Progress

Merry Christmas to all!!

I'm popping in here to report on my progress. Back at the end of October, just as Trick-or-Treat buckets were about to be filled, Thanksgiving was around the corner and my Christmas treat  making was being planned, Shelly threw down the gauntlet. Thanks.  I set a goal and I am here to report.

I took a major hiatus from my regular exercising and needed to get back into the habit. So, to accomplish my goal of the couch to 5k program, I used the month of November as my initial training ground. Training myself to get my exercising done on schedule and training myself to enjoy and crave the feeling a good workout gives. I focused on cardio 3 days a week, and pilates or dance twice a week. While the pilates hasn't happened as frequently, I have done the other.

December began the real program. Believe me, I need the nice slow break-in to running. Like I've said before, a 3 mile walk is no problem, but I really hate to run. I just finished week 3, and am feeling good about things. Unfortunately I have also caught a huge head cold, and am breathing like Darth Vadar. Add running to that, and I feel like it is killing me. So, next week I plan to repeat week 3. Let's be totally honest, I'm afraid of the 5 minute jog week 4 requires of me.  And I can't breath.

I'm on my way.  How are your goals coming?

Another week of food

My stomach had a hard weekend so food hasn't really sounded all that good to me.  However, the rest of the family has to eat.  Here's what I have in mind:

MONDAY:  Meatloaf (done in muffin cups) and baked potatoes

TUESDAY:  Chili and corn bread

WEDNESDAY:  Chicken Parmigiana

THURSDAY:  Oatmeal (either baked or in the crock-pot)

FRIDAY:  Take-out (I didn't get my Chinese last week ...)

SATURDAY:  Pizza Night

SUNDAY:  Finger Foods Galore (family Christmas party at mi casa)

What are you eating?

Meal Plan Monday - or Tuesday. Whatever.

Hi.  It is December.  Wow.  I hung up a wreath and put out one of my many nativities today.  That's about as far as I've made it.  But my Christmas shopping is mostly done (I love shopping online!) with just a bit of the little stuff left.   And, my menu is made for the month.  Sure I'll tweak it, just like I'll probably find a couple more presents to buy, but it is made.  One less thing to think about during this fun and crazy busy time of year!

How's your December starting out?

MONDAY:  Baked ziti

TUESDAY:  Jeri Dawn's Taco Soup

WEDNESDAY:  Homemade mac and cheese

THURSDAY:  Scrambled eggs and blueberry breakfast cake

FRIDAY:  Take-out

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Gotta eat something this week!

It is short and sweet and mostly complete ... happy eating this week!

MONDAY:  White chicken chili

TUESDAY:  Lasagna roll up

WEDNESDAY:  Pumpkin pancakes

THURSDAY:  Turkey pot pie

FRIDAY:  Dinner at church

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Cranberry chicken in the crock pot

(I've got recipes ... if you want 'em, request them!)

Monday's Meals

Is anyone else wondering how the heck it is already Thanksgiving?  Seriously!  Where did November go?  This one has totally snuck up on me!

Thankfully, I do my meal plans by the month and have a plan ready for this week.  Ah, I love it when my work is done for me!

I hope you all (you know ... both of you) have a fabulous weekend and a joyous time remembering all the blessings we have in this world.  Some friends of ours lost their adult son this weekend.  Others found out their 16 year old has cancer.  Others are hanging on by a thread because of job loss.  My life may not be perfect to anyone else, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The Lord allows us to be challenged only with those things that we can handle ... I've had my fair share of sad days and low blows.  I think about my dad so often and miss him so much at the holidays, but I have faith.  Faith that today is exactly what I need to be a better person.  Faith that everything is for a reason and someday we'll be privileged to know that reason.  Faith that in the end, everything works out for our best.  I'm so thankful for my faith ... for my sweet family ... for cherished friends ... for good meals.

Happy Thanksgiving!

MONDAY:  Tacos (didn't do them last week)

TUESDAY:  White Chili (we didn't have it last week either)

WEDNESDAY:  Waffles and Ice Cream

THURSDAY:  Turkey dinner with my family

FRIDAY:  Pizza

SATURDAY: Parade food (we'll be at a parade at dinner time)

SUNDAY:  Dinner with my mom

Have you got your race on?

I am signed up for two 5k races in a week.  Eight days actually.  I'll be running (ha!  I use that term loosely!) in a Turkey Trot to support Chloe's Sunshine Playground and I'll also be doing the Santa Run which supports community holiday events.

Yeah.  I haven't run since my last 5k the end of September.  I'm not expecting my best time or even close to it.  I'm expecting to finish and that's about it.  Since this Saturday the high is supposed to 31* and it is supposed to snow ... finishing sounds good enough to me!

I had a sister-in-law blog about finishing her first ever race, a half-marathon, this weekend.  I felt a twinge of jealousy.  Why am I not doing a half-marathon like her?  Why is her time so much better than I could ever do?  Why doesn't her hair looked messed up at all in those pictures?  Doesn't she sweat?

Then I came back to my reality ... I don't really like running!  Ha!  Why would I want to run for 2 hours straight?  I'm ready to be done 20 minutes in to my 5k races because I'm bored, especially if I don't have something interesting on my iPod.   I do sweat.  I do look ruffled and like I just ran a race when I finish.  But I do the races.

I do the races to force myself to stay physical.  It gives me a goal.  I need that goal.

Someday I'll make a goal to run a 5k in a truly respectable time, but for now, just finishing is good enough for me.

Should I try running in my snow boots on Saturday?

-Cindy

Monday Means Menu Day

It is totally soup weather at my house!  If only more people in my house enjoyed soup ... sigh.  My husband only became a fan once I started making homemade soups.  These people don't know what they are missing!  Chilly night, warm bowl of soup, soft bread ... yum.

Even though the house isn't full of soup fans, I still force them to moan and groan through a dinner of soup frequently.  Someday they might just realize they like it.  Maybe.  Shoot, it took me 25+ years to realize that chili is actually good!

I plunk stew and chili in the soup category and I'm going to torment my crew with both this week!  (insert evil laugh here)  When you know there will be complaints coming, you have to grasp the joy where you can find it!

MONDAY:  Autumn stew in the crock pot

TUESDAY:  Spaghetti

WEDNESDAY:  White chicken chili

THURSDAY:  German pancakes

FRIDAY:  Taco Salad

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Dinner at my mom's

What's on your table?

