2nd Anniversary!

Two years and 145 lbs later . . . 

November 7th is as sacred as my wedding anniversary.  I made a promise to myself to find a way to be happy and healthy.  I knew the journey would be long and it was daunting . . .

but here I am!

What's the same?

I still REALLY like crap food.  Salty, processed, sugar (fake or real) and fattening.

Whoppers, doughnuts, fries, macaroni and cheese, pizza, ect.  I still eat them (GASP!)  but in serious moderation.  That word "moderation" actually fits in the "what's different" section below.

Still not a big fan of fruits and veggies . . . but I eat them anyway ;)

Still watch a lot of TV but I do it while on the elliptical or to reward myself after a workout.

I still think I'm huge.  Body issues, I know.  But there it is.

Still can't do a pull-up or a proper military style push-up.  STILL!

Me in my SUPER tight size 10's.
Wearing them because I CAN!

What's different?

Me in size 28 jeans once again!

I'm 145 lbs smaller, from a size 28 to a tight 10.

My feet went from a size 10 to 8.5 (biggest shocker EVER)

My breasts decided to leave me, not sure if they're ever coming back.

I can walk into any store and shop off any rack!

Race junkie = nerdy car

You will often hear me say "sorry I can't, I have to workout"

(except I'm not really sorry, it just seams the polite thing to say)

I get REALLY excited by new music on my MP3 player.

Guaranteed to make for a good run.

Padded bras are my friends and underwire is a must!

I set my work schedule around race dates.

Never given, always earned.

Costumes.  I can finally fit into any costume I want for the first time since I was a child.  Now I wear something to almost every race.  I know I look like an idiot but I'm having the time of my life.

I can outrun my kids.  In the the beginning walking up my basement stairs would leave me gasping for air.  Now my 10 year old asks me to WAIT!

I have loose skin.  My rolls of fat deflated into loose bits.

I have wrinkles now.  Crows feet and smile lines have appeared.

I think I look much older because of said skin issues but I'm told I look much younger.

(Back to the body issues)

I wear through shoes as fast as my growing children.  My old "tennis shoes" used to last years, now I'm lucky if I can get them past 3 months.  Also, proper running shoes are expensive, leaving less money for fabulous heels.  Just sayin'

I rarely wear makeup anymore.  Not because I don't want to, but because I workout, then chase children, then workout WHILE chasing children, then collapse into bed.  What's the point?!

Most important change:  I've found something inside of me that yearns to live, breathe, fight, feel, and discover.  It doesn't care what you think or say, because it wants what it wants.

This girl is on FIRE!

That song "Girl on Fire" is about me.  

Loves to all my losers!

Teresa

1/2 Marathon for the Beginner!

I just completed my first 1/2 Marathon and you can't imagine the learning curve that came with it!

Here's everything you need from beginning to end in one place.

Now, all you need is the courage to start.

I used Jeff Galloway's Training Schedule he created for www.RunDisney.com

They are 21 weeks long and VERY easy to follow, even for beginners

1/2 Marathon Training Schedule

Everything you need to know about carb loading properly RIGHT HERE!

Don't make the mistake by eating one large spaghetti meal the night before . . . you WILL regret it.

Loading properly will guarantee enough glycogen stores to get you to the finish line.

My favorite running MP3 playlist!

Batgirl Running Costume

(Order a full size small and leave the mask and boot covers at home)

RECOVERY:

Something you don't think about until you can't walk the next day and you've gained 10+ lbs of water weight.

First 72 hours HERE

Little more info HERE

All about Lactic Acid, DOMS, and the link to swelling HERE

You CAN do this!

