I'm sorry about the late posting this week, I was coming up on the end of the 30 day challenge with my sister-in-law and wanted to finish that out so I could post an update.
BEGINNING WEIGHT: 156.6 LBS
WEEK 1 WEIGHT: 157.6 LBS
WEEK 2 WEIGHT: 156.0 LBS
WEEK 3 WEIGHT: 153.6 LBS
WEEK 4 WEIGHT: 152.8 LBS
WEEK 5 WEIGHT: 152.6 LBS
GOAL WEIGHT: 144.0 LBS
BEGINNING WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 1 WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 2 WAIST: 38.5 IN
WEEK 3 WAIST: 38.25 IN
WEEK 4 WAIST: 37.5 IN
WEEK 5 WAIST: 37 IN
GOAL WAIST: 35 IN
MONDAY:
-45 jumping jacks, 45 burpees, 45 high knees
TUESDAY:
-45 bridges, 45 squats, 45 lunges
WEDNESDAY:
-REST day
THURSDAY:
-100 second planks, 50 triceps dips, 50 mountain climbers
FRIDAY:
-50 jumping jacks, 50 burpees, 50 high knees
SATURDAY:
-50 bridges, 50 squats, 50 lunges
SUNDAY:
-REST day
MONDAY:
-60 triceps dips, 60 jumping jacks, 60 mountain climbers
TUESDAY:
-60 high knees, 60 squats, 60 lunges
In 30 days, I lost 5 labs and shed 2 inches off my waist!! I also went and had my blood work done this week so I'm excited to get my results back; I can tell you my BP was 93/49!! That's amazing. I've always had good BP but it's been a while since it's been this low!
If you want to learn more about my sister-in-law and how she can help you, visit her page at: http://www.teambeachbody.com/briannaray88
Now, what to do since the 30 day challenge is over.... got any suggestions??
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Weighing In: Week 4
I'm very excited after this week!! I continue to inch ever-closer to my end goals, so close!!
BEGINNING WEIGHT: 156.6 LBS
WEEK 1 WEIGHT: 157.6 LBS
WEEK 2 WEIGHT: 156.0 LBS
WEEK 3 WEIGHT: 153.6 LBS
WEEK 4 WEIGHT: 152.8 LBS
GOAL WEIGHT: 144.0 LBS
BEGINNING WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 1 WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 2 WAIST: 38.5 IN
WEEK 3 WAIST: 38.25 IN
WEEK 4 WAIST: 37.5 IN
GOAL WAIST: 35 IN
MONDAY:
-35 bridges, 35 squats, 35 lunges
TUESDAY:
-REST day
WEDNESDAY:
-80 second plank, 40 triceps dips, 40 mountain climbers
THURSDAY:
-40 jumping jacks, 40 burpees, 40 high knees
FRIDAY:
-40 bridges, 40 squats, 40 lunges
SATURDAY:
-REST day
SUNDAY:
-90 second plank, 45 triceps dips, 45 mountain climbers
Good week this week despite being given Red Velvet Oreo's, I don't know the last time I actually bought Oreo's, they just keep being given to me!!
I'm coming up on the end of my sister's challenge so I'll have to step-up my own exercise! Time to bust out the bike!!!
BEGINNING WEIGHT: 156.6 LBS
WEEK 1 WEIGHT: 157.6 LBS
WEEK 2 WEIGHT: 156.0 LBS
WEEK 3 WEIGHT: 153.6 LBS
WEEK 4 WEIGHT: 152.8 LBS
GOAL WEIGHT: 144.0 LBS
BEGINNING WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 1 WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 2 WAIST: 38.5 IN
WEEK 3 WAIST: 38.25 IN
WEEK 4 WAIST: 37.5 IN
GOAL WAIST: 35 IN
MONDAY:
-35 bridges, 35 squats, 35 lunges
TUESDAY:
-REST day
WEDNESDAY:
-80 second plank, 40 triceps dips, 40 mountain climbers
THURSDAY:
-40 jumping jacks, 40 burpees, 40 high knees
FRIDAY:
-40 bridges, 40 squats, 40 lunges
SATURDAY:
-REST day
SUNDAY:
-90 second plank, 45 triceps dips, 45 mountain climbers
Good week this week despite being given Red Velvet Oreo's, I don't know the last time I actually bought Oreo's, they just keep being given to me!!
