Hello Monday: 5k Edition

Saturday was the big day for the Run the Rave that I have been getting ready for. The last couple months I have been slacking in the fitness section of my life (hence the lack of Stop Being Fat posts). So I was a bit worried going into it. But I completed it! And I feel accomplished. I know for you runners out there that a 5k is weak sauce, but for me a NON runner it was a big deal.

The run was Saturday night out at Saltair. We ran out along the Great Salt Lake and it stunk as we trampled through the mud with hardly any light. But it was still a great time. We got all dressed up for it and wore glow sticks and such and Whit and I got crazy at the half way point with all the paint.

Thanks ladies for a great night!!!

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

Yeah, yeah I know it is Saturday. But I wrote this yesterday. Our internet has been acting all weird since Thursday night so this is the first chance I've gotten to post...

Lately I have been a little obsessed with Coconut Oil. I have heard forever how amazing it is, not to mention how good it is for you. I bought some about 6 months ago to finally try it out. And I did. I cooked with it a couple times and I wasn't impressed. I can't remember what exactly I made, some sort of chicken and the coconut hint it added just wasn't doing it for me. So the bottle went back to the cupboard. About a month and a half ago I decided to give it another go. And now we are going through about a bottle every week or two. I am in love with this stuff. I have been using it in all sorts of ways.

Coconut Lemon Bread: I took a recipe I had for pound cake and subbed out the butter for coconut oil. I also subbed out the sugar for Palm (coconut) sugar. I the juice of 2 lemons and their zest.

Coconut Oil Fudge: I saw this recipe on Pinterest and added some Sea Salt. It's super easy. Just blend equal parts of cocoa, coconut oil, and palm sugar and about 2 tsp of sea salt. Press into a pan. Sprinkle more Sea Salt on top and allow to set up in the fridge. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies: I used this recipe I found on Pinterest and made a few changes. I again subbed out the sugar for Palm Sugar. and replaced half of the flour with Almond Meal. They were delicious.

Coconut Oil Popcorn: My new favorite snack. Just melt a tbsp of coconut oil and drizzle over a big bowl of  popped popcorn and mix around. I especially like this on kettle corn. 

Lotion: I was unsure about this one. But I now love it. I haven't used it on my face, (scared of putting any type of 'oil' on my face for fear of those evil red bumps) but I love using it on my arms, shoulders, legs and feet. I love the smell and it makes my skin super soft. And a little goes a long way.

Smoothies: I add a spoonful to the blender every time I make a spinach smoothie. 

I mentioned Palm Sugar above and I'm sure some of you are wondering what it is. It's a natural sugar from coconuts. It comes in rock form or in a paste. I have only been able to find the rock form locally (if you know of a place that sells the paste PLEASE let me know!) I buy the rock form at our local Asian Market. To use the rock form you can either grate it or melt it down a little and stir it into a paste. I melted mine down, and for the fudge and the bread it worked great. For the cookies however, it make the batter a little runny and I had to add some extra flour and almond meal to get the right consistency. The second time I made the cookies I grated it and it worked fine. (Just takes a little longer). 

In other news I have been in workout super mode this week. Getting in 1 to 2 hours of exercise EVERY day. Even with all the working out and such I am still feeling a little sluggish and haven't noticed a difference on the scale. (I really need to take my measurements again. Maybe that will make me feel better about things.)

That being said, today I started a juice cleanse. I found a Jack Lalanne Juicer on Ksl for $25! Score! I stock piled our kitchen with a ton of fruits and vegetables and am hoping that this will give me the kick start I need. (Go watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead via Netflix and you too will want to start a juice cleanse!) We leave on vacation Friday (and we're going to Blue Lemon for Book Club Thursday night) so the plan is to have only juice until Thursday night. Wish me luck. 

My new juicer and what I'll be having for the next 6 days.

Are as in love with Coconut Oil as I am? What's your favorite way to use it? Or are you yet to be converted?


