Post Christmas Weigh In

So ....... I lost 1.4 lbs Christmas week !!! 

I have no sweet clue how this happened ...,...But I'll take it ! 

I totally did not eat all that I wanted but I did eat some cookies and pie and chocolates and nuts  and candy

I had dressing and gravy too .... 

Not going to chance anything and I will be working my butt off this week in case  there is such a thing as a weight gain delay

 I hope everyone  had a very Merry Christmas ! 

Jason and I agreed that the highlight of our holiday was another Christmas Eve dinner  and morning  with the kids .... They are now 17,19 and 21 and I treasure my time with them ❤️

Next weekly weigh in wil be in a new year !! 

Still losing it ....... Loana ️xo  

Post Christmas Weigh In

So ....... I lost 1.4 lbs Christmas week !!! 

I have no sweet clue how this happened ...,...But I'll take it ! 

I totally did not eat all that I wanted but I did eat some cookies and pie and chocolates and nuts  and candy

I had dressing and gravy too .... 

Not going to chance anything and I will be working my butt off this week in case  there is such a thing as a weight gain delay

 I hope everyone  had a very Merry Christmas ! 

Jason and I agreed that the highlight of our holiday was another Christmas Eve dinner  and morning  with the kids .... They are now 17,19 and 21 and I treasure my time with them ❤️

Next weekly weigh in wil be in a new year !! 

Still losing it ....... Loana ️xo  

Period 2 weigh in .......

Down 5.2 lbs this month

I am a little disappointed ...... Yes,  I still lost and Apparently after the first few weeks weight loss slows down 

Why ?  Why does it slow down ? 

What can I do differently ??? 

And how in the world am I going

To avoid a gain over Christmas ??? 

I love Christmas cooking and treats and sweets and want to EAT !!! 

Okay now that I have gotten that out of my system .... Lol 

Exciting mission trip news ..... First major fininacial goal was met and tickets were booked this past week !!! Eeeek !! 

We leave January 20th. That is a day earlier than planned but the tickets were cheaper that way.

Now we are on to raising money for food and lodging.

The weight loss has slowed down and some sponsors committed to Period 1 exclusively  ( and I thank each and everyone of you for your generosity ) I do not think my weight loss venture will carry the load for the rest of the finances! Every bit helps and I will continue, don't get me wrong ! :) 

Any ideas for the few weeks ahead for fundraising ? Let me know 

Thanks again everyone I am humbled  by your generosity 

Xozo

Down another 2.1 lbs !! 

So very pleased. I was honestly prepared for a gain.......I taste tested some frosting a few too many times and I had a bite of this sweet and a bite of that sweet, plus my mini cheesecake for my birthday.
I guess I did good on my meals and healthy snacks and I exercised 2 days

Exercise was good. I did Biggest Loser Power Walk 2 ( which can be found on Youtube).....But I am getting tired of that one and I loathe the end of it so much that I put it off for as long as I can and sometimes don't do it at all, hence the 2 days of exercise. So, I dug out a DVD work out that I have," Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pound : FAT BURNING miles". I did the Walk Strong 33 minute work out
It was 3 minute intervals of fast paced walking and then 3 minutes of weight training while doing squats and lunges. Remember I switched to 5lb weights?
What a difference! This was intense and I was feeling it right away. It is also in distance the equivalent of a 2 mile walk .So good and I liked it !
Monday morning first thing, we are getting some exercise on in here... lol

A few people have said Christmas will be challenging.
It all boils down to portions and my stomach capacity has shrunk. I can't eat like I used to, and I don't want to, so that is a good thing. I bring healthy dishes with me to potlucks and parties, so I know that I have at least one healthy choice. If there aren't alot to pick from I just eat 1/2 serving and it seems to be working. I avoid pasta dishes and breads ....two of my favorites!
~ Instead of thinking about what I am missing I really try to think about what I am losing ;)

A friend said don't look at it as the pressure to loose weight or diet, look at it as being healthy . I want to be healthy !

Last weigh in for this phase is a week from today, December 20th

Oh exciting news Passports are in!!! This trip is getting more real by the minute
And I would like to add is being completely financed through fundraising and gifts from generous and caring people like yourself.
May God richly Bless YOU! <3 xo

Busy, Busy........

I have been so very busy lately with craft shows, fundraising and attending our church Christmas programs.
I had to really watch what I ate this week and only had time to exercise once.
Well the portion control and healthy choices is what got me through this week.
I lost 1.3 lbs! 

Never give up because you thought you already blew it , or because one week is a little off....keep on keeping on. 

This week is another busy one, but I should be able to fit in more exercise.
My birthday is this week, so instead of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, which is my absolute favorite, we bought mini cheesecake cupcakes with chocolate frosting. One cheesecake will be 130 calories and I get to eat it all and not just have a bite.... as opposed to 4oo plus calories for a piece of cake that I get a nibble of.
Something to look forward to <3
Planning ahead can also save much grief and poor choices.

My pants don't fit very well...I am in between sizes Not an 18 anymore, but not really a 16 either lol give it a week and size 16 will be my friend ;) 

Last month we raised $470 for the trip through your sponsorship !

I have a few less sponsors this round, and that is okay. I am still going to have to work hard and you know what I actually am feeling better.

