Clean Slate

Now that the holidays have come and gone, let's reflect.

I'm sure everyone ate mostly veggies and fruit, only water, no desserts and worked out everyday. Right? Hello?

...*crickets*

Not even the most self-controlled person could resist treating themselves to some christmas cookies, or pouring an extra spoonful of gravy on their mashed potatoes. If anything, this is the time of the year you can allow yourself to take it easy for a couple of days and enjoy the treats the holiday has to offer. 

My indulgence was mainly candy and cookies. My brother had these crazy-good chocolate covered red velvet cakeballs. That's a mouthful! And I had a mouthful! LOL   :)

Unfortunately, the next day I had a cold. I made myself stay on the couch and rest. The menu was soup and crackers. Not that I could taste anything. *sidenote - isn't that the absolute worst part of having a cold?!

I could hardly wait to get back to walking and eating right. So much in fact, that my shins are tender from me overdoing it a little. 

2012 is your clean slate. Wipe away everything that has dragged you down, held you back...and move forward. Don't wait another day, another moment. Life is too short to hold back from what you CAN be. It is within all of us.

Give it all you've got.

Much good work is lost for the lack of a little more. ~ Edward H. Harriman

Update

35 pounds down...

This week, my focus will be on cutting down on sweets & pastas. I never nix them completely, but can definitely stand to lower my consumption of them. Why do us women love carbs so much? :)
What is your goal for this week? Strive for progress...not perfection. xo

- Gina Ree

Found.

I lost sight of myself for a long time. Beneath the extra weight I put on, and the lack of caring about what I looked like, I changed. I didn't look in the mirror hardly at all. Subconsciously, it repelled me to see the state I was in. My body was nothing like it used to be. Of course I wanted to change it...but had no drive physically. Anytime I contemplated beginning the change, I would sabotage myself...whether it be with overeating, or no activity, I was doomed. Feeling buried and helpless, I didn't try.

Many overweight women are adamant about loving yourself the way you are, despite of size. "Big is beautiful" is their mantra. Though I agree that it is important to not hate your body, it's perfectly fine to want to change for the better. My size is something that effected me in an extremely negative way. Accepting something that is not healthy for me and doesn't make me happy isn't beneficial whatsoever.

We've just passed the 3 month mark, and there is no stopping me now. 34.8 pounds down...and my view on myself has changed tremendously. 

More confidence. My insecurities before overrode my desire to be who I really am. I now feel like who I was before...outgoing and friendly, not shy and withdrawn. Also, I feel like I'm truly attractive again. I can't stop flirting with my hubby. :)

More comfortable. Physically, my size hindered my comfort level. Sitting certain ways bothered me. I was winded if I had to walk too fast or go upstairs. Even sleeping was getting to a point where I was feeling the difference. Now I realize how good being a better, normal size is. There's a reason why our bodies were made to be a healthy weight.

More clarity. My mind feels so clear and vivid now. I'm sure the exercise has alot to do with that, but I'm so aware of everything around me now. My focus is not food, or my flaws. I'm happy with who I am, and am savoring food and flavor, versus devouring it without thinking.

I have found me again. 

A Day in the Life

Many people have asked me what kind of meals I eat, so I thought I would make a post to show ya!

Breakfast

I've always been a cereal lover. Recently, we ransacked the cereal aisles to find a tasty morning treat with not many calories. Surprisingly, many of the "healthy" ones were packed full with calories, sugar, and fat. Here are a few of my faves that will help keep you inside the lines:

Special K - Original or Protein Plus (1 cup)

I usually choose skim milk at work, or 1/2 percent at home (pint)

This usually keeps me satisfied until lunchtime, due to the amount of protein in it.

Lunch

Usually, lunch for me doesn't exceed 400 calories. There's a sandwich that my hubby introduced that I really love!

Subway's Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (6 inch) - 330 calories

This is including my preferred toppings, which is American Cheese and Black Olives only

(please see www.subway.com to calculate your specific toppings)

Dinner

Eating at home saves us tons of calories usually. On the way home from work, we'll stop by the grocery store & pickup a rotisserie chicken (cooked). There are so many recipes that you can make from this that our healthy, quick, and simple.

The most simple route for us would be serve the desired amount of chicken with a veggie, such as squash, broccoli, or corn. We would also include a side of lowfast cottage cheese.

Another way to serve it is use it to make White Chicken Chili or Chicken Tacos/Enchiladas. (previously posted recipe for Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas!)

