Greek Chicken

Good evening,

Last night I was able to go to a friends house for dinner. I was really excited because I haven't been able to see her or her little girl in a few months because of all the travelling we have been doing. 

I had a new recipe I wanted to try so I volunteered to bring dinner. I made Greek chicken and lemon rice and she made a Greek salad. 

I followed a recipe I found on Pinterest:

1 c. plain greek yogurt

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 medium lemon, frozen, then zested

1/2 tsp salt

freshly cracked pepper (I just used regular pepper)

1/4 bunch fresh parsley

Desired amount of chicken

I doubled the recipe for four large chicken breasts.

Mix all ingredients together in a zip lock freezer bag. Throw in thawed chicken and coat. Place chicken in a glass cooking dish and cook at 425 for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooking thoroughly.

A lot of people have been saying to me lately how inspiring it is that I have been able to make such healthy choices and want to know how I do it. Honestly the answer is the Nutrie products. I have been taking them for a few months now and they make me feel amazing. I have energy that I never had before and because of that I can put the effort into meal planning and grocery shopping and making it fun! I don't have cravings like I used to either. I sometimes think "oh I could go for ice cream" or something like that but it is nothing more than a fleeting thought. I no longer get cravings that I obsess over. 

I have also been attending weekly weight watchers meetings because I enjoy the girls in my meeting and the program fits PERFECTLY with my automatic body program. I use the weight watchers to count my points and track my daily food intake and the automatic body program to focus on making small changes that work for me. They don't need to be done together, you can just do the automatic body program, but personally I love my WW girls and would miss seeing them every week ;)

Travel queen

Hello from the West coast! Sorry for the lack of posts this week but as you can imagine I have had my hands full with traveling and the baby and that fun stuff. 

Early Tuesday morning Rylee and I got on a plane to come visit my family in British Columbia. On our first flight we had the two seats to our self and rylee just slept the whole time. On our second flight they moved us so we had an empty seat beside us which was very helpful! 

Rylee did sleep for part of the flight - did fuss for a bit but not a ton - and I had her bottle ready for when her ears started popping and she was quite fine. Although if I didn't have her bottle ready we might have been in for a major meltdown. 

By the time we got on our third flight she had had enough. She was tired and grumpy but seemed to enjoy the lady next to her playing peek-a-boo with her. Thankfully it was only a 13 minute flight. 

Since we have been here Rylee has been quite fussy and having a hard time adjusting her schedule. Rylee is usually quite laid back and chill so compared to a normal day for her yesterday was rough. She was up lots in the night and didn't want to go to sleep. 

Given how Rylee has been I have been doing really well staying on plan. I made a plan for the day of traveling and brought lots of healthy snacks to munch so I was we'll prepared. Yesterday I made a meal plan for while we are here and got some groceries so staying in track will be pretty simple I'm thinking. 

Yesterday morning Rylee and I went for a long walk -- which we do everyday at home -- however the difference is the hills here! They are massive compared to our flat land! Yesterday and last night my

Knee was REALLY hurting but it seems to be okay today. Next time I'll be sure to stretch before walking here to prevent injury. 

We have been having a lot of fun with my family so far. Today we are going shopping then I am going to see my Nanny's new apartment before going to my WW meeting. I think we are having sushi for lunch -- the sushi out here is so good it has ruined sushi at home for me so I try to eat it often while here. 

This morning we had a FaceTime chat with Sean and Rylee just stared at the phone and couldn't figure out why she could see and hear her dada but not touch him. The look on her face was super cute -- my little snuggle monkey! 

Until next time! 

The power of protein

Oh man that was a long night!

I left at 11:30 pm to get my dad from the Toronto Airport. Once I got on the highway the thunderstorm really picked up and I was not able to see anything! I couldn't even see the road in front of me! I pulled off the side of the high way with my four ways on to try to wait it out, however, the trucks were still FLYING by me, causing the whole car to shake. I didn't think it was very safe for me there so I continued down the road, going 50km/hr, four ways on, until I reached a truck inspection centre and pulled in to wait it out. 