Thanks everyone for keeping me encouraged and cheering me on!  xo

Week 1 Period 2 Weigh-In

First off ....a HUGE thank you to those who have honoured their pledge for period 1 and who are in the process of it 

I will give a total raised so far by next weekend :) 

I appreciate you all so much ❤️

Another huge thank you for those who are able to continue their support through this 2nd period  !! 

Well I did not lose, but I did not gain!!! 

215 again this week 

(Blurry pic ..... Sorry) 

This past 7 days I allowed myself

1/2  of a piece of cake 

1/2 of a caramal chocate square x2

2 or 3 spoonfuls of ice cream 

Extra bread 

BUT ...... 

I wanted to eat so much more .... Lol 

Game plan this week NO SWEETS !! 

Exercise 4 or 5 days 

And blog more, I think that helps me stay accountable 

Make sure to have healthy snacks ready and available to eat ! 

On my way now to a  meeting with my fellow team mates for Guatemala Mission Trip.

~ This really is becoming a reality !!!

Thanks again everyone for your support and encouragement.  xo 

Total loss for Period 1 is........

Good Saturday Morning !! My weight loss this week is 2.6 lbs!!!
I worked hard for it .....and it paid off :)
I got up twice this week at 4:30 am to ensure that I would get my work outs in and did one after supper.
I had a nibble or half bite of b'day cake and stuck to my healthy eating/ small portions.
Today is also the last day of Period 1!!
I am happy to say that this period I have lost a total of :

14.7 lbs 

My goal was about 10 lbs, so I am very happy with this result!
I will be in boxing/ texting  my sponsors to let you all know your totals.
Thanks everyone for cheering me on!!
Today may be the last day of Period 1 , but, it is the first day of Period 2

Enjoy your weekend!

Still losing it,
Loana xo

Not a morning person really ......

So, I have proven to myself once again that I was not designed to get up and go go go, in the morning! LOL 

I set my alarm for Wednesday morning to go off at 4:30 am ..... Gah ! I got up and struggled through my work out. I stayed upstairs in the living room and just made sure all the bedroom doors were shut, so I would  not disturb anyone. Well I tripped over the dog half way throught he work out ..... I had to move onto the ceramic tile to do the sprint portion so it wouldn't sound like  I was going through 

 the floor. During my cool down I lost my balance  and almost fell..... My 5 am shower is a blur, I know I had one, just don't really remember it HA ! 

By 11am I wanted a nap lol, then I was fine 

I set my alarm again for the same time  this morning, and I argued with myself until I decided I would skip morning exercise and got up at 5:30 instead . 

Now the challenge is to be sure I exercise tonight after supper .... 

Saturday is the end of phase 1, so it is a pay out from my sponsors, I am so very thankful for you all ! ❤️xo

Inches vs Pounds

After my weigh in Saturday, and my obvious  discouragement, a friend suggested I take note of my inches lost. 

Since I am working out , I could be building a little bit if muscle. so while I  am losing fat, I could be building muscle and my pounds may not always truly reflect my progress. 

This friend , along with another,said they would match what they sponsored  me per lb to apply to inches lost as well! 

I had no idea what to Measure, so I googled it of course ! Lol 

I had Jason measure me Sunday evening. It will be 2 weeks before I get him to measure again as suggested on site I used.

Here are my measurements: 

Bust - 40 1/2 "

Chest- 35

Waist - 38 1/2

Hips- 48 1/2 

Midway- 42

Thighs -R 31 3/4. L 32 1/4

Knees- R 22 1/4 L 23 1/4 

Calves- R 17 3/4 L 17 1/2 

Upper arm- R 14 3/4 L 14 1/2

Fore arm - R 12 1/4 L 12 

I am having a different week. 

I need to figure out how to fit my exercise in . It is looking like the only solution will be to get up around 5 am ...... 

I am not a morning person, but I have to do what needs to be done. So tomorrow morning me and my phone will be sneaking downstairs to exercise. 

I'll let you know how that goes ! :) 

Foods have been pretty typical to what I was eating at the beginning. 

Today is my babies 17th birthday, so I will have a little bite of b'day cake just to taste it. Literally a forkful, that is all that's really needed..... I will want more, but my goals are worth more to me than momentary sugary goodness ... :p 

I may be getting use of a stationary bike soon, it worked for me before, so convenient  to just crank the tunes and bike for 30 mins.

That's all for now! 

Here is my morning weigh in............

My first thoughts....... ONE STINKIN' POUND.......... :(
I just wanted to go grab the cookies in the cupboard and eat them and the chips and whatever else I have sacrificed or given up and EAT!!! So I guess I eat out of emotion...  :/

Then I had to say okay....I didn't gain a pound... I am still losing.
I have already met my monthly goal of 10lbs, so I guess anything else is a bonus?!

Now the why's. Why only 1 lb ???
Well, I only worked out 2 days instead of 4.
I have not been snacking as often and drinking my water.
I felt like crap this week fighting off a cold.

Solutions
I MUST workout a minimum of 4 days a week that is what gets results!
I MUST DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!
SNACK OFTEN!.......I need to be constantly munching on fruits and veggies, that is what I was doing my first 2 weeks, so it must work!
This cold has been kicking my butt......no more!
I slept for 12 hours last night and today I am feeling much better. I am sure I will continue to get well.
I need to be mindful to get the proper rest I need so my body does not get run down.
I also think it is best for me to journal everyday my foods and my exercise. It helps me to know what I am eating better.
I did not eat anything I should not this past week, other then crackers in my chicken noodle soup.
I thought I would feel better with some chicken noodle soup and then I opened the pkg of crackers and dumped it in ( I wasn't thinking at all, just doing) I had 10 crackers in my soup!! 10 too many!! I have been eating 0 crackers in my soup since I started this. I think I was just not thinking and I slipped back to old habits, too tired to make a healthy choice, I guess.