I'm coming up on the end of my sister's challenge so I'll have to step-up my own exercise! Time to bust out the bike!!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Weighing in: Week 3
Well, I did much better with my nutrition last week and the results showed it!
I eliminated all the sweets from my house but my sweet neighbor dropped off my absolute weakness, OREOS, and of course I had to eat them. It's like my kryptonite honestly.
Aside from those sweets, I was almost perfect! Eggs and grapefruit for breakfast, cut out dinner rolls for dinner (bread--another weakness of mine) and I upped the water to where it needs to be. I like to shoot for at least 100 oz of water since I've started exercising again and still nursing my little.
Ok, so these are huge improvements like the big name weight loss products offer, but as a health coach who studied exercise and nutrition throughout college I know those products can offer a lot of roller coaster results with weight.
BEGINNING WEIGHT: 156.6 LBS
WEEK 1 WEIGHT: 157.6 LBS
WEEK 2 WEIGHT: 156.0 LBS
WEEK 3 WEIGHT: 153.6 LBS
GOAL WEIGHT: 144.0 LBS
BEGINNING WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 1 WAIST: 39 IN
WEEK 2 WAIST: 38.5 IN
WEEK 3 WAIST: 38.25 IN
GOAL WAIST: 35 IN
MONDAY:
-REST day; I should have gone running but my little had to share me with another infant and just wanted some mom-time... I was happy to oblige.
-60 second plank, 25 triceps dips, 25 mountain climbers
WEDNESDAY:
-30 jumping jacks, 30 burpees, 30 high knees
THURSDAY:
-30 bridges, 30 squats, 30 lunges
To add a little bit of a challenge, when I do bridges, I put my little on my core and this is my view... I think it's pretty cute!
-REST day
SATURDAY:
-70 second plank, 30 triceps dips, 30 mountain climbers
SUNDAY:
-30 jumping jacks, 30 burpees, 30 high knees
I fell off on the weekend due to sickness in our house but I'm getting back on it now. You'll fall off a few times but it's a matter of getting started again.
Tried and Tested: Crockpot Freezer Meals Part 2
If you missed the first part and first five recipes, do yourself a favor and click here to see it!
I promise I have more than just chicken crockpot meals but I can't help it, they are just too good!
General Tips for Crockpot Cooking:
1. If cooking frozen meals, don't put them into a warmed crockpot. Doing so can actually cause some damage to your pot (don't ask me how I know this unless you brought some tissue and a shoulder for me to cry on).
2. I find it best to thaw your meals before putting it in the pot. Some of the bigger meals won't fit if frozen and then you don't have to worry about extra time if it's frozen. This can be done in the fridge the night before or, if you are like me and can't rely on yourself to plan that far ahead sometimes, you can thaw the meal still in the bag in a sink of water (you'll be surprised how quickly it actually works).
3. If you hate cleaning your crockpot, and you use it as often as I do, there are crockpot liners for your crockpot which makes cleaning up so much easier. I still haven't started using them but that's mainly because I keep forgetting them (shopping once a month makes it hard to remember).
4. I like to cook all my recipes on low if I can but if not, cut the time in half (usually 3-4 hours) and cook it on high.
In this post:
Hawaiian Chicken
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken
Tex-Mex Chicken
Not Chicken Pot Pie
Hawaiian Chicken
-2 or 3 Chicken Breasts
-1/2 C. Sugar
-1/2 C. Vinegar
-1/2 C. Pineapple Juice (I do 1 C. Pineapple Juice for a bit more sweetness)
-3 Garlic Cloves Minced
-2 T. Soy Sauce (I do 3 T. to play off the pineapple juice more)
-1/2 Can Pineapple chunks (I usually get the large chunks and cut them in half so there are more in every bite!)