Do you juice? If so give me some recipes!

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

This week has been pretty good. Another week of the couch to 5K behind me and still feeling great. I'm heading down to Escalante in a couple hours with Cameron and Hadley. My Mom is already there and doesn't know that I am coming down with the kids. I'm so excited to see her and surprise her! That being said I don't have alot of time to post today, but I wanted to post this simple recipe for Pumpkin Muffins. I'm sure you've seen this floating around pinterest.

Source: sweet-verbena.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

 It's all over and just calls for one box of yellow cake mix and one can of pumpkin. Well I made them but I used a Spice cake instead and they are delicious. I know you may think it's not 'time' for pumpkin yet. But I can't wait until September/October. I love pumpkin all year round!

These are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. I made a second batch and added chocolate chips. Without Chocolate chips they are only 65 calories each. And with chocolate chips they are 95. You can make them as cookies too with the same recipe. Super easy and super good. Perfect.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

As I sat down to write this post, I really struggled on what to say. I haven't been feeling like this was a 'good' week for me. And I wasn't sure why? I've been eating good, and making it to the gym. But I didn't make it to Zumba once this week, and the scale hasn't gone down at all. However as I thought about it I realized that this was a good week for me. 

This week I have continued with the 5K runner app. I am still loving it. I'm done with week 2 now, and only have 6 weeks to go. It seems like FOREVER! But as I was finishing up my run last night I was thinking about how I felt like I had just started the program and already I am 25% of the way done. (Pats self on back).

I have also done circuit training twice this week and I want to continue that as well. I have done this before but never consistently.  I still have a long way to go, but already I can feel a difference since starting this program. Not in my weight or inches or anything, but I just feel good.  I have so much more endurance. I don't notice it while running, but now on the bike or the elliptical, doing levels I used to never be able to do are now a piece of cake. My muscles hurt. Muscles that haven't hurt in years. And it's a good kind of hurt.

Thank you for all your comments! I had no idea so many of you were runners and have done this program too. I really want you all to do the 'RunTheRave' with me! 

And thank you for your snack ideas. I've been trying them out and I have to say thank you Rachel for the tips on the fruit salad. I made a huge bowl of delicious fresh fruit earlier this week and I have munching on it all week. I never knew that adding a little lemon juice and honey would do the trick. (Keeps it all fresh, and the honey takes away the tartness of the lemon.) It seriously has stayed nice and fresh and crisp all week and has saved me from numerous cookies.

So although I am bummed about Zumba (it really makes me happy!) I guess I did have a good week. I need to remember not to focus so much on the numbers. Yes I want/need to lose weight but my overall goal has always been to get healthy. And this week I am feeling healthy.

What do you do to keep your motivation up? 

Stop Being Fat! Friday....or Saturday

I'm sitting here craving a brownie, so instead of making a batch I am finally finishing this post. Last week my friend Meagan and I decided to try out a new Zumba place.

Xscape fitness is located off of 1600 N and Geneva Road in Orem. It's an indoor soccer facility and they have Zumba classes when there aren't any games going on. I have been a few times already all with different instructors and so far I am loving it. I love the atmosphere and the closeness to my house is great. I have decided to cancel my membership at SweatyChix. I have loved going there, but since they've closed their Orem, American Fork and PG locations I have been driving all the way to Springville. So goodbye SweatyChix, hello Xscape.

I have been wanting to get on a better schedule for working out. When it comes to my workouts it's very random. My husbands schedule is never consistent, so the number of times I go to the gym and Zumba varies week by week. I usually make it to Zumba 2 or 3 times a week. When I go to the gym I usually just do the elliptical. Sometimes the bike or circuit training but I just do 'whatever I feel like'. I want to get a better 'routine' going.

I saw this work out plan on the House of Smiths. And I am seriously considering starting it....on Monday. (When I have a chance to figure out what half of the crap is.) I will adjust it to accommodate Zumba as well as the Couch to 5k program.

