Hip vs. hip-hop

I just walked a 5K!

It was on the treadmill, but it’s a 5K nonetheless.

When I hit my normal 2.5 miles today, I actually felt really good, so I figured I’d just keep going to 3.1 miles since I didn’t have to be at work.

This is even more amazing considering I hurt my hip Saturday night dancing.

Yes, dancing.

Granted, there may have been tall, frothy, delicious adult beverages involved.

And super fly dance moves.

And flip flops.

But it scared me a little when it happened.

Both my mom and grandma have arthritis, and both have had hips replaced. I know the odds are against me, which is Reason No. 18 I need to get this weight off.

I took it pretty easy yesterday (translation: I was a slug who rarely strayed from the couch), but I figured I’d give it a shot today.

Walking the treadmill actually felt pretty good today, so I think it is something muscular, not in the bones. That’s a relief.

Plus, I had a little pep in my step because I had just weighed, and (drum roll, please) I lost 2 more pounds!

That brings my total to 34 pounds in 13 weeks.

OK, time to do some of the work I should’ve done yesterday, which includes switching over clothes in mine and my son’s closets.

He’s growing, and I’m shrinking.

It’s a good problem to have.

Hip vs. hip-hop

I just walked a 5K!

It was on the treadmill, but it’s a 5K nonetheless.

When I hit my normal 2.5 miles today, I actually felt really good, so I figured I’d just keep going to 3.1 miles since I didn’t have to be at work.

This is even more amazing considering I hurt my hip Saturday night dancing.

Yes, dancing.

Granted, there may have been tall, frothy, delicious adult beverages involved.

And super fly dance moves.

And flip flops.

But it scared me a little when it happened.

Both my mom and grandma have arthritis, and both have had hips replaced. I know the odds are against me, which is Reason No. 18 I need to get this weight off.

I took it pretty easy yesterday (translation: I was a slug who rarely strayed from the couch), but I figured I’d give it a shot today.

Walking the treadmill actually felt pretty good today, so I think it is something muscular, not in the bones. That’s a relief.

Plus, I had a little pep in my step because I had just weighed, and (drum roll, please) I lost 2 more pounds!

That brings my total to 34 pounds in 13 weeks.

OK, time to do some of the work I should’ve done yesterday, which includes switching over clothes in mine and my son’s closets.

He’s growing, and I’m shrinking.

It’s a good problem to have.

What a dip

Hello, Friday, you sexy beast. I could kiss you right on the mouth.

I’m glad this week is wrapping up because I feel out of sorts.

I missed my Body Sculpt and Zumba classes on Wednesday night because I had to work overtime and then go to the Sprint store to deal with my broken phone. It was almost 8 p.m. by the time I made it home.

I push-mowed our half-acre last night after work to help make up for it, but I still feel off.

I hate a change in my routine. I really do try to be a go-with-the-flow kind of gal, but straying from my norm really drives me crazy sometimes.

I have serious issues.

And then there’s the dirty little secret I’ve been harboring: chips and salsa.

The other writers from work and I go to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch when we need to, uh, “brainstorm.” Yeah, that’s it.

I’m ashamed to tell you how many times we needed to brainstorm this week.

I do well when ordering, usually getting my chicken fajitas, no tortillas.

But it’s the chips and salsa that will be my undoing.

I can’t not eat them.

They sit there, with their golden perfection and kiss of salt, winking at me.

Drool.

But I feel I may have overdone it this week. I predict disappointment come Monday on the scale.

And I know I’ll be thinking, “Well, duh! You ate 4 POUNDS OF CHIPS AND SALSA, DUMBASS!”

Ah well. Have a great weekend.

Check back Monday. I’ll be here, but it probably won’t be as early as usual. Let’s sleep in a little, shall we?

What a dip

Hello, Friday, you sexy beast. I could kiss you right on the mouth.

I’m glad this week is wrapping up because I feel out of sorts.

I missed my Body Sculpt and Zumba classes on Wednesday night because I had to work overtime and then go to the Sprint store to deal with my broken phone. It was almost 8 p.m. by the time I made it home.

I push-mowed our half-acre last night after work to help make up for it, but I still feel off.

I hate a change in my routine. I really do try to be a go-with-the-flow kind of gal, but straying from my norm really drives me crazy sometimes.

I have serious issues.

And then there’s the dirty little secret I’ve been harboring: chips and salsa.

The other writers from work and I go to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch when we need to, uh, “brainstorm.” Yeah, that’s it.

I’m ashamed to tell you how many times we needed to brainstorm this week.

I do well when ordering, usually getting my chicken fajitas, no tortillas.

But it’s the chips and salsa that will be my undoing.

I can’t not eat them.

They sit there, with their golden perfection and kiss of salt, winking at me.

Drool.

But I feel I may have overdone it this week. I predict disappointment come Monday on the scale.

And I know I’ll be thinking, “Well, duh! You ate 4 POUNDS OF CHIPS AND SALSA, DUMBASS!”

Ah well. Have a great weekend.

Check back Monday. I’ll be here, but it probably won’t be as early as usual. Let’s sleep in a little, shall we?

Gripes and faux-tatoes

OK, universe. Enough already!

If one more thing breaks around here, I’ll scream.

In the past three days, we’ve lost an air conditioner, a sump pump and my cell phone.

They’ve all since been replaced/repaired, but I’m starting to wonder if I have a black cloud following me.

I don’t know if it’s safe to be around me.

Heck, I don’t know if it’s even safe to read this blog!

OK, OK. Let’s talk about something yummy.

Potato salad makes me happy. Really.

My grandma makes the best potato salad in the world, and I wouldn’t even want to mess with that recipe. Sacred ground.

But her cooking is a special occasion, since I get it only a couple of times a year. In the meantime, I think I’m gonna try this faux potato salad from Hungry Girl.

I loved mashed cauliflower, so I’m thinking the cauliflower instead of potatoes might actually be pretty good. I’ll report back, but for now … enjoy!

