Even My Dogs Practice Portion Control

This is one of those days where I want to eat...everything.  I'm afraid it's PMS rearing it's ugly head.  At least I hope so.  If not, I'm just in a hungry piggy with no excuse.  Speaking of PMS, I suppose that's an excuse too.  But is it an excuse if there's an actual hormonal connection?  Not sure.  I woke up this morning with a dull headache and I'm feeling like a bottomless pit.  I've already consumed 827 calories today.  Yikes!!

Breakfast: Mini cinnamon sugar bagel with morning star farm veggie sausage patty: 210 cal
Snack #1: Latte with one pump white mocha non-fat/no-whip-145 cal
Snack #2: Few pretzel thins with hummus-100 cal
Lunch: Bangkok Curry Noodle Bowl w/Shrimp (Size Sm) from Noodles & Co-340 cal
Snack #3: 2 vanilla wafers & a sugar-free Werther's candy: 32 cal

I better have salad for dinner to hit my daily goal.  Plus, last night was Bunco and I really screwed the pooch on calories yesterday.  Speaking of pooch I thought I'd share the story of my dogs and their undeniable success with dieting.  I like to think of them as my role models.  We have two Brussels Griffins, Mildred (blond) and Gertrude (black).

My dogs started gaining weight a couple years ago when Ryder thought it was a fun game to drop about half his breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the floor for the dogs to fight over.  Being that they're... well...dogs, they didn't care how gross and mangled these nuggets of food hitting the floor.  They'd fight over them and devour every crumb.  Ry thought this was hilarious and he'd repeat the game over and over.  I felt sorry for the dogs...eating the same monotonous meal at every sitting, I allowed them to enjoy the discarded food.  Deep down, I knew it was happening; my dogs were getting fat.  It started slow...then one day Milly's snoring got worse, they were heavier to lift, and had very little energy.  I avoided taking them to the vet because at the previous check up I had been warned they were feeling soft around the ribs.  After completely ignoring my vet and letting the problem get out of control, I knew I was in for a lecture.  Sure enough...I got the wrath from my vet.  I'm a terrible dog mother, they're obese, free feeding is almost enough to have them removed from my care, etc, etc.  I was humiliated and felt so guilty...I'd become that person I'd always loathed.  The person so preoccupied with my human child that I'd totally neglected the fur babies.  Milly and Gerty each needed to lose a minimum of 3-5 lbs.  I was instructed to drastically cut their food intake.  Being that I wasn't monitoring it at all, I didn't know where to start.  Taking advice from my vet, we decided to give them each them each 1/3 cup dry food twice per day.

If looks could kill my dogs would've murdered me.  They'd sit by their food bowls with their heads cocked to the side..."Bitch please?  I can eat that in like three bites."  And they did...and I felt terrible.  Dieting is so hard and I had no way to comfort them.  All I could do was disappoint them twice a day with their measly 1/3 cup and try to keep Ryder from dropping other treats.  "Sorry girls...mommy is just trying to make you skinny bitches.  It's good for you, I promise."  Low and behold, in a few weeks you could tell they were getting lighter.  Within 6 months the progress was amazing...the incredible shirking dogs!!  Gerty once escaped from the backyard (probably in hopes of finding a new home where they don't starve pets) only to be plucked by my neighbor and returned.  My neighbor didn't recognize her and had to check her tag to know she was our dog.  Wow!  I had no idea it was that noticeable.  I started to feel jealous.  I wish someone would portion out my meals and serve them to me in silver bowls.  Not a terrible deal after all.  My dogs reached their weight loss goals, I got back in good graces with our vet and it was a win win for everyone.  The girls seemed to adjust to their tiny portions, look healthy, and have more energy to play.  Even though their diet wasn't elective, I still see them as an inspiration that cutting calories is a method that really does work.  Tonight when I'm wanting dessert and a few glasses of wine, I shall look to my dogs for motivation.  Here's to being a skinny bitch!!   