What? Me run? I know. I am as shocked as you are. I have NEVER liked to run. I played soccer growing up and hated it because of all of the running! I have swam for years and that's more my style. No running. No sweating. Booyah.

During my Zumba challenge, one of my coaches was talking about it, and I have been interested ever since. It's basically a program designed to take a couch potato and getting them able to run a 5k in 8 weeks, by doing 3 workouts a week. I got the App 5k Runner and love it.

It takes you through each workout step by step. I love that I can just turn on my Pandora Workout station and the man's voice comes over the music every time I need to speed up to run, or slow down and walk.  Couldn't make it any easier.

I just started and have only done the first week but I'm pretty excited. My friend Whitney is doing it with me as well (and hopefully some other ladies from book club will too!) We are going to do the program and then we are going to do this:


How fun is that? A night run that starts at 9pm and is lit by glow sticks and glow paint. And then the race turns into a dance. If anything is going to get me to run it's this. Plus as my friend Meagan says 'any excuse to make cute shirts!' Cute team shirts will be made, legs will run, bodies will dance and massive amounts of fun will be had.

Have any of you done the Couch to 5k program? Do you like to run? What's your workout schedule?

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

...or maybe Saturday this week. I have been absent for while and for that I am sorry. Actually, on second thought, I'm not. We were off having a blast in Florida, and family time comes first in my book. Sadly we are back home now. We got in yesterday and I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

So remember how I told you about the 100 days to get HOT for SUMMER challenge I was in? Well it is officially summer now and our challenge ended yesterday. I was worried because the final weigh in was the day we got back from vacation. BUT I was down! That is a miracle I tell you! I am so glad I took my work out clothes and actually used them while I was in Florida. So in 100 days I lost a total of 35 pounds! I lost a ton the first month or so and then have been stuck for a while. But I finally broke my plateau and couldn't be happier!

For the challenge we had to take before and after photos so I thought I would share them. (Again I wish I took before photos when I started on my weight loss journey.) But I can see a difference over the last 100 days.

Before: 03/01/2012

After: 06/08/2012

Before: 03/01/2012

After: 06/08/2012

Before: 03/01/2012

After: 06/08/2012

And guess what? Out of the 50 of us... I came in 3rd! I was am shocked! And so happy. That means I won $200!!! (and after our trip we can sure use it!)

As a group we lost over 600 pounds! Isn't that awesome?!? Oh and they are doing another challenge: Smokin' Hot Summer Challenge going from 6/10/2012 - 09/02/2012 (12 weeks). Yes. It starts tomorrow, but if you are interested in joining let me know. It's a $20 buy in and all of the money goes to the top 3 winners (biggest % lost not the number of lbs). There is a group on facebook for the challenge and we weigh in once a week  (at home, you just post your lbs lost for that week) and have weekly challenges as well (more opportunities to win stuff!) I'd love it if you'd join! (And it's all online so you don't have to live local to join)

Scotty did awesome as well and lost 38 pounds! He came in 5th place! (If you want to see his before and afters let me know and I will talk him into letting me post them.) He's doing the next challenge with me too. The motivation we have gotten from the group is amazing!

Thanks for the support guys. You guys rock.

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

Thank you all so much for your ideas from last weeks post. You gave me some awesome new snacks ideas that I have been trying out and this week I have been so much better about staying on 'track'. Sometime I just get in a rut, finding myself eating the same things day after day and I get BORED. So switching things up a bit has really helped. I have gotten in 5 workouts this week and I am feeling better!

Although I must be honest, last weekend the hubs and I went on a double date and I was BAD! We went to the Copper Creek Pub, and after seeing their Chubby burgers on the menu both Scotty and I ordered one. What is a Chubby burger you ask? Basically they use a grilled cheese sandwich in place of your bun. Hello Fat and Grease & deliciousness! I did only finish half of it, but I did did through all of my cheese curds. And then we went to a movie where I may or may not have had Reese's and Crunch and Munch. Ugh. Least to say I felt horrible after. So when I was through taking the sitter home I went straight to the gym and didn't leave until I had burned all the extra calories I ate that day.

