Hello Everyone!
Today's topic is all about healthy choices for breakfast. Too many times we are running late and don't have the time to spend cooking something from scratch. It's much easier to go through the drive thru at some fast food restaurant and have something quick and filling. But have you ever noticed when you do that you're hungry not too long after you eat it?
Fast food is one of the things I really had a struggle with because with my crazy schedule it was always quick in the morning when I was running late for work and it was quick and easy between work and school. We have to start retraining ourselves though if you want to succeed with healthy living. And one of the first things is to start making your own meals. This gives you the opportunity to be totally creative with your food.
I like yogurt and I like fruit...but to cut, slice, and dice everything and put it all in it's own containers seemed so time consuming and I was blowing through all of my Tupperware within a day or two. I found that throwing it all in the blender and making myself a little breakfast smoothie was much easier, it was quick, extremely portable, and I was only dirtying the blender and a glass rather than 3-4 containers.
One of my favorite smoothies (and it's pretty basic) is Strawberry Banana. I take 4-6oz of plain Greek yogurt, a whole banana (minus the peel of course), a hand full of strawberries (minus the leafy stem part), a splash of skim, soy, or almond milk (whatever your preference), and a few ice cubes. Hit blend or puree and within a few seconds you have breakfast. You can also add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to fuel yourself a little more if you would like. I have added vanilla powder to mine to help add not only protein, but some sweetness rather than adding sugar. If you do not want to use a protein powder, you can use a small amount of honey to sweeten it up. I try and stay away from adding white sugar or other sugar substitutes if at all possible. I want to keep this as healthy as I can and white/substitute sugars kind of defeat the purpose of that and they are empty calories.
This is one of my personal favorites and it completely grosses my boyfriend out...not sure why though? Peanut butter and banana on whole wheat toast! Depending on what my day is looking like will determine if I have one slice or two of bread. I usually make this on the weekend so I have time to actually chew it and enjoy it lol. But I will toast up 2 pieces of whole wheat toast (I always read the nutrition facts when I buy bread and I try to buy whatever is on sale. But if the amount of sugar in the bread is too high I try and find a healthier alternative). I take a very small amount of peanut butter and lightly cover the bread. I try and get to the local farmers market to get the freshly ground peanut butter, but if I get store bought I look for one with low sugar and low sodium. I split the banana and slice it in the peel and then divide the banana slices amongst the 2 pieces of toast. YUMMY!
Oatmeal is another great breakfast option. If you absolutely MUST use a boxed brand instant oatmeal...try and get one that is no sugar added. The boxed instant oatmeal's are loaded with sugar and it's much better if you get plain rolled oats and make it yourself. This way you can control what goes into it and how much. Just like the smoothie you can add fruit, a little protein powder for sweetness or honey, you can add a small spoonful of brown sugar or sugar free syrup to help sweeten it. But mainly you want to load it with good, healthy foods..fresh or dried fruit, nuts, or you can add in peanut butter as your protein source along with some cocoa powder and a small, small amount of brown sugar.
Possibilities are endless with this and with all food...you just have to explore and experiment. Find out what you like and what you don't like. My fiance is such a picky eater and I ask him all the time, "How are you going to know if you like or don't like something unless you at least try it!"
Get out there and explore....read the labels....educate yourself. There are tons of apps out there so you can have everything right there, handy in your cell phone, instant education all the time! I personally love Fooducate. It allows you to not only search for foods, but you can scan bar codes as well. It gives letter ratings and additional nutrition information for the item, along with reviews from other people using the app and healthier alternatives to choose. It's AWESOME!
In conjunction with Fooducate, I also use Lose It (free app) to track my calories and basically food journal on a daily basis. It also allows me to add in exercises and let's me set a weight loss goal. It too allows you to search or scan bar codes on foods. Both are really worth looking into if you are looking for some additional education and assistance in staying on track!
Hoping this helps....leave me comments and let me know. Do you have other apps you are using and loving to help you stay on track in your goal of a healthy lifestyle?
Jacque
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
BIG NEWS & Update
As I sit here taking my lunch break at work, munching on Cool Ranch Doritos (shame shame).....it has dawned on me that A.) I have been completely neglectful of this blog and B.) I am not adhering to what I set out to accomplish here.
First things first....the BIG NEWS.....I am now engaged =) =) =) =) We have set a date of September 27, 2014. And now that we have a date, I have more motivation and more of a goal to work for. I also found out my 10 year high school reunion will be coming up in the summer of 2013, which helps to give me a short term goal as well.