HG’s I Can’t Believe It’s Not Potato Salad

1 large head cauliflower, roughly chopped
6 hard-boiled egg whites, chilled and chopped
1/2 envelope ranch dressing/dip mix
1 1/2 cups fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tbsp. Hellmann's/Best Foods Dijonnaise
2 tbsp. fat-free non-dairy liquid creamer (like the one by Coffee-mate)
1 cup diced red onion
2 celery stalks, diced
1/4 cup chopped chives
3 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped dill
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
Optional garnish: paprika

Place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl, and pour 1/3 cup water over it. Cover and microwave for 6 - 8 minutes (until cauliflower is soft). Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the ranch mix, mayo, sour cream, Dijonnaise and salt. Set aside. Once cool enough to handle, drain any excess water from the cooked cauliflower. Lightly mash just 2 cups of the cauliflower, and then place in a blender. Add creamer and puree or pulse until blended. (Don't worry if it isn't completely smooth.) Pour mayo mixture into the blender and mix until blended and creamy. Chop the rest of the cauliflower into small half-inch pieces. Place these cauliflower pieces in a large bowl, and add the onion, celery and vinegar. Toss and let sit for 5 minutes. Pour the blender mixture over the vegetables and mix well. Add the chopped egg whites, chives, dill and parsley, and fold them in. Chill for several hours. If you like, sprinkle with paprika just before serving. P.S. This stuff tastes EVEN BETTER the day after it's prepared! MAKES 10 SERVINGS

Serving Size: 2/3 cup (1/10th of recipe)
Calories: 89
Fat: 1.25g
Sodium: 710mg
Carbs: 16.5g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 4.5g

POINTS® value 1*

Gripes and faux-tatoes

OK, universe. Enough already!

If one more thing breaks around here, I’ll scream.

In the past three days, we’ve lost an air conditioner, a sump pump and my cell phone.

They’ve all since been replaced/repaired, but I’m starting to wonder if I have a black cloud following me.

I don’t know if it’s safe to be around me.

Heck, I don’t know if it’s even safe to read this blog!

OK, OK. Let’s talk about something yummy.

Potato salad makes me happy. Really.

My grandma makes the best potato salad in the world, and I wouldn’t even want to mess with that recipe. Sacred ground.

But her cooking is a special occasion, since I get it only a couple of times a year. In the meantime, I think I’m gonna try this faux potato salad from Hungry Girl.

I loved mashed cauliflower, so I’m thinking the cauliflower instead of potatoes might actually be pretty good. I’ll report back, but for now … enjoy!

HG’s I Can’t Believe It’s Not Potato Salad

1 large head cauliflower, roughly chopped
6 hard-boiled egg whites, chilled and chopped
1/2 envelope ranch dressing/dip mix
1 1/2 cups fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tbsp. Hellmann's/Best Foods Dijonnaise
2 tbsp. fat-free non-dairy liquid creamer (like the one by Coffee-mate)
1 cup diced red onion
2 celery stalks, diced
1/4 cup chopped chives
3 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped dill
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1/4 tsp. salt
Optional garnish: paprika

Place cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl, and pour 1/3 cup water over it. Cover and microwave for 6 - 8 minutes (until cauliflower is soft). Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the ranch mix, mayo, sour cream, Dijonnaise and salt. Set aside. Once cool enough to handle, drain any excess water from the cooked cauliflower. Lightly mash just 2 cups of the cauliflower, and then place in a blender. Add creamer and puree or pulse until blended. (Don't worry if it isn't completely smooth.) Pour mayo mixture into the blender and mix until blended and creamy. Chop the rest of the cauliflower into small half-inch pieces. Place these cauliflower pieces in a large bowl, and add the onion, celery and vinegar. Toss and let sit for 5 minutes. Pour the blender mixture over the vegetables and mix well. Add the chopped egg whites, chives, dill and parsley, and fold them in. Chill for several hours. If you like, sprinkle with paprika just before serving. P.S. This stuff tastes EVEN BETTER the day after it's prepared! MAKES 10 SERVINGS

Serving Size: 2/3 cup (1/10th of recipe)
Calories: 89
Fat: 1.25g
Sodium: 710mg
Carbs: 16.5g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 4.5g

POINTS® value 1*

Use your powers for good

Did you catch the season finale of “The Biggest Loser” last night?

Holy. Crap.

The winner, who started at 526 pounds, lost 264 pounds in seven months or so.

That’s an average of 38 pounds a month.

That’s insane.

I can’t even imagine the routine that would produce that kind of weight loss.

I feel like my life revolves around my own routine right now. Those contestants must work out from the time they wake up ‘til they go to bed.

One moment that stuck out for me last night was during a clip they showed from the season.

One dude was killing it during his workout, and trainer Bob was in his face and asked him, “How did you gain so much weight with that kind of determination?”

The question really hit home. I thought about that for myself last night. Then I thought about it this morning.

I came to the conclusion that the same power that lives inside us to do good for ourselves can also be just as strong when we use it to sabotage ourselves.

I mean, I didn’t just gain weight. I gained 145 pounds.

I gained weight with gusto.

But I truly believe that determination lives inside each and every one of us. You just have to tap into it.

It doesn’t even have to be about weight loss.

Tap into it to change any situation that isn’t positive for you.

A job you hate. A bad relationship.

Remember, change takes courage. But you have it. Just tap into it.

Will it be hard? Yes. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

You can do it.

Use your powers for good

Did you catch the season finale of “The Biggest Loser” last night?

Holy. Crap.

The winner, who started at 526 pounds, lost 264 pounds in seven months or so.

That’s an average of 38 pounds a month.

That’s insane.

I can’t even imagine the routine that would produce that kind of weight loss.

I feel like my life revolves around my own routine right now. Those contestants must work out from the time they wake up ‘til they go to bed.

One moment that stuck out for me last night was during a clip they showed from the season.

One dude was killing it during his workout, and trainer Bob was in his face and asked him, “How did you gain so much weight with that kind of determination?”

The question really hit home. I thought about that for myself last night. Then I thought about it this morning.

I came to the conclusion that the same power that lives inside us to do good for ourselves can also be just as strong when we use it to sabotage ourselves.

I mean, I didn’t just gain weight. I gained 145 pounds.

I gained weight with gusto.

But I truly believe that determination lives inside each and every one of us. You just have to tap into it.

It doesn’t even have to be about weight loss.

Tap into it to change any situation that isn’t positive for you.

A job you hate. A bad relationship.

Remember, change takes courage. But you have it. Just tap into it.

Will it be hard? Yes. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

You can do it.

Hot stuff

I can’t describe how sweaty I am.

But it has obviously concerned one of the dogs enough that she has now taken to licking my leg as I write this.

My husband, son and I were sitting at the kitchen table last night when I saw a flash outside the window. A millisecond later, we heard a boom.

Yep, that was our air conditioner.

The “good” news is the heating/cooling dude is already scheduled to visit our house tomorrow for an HVAC issue, so we can now just throw even more money at him once he gets here.

