some "not so good" experiments...

I have to say, that not all culinary experiments go well. Still trying to make some small changes in our family diet to help us ALL. This weekend I've had two FAILS.

First, I made whole wheat pancakes. They are just not the same. And they are too different for my boys to approve. I need to find a yummy healthy alternative. We don't do pancakes often, but I'd love to find a good option.

And this afternoon, I made a cookie out of frozen bananas, mashed, cinnamon, and quick oats. Very bland. DS was not impressed. I think there might be potential there - and what a ridiculously healthy option. So I might play with that one some more. But as they are, he wouldn't eat them again.

Oh well. Not every recipe can be a winner~!

Where have I Been?

I have been BUSY. But I am surviving, and moving forward.

Right now my focus is on creating well balanced meals. Good-for-my family meals. On a budget. So it's tricky, but a challenge!

I am writing down everything I eat every day now, which was QUITE an eye-opener when I started. I put a lot of incidental junk into my body!

Also focusing on water consumption.

AND exercise - zumba twice a week, and elliptical in between. I've also recently been trying to add weight training, as that had great success for me back in college.

I will talk about my progress soon. Been a crazy month in my life, just trying to get caught up!

Today's the day

I've been inspired to refocus on something I've always wanted to do - run. I know that sounds wierd, but I've always wanted to run. But I've been too big. So I've decided that I have plenty of time to jumpstart my weight loss (or reinvent I guess, as I've already begun) - so that I can run a race this summer. I've always wanted to run a 5k. But my first goal will be to run the 2 mile race here in our home town on the 4th of July. There. I've put it out there. I want to RUN the 2 mile race. July 3rd of THIS year.

So today I'm starting a slow regimine on the elliptical. To start building my endurance and pushing my weight loss ahead - so that once the weather is better I can start training outside.

DAY 1~here we go!

Stealing a friend's inspiration!

Stealing a quote from a wise young lady, someone who has had her own share of difficulties in life - more than many.

..." Never give up on something you think about everyday".

This is so true. And I think about my health every day. I am excited about becoming healthy, and more athletic. I think about taking day hiking trips with my family.

 I think about running a 5k. daily. I am obsessed with being able to run a 5k.

So I guess I'm not going to give up on it. I'm going to try harder!

Here's to not giving up on something that is in your heart - and your thoughts!

My visual award...

So after the holidays - I've realized that I am up a few pounds, but still down 38 from a year ago. I can deal with the little hiccup over the holidays. I'm back to eating well, staying active, and getting healthy!

I had wanted for a long time to do something I'd seen on Pinterest - and yesterday, I had time to hang in my workshop and PLAY!

I took two quart size blue Mason jars. I counted out 118 glass beads - my total goal of weight loss. In one jar, I put the 38 that I've lost. The rest went into the other. Tagged with "lost" and "to lose", they are on my window in workshop. A beautiful reminder of how far I've already come, and how far I have to go. To everyone else, they simply look like pretty jars of glass beads.

To me, they are SCREAM....

"BRAVO"!

 

"WAY TO GO MELISSA!"

and I need that sometimes!

Zumba!

I have found a new love to take me through the winter.... ZUMBA.

Recently offered in our little town, I've splurged in allowing myself to pay for it. And I LOVE it. I love to dance, and the instructor is so fun. And honestly, I'm pretty sure 6 months ago I wouldn't have been able to do it at all. And I keep up great. It's a testament to how far I've come. I absolutely keep up!

There are some moves where it's just a lot to move my body - and the weight. But that will continue to get better! For now, I'm sweating twice a week and LOVING it. I may look goofy, but we are having a blast. And I'm shocked at how quickly the 45 minutes goes!

My nemesis at Zumba is the Baliwood belly dancing song. Hips don't move so well anymore. So I need to work on it! And speaking of hips - they get pretty sore. Not pain, just soreness. Hoping that is just a sign that they are moving in ways they haven't moved in twenty years!

zumba

Today I tried something new - attending a Zumba class for the first time - and I LOVED IT. I am very excited to find something fun to do for exercise over the winter. My walking will lessen as we get into our Wisconsin winter, so I was looking for something other than my elliptical to fill in. And I think Zumba could be it. Very excited. The key - keeping it fresh!