Menu Plan Monday

Hi, all!  I had a fabulous week last week with an old friend (Hi, Shelly!) and listening to very motivational speakers.  The madness of a Monday morning wasn't even present today because I'm still on such a high. 

I didn't post my menu plan last week, not because I didn't have one, but because I didn't want to admit to all the processed food I was planning for my husband's ease.  They all happily survived and so did my kitchen, so all is well.

This week though, it is back to as many whole foods as I can manage.  I need to bake some bread for sandwiches and make some muffins for after school snacks.  The house is going to smell good! 

Here's the other stuff I'm planning to feed my crew:

MONDAY:  Homemade Mac and Cheese (I'm trying this recipe this time - but, Jeri Dawn, I would LOVE to have yours)

TUESDAY:  Baked Potato Bar (probably with PBJs for the picky young 'uns)

WEDNESDAY:  Grilled Chicken Breasts with Spaghetti Squash

THURSDAY:  Crock Pot Oatmeal

FRIDAY:  Fast Food Friday (probably Chinese)

SATURDAY:  Pizza (already have dough in the freezer)

SUNDAY:  Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Linked for fun:  OrgJunkie

The Gauntlet

I've been on hiatus.  Big time.

While the world has continued to turn without my input, including our Menu Mondays (thanks to Cindy!), I have been lying low.  And mostly on my couch.

But the gauntlet has been thrown. 

Well, actually, I bumped the coffee table on the way to the couch and it kind of tipped over, made a horrible clanging noise, and fell on the floor.

I went to take up my gauntlet and felt the strain in my back, heard the "Ugh" escape from my lungs, and wondered when exactly my gut made its ugly reappearance.

But I take that as a sign.  I need to face the realities around me.  I've been too complacent for too long.

I did a little light research on the matter.  I found that no two sources agree as to how much exercise you should get a week.  But the average amount seems to be about 90 minutes to 2 hours a week, which breaks down to 30 minutes 3 or 4 days a week.

Okay.  That sounds doable.  Before summer hit I was at the gym for an hour 5 days a week.  I can cut back and start off a lot slower. 

And, as usual, I issue a challenge.  Do you take up the gauntlet with me?  What will be your strategies?

I think I'll start with bench pressing my gauntlet.  Medieval armor is not light.

Menu Monday

Little boys in overalls.  So. Dang. Cute.

Sorry.  I got sidetracked by my (almost) 18 month old.  When I last had an 18 month old, I also had a 3 month old.  This time I am able to enjoy the fun-ness of this toddler stage.

Part of that fun is trying to get anything done in the kitchen!  He has not only scrambled my neatly stacked measuring cups, but he's scattered them as well!  I have 3 or 4 sets of measuring cups (for this very reason) and not a clue where the 1 cup one is for any set!

It also means that trying to get dinner on can be a challenge.  He is always hungry and usually wants to be held at the same time I'm trying to get dinner on.  Or, at the very least, he likes to hold onto my leg and tell me stories.  If only I understood any of them.

These are only a couple of reasons that I love prepare-ahead meals.  Whether I do a big cooking day and stick the meals in the freezer or can just throw it all in the crock pot in the morning when he's busy with his brothers ... dinner is easier to get on the table when I don't have to all the work at 5 o'clock.  Not every meal can be done this way, but those that can are heaven!  I have a few in this week's menu ...

pic credits:  budgetbytes.blogspot.com

MONDAY:  Crock pot taco chicken bowls

TUESDAY:  Baked ziti

WEDNESDAY:  chicken nuggets and homemade fries

THURSDAY:  Halloween shaped pumpkin pancakes

FRIDAY:  Potato Soup and bread bowls

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Steak and potatoes

Linked up, just because ... OrgJunkie

Reasons for Eating Real

It is still October and the October Unprocessed Challenge is rolling on.

Not so much at my house.

Sorry, I just CAN'T resist those Halloween colored M&Ms.  Can't.

But we are still making baby-steps toward a mostly unprocessed kitchen.  I am in constant search for a fool-proof, yet good tasting, homemade mac and cheese recipe ... so if you have one, shoot it my way.  Please!

I read this article this morning about the reasons to avoid unprocessed foods.  It has several gold nuggets in it.  My favorite is number 4:

Why would one want to eat a processed food-like substance that is scientifically designed to never rot?

 
Really.

Thought some of you might be interested.  Enjoy!

Another Menu Plan

I picked and juiced my concord grapes this weekend.  As much as I love the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon, a house that smells of homemade grape juice SCREAMS fall to me!  It is delicious!

Autumn food makes me happy.  I'll admit it!  It isn't doing much for my weight loss, which has stalled for the 10th week in a row.  I've bounced around the same three pounds for what feels like forever.  But it isn't my main courses causing this stall ... it is the desserts!  I understand it and until I'm willing to pass on the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies - I will just be thankful to be so skilled at maintaining my weight!!!

Here's what we'll be eating this week, probably:

MONDAY:  Spaghetti and garlic bread

TUESDAY:  Tacos with homemade salsa

WEDNESDAY:  Jambalaya

THURSDAY:  Baked oatmeal and apples

FRIDAY:  Potato Soup and biscuits

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Crock pot chicken and potatoes

Linked up again:  OrgJunkie

Menu Monday

It was a long and good weekend, but I have a headache this morning and laundry that scares me.  Today it is short and sweet ...

MONDAY:  Hodge Podge Soup and homemade bread  (not very "unprocessed" FYI)

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. hamburger

1 onion, minced

3 cans minestrone soup & 3 cans water

1 32 oz. can pork & beans

1 T. worcestershire sauce

1 t. garlic salt

1/4 t. oregano

It sounds odd (even gross) but it really is good

and makes excellent leftovers.  I throw it all 

in the crock pot and let it go all day.  I also 

do maybe half that much beef. I'm not a big meat 

eater. 

TUESDAY:  Homemade Mac and Cheese (still looking for the best recipe)

WEDNESDAY:  Chicken stir-fry and rice

THURSDAY:  Pumpkin Pancakes

FRIDAY:  Take-out night

SATURDAY:  Homemade Pizza

SUNDAY:  BBQ Pork Sandwiches (we didn't get to them last week)

What's on your plate?

Linked up:  OrgJunkie

Menu Monday and October Unprocessed Update

I spent a good chunk of my weekend planning my October menu and reading about the Unprocessed Challenge.  I had a few "ah ha" moments along the way.

