The Battle

Inspiration for your day!!!!!!!!

Tara- Week Two!!!!! GO GIRL!!!!

I spoke with Tara yesterday.  The first thing out of my mouth to her was that I wanted her to do this because she is "real".  By that I mean she has a husband, 3 children, works, church commitments and a life.  We had a great time talking and she sent this to me to post.  I hope that you are encouraged and will encourage her.  We are still making changes as we go.  Next week will be GREAT!!!!  I can feel it already!!!!!!

Week Two         

Reality check.  Yes I am a real person, with a real job, real commitments and real setbacks.  This week was difficult.  The kids were back in town, I had vbs at church each night, it was hot, hot, hot outside and I had PMS.  A few things I learned this week is, caffine is not my friend.  Ask my hubby, my kids or my boss.  It took me about three days to realize why my pms was so bad.  My mantra H2O, H2O.  I cannot run outside in 95 degree weather no matter what kind of shape I am getting in.  A setback is not failure.  I realized that I need to figure out how to pace myself better.  I do one fast mile and one super slow mile.  If you know me I am all or nothing.  I have got to work on that this week.

So, I am in week three, encouraged that I am still motivated. This is not a sprint but a marathon and there will be good miles and bad. I am looking to catch my second wind this week. I am happy that Bob Harper convinced Pam that I can weigh in each week.  I am thinking about running a short race on Saturday.   I am happy about the foods I have on my menu and I am even okay that I ate a burger today.

Thanks for all of you are praying for me.  This week pray for me to stick to the scheduled times for working out and to drink my H2O.  Next week I will give you an update on any weight lost.

Post Vacation Confession

Well, we are back from vacation. I'm a bit overwhelmed today with every thing that had to be done and the day is gone and it's almost time bed. WHAT A DAY!!!!!
-Kaleb wanted to stay home with me. He did and bless his heart he hung in there with me doing all of this!!!!
-Go grocery store for shopping after a 10 day vacation.
-Go by Verizon about my phone
-Laundry----that never seemed to end
-Pick up the dog from Winston
-Help a neighbor to see if we could get her keys out of her car.....we did not succeed.
-Fix dinner and clean up
-Kaleb a bath
-Gas in the car
OK...that is enough and that wore me out just writing about it. Oh, my favorite Pampered Chef Bar Pan busted in the oven tonight with my fish on it. NOT HAPPY!!!!

All of that being said.....I had NO MOTIVATION today. Absolutely None!!!! NADA!!! NOTHING!!!!! That is so not me.

My solution---
My running clothes are clean and laying on the bed for the morning.
I had broiled fish and veggies for dinner
I had a bowl of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries for dessert
I had a relaxing cup of coffee
I have already had a shower

I am back in the game!!!!!! Let's get to bed early!!!!

Game On,
Pam

Chickpea Snack!!!!!

This is a recipe one of my Facebook Friends, Traci , posted and of course, I felt like it was a perfect fit for here!!!!!  So simple and so easy!!!!  For sure something I will be making.  She found it in a Weight Watchers Cookbook. 

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

1 TBSP olive oil,
1.5 tsp chili powder,
1.5 tsp cumin,
1/4 tsp salt,
1/8 tsp tsp cayenne,
 2 15.5 oz cans chickpeas rinsed drained and patted dry.
 Preheat oven to 400. Stir all together and place on tray. Bake for about 30-45 min until crispy!
 A healthy snack option!

Thanks Traci for sharing!!!!!!!

Game On,
Pam

Adult Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is what I had today for lunch today here in New Orleans.  We went to a great little restaurant down from our hotel.  It was called The Blind Pelican.  It was incredible.  We sat on a balcony with ceiling fans going, a breeze and people watching.  It was perfect.  Their menu was not huge but what was on it was incredible.  Hubby got a burger that was nothing short of just plain insane.  It looked like something out of a magazine.  Just amazing!!!!  I got something a little different.  An Adult Grilled Cheese and fries.  My sweet Little Man eats way to many grilled cheese and missing him so much I chose to order one.  It was fabulous!!!!!!  So, I chose to share with you what was one it.  I'm going to work on a "Transformation" version when I get home.  I'll keep you posted on that.  Here is what was on my sandwich.