Once it looked like it had let up a bit I got back on the highway and within a minute it was so bad again that I couldn't see anything. I just drove slow and followed the thick white line to try to see where my lane was. I was going to pull into the service centre and wait it out again but by the time I made it there the rain had significantly eased up. It took me over an hour to get to where is normal 30 minutes away. Needless to say, I was running behind.

Once I got out of that it was clear driving the whole time, not even a single rain drop! The lightening was incredible! HUGE cracks lighting up the whole sky. At one point I could swear it hit the ground right outside the car - but just reminded myself that I was in a safe place. It didn't help that I was driving my parents car because if I had been in my own car - I would have felt much more comfortable (not that there is anything wrong with my parents car...I am just not as familiar with it). 

Since I was late getting there we didn't get home until about 4:00 am and I was starving! I had a quick snack, and went to bed in hopes of a speedy zonk out. At 4:45 I was finally able to drift off only to be woken at 6:30 am for the babes feed. Back down at 7 and she let me sleep until 9:30. So, I am one tired mama.

She just went down for her nap so I am using the time to pay some bills, write this post, then try to catch a little snooze myself.

Tonight is weigh in night - and my week was kind of up and down so I don't know how I will do. I had some good moments and some not so good moments. I will also try to get some activity in - but depending on how long I can rest for this afternoon, sleep might win!

I made my meal plan for the next two weeks and I am really trying to focus on protein packed foods. I've got some new things I am going to try for snacks, to see if I can help to curb the hunger from breastfeeding. Did you know that we should eat 1 gram of protein daily for every pound we weigh! I know I don't get as much as I should, even though my fuel does help (30 grams of protein/can). Do you get enough protein?!

Rylee's nap time is precious time so I better get to it if I want a rest as well!

NSV's

Good afternoon everyone!

I hope everyone is having a good, productive Wednesday so far. Last night I had my soccer game (we lost) but afterwards I still had a few points left over. I was thinking I wanted a donut with my left over points but then I got thinking about an ice cold fuel and that won.

When I got home I put my fuel into a glass with ice, had an apple with peanut butter and was quite pleased with my choice of snack.

Since starting weight watchers again after Rylee was born I have been really focusing on making small changes that I am able to do forever. Because let's face it - this is a life long journey I am on and I need to be able to maintain my weight loss. Which is why when I found Nutrie I was SO excited to get started because that is their slogan - one small change - and their products are so simple and tasty because they believe that ingredients matter!

The program is SO simple to follow and I do it along side my weight watchers (since again they promote the same idea of small changes for a healthier lifestyle). Automatic body even has an app that sends me reminders of when to do things. It gives me one new small change a week and sends me little text message reminders when to drink my fuel, and a glass of water, and each little change that it makes. It has actually become very routine now - so much so that I have been carrying a water bottle with me when I go out of the house now, which is something I never used to do before.

So I mentioned a bit yesterday that I have been having a lot of NSV's (non-scale-victories). I am really really proud of how I have been able to do things - like throw out a pan of dessert that I didn't care for so that I wouldn't eat it anyways - that I haven't been able to do before. Now, I am not perfect, I still have slip ups, but the difference is I am getting back on the wagon right away and making up for it.

Tonight I plan on getting to the gym for a cardio workout once Sean gets home from work, then I am going to take a nap because I am going to be picking up my dad from the Toronto airport at 1:30 am. It's going to be a very long night and tomorrow will be long as well since Sean is on days so I'll be home all day with the babe.

Some times I wish I liked coffee - but at least I have my energe drink!

Give it time...

This weekend was very busy but overall pretty good. On Friday my physiotherapist recommend that I start back doing more exercise than walking again. On Friday night I had a session with Lee at the track and we did a fairly easy session compared to normal, but I woke up Saturday very sore.

I went to weight watchers on Saturday morning and then to our walk in the park with our women's ministry. After that I was so tired I took a nap. When I got up, Sean and I went on our date night to celebrate our two year anniversary, and we had a really great time!

