These are a few of my favorite things!

Sorry for my absence..Ive been busy lately and went on vacation but now that I'm back I wanted to share some of my favorite snacks. I LOVE snacks and I feel like in order to do well with weight loss or maintenance you've got to find yummy snacks that satisfy. Here are a few of mine

Popcorn

But not any popcorn. This popcorn is popped fresh on the stove in olive oil. It is the best popcorn you will ever have..... I guarantee it! It beats the microwave stuff!

Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a tall sauce pan. Add 1/4 cup unpopped popcorn kernels. Cover.....Shake it up now and again even when it starts to pop so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan and whalla! Add some sea salt or table salt and enjoy! Its 210 calories for the whole pan and its a great way to get your oil in for the day!

Blue Bunny

I am so addicted to these puppies! I buy two boxes a week and usually run out. They are only 50-60 calories a piece and there sweetened with sweetener so you don't get extra sugar. I think they might even be 0 points. They have a good flavor, are creamy and satisfying. Husband approved.

Tangelos

I just discovered these little mini oranges at the store last week. I know...where have I been. I usually never buy oranges because it is so hard to find juicy ones. Well..Rowan saw these and begged for them ....so I bought them. I cant turn the kid down for choosing a healthy snack. I was quite surprised when I ate one....they were so juicy and good. I just bought some yesterday and cant wait to enjoy it.

60 calorie Jello Pudding Cups

I love the new flavors of these bad boys. I tried a new one today and it was good. It was the rice pudding...creme brulee flavor. That one was 70 calories and quite good. If you have a texture thing...you may not like them...I don't...so I liked it. I also like the chocolate banana and chocolate mint. Add some fat free cool whip and enjoy!

Powerade Zero

This is one for my running buddies. I am not a sports drink fan at all. I don't like the added sugar they contain, so I usually stick with my Diet Coke. However I just recently read a review on this so I thought I would give it a shot. The flavors are a lot like kool aid flavors and I like them. It contains much needed electrolytes so its really good to drink during or after your long runs. They are our "new thing" around here and only cost 78 cents at Walmart.

Kashi Go Lean Crunch

I love this cereal! Sometimes I warm up some frozen fruit like peaches in the microwave and then add it to the cereal with some milk and it taste like peach cobbler. Yummo! Its 200 cal per cup but worth it. I really like the Honey Almond Flax. Its got 4.5 grams of fat....8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein!

Cuban Black Beans and Rice....yum!

I just made this recipe that I got off of Weight Watchers.com and it is so yummy that I have to share. The only thing I did differently was.... I used Bush's Seasoned Black Beans and I added squash, zuchinni, orange pepper and mushrooms. I always try to add lots of veges to my meals to bulk them up. I love adding squash and zuchinni.... they have a great taste and they feel me up:)This recipe alone would not feel me up. Oh...I also used brown rice...say no to white!

2 1/2 cup(s) water, divided
1 cup(s) uncooked white rice, long grain-variety
2 tsp olive oil
1 3/4 cup(s) red onion(s), chopped, divided
1 medium banana pepper, cubanelle or other sweet pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
31 oz canned black beans, two 15.5 oz cans (undrained)
1 tsp table salt, or to taste
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2/3 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped, divided
1 medium lime(s), cut into 6 wedges

Instructions
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil; add rice and cook as package directs.


Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 cups of onion and all of the pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, cumin and oregano; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.


Stir in beans and their liquid, remaining 1/2 cup of water and salt; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for flavors to blend, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vinegar and 1/3 cup of cilantro.


To serve, spoon beans over rice; sprinkle with 1/4 cup of remaining onion and 1/3 cup of remaining cilantro; squeeze fresh lime juice over top. Yields about 3/4 cup of beans and 1/2 cup of rice per serving.

5 points-6 servings

Cadbury Mini Egg control...is there such a thing?