Adult Grilled Cheese Sandwich
From The Blind Pelican

Sourdough Bread
Sliced Tomato
Sliced Bacon(crispy)
Feta Cheese
Pepper Jack
Cheddar Cheese
Few sliced red onions
Grilled to perfection!!!!!!!!

It was fantastic!!!!  I don't eat sliced tomato on my sandwiches.  This was incredible!  I just loved it!!!!!!  I will for sure be making these at home!!!!  I even thing I could add a few things to my Little Man's favorite sandwich.  Thanks to The Blind Pelican for such an awesome experience!!!!!

Now on Twitter

Well, I have chosen to take this blog to the next level......NOW ON TWITTER!!!!!!  I'm not sure what all I plan on tweeting but I am sure it will be fun!!!!!!!! 
I've added a gadget so you follow the "tweets" on the right side of the blog.  I'm very excited!!!!!  Maybe start sharing a bit more about "Transformation-From the Inside Out". 
Have questions you want answers to?
Need some encouragement? (don't we all??)
Want to know what I did for dinner with a new recipe?
Jump in!!!!!!

Game On
Pam.... @runningnut2012

Bleu Apple Salad

This was absolutely incredible tonight at dinner.  We ate at Copelands and it was fantastic!!!!!!!!!
So, here you go if you are looking for something new to try.

Bleu Apple Salad

Mixed Greens
Diced Granny Smith Apples
Sundried tomatoes
Bleu Chees crumbles
Balsamic Vinegarette

IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!! 
I think if you were to add some grilled chicken or steak or even shrimp, you would have a great light dinner for the summer!!!!!!!

Game On,

Pam

Tara- Week One!!!!!!

I got Tara's update today.  I am so excited for her!!!!  SHE ROCKS!!!!!!!  I have cut and pasted her entry.  ENCOURAGE HER WITH YOUR COMMENTS!!!!!!!  SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Week One

So I just started the first week of the plan here is a bullet of ups and downs

Strengths
I drank my water all days but one.
I survived the weekend at my in-laws without falling completely off the wagon and even got a run in
I did not listen to that voice telling me to give up, who was I kidding
I got some clothes from a friend that are a size smaller.
My bras are too big (not sure if Troy would agree this is a good thing).

 Weakness

Pam is out of her mind thinking I am giving up my morning coffee or diet mtn. dew on date night.

I only got in 3 days of working out

Some days I depend on my own strength too much and fail miserably

I want to weigh in weekly.  Still got to talk to Pam about that one.

Wow I am a little surprised that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses.  It felt like a long hard week with many obstacles.  The first 3 days were the hardest because I was craving sugar.  Every time I wanted something I shouldn’t have I prayed for starving people in the world.  Perspective.  I have been praying for eternal perspective.  This isn’t just about me.  This is about my little girl, who is a spitting image of me.  This is about being a temple of God.  This is about no sin being between me and my God.  This is about me fully surrendering every aspect, even chocolate chip cookies after a hard day, to Him.  I am putting one foot in front of the other and taking one choice at a time. 


I am just thrilled!!!!!!  Very proud!!!!!!!  ENCOURAGEMENT!!!!!!!!  TARA-----YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

Game On,
Pam

Chicken Salad

This is the salad that I had the other night at Outback.  It was incredible.  I am including estimates on the amounts.  Not sure about calories and fat grams and all of those details.  I'm sure that if you wanted to sit and figure them out, it would not be that hard because it is so simple.  So here you go....

Chicken Salad

Romaine lettuce
Baby spinach leaves
Radicchio lettuce
1/4 of granny smith apple sliced very thin
Feta cheese
Toasted walnuts
Balsamic Vinaigrette

That simple.  It was INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!  Sweet, salty, vinegar, crunchy, and just amazing!!!!!  Great for these warm summer nights!!!!!!!

Hope you enjoy........

Pam

Pictures!!!!

