Menu Plan Monday: Aug 28- Sept 3, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable! 

I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are doing a  Low Carb/Paleo way of eating, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is also doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Shrimp alfredo w/ Spaghetti Squash
• Tacos (Whole Wheat Gluten free tortillas)
• Big mac Casserole & salad
• Mozzarella Chicken w/ Zoodles O'glio
• Fathead Pepperoni Pizza & salad
•  Sunday:  Grilled T bones, roasted parmesan green beans

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Scrambled Eggs &bacon
• Low Carb pancakes & Sausages
• Overnight oats

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, avocado & cheese
• Curried Chicken salad
• Hummus & Veggies

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Hard boiled egg & mayo
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Menu Plan Monday: May 15 - 21, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is also doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Low Carb Eggplant parmesan & side salads
• Seafood pasta alfredo & steamed Mixed veggies
• Strawberry Fields Salads w/ blue berries, strawberries, Pecans, Feta, Chicken strips
• Baked chicken, roasted brussel sprouts
• Baked Chili Dogs, Mac & cheese & green beans
• Ribs, cole slaw & creamy mashed cauliflower
•  Dessert/Treat:  Secret Ingredient Chocolate Mousse (Low Carb)

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Scrambled Eggs &sausages
• Egg Muffins

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, avocado & cheese
• Lemon Pepper Tuna Salad
• Hummus & Veggies

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Hard boiled egg & mayo
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Today's Thoughts: Are You Going Thru A Storm?

Once again my thoughts for today are stemming from a sermon from a recent Sunday!  My pastor wasn't thinking about weight loss, but some weeks I find tidbits that apply to other areas of my life, such as my/our weight loss journey and #victory2017.  This was one of them!

"Storms should not define our life!"
We have storms of one type or another all throughout our lives and especially when we are talking about a weight loss journey! You can not be on a weight loss endeavor without some form of trial and error, some type of plateau, some kind of storm arriving!  It's just how it is!  BUT, these storms should not define who we are as a person!  Who we are as a beautiful God made human being.   We should not allow a storm to deter us away from our path.

In your "storm" ask yourself this question:  What direction am I facing?
Are you allowing the storm to knock you around? To knock you away from your goals and dreams of #victory2017 ?  You must realize that it is a storm and it too shall pass, so get your bearings.  Storms are temporary!  The vacation and it's temptations will end.  The mama visiting who "has" to cook for your family will end.  Decide what is important each day and move on. 

Getting thru your storm takes effort:
Take time to read positive quotes or scriptures.  Update and read your motivation board each day.  Pinterest & you tube are for more than silly things.  Use them to your best advantage during this time!  Start a Pin board that motivates you to stay on track!  Listen to music that uplifts you and motivates you!  Most of all keep your eyes focused on your goals! 

I so want to reach my own goals in 2017 and I found these thoughts inspiring, so I hope that they are a source of inspiration to you too!  #victory2017

Menu Plan Monday: May 8-14, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is also doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Fish tacos, chips & salsa
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
• Keilbasa w/ cabbage, peppers & onions
• Grilled pork chops, Parmesan roasted green beans & quinoa
• Chicken Carbonara, side salads
•  Dessert/Treat: Low Carb/High fat Chocolate Mousse

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Eggs & bacon
• Carbquick Pancakes & Sausages

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, tomato & cheese
• Lemon Pepper Tuna Salad
• Hummus & Veggies

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Hard boiled egg & mayo
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Menu Plan Monday: April 24-30, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

•  Flatbread Pizzas & salads
• Crock Pot Tikka Masala, Riced cauli
• Shrimp zoodles Parmesan, Salads
• Southern Chicken Salad
• Taco Boats & chips & salsa
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken & Rice Casserole
• Fish tacos, chips & salsa
•  Dessert/Treat: Low Carb/High fat Chocolate Mousse

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Eggs & bacon
• Almond Flour Pancakes & Sausages

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, tomato & cheese
• Tuna Salad
• Hummus & Veggies

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Hard boiled egg & mayo
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Menu Plan Monday: March 27- April 2, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Taco Boats
• Philly Steak & Cheese stuffed peppers, salads
•  Bunless cheeseburgers, roasted garlic caulifower steaks
• Oven Baked Spaghetti Squash w/ Crab & Garlic Alfredo, broccoli
• Oven Roasted chicken, roasted green beans & Creamy cauli
• Pizza Casserole, salads
•  Dessert: Low Carb/High fat Chocolate Mousse

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Egg muffins
• Eggs & bacon

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, tomato & cheese
• Tuna salad

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Today's Thoughts: Are You a Treasure?

