Weight struggles

Well i havent been very good at posting lately simply because i am out searching for a job. It has been really difficult and the economy is not helping matters. I have gained some weight but with the beautiful weather here in Oregon I am trying to still get out and walk. I think as soon as I can secure a job the weigh issue will not be as bad since I am an emotional eater. So here is to getting back to it! I hope everyone is doing well....

Wednesday Weigh-in for Feb. 4th

Ha! By definition it is still Wednesday- so I'm not late yet! I did lose a pound this week! I saw it go even lower than that but to be more conservative, I will just say I lost a pound. This is part of the extra weight that I need to get off from New Years celebrations, but I only have three pounds left to get back to where I was at Christmas. I still could cut out quite a bit of snack foods and then I would loose faster. Or I could exercise- what a novel idea=} I still lack the motivation to set up a routine of exercising. I have since been reading books on AD/HD and found that lack of motivation is a huge part of having it. Often people who have AD/HD will put off the things they know they should do in order to do something more thrilling/exciting. For some it's shopping, blogging, etc. and for others it's more extreem. I just have to plug through and do the best I can. Maybe one of these days the motivation will be found! Until then, I will keep trying to adjust my diet.

Wednesday Weigh-in for Jan. 28th

Hello! I'm excited that I'm actually writing this on Wednesday and not a couple of days late. I didn't do very well this week- gained a pound- but I wonder if it is me gaining muscle since I've been lifting more at work. Or not! Any how I'm not too worried and I will need to just watch my calories closer. I think I've been so busy that I forgot to watch what I've been eating. Also, reading books three and four of the Twilight series has made me sit around more. I'm almost done so then things can get back to normal. how have all of you been doing? Angie- have you moved to Oregon yet? I should just check out your blog. I've been so busy that I haven't been checking other peoples blogs for a while. Thanks for hanging on with me even if I haven't been the best at keeping tabs on everyone. Take care guys and know that I am trying to get back into the routine of blogging!

Recipe of the week

Easiest Crock Pot Recipe Ever

1 beef chuck roast (about 3lbs)
2 cups of water
1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium is fine
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 bay leaf
3-4 whole pepper corns


8 french rolls

Place roast in crock pot. Add water, soy sauce & seasonings. cover and cook on high for at least 6 hours until beef is tender. Remove beef from crock pot and shred with forks. Keep warm. Strain broth and skim off fat. use broth for dipping. Fill rolls with beef and enjoy! There are buns at walmart made by courelain that are only 2 points if you are doing weight watchers!

Together after 20 years! Angie and Julie

We are the contributers to this blog and so it is only fitting that we got a picture together. Only, this photo is special because we haven't been together for over 20 years! Boy does that date us!

Angie and I knew each other when we were in elementary school and we used to play together. We were/are both LDS and so our families knew each other as well. In fact our Moms kept in better contact than we did. I think that I was the one that dropped the ball on that. I never did like to write/send letters- but I sure loved getting them!

Somehow, Angie found my blog and started to comment on it suggesting we keep in touch. Blogging is much easier for me to keep up with and so after she began her own blog, I was really excited. I decided to start my second blog about my weight loss and eating healthier. This inspired her to loose weight as well. She was such a good commenter and so after learning that she is a professional Chef as well as knowing about weight watchers, I asked her to join my blog as a contributer. She really has a wealth of knowledge in these areas and is a great compliment to this blog. You really haven't seen all of her skills yet unless you frequent her blog. She is a down-to-earth, caring person who is sensitive to others.

After blogging together for a while, we decided it was time to meet and renew our friendship. We set a lunch date for January and planned on meeting in Brigham City at the famous Maddox restaurant. They are known for raising the beef just beyond the parking lot on a ranch and using locally ground flour in their breads. It's interesting seeing the cows graze so close to the restaurant. When I got there I made sure to snap a photo of the huge turning sign that marks this impressive restaurant.

We had a great time together talking about all that has been going on. Only, it wasn't like we were starting from scratch since we knew quite a bit about each other from blogging. It was also neat to reshare stories from our past. We remembered different things about it and it was neat to hear her views of the same events. I will have to dig up some pictures of us as pre-teens. Hope you enjoy seeing us together since it may be a while before we can meet again. She is moving to Oregon! I just got my parents to move here from Oregon and now my friend moves back! I guess we can't have everything! Have fun in Oregon Angie- and keep us posted on your weight loss goals!