I have to post about my experience this week with these little chocolates of love. I bought a bag last week to put in my kids Easter baskets. I didnt open them right away, because I didnt want to eat them all, so I put them in the pantry to open closer to Easter. These chocolates of love, are some of my FAVORITE treats and I love spring because of them. Later in the week....I ended up opening the bag so that I could do some potty training bribing with my three year old. He is definitly his mothers son, because he went coo coo for them too. Everyday since then, he has been begging for "bird eggs" as he calls them. I, on the other hand..... have been very, very, good. I have really suprised myself. I have had some of them, but if I decide to have a few ......I track them into my calories for the day. The old Maren would have had a few to start and then completely lost control and ate them until I felt sick. Now..... Im not telling this story or any other story to boast, I only tell it to give myself and others hope. I think a lot of times we lose control and then we feel awful about ourselves and we dwell on those horrible experiences. Rather than doing that, I am trying to recognize when I am making a good choice or have changed a bad habit for a good one and give myself a little pat on the back. I have learned that as I make these positive choices, I become stronger and I realize that THIS feeling is way better than the "oh crap, I totally just porked out, I feel fat, I cant do this..... so Im just giving up feeling." I am learning that I DO have control and that is feels GREAT!. Eating that whole bag is not worth it anymore. It is not worth the horrible feeling that follows. I love the feeling that I get when I eat just six and can stop. Now THAT feeling is great! I am pleased to announce that the candy is still in the cupboard and Im not thinking about it all day and its no big deal and that makes me extremely happy. In this last year, I have made a lot of progress and food has started to feel "normal" again. So to answer my own question...yes....there is such a thing as Cadbury Mini Egg control....and theres control to be found with everything else that is our weakness!

Goodbye...sweet..sweet...Splenda!

Today I say an official goodbye to one of my favorite things....Splenda. I have realized that I am going overboard and using it WAY too much. Its like crack....I just cant stop.(not that Ive ever used crack)

I have realized that I buy a huge bag every week and I use it all up. I use it in my breakfast cereal, in my tea that I drink all day long and on everything that needs a little boost of sweetness. I have been wondering if maybe my over consumption of this wonderful stuff has been affecting my weight loss efforts. Its says "NO CALORIES" but when I googled it online.... the calories do add up if you use a lot of it. I was shocked when I read that 1 cup has 96 calories! What the CRAP! If I was only using it sparingly it wouldnt be a problem but Im not.... so ...theres a problem! Im going to cut it out of my diet completely this week and see what happens. OOHHH the withdrawls.....I can feel them already.

So......Good bye...sweet...sweet...Splenda...our days are over and Im movin on with out you....you decieved me and I wont ever forgive you and dont think about weasiling your way back into my life because I wont take you back. Your a cheat!
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Its true.....eat more lose more, especially while running!!!

This was my first week using the Bodybugg...and the results are in! I lost 1.6 pounds....Hurray!!!! I haven't lost any weight in two months and was actually gaining even though I was doing WW, running and being really strict with my eating. I have been soooooo frustrated! I got to my goal weight of 125 before Christmas and then started training for my marathon. I was trying to just maintain my weight and ended up slowly gaining every week. I tried everything and nothing worked, so I decided to splurge on a BodyBugg after my neighbor ranted and raved about it. After using it for a week...I realized how many calories I was actually burning a day and was quite surprised. I am burning way more than I thought. Yesterday I burned 3,000 calories. On average I burn 2700 a day. That's alot..... obviously I wasn't eating enough. WW just wasn't working for me anymore. I wish that they had a specific plan for marathon runners but they don't. I was even eating my AP and Flex points and the scale kept going up. So then I would try not eating them and the scale would go up again! I was going crazy..... literally!

After using the Bodybugg this week, I was also surprised to see that most machines at the gym say that I burned way more calories than I actually did. It is so nice to actually see how many calories I am burning and how many I am actually eating through logging my food on the computer. It is the best little investment I have made for myself. I felt like I was eating a lot this week but felt very satisfied and not hungry all the time. I definitely ate more carbs than normal which I loved and have felt my running getting better. I had awesome runs this week...I ran 8 miles in 72 minutes! Everything is just great and I am so happy to feel some peace in this area of my life. Nothing sucks worse that trying so hard and seeing no results. What I learned goes right along with the book I'm reading by Nancy Clark. Nutrition Guide for Marathoners. She said that the biggest complaint she gets from runners, is that they plateau or gain weight while training. She said that most of the women are not eating enough calories and especially not enough carbs. Why are we so afraid of them? She also said that many women(I can relate) have a hard time adding calories because they are afraid of gaining weight. Once they do though...they finally see results. I have learned that her statement is true. Sometimes you have to eat more to lose more, especially if you are really active. I tried finding mt BMR online and most said that I burn 1300-1700 a day. Even if I was inactive that is still way off. On Sunday I didn't do much at all and I still burned almost 1900.