Well, this could be a little tricky but I am determined.  I posted the other day about "Shadows" and I am out to jump into every picture.  Yes, I know that sounds crazy.  I actually did it the other day at the mall.  We were there doing some shopping and Kaleb wanted to ride the carousel and wanted me to jump on with him.  Well, I gladly went not thinking anything about it.  So, we got on the horse he wanted and I was standing next to him.  My typical reaction when Bo says he wants to take a picture is to get as far away as possible to avoid being caught in the picture.  Well.......this time, I stuck my face right in the midst of the picture.  I was not going to back down on what I had posted for the whole world to read.  I even posted the picture to prove it!!!!!! 

So there you go.  I DID IT!!!!!  This is not the norm for me and totally steps out of my comfort zone but it was good!!!!!!!!  He is so cute!!!!!! 
I am in Mississippi for 2 nights.  Very excited.  I even mapped out my 4 mile run for the morning on the beach.  There is something about sweat, salt water, sand and that gulf breeze.  I can not wait til morning!!!!!!!  It's gonna be awesome!!!!!!

How about you?  How are you doing?  I am so excited.  I'm waiting to hear from Tara.  My sweet Mom has agreed to "proof" my "Transformation" writing with her excellent grammar skills.  I'm sure I will have lots of changes to make.  Grammar is not exactly my favorite subject......Thank You Mom!!!!!!! 
I do have a salad recipe to share with you.  An awesome dinner that I enjoyed at Outback the other nights.  It was amazing!!!!!!!!

Never Give Up,
Pam

Danielle's Cheesecake!

Well, how are things going with you?  Are you sticking to whatever plan that you are flowing?  Its amazing how things can get rolling and before you know it, things are changing.  It's just awesome.
I'm excited that I have started to see changes.  They are small but I'm aware and that is what makes all the difference in the world. 
Yesterday I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed.  I posted on my Facebook page that I had some choices.
1. I can eat what is in the pantry.
2. I can go home and sit.
3. I can go and take a nap.
4. I can go to the gym.
5. I can leave my frustration on the equipment
6. I can destress with sweat.
Well, I had limited time so I chose to take the later.  I went to the gym and killed it on the Cardio Climber.  I didn't know I could sweat that much that fast.  It was absolutely awesome!!!!!  I felt better and it was great!!!!!  I even slept better because of it. 

I did want to share something from my friend Danielle.  She is a master in the kitchen with her creations of all kinds of good for you sweets.  She and her husband Adam are the owners of Team Genetics.  You can find their link on the sidebar.  I have eaten one of these and I can't wait to make a batch for home.  Only problem is that I am afraid I will eat way to many of them...hahaha.  So if you are looking for something special and a treat for yourself, try these!!!!! 

Danielle's Cheesecake
2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
2oz fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup splenda
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1 tbsp sugar free cheesecake pudding mix
1 tsp cinnamon
1 packet of unflavored gelatin (I use Knox brand)
1/2 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water
12 nilla wafers

In a food processor blend cottage cheese, cream cheese, protein powder, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract and pudding mix until smooth. May need to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice and process again.

In a separate small bowl mix gelatin and splenda then add the boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Add the wet mix to the food processor and blend again.

Line a 12 muffin cup pan with foil muffin liners. Add 1 nilla wafer to the bottom of each muffin cup. Spoon cheesecake mixture into the muffin tins. You should be able to fill them almost to the top.

Place in fridge for 2 hours to set. You can freeze after if desired. I've tried them both ways and I definitely prefer them slightly frozen!

Thank you so much Danielle!!!!!  This is awesome!!!!!!!

Shadows!!!!