I had a friend tell me this morning, "Do not let a tough week get me down"
And my hubby said "You are still losing!"

Encouragement from family and friends is huge!
If you are struggling with weight loss and getting back at it, find friends that are positive and that will encourage you!!

So, today I will continue to make healthy choices.....
2 multigrain toast with PB for breakfast.
Filling my infusion cup with water and some lemon and lime slices.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

I took this pic of a simple smoothie I made last week.
2 cups of frozen mango,strawberries, raspberries and about a cup of almond milk.
SO YUMMIE!!!

Just Do It !

My last update was Saturday with my  weigh in and biggest 1 week loss ever for me !! 

This encouraged me so much and gave me the confirmation that what I am doing is working. 

I thought I would start out tonight by talking about food and how I am eating. 

I always read the label and check serving size to calories. I am  aware of calories but I am not religious about it .I am eating way less bread than I used to, staying  away from pastas . I am eating way more veggies and fruits. Trying to eat more lean meats like chicken and turkey. 

I am planning a head more, so that I am not in a situation where I have to eat foods I don't want to.  

Also, I am sticking more to whole foods or clean eating choices when I can. 

Best advice don't count the calories from fruits and veggies!!! 

Portions are playing a big role as well. 

I can have a dark chocolate bar, I just have 1 square ....... That's like 20-40 calories and I let it melt in my mouth. 

I am taking longer to eat smaller amounts so I feel fuller. Water, water and more water !!

Here is the lunch hubby made me on Sunday.

Voila ! Open face burger :) 

I really was craving red meat. Extra lean ground beef was on sale. Hamburg buns were not. English muffins were! 

So 1/2  English muffin toasted a layer of thin sliced cucumbers,  extra lean patty, mustard, grape tomatoes sliced ! 

I also had a side of sweet potato fries

17 fries are 140 calories and just the right amount :) 

I was going out Sunday night at supper time so Jason packed me a Granny Smith apple , carrot sticks, sunflower seeds and a large water bottle. I also had 1/2 small lunch size pack of brook dale dark chocolate covered acai berries with my to go coffee. During reception of event I wasn't tempted to eat the sandwiches and sweets that were there. 

I do however like to eat vicariously through my daughter and my friends. I'll get  them to eat something I want and tell me about it LOL  it works for me ;) 

So ya, being prepard is good 

I have also started to carry 100 calorie snacks, I prefer to have granola bars as my purse snack is usually to get me through, so I want something with staying power, not a 100 calorie cookie or chocolate bar (although I do carry those in the event of being struck with a sweet tooth) 

Oh my gosh !!!!! today I had the best salad ever !!!! 

Doesn't it look delish !?!? Topping and dressing came right in the bag, all portioned out for me. Toppings were almond slices, feta cheese, toasted quinoa and avocado dressing.... YUNMIE!!!! 

Here is a pick of the bag, I think I got this at superstore, of not walmart. I will be buying it again! 

Super tonight was spaghetti and tossed salad. Because I did not want pasta calories , I baked a potato in the microwave and used half off it and put spaghetti sauce on it the other half my plate was all salad toped with a few black olive slices, a sprinkle of feta and about 1 tbsp balsamic dressing. Okay I have to say here that I do measure my condiments and I always check the label. I loved condiments and I used way too much, just being aware and reading labels helps me make better choices and portion sizes. 

It doesn't look like much but so tasty. Salad was just made with what I had on hand: romaine , green pepper, celery, cucumber. 

Part 2 exercise .... 

I did not exercise my 4 days last week due to an event I was helping put on. I was going to exercise 2 times on Monday, but something came up and then something else and previous commitments etc etc 

Today I just didn't feel like it, my nose was stuffy, my throat was scratchy and I was over tired, I had had a super late night.  I then thought about the weight I had lost the past 2 weeks and I did not lose it by not exercising. So, I got myself talked into it, got on my work out clothes I filled my water bottle and was like "let's do this !" 

I decided to take it up a notch and chose Biggest Loser Power Walk 3. It started  off pretty fast paced and had me doing standing up crunches and some speed skating move thing, running with jumping jacks between each 15 second of running hard. Look, my heart rate was not only up it was beating out of my chest, my chest and throat burned ii couldn't hardly breath I was stopping and drinkng water. I was pushing myself hard, but unable to complet each set, I continued and pushed for 3/4 of the way through and that was it I was done .... I stopped the video, caught my breath had some more water and put in power walk 2 !

It still challenges me and I think I jumped the gun with number 3. I am not looking at this as a failure. I did 1 and 3/4 workouts, I worked hard I was a hot sweaty mess and I felt good for making myself  exercise I'll do #2 for the rest of this week and try #3 again next week.

I am noticing changes in my body my pants are looser around the waist! 

I put my leg on the side of the tub today and I went to wash my calf and It was as hard as a rock !! It feels good to see change! To be the change ..... To stop making excuses and to just do it ! 

*** it is not too late to sponsor me! I am so thankful for the support I have, but I still need more people on board :) 

Have a great night, sweet dreams xo

Weigh in Day .......