I still have another year and half of school left, which on top of my full time job, really doesn't leave me much time for myself and working out and everything else I want or need to do. I haven't really been watching my diet or working out since I last posted....and still feel rubbish with myself. I always feel like I need a little buddy...always there to keep me on track but I am coming to realize that only exists in a perfect world. WAKE UP JACQUE....this world we live in is NOT perfect and I am going to have to really dig deep to find the things I have lost like self control and restraint.
On a positive note, I have cut out pop, energy drinks, coffee, and teas with caffeine in them. It was hard and I dealt with several days worth of headaches and withdrawal, but I eventually over came those things and I have been drinking plenty more water now. If I could just get my fiance on board with the healthy eating I would really be making strides in the right direction. But he is somewhat of a road block. He LOVES his pop, sweets, fast food, greasy, salty, and just all unhealthy things. I try and moderate my portion size when I cook or I try to make stuff for myself aside from his foods sometimes (depending on what he is eating). But that becomes too much work, a pain in the you know what, and quite expensive. I am trying to educate myself more and try and get him on board every once in awhile to try new (healthy) food choices and options with me. One step at a time....
This semester will be over in the next 2-3 weeks and my schedule next semester is more open, which will give me the time I need to do what I want to do. Fingers crossed I can continue to post things here on a regular basis, start motivating and education others as I am learning new things myself, and hopefully strike a cord with someone out there and inspire them to take the first steps to kicking the fat in their lives so they can live a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks for reading,
Jacque xoxo
First things first....the BIG NEWS.....I am now engaged =) =) =) =) We have set a date of September 27, 2014. And now that we have a date, I have more motivation and more of a goal to work for. I also found out my 10 year high school reunion will be coming up in the summer of 2013, which helps to give me a short term goal as well.
I still have another year and half of school left, which on top of my full time job, really doesn't leave me much time for myself and working out and everything else I want or need to do. I haven't really been watching my diet or working out since I last posted....and still feel rubbish with myself. I always feel like I need a little buddy...always there to keep me on track but I am coming to realize that only exists in a perfect world. WAKE UP JACQUE....this world we live in is NOT perfect and I am going to have to really dig deep to find the things I have lost like self control and restraint.
On a positive note, I have cut out pop, energy drinks, coffee, and teas with caffeine in them. It was hard and I dealt with several days worth of headaches and withdrawal, but I eventually over came those things and I have been drinking plenty more water now. If I could just get my fiance on board with the healthy eating I would really be making strides in the right direction. But he is somewhat of a road block. He LOVES his pop, sweets, fast food, greasy, salty, and just all unhealthy things. I try and moderate my portion size when I cook or I try to make stuff for myself aside from his foods sometimes (depending on what he is eating). But that becomes too much work, a pain in the you know what, and quite expensive. I am trying to educate myself more and try and get him on board every once in awhile to try new (healthy) food choices and options with me. One step at a time....
This semester will be over in the next 2-3 weeks and my schedule next semester is more open, which will give me the time I need to do what I want to do. Fingers crossed I can continue to post things here on a regular basis, start motivating and education others as I am learning new things myself, and hopefully strike a cord with someone out there and inspire them to take the first steps to kicking the fat in their lives so they can live a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks for reading,
Jacque xoxo
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Update...
Hey Everyone!
So here it is 3 weeks after I created this blog and already I am slacking. I have been on a break from my classes and have been enjoying every minute of all the extra time on my hands. One thing I have not done was try and post at least once a day to keep you guys abreast of my health and fitness progress.
When I first started working out with one of my friends I was really into it. Dedicated to get up everyday at 4:30am, to meet up with her and smash out our workouts. About a month or so after doing this (while working full time and still being in school full time), I started feeling extremely burnt out. It was nice when I went on "summer break" from classes and had more time after work to dedicate to working out. My friend still wanted to get up at our usual time to stay on schedule.
Schedules are an amazing thing...it's important to have a daily routine to help keep you on track. Since I did not have to worry about going to class right after work and I was doing so well with working out everyday...I decided that I wanted to start working out on my own so I could do it after work rather than at 4:30am. For a few days I came right home, threw on my sweats, and busted out a few things in my living room...and then old habits started to creep back in =(
I knew this whole weight loss/healthy lifestyle was not going to be easy and I am at least trying to stay on top of my eating habits and diet so all of the work I have done so far hasn't been for nothing. It's hard though...but again that is the point of this blog. To help others and let them know that everyone struggles and falls off the wagon, you just got to keep picking yourself back up and stay focused on the end result. For me it's comfort...being comfortable in my own skin, in clothing, in public (come summer time when everyone is running around in swim suits and tight little clothing). I want to feel better about myself and I just have to keep focused on that.
