Weight Loss Update & Tips for Surviving the Holidays

It has been slow going, but I have lost a total of 26 pounds since returning from vacation in June.  I'm feeling so much better.  I have more energy and I am feeling more confident in myself.

I have to admit that I have fell off the wagon a few times, but I haven't given up.  I have been doing my best in the past month.  I wanted to get on track and get my head clear and straight before the holidays.  I feel more confident than ever that I can reach my goal this time.

Well, I just wanted to give a little update on my progress, but I also wanted to share some tips I have come across to stay on track during the holidays.

Choose these snacks/appetizers at parties or holiday functions:

Cheese:  A small serving (1 oz. or 5 small cubes) of full-fat cheese is loaded with protein.  Choose full-flavor cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda, their sharp taste can help satisfy cravings quickly.

Festive Nuts: Toss 1 cups each of almonds, walnuts and pecans, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper.  Roast in the oven at 350 on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes.

Nuts are high in calories.  To avoid overdoing it place a handful of nuts on your plate and snack on that throughout the evening instead of grabbing a handful every time you pass the bowl.

Dark Chocolate:  New research finds that the antioxidants found in dark chocolate can boost your mood and calm your body's response to stress.  Try a serving of one truffle or two squares of dark chocolate containing 70% or higher cocoa per day.

Shrimp:  An appetizer of 9 medium shrimp can fill you up and only contains 50 calories.  Shrimp contains omega-3 fats, which helps you stay fuller longer.

I'm Still Here

Hi everybody.  Sorry, I've been MIA for a while.  So much has been going on, but I'm still hanging in here.

I must admit that I fell off the wagon for just a bit, but I am back on track and doing better than ever.  I had to get my head on straight with the holidays approaching so quickly.

I'm going to try to post some holiday tips in the next few days.  I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm still at it.

Please check back soon for some holiday tips to stay on track!

God bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Confession Time

I must confess, the past week and a half have been incredibly difficult for me.  At times I literally lost control, and I failed to journal most of last week.  As I've shared before, journaling is essential for me.

I have no trouble putting my finger on the problem.  I have been feeling stressed and then I came down with a nasty cold.  Those are two huge triggers for me.  My self-control went right down the drain and I ate just about everything I could put my hands on.  (I'm not kidding!!)

Confession made, I'm happy to report that I am back on track this week.  I have regained my self-control and determination.  I refuse to turn back.  This journey isn't easy; I never thought it would be.  Nothing worth doing is ever easy...right?

The reason I share this detour in my journey (I refuse to call it a failure.  Failure is falling down and not getting back up.) is to let you know that I'm human.  I make mistakes and it's okay.

I want to encourage anyone who is traveling this road with me to be real.  Don't beat yourself up when you stumble.  Get up, dust yourself off and keep moving.  We can do this!  Take it one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.


Philippians 4:13
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

What Are You Craving?

I ran across these snacking options while reading the other day and I thought a lot of them sounded good.  I love that you can choose between sweet or savory craving options.

If you're craving sweet:

• Cherries (1 cup) + almonds (10)
• Orange (1) + pistachios (30)
• Peach (1, sliced and grilled) + "cream" (puree 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon honey and cinnamon until smooth)
• Berries (1/2 cup) + low-fat vanilla yogurt (6 ounces).  Craving chocolate?  Stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Apple (1, chopped and baked in microwave for 1 minute) + almonds (10, chopped).  Sprinkle with cinnamon. 
• Banana (1) + walnuts (5 halves)

If you're craving savory:

• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup) + low-fat mozzarella cheese stick (1)
• Olives (5) + edamame (1 cup, steamed in shell)
• Celery (1 rib, sliced) + peanut butter (1 1/2 tablespoons)
• Cucumber (1 cup, sliced) + tuna (3 ounces with 1 tablespoon light mayo)
• Grapes (1/2 cup, whole) + turkey jerky (1 stick)
• Pea pods (1 cup) + hummus (4 tablespoons)

Snack Time Favorites

Snack Time

You don't have to feel guilty about snacking.  Healthy snacking can help you reach your weight loss goals by controlling hunger and preventing a binge.  Looking for a snack?  Here are some of my snack time favorites; all around 100 calories.

• The Laughing Cow Mini Babybel Original - 70 Calories
• Rold Gold Braided Twists Honey Wheat - 8 for 110 Calories
• Mini Caramel Rice Cakes - 7 for 60 Calories
• Clif Crunch Bar White Chocolate Macadamia - 1 bar for 95 Calories
• Hershey Bliss Dark Chocolate Squares - 3 for 105 Calories
• Sundae Shoppe Italian Ice Strawberry or Lemon - 100 Calories

Almond Joy Trail Mix

I ran across this simple recipe in a magazine.  I love Almond Joys and this sounds so yummy and easy!

Almond Joy Trail Mix

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes and 12 almonds. To add more volume, add a handful of popcorn.

Fight Hot Flashes

Fight Hot Flashes

Tired of suffering from hot flashes and night sweats?  Relief maybe be as far as your kitchen.

Fill up on a variety of these fruits and vegetables:

• Garlic
• Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Salad Greens
• Strawberries

Recent studies have shown that eating a variety of these fruits and vegetables can help reduce symptoms by 20%.  It certainly can't hurt to try!