Joy.

Then, to top it off, I got to the gym last night for kickboxing, and they announced that the air conditioner there is broken, too!

Sigh. Let’s talk about ice cream.

If you haven’t tried Skinny Cow ice cream, do it. I’ve had the ice cream sandwiches, and they rock.

A while ago, Hungry Girl voiced her approval for the new Skinny Cow ice cream cups, which I’ve yet to try.

They come in strawberry cheesecake, caramel cone, Dulce de Leche, cookies and cream, and chocolate fudge brownie.

If our air conditioner doesn’t get fixed soon, I may buy a few just to stick down my pants.

Hot stuff

I can’t describe how sweaty I am.

But it has obviously concerned one of the dogs enough that she has now taken to licking my leg as I write this.

My husband, son and I were sitting at the kitchen table last night when I saw a flash outside the window. A millisecond later, we heard a boom.

Yep, that was our air conditioner.

The “good” news is the heating/cooling dude is already scheduled to visit our house tomorrow for an HVAC issue, so we can now just throw even more money at him once he gets here.

Joy.

Then, to top it off, I got to the gym last night for kickboxing, and they announced that the air conditioner there is broken, too!

Sigh. Let’s talk about ice cream.

If you haven’t tried Skinny Cow ice cream, do it. I’ve had the ice cream sandwiches, and they rock.

A while ago, Hungry Girl voiced her approval for the new Skinny Cow ice cream cups, which I’ve yet to try.

They come in strawberry cheesecake, caramel cone, Dulce de Leche, cookies and cream, and chocolate fudge brownie.

If our air conditioner doesn’t get fixed soon, I may buy a few just to stick down my pants.

“Lost” sleep

Hello, Monday, you evil little wench. We meet again.

I’ve gotta tell you: I am so glad TV season is winding down.

These late nights are killing me.

I stayed up to watch the 2.5-hour grand finale of “Lost” last night. It ended at 11:30.

I’ve learned that to function well in my “new” life, I have to be in bed by no later than 10 p.m. or I pay for it the next day.

Nevertheless, I got myself up and on the treadmill to start Week 13 of this wonderful and excruciating journey.

Back when I worked at The Flint Journal, I’d take the call some mornings from the Opinion editor, who would give me the changes he wanted to his pages over the phone.

And every time, he’d end the call by saying “Time to get on the treadmill.”

One morning I replied, “I don’t know how you do it.”

“You just do it,” he said. “You don’t give yourself a choice.”

After 12 weeks of this, I understand.

OK, OK, I know why you’re here: I lost 1 pound this week.

Hey, I’m happy, especially after pulling down 5 the week before. And I am learning to count any loss these days as a victory.

If you’re struggling on your own journey, is it time to make a change?

Is it time to stop giving yourself choices?

Stop thinking about it. Just do it.

Have a great week.

“Lost” sleep

Hello, Monday, you evil little wench. We meet again.

I’ve gotta tell you: I am so glad TV season is winding down.

These late nights are killing me.

I stayed up to watch the 2.5-hour grand finale of “Lost” last night. It ended at 11:30.

I’ve learned that to function well in my “new” life, I have to be in bed by no later than 10 p.m. or I pay for it the next day.

Nevertheless, I got myself up and on the treadmill to start Week 13 of this wonderful and excruciating journey.

Back when I worked at The Flint Journal, I’d take the call some mornings from the Opinion editor, who would give me the changes he wanted to his pages over the phone.

And every time, he’d end the call by saying “Time to get on the treadmill.”

One morning I replied, “I don’t know how you do it.”

“You just do it,” he said. “You don’t give yourself a choice.”

After 12 weeks of this, I understand.

OK, OK, I know why you’re here: I lost 1 pound this week.

Hey, I’m happy, especially after pulling down 5 the week before. And I am learning to count any loss these days as a victory.

If you’re struggling on your own journey, is it time to make a change?

Is it time to stop giving yourself choices?

Stop thinking about it. Just do it.

Have a great week.

WWMD?

Praise the Lord, we did it again. We made it to Friday.

Pulling my lazy butt outta bed and onto the treadmill was especially tough after staying up way too late to watch the “Grey’s Anatomy” season finale last night, but man was it worth it!

Holy cow! It wore me out!

Today’s picture has nothing to do with anything, really, except that I never followed up to tell you what my husband got me for Mother’s Day.

Well, here it is. He had our son’s 1-year-old picture matted and framed, and he hung it in our stairwell. I love it.

I just can’t believe it’s less than five months and we’ll be getting his 2-year-old pictures made.

Anyway, I just want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to read this blog, and for supporting me on this journey. It has helped me more than you’ll ever know.

I get comments and letters from readers daily, and they make my heart smile.

Yesterday, I got a note from a high school friend who told me that she has an icon on her phone that links directly to my blog.

While anyone caring enough to save an icon for me on a phone is amazing enough, she shared that her phone shortens the name to “Misty … sing it.”

I loved that.

And sometimes, I get the best compliments of my life from people I had no clue were even reading my blog.

I got this beautiful note last week:

“After 2 years of not running, I have started the Crim training program (because I am exercise co-dependent and it gives me a reason to make myself do the training). I also started running at 5 a.m. in the morning with a group of ladies and every morning I have gotten up and thought "What would Misty do?" I come to the conclusion that you would push on then so do I. You probably don't realize how many people you are inspiring to be healthier - so thanks from all of us!”

I tear up every time I read it.

Everyone: Life is short, so go out and have a fabulous weekend.

It’s what Misty would do.

Check back Monday for weigh-in day. Good news or bad, I’ll be here.

WWMD?

Praise the Lord, we did it again. We made it to Friday.

Pulling my lazy butt outta bed and onto the treadmill was especially tough after staying up way too late to watch the “Grey’s Anatomy” season finale last night, but man was it worth it!

Holy cow! It wore me out!

Today’s picture has nothing to do with anything, really, except that I never followed up to tell you what my husband got me for Mother’s Day.

Well, here it is. He had our son’s 1-year-old picture matted and framed, and he hung it in our stairwell. I love it.

I just can’t believe it’s less than five months and we’ll be getting his 2-year-old pictures made.

Anyway, I just want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to read this blog, and for supporting me on this journey. It has helped me more than you’ll ever know.

I get comments and letters from readers daily, and they make my heart smile.

Yesterday, I got a note from a high school friend who told me that she has an icon on her phone that links directly to my blog.

