Adventures-In-Mommy-Land: June 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

My 9th Week on Nutrisystem

I just finished up my 9th week on Nutrisystem....I didn't lose anything this week, but I didn't gain anything either. So, while I'm not thrilled with staying the same weight, I am happy that I didn't gain anything. I think the problem was the fact that I didn't exercise. This heat is wicked and it's way to hot for me to walk outside, especially with my asthma. Every time I stepped outside I felt like the wind was knocked out of me, so I just didn't, unless I had to go somewhere. I did however hang clothes up outside, so while I didn't "exercise" I did stay somewhat active by lugging baskets of heavy, wet clothes in and out and up and down stairs.

With this heat wave, I'm totally loving Nutrisystem's pizza dinners for those nights when I don't feel like cooking. And when the kids are eating pb&j sandwiches for lunch, I can enjoy eating a tuna or chicken salad sandwich...so yummy!

I've been asked how I plan to "maintain" the weight loss when I'm done with the program. To be honest, I don't know and I'm a bit scared...but I'm not really worried about it just yet. The good thing about this program is that I'm learning healthy eating habits. When I'm hungry now, I don't just reach for a bag of chips and a candy bar. I drink some water and eat a healthy snack, like a piece of string cheese or a hard boiled egg.

I'm also learning that I have some amazing willpower skills, that I never knew existed before and that's an awesome thing. My family doesn't have to go without special treats because I can't control myself anymore...because I now know that I can make cookies and cupcakes and not be tempted to eat them. I can set a bowl of chips out with hotdogs for lunch and not dig into the bowl.

I'm actually kind of proud of myself. I've never gone this long without cheating and eating crappy foods. I've never gone this long recording everything I eat. I'm not thinking of this as a quick fix way to lose weight. I'm thinking long term and soaking up all the knowledge that I can about food and exercise.

I really enjoy being able to play with my kids and not feel out of breath or need a break. And I'm happy. I feel good about myself again. It's awesome having so many people believing in you and cheering you on....and that's what you get with Nutrisystem...a whole group of people cheering you on every step of the way. The support system they provide is amazing.

4/27/12 - 180 (starting weight)

5/04/12 - 175 (week one)

5/11/12 - 174 (week two)

5/18/12 - 172 (week three)

5/25/12 - 170 (week four)

6/01/12 - 169 (week five)

6/08/12 - 169 (week six)

6/15/12 - 168 (week seven)

6/22/12 - 166 (week eight)

6/29/12 - 166 (week nine)

Do you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*Disclosure ~ I am receiving access to the website and food in exchange for reviewing the diet plan. All opinions herein are my own and not influenced by Nutrisystem.

Long Live the Summer...

I have resorted to using styrofoam cups...I know they are bad for the environment, but you try washing 50 cups a day.

Waiting for his brother's game to be over, so his game can start

The boys found some tadpoles this spring and watched them grow

FROGS....every kid's dream

Now, the boys have fish and frogs in their room...they are happy as can be.

Learning how to make eggs

Breakfast made by Nathan.

PB&J Cupcakes

yellow cake with jelly filling and peanut butter frosting

Ingredients:

yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to make it)

2 cups of jelly (I used 1 cup strawberry and 1 cup grape)

3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup of butter

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350* Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions.

Bake the cupcakes for 20 mins.

Place jelly in a pastry bag fitted with a number 230 tip. Insert tip into the tops of the cupcakes and squeeze the bag of jelly to fill centers of cupcakes. I made 12 with strawberry jelly and 12 with grape jelly.

For the frosting...Beat peanut butter and butter in a bowl with mixer at medium speed for about 2 mins or til smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and milk and beat til fluffy and creamy.

Spread or pipe the frosting on the cupcakes.

fun summery treat for kids!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Hey Mom, Look What I Did (#37)

Welcome to the 37th edition of Hey Mom, Look What I Did!!!

Here's a look at some of my faves this week...

Shaving Cream Fun

(let the fun begin.....looks like loads of slippery, sloppy fun and the clean up is even better)

Water Exploration

(Tons of ideas for water play listed here)

Parasol Party Lights

(So pretty)

Dinsosaurs Love Underpants

(Cute book and cute idea)

Nathan made this super cute butterfly this week.

Now, it's your turn to show us what you've been working on and

I can't wait to see what you all have been doing this week!!

Please share your craft projects, baking activities and other fun kid friendly adventures. Grab the link button and put it on your blog, if you like, so that others can find us and share in the fun too.

There are no requirements, but I would love if you would follow this blog via GFC and linky tools. I also would like to invite you to come hang out with me on facebook and twitter.

Thanks for joining us....Hope to see you again soon!!

Friday, June 22, 2012

It's been two months....

.....since I started my weight loss journey with Nutrisystem.

Did you know that this year is the 40th anniversary of Nutrisystem?

When I was given this opportunity, I thought it was pretty ironic that I just turned 40 and they were celebrating their 40th anniversary.

My goal is to lose 60 pounds.

Originally I thought I should lose 40 pounds, only because I've done it before ---- it was hard as heck, but I went from 205 pounds to 165 pounds, then got pregnant with Nathan and gained it back. Since then, I managed to get down to 180 on my own and I've yo yoed between 180 and 165 ever since.

Since turning 40, I'm realizing that my metabolism is slowing down and it is even harder than before to lose weight....which is why I'm soooo grateful to Nutrisystem for giving me this opportunity. The support I get from family and friends and the people at Nutrisystem has been amazing. They remind me every single day that I CAN do this.

(Me, last summer at 180 pounds - those capris have been added to the "too big to wear" pile)

(Me - yesterday at 166 pounds)

It's only 14 pounds, but I can see (and feel) a difference, Can you?

Yes, in 2 months I have lost a total of 14 pounds....and still losing. I also lost 10.5 inches around my arms, chest, thighs, waist and hips.

I am learning so many things. Tips about boosting my metabolism, ways to flavor foods (in the past my favorite way to flavor a food was adding a ton of butter to it....sickening thought now. I added butter to vegetables like corn and green beans and peas....what's worse is I was adding it to not just my food, but my family's food). Now, I realize vegetables taste so much better all on their own. Another bad habit was sprinkling sugar on fruit....like fruit isn't sweet enough all on it's own.

See, so many bad habits that I was passing on to my kids.

I could beat myself up all day on passing these habits on to my kids, or I can just start changing them little by little - what's funny is they (and I) don't even notice the difference anymore. Food is so much better in it's natural form.

Another thing I love about this program is learning about carbs (the difference between good and bad carbs), Good "power fuels" and how combining certain foods can boost your metabolism and establish healthy eating habits....I'll explain more about smart carbs and power fuels in future blogs.

For fun....watch my video.