Update: 2014 goals

At the beginning of the year I set some goals for myself. I'm usually one to forget about my goals about a month in, so I'm trying really hard to keep on top of my updates. I also find that checking back in helps me when I am struggling, and I have been struggling a lot lately.  Being only about 4 months into the year I am actually feeling pretty accomplished and motivated as I look at this list. I still have a good amount to go, but I'm making progress.

Weight Goals 

1. Lost 15 lbs 12/4/13
2. Lose 20 lbs 12/8/13
3. Lose 50 lbs 2/19/14
4. Lose 70 lbs [Current weight loss at 61 lbs] 
5. Lose 85 lbs 
6. Lose 100 lbs
7. Reach ultimate goal weight of 150

Fitness Goals 

1. Run a mile without stopping   1/16/14
2. Race another 5K   4/12/14
3. Run a mile under 10 minutes [current time 13:37]
4. Run 5 miles without stopping 
5. 365 miles for 365 days [Days so far in 2014: 120, Miles completed: 160]
6. Race my first 10K 
7. Complete Jillian Michaels 30-day Shred 
8. Go running with my husband and actually make him try
9. Complete an overnight backpacking trip 

General Goals

1. Get out of the morbidly obese category 2/24/14
2. Stop shopping at the plus size department 
3. Get out of the obese category

Have a great night and happy end of the semester!

Husband approved turkey BBQs with Sargento Cheese!

Hello!

I've been super busy finishing up my student teaching so I haven't gotten around to blogging much lately. Looking forward to summer and having more (too much?) time to relax and get my act together! Today I am excited to share with you a recipe that my little family just loves! The best part is that it can be sleeve (tiny tummy) friendly as well.

I've been experimenting with turkey in my cooking a lot lately because of the lower fat content but so far have had little luck impressing my picky husband. I've even tried to 'sneak it in' but he can always tell. When I finally found something that he actually enjoyed, I was ecstatic!

I based this recipe off of the Sargento Cheese website found here. I actually received some Sargento Ultra Thin cheese slices complimentary of Influenster to test and review.  If you haven't heard of Influenster I'd highly encourage you to check it out! It's a pretty sweet website where you can review the latest products. Sometimes you may even qualify for a Voxbox, which is when they send you free samples of the latest products to review. Well anyway, I received my Sargento Cheese slices in a Voxbox and I just LOVE them! They are all less than 40 calories a slice, and the thickness is perfect for my ham and cheese roll-ups. :-)

So, where were we? Ah, Turkey BBQs! 

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey breast

3/4 cup BBQ Sauce

1/2 diced red onion

Sargento Ultra Thin Cheese slices 

Directions 

Cook turkey until no longer pink, Add onion and BBQ Sauce and simmer 3-4 minutes or until heated through, Place on bun and top with cheese, Serve warm 

The nutrition facts can vary a ton based on the type of BBQ sauce and bun you use, but mine turned out to be around 300 calories and 31 grams of protein! Enjoy!

P.S - If you are interested in joining influenster I have plenty of invites left, so all you have to do is ask and I can get you set up :) 

For those days when you just NEED something chocolate!

Lately I've been on an overnight oats craze and love messing around with many different recipes. The other day I had one of those days where all I wanted was chocolate, so I started experimenting and the results were delicious! With 33 grams of protein this will also leave you full enough to keep you away from all other forms of chocolate for the next few hours. The nutrition facts aren't the best out there, but as a meal replacement (or two!) this sure beats munching on candy bars! :-) Enjoy!

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

*I ate mine too quickly to even thing about snapping a picture, but the results looked somewhat like this!

Ingredients

1/2 cup dark chocolate almond milk

1/2 cup old fashioned oats 

1 scoop chocolate whey protein (I prefer Unjury) 

1 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp chocolate PB2 

Directions

Put all the ingredients in a covered Tupperware container. Shake thoroughly and refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours.

Per one bowl: 399cals, 51carbs, 33g protein, 9g fat, 16g sugar 

A bariatric pill case

Since starting this whole process I have been instructed to take a whole plethora vitamin and nutrient supplements. It makes sense, because the less food that you take in, the less nutrients. So far my blood work has turned out great so I know that my program is working! Here is a glimpse into what I have have been taking on a daily basis. Please keep in mind that my program is personalized for me, and that you shouldn't add or subtract anything without first consulting your doctor. :-) 

Celebrate Complete Chewable Multivitamin + Iron (twice daily) 

Calcium Citrate + D3  or Calcet Creamy Bites (twice daily but not at the same time as the multi)

D3 (once daily) 

Biotin (once daily)

Prilosec (twice daily for the prevention of ulcers)

B12 (for the first 3 months after surgery - discontinued based on blood tests) 

 

 I will get another set of blood work done at my 6 month appointment to see if all my levels are still holding where they need to be. I also try to be very intentional about making sure I am making good food choices with lots of nutrition. :-)

Nothing much else to report, but I am thoroughly enjoying my spring break! Have a great day everybody :-) God Bless!