Cook on Low 6-7 Hours
Shred Chicken and serve over rice
Thoughts: So I'll be honest, not one of my absolute favorites but it's growing on me. Others have really seemed to enjoy it, I just need more of a wow factor. I also like to top it with crushed red pepper flakes to give it a pop of spice.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
-24 oz salsa
-Juice of 1 Lime
-1/4 C. fresh Cilantro
-1 Packet Taco Seasoning
-2 Jalapeños (chopped)
-6 boneless chicken breasts
Cook on low 4-6 hours
Serve chicken with salsa mixture spooned over top or shred chicken and use as taco/burrito filling.
Thoughts: This one surprised me; I'm a bit of a Mexican fan--anything with Cumin in it is my friend. I prefer to just shred all the chicken and then I can use it in a burrito which is good or over rice which is delicious also!!
Teriyaki Chicken
-3 Chicken breasts, cubed (lazy-Sara leaves them whole and shreds them when they are done cooking)
-1 C. Teriyaki Sauce
-1 C. Water
-2/3 C. Brown Sugar
-3 Cloves Garlic Minced
-Dash of Ginger
Cook on low 4-6 hours
Serve over rice
Thoughts: I'm still trying to find a way to improve this one. If you have an idea let me know!
Tex-Mex Chicken
-1 lb Chicken (2-3 breasts)
-16 oz salsa
-15 oz black beans (drained/rinsed)
-15 oz pinto beans (drained/rinsed)
-15 oz frozen corn (if you use canned, drain/rinse)
-1/4 C Fresh Cilantro
-1 Medium Onion
-14.5 oz Chicken Broth
-1 packet Taco Seasoning
Cook on low 6-8 hours, high 3-4 hours
Remove chicken and shred
Use over rice, burrito/enchilada filling, etc.
Thoughts: This one is delicious over rice but even better as a burrito! When I try this next, I'm going to roll them into burritos, put them in a pan and top with red enchilada sauce.
Not Chicken Pot Pie
-3 or 4 Chicken breasts
-2 cans cream of chicken
-4 or 5 medium potatoes peeled and diced (DO NOT FREEZE)
-2 C. Frozen peas and carrots
-Salt and Pepper to taste
Cook on low 6-8 hours
Shred chicken
Serve over or with biscuits
Thoughts: I made the mistake of freezing my potatoes in with the meal and they turned black basically ruining the whole meal. After trying it again I rather enjoyed it so don't make my mistake and freeze your potatoes.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Tried and Tested: Crockpot Freezer Meals Part 1
I went to a church activity in August where we were taught how to do freezer meals for quick, easy, delicious meals to make dinner time easier and healthier. Since then, I have been notorious about making freezer meals.
I spend 2-3 hours prepping and bagging the meals then when it comes time to cook it, I drop it in the Crockpot and let it cook. Since having my little in October our family has continued to have delicious dinners and I have been able to maintain my stress levels because it's so easy.
My hubby will even help entertain the little while I put on a movie or binge watch a Netflix show and chop away!!
Since I also like to save money, I'm happy to say I spend less than $200 each month to make about 40 freezer meals. Since it's just Superman and I right now, that can actually last us almost two months. The first time I made them in September, I didn't have to make more until the third week of October. Take that grocery budget!!
8 Quick Tips for Assembling Crockpot Freezer Meals:
1. Before placing any food in the gallon bags, label the bag with the dish name, date of assembly, cooking time and any additional instructions such as, shred chicken and cook additional time or add cream cheese and cook 20 more mins or serve over rice/noodles.
2. Place meat and produce in the bag first and liquids such as sauces, canned beans or vegetables last. This will help the bag not roll around as you are trying to fill it.