"The way we regard our treasure is a personal disclosure of who we are.  The issue is:  Where is our heart?"  This was another tidbit from my personal devotional time recently that seemed appropriate for the weight loss journey that we are all on.  Where is Your Heart?  Are you a treasure?

Do you find it hard to keep your eye on the goal?  Your heart set on the prize?  Are you easily swayed by momentary weaknesses and daily cravings and bouts of laziness?  I know that without my Inspiration Board, and reading it several times a week and following my meal plan and prepping for the coming week - I am as easily tempted by the human frailties as anyone else.

I try to make sure that I look at some portion, or even all of, my Inspiration Board 1-3 times a week.  Along with that, I have a Pinterest page set up to collect motivational sayings and pictures and I find that a glance thru there often helps refocus.  I HAVE to menu plan and prep for the upcoming week each.and.every. week.  OR I WILL FAIL!  With a plan in place I am more likely to follow it. If you eat any meal by the "seat of your pants", then you approach that meal time HUNGRY and ready to eat anything.  Having a plan in place will prevent this.

Changing our perspective, so that we view our own selves.... Our own body as a treasure, no matter the shape or size currently, will alter the way that we treat it.  Take some time this week and begin to think about how you treat your items that are "treasures".  Your own body is here for the long run.  Treat it well!  It's the only one you've got.

Menu Plan Monday: March 20-26, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Zaxby's- Fundraiser night
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Layered Salad
• Tuscan Chicken, cous cous, cucumber salad
• Egg roll in a bowl, fried dumplings
• Taco Boats
• Baked chicken, roasted brussel sprouts & side salads
•  Dessert: none this week!  I have to recoup from last week!

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Egg muffins
• Eggs & bacon

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, tomato & cheese
• Tuna salad (in a romaine leaf OR 1 Wasa Crisp)

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!

Today's Thoughts: What is Your B.U.T.?

I came across this statement recently during my quiet time and it was so appropriate for my weight loss journey.  For YOUR weight loss journey.  I had to share it with you.   
"I know what God says, but...."  I can tell you with absolute certainty that everything on the other side of "but" is a waste of time.   
 That was something that stopped me in my tracks!  In several areas in my life.  But, specifically appropriate for this blog.  Anything that comes after the "but", is wasting my precious time!  The time that I keep saying I don't have enough of...
If you are not a spiritual person, alter that first phrase. It's fitting for many aspects of your life!

I know what I need to do to be healthy, but....
I know what I need to do to lose weight, but...
I know what I my doctor said, but....
I know how to make my marriage work, but...
I know how to be happy, but....
I know what.... BUT.....
I know how.... BUT....

How HUGE is the B.U.T. that is standing in your path to #VICTORY2017?
In reality, in real long term goals, how small is the B.U.T. that is in your way?  Is it as big as you thought? 


It is all in how we perceive it!  Set yourself a goal and don't let the B.U.T. get in your way!  We all want to reach #victory2017 right?

Menu Plan Monday: March 13- 19, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Dry Rub Baked Ribs, Broccoli Cheese Gratin, Salads
• Italian sausage, mushrooms, onion & garlic tossed w/ a savory garlic-parmesan olive oil, served over roasted Spag. squash. side salads
• Out- Moe's Southwest Grill (Hubs Bday coupon!)
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Layered Salad
• Tuscan Chicken, cous cous, cucumber salad
• Out- Which Wich lettuce wrapped subs (Hubs Bday Coupon)
• Salisbury Steak w/ mushrooms, creamy mashed cauli, green beans
•  Dessert:  I've made a high fat/low carb Chocolate -Strawberry Salted Tart, for Hubs -day.  It is RICH and you just need a sliver to satisfy a sweet craving AND get some extra needed fat into your daily diet. 

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Egg muffins
• Cheesy Scrambled eggs & ham

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham, tomato & cheese
• Tuna salad (in a romaine leaf OR 1 Wasa Crisp)

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!  