I have some food blogs coming soon and some nifty little apps I found for my iPhone that have helped me with making the right choices when it comes to food. I really hope others out there reading this are inspired or feel comforted in knowing that this journey is not easy and if you are struggling that's is ok! We will get through this and move forward together...just stay focused and keep getting back on the wagon when you have fallen off!
With that being said I hope you are all having an amazing morning, afternoon, or evening where ever you are! Leave a comment or share your story I would love to hear them =)
So here it is 3 weeks after I created this blog and already I am slacking. I have been on a break from my classes and have been enjoying every minute of all the extra time on my hands. One thing I have not done was try and post at least once a day to keep you guys abreast of my health and fitness progress.
When I first started working out with one of my friends I was really into it. Dedicated to get up everyday at 4:30am, to meet up with her and smash out our workouts. About a month or so after doing this (while working full time and still being in school full time), I started feeling extremely burnt out. It was nice when I went on "summer break" from classes and had more time after work to dedicate to working out. My friend still wanted to get up at our usual time to stay on schedule.
Schedules are an amazing thing...it's important to have a daily routine to help keep you on track. Since I did not have to worry about going to class right after work and I was doing so well with working out everyday...I decided that I wanted to start working out on my own so I could do it after work rather than at 4:30am. For a few days I came right home, threw on my sweats, and busted out a few things in my living room...and then old habits started to creep back in =(
I knew this whole weight loss/healthy lifestyle was not going to be easy and I am at least trying to stay on top of my eating habits and diet so all of the work I have done so far hasn't been for nothing. It's hard though...but again that is the point of this blog. To help others and let them know that everyone struggles and falls off the wagon, you just got to keep picking yourself back up and stay focused on the end result. For me it's comfort...being comfortable in my own skin, in clothing, in public (come summer time when everyone is running around in swim suits and tight little clothing). I want to feel better about myself and I just have to keep focused on that.
I have some food blogs coming soon and some nifty little apps I found for my iPhone that have helped me with making the right choices when it comes to food. I really hope others out there reading this are inspired or feel comforted in knowing that this journey is not easy and if you are struggling that's is ok! We will get through this and move forward together...just stay focused and keep getting back on the wagon when you have fallen off!
With that being said I hope you are all having an amazing morning, afternoon, or evening where ever you are! Leave a comment or share your story I would love to hear them =)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Introduction...
HELLO EVERYONE!!!!
Hope you are doing well today...I wanted to introduce myself and let you know what this blog is and will be all about. About a month or so ago I was getting dressed, walked into the bathroom, and caught a quick glimpse in the mirror. I was horrified with what I saw! I ran back into my room, changed into another outfit and ran back to the mirror...same thing...sheer horror. I could not believe what was staring back at me...how did I let myself go and get to the point I am at. The next few outfits I tried on all felt tight fitting, hugged and made extremely noticeable every lump and bump on my body. I think "muffin top" was one of the first things to pop into my head while looking at myself.
"I need a change..." was what I thought to myself while staring in the mirror. I am embarking on the lovey weight loss journey just like so many others out there. For me it's not about just losing the weight, but changing a lot of my habits so I can live a healthier lifestyle. I want to feel comfortable in my clothing and not constantly tugging and pulling on them to try and stretch them out. I want to go out with my boyfriend and him be proud to have me standing beside him. I know he loves me and is proud of me...but I don't feel like the best me (if that doesn't sound cheesy or anything). I know there is always room for improvement and I just want to feel confident and sexy!
When i first mentioned to my boyfriend that I wanted to start working out and eating healthy to try and lose weight, he was very encouraging and supportive. One of the first things he asked me was, "What do you want your goal weight to be?" I sat there and thought about it and trying to be as realistic as possible I told him the number didn't matter to me. What matters is the way I feel...the way I feel in my own skin, how my clothing fits me, my energy level, etc. To an extent the number does matter. For about 5-6 years now my weight has fluctuated but always stayed in the range of 220. (I should mention that I am also 5'8''). Still even though I am tall....that's a lot of baggage to carry around on a daily basis.
I have a friend that I went to high school with who recently lost about 60lbs herself. She has basically researched and taught herself everything she knows about weight loss and healthy eating. She has been kind enough to take me under her wing and help keep me motivated. If I am having a weak moment when it comes to my diet or I have questions, she is just a text message away with healthier suggestions. She is willing to do a lot to help me achieve my goals...especially since she was in my shoes 2 years ago.
It's been about a month and a half since we started working out. I noticed some changes in the first 2 weeks, but then she went on vacation and the day she came back, I left for my vacation with my boyfriend. I tried to keep myself on track while we were gone...I purchased healthy snacks for the car and the event we were attending, but every since I got back from vacation things have been down hill from there. I have been pretty religious with my workouts. I work full time and even though I am on a break now, I also take classes full time at night. So the only time I have to workout is at 5:00am....yes you read that right, 5:00am!!!
