Showing posts with label weight Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight Loss. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

What's My Motivation?

What's My Motivation? It's time for me to hit the reset button on my weight loss. I have sort of fallen off the wagon the past week month months and I would like to be proactive in getting right back on--for good!

Seems like I did much better when I had motivators in past. But seeing how I met those and they have passed, I seem to be lacking the drive and motivation now.

For the time being, here are my main motivators:

1. Get back to being comfortable in the new clothes I bought for the summer
2. Size 6 (least 8) Jeans for fall/winter
3. Running a 5K in November.
4. Flexibility.
5. Normal BMI
6. Get rid of the stubborn stomach fat





Just Me ©2006-2013 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

50 Super Foods – The Ultimate Shopping List

50 Super Foods – The Ultimate Shopping List

If you have always wanted the “ultimate shopping list” of the healthiest foods available, search no longer. You’ve found it. Let this list comprise the majority of your overall diet and you’ll regain or improve your health by leaps and bounds!

APPLES
An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Find out why.

APRICOTS
These orangey little fruits are a health inducing powerhouse!
Read more here.

ARTICHOKES
While it can be tough to eat these without drenching them in butter or mayo, these fabulous green globes may actually lower your cholesterol.
Find out more here.

AVOCADOS
Avocados are pretty tough not to love. Read on to find out why.
Read more about avocado’s benefits here.

BANANAS
Bananas may be one of the most pleasant ways to enhance your health.
Find out how by reading more here.

BEANS
Beans provide a ton of fiber to your healthy eating plan. They also provide a host of other health benefits as well. Read about them here.

BEETS
You either love em’ or hate em’. There’s very little in between. But if you love em’, you’ll have a great leg up on those that don’t. Find out why here.

BLUEBERRIES
These lovely little berries are a true nutritional powerhouse!
Find out what they can do for you here.

BROCCOLI
When Mom told you to eat your broccoli, she knew what she was talking about!
Find out about Broccoli’s main health benefit here.

CABBAGE
For those of you who love your cabbage, you can brag about the extra health benefits you may be getting. Find out what to tell your friends here.

CANTALOUPE
Cut into one of these lovely melons and you may just improve your health
in the following ways…

CARROTS
Every kid knows you have to eat your carrots to have healthy eyes. Well guess what? The same applies to adults! But that’s not all you get out of eating your carrots.
Click here to read about the health benefits carrots have to offer.

CAULIFLOWER
This good for you veggie is tops in Vitamin C and Manganese.
Find out what else cauliflower can contribute to your overall health.

CHERRIES
Cherries are one of those nutritional super foods that you should devour while you have the chance. When cherry season arrives, you can feel good about what you’re doing to preserve your brain and heart health. Cherries may be credited with slowing down the aging process and even with ending insomnia!

CHESTNUTS
Often overlooked, these nuts may be great for weight loss, blood pressure and cholesterol. They may fight cancer too!

CHILI PEPPERS
Heat up your meals every chance you get by adding chili peppers to your plate. They promise better digestion, an improved immune system, better blood circulation and digestion. There is even a rumor that chili peppers aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism!

DARK CHOCOLATE
If you need a good excuse to eat your chocolate, look no further. Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate) may be great for cardiovascular health, premature aging and cancer. And guess what!? Dark chocolate is low on the glycemic index!

FIGS
I had a fig tree in my yard growing up and I never ate a single fig. Of course now, I could kick myself for it. Why? Because figs may aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and may even fight cancer. Not bad for this old world fruit!

FISH
While we have to be increasingly careful about the fish we eat, it’s incredibly healthy for you if you can find the good stuff. It may protect your heart, fight cancer and strengthen your immune system.

FLAX
This little seed is a nutritional powerhouse. It may help your digestion, strengthen your immune system and help with diabetes. The only thing better than flax is Chia seeds. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo flax. It’s far more readily available than Chia seeds and often more cost-effective for those on a budget.

GARLIC
Most folks these days know the benefits of eating garlic. But just in case you don’t, here’s the low-down. Garlic may lower cholesterol, help with high blood pressure, fights cancer and even kill certain bacteria. And don’t forget the REAL benefit of garlic. It scares away the vampires! (Or anyone else who gets to close to you after you’ve eaten a lot of it! lol)

GRAPEFRUIT
These under-appreciated fruits may help with weight loss, strengthening your heart and lowering cholesterol.

GRAPES
This fruit is fabulously portable so there’s no excuse not to include them in your healthy eating plan. They may strengthen your eyes, help with circulation and may even fight cancer and kidney stones.