Food & Fitness Journal

Breakfast: Jimmy Dean DeLite-Egg white english muffin with cheese--200 cal

Snack: Latte w/one pump white mocha non-fat & no whip--145 cal

Snack: Rice Crackers & Wasabi Peas--130 cal

5 mile outdoor run

Lunch: Smoothie King Lean 1 Vanilla Smoothie--273 cal

Snack: Hummus, Cherub Tomatoes, Rice Crackers--140 cal

Dinner: Homemade Chinese Chicken Salad--chicken breast, water chess nuts, red cabbage, napa cabbage, red pepper, almond slivers, green onion, cutie orange slices, and rice noodles--300 cal

Glass of white wine--4 oz--95 cal

Dessert--1 Trader Joe's wafer cookie--38 & Smooze coconut mango fruit ice--70--108 cal

Today's Total: 1,391 cal

Vacation Inspiration

This is the beginning of my fourth week counting calories and I've lost 4 lbs.  I'm on a steady pace of losing about 1 lb per week.  Considering how poorly I behave over the weekends, I can't complain about the progress.  Graham and I booked a vacation at the beginning of May and I'm more inspired than ever to keep up the work and continue my journey toward the ten pounds.  Keeping up with my food journal is getting challenging.  We've had a lot of social functions lately making it challenging to count calories when you're not sure exactly what you're eating.  I'm going to try to get back to journaling this week.  I have neighborhood bunco tomorrow night so there's another meal where I won't have control.  However, I need to do the best I can when I have control and try not to feel so guilty when I fall off the wagon.  It's really hard to follow the advice I give my friends at Burn; falling off the wagon is inevitable, your next meal is your next chance to do the right thing.  One meal I'm proud of last week was a recipe from SELF magazine for whole wheat spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce & turkey meatballs.  Making your own sauce can make a big difference with calories related to sugar and much less sodium.  We own a smoker/grill called the "Big Green Egg" and I roasted my (8 pounds) of tomatoes, garlic, onion, and EVOO on the Egg for 2 hours which added a considerable amount of smokiness to the sauce.  It's always exciting when you make something healthy an my husband claimed it was the "best thing" I've ever made.  Honestly, I'm a B- cook at best so I was thrilled I made something he loved.  That being said, if I can rock this recipe, anyone can!!  Please take a peek at this yummy recipe and make it for your family, who doesn't love pasta?? 

SELF Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs

Back to the vacation situation.  After mulling over various destinations, we landed on a tropical paradise vacation to Vieques Island (off the east coast of Puerto Rico).  I'm so excited I can barely stand it!!  We have 5 full weeks until we leave, which is definitely a motivator.  If I continue at my current pace I could almost reach my goal by the time we leave.  That being said, I'm on it!!  I'm looking forward to laying on a beach, swimming in the worlds best bio bay, and most of all R&R.  I'm wondering if I reach my goal before vacation will I gain it all back while I'm there...is that possible??  Ha!  I'm less than thrilled to shop for a new bikini which is definitely needed.  I haven't bought a new swim suit in years and my old one's looking a little worn.  I'm going to put off this shopping trip until the last possible moment. 

I'm loving the support and sharing of experiences with everyone at Burn.  Let's continue to motivate each other, share recipes and snack ideas, as well as celebrate our victories.  I'll post today's food and fitness journal at the end of the day.      

BAMF, Meat Cupcakes, and Today's Food & Fitness Journal

First of all thanks to everyone for your concern and inquiries after my "procedure".  Apparently, I'm a bona fide bad ass (or as some say, a BAMF) because the laser hair removal was easy peasy.  I think people who told me how bad it hurt were referring to their pride.  That on the other hand, is still fairly bruised.  I was under the impression you needed to grow a little stubble for best results...this is very much a lie.  After lying with ice on my nether regions until numb the nurse came in, pulled out a $2 Bic razor, and went to town shaving me.  I was both shocked and utterly humiliated.  I apologized profusely and told her it would never happen again.  While hacking away with the plastic razor she proceeded to tell me it was no big deal.  She does it all the time and even men.  These were her words not mine, "shaving a little who-ha is a whole lot easier than shaving balls." I about died.  Anyway, live and learn...I have 5 more treatments.

After chatting recipes at the 9:30am Bootcamp Maxx this morning I was inspired to try a recipe from skinnytaste.com and sample one of her best recipes of 2011.  I landed on Skinny Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting.  A little time consuming but overall very tasty and low calorie.  The recipe says it makes 12 cupcakes but I only got 11 and they were small.  I recalculated the calories and two cupcakes are 262 calories.  These are a couple photos of the finished product.  I had to photograph them outside because the lighting in my kitchen is terrible. 

