Checking In

Something that has helped me to stay in check with what I consume all week is something so simple, we can all do it! Every Saturday morning my husband and I send an email to my brother and sister in law with our weights. They do the same with us too. Knowing that I have to share my weekly results with people I look up to as far as fitness goes totally helps. Something as simple as 'Checking In' with our weekly weigh ins helps me to munch on apples at night instead of my favorite Ice cream and as a result, over the last 10 weeks, my husband has lost 15 pounds and I have lost 10.5 pounds! It's now become somewhat addicting too. Seeing that I really can drop atleast a pound of weight a week is awesome! We just came back from 10 days of vacation and I'm up 4 pounds but now I know I have the knowledge that I do know how to drop the weight and it doesn't scare me to drop those pounds again! In 3 weeks I could be back to where I was and it's not all that hard after all. As you know with kids, 3 weeks can fly right by. So back to being somewhat good eaters we go...(Just so you know, we allow ourselves a free day each week. We haven't had to be diet nazis to keep the weight off, just aware of our calorie intake.) Anyone who'd want to email me with your weekly weigh in, let me know. I'd be happy to email you mine as well! It's good pressure to be good:)

Run Run Run.....

So I have NEVER been a self professed runner. Then with the inspiration of my Sister In Law, I gave it a shot. After her first and second child she was probably a size 12 and all through high school, about a size 8. Since her second child she's taken up running and healthy eating, or CLEAN eating as she calls it. She's probably a size 2 or 4 and now with 4 children and 35 years old weighs approx 120.
We ran our first half marathon because of her and I'm training for my 3rd half right now for this summer. I just have to say thank you to her. There's a few girls in my ward I've been running with and I'm so grateful for them. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday we run at night. This way we don't have to push kids or deal with the sun. We just do +/- 3 miles and on Saturday mornings we do a long run between 4-6 for now. It's been great to run with friends and they are a great motivator. I know getting into the habit is miserable but I just need to say how rewarding the sweat of it is. Good luck to everyone on here continuing with whatever plan you've put into place for yourselves!! We Can Do It and be healthy, hot mommas too!! Way to go everyone, Keep On Truckin'!!!

No Excuses!

So after watching the Biggest Loser Contestants run a half marathon in 2 hours and 34 minutes, I think it was, I am motivated! Just think if these people who start out at weights well above the 250 mark and on multiple medications can do it in 10 weeks, then so can I. My husband and I were so inspired. Tara and Sione in particular ran the whole thing and never gave up. They both still weighed over 200 pounds and kept a 5 mph pace or better.

The first year I signed up for a 5K, I failed to run the entire thing, even with training. I always had in my mind that I could sprint but that I was not built for long distance. The next year after mentally deciding I could do it, I signed up for the 13 + mile half marathon and completed the whole thing without walking a step and only training for a month. I know that's not optimal from a safety standpoint but my point is it was possible. From personal experience, your size and shape are not your issue. Your mind is the issue. Can we do it? YES WE CAN!!

Don't forget to look up the AFCHALF taking place in August in San Diego this year. It's not only a beautiful course but a good one to start with if you've never ran one before. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Cocoa and Chicken??

So I was complaining on hershey's.com about some milkduds I bought for my middle child when I saw recipes... I clicked and found a healthy recipe for baked chicken with a cocoa/curry seasoning. (I need to stay more focused while on the computer:)) I'm planning to give it a try and thought if anyone's looking for a new flavor for boneless skinless chicken breasts... here it is:

Preheat oven to 350'F
2T Cumin
2T Curry powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
1 1/2 T Hershey's Cocoa Powder

Rub the chicken with a little oil then rub the seasoning mix all over it. Place it in the oven for 20-25 Minutes until juices run clear. Here's hoping it tastes pretty good! No egg batter and bread crumbs, no pan frying and no sugar in teryaki or other marinades. Should be healthy too! I'm gonna eat mine with rice and some veggies. Good Luck!

Just Do It!!

I have finally realized that the feeling of success upon completing a work out is wonderful! It is completely worth it and not to mention the hour away from the kids benefits them and me. We always leave the gym happier than we arrived. So the advice for myself and for you is...no matter the complications of starting the day with little ones.... make it to your workout! Whether at the gym or in the neighborhood, the endorphyns you release will make the smile come a little more easy across your face after you've done this for yourself! So Just Do It!!! Even if you're an hour later than you wanted to be....Just Do It!!

Now if I could figure out how to quit sneaking treats here and there.... Sometimes Colten or Noah will say to me, "mom, I smell something." I say, "what do you think it is?" They answer, "chocolate:)".... I have a mouth full of sweet tooths!! Anyone feel my pain??

Quick, Easy, and Healthy - Tasty too!

Chicken and Black Bean Burritos - serves 4 easily

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts - cut into bite sized pieces
1 can Black Beans
1 can Corn
1 Medium Onion (opt) - chopped
1/4 Cup BBQ sauce - I use KC Masterpiece
Tortillas - whole wheat if you really want to be good:)

First put the Onion and Chicken in a saucepan to cook. Add the BBQ Sauce, Corn, and Black Beans. Wrap in a tortilla. Treat yourself to a little sour cream or cheese if you'd like and enjoy. But really on it's own it tastes great too. It's very high in protein with the chicken and beans and very low in fat. Also, the fact that it's fast and all done in one pan makes it nice when you want real food on a night with not much time.

Enjoy!!

Let's go Jogging!!

I'm ready to get myself in shape!! As I posted on my personal blog, I'm planning to 'jog' the half marathon in San Diego in August 2009. The website is www.afchalf.com. I hope there's some of you out there who'll join me!! - Genine

Thanks Heidi for putting this blog together. I'm looking forward to you reminding me of my goal for next August:)