Loves,

Teresa

2013 MP3 Playlist!

While prepping for my 1/2 Marathon and all the miles I've put in running the road 

I had to revamp my MP3 playlist

Here's my list of faves:

ROAR (Katy Perry)

Applause (Lady GaGa)

I Wanna Go (Britney Spears)

Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)

Drive By (Train)

Fabolous ft Jeremih

Mary the Night (Lady GaGa)

50 Ways to Say Goodbye (Train)

We Run the Night (Pitbull)

Remember When (Chris Wallace)

The Middle (Jimmy Eat World)

Catch My Breath (Kelly Clarkson)

Try (Pink)

People Like Us (Kelly Clarkson)

Kiss You (OD)

Troublemaker (Olly Mars)

Love You Like a Love Song (Selena Gomez)

Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)

Can't Be Tamed (Miley Cyrus)

Best Song Ever (OD)

Live While We're Young (OD)

Come and Get It (Selena Gomez)

Slow Down (Selena Gomez)

I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor Swift)

Live it Up (Pitbull)

Girl On Fire (Alicia Keys)

Die Young  (Kesha)

Blow (Kesha)

One Thing (OD)

Feel This Moment (Pitbull)

We R Who We R (Kesha)

Still IntoYou (Paramore)

Treasure (Bruno Mars)

Runaway Baby (Bruno Mars)

Whataya Want From Me (Adam Lambert)

Cups (Anna Kendrick)

It's My Life (Bon Jovi)

American Girl (Bonnie McKee)

Safe and Sound (Capital Cities)

Everybody Talks (Neon Trees)

Good Feeling (FloRida)

Wild Ones (FloRida)

Some Nights (FUN)

We Are Young (FUN)

Animal (Neon Trees)

All Summer Long (Kid Rock)

Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus)

How We Do (Rita Ora)

Oldies but Goodies:

Footloose

Be My Lover (La Bouche)

Holding Out for a Hero (Bonnie Tyler)

Eye of the Tiger

I Will Survive (Gloria Gay)

Thriller (Michael Jackson)

Rhythm of the Night (Cascada)

Gonna Make You Sweat (C+C Music Factory)

Beautiful Life (Ace of Base)

Tubthumping (Chumbawamba)

I find most of them on YouTube.com and use

http://www.youtube-mp3.org/

to put them in MP3 format.

What are you favs?!

This Moment

Let me just say life has NOT been awesome lately.   I'm tired of the daily fight and struggles with my own personal demons, health issues, homeowner trials and financial woes.  Add to all of that the burden of trying to lose 190 lbs and it all seems unbearable at times.  

I've trained hard for a Triathlon that I had to pull out of for health reasons, my weight loss has stalled, and I'm training for a 1/2 Marathon and can't seem to get past that mile mark.  

So.  Tired.  Of.  Fighting.

I asked myself:  What's the point?  I didn't ask for this special bag burdens and trials.  Can't I just lay them down and walk away?  Check out of this crazy race?

I know in my gut I can't.  Sure, I could walk away and quit fighting.  I could lay this bag of burdens down on the side of the road and walk away but here's why I won't:

This moment:

 

       

Because of my babies and this man:

"Here's the thing, you try and you fail.  You try and you fail.  But you get up everyday and you try again for THIS moment.  This moment right here.  This is what you fight for.  And it doesn't happen often but when it does happen, it's magic!  

And it's worth it!"  Jillian Michaels

Stand up and keep going! I may be moving slowly and crying the whole way but I'll be right behind you ;)

Teresa

IBS Friendly Flexible Homemade Ice Cream!

The basics for the ice cream!

This can be low calorie by simply substituting for skim options and less sugar.

32 ounces "milk products"

1/2 cup "sugar product"

2 tsp flavoring of choice

2 tsp cornstarch

(pour into a small amount of the milk product and shake until fully mixed.  

Then add to the rest of the ingredients to avoid chunks)

Mix well and pour into ice cream maker and freeze by instruction manual for 30 mins.  Add "mix ins" and continue to freeze for another 5 mins.  Transfer to freezer.  Recipes without actual cow milk products will take much longer to freeze.

"Milk Products" - I prefer to use 1/2 whipping cream for my milk products and fill the rest with full fat coconut milk or vanilla almond milk.  Whipping cream has VERY low levels of lactose and my son tolerates it just fine.  Whipping cream vs almond milk/coconut milk is creamy vs sorbet texture. 