3. Prep like things all at the same time. For instance, if I have three recipes with bell peppers in them, I'll chop or dice all bell peppers before moving on to the next ingredient.
4. If you need to cut any meats, do it after the produce so you can use one knife (you're starting to see how lazy I am, aren't you??).
5. The girl I learned this from suggested having a bowl you can throw your trash straight into. I just bring my garbage can over to my working area (you call it lazy, I call it efficient).
6. When all ingredients are in the bag, seal the bag well and mix the ingredients around to mix flavors.
7. Remove as much air as possible when you seal the bag.
8. Place in the freezer laying as flat as possible (when I did this for the first time I made the mistake of standing them up and as they froze, they got stuck in the gaps of the freezer shelf).
DISCLAIMER: These are recipes that I have actually TRIED, these aren't recipes I've found on Pinterest, pinned and forgotten about. I'll let you know of the ones I didn't like and why in case my taste is different than yours.
I usually double each recipe so I can buy more in bulk (hopefully things on sale) and it makes prepping easier.
In this post:
Chicken broccoli Alfredo
Chile Colorado Burritos
Chicken Taco Chili
Chicken Fajitas
Spicy Chicken over Rice
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
-3 Chicken breasts, cut into strips (I left mine whole and then shredded them when cooked because I'm lazy)
-2 cups broccoli frozen or fresh
-1 large green bell pepper, chopped
-32 ounces Alfredo sauce
If using frozen broccoli, throw all ingredients into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook on low 6 hours, high 3 hours, serve over noodles.
The first time I made this I used frozen broccoli and felt it came out too soft/soggy so I opted to use fresh broccoli the next time and to steam it on my stove while I was making the noodles. After steaming it, add it to the sauce in the crockpot and serve over noodles.
Thoughts: Just needed a little salt and pepper when we ate it so I just add that to my taste or I'm sure you can add it to the cooking process.
Chile Colorado Burritos
-1.5 pounds stew meat
-1 large can enchilada sauce (I use green sauce)
-1-2 cans refried beans
-Flour tortillas
-Cheese
Place beef and enchilada sauce into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook on low 7-8 hours, high 3-4 hours.
Shred beef (Usually just stirring it will shred it well) and warm up refried beans on stove top. Spoon beef from crockpot onto flour tortilla with refried beans (I like to use a slotted spoon for the beef so I cut out some of the enchilada sauce from the inside).
Roll into burrito and place on a cookie sheet or into a baking pan if you want more of an enchilada feel. Cover with enchilada sauce from crockpot and cheese.
Place in broiler until bubbly and/or cheese melts.
Thoughts: I really like this one. I place them in a baking dish so they come out more like enchiladas.
Chicken Taco Chili
-1 Onion, chopped (I like to use yellow, but any will work)
-16 ounces can black beans
-16 ounces can kidney beans
-8 ounces tomato sauce (I like making it with 16 ounces more)
-10 ounces frozen corn
-28 ounces diced tomatoes
-1 packet of taco seasoning
-1 T. Chili Powder
-1 T Cumin
-3 Boneless Chicken breasts
Cook on low 10 hours or high 6 hours.
30 mins before serving, shred chicken and return to crockpot.
Top with cilantro, cheese or sour cream if desired.
Thoughts: Another of my favorites, I've been making this for years, I just adapted it to be a freezer meal.
Chicken Fajitas
-2 Green Peppers, sliced
-1 Onion
-3 Chicken Breasts
-1/2 C. Chicken Broth
-1 Taco Seasoning packet
-1 t. Chili Powder
-1/2 t. Paprika
-1 t. Salt
Cook on low 5-6 hours.
Shred meat, serve on tortillas with cheese, sour cream and other toppings as desired.
Thoughts: This is a very simple yet delicious meal that continues to make it's appearance on our plates.
Spicy Chicken over Rice
-1.5 lbs Chicken (2-3 breasts)
-12 ounces Salsa
-2 T. Taco Seasoning
-1 T. Maple Syrup
-1 t. Lime Juice
-4 ounces cream cheese
Place all ingredients except cream cheese into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook all ingredients 6-7 hours low, 4-5 hours high.