Not to long ago I took a questionnaire on an app that I had down loaded.  In my head I already knew exactly what the answer was going to be.  Some of the questions were like this.....
Do you avoid mirrors?
Do you avoid having your picture made?
Are you comfortable in your own skin?
Do you avoid the scale?
Does the scale number determine your attitude?
Well, of course I could say yes to most of these.  I do avoid mirrors and scales and even seeing my shadow when I am outside.  You have to understand that I was "heavy and unhealthy" for so long that it more or less became a habit.  If I didn't have to look in the mirror or see a weight or heaven forbid, have my picture made, I was good. 
About a week ago, I was at the park and running.  In my zone as usual.  Doing what I do.  For whatever reason, I looked down at the ground and OH MY GOODNESS!!!!  There is was.  There is was dark, on the ground with the sun behind me.  I literally stopped in my tracks.  It was my shadow.  That thing I don't like to see and always so critical of myself and there it was for the whole world to see. (There wasn't anyone around but your get the point.) The awesome part of it was my first reaction....."I look different....I like it!"  I'm sure that I had a smile on my face the rest of the run.  I felt confident. I am sure my stride even changed. It was almost a relief of sorts. 
I know that things are changing and moving and leaving.  I pray that they continue.  I'm always busy with challenging others to do this or that.  So with my Shadow Revelation we are going to be going on vacation.  My goal is to actually allow hubby to take pictures with me in them.  Yeap, actually allow it and not avoid it.  I am sure that I will have my critical moments but none the less, pictures will be made. 
What about you?  What do you avoid because you don't like this or that?  What are you missing out on because you don't like this or that?  Feel free to share!  We can encourage one another. 

Game On,
Pam

Game On Tara!!!!!!!

Well, I have talked and talked about the plan that I wrote for my friend Tara.  Named it "Transformation From The Inside Out."  I am super excited.  She has read over the plan and likes it.  She has taken the challenge and has even agreed to blog about her adventure.  I'm overwhelmed with her excitement.  It thrills me to death to know that I can write something to help someone.  Below you will find her first entry.  I hope you will follow along with her journey.  SHE CAN SO DO THIS!!!!!  It's going to be a great!!!!!!
There are no words for me to tell her thank you enough for asking and for accepting the challenge.  I will continue with her help to tweak and change.  Who knows, the Lord may allow me to share this everyone.  Thanks again Tara!!!!!!

I am trying to figure out exactly how I got myself into this. Let me introduce myself.  I am Tara.  I am a 35 year old who has always struggled with my weight but I enjoy being healthy and working out. Eighteen months ago was the beginning of several life changing moments and I have not been able to recover my routine of cooking healthy and exercise.  I knew it was time to get back on track in this area of my life.  So,   several months ago I asked Pam if we could run together.  I was having a hard time getting motivated.  So, when our schedules allow we get together and we joke about Pam being my “Jill”.  It’s great because she pushes me, but we live in different time zones, so to speak and running together is almost impossible.  I was desperate for a running buddy.  I met a lady at a birthday party who lives 1 mile from me who “runs” and whala.  I am running 3 times a week.  Anyway, I felt like I was floundering even though I was out there I didn’t have a goal or a plan.  I need an end.  Innocently, I Facebooked Pam and said I need a plan.  I thought she would print something out of a running magazine or running for dummies but not our sweet Pam.  She was off to the races and we now have Transformation From the Inside Out(or as I call it Death by Jill) I admit not nearly as inspiring.  I digress.  That is how I arrived here on Pam’s blog.  I am not sure I like that everyone knows I have this plan to carry out but I love the plan.  It has reminded me of things I have forgotten, it has motivated me and because of all you people reading this, some I know I will see in the next month, it holds me accountable.  So I am going to take the plan as a challenge.   I am starting it on Monday with weighing, measuring and working out.  I am going to stick with it and I am going to let you know how it is going weekly.  I have a goal of 55 pounds I want to lose. I know I can do it.  I am excited.

Tara

Game On Tara!!!!!!

Pam

Quote

Of course this is from Jillian  I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Update!!!

I heard from Tara last night.  I thought I was going to bust.  She is super excited!!!!  I am just thrilled.  Of course we will continue to tweek as we go and thats all part of it.  I'm just ecstatic!!!!
She has offered to write a blog post and of course I said yes.  I can't wait to see it.  I'll get it posted as soon as possible.!!!!!!!

Hope you all are doing well.  Did you choose a June Challenge to jump in on?  Please share!!!!!!!!