It is NOT easy by any means, but I was noticing that I was having more energy throughout the day, I was more alert, and I was sleeping much better throughout the night. (Not sure if it had anything to do with the fact that I was dead tired by the time I got home from class lol).
I want to try blog every day...blog and post pictures of progress, workouts, meals and snacks. The more focus and emphasis I put on staying healthy and blogging about it...the more I feel like I will stay on track. I want to help others and encourage them to lose weight too. Not all of us have the means to get a gym membership or hire a nutritionist or personal chef. I am average joe, middle class person...I struggle just like everyone else. But being healthy and feeling better abiout myself if what this is all about. If I can encourage and give inspiration or help in anyway to others, it will make this whole journey worth while.
This will be much of a learning experience for me as it is for those of you reading this...
I think for now this is where I will end this post and I will post again tomorrow. We will jump right in and hit the ground running!!!! Have a good morning, afternoon, or evening where ever you are. Take Care Everyone!
Hope you are doing well today...I wanted to introduce myself and let you know what this blog is and will be all about. About a month or so ago I was getting dressed, walked into the bathroom, and caught a quick glimpse in the mirror. I was horrified with what I saw! I ran back into my room, changed into another outfit and ran back to the mirror...same thing...sheer horror. I could not believe what was staring back at me...how did I let myself go and get to the point I am at. The next few outfits I tried on all felt tight fitting, hugged and made extremely noticeable every lump and bump on my body. I think "muffin top" was one of the first things to pop into my head while looking at myself.
"I need a change..." was what I thought to myself while staring in the mirror. I am embarking on the lovey weight loss journey just like so many others out there. For me it's not about just losing the weight, but changing a lot of my habits so I can live a healthier lifestyle. I want to feel comfortable in my clothing and not constantly tugging and pulling on them to try and stretch them out. I want to go out with my boyfriend and him be proud to have me standing beside him. I know he loves me and is proud of me...but I don't feel like the best me (if that doesn't sound cheesy or anything). I know there is always room for improvement and I just want to feel confident and sexy!
When i first mentioned to my boyfriend that I wanted to start working out and eating healthy to try and lose weight, he was very encouraging and supportive. One of the first things he asked me was, "What do you want your goal weight to be?" I sat there and thought about it and trying to be as realistic as possible I told him the number didn't matter to me. What matters is the way I feel...the way I feel in my own skin, how my clothing fits me, my energy level, etc. To an extent the number does matter. For about 5-6 years now my weight has fluctuated but always stayed in the range of 220. (I should mention that I am also 5'8''). Still even though I am tall....that's a lot of baggage to carry around on a daily basis.
I have a friend that I went to high school with who recently lost about 60lbs herself. She has basically researched and taught herself everything she knows about weight loss and healthy eating. She has been kind enough to take me under her wing and help keep me motivated. If I am having a weak moment when it comes to my diet or I have questions, she is just a text message away with healthier suggestions. She is willing to do a lot to help me achieve my goals...especially since she was in my shoes 2 years ago.
It's been about a month and a half since we started working out. I noticed some changes in the first 2 weeks, but then she went on vacation and the day she came back, I left for my vacation with my boyfriend. I tried to keep myself on track while we were gone...I purchased healthy snacks for the car and the event we were attending, but every since I got back from vacation things have been down hill from there. I have been pretty religious with my workouts. I work full time and even though I am on a break now, I also take classes full time at night. So the only time I have to workout is at 5:00am....yes you read that right, 5:00am!!!
It is NOT easy by any means, but I was noticing that I was having more energy throughout the day, I was more alert, and I was sleeping much better throughout the night. (Not sure if it had anything to do with the fact that I was dead tired by the time I got home from class lol).
I want to try blog every day...blog and post pictures of progress, workouts, meals and snacks. The more focus and emphasis I put on staying healthy and blogging about it...the more I feel like I will stay on track. I want to help others and encourage them to lose weight too. Not all of us have the means to get a gym membership or hire a nutritionist or personal chef. I am average joe, middle class person...I struggle just like everyone else. But being healthy and feeling better abiout myself if what this is all about. If I can encourage and give inspiration or help in anyway to others, it will make this whole journey worth while.
This will be much of a learning experience for me as it is for those of you reading this...
I think for now this is where I will end this post and I will post again tomorrow. We will jump right in and hit the ground running!!!! Have a good morning, afternoon, or evening where ever you are. Take Care Everyone!
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