GREEN TEA
1 cup a day is the general rule of thumb with green tea. It may help you fight cancer cells, lose weight and battle against strokes.

HONEY
This ancient medicinal remedy has been used for millenia for various ailments. Among those are the ability to heal wounds, increase digestion and even fight allergies. Try to find local honey if you are using it for allergies.

LEMON/LIME
These sour fruits are amazing at so many things. They may fight everything from cancer to the common cold. Never miss a chance to include these in your eating plan.

MANGOS
This tropical delight may help strengthen your memory as well as your digestion. It also may fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

MUSHROOMS
The lowly mushroom deserves a pedestal for its medicinal uses. It may help control blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. And yes, like many other foods on this list, mushrooms may fight cancer too!

OATS
Oats are well-known for their possible cholesterol lowering abilities. But did you know they may also improve the condition of your skin and help fight diabetes?

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil should be a part of many dishes you cook. It may strengthen the heart, fight diabetes and cancer and help with weight loss. For those with dry skin, it may be an excellent way to cleanse your skin as well! Just put a little on a cotton ball and wipe clean. You’ll never use cleansers and water again!

ONIONS
Onions add a flavorful punch to any dish. But they also may improve your cholesterol and strengthen your heart.

ORANGES
We all know that a nice glass of OJ goes well with just about any breakfast. But did you know that oranges may strengthen your immune system, fight cancer and strengthen your heart?



PEACHES
These summer time treats may be great for digestion and constipation.

PEANUTS
While many have allergies to these little guys, but those that don’t, may enjoy a lower risk of heart disease, cholesterol and prostate cancer. Plus, they may help with weight loss!

PINEAPPLE
Never miss a chance to eat pineapple! Not only is it absolutely delicious on a hot summer day, it may also strengthen your digestion and your bones and aid with weight loss.

PRUNES
So, I think most of us know that one particular benefit that prunes provide. They will definitely “get things moving” when you are constipated. But they may also help your memory and lower your cholesterol.

PUMPKIN
Some folks see pumpkins as something to carve once a year. But the truth is, your friendly Jack-O-Lantern also provides tons of fiber and may control blood pressure and normalize heart function. So this year, carve your pumpkin a few hours before dark, and then bring it in for cooking when the festivities are finished.

POMEGRANATES
These amazing fruits may have up to 7 times the amount of antioxidants of green tea! Impressed? They may also fight cancer, and reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

RICE (BROWN)
Brown rice should be a staple in every one’s diet. Not only is it a very low allergen food, it may also protect your heart and fight diabetes, kidney stones and cancer.

SALMON
Wild salmon provides oodles of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a crucial bit of nutrition for us humans. But that’s not all. Salmon also provides many other vitamins like vitamin B3 and B12 which contribute to a healthy metabolism.

SPINACH
Popeye had the right idea. You have to eat your spinach to grow strong! Why? Spinach may help fight cancer, improve your cardiovascular health and improve brain function!

STRAWBERRIES
These little berries are easy to include in your eating plan. I mean, who doesn’t like strawberries? (Unless you’re allergic). Strawberries may fight cancer, strengthen your heart, helps you stay calm and increase your memory.

SWEET POTATOES
Healthy eaters know, sweet potatoes are a fantastic carb to include in your healthy eating plan! But why? Because they may protect your vision, encourage a good mood, fight cancer and keep your bones strong. That’s why!

TOMATOES
These fabulous orbs may be big time cancer fighters! They also help battle high cholesterol.

WALNUTS
These nuts may be great for lowering cholesterol, fighting cancer and improving your memory. (I need LOTS of walnuts!)

WATER
We all know we have to get our 8 glasses of water every day (although, we also now know that it can very according to your size and weight). But why is water so vital? Put aside the fact that your body is mostly water to begin with, and you’re left with the fact that water may help you lose weight, fight cancer, keep your skin in great condition and help you battle kidney stones.

WATERMELON
This wonderful summer time treat may be a fabulous aid for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, avoiding strokes and controlling your blood pressure. So eat up!

WHEAT GERM
The healthiest “germ” you’ll ever include in your diet! It may help fight colon cancer, keep things “moving smoothly” and help your digestion in a big way.

WHEAT BRAN
Bran is just as important as the germ. It may help fight colon cancer and keep constipation at bay. But it may also lower cholesterol while it keeps your digestion moving smoothly.