Talk to soon,
Pam

June Challenge from Team Genetics

My friends over at Team Genetics have posted a challenge.  If you know me well, I am always one that is up for a challenge and I don't back down from one.  This is very easy and very basic.  That is the best part.  All you have to do is go in on your Facebook page and search for Team Genetics and jump in on the June Challenge. 

 Adam and Danielle are AWESOME encouragement.  They post all kinds of things about nutrition and fitness.  Danielle can prepare some of the BEST-GOOD FOR YOU things to eat!!!!!  I had cheesecake last night!!!!  OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!  It was actually good for you!!!!!

 

June Challenge!!!!!

The pools are open and swimsuits are out! Were you prepared?? If not, no worries! Whether your goal is weight loss or just a healthier lifestyle, these are changes that do not happen overnight. With a solid plan in mind your small changes will result in big changes down the road. That's what the June Challenge is all about....small changes. We want you to make one small change, in either your diet or your exercise, and tell us about it! Post your changes .weekly on oue Facebook page, post more if you like:)

Want to eat cleaner?? Trying a new supplement?? New exercise routine???  They WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!!! 

 

OK, I hope that you will jump in and join in.  Feel free to share here if you don't have Facebook.  It's exciting!!!!!!!!!

 

Pam

PS- I sent "Transformation" to Tara- she was under the weather so I am waiting to hear what she thought......the suspense is KILLING ME!!!!!!!

Its Finally Out!!!!!!!

Transformation

From the Inside Out

This is the cover.....what do you think???

GUEST BLOGGER!!!!!!

Guest Blogger!!!!!!!!  SO EXCITED!!!!!!  Danielle is an awesome nurse that I have met during my time at Cone Health.  She is so much fun and such an inspiration to me.  She balances working full time, going to the gym, and keeping up with 3 beautiful children and her wonderful husband, Adam.  I asked Danielle if she would be willing to share about managing life, career and fitness.  She graciously agreed and I am so glad she did.  Her husband is also going to have a post as well.  He is now working with his own buisiness called Team Genetics.  There is a link to his site on the side bar.  PLEASE check them out and look for them on Facebook.  They share some great information!!!!!!!

My start in fitness spawned from being frustrated with the yo-yo
weight fluctuations of pregnancy vs pre-pregnancy. While I was
pregnant, I'd throw all semblance of diet and exercise right out of
the window vowing that I would pick it up again after the baby came.
After having three kids, I was able to get back to my pre-pregnancy
weight, but it was a different body; a "mom bod" as I like to refer to
it.

I originally started my weight loss journey with Weight Watchers.
Weight Watchers helped be build a solid foundation on the nutritional
side of being fit. I really had to consider everything I was eating
and how that would effect my efforts in the gym. I tracked the
nutritional information on anything and everything that went into my
mouth. "If you bite it, you write" became my mantra! As my knowledge
of nutrition expanded, I learned more and more about how to use the
food to fuel my body and see better gains in muscle definition at the
gym.

On the career side of things, I've been a cardiac nurse since 2007 and
I see everyday what can happen when you don't take care of your body.
This motivated me even more to do all that I can to take care of
myself. As a nurse, it's important for me to set an example for my
patients. I doubt my patients would take me very seriously, or the
education I'm trying to impart on them, when discussing the importance
of following a heart healthy diet and maintaining an exercise regimen
if it were obvious that I didn't follow those same guidelines.

My husband is my biggest fitness supporter and "partner in crime". He
places a high priority on his own physical fitness and we help to keep
each other motivated. I'm often asking him for training advice. We
want to be the example for our kids and show them all the benefits of
maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and physical
exercise. Although, this is sometimes difficult as they are still
young and tend to be quite picky at times.

For me as a mom, my one hour workouts at the gym have become my little
"get away" of sorts. With three busy kids, it's hard to find a lot of
time to focus on myself. Exercise re-charges my body and my mind and
it's a healthy outlet for stress relief. I sleep better at night and
have more energy overall. I feel better in my body and about my body
now at the age of 32 than I did when I was 22.

Thank you so much Danielle!!!!!  I really appreciated it!!!!!

Pam