I was also glad to hear that this process worked for Stephanie! She ate a four extra points everyday and was able to break through and see a weight loss. It is true ladies....if your struggling seeing the scale move and your really tyrying, TRY ADDING MORE CALORIES. It works!

It was bound to happen.........

So..... everyone in the running world always has in the back of their mind, the possibility of having tummy issues while running. Atleast I have.....and because of that....I have had somewhat of a plan so I can hit the problem head on when nessesary. That is usually the reason I run 3 mile laps around my neighborhood. I also know where every porta potty is located as well. Just in case. During a run, I have occasionally had to run home when Ive felt a little rumbly in the tumbly and then continue on like no big deal. I have heard many a stories of people having to run into a ditch or behind a wall to take a dump and have often wondered when I might have a similiar issue. Dont get me wrong....I wasnt hoping for it.... but I knew it was bound to happen.

On Saturday, I made some delicious Whole Wheat Pancakes that were da bomb and served them with Log Cabin Sugar Free Syrup, which we love. I have never had a problem with that concoction before, but have also never eaten them before a 17 mile run either. (Ive been testing foods to see what gives me the best energy before my long runs) Well....Saturday, Loren and I headed out to Grantsville to do our long run with his sister Jen. I was a little nervous running with someone new, because Im a gassy person and I knew I couldnt just let them fly like usual. I knew I would have to hide the "super boost". Sometimes they are so bad.... I think they give me some momentum. Anyway..... as I started running I felt the worst cramping ever! I felt like I was just being lugged down. My belly starting bloating and with every stride I hurt worse. I could feel the bubbles growing and I knew, it wasnt good. I tried to continue on and hide my issue but wondered how long I could keep on acting as though I was fine. Low and behold, before I knew it, my husband starting groaning that his tummy hurt and that he had to take a dookie. I was suddenly relieved and quickly admitted my problem with no hesitation. We did what we could do to continue on but a few minutes later he and I could no longer handle the pain. At that moment.....I found myself running into a cow patty infested field to releive the pain. I had no choice. I HAD to do it.

Before we left the house...I asked Loren to please grab some T.P in case I needed to pee and guess what.....when I asked him for some he said he forgot. What? ....I will never rely on him again! What in the crap was I going to do? As I was pondering my options I realized that I was wearing gloves. Cute pink striped gloves. Yes.......gloves...and boy was I happy that I decided to wear them that day! It was either that or a few gum wrappers I had in my pocket. I knew those wouldnt work so well so gloves it was. Loren actually bought the gloves for me for Christmas. Oh well.....thats what he gets.....Take that Loren! Who knew one day they would end up in a field under these circumstances. I didnt! Anyways.....I only used one....I had to save the other just in case my tummy needed to explode again. And good thing because I ended up not only once but twice in the cow patty infested field of dreams. Sure glad I saved one! Poor Loren..... he had nothing...not a glove or a gum wrapper and is now paying the price. After mile 12, we ended up taking a break at his sisters to recooperate from our tummy issues and then continued on.

We just have to laugh about this experience and were glad we got to share it with his sister on our first ever run together. We bonded!

So runners.....have a plan and dont rely on anyone but yourself to bring the T.P!

P.S. I know what I WONT be eating marathon day!

Oh yeah...to make the run even better...we almost got attacked by a cow. I think he knew what I did in his field and wasnt happy about it!

Bodybugg Day 1!

