awesome. Don't worry, I'll pay for it through water retention tomorrow and heartburn all night long ;-)

So, after shoulder pain and a dinner at Skyline, you could see how my motivation to run would just be top notch......um, no. Not so much.

We have roll on Icy Hot so it's a lot easier to apply....but I found out that it's really hard to get onto your back near your shoulder blade. I need a video of that to go along with my jogging thoughts bestseller.

I finally enlisted some help and Icy Hotted my shoulder. It's amazing how quickly that stuff works!

I decided to go running anyway because it's on my schedule and 1) I really want to stick to it and 2) I've never gone for a run and felt bad that I went running afterwards.

So run I did. 2.03 Miles in 29:21, or a 14:28 Minute Pace. I did 3:1 Intervals tonight (3 minutes run, 1 minute walk) so that pace is pretty good. I use run keeper as a pacing and distance tool with my phone and it actually tracks by the minute what my pace is. Most of my running times were in the 12 minute range, so that is at least a minute time improvement over my usual. I'll certainly take it!

Tomorrow I have 3 miles scheduled - I'm excited but have got to go track what route I want to take! Do you have any exercise plans tomorrow?

]]>

I am in complete shock right now - good shock! I was scheduled to do a 2 mile run tonight, and by 4 this afternoon I really wasn't feeling it. I had this weird shoulder pain in my left shoulder yesterday, and today it had moved to my right side. Not really pain, but more of a deep muscular ache.

Then dinner decision came and Skyline it was. Yeah, I had a burrito. And it was awesome. Don't worry, I'll pay for it through water retention tomorrow and heartburn all night long ;-)

So, after shoulder pain and a dinner at Skyline, you could see how my motivation to run would just be top notch......um, no. Not so much.

We have roll on Icy Hot so it's a lot easier to apply....but I found out that it's really hard to get onto your back near your shoulder blade. I need a video of that to go along with my jogging thoughts bestseller.

I finally enlisted some help and Icy Hotted my shoulder. It's amazing how quickly that stuff works!

I decided to go running anyway because it's on my schedule and 1) I really want to stick to it and 2) I've never gone for a run and felt bad that I went running afterwards.

So run I did. 2.03 Miles in 29:21, or a 14:28 Minute Pace. I did 3:1 Intervals tonight (3 minutes run, 1 minute walk) so that pace is pretty good. I use run keeper as a pacing and distance tool with my phone and it actually tracks by the minute what my pace is. Most of my running times were in the 12 minute range, so that is at least a minute time improvement over my usual. I'll certainly take it!

Tomorrow I have 3 miles scheduled - I'm excited but have got to go track what route I want to take! Do you have any exercise plans tomorrow?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/icy-hot-is-the-bomb/feed/ 0 Friday Fun Day http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/friday-fun-day/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/friday-fun-day/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 12:38:01 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13941

I really love Fridays. While it's not like Friday signifies a break from work (Fridays are actually one of my busier days) and it's not that we get to go out and do really cool fun things each Friday (hello three kids under 8!), but Fridays are just always such a better day.

Anywho, I've got big plans for this Friday. I'm gonna be working this morning getting some hot deals up on Savings Lifestyle and then I plan on cleaning the bathroom. Thrilling, right?

First I'm gonna eat this breakfast because it looks good.

Microwaved eggs. The best discovery ever.

Today I've got 2 miles on the schedule and I'm excited to go out. I wasn't able to go running the past two days because of hubby being in PA, so I'm ripping to go out tonight!

I'm finding that old adage of if you work out consistently you're going to want to eat better consistently because you don't want to work out for nothing. Plus, running is cheaper than therapy.

I think it would be funny to keep a log of the things I think about when I'm running. Wouldn't that be a NY Times bestseller.....yeah, I didn't think so either.

I've got a busy morning, so I gotta jet. Any ideas for lunch? I'm thinking of a salad.....

]]>

I really love Fridays. While it's not like Friday signifies a break from work (Fridays are actually one of my busier days) and it's not that we get to go out and do really cool fun things each Friday (hello three kids under 8!), but Fridays are just always such a better day.

Anywho, I've got big plans for this Friday. I'm gonna be working this morning getting some hot deals up on Savings Lifestyle and then I plan on cleaning the bathroom. Thrilling, right?

First I'm gonna eat this breakfast because it looks good.

Microwaved eggs. The best discovery ever.

Today I've got 2 miles on the schedule and I'm excited to go out. I wasn't able to go running the past two days because of hubby being in PA, so I'm ripping to go out tonight!

I'm finding that old adage of if you work out consistently you're going to want to eat better consistently because you don't want to work out for nothing. Plus, running is cheaper than therapy.

I think it would be funny to keep a log of the things I think about when I'm running. Wouldn't that be a NY Times bestseller.....yeah, I didn't think so either.

I've got a busy morning, so I gotta jet. Any ideas for lunch? I'm thinking of a salad.....

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/11/friday-fun-day/feed/ 0 10 Packets Of Sugar http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/10/10-packets-of-sugar/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/10/10-packets-of-sugar/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 20:34:58 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13933

Today started out well. I had a nice breakfast with a giant jug of water. I was super tired this morning, so I just kinda hung out with the kids and didn't do much of anything.

Lunch came and I made the kiddos lunch but just didn't feel like making anything for myself. I ended up making a big mistake - I had liquid only for lunch! And not good liquid either.....I had liquid gold.

That cost me a lot of calories and a ton of sugar! I know that my food diary is showing negative in the sugar department now, but I wondered just how much sugar I had consumed. So, google became my friend.

It's all very technical and involves a lot of simple math, so I may have this wrong, but it looks like one sweet tea from McD's has 10 packets of sugar! 10!!! That's just not right.

Despite my liquid lunch, I'm actually doing okay hunger wise right now and hope to hold off until dinner. I got some extra calories burned by cleaning the house for an hour, and I hope to do some Zumba on the wii later too. By the way, I've got my training schedule up there if you wanna take a look. I'll be updating in pink once a workout is complete!

Gotta run and make dinner....well, actually brinner tonight (breakfast/dinner). Hubby is on his way back from his interview and that's one thing all the kids love to have!

]]>

Today started out well. I had a nice breakfast with a giant jug of water. I was super tired this morning, so I just kinda hung out with the kids and didn't do much of anything.

Lunch came and I made the kiddos lunch but just didn't feel like making anything for myself. I ended up making a big mistake - I had liquid only for lunch! And not good liquid either.....I had liquid gold.

That cost me a lot of calories and a ton of sugar! I know that my food diary is showing negative in the sugar department now, but I wondered just how much sugar I had consumed. So, google became my friend.