Sunday I was up early and went to Church - I was on nursery and the kiddies were so well behaved and cute. Afterwards we went out for lunch, then I did some errands with Tara. I ended up switching my gym membership to Goodlife from The Athletic Club, just because they have so many more locations and I know a number of people that go there. After running around I had a short rest before my soccer game. It was a good game, I feel I played pretty well, and I got a goal! I was very close to a second goal but had my ankles taken out by the other teams goalie.

I have started to notice a difference from keeping on the HBL vitamins. Although my energy has not increased I am starting to feel better health over all, especially in my nails, they are so strong and nice looking! I am also noticing a difference in my joints! I have some extreme exhaustion, which I have had for a while. My doctor is sending me to a sleep doctor to see if they can help me figure out why I am SO tired all of the time. I have also been making better food choices, and tracking everything honestly. Every day that I track honestly I give myself a sticker - a princess sticker non-the-less.

I have been doing some research on the internet about sleeping and I am going to try to set a sleep schedule this week. I am going to spend from 9-10 winding down and getting into a bedtime routine, and be in bed by 10. I am going to wake up at 6:30 every day (which allows for a 30 minutes of falling asleep time, and still gives me a full 8 hours.) I am going to make my bedroom into a place that is just for sleeping, and tidy it up (I know that always makes me feel so much better when it is tidy). I have a relaxation CD that I will play to set the tone of relaxing, make sure the room is completely dark and most importantly - NOT USE MY PHONE! I am going to set a nightly timer for 9pm and I will have to turn everything off at that point (even if I am in the middle of a show).

I will keep you updated on how things workout! I have a feeling that just like my HBL vitamins, I will have to give it time and not give up!

A long weekend

It’s my favourite weekend of the year. Why is it my favourite weekend you ask? Because it is the weekend I was lucky enough to marry Sean. May 22, 2012 marks our two year anniversary! Since we are going to be gone this weekend we are going to celebrate next weekend.

Today right after work we are leaving for Detroit. We are going to stay there overnight and catch an early flight to Chicago. There is an Online Business Systems training that I had already signed up for and bought my tickets before I took a small step back in the business. We are going to fly in tomorrow and my parents (who are already there) are going to pick us up from the airport. Sean is going to hang out at the hotel and I will go to the training with my parents. In the evening Sean and I will get to site see, but not for very long.

Sunday, same thing. We will be in training until about 3pm and then we are leaving to start driving home. I was hoping for more time in Chicago since everyone raves about that city but I’ll take what I can get.

My back has been feeling better as I mentioned, however, I went back to soccer last night and afterwards it was really hurting. Today so far I am feeling okay, but the thought of sitting the 8 hours in the car on the way home is making me cringe. I am going to make sure I keep doing my stretches and hopefully all will be well.

On Wednesday I bought a new Weight Watcher 3 month tracking journal and was planning on using it once I came back from Chicago. However, I got a huge rush of motivation yesterday and decided to start right away. I think it will be good to keep me on track this weekend. I am going to prove that you can go away on vacation, have fun, and still make healthy choices. Tonight we are going to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner and I printed off the menu so I can pick what I want, although I am really craving a salad (with Blue Cheese dressing, on the side). If we get there and nothing looks appealing we will go to our trusty back up choice of the Golden Corral, in which I will also get a salad, with Blue Cheese dressing, on the side.

Tomorrow I plan on having a shake for breakfast, some type of deli sandwich or something like that for lunch and dinner is still unknown.

My only issue is going to be trying to figure out how I can get in some exercise since most of the day Saturday and Sunday will be spent sitting, and most of Monday will be spent in the car.

My sister is watching Levi for us, and yes I admit this is lame, but I already miss him terribly. I always miss him though, even from the time I leave for work until the time I get home, I miss him lots.

Hopefully I will be able to post over the weekend but if not I will give a full update when I get back. I am hoping to use my time in the car to sort some pictures and hopefully then I will get my Elton John post up (it’s only a month late haha!)

I workout...

Who doesn’t love the song by LMFAO “I’m Sexy and I know it”??? Such a good song that just makes you want to…ummm…wiggle?!

