Stevia Switch

So I've made the switch to Stevia. After all of the research I've been doing on processed foods I slowly realized I was going to need to rid myself of Splenda. The break up is not going well and I'm still trying to get use to its replacement. We're still building trust as this product has only been approved by the FDA for a couple years but the fact that is an all natural sweetener is what has drawn me in. It has a bit of a bitter taste at the end but it will suffice. I miss Splenda dearly and still cheat every now and then. Here's an article I found debating the two sweeteners.
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/stevia-vs-splenda-which-is-healthier.html

My Progress

So I have lost 2lbs! I had been working out like crazy and was only eating 1250 calories and the pounds weren't dropping. I started researching about diet and nutrition and I've learned so much. I started to realize I wasn't eating enough so now I stay within 1300-1400 and I've cut back on cardio and have started doing more strength training. This is all thanks to Jillian's advice. She's so amazing. The FitBit really helps too. It lets me know when I need to burn more and now I take the steps all the time instead if the elevator. Every little bit really does count!

Slim for Life Tip from Jillian Michaels

Slim for Life Tip from Jillian Michaels:

"After you eat a "cheat meal" or treat, follow it with at least five healthy meals.

Excerpt From: Michaels, Jillian. "Slim for Life." Harmony, 2013-02-12. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=588212789

Book Review

Book Review: Slim for Life by Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels, the mother of all trainers, truly changed my life a couple years ago. Following her blog and using her fitness DVD's helped me lose 30 pounds. Now that I'm trying to lose the last 10 I have turned to her again. I'm only a fourth of the way through the book and I've already learned so much. It's a great tool for losing weught and staying healthy. I'm going to start posting some of my favorite tips from the book so stay tuned!

FitBit

I bought this little gem last night on the way to my Archery lesson. I've been curious as to how many calories I'm burning each day as my progress to lose the last 10lbs has been slow. After researching and comparing all the pedometers and fitness trackers out there I went along with the FitBit. I love that you can hide this one unlike the many wristbands they have out there. This little guy tracks your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, stairs climbed, hours slept and your quality of sleep. I am only on day one but so far so good. I'm already motivated to get up and move more! Ill keep you updated on my review.

Motivation of the Day

Motivation of the Day

Please excuse my hiatus. I'm still at it. I am 2 pounds down at 125. Woohoo!

Breakfast

Here lies my breakfast. I must redeem myself after having dinner with friends last night. Even though I ordered fish and skipped the rice I had two glasses of red wine and sit bread pudding. Don't judge. Today is a new day and every time you slip up you have to keep going and not give up!

I tried the new Special K Berry waffles with a 1/2 TBS of Simply Jif peanut butter. They were ok. They are 50 calories less than regular Kellogg waffles coming in at 150. Berries and coffee included, my breakfast came in at 300 calories.

Panera Bread

My lunch from Panera Bread was under 500 calories! I love Panera for days when Im too lazy to cook. You can mix and match so many items on the Pick Two Menu. Here's a list of my favorite picks:

Salads:
Chopped Chicken Cobb (no avocado) 250c
Thai Chopped Chicken Salad 240c
Asian Sesame Chicken 240c
Classic 90c

Soups:
Broccoli Cheddar 200c
Chicken Noodle 80c
French Onion 190c

Sandwiches:
Tuna Salad 250c
Smoked Turkey on Honey Wheat 210c
Roasted Turkey & Avocado 260c

Staying Fit on Vacation

I'm headed out to Chicago tomorrow for a long weekend get away. To say I'm frazzled is an understatement. I'm determined not to waste all the hard work I've put in thus far. So I came up with a list of tips to remain fit while on vacation.

- Share meals with your friends. This will save money too!
- Order half sizes or lunch portions while at dinner.
- Walking and site-seeing is your friend! Skip trains and cabs and try to walk as much as possible.
- Allow yourself one treat a day to curb deprivation.
- Water is your best friend! Make sure you drink 8 glasses or more.
- Remember the "5 A Day" rule and eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. This will provide enough fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer.
- Only eat when you are hungry. Don't fall into the "I'm on vacation" mentality and over indulge.
- Fit in 15 min workouts. Pinterest has great home workouts if your hotel doesn't have a gym. Here is one I plan to try:

Wish me luck!

Tonight's Dinner

Tonight's Dinner: Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa. Another Pinterest success at only 395 calories. Check out the recipe here:
http://pinterest.com/pin/161777811586778245/

Workout DVD

I completed Level 2 of Jillian's Shred it with Weights last night and boy is my glut-emus maximus sore! Kettle bell workouts are amazing for changing your body. I haven't done it in almost a year and I can feel it. I'm looking forward to it making changes in my body again. It's the perfect 30 minute workout for when you're low on time.

Good Morning

Good Morning! Today is a new day. I vow to behave and feed my body only the best food it deserves.

Breakfast? Check!
Blueberry Waffles with 1/2 Tbsp of Peanut Butter
Coffee with 2 Tbsp Cream
300 Calories

Now off to the gym. Happy Saturday!