It's all very technical and involves a lot of simple math, so I may have this wrong, but it looks like one sweet tea from McD's has 10 packets of sugar! 10!!! That's just not right.

Despite my liquid lunch, I'm actually doing okay hunger wise right now and hope to hold off until dinner. I got some extra calories burned by cleaning the house for an hour, and I hope to do some Zumba on the wii later too. By the way, I've got my training schedule up there if you wanna take a look. I'll be updating in pink once a workout is complete!

Gotta run and make dinner....well, actually brinner tonight (breakfast/dinner). Hubby is on his way back from his interview and that's one thing all the kids love to have!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/10/10-packets-of-sugar/feed/ 0 Finding My Way http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/09/finding-my-way/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/09/finding-my-way/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 01:07:47 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13900

I've used the last month as a transition period for me. I went from Weight Watchers meetings, to only doing Weight Watchers online, to now tracking through My Fitness Pal (which I have used on and off in the past as well). I really do think that Weight Watchers has a great program, and it is a great learning tool, but the $49 per month for meetings or the $20 for online is a bit steep to be able to use the tools they provide. I feel like Weight Watchers taught me how to get a balanced day in while still being able to lose weight. Now that I know what I should be eating, I'm finding it easier to manage via other avenues.

So, I've switched to tracking my intake with My Fitness Pal. There's a badge over there ----->> if you'd like to follow my progress. If you're looking for a way to track your intake, I'd highly recommend it. They have a huge food database, a great app, and a rockin' community. To be honest, I like their community a lot better than Weight Watchers. If you've ever been a Weight Watchers member and spent some time in their message boards, you know what I mean. Some ladies can be really catty!

I also have to admit that I tanked royally on the half marathon plan that I was going to follow. I think I was a bit too ambitious and got frustrated after the first day. That's a bummer.

Also a bummer is that I did not end up running the Flying Pig 5K or the 10K. We ended up with both of our cars breaking down that week, so a $35 registration fee for a race I knew I was going to do nominal in wasn't a priority.

In better news - I have started running again (yay!). I've put together a schedule for myself that is starting where I am currently (what a concept!) and builds each week (link will be in the header soon, I promise!). I, of course, am hoping to work towards half marathon status, but have not yet picked a race.......

......because I don't know what state I am going to be living in by the fall! My husband is in the process of applying for positions in Pennsylvania as his family is located there. I may be trucking it 500 miles east in the next few months. I guess if I'm here (KY) I'll hope to run the Indianapolis Monumental Half, and if I'm in PA I'll plan for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. I wish I knew already so I can't wuss out and not do it!

The Warrior Dash is also in question....if we know we are moving I'll probably get to do it, but if we still don't know, I probably won't (since that's in June in PA and we don't want to make a 500 mile trip for a race!)......so I guess I need to set up two race calendars. Yep. It's settled. Two race schedules.....in my side bar. And, done.

Problem is I can't really register for any until I know. Maybe I'll do all of them.....while I'd love to that would cost like $5,000 and since I didn't win the Mega Millions the one time I bought a ticket (with all change, by the way!) I'll just have to stick to wherever "local" is to me at the time.

Do you travel to run races or do you prefer the local fare? I've always done all local, but traveling might be fun too!

]]>

I've used the last month as a transition period for me. I went from Weight Watchers meetings, to only doing Weight Watchers online, to now tracking through My Fitness Pal (which I have used on and off in the past as well). I really do think that Weight Watchers has a great program, and it is a great learning tool, but the $49 per month for meetings or the $20 for online is a bit steep to be able to use the tools they provide. I feel like Weight Watchers taught me how to get a balanced day in while still being able to lose weight. Now that I know what I should be eating, I'm finding it easier to manage via other avenues.

So, I've switched to tracking my intake with My Fitness Pal. There's a badge over there ----->> if you'd like to follow my progress. If you're looking for a way to track your intake, I'd highly recommend it. They have a huge food database, a great app, and a rockin' community. To be honest, I like their community a lot better than Weight Watchers. If you've ever been a Weight Watchers member and spent some time in their message boards, you know what I mean. Some ladies can be really catty!

I also have to admit that I tanked royally on the half marathon plan that I was going to follow. I think I was a bit too ambitious and got frustrated after the first day. That's a bummer.

Also a bummer is that I did not end up running the Flying Pig 5K or the 10K. We ended up with both of our cars breaking down that week, so a $35 registration fee for a race I knew I was going to do nominal in wasn't a priority.

In better news - I have started running again (yay!). I've put together a schedule for myself that is starting where I am currently (what a concept!) and builds each week (link will be in the header soon, I promise!). I, of course, am hoping to work towards half marathon status, but have not yet picked a race.......

......because I don't know what state I am going to be living in by the fall! My husband is in the process of applying for positions in Pennsylvania as his family is located there. I may be trucking it 500 miles east in the next few months. I guess if I'm here (KY) I'll hope to run the Indianapolis Monumental Half, and if I'm in PA I'll plan for the Philadelphia Half Marathon. I wish I knew already so I can't wuss out and not do it!

The Warrior Dash is also in question....if we know we are moving I'll probably get to do it, but if we still don't know, I probably won't (since that's in June in PA and we don't want to make a 500 mile trip for a race!)......so I guess I need to set up two race calendars. Yep. It's settled. Two race schedules.....in my side bar. And, done.

Problem is I can't really register for any until I know. Maybe I'll do all of them.....while I'd love to that would cost like $5,000 and since I didn't win the Mega Millions the one time I bought a ticket (with all change, by the way!) I'll just have to stick to wherever "local" is to me at the time.

Do you travel to run races or do you prefer the local fare? I've always done all local, but traveling might be fun too!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/05/09/finding-my-way/feed/ 0 Biting The Bullet http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/biting-the-bullet/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/biting-the-bullet/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:30:04 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13850

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

I've been toying with the idea of training for a longer distance for awhile. After I finished my first 10K in November (Dag gone it, I still have to write that post!) - I thought the next natural step would be to train for a Half Marathon.

Instead I didn't run for about 5 weeks. Smart decision, huh?

I recently tried dabbling in speed rather than distance and found that it frustrated me more than motivating me. So - I'm going back to what I know.

Today, I am officially starting my Half Marathon Training!

You can follow along with my plan and progress on my Half Marathon Training Page - I'll probably update it with pretty colors once a workout is completed. I took a training plan I found on Shape and modified it a bit based on my style and also other races that I have coming up. There's a lot of running in this plan, but I think I can stick to it! I also added in Yoga once a week because I have heard that it is good for your muscles when you are running longer distances. Plus, I kinda like it!