The  past two days I have spent helping set up and execute a PD Day for HENB with my awesome friends Melanie and Aralee and our collective teenagers! ( note Mel does not have teens...yet ;)
I am so proud of the teens, but particularly proud of my Hopey( I can single her out 'cause I am her Mom <3 )
So I said that to say...I didn't get to work out Thursday. I swear I got more of a work out the past 2 days!!
We had for food on Friday a ridiculous amount of food!!
I am so proud of myself!! And it is becasue I am accountable to you all( totally recommend making weightless public ;) )
I had 2 green apples, 1/2 a large bowl of meatless taco soup, a few frtios cornchips...maybe 6. and the tiny tip off of a decadent dutch brownie slice ( its my favorite I just had tot have a taste!! ) I had a 1/2 large bowl of chili for supper.
Lots of water through the day and 2 large coffees with cream and raw sugar.
I could have had so much more desserts, any kind of muffins, jumbo delish looking and I heard very tasty cinnamon buns, rolls, corn breads etc etc
Okay new treat I found at the grocery store Thursday ....

It is pretty tasty, but not Skinny Popcorn but has all the same great features, no  gmcorn, no preservatives, just popcorn, slat and sunflower oil...nice little snack for this popcorn loving girl!
Also on Thursday I was short for time and I was hungry and had to get a supper made.....I had McCains pizza , I had I/6 slice ( meaning we cut the pizza in 6 pieces) and then 1/2 of that again. A cereal bowl of my new popcorn for a snack.
The rest of Thursday was my typical granola and greek yogurt , salad for lunch with some chicken breast and 2 green apples


Pretty excited about this weeks weight loss and I put it off to tease you ??
Did it work? lol

I AM DOWN ANOTHER 7.3 lbs!!!
This is by far the most I have EVER lost in a week!!! Biggest loser walk videos  and watching  portions and making the healthy choice ...WOW!

Please know I am not bragging ............<3 I am just so excited to be getting results
I have felt pretty down on myself for the last year about my weight

Thank you all for your support, have a great weekend. xo

~still not too late to sponsor for weight loss per pound ;) 

Before Pics

I forgot to take before pics!!!
So here are my 1 1/2 weeks in pics ;)

I think it will be good to have something to compare to. I see all kinds of people do before and afters, so I thought why not.

I am really feeling the burn with The Biggest Loser walk 2 video, so it must be working right???

Proud of  myself, tonight I packed my supper. We have supper at our church every Wednesday, for $4 we have 3 meal choices and then for $2 we can have fries or onion rings. Tonight the main meal was a chicken leg and pan fried wedges. I don't like dark meat, the soup meal was potato and ham soup and flaked ham sandwich. I am trying to stay away from creamy soups and the potato plus the 2 slices of white bread was a lot of carbs for me. The kids choice was pogo  and smiley fries.....ummmmmm....yes please!!! LOL I would have really enjoyed that, pogos are sooooo good!!!
Instead I packed a big salad.......romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, 1/2 chicken breast diced, crumbled feta and a balsamic dressing sprinkled with a few roasted unsalted sesame seeds.....it was delish and satisfying!
I then snuck out just before bible study started and bought a coffee, 1 cream, 1 sugar. I forgot to pack a no bake protein bite , so at the coffee shop I bought a 100 calorie dark chocolate bar, I had 1/5 so only 20 cals :)
Because I knew I was using the last of the chicken tonight and having no breads, for lunch I made a yummie smoothie and had a piece of 12 grain bread toasted with a thin layer of real butter. What???? BUTTER!!!! Yes, butter. It is all natural and I only used a bit. Our bodies were created to digest real food, not a bunch of man made chemicals, that is also why I don't use sweetners like aspartame and splenda. I am going to get some raw sugar for my coffee so I can get off the processed white.

Here is my very simple yummie smoothie recipe:
2 cups frozen fruit. ( 1 cup raspberries and 1 cup mango and strawberry)
1 serving of vanilla Greek yogurt
add almond milk until it is the consistency you want.

 Very filling and good for me!

So, the other day, maybe a month ago, Jason and I were talking about the yummie treats you used to be able to get at Tim Horton's, eclairs, bow ties and more. Look what I just saw on my fb news feed..........

     Mmm hmm right when I can't have it!!! LOL

My friend asked me if I am starting to feel better. To be honest the answer was not really....I think it will come, I need to be more scheduled and really be sure to get all my water in everyday. I do feel good that I am losing weight, I mentally probably feel better in that sense.

That's all for tonight........sweet dreams <3 xo

The Biggest Loser ....

Found some awesome exercise videos on YouTube (of course) filmed at biggest loser resort. 

I have never watched the show (no tv channels, yes I live In the sticks lol) 

WOW did I feel the burn today !!! 

I even sprinted on the spot....when I showed Jason , he said they did it in football drills. 

I liked this work out, I liked that real people were doing them on the video  and they mess up just like me lol 

Foods today ...... I feel hungry :( time to get groceries. Lots of high calorie foods so eating half portions and small quantities leaves me unsatisfied and wanting more. 

I guess I have a few things here, but they require more preparation and I honestly didn't feel like doing it :p 

So tomorrow I will buckle down and prep my snacks! 

I baked carrot muffins today with a low sugar/ lowfat cream cheese frosting ..... I only had 1/2 of one it was pretty good ! 

I needed to make a dozen muffins for an event on Friday, so I had to taste test. 

That should be intersting ..... Being away from home all day where there will be snacks galore, going to have to really put on my will power and a good attitude.

