The alarm clock..

Why is it so hard to get out of bed in the morning? You would think that after so much time laying down, one would want to get up and stretch... today, was not that day. Nick had the alarm set for 4:15am, so he could get up and get a work out in before his day at work started. Luckily, for him, Chevron has a gym upstairs, and he is able to do that before. He was working out after, but I like for to come home asap, so now he goes in early, and I mean early.
So, there I was; snug as a bug in a rug. I did not want to move, so I told myself, I will just get up an hour later. Nick will kiss me good-bye, and I will just lay here for another hour. WRONG!!! I totally fell back to sleep, and I was sleeping good, because I rolled over, looked at the clock, and it said, 6:27... aaahhhh, I had to really JUMP out of bed, get Dasher up, fed, showered, dressed and to the bus. Our routine this morning was a little whacked, but we made it. Phew! Then after the bus, the house was still hush silent, I just decided to weed the garden instead of working out. I really hate Bob in the morning anyway:)
Yesterday, with it being a holiday, I was able to go for a ride in the morning. I love that I am able to go farther and ride longer periods of time, because I am getting stronger. The hill, or should I say slope, back to our home is getting easier. Today I made no bake cookies, one the of the greatest cookies EVER, and it is easy for me to just make them for the kids.... I love that I am getting stronger in every way!!!!
Nick should be home on time tonight, and I think I will go for a ride. I did the strength part, and planned on walking, but Mother Nature had other plans in store. I can ride in the rain, I can run in the rain, it's just that Bosston and Lucy, do not like the rain. I love healthy kids, and I do not want sick kids, so I will wait.....
On the menu tonight, Spirals and Meatballs. The meatballs are already made, and they smelled yummy while they were baking. I will include the recipe! I was noticing something this am while I was making the meatballs. I am a cook who just dumps, adds, and stirs. I "follow" a recipe, but usually end up doing what I feel like. I like to create things, add spice, and what not, but with these recipes, and our plan to see this to the finish, I have to measure, weigh, whip, fold, bake and add what it calls for, not what I like. So, this is a challenge in itself.... We will blog our way through the Biggest Loser Cookbook!!!!!!
Much love in our bloggin journey, Heidi

the results

So, I must admit, we were a little leary of this recipe, mostly because, it is so simple and you add nothing to the meat. Surprisingly enough though they were pretty good. We ommited the mayo and just used mustard, it is one of those things that is pretty much calorie free, and well, you really needed the zing! Hope you to try them out.

BLT Burgers

4 strips turkey bacon
1 lb. 96% lean ground beef
4 whole grain buns ( I am using Sara Lee Sandwich thins)
1 c. fresh spinach
4 large tomato slices
4 TBSP low fat mayo
Preheat a grill to high heat. Place nonstick skillet over med high head and add bacon. Cook until done. 2-3 min per side. Remove and keep warm. Divide beef into 4 equal portions and shape into balls, packing as tightly as you can. Press each into a patty that is 1/2" larger than buns. Grill burgers for about 5 min per side until done. DO NOT smash burgers down while cooking. Grill buns if preferred. Assemble burgers and enjoy.
Makes 4
per serving 295 calories, 29g protein, 25g carbohydrate, 9g fat,(2g saturated), 70mg cholesterol, 4g fiber, 547mg sodium
We are serving these with a fruit smoothie. Let's see how it turns out!

Biggest Loser Books

So, as you have read before, Nick and I joined the BLC. When we signed up, we got a free offer for THREE free books. They finally came, and tonight is the first night to use the cookbook. When they came last week, I already had my weekly menu planned, and groceries bought, so this week, we start fresh.
On the menu this week:
Monday: BLT burgers
Tuesday: Spirals and Meatballs
Wednesday: Pork Chops with pineapple
Thursday: Fish Tacos
Friday: BBQ bacon meatloaf
Saturday: BBQ bacon meatloaf sandwiches
Sunday: Baked Ziti

Sounds yummy huh? The best part is that ALL of the recipes are under 300 calories per serving, and for meatloaf night, a serving is TWO slices. That is crazy.
We are learning to read labels. The entire label. It makes a huge difference in deciding what we can and can not eat. We have also found that eating healthier is not cheap, but in the long run it is worth it. My body is cleansing, and I am feeling great. I wore shorts today because my ankles are getting smaller and that is one of my fav things. I like the ankle socks, tennis shoes, tight calf muscle and small ankles. It has been a good day.
I have also decided to leave the recipes of our menu on this blog too. Heaven forbid I start another blog, so for you readers, you will get Biggest Loser recipes for FREE. Just let me know you are a follower, and we can all inspire each other together. Much love to my readers........ mwah Heidi

Wednesday's weigh in is worth posting!!