Menu Plan Monday: March 6- 12, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Pizza Salad (w/ romaine/spinach, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, red onion, diced ham, pepperonccini peppers, olives and a viniagrette. (Prior to Low Carb, I would have put oven roasted garlic bread into this.  But, it is so tasty and full of flavor that you don't miss it!)
• Mojo Marinated Oven baked chicken, creamy garlic mashed cauli & side salads
• Baked spaghetti squash tossed w/ Italian sausage, mushrooms, onion & garlic and a savory garlic-parmesan olive oil
• Spinach & Cheese stuffed chicken breast, roasted asparagus
• One-Sheet pan baked Ranch pork chops, roasted cauli, onions & broccoli
• Grilled chili-cilantro lime chicken, sauted summer squash & onions
• Dessert:  I already made a high fat/low carb Chocolate Mocha Mousse.  It is RICH and you just need 1-3 bites to satisfy a sweet craving AND get some extra needed fat into your daily diet.

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Strawberries & spinach
• Egg muffins
• Scrambled eggs & sausages

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with ham & cheese
• Tuna salad (in a romaine leaf OR 1 Wasa Crisp)

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!  

New Healthy Printable Coupons!

 Here are a few NEW coupons that became available today for printing.  The beginning of a new month always means NEW coupons!  I've selected some of the healthier choices for you.  Once you click on the link, the full selection should open up to you.
If we are on a path to healthier living and eating, this will cost us $$.  We need to save every where that we can!

• $0.50 off 1 Annie's™ Organic Yogurt
• $1.00 off 1 LARABAR multipack or Bites
• $1.00 off 1 Yoplait Yogurt
• $1.00 off ONE PACKAGE of Immaculate Baking product
• $1.00 off one DOLE Frozen Products
• $2.00 off any 3 Nestle Pure Life
• $1.00 off any 2 Nestle Pure Life
• $1.00 off one Newman's Own
• $1.00 off one Splenda Product
• $2.00 off one Boost

Finding Me: When are We Talking About?

Previously I covered the How aspect of this journey and the Why aspect.  Today it is the When.  WHEN exactly are we talking about:  Are we starting eventually?  Next month maybe? 

I am currently doing this.  I already started my Low Carb/ High Fat lifestyle (once again) on January 2nd.  It's not a Keto diet. (If you know what that is...) But, a Low Carb plan with higher fat.  This is not a diet to me now, it is a lifestyle.  My husband has joined me in eating this way, so it is much easier to maintain.  If you have a spouse or a close friend or a FB friend who you can use as support, your efforts will be easier for you too!  

Another WHEN is when do I want to lose the weight... What time frame am I looking at? I lost 8 pounds during the month of January!  I'd really LOVE to lose 8-10 pounds each month, so that I could be ready for maintenance come holiday season.  That means some serious effort on my part!  But, I find that for the most part if I can focus on the goal ahead of me and stick to my plan, this style of eating works for me!  So, we'll see how motivated I am during this year!  How consistent I can be to stick with my eating plan....  How badly do I want this #victory2017 ??

If you are going to be successful, you will also need to decide on your own parameters.  Your HOW, WHY and WHEN.  HOW are you going to accomplish your weight loss?  What eating plan are you going to follow?  WHY are YOU doing this?  What motivates you to start, to continue on the day to day and to actually finish?  WHEN are you going to start?  And other goals that you may have and set them down on paper.  Maybe even make yourself an inspiration board, like we did in our Support Group as the first Challenge for this year.  I find that when I don't look at my Inspiration board often enough, I begin to lose site of my goals. (I'll talk about the inspiration board more next week, I think!)

We can not be successful if we lose sight of our personal goals! Can we?  How do you keep yourself motivated?

Update:
I wrote this as an immediate third part of the series.  But, was waiting to edit and release it in a timely fashion.  Because of life and all of it's quirks and upheavals, I have been in complete chaos during February.  I didn't lose the 8 that I was hoping for, but I did lose.

Menu Plan Monday: Feb. 27- March 5, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Egg Roll in a Bowl 
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala, Riced Cauli
• Fat Head Deep Dish Pizza, salads
• Turkey Veggie Soup, Salads
• Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Mini Meatloaves, Creamed Summer Squash 
• Weekend away:  taking snacks & lunch with us, eating dinner out.
  cheese sticks, nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, Summer sausage & cheese, etc...

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Peanut Butter & spinach
• Eggs & bacon
• Scrambled eggs & sausages
• Cheese omelette W/ Avocado

Lunch Ideas:

• Leftovers!!!
• Egg wraps filled with turkey, avocado & cheese
• Pizza Salad
• Thai Cucumber salad w/ peanut dressing

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Without a plan, your new eating style will fail!
Let me know how it goes!  

