Day 1 - RESET and the Healthy Edge

So, today was my first day on my 8-week Healthy Edge journey. I'm kicking it off with the USANA RESET plan, five days of meal replacement shakes, nutrition bars, fruits and veggies. I'm also committing to at least 5-days a week of exercising at least 45 minutes.

On this Monday, I just focused on actually following the plan -- eating every 2.5-3 hours, NOT snacking outside the plan (which is HUGE for me; I'm a mindless grazer), and drinking my 80 ounces of water. I was also nervous about the shakes and bars -- what if they taste like chalk or sawdust?!? (I've heard horror stories from other programs.) Thank goodness, they are actually tasty! The bars even feel like I'm chewing on a candy bar (which may not be good for my mindset that candy is okay but my taste buds were sure happy). It was a little strange not having the same dinner as everyone else, but my shake and bowl of strawberries were yummy.

Other than going to restroom more than usual (sorry, TMI), this first day was surprisingly easy. I know it helped that I hemmed my day in prayer, submitting this entire process to the Lord. And I know my coach, Rhonda Kay Leonard, is praying for me, too.

Keep tuning in and follow my progress.  I would love to hear YOUR tips and tricks for staying healthy.

Brrrr

I'm so cold today. And it's not even snowing or raining or anything; it's partly sunny and 51! I wonder if I'm getting sick? So many people seem to be lately, don't you agree?

I've had such a fun and busy weekend, even though I've been solo. Miss T didn't have school on Friday and her girl scout troop drove to coast for yurt camping. I ended up doing a lot of catch-up since Mike works all weekends and has been hanging with the guys on Saturday night.

Friday night, we spent the evening after dinner making up six trays of Creamy Chicken Enchiladas- I took two small ones with me on Saturday to an all day sewing group and Mike took the other four with him. They are quite yummy, even though they are packed full of processed ingredients! So, I will post my "secret" recipe but don't copy it down if you have a problem using canned cream soup.

Shawnee's Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
(makes a large pan)
1 family-size can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup or Campbell's® Condensed 98% Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 small can diced green chiles
1 can diced olives (optional)
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups chopped cooked chicken (I usually boil 3 breasts and rough chop)
10 Flour Tortillas, slightly warmed
Bag 'o salad
1 medium tomato, chopped

Directions

Mix soup, sour cream, chiles, olives, and 3/4 of the cheddar. Stir in the chicken.
Spread about 1/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in large shallow baking dish (I use a 9x15). Spread any remaining filling on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until hot. Top with salad mix and tomato or salsa.

I also got my new phone synched up --- T-mobile invited me to become a "T-Mobilizer" - to review new gadgets for them. I just got the snazzy new HTC Amaze 4G phone. It is Mighty Fine -- so powerful, with a dual-core processor, large screen, crisp images, and a powerful camera.

Saturday, I went to my first quilting event and got so much help from experts! I finished my table runner (late, of course). I stitched in the ditch for the first time, made my own binding with diagonal joins, and learned how to finish the binding in a totally seamless way. It was so cool. 

Then, I got several steps closer to finishing my first quilt. In summer 2010, I took a quilting class at church using jelly rolls. I made the most amazing blocks for a top but never finished putting on the borders, backing, etc. Yesterday, I got my top totally done and pieced out the back. I ran out of time before I could put all the pieces together, so that is still so daunting to me but I want. to. do. this. I really want to finish this project so I can look on to gift making with a clear conscience.

I also posted a giveaway for a friend on the Flirty Apron Swap blog -- Lana from Sassy Aprons on Etsy creates the best aprons, adorable and affordable. You should thrown your name in the hat. I'm also trying to be a good steward of The Apronista --- Deanna handed the reins over to me earlier this year and I'm still struggling to find my voice, to be relevant and an interesting site. I've been contacted by several people that want to be highlighted for Christmas shopping, so I decided to put together a Holiday Gift Guide. That's a fun little project -- if YOU would like to get some exposure of your shop, direct sales business or website, check out my info HERE.

Then, Saturday evening, I met with my friend Rhonda Kay. She is going to be coaching me for the next eight weeks on the Healthy Edge program, and I'm starting the USANA Reset program tomorrow. She's going to walk with me on my journey to health. I'm just excited to not GAIN during the holidays! =) Actually, I'm excited about more than that but a little nervous, too. I don't want to fail again.  Be sure to check back in if you're curious about my journey.

I volunteered in the nursery this morning but then the girls got back early, so Michelle and Kathy wrapped up without me.  Miss T finally made it home, we had lunch and made some cookies, so I'm going to get in some snuggle time. I didn't really use my extra hour this morning, so I'm going to take advantage of that now!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Shawnee

Menu Plan Monday - 6/27/2011

This is going to be another challenging week.

Last week, a dear friend from work was injured in a motorcycle accident while leaving work and passed away on Wednesday. Ryan Scoggins is now an angel in heaven and we will feel his absence for a long time to come. His passing has been a real wake-up call, reminding me once again that life is precious and none of knows how many days we have here on earth. My friend was a wonderful example of how to live --- he had an amazing work ethic, a fierce love for his family and friends, a terrific sense of humor, and a strong faith in the Lord. He was also a big guy like my husband, and was really working on being more physically active and eating properly.