Shred chicken and add cubed cream cheese.
Cook 20 more minutes allowing cheese to melt.
Stir and serve over rice.
Thoughts: This IS my favorite! I could eat this seven times a month. It's name is spicy chicken but depending on the spice of the salsa you use will determine the spiciness of the dish (I hope everyone else likes it as much as I do).
After you try them, come back and let me know what you thought of them and what some of your favorites are.
I spend 2-3 hours prepping and bagging the meals then when it comes time to cook it, I drop it in the Crockpot and let it cook. Since having my little in October our family has continued to have delicious dinners and I have been able to maintain my stress levels because it's so easy.
My hubby will even help entertain the little while I put on a movie or binge watch a Netflix show and chop away!!
Since I also like to save money, I'm happy to say I spend less than $200 each month to make about 40 freezer meals. Since it's just Superman and I right now, that can actually last us almost two months. The first time I made them in September, I didn't have to make more until the third week of October. Take that grocery budget!!
8 Quick Tips for Assembling Crockpot Freezer Meals:
1. Before placing any food in the gallon bags, label the bag with the dish name, date of assembly, cooking time and any additional instructions such as, shred chicken and cook additional time or add cream cheese and cook 20 more mins or serve over rice/noodles.
2. Place meat and produce in the bag first and liquids such as sauces, canned beans or vegetables last. This will help the bag not roll around as you are trying to fill it.
3. Prep like things all at the same time. For instance, if I have three recipes with bell peppers in them, I'll chop or dice all bell peppers before moving on to the next ingredient.
4. If you need to cut any meats, do it after the produce so you can use one knife (you're starting to see how lazy I am, aren't you??).
5. The girl I learned this from suggested having a bowl you can throw your trash straight into. I just bring my garbage can over to my working area (you call it lazy, I call it efficient).
6. When all ingredients are in the bag, seal the bag well and mix the ingredients around to mix flavors.
7. Remove as much air as possible when you seal the bag.
8. Place in the freezer laying as flat as possible (when I did this for the first time I made the mistake of standing them up and as they froze, they got stuck in the gaps of the freezer shelf).
DISCLAIMER: These are recipes that I have actually TRIED, these aren't recipes I've found on Pinterest, pinned and forgotten about. I'll let you know of the ones I didn't like and why in case my taste is different than yours.
I usually double each recipe so I can buy more in bulk (hopefully things on sale) and it makes prepping easier.
In this post:
Chicken broccoli Alfredo
Chile Colorado Burritos
Chicken Taco Chili
Chicken Fajitas
Spicy Chicken over Rice
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
-3 Chicken breasts, cut into strips (I left mine whole and then shredded them when cooked because I'm lazy)
-2 cups broccoli frozen or fresh
-1 large green bell pepper, chopped
-32 ounces Alfredo sauce
If using frozen broccoli, throw all ingredients into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook on low 6 hours, high 3 hours, serve over noodles.
The first time I made this I used frozen broccoli and felt it came out too soft/soggy so I opted to use fresh broccoli the next time and to steam it on my stove while I was making the noodles. After steaming it, add it to the sauce in the crockpot and serve over noodles.
Thoughts: Just needed a little salt and pepper when we ate it so I just add that to my taste or I'm sure you can add it to the cooking process.
Chile Colorado Burritos
-1.5 pounds stew meat
-1 large can enchilada sauce (I use green sauce)
-1-2 cans refried beans
-Flour tortillas
-Cheese
Place beef and enchilada sauce into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook on low 7-8 hours, high 3-4 hours.
Shred beef (Usually just stirring it will shred it well) and warm up refried beans on stove top. Spoon beef from crockpot onto flour tortilla with refried beans (I like to use a slotted spoon for the beef so I cut out some of the enchilada sauce from the inside).