Finding Me: Why Am I Doing This Again?

Last week I explained How I am doing this weight Loss Journey this time around.  This week I want to  delve into the WHY am I doing this, yet again:
I'm sure that you have your own reasons WHY you are not doing anything.  Or WHY you have chosen the plan or path that you have.  Or a list of reasons that explain the WHY that motivates you.  If you don't, after reading mine, please sit down and think about it and make a list of your own WHY!

• I have a child.  I want my child to grow up with a positive body image!  To not be constantly seeing her mommy gaining and losing weight.  And definitely not hearing me referring to myself as fat or wearing fat clothes, yet again....  She's tall and extremely slender and will probably take after her dad and remain that way.  I've strived to instill in her a sense of balance in her eating choices.  To choose healthy foods.  To realize that water is life giving and soda is evil.
• I have a husband.  I want to feel beautiful for him!  He loves me no matter what size I am!  He sees the inner me.  He loved me at a size 28 and has never seen me less that 195 pounds.  BUT, I want to feel comfortable in my own skin and feel like I look like what he SAYS I look like.  SO that when he compliments me, I can accept it graciously and willingly and not just nod and and "yeah right".
• I have my own life to live ahead of me. I can do it so much more successfully when I can move and breathe and live it to the full!  I hate the extra pains and aches that come along with gaining weight!  The knee strain.  The neck and shoulder aches.  My heels begin to ache and I'm constantly asking Hubs to rub my feet.
• I want to sleep better!  I had much better sleep quality 50 pounds ago!  I miss that!  I could sleep thru the night and not get up to pee.  Not toss around trying to find that cool and comfy sweet spot....  (Sigh...)
• I just don't want to be the fat person in every picture!  You all get that right?  Now, I come from a family of overweight people.  So, I'm not the only one.  But, I'm talking about family, friends, church, etc....  I'm tired of having to angle, turn, hide and try to get the JUST RIGHT pose to look less fat.

Now, after all of that, I don't have a specific # or size in mind.  I have a general pound and size in mind, but it is more about how I feel inside, my energy level and how I look when I see myself in the mirror and in a photo.  I'm not out to be model thin.  Just me.  Trying to find my real self....  You feeling that too?  I've got some weight to lose.  I've got a ways to go to get healthy.  Come along for this journey and let's find it together!

Menu Plan Monday: Feb. 6-12, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 5-6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Salisbury Steak w/ mushrooms & onions, creamy mashed cauliflower
• Philly stuffed peppers & salads
• Dinner salads w/ goat cheese, berries, walnuts & leftover chopped turkey
• Turkey Casserole
• Creamy Garlic Pasta w/ Chicken & broccoli, salads (Cheat day)
• Grilled pork steaks, brussel sprouts & salads
• Dessert: Low carb Peanut Butter cheesecake cups.  1 each evening this week. :-)

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies w/ Blackberries & spinach
• Eggs & bacon
• Egg Biscuits
• Turkey & Cheese omelette

Lunch Ideas:

• Turkey Salad w/ pecans & grapes, on romaine 
• Egg wraps filled with turkey, avocado & cheese
• Leftovers
• Pizza Casserole
• Thai Cucumber salad w/ peanut dressing

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Let me know!  

Finding Me: How Am I Doing It?

Today I am going to dig deeper into the HOW of my Weight Loss Journey...  You all have to have a HOW in your own journey.  Did you know that?  Just floundering around won't work.  Just "eating more healthy!!" Doesn't get you anywhere!  You have to have an actual decided on HOW!

Here is my HOW:

• I am following a Low Carb/ High Fat diet.  I thought that I pretty much knew all there was to know about Low Carb, because I have done it several times over the years.  But recently I was in my local library and found a new book that caught my eye, so I grabbed it and brought it home.  Low and behold I found some great tidbits in there that have truly helped this month get my new eating plan off to a ROARING start! 
  
  The Book was The 30 Day Low Carb Diet Solution.  In it I found how many grams of carbs I could eat at each meal for my body size, as well as how much protein I NEEDED.  I also found several nice recipes to try.
  