I'm finding it very difficult to live a 2X (or 5X) life in an "XS World", if you know what I mean. We are tired all the time, and I find us watching life instead of participating much of the time. And that's gonna change. I am dedicating my summer to living healthier and more in balance for my friend Ryan. My goals are to help myself get under 200 lbs (there's a horrid number), to help my hubby get a handle on his diabetes, and to help my DD also get in better overall health. I know that even little changes can have far-reaching effects.

One thing I'm starting back up is menu-planning. Since I need to wait for payday on Thursday to do my grocery shopping, we will be eating from our freezer stash and pantry, but anything is better than fast food- right? Then, my plan is to transition to simple foods, fresh fruits/veggies, whole grains and, the key, moderate portions.

Monday - Three-packet Pot Roast with faux-tatoes
Tuesday - Ryan's Celebration of Life -
Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken with caramelized brussel sprouts (new recipe)
Thursday - Chicken Fajitas (using leftover teriyaki chicken, lots of peppers, onions and such)
Friday - Meatball subs
Saturday - Chicken Enchiladas
Sunday - Garlic Studded Pork Roast
I'm linking this up over at OrgJunkie.com.

I've joined the SparkTeam Official Healthy Family Makeover Challenge on http://www.sparkpeople.com/. SparkPeople was such a great resource and support for me a few years ago, so I'm excited to be active there again. And we're starting our new session of Weight Watchers at work. So, lots of support - I just need to get my head in the game, so to speak.

Oh, one last thing --- I'm hosting a wonderful giveaway from DaySpring - $20 gift certificate from their online store. I would really appreciate it if you'd visit THIS POST and enter by 6/30 so I don't feel like I'm letting them down.

Get Energized with Centrum

I'm excited to share this little contest with you -- while I'm not in the running for the most energetic mama, I might be next month -- I just started taking Centrum Ultra and cannot wait to report the results!!!

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Fresh Start Monday

Today is a new day. Now, I didn't have a BAD week last week, but it was not as focused as I need to be in order to be a contender in the Move It & Lose It Challenge. I gained 0.5 lbs this week, so I'm weighing in at 216.5. Not good.

(forgive the funky nightgown picture ... forgot to post a picture earlier!)

But, what did I expect:

Monday - my daughter came to dinner unexpectedly - no exercise, barely made the end of Mamvation TV
Tuesday - my sweet son's 28th birthday plus my 3rd Tuesday at OASIS - women's ministry summer program; I'm registrar and am also taking my FIRST quilting class. Exercised 40 minutes before work, luckily, since there was NO time that night
Wednesday - I have no idea WHAT I actually accomplished but it wasn't exercising!
Thursday - my friend Amy and I are being accountable to each other at work ... I forced in my 51 minutes of walking to a Leslie Sansone DVD
Friday - Amy and I walked 30 minutes at lunch - outside! I never do that. =(
Saturday - Spent the day sewing on my quilt in the AM and the rest of the day getting my sweet daughter ready for her first overnight summer camp - no exercise
Sunday - Sent my sweetie off to camp at 6am, volunteered in the church nursery, cleaned house and hosted family for the boy's birthday party. Homemade pizzas and ice cream cake; yes, I had some of each. And, no exercise.

So, it's a new day. I spent 15 minutes learning Tae Bo with Billy Blanks, and then 30 minutes walking with @LeslieWalks. I'm off to shower before a busy day at work.

What I'm doing right - no soda, no alcohol, exercising more often than before
What I'm switching up this week - I'm going to focus on tracking calories and staying below 1500, getting six fruits/veggies every day, at least 8 glasses of water, and exercising six out of seven days.  With my DD gone and hubby working evenings, I feel like I can really concentrate on me for a few days.  Let's see what that looks like!


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Rita @lovelyritaann for being the Sista of the Week! This lucky Sista of the Week will receive an EA SPORTS Active "More Workouts" for the honor.

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Katy Bowman and her Aligned and Well series. I've already checked out Katy's site and it's VERY interesting!!

Have a wonderful week!

PS - Join in my new Flirty Apron Swap - Back to the Future!!

My First Mamavation Monday - HELP ME - APPLICATION

Last week, I received a life-changing email. It was from Blissfully Domestic and it announced a weight loss competition and support group called Mamavation. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday the 30th, and two ladies will be chosen to be the next Mamas ... to motivate others while on their own weight loss journey/family fitness boot camp.

That started a spark in me, and I have spent this last week back on the road to good health. Last year, I found success with a different challenge and found SparkPeople to log calories, track exercise, and for accountability and motivation. This year, I'm back on SparkPeople and I've also found the Sistahood, a team of wonderfully supportive ladies and friends on both Bookieboo and Twitter.

I've exercised five out of the six days, made consistently healthier food choices, and even though it's that TOM, I'm down THREE pounds as of this morning. YES!

And, now, I'm off to post a video on YouTube. I cannot believe that I'm writing that. But, applications are via video and I'm gonna do it. I'll post the link as soon as I can get the computer to quit fighting me HERE IT IS.