I don't have a race picked out yet, mainly because I am not sure what state we'll be located in at the end of this training plan. I'm sure I'll be able to find something though!

In other exciting news - my breakfast rocked this morning. I tried Yoplait Greek yogurt again and I'm glad I did. It was pretty good. And eating it with an Orange Leaf spoon makes it even better because I can dream of froyo while I dine.....yes, I may have an obsession with the place. If you've not tried it - go do - and then you'll understand ;-)

It feels so good to be eating healthier foods again and tracking what's going into my yapper. I highly recommend it!

Speaking of which - it's time to make lunch! I'm having a massive salad because I found a HUGE tub of Mixed Baby Greens marked down to $0.75 at Kroger last night. Gotta fuel for my run later!

]]>

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

I've been toying with the idea of training for a longer distance for awhile. After I finished my first 10K in November (Dag gone it, I still have to write that post!) - I thought the next natural step would be to train for a Half Marathon.

Instead I didn't run for about 5 weeks. Smart decision, huh?

I recently tried dabbling in speed rather than distance and found that it frustrated me more than motivating me. So - I'm going back to what I know.

Today, I am officially starting my Half Marathon Training!

You can follow along with my plan and progress on my Half Marathon Training Page - I'll probably update it with pretty colors once a workout is completed. I took a training plan I found on Shape and modified it a bit based on my style and also other races that I have coming up. There's a lot of running in this plan, but I think I can stick to it! I also added in Yoga once a week because I have heard that it is good for your muscles when you are running longer distances. Plus, I kinda like it!

I don't have a race picked out yet, mainly because I am not sure what state we'll be located in at the end of this training plan. I'm sure I'll be able to find something though!

In other exciting news - my breakfast rocked this morning. I tried Yoplait Greek yogurt again and I'm glad I did. It was pretty good. And eating it with an Orange Leaf spoon makes it even better because I can dream of froyo while I dine.....yes, I may have an obsession with the place. If you've not tried it - go do - and then you'll understand ;-)

It feels so good to be eating healthier foods again and tracking what's going into my yapper. I highly recommend it!

Speaking of which - it's time to make lunch! I'm having a massive salad because I found a HUGE tub of Mixed Baby Greens marked down to $0.75 at Kroger last night. Gotta fuel for my run later!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/biting-the-bullet/feed/ 0 FREE Better N Peanut Butter + FREE Shipping – Today Only! http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/free-better-n-peanut-butter-free-shipping-today-only/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/free-better-n-peanut-butter-free-shipping-today-only/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:00:15 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13837

Here is a great deal if you are a peanut butter lover and have been wanting to try the Better N Peanut Butter brand! Today only, you can score a jar of Better N Peanut Butter PLUS a bottle of Vitamin D Supplements Absolutely Free!.

Here's the details:

1. Sign up with Vitacost

2. They'll send you a $10 Coupon Code to the email you signed up with within 10 minutes

3. Head back to Vitacost and place the Vitacost Vitamin D3 200 Capsules in your cart (This will give you FREE Shipping!)

4. Search "Better N Peanut Butter" in the search bar and add your selected variety to your cart

5. Head to check out - enter your code they emailed you - and enjoy your free items!

I do love PB2 but have yet to try Better N Peanut Butter. It has 85% less fat than regular PB. I'm really excited because my Weight Watchers Leader swears by this product and considers herself a Peanut Butter connoisseur! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]>

Here is a great deal if you are a peanut butter lover and have been wanting to try the Better N Peanut Butter brand! Today only, you can score a jar of Better N Peanut Butter PLUS a bottle of Vitamin D Supplements Absolutely Free!.

Here's the details:

1. Sign up with Vitacost

2. They'll send you a $10 Coupon Code to the email you signed up with within 10 minutes

3. Head back to Vitacost and place the Vitacost Vitamin D3 200 Capsules in your cart (This will give you FREE Shipping!)

4. Search "Better N Peanut Butter" in the search bar and add your selected variety to your cart

5. Head to check out - enter your code they emailed you - and enjoy your free items!

I do love PB2 but have yet to try Better N Peanut Butter. It has 85% less fat than regular PB. I'm really excited because my Weight Watchers Leader swears by this product and considers herself a Peanut Butter connoisseur! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/12/free-better-n-peanut-butter-free-shipping-today-only/feed/ 1 Holding On To The Back Wheel http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/11/holding-on-to-the-back-wheel/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/11/holding-on-to-the-back-wheel/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:48:44 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13815

You know the term Fallen Off The Wagon? Well, I'm coining a new term:

Holding On To The Back Wheel

The last week and a half I have been doing just that - I've not been eating right, exercising, or even been in a great mental state. I've been holding on to the back wheel though because through out it all, I've been Thinking of all the things that I need to be doing.

I've found that it is so hard to get back into a good groove when you've been eating and doing whatever you want. I've also found out that if you have virtually no fruits, vegetables, and water in a week and replace all of these with candy, you feel pretty crappy.

Yep, that's the bucket o candy that has been in our home. And those aren't big things in there - they're all tiny. That's how much stuff we have!

I've pretty much single handedly consumed a lot of that in the last two days though, so the pile is going down. I think I'm going to have to get rid of the candy pitcher. It's not good people.

So, in other news, I've stopped going to Weight Watchers Meetings again. I'm still following the plan and am an online member, but I figured out that the main reason I like the meetings is that they occasionally give you free treats I like the accountability. I talked with my sis and we decided that we'd just text each other a picture of our weights each Wednesday morning and that would help keep us on track. Plus I have ya'll to report to, so that helps.

I've gained a bit in the past two weeks but with Spring Break and Easter I kind of expected it. Not that it makes it okay for me - but I knew it was coming.

Most of that is chocolate and sodium, I'm convinced and will hopefully go away quickly once I return to eating like a human being instead of whatever creature eats mostly grease and chocolate.

Also, remember how I was gonna focus on speed instead of distance in my running? Yeah, not working for me. I think I allowed myself to get sucked into the "but they can run an 8:00 mile....why can't I?" Oh yeah - it's because (for one of many reasons!) you are still 100 pounds overweight.....be happy you can run at all!

I was getting really frustrated because even through I felt like I was running like the wind, I wasn't breaking 11:30/mile. That's still an improvement over my 13:00 - but I was getting frustrated that I couldn't get under 10. It wasn't good and was making me hate running because I knew that I was going to be irritated once I was done. Not a good combo!