I am completely in love with my Bodybugg and its only been a day. Its been love at first sight! Sorry Loren.....but the truth is, I am infatuated with this little guy. Yesterday was my official first day using it and I was very happy with the results. Actually...let me back up. The first result made me mad but I soon forgave it. I did the elliptical for 60 minutes at the gym and it said that I only burned 315 when the machine said 630. I was P.O.ed. I was thinking to myself.... no wonder I cant lose the last few pounds. My body doesn't burn a dang thing! I didn't use the arm things because my shoulder was hurting, but I still tried to maintain the same pace as usual. I DO have a really low heart rate, so I was coming to the realization that yep...... my metabolism sucks. Just what I figured.....and then by the end of the day....it said I burned close to 2700 calories! What the hay! Me? 2700 calories. I DID try really hard to not sit on my hiney too much AND went on a walk with the rugrats. This little guy made me realize that I can burn a lot of extra calories besides in my workouts and it really does matter how I spend my day. I cant think, that since I hit the gym, that I can relax all day in front of the computer. OOOHH how I love that! (I'm totally addicted to facebook) Anyways......This thing rocks....and I'm so happy with the results so far. I will keep you all updated. I still have a lot to learn. I get so frustrated trying to learn how these little gadgets work. Another bonus......They did call me today to see if I needed any help, which I thought was nice...and I get a free coaching session in a few weeks. What great customer service!

P.S. My morning run today was good! I ran 5 miles and it said I burned 500 calories. The treadmill said 550...not to far off. I burned 10 calories and up a minute! I ran it in 45 minutes!

Ive got the........ BUGG!

I am so excited about this ......I can hardly stand it! I didn't even care that the UPS man woke up my baby when he delivered this yesterday....that's how happy I was to get it! For those of you who don't know what the BODYBUGG is.....Im sure you've seen them wearing this on the Biggest Loser. It is a little device that you wear on your upper arm that tracks all the calories you burn in a day. At any time of day....you download it to the computer at it shows you what you have burned for the day. I also have the digital watch that goes with it so I can see the info without the download. Im glad I bought it! You can also track all your daily food in take on there website too. It helps you lose, maintain or gain weight. You set your goals.....it tells you how many calories to eat and how much you need to burn for the day! My neighbor came over last Friday wearing one and said she had lost ten pounds and loved it. That was it....I was sold. My main motivation is to lose a few more pounds...and then learn to maintain. (something Ive never done before:) I will keep you posted as I go

P.S. I was already surprised after my morning workout. I did 1 hour on the elliptical. The machine read 630 calories burned....the bodybugg.....315..Hmmmmm....Those dang machines aren't always right:)

P.S.S What was up with the Biggest Loser lastnight? Im not sure if that was a good game play or not. Crazy!

My tale of four cities....

So today was my long run and Im up to 17 miles! My sweet mom watched the kids so my husband and I could run it together. We mapped out our run into an area we have never run before and DANG...we really under estimated it! It was very hilly and can I add.... HELLY! We actually ran through four cities! I laughed every time I saw a new city sign. It felt like we ran through four cities too. I am proud to say though, that I finished with only a few pee breaks. I did however, feel like I wanted to cry at the end. My legs felt like lead and they hurt A-LOT. Thats a pain Ive never quite felt before and I cant wait to feel that again next week. Look'in forward to it :) Good attitude...good attitude:)

Its crazy to think that in the marathon, I will have to run 9 more miles than I did today. WHOA NELLY! I dont think I really realize what the crap Im doing. Nope...I have no idea...but Im in it...and Im doing it anyway. I just dont want to be one of those people who collapse at the finish line and have to get carried away in a stretcher. Please let me not be one of those people. Thats my goal really. To finish around 4:30 and to be able to finish strong and not collapse:)

Anyway...it was a beautiful sunny day here in Utah and we finished off the beautiful day at Sweet Tomatoes with our little family. I love that place.....its becoming our Saturday tradition. Im diggin the one point apple bran muffin with the non fat chocolate frozen yogurt on top...YUM! That was a perfect ending to a good day.

Tostada Pie

If you cant already tell....I ...heart... Mexican food! I love the flavors and it always seems to satisfy. This is one of my favorite recipes of all times! I made this last night and it is soooo good. Even Loren wanted to bring the leftovers to work today. It really is an easy recipe to follow and I almost always have what I need to make it.