Well, that is all for now! 

PS ~ there is still time to sponsor me ! 

Thanks everybody who has sponsored and those who are cheering me on ..... Some days I really need the encouragement more  than others ❤️ 

Saturday /Sunday

The weekend always goes by too fast, doesn't it ?!

Saturday I started out with a coffee......ahhhhhh so nice.
I find I really need that morning coffee to unfog me and get me started. So, from now on coffee it is .......and then I'll flush it out with water. I will add here that I have about 3 cups a day and I take 1 sugar and cream, we just switched over to a lighter cream and it's all good.......I don't like to mess with my coffee!!

I have decided not to log all of my food intake, unless I try something new, I don't want to bore you. If you find the daily menu helpful, let me know, or if you think I should just share it, I will...lol I'll wait to here from you!

I do not exercise on the weekend for now. We are pretty busy running errands, and doing life, trying to catch up etc. So I am sticking to Monday-Thursday.
I am finding lots of great workouts on YouTube.

I bought all the ingredients to replenish my no-bake energy bites.I tried the cocoa nibs in place of chocolate chips, purchased the chia seeds and flax seed and honey. I got it all at Bulk Barn !!
Really like the cocoa nibs! They are actual bits of the roasted cocoa bean. Much healthier than chocolate chips, no sugar and aren't processed.
I am using up the PB we have here, then I may switch to pure, no additives, peanut butter.
I also should mention that I got ground chia and flax. I have read that in order to benefit from the flax it must be ground, and I assumed the same for chia.
So my bites are all natural except PB, pretty good eh?
Jason likes them, but they are off limits......just for me! ha
I am not eating any other treats....these are it. I did purchase a dark chocolate bar if I am freaking out and need something, in that case ,I would only have one square and let it melt in my mouth  <3 So far, so good ;)

I also decided NOT  to have a cheat day.
It works for some, but for me it is just a big FAT step backwards, I would just want more......

I made my own little supper Sunday night.


150 cals worth of multigrain tostitos (same cals as the average slice of bread)
1/2 cup chopped up chicken breast,
green and yellow peppers diced
3 Tbsp of salsa
and some tomato basil feta diced.
Heated it all in the oven at 350 for 18 mins
So tasty and filling :)





I don't typically prepare meals on Sunday, Jason would make me something or we would just snack. Now, the type of snacking I did in the past,is not an option. LOL

So that was my weekend in the eyes of  "Losing it For Guatemala".

One more thing a friend said to me Sunday.....when you are eating better and exercising you carry yourself differently because you feel better, and you look better! She noticed a difference after one week! I was encouraged <3 :)

Yesterday and my weigh in this morning !!

Okay I am down 3.8 lbs and I am very happy with that !! 

Jason guessed 4 :) 

Friday

I learned the value of planning ahead....

I had to run some errands I had a quick small bowl of granola grabbed a water bottle and I was off ! 

Well nothing seemed to work out as I had hoped and we made a lot of stops, but none too successful. 

I stared to get a major headache and I felt foggy/ not with it..... I was hungry !!! 

It was lunch time and my lunch was home waiting for me, I did not pack any snacks :(  I could have ate in town, but Jason had made me egg salad the night before so I could have it for my lunch and I wanted that .

We were in the check out at Walmart and I grabbed a bag of Special K cracker chips low in calories and under $1 ;) 

We next hearded to Second Cup and I got a very large coffee and headed for home. 

It didn't take me long to make my lunch!!

I had a wrap with egg salad with some tomato, shortly after,  I noticed my headache was gone!! Hope said, Mom you needed to eat !! 

Next time I go to town I will be planning better..... Packing some carrots or an apple, no bake energy bite 

I wanted to cave and buy a chocolate bar, but I didn't !! 

Supper was DELISCIOUS !! 

Friday night is pizza night and we generally pick up a couple of pepperoni pizzas in sale. We all ear 1/2 a pizza !!! A big glass of Pepsi and some potato chips.

Not this Froday night ! My friend Mel told me about pita pizza! She said put low sodium pizza sauce , veggies and cheese I too of pita and bake OR bar-b-que chicken pizza.  I made the later. Boneless skinless chicken breast was on sale and I cooked all 4 in oven with just a little seasoning. ( I only used not even 1 for the pizzas and the rest we can have for sandwiches, wraps  or salad through the week ) 

I put Bulls Eye sauce on the pita, chopped up some green and yellow peppers, put shredded chicken breast and some cheese. Baked at 400 for about 18-20 mins and voila !

Soooo good and filling! I had water to drink and no chips ! My hubby and daughter had one also. Still cooked up a frozen pepperoni pizza (I didn't have any) 

Pita pizza was a hit with most !! Hope enjoys this also at her grandparents :) so I think it will be our Friday night now meal for now ;) Jason said he really enjoyed it am found it so flavourful compared to the pepperoni. 

I had a coffee and a no bake- protein bite. 

In the evening I had hot air popcorn with butter ..... Sooooooo good .... Probably had more than I should have, but it's all good! ( it was not microwave full of  calories which I would have an entire bag to myself several nights a week ...) I am going to put a shout out for "Skinny Popcorn" you can't get it at Costco the best popcorn !! And I am a popcorn fanatic ! ( must go with one of my costco friends soon to get some ;) ) 

No exercise , too  busy running around town! Lol 

I am thinking of keeping my work out days Monday  - Thursday , thoughts ? 