While anyone caring enough to save an icon for me on a phone is amazing enough, she shared that her phone shortens the name to “Misty … sing it.”

I loved that.

And sometimes, I get the best compliments of my life from people I had no clue were even reading my blog.

I got this beautiful note last week:

“After 2 years of not running, I have started the Crim training program (because I am exercise co-dependent and it gives me a reason to make myself do the training). I also started running at 5 a.m. in the morning with a group of ladies and every morning I have gotten up and thought "What would Misty do?" I come to the conclusion that you would push on then so do I. You probably don't realize how many people you are inspiring to be healthier - so thanks from all of us!”

I tear up every time I read it.

Everyone: Life is short, so go out and have a fabulous weekend.

It’s what Misty would do.

Check back Monday for weigh-in day. Good news or bad, I’ll be here.

Just push through

My morning walks of 2.5 miles take me about 41 minutes right now.

Forty-one minutes seems a little daunting, especially before work, so I try to think of it in terms of songs instead.

I figure 41 minutes is anywhere from 10-12 songs, so when I’m on the treadmill, I look at my time left and think of how many songs that will be.

Twenty minutes left? About five songs. Five songs is nothing. I can do it.

That’s basically how I power through every single day.

Silly? Maybe. But it works.

Here are some “motivational mantras” from “Fitness” magazine readers that I thought were pretty good:

“The more I push when I’m at the gym, the less I suck in when I’m in my skinny jeans.”

“I am my own superhero.”

“When running up hills, I repeat over and over, ‘Earn the downhill’ … and hope and pray there is a downhill on the other side.”

“No one ever said, ‘I wish I hadn’t gone to the gym today.’”

“On the last push on a run or Spinning interval, I repeat to myself, ‘You can do anything for 30 seconds.’”

What helps you push through?

Just push through

My morning walks of 2.5 miles take me about 41 minutes right now.

Forty-one minutes seems a little daunting, especially before work, so I try to think of it in terms of songs instead.

I figure 41 minutes is anywhere from 10-12 songs, so when I’m on the treadmill, I look at my time left and think of how many songs that will be.

Twenty minutes left? About five songs. Five songs is nothing. I can do it.

That’s basically how I power through every single day.

Silly? Maybe. But it works.

Here are some “motivational mantras” from “Fitness” magazine readers that I thought were pretty good:

“The more I push when I’m at the gym, the less I suck in when I’m in my skinny jeans.”

“I am my own superhero.”

“When running up hills, I repeat over and over, ‘Earn the downhill’ … and hope and pray there is a downhill on the other side.”

“No one ever said, ‘I wish I hadn’t gone to the gym today.’”

“On the last push on a run or Spinning interval, I repeat to myself, ‘You can do anything for 30 seconds.’”

What helps you push through?

True Delights truly delightful

A couple of Quaker snacks have been perfect for when I want something crunchy or sweet lately.

The Quaker Multigrain Fiber Crisps are delicious. They come in blueberry or blackberry pomegranate.

A 13-piece serving is only 100 calories.

The other, Quaker Rice Snack Quakes, is to die for, which I am really surprised about.

I held off on buying these because I remember trying rice cakes several years ago, and I felt like I was chewing on a foam cup. The taste wasn’t much better.

But these aren’t your grandma’s rice cakes. These are amazing.

I haven’t tried any flavor but caramel corn because they’re so darn good.

Seven mini rice cakes are only 60 calories.

And these bags are pretty easy on the wallet, too. At Meijer, they regularly run about $1.77, but I stocked up a bit ago during a $1 sale.

Try ‘em and tell me what you think!

True Delights truly delightful

A couple of Quaker snacks have been perfect for when I want something crunchy or sweet lately.

The Quaker Multigrain Fiber Crisps are delicious. They come in blueberry or blackberry pomegranate.

A 13-piece serving is only 100 calories.

The other, Quaker Rice Snack Quakes, is to die for, which I am really surprised about.

I held off on buying these because I remember trying rice cakes several years ago, and I felt like I was chewing on a foam cup. The taste wasn’t much better.

But these aren’t your grandma’s rice cakes. These are amazing.

I haven’t tried any flavor but caramel corn because they’re so darn good.

Seven mini rice cakes are only 60 calories.

And these bags are pretty easy on the wallet, too. At Meijer, they regularly run about $1.77, but I stocked up a bit ago during a $1 sale.

Try ‘em and tell me what you think!

Pep it up

Here’s a recipe for stuffed peppers that I have made for several years now. (My mom always requests it when she comes to visit!)

The recipe originally came from the Turkey Store Cookbook, but I modified it to remove the rice and bread crumbs. You’ll never miss them, and they just add calories.

Considering my modifications, I don’t know the nutritional info, but just trust me. They’re good and good for you.

Plus, you can take a pound of ground turkey and feed a family of four with leftovers. You can’t beat that.

Enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers

4 green bell peppers
1 chopped onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 lb. ground turkey
2 tsp. dried basil
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
6 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 can tomato sauce


Heat oven to 375. Cut peppers lengthwise through stems, keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins. Cook in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes; drain well and place cut side up in a 13X9 baking dish or pan.


Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray (or a dab of olive oil); heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Crumble turkey into skillet; add basil, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes; continue to cook 5 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Mound mixture into pepper halves. Bake 30 minutes. Spoon heated tomato sauce over peppers before serving.

Pep it up

Here’s a recipe for stuffed peppers that I have made for several years now. (My mom always requests it when she comes to visit!)

The recipe originally came from the Turkey Store Cookbook, but I modified it to remove the rice and bread crumbs. You’ll never miss them, and they just add calories.

Considering my modifications, I don’t know the nutritional info, but just trust me. They’re good and good for you.

Plus, you can take a pound of ground turkey and feed a family of four with leftovers. You can’t beat that.

Enjoy!

Stuffed Peppers

4 green bell peppers
1 chopped onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 lb. ground turkey
2 tsp. dried basil
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
6 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
1 can tomato sauce


Heat oven to 375. Cut peppers lengthwise through stems, keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins. Cook in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes; drain well and place cut side up in a 13X9 baking dish or pan.


Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray (or a dab of olive oil); heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Crumble turkey into skillet; add basil, salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes; continue to cook 5 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Mound mixture into pepper halves. Bake 30 minutes. Spoon heated tomato sauce over peppers before serving.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about

Whoo-hoo! This weight-loss wagon is moving again!

For this week, at least.

After two weeks with a combined loss of only a pound, I’m happy to report that this past week I lost 5 pounds!