First, I don't like the processed/unprocessed words.  My goal is to eat whole foods.  That is easier for me to understand and define.  I don't have to make all my food, grow my own spices, get honey bees, or raise a cow for truly unprocessed beef.  I just want to eat REAL food.  A good help for me was comparing a typical Quaker granola bar's ingredients with that of a Lara bar.

Quaker:  GRANOLA (WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, BROWNSUGAR, CRISP RICE [RICE FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT, MALTED BARLEY EXTRACT],WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED WHEAT, SOYBEAN OIL, DRIED COCONUT, WHOLE WHEATFLOUR, SODIUM BICARBONATE, SOY LECITHIN, CARAMEL COLOR, NONFAT DRYMILK), SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE LIQUOR, COCOABUTTER, SOY LECITHIN, VANILLA EXTRACT), CORN SYRUP, BROWN RICE CRISP(WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE, SUGAR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, SALT), INVERTSUGAR, SUGAR, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, GLYCERIN, SOYBEAN OIL. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF SORBITOL,CALCIUM CARBONATE, SALT, WATER, SOY LECITHIN, MOLASSES, NATURAL ANDARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, BHT (PRESERVATIVE), CITRIC ACID.

Lara bar:  DATES, CHOCOLATE CHIPS, ALMONDS, WALNUTS, COCOA POWDER, SEA SALT

I don't know what soy lecithin is.  I don't know where in the grocery store I could find it.  But I have all the ingredients for that Lara bar in my pantry and I totally recognize them as FOOD!

Second, this is going to be a process (ha, totally unintentional pun, but I love it).  As part of my family's plan for emergencies, we have a nifty food storage supply.  I have several months of food stored and I wasn't as committed to whole foods when I started creating that supply.  We eat from that supply and my grocery shopping fills back in the gaps.  For me, it doesn't make sense to take a month off from that supply.   So while I fully agree that making my own spaghetti sauce would be better (even though my beloved Ragu's ingredients are pretty much acceptable to me), I have 8 jars of sauce in my supply that I'll finish off first.

And, finally, it is my game and I can break my own rules.  I don't do well when I'm told exactly what to do - in anything!  In my sewing, I like to follow the basic pattern, but adjust and make it my own.  I don't copy cat exactly.  I am going to keep working on a whole foods menu for my family, but if we eat junk once in a while, it is totally allowed.  I'm easy like that!

So here is my menu for the week:

MONDAY:  BBQ Chicken sandwiches

TUESDAY:  Spinach Lasagna Rolls (didn't get to them last week)

WEDNESDAY:  Baked Potato bar

THURSDAY:  French Toast

FRIDAY:  Pizza

SATURDAY:  Reception food (my nephew is getting married)

SUNDAY:  Homemade Chili (from the freezer)

Linked up:  OrgJunkie

October Unprocessed 2011

Oh, man!  I stumbled upon a challenge in the blogosphere this week.  A challenge I'm seriously contemplating.  One that speaks to the heart of what I'm trying to do in my family's kitchen.  A challenge that Halloween is going to make very difficult!

It is called October Unprocessed and the simple idea is to go a month without eating any processed foods.  Re-calibrate your taste buds, as it were. 

The definition of "processed foods" is a topic of debate.  Andrew at EatingRules.com, the instigator of the challenge, defines it as Unprocessed food is any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with readily available, whole-food ingredients.  But your definition can be whatever YOU are comfortable with.

I don't know.  I've been trying it already.  I just hate committing to something that I'm most likely going to fail.  Really ... go all October without Halloween candy AT ALL?   Although, perhaps M&Ms take much more than "reasonable skill in a home kitchen."   (I am a bit too good at finding loop holes!)

Anybody up for a challenge?  You can read more about it over at EatingRules.

-Cindy

Meal Plan Monday

It is the last week of September!  Where did the month go?  But that means ... I can decorate for Halloween!!!  I love Halloween.  I know there are people who don't like it, but we make it a whole month long event around here!

My whole food eating has great days ... and then there are other days.   I am finding myself, um, grossed out at the thought of some process foods though.  I'm starting to be able to taste the difference and when given the choice, I'll pick the whole foods option.  (Unless it is peanut m&ms.  I have not found anything that curbs that craving.  Sigh.)

Here's what I'm hoping for in this weeks menu:

MONDAY:  White Chili and homemade bread

TUESDAY:   Spinach Lasagna Rolls (and I finally braved making my own tomato sauce - just haven't braved tasting it yet!)

WEDNESDAY:  Steak and baked potatoes (birthday dinner for hubs)

THURSDAY:  Mac & Cheese for kids (eating out for hubs birthday for grown-ups)

FRIDAY:  Breakfast Tacos

SATURDAY:  Pizza

Linking just because OrgJunkie

Menu Plan Monday-orama!

So my quest to eat more whole foods ... yeah, it is a process.

I actually did fairly well for myself, but it is my kids I'm struggling with.  I have a dipper.  He'll try most anything ... if he can dip it in ranch dressing or ketchup!  Last night as he finally ate his corn on the cob by dipping each bite in ketchup, I realized, I may just need to learn to make my own ketchup!  Add it to the baby steps list!

It's a process and as long as I'm on the road moving forward, I'm doing good.  Right?

This week's menu:

MONDAY:  Homemade Chili and corn bread

TUESDAY:  Jambalya

WEDNESDAY:  Macaroni and Cheese Muffins(I need to find a non-canned substitute for canned cheese soup)

THURSDAY:  German Pancakes

FRIDAY:  Pizza

SATURDAY:  Tacos (I should make my own tortillas, but I'll probably just use store bought.  At least my salsa is homemade)

SUNDAY:  Ham and potatoes in the crock-pot (I saw a Make-Your-Own-Cream-Of-Something-Soup recipe once.  I wonder if I can find it.)

Linking for fun ... OrgJunkie

The Pinocchio Workout

Today I decided to try something new.

It's been difficult to get into my routine.  The kids are halfway through their first quarter of the school year and I just can't seem to get it together.

So today I just started all over again, with a fresh new start.....

A new class at the gym at a new time.

I decided to check out the AquaFit class.  It's a cardio and weight resistance class in the pool.  It sounded fun and would be a great chance to recharge my routine. 

So I walked into the pool area and found 18 other people in the water just beginning their warm ups.

I was younger than all of them by at least 40 years.