2-4 Lean Turkey Burgers Jennie O (1/2 - 1 pound) You can also use extra lean ground beef.

1/2 -1 packet Taco Bell Seasoning

1/2 cup salsa

1 can non fat re fried beans

4 tortillas (Whole Grain)I use Dunford Tortillas or Mission Healthy Heart

Start by spraying a non stick skillet with Pam. Cook tortillas one at a time until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Brown the meat. )If its in turkey burger form, just chop it up into small peices like ground beef. 1/2 - 1 pound) Add seasoning packet, salsa and beans. Mix together.

Spray a nonstick, round, glass pan with Pam and put a tortilla in the bottom of pan. Layer 1/4 meat mixture and add another tortilla. Continue until gone. Make sure you have enough meat mixture left to put some on the very top.

If you want.... add a little cheese to the top and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Top with Fat Free Sour Cream and enjoy! I also like adding a salad on top. Its a good way to get your veges in:)

The total points value will vary depending on how much meat you use and the type of tortillas you use. Its usually between 4-6 pts per serving. 4 Servings.

Body Pumpin

I just have to say that I LOVE my Body Pump Class! I started this class once a week with some hesitation, in the middle of December. Classes freak me out a little and I didn't have much time in between my marathon training schedule so I wasn't sure about the whole thing. I decided to be brave and give it a shot. Thinking about it all now...I think it was one of the best decisions I have made for my body. I am now doing it twice a week and am really reaping the rewards. I feel stronger, my core feels stronger, I can lift more weight than when I started and I can actually see a little muscle on this body. It is definitely worth the 5:00 am early wake up call from the alarm clock. If any of you are looking for something different and something that makes weight lifting a lot more fun this class is it!

P.S.I am going to invest in a heart rate monitor so I can see how much I am actually burning in the class. I will let you know Thursday!

The Dreaded 16.....take two!

Last week I ran the DREADED 16 miles! I don't know what it is about this particular number but most everyone that Ive talked to says that it a hard one. I remember Loren coming home after this run while training for the Saint George Marathon and he was just miserable. That is exactly the way I felt last week when I ran mine. The back of my knee hurt the whole time and I was so sluggish. It was ROUGH!

Yesterday ...I had the wonderful opportunity of running it again and on one of my favorite places...The Dreaded Treadmill! Lucky me huh? It was snowing outside, so I didn't have a choice really. I'm not one for running in the snow. I am so scared about biting it and hurting myself. (It has been known to happen) Loren and I decided to take the kids with us to the kids care at the gym. We thought that it would be nice to get both of our runs over with. Usually our Saturdays are shot because we each have to do our long runs so we have no time to play.

Much to my surprise...yesterdays run was good. I did a lot better than the week before minus the annoying interruptions from The Kids Care Lady. ( A diaper change,a fussy baby and so on) I am so glad that I was able to do it and feel good. Now that my miles are up, I occasionally get a little worried. You always fear an injury or worry that you will hit a wall and not be able to continue. I have really been blessed....so far so good.

The one thing that I have really learned through this training, is that alot of it is a mental challenge more than a physical one. I... am the one who decides if I will get out and complete my run for the day. I.... am the one who decides to push through and continue running when I think I can no longer continue. I.... am the one who decides all of these things. It is all up to me and no one else! See you at the finish line!

Mexi-Recipes! Ole!

I can not take credit for these fantastic recipes.They came from my friend Jill. They are all muy delicioso! Enjoy!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

8-10 Roma tomatoes or do as I do and add two cans Rotele. They have all different flavors so pick the one that best suits your likings.

1 can drained corn

1 can drained black beans (Bush's seasoned black beans are good)

Chopped cilantro

Green Onions

1/2 squeezed lime

1 diced avocado ( it is good with out too if you don't want the extra points)

Put all the ingredients together.... refrigerate.... and its done! Loren and I like to eat this with the Light Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips.

5 Servings 2pts per serving without avocado

5 servings 4pts per serving with avocado

Chicken Tacos

This is one easy crock pot meal. Put it together in the morning and then when you are ready for dinner its done! Dont forget to eat these tacos with Dunford Tortillas!

