Weekly goals from a frazzled Momma

So, it's almost 1pm and I just woke up from a nap. The kids are still sleeping - thank goodness!! I'm still tired, and I haven't eaten anything yet today. We all went down for a nap around 9:30/10 am after a couple meltdowns by each of us. The fact that everyone was so off  shows we didn't get much sleep last night,

This tells you how crazy my days and nights have been lately.

Something has been in the air, because neither kid has been sleeping well. They also alternate and get up at different times, which means Momma isn't sleeping at all...

Our days have then been a little off. I'm pushing to get things done around the house and get all of us outside for some exercise and I'm not consistently eating enough. I've explained it a couple times recently when I showed my MFP read outs and when I talked about how I need to be a bit strict with my snacking and the slippery slope when I try to give a little.

Even yesterday, I could have easily ended up with under 700 calories and called it a day. I got all the kids set up with dinner and left to fit in some grocery shopping. When I got back we went downstairs to watch Hubby fly his toy helicopter and I hopped on the elliptical. By the time I was done it was bath time and bedtime for the kids. I would have been perfectly happy ending my eating for the day, but knew it wouldn't be good for my body. I also didn't like eating so late at night.

The mandarin orange couple have been my whole dinner and I would have been happy, but I made the chicken burger and then snacked the rest of the night on animal crackers and peanut butter...

All of this is adding up to some not so healthy habits on the other end. So, my goals are these:

1. Make some changes to get some sleep around here
2. Plan ahead and include healthy snacking during the day
3. More water!

By the way, if anyone has some input, I'm looking for advice on fitness trackers and food scales.
Have a great weekend!

A little slip leads to a landslide

I've written about how I haven't felt hungry. The urge to snack, or the desire for all the treats I love. I meant it, I have been going along without even thinking of those things. I even look at my calories at night and know I could snack but have no desire to have anything.

Considering that I barely had a night without a snack in bed before, this is huge.

Tonight, after a dinner of Chipolte and leaving almost half to mix with more lettuce later, I started to make up a batch of frozen bananas for the kiddos. As I made a mess with the chocolate, I started taking a lick off my finger every so often.

After that, all I could think about was snacking. After listening to what people have been saying about adding more protein to my diet, I went for a big scoop of reduced fat peanut butter. Mmm! And then I wanted more...

So strange how when I'm eating well, I don't even think of grabbing a snack or chocolate. Then, after not even being able to finish my dinner, a small lick of chocolate sends me in a tailspin looking longingly at the junk food.

I still stayed under my calories and am back to not craving anything at the moment, but it really made me think.

I am more of an all or nothing kind of "dieter." I do great when I'm really strict with my eating. If I start to add a little less healthy snack or two, I will eventually keep pushing it further and go completely overboard before too long.

It is sad to think I can't control myself, but the reality is I can control myself really well if I just keep remembering how much it works for me to stay a little strict. If I can do that, I really don't have cravings and I don't even think about food.

*sigh*
Harder than it sounds...





Just because this post needs some pictures, check out that yummy breakfast. Egg whites, shrimp, and some garlic salt - yum! - who knew? And to show you the size of my salads, check that bowl next to a can of pop - huge!

Fitness Trackers and Food Scales

I've been thinking about getting some sort of fitness tracker for a while now.

I, admittedly, haven't done that much homework on what's out there. I'm not real up-to-date with technology, so I tend to get a little overwhelmed.

A few weeks ago I actually purchased the Fitbit Zip when I got my new phone. I love what it does because it's great to have that step goal and know the calories you're burning. However, it doesn't sync up with my phone, just when I am near the computer. Also, I haven't really taken the time to figure out all the options is has or the information it can give me. The main problem has been that, with having just the clip, I never seem to wear it an entire day. I must change clothes about three times a day: sweats with the kids, change when leaving the house, and workout clothes. I seem to forget the darn thing for at least half of my day.

I have definitely come to the conclusion that an need a device I can wear on my wrist.  I am used to wearing a watch 24/7, so this would be the best for me.

I could have gotten the Fitbit Flex, but didn't want to spend twice as much, especially if I was trying to figure out if I would like this technology.  At the time, I didn't think I needed the sleep tracking but, especially after last night, I would love to see exactly how much sleep I miss because of the kids getting up because I barely remember in the morning.

I think I've realized that this would be a great tool, but still don't know if I can swing paying over $100 for something I don't need.  Although, I don't know that there are many under $100...  I'm sure they're worth it, but we're a one-income family and I try to limit spending to necessities.

That being said, I'd at least like a little help from you all!  Does anyone have a tracker they love?  Those of you with heart rate monitors, what do you like about them as well?