I inwardly groaned because, come on, I've been squatting pretty impressive weights in the Pump class.  I've been jumping and running in the sports' inspired class.  I've been kicking and punching imaginary enemies and slicing pirates in my Combat class.  What the heck would a class catering to old people have to offer?

But my entire body will tell you, it is a deceptively hard-core class.  What I've deemed "The Pinocchio Workout."  It's deceiving.

I'm actually looking forward to this class.  It should give me something new and challenging to do.

I think this might be fun after all.

-Shelly

Meal Plan Monday!!!

What did pushing my meal plan reset button do for me?  I don't know that it did much.  Ha!  But we'll give this a go ...

I'm trying to convert to a more whole foods diet with my family.   The ultimate goal = eliminate processed foods from our diet.  I think there are a lot of bad things in that processed stuff and I would like to avoid it.  I also have this idea that if I can get us eating whole foods, my weight will naturally drop and stabilize at its ideal.

You'll notice I call it my "ultimate goal."  This is because processed foods are SO ingrained in my system and, I'm almost embarrassed to admit, I really LIKE some of them!

I'm baby-stepping my way into this.  I may make notes about whole foods or processed foods on my menus now.  Ignore them if you like.

Baby step ... make the menu ... baby step ...

MONDAY:  Autumn Stew and homemade bread (store-bought tomato soup in my stew)

TUESDAY:  Baked Ziti (store-bought noodles and spaghetti sauce)

WEDNESDAY:  Summer Harvest Soup (homemade vegetable stock, store-bought pasta and sauce)

THURSDAY:  Waffles and ice cream (store-bought mix and ice cream)

FRIDAY:  Fast Food Friday (grandma babysitting)

SATURDAY:  Pizza Muffins

SUNDAY:  Grilled cheese sandwiches (homemade bread)

Okay.  I gotta start making my own spaghetti sauce ... but I really like Ragu (and I can buy it so CHEAP).  Sigh.  Baby steps, baby steps.

Linking up for fun ... OrgJunkie

-Cindy

The Slow 5k

I ran my fifth 5k race yesterday.  My first was a year ago.  Yesterday.

I'm slow.  I don't have a prayer of winning overall or even coming close in my age group in these races.  Some of them have made me want to barf.  Some have made me cry.  But I've never come in dead last.  I really don't train.  I've been walking 5 mornings a week consistently but I haven't done any jogging in over a month.

But I do 5ks.

It is funny to tell people about my races.  Okay, it is embarrassing to tell real runners about them because most of them could finish twice before I get to the finish line.  But telling people who don't do 5ks or any races, that I do is fun.  They assume all sorts of stuff about me from that one sentence, "I did the 5k this morning."

Most of their assumptions are wrong.  Totally and completely wrong.  Even when I try to explain that an old lady with a walker could beat me in these races, their assumptions won't allow them to believe that.

So why do I run?  Why do I keep it up even though I am so incredibly slow?

I prefer walking.  I love a nice brisk walk.  I can swing my elbows and my hips with the best power walkers.  I LIKE that.  Running?  Not so much.  So why do I do it?

Pride.  I'll admit it.  Most of these 5ks I've done have had an accompanying 2 mile walk.  I used to do those 10 or 15 years ago.  I liked them.  I was good at them.  I often finished in the top 3 or at least the top 5.  But when you tell someone that you just did a 2 mile walking race, do you know what they do?  They say, "Oh" and never give it a second thought.

I'm awful in a way.  But this pride is a good thing.  My husband likes being able to say that he does 5ks with me (it is WAY more manly to say that than to say he walked a 2 mile race).  So we do it together.  We wear our race shirts and humbly accept our slow pace.

I am doing a sixth race in a couple of weeks.  I'm sure I will finish behind the pack as usual.   I'm also sure that my husband and I will have a good time, will support a good cause, and get another conversational tee shirt to wear ... proudly.

-Cindy

A Reset

Have you ever had your computer freezer or wig out on you and the only real fix is to reboot it?

Have you ever had all the lights on your dash flicker at you but when you restarted the engine, the car runs fine?

Have you ever turned a flashlight off and given it a good shake and when you switch it back on, it works?

A reset.  All those instances are just versions of resetting something.  You return to the beginning and try again with the basics.
 

I was motivated by this article at Simple Marriage.  The author is talking about a reset in our parenting, but for me it resonated much more with my weight loss journey and especially my family's eating.

I need a reset.

I didn't do a Meal Plan Monday this week.  I'm kind of winging it because of the mass amounts of fresh produce our neighbors and friends have given us.  But the real reason is that I WANT to reset the way I do them.  I WANT to do our meals a bit differently.  My desire has not yet motivated me to action, though. 

I will get it in gear and get myself organized and return to plotting out our meals.  Hopefully sooner than later. 

Losing the Gluten

I have extreme eczema on my hands.  It gets so bad that I can't straighten the fingers on my right hand without splitting the palm-side of my knuckles and creating open sores that keep me from doing just about everything a mother with four children should be doing.

What does this have to do with anything? 

Food!

Food allergies, to be exact.

I'm openly admitting that I am going against online advice of not having myself tested for food allergies before cutting foods out of my diet.  I have my reasons and they mostly have to do with money and my fear of needles.  But I'm also an adventurer, and I'm willing to experiment.

I found out that gluten intolerance, which a doctor suggested might be my problem a few years ago but I didn't want to listen, has several symptoms that I'd like to eradicate from my life.  Those include: digestive problems, headaches, fatigue, depression, acne, eczema, and (the one that scared me to death) miscarriage.

Having endured two miscarriages in the last year, I'm willing to be a little excessive in my menu planning.

So my food plans have been altered the last couple of weeks.  I'm testing out a gluten intolerance.  Yeah, no bread or cookies.  Hello?  Those are pretty much my favorite foods! 

So I have to get a little creative with my menus. 

Less bread, more fruits and vegetables.

Here is a sample of a gluten free dinner we had last week:

Summer Vegetable Quesadillas

Place one corn tortilla on your frying pan (no oil necessary).  Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese.  Add some chopped summer veggies (I used squash, zucchini, onion, some sort of pepper from my sister's garden, and tomato).  Add another light layer of cheese and then a second corn tortilla.  Carefully flip (good luck with that) and then serve.  Top with fat free sour cream and/or salsa.

It was really good.  As long as you're sparing with the cheese, it's really not a bad caloric dinner or lunch. 