YOGURT
Choose non-fat Greek yogurt to get more protein on top of the following benefits: it may help with increased bone strength, lower cholesterol, a better immune system and better digestion. May also be great for ulcers.






I did not compile this list. Once again I just copied it here so I would have it handy for myself. Please visit Skinny Ms.  


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

8182012

Wow! It is already Saturday again. This week rolled on through. Though that is a good thing. Teens week went well. A little bump in the road with parking, but as I suspected all squared away by yesterday. :)

Teen really liked getting out early Friday so he and dad could golf. Golfing now. Hey! What ever floats your boat. They are actually out again today golfing, so I have a nice and quiet day. One class he is taking is Home Repair and Maintenance. That will come in handy. :) Today for a matter of fact he replaced the spot light on garage and replaced a light switch. You go on with your bad self.

I have still been doing well with eating and exercise. Though my mom had me out eating way more than I like. (Well I like it, don't get me wrong, but not sure help with weight loss) I managed to walk 3 out of the 5 days this week. So that was a PLUS. Tomorrow is weigh in. I didn't drink as much as the Fat Flush water (I hate that name I may rename that .. lol) this week but I still did drink it.

I am proud I am still soda free. I have been ordering water when out. Haven't had the Kool-aid, crystal light, nadda, in the house. Either the FFW or Plain water for me. :) I am very proud of that.

So this past week goals were:
  • Walk at least 3 times this week.
  • Drink Fat Flush water 4x
  • Continue the Skinny Ms. soda Challenge.
  • Work on Cleaning Office some more
  • Clean out hall closet
  • Work on washing the hoodies I have left all summer.
  • Work on ScrapBook on MixBooks

Goals for this week. I think I will just keep continuing on with the same ones, and add a couple new ones.

  • Walk at least 4 times this week.
  • Drink Fat Flush water 4x
  • Continue the Skinny Ms. soda Challenge.
  • Work on Cleaning Office some more
  • Clean out hall closet
  • Scrub Bathroom Down

So we will see. My mother is going back to Dr. on Wednesday to see when they will be scheduling her surgery. So Plans might get all whacked out of place. So we will have to see.

Until later ..




  Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Friday, August 3, 2012

The Ultimate Snack Scorecard

The A's


Jack Link's Beef Jerky Original (1 oz)
Grade: A+
Score: 6.50
Calories: 80

Cottage Cheese 1% + Strawberries (1 cup each)
Grade: A+
Score: 5.58
Calories: 216

Fage Total 2% Greek Yogurt Plain (1 cup)
Grade: A+
Score: 5.33
Calories: 150

Avocado (1/2)
Grade: A
Score: 4.01
Calories: 161

String Cheese (1 piece)
Grade: A
Score: 4.00
Calories: 80

Orange
Grade: A
Score: 3.79
Calories: 62

Pistachios, unshelled raw (1 oz)
Grade: A
Score: 3.54
Calories: 159

Triscuits (1 oz) + deli turkey (2 oz)
Grade: A
Score: 3.51
Calories: 186

Larabar Peanut Butter & Jelly
Grade: A-
Score: 3.29
Calories: 210

Planters Mixed Nuts (1 oz)
Grade: A-
Score: 3.12
Calories: 170

Triscuits (1 oz) + Tribe Hummus (2 Tbsp)
Grade: A-
Score: 3.09
Calories: 170

Cheerios (1 cup) + fat-free milk (1/2 cup)
Grade: A-
Score: 3.00
Calories: 140

The B's


Apple
Grade: B+
Score: 2.98
Calories: 95

Kozy Shack Pudding Chocolate (1 cup)
Grade: B+
Score: 2.92
Calories: 110

Jolly Time Better Butter Microwave Popcorn (4 cups popped)
Grade: B+
Score: 2.75
Calories: 140

Peanut Butter (2 Tbsp) + celery (1 large rib)
Grade: B+
Score: 2.73
Calories: 196

Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt Strawberry
Grade: B
Score: 2.50
Calories: 80

Baked! Tostitos Scoops! (1 oz) + guacamole (2 Tbsp)
Grade: B-
Score: 2.25
Calories: 180

Sunsweet Apricots Mediterranean (6 pieces)
Grade: B-
Score: 2.20
Calories: 100

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars, Apple Cinnamon (1 bar)
Grade: B-
Score: 2.17
Calories: 120

Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips (1 oz)
Grade: B-
Score: 2.14
Calories: 140