  
  
   
  

  
  
  I have many Pinterest boards for Low carb recipes.  If you are on Pinterest and you decide that your HOW involves Low Carb, then follow my Pinterest boards and get some ideas!  LC- Desserts,  LC- Food, LC- Baking, and more!!
  
  About 2 years ago I had a very expensive test done by my doctor, because she was not convinced that my Low Carb diet was the healthy way to go...  They took a blood sample and sent it off.  They compared my blood type and decided that the very best diet plan for me was..... TAH! DAH!  LOW CARB!  Yep, that's right!  The same one that I had been on and losing weight successfully!  SO many people, and many doctor's included, just can't get the "fat is bad" mindset changed!  Ok, more on that one later.... Let's move on!
  
  
• I am drinking a LOT of water.  (I mean a L.O.T.)
  As part of one of our Support Group's challenges we began drinking 1/2 our body weight in ounces of water each day.  (So, if you weighed 250, you would drink 125 ounces.  200 lbs and you'd drink 100 ounces.)  I had 124 ounces to drink every day for weeks!  I met my goal most days! 
  Yes, in the beginning you are in the bathroom every hour or so.  But, your body does adjust and after awhile you realize that even tho you drank20 ounces right before bed, you are no longer up in the middle of the night JUST because you need to pee!  (Now, if something else wakes me like the cat or the dog or I'm hot, then I get up and go and drink even more water!)
  
  Drinking that much water takes effort.  It takes discipline.  Drinking that much water each day means that I drink my morning coffee (And totally savor it!!!) and then nothing else except water all day.  BUT, it is flushing my system daily!  It is helping me to feel full and not get the munchies!  I LIKE WATER!  I like what it is doing for me now!
  
  
• I am also doing some exercise 4-5 times a week.  We have a dog that has to be walked each morning, so Hubs and I get up early and walk for 30 minutes before getting ready for the day/work.  This gets us both some exercise, as well as getting the dog his exercise and potty break. 
  I try to take as many steps in my day as possible, as well.  I park farther way from doors if I can so I can walk a bit further.  While doing housework, I make multiple trips to put things away even tho it totally goes against my nature!   (I am a one trip gal!  I will carry all 8 bags of groceries in just so I don't have to go out again!)  BUT, I have realized that doing that is not so helpful.  I can get more steps into my day if I make multiple trips.  I do it while putting away laundry; while carrying groceries inside; loading the car for a trip; etc...

Have you decided on your HOW?  How are you going to go about your own personal weight loss journey?  Ambling along will never get you there.  Please make a plan!  Set some goals.  Decide on a lifestyle and eating plan today! (And it doesn't have to be Low Carb to be a part of Finding me!)

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Finding Me: The How, The Why and The When.

Finding Me: A Weight Loss Journey began as an outpouring of my goal to lose the weight that I had regained and to hopefully help others who are looking for some aid in some way.  Someone who has been there and done that!  Someone who has tried all the diets and failed.  Someone who refuses to give up!  Is that you?  I am a teacher at heart and find it a natural thing to want to pass on the things that I learn and find that work.  I hope that this blog and these posts will find a resting place in your heart & mind!

Let me give you a quick overview of my How, Why & When, because I'll come back and expound on each later.

Let me start with the HOW:
How am I losing the extra pounds this time around?  I am following a Low Carb/ High Fat diet.  I am drinking a LOT of water.  (I mean a L.O.T.) And I am doing some exercise 4-5 times a week.

WHY am I doing this, yet again:
I have a child.  I have a husband.  I have my own life to live ahead of me and I can do it so much more successfully when I can move and breathe and live it to the full!

WHEN are we talking about:
I am currently doing this.  I started my Low Carb/ High Fat lifestyle again on January 2nd.  This is not a diet to me now, it is a lifestyle.  My husband has joined me in eating this way, so it is easier.  Another WHEN is when do I want to lose the weight... What time frame am I looking at?  I'll share that in an upcoming post.

Decide on your own parameters.  Your HOW?  HOW are you going to accomplish your weight loss?  Your WHY?  WHY are YOU doing this?  WHEN are you going to start?  And other goals that you may have and set them down on paper.  Maybe even make yourself an inspiration board, like we did in our Support Group as the first Challenge for this year.

Watch for the next in this series of How, Why & When articles!

