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1/19/2008 Our First Night Out To Eat...OK, so we have not gone out to eat since the first of the year until...tonight. Michael was starting to get just a little bored of some things we had stocked in the cubbards so, we made the decision to embark on something new, outside our bubble called our controlled environment...THE KITCHEN!
Before leaving our doorstep, we sat together in front of the computer screen searching for nutritional information for different restaraunts in our area, but first we had to agree on the place, which took a little time in and of itself. After that decision was made, we determined how many calories we had remaining for the day. We had to go to several websites to find our meal and calculated that both of us were able to eat out.
Flash forward to the dining table. As we sit and our dinner was served. We were hoping our calculations were correct.
Flash forward to paying the bill, walking to our car, getting in and discussing what we had partaken of.
Geesh, I feel too full, I hope we didn't go over our calories for the day. I'm nervous and anxious - scared really! Somehow, I feel like I've really blown it. Am I Crazy? This is pretty typical of me whenever I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE WHAT WAS IN WHAT I JUST ATE! I don't like feeling this way, so I've got to just take a deep breath and calm down. I'm making life changes- this is not a diet that I will fail...again. Skinny people go out for dinner right? I don't see them worrying about every bite they put in their mouths. Should I just relax? Probably so!!! I pray the scale does not go up because of tonight. I don't think I want to go out again for A LONG TIME, Unless I know for sure how many calories are in the food. A Motivational SmileThe Two Pots By Author Unknown A Water Bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect
and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years, this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, for which it was made.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection,
and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure,
it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself,
because this crack in my side causes my water to leak out all the way back to your house."
The bearer said to the pot,
"Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, we would not have such beauty."
Each of us has our own unique flaw.
But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
1/17/2008 This is so much fun!Well, in case you haven't noticed - I'm having lots of fun today finding all the cool gadgets to put in my posts. I've read about how when you are getting rid of one addiction (mine being food) you can transfer the addiction to something else...well, perhaps I need to re-evaluate my computer time! I don't want to become a slave to the computer. Well, I'm having fun today - mabye tomorrow I'll consider it and actually limit my online time, right now I'm home alone, who is going to see me - of course, the laundry is piled up on my couch waiting to be folded - I wonder when I'll get to that today.
Sweet & Tangy Smoked Turkey SandwichWe wanted to share another yum dish we are now enjoying ...
 Sweet & Tangy Smoked Turkey Sandwich
TOTAL: 225 CALORIES
1/16/2008 Reflections17 short days ago I was headed down a path that would lead to premature death! Obesity, I'm learning, will KILL you!!! I've realized that for the past 10 years I said "One of these days I'm going to get healthy" really mean't none of these days! Next month I turn 30 years old! This year I've been married 10 years and I have two children. Thinking about dying young is not something any of us likes to think about but the truth is ... We NEED to be honest with ourselves! You may be on the right track...but you'll get run over if you just sit still. I'm talking to myself here. I've got to remind myself not to give up, because if I don't remind myself these things who will? I love my husband, and I'm glad we are partners together in this challenge, but frankly we've enabled eachother to get to where we are today. WHY!!!??? Were we being polite; trying not to hurt one anothers feelings? I sit in tears with shame for allowing my children to see me self destruct this way. I'm not just a little overweight - I'm Obese! I've allowed my children to eat unhealthy because it was the easy thing to do. All those nights I was too tired to cook a healthy meal! All those excuses that eating healthy was too expensive. My son is overweight by 6 lbs. I know not much, but too much to me because I am responsible. Life has all kinds of twists and turns as all of us learn. I mustn't Quit! If my mind can conceive it and my heart believe it, I know I can achieve it! Though the pace is slow I must stick to the fight! I'm climbing this mountain and can't wait to see the view! Trying times are times for trying! Did is a word of achievement, Won't is a word of retreat, Might is a word of bereavement, Can't is a word of defeat, Ought is a word of duty, Try is a word each hour, Will is a word of beauty, Can is a word of power. You!You are the person who has to decide
whether you'll do it,
or toss it aside.