The C's

Sun Chips Original (1 oz)
Grade: C+
Score: 1.86
Calories: 140

Dark chocolate (1 oz)
Grade: C+
Score: 1.77
Calories: 164

Ore-Ida Bagel Bites Supreme (4 pieces)
Grade: C+
Score: 1.72
Calories: 180

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Oats 'n Honey (1 pack)
Grade: C
Score: 1.47
Calories: 190

Baked! Tostitos Scoops! (1 oz) + salsa (4 Tbsp)
Grade: C
Score: 1.43
Calories: 140

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (1 bar)
Grade: C
Score: 1.40
Calories: 100

Carrot sticks (1 cup) + Hidden Valley Ranch Original (2 Tbsp)
Grade: C
Score: 1.27
Calories: 190

Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar (1 oz)
Grade: C-
Score: 1.25
Calories: 160

Wheat Thins Original (1 oz)
Grade: C-
Score: 1.18
Calories: 140

Stacy's Pita Chips Simply Naked (1 oz)
Grade: C-
Score: 1.13
Calories: 130

The D's

Nabisco 100 Cal Chips Ahoy! Thin Crisps (1 pack)
Grade: D+
Score: 1.00
Calories: 100

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Cheddar (1 oz)
Grade: D+
Score: 0.89
Calories: 140

Lay's Classic Potato Chips (1 oz)
Grade: D+
Score: 0.88
Calories: 160

Quaker Rice Cakes Caramel Corn (1 cake)
Grade: D+
Score: 0.80
Calories: 50

Rold Gold Pretzels Sticks (1 oz)
Grade: D
Score: 0.65
Calories: 100

Oreos (34 g, 3 cookies)
Grade: D
Score: 0.63
Calories: 160

M&M's Milk Chocolate (1.69 oz)
Grade: D
Score: 0.58
Calories: 240

Twix Caramel Cookie Bars (1 pack)
Grade: D
Score: 0.56
Calories: 220

Cheez-It Original (1 oz)
Grade: D
Score: 0.55
Calories: 150

Nabisco 100 Cal Mr. Salty Yogurt Flavored Pretzels (1 pack)
Grade: D
Score: 0.40
Calories: 100

Totino's Pizza Rolls Combination (6 rolls)
Grade: D-
Score: 0.06
Calories: 210

The F's

Fruit Roll-Ups Blastin' Berry Hot Colors (1 piece)
Grade: F
Score: 0.00
Calories: 50

Jell-O Cups (1 cup)
Grade: F
Score: 0.00
Calories: 70

Doritos Nacho Cheese (1 oz)
Grade: F
Score: -0.07
Calories: 150

Fig Newtons (1 oz)
Grade: F
Score: -0.09
Calories: 110

Snickers Bar
Grade: F
Score: -0.21
Calories: 280

Nilla Wafers (1 oz)
Grade: F
Score: -0.71
Calories: 140

Cheetos (1 oz)
Grade: F
Score: -0.75
Calories: 160

Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies (1 pie)
Grade: F
Score: -0.76
Calories: 170

Taken From Eat This Not That

Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Day 2 Soda Challenge, Cuts, Hospitals, Oh My!

I no sooner post this Soda Challenge post and I get a phone call from teen.

Me: Hello
Teen: Mom
Me: Yes
Teen: I have some bad news
Me: (to self do not panic .. do not panic) Yeessss
Teen: I cut my finger at work, they are sending me to hospital.
Me: Ok. You are right to drive?
Teen: Yep.
Me: Ok, I will meet you there soon as find a ride.
Teen: I am on way to pick u up.

Okay so that was at 10:32. We were not seen for many moons after that. :( Busy night. Here is where I thought was the DOOM of my Challenge. There was no water. None to be bought. None in cooler for those waiting .. nada. I am dying of thirst. Teen brought me he thought was a diet, it wasn't. :( I took one sip and the sugar taste about knocked me over. That was it. I never drank anymore. My sister works behind hospital we were at. So when she went on break she brought me a refreshing drink. ;)

(Note: I decided I was not counting that sip against my challenge & I am moving on)


The cut really wasn't that bad. But work eh, what ya going to do? lol. When we finally at around one was placed in a room. It still wasn't a quick thing.


See how not stopping the texting & playing on phone? Yeah! what I am saying. We did not need to be there. They did end up gluing the flap back together. Thought that was that and we would be on our way. WRONG. Work Comp was on way to do a Pee test for Drug Screen. Bad news, it would be an hour, hour and a half before they got there. Head ---> Desk.