Menu Plan Monday: Jan. 30- Feb. 5, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week (&/OR we have a cheat day at home). We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Egg Roll-in-a-Bowl
• One Pan Baked Chicken w/ Garlic Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Mashed Cauliflower & salads
• Thai Chicken Zoodles w/ Peanut Sauce (Pad Thai)
• Taco Boats
• Pizza & Salad (Cheat day!)
• Oven Roasted turkey, summer squash & onions, creamed spinach, deviled eggs
• Dessert: Low carb Peanut Butter cheesecake cups.  1 each evening this week. :-)

Breakfast Options:

• Power Protein Smoothies 
• Eggs & bacon
• Egg Biscuits

Lunch Ideas:

• Tuna-Egg Salad, on romaine 
• Pizza Salad w/ cheese/pepperoni/peppers/olives)
• Leftovers
• Pizza Casserole
• Egg wrap w/ ham, cheese & avocado

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Let me know!  

Drinking Enough Water- Update Day #5

Update Day #5:  I have done really great this past weekend with drinking all the water that I have been challenged to consume UNTIL I got to Sunday... 

Even with going out of town overnight, I took my jug with me and continued on drinking!  I refilled and the next day I carried on drinking!  BUT, Sunday was so crazy busy that even tho I refilled my water cup and even took it with me to church and on my errands, I just could not get it all down...

Oh well, one small defeat in a week of triumphs!  I'm sticking to my plan!  Drinking my water.  Walking each day.  Striving for my goal!

How about you?  Have your plan in place?  Have an end goal in mind?

Menu Plan Monday: Jan. 23-29, 2017

Planning my family's meals ahead of time based on what I have on hand AND what is on sale at Publix and Aldi is a HUGE $$ saving plan for my family! This habit of sharing it keeps me accountable!  (I share it on my coupon blog each week.)


I try to plan my family's meal plan based on what is already in my freezer/pantry/frig, so that very little shopping has to be done to feed my family for the week, except for the fresh items- such as dairy and produce.
We are once again doing Low Carb, so I plan 6 dinners that way and we usually eat out once a week. We are trying to get our family on a healthier eating track this new year, as well as getting away from more and more processed foods. My kiddo still eats some carbs during the day, but eats what we eat at dinner time.  My Hubby is doing Low Carb, so planning out the entire day has become my "norm" or else he feels like he might starve!!  He wants to see his options on posted on the frig!

By shopping the sales/deals and actually planning our menu, I rarely have to pay full price for anything to put together a menu plan. This saves so much money for my family! Try it, it will work for you too!

Do you have a plan this week?? I'd love for you to share it with me!

Here is our Dinner plan:

• Broccoli-Bacon Cheddar Chicken, cucumber & onion salad
• Crustless Quiche & Salad
• Spaghetti Squash Alfredo W/ Shrimp & Broccoli, salads
• Egg Roll-in-a-Bowl
• Stir Fried Cabbage w/ Peppers & onions and sausages
• Thai Chicken Zoodles w/ Peanut Sauce (Pad Thai)
• Dessert: Low carb Chocolate Chip cheesecake cups.  1 each evening this week. :-)

Breakfast Options:

• Protein Smoothies 
• Eggs & bacon
• Fluffy Low Carb pancakes & sausages
• Egg Biscuits
• Egg wrap w/ ham & cheese (The egg is THE wrap!!)

Lunch Ideas:

• Tuna-Egg Salad, on romaine 
• Pizza Salad w/ cheese/pepperoni/peppers/olives)
• Cobb Type Salad w/ egg/cheese/ham/ bell pepper/green onion/cuke...
• Pizza Casserole

Snack options:

• Trail mix, peanuts 
• Cheese cubes & salami
• Ham & pickle roll up
• celery & PB
• Fat Bombs (Low carb/High fat version of chocolate!!)

Do you have a menu plan?  Could you put together some sort of plan for this week OR start making a plan for next week?  Let me know!  

Drinking Enough Water- Update day #1

Day #1 Update:
Well, after 1 entire day of drinking half my weight  in ounces of water, I SURVIVED!!  I drank the entire amount before bedtime!  I did not float away!
I also did not have the time to drink anything else all day except my morning coffee.  But, I am ok with that because I know that drinking this amount of water takes discipline and will get me an end result!
I have my first goal in mind and I do not intend to sway left or right this time around!
#pressin #victory2017

Drinking Enough Water article from yesterday, HERE.

How did you do?  Did you try drinking more water?  Come on, you know you need to!  You can do it!  Join me!!