You are the person
who makes up
your mind
whether you'll lead
or linger behind.
Whether you'll try
for a goal that is far
or be contented to stay
where you are.
Take it or leave it,
there's something to do
just think it over
It's up to YOU! 1/15/2008 What Direction Are You Moving?I find the greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand
as in what direction we are moving. -Oliver Wendell Holmes
Wow, I'm down 10 pounds total. That's Right!!!! I couldn't stop myself from getting on the scale this morning even though yesterday was my weigh in day for week 2 but I was so glad I did! Did I say I'm down 10 POUNDS TOTAL?!?!WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! To think yesterday, when I first weighed I was dissapointed with a 2.4 lb. loss. Of course, I talked myself out of the bad thinking habit. It just goes to show me that those 2 lb losses will add up.
JUMPING FOR JOY IS GREAT EXERCISE!
 1/14/2008 {Note To Myself}I'm below 200 lbs. This is a GREAT THING!!! I Lost 2.4 lbs this week... CHEER UP!!!
I should not be dissapointed with that loss, so why am I? I'm thinking about cutting calories again...WHY? Because I "think" that will ensure I will lose more weight a week? I already know what that leads to.... WEIGHT GAIN NOT LOSS!!!! It's going to take me time to get to where I want to be. Stay Focused! Don't backslide! I lost 2.4 LBS THIS WEEK!!! I'm BELOW 200 lbs. As long as I keep moving forward and doing what I'm doing I will never see the number 200+ on the scale again. It will only go down from here. DO NOT STARVE MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Losing at least 2 lbs. a week will get me to my goal in 44 weeks, November 17th!
To my challenge friends,
I've always had a tendency to want to lose MORE a week, so I would NOT EAT or eat very little and end up heavier and heavier, so please, if you struggle with this as well, remind yourself how well you ARE doing and don't allow yourself to go back! I'm really struggling right now. The thoughts and whispers are in my head - "Don't eat anything today" or "Only eat 500 calories". I know what that kind of thinking leads to... Strongholds in my life! A life of Obesity! My heart just cries out to the Lord right now because I've got to change my thinking this minute. Sometimes I feel like knowone understands this battle I have to face everyday. I have to ask myself... Is this normal? Is the root cause of my obesity an eating disorder?
I've done so well for the past two weeks, I WILL press forward! I know the Lord is with me and He will give me the strength to fight these demons in my head! I will get to my goal weight in 2008 AND KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF!! I will overcome!
WEEK 3 HERE I COME! -Cassandra At Least One Gym is OpenI actually don't hate working out (do still hate blogging though). I'm not totally enamored with my gyms hours however. With my work schedule it has been difficult to find the time to get to the gym during open hours. So, what to do...what to do? {Sigh} Saturday I had the time so I drove the 8 miles to my gym only to find that the hours for Saturday had changed...AGAIN. They were closed. Now apparently anger and frustration can act as motivators for me because now it's Sunday and I have provided myself with my own gym, which I am proud of. My father is a bit of a pack rat (thank goodness) and just happened to have a weight bench/bar and dumbells that he said I can have. My wife and I also purchased an eliptical machine last year which is now being used. SOOOOooooo, Michael's Gym is now open for business! Membership still available, but only for a limited time.  1/12/2008 Work Outs!... Well, Walking the dogs is great exercise and I'm still enjoying that time with them daily but I've decided to start doing something more! I purchased The Biggest Loser Workout Power Sculpt this evening. This workout is 50 minutes in length. I will do the first workout in the morning and a little nervous about it. I'm out of breath just walking up a flight of stairs, so it's going to be tough. I wish I had Bob and Jillian here to work with me. My hubby is looking at purchasing a home gym, but haven't made the plunge yet.
In one of my earlier posts I mentioned that I found out my 8 year old son was overweight. I'm happy to say, just by monitoring more what we eat for dinner and snacks, he has lost 1.4 lbs bringing him to 70.4 lbs. His healthy weight range is 51 lbs. - 64 lbs. (I'd like to see him lose another 6 lbs). Please don't get me wrong, I've not put my 8 year old on any "diet", he still eats normally at school - I've just made sure to buy healthier snacks and serve healthier suppers. I've also been more aware of his activity level. We walk together as a family with the dogs. I just want to ensure my son is healthy and happy. I don't want my children to face childhood obesity. 1/11/2008 Speak to the Mountain!10 Days down and going strong! In a few minutes I'm going to go on a 2 mile walk with the pups.