My stomach hurt after eating all that crap and weirdly I am glad. It showed me that I am doing better. My body isn't used to eating so much crap anymore. And it can't handle it. And I realized how much better I am feeling now that I am making healthy changes. So no more Chubby Burgers for me!

Bacon Ranch Chubby.

Deep Fried Cheese Curds.

So the rest of the week has gone really well. I wasn't down any pounds at my Zumba challenge weigh in on Thursday but I was down inches. This is our final week and I can't wait to compare my numbers with my starting points.

We leave for Florida on Wednesday and I am determined to bring my gym clothes and USE THEM while I am there. (And stick with eating well of course.)

Also I just started a Herbalife Digestion Cleanse. It's a program that last 21 days. I know a couple people who have done this and they have noticed so many changes. Better skin, better digestion, less headaches, more energy etc. So my friend Meagan and I decided to do it as well. It's a combination of morning and evening pills you take everyday for 21 days and we are also taking the Aloe Juice as well.

I just started taking this Wednesday night. Along with this I am trying to eat red meat and high fatty foods sparingly (as the cleanse is to rid my body of toxins, I don't want to be putting them all back in at the same time). So I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

How was your week? This is my first 'cleanse' of any kind. Have you done any? Digestive, liquid or whatever? Did it work? Did you like it?

Stop Being Fat! Friday.

Sometimes I wish I could transform my body overnight. Okay that's a lie. I ALWAYS wish this. Wouldn't it be nice if once I decided to be 'healthy' the pounds would come right off, if my muscles would magically define themselves and my saggy (baby belly) would tighten right up? I would totally be able to maintain a skinny body right? But the truth is I couldn't. Not without learning how to do it the RIGHT way. I have dropped pounds on many crash diets over the years and I always gained it back. So why do I think this time would be different? When I fantasize about being instantly skinny HEALTHY, I need to remember to think of all the times I gained the weight back. That I have to my permanent changes in order to achieve this goal. Sometimes easier said than done. 

This week I haven't been as 'good' at watching what I eat and making it to the gym. And when I was a couple pounds up on the scale on Tuesday, I realized that I'm not strong enough yet. I still give in to temptation too easily. Whether it be a cookie, choosing more sleep rather than going to the gym, or a wussy workout, I needed to get motivated again. So Wednesday I kicked it up a notch. Both Wednesday and Thursday I got 2 workouts in, (to make up for the laziness of the weekend). And now instead of being a couple pounds up I am now a pound less. I'm glad I'm not up, but if I didn't allow myself to gain I would be 3 lbs less. Ugh. It's always going to be a struggle. Anyways...I thought this week I would share some of my favorite 'snacks' that keep me from falling off the wagon.

Bagel Thins: I LOVE these. They are just as chewy as a regular bagel just a little slimmer. I love the Cinnamon Raisin ones for breakfast and I love making a sandwich for lunch on either the Plain, Whole Wheat and especially the Everything ones. They are very filling and only 110 calories. Score!

Sometimes I just get bored with water. So to keep me drinking it and not reaching for another Diet Coke I love Crystal Light. I'm over the Lemonade ones though. I really like the strawberry orange banana, but my FAVORITE is the Grape. It takes like kool aid. I am obsessed with this stuff. I even stash my purse with packets so I always have it with me. 

I love the chocolaty chewy goodness of these. They are so good. They are a good 'treat' and alot of days they are my go to breakfast. 

Love pop chips! Lately I have been loving the new Sweet Potato Flavor and the Parmesan Garlic. They are delicious and really cure that 'chip' craving. 

