More Pounds Down!

FOUR in one week!  I am so happy I can't stand it.  That's 39 pounds just this year.  And it has stayed off!  I'm hoping for 50 gone by the end of the year, which will be more difficult with the holidays coming, but I am so motivated by two things: getting over 40 pounds lost and going under another big number.

For all of you that are struggling: it can be accomplished.  I'm not following any type of program, but let's look at what I have done.  Recap time!

1.   Stopped drinking all sodas. (2 1/2 years!)
2.   Drink unsweetened ice tea and water...all kinds of tea, but made by me.  (Sometimes I use Stevia)
3.   Added more fruits and veggies.
4.   Less meat.
5.   Eat on salad plates.
6.   EXERCISE
7.   Ice cream novelties (like a frozen yogurt bar), instead of a huge bowl of ice cream.
8.   Cutting out salt, using other spices and pepper.
9.   Weigh once a week. (accountability)
10. Joined with others on Facebook and e-mail who are also losing weight: a support system.

My dinner plate is half vegetables/salad, 1/4 carb, and 1/4 meat.  I drink a ton of water and tea all through the day, and it helps to keep my belly full.

Good Luck on your own journey!

The Pumpkin Got Me

I was doing so well, and even blogged about Halloween yesterday, but pumpkin got me.  Since everyone in the world is now coming out with pumpkin spice everything - because of Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte, I want it all.  I'm hooked.

Pumpkin marshmallows are disgusting.  Don't bother.
     "          waffles are yummy.
     "          ice cream is pretty good.

I have never had a Pumpkin Spice Latte.  I know.  I probably should be flogged.  Anyway, when I actually make it to the gym tomorrow to work all this off and more, I may get a small PSL, just to try it. :)

I plan on making homemade pumpkin butter, as I will have control of the ingredients, and I don't with the above.  I plan on making a lot of things pumpkin!  Pumpkin is very good for you.  It's the stuff you put with it that kills the calories for the day: sugar, whipped cream, butter, and more.  BUT, if you use stevia or even splenda, well, you cut out a lot of that, and the rest of the ingredients of things can be modified as well.

Check this link for benefits of pumpkin - there are a lot!  Also, for healthy, yummy pumpkin recipes.

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/pumpkin-recipes-packed-nutrition

I'll check in tomorrow...