Todays's Verse:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith.
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there'
and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Matthew 17:20 1/9/2008 Southwestern Roast Beef WrapHungry? We are going to post Low Cal Meal Ideas... What are your favorite dishes?
Michael & I had a wonderful lunch together today. It was absolutely dilish!
Southwestern Roast Beef Wrap
- 1 Mission 96% Fat Free Soft Taco size flour tortilla = 130 cal. - 1 Tbsp Tostitos Creamy Southwestern Ranch Dip = 30 cal. - Lettuce = 0 cal. - 3 slices Deli Thin Roast Beef = 36 cal. Wrap TOTAL = 196 calories
Side
- 13 Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips = 140 cal.
-2 Tbsp. Salsa = 10 cal.
Side TOTAL = 150 calories
MEAL TOTAL = 346 CALORIES 1/8/2008 Week 1 Down!I'm losing my weight in '2008!!!!
God: Thankyou for listening to millions of my prayers over the past 10+ years about my weight issues, pleading with You to help me! I felt so hopeless, but had hope in You. You never cease to amaze me. I know you are working in my life and will continue to give me the strength to keep moving forward; to keep standing back up when I stumble in every area of my life. Thankyou for forgiving me when I sin. I Love You
Michael: Thankyou for always loving me unconditionally no matter if I were a size 4 or 16. Thankyou for forgiving me when I'm not a perfect wife. I thank God for you. I Love You
Kaleb & Katelyn: Thankyou for making me want to be a better person. Thankyou for loving me unconditionally and forgiving me when I'm not a perfect mom. Thankyou for always knowing what to say to encourage me. I can't and won't imagine my life without either one of you. I thank God for you! I Love You
Jake & Sadie: I would not get out there and walk everyday if it weren't for the both of you. You both were a God send. I Love You
All Family & Friends: For always listening to my complaining about my weight, for not judging me, for loving me, praying for me and caring. I Love You
Last, But NOT least, The Biggest Loser: You are such an inspiration to my family and millions of other families!!!!! I'm so excited about season 5 and this million pound match-up. So many lives will change. I am your biggest fan. I Love You
now, with all that said, I'd like to reflect on the past week. I do have to say I am surprised I lost so much weight. I always thought that I had to do the carb diet (20g a day) in order for me to lose weight. I ACTUALLY LOST WEIGHT BY WATCHING MY CALORIE INTAKE!!! WOW!!!! I know that might sound funny to some of you, but for me...it means FREEDOM!!!! I'm actually enjoying the food I eat and I don't feel deprived one bit. I don't even feel like I'm on a "DIET".
I've gone on upteen diets over the past 10 years and have failed. I always ended up heavier after the diet then when I started. Talk about depressing. Something is different in me - I feel it - I know it. I can't explain it, but I just know that ...
I'm going to lose all my excess weight in '2008!!!
Week 2 begins!
1/6/2008 Truth and ConsequencesFirst of all, I hate typing. So, by extension I don't exactly like blogging. Unfortunately I told the truth to my wife so now I'm blogging as a consequence. The truth was that I ate 2 Grilled Stuffed Burritos Friday evening. As I said in the video above I LOVE TACO BELL. I can give up regular Coke. Coke Zero does taste remarkably like the real thing. I can even get 0 calorie Sweet Tea. Can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find low calorie Taco Bell...PLLLLEEEEAAASSSSSSEEEE!!!!! -Michael Note to Hubby & OthersDear Hubby,
I don't think it's a great idea to eat all of your daily calories in ONE MEAL!!! Something just tells me there is something seriously wrong with that. I'm glad you enjoyed your heaping plate of chili cheese pie, but I don't think Bob, Jillian, or Kim would approve, Do you? You never know, one day they might come knocking on OUR door - anything is possible right! We ARE participating in The Biggest Loser Million Pound Match-Up. With that thought, Note to Myself - Clean the House!!!