Here are some that I came up with after searching and would love anyone to weigh-in on them:

• Fitbit Flex - I've enjoyed the Fitbit, just need something more wearable for me.
• Nike FuelBand - $149 yikes!  But it's Nike so I'm sure it's a good one.
• Jawbone UP - looks really wearable/comfortable, but doesn't look like you can get any of your info from the device itself, just your phone.
• Timex Health and fitness monitors - lots to choose from, but some can be pretty speedy
• Polar Heart Rate Monitors - these are the cutest things ever

Those are just a couple that came up from a quick search.  I am open to more suggestions!

While we're talking about gadgets you like.  Does anyone use a food scale religiously like I do?  I used it all the time when I was on WW and it was so helpful.  It's a little harder now because MyFitnessPal doesn't always offer the measurement units I need, but I'm getting really great at all the conversions.  I've talked about my struggles to get all my calories in and I've begun wondering if my old scale is just losing it's accuracy.  It also just may need some new batteries.  I have been thinking about getting a new one - anyone have a favorite?  

Here are a couple that appeal to me:

• Taylor - I like the raised platform of the scale.  I have trouble reading mine if it is on a larger plate
• Ozeri Pronto - I love the chrome look and it says it has a larger food tray 

• Bamboo Scale - how cute is this one in bamboo!?
• Camry Scale - this looks like it would be really easy to read with the way it angles and the raised tray

Thanks all for the help here!  I really appreciate it!

I tried to eat more...

...but it didn't work out like I had hoped.

Last night was one of the only nights I've had without the kids since my son was born. One of only a handful of times since I got pregnant with him (wedding night). So, this morning when there were no kids here, I layer in bed until almost nine. Heaven!

I rushed out the door to pick them up and by the time we got home it was 10:30 and I grabbed a quick Mandarin Orange (the biggest ones I've ever sen from Sam's Club) for breakfast.

I treated myself a little for lunch with some of the kiddos leftover Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with a large serving of broccoli.

This is a cup of Mac 'n Cheese and a cup of broccoli in a very large bowl - completely filling.

I also made sure to get an afternoon snack in, and had some baby carrots and a tablespoon of light ranch. I wasn't hungry, but I figured we had a while before Hubby got home for our delicious dinner of steak and corn.

I usually eat off of small plates but this is on a large dinner plate - 4 ounces of steak is a lot!

Yum! We grilled two flank steaks so I can have a ton of great salads. I was hooked on them when I was at the cabin. Something about the large filling salad with 4oz of steak and Italian dressing... Mmm...

I had planned to eat two ears of corn and some of the potatoes, but I seriously wasn't hungry. I've never had this problem before. I'm just going to keep aware of it, but I'm not going to worry much unless this keeps up and I consistently end up with 700-800 calorie days. I'm going to aim for fitting in even more fruits and veggies instead of a number.

Friday Weigh-In: Back on track in a big way!

After a week and a half of "vacation" eating and a 4lb gain, I got back on track and my motivation and drive has been great!  I've been fitting exercise in and eating like a champ (sometimes not enough but we'll get to that in a minute).

What was my total this week?

6.8 POUNDS!!!

So happy with that!  This is exactly what happened the last time I committed myself by entering DietBets.  I know there are a lot of factors, but I loved that big number after really getting down to business after some time off.  Such great motivation to continue.

Like I said, I want to talk about my food intake.  My problem right now is that I'm consuming too few calories.  I am staying away from unhealthy snacks during the day and nighttime snacking.  I have been pretty busy with the kids and haven't missed it at all.  I'll finish tracking for the day and know I am under but, late at night, I'm not wishing for any sort of snack and don't think it is worth snacking just because of some number of calories I need to reach.

I'm not concerned too much because I really only engage is light exercise tight now.  I'm not burning 400 calories at a time.  If I was, I know I would need that extra fuel.  My activity is pretty much limited to pushing a double stroller for an hour a day and hitting just over 2 miles.  I've been striving for a bit more, but I figure that will come in time as I slowly increase it a bit.

I also have completely felt satisfied.  I'm not ignoring any hunger signals. I haven't felt like snacking, because I have no problem making it to my meals.  I also feel like my meals have been a great size.  I wish I would have snapped some meal pics this week so I could show how nicely proportioned they are.  I think I'm going to make it my goal to get some more fruits and veggies in during the day, but I also feel like my meals have been pretty well-rounded.

I've begun sharing my food diary on MyFitnessPal because I'd love some input.  I was really surprised one day when I felt like I ate great and noticed I had only eaten under 700 calories.  That's not good either.

Cut off above are two of my Healthier Egg Breakfast Muffins

I know I will likely begin to eat more naturally, but I am actually struggling to eat enough.  I'd like to think I'm just making healthy enough choices that I am able to feel satisfied with less calories.  I don't think I could make my meals much bigger because they seem huge, but I might have to force myself to snack even when I'm not hungry.

Alright.... That probably could have been summed up a bit quicker, but I'm asking for advice!  Any help would be appreciated!