I still have this race coming up that I need to get my upper body ready for as well:

So I have decided to scrap trying to run like a fast maniac and just focus on running. I liked distance when I was training for it, so that's what I'm going to focus on for now. I read once that for every 5 pounds you take off your body you gain 2 seconds off your 5k time or something like that, so speed I believe will continue to increase as I decrease :-)

I'm working on developing a new training plan for myself and hope to have that up tomorrow. I've got a few races already scheduled in the next few months, so I'm going to tweak a plan to prepare for those as well.

So, in summary, I'm getting my tucker back to where it needs to be! No more candy and crap all day long. I packed the fridge with healthy foods and I need to use them....after all -
See you all tomorrow! Sorry for the ramblings - it's what happens when I don't write anything for a week!
]]>

You know the term Fallen Off The Wagon? Well, I'm coining a new term:

Holding On To The Back Wheel

The last week and a half I have been doing just that - I've not been eating right, exercising, or even been in a great mental state. I've been holding on to the back wheel though because through out it all, I've been Thinking of all the things that I need to be doing.

I've found that it is so hard to get back into a good groove when you've been eating and doing whatever you want. I've also found out that if you have virtually no fruits, vegetables, and water in a week and replace all of these with candy, you feel pretty crappy.

Yep, that's the bucket o candy that has been in our home. And those aren't big things in there - they're all tiny. That's how much stuff we have!

I've pretty much single handedly consumed a lot of that in the last two days though, so the pile is going down. I think I'm going to have to get rid of the candy pitcher. It's not good people.

So, in other news, I've stopped going to Weight Watchers Meetings again. I'm still following the plan and am an online member, but I figured out that the main reason I like the meetings is that they occasionally give you free treats I like the accountability. I talked with my sis and we decided that we'd just text each other a picture of our weights each Wednesday morning and that would help keep us on track. Plus I have ya'll to report to, so that helps.

I've gained a bit in the past two weeks but with Spring Break and Easter I kind of expected it. Not that it makes it okay for me - but I knew it was coming.

Most of that is chocolate and sodium, I'm convinced and will hopefully go away quickly once I return to eating like a human being instead of whatever creature eats mostly grease and chocolate.

Also, remember how I was gonna focus on speed instead of distance in my running? Yeah, not working for me. I think I allowed myself to get sucked into the "but they can run an 8:00 mile....why can't I?" Oh yeah - it's because (for one of many reasons!) you are still 100 pounds overweight.....be happy you can run at all!

I was getting really frustrated because even through I felt like I was running like the wind, I wasn't breaking 11:30/mile. That's still an improvement over my 13:00 - but I was getting frustrated that I couldn't get under 10. It wasn't good and was making me hate running because I knew that I was going to be irritated once I was done. Not a good combo!

I still have this race coming up that I need to get my upper body ready for as well:

So I have decided to scrap trying to run like a fast maniac and just focus on running. I liked distance when I was training for it, so that's what I'm going to focus on for now. I read once that for every 5 pounds you take off your body you gain 2 seconds off your 5k time or something like that, so speed I believe will continue to increase as I decrease :-)

I'm working on developing a new training plan for myself and hope to have that up tomorrow. I've got a few races already scheduled in the next few months, so I'm going to tweak a plan to prepare for those as well.

So, in summary, I'm getting my tucker back to where it needs to be! No more candy and crap all day long. I packed the fridge with healthy foods and I need to use them....after all -
See you all tomorrow! Sorry for the ramblings - it's what happens when I don't write anything for a week!
]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/04/11/holding-on-to-the-back-wheel/feed/ 0 Skinny Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/skinny-chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-cookies/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/skinny-chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-cookies/#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:01 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13809

These chocolate chip cookies are sooooo good - and they only weigh in at 1 Weight Watcher Point and just 64 Calories each! Here's how you can whip some up today:

Ingredients

1 Cup White Flour

1 1/2 Cup Oats (I used Natural Quick Cooking Oats)

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Granulated Splenda

1 1/4 Cup No Sugar Added (Natural) Applesauce

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

Directions

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees

Mix together in large bowl: Flour, Oats, Baking Soda, and Salt

Stir Until Well Blended

Add in: Splenda, Applesauce, Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips, and Peanut Butter

Stir Until Well Blended

Coat Cooking Sheet or Mini-Muffin Tin with Non Stick Spray

Drop By Rounded Tablespoon onto Cooking Sheets

Cook For 15 Minutes

Calories: 64 Weight Watchers Points Plus: 1

]]>

These chocolate chip cookies are sooooo good - and they only weigh in at 1 Weight Watcher Point and just 64 Calories each! Here's how you can whip some up today:

Ingredients

1 Cup White Flour

1 1/2 Cup Oats (I used Natural Quick Cooking Oats)

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1 Tsp Salt

1 Cup Granulated Splenda

1 1/4 Cup No Sugar Added (Natural) Applesauce

1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

Directions

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees

Mix together in large bowl: Flour, Oats, Baking Soda, and Salt

Stir Until Well Blended

Add in: Splenda, Applesauce, Vanilla Extract, Chocolate Chips, and Peanut Butter

Stir Until Well Blended

Coat Cooking Sheet or Mini-Muffin Tin with Non Stick Spray

Drop By Rounded Tablespoon onto Cooking Sheets

Cook For 15 Minutes

Calories: 64 Weight Watchers Points Plus: 1

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/skinny-chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-cookies/feed/ 2 Hit The Road Jack http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/hit-the-road-jack/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/hit-the-road-jack/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:51:31 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13800

Today we are taking a trip to PA. 8 hours in the car for me typically spells Mountain Dew (not diet!) and lots of stops at gas stations/Taco Bell/Starbucks for various unhealthy treats.

Since I've been doing relatively well this week I don't wanna eat a bunch of crap tonight. So....I've devised a very clever plan to keep myself honest. It's very shocking so try to contain your surprise...

I'm going to pack food from home!!

Still with me? Good deal.

I packed up a giant bag of grapes, some skinny chocolate chip cookies (recipe will be up later tonight - check back!), and Pepsi Next.

On a side note, have you tried Pepsi Next yet? I'm excited to try it!

I'm hoping these snacks hold off my snacking urge!

Gotta run! I'm off to buy a Mega Millions ticket before we leave. I hope I win!
]]>

Today we are taking a trip to PA. 8 hours in the car for me typically spells Mountain Dew (not diet!) and lots of stops at gas stations/Taco Bell/Starbucks for various unhealthy treats.

Since I've been doing relatively well this week I don't wanna eat a bunch of crap tonight. So....I've devised a very clever plan to keep myself honest. It's very shocking so try to contain your surprise...