A New Year Update on My Progress

I know that if you are reading this, you probably have been following my weekly weigh-ins and are wondering "What are you up too Julie?" I've just been busy trying to get my home in order, develop a routine for my new work schedule, helping my parents settle in to their new home, and playing "nurse" at home to sick kiddos. I guess that is all really great excuses for not keeping up with the blog for a few weeks. I think things are settling down now and so I can be more diligent on blogging!

I have really not been happy with myself for gaining three pounds during the New Year festivities since I had been on a great loosing streak- it's a good thing- before the New Year. I really have been down on myself for gaining after working so hard during the first couple of holidays. I do try to comfort myself by pointing out the fact that I gained less than most Americans during the holidays. But it hasn't sunk into my brain yet. I just look at the scale and wonder when I will get back down to the 169.5 lbs that I was not too long ago. Then I can concentrate on going below that.

I guess I may just be one of those people that find it hard to be happy during the winter months. I don't think I have the full-blown disorder (SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder) but I certainly don't get the amount of vitamin-D from the sun that I need during the winter months. Since starting my new job, I do drive more since I have to commute to Bountiful were my clients are. That may be helping to get me in the sun more. I know milk has vitamin-D in it, but I'm not sure how readily our bodies absorb it in that form.

Back to the weight issue, I have found it benificial to be working away from food during the day. I only work three days a week from about 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. It has been great so far. I take healthy snacks with me as well as a light lunch, so I don't eat bad while I'm away from home. I have been more anxious as I started the job, so I ate more when I got home. I am seeing that it is keeping me from my goals, so I am trying to focus on not being so anxious. It's a little more stressful when peoples lives are on the line if you don't keep them clean, and so I have to focus on just doing my best, utilizing the things I learned in training, following protocal and not getting too worried about every little thing. I just need to remember it takes time to get used to new things. I hope me bearing my feelings helps someone with whatever they are going through in their lives! Good luck to all of you in your daily life and the battles you face!

lowfat treat

I tried to copy a recipe from my blog to here but it wouldnt work so please go see it on my blog. If you have a sweet tooth like me then you will love them and they are lowfat! I am trying to start the new year out right but that can be very difficult. My blog is angelinas kitchen corner and I think julie already has a link if you look at her profile. I hope you all enjoy.

Julie's Wednesday Weigh-in

Yeah, I know I'm late again- we just got two new computers(one we got as a gift after we had already bought the first) and so I've been busy setting my favorites and my dashboard etc. As for my weight this past week- I gained 2 pounds:( I was doing so well, but ate more goodies and my mom passed on some truffles that she received from a new neighbor. They were heavenly! That was my main splurge this week as well as a peanut trail mix from walmart. Those two combined to bring on a couple more pounds. Who would have guessed- my two greatest nemisis' chocolate and peanuts. Put them together and it means pounds for me! Atleast I have figured this out. Now, this week is going to be much better. Happy New Year to everyone!

snow shoveling

Well the holidays are almost done and I didnt do as well as I would have liked. However thanks to the wonderful snow and all of the many hours of shoveling, i was able to only gain 1 pound which is huge considering how bad I was. So that is my tip for the week if you are feeling blah and need some great excersise get out there and shovel it really does help! Good luck for new year's!

Julie's Late Wednesday Weigh-in

Hello!  I was really good this past week and so I lost a pound!  I made it below 170- I am now 169.5 lbs!  Of course, since then I have eaten a few Christmas goodies and a couple of yummy meals.  I will just have to see what I can do to watch my weight now that Christmas is over.  I hope your holidays went well.  So much has happened that it would take me too much time to recount all of it. Take care!

Road Trips and Diets dont mix!

I recently went to Oregon on a road trip and I did horrible as far as the eating goes. I ate way to much junk trying to stay awake and ended up gaining a pound:( I am trying to do better now that i am home but the holidays are a hard time of year to be good. I hope next week i will have a better report! Good luck to all of you until then.