Have a great weekend everyone !!

I 'll likely wait until Monday night for an update, but you never know!!  

~ trip update, Hope and were able to get passport pics taken~ 

They are so flattering lol 

A New Day

I woke up and remembered to say "Holy Spirit I acknowledge your presence " , good thing because I rolled over and saw I was getting up an hour later than I wanted too.....  Knowing that I had the Holy Spirit right there with me I just sighed  and got out of bed, what else could I do. 

I put my work out clothes on and headed to get my water bottle filled , then I sat at the computer. I was only going to check fb and then I would get right at my work out. Ha, joke was on me I stayed on fb for a good hour. Just as I was to log into you tube I looked outside, the sun was shining, it was a nice crisp fall day. I made the decision to skip the walking video and today I would talke my walk outside! 

Because of the time of day and Hopes school work I thought I would wait until noon. 

Breakfast : 

granola with 2% milk 

Sm Granny Smith apple 

~ I only like Granny Smiths and I bought these at the superstore , love them ! They are for kids lunches, perfect snack size and good quality fruit ! 

Lunch ; 

Leftover soup from our churches Gareway Cafe , Chicken Rice ! YUMMIE 

With some crackers

1 Greek yogurt 

Afternoon snacks :

Sm Granny Smith apple

Coffee 1 c 1 a 

No bake protein bite 

Supper: 

Tacos I substituted  hamburger for ground chicken( I had one large)

small side of baked homemade potato wedges 

1 coffee 1c 1 s 

No bake  protein bite 

Okay back to the walk .... I walked for 20 minutes at a brisk pace panting a bit and sweating then I slowed it down to a normal walking pace. I got a little overwhelmed when I was only  half way and realized I wanted to be done sooner than I was, but I had to walk home so I pushed myself 

The fresh air was invigorating and I felt great ! 

I received an encouraging text , fb message, comments and I can't tell you how supported and loved I feel ! 

Thank you all ❤️xo 

 

Attitude

Today started out a little difficult or maybe  my attitude was. 

I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed and I just wanted to stay there, In bed that is.

The last thing I wanted to do was get right up and do a work out with Ms walk away the pounds ! 

When I got up I stomped into the living room and plunked myself in front of the computer. I browsed Facebook for as long as I could then I begrudgingly put on my  workout clothes, did a few chores to prolong the inevitable and finally logged on to YouTube...... I still didn't "feel" like a walk away the pounds video and I didn't want to exercise for the almost 40 mins it would require...... I really didn't want to exercise at all! I played around on YouTube for a good 20 minutes and then settled on 30 minute power walk with a different program, let's

Just say it was a little above my speed and skill level, I just wanted to quit and yell at the cute thin blonde hair ponytail thing bouncy on my computer screen and tell her I wasn't doing 8....7.....6.....5.....or 4more of anything !!! 

Instead I breathed deeply, thought about the commitment I had made to go to Guatemala and that loosing weight would help me help others. I kept moving, I kept trying and got the work out done !!! It was hard.... 

I started eating late today also....since I eat after i work out, I procrastinated with that, I never ate breakfast until Almost lunch time. 

I am not sure on my exact foods today, but I know I did not eat as much as I wanted or what I was craving. oh I wanted a cookie, but when I stomped in the kitchen to get one, I saw that old  rooster with his little chalkboard reminding me why I should not have a cookie, so I had a no bake energy bite

Instead. 

After exercising and eating I made my qay to the shower where I just let the hot water pelt away my stress. I felt quite a bit better.... I checked in again on good old fb and my friend Fran had posted this to my wall 

I had a good laugh!! It is cute comics, encouraging comments like I read  from another friend and the messages of tips and hints that keep me going and let me know I am not alone and that y'all are cheering me on. I began to feel blessed and thankful and even a little joy creeped in. I thank God for my friends and then I looked at how I could encourage and uplift somebody else. 

Tomorrow is a new day and I am determined that this will get easier as time goes on or at least become routine and a good habit. 

I ended today on a good note. I had supper at my church ( I only ate half of what I typically would of and in place of dessert I had raw carrots) I did go to second cup with my friend and Bought a flavoured coffee , not to be mistaken with a flavour shot, the flavour is infused in the coffee bean so there is no added syrups or sugars...... Butter Pecan ... Mmmmm. 

I taught some pretty great kids tonight and was able to share with them that God has a plan for their life, that they have gifts and talents and that God loves them. I taught them that to be a light in this dark world that they need to shine. I love my class. I came home had 2 rice cakes and watched the bible study that I missed. God is good and I am so blessed and thankful for this life, my life. Thankful I do not have to do this alone. 

So tomorrow I will wake up and before I get a chance to be cranky I will say "Holy Spirit I acknowledge your presence !" 

With the Holy Spirit I can do anything ! 

( thank you dr. Coombes and Pastor Michael for that puposeful statement of activation ) 

Peace and Love xo 

 

Kale Chips....yay or nay ?

Today was a pretty good day.

I got to start it with my Fruit Infusion cup!! I left it at my friends house Thursday night and was able to get it last night. I love this cup and it keeps me drinking water all day. I infused with lemon and lime wedges








I made the mistake of not getting my work out clothes on as soon as I got up and procrastinated until after lunch before I was able to get my work out in.
It annoyed me and it consumed the better part of my day, hanging over my head that I needed to work out.