Going without gluten hasn't been too hard..... yet.  But I do have to be aware to keep gluten free snacks on hand.  Otherwise those cookies for the kids' lunches begin to call my name and I have to be very rude and ignore them. 

I don't like being rude.

Workout Buddy

I know I know... this blog is a great source of strength, inspiration, and support. But a warm human sweating nearby can, at times, provide a little extra something.

I love having a workout buddy. This has been going on a little more than a month. We push each other to do better. We are accountable to show up at the gym. We keep each other honest. We compete - just a little bit. We build each other up. We jabber about whatever to help the minutes and miles pass.

For instance... I have been keeping that eliptical machine above 6.0 on my speed. She pushes me to level up and to stay on the machine for 60 minutes. She also goes backwards, which is harder, and which I have to do, too. I can't be wimpy. So now she has to keep it above a 6.0, too. I never said she had to; but she seems to think that she has to keep up with me.

See? We help each other out. I mean, she's got me on a treadmill, of all things.

I'm doing worlds better since we started working out together.

Menu Plan Monday

School starts tomorrow.  I have mixed emotions.  But, as much as I like the flexibility of Summer, I think I'm ready for the routine of school.

And with that routine comes a time to plan not only dinners, but brain stimulating breakfasts and sack lunches.  I guess I should get on that ... for now, I have my dinners planned and I consider that good enough.

MONDAY:  baked ziti, green beans, green salad, watermelon

TUESDAY:  chicken and rice casserole (I still haven't eaten it from my freezer - I'm sure it is still good)

WEDNESDAY:  dinner provided at church swim party

THURSDAY:  baked oatmeal with fruit (peaches probably)

FRIDAY:  tacos

SATURDAY:  homemade pizza

What are you eating?

Linked up to OrgJunkie.com

Warning! New info on Shampoos...

I just discovered this important info below. It was e-mailed to me by one of my dearest friends, and I had to share. 


I don't know WHY I didn't figure this out sooner!!!!!

It's the shampoo I use in the shower!

When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and (duh!)

Printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning,

"FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY."

No WONDER I have been gaining weight!!! Well!

I have gotten rid of that shampoo and I am going to start using Dawn dish soap instead.

Its label reads, "DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE."

Problem solved!

If I don't answer the phone . . . I'll be in the shower!

Meal Plan Monday - Last Week of Summer

School starts next week for us.  I love it.  Fall is my favorite season.  I love back to school supplies.  The start of a new school year means we are almost to my favorite time of year ... and my favorite foods.

However, we still have a few weeks before I can pull out the stews and hot soups.  So here is another menu pulled from a previous week this summer ...

MONDAY:  Take-Out (it is my anniversary and I don't have to cook)

TUESDAY:  Pesto pasta and veggies

WEDNESDAY:  Mac and Cheese

THURSDAY:  Breakfast Tacos

FRIDAY:  Hamburgers on the grill

SATURDAY: Zucchini pizzas

SUNDAY:  Crock pot ham and potatoes

Linked up for fun ... Org Junkie

Summer Workouts

Today my children went back to school.  Our summer break is officially over -- bummer.  And the hot temperatures will stick around for a while longer -- bummer again.

To end our summer we went to the local water park. 

I really wish I had a chance to wear my Bodybugg around on that day.  I'd love to know how many calories I burned walking around the park, up the stairs, swimming in the water, and standing in line.  I have a feeling it was a good calorie-burn day.  I was busy the whole day and active, even when waiting in the relatively short lines.

I was able to use my Bugg when we went camping.  On those days I burned a few hundred more calories per day without any established workout than I do on some of the days I do go to the gym.

I find it funny how the fun summer activities are also good "workout" activities. 

What have been (are) some of your fun summer "workouts"?

Meal Plan Monday, again

I hope you all didn't miss me too much last week - I was gone for several days on a anniversary trip with my husband.  It was delightful.  Everyone should do them.

I didn't have a meal plan for me since I planned to eat out every meal while I was gone ... but I had one for the kids.  It consisted of very child-friendly meals and I took no thought as to the healthiness of it.  I wanted ease for my mom who was being so generous in watching the kids.  They had hot dogs and mac and cheese and scrambled eggs and bologna sandwiches and pizza ... the typical American kid diet.  It makes me shudder.

As I was preparing to do my grocery shopping yesterday, I realized that I didn't have a menu planned for August.  I'd been too distracted by my trip to worry about it.  I only had a small window of time and was frustrated that I didn't know what we were going to eat this next week so I could know what I would need to buy!

Then the beauty of a written down meal plan came back to me ... I can recycle!  I keep my menus on my computer and with a copy here and a paste there ... TA DA ... August was done!

So, nothing here will be new.  No new recipes ... it is all stuff I have shared before (I'm pretty much copy catting June).  A little bit of time then saved me a ton of time now!  Thank you, Meal Plans!

MONDAY:  Pulled pork sandwiches (buns and meat from the freezer), zucchini, and peaches

TUESDAY:  Taco haystacks (taco salad)

WEDNESDAY:  Fish sticks and fries, green salad

THURSDAY:  French toast and fruit smoothies

FRIDAY:  Subway sandwiches

SATURDAY:  Homemade pizza

SUNDAY:  Dinner at my mom's

Linked to a meal plan party at  ... OrgJunkie.

Starting Goals.... Again

This summer has been a bit of a challenge for me to do any of my "Me" goals. 

Go to the gym?  Nope.  I have four kids at home that all need my attention.

Eat healthily?  Nope.  It's too fricken hot to cook and I'd rather just heat up some corn dogs for the kids and call it good.

Take a quick walk or run around the block?  Yeah, HECK NO.  If it's too hot to cook from my air conditioned house, there's no way I'm going out in the 110*+ heat.

So what do I do?

I've decided to get the kids back on schedule and routine to practice for school starting in a week and a half.  And that has afforded me the opportunity to get my own routine back in line. 

Here I am starting my goals.... again.

But it hit me pretty hard today.  I start my goals again every day. 

Do I succeed every day?  No.  Does that frustrate me?  Yes.  But should I try again anyway?  Of course.

Here's to a new day and a new resolve to succeed.

Meal Plan Mun-dee

It is Pioneer Day at my house.  A state holiday to remember the pioneers who came to Utah and settled the valley.  I have pioneer roots, so I've always enjoyed the day. 