Cue the Food Coma

The obligatory Food Coma has become the symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday. We mainly blame it on Tryptophan, but usually the main culprit behind this food induced slumber is overeating. Throwing caution to the wind,  we act as though we will never again have the opportunity to sample mashed potatoes with (extra) gravy. Our plates loaded, we practice the art of testing to see how many sides we can fit onto the plate. Topping it with a dinner roll and some cranberry sauce, we marvel at our creation before devouring it...and then we go back for more.

Can I be honest? There is nothing more uncomfortable to me then being too full. Ironically, I felt that way before we changed how we eat...but I did it anyway. After eating too much, I am dying to unbutton my pants, or change into my stretchy pants. How sexy is that? To want to get out of these clothes...because my stomach is too big! I prefer the feeling of being satisfied now. Not overflowing with food, but content. When you have a tasty meal in front of you, it is hard not to overindulge. To avoid it, here are some steps you can take.

Split the meal with someone

This always helps reduce the impact of the calories. It takes some adjustment to adapt to this idea. We're all used to having our own. If you want to have a nice meal but not the calories, this is an easy way to enjoy the taste but not sacrifice your goal.

Eat slowly

Sometimes we act as though someone will steal our plate if we don't act fast and eat our food. Inhaling our meals can result in mindless eating. Savor each bite you take. Soon, you will find how much you enjoy the flavor instead of enjoying the act of eating.

Drink a glass of water prior to your meal

This will cause you to feel more full then just eating on an empty stomach. Combined with eating slowly, you will enjoy the meal, but stop earlier once you feel satisfied.

Ask yourself at the end of each day..."What steps have I taken today towards my goal?"

If we consistently remind ourselves of our goal and plan, that will help us not cheat or go overboard. Holding yourself accountable and being real with yourself is key. You can ask this question throughout the day too...especially when you feel the temptation to binge. It brings you back to reality.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, let's get focused on getting back to fitness and eating right! Tomorrow is a new day! 

Flavor + Fitness = Fabulous!

This advertisement validated my size. I was tickled by how much it resembled my body. At the time, I was thankful for how normal it made me feel. Now? Not so much. 

That's not the kind of normal that I want to be. Looking like a supermodel(or Barbie) isn't my goal either. I would like to be slim...toned...healthy.

The lowest size I can remember being is a 12. That was a good size for me. I was practically skinny, but somehow never saw that back then. Self-conscious from the start, I compared myself to others constantly. Why couldn't I look like that?  It doesn't make it easier when others remind you daily of what you already know.  Especially people you love. It may come from a place of love, but it usually causes more frustration and insecurity. That push is sometimes what we need to wake up, though. 

The term "emotional eater" rarely applied to me. This girl just simply adores food. My favorite thing to do was to go out to restaurant and feast! Rarely did I eat because of how I felt. If anything, I ate less when I was down. Being an obsessive eater was my problem. Always planning the next meal.

Flavor plays a huge part in this new lifestyle. I refuse to eat things that don't taste good even now. There are plenty of healthy options to choose from without sacrificing taste. The internet is FULL of creative recipes that  people have come up with the keep eating healthy interesting for your tastebuds! 

Here are 2 recipes that we have tried this week & were really impressed with both! 

Skinny Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1 Whole Cooked Rotisserie Chicken(deboned  and no skin)

12 corn tortillas (I used yellow)

1 8 oz container of Light Sour Cream

1 8 oz container of fat free yogurt, plain

1 4 oz container of diced green chiles

1 cup of finely shredded low fat cheddar cheese

1/2 can of Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce 

1 can of 98% Fat Free Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix sour cream, yogurt, soup and chiles. Using a different bowl, mix half of the enchilada sauce with the chicken. (I seasoned with garlic and onion powder)
• Spoon about 3 tablespoons sour cream mixture down center of each tortilla. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cheese; sprinkle tortillas with remaining cheese, chicken and onions. Roll up; place in baking dish. Spoon remaining sour cream mixture over tortillas. Cover with foil.
• Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup cheese. Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Garnish with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes if you like!

Gina Ree's Saucy Pasta

Ingredients:

1 box of Dreamfields Rotini Pasta

1 jar of Ragu Light Sugar Free Pasta

1 pound of ground turkey (93/7 Lean)

Directions:

• Brown ground turkey in pan & season to liking
• Boil pasta in large pot of water to desired consistency
• Simmer sauce in saucepan and combine meat
• Serve!