That brings my total to 31.

I finally got around to redeeming my iTunes gift cards last night, so I went from an iPod library of 16 heart-pumping songs to 98.

No lie: The next-to-last song that played this morning was some classical symphony piece.

I guess I accidentally purchased it last night.

No big deal, but it was a bit startling to go from George Michaels’ “I Want Your Sex” to Beethoven.

Have a great week!

Now, that’s what I’m talking about

Whoo-hoo! This weight-loss wagon is moving again!

For this week, at least.

After two weeks with a combined loss of only a pound, I’m happy to report that this past week I lost 5 pounds!

That brings my total to 31.

I finally got around to redeeming my iTunes gift cards last night, so I went from an iPod library of 16 heart-pumping songs to 98.

No lie: The next-to-last song that played this morning was some classical symphony piece.

I guess I accidentally purchased it last night.

No big deal, but it was a bit startling to go from George Michaels’ “I Want Your Sex” to Beethoven.

Have a great week!

Sweet success

Happy Friday!

Operation: Somebody Get Misty Some Damn Pumpkin was a resounding success.

After my blog post Wednesday detailing the Great Pumpkin Shortage, offers of assistance started pouring in from as close as my neighbor across the street to as far away as Georgia and Texas.

Beating them all to the punch was my co-worker Nancy, who left this can of pumpkin on my desk for me to find when I arrived at work that day.

That’s enough pumpkin for two batches of Yum Yum Brownie Muffins.

So I made some last night.

Two words: Yum Yum!

Seriously, folks. I don’t care if you have to beg. Steal. Whatever.

Find some damn pumpkin.

This recipe is two ingredients, and it is amazing.

“I thought you’d be able to taste the pumpkin, but you can’t,” my husband said upon trying them.

“They’re delicious.”

I concur. This house gives these muffins an A+ (even if they might look like, well, you know, in the picture).

Hey, Nancy: Guess what you get for breakfast …

Check back Monday to see if I managed to lose anything this week or if finding a new chocolaty favorite was just plain dumb.

Sweet success

Happy Friday!

Operation: Somebody Get Misty Some Damn Pumpkin was a resounding success.

After my blog post Wednesday detailing the Great Pumpkin Shortage, offers of assistance started pouring in from as close as my neighbor across the street to as far away as Georgia and Texas.

Beating them all to the punch was my co-worker Nancy, who left this can of pumpkin on my desk for me to find when I arrived at work that day.

That’s enough pumpkin for two batches of Yum Yum Brownie Muffins.

So I made some last night.

Two words: Yum Yum!

Seriously, folks. I don’t care if you have to beg. Steal. Whatever.

Find some damn pumpkin.

This recipe is two ingredients, and it is amazing.

“I thought you’d be able to taste the pumpkin, but you can’t,” my husband said upon trying them.

“They’re delicious.”

I concur. This house gives these muffins an A+ (even if they might look like, well, you know, in the picture).

Hey, Nancy: Guess what you get for breakfast …

Check back Monday to see if I managed to lose anything this week or if finding a new chocolaty favorite was just plain dumb.

The Big 1-0-0

Today I hit my 100th mile on the treadmill.

Actually, my 101.6th, but who’s counting?

That is since March 1.

I realize 100 miles is a mere blip for far more serious athletes than I, but I still can’t believe I’ve done it.

Somehow, I’ve managed every morning before work – except the one day I was sick – to drag my butt out of bed and onto the treadmill.

That has to be amazing to the people who know me, because they know I love to sleep.

So, what keeps me going?

Well, when I quit smoking four years ago, probably more overriding than any other motivation I had was the fact that I never, ever wanted to go through quitting again.

I knew that if I could get through the strong withdrawals and habits, I’d be OK. That someday I wouldn’t think about a cigarette all hours of the day.

To be honest, it was probably a good year before that happened, but it happened.

And I never wanted to have to endure the misery of getting to that point of relief again.

That’s what keeps me going on this weight loss journey, too.

I never want to get back to the point where I was.

Where taking the stairs took all my breath.

Where 1 mile on the treadmill felt like 10.

Where grocery shopping left me aching and exhausted.

And I never, ever want to be able to say again that I’m the biggest I’ve ever been.

Here’s hoping …

The Big 1-0-0

Today I hit my 100th mile on the treadmill.

Actually, my 101.6th, but who’s counting?

That is since March 1.

I realize 100 miles is a mere blip for far more serious athletes than I, but I still can’t believe I’ve done it.

Somehow, I’ve managed every morning before work – except the one day I was sick – to drag my butt out of bed and onto the treadmill.

That has to be amazing to the people who know me, because they know I love to sleep.

So, what keeps me going?

Well, when I quit smoking four years ago, probably more overriding than any other motivation I had was the fact that I never, ever wanted to go through quitting again.

I knew that if I could get through the strong withdrawals and habits, I’d be OK. That someday I wouldn’t think about a cigarette all hours of the day.

To be honest, it was probably a good year before that happened, but it happened.

And I never wanted to have to endure the misery of getting to that point of relief again.

That’s what keeps me going on this weight loss journey, too.

I never want to get back to the point where I was.

Where taking the stairs took all my breath.

Where 1 mile on the treadmill felt like 10.

Where grocery shopping left me aching and exhausted.

And I never, ever want to be able to say again that I’m the biggest I’ve ever been.

Here’s hoping …

Well, that was a useless recipe

Damn you, pumpkins!

So, last night I was at the grocery store looking for canned pumpkin to make the Yum Yum Brownie Muffin recipe, when I finally had to find a clerk and ask where it was.

“Pumpkin? Oh, good luck. We haven’t had canned pumpkin for months,” he said.

He walked me to the hole on the shelves where the canned pumpkin would be had the Bad Harvest of 2009 not occurred.

Before I started a massive hunt all over town, I figured I’d better verify his story.

Sure enough, Pumpkin King Libby’s has a notice on its Web site, with a warning that the pumpkin shortage will likely continue until this fall’s harvest.

I guess I can finally say I’m outta my gourd.

Get it? Get it?

Uggh. Have a good day.

P.S. Send chocolate.

Well, that was a useless recipe

Damn you, pumpkins!

So, last night I was at the grocery store looking for canned pumpkin to make the Yum Yum Brownie Muffin recipe, when I finally had to find a clerk and ask where it was.

“Pumpkin? Oh, good luck. We haven’t had canned pumpkin for months,” he said.

