There I said it.

I admit it.

I have a weakness for things that are sweet and/or sour late at night. I used to blame it on my husband who got me into a routine of eating sweet things late at night after the kids went to bed. Why did I blame him? Because he was always eating something late at night and often it was something sweet! Damn the man for being able to eat whatever he wants and not gain an ounce. How the heck can he stay so toned and in shape?! Damn man…

But no, I had to stop. I’ve been on weight watchers for a month now so I’ve had to learn to readjust my eating habits. Thank goodness for the new program that lets me eat fruit and veggies without worrying about points! Because now to soothe my sweet tooth I’m grabbing one of these which have become my favorite late night snacks…

• COLD Oranges
• Frozen Grapes
• 2point mini Chocolate Pretzel bar
• Strawberries & Whip Cream
• Sugar Free Jello

Amazingly, hubby’s even switched to eating some of my new snacks and some nights we’re fighting over that last cold piece of fruit!

I’m always looking for more ideas for late night sweet snack attacks. If you have any other suggestions, please do share!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn.   Two blogging carnival participants will receive an Orville Redenbacher’s Very Important Blogger (VIB) Gift Basket which includes popcorn, exercise kit including clip n step meter, exercise bands, healthy recipe mix-ins, yoga kit with yoga mat, blocks, strap, and beginner DVD ($100 value).  To be eligible answer the following blogging carnival question in your weekly Mamavation blog post and mention Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn with a link back to their site.  Link up your post here.

Are you a sweet or savory snacker?  What do you look for in a healthy snack?

What Next?

Oh the feeling of awesomeness knowing I’m finally losing weight again with my Weight Watchers and exercise program and it SHOWS! In fact…last night DH even said (as I’m bent over the sink brushing my teeth), “Wow, you’re #@% is getting smaller and rounder like the old days!” As he lovingly smacks it! LOL

Last week I even got into a pair of jeans I was thinking I’d never get back into and funny thing is that I’m STILL going to have to give them up since now it’s too lose in the butt area!

My Fitness Trainer says that come tomorrow he’ll be making me sweat the most I’ve ever sweat and every Tuesday we get together thereafter. Folks if you find a good trainer who motivates AND pushes you, they are a KEEPER! Even when I’m feeling defeated he has a way of pushing me and then I feel great (and sore) afterwards knowing I did it and in some cases more than before! Oh and did I mention I dropped my BMI quite a bit since he last measured me last summer??

FINALLY seeing progress!

This week’s focus is on food and variety. I’m getting into a good exercise routine but I do need to learn some new recipes so meals doesn’t get boring causing me to want to jump ship. And if I select the right ones, my family won’t even notice the difference!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Chef’s Requested.  Two blogging carnival participants will receive a grip of Chef’s Requested steaks.

Question: What are you doing to keep your heart healthy?

What am I doing? I’m exercising and being more active like the old days pre-kids and loving every moment of it! What are you doing to keep your heart healthy?

What Next?

Mentally, exercise has been an AWESOME outlet for frustration. If get upset, feel some frustration, or I feel down, no problem! The moment I jump on that treadmill or bike with my music, instantly I feel much better. When I feel the urge for a late night snack? I’ve even gotten down on the floor and did some reverse and regular planks. Definitely help to refocus my attention to something better. Last week I was down 2 pounds, last night I found myself up 5 pounds, BUT my sides are smoother (you know…the area between the hip and waist…the area that loves to get all rolly? Yeah…I ALMOST want to say it’s no longer there!). I can also definitely see that my clothes fit me better without giving me those horrible stomach indention’s by the end of the day. So overall, while my SmartEat (review HERE) scale isn’t really moving down like I want it to, the exercise is transforming my body bit by bit which makes me feel good.

I did officially start counting on the Weight Watcher Points Plus program Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were fairly easy planned days, but over the weekend we had no kids and went to a “tailgate” like party with fried chicken, sides, and alcohol Saturday night so I did go higher on points. I did keep track of my points the whole night so I was proud of myself for that. And honestly? I wasn’t even ashamed of what I ate because it was within reason and within my allotted planned points. The downfall amazingly enough was Sunday night dinner with hubby before getting the kids. Mexican…need I really say more? That’s OK though. Today’s a new day. Already had fruit and oatmeal for breakfast and I’ll head to the gym later today.

Tomorrow I go back to weekly sessions with my physical trainer. He wanted me to get back into the swing of things before we went back to our weight training sessions. LOVE this guy! Before I got sick last August I saw him weekly and I was definitely getting stronger. Now that I’m back in the game I plan to get even stronger. No I’m not going to go all buff She-Rah or China on my man (yeah, he still likes feminine soft (not chunky or too muscular) curves), but I’m definitely aiming for that nice healthy athletic look. This week’s goal? I’ll be working towards some healthier family dinners this week and picking up some more fresh fruit and veggies.

Do you have a fitness or health goal this week or even a great tip?

Please share!

What Next?

