Good Riddance, JANUARY!

I hope you all had great weekends! Mine was nice and relaxing, but as always, it went too fast!

For whatever reason, I was dreaming that I was eating pie when I woke up this morning, and really didn’t feel that hungry. Don’t ask. lol. But I was thoroughly enjoying a delicious crust when the alarm went off. I’m so weird. haha. So I had 1 cup of Cheerios with 1/2 cup of blueberries and milk for 4 points.

The blueberries were PERFECT! Juicy and sweet!

I was hungry by my first break, so I had a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon for 4 points.

I could tell that I am starting to feel myself again and am finally getting over this cold for a couple of reasons. 1) It was no problem to drink 9 cups of water by lunch time and 2) I was craving a salad for lunch!

So that’s just what I had. Lettuce, walnuts, Schwan’s Teriyaki chicken wings, feta cheese and a little ranch dressing for 5 points.

I also had 1/2 a sandwich thin with whipped chive cream cheese for 2 points.

And for dessert, I had a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich for 4 points.

On my last break, I had 2 Cuties clementines for 0 points. Have you ever injured yourself peeling an orange? I have. Twice actually. And the second time was this weekend. Hubby came running into the kitchen when he heard me making painful groans. I literally started crying it hurt so bad. I have never had so much pain in my life. I had thoughts of going to the emergency room because surely my thumb would fall off. When I was peeling the orange, the orange peel must have jabbed underneath my thumb nail and hit a nerve or something. Really weird, but I had these 2 little dots appear at the base of my thumb- like a spider bite. But after a while the pain subsided and the dots disappeared. WEIRD. My hand went cold and I had pain up to my collarbone. OUCH! Now there’s just a bruise beneath the nail. And all over a clementine!

I got off of work about an hour early. So I relaxed for a bit and then started on finishing up some homework for tomorrow- IF we have class. We’re in for a BIG snowstorm over the next few days. Sometimes professors cancel class- but the University NEVER does- which is just ridiculous when it’s really bad out. I’ve already been told I may be asked to work tomorrow if a bunch of people don’t come in.

I’m feeling better, but still not 100%. Ok enough to get some light exercise in. I biked for 30 minutes, I’m not sure how many miles because the bike stopped tracking. But I burned 114 calories. I was pretty worn out at the end of this and it made it hurt when I breathe, but it felt good to get some activity again after being sick!

And let me tell ya, I’m going to say Good Riddance to January! I was sick twice and it just didn’t go as planned. Here’s my workout calendar for January:

What is that 10 days that I worked out in the month of January!? Pitiful! I keep this on the fridge to keep me motivated- but that doesn’t help when you’re sick!

Yeah, being sick really messed that up for me! I’m looking forward to making February a better month and to fill that calendar up with stickers!

Hubby told me earlier in the day that it was going to be a really late night- so I was thrilled when he called and said he would be coming home- and it was only 5:40!

For supper, I just threw pork chops with a little chicken broth and teriyaki sauce, potatoes, and pineapple in the oven. It actually turned out really good! I also had a slice of a very low calorie banana bread recipe I made, cottage cheese, and diet cherry Pepsi for 7 points.

Dessert was banana soft serve. No this is not ice cream. It is simply a banana. 0 points.

Miraculously, I still have 8 points left for the day! Nice! Now it’s time to relax as the snow settles in and we are safe and warm inside!

Being Healthy Isn’t Unmanly

I saw this commercial for Applebee's and it got me thinking about eating healthy in relationship to gender. I know what the ad is trying to portray, that eating healthy isn’t considered “manly” and I realized this is a common belief in our culture. But why?

Or how about this radio ad for Bud Light. These commercials are about as manly as they come- “Real Men” of Genius. Why is an all you can eat buffet “manly”?

I find it interesting looking at the ads that are marketed towards men versus the ads marketed towards women. Foods that are considered “diet” foods are more often marketed toward women. Can you imagine a commercial, like either of the ones above, with women in them instead of men? Not likely because for a woman to like all you can eat buffets would be just plain wrong and for women to order anything OTHER than meals with less than 500 calories would be even more taboo in our culture. Right? At least that’s what advertising and media in general leads us to believe.

I can just imagine the kind of ridicule a man would get if he ordered a salad when he was out with the guys. I can just imagine the kind of looks a woman would get if she ordered a juicy steak when all of her friends ordered salads with no croutons or cheese and dressing on side. Men are to order steak, cheeseburgers and bacon, and women are to order fish, salads and nothing with cheese or butter.

My main point is that making healthy choices is not unmanly. It’s smart. It means that he is informed. It means he cares about himself and his health. It means he wants to be around to grow old with you. It means so many things, but it does not make him less of a man.

I could never see my husband ordering a salad as his main course when we dine out. Do men just like different food than women? Would a woman order whatever she wanted if she wasn’t looked down on for it? Would a man?

So why is there the double standard for men versus women? What are your thoughts on this? 

