Happy New Year! 2011!

I can't believe it's 2011. And I can't believe it's been so long since I updated my blog. . . . Such a slacker!

Things are good on my end. Same old. Same Old. Still working out every day. Watching the "diet" and doing what I can to stay fit.

One of my new years resolutions (PS I don't generally "do" new years resolutions) is to make a more conscious effort to focus on HEALTH and WELL BEING. Not so much on "weight" or "size" etc. It's been a few months in the making but I have been easing into my new point of view.

It really started last year with a routine doctors apt. Standard CBC blood panel results showed extremely low iron levels and anemia- some other concerns like low calcium as well but other than the iron nothing too serious. I had to have some iron infusions though I never really felt "anemic"... Trying to increase my iron levels lead me to interesting data & studies suggesting that mineral balance in general is a tricky tricky business. Increasing my iron via juicy steaks and little green pills, may not necessarily lead to higher iron levels... Well that's awesome.

Over the coarse of about 6 months of Rx supplements & infusions my iron levels went from 3 to 13. Well that's exciting, right? I don't know. I don't feel any different. I didn't have super human strength or anything like that.

Since my impressive "13", I have added a multi-mineral to my repertoire as well as magnesium shots 2x weekly. Ps- those hurt like a son-of-a-b!+[#! So maybe that will help...

I had a follow up apt last Wednesday and I am anxiously awaiting my blood results. I'll let you know if I'm alive & well. . . . or clinically dead. Could go either way.

My SWEET new Addiction! mmm...

Ok- I have a new addiction thanks to Hungry Girl! It's the Kashi Honey Sunshine Cereal! It is TASTY!!! Splash a little ICE COLD ALMOND BREEZE on it along with a little HAZELNUT COFFEE MATE (sugar free, of course) and voila! You've got a sweet crunchy treat for less than 200 calories! It actually tastes a LOT like Captain Crunch! Yumm! Yeah, I had 2 bowls of it tonight for dinner. . .

And more exciting news from the HG front- Laughing cow cheese is launching NEW flavo'flaves in JUNE! I can't WAIT! I LOVE those hilarious wedges! There is going to be a new blue cheese flavor, a mozzarella something-or-rather as well as a kickin' queso flave. Mmmm... My mouth is watering & I can't hardly wait! Oh! And did I mention that they are all LIGHT too! Dah- the most important part! I giggle with anticipation of the new laughing cow~

"Excuse me, Miss. . . Do you have this in a size 4?!?!"

I have never in my life uttered those words. . . UNTIL YESTERDAY!!! At 5'8" tall, I've never in my life (since I WAS 4!) worn a size 4 but yesterday I went shopping for new work pants and the 6's were just too big! I was actually giggling to myself in the dressing room and crying tears of JOY! No, not really crying, but pretty Freaking excited!

I'm still doing all the crazy things to maintain my weight loss but have not been intentionally trying to lose more weight. I was happy to be a size 6. But I was still working hard to maintain that- maybe a little too hard!

Also- I wanted to just talk for a second about hormones. The more and more I read and learn about hormones, the more I realize how much they play a huge part in weight loss & overall health and well being. About 3 weeks ago I went to see my doctor- During an evaluation in her office she asked me some personal questions & recommended that I use prescription strength testosterone for my energy and sex drive. And I've really noticed a difference already! She also put me on progesterone for the 2nd 1/2 of my cycle to help with PMS. So far, so good! : )

So alas- yet another thing that I deal with. . . . outta' control hormones. But I feel I'm one step closer to feeling my BEST!

HaPpY B!r+#d@Y to ME!

Yesterday I celebrated my 31st Birthday! It was a great day! I started the day off with a 5mile run in 30* weather. And even though I haven't ran since Fall, I'm happy to report that I did GREAT! At 31, I am in the best shape of my life. I'm a little sore today because like i said, I haven't ran since fall but overall feel great!

I celebrated my birthday with some close friends & my husband at one of our favorite restaurants. We indulged in all the fine things in life. And even had my favorite- cake with butter cream frosting. But there's no guilt on my birthday!

I am also to report that for the first time in my life I feel good about myself and about my body. No, I'm not a size 2 or a swimsuit model. But I work hard to maintain a size 6 & feel good about my abilities in the gym. All the calorie counting & buckets of sweat is paying off! I will continue to strive for perfection- although perfection may never be reached, there's not harm in trying.

Continuing my fitness & health goals with working out, eating clean, & getting "wrapped up" as often as possible!

Life is good.

OOO 0n!on R!nGs! OOO

Here is a recipe for Killer Krispy O Rings! Low Cal! Low Fat! Super Crispy! And GOOOOD FOR YOU! (in moderation of course!)

You will need:

Onions

Skim Milk

Whole wheat flour
Egg whites WHIPED
Panco bread crumbs whole wheat
Sray with olive oil cooking spray

Cut & seperate Onions and soak in skim milk for a few minutes

Dip onion is Whole wheat flour
Then dip in Egg whites WHIPED
Dip in Panco bread crumbs whole wheat (I like to add some garlic & onion salt to the bread crumbs)

Put onion rings on cooking rack on cookie sheet (line with tin foil for easy clean up)
Pray with olive oil cooking spray
Bake at 450* until golden brown & crispy! EnjoY!

dipping sauce

L/F mayo
liquid smoke
tabasco sauce
salt pepper

Oh Christmas Caloires! Oh Christmas Calories!. . . .

Oh!. . . Damage done. Too many goodies! Too many sweets! Ham & salad (no, not the healthy kind) and potatoes OH MY! Ok Ok, the damage is done. No need to dwell on the calories consumed any longer. Time to move on and I have some good news! I got the new GoWear Fit (body bugg) for Christmas and the Sketchers Shape Up shoes! I also got a certificate for more body wraps! So while I was naughty yesterday with all the indulgences I am excited to get back on track with my eating & workouts! Yes, I missed the gym too- don't judge. ; ) But I'm officially back on track! Bam! (and while the above image is not actually ME, I do have that popcorn bowl.)

New Year- New You, What are your resolutions?

That's a WRAP!

Ok, So I totally have a new addiction. . . 2 weeks ago my BFF called me up- she had scored us a killer deal at our local tanning salon. Unlimited tanning & an infrared body wrap every other day for a whole month for only $100. Whoo-Hoo! I didn't even KNOW what a body wrap was but I said "sign me up!". . . And it soon became my new addiction! To watch a video explaining a body wrap- CLICK HERE!

I have gone about 8 times now and I can really tell a difference! My mid section & legs look thinner & more toned. I LOVE laying in a nice quiet room, wrapped in a warm (hot) blanket, watching TV in peace & quiet. All the while sweating like I'm running a marathon! I was getting headaches after the first couple treatments but I think it was just because I was releasing so many toxins into my body- but now it's fine! Sometimes I feel like a human taco smothered in extra spicy hot sauce! But I like it! : )