The first gain is the hardest...

For the first time since I started trying to lose weight I have gained. Now, I am not surprised. I have been horrible this week :( I have had horrible PMS, cravings, feeling hungry and counting every single thing that went in my mouth (Insert That's what she said joke). I am not sure what happened this week to really set me off, but regardless it did. Now, before you think I am going back to my old ways - let me digress - I AM NOT. I was sad when I saw the gain, but I know it is part of this journey. I am not going to give up! I have one week left of my Diet Bet and I am going to win. I am tracking every single thing, upping my water intake and moving more! 

This past week was a fun week! We were snowed in, we stayed up late and watched movies. I made healthy snacks, but may not have stayed in my portion control. That is key for me. Watching my portions. For some reason I struggle with that. I have been an over eater for 10+ years now. It is going to change, but like everything, not over night.  Let's be honest though. There are no magic secrets, the basic principal to weight loss is simple. Eat less, move more.

Something so simple, is so hard for me (and others). But I am doing it. Even with minor hiccups. I am doing this. Take a minute and let me know how your week has been? Are you on track? Any tips for stopping the cravings and having more discipline? 

I wrote a little bit more about it on Skinny Meg today, if you want to check it out.

Super Bowl Snacks

I have a food problem, (duh, look at my weight) I love to entertain and cook for people. I have been scouring the internet trying to find low fat, delicious crowd pleasing recipes. I have been testing some out the last few weeks and I am happy to report the following recipes back to you. I loved them, Hubs loved them and anyone that tried them loved them!


 Buffalo Style Stuffed Celery (Weight Watchers 1PP)

1/2 cup(s) low fat cream cheese, softened   
2 Tbsp blue cheese, softened 
1/2 tsp minced garlic   
1/4 tsp table salt 
5 rib(s) (large) uncooked celery, cut into 4 pieces each 
2 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste   
1 Tbsp chives, fresh, chopped (optional)   

• In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, blue cheese, garlic and salt until smooth; spoon about 1/2 tablespoon cheese mixture into each piece of celery.
  
• To serve, arrange stuffed celery on a plate, drizzle each with about 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (or let guests add their own by serving the pepper sauce on the side). Sprinkle with chives if desired. Yields 2 pieces stuffed celery per serving.

 Cauliflower Poppers (Weight Watchers 0 points)

1 spray cooking spray

1 head (medium) uncooked cauliflower

1/2 TSP chili powder (More to taste)

1/2 TSP table salt

1/2 TSP lack pepper

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  
• Cut cauliflower florets into bite-sized pieces (there should be about 4 cups). Place cauliflower in a medium bowl and add cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper; toss well to coat.
  
• Spread cauliflower on prepared baking sheet and bake until cauliflower is tender, but not mushy, stirring halfway through, about 10 minutes. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.

 Creamy Mexican Dip (Weight Watchers 1 points per serving)

1 cup(s) plain fat free yogurt, Greek-variety recommended 

1 cup(s) plain fat free yogurt, Greek-variety recommended 

1/2 item(s) (medium) avocado, diced 

1/3 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped   

1/2 small uncooked red onion(s), chopped 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp table salt, or more to taste Garnish  1/4 item(s) (medium) avocado, diced 1 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped   1 Tbsp (chopped) uncooked red onion(s), chopped   In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt and salsa until blended; stir in remaining ingredients except garnishes. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. When ready to serve, transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with garnishes. Yields about 1/4 cup per serving. This dip combines all those favorite Mexican flavors like salsa, avocado and cilantro using fat-free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It also makes a wonderful topping for tacos or other Mexican foods — and then you don't have to set out separate bowls of salsa, sour cream, avocado, cilantro and onion. Ok, your turn - share some of your favorite, go to healthy crowd pleasing snacks :)

25 things you didn't know about me....