"Sugar Product" - I use brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or white sugar.  My son tolerates all of these and I use the flavoring I'm going for to dictate which one I use.

This is truly a flexible recipe and can be adjusted to what your body can tolerate.  It can also be worked to be lower calorie.  Get creative!

Our Favorite Concoctions!!!

Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!

MP:  1/2 Whipping Cream and 1/2 Chocolate Almond Milk

SP:  Brown Sugar (fully mixed in before freezing)

F: 2 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup cocoa powder (fully mixed in before freezing)

2 tsp cornstarch.

The last 5 mins I added cut up brownie pieces (nut free)

Blueberry Sorbet!

MP:  1/2 Vanilla Almond milk and 1/2 full fat coconut milk

SP:  Maple Syrup

F: 1/2 butter flavoring and 1/2 vanilla

1 Tbsp cornstarch.

Blueberry mixture (I boiled 1 lb blueberries on the stovetop with 1 cup sugar, 2 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp cornstarch for 10 mins until thickened into a pie filling consistancy.)

This took until morning to be fully frozen

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough!

MP: 1/2 Whipping Cream, 1/4 coconut milk, 1/4 Vanilla Almond Milk

SP:  Brown Sugar

F: 1/2 butter flavoring, 1/2 vanilla

2 tsp cornstarch

The last 5 mins I added small chunks of egg free cookie dough I had cut up and frozen.

A Day in the Life of Teresa

I get regular messages with the same questions, so I decided to take the time and write it all out for the world to see!  HOORAY!  Hopefully this helps someone, and if you don't care than I won't be offended when you skip this post. I've provided lots of links for you, so check them out.

I also added a whole page of free weight loss tools I use regularly HERE

 My main answer to all questions is:

Move more, eat less.

What do my workouts look like in a week?

Gym days: about 3 days a week for up to 2 hours.

30 mins of high intensity cardio, AKA interval training or fartleks with a HR greater than 150.

20 mins of heavy weight lifting in supersets

45-60 mins of "fun cardio" AKA racquetball, walking, tennis.  Average HR of 120-140's.

Long Run Day: At the end of the week I do a long run, currently about 6-7 miles.  

It's not about the speed it's just about finishing.

Play Days: These are days I'm outside with my kids hiking, gardening, water park, bike rides, 

long walks, playgrounds, anything active and I do it with them.

Rest Days:  LISTEN!  These are a must!  The body needs time to recover, rest,

 hydrate and restock glycogen stores. 

 If you're dying in your workouts and can't figure out why, you made need a serious rest day.

What you do for workouts and where you do them is all based on your goals.

I am training for Triathlons, obstacle races and a 1/2 marathon so my workout schedule reflects that.  I'm also a mom of 3 children and I need to be outside playing with them and teaching them what a naturally active lifestyle looks like . . . thus, play days!

One word about going to the gym with kids.  It's not easy, sometimes it takes the whole day to get there but we do it anyway.  Get a gym with a daycare and fork over your "Sonic money" to cover the daycare fees.  It's one of those "no excuses" things.  When my kids are all sick and we're home bound for a week, I whip out my P90X or Jillian Michaels and get to work in my basement.  JUST DO IT!

Eat Less:

What do I Eat?

I eat everything under the sun!  Fast food, super healthy food, processed food, clean food, cake, Whoppers, Milky Ways, Protein Shakes, LOTS of fruits and veggies and everything in between.  

I learned a long time ago, if I want something and I tell myself I can't have it, then suddenly I would kill for it.  At the end of the day it's about moderation, portion sizes, calorie counting and how you eat 90% of the time.

I've logged a TON of recipes (<300 cals, 300+ cals) where I've done all the counting and calculating for you, all you need to do it follow it and log it. 

How much do I eat?

My calorie intake is always based on 1) my BMR and 2) my activity level.

BMR (Basel Metabolic Rate) is how many calories your body needs to survive at the current weight.

Here's a caloric need calculator for you, understand it changes with weight.

I log everything on www.Loseit.com and it automatically updates my calories for me.