Have any of you tried Tofu Noodles? Sometimes I just want 'pasta'. Whether it be with a cheese sauce, marinara, or with sweet and sour chicken, I have been loving these noodles. They taste a little different than normal pasta. The flavor is great (just be sure to rinse them very well.) but the texture is a little off. But its hardly noticeable, especially once you get all that delicious sauce going. It's a great low calorie low carb replacement for pasta. Seriously only 20 calories a serving!  I buy mine at Good Earth. They are in the refrigerated section by the produce. 

So here's to a new week. I had to physically write down some motivators for me to get my butt in gear again. Once written down I placed it on my fridge, so every time I reach for the cookie dough (that I bought to make for a meeting that I ended up taking something else to. Ugh) I will see the list and stop myself.

In case you can't read them here's whats been motivating me.
* 100 Days to Summer Weight Loss Challenge ends in 4 weeks. This is one of the Challenges I am in and it was started by my cousin. My husband Scott has been doing it with me and we have been doing it for the last 10 weeks. We are down to the final month so we want to end with a bang!

*Zumba challenge ends in 3 weeks. This is the other weight loss challenge I am doing. It was put together by my Zumba instructor. And that ends now in 2 weeks. I have been doing it with my friend Meagan for the last 5 or 6 weeks and I really need to kick it up a notch.

*Florida-New Swim Suits. We are going to Florida in 2 weeks and I can't wait. I also have to buy some new swimming suits. The last few years I've been in maternity swim suits and XXL suits. And I'm excited to say that those won't cut it this year. This is the first time in years that I have to buy a new suit because all of mine are too big! Wahoo! But it's still a swim suit, and I still have a ways to go until I am where I want to be,  so I have to hit the gym more often!

*Old Navy Coupon- Ha. I have a coupon for 3 pairs of jeans at half off the reg price that expires next week. I have wanted to use it for weeks now but haven't let myself. Not until I was down a size. New colored denim here I come!

What are some of your favorite snacks? I would love to get some new ideas! What keeps you motivated? Let me know. Cause if you don't I might have to open the package of cookie dough in my fridge and start baking. And I really shouldn't....

Stop being Fat! Friday.

Dieting is hard. Anytime I have done a diet (and that has been numerous times over my life) I eventually get fed up and quit. I lose some and then end up gaining it all (plus some) back. I think its all the negative feelings associated around the word DIET. So I have decided that I will NEVER diet again. Instead I WILL get healthy! I am making changes to my lifestyle that I will be able to live with forever.

First off I love food. I enjoy cooking, baking and going out to dinner. I don't want to feel deprived. (Plus I can have all the FREE Five Guys Burgers & Fries I want, so I have to splurge sometimes) So if I want a cookie I have one, I just make adjustments to allow for my treats. I try to get an extra workout in that week or I go a little lighter on my remaining meals that day.

My biggest vice? Diet Coke. I know I know. It's not good for me. I have cut way down, but I still have it. It's my 'treat'. It satisfies my sweet tooth. So if my 'treat' most days is a zero calorie treat, then so be it. It's better than a cookie (or 5). I have gone without it many times while dieting becoming healthy, but when I do I have found myself to eat much more sweets. So like I previously said, I am making changes that I can live with. So I still allow myself Diet Coke, just not nearly as much as I used to drink.

I thought I'd share some of the things that have really helped me thus far on my journey.

Scotty and I both got gym passes to Planet Fitness about 2 months ago and I am loving it. I had a pass to 24 Hour Fitness for years but I am loving Planet Fitness way better. Plus I have unlimited guest privileges, so if anyone wants to come with me I would love the company. But my usual time to go is around 2am and I understand that most of you are sleeping then...

I have been obsessed with these lately. They are packed with B vitamins that totally boost your energy. They also are full of amino acids, minerals, electrolytes and antioxidants. They only have 10 calories and you can get a 60 day supply at Costco for around $22. One Diet I did years ago was Lindora (while I was living in California)  I used to go in for daily Vitamin B injections. It was crazy expensive but I had tons of energy. These have just has much B Vitamins as in the injections. And they are about $0.35 a day as opposed to anywhere from $15-50 each. They really help to give me energy and help with metabolism. 