Since a lot of you are new here I thought I'd tell you a little bit about me... Feel free to leave me tidbits about you in the comment section :)

1. I love water. Ocean, baths, lake and rivers (I don't swim in the last two bc of snakes but I still love to be near them!). There is something calming about water to me.
2. I have one younger brother 
3. I turn 30 in August
4. Justin and I became homeowners in September 2013
5. I got married on 8-4-12. We had an outdoor wedding with a barn reception.
6. I have two Boston Terrors :) They are loved, spoiled and very much a part of our family.
7. I love trashy reality TV
8. My husband is truly my greatest gift
9. I get mad in 2 seconds flat and am usually over it with in 30 seconds. I have extreme emotions
10. I have a sweet tooth
11. I love traveling
12. I love food, eating new things!
13. When I was little I used to be pretend I was a mermaid... (the water obsession started early)
14. Want to buy something? Call me first - I have a coupon!
15. I can't wait to be a mother
16. I debate getting a new car every single day ( I really love my Jeep though)
17. Recently, I have the desire to move - I want land and room for our family. Our current house is our 5 year plan.
18. I get annoyed when people don't shovel their sidewalks, driveways and steps. My husband created this annoyance lol - he is very methodical about our driveways and I love him for it!
19. I want to go to Paris, Alaska and South Africa.
20. I read blogs every single day.
21. If  I start to read a book, I can't stop until it is finished. This is the reason I don't start books on weeknights.
22. I take pride in giving good gifts and a I am horrible person to give a gift to. I don't have wants. 
23. Music is meant to be played loud.
24. I love old school rap
25. I am blessed with far more than I ever deserve, but I am thankful for it all! 

Where is my sunshine?! (totally random post)

I am a West Virginia born and raised girl. I am used to winters and snow. But the past two weeks has taken a toll on my sanity, lol. The roads are continuously bad, the snow keeps coming  and we just keep shoveling :)  (I wish I would have worn my Polar Watch yesterday, we helped shovel 3 neighbors and our driveway)

This is our interstate, currently... ( I did not take these pics, I got them from our road condition Facebook group, I am home safe and warm)

Justin and I enjoyed some movies this weekend, not going anywhere and doing house things. Justin got his man room in the basement organized and I worked some in the garage. We rarely have weekends were we have no where to be or any agenda so it was really nice just to do nothing! 

Weight Watchers was cancelled yesterday, and I am sure it will be cancelled today. I am weighing myself at home, I am still seeing a loss :) I will do an official weigh in on Skinny Meg's blog this week,Thursday. I had a few indulgences this weekend but overall did Ok. I will let the scale tell me how well later this week!

I hope you have a great Monday! My East Coast friends, stay warm, stay safe and enjoy the snow! 

My update on this week

For those of you who don't read Skinny Meg (not sure why anyone wouldn't) below is the update she posted yesterday (that I wrote) about how this past week has been. Let me recap, I am getting ready to start, my hormones cause me to need to eat, the scale isn't moving as much as I want it to and it so stinking cold here! Negative temperatures this week - The beach vacation in April is looking better and better. (76 days)

I am going grocery shopping tonight to get ready for the upcoming snow storm and just to get it over with. So later today I have to meal plan. If you have any go to meals, send them to me. Easy, yummy and low points please!

Have a safe and warm weekend!

My post :

Isn't it funny how things work out? I have been having inner turmoil about what to write this week. Before I got my email from Meg asking us to send it a scale/weigh in pic, I had debated sugar coating the last few days. But sugar coating doesn't help me or you, so the truth it is...

I have been nothing short of a hot mess the past few days. After my Weight Watcher's weigh in on Sunday I allowed myself my favorite fast food treat - Taco Bell. Now, I counted EVERYTHING and I wasn't over points - but those 29 points were not used in the healthiest way. Monday, I was a human garbage disposal. I was over 3 points. Tuesday when I got home early (snow dismissal) I had the munchies. I had a bowl of cereal and then a few tortilla chips. I didn't need those snacks and I could have used the points better. I am not sure what exactly is my issue but I have to stop with the useless snacking. (now, this may be TMI) I am getting ready to start  in 4 days, every month during this time I really have food struggles. I am not sure if it is really hormonal or all in my head, but the constant hunger pains around this time never fail. Any one else struggle with this?