Also, when I have a 2 hour intense training session or a long run and burn 1000 calories I will eat SOME of those calories back.  I can't have my body burning muscle or going into starvation mode.  You wouldn't drive a car on an empty tank of gas, you're body is no different.

How do I cook for my family?

Being a mom of small children poses it's own challenges.  

We eat super normal food but with minor adjustments.  Limited butter and cheese, lean meats, no pop, fruits and veggies with each meal, smaller portions and only occasional desserts.  

Now, when they want burgers I grill a turkey burger.  

When they want pizza, I make my pita pizzas (1, 2) OR I eat what they are having BUT with extra care in measuring my food out.  Yes, I whip out the measuring cups!  

Sometimes I need a Pizza Hut Pan Pizza . . . but I measure it out and log it and I don't go back for seconds!  Many nights they want "kid food" so I just make my own quick dinner.  

If you have more questions let me know and I'll just keep adding onto this already ridiculously long post!

Teresa

"10 Things you need to know about weight loss"

I love science!

I know the whole "counting calories and exercising" thing is boring

but science backs it up and it works!

This Documentary aired on BBC and takes a simple approach to understanding weight loss.

"10 Things You Need to Know About Weight Loss"

Bottom line: if you eat more than your body needs you will gain weight.

If you eat less than your body needs you will lose weight.

The end.

You may have a lot of excuses, I've heard them all and used them all.

At some point you have to decide how badly you want this and how dedicated you will be.

You CAN do this.

Here's the basic 10 things from the documentary but I STRONGLY encourage you

to watch it for yourself, it's only an hour long.

 1. Don’t skip meals If you skip meals, your brain craves higher-calorie foods. CT scans show when you are hungry there is more activity in your brain when you were shown images of high calorie and fattening foods vs low calorie/healthy food. 

2. Use smaller plates You’ll put less food on your plate, and in turn eat less food.  If you fill up a large plate you are more likely to finish it even if you weren't hungry enough.  This has been proven several times by scientists.

3. Count your calories People typically under report by 50%. People forget to count sncks, "grazing" or drinks, they also guess portion sizes.  Record every single bite and get out the measuring cups and measure EVERYTHING until you get it right.

4. Don’t blame your metabolism While it is a possiblity, it's highly unlikely even in the largest people who have "tried everything."  You are more likely to be underestimating what you eat and how much you do.

5. Protein staves off hunger pains Protein releases more of the "I'm full" hormone than other types of food. This hormone suppresses hunger longer than if you had ingested low protein foods.

6. Soup keeps you feeling fuller for longer The same foods on a plate with water in a glass vs blended with the water and turned into a soup showed remarkable digestion differences.  Ultrasounds of people who had the "souped" meal showed the soup stayed in the stomach longer and took longer to digest.  The theory is the water blended into the meal added volume and thus took longer to digest. 

7. The more choices you have, the more you eat Variety makes you more likely to want to try everything. It is instinct. It is proven you will likely eat 30% more food with a large variety.  More reason to cook less, HA!

8. Low fat dairy helps you excrete more fat Calcium binds to fat in the small intestine making them insoluble and pass through your body and out the other end!  Keep the dairy low fat but keep it in your food plan and don't forget to measure it ALL out.

9. Exercise goes on burning fat, even while you sleep You burn more fat after moderate exercise, than while exercising. Your body keeps burning it for up to 22 hours later. If you work out during the day you will still be burning fat in your sleep. Go get that heart rate up and then take a guilt free nap ;)

10. Keep moving and lose weight Keep yourself active but don’t eat more because you’re doing more exercise!  Talk on the phone standing, walk while visiting intead of sitting.  Just keep moving! 

Teresa's FINAL SUMMATION:  MOVE MORE, EAT LESS!!!!!!!!!

Part of Summary taken from MyFitnessPal.com

Veggie Strong Pizza!