Thankfully my gym membership fees at O2 Fitness are covered as long as I workout a minimum of 9 days a month. So I popped in the tunes, zoned out, and worked out! I felt stronger and happier after that good workout of strength training and cardio. I even pushed myself more than I had in the past. It was euphoric! (And seriously, I couldn’t wait to see my husband who was out of town! ) What is it about all that blood pumping that gets you just feeling hot and womanly?! I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!

Bought myself some comfy exercise clothes so I don’t feel like a total bum at the gym in cutoff sweatpants and old t-shirts. Now I have yoga pants, capri exercise pants, and new t-shirts to comfortably exercise in without the embarrassment of exposing too much if I forget I have an old hole somewhere.

Attended a Weight Watchers meeting at work and excited that my membership fees will also be covered as long as I participate weekly. Starting this coming Wednesday, I will be weighing in weekly and attending support meetings with the At Work program. Off site I will continue to plan and count points while focusing on changing my eating habits, which include learning portion control and selecting better food alternatives. In addition I’ll be better prepared this time by using the etools I will have access to.

Last night I picked up this week’s worth of lunch meals from the SmartOnes collection along with some fruits and veggies. I’m rather surprised at how much flavor these meals have and they’re great for portion control and quick meal time preparation. Far more exciting than a standard sandwich and definitely far cheaper than going out for lunch during the week.

This week, Mamavation Monday’s blogging carnival is being sponsored by Fiber Plus and they have asked all the following question:

Question: How are you getting more fiber in your diet this New Year?

Fiber is great for making you feeling full and it helps to keep you regular which is important so you don’t feel so bloated. Did you even know it could help reduce the chance of cancer and diabetes as well? GOOD STUFF!

This year I definitely plan on adding more fiber into my daily diet. Not only will I eat foods like Kellogg’s FiberPlus bars and cereal, but I plan to eat foods rich in fiber such as apples with skin (5g/med size), naval oranges (3.4g/med size), bananas (3.92g/med size), raspberries (8.34g/c), avocado (11.84g/med size), black beans (14.92g/c), and red lentils (15.64g/c). You can find a bigger list of high fiber foods at Common Sense Health.

In addition to going back to the gym and registering for Weight Watchers, EatSmart sent me their EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale to use on my weight loss journey. LOVE this simple yet elegant scale. I’ve found that while I’m working on losing weight loss, stepping on the scale helps remind me of my goal and I’m less tempted to want to do something that would cause the scale to weigh me heavier the next time I get on.

EatSmart Digital Bathroom Scale™

The EatSmart Bathroom Scale is versatile, easy to use digital bathroom great for any home. Simply step on the scale and in seconds you’ll have an accurate readout on the EatSmart’s oversized 3.5″ LCD display.
Features

1. Large 3.5″ LCD display – Easy to read from any distance
2. 4 high precision sensors – Consistent and accurate measurement
3. Max weight 400 lbs / 180 kgs
4. Sturdy tempered glass top and large 12″ x 13″ platform
5. Auto Calibrated; Auto Power-Off; 4 AAA batteries (included)

WHERE TO BUY…Amazon.com BLACK or SILVER scale for about $25.21. And be sure to follow EatSmart Scales on Twitter.

OUR THOUGHTS…NICE simple yet elegant digital scale that is worth the $25.21 it is currently priced at Amazon. It has a heavy glass top that doesn’t “groan” like other plastic scales when you step on. The only thing that I wish it had that it doesn’t is something that tells me my body fat analysis but this model doesn’t have that included.

I’d really like to look into investing in their EatSmart Nutrition Scale™ – Digital Food and Nutrient Calculator that they have. That scale actually analyzes the nutritional value of ANY food by portion size.

I have decided that my first treat to myself when I reach my first goal (10% of weight loss goal) will definitely be a good long massage. Forget the manicures and pedicures, I’m going for that well deserved hour and a half long body, scalp, and facial massage!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

WHAT WOULD YOU REWARD YOURSELF?

I’m writing this post as an entry to a blogging carnival sponsored by Fiber Plus.
I will be receiving free product in return.

What Next?

The race is on…the race (at a reasonable pace) to lose weight and get down to a healthier and happier me.

It was on my New Year’s resolutions…

I’m starting things a month behind…

But I’m doing it, OK? OK…

My BFF (I sooo feel like I’m in HS…lol) and I are in a race to weight loss. We figured we needed to stop talking about and just do it! Our first goal is 10 pounds. Whoever loses the first 10 pounds first treats the other to a manicure or pedicure.

Yesterday was the 2nd weigh in Monday for us and I managed to lose 3 pounds while she lost 2. Woohoo!!

What am I doing? I started off the first couple of days doing Weight Watchers with her but to be honest, I hate counting points and I don’t even like counting calories. So now I’m watching what and how much I consume, drinking more water, take the stairs at work (well, down 3 floors at least to start), and trying to stay away from the fast food drive-thru’s.

I have noticed that heavier foods feel way too heavy on my stomach and because I’m eating slower, I don’t THINK I need more food to feel full.

Now if only I can get really motivated to REALLY get moving and exercising! My next step…

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