Trying yet again to get back on the Wagon!

I really don't have a good excuse as to why I have not been exercising like I should. Two weeks ago I did 3 workouts during the week and I had to limit my weekend runs to Saturday only. Lately I've just been drained and very busy I don't know if I'm coming or going half the time and when I finally get a moment to myself like right now, it's LATE! and I'm ready for BED! Additionally, going to Myrtle Beach last weekend was fun but it caused me to do a little backsliding again. I'm not having a pity party. I will get back on my grind I just want you guys to know that it's okay we can all still get back on the wagon! and that these things happen all of the time and if you have a good support system (like you guys) you can dust yourself off and not beat yourself up too much. Now I know that so far this week my routine has been shot but tomorrow is another day and hopefully I will find time to get my workout in. E-I will do my best to meet you on Saturday @ Stn. Mtn. could we go @ 7:00 I wake up @ 5:00 every day I just want a little more sleep on Sat. Get your head out of the sand ladies and dust yourselves off and GET BACK ON THE WAGON!!!!! - I know I sound like a self help book.....LOL :-)

Dinner & Dessert Recipes to Try!

I also wanted to post a few healthy recipes for you all to try. Let me know what you thinks...

Chicken & Asparagus Pasta

A quick and easy pasta dish.

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups whole wheat extra wide pasta
12 spears asparagus
1/2 chicken breast, bone and skin removed
1-1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, pieces or slices
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 medium tomato
Pinch of pepper, red or cayenne

DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and place in skillet with olive oil. Cook until partially done. Add asparagus and mushrooms, continue cooking until chicken is done. Add chicken broth and cover pan, cook until asparagus is crisp tender. Add pasta, red pepper flakes (to taste), and feta cheese. Remove from heat. Serve with fresh diced tomatoes to garnish. Enjoy!

Number of Servings: 4

911 chocolate emergency cookies

These cookies taste like the corner of the brownie pan, but in controlled portions!

INGREDIENTS:
6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
6 oz bittersweet chocolate (can use dark chocolate), broke into large pieces
1 stick unsalted butter, softened and divided
1 1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt chocolates and 1/2 stick butter (in microwave). Cool briefly.
2. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat 1/2 stick butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until the consistancy of wet sand.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix.
5. Mix in chocolate mixture, beating only until combined.
6. Stir in flour mixture, only until combined.
7. Chill for 1 hour.
8. Dip out with an ice cream scoop (or use a 4 teaspoon cookie dipper) onto a greased cookie sheet.
9. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Do not over bake.
10. Cool 2 minutes on pan before moving to cooling racks.

Number of Servings: 48

...I'm Back!

Hello Ladies!

It's been awhile since I've posted but I'm back!! Ok, so we haven't been weighing in at work because the girl who was our weight keeper had her baby and I guess we don't trust anyone else, lol, so I haven't weighed in-in a few weeks. However, I did workout last week. I went to the gym and did the machines to work on my back...that was last Wednesday/Thursday and I'm still a little sore today. I walked 5 miles at Stone Mountain Saturday and felt GREAT afterwards! I plan to start doing that on a regular base starting August 1st. I want to walk at least once a week (Saturday mornings) since I don't live that close to the park. If anyone in the area is interested I plan to start at 6:30am!!

I will admit that I am not my best motivator when it comes to working out and since I no longer have a workout buddy I've been slacking a lot lately. BUT, after reading the blogs that I've missed out on I actually was motivated thanks to you Ladies! I was going to cancel my solo workout tonight and go home, eat something, and get in the bed (Monday's are draining to me) but I am going to go workout. I'm going to walk at the park and then go to the gym and work on my back again. That's one of my MAIN problem areas and I want to get that take care of ASAP (w/o lypo!!). LOL! Thank goodness I brought my clothes and they're in the car because if I had to go home to change I probably wouldn't leave until the morning.

You all (Nic, Mel, ATM, & T) are doing GREAT and I'm so proud of you! Thanks for motivating me to get back out there today!

And T, I've stopped with the morning Starbucks runs! Saving money and added calories! I've even given up the Little Debbie's...he, he, he!

Slow Start This Week.

Surprisingly during our long weekend I did find time to squeeze in a couple of workouts. On Friday I climbed Stone Mountain and walk/run for a total of 5.55 miles that's the farthest distance I've done so far! Saturday I jogged around the park and I can see some improvement in my running which is great. The only downside is I haven't really done anything since Saturday and I've had a piece of apple pie everyday since Saturday. I hope this is because I'm expecting my cycle soon, because I really don't want to fall off the wagon again. I will say that I have done much better during this holiday because I really didn't pig out as much. I definitely had lot of veggies too. This morning I just didn't feel like working out and after leaving work late today and having to go to the Farmer's Market and come home and cook dinner and get Evan in the bed I'm really just now getting a moment to myself . I did try to squeeze in a few push-ups and leg lifts to not be a complete quitter. Tomorrow is another day let's hope I get on track! Good Luck to you all because you all are doing great! Keep up the good work.

Last Week’s Report & My Forecast for This Week

So I’m way behind on reporting my progress! Last Monday-Wednesday I kicked butt again with my P90X. I was so excited that two weeks in a row, I had the motivation to workout with or without Mark. Now of course Mark is still working out…he’s just been getting his cardio in playing basketball and coming home some nights to do P90X. I just can’t wait on him anymore because while he’s playing ball right after work, I lose my motivation as I said in a previous post. Now I will admit with the holiday this weekend, I didn’t exactly do P90X, but think I still got a little cardio in. We spent the entire weekend at the lake and pool and when I’d get home I would be exhausted. I made sure I just didn’t lounge in the pool the whole time but made sure I did some swimming too! You don’t realize all the muscles you’re working out underwater until you get out and rest! So I’m still going to give myself kudos for getting some type of activity in 6/7 days this week!

Now for the week ahead: Since we enjoyed our 3 day weekend to the fullest, meaning no housecleaning…I’ll be cleaning house, folding laundry, and getting packed up before my trip on Wednesday. I could get up early to work out but I’m already going into work a little earlier so you know what that means. Hopefully I’ll have some time late in the night to spare and try to get some cardio in. But you ladies know how it goes right before a trip. So many errands to run with so little time. :( I do think Evette & I will get a little cardio in towards the end of the week though, running around and touring venues all day Thursday & Friday, jumping up and down and dancing a TON at the NKOTB concert Friday (okay maybe I’ll be solo on that one), and walking around the 250 vendor Bridal Show on Saturday!

I am happy to report that I have lost 10 pounds since I’ve been in Florida (3 months). I don't think its noticeable (I didn't realize it) but was pleasantly surprised when I weighed in at the Doctor’s office a week ago. I feel myself getting stronger again with the help of P90X. It’s been awhile since I posted a pic so I guess I should do that soon. It won’t be every week, maybe every other or so. For me it wasn’t so much losing the weight, but getting toned like I was 2 years ago. Next week when I return with no other long breaks (or vacations) in sight until September, I’m going kick my routine into high gear!

All of you are doing AWESOME! I’m so happy about your individual progress and you ladies are also my motivation! Keep it up!

Mel