He walked me to the hole on the shelves where the canned pumpkin would be had the Bad Harvest of 2009 not occurred.

Before I started a massive hunt all over town, I figured I’d better verify his story.

Sure enough, Pumpkin King Libby’s has a notice on its Web site, with a warning that the pumpkin shortage will likely continue until this fall’s harvest.

I guess I can finally say I’m outta my gourd.

Get it? Get it?

Uggh. Have a good day.

P.S. Send chocolate.

Making a mountain out of a plateau?

After eight straight weeks of consistent weight loss, I’ve hit a bit of a rut.

One pound in the past two weeks.

Oh, I know. Twenty-six pounds in 10 weeks is nothing to sneeze at. And yes, I’m trying really hard to take a breather and pat myself on the back for my accomplishments thus far.

But I have so, so far to go.

So, I’m gonna work hard to push through this so-called plateau.

Just Google “hitting a plateau,” and a wealth of information and opinions pops up.

The most common sense thing I’ve read is that your body is pretty smart. It starts to adjust to your new eating habits and exercise routines, so after a while, you have to shake things up. Trick it.

That’s why I’m adding an extra half-mile a day to my walks and trying to crack down on this water thing.

Eating less, moving more and drinking water are all among the suggestions for breaking through a weight loss plateau.

Let me get back to that “smart body” thing. Did you know that you can actually hinder your weight loss efforts by eating too little?

Your body is so intelligent (even if your brain isn’t, ha!) that it starts to freak out a little when it’s constantly hungry.

It thinks you are starving, and it does everything it can to hold onto your weight. It goes into survival mode.

So eat, dang it!

OK, back to plateaus. I was reading this blog on the Biggest Loser site, and it says a good way to help you stay positive when the scale isn’t moving downward is to take measurements instead.

The writer also reminds us to be patient, saying we didn’t gain all this weight overnight, so we’re not gonna lose it overnight.

“And you won’t likely wake up with shredded abs, either,” she says.

Shredded abs? I’m not greedy.

At this point, I just want proof mine really exist.

Making a mountain out of a plateau?

After eight straight weeks of consistent weight loss, I’ve hit a bit of a rut.

One pound in the past two weeks.

Oh, I know. Twenty-six pounds in 10 weeks is nothing to sneeze at. And yes, I’m trying really hard to take a breather and pat myself on the back for my accomplishments thus far.

But I have so, so far to go.

So, I’m gonna work hard to push through this so-called plateau.

Just Google “hitting a plateau,” and a wealth of information and opinions pops up.

The most common sense thing I’ve read is that your body is pretty smart. It starts to adjust to your new eating habits and exercise routines, so after a while, you have to shake things up. Trick it.

That’s why I’m adding an extra half-mile a day to my walks and trying to crack down on this water thing.

Eating less, moving more and drinking water are all among the suggestions for breaking through a weight loss plateau.

Let me get back to that “smart body” thing. Did you know that you can actually hinder your weight loss efforts by eating too little?

Your body is so intelligent (even if your brain isn’t, ha!) that it starts to freak out a little when it’s constantly hungry.

It thinks you are starving, and it does everything it can to hold onto your weight. It goes into survival mode.

So eat, dang it!

OK, back to plateaus. I was reading this blog on the Biggest Loser site, and it says a good way to help you stay positive when the scale isn’t moving downward is to take measurements instead.

The writer also reminds us to be patient, saying we didn’t gain all this weight overnight, so we’re not gonna lose it overnight.

“And you won’t likely wake up with shredded abs, either,” she says.

Shredded abs? I’m not greedy.

At this point, I just want proof mine really exist.

Time to step it up … again

Did you have a nice Mother’s Day?

Mine started off with lots of laughs as we found our son had stuffed several plastic balls from his ball pit down into his footie pajamas.

I received a couple of iTunes gift cards, which I can’t wait to use because I’m so tired of hearing the original 16 songs I loaded onto my iPod while walking on the treadmill.

(I’m tired of hearing them while walking on the treadmill. I didn’t load them onto the iPod while walking on the treadmill. That would be some serious multitasking.)

Anyway, I’m told that my main Mother’s Day Gift will “be finished” on Friday, whatever that means.

Until then, I am cherishing this little flower pot my son “made” me at daycare. I’m told the blue paint is his original masterpiece. I love it.

OK … weight loss.

This week, there was none. Zero. Zilch. A big, fat goose egg.

Uggh.

Thank goodness I had a few great weeks that put me ahead of where I needed to be to meet my weight loss goal, because these past two weeks have hurt big time.

At 10 weeks, 2.3 pounds a week (my goal) would be 23 pounds. I’ve lost 26.

So, I’m still ahead of my goal, but now only barely.

Time to step it up.

While I have been religious about working out, I’ll admit I haven’t been as strict on my diet and water intake lately. So, I will modify that accordingly.

Plus, starting today, I’ve added a half-mile to my morning walks, putting me at 2.5 miles each day (Monday through Friday).

I’ll leave the nighttime exercise class routine as it is for now and see how this goes.

Have a great week.

Time to step it up … again

Did you have a nice Mother’s Day?

Mine started off with lots of laughs as we found our son had stuffed several plastic balls from his ball pit down into his footie pajamas.

I received a couple of iTunes gift cards, which I can’t wait to use because I’m so tired of hearing the original 16 songs I loaded onto my iPod while walking on the treadmill.

(I’m tired of hearing them while walking on the treadmill. I didn’t load them onto the iPod while walking on the treadmill. That would be some serious multitasking.)

Anyway, I’m told that my main Mother’s Day Gift will “be finished” on Friday, whatever that means.

Until then, I am cherishing this little flower pot my son “made” me at daycare. I’m told the blue paint is his original masterpiece. I love it.

OK … weight loss.

This week, there was none. Zero. Zilch. A big, fat goose egg.

Uggh.

Thank goodness I had a few great weeks that put me ahead of where I needed to be to meet my weight loss goal, because these past two weeks have hurt big time.

At 10 weeks, 2.3 pounds a week (my goal) would be 23 pounds. I’ve lost 26.

So, I’m still ahead of my goal, but now only barely.

Time to step it up.

While I have been religious about working out, I’ll admit I haven’t been as strict on my diet and water intake lately. So, I will modify that accordingly.

Plus, starting today, I’ve added a half-mile to my morning walks, putting me at 2.5 miles each day (Monday through Friday).

I’ll leave the nighttime exercise class routine as it is for now and see how this goes.

Have a great week.

Happy Mother’s Day

Well, well, well. We did it again.