Here's a link to the recipe: http://www.skinnytaste  My only tip is to make sure you thoroughly press the zucchini with paper towels to remove excess water.  I thought I did an okay job but they were still a little watery when baked.  I also used a frosting tip in a Ziplock bag with the corner cut off to pipe the mashed potatoes like frosting.  I was hoping the cupcake appearance would entice my 3-year-old eat turkey, veggies, and potatoes but no dice.  He was not fond of the "meat cupcakes" and was really hoping for a normal cake one with vanilla frosting.  Poor kid.

Today's Food & Fitness Journal: 

Breakfast: English Muffin with egg white and piece of cheese--200 cal

Snack: Latte with non-fat milk, no whip, and one pump of white mocha--145 cal

Lunch: Smoothie King Vanilla Lean 1 protein smoothie--273 cal

Snack: veggie sticks, yogurt dip, a few berries--153

Workout: 5 mile run and 5 :30 sprints at 9.5

Dinner: Spinach Salad w/roasted garlic balsamic dressing--135
             2 Turkey Meatloaf Cupcakes--262
             4oz white wine-95

Total Calories: 1,263

Hairy Situation

Hi Everyone.  This post has little to do with dieting and more about my anxiety over having laser hair removal this afternoon (on my bikini area).  A few months back I went on a crazy Groupon spending spree where I decided to rid myself of "unwanted" hair and purchased two Groupons for laser hair removal at two different med spas, for two different size areas.  Of course I've avoided scheduling these torture sessions, I mean appointments, because it's so nerve wracking.  Which areas of "unwanted hair" to free myself from the burden of shaving & waxing?  I have several.  I purchased a small area as well as a medium area...I'm short so that should about cover it, right?  Not exactly, it cost big bucks to remove leg hair so I nixed that dream and moved on.  My choices varied from chin/other facial areas, underarms, bikini, Brazilian bikini and the list goes on.  I decided on underarms for the small area and for my medium area (drum roll) the Brazilian business.  My appointment is today at 4:30 and I'm scared shit less.  Is it appropriate to bring magazine photos like you would for a haircut?  I'm picturing myself sitting in some antique, OBGYN looking contraption with a woman in beauty scrubs looking over my shoulder as we gaze at cutouts from an adult magazine, "I'm leaning a little more toward the January centerfold...March looks like she hasn't hit puberty yet.  Which do you like best Shawna, you're the expert?"  Lord, what have I gotten myself into?

Oh, and I haven't even started on the pain.  I've endured many a painful procedure in the name of vanity and I typically use my esthetician and friend, Carri, as a barometer.  Carri does hair, permanent makeup, as well as works in a plastic surgery office where she's seen it all.  I trusted Carri to tattoo my eyeliner, eye brows, and lips because she told me I would love it (and I do) and that it wasn't too painful (and it wasn't).  Yesterday she kindly informed me that Brazilian laser hair removal will "hurt like hell".  Seriously??  Private part hair removal hurts worse than a face tattoo? Awesome!  Just what I want to do with my weekend...be laid up on the couch with a bag of frozen peas between my legs.  I guess there are worse things.  Will I be able to go to Trevor's Bootcamp Friday morning without crying over my burned vagina?  "Trevor, do you have a modification for walking?"  Maybe it will hurt so bad I'll lose my appetite?  A girl can dream.  I've decided to stop apologizing for the TMI in these posts.  If you're still reading this...it's on you.  I'm going to grow a pair and find courage in knowing that Mike Tyson stamped his bravery in the form of a tribal face tattoo for everyone to see while in a few short months, my bravery will be tucked neatly and discreetly behind my boy short tankini (which provides full tochas coverage).  Wish me luck and if I'm limping around this weekend, you'll know why.        