I have played soccer for many years now. I have been an assistant coach, a head coach, but more than anything a player. I did stop for a few years near the end of highschool because I was working at camp and there would have been no way I could make it to practices/games. Plus that was when I was my heaviest as well and moving a 274 pound body around a field is not easy.

When I started losing weight with weight watchers I joined back up with soccer and couldn’t get enough of it. I was playing at least two games a week and practicing when I could. I am no super star but I’m not awful. Since most of my younger years in soccer was playing goalie my footwork needs some help, but for the most part I do alright.

Two summers ago I switched clubs that I play with and have been with them ever since. I did change teams due to time commitment and personal reasons. Last year I had a blast with our team – and we did alright. We travel to places around London and overall had a great time. I am going to be going back again this year to the same team. I did want to move up a level this year, but with my time commitments it’s just not possible.

As I was losing weight I spent a lot of time at the gym. Now before I continue I want to add that I truly believe that you do not need a gym membership to lose weight. Get creative and find ways to move and you don’t need to spend the money for the membership. Sign up for classes in your spectrum (often costing a great deal less than the gym).

BUT for some people, the gym is great. I happen to be one of those people. Although I have not been as much as I should lately, I really do enjoy the gym. I used to hate the fact that the gym had mirrors everywhere, forcing myself to see what I didn’t want to see. Now when I am there I spend most of my time starring in the mirror! Checking my form, of course.

I don’t go to the gym that much in the summer because there are so many ways to be active outside, and in the winter it can be hard to stay motivated, so here are a few tips I found to keep me going:

1. My iPod. As you read in my previous post, music is very important to me. I love going to the gym when I have added new songs to my playlist to workout to. This is even great for warm up and cool down – change the pace of the songs and try to match your breathing to them.

2.  Classes. The classes at your gym are a great way to keep yourself motivated and give you new workout ideas. One of my favourite classes is Zumba. Not only do you get a good work out, you have SO much fun doing it! Go at your own pace and don’t care what others around you are doing.

3. Have a workout partner. This is something that I don’t have, but I do know that when I have worked out with people before, time goes by MUCH faster.

4. Don’t be afraid to try new machines. The big thing here though is to make sure that you learn how to use them properly. The staff at your gym should be willing to show you how to use the machine so you don’t get hurt. Most of the machines also come with written instructions and pictures on them. I cringe when I see people using the machines wrong because a) they could get really hurt and b) they are being completely ineffective.

5. Youtube. Youtube is not just for music! There are thousands of videos showing you different workouts/ activities you can do. Don’t know how to do a proper bicep curl? Look it up on youtube. That is why the mirrors are there, so you can check your form and do it right.

6. Personal trainer. I know that personal trainers at the gym are really expensive (at least at my gym), but they usually offer one session for free. Using the session will give you some ideas of workouts you can do. Another thing you can do if you have the money, is to find a PT that is not affiliated with a gym. They usually offer much cheaper rates and you get the same benefit. I had to go to a few different ones before I found the right fit – but I will talk about him more in a minute.

7. Start slow! When I was first starting my gym sessions were like 15 minutes. I did a 5 minute stretch and 10 minute cardio. Then I left. I SLOWLY built up from there. If you are starting any kind of new exercise program, talk to your doctor first. Take baby steps. Your weight did not go on in one night and it sure as heck will not come off in one night!

8. Food/drink. Make sure you drink plenty of water during your workout to stay hydrated. If you are doing a hard workout you can drink h3o to stay hydrated and replace your electrolytes without all of the additives that come in sports drinks. LiftOff, is a great way to give yourself the energy boost you need to help you reach your personal records. Eatting something small before you work out is a good idea to give you energy but be cautious to not eat too much. Your body needs the energy to be working out, not trying to digest your food. *Remember I am NOT a doctor, or dietitian, this is just what I have learned over the past few years of becoming healthy.

So that is a few of my tips for now – I’m sure I’ll have more at another time.

I’ll share a little bit about my trainer. He was training my soccer team once a week when I first met him. This was around the time that I was trying to find a personal trainer and I had some bad experiences. I found out that he also did one on one sessions, so I gave him a call to set up a first session. Ever since then I have been going there.