We made it to Friday.

I feel like I haven’t sat still for more than 10 minutes all week, so I’m really looking forward to the weekend.

Yeah, yeah, neighbors. I hear you. I’ll mow the lawn in the morning. Sheesh.

But after that, I’m relaxing with my boy and celebrating Mother’s Day. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.

Speaking of which, I miss my Momma. I haven’t seen her since Christmas, and I won’t until July.

She and I have a very special relationship. It was just us two my whole life.

She looked out for me, and I looked out for her.

Oh, we had our moments. At times, we fought more like sisters than mother and daughter. But we’ve always recovered.

The other day, a co-worker asked me where I got my sense of humor.

“I don’t know,” I said. I had never really thought about that.

“Is your mom funny?” she asked.

Oh, absolutely. I got it from her.

Wonder where my willpower and drive come from? They’re from her, too.

Every good quality I have came from her.

Quite honestly, I don’t think there’s much my mom can’t do. She seemed to make the impossible possible my whole life.

She taught me that there’s not one thing you can’t accomplish in this world as long as you’re willing to put in the effort.

She taught me that there’s no time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. The world owes you nothing.

And she taught me that love really can get you through just about anything.

The birth of my son brought Momma and me closer than we’ve probably ever been, a relationship I’ve always dreamed of.

So in giving me one child, God gave me two of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all moms.

See you Monday.

Happy Mother’s Day

Well, well, well. We did it again.

We made it to Friday.

I feel like I haven’t sat still for more than 10 minutes all week, so I’m really looking forward to the weekend.

Yeah, yeah, neighbors. I hear you. I’ll mow the lawn in the morning. Sheesh.

But after that, I’m relaxing with my boy and celebrating Mother’s Day. I’m really looking forward to Sunday.

Speaking of which, I miss my Momma. I haven’t seen her since Christmas, and I won’t until July.

She and I have a very special relationship. It was just us two my whole life.

She looked out for me, and I looked out for her.

Oh, we had our moments. At times, we fought more like sisters than mother and daughter. But we’ve always recovered.

The other day, a co-worker asked me where I got my sense of humor.

“I don’t know,” I said. I had never really thought about that.

“Is your mom funny?” she asked.

Oh, absolutely. I got it from her.

Wonder where my willpower and drive come from? They’re from her, too.

Every good quality I have came from her.

Quite honestly, I don’t think there’s much my mom can’t do. She seemed to make the impossible possible my whole life.

She taught me that there’s not one thing you can’t accomplish in this world as long as you’re willing to put in the effort.

She taught me that there’s no time to sit around and feel sorry for yourself. The world owes you nothing.

And she taught me that love really can get you through just about anything.

The birth of my son brought Momma and me closer than we’ve probably ever been, a relationship I’ve always dreamed of.

So in giving me one child, God gave me two of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all moms.

See you Monday.

Results and a recipe

Well, we L-O-S-T.

We held out through several rounds of the charity spelling bee against the likes of lawyers, librarians and zookeepers, but we met our end with the word imprescriptible.

Yeah, I know. Duh, right?

Ah, well. At least the experience was memorible.

Let’s talk about S-W-E-E-T-S.

This is a Weight Watchers recipe sent by Hungry Girl some time back that I’ve been meaning to try. If you have already or do try it, please let us know how it is.

With just two ingredients, it can’t get much simpler. Enjoy!

Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

(1 Muffin, or 3 minis - 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g, fiber, 2g protein - 4 WW points)

This super-simple two-ingredient recipe is a Weight Watchers Fave!

1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 can solid pack pumpkin (15 oz.)

Mix the two ingredients together. Don't add anything else that may be mentioned on the box, such as eggs, oil, or water. The mixture will be very thick, and you will be tempted to add in other things to make the batter smoother. DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL RUIN EVERYTHING! Place batter into muffin tins (or mini muffin tins) lined with paper, or sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 12 regular or 36 mini muffins.

Results and a recipe

Well, we L-O-S-T.

We held out through several rounds of the charity spelling bee against the likes of lawyers, librarians and zookeepers, but we met our end with the word imprescriptible.

Yeah, I know. Duh, right?

Ah, well. At least the experience was memorible.

Let’s talk about S-W-E-E-T-S.

This is a Weight Watchers recipe sent by Hungry Girl some time back that I’ve been meaning to try. If you have already or do try it, please let us know how it is.

With just two ingredients, it can’t get much simpler. Enjoy!

Yum Yum Brownie Muffins

(1 Muffin, or 3 minis - 181 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g, fiber, 2g protein - 4 WW points)

This super-simple two-ingredient recipe is a Weight Watchers Fave!

1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 can solid pack pumpkin (15 oz.)

Mix the two ingredients together. Don't add anything else that may be mentioned on the box, such as eggs, oil, or water. The mixture will be very thick, and you will be tempted to add in other things to make the batter smoother. DO NOT DO THIS AS IT WILL RUIN EVERYTHING! Place batter into muffin tins (or mini muffin tins) lined with paper, or sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 12 regular or 36 mini muffins.

Mr. Heflin still saves the day

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I bet you thought I’d write about Mexican food, yes?

Nope: Spelling bee.

Today, my fellow P&M writers and I are competing in a corporate spelling bee for Altrusa, a charity that supports many causes, including literacy.

This year’s bee will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a fabulous free book program for kids.

Our team name is the Writers Block, and we affectionately refer to ourselves as Blockheads. We’re wearing foam blocks on our heads during the bee.

Yes, I work among kindred spirits.

Back at the end of March, I got a Facebook note from Mr. Heflin, my elementary school principal, wishing me a happy birthday.

“I’ve been thinking about you!” I told him.

See, when I think spelling bee, I think Mr. Heflin.

Since I was raised by a single mom who worked 2-3 jobs throughout my childhood to support us, Mr. Heflin stepped in to help out when he could.

He shuttled me to spelling bees and talent shows all over the region.

He’d practice and practice with me, helping me become the county champion speller.

As soon as I told him I was participating in this spelling bee for charity, he had one question: “What’s your address?”

Once again, he wanted to help. He sent me the book pictured to help me study.

I only wish he’d sent me a lot of free time, because I’ve only gotten to thumb through the book. Not the intense studying we used to do.

Nevertheless, today and always, Mr. Heflin remains in my H-E-A-R-T.

Mr. Heflin still saves the day

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I bet you thought I’d write about Mexican food, yes?

Nope: Spelling bee.