I'm going to pack food from home!!

Still with me? Good deal.

I packed up a giant bag of grapes, some skinny chocolate chip cookies (recipe will be up later tonight - check back!), and Pepsi Next.

On a side note, have you tried Pepsi Next yet? I'm excited to try it!

I'm hoping these snacks hold off my snacking urge!

Gotta run! I'm off to buy a Mega Millions ticket before we leave. I hope I win!
]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/30/hit-the-road-jack/feed/ 0 Hard Boiled Baked Eggs http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/hard-boiled-baked-eggs/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/hard-boiled-baked-eggs/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:45:00 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13784

I read somewhere over the past few days that you can hard boil eggs by not boiling, but baking them. This intrigued me because I love hard boiled eggs but hate actually boiling the water and waiting for them to cook.

I decided to give this baking egg method a try, and it turned out perfectly!

Hard Boiled Baked Eggs

1. Pre-heat oven to 325 Degrees

2. Place eggs either in muffin tins or even directly on oven rack

3. Bake eggs for 30 minutes

4. Once 30 Minutes is up, use a cooking glove to pick the eggs up and place them into ice cold water until they are cool enough to handle

5. Peel them. I went ahead and peeled up all my eggs at once, and did it under the water to make it easier. It worked pretty well for me using this way.

You end up with perfectly cooked hard boiled (baked) eggs!

Eggs tend to get a bad wrap because of their cholesterol, but unless you are eating tons of them, they have some really good health benefits. They are loaded with protein and vitamins - and only 2 Weight Watchers Points!

What's your favorite way to eat an egg?

]]>

I read somewhere over the past few days that you can hard boil eggs by not boiling, but baking them. This intrigued me because I love hard boiled eggs but hate actually boiling the water and waiting for them to cook.

I decided to give this baking egg method a try, and it turned out perfectly!

Hard Boiled Baked Eggs

1. Pre-heat oven to 325 Degrees

2. Place eggs either in muffin tins or even directly on oven rack

3. Bake eggs for 30 minutes

4. Once 30 Minutes is up, use a cooking glove to pick the eggs up and place them into ice cold water until they are cool enough to handle

5. Peel them. I went ahead and peeled up all my eggs at once, and did it under the water to make it easier. It worked pretty well for me using this way.

You end up with perfectly cooked hard boiled (baked) eggs!

Eggs tend to get a bad wrap because of their cholesterol, but unless you are eating tons of them, they have some really good health benefits. They are loaded with protein and vitamins - and only 2 Weight Watchers Points!

What's your favorite way to eat an egg?

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/hard-boiled-baked-eggs/feed/ 0 Facing The Steel Square + Gift Card Giveaway http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/facing-the-steel-square-gift-card-giveaway/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/facing-the-steel-square-gift-card-giveaway/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13587

We've all had those weeks. You know the ones. You had too much fast food, too much ice cream, your monthly friend is visiting, or you walked 13 miles over the weekend and your body is retaining so much water in your muscles that it is affecting the scale true story!.

It would be really easy to just skip a weigh in. You know - give yourself another week to get the weight off.

Why It's Important To Still Weigh In:

1. If you gained - you gained. So what. The scale does not control who you are as a person. It's a measure of feedback. Take the number, suck it up and learn from it.

2. If you gained - okay. Deal with it. Figure out what went wrong. If you're eating too much extra things (fast food, ice cream, chips, chickens, Philadelphia Indulgence Creme) make a plan to nip it. Is nighttime eating a problem for you? Make a plan so that you are more busy in the evening with less time of idle hands to snack. Or just plan for a hearty snack in the evening.

3. If you gained - why? Gaining on the scale is a sure fire way to take a look at the week you just had and figure out what went wrong so that you can avoid doing that again. Is there a food you might be eating that you aren't truly giving the full point value to?

Full disclosure: I never ever ever measure my coffee creamer. Ever. And I usually drink about 6 cups of coffee a day all with creamer in them. I am trying to break myself of creamer and just use milk. I hate drinking milk on it's own, but dairy is important for weight loss and a GHG, so I need to break free!!

Gaining can help you get back on track so you know exactly what you're putting in your pie hole points wise.

I ended up with a gain this week (I'm changing my weigh in schedule, but more on that later!) but it was somewhat expected. I ended up 1.8 and gained back a point to eat this week. I can't break free from that one extra point that keeps creeping back in! Yeah, I know - complaining about having another point to eat - you're crying for me, right? ;-)

I want to blame it all on the fact that I walked 13 miles this weekend and that's something I don't typically do.....but in reality, I have a feeling that I've become a little lax this week on my BLT's (Bites, Licks, and Tastes!). The plan is to start fresh this week and track like a mad man! Starting with my very boring breakfast......

Doesn't it just look so sad? I like some pop and excitement in my breakfast, so I think this is not gonna happen again......

By the way, you can still get entries into the Skinny Rewards Gift Card Giveaway! You get points each week for weight loss, healthy eating, exercise, and following me on social media. It's really simple and a great way to increase your health and get a chance at some moolah!

You can read about the different points for Skinny Rewards. Just for participating each week you'll be entered to win one of (2) $50 gift cards to the location of the winners choice!

Want in? Just follow these steps....

1. Participate in this Weekly Wednesday Weigh In. Let me know what weight you lost this week (you do not have to weigh in on Wednesday - if you weigh on Sunday, just tell me your Sunday loss). If you have a blog, write a post and hit the linky below - if you don't have a blog leave a comment. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your weight loss in a comment, please send me an email (amber @ skinnypoints.com, a message on Facebook, or a direct message through Twitter).

2. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. Leave me a comment for each social media venue that you are following me on. This way I know to give you points. Even if you are already following me there, leave me a comment again, as you can continue to get points each week you follow!

3. Share it! Yes, you can tweet, share, and pin more than once:

Tweet this message: "Want to lose weight and win some money? Get started with #skinnyrewards today - http://wp.me/pJrLS-3x9"

Share this weekly post from my Facebook page with your friends there

Pin This Image:

4. You get points just for making healthier choices as well!

Get points each day you get at least 5 Fruits and/or Vegetables. Leave me a comment with how many days you've gotten them in!

Get points each day you get at least 30 minutes of exercise. It doesn't have to be structured, just get moving! Again, Leave me a comment with how many days you've gotten them in.

5. Subscribe to Email updates or RSS Feed. Again, leave me a comment and let me know if you've signed up initially or you are still following - you get points for both!

Let's get this started and see how much weight we can all lose in six weeks!