Hump Day Food & Fitness Journal

Today was a pretty good day.  (Allowing 100-200 extra calories for 2 workouts)

Breakfast: Jimmy Dean's DeLite Breakfast Sandwich-English muffin, egg white, piece of cheese (I ditch the Canadian bacon)-200 cal

Workout: Interval run on treadmill-3 min at 6.5 speed, 1 min at 8.0, :30 at 5.0 repeat this combination until I reached a 5k or 3.2 mi

Snack: Starbucks Latte w/1 pump white mocha, non-fat, no whip-145 cal

Lunch: Smoothie King Vanilla Lean 1 Protein Smoothie-273 cal

Snack: Spinach Salad with cherub tomatoes, grilled corn cut off cob, fresh grated pram, few pistachios, and 2 tbsp Newman's roasted garlic balsamic lite-129 cal

Workout: Lift class with Lee Fenwick 4:30-5:30 at Burn

Misc pre-dinner munching:  15 Trader Joe's rice crackers (compliments of Sarah Kelly, thanks, those are YUMMY!), a few wasabi peas, and 3 bites of frozen stir fry we threw out cause it was gross-100 cal

Dinner:  Spinach Salad (1 1/2-2 cups baby spinach), 7 cherub tomatoes, 1 large white mushroom, 1/4 cup 2% mozzarella cheese, heaping tbsp shelled pistachios, 3 tbsp grilled corn cut off cob,  1 Jennie-O All Natural Turkey Burger 95/5 cut up on salad (burger has 160 cal, 5 fat, 30 grams protein...AWESOME & found in freezer section near meat at Grocery Store)
TOTAL-352 cal

8 oz white wine-190 cal

Total Daily Calories: 1,457

Week Two...Boo!! Food and Fitness Journal for Today

I can tell I've had a lot going on, it shows on the scale.  Last Thursday was girls night, Saturday night Graham and I went out to dinner with my sister and brother-in-law, and last night I went to a "Bachelor" finale party (Silly, I know, but fun!).  None of these outings were easy on the diet and needless to say, I haven't lost any additional weight.  Last night's Bachelor party was terrible on the diet, TERRIBLE!  Here's a sample of the menu: meatball subs on white buns(with cheese), buffalo chicken dip, chips and guac, brie stuffed puff pastry, salted caramel brownies, and of course, wine.  Umm yeaaaa, not low calorie but it was fun and the company was awesome.  Week two has me feeling a bit defeated and disappointed in myself.  I could have brought something healthy to eat to the party, eat/drink less Saturday night, and been more rigid with my journaling.  I was hoping for a miracle on the scale today.  Apparently, the good lord saves his miracles for slightly more important things than my swollen buttocks...bummer.  Today's a new day; I can either succumb to defeat or refocus.  I decided to refocus.  I'm trying to increase my workouts to offset how naughty I've been.  In exchange, I had to add a few extra calories because I need a more energy to keep up the intensity for "two a day" workouts.

Today's Food & Fitness Journal:

Breakfast: English Muffin with egg white and cheese-200 cal

Workout 1: 50 min Indoor Cycle class

Snack: Starbuck's Latte w/one pump white mocha non-fat/no whip-145 cal

Workout 2: Bootcamp Lite at noon

Lunch: Smoothie King Vanilla Lean 1 Protein Smoothie-273 cal

Snack: 1/2 Protein Bar-115 cal

Dinner: 5 oz Filet Mignon-290 cal
             Tomato, Fresh Basil, 1 1/2 oz Fresh Mozzarella cheese, leaf of romaine lettuce, 2    
              Tbsp balsamic lite-190 cal
              1/2 ear of corn on the cob w/ 1tsp EVOO-102 cal
              Total: 582 cal

8oz Sav Blanc: 190 cal

Total Calories: 1,505

          

Matters of the Heart

These are my parents (John & Jody)....aren't they cute??  I think so.  We had a bit of a scare this week.  My step father, John, was experiencing severe bouts of heart burn.  After a few days of suffering, he decided to see his family doctor who did an EKG and then referred him for a stress test in fear he was having a cardiac related episode.  After the stress test, he was sent to a cardiologist for a catheter procedure and possibly, a stint. 

The picture above was taken at the Burn one-year anniversary party last August.  As you can see, he's the picture of a healthy man.  He maintains a healthy body weight, has good blood pressure, and low cholesterol.  He possesses none of the risk factors typically associated with heart disease.  Unfortunately, the catheter procedure reveled two minor blocked arteries on the back side of his heart.  In these particular places, stints aren't effective.  The doctors released him this afternoon and plan to manage his genetic heart condition with medicine and...EXERCISE.  My step dad is a wonderful, wonderful man.  He's the glue and calming presence in my family and we wouldn't be the same without him.  So you can imagine the worry, concern, and shock, to find that he may have an issue with his ticker.