I love Dreamfields pasta! It tastes wonderful, is low-carb, and has high fiber! Here's a link to their website: 

http://www.dreamfieldsfoods.com/index.php

Just Do What?

They make it sound so easy, don't they? That motto is  short & sweet, and the lure of the advertisement promising. So, as long as I "just do it", will I look like that?  Tiffany blue sneakers, glistening skin, and cellulite free legs? Will I effortlessly glide to and fro on the gym floor with confidence?

We all know that answer. I can just see the smirk on your face now. 

More often than not, when overweight people see those ads, we may react in a few different ways. Either we:

• Ignore it
• Make excuses
• Respond with... "Just do what?" 

Well, I'll tell you.

Those that have the last response usually don't know where to start. They may have never stepped foot in a gym. Maybe they have tried all the trendy diets with no luck. Wherever they are coming from, the answer to their question is just as simple as the motto. 

The first step is making a commitment to yourself. A vow to stay on the path regardless of how you feel from day to day. A promise to not waver when you smell a coworkers tasty double cheeseburger from two desks over. Hold yourself accountable.

The second step is to be realistic. Most of us want fast results, a miracle. Instead of searching for something that will take the weight off quickly without much work, focus that energy on your plan of attack. It will take time for the weight to come off. Be patient.

The third step is to develop a support system. None of us can do this alone. Whether it be family, friends, or an online group, determine who you will lean on and look to for support. 

Now that you have set a solid foundation, what's next?

Change.

I know, it's a terrifying word. People flee at the sound of it. But stick with me.

The following changes are the steps I have taken, and whats worked for me! 

Count Calories

This is a big part of accountability. Until you write down what you eat on a daily basis, you will not be truly aware of the amount of calories you're consuming. This is the wake-up call we need.

The website I use is www.myfitnesspal.com. They also have a handy app too with a newsfeed like Facebook.  You can search for meals at restaurants, add & calculate your own recipes, and add in exercise. 

After you enter in your information (height, weight, etc), it will estimate what your daily calorie intake should be. For example, mine was originally 1560. It will adjust based on your weight changes to ensure you continue dropping weight. Currently, mine is 1440. 

Exercise

I know, I know. Bad word. But it's necessary to see results. We must burn some of those calories we are tracking! Now, this doesn't mean you have to slave over a hot treadmill all day. 

I walk 40-45 minutes a day, 6 days a week. We have a park near our house and we love walking out there. A good tip that my friend Kenny gave me is to walk 30 minutes in one general direction, and that way, you have to walk another 30 minutes to get home, no shortcuts. It's like tricking yourself. 

There will be days where you feel like taking a break, or need one. Allow yourself the rest. Ultimately, you should be active 3-5 days a week to see results.

I will end on that note for the evening. Tomorrow I will post my recipe for my Skinny Sour Cream Enchiladas! Sleep well!

The First Step

"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." - Kate Moss

Two months ago, that statement was downright hilarious to me. Welcoming the challenge of proving this model wrong, my mind started to wander to the plethora of guilty pleasures I have indulged in. Ranging from countless bowls of queso to endless pints of Blue Bell ice cream, I scoffed at her. She must have never tasted New York Style pizza (with extra cheese)!
As of today, no longer do I find humor in this statement. It's what we all hate to hear...the truth.
For years, people have told me that I carry my weight well. That always made me feel good. Even though I was a plus size girl, I continued telling myself that I could get away with it. That was until I reached a point that even a stubborn Gemini couldn't deny.

I weighed in at 289 pounds.

After seeing that, pictures started to catch my attention. Pictures of myself from just this summer. For the first time in my life, I accepted something that I denied for the past 11 years.

I had let myself get fat.

My overly sensitive self had censored that word and this reality for way too long. By not admitting this to myself, what was I protecting myself from? Health? Happiness? Hottie status?
I made a promise to my husband, Jeff and myself. That I would not stay this size. A couple of weeks later, we both agreed to begin this journey together.

Since then, I have lost 21 pounds. Jeff has lost 24.
We didn't have a surgery. We didn't take a diet pill. We didn't do a fast or detox.
Our lifestyle has changed.
Our mindset has changed.
I have a goal weight of 150. Though I have a long way to go, I've made a dent. I have faith that I will continue this process, regardless of plateaus. I have too many people supporting me to feel any different!

  Before

Progress - 21 lbs