3-4 Large Frozen Chicken Breasts (20 ounces)

1/2 jar of a large bottle of Pace

1 bag of frozen corn

1/2-1 pack of taco seasoning.I like the taco bell kind.

Cook 6 hrs on High.

6 servings 4pts per serving

Taco Soup

1 pound of Turkey Burger or lean ground beef

14 oz Diced Can Tomatoes

8oz tomato sauce

1 can corn Drained

1/2 onion

1 cup water or add until desired consistency

3 Cans of Beans(I use one can seasoned chili beans in mild sauce and then 2 cans kidney or red beans or any other kind that you like)

1 package taco seasoning

Brown meat with onion and drain.

Add everything in a large pot and simmer on the stove.

8 servings 5 pts per serving(that is calculated by using extra lean ground beef)

No Fat Pumpkin Recipes!

This recipe is one of my favorites! I cant even remember where I got this recipe but it is definitely worth making. This is also picky husband approved.

Yummy No Fat Pumpkin Bread
1 and 1/2 c Sugar. You can also use splenda if you want. I recommend using both. (1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup splenda)

1 c. canned pumpkin

1/2 c. no sugar added applesauce

1/2 c. water

egg substitute for two eggs

Mix these ingredients together with beater and then add:

1 2/3 c Whole Wheat Flour( or white)I use whole wheat and its good!

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

2-3 tsp pumpkin pie spice to taste( you can also just use 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp nutmeg if you don't have the pumpkin pie spice)

Bake at 350 for 65-70 minutes in a large bread loaf pan or 35-40 minutes in a 9 by 13pan. Makes 12 servings. 2 pts per serving.

For best results cover with tin foil when cooling. It will make it really moist. Add chocolate chips or nuts if you want some Pizazz!



Pumpkin Mousse



2 small packages of instant sugar-free vanilla pudding

2 cups of no-fat (skim) milk

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

15 ounce can of pumpkin

8 ounces of fat-free Cool Whip= 1 Tub

Make pudding first, then fold in ingredients. Refrigerate and then serve! How easy is that!

And best of all, it's only 1.5 points for one cup of mousse.

Want another pumpkin idea?....take your favorite cake mix... add a can of pumpkin to it and whalla! Youve got the easiest cookies ever. Drop spoonfuls of batter on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until done. Check out the new lower sugar cake mixes. Those are a great option!

Meat-a-licious Fab Food Finds

Here are some more fab food finds that I wanted to share this week. I just ran to the grocery store today and picked some up. I definitely cant live with out these products. They on my list every week!

Jennie O Turkey Burgers 4 pts

I find these tasty creations in the frozen meat section at Walmart. They are pre made patties, so they are convenient and all ready to go. All I do, is thaw them out in the microwave and then into my skillet they go. The flavor is fantastic AND they are pretty lean. I also put them in the skillet and chop them up into smaller pieces if my recipe calls for ground beef. I use these for everything. I don't even buy beef anymore. They run less than $6.00 for a box which is three pounds. Now THAT is a great price!

If your craving fries to go along with your burger.... just take some potatoes, slice them up, toss them in some olive oil or pam and bake them with some season salt at 400 degrees until golden brown. This always satisfies my fatty french fry cravings. If you like sweet potatoes use them as well...they are so GOOD!

Oscar Meyer Turkey Bacon 1 pt

I have to say that I have tried many different kinds of turkey bacon and this one is the WEINER! Loren and I love to make BLTS with these. We toast up some Sara Lee Delightful Bread,(45 calories a slice) spread on some Light Laughing Cow Cheese and then we load them up with the bacon and our favorite veges. These are to die for and I'm not a huge bacon fan. I also make the egg white breakfast burritos that I talked about last week and add a slice of bacon to each and that's good too.

Oscar Meyer 98% Fat Free Hot Dogs 1 pt

I am not a HUGE hot dog fan but, when I'm in the mood for a good chili dog or I need a low point meal I use these. I think they are really good, especially with some Nally's Turkey Chili on top. I usually skip the bun to save points but that's just me. Loren and the kids like them too and we usually go through a pack or so a week. They are a great option.