I just have to add that last night was pretty much one of the first nights I've had out since getting pregnant with my first kiddo. It was a friend's 30th and drinks were had. I had a nice big salad to start and tried to make healthy drink choices with Captain and Diet over the pitchers of beer. Unfortunately, a friend who wanted to celebrate ordered me a Bulldog with Captain substituted for Vodka even though I told her I didn't want a drink with cream. I would never normally order a drink like that, even when not watching my weight, somI gave it to Bubby and took some drinks for show. Aren't we at least impressed that I tracked everything?

NSV: eating right and showin' some skin

Hotter than Hades - at least for this Minnesota girl - but we got out for a walk.  I even ended up running a bit.  The little one was in the front instead of the back and didn't have shoes on so I got paranoid about the sun so I ran the sunny spots and walked the shady spots.  Luckily there was a lot of shade - for her and for me!  I had the added motivation of 2YO saying, "more running, Momma" and "go faster."  A big "thank you" for those in the neighborhood with sprinklers running!

Another "thank you" to Ashlee for introducing me to the best tank ever!  I got my Old Navy active tank yesterday and thought maybe I could wear it in public.  Then I put it on and fell in love!  It has the best, flattering shape!  It is loose around the belly and has the great razor back and a cut perfect for hiding armpit pudge, such a a great top and I even wore it out of the house today when I took the kids for a walk/run.  What a great feeling to wear something so light instead of sweating my tush off in an oversized, hot t-shirt!!!

Feeling so good I even added a picture!?! Unheard of!

I was a little aware of my arms, but didn't really feel self-conscious.  To quote Phoebe,

 "...you don't care if people are staring, it's just for a second cause then you're gone!"

Maybe they laugh at my large, slow butt, but they won't be laughing when they see me a few months from now. I think I'm also more secure now because I'm a mom pushing a stroller with two young babies. I have an excuse on display, and nobody is really looking at this mom of two anyway.

At least I got out there is the heat today. Yesterday was a busy one and I didn't get much in. My eating has been pretty fantastic, though. I was probably a little too low today, but I ate great! I had two Egg Breakfast Muffins, 1/3 banana, 4oz chicken on a salad with flax seeds and Asian sesame dressing, 1/2 cup of applesauce with the kids, and a yummy dinner of 4oz tilapia, and potatoes. I was looking at everything thinking I needed to get in more, but it's a little late now and I'm not hungry. I might grab a glass of vanilla soy milk and call it a night.

Pretty good start to the week! I took a peek at the scale and my gain from the week and a half off is gone and then some. I know I can do this, I just wish I felt confident I could keep it up longer than a month.

{Healthier} Egg Breakfast Muffins

I've shared my Egg Breakfast Muffins before (on my other blog Exploring Domesticity), and I love how easy they are to make, freeze, and reheat whenever I need a quick breakfast.  The last ones included regular breakfast sausage, bacon, and cheese.  They are delicious.

However, it is time to cut cals wherever I can, so I decided to make these a little more on the healthy side.  

I love how easy they are and that you can customize them however you'd like.  Here's how I made them this time around.

Ingredients:
1 sandwich thin, cut into 12 pieces
1 cup egg whites
1 cup egg substitute
1 spear of asparagus, chopped
2 turkey sausage patties, cut into 12 pieces
Salt
Pepper


Makes 12 muffins. Each serving is two muffins.

While I was making these I grabbed my trusty food scale so I could eyeball amounts and know exactly what I was eating.

I eyeballed the eggs to what I thought would fill each muffin. When all was said and done, it came out to a nice 1 cup of each egg whites and egg substitute. They are the same nutritionally, so 2 cups of whichever you prefer would work.

My last egg muffins used quartered bread slices, and I could have omitted them but they add such a great sweetness to the muffins, almost like a french toast bottom. This time I cut a sandwich thin into 12 pieces, which reduced the calories a bit.

I also omitted regular full-fat breakfast sausage and bacon bits in favor of two turkey sausage patties cut into 12 pieces.

Here's the fun part. Add anything you'd like. My original muffins had cheese and green onions. This time, I added a veggie kick with some pieces of asparagus I had in the freezer for just this reason.

The last time I prepared asparagus for the family I used the snapping trick to quickly find where to trim the spears. Once I had some time while they were cooking, I went back and individually snapped each spear and chopped the good parts and put them in the freezer.

Into the oven they go. I cooked mine at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

They didn't turn out quite as picture-perfect as I was hoping. The bread and sausage came to the top, but I think that looks pretty nice too.

There you have it! Two of these babies for a nice and filling 91 calories.

I like to let them cool and place them in the freezer for an easy breakfast. Letting them cool is the most important piece. If they are still warm when they are bagged and frozen they will end up very wet when they are reheated.

Yum! A quick and easy, healthy breakfast to fill you up and give you energy for the day. Enjoy!