Roll into burrito and place on a cookie sheet or into a baking pan if you want more of an enchilada feel. Cover with enchilada sauce from crockpot and cheese.
Place in broiler until bubbly and/or cheese melts.
Thoughts: I really like this one. I place them in a baking dish so they come out more like enchiladas.
Chicken Taco Chili
-1 Onion, chopped (I like to use yellow, but any will work)
-16 ounces can black beans
-16 ounces can kidney beans
-8 ounces tomato sauce (I like making it with 16 ounces more)
-10 ounces frozen corn
-28 ounces diced tomatoes
-1 packet of taco seasoning
-1 T. Chili Powder
-1 T Cumin
-3 Boneless Chicken breasts
Cook on low 10 hours or high 6 hours.
30 mins before serving, shred chicken and return to crockpot.
Top with cilantro, cheese or sour cream if desired.
Thoughts: Another of my favorites, I've been making this for years, I just adapted it to be a freezer meal.
Chicken Fajitas
-2 Green Peppers, sliced
-1 Onion
-3 Chicken Breasts
-1/2 C. Chicken Broth
-1 Taco Seasoning packet
-1 t. Chili Powder
-1/2 t. Paprika
-1 t. Salt
Cook on low 5-6 hours.
Shred meat, serve on tortillas with cheese, sour cream and other toppings as desired.
Thoughts: This is a very simple yet delicious meal that continues to make it's appearance on our plates.
Spicy Chicken over Rice
-1.5 lbs Chicken (2-3 breasts)
-12 ounces Salsa
-2 T. Taco Seasoning
-1 T. Maple Syrup
-1 t. Lime Juice
-4 ounces cream cheese
Place all ingredients except cream cheese into gallon bag and freeze.
Cook all ingredients 6-7 hours low, 4-5 hours high.
Shred chicken and add cubed cream cheese.
Cook 20 more minutes allowing cheese to melt.
Stir and serve over rice.
Thoughts: This IS my favorite! I could eat this seven times a month. It's name is spicy chicken but depending on the spice of the salsa you use will determine the spiciness of the dish (I hope everyone else likes it as much as I do).
After you try them, come back and let me know what you thought of them and what some of your favorites are.
Turning a Profit: The Ebay Project Week 2
One of my goals for this year is to find a way to bring in money for our family just for fun; no real need behind it.
After last week I'm hoping this week is just as good...
Let's see what's on the block! (click on each one to go to the listing):
Creative Memories Cutting Tools
Subway Art Stamps
Lexicon of Love Stamps
Three Ink Pads
Girls Size 10 Pants
Girls Size 8 Pants
Boys Size 10 Shawn White Pants
Women's Size 2 Gap Jean Pants
Nike Crop Pants
Old Navy Sweats
Juicy Couture Crop Pants
Come back next week for an update on how the auctions ended!!
Show me the Money--Turning a Profit: The E-bay Project
It was a pretty productive week. This week after shipping costs plus PayPal/EBay fees my profit was near $120!! Not bad considering what I spent on everything.
Lot of Junior clothing
Cost: Who knows, I've had a lot of these clothes for a few years, just wanted to get them out of my house!
Sold: $51 + Shipping
Victoria Secret PINK Yoga pants
Cost: $3.99
Sold: $15 + Shipping
Express Yoga Pants
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Cost: $3.99
Sold: $5.50 + Shipping
Under Armour Shirts
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Cost: $16 total $4 ea. (I bought them a few years ago when they were on crazy sale!!)
Sold: $40 + Shipping
H&M Little Black Dress
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Cost: ?? I've had it for a few years also
Sold: $5.00 + Shipping
Old Navy Flats
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Cost: $5 (Also bought them a couple years ago)
Sold: $2.80 + Shipping
UNSOLD:
-Nikes and Reeboks
-Wedges (Bought for $1, will list them on Craigslist)
Not a bad week of sales if I can say so myself.
Later today I'll post what's on the auction block this week!
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