Starkist Creations 3pts


If your a tuna connaisseur like me, you will love these tuna pouches. First off, I love the no mess pouch, second they have such yummy flavors. My fave is the sweet and spicy. I just tried the tomato pesto and that's is good too. The whole pouch is only 3 pts and packed full of protein. I usually don't even add mayo but if you want to add some I would recommend the light or the fat free. The tuna is so flavorful already that you really don't need anything else. I love to use these to make tuna wraps with the Dunford Tortillas. Tasty!

Gallo Light Salami 1-2 pts

I just bought some of these today for sandwiches. I use to buy them all the time and got sick of them. These are a little pricey but worth it. They are good with cream cheese alone or on a cracker. They also are good on sandwiches or in wraps. Sometimes I just eat them right out of the bag. Yum!

Hormel Turkey-Roni 1-2 pts
I cant live without these babies. I haven't bought real pepperoni in years and I don't miss them one bit! I make homemade pizza all the time and have to have these on top! These are also good just out of the bag.

By finding alternative, low fat products, I have really been able to change my eating habits for the better. I still eat all the things I love, but I just lighten everything up. I don't think by eating healthy any of us should suffer and feel restricted all the time. Just make your favorite meals "skinnier". It IS possible, I do it everyday! I can still enjoy eating and I sware that things just taste better AND I feel better because I'm eating without the guilt!

Fabulous Food Finds

I haven't posted here on Healthy Thoughts for a LONG time but recently decided that I would try to be better. I track all of my food and exercise on Weight Watchers.com so I haven't used this blog much. I have people asking me a lot of questions about what I did to lose weight and what I do to keep it off and so I thought I would start answering them on my blog. People are always asking me what I eat and if I know of any good snacks and YES...I know a plethora of them. Ill start with some of my faves!

1.My latest Fab Food Find is from my friend Jill. They are the whole wheat tortillas found at the Dunford Bakery. Yes....that is the home of the best chocolate donut in the world! Who would have known that they would have 0 point tortillas that ROCK MY SOCKS! I usually count them for a bit more because I eat a lot of them but do as you may. They are around 3.24 ish a bag for eight and worth every penny. They also freeze well, so go buy a bunch and stick them in the freezer. I use them for tacos, wraps, burritos and I love putting them in the oven with some pam and sprinkling splenda and sugar on them. YUM!
A little advice for when you go in...just make sure to where blinders and put a close pin on your nose. Don't even look at the chocolate donuts alla heaven! Stay strong....It IS possible. I haven't crumbled yet:)

8556 South 2940 West
West Jordan, Utah 84088

2 Vita Tops=1 pt
You can purchase these from vitalicious.com. Ive tried most of them and would recommend the chocolate. The different varieties of all the chocolate taste all the same to me. What I have discovered is they taste better from the mixes when you make them at home and they are cheaper. I recommend the brownies and the chocolate muffins. I don't even use there special pan. I use a muffin pan and make them both that way. They are to die for. Make some up and freeze the rest to take to work or have handy for a snack attack!

A little advice. Don't eat more than two at a time or you ll feel so bloated you might blow. Loren ate about 6 once and was so sick. These suckers are so full of fiber they will tear you up! Don't learn the hard way. You might want to chase them down with some water and a beano:)

Also if you order them put in ronisweigh in the coupon code box to get 10% off.


3. Morning Star Corn Dogs=3 pts
I tried these today and yep..they were as good as they looked. Don't let the fact that these are vegetarian scare you off. I am always willing to try most anything and have found that a lot of these meatless products are quite tasty. Give them a try....you might just be surprised. Next week I will try another product and tell you how it goes:

A little advice....if your cooking for someone else like a "picky man"...don't even say a word that they are vege dogs. He wont even know. After he tells you how much he liked them....then you can spill the beans. Loren just enjoyed some tofu noodles the other day. I was completely shocked because I thought they were sick!

4. Laughing Cow Light French Onion Cheese Wedges=1 pt
I find these at Walmart by the deli section by the ready to eat sandwiches and wraps. They are really good on the dunford tortiallas with turkey or even with some egg for a breakfast burrito. Tasty...Tasty...Tasty...