He does it two different places. If it’s nice (summer), we workout outside at a track, and if it’s crappy (winter) we workout inside. When I did my first session I told him that I couldn’t do push ups – literally, not even one.  So, one of the first things he makes me to…push ups! Way to open my mouth. I had to do 5 – and it took me forever to do them. I figured that when he saw that I couldn’t do them, he wouldn’t make me finish. Mistake number two. You ALWAYS have to finish, no matter what. Not even crying will get you out of finishing something; it just makes him push you harder – which is what he is paid for after all.

So I managed to do 5 extremely pathetic push ups, and we moved on with the rest of the workout. A lot of the things that we work on are quick feet and our starts. So for example – when you go to sprint in soccer, how fast you can get going. Since I have been working with him, my coaches have commented how much they notice a difference.

I do complain a lot during our sessions, which are often held in small groups, but I always feel better after the workout (even if my legs are quivering so much I can barely walk/drive). I try hard not to mention drills that I really hate because then we just do them even more. I secretly think he finds joy in making us hurt. But seriously, he pushes us all really hard, he knows when we can give more, and even when we can’t he still pushes us. He cares about each one of us and how we are doing/progressing. It would be really easy for him to just show up, run the session, and leave having no contact in between sessions, nothing – but he’s not like that. Anytime you have a question he answers it, if you’re struggling, he’s there to tell you to smarten up.

 And he’s tough, very tough, but would you want your trainer any other way?

My weight loss journey...

I thought I should write a post showing my journey for those of you who don't know me.

My name is Kelly and I am 23 years old. I started my weight loss journey when I was 19. I have been heavy all of my life and have tried many many ways to lose weight.

I got a gym membership in November of 2007 and was working out very slowly (as I couldn't move very much). I was trying to eat right but didn't understand why I wasn't loosing weight.

One night at the gym as I was about to leave I saw a weight watchers meeting and decided to get some more information. My aunt had great success on weight watchers so I wanted to find out what it was all about.

I ended up joining that night at a starting weight of 274.4 (the heaviest I had ever been - and ever will be). I went home that night and read through all of the material and got started right away. I decided that I was going to give this my best shot for a month and see where it got me (assuming I would fail). So I followed the plan, and low and behold my first week I lost 4.4 pounds! I was very pleased with this and kept working hard and the weight kept coming off. When you are larger the weight comes off easier at the beginning, but you don't really notice this.

When I got to about 40 pounds lost I was looking in the mirror and still did not see a difference, so I took a picture of myself and compared it to my starting picture and then I saw the difference.

Starting weight:

20 pounds gone:

40 pounds gone:

80 pounds gone:

115 pounds gone:

So many thoughts and memories are going through my head right now. It felt so great to hear from everyone how great I looked! The whole process took me just over two years from start to "finish". I say finish like that because it is never really over.

I do know that there are so many things that I enjoy doing now that I never could have dreamed of doing before - but I'll save that for another entry.

The whole time I was losing weight everyone asked me "what is your secret". My favourite thing to do was look around to make sure no one was listening, lean in towards them, and whisper "diet and exercise". Everyone thinks that there is some magic formula to losing weight and their kind of is, but it's not a secret. Calories in vs. calories out. However, that being said losing weight is NOT easy. If it was then no one would have a weight problem. It takes A LOT of hard work and dedication to get to your goal, but hey, nothing ever worth doing was easy right?

And as hard as losing the weight was it was the best possible thing I could do for myself. I know that I am not at my goal weight now but I am still far healthier than I was and can do far more things then I could ever dream of!

I am VERY open about my weight loss and have nothing to hide. The pictures of me before are reminders of what I was and what I will never be again. The pictures of me after are there for me to be proud and remind me of what I can accomplish if I put my mind to it (which, btw, is anything!)

Another thing that makes me proud is all of the people that I have inspired to lose weight. One of the greatest feelings is hearing how something I have said or done has helped someone else.

I will write a post sometime soon of what my "tips" are, so keep an eye out for it!

Until next time...