Here's a healthier version of my Pita Pizza

Whole wheat pita 200 cals

1/8 cup marinera sauce 20 cals

Spinach, tomatos, mushrooms 10 cals

turkey pepperoni 30 cals

1/8 cup mozzarella 40 cals

(only enough mozzarella to sprinkle on top and hold it all together)

I also added a Tbsp of Nutritional Yeast 22 cals (TOTALLY optional)

TOTAL = 322 calories.

Bake at 40 degrees 5-7 mins

This has a TON of protein and fiber to keep you full a LONG time!

Love,

Teresa!

A Runner's Prayer

While running I find myself saying these little prayers for myself and other runners I see.

Things I never thought of until I started running,

things I discovered were suddenly vital!

Not intending to be blasphemous but I know God knows me 

and tolerates my extra neediness during runs and tough workouts:

For other runners I see:

May your mind be clear from the worries of the world 

so you may enjoy your run.

May you understand my exasperated smile and partial wave 

are my way of cheering you on!

May that dog roaming free not chase you as he did me

May that snake crossing the path not startle you as it did me.

May you see that giant crack in the road that I didn't 

until it was too late.

May you make it home before the sun sets.

May you reach the end of your run and not have to cut it short.

May your water bottle never empty.

When you are struggling, may your favorite song come on.

May the wind always be at your back.

For Myself:

Give me the strength to make it to the top of that hill.

Bless my feet that they may not go numb, blister or chafe.

Bless my legs with the endurance to complete my run, 

and my knees to keep from buckling.

Let my MP3 battery hold out.

Help me to breathe . . . in and out, in and out.

Please keep snakes, stray dogs and crazy drivers away from me.

Bless my children with safety and extra guardian angels 

while I'm away.

Please let the next song be "Eye of the Tiger."

Amen and luvs,

Teresa

Cubing Butternut Squash

Not a lot to say here, more of a "how to" with pics!

I add salt and pepper with a bit of light butter and microwave them for a couple mins. . . 

HEAVENLY!

They also freeze well in a baggie, so don't worry about having too much.

Luvs,

Teresa

You are not alone!

Feeling alone is this journey of weight loss and lifestyle change?

Well, you're not!

I made this video just for you. 

Pardon my appearance, I'd just run 7 miles and it was 11pm,

so tired!

Luvs,

Teresa

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Because I love all things pumpkin

and I have another 50 lbs to lose 

I literally gasped out loud when I found this recipe:

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

(her pics are way nicer than mine)

I tweeked it a bit and measured out everything exactly.

Here's my version.

It's a bit more like a baked custard than a pie and while I do miss the crust 

(because it's the best part right?!) 

it was HEAVENLY!!!  

AND because I'm a bit of a glutton I loved that I could eat a TON of it.

In fact, it was my entire dinner tonight.

Jealous huh?!

I will give you 2 options:

simple or super simple

15 oz can Pumpkin Pie mix 

(pre flavored and a bit sweetened) = 450 calories

OR

15 oz can Pumpkin Puree

(you season it yourself with your favorite mix of ginger, cloves, and nutmeg) = 135 calories

1/3 cup white flour = 160 calories

1/3 cup Xylitol = 155 calories (or brown sugar)

1 Tbsp ground flax = 30 calories (or cornstarch)

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

2 cups skim milk = 180 calories

1 Tbsp vanilla

2 Stevia (Truvia) packets (or 2 Tbsp brown sugar)

Honestly I dumped in the ingredients into my mixer and just turned it on.

No separating or extra bowls, just the lazy way ;)

Use a deep pie pan, this does bubble up and mine overflowed into the oven.

Next time I'll place a cookie sheet under them.

Spray pan with whatever nonstick spray you use and

bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.

It will be bubbly right out of the oven but trust the process!

Once cooled, place in the fridge for a couple hours before digging in.

I top mine with Light Cool Whip!

Total calories per PIE = 975 calories (Pumpkin Pie Mix)

or 660 calories (Pumpkin Puree)

1 slice (1/8th of a pie) = 

121 calories ((Pumpkin Pie Mix)

82 calories (Pumpkin Puree)

FYI you can eat 1/2 of this pie for the same calories

 as 1 slice of normal pumpkin pie.