Strawberry, Banana and Mango Smoothie- 1 Points Plus- Recipe Week 4

Ingredients:

• 1 Banana
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen mango
• 1/3 cup light vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of crushed ice
• 1 Tbs. Splenda (optional)

Directions:

1. Put the banana in the blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the strawberries and the mango, one at a time, until smooth.
3. Add the yogurt and blend.
4. Add the crushed ice and blend until it is a smooth consistency.
5. If needed, add a little Splenda for sweetener.

I use frozen strawberries and mango to make my smoothie. It also makes it extra creamy if you use a frozen banana! I put them in the microwave for about 20 seconds before adding them to the blender to soften them up a bit. This makes one smoothie for 1 Points Plus. Enjoy!

If you are questioning how I counted the points for this, please visit my post on the WW Online Recipe Builder. As always, you are free to count points however you wish- this is just my way of doing it and what works for me.

Where My Veggies At?

I woke up this morning to a foggy Friday. I’ll take them any way they come! FINALLY FRIDAY!

Funny thing happened this morning. I weigh everyday- but I don’t count the weight until WI day. I like to know how my weight fluctuates from day to day. My weight has been steady at 214.4 for 3 days, which is the 3.6 lb gain from my lowest. I felt like yesterday wasn’t my healthiest day- I tracked my points, etc. though. But I got on the scale this morning and had lost 3 lbs! Crazy! But I find that happens often, if I’m not losing and then all of the sudden I eat a meal that I wouldn’t call the healthiest, I will lose weight. I was happy to see a lower number this morning, although it doesn’t officially count! Does this happen to anyone else?

For breakfast, I had a toasted sandwich thin topped with almond butter and a sliced banana along with 1 cup of 1% milk for 9 points.

Why the sandwich thins so often? Well, since I forgot my list at home when I went grocery shopping on Tuesday- light bread was one of the things on the list that I forgot to pick up! Thankfully, we had a stash of sandwich thins in the freezer!

I wasn’t hungry on my first break so I didn’t eat anything.

For lunch, I had Chicken noodle soup and about 1 cup of squash for 3 points.

I also had a Banana Nut VitaTop, that I topped with a little cool whip for 3 points.

A very low point lunch, and I was very satisfied. The warm squash and soup felt good on my sore throat.

On my last break, I ate 1 cup of fresh pineapple for 0 points.

I also made a cup of Duchess grey tea.

And brought back a 100 calorie pack of Cocoa Roasted Almonds to snack on for 3 points.

Hubby and I had planned on going to Subway for supper tonight- but since he was going to be a little bit later again, I decided I would just go pick it up and bring it home. Plus, I had to get some Nyquil to replenish my supply of the miracle drug.

For supper, I had a 6” Turkey Sub with 1 serving of BBQ Pop Chips and Diet Cherry Pepsi for 10 points.

I had quite a few points left over tonight, so I made a sundae of sorts out of 1 serving vanilla ice cream, 1/2 oz. honey roasted peanuts, a sliced banana and chocolate syrup for 7 points. YUMMMM!

That puts me at using 1 weekly point for the day. I’m having a hard time eating veggies since I’m not feeling well. For example, I planned on having a salad with my soup at lunchtime but the thought of eating lettuce wasn’t appetizing at all. I’m getting my servings of fruit in for sure though- I know that I’ll be back to normal eating wise when I’m feeling better again- but it’s so hard to eat veggies when I’m sick!

Tonight, hubby and I plan on watching Mo’ Better Blues. It’s a homework assignment for one of my classes. I hope it’s good!

Have a great weekend!

I’m a Fountain

Is it Thursday already? The week is flying by, which is never a bad thing as long as come Friday at around 5 PM, life just slows right on down to the pace of a snail.

I was craving oatmeal this morning, so I had 1 cup of oats with a tiny bit of cinnamon mixed in and a sliced banana on top. I also had a cup of 1% milk for a total of 7 points.

The thought of the long drive to school and then the long walk to class in the frigid air wasn’t very appealing today. So I decided to stay home and rest. I’m still not feeling well. Just stuffy, making it hard to breathe, and I felt a bit nauseous this morning, along with the sore throat. I’ve been a lot sicker, this is nothing compared to how bad these colds can get for me. So my plan of action is to rest as much as possible so that it doesn’t get that far for me this time. I swear, I will catch every cold and it will turn into a 3 month dilemma for me because it gets worse and then it just won’t go away! Other than that, I rarely get sick- just these colds or whatever you want to call them.

I spent the morning in bed reading for school. I got a lot done, which is a good feeling. While I read, I snacked on 2 Cuties clementines for 0 points.

For lunch, I was craving soup. That seems to be all I want these days.

A few of you noticed that I shop at Alidi- Yep, I love that store! And did you know that Aldi is owned by the same company as Trader Joe’s? I often find Trader Joe’s goodies there. I shop there because it saves us money and it’s a much smaller store- which I like. I almost always buy the Fit & Active version of the products- which are lower in calories, etc. I may have to put a post together with WW Points Plus Values of some of the foods I buy there. How many of you shop at Aldi? I used to be so embarrassed that my Mom shopped there- but now, I’m all about shopping at Aldi!