Julie's Wednesday Weigh-in for December 17

Hello again! This week I lost another pound and a half! I am at my lowest weight now of 170.5 which means I have lost 11.5 pounds so far! I am very excited! On my trip to Oregon, I didn't do very well with eating healthy, but we worked so hard packing that I burned off the extra calories. I am continueing to work hard by getting ready for my family to come tomorrow and I will be helping Mom and Dad unpack next week. This will help burn more calories. Good luck with your fitness goals!

Interesting Holiday Facts....

I was watching an afternoon news show on NBC and they presented a few interesting holiday eating facts on their segment "Who Knew". The first one I payed attention to was how many calories an average slice of pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie has. The pumpkin pie slice was the lowest at 180 calories, then came the apple at a whopping 400 calories. The pecan topped the list at 470 calories! The main reason the apple has so many calories is that it has the extra crust on the top. The pecan pie gets its calories from the nuts which are high in fat(but still healthy when eaten in moderation).

The next good tidbit I found from the show is that the National Institute For Health says that most Americans gain an average of 5-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years! Wow.... if I can get to Christmas without gaining weight, then I am doing better than most Americans! Here's to a challenge that may give us purpose to lose weight this season!

Julie's Wednesday Weigh-in

Hello! I lost another pound and a half this week! I am still trying to get off the extra pounds from Halloween,(I have 1/2 pound to go) but I figure if I can be loosing weight during the holiday season, I am one step ahead for spring!

I am going to fly back to Oregon on friday to help my parents pack up to move. Just being around my family and away from home makes it harder to eat correctly. I need to set some eating goals so that I stay on track. So, lets see, I need to bring my own healthy snacks like rice cakes and light cream cheese. I should also bring my low-sodium V-8 juice. I like to have one can a day so that I get extra vitamins and veggies. It is only 70 calories a can! Another low-fat snack I like to have around is fat-free pudding snacks for a little sugar. The chocolate ones are 90 calories and the vanilla ones are 80 calories.

I know I need to be eating more veggies and less starch but it's hard for me to do that. I'm still trying to get more exercise so that helps me lose the weight faster. Good luck with your goals this week!

Weigh in

This week was a great week for me and losing weight. I lost 2.5 and that makes me smile. Sometimes I just dont want to do any excersise but this week I walked a ton! It also helps to have someone to inspire you to go which I had my mom so that was great. Have a good week!

News Release (in case you haven't read my other blog)

For those of you like me who are not so happy with their less than "hourglass" shape, here is some good news. This is a study that was just released from the University of Utah. Enjoy!

Wednesday Weigh-in for December 3

I didn't gain a bunch of weight this week! I was pretty good and didn't have too many fattening foods. On Thankgiving morning, I had lost another 2 pounds, but a couple of days later I was back up two pounds. Then I dropped down again 1 1/2 pounds, but went back up to level off at 173 lbs. I consider this an accomplishment to not gain more than I started out with last week. Probably tomorrow I will have officially lost the 2 pounds, but for now, I'm satisfied. Just like Angie, I didn't feel the need to have seconds!

I had a good Thanksgiving with my Sister Kristi and my Sister-in-law Kathrine. I did end up drained of all energy in the afternoon of Thanksgiving since I had been up with Dallin who was sick with Roseolla! It was still great to talk with my family and enjoy a great feast! Check out my other blog for more info on our Thanksgiving. Good luck in your weight loss goals this week!

After thanksgiving

Well I did pretty good as far as Thanksgiving eating goes. I didn't feel horrible after I ate and i had no seconds! I even left the crust from the pie. I found some new whole wheat stuffing that is half the calories so I made me some of that. It was a great day and I am so glad that I did so well. When I weighed in I had gained 2 pounds but luckily I can blame that on my period! So I hope next week will show the true results.

Wednesday weigh-in for November 26th

I lost two pounds this week! Of course they are part of the four pounds I gained after Halloween. I am really hating having to loose these extra pounds. It's kind of scary how fast I gained weight after Halloween. I guess this is just how my body is going to be as I age.

I am hoping that I will take a hint from the last holiday and not over eat during the weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas. I don't mind feasting for one day, but it's the leftovers I have to worry about. Halloween candy is loaded with fat and that is why I gained so much. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thanks for reading!

cookies

I thought I would share a recipe I have for cookies that are good for you and taste good too. I got it from my friend Marcia.

Cake mix Cookies
1 cake mix of your choice I like to use chocolate
2 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1 T water

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes then let cool and dive in!