5. Speaking of eggs.....I have discovered All Whites by Crystal Farms and I really like them. You can eat more of these than regular eggs because they are fat free, low cal egg whites. I can make a huge breakfast burrito or two and it satisfies me until lunch.

One more thing. Go to Hungrygirl.com for great tips and recipes. I LOVE her and have loved many of her recipes. Her hungrygirl cookbook has come in handy AND she puts together a grocery list to help you get what you need to get started!

Check back later for more Fab Food Finds!

Food Journal Jan 19th

Food	Units
kashi, milk and half banana (6)
vita top (1)
chickfila (9)
vita top and popcicle (3)
curry chicken, salad and green beans (7)
ran 5 miles (-5)
popcorn (1)
Total:	22

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Food Journal Jan 18th

Food	Units
kashi cereal (6)
turkey bagel and light chips (7)
taco salad (5)
vita top and popcicle (3)
Total:	21

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Food Journal Jan 17th

Food	Units
kashi,milk and banana (6)
turkey sandwich, lots of veges (4)
light ruffles (1)
vita top (2)
sweet tomatoes(14)
protein bar and cereal (8)
ran 14 miles (-14)
Total:	20

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Food Journal Jan 16th

Food	Units
oatmeal, toast and milk	6
vita top	1
ww pizza	7
vita top	2
turkey burger, baked fries and edamame	7
ww ice cream	2
ran5 miles	-5
Total:	20

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Not weighing myself....frustrated at scale. Gaining some weight due to Marathon training uugh!

Food Journal Jan 15th

Food	Units
eggs, toast and prunes	6
lunch biaggis with dessert ?	15
oatmeal and toast	5
Total:	26

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

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Food Journal Jan 13th

Food	Units
cereal	6
homemade pizza and popcicle	6
fiber one bar and pineapple	3
vita top and tea	2
70 minutes running and elyptical	-7
chick fila	8
ice cream	2
Total:	20

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

127.00

Food Journal Jan 12th

Food	Units
breakfast waffles and vita top	5
protein bar	3
lunch sandwich	3
ice cream ww	2
ran 5 miles	-5
snack popcorn, prunes and beef jerky	3
chicken noodle soup	7
vita top and diet cocoa	2
Total:	20

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

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Jan 11th Food Journal

Food	Units
shredded wheat, milk, muffin	7
snack vita top and popcorn	3
lunch tuna sandwich and apple	5
dinner roasted chicken, carrots and potatoes	6
dessert ice cream	2
Total:	23

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

January 10th Food Journal

Food	Units
shredded wheat	4
vita brownies yum!	4
light hot dogs and half potato	5
a few m&ms and a ww ice cream	3
ran 12 miles	-10
protein bar	3
salad bar	10
Total:	19

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

126.8

Food Journal Jan 9th

Food	Units
shredded wheat and milk	4
part of special k bar	1
fiber one bar	2
ice cream	2
chicken salad	6
popcorn	1
vitatop	1
prunes	1
eliptical 45 min	-4
chicken taco with veges	6
Total:	20

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Achilles hurt the last few days. Rested and then did Elyptical and felt good.

126.3

Food Journal Jan 8th

Food	Units
shredded wheat, milk and a carmel	5
sandwich, light chips and prunes	5
smoothie	2
ice cream	2
chicken spinach salad and bread	6
popcorn	1
Total:	21

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

125.3

Food Journal Jan 7th

Food	Units
#food cereal, milk and granola bar	6
#activity ran 70 minutes	-5
#food cookie	1
#food chickfila and ice cream	11
# food popcorn	1
#food chicken taco with veges	6
#food protein bar	4
Total:	24

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

125.1

Food Journal Jan 6

Food	Units
#food shredded wheat and milk	4
#food snack teddy grahams	1
#food lunch egg salad and light ruffles	6
#food protein bar	3
#food fiber one bar,crackers and popcorn	4
#food baked potato, chili and brocolli	5
#activity ran 3 miles and 15 elyptical	-4
#food ice cream	2
Total:	21

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

Hungry....Hungry....Hungry

Food Journal Jan 5th

Food	Units
#food honey nut cheerios and milk	5
#food chico stick	2