Foods today were good, I think. I am not feeling hungry!! Lots of great tips are coming my way via e-mail and FB messanger. Anything that requires me to go buy something special that I do not already have on hand will have to wait until grocery day.
The latest advice/tips I received, I was able to put to use right away.
Eat lots of fruit and veggies and don't count their calories, nobody has ever gotten fat from eating fruit and vegetables ! Snack or eat often, meaning eat little amounts several times a day. So that is exactly what I did ! I had proteins too don't worry.
What I ate today is at the bottom of this entry.

So, a new healthy snack was made tonight.....KALE CHIPS
Hopey and I made them together, that is pretty much the only thing I like about them. They got a big NAY from me, but YAY from Jason and Hope so all is not lost.

Hope ready to get started!

They are pretty easy to make. I got the kale for $2.50 and I thought they would be a great alternative to chips.....not so much....for me anyways : /

Food for the day.....

Breakfast :
1/3 cup of granola with 2% milk,
1 grapefruit
1 toast with 1 T of PB

snack: 1 greek yogurt and 1 sm granny smith apple

lunch:
1 hard boiled egg with a touch of butter
20 Special K chip/cracker thingys ( Only 80 calories for 20! )
baby carrots raw no dip

Snack: Coffee 1 c 1s  I no-bake energy bite

cooking supper snack.....now let me say typically this would have been chips or crackers.....today baby carrots!!!
proud of myself, because I was really wanting carbs ( happens once a month for a few days ;) )

Supper:
I bowl of  beef stew made with broth , potatoes and carrots and NO bread......I love bread I normally would have had 2 slices.
coffee 1c 1s
no bake energy bite

Evening snack was supposed to be Kale chips.........I had a few and then had 1 sm granny smith apple

My exercise was a different 2 mile from Leslie Sansome Walk Away the Pounds
This one has more dance style type moves and I am not the most coordinated. lol
I have a choice, I can learn the steps or just revert back to what I know .
I think I may give it a go tomorrow and try the steps again. Great thing about her work outs is if you can't do the move she is doing just keep moving!!
I have to admit it felt good to work out.
Tomorrow it has to be done first thing in the morning,it is just better all the way around :)

Walk Away The Pounds.........

I got up this morning put on my yoga pants socks, sneakers, loose fitting shirt and then I sat in front of the computer and procrastinated.......
I did not want to work out one bit. I was actually dreading it and starting to think I would just skip today......then I walked into the kitchen and saw this....

I had no idea how simply writing this on my little chalkboard would impact me or be such a great reminder to make good choices. If I were to cheat on my diet or skip exercises it now doesn't just affect me negatively in health sense, but now also financially.....if I cheat or skip I am literally losing money that is for the mission trip!!

So......I walked back into the living room searched  "Walk Away The Pounds" on Youtube. I did a 2 mile walk and it was pretty great! I was sweating , short of breath at the high points, but when it was done I felt great!! 

Looking forward to tomorrows work out......okay, that's not true, but one day it will be. One day I will crave to exercise instead of crave to eat.

Which brings me to the eating portion of my day
Breakfast:
1 toast with peanut butter
1 greek yogurt
1 small Granny Smith apple( only kind of apple I like and it has to be ice cold from the fridge......lol)
1 coffee( 1c 1s)

Lunch:

cucumber slices
baby carrots ( raw)
2 celery stalks ( gross and bitter, worse celery I ever had :p )
Humus
Guacamole
12 special k chip cracker things
1coffee ( 1c 1 s)





I was starving by supper.......
My fb friends were so right when they said I needed proteins.( so I did add a greek yogurt but it didn't really hold me over )

snack:1 no bake energy bite


Supper:
1/2 c rice
2 hard boiled eggs
serving spoon of corn
serving spoon of green beans
no bake energy bite

Lg Americano this evening ( thanks Aralee :) )

Okay, so typically I would have had snacks all day, carbs, carbs, carbs....So I am proud of myself. I feel hungry, but I will have a little something before bed, maybe a small bowl of granola or a few special K cracker things ( they have 1/2 the calories of chips!)

Thanks for the great tips, diet plans and words of encouragement that you all are sending me
And a Special Thank you for those who believe in this mission trip and are able to sponsor me, it means so much !
xoxo

Highlight of my day......seeing my oldest daughter !! She was on her way back from crusades in NS so they stopped in Salisbury at the Big Stop.
Here is a great strategy that worked for me, I ate my lunch before I went , had a coffee there. Not even a fry of Briana's plate, I am now patting myself on the back...lol

 My first born.... <3 Miss her so much!
I love to laugh, I needed to laugh today....laughter really is the best medicine!
So thankful for these blessings, that I call my own !

The Mission Trip ....who? where? what? why? when?

Guatemala 2015

Who?
 We are a team of 14. The leaders are Michael and Dr Edith Coombes of Bridghouse Ministries. They have been working and doing missions for 40 plus years and have traveled literally all over the world to 100's of countries. I am blessed to be able to participate on this mission with my youngest daughter Hope.

Where?
Guatemala to work along side House of Refuge ministries.

What?
This NOT a vacation or holiday........This IS mission trip.