Disclaimer: I am neither a doctor, dietician, or nurse. I don't recommend you losing weight or trying to lose unless your doctor has approved you seeking that venture. If you are interested in starting and maintaining a weight loss, diet modification, or exercise routine, please see your doctor first. I am not a participant in this contest, just sponsoring it! See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]>

We've all had those weeks. You know the ones. You had too much fast food, too much ice cream, your monthly friend is visiting, or you walked 13 miles over the weekend and your body is retaining so much water in your muscles that it is affecting the scale true story!.

It would be really easy to just skip a weigh in. You know - give yourself another week to get the weight off.

Why It's Important To Still Weigh In:

1. If you gained - you gained. So what. The scale does not control who you are as a person. It's a measure of feedback. Take the number, suck it up and learn from it.

2. If you gained - okay. Deal with it. Figure out what went wrong. If you're eating too much extra things (fast food, ice cream, chips, chickens, Philadelphia Indulgence Creme) make a plan to nip it. Is nighttime eating a problem for you? Make a plan so that you are more busy in the evening with less time of idle hands to snack. Or just plan for a hearty snack in the evening.

3. If you gained - why? Gaining on the scale is a sure fire way to take a look at the week you just had and figure out what went wrong so that you can avoid doing that again. Is there a food you might be eating that you aren't truly giving the full point value to?

Full disclosure: I never ever ever measure my coffee creamer. Ever. And I usually drink about 6 cups of coffee a day all with creamer in them. I am trying to break myself of creamer and just use milk. I hate drinking milk on it's own, but dairy is important for weight loss and a GHG, so I need to break free!!

Gaining can help you get back on track so you know exactly what you're putting in your pie hole points wise.

I ended up with a gain this week (I'm changing my weigh in schedule, but more on that later!) but it was somewhat expected. I ended up 1.8 and gained back a point to eat this week. I can't break free from that one extra point that keeps creeping back in! Yeah, I know - complaining about having another point to eat - you're crying for me, right? ;-)

I want to blame it all on the fact that I walked 13 miles this weekend and that's something I don't typically do.....but in reality, I have a feeling that I've become a little lax this week on my BLT's (Bites, Licks, and Tastes!). The plan is to start fresh this week and track like a mad man! Starting with my very boring breakfast......

Doesn't it just look so sad? I like some pop and excitement in my breakfast, so I think this is not gonna happen again......

By the way, you can still get entries into the Skinny Rewards Gift Card Giveaway! You get points each week for weight loss, healthy eating, exercise, and following me on social media. It's really simple and a great way to increase your health and get a chance at some moolah!

You can read about the different points for Skinny Rewards. Just for participating each week you'll be entered to win one of (2) $50 gift cards to the location of the winners choice!

Want in? Just follow these steps....

1. Participate in this Weekly Wednesday Weigh In. Let me know what weight you lost this week (you do not have to weigh in on Wednesday - if you weigh on Sunday, just tell me your Sunday loss). If you have a blog, write a post and hit the linky below - if you don't have a blog leave a comment. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your weight loss in a comment, please send me an email (amber @ skinnypoints.com, a message on Facebook, or a direct message through Twitter).

2. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. Leave me a comment for each social media venue that you are following me on. This way I know to give you points. Even if you are already following me there, leave me a comment again, as you can continue to get points each week you follow!

3. Share it! Yes, you can tweet, share, and pin more than once:

Tweet this message: "Want to lose weight and win some money? Get started with #skinnyrewards today - http://wp.me/pJrLS-3x9"

Share this weekly post from my Facebook page with your friends there

Pin This Image:

4. You get points just for making healthier choices as well!

Get points each day you get at least 5 Fruits and/or Vegetables. Leave me a comment with how many days you've gotten them in!

Get points each day you get at least 30 minutes of exercise. It doesn't have to be structured, just get moving! Again, Leave me a comment with how many days you've gotten them in.

5. Subscribe to Email updates or RSS Feed. Again, leave me a comment and let me know if you've signed up initially or you are still following - you get points for both!

Let's get this started and see how much weight we can all lose in six weeks!

Disclaimer: I am neither a doctor, dietician, or nurse. I don't recommend you losing weight or trying to lose unless your doctor has approved you seeking that venture. If you are interested in starting and maintaining a weight loss, diet modification, or exercise routine, please see your doctor first. I am not a participant in this contest, just sponsoring it! See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/28/facing-the-steel-square-gift-card-giveaway/feed/ 0 Food Find: Special K Cracker Chips http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/food-find-special-k-cracker-chips/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/food-find-special-k-cracker-chips/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13591

I have found that there are some favorites that I have while on Weight Watchers. These foods are good to have though even if you aren't counting points or calories - they're that good!

Today's food find is Special K Cracker Chips. As a potato chip elitist, I can attest to the goodness of these chips.

Here's the down and dirty of the nutritional facts (for Sea Salt at least, which in my opinion, is the best one!):

Serving Size: 30 Chips

Calories: 110

Points Plus Value: 3

Total Fat: 2.5 g

Carbs: 23 g

Sodium: 230 mg - 10% DV

Protein: 2 g

Fiber: 3 g

Now, I think that 30 chips is A LOT. I usually have about 10 with a meal and that's more than enough for me. Plus that means that I can enjoy chips for only 1 point! Pretty sweet, right?

These run around $3.69 in the stores at regular price, but can be found on sale for as low as $2 - $2.50 after coupon, of course!. You can also pick up Special K Cracker Chips At Amazon for only $2.77 per box with Subscribe & Save - plus you get FREE shipping with that option......and you'll have enough chips to last a while because they do go quickly!

Just don't end up like this guy!

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]>

I have found that there are some favorites that I have while on Weight Watchers. These foods are good to have though even if you aren't counting points or calories - they're that good!

Today's food find is Special K Cracker Chips. As a potato chip elitist, I can attest to the goodness of these chips.

Here's the down and dirty of the nutritional facts (for Sea Salt at least, which in my opinion, is the best one!):

Serving Size: 30 Chips

Calories: 110

Points Plus Value: 3

Total Fat: 2.5 g

Carbs: 23 g

Sodium: 230 mg - 10% DV

Protein: 2 g

Fiber: 3 g

Now, I think that 30 chips is A LOT. I usually have about 10 with a meal and that's more than enough for me. Plus that means that I can enjoy chips for only 1 point! Pretty sweet, right?

These run around $3.69 in the stores at regular price, but can be found on sale for as low as $2 - $2.50 after coupon, of course!. You can also pick up Special K Cracker Chips At Amazon for only $2.77 per box with Subscribe & Save - plus you get FREE shipping with that option......and you'll have enough chips to last a while because they do go quickly!

