Weight Loss Setbacks

During anyone's weight loss journey, there WILL be setbacks. What determines your success is how you comeback from these setbacks. In most cases we tend to internalize our mistakes and we convince ourselves that there is no way to come back from them. This is NOT the case! Along my journey I have learned that one bad meal, or even day, does not mean you have to give up. I have mentioned the 60 day challenge I am a part of on a Facebook group, and this past Monday was our second weigh in. Last week I had lost around 7 lbs, this week I had gained almost 2 lbs back. I had a rough week, I was babysitting my nieces and nephews and had lots of snacks in the house that I don't generally have in my home. I also had my first visit of "aunt flow" since stopping birth control, which always adds more pounds to the scale for me, and I had to fight myself and my "hormonal cravings." But enough EXCUSES, because that is what they are!  I allowed my self to indulge a little and it showed on the scale. The important thing is to realize our mistake and get back on track as soon as possible. We shouldn't "kid" ourselves and think "I can have this because I have been doing so good, and I will just start back next week." This type of thinking will inevitably lead you to not reach your goal, and may even cause you to fail.  One of the ladies in my challenge says "take each meal and day one at a time," and this advice is key! It is easy to become overwhelmed with the things you "can't" have and to think about all the weight you want to lose. It is far better for you mentally to realize how well you have done so far, and focus on your next meal being a healthy one! Now, I am not saying to not treat yourself, just be careful that the treat doesn't turn into a binge where you allow yourself to eat whatever you want for a long period of time. So, remember if you make a mistake, it is OK! Just be determined to really make a change and get back on track as soon as possible. I will keep you updated on the next weigh in. :)

Weight Loss Snack Ideas

As of today's weigh in, I have lost a total of 31 lbs since starting on my weight loss journey, and I am  51 lbs from my highest weight. Something that really has helped me is having healthy alternatives for snacks around the house. Here are a few of my favorites!

Cucumber and Tomato Salad
1 cup sliced cucumber cubed
2 slices of tomato diced
2 tbs vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
sea salt to taste

Combine cucumbers and tomatoes, then sprinkle with garlic powder and sea salt. Drizzle with vinegar and enjoy!
This recipe is only about 20-25 calories (depending on how thick your tomato slices are) for a large serving.

Pita and Hummus
1 Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Pita Bread
2 Tbs roasted red pepper hummus (or your favorite variety)

I like to toast my pita in the toaster oven to make it a little crispy. Then spread your hummus over your pita and enjoy!
This recipe has about 120-130 calories (depending on brand of hummus you choose), but will keep you full for a long time due to the high fiber count in the pita and hummus. Also, you have the added bonus of the Flax!!

Homemade Pita Chips
1 Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Pita Bread
1 spray of butter/olive oil cooking spray
1 tsp garlic powder

Cut the pita into small triangular sections. Spray the triangles with your cooking spray and then sprinkle with garlic powder and put them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy! These are delicious when you want a "crunchy chip like" snack. Try them in salsa, hummus, and your favorite low fat dips!
These chips have 60 calories, but also 4 g of fiber!


Celery and Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge
1 large stalk (11"-12")
1 Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge (any flavor)

Just spread the cheese wedge onto your celery and enjoy!! You can slice the celery into smaller sections to make you feel like you have more. Really good for when you want something crunchy and cheesy, and the Laughing Cow Light wedges come in many flavors.
This recipe has only about 45 calories.

These are just a few of my favorite snacks, of course you can always munch on fresh fruits and veggies as well. I hope this gave you an idea of some quick, yummy, and healthy snack options.

Nylon Handbag Insert Comestic Gadget Purse Organizer- $3.43 Shipped (Blue)

I am so unorganized! Especially my purse, so this is an awesome deal for me! You can get the World Pride Nylon Handbag Insert cosmetic gadget purse organizer in blue on Amazon right now for $3.43 shipped! They do have other colors, but  that will cost you just a little more.

• Easily move and rotate the entire contents of your bag
• Multiple pockets to classify your personal stuff
• Keep your mobile, keys, purse, make-up and other essential items organised and within easy reach
• Material: Nylon
• Size: approx 11.2″ x 6.7″ x 3.3″ (28.5cm x 17cm x 8.5cm)

Grab it on Amazon Here!

Tips to Weight Loss and 60 Day Challenge

So, I recently joined a 60 day challenge hosted by two lovely ladies on Youtube/Facebook. There are about 16 of us ladies participating and sharing our tips and tricks to healthy eating and exercise. It has only been 1 week so far, but just having to be accountable to others has really encouraged me to stay on track and work hard. There are 2 prizes, a heart rate/fitness monitor, and a meal replacement type package, but honestly the most motivating part of this challenge has been the fact that I have to be accountable to someone other than myself. This is a key factor in my weight loss so far. If you have a partner, spouse, friend, sibling, that you can join together with, you will be more motivated and encouraged.

 Also, a key to my weight loss thus far has been keeping a food journal. The reason that this is good for weight loss is because you can see what you are consuming in a days time and determine if you ate it because you were bored, upset, or truly hungry.

And my last tip for this post is DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Water helps flush out the system, helps fill your stomach, making you less hungry and less likely to overeat, and may discourage you from gulping down soda and other calorie-laden drinks.

So, these are just a few tips for you, I will be updating you on my weight loss results each Monday, when we weigh in and report it to the challenge. Have a great day!

Let's Save Together!

  

Welcome to my new blog page! I decided to start a blog about all the things I do to save my family money as well as the things I have been doing to "save" myself, diet, exercise, and snack ideas. I have recently lost about 30 lbs and it has really opened my eyes to how great I could feel, so I want to help others have that same feeling. I will use this blog to post some snack/food ideas, as well as deals I am finding to help you save money on food, clothing, and household necessities. I will also post DIYs from sewing, home decor, and even crafting projects for kids. I hope you will join me on this fun journey to save money and save myself!!