So for lunch, I had 1 cup of the Fit & Active Chicken Noodle Soup and I decided to get a little creative in the kitchen. I made a tuna melt quesadilla, which I dipped in ketchup- this was so good- I’ll have to share the recipe! Total points- 10.

And for dessert, I had 1 cup of fresh pineapple for o points.

A while later, I had a Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate with Caramel square for 2 points.

Before signing in to work, I was feeling a bit hungry- so I whipped up another delicious smoothie for 1 point. (3 servings of fruit!)

And then it was time to work. I brought a cup of Duchess Grey tea to sip on while I worked. My boss called me and told me I didn’t have to work today if I didn’t want to- but I told him I better work- I can’t keep taking time off!

A decision I regretted the moment I heard the first customer’s argumentative tone.

But I feel so bad because Hubby works so hard and puts in such long days and he doesn’t seem to  mind a bit! And here I am trying to take every chance I can to work less! lol. But he says he understands and it’s ok…But the bills do need to be paid! I guess Hubby has a job he LOVES and I do not- that’s the only difference I can think of. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful to be able to work at home and thankful I HAVE a job- but it’s not my life long goal to work for this company forever. Oh please, no- more like my life long nightmare if that would happen! I do aspire to higher things.

For supper, I made Tyson breaded chicken patties on sandwich thins with some Light mayo, tomato, greens and ketchup for 9 points. I also had (slightly burned) sweet potato fries for 4 points.

It was a delicious meal that felt like a splurge but it really wasn’t all that unhealthy!

For dessert, I had a serving of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup on top for 5 points.

This really hit the spot. I used 4 weekly points today.

I think that my hormones are affecting me because I started crying watching a commercial for a car- yeah really not that sad. But I wasn’t that surprised when I started sobbing when I watched the video below- it touched my heart and I hope it touches yours, too! *Sniffle* I’m just a fountain of tears today!

My Mom sent me this video which I think is just so adorable and I had to share it. I hope it brings a smile to your face, or a happy tear to your eye.

An Awful, No Good, Very bad Weigh In

I gained 3.6 lbs. this week. I followed the plan and stayed within my points. No explanation for the gain. But I’m going to try not to dwell on it and try to move forward knowing that the weight will come off eventually.

But that’s a BIG GAIN! Not only a BIG GAIN, but it puts me back about 3 weeks! I’m hoping it comes off quickly… Maybe I’ll have a big loss next week? *fingers crossed*

For some TMI, it was TOM even though I don’t have TOM on my BC pill- I’m sure my hormones do the same thing either way. Plus, I haven’t been feeling well. Am I making excuses? Not so much as I am acknowledging I may be doing the right thing, but my body may be having a tough week. Make sense?

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For breakfast, I had my usual for 9 points.

I didn’t feel like eating on my first break. It helps to eat breakfast a little later in the morning, which isn’t usually an option- but it was today. But I had a sore throat again, so I made some Duchess Grey tea for 0 points.

For lunch, I had tuna w/ light mayo on a sandwich thin with tomato and greens for 5 points.

I also had tomato soup and raw carrots for 3 points.

For dessert, I had 1 cup fresh pineapple for 0 points.

It felt like a healthy and satisfying lunch! I made a conscious decision not to eat baked chips today and go for the carrots- so yay me!

I worked for a couple more hours and I was happy when they asked if I wanted to sign out early because my throat was really hurting and sore- and I have to talk all day for my job! So I took that opportunity! I made up one of my favorite smoothies- be on the lookout for a recipe soon! 3 Servings of fruit in this one! I bet you wonder what’s in it, huh? 1 point.

And it felt wonderful on my throat!

A while later, while doing homework, I snacked on 1 cup of Cheerios for 3 points. I love these because they’re so little and it takes a while to eat them. They fill me up, too!

Hubby called to say he wouldn’t be home until probably around 9:00, so I went ahead and ate supper solo. It was the perfect opportunity to use up a package of Tofu Shirataki spaghetti that I had in the fridge. It smelled fishy when I opened it, which is normal, so I hear. I wasn’t sure what to expect!

I added spaghetti sauce that had a tiny bit of sausage in it. I ended up adding more spaghetti sauce later for more flavor. This was 6 points.

The verdict- they’re very low in points but I think I would rather have a serving of whole wheat pasta. The noodles were chewy, almost like I was eating rubber or something. But they definitely filled me up! I’m just kind of wondering how they’ll digest…Ew.

I also had a sandwich thin topped with a light Laughing Cow Mozzarella, Sun-Dried tomato and Basil cheese wedge with green beans for 4 points.

I had 3 points left, so I had a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich for 4 points. Why are there so many “diet” foods with cow in the name? lol

It’s a little perplexing, isn’t it?

I feel like today was a good day eating wise. No matter how bad my WI was, I’m just going to keep on going.