Weighing In...

There's good news and there's bad news.

The bad news is that I still have 18 pounds to lose. (Hopefully within the next two months!)

The good news is that I have really toned up and even dropped a size. Here's how...

J and I were planning to run the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, but we haven't had time to train. For the last month, twice a week I've joined my friend E at Baby Boot Camp where we workout while pushing our babies in strollers.

On the first day, as we power walked to a shaded area by the park, Andrea (our perky, little instructor) says, "Have you been working out?" and I say "yes" thinking, "Look, lady. I got this." Then she smiles and says, "Jump up on this ledge with both feet 20 times, then do some squats." Only by sheer determination to save face did I keep going until the end of the class.

Andrea, skinny little tyrant that she is, said we'll be outside as long as it's sunny, so I bought Zay a stroller cover for chilly autumn mornings. He wails every single time the stroller stops moving which really stinks, I mean, makes for a great work out.

Here are the kids all bundled up. I let them ride their scooters so they can keep up with the class. Drew always ends up diving head first off his scooter when we go down the hills. I inevitably end up carrying Jazzy's scooter by the end of class... as I push the stroller... uphill.

I've also been experimenting with whole wheat flour. So far I've made banana muffins and zucchini bread using half whole wheat white flour and half all purpose flour. Both came out good. I've also made pancakes using kefir and whole wheat flour and and switched to whole wheat flour tortillas. The tortillas will take some getting used to.

One other thing that has been great for us healthwise is the Vitamix. A few weeks ago I made an Incredible Hulk smoothie - 3 cups of grapes and lots of fresh spinach. It actually tasted sweet and after a few threats, I mean, a little encouragement, the kids drank it.





So far, our favorite drink to make in the Vitamix is limeade. Three cups of grapes, ice and a thin slice of lime (rind and all). I am not lying when I tell you it tastes better than the ones from Sonic and it contains absolutely no sugar! J teased me about calling it refreshing until I made him one.

This month I'm going to try to jump start the weight loss by going to spin class at 5:30 AM, three mornings a week. I went last Monday and my backside was sore for 3 days. The price we pay for beauty...

A fast and a new recipe...

J went on a 10 day fast called the Daniel Fast. I was supposed to support him by eating a whole foods diet, but after that first morning I felt sick as a dog and rushed off to Burger King for a Whopper Jr., fries and Coke, lol.

Even though I failed miserably, the experience was wonderful for our family. As a result of the fast, I prayed daily for my husband's success, gave my children more fruits and veggies, and tried new whole foods products. Who knew the kids would love organic brown rice cakes w/honey? I am so thankful for my husband's godly leadership!

Anyway, here's Tam's famous Crockpot Granola recipe. I made some Wednesday, and we're having it for breakfast this morning.

5 cups of oats (not quick cooking)
1/2 cup of oil
1/2 cup of honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup coconut

Cook on low for 5 hours or until brown, stiring occasionally. The more you stir, the finer the consistency. ***Make sure you keep the cover cracked on the crockpot.***

You can serve it with milk, yogurt, fruit, etc. I usually sprinkle a few chocolate chips on mine. You can also make granola bars.

Granola Bars

Preheat oven to 350. Combine 2 beaten eggs wih 2 cups of crockpot granola. You can also add dried fruit and nuts (or some chocolate chips) in the 2 cup count.

Place in lightly greased 8x8 pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Cut into bars. Cool.

Weighing In...

Ugh! I didn't lose any weight this week.

I did meet my goal of exercising 5 days so I think I may have hit a plateau.

J and I are going to start training for a 5 K next week so maybe that will get me back on track. We'll run the race Thanksgiving morning and then come home and eat until we pass out!

I hope to be at or near my goal weight by then. I still have 22 pounds to go.

On a good note, I'm back in my non-maternity jeans!

Weighing In...

I'm down another 2 pounds from last week. Only 22 to go!

My secret so far has been working out on the elliptical machine 5 days per week and eating smaller portions of the yummy foods I love!

Weighing In...

I'm down 3 more pounds this week. Only 24 to go!

I'm off to get my afro tamed...

I'll post "after" pics later!

2 lbs and Counting...

I met my goal of working out 5 times last week. It was exhausting, but worth it. I am down 2 lbs. Only 27 to go!

Here's our little gym. It takes up one side of our 2-car garage.

While I work out, the kids ride horses to "Chiney"...

Or draw, color or paint...

Or blow bubbles:

They also ride scooters, race matchbox cars or play with blocks.

I try to work out before everyone wakes up, but on days when I just can't get up, I take them out with me and try to plan at least one thing for them to do. If they don't want to do what I've planned, they have to find something to do on their own without turning on the TV, running back into the house for more toys or sitting around pouting.