We finally got out of there at 4 a.m. I was not a happy camper by then. Way past this old gals bedtime. Teen is staving. I am starving. So he grabs the quickest Fast Food. I tried picking something I thought would be ok.

(When I went to log it this a.m. I was NOT happy with the calorie count .. noted .. just cuz you are in the drive thru do not cut corners and not look up the food you are putting in mouth.)

Lesson learned on that, next time it is all teens working night shift, do not let them tell you they need medical care. LOL

Aother thing. I have learned to grab charger for cell. I need to also add jacket or sweater. I end up ALWAYS freezing. lol. I am learning. To many hospital trips.

So that is my update ...


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

August: The Soda Challenge

August: The Soda Challenge
I decided I would take the Soda Challenge this month that Skinny Ms. is hosting. This challenge is done on a “good-faith” basis. No contracts involved. It is simply a deal you make with yourself.

I have done excellent on NO regular soda. But I still have a small crutch for the Diet. So I am going cold turkey. I will do this for the 31 days, and hopefully continue on from there. So here is to Day 1.

I really need to get back moving. I have really gotten side tracked. Still watching, counting, and such on calories, though I could do better.

I know this is what I want. I know this is my goal. I know I will be very upset with myself if I let myself down and do not continue on to my goal.

I want to have lost the last 22# (at least) by April 30, 2013. That is the LEAST amount!! I am hoping for more. So I really need to start kicking my ass in gear!!



Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Recipe type: Fat Flush Drink

Recipe type: Fat Flush Drink
Author: Kim Lyons
Prep time: 10 mins
Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 1

This is a great concoction to mix up and drink three times a day or more if you choose! This recipe is for one serving ONLY.

Ingredients
  • Ingredients, per 8-ounce serving  
  • Water
  • 1 slice grapefruit
  • 1 tangerine
  • ½ cucumber, sliced
  • 2 peppermint leaves
  • Ice – as much as you like

Instructions

1.Wash grapefruit, tangerine cucumber and peppermint leaves. Slice cucumber, grapefruit and tangerine (or peel). Combine all ingredients (fruits, vegetables, 8 oz water, and ice) into a large pitcher.

2.Stir & Enjoy!

Notes Triple the entire recipe to prepare enough for the entire day! This recipe makes one 8 ounce serving, triple this recipe if you intend to make enough for the entire day. 8 ounces of the fat flush drink, three times a day = 24 ounces needed for entire day. Again, you CAN eat the ingredients if you so choose, but they are mainly there for the taste. Drink 8 ounces before each meal 3 x’s a day for 10 days.








Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Late Night Snacking

Came across this and want to place where I would find it.

Best Late-Night Snacks

Popcorn Popcorn is a great late night snack as long as it is air popped and not topped with fattening butter. That doesn't mean it has to be flavorless, however. Before you curl up to watch a movie with a bowl full of popcorn, sprinkle it with toppings like cayenne pepper or cinnamon, which will add taste without fat or calories.

Cottage Cheese Cottage cheese is a good choice for a late night snack due to its high protein and low sugar content. It's even better if you can find some that has live cultures.

Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt is a better choice as a late night snack than regular yogurt because it is lower in sugar and has about twice as much protein. You can also add sliced fruit for extra flavor and an added healthy kick such as pomegranate, papaya, strawberries, blueberries or whatever you choose! NOT A FAN OF GREEK .. PASS

Dark Chocolate If you have a late-night sugar craving, dark chocolate is a good choice because it has less sugar than other chocolate choices. It is also high in antioxidants.

Pretzels If you feel like you need some carbs late at night, pretzels are a good choice due to their filling nature. You can have enough to fill you up without racking up many calories. Opt for the multi grain kind for an even better health benefit.

Crackers Multi grain crackers are the best choice for some healthy fiber and carbs to fill you up before bedtime.

Cheese Quesadilla A cheese quesadilla is a good choice as a late night snack if you use a tortilla that is high in fiber, giving it a good balance of protein and healthy carbs to silence your rumbling stomach.

Bananas Bananas are a good late-night snack, not only because they are healthy and filling, but also because they are a good source of tryptophan, which can help promote a restful sleep.

Oatmeal Oatmeal is an excellent choice for a nighttime snack because it is full of healthy fiber, plus oats are a good source of melatonin and tryptophan, both of which promote sleep.

Frozen Blueberries Frozen blueberries are so tasty you can eat them like candy and not feel guilty. They are high in antioxidants, fiber and tons of vitamins!



I try not to snack late at night. But least these will be helpful reminder.


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.