Just don't end up like this guy!

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/food-find-special-k-cracker-chips/feed/ 0 I Need To Run http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/i-need-to-run/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/i-need-to-run/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:53:08 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13748

Source: 27.media.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

While walking 13 miles this weekend was a lot of fun, it caused me some foot issues and my calves are still tight! I'm stretching them out today in hopes that I can hop back into my running program again today. I need to get back on the pavement!

I feel like when I am sticking to a running program it is easier for me to keep my diet in check. Anyone else recognize that in themselves?

It's been really difficult for me since Saturday. I don't know why....but I find myself eating things and not tracking them and taking way too many extra bites here and there. It's super frustrating!

I did reorganize the fridge last night, and that has helped me so far this morning. I had a lot of stuff in there, but it wasn't organized, and like I've said before - if it's not already prepped and sitting there right in my face, I'm less likely to eat it. Yes, because I am that lazy ;-)

So I am hoping and hoping that today I'll be able to run. At least if nothing else, I'm going to get a walk in. I need to run. Which is very cool that I miss it so much. What a difference a year can make!

Are you hitting the pavement today? It's absolutely gorgeous here today - I think Spring might be my fav season!

]]>

Source: 27.media.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

While walking 13 miles this weekend was a lot of fun, it caused me some foot issues and my calves are still tight! I'm stretching them out today in hopes that I can hop back into my running program again today. I need to get back on the pavement!

I feel like when I am sticking to a running program it is easier for me to keep my diet in check. Anyone else recognize that in themselves?

It's been really difficult for me since Saturday. I don't know why....but I find myself eating things and not tracking them and taking way too many extra bites here and there. It's super frustrating!

I did reorganize the fridge last night, and that has helped me so far this morning. I had a lot of stuff in there, but it wasn't organized, and like I've said before - if it's not already prepped and sitting there right in my face, I'm less likely to eat it. Yes, because I am that lazy ;-)

So I am hoping and hoping that today I'll be able to run. At least if nothing else, I'm going to get a walk in. I need to run. Which is very cool that I miss it so much. What a difference a year can make!

Are you hitting the pavement today? It's absolutely gorgeous here today - I think Spring might be my fav season!

]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/27/i-need-to-run/feed/ 0 13 Miles and Hunger Games http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/26/13-miles-and-hunger-games/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/26/13-miles-and-hunger-games/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:09:10 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13737

My husband and I decided earlier in the week that we were going to drop my kids of with my parents and walk across 2 cities (small ones) to get to a movie theater and watch Hunger Games - great idea, right?

It was actually a ton of fun. We ended up doing 13.05 miles in just over three hours and arrived at the movie theater just in time.

**Disclaimer - Walking past the power plant screwed up my GPS, so I don't think that pace is accurate!**

Our plan was to watch The Hunger Games, walk a few more miles back, then eat dinner, then walk the rest of the way back to my parents.....

BUT, I had a blister the size of my heel yes, the entire heel and several other smaller blisters on my right foot, my back and arms were burnt like crazy, (Didn't wear sunscreen because we were on a shaded trail for most of it!)and it was getting close to sunset by the time we got out of the movie, so we didn't end up walking back.

If we did, we would have been close to walking a marathon in one day!

While I am thinking about the movie- I did not like it...... I loved the books - all of them. I just felt that while the movie styaed true to the book - Which I appreciate - I felt that it would have been condensed in spots. It felt a little slow and drawn out to me. I'm hoping the next one will be a little bit better. After all, you would think a book that has a lot of action would have a lot of action in the movie, right?

What did you weekend adventures lead you to? Anything fun and exciting?
]]>

My husband and I decided earlier in the week that we were going to drop my kids of with my parents and walk across 2 cities (small ones) to get to a movie theater and watch Hunger Games - great idea, right?

It was actually a ton of fun. We ended up doing 13.05 miles in just over three hours and arrived at the movie theater just in time.

**Disclaimer - Walking past the power plant screwed up my GPS, so I don't think that pace is accurate!**

Our plan was to watch The Hunger Games, walk a few more miles back, then eat dinner, then walk the rest of the way back to my parents.....

BUT, I had a blister the size of my heel yes, the entire heel and several other smaller blisters on my right foot, my back and arms were burnt like crazy, (Didn't wear sunscreen because we were on a shaded trail for most of it!)and it was getting close to sunset by the time we got out of the movie, so we didn't end up walking back.

If we did, we would have been close to walking a marathon in one day!

While I am thinking about the movie- I did not like it...... I loved the books - all of them. I just felt that while the movie styaed true to the book - Which I appreciate - I felt that it would have been condensed in spots. It felt a little slow and drawn out to me. I'm hoping the next one will be a little bit better. After all, you would think a book that has a lot of action would have a lot of action in the movie, right?

What did you weekend adventures lead you to? Anything fun and exciting?
]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/26/13-miles-and-hunger-games/feed/ 0 Weight Watchers Good Health Guideline – Healthy Oils http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/23/weight-watchers-good-health-guideline-healthy-oils/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/23/weight-watchers-good-health-guideline-healthy-oils/#comments Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13579

In my Weight Watchers meeting last week the good health guideline of healthy oils started being discussed, and there was a lot of questions about them. Some members didn't know what they were, others thought you could just take fish oil supplements and meet the requirement, a few of us knew what they were and ways to get them in, and a few others swore that you could eat an avocado and satisfy the requirement.

I was one of the people that knew the what, why, and how to get the oils in. Some people didin't want to get the oils each week because it takes 2 points of your day to satisfy the requirement. My opinion on that is it's only 2 points - and if it is one of the good health guidelines of the Weight Watchers plan you should probably be working to satisfy it.....because if you're not - then you are following your own plan and not really doing Weight Watchers Good Lord - I could write a whole long long post on that one too!

So What Are Good Healthy Oils and Why Do We Need Them?

There are five good healthy oils that you can choose from to satisfy your healthy oil requirement. They are Canola, Olive, Safflower, Sunflower, and Flax Seed Oil. Please note that this has to be a pourable oil. Caplets, Fish Oil Seeds, Flax Seeds, and even avocados will not count!

The reason that Weight Watchers built this as a part of their plan is that healthy oils help our bodies do a few things:

1. Our body can't process certain nutrients and vitamins without having healthy fats running though our systems as well. One of those frequent foods (another good health guideline) is fruits and vegetables. We can't process all the nutrients in those items without healthy oils - and if I'm eating them, I want the full benefit!