My mom and I have always struggled to maintain healthy body weight and have supported each other through our journeys.  Since I can remember, my mom exercised.  Jane Fonda VHS tapes when I was little, and in high school, we started exercising together.  TAE-BO & Denise Austin tapes, and long walks.  I don't think I'd be a personal trainer today if it wasn't for her.  On the other hand, my step dad has always had a lean body, a substantial sweet tooth, but extremely hard working without a care in the world about thick thighs or beer guts.  We never questioned it...why would we?  I've always wondered, if I were naturally thin would I love exercise as I do?  I'm not sure...it would definitely be difficult to motivate myself.  In some aspects I'm glad it's never been easy.  I learned early in life the benefits of exercise and have been chasing my physical apex ever since.  I still haven't got there but I enjoy the process.  This week has taught me how critical it is to watch out for our loved ones, big and small, thick and thin, and make sure EVERYONE raises their heart rate on a regular basis.  IT'S SO IMPORTANT.  My mom and I assumed that because John was a healthy weight and "active" i.e. lots of work around the house, lawn work, never a couch potato, that he would be great.  We can never assume.  Everyone needs to get up, get moving, and get their burn on....someway, somehow.

John is taking a little time to work into his new fitness plan but I'm thrilled to announce we have a new member at Burn.  Please help make him feel welcome.  Love you Dad!  So glad you're okay.           

Today's Food & Fitness Journal

Hi Everyone.  Not a banner day, I tweaked my neck/upper back and I've been in pain.  Unfortunately, I was unable to exercise and I hate missing a workout.  I have to remember I don't make any gains when I exercise injured...ugh.  Instead, I ate a little too much today.  Oops.

Breakfast: Egg white and cheese on an English muffin--200 cal

Snack: Starbucks Iced Latte w/1 pump white mocha (nf & nw)--145

Lunch: Smoothie King Lean 1 Vanilla protein smoothie--273

Snack: Spinach salad with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fresh grated parm, 1Tbsp spoon homemade low cal granola, 2 Tbsp Newman's Roasted Garlic Balsamic Lite--115

Dinner: Chicken Fajitas in Green Leaf Lettuce Cups--402
              Grilled Chicken Breast-142
              Red, Yellow, Orange peppers, mushrooms, onions grilled-25
              small amount guac w/veggie straws-158
              Fixin's: lettuce cups, corn salsa, pico, greek yogurt-77

2 Skinny Margs--246

Snack: 1/2 cup Pumpkin Fluff, 2 sliced strawberries, 1 tsp homemade granola-50

Total: 1,431

Hoping the neck will be back in business tomorrow so I can workout but we'll see.  Until tomorrow...good night.

Before Pics, Weigh-In, Food & Fitness Journal

Hi Everyone.  Today I'm sharing my before pictures.  Body weight and weight loss is a personal journey for everyone and relative to your own personal best.  I'm not sharing these photos to either brag or complain...I have weight to loose to look and feel my best, simple but difficult (if you know what I mean).  Taking photos in a bathing suit took me outside my comfort zone.  I would challenge everyone reading this who wants to shed a few pounds to try this exercise.  Have a loved one, friend, or personal trainer (me) take before photos.  Look at these photos find things you like as well as thigs you want to improve.  Every summer I put on a swim suit, and like a million other women,  pick myself apart.  It was interesting to look at my body from a different perspective, a photo not a mirror.  I was surprised to find a few things I can live with or maybe even like, and a few areas that need work.  I purposefully took pathetic no smiling, bad hair, no makeup photos (like you see on TV and in magazines).  I am looking forward to reaching my goals and taking the happy, hair & makeup done, hands in the air in victory photos.  Whoo hoo!!  Okay...breath...here we go:   

Front View:  I've always preferred this view.  If I had my way, no one would ever see the rear view at the pool or anywhere else for that matter.  I would either walk backwards at all times or never, ever be without full rear coverage.  One body part I genuinely like, my shoulders and arms.

Profile View:  This is where I start to see issues.  The extra side butt.  I don't love this part of my body.  I've come to terms with the J-Lo booty but it's the cellulite and the extra jiggly areas that I find frustrating.  I'm 5'2" so my legs have never been my favorite body part.  Unfortunately, I can't diet myself taller so oh well.  