I love Zumba. Whether its going to a class or playing Wii Zumba it's such a good workout. And it's so fun. I've even gotten my mom turned on to it and she loves it too. It burns so many calories and it's so much more fun than any other type of exercise. Scotty, Jaxon and Chloe love playing Wii Zumba too, it's a great family activity :)

I wish I would have actually taken a before photo, but I did not. But here are a couple of pictures from last summer a few months after I found my love for zumba.

And here are a few of recent ones. I need to take better full body ones. Almost every picture on my memory card right now is waist up. So when I finally charge my camera I will take some new ones.

 So far I have lost 52 pounds. I still have a ways to go, but I'm getting there. Next week I'll share some of my favorite go to foods while cutting calories. What are your secrets? Vices? I love to hear about yours!

Stop Being Fat! Friday

I've always struggled with my weight. I have done many fad diets over the years and my weight has gone up and down numerous times. Since having my two babes I was at the highest weight of my life and I was miserable. I started going to Zumba and fell in love. I dropped about 25 lbs without changing much to my diet, I just went to Zumba 2-3 times a week. I then hit a plateau and realized that I needed to do more than just exercise. My main goal is to get healthy. For myself and for my kids.

About a month and a half ago my cousin started a weight loss challenge. My husband and I both joined and really decided to get our butts in gear. We signed up for the gym and got started on MyFitnessPal.  So far things are going great. I have lost another 23 pounds and the hubs has lost 19. We're not doing anything crazy. I want to make healthy changes that I will be able to live with. I love cooking and baking and still indulge once in a while. But it's not everyday and I just try to work out extra hard that day. 

I am going to start posting about what works for me and what doesn't. And I hope by doing so you guys will help me stay on track. In no way am I saying I am a pro at this stuff. Obviously. If I was I wouldn't look the way I do. I am simply trying to be better. But I am human. I make mistakes. I love Diet Coke and although I've cut back, it's my 'treat' most days, so don't give me any crap about it okay? If I want a cookie I might just eat one, but now I know how many calories its taking up out of my daily allowance. I have good days and bad days and I'm just hoping to have more good than bad. 

Today I thought I'd post about my new obsession: Spinach Fruit Smoothies. These things are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Spinach is extremely rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B₂, calcium, potassium, vitamin B₆, folic acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. Yeah spinach rocks. Then you add in the fruit and if you can believe it, it just gets better and better. You can use any type of fruit you like to cover up add to the spinach. I also like to add some Fresca. I love the citrus peachy flavor and its zero calories. (but these are great without the soda as well)  As far as fruit, I use whatever I have on hand. This week I have been making them like this. 

1/3 cup of blueberries

1/3 cup of raspberries

1/3 cup of blackberries

3/4 cup pineapple

2 cups (?)  of spinach (I just grab a big bunch and stuff it in)

2 tbsp Chia Seeds

1 can of fresca (or however much you want to get your desired thickness.)

Handful of ice

*Blend and enjoy*

Have you tried Chia seeds? (Yes they are the Cha Cha Cha Chia seeds! From the Chia pets!)  I was recently introduced to them and on my last trip to Good Earth I stocked up on them. They are loaded with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. One ounce of them has 4 grams of protein. They also are packed with phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium. I use them like I use flax seed. I use them in my smoothies and even sprinkled on top of my cereal.

This recipe makes about three 12 oz smoothies. If you add the Chia Seeds each smoothie is just 66 calories! If you don't add the seeds then each serving is only 44 calories! I think these are delicious. And the hubs and they kids are sold. They drink theirs right up and the babes are constantly asking 'moothies! please momma".

Give these a try. We also love them with banana's, peaches, strawberries and oranges. 

What works for you when dieting? What's your 'go to' snack?