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From time to time I go through these stages where I crave the craziest things. Often times it may be something simple, such as a taco or a bowl of cereal, that I can quickly whip up for myself. But, sometimes it is crazy things -- things I might only have once a year, say at Thanksgiving and boy is that ever so true today ... I want Pumpkin Pie ... where that craving came from, I do not know ... but it is something that I often find myself thinking about. Of course you walk through the grocery store and you are tempted with all sorts of tasty bakery goodies around every corner, but that voice in your head knows that you shouldn't indulge in those -- so you are left thinking how can I make a sweet treat and not blow out everything I am trying to do for myself? The answer is below, especially if like me you are wanting some Pumpkin Pie some 8 months earlier than normal...

Well here it is Monday March 8^th – the 7^th week of the 2010 Trim to Win Contest. We’ve got just another 5 weeks ahead of us before the weigh out is scheduled to happen. Where will I be then? Who knows, all I know now is where I am now … and I am indeed proud!

In our household DDD usually means that you are watching Diners, Drive ins, and Dives on the Food Network. We are addicted to the Food Network. Why I do not know and how it happened I do not know either; however today DDD stands for something totally different in my mind .....

Yesterday I did not make it to the gym. When I got out of bed, I was a hurting unit. Those 15 laps on the stairs on top of the cardio on the elliptical literally killed my calves and yesterday morning it was all I could do to get myself up and going for the day without literally sinking back into the couch. The toll of the day before with a really bad headache and the stair workout resulted in my needing to take a day away from the gym. Jeremiah was not too happy with my decision, but the fact of the matter was I simply felt as though I couldn’t do that and risk that I could possibly cause myself injury, which could take me out for an extended period of time, if not permanently. I do not want to do that, as I have come quite a ways in this endeavor, so one day off I allowed myself and in hindsight today, I think it really was the best option. Today I feel much better – the calves still ache some, but some ache is good – going back to the old adage of NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

WOW!!

It’s 6 pm and I am finally home for the night. Wow, what a day… As I signed off from my blog this morning, I left home at 615 am and headed for the gym. Working out has become something I really enjoy, almost every morning. In fact I really miss it on the days I can’t get over there or on the one day I must wait for after work, so that I can meet with the personal trainer. As I said earlier today was set to be a very busy workday and boy did I ever understate that fact. Talk about a lot to get done and nearly not enough time to achieve it all. I was at work by about 730 or 740 and immediately set to work preparing paperwork and such for the many meetings ahead of me. Before I knew it, it was time to get back to Palmer for my first visit. That went well, back to the office, and another meeting down, then a short break before it was off to complete another2 visits in the community Mission accomplished, and back to the office for one final meeting By the time it was all said and done, it was a 10 hour work day. This is normal for many people but not for me, still I was feeling great. I attribute that to the fact that I start the day off with my workouts, as I have felt better in general since I committed myself to this new lifestyle.

Even before I started the Trim To Win challenge, I hit Subway to grab a sandwich on a somewhat regular basis. But since, I’ve found myself stopping by Subway much more.

I met the personal trainer, Krista, this morning for my usual Wednesday appointment. The first thing Krista did was tell me where the garbage cans were in case I had to puke.

Sunday. Valentines Day.

When it comes to getting in your exercise, some days are harder than others.

Two weeks down.

Well, I had my first session with the personal trainer today, and I’m happy to report that I survived.

If I can, I’ll avoid seeing a doctor as long as I possibly can.

J

Vicki

 Pretty soon icy conditions will make any real outdoor power walking difficult especially with a leash or three in your hands. The school tracks don’t permit dogs, sidewalks are often to icy or covered with “icemelt” that is not good for dogs and there are too many distractions and intersections. 

I was more than a little disappointed when i sat down and logged in to read the blogs by Trim to Win contestants and found out there were none! Amber and Jeremiah are doing a great job of blogging but where's all the chatter from community members about our journey to greater fitness and health?!!! I'm thinking a little healthy competition is a good thing and words of encouragement are a great thing! No matter who ends up winning the 'pot o' gold' in April...we'll all be winners if we work hard and don't falter. Losing the excess weight that has plagued me for years will be such a victory and whether i make it to the ultimate goal or just make determined strides in that direction by April...i'll be thrilled! I'd be lying to say that the prize money doesn't motivate me some. It is true. I'm thinking that I could find more than a few ways to spend it! But the ultimate prize is reaching ones goals...reaching for the stars...and finding that your life has been transformed. Every time i go to the gym now, I am aware of others...the sweat and determination that shows on their faces..and wonder if they are in the Trim to Win contest too! Which motivates me to push a little harder, work a little more, strive to stay the course. Let's do this.

Vicki

Last time, 2 years ago,  it helped to keep focused by posting here. One week and 5lbs. down. That’s good but those were the easiest 5 lbs. With work demands it’s hard to take that time to exercise and sometimes the gym or track is the only place to get into some real exercise. At least I can actually jog now which I could not 2 years ago.  I know I just have to focus, commit to a time to exercise, stick with it and remember, Facebook time is not exercising. One thing I’m trying this time is more intense work outs. When I walk the dogs or go to the Menard sports complex I run up the hill as hard as I can and can’t run another step. It elevates my heart faster,gets the workout done sooner and makes it more interesting so I don’t listen to music or read but focus on what my body is doing and pushing through when I want to quit.  I had my first food challenge. A friend brought by homemade chocolate chip cookies as a thank you. Usually I can turn them down but they kept calling me. I ate one, then the broken parts because they don’t count. The cookies went off to work in the significant other’s lunch. Now for a fruit and yogurt smoothie.  

Well, here we are launched into another Trim to Win challenge. I logged in here on the Frontiersman site, looking forward to reading some blogs of other contestants, but there was nothing to read. So i'm going to get this started...if we all work towards our goals and reach them or get closer to them...we are all winners and it would be great to encourage each other in our quest. And find some healthy competition out there!

Friday night is Pizza night at our house, the kids want it and expect it now.  I make pizza from scatch all the time, or if I am lazy, buy a cheap frozen pizza and add to it.  But what will Mom eat?????

If you are missing toasted cheese sandwiches or garlic toast, try this.  It's so easy.

I discovered wide flat lasagna noodles that you do not have to boil before you assemble the dish and bake it.   You put the noodles directly into  the pan as directed in the recipe on the back of the box and it really works.  I changed the recipe as follows.  I don't use more than one or two layers of noodles.  For meat I shred up a soy burger.  I add mushrooms.  I use liquid egg and fat free ricotta cheese and fat free mozzarella cheese.  Fat free ricotta is hard to find so I substitute fat free cottage cheese instead.  I've also use fat free cream cheese in a pinch and that works ok too.  I blend the substitute cheeses  to get rid of the lumps but that is not really too necessary.  I hope this helps.

For those moments of craving Mexican food!

Weighty in Willow