Can I make a meal plan of just desserts?  A week of desserts only.  That's all I feel like eating.  I have a leftover piece of the pineapple upside-down cake just tempting me in my fridge.  I've also just started using Pinterest.  My main reason was to clean up my bookmarks and as I'm "pinning" all these yummy desserts I've bookmarked over the years, my mouth is watering!

Alas, a girl can't live on "Knock You Naked Brownies" alone, so I make my meal plan ...

MONDAY:  Fish sticks and frozen fries

TUESDAY:  Tacos

WEDNESDAY:  Chicken and veggies with pasta

THURSDAY:  Waffles and ice cream (we had French Toast last week)

FRIDAY:  Fast Food Friday

SATURDAY:  Grilled pizza

SUNDAY:  Hot dogs on the BBQ

We're linked up to a party at Organizing Junkie!

Reflect on Success

It's time to reflect on success.

This is hard to do sometimes.  But it is necessary to remember that we are working hard and doing good things.

We have less than 3 weeks until school starts.  It's gone by way too fast!  One of my summer goals was to lose 5 lbs a month.  That was a bit ambitious.  A more realistic goal would have been to maintain my weight.  Especially since I gained 10 lbs last summer. 

That's one goal I won't accomplish.  So let's look at a more positive side.

We were out at the mall the other day and stopped at Old Navy because I wanted a few new shirts and had heard a radio ad about clearance prices.  I bought 4 shirts for about $20 (yay, me!).  I got home, put one on, looked in the mirror and was happy, and even a little impressed, with what I saw.

Of course, the camera tried to tell me differently.

Luckily, I married the greatest man ever and he helped me look at the reality of what I have truly accomplished.  I have only lost a few pounds this summer, but in the grand scheme, I'm doing pretty good.

Me in 2006 at my biggest weight:

Me in 2009 after I had reached my pre-pregnancy weight which was about 25 or 30 lbs less than I was in 2006:

Me today, another 20 lbs lighter:

So where I was originally upset that my picture didn't look as good as the mirror did, Josh helped me realize that I've come a long way. 

This is my reflection on success.  I didn't accomplish my original summer goal, but I'm accomplishing my overall goal.  A few pounds at a time.

Now it's your turn.  Reflect on your success.

Meal Plan Monday

I can play my own game.  What did we really eat last week?

Monday - BBQ Beef a'la Mom
Tuesday - Pancakes
Wednesday - Grilled Fish and Brown Rice
Thursday - Baked Oatmeal with Raspberries
Friday - Panda Express Chinese
Saturday - Homemade pizza
Sunday - Beef Brisket, green salad, baked beans, rolls

So I kept to my menu somewhat.  I didn't get to the store until Saturday, so I was pretty pleased with myself for doing as well as I did.  Oh, and for what it's worth, Sam's Club has the best price on beef brisket where I live ... but you have to buy 25+ pounds of it at once.

This week feels very summer-ish.  I think the wadding pool will be used (maybe even by me) and I might even break out the slip-n-slide!  I am thinking we'll eat most meals outside, so I'm okay with the few messy options I have planned.

MONDAY:  Sloppy Joes, green salad, chips, and watermelon

TUESDAY:  Grilled tostados

WEDNESDAY:  Spaghetti and garlic bread, green beans, and probably more watermelon

THURSDAY:  Waffles and ice cream

FRIDAY:  Fast Food Friday

SATURDAY:  My mom's birthday - we often get her KFC

SUNDAY:  BBQ Chicken in the crock-pot and maybe some cobbler in the dutch oven

What are you eating?

Just for kicks, I linked up to the party at Finding Joy in My Kitchen this week.

Perfection

Is there something in your life that you don't do because you can't do it perfectly? 

My sister had a rodent problem in her pantry a few years ago.  The rodent was gone but the food was still being piled outside the pantry.  She knew she needed to thoroughly clean the shelves and everything but since she didn't have time to do it perfectly, it just never got done.  (It did eventually and I'm sure her pantry is lovely now and that she is so thankful I shared this with you all.)

Is this something that plagues you?  It does me.  Daily I have to remind myself that good enough is usually good enough.  My kitchen isn't spic and span, but the dishwasher is running.  My laundry isn't all done, but the linens are folded and put away.  I didn't exercise for an hour, but I did go for a 45 minute walk. 

In college, I had a quote that I repeated often as motivation.  It came from Calvin and Hobbes (you know, the literary greats of the 1990s).


I've quit trying to be perfect.  I'm just trying to be good.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned all of this on here before.  It is something I struggle with and that is hard to face in a weight loss journey.  It is hard to not get the perfect number on the scale.  It is easy to get down on yourself because your calorie intake wasn't perfect.  The reflection in the mirror does NOT look perfect!

I've brought this subject up in social circles and it, generally, isn't received well.  We've been conditioned to think of "good enough" to be settling.  If we aren't striving for more, we are failing to thrive.  This constant battle for perfection isn't healthy.  It isn't satisfying.  It doesn't make us joyful people. 

There comes a time when doing our best is really good enough.  If we can only clean one shelf in our pantry today, that is good enough.  We'll get to the rest later.  No time for an hour at the gym, but you can squeeze in a 20 minute walk - great!!  Remember, doing a little something right is better than doing nothing right at all.

I've recently had an experience in my life where being perfect caused a lot of needless pain and grief and my willingness to admit my imperfection brought a lot of joy to another.   This article by Single Dad Laughing expresses my feelings much more beautifully than I ever could. 

I pray that each of us can know that being ourselves is good enough.  That the good we do is good enough.  That the baby steps we take each day to be good people is pretty darn great. 

Hey!  Did you know someone thinks you're cool?  Well, I do.

Meal Plan, er ... Tuesday?

I'm back and getting really close to resuming life.  We had a fabulous time at our reunion and the food was delish, if I do say so myself.

It is time to get serious about feeding just my own little family again.  As I worked on my July menu, I tried to pull in meals that could be done on the grill as much as possible.  Our home is only cooled by an evaporative cooler and ceiling fans, so I avoid the oven as much as possible in July and August.

I'm also trying to vary our meat a bit.  I'm a chicken girl.  I like my chicken.  I'll throw in hamburger and beef occasionally.  I am also a fan of meatless meals.  But, I am raising a family of boys who need the experience of eating other meats.  Enter pork and more fish.  We'll see how well they go over.

Here's my week:

MONDAY:  (just for the record)  Pulled beef sandwiches a'la my mom

TUESDAY:  Grilled tilapia and rice

WEDNESDAY:  Steak kabobs

THURSDAY:  Baked oatmeal with strawberries (I love this stuff)

FRIDAY:  Possibly Fast Food Friday, Chinese sounds good right now

SATURDAY:  Homemade pizza

SUNDAY:  Beef Brisket Sandwiches (we are hosting a family dinner)

What are you cooking?

Just to get some more inspiration going, feel free to do a "Did Do List."  Sometimes when I don't feel like I got anything on my "To Do List" done, I create a "Did Do List."  I list off all the things I actually accomplished during the day and I feel much more productive - even if my original list has very few things checked off. 

So, go ahead - join the fun!  Tell us what you ate last week. 

Meal Plan Reunion Style

I FINALLY finished the meal plan for my husband's family reunion.  Whew.  Meals for nearly 30 people for a week - my brain is tired!  It is all printed and organized in a binder with recipes, daily instructions, and grocery lists and is just waiting for the reunion.  I get a little breather until the shopping and preparation begins.

I took this week off from planning our meals.  Shocker, I know, but I just didn't have it in me.  But I thought I would share what I have been planning.  I have meals planned for six full days.  If you want any of the specific recipes, you'll have to request them.  I'm just too plum tired tonight!

Day #1:
Breakfast:  Cereal and fresh fruit
Lunch:  Chicken salad sandwiches, Salad Supreme Salad, Watermelon, Baked Beans, Picnic Cake
Dinner:  Taco Haystacks

Day #2:
Breakfast:  Pancakes with berries and syrup, Bacon
Lunch:  Lunch meat sandwiches, leftover salad and beans, chips
Dinner:  Hamburgers, potato salad, corn on the cob, green salad, root beer floats

Day #3:
Breakfast:  Cereal, Coffee Cake
Lunch:  Egg Salad Sandwiches, leftover salads, fresh veggies
Dinner:  Salmon with rice, spinach salad, broccoli, carrot cake

Day #4: 
Breakfast:  Breakfast casserole
Lunch:  At a restaurant
Dinner:  Tuna sandwiches, brownies a'la mode

Day #5:
Breakfast:  Cereal and cinnamon rolls
Lunch:  Baked Potato Bar
Dinner:  at the baseball stadium

Day #6:
Breakfast:  Omelets in a bag, muffins
Lunch:  Sandwiches (whatever is leftover)
Dinner:  Baked ziti, garlic bread, green beans, green salad, birthday cake

I hope everyone likes it.  And if they don't, I hope they don't complain about it within my hearing!!!

A Call for Recipes

Our ward realigned last week.  (The stake president made it clear that we did not "split" or any other negative connotation.)  We now are a brand new ward.  I'm actually glad for this.  First of all, all of the presidencies were called this week and I didn't get a phone call (phew).  Second of all, as the Nursery leader in the old ward I was dealing with the possibility of enduring the last three months of the year with 65 18-month to 3-year-olds and only 3 classrooms to hold them in.  This ward realignment should have fixed that problem.

But, we now have a new challenge.  With four wards meeting at the stake center, we now get the 2:00 pm meeting time, meaning we end church at 5:00 pm.  That has it's advantages (Millie will get a nap before church) but it has its definite disadvantages.  If Josh works on Sunday, he leaves the house by 6:00 pm, not leaving me much cooking time for dinner.

I have a large, wonderful crockpot and it gets a workout on most Sundays, but I don't know what to cook other than roast.  As much as I love a day-long-simmered pot roast, four times a month gets a little old.

So, please help me. 

What are your favorite crockpot recipes?  I'm in need of full meal ideas, because I won't have the luxury of spending a bunch of time making side dishes. 

Please post your favorite recipes, post a link, blog it and leave a comment, ANYTHING!  I need your creative minds!!!!

Goal Check

How are your goals a-comin' this summer?  Any luck?  Any setbacks?

Discuss.

Okay, I'll go first. 

I have a problem.  If I think I'm going to be over on my calories for the day (I keep my food journal online with my bodybugg), I won't journal.  Mostly because I don't want to see my failure.  Then I lose track of what I've eaten and I overeat. 

There.  I said it.

Over the last two weeks I've worked out a lot.  And I gained a pound.  Ugh.  I hit a moment of clarity and renewed resolve.  You can bet I'm going to journal everything for the rest of the summer (at least).  My sneak peeks on the scale are leading me into believing that my journaling is working.  So I think I'm back on track.

So tell me..... how are you doing?

Yo, Whatcha eatin'?

I'm in charge of the menu for eight days of family reunion for 27 people.  I've got the menu done and now I'm working on my shopping list.  I'm just about meal planned out.

Glad I had this pretty much planned a month ago!  Here's what's up:

MONDAY:  Baked ziti, green beans, watermelon

TUESDAY:  Tony's Pizza (fundraiser for the neighbor boy), probably more watermelon and a green salad

WEDNESDAY:  Waffles and ice cream (hey.  it's summer.)

THURSDAY:  Mac and cheese (mom won't be home)

FRIDAY:  Subway via gift card

SATURDAY:  Tacos

SUNDAY:  Grilled tostadas

National Foods Days

I noticed on MSN.com that today is

In honor of this day, we had a great big salad for dinner: lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, corn, avocados, onion, carrots, and salsa for dressing.

I thought it would be fun to share some of the upcoming national food days, in case you want to incorporate them into your menu.

June 18: National Cherry Tart Day / International Picnic Day / International Sushi Day (maybe don't do the sushi and picnic at the same time, just a thought)
June 19: National Dry Martini Day (to each their own)
June 20: National Vanilla Milkshake Day
June 21: National Peaches and Cream Day
June 22: National Chocolate Eclair Day / National Onion Rings Day
June 23: National Pecan Sandy Day
June 24: National Pralines Day
June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day / National Catfish Day
June 26: National Chocolate Pudding Day

And in case that isn't enough, June is

National Papaya Month

If you'd like the full list, go to American Food and Drink Days.

And in case you were wondering, my birthday is National Guacamole Day.  I love my birthday.

The Biggest Loser Season Finale and Such

I know it's been weeks since I last posted about the Biggest Loser.  In fact, the finale happened last month.  I finally got to sit down and watch the episodes.  Between having a broken laptop that shut down 20 minutes into the show and trying to wait for my husband to be home so we can watch the episodes together, I just didn't get to sit and watch until last night.

If you want to see the show, go to nbc.com.  The episodes will be expiring sometime in the near future.

***SPOILER ALERT***

I have to admit that one reason I didn't find an alternative way to watch the show was because the remaining contestants didn't float my boat.  I wanted to see Austin at Makeover Week, but the season seemed to be overruled by the Purple Team.  And I didn't really care for the Purple Team.

Makeover Week was nice.  Tim Gunn made everyone look great.  They got to see their families and the yellow line was erased.  Jay got his 2nd chance to stay on the ranch.  The sand castle competition for the car looked like fun.  But, yet again, I was annoyed with the whining and complaining of the girls: "We have to run in the sand!"  Yeah, for a CAR!  They bugged.

The next week was Finals Week.  The contestants had to show how much they learned.  Austin won a 1 lb advantage at the challenge but had a horrible weigh in, confirming his one way ticket home.  Poor Austin had no allies and because he's put everything on the line every week, he had his first bad week.  It was just horrible timing.  The Purple Team ensured their spots in the finale.  Granted, it was the first time a team made it to the finale together, but there were so many other teams I would've liked to see in the finale.

The next week was basically a review of where the contestants started and how far they'd gone.  Personally, I wouldn't have minded just skipping this episode.

The finale came and my absolute favorite part was watching the former contestants reveal themselves.  Holy cow!  Some people were absolutely amazing!

The At Home winner ended up being Deni.  Wow, she looked great.  The ones that blew me away the most were the twins, Don and Dan.  After struggling so much at the ranch, I wondered if they'd succeed at home.  And they did.  They looked great.  So many of the younger girls looked good too.  I missed the announcement of Justin coming on stage, so when I looked up at the TV and saw him there, I caught myself before I said, "Who the heck is that?" 

Where in the world was Rulon?
The final weigh in happened.  If you're like me and go grocery shopping, then whether you saw the show or not, you know that Olivia won.  Eh.  She looked great.  She worked hard.  I hope next season's cast is so much more likable. 

But what's the deal with Anna Kournikova as the new trainer?  From what I understand, Cara and Brett are out next season.  So it'll just be Bob and Anna. 

I have a feeling that if next season doesn't pull some great ratings, there may not be a Season 13.

I'm upset that this season ended the way it did.  It just wasn't that fun to watch after a while.  I think this season died when Justin left. 

What did you think?  Who shocked you the most at the finale? 

Keep On Keepin' On

An old phrase that I sing in my head is "keep on keepin' on." 

Some days that is all I can do.  Just keep on going.

Sometimes life is sticky and stinks and hard and we are left with two choices:

Lay down like a rock or keep on keepin' on.

My weight loss journey has taught me a lot about myself and my life.  It has taught me about moderation and avoiding extremes.  It has taught me that hard work does pay off, just maybe not immediately.  It has taught me that no matter how much we want or think we deserve something, if it isn't in the cards for us ... it won't happen.

This morning's weigh-in was a turning point.  I only lost half a pound this week, but that half a pound put me closer to my goal weight than my starting weight.  I'm more than half-way to where I want to be.  It has taken me six and a half months to get here and I would love for the next half to come off faster, but I'm getting closer.  I just need to keep on keepin' on.

I do need to decide on my next race though.  It is hard for me to get out and run and train unless I have something to run and train for.  My last race was fabulous.  My time wasn't the best (although not bad considering the circumstances) but I had fun.  It was the most fun race I've done.

And since I shared my not-as-good-as-I-would-have-liked prom pictures with you, I'll share my favorite race picture.  Taken just after the finish line, it doesn't do justice to how muddy I really was.  Next mud race, I go in all white!

Meal Plan Monday

Another week, another menu.  I love the flexibility.  That sounds like a contradiction, "having a plan creates flexibility" but I think it is true.  I feel much more free when I have a plan for dinner.  Instead of a stupor of thought, I can just decide if I want to eat it or not.  That's a lousy explanation of how it makes me feel, but maybe it works.

We've got a busy week and won't be eating at home as much as usual.  This is what I'm planning but I doubt it is what we'll actually be eating.

MONDAY:  Chicken and rice

TUESDAY:  Dinner at the pool

WEDNESDAY:  Meatloaf and baked potatoes

THURSDAY:  Baked oatmeal with rhubarb

FRIDAY:  Pesto Pasta and veggies

SATURDAY:  Pizza

SUNDAY:  Kebabs, pita bread, and salad (family dinner at our house)

From Food Groups to MyPlate

I distinctly remember making a Four Food Groups train in my third grade class.  Do you remember the four food groups?

The Basic Four Food Groups was created and recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1956.  It was a given.  It was easy.  Eat a variety of meats, dairy, grains, and fruits and vegetables each day.

In 1992, the USDA released the Food Pyramid.  It made sense to me ... build your diet on grains to fill you up, add fruits and veggies next to bulk up your diet and have meat and dairy sparingly with a little bit of fats on top.  This is what I learned about in college and what I taught as a PE/Health specialist in an elementary school.

But I guess it wasn't good enough.  Americans kept getting fatter.  In 2005, a new Food Pyramid was released.  This one put all the food side by side and had a dude climbing stairs to symbolize the importance of exercise in being healthy.  I never "got" this pyramid.  It seemed more complicated and, quite frankly, the little dude bothered me.  Why was he there?  Was I supposed to eat him?

This last week a new food guide was released by the USDA with the support of First Lady Obama.  MyPlate.  They have totally dummied the system down in hopes that all people will finally GET what their eating should look like.

Along with the new image, they have a few additional recommendations:

Balancing Calories
	●	Enjoy your food, but eat less.
	●	Avoid oversized portions.
	Foods to Increase
	●	Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
	●	Make at least half your grains whole grains.
	●	Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
	Foods to Reduce
	●	Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.
	●	Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

So what do you think?  Is this going to be the big change that will win the battle against obesity that Americans are fighting?  I read in one article that that was the hope ... MyPlate was the first step in changing the tide within one generation.  Is it going to work?

My opinion?  I'm doubtful.  It is nice and I think my boys will "get" it more than the most recent pyramid.  But will them "getting" it be enough to make them do it?  I do think healthy eating and physical activity are taking a hit in our country, but I don't know that a new picture to follow is what it will take to fix the problem.

Darn.  And I'm not usually the pessimist.