I NEED YOUR HELP! Please, log into twitter (start a new account if you must - it's fun!), and type this in for me:

Hey @bookieboo! I want @ShawneeH to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/zqUxa Pls RT

If you would tweet that out several times of the next couple of days, I'd appreciate it! THANK YOU! If I make it to a Finalist, I'll need some help/votes the week of July 7 to July 12. Then, plan on tuning in, watching my journey, cheer me on, and JOIN IN THE FUN! Even if I'm not chosen as a Mamavation Mama, I say let's get healthy this summer! Don't ya think it's time?!?

Monday night is a Mamavation TV and this week's sponsor is Lingerie.com -- check out all their delicious lingerie and follow them @LingerieDOTcom

If you want to join me in Mamavation, leave me a comment! If you tweet for me, I'd love to know that, too!

Summer's gone bye-bye

I cannot believe how fast summer zipped on out of here. Last weekend was rainy and windy here in Oregon, but it's looking to be a bit nicer this weekend. I've got a full weekend planned, too. T has a play date, I'm going to learn how to enter PTA memberships in their database, I'm sewing up my special apron for the next Sassy & Flirty Apron Swap. But, the big news is that we start Puppy Kindergarten!

We're registered with Auntie Sally, who came highly recommended, for a beginning puppy class. And, not a moment too soon --- Apollo already weighs almost 45 pounds and he just turned three months old. So, for the next six Saturdays, T and I will be in a class with several other puppies and their owners learning a variety of puppy issues such as mouthing, house training, dog/dog and dog/people socialization. I'll keep ya posted on how it goes.

I'm so bummed that I haven't been able to locate my camera cord since we moved. So frustrating! I have loads of good pictures to share ... puppy, new house, T's first day at school, my swaps received, and the adorable apron I made last weekend. That apron was for my Lucy swap (very late) and it totally a Diva apron made in leopard with red accents. Very flirty!!

Well, mornings come early and I'm already tired. We had an Ice Cream Social at out the new elementary school tonight and I stood behind the PTA table for memberships. Not one bite but I wasn't really "selling" it either. I'll get a second chance next Thursday at Back to School night. My shyness really comes out at times like this, though. Of course, I sign up thinking it will help me make friends but then I get all self-conscious.

Oh, almost forgot to share that I'm back to tracking my weight loss in SparkPeople.com. That website helped me lose almost 20 pounds since March 30, and I have quite a bit more I want to lose. I'm average 30 minutes of exercise again, and trying to curb my eating. I eat such a typically-bad American diet --- too low in fiber and protein, too high in fats and carbohydrates. But, that will change! Mikey's lost almost 50 pounds since he started dieting in late April (and, yes, I'm just a big jealous); I am very proud of him. It's HARD work.

I'll leave you with this image ... it's a hint for the theme of the next Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap. I hope you'll join us!!

Blessings,
Shawnee

Fitness Challenge - Day 41 of 56

Well, today was an exercise in making the best choices possible while eating out. Mike's been released back to work so his driving schedule doesn't give him weekends off and only 24 hours notice of a "tomorrow" schedule. So, we have to schedule celebrations on the fly and usually at non-traditional times since mealtimes tend to be heavy commuting times, too.

We took Mikey's momma Karen out to breakfast/brunch today for Mother's Day, and met halfway in Vancouver so Mike could still get to work by 1pm today. The restaurant Karen chose didn't open until 11am so we ended up at Shari's Restaurant just down the street. Shari's is a traditional American restaurant ... with LOTS of mega-calorie choices.

In my best choices scenario, I ordered a Cinnama-sation French Toast Breakfast with the toppings on the side (caramel sauce, candied pecans and whipped cream) --- I didn't eat them except for to dip my fork tines into the caramel sauce a couple of times for the sugar hit), the 2 eggs scrambled, the 2 sl. bacon and an order of grapes instead of 2 links of sausage.

My calorie count from SparkPeople as close as I could get:


Shari's French Toast (3 pc), 1 serving 466 (I had 2 pc of Cinnama ... hope it's close)
Scrambled Egg, 2 large 203
Bacon (1 slice), 2 serving 40
Grapes, 1 cup, seedless 60
Breakfast TOTALS: 769 cal

If I had eaten the breakfast as presented on the menu, it would have been almost double or 1496 calories .... WOW.

Even more depressing, a breakfast I've eaten before - Flat Iron Steak with Stuffed Hashbrown Platter with Sourdough Toast -- has 1721 calories. That's MORE than my daily allocation of calories these days!!

Spring Fitness Challenge

Join me and sign up for Abby's Spring Fitness Challenge. I need some motivation - money plus competition is a great motivator. Here are some of the details:

*You and a hot pair of sweat pants
*Anybody can join - boys and girls alike
*$10.00 per person to play
*8 weeks
*Weight loss challenge-lose as much as you can in 8 weeks (see rules)
*Jackpot cash prize - winner takes all

The official rules are over at A Feathered Nest. Sign-ups end/competition begins March 30th.