Spaghetti Squash

I was doing my weekly grocery shopping, and while in the produce section, I saw some spaghetti squash.  I've never tried this vegetable, so I decided it was worth a shot.  I had to find out how to prepare the squash, so I found this link on, you guessed it, Pinterest!  I baked it for 1-1/2 hours, not 1 hour like the directions called for, and I think it turned out pretty well!  I served it with some turkey meatballs and topped the spaghetti squash with some tomato sauce.  I'd say for the first try, it made a delicious meal!  I'll definitely be using it again, except next time, I think I'll try the microwave method.

The Box

I recently discovered that my local grocery carries this fabulous box of various organic fruits and vegetables.  You can find out more about The Box here.  Each week there is different fruits and vegetables featured.  It is so much fun to open the box and try the new produce each week!  You can choose from fruit, vegetable, or a combo box.  I have ordered the fruit/vegetable small combo box.  I usually order one every other week, and supplement with specific fruits/vegetables I need for recipes or snacks.  This is a great way to try new fruits or vegetables that you otherwise may not have tried, and it's a bonus that it's all organic!

Bite-Size Apple Pie

I just love finding new recipes on Pinterest!  I recently came across this apple recipe and I just had to try it!  This is a great way to satisfy the sweet tooth, but also stay within your daily calorie limit!  I made the recipe using reduced fat crescent rolls and I added two slices of apple, instead of just one.

Baked Salmon

There are only so many recipes that you can make using chicken, turkey, or beef.  It was time to branch out!  I found this salmon marinade on Pinterest, follow link here.  I am not someone who really enjoys fish, but I know it is good for you, so I try to add it to my diet.  This was actually quite delicious!  I added a bit more lemon juice to the marinade and also squeezed some on top after it was finished baking.  The additional lemon juice definitely made it even more yummy!  I served the salmon with grilled asparagus.  I just simply tossed the asparagus in some garlic olive oil and salt & pepper.  YUM!  I hope you'll try and add some fish to your diet!

Accountability

Since beginning this journey, I have fallen off the wagon many, many times.  I feel frustrated with the limited progress that I've made.  However, I know it's no one's fault, but my own.  I struggle every day with making good choices... whether it's about food or working out.  So, it comes down to the simplest question... Am I willing to make the sacrifices to make this change happen?  I'd like the answer to be "yes," but my actions have certainly said, "no."  I wish I had the answers that could solve this problem.  But for now, I think the best solution is to put up a picture of my "before" picture where I can see it every day.  When I feel like skipping the gym, or splurging on a [temporary] food craving, I will just look at the picture and remember that it's not acceptable!  The weight was not put on overnight, so expecting to take it off overnight is not going to happen!  This is a journey, not a sprint.....

New Workout & Diet Tracker

I have just signed up for a FREE account with www.myfitnesspal.com.  I am truly excited about it because (1) it's free and (2) it keeps track of everything for me!  I can logon and track food & workouts on the web or through the app on my iPod.  When you set up your account, you will add goals which computes automatically what your daily caloric intake limit.  It takes the guesswork out of the calorie deficit you need to create in order to keep your weightloss goals on track.  I am trying to lose 2 lbs a week so that I can be bikini ready for this summer.  Therefore, I am limited to 1200 calories a day.  I can eat more if I workout that day, if not, then it needs to be no more than 1200 consumed.

 i.e. 1500 calories (consumed) - 300 calories (burned in workout) = 1200 calories for the day.

Click the link below to go to their website.

Welcome to 2013!

It's been quite a long time since I have made a new post, but today's as good a day as any!  I've not had much success with my workout and weight-loss goals in the last few weeks... my gym is closed for 3 weeks and with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years... it's just not a great time to be "dieting."  With that said, I have a new workout idea for the coming year that I want to begin to incorporate into my daily routine.  It's a simple "wake me up" workout.

 There is no excuse!  It will force me to wake up a little bit earlier before work in the morning and get my day started on the right foot.  I'm hoping it will give me the jump start I need!  My goal this year is be in my healthy BMI by June.  That means I need to lose 2 pounds per week.  I think starting with smaller, attainable goals will get me where I want to be.  Cheers to a new year!