I sat down to watch Biggest Loser Tuesday night. (It was Makeover Night). The tears started and never stopped. I could relate to something in everyone's story. Especially Marie. She went on the show to lose weight to start a family. Justin and I want to start a family, I owe my health to my unborn children, my husband and myself. I had to give myself a check. I have stayed in my points for the week. A loss is a loss. The scale is moving!  The weight isn't going to fall completely off in a few days. This is a struggle, every day isn't going to be perfect. But, the positive, I didn't fall off the wagon, I didn't go buy a bag of Snickers and wine (and eat them all in one setting). And for all of that I am proud of myself. 

I was excited to show you all that I have lost 9.6lbs in the past two weeks. My DietBet goal is 12. I am on track to do this and it is partly because of y'alls support! I can't get over how much being held accountable really does help motivate me and help me keep on track. Surprisingly blogging has been huge for me! I have started blogging every day and many of you have came over daily and offered support! I can't think you enough for that!! I wish weight loss was easier. I really do wish there was a magic pill that would take off the 100lbs I have to lose, give me a six pack and thighs that don't touch. It is much easier putting on the weight than taking it off. But taking it off feels so much better!!

It's HUMP DAY!!!!!!

Happy Wednesday! We have been blessed with snow the past few days. Yesterday we closed work at 3 so I got to go home a little early, which was nice! I spent some time reading my new book, which I am 3 chapters in and pleasently surprised at how much I like it. I love Crystal's blog and get so many awesome tips/ideas for her! If you haven't checked it out, put it on your to-do list.

I of course watched Biggest Loser last night. Makeover week is my favorite!!! Did you watch? What did you think! Wasn't David a fox? I won't spoil it for anyone that didn't watch yet, but again put it on your to-do list!

I have got a few emails asking me what I have been cooking for dinner to keep me full and low in points. I am going to show you a few of my favorites! If you don't follow me on Pinterest, you should! I am a food posting junkie! Do you pin? If so leave your Pinterest name so I can follow you!

This is one of my go-to Crock Pot meals. It is yummy, full of flavor and low in points. And did I mention easy? --

                         WW - Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/201465783300229054/

Another super simple, super yummy week nigh dinner. 

Weight Watchers Cheesy Spinach Shells 

http://toprecipesmagazine.com/weight-watchers-cheese-and-chicken-shells-healthy-low-calories-recipes/

 And my last one for today - I was skeptical about this one, but it is actually pretty good! I used Garlic Hummus but I am sure you could use whatever you had on hand!

Hummus Crusted Chicken

http://www.joysama.com/2013/08/hummus-crusted-chicken.html

What do you cook for dinner? What are some of your favorites? 

Monday Madness

It's just another manic Monday... For the girl who doesn't work Mondays this one is going to be rough! (I am working today)

First, do you like the new design? I love it. I will be honest, it isn't something I thought I would have wanted but when Amber designed it and sent it back to me, I loved it! If you are looking for a blog face lift  go visit Amber. She was awesome to work with!!! ( I am not being paid, compensated or get any kickbacks for telling you this!)

Weigh in was yesterday, according the the official Weight Watcher's scale I am down 5.5lbs! I will take it. I started Diet Bet a few days before WW so my at home weight loss is greater, but I am taking every victory I can! 

I haven't re taken my measurements since the beginning of Diet Bet. I am excited to see how much those change. If you are doing a weight loss program, or trying to be healthy  - Do you reward yourself? Do you set up goals and allow yourself to get a treat when you accomplish them? (manicures, new shoes, a movie night...) If so tell me what works for you?

Diet Bet seems to be working for me now - I am thinking of joining another one when this one is over. If you have done another Diet Bet, how'd you chose it (Besides Skinny Megs)?

Have a great Monday! I hope your weekend was on track and your week starts off great!