Rear View: Ummm....this is my least favorite view.  I have been embarrassed of my rear end since high school and used to fixate on it.  Now, I make it a practice not to hate my body.  I don't love my butt however, I work hard and enjoy my life, friends, family, and food.  Even though I'd like to improve, I've had a lot of fun creating that cellulite.  Here's to improving.

Today's Food and Fitness Journal

Breakfast: English muffin with egg white and piece of cheese--200 cal

Run: 45 minute interval workout on treadmill followed by 5 sprints at 9.5 speed and walk for 5 min cool down

Snack: Starbucks Iced Latte w/one pump white mocha, nonfat, no whip--145 cal

Lunch: Smoothie King Lean 1 Vanilla Protein Smoothie--273 cal

Snack: Veggie Straws with onion dip and lifesaver--105 cal

Dinner: Seared Ahi Tuna Sliced and served as tacos in green leaf lettuce cups with chopped cilantro, jalapenos, jicama, napa cabbage, rice wine vinegar, low sodium soy sauce and siracha--235 cal
Cosmopolitan Martini w/ cranberry lite--154
Glass Sav Blanc--119

Dessert: 2 cups popcorn--130 cal

Total: 1,361

WARNING: Dieting May Cause Alcoholism & Hemorrhoids (Sunday Food Journal Too!)

Hi Everyone.  Hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was great but weekends prove to be challenging for the diet.  Instead of making weekends an all around "freebie", like I used to, I gave myself free meals Friday and Saturday dinner "within reason" and kept on track for breakfast and lunch.  Back on the wagon with 1,200-1,400 calories Sunday.  All in all, this weekend was still an improvement from weekends past.

A couple interesting developments during this process...apparently, when you make drastic caloric cuts one thing you do is eat less of everything, including fiber and greens.  This can lead to ah...(stop reading if you're afraid of hemorrhoids)...hemorrhoids.  Yuk!  Don't worry I won't go into detail but it's rather uncomfortable.  I'm adding more greens & fiber and hoping to keep the hemmies away.  Another development...which should have been obvious...a little alcohol goes a long way on an almost empty stomach.  I found myself surprisingly drunk Friday night after an evening of cocktails and conversation.  I knew things had gone too far when the hiccups set in.  Oops...and yet also exciting, I'm a cheap date again!  Whoo hoo.  I'll try for the moderation thing next weekend.

Graham and I tried a new restaurant this weekend in our pursuit of satisfying meals that are both health conscious and delicious.  We tried Seasons 52 and it was fabulous.  Their menu changes seasonally and showcases fresh ingredients as well as local foods, organics, and grass fed beef.  The best part is, ALL of the menu items are 475 calories or less.  They have no butter in the restaurant at all!  Some of my favorite items we tried...the spicy chicken chile relleno (330 cal), carmelized sea scallops with asparagus and tomato-mushroom pearl pasta (430 cal), and the mini desserts.  I have to admit I was skeptical about a dessert in a shot glass.  I didn't think it could possibly taste as good as a full size treat but actually, they were amazing!!  It's also shocking how many calories you can fit in a shot glass.  Key Lime Pie (250 cal) and Pecan Pie (320 cal) and they were both DELISH.  However, Seasons 52 is still in the business of selling tasty food so even with menu items under 475 calories, our meal was still around 1000 calories (without wine).  It was worth it but again, restaurant food is calorie suicide.  Dining out with multiple courses should be kept to a minimum...once a week or so.

Sunday Food Journal:

Breakfast: Strawberries with Pumpkin Fluff --46
                  1/2 Chicken Sausage Wrap from Starbucks--150
                  Starbucks Latte--145

Lunch: Shrimp Cocktail--165
            Veggie Sticks--65
             Onion dip--35

Dinner: Grilled Wild Salmon w/brown sugar rub--283
             Roasted Beets and Brussel Sprouts--65
             3/4 Cup Brown Rice & mushroom--112
             2 skinny Margaritas (Recipe Below...you're welcome.)

Snack: 1 Cup Popcorn--65 cal

Total Calories: 1,377

(I'm including this recipe because I've been honing the perfect skinny margarita and I think it's pretty close.  It's great if you like the taste of tequila and a margarita that's not overly sweet.)
Make sure you use pre-made Cuervo Lite Margaritas (not skinny girl, yuk) with the alcohol mixed in and a measurement jigger with ounces might be helpful.