Today, my fellow P&M writers and I are competing in a corporate spelling bee for Altrusa, a charity that supports many causes, including literacy.

This year’s bee will benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a fabulous free book program for kids.

Our team name is the Writers Block, and we affectionately refer to ourselves as Blockheads. We’re wearing foam blocks on our heads during the bee.

Yes, I work among kindred spirits.

Back at the end of March, I got a Facebook note from Mr. Heflin, my elementary school principal, wishing me a happy birthday.

“I’ve been thinking about you!” I told him.

See, when I think spelling bee, I think Mr. Heflin.

Since I was raised by a single mom who worked 2-3 jobs throughout my childhood to support us, Mr. Heflin stepped in to help out when he could.

He shuttled me to spelling bees and talent shows all over the region.

He’d practice and practice with me, helping me become the county champion speller.

As soon as I told him I was participating in this spelling bee for charity, he had one question: “What’s your address?”

Once again, he wanted to help. He sent me the book pictured to help me study.

I only wish he’d sent me a lot of free time, because I’ve only gotten to thumb through the book. Not the intense studying we used to do.

Nevertheless, today and always, Mr. Heflin remains in my H-E-A-R-T.

Pain is temporary

I snapped this photo in the gym last night.

Of course, those words were especially poignant after I got my head stepped on during kickboxing.

(Do these things happen to only me?)

A few weeks ago, a friend commented that she was having trouble getting started on her healthy living journey, and she asked if I had any advice for her.

In a quick comment, I basically told her to just do it and fight through the pain, but I’d like to expand on that a little here.

I’ve been doing this only nine weeks, so I’m certainly no expert. But I do also have a lifetime of trials and errors when it comes to living well.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far about working out:

1. There will never be a perfect time to start. I have been the queen of procrastination when it comes to starting a workout routine. I can always find an excuse to postpone it. (Well, there is a party in two weeks, and I’m sure I’ll wanna eat then. And well, there is Christmas in a few months. No need starting something until after that …) One day you have to just realize there can be no more excuses.

2. Just getting there is about 95% of the battle. Whether that is to the gym, to your treadmill, in front of your TV for a fitness video or into your driveway for a walk around the neighborhood.

3. It will suck, especially in the beginning. When I started this journey March 1, my only workout routine was 1 mile each morning on the treadmill before work. I could barely walk afterward. That is no exaggeration.

4. It will get better. Somewhere around the fourth week, I realized that the shooting pains in my calves and shins had disappeared, and the pain and swelling in my knees were gone.

5. You have to expend energy to get energy. When you are a slug, the last thing you want is to work out. You just can’t find the energy. But I promise you you’ll start to feel better with every workout. It will create the energy you’re lacking.

6. You’ll never regret you did it. I promise … PROMISE … that if you keep all these tips in mind and just get started, you’ll be glad you did. You will never stand there after a workout and think, “Man, I wish I hadn’t done that.”

Just give it a try and tell me how it’s going.

What are you waiting for?

Pain is temporary

I snapped this photo in the gym last night.

Of course, those words were especially poignant after I got my head stepped on during kickboxing.

(Do these things happen to only me?)

A few weeks ago, a friend commented that she was having trouble getting started on her healthy living journey, and she asked if I had any advice for her.

In a quick comment, I basically told her to just do it and fight through the pain, but I’d like to expand on that a little here.

I’ve been doing this only nine weeks, so I’m certainly no expert. But I do also have a lifetime of trials and errors when it comes to living well.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far about working out:

1. There will never be a perfect time to start. I have been the queen of procrastination when it comes to starting a workout routine. I can always find an excuse to postpone it. (Well, there is a party in two weeks, and I’m sure I’ll wanna eat then. And well, there is Christmas in a few months. No need starting something until after that …) One day you have to just realize there can be no more excuses.

2. Just getting there is about 95% of the battle. Whether that is to the gym, to your treadmill, in front of your TV for a fitness video or into your driveway for a walk around the neighborhood.

3. It will suck, especially in the beginning. When I started this journey March 1, my only workout routine was 1 mile each morning on the treadmill before work. I could barely walk afterward. That is no exaggeration.

4. It will get better. Somewhere around the fourth week, I realized that the shooting pains in my calves and shins had disappeared, and the pain and swelling in my knees were gone.

5. You have to expend energy to get energy. When you are a slug, the last thing you want is to work out. You just can’t find the energy. But I promise you you’ll start to feel better with every workout. It will create the energy you’re lacking.

6. You’ll never regret you did it. I promise … PROMISE … that if you keep all these tips in mind and just get started, you’ll be glad you did. You will never stand there after a workout and think, “Man, I wish I hadn’t done that.”

Just give it a try and tell me how it’s going.

What are you waiting for?

Others are losing it

I got a heaping serving of inspiration this weekend.

At a birthday party for my friend’s 1-year-old on Saturday, I talked with her father and a former co-worker’s daughter.

The daughter – in her 20s, I believe – has lost 75 pounds.

I wouldn’t dare to guess how old my friend’s father is, but he’s a distinguished gentleman with silver hair.

He’s lost over 100 pounds. He told me he walks 6-8 miles a day.

It wasn’t too hard for me to pass up the cake with inspiration like that in the room.

It’s knowing that people like that have stuck out the hard times to win this difficult battle that keeps me going, especially in weeks like this one.

I lost 1 pound. One measly pound.

I know I shouldn’t be disappointed after losing 5 last week.

It just stinks going from your best week yet to your worst week yet.

Ah, well. I’m headed in the right direction.

And that’s nine weeks of losses in a row. That’s good.

I will soldier on.

Have a great week.

Others are losing it

I got a heaping serving of inspiration this weekend.

At a birthday party for my friend’s 1-year-old on Saturday, I talked with her father and a former co-worker’s daughter.

The daughter – in her 20s, I believe – has lost 75 pounds.

I wouldn’t dare to guess how old my friend’s father is, but he’s a distinguished gentleman with silver hair.

He’s lost over 100 pounds. He told me he walks 6-8 miles a day.

It wasn’t too hard for me to pass up the cake with inspiration like that in the room.

It’s knowing that people like that have stuck out the hard times to win this difficult battle that keeps me going, especially in weeks like this one.

I lost 1 pound. One measly pound.

I know I shouldn’t be disappointed after losing 5 last week.

It just stinks going from your best week yet to your worst week yet.

Ah, well. I’m headed in the right direction.

And that’s nine weeks of losses in a row. That’s good.

I will soldier on.

Have a great week.