2. Healthy oils help your skin, hair, and nails to stay shiny smooth and looking brilliant.

3. Healthy oils help you poo. Just saying.

How In The World Do I Use These In My Diet?

All you need to satisfy the good health guideline each day is 2 teaspoons of the healthy oils per day. It's pretty easy to get in - here are a few suggestions of ways to painlessly add them to your day:

- Add it to your oatmeal

- Add it to your smoothie

- Place Asparagus In A Baking Pan and Drizzle on top with Sea Salt (freaking amazing, btw!)

- Place Broccoli In A Baking Pan and Drizzle On Top

- Place *Any Vegetable You Want* In A Baking Pan and Drizzle On Top

- Make Your Own Salad Dressing - Use 2 tsp of healthy oil and Mix Mrs. Dash Into It

- Put it in your skillet before making eggs

Do you get your healthy oils in each day? Any unique ways to use them? (I'm always looking for new ways!)
]]>

In my Weight Watchers meeting last week the good health guideline of healthy oils started being discussed, and there was a lot of questions about them. Some members didn't know what they were, others thought you could just take fish oil supplements and meet the requirement, a few of us knew what they were and ways to get them in, and a few others swore that you could eat an avocado and satisfy the requirement.

I was one of the people that knew the what, why, and how to get the oils in. Some people didin't want to get the oils each week because it takes 2 points of your day to satisfy the requirement. My opinion on that is it's only 2 points - and if it is one of the good health guidelines of the Weight Watchers plan you should probably be working to satisfy it.....because if you're not - then you are following your own plan and not really doing Weight Watchers Good Lord - I could write a whole long long post on that one too!

So What Are Good Healthy Oils and Why Do We Need Them?

There are five good healthy oils that you can choose from to satisfy your healthy oil requirement. They are Canola, Olive, Safflower, Sunflower, and Flax Seed Oil. Please note that this has to be a pourable oil. Caplets, Fish Oil Seeds, Flax Seeds, and even avocados will not count!

The reason that Weight Watchers built this as a part of their plan is that healthy oils help our bodies do a few things:

1. Our body can't process certain nutrients and vitamins without having healthy fats running though our systems as well. One of those frequent foods (another good health guideline) is fruits and vegetables. We can't process all the nutrients in those items without healthy oils - and if I'm eating them, I want the full benefit!

2. Healthy oils help your skin, hair, and nails to stay shiny smooth and looking brilliant.

3. Healthy oils help you poo. Just saying.

How In The World Do I Use These In My Diet?

All you need to satisfy the good health guideline each day is 2 teaspoons of the healthy oils per day. It's pretty easy to get in - here are a few suggestions of ways to painlessly add them to your day:

- Add it to your oatmeal

- Add it to your smoothie

- Place Asparagus In A Baking Pan and Drizzle on top with Sea Salt (freaking amazing, btw!)

- Place Broccoli In A Baking Pan and Drizzle On Top

- Place *Any Vegetable You Want* In A Baking Pan and Drizzle On Top

- Make Your Own Salad Dressing - Use 2 tsp of healthy oil and Mix Mrs. Dash Into It

- Put it in your skillet before making eggs

Do you get your healthy oils in each day? Any unique ways to use them? (I'm always looking for new ways!)
]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/23/weight-watchers-good-health-guideline-healthy-oils/feed/ 0 Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/22/skinny-fettuccine-alfredo/ http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/22/skinny-fettuccine-alfredo/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000 savingmo http://skinnypoints.com/?p=13577

One meal that I am not willing to give up while enjoying a healthy lifestyle is Fettuccine Alfredo! This is a basic recipe made with imitation Lobster as well as some Yellow Peppers, but the concept for the sauce is the same - you could use it a million ways and it is very friendly for your waist!

Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Serves: 8
This is a great example of a healthier option to a recipe with simply changing several ingredients. It has all the taste but not all the fat! You can customize this as you'd like with the meats used, using no meat, or eliminating or adding different veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
  • 1 - 16 oz Fettuccine Pasta (I prefer Ronzoni Smart Taste or Whole Grain Varieties)
  • 1 - 8 oz Package of Imitation Crab or Lobster Meat
  • 1 - Package of Light Swiss Laughing Cow Cheese (I used Aldi's Version this week!)
  • 3 Tbsp Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Salt
  • 1 Cup Fat Free Milk
  • 1 Yellow Pepper, Diced
Instructions
  1. Pasta:
  2. Boil Water In Pot
  3. Add Fettuccine When Water Is Boiling
  4. Cook Pasta For 8-10 Minutes or As Directed On Box
  5. To Make Sauce:
  6. Add Cheese Wedges, Milk, Garlic Salt, and Parmesan Cheese Into Pot
  7. Cook on Low/Medium Stirring Frequently Until Well Blended
  8. Once Well Blended, Add Peppers and Meat Until Warmed
  9. Mix Pasta and Sauce Together and Enjoy!
Serving size: 1 Cup Calories: 275 Fat: 7
]]>

One meal that I am not willing to give up while enjoying a healthy lifestyle is Fettuccine Alfredo! This is a basic recipe made with imitation Lobster as well as some Yellow Peppers, but the concept for the sauce is the same - you could use it a million ways and it is very friendly for your waist!

Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Serves: 8
This is a great example of a healthier option to a recipe with simply changing several ingredients. It has all the taste but not all the fat! You can customize this as you'd like with the meats used, using no meat, or eliminating or adding different veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
  • 1 - 16 oz Fettuccine Pasta (I prefer Ronzoni Smart Taste or Whole Grain Varieties)
  • 1 - 8 oz Package of Imitation Crab or Lobster Meat
  • 1 - Package of Light Swiss Laughing Cow Cheese (I used Aldi's Version this week!)
  • 3 Tbsp Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Salt
  • 1 Cup Fat Free Milk
  • 1 Yellow Pepper, Diced
Instructions
  1. Pasta:
  2. Boil Water In Pot
  3. Add Fettuccine When Water Is Boiling
  4. Cook Pasta For 8-10 Minutes or As Directed On Box
  5. To Make Sauce:
  6. Add Cheese Wedges, Milk, Garlic Salt, and Parmesan Cheese Into Pot
  7. Cook on Low/Medium Stirring Frequently Until Well Blended
  8. Once Well Blended, Add Peppers and Meat Until Warmed
  9. Mix Pasta and Sauce Together and Enjoy!
Serving size: 1 Cup Calories: 275 Fat: 7
]]> http://skinnypoints.com/2012/03/22/skinny-fettuccine-alfredo/feed/ 0