Kelly's Skinny Marg on the Rocks:
3oz Cuervo Lite Margarita-68 cal
1/2 oz premium white tequila-34
1/4 oz Grand Marnier-19
1/4 oz Trop 50 Orange Juice
Fresh squeezed Lime Wedge
TOTAL: 123 calories

ENJOY!!

Today's Food and Fitness Journal

Well...I went a bit over today.  Oops.

Breakfast: English Muffin, Egg white, and piece of cheese-200 cal

Workout: 4 mile run

Snack: Starbucks Iced Latte w/one pump white mocha non-fat no whip-145

Lunch: Smoothie King Lean 1 protein smoothie- 273

Snack: 1/2 container FAGE Greek Yogurt mixed with 1/4 packet fiesta ranch mix-60
            Sugar snap peas-40

1/2 Diet Sunkist Lemonade-5 cal

Dinner: Spaghetti w/boca veggie meat sauce & a spinach salad with Balsamic-559 (yikes)
              Here's how this breaks down...psycho measuring required for this but interesting...
              Salad: 124 cal
                         1oz Spinach-7 cal (this is a nice amount of spinach too)
                         1 Tablespoon Almond Accents Oven Roasted-40 cal
                         1 Tablespoon fresh shaved parm-20 cal
                         7 Cherry Tomatoes-9 cal
                         1 mushroom chopped-3 cal
                         2 Tablespoon Lite Balsamic Dressing-45 cal 
       Spaghetti: 435 cal
                         2 oz Smart Taste Pasta-170 cal (This is a VERY small portion of pasta!!)
                         1/2 cup boca veggie meat mixed with Giada Savory Tom pasta sauce-75 cal
                         9 tsp Parmesan cheese (I thought the jar said 20 cal for 1 tablespoon...I LOVE
                         Kraft Parm.  In a sick, gross way.  So...I put three Tablespoons on my pasta.
                         After dinner checked again...oops, it was 2 teaspoons.  That sucks.
1 Glass Sav Blanc-119 cal  (oh yeah, I had wine with dinner too)

Total Calories: 1,401
                  
                      

No one ever eats ONE Serving.

Hi Everyone...day three of my 1,200 calorie per day diet and I'm already in search of a 100 calorie snack that actually makes me feel like I'm eating something substantial.  My hummus yesterday was a joke 2 tablespoons didn't go very far with my sugar snap peas and dry snap peas aren't that appetizing.  Today was a little better...I added about half a packet of fiesta ranch dressing mix to a container of FAGE greek yogurt.  About half the container of yogurt with the dip mix is around 70 calories plus 40 calories of snap peas....110 calorie snack.  Any ideas for good snacks?  I've decided to comprise a list of things I've decided are frustrating for a calorie/serving size ratio.  Let me know if you have some to add to the list.

1-Hummus--I can't even calculate how many calories I would eat in a setting of hummus just a few days ago. Probably over 200 calories not to mention pita chips.  Lord.
2-Almonds (nuts in general)--they're high in fat AND calorie dense.  Even with positive nutritional value, it seems like a waste of calories to me with only 1,200 in the day.
3-Olive Oil--at nearly 40 calories for a teaspoon you have to really watch/measure your olive oil portion when cooking.  I can't imagine how many oil calories we consume in restaurant food...even restaurant food that appears "healthy" because restaurants are so heavy handed with oil.
4-Cereal--3/4 Cup is a typical serving.  It barely fills a child's snack trap.  Ryder's been brainwashed by commercials during Spongebob and has been asking for Reese's Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, etc.  (the kid has okay taste in cereal)  I used to have a steadfast rule...No Cereal...EVER.  It's a good rule, which is back on at the Heaven house because guess what...sugary cereal tastes pretty awesome.
5-Chips/Pita Chips--This one's a no brainer but perhaps the most frustrating for me.  Okay, for 140 calories you can have 9 of Stacy's "multi-grain" pita chips.  NINE....only nine!! I hate Stacy.  She's a manipulative and sneaky bitch.  Why do her pita chips have to taste so damn good?

Food & Fitness Journal to follow later....time to shower and go for a spray tan.  Everything looks better bronze.  XOXO