Old Me

Sometimes people write and blog and they are speaking from others experience.
Have you ever been overweight?
Do you know what it feels like?
Do you know what it's like to not have energy?
Well, for those of you who may not know me or haven't known me long, let me share with you.
I have been there.
I am not finished with my journey.
I've come a long way.
I know what it's like!!!!!
Below is the proof.

I put these here for so called "proof".  I don't want your sympathy of "you poor thing".  I put them here so that you know that I know what I am talking about and I feel your pain and your discouragement.  I will not, can not, no way, won't consider, not even a chance, ever return to this person.  It still makes my skin crawl when I look at these.  Yes, I struggle. Yes, I want chocolate. Yes, I want to eat french fries and milk shakes but I also know that it's about moderation!!!!!!!  I have Michelle C to thank for kicking me out of this.  Her challenge to just try running on a treadmill did it. At that moment, the only reason I did it is so that she would leave me alone.  I believe with everything in me that if I had stayed this size I would have....
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Depression and a million other problems. 
THANK THE LORD FOR FRIENDS WHO CARE ENOUGHT TO PUSH!!!!!!!

Ever Wonder ....

Ever wonder if what you are doing matters or makes a difference? I know I do. I write on 2 blogs and a lot of times, there are no comments and I wonder if it really matters and are people even reading? I know they are because of the counter but I just know that this is not just for me but for those who lurk behind the scenes. Well, last week I got the sweetest message on Facebook. Her name is Janet and we met during VBS this past summer. Well, come to find out she and the staff at WEE School have been reading Made To Crave. It is an awesome book!!!!! All of that being said, the combination of the Lord, the book, and being encouraged through Facebook post and here, she has lost 29 pounds and counting. I was so very excited and so thrilled for her!!!! Way to go Janet!!!!!!!! She did give me permission to share this, by the way. Do you have a story you would like to share? Let me know and let's encourage each other!!!! We can't do this alone!!!!!! God is good!

Quick Creamy Chicken Lasagna

Quick Creamy Chicken Lasagna

15 oven-ready, rippled style lasagna noodles (soaked in hot water for 10 min.)
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
3 cups marinara sauce (low sugar/no sugar)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine chicken, basil, 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of broth. Mix remaining cream cheese and broth in a separate bowl. Spread 1/3 cup marinara on the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. Assemble 4 layers as follows. 3 noodles, 2/3 cup sauce, 1 cup chicken mixture, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons Parmesian. Top with last noodles, the broth mixture and remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Leaving dish on the same rack, turn oven to broil. Remove foil and broil until golden brown. Remove from oven. Let stand 10 minutes.
Runners World Magazine Feb. 2012
Options
Use whole wheat pasta
Use no fat cream cheese
Use low fat/skim mozzarella
Enjoy!!!!!!

I think I could bust.......

Well, last Friday I put on a shirt that I have not worn in a while. Typically because it was snug and I don't do snug. You know what I am talking about..... Anyway, I put it on and the thing was to BIG!!!!!! I was bouncing off the walls and everything else. I was so excited and so happy. Sunday I took off and went to the gym. Thought I would make this a longer run.....yeah...4 miles and 550 calories later I got off feeling great and VERY proud of myself. It felt great!!!!!!!! How are you doing? Are you still with me? Are you in need of encouragement? I would love to send you some!!!!!!! By the way, I know what I weighed when I started and typically don't use a scale because I get obsessed with the numbers. I usually go by clothing and comments. I'm on cloud nine at the moment but I realize there is more to do. Yes, we are going to Myrtle in October!!!! Totally Psyched!!!!!!!! Chime in.....what can I do to help and encourage you?????? New food idea for tomorrow.......stay turned!!!!! Pam

Totally Excited!!!!

October is coming and I have a goal!!!!!!! Half Marathon in Myrtle Beach in October. I am so pumped!!!!!! I have several friends that are working hard on their goals and I just love encouraging them. It just makes my day!!!!!!! One is revamping what she eats, one is doing Weight Watchers, one is doing Couch to 5k. You can't help but get excited.
I have something for you. One of my favorite things to prepare. So very simple and very easy and never taste the same twice.
Roasted Vegtables
You can use zucchini, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, onions, yellow squash, peppers of all kinds, carrots, parsnips, red onions, asparagus, and even okra. Any combo is great!!
Slice and chop so that they are all the same size.
Lightly salt and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil (keep to a minimum)
Toss well.
Spread evenly on cookie sheet or Pampered Chef Bar Pan
Cook at 425 for approx. 30-45 minutes.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!
Options......
Toss veggies with brown rice.
Toss with whole wheat pasta.
Wrap in a whole wheat tortilla.
Eat with favorite lean protein.
Give it a try, you will LOVE IT!!!!!!!! I am preparing them almost every night. By the way, carrots are like candy when roasted!!!!!!

Soooo excited

Got a text from my "sister" Tami and she is doing a 5k in 2 weeks!!!!!!!! I am so excited for her. She has a plan and she is making it happen!!!!!!
Many text the other night and Meagan has set her goal and she is on her way working on her diet with lots of research and exercise and her Hubby is totally supportive and on board.
My friend in Texas stated that she is doing great on Weight Watchers.
Just very exciting!!!!!
Not just for them but for me.
I love to encourage them!!!
What about you??
What are you doing?
Pam

Ideas

Ok, so I have devoured my new Runners World Magazine. Totally inspired!!!!!
They had some really fun suggestions about things to "keep it goin". Thought I would share them with you and I've added a few that help me as well.
1. No rewards with food.
2. For every pound lost,place a $1 in a jar. Goal met.....retail therapy!!!!!!
3. Find a partner to accomplish your goal with. Someone that will keep you on track and encourage you.
4. Make a plan of exercise every week.
5. Keep a food diary and share with your fitness partner.
6. Set a fitness goal. Run/walk a 5k or other activity.
What are some things that have helped you before?.....exciting times!!!!!!
Pam

Happy New Year!!!!!!

So, I am sure that everyone has all of the typical New Years Resolutions. Things like eating better, losing weight, setting a goal of some kind. Well, of course, I am right there with you and have some of the same ideas. Since I started this blog, I thought this would be a good place to share ideas, encouragement and of course some food ideas as well. Are there some topics that you would like to see, discuss or get more information about? Just leave me a comment or sent me an email and I will be happy to see what I can do. I have my plans and my goals. Some are personal. Some are just between me and Jesus and then there are those who some know about and some that are the same as yours. I'm excited about 2012. It's gonna be great!!!!!!! Please list your ideas or questions and lets encourage each other on our journey!!!!!! Pam