Drinking Enough Water

Do you get enough water each day?  
Probably most of us would like to think that we drink "enough" or that we drink "a lot".  But, eight 8 ounce glasses is considered the minimum and most of us don't reach that because of all the other flavored drinks that get in the way.  Most flavored drinks also contain horrid things that we don't need in our bodies (sugar, caffeine, chemicals, etc...)  A few claim to be free of most of those.  BUT, they are still not WATER.  Life giving, energy giving W.A.T.E.R.

When I am on a weight loss effort, I definitely have to increase my water intake each day!  By doing this, I offer myself several benefits:  decreased appetite, clearer skin, weight loss, (among others like reduce headaches, improve your overall mood & more).

• Decreased Appetite:  Just by drinking truly ENOUGH water each day, I notice that I am not constantly in the kitchen hunting for something to stuff in my mouth.  It keeps your tummy feeling full.  This is a good thing if you are used to snacking the day away.  This is also a good thing if you have a large amount of weight to lose!
• Weight Loss: If drinking plenty of water each day causes decreased appetite, then this can only lead to some weight loss- over time.  This is a good thing.  Often when you THINK you are HUNGRY, you are actually just thirsty and don't realize it.
  Now, we are not talking about flooding our body, but a definite increase in water intake.  (How much you should drink is between you and your health care provider.)
•  Clearer Skin:  Drinking plenty of water, doesn't allow us much time or room to drink much else, thus allowing our body to naturally flush away horrid things.  Toxins that are bad for our body are also bad for our skin.  Getting rid of them can only be a win-win! Do  you have skin issues?  Proper skin care is a must, but drinking plenty of water is also going to greatly help!  Who doesn't want fresh, glowing skin?

Now, how do I go about getting all of that water in each day? 
Well, I have a Tervis cup that I adore.  So, find a large cup that makes you happy.  Either because of the picture or the saying or just because it keeps your water colder longer.  Then, ALWAYS have it with you!  I never, ever leave home without my water!  I take it to church, to the grocery store, to the park, to the mall, to run errands...  AND if I drink it all while I am away...  I do not buy water!  I run into a fast food place and fill it with their free ice and water! :-)  If you work, always have a water bottle/cup on your desk!  Begin building the habit of taking it everywhere with you, too.

Now, after all of that, the Support Group that I admin is doing a Water Challenge this week.  We are taking our weight # and dividing it in half. (If you weigh 200 lbs= 100, 250 lbs= 125, etc)  Then, we are aiming to drink that many ounces each day.  For the above reasons!  Yes, it may seem like a LOT of water...  BUT, this is a journey to weight loss!  It is another way to make our bodies healthier and stronger and closer to the goal that we have set!  Try it!

If you'd like to participate in our challenge, go ahead!  Leave a comment, so we can support you!

Today is The Day!

Today is the day!
I have pondered the idea of starting a new blog just for this journey.  Mulling the idea over and over and finally today, I just DID. IT!  Sometimes in life, you just gotta grab ahold and D.O. I.T.  Ya' know?
A little about me:  I have struggled my whole adult life with my weight.  I've never been a "perfect 10" but at some points in my life I was happy enough in my skin.  Somehow I let my state of happiness/contentment get the better of me and my weight issues would take over once again and it balloons out of control.

I got married at 220 lbs. The most I have weighed was 280.  The least was about 2 years ago and with a Low Carb diet, exercise and a change in my medication, I lost 90 pounds and was at 195.  I still thought I was SO overweight....  Now, when Facebook has so "kindly" shown me my photos from last year and the year before, I realize that I was only 20 pounds or so away from my goal!  I want that person back!  She was becoming happy in her own skin!

With menopause and hormone replacement therapy, along with an ongoing allergy issue that needed a steroid nasal spray, I regained about 30 pounds.  No matter what I did with my diet and exercise it kept creeping on.  Finally, I gave in and ate what I wanted, when I wanted.  (That helped a lot, right??) Now, I am currently sitting at 242.

I enjoyed the holiday season.  Baking to my hearts content.  Knowing that come 2017 I WAS going to find a new sense of inspiration from somewhere to get serious and get back to a regular routine of exercise and meal planning.

I convinced my dear Hubs to join me in Low Carb, as well as walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week.  So far, all is well.  He has lost 8 and I've lost 5.

I hope that you'll join in with me and find your own inspiration for your journey to find the Real You!