So, saying, "NO" to treats and snacks is not easy, but after my weigh in today, it is worth it. I am down five pounds from last week, eight all together since joining the BLC. That's right, do the math, I am under 200 pounds. I am so excited right now. I have been really careful and watching EVERYTHING that I eat. I am going to bump up my workouts too, so I can get toned results. No flabby arms like we saw last night on the finale for me. This is just a great day. Last week, Nick weighed in and he is under 300. This is the smallest I have EVER seen him in our marriage and just knowing each other. Now we are progressing and shrinking at the same time. What a great feeling. Even on Sunday, a friend of mine noticed. I love it. My waist is coming back and this is not the end for me. Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

The Biggest Loser Club

America loves this show. We love to see people succeed. That is what the CLUB is all about. People helping people helping people succeed. Nick and I joined. Saturday. I had just come home from an amazing movie, and Nick greeted me with this, " I think we should sign up." It is not every day that my amazing husband admits he needs help, or that I was right, or that he is willing to put forth the money. So, I jumped on the opportunity. There we were. The two of us, who have been struggling on the inside, now admitting to each other, that hey, we are overweight. So, here goes. You want to know. I know it is just killing you. How much does she weigh? She talks about ALL the time, how much, how much? Starting weight: 205 pounds. I almost feel liberated just by saying it. Of course, as I type this, I have yet to hit publish. But I will. Please don't worry about commenting. If you read, great, if not, that's great too. I just need to say it. Nick and I have a new way of thinking. I know it is still early, but it is happening. I can feel the changes already. I love my husband, and I love him even more for making this journey with me.
So, as for the club. You sign up, pay your fee, get free books, log food, exercise, get hints, tips, and recipes. MOST of all, you hold yourself accountable for your progress.
I also started a little club. Just me, Robin, and Candi ( mom and sis in law) The three of us, overweight, yet determined to make ourselves healthier. I will share stories, recipes and other such things with them and with you. Together we can do this.

post script: My goal is 140 pounds. Been awhile, but I KNOW it is achievable.
do I hit post or not? hmmm..... JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

please if you choose to comment, remember I do read my comments, so be supportive, please NO, oh my gosh, Heidi I had no idea. I am living with this weight, I see and feel it everyday, so please, again, if you comment, just say, good luck, or good job, you can do it... thanks again for reading... loves and hugs to all of you

Heidi

This is my A HA moment!

So, Saturday night, Nick was at a movie with Dasher, and I had the other three kids at home with me. Well, first, Emmah wanted to go to the ward potluck, but I was hesitant to take the three of them without Nick, but I am a sucker, and we went anyway. I figured since I had already signed up and made a soup, I might as well take it. So, we went, and it was lame, but that has nothing to do with this post.
Okay, so once we got home from the potluck, Emmah put in a movie, and I cleaned up the house. I like to quickly go through the house Saturday night to make sure it is clean for Sunday. I HATE having a messy house on Sunday, it literally sends a bad vibe all through my bones, and I can not enjoy my day unless I get up and clean. So, anyway, the house was clean, and I wanted to get all the clothes ready. The kids are easy. They have a lot to choose from, but I was wanting them to wear their Easter outfits, and I was determined to hem Dasher's suit pants. (I did that the next morning) So, with the kids clothes ready to go, it was now my turn. I wish I could just open my closet and find all of these wonderful, colorful, beautiful, and fashionable clothes THAT FIT, but that is not what I found. All I found were clothes that didn't fit. I was really irritated with myself because I had let myself get this way. How in the heck did I let myself get this way? Why had I let myself get this way? I look at my day to day routine and it just didn't add up. So, I put my clothes back on their hangers, closed my closet and just decided right then and there that I was just not going to church. I would spend Mother's Day by myself. I could do that, I should do that.
Around 10:30, Nick and Dasher return from their movie, Dasher goes STRAIGHT to bed, and Nick, sensing something was wrong asked, "are you upset because I went to the movie and not the potluck?" (we will address that one later) I replied, "No, I am not upset about that." "Then what is wrong?" This is when I know I put Nick in a tough spot. I instantly burst into tears, and blubbered out these words, " I have nothing to wear and I am not going to church. None of my clothes fit; I have gained so much weight, and I just don't have anything to wear." Maybe a little dramatic, but if you have ever been there, then ladies, you know what I was going through.
Well, Nick hates to see me cry. He hates to see me sad. In the nine years we have been married, he has dedicated a part of himself to make ME happy. So, I knew I was crushing him when I just lost it. I asked him, "Now be honest, can you not see the weight gain?" I mean my face alone is ridiculous. Hence why you only ever see pics of my family and none of me. That's right I am the one BEHIND the camera. He honestly said, "no, I don't see it." Right then and there, my heart swelled a ton. This man, oh this man. My knight in shining armor, my one true love, sees me just the way he sees me. The mother of his four children, his best friend, and the hottie he fell in love with so many years ago. I only hope that all my lady friends find their knight too, if not already found.
Okay, back to the original meaning of this post. I know it is hard for some to read these posts of mine. My rantings we shall call them. I find this a place of outlet. My serenity. I feel good after I have done this. Blame it on the FOUR months of grey and rain, blame it on the sun not shining, we could play the blame game all night long, but I am here to admit to myself and readers that I am overweight. Wow, that feels good. No more hiding behind layering pieces, or jackets. No more saying, well on Monday I will start, let me have my last supper. I need to change, and not just for the better, but change everything. I need and want to be there for my children. I need and want to be able to run a flight of stairs, and maybe even run a race someday. I need and want to throw my fat girl clothes away. I don't want to do this because everyone else is, I want to do this beause I want to do this. So, I will be honest and accountable. I will make this happen.

ps I did go to church, but I really and truly would have rather spent the day outside soaking up the sun that made his appearance for mommies day.