Mashed Cauliflower

I love mashed potatoes...unfortunately they are not diet friendly.  So, I found a replacement recipe I just had to try.  Cheesy mashed cauliflower.  It turned out really good, very similar to mashed potatoes, surprisingly.  I found the recipe on www.foodgawker.com, here is the link to the recipe.  I did not use the butter the recipe called for, instead I added a splash of skim milk.  I used 2% reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese and had to add some additional milk when I blended it in the blender.  My husband even enjoyed the mashed cauliflower!  I think these will be making an appearance  on our Thanksgiving table this year for sure!  I think next time, though, I will be making this with skim milk only, just to see how they turn out without using the heavy whipping cream.  I hope you will find inspiration to try something new!

Boots

Style&Co Ryder Boots

So... I've wanted a pair of tan riding boots for a couple seasons now.  I finally purchased some this season and I must say it has sparked some new inspirations from my closet.  My husband and I budget our household income based off of Dave Ramsey's financial philosophies (www.daveramsey.com), so I had to put the price in the budget for these boots ($75) and I set out to find the right pair for the right price.  I found them at Macy's, the Style&Co Ryder boots, and I got them them within budget, $68 (including tax)!  I'll post some pictures soon of some of the outfits I have thought of to wear with my new boots.  I had to buy them online because the store did not have my size in stock.  At the time, they had the boots listed on sale for $89.99, so in order to get the boots I needed to get a discount.  I like to go to www.retailmenot.com to find current coupon codes for stores, and macy's had one!  I got them for 30% off and free shipping.  Whenever I am shopping online I always look for coupon codes before I buy, usually if there isn't a coupon code, I don't buy it (what can I say, I like to get a deal).

The Workout

Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor
This is the one I use.

So... as I begin, this is how I am currently working out.  My gym does not have elliptical trainers, so I choose to use the Arc Trainers they have for my cardio workout.  I usually like to begin my workout with 30 minutes of hit cardio, then I lift weights.  For cardio, I wear a heart rate monitor (or use the monitor on the machine if you don't have one) so I can make sure to get a good workout.  I want to stay in my target zone which is 135-164 for my age.  I try to stay near the top of the range during my workout.  I typically go above zone during my "2-minute hits."  I choose to do hit cardio because in research, it's been shown to burn more fat (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/betteru11.htm.) I do 2-minutes with high intensity, then 3-minutes at the top of my target zone.  The machine I use changes resistance, when it's at the highest resistance it stays there for 2-minutes, I use this as my high intensity push.  I really like this style of cardio, because it makes the workout go quicker somehow.  I feel more motivated to workout hard.  I mean, who doesn't need more motivation!?  I know I do, otherwise I wouldn't need to lose the 40 pounds!

For the weights, I made a list on my iPod with the machines/freeweights I use for my workout.  This helps me keep track of how much weight I am using so I know when I need to add more.  I am currently doing the following exercises. (I try to alternate days for upper/lower body weights)

• Leg Press 190 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Leg Extension 90 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Leg Curl 80 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Calf Raise 100 lbs, 3 sets 12 reps
• Seated Row 60 lbs, 3 sets 10 reps
• Tricep Pushdown 40 lbs, 3 sets 10 reps
• Dumbell Bench Press 20 lb weight, 3 sets 10 reps
• Abs: In-and-outs, Russian twists w/ medicine ball, Roll up 

Of course, this is my routine I am doing right now, there are a ton of different exerices to work differnt muscle groups.  I'm sure I will change it up as I get bored with this routine.

No workout would be tolerable (in my opinion), without the right playlist.  So get a playlist put together that will help keep you going!  I have a few playlists on my iPod that I can choose from for whatever I am feeling that day.  Find something that will motivate you to reach your goals.  This blog is part of my motivation and accountability to help me finally reach that goal weight!



Beginning a New Chapter...

Welcome to my blog!  I am beginning a new chapter in my life and I am excited to begin a blog in hopes it will help me reach my goals.  I want to lose 40 pounds.  Along the way, I hope to share some of my "hobbies," I love to try to new, healthy recipes and experiment with my wardrobe, finding new combinations to create fun and colorful outfits.  I live with my wonderful husband, Erik, and our two energetic dogs.

Stanley

Oliver

Erik and I on our wedding day, 5.29.10.