Dear Biggest Loser Challenge Friends,
Don't follow my husband's example this time.
 I hope everyone had a great successful week! I can't wait to watch The Biggest Loser Couples Tuesday night. It's funny because I've been a fan EVERY SEASON. I watched every episode I could (missed a few because of other obligations scheduled at that time and wasn't able to record the episodes) and some nights felt guilty and even down right depressed because I'd stumbled and didn't make my goals. Now I'm anticipating and looking forward to watching because I'm doing well. Wish I were there with Bob, Jillian or Kim (Love Them ALL, it wouldn't matter to me which team I would get on, just as long as I were there). OK, OK I've snapped out of dream world and back to reality. The reality of my husband napping(surprise), children playing outside, dogs panting because we were just outside getting excercise and the cat prancing in and out of the house - oh and don't let me forget... me typing away at the computer. I just love blogging don't you? 1/5/2008 While the world sleeps...Here I sit in front of the computer screen. I'm very excited at how well I've done this week thus far. Pretty amazed actually. Tonight...well, I guess last night being it's 2:00 a.m. I had a perfect opportunity to grab the kids and head to a fast food restaurant for supper, instead we went to the grocery store to pick up more healthy options. (I spent more money then intended) but felt good about the choice I made I didn't let it bother me for long. My husband on the other hand, made a booboo and I'll let him tell you about it. I told him that was his consequence - he'd have to tell the world and blog about his supper decision. Look for that to come tomorrow. I can not believe it is already the 5th of January. Just think, we will be to our goals before we know it! WAHOO!!!! Can I get an Amen. I must try to get some sleep now.
 1/3/2008 Thursday, January 3, 2008 ReviewMichael and I did very well today. I was so proud of Michael because he called me to let me know on his way to work this afternoon he stopped at the store to buy a snack for his work break later in the evening and he bought Weight Watcher fudge cakes. That is a big, huge, major achievement for him. He usually buys the Little Debbie high calorie, high sugar snack cakes. He called me a little while ago to tell me he even enjoyed one.
I've lost another pound and feel great.
 I ate 1,200 calories. We have an 8 year old son whom has been concerned about his weight from the influence of kids at school and probably watching me struggle for ...well, since he's been born. I checked his BMI today and it is 20.3. His weight is 72 lbs. and his healthy weight range is
51 lbs - 64 lbs. My daughter on the other hand a very petite 6 year old, with a BMI of 14 weighing 35 lbs is border line underweight. I'm educating my children now because it would absolutely devastate me if they followed in my footsteps. About UsHello and Welcome to our space.
We have decided to join the Biggest Loser Million Pound Matchup challenge because we know how important our health is and how important it is to be better role models for our children. No doubt we've stumbled many times together, but the most imporant thing we can show our children and others is the ability - the desire - the choice to STAND again! As I've heard - Stand and take one step at a time, one day at a time... Days turns into weeks; weeks turn into months; months turn into years. We've started our first weary steps, and choose to Stand in Victory. One thing I remind myself is "When I choose the behavior, I choose the consequences" (Dr. Phil quote).
We choose to change our way of thinking, our bad eating habits and poor physical activity level- therefore hoping to reap consequences of health, vitality, endurance, and freedom.
We plan to succeed by monitoring what we put into our bodies. We are making better food choices, sticking to the number of calories per day that will allow us to suceed at reaching our weight loss goals by November 1st (we hope).
We plan to work out for an hour to an hour and a half most days of the week with cardio and strength training.
Another goal we have this year is to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary with all our family and friends with a vow renewal ceremony and reception. We also desire to take our children on the family vacation we've never been able to do...yet. We are trusting the Lord to provide for the ability to do those things and trust the Lord to help us in our journey to lose a combined weight of 140 lbs.
Our team should win because we are going to put in the hard work necessary to forever change our lives and the lives of our children. We are not taking this challenge lightly. This is our chance to shine!
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