My kids loved this and begged for more after one bite.

Enjoy!

Teresa

Portobello Mushroom Pizzas!

These are so quick and easy it's impossible to mess them up!

Promise!

2 Portobello mushrooms = 10 calories

Spaghetti Sauce (Teresa's Stupidly Simple Sauce) 2 Tbsp = 10 calories

Turkey Pepperoni 10 slices = 50 calories

Pizza blend shredded Cheese 1/4 cup = 80 calories

Remove stem from mushroom and build like a pizza.

Split ingredients evenly between both 'shrooms 

and bake for 10 mins at 350 degrees

Grand total calories for 2 Mushroom Pizzas = 150 calories!

Be sure to pair it with an awesome salad or big bowl of fruit.

Like a true American I like a LOT of cheese on my pizza, as you can see ;)

FYI mushrooms are loaded with water so these are a bit juicy.

Enjoy!

Teresa

Squash! Yep, I finally did it!

For at least a year I've been hearing all about Spaghetti Squash, 

and my mental thought process usually starts and ends with

 "I don't eat squash, buhbye!"

Then the day came when I needed a low calorie and low sodium meal and REALLY wanted pasta.  

Highly unlikely, right?!

Bought myself a spaghetti squash 

and ingredients for homemade spaghetti sauce.

I'm just going to send you all the links I used, since they're WAY better at explaining than I am!

mmmmK?!

Here's how you cook the squash

Here's my stupidly simple spaghetti sauce:

1 can tomato paste

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can water

italian seasoning

1 packet Truvia sweetener (I like sweet sauce)

You could add veggies or meat but I was starving so I scratched those!

Teresa's Spaghetti Squash

1 cup squash 40 cals

1/2 cup spaghetti sauce 25 cals

Total = 65 calories!!!!!!

I didn't feel the least bad about adding a soft rye roll 

or an awesome salad with low calorie/sodium dressing.

My entire meal was 235 calories and I was STUFFED!

Next I made a Spaghetti squash cheesy alfredo bake:

I tweeked her sauce a bit but the results were heavenly!

Sauce:

In a jar I mixed

2 Tbsp flour

1 1/2 cup skim milk

In a saucepan I melted:

1 Tbsp light butter

added minced garlic, pepper, italian seasoning

When butter is melted I added the milk/flour mixture.

Add either 1 Tbsp cream cheese OR

because I was out I used a triangle of my Laughing Cow Swiss

and it worked perfectly!

Mix until completely melted with no lumps.

Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pour over 1/2 of spaghetti squash.

(you could split it between two but I didn't feel like sharing)

CHEESY!

Sauce calories: 350 calories

1/2 of a spaghetti squash: 80 calories

Total : 430 calories!

I tried my best but couldn't finish the whole thing, I probably should've shared ;)

Teresa

Ladies, I give you Chocolate Oatmeal!

This is what happens when I need chocolate badly but I also REALLY need to behave . . . 

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

1/2 cup rolled oats (150 cals)

1 Tbsp cocoa powder (20 cals)

1 cup water

Sweetener (I used 3 little Truvia Packets)

Add all ingredients to bowl and stir well,

then microwave for 2 mins.

Delicious!

Total calories 170!

Total time 5 mins!

Scales, Whooshes and Plateaus!

I don't lose weight in a nice linear way but with lots of plateaus and whooshes.

I often drive myself crazy with frequent weighing and agonizing 

over the day to day water fluctuations.

I retain water when I eat out,

 too much sugar or sodium, 

TOTM, 

heavy weight lifting, 

or heat.

Therefore, I retain water A LOT!

Here's some amazing articles I've found upon my searching 

and they've helped me understand the process and find a 

bit of peace along with that knowledge.  

How do I bounce back from a Binge/Naughty weekend?

A Quick note about Water Balance

Of Whooshes and Squishy Fat

(What happens on the cellular level)

I just wanted to pass this along and say the whole point of these links is to: