The First 43: My Life Now

It's been awhile since I've blogged.  There hasn't been much to update on. I lost some of the motivation that I've had over the last couple of years over the last couple of months.  Even I have to admit, I'm surprised that my motivation to keep at it lasted as long as it did.  The problem with weight loss is that you really can't get lazy, ever, but I need(ed) to find a balance between the two extremes.  I got lucky that I didn't put weight back on but, that's something short of a miracle.  I'm going to start up using my blog again, sharing workouts, recipes, and general thoughts on life post weight loss. Now, my confession. I was trying to live my life without MyFitnessPal and just try to keep at it without all the tech motivating me to keep at it.  What I've learned about myself over the last few months is that I do need it to keep me motivated.  Being accountable to myself isn't enough, I thought it would be.  I need to keep myself in c

Caesar Chicken Fingers. So good. Highly recommend it! This is another Epicure recipe but can be easily adapted! Ingredients: 2 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese 2 Cups Italian breadcrumbs 500g package of fresh chicken strips or chicken breasts cut into strips 1/4 Cup prepared Epicure Caesar Dressing or 1/4 Cup store bought light Caesar Dressing.  Directions: Preheat the oven to 375*F. While the oven is heating, mix 1/2 the Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.  Coat the chicken in this mixture. Once coated, dip in the breadcrumbs.  Place the strips on a baking sheet or in a Pyrex dish. Cook for 20 minutes.  Set aside the extra dressing for dipping. **I served it with a side of cherry tomato and feta salad! I used the Epicure Bruchetta mix, balsamic vinegrette, cherry tomatoes (about 20, halved) and light feta. Calories: 116 calories per finger (this includes the dipping additional dipping sauce) Original recipe can be found at: http://www.epi

BBQ Chicken Chili A friend of mine recommended this recipe so, I decided to give it a shot. I adjusted it ever so slightly from the original skinnytaste recipe only because I can only handle so much spice and well, I was warned it was spicy. I was really impressed with this. I always make chili with extra lean ground beef so, using lean ground chicken was new to me but, worked just as well and was just as tasty. I did change it substantially enough that I am going to write out what I used. For example, I didn't buy chicken breasts and shred them, I used ground chicken. I used more beans, I roasted my own peppers, etc. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 cup white onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, pressed 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 500g lean ground chicken, cooked 2 red peppers, roasted and chopped (not from the jar, it avoids the extra oil.) 1 can of c

The summer months didn't prove to be great for exercise for me. I got a couple runs in and maybe a handful of trips to the gym. Most of my exercise came from walking and making sure that I walked more than normal. I was starting to feel a little "soft" and I didn't want to go back to where I was. I had those pesky two pounds to lose. They just keep coming on and off. I've decided it's just got to be a day to day variance and I can't stress over it. The one thing I have learned about maintaining my weight is how deep my fear is of gaining it all back or slipping back into old habits. I'm 18 months past my 56lb loss and I've stuck to it but that fear always lives within you. It's not like I think about it everyday, not at all. Every once in awhile though, it creeps on it.  For example,  when I ordered pants online this week and hoped that I still fit into the same size I did last time I bought skinny jeans. This is what got me thinking about al

After what we can call a... relaxed summer... I am back at trying new recipes, focusing on my calories, cutting back on my favourite beverage (wine!) and getting myself back into regular scheduled life programming. So, with that, trying some new recipes to mix things up in our day to day. Since the weather has been unseasonably cool the last couple weeks, this was my first try at Irish Potato Soup!  Ingredients: - 4 large white potatoes, quartered - One medium sized white onion - Enough water to just cover the potatoes and onion - 1 cup of (Epicure) Chicken Bouillon (you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth) - 3 TBPS (Epicure) 3 Onion Mix (you can sub in Lipton Dry Onion Soup, not prepared) - Black pepper and salt to taste. Directions: Quarter potatoes, chop onion.  Place in pot with just enough water to cover the ingredients.  Let boil until potatoes are soft.  Once cooked through, place the contents of the pot (including water) into a food processor or blender. 

Summer Fruit Salad! This is seriously one of my favourite foods of summer and probably the one thing I always forget to make. So, I made one while we were at the cottage a few weeks back. So good. Reminded me of my childhood. My nana and my mom used to make fruit salad all the time when we were at the cottage when I was growing up. Healthy, refreshing and delicious. In my fruit salad I put: 1 Peach, chopped 2 Bananas, chopped 1 Apple, chopped 15 cherries, pitted and halved. 1.5 cups of Orange Juice (with pulp) Calorie Count : 89 calories per cup (Makes about 6- 8 cups of fruit salad depending on the size of your fruit. Mine made just about 8 cups) 

I thought it was time for  a mid summer update! I've noticed that over the last year, I've had a pesky two pounds that come on and come off. I never let it get to me but more recently, they seem to just be sticking.  I take responsibility. About a year ago, I stopped using My Fitness Pal religiously. I would check in on the calorie count of food when we were out for dinner at restaurants or things like that. So, I'm back on MFP. Faithfully. Two weeks going strong. It doesn't seem like a lot but, after being off of it for so long, it's really a challenge mentally to get back at it. I forgot just how hard it was being so committed to it. I can't believe that I did MFP for over 365 days straight.  It seems like an impossible task now that I'm back on it but, logically, I know it can be done and I can stick to it. Food aside, the main reason I am back on MFP is to force myself to get more exercise. My eating habits changed dramatically during the year I dropp

Delicious Strawberry Banana Fudgsicles! I tried my hand at popsicles and fudgsicles last summer and it did not go well. I decided to give it another shot this year and I'm glad I did, much more successful! I did adjust the recipe a fair amount for the vegan one this is based on (original recipe linked below) You will need a blender or a food processor and a popsicle mold. (I got mine at IKEA, really inexpensive, I think they even sell them at the dollar store now. You can also get more expensive ones at Walmart, Target and Home Outfitters.) Ingredients:  1 regular sized banana 1 cup 1% milk 3 TBSP Cocoa Powder 1/2 cup sliced strawberries Directions: Get your blender or food processor. Put in a banana, milk and cocoa powder and blend until smooth/liquid.  Fill 6 popsicle molds half way.  Add equal amounts of strawberries to each one. Fill the molds to the top with remaining liquid. Put in the freezer to freeze overnight. That's it, you've got a d

Another year, another Color Me Rad run! We had so much fun this year and the big difference from last year - it wasn't raining! The sun was shining, there was a nice breeze, and we got nice and covered in powder during our 5k and afterward doing the "colour bomb." Nice to get out and have fun with friends while getting some exercise at the same time. If you haven't done the colour run, it is as fun as it looks! Here are some photos of team Rainbow Brights! RAD FACES Before the run  After the run! After the colour bomb!  Some fun photos! 

After I finished my 10k I decided to give my body a bit of a break from the intense training. Let my knees have a little rest and relaxation. I've been going to the gym and I've been watching what I eat but....it's not good enough and I've definitely not been as committed as I could be and should be.  I keep saying "well the great news is, my summer clothes fit!" Which is true and frankly, they fit comfortably so, I managed to maintain year over year. I really need to get back into tracking calories with my fitness pal and making sure I get exercise 3-4 days a week again. I'd really appreciate mother nature helping me out and not have the rain start right when I get home from work most days (it's getting on my nerves.) I want to keep my running up but, running in the rain isn't something that I enjoy and I have had just about enough of the treadmill at the gym (I do hit the treadmill if there have been too many rainy days.)  Jeff and I did get ou

The 10k goal is complete. This time last week I was preparing myself mentally, more than physically, for the run. I went through different stages of emotions and physical pain during the run and I thought I'd share, since so many people asked me how it was, what the easiest parts were and what were the hardest parts. So, here I go. I've broken it down by kilometers because it's the way I remember it. Before the race : It was a cold morning, I decided on sport capris and a tshirt knowing how overheated I tend to get on runs. We met up with the rest of the people running for BTRC (picture below) and headed over to the corral. We had to wait 20 minutes before we started but, I kind of got used to the cold at that point.  Start to 1km: I was still cold, my body hadn't really warmed up yet. I felt like I was the slowest person out there, people just blowing by me. I knew the pace I had to keep to complete the race and monitor my heart rate so, I just kept at

Well, this is it. Months of training will all come down to just about an hour on Sunday. I did my final training run this evening. I keep watching the weather and hoping that it isn't going to pour. The hourly keeps changing so, I don't think there is a way to really know.  Oh well, at worst we will get a little bit wet and at best it will be warm and sunny! This has been quite the challenging road. I can't say that running 10k is going to be something I do regularly but, I can say I am proud of my body for being able to accomplish things I never thought possible.  As Jeff pointed out, when I finished my first 5k and he said "Now, you can train for a 10!" I literally laughed at him and said "You're crazy!"... looks like I am the crazy one who's actually going to do this.  Most importantly, I want to say a big thank you to those who have donated to the run.  The proceeds are going to deserving dogs who need a little bit of TL

10k training continues! Weeks and weeks of training and I'm so close to 10k. 8.63km is my current record and Nike+ online informed me that I ran my fasted 5k ever too. Yes!  I finally got around to buying myself a new pair of Nike+ running shoes and I can't begin to tell you what a difference it made.  My other runners were getting worn out and giving me some nice blisters from about the 3k point onward.  It made me run slower and frankly, just made me focus on pain the entire time instead of the run.  New shoes = no pain = better run pace.  They are also light weight and wonderful (Lunarglide) and really make a huge difference in my run.  I have just enough time to break them in before the full 10k. Aside from the accomplishments of running distances I never thought I'd see, I am really noticing a difference in muscle tone in my legs. Trouble zones I'd never been able to target or work on, are tightening up. This makes me happy, an added bonus.  I haven'

10k training. Some days it's easy and some days it's incredibly challenging.  I was lucky enough to have one mild (ish) day last weekend to run outside. It was glorious and so much nicer than running on the treadmill which gets so boring after a kilometer or two. I really wish I could train outdoor a bit more often. Hopefully this polar vortex will loosen it's grip on us soon, give us some seasonal weather and let me hit the pavement.  Here is a photo of the lovely sunny day that gave me the one and only outdoor run I've had since October. My biggest challenge has been the stitches... oh the stitches. I have no idea why but on my left side I constantly get that shooting pain about 10 minutes into my run.  I try to run through it or walk for a moment to stretch it out.  I have no idea what causes it. I don't eat heavy meals before a run, I make sure to get lots of water to stay hydrated but without fail, it happens.  I read that sometimes it ha

Time for some Greek! Iron chef challenge was to make something Greek this week and it's something that I don't make often but always enjoy.  So, I present you what I made this week! Lighter Gyro!  Whole wheat pita, lettuce, tomatoes, tzatziki (homemade!) and gyro flavoured meatballs! Here is the recipe I used for the meatballs.  I didn't have any Greek seasoning so I looked up what's in it, basically it's just dry oregano, thyme, basil, and marjoram.   Turned out really delicious, and it's quite light. The recipe makes 22 meatballs! Calorie count: 44 calories per meatball http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2012/04/recipe-for-ground-beef-gyro-meatball.html   The grocery store was out of tzatziki so, I tried my hand and making it was actually really easy and tasted way better than store bought.  Recipe: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup grated cucumber 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 clove garlic, crushed pinch of salt Throw it all in the food process

  Thai Chicken Wraps! As part of my personal challenge this year (52 new recipes in 52 weeks) I decided to make up my own Thai Chicken recipe based on a few I'd seen online. I changed the amount of certain ingredients and made it my own. I am quite pleased with it! Ingredients: 600 grams chicken breast, cut up into pieces 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or Bouillon)  3 tbsp light smooth peanut butter 1.5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tsp brown sugar  1 tsp Thai dry seasoning (I use Epicure Selections) 6 leaves of lettuce 1/2 cup chopped red pepper 1/2 cup chopped or shaved carrots  1 clove of garlic, pressed  Note: I recommend adding a little tzatziki or sour cream to your wrap, gives it a little something extra. Directions: Heat broth until just warm (not boiling) and add garlic and Thai seasoning. At the same time, cook chicken in a frying pan.  Just before boiling, remove the liquid mixture from heat and whisk in peanut

I'm doing something I swore up and down I'd never do, Run a 10k.  The Yonge St. 10k on April 13th is coming up and the organization I volunteer with (Boston Terrier Rescue Canada) put together a team to raise money for the cutest little doggies around, Boston Terriers, and get some exercise while we're at it So, I decided why not? I've run a 5k and I have about 3 months to train and get myself up to 10k running strength.  I also won't be ashamed to walk for a few minutes here and there when I need to catch my breath. The good news, this race is 90% downhill. That's my kind of run! So, in support of my run for the little Boston Terriers that need loving homes and medical care when they come to the rescue, please support my run and make a donation. : Donation page (click here) **Charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. If the link takes you to a login page, just click it again. It should take you right to the donate page but sometim

As an avid MyFitnessPal user and follower, I saw on Facebook that they have partnered with Pact, another app which pays you to be healthy.  I thought there was no way it could be true but, it is. Basically - you make a pact.  You will exercise a certain number of days or eat more veggies or log your food into an app like MFP for a certain number of days. If you do it, and stick to it, they pay you a sum. If you fail, they charge you $5 (or more, whatever you set, but that's the minimum) for every missed pact. For example, if you pledge to go to the gym 3 days a week and make that pact every week, you'll have $50 by the end of the year. Better than nothing at all. The good news is you can put a hold on your account when you go on vacation for example, that way you can't be charged for not meeting your pact.  Obviously the more you pledge, the more money you can make. I've downloaded the app on a trial basis (which you can do for a week!) to test it out. It syncs to