We are building a chicken coop and providing the chickens , feed, etc for a widowed mother of 3.
We will be assisting a local Doctor and our own Nurse Alicia with an all day free medical clinic. We hope to be able to provide the medicines needed .Those on our team who are not comfortable with medical will doing drama's and playing with the children while they wait or while their parents receive care.
We will be taking food to the hungry.
We will be visiting and helping at an orphanage, providing food and toys
We will be hosting a breakfast for a group called Friends of Jesus, this group helps woman who have been taken advantage of and violated.
We will be participating in church service, our group is currently learning a worship song in Spanish.
We will be doing whatever the team that is there now needs, this may include building another chicken coop, building a food tunnel, building a room on to the current building.
Some of us have chosen to leave our clothes behind when we return home,and bless the people there
We are staying in the mission house NOT in a hotel or resort.
We will be eating the local cuisine.....I keep hearing black beans, black beans, black beans....I like black beans, but I guess I may not ever want them again when we get back home lol( or so I am told)
We will have one day of sight seeing and shopping in the local market for souvenirs or small tokens to bring home. :)

Why?
Because there is a need.........

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Found in Mathew chapter 25

Also the bible say......

And Jesus unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 

When ?

January 21-31 2015

~Fundraising efforts are the responsibility of each team member to raise the funds necessary to go.
*My First Deadline is October 29 th ( passport and inoculation fees for Hope and myself) )
*Teams first  dead line is November 30th for Airfare ( that is why my first pay out on "Losing it in Guatemala" is November 22nd)

We will be meeting with  our team to finalize financial deadlines for other monies to be collected.

so that's the 5 W's of the  Mission Trip as I know it.
Here is a picture from the orphanage on one of  Pastor Michael and Dr Coombes visits to Guatemala in 2009


stay tuned tonight for exercise updates and how my day was  "Losing It for Guatemala" 

Goals......

A few people have asked my what my goals are......

My first and foremost goal is to be healthy!

I want to lose weight and I want to build up my lung capacity so that I can walk and do physical activities without getting fatigued quickly.

I have always resorted to calorie counting when I am trying to lose weight.  I have done this a time or 2 or 3....lol  I am pretty much aware of how many calories are in what and able to make good choices, when I put my mind to it. I have been sent, since starting this blog, a few diet plans from friends, I'll check them out, but for now calorie counting it is :)

I live 30 mins out of town, we have one vehicle ( my husband takes to work ) and during the day  I home educate my daughter Hope, so...the gym is not really not feasible . I don't own exercise machines, so that is not an option . I will be using DVD's for my work out time. I have found several Leslie Sansome Walk Away the Pounds DVD sets over the years and have pretty good dusty collection...lol time to dust them off and put them in the dvd player!  I also have found some pretty great workouts on you-tube, so I can change it up if the dvd's start to bore me. My stamina is pretty low right now, but I know that will change.

Okay back to goals......I would like to see a 2lb minimum loss a week.
So by  the first pay date Nov 22, I would like to have 10lbs gone. I think that with hard work, that could be a realistic goal.

How about the cookies I baked, my fb friends may be wondering....I didn't eat any, not one!! YAY me. I  DID make no-bake energy bites for me and that helped. When I really get a sweet craving I pop one of those in my mouth and mmmmm gooooood!!!

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1 cup dry oatmeal
1/3 cup honey or agave nectar( I combined as I had a little of each)

1/2 cup Peanut Butter

1 tsp vanilla ( I skipped this)
2/3 cup flaked coconut (unsweetened)
1 tbsp Chia seeds
1/2 cup flax seed

okay I did not have chia or flax seed available this time, def will add next time to boost the healthy factor. I believe the flax seed should be ground for your body to be able to digest it and get the nutrition out of it.
So I'll measure the flax seed whole and then grind. An inexpensive coffee grinder works great according to one of my friends.

So that's all for now, tomorrow morning I'll be sharing about the mission trip its self and tomorrow evening I'll let you know how the exercise went, busy weekend here so that starts tomorrow.......or mañana ( as they would say in Guatemala)

Day 1

Good Morning,

Official Start weight is.............229.7 lbs



(I am not even going to get into how that number could make me feel...)

Next weigh in will be in one week

Super busy day today got to get started!!

I may blog my activity and food intake, I have not decided yet.

I will give a much more detailed explanation of the trip soon!

What is loosing it for Guatemala???

Losing it for Guatemala!

My name is Loana Colpitts and I am part of a team of 14 who are headed to Guatemala on a 10 day mission trip!
My weight and stamina are not where I  would like them to be, to go and be productive. I do not want anything holding me back from the activities and work we have planned. So I need to start eating right and exercising.

I decided to take a problem and turn it into a solution .............

The cost of the trip will be approximately $1500 for each person. My youngest daughter, Hope, and I have combined our totals ($3000 )  and are pursuing different avenues to raise money.
I am asking for your help to motivate me and raise money at the same time.
I would like to have you sponsor me money for every pound I loose! I have a few financial deadlines, so I have set up my “Loosing for Guatemala!” fundraiser with 3 separate time periods:  Oct 25-Nov. 22      Nov22-Dec20            Dec 20-Jan 17
So, how it works is you would sponsor , for example, $5 / pound,  when I have total my weight loss for the first  period Oct 25-Nov22, we’ll say I lost 6.5 lbs,  the amount of $32.50 would be due on my weigh in day, the last day of this period November 22. You may sponsor more money per pound or less, you may sponsor for one period or all three.

I will have a blog that will share my progress, it will be titled “Losing it for Guatemala“. By providing me with your e-mail address you will be kept up to date with my latest weight loss successes, fund raising efforts and anything else I may share J

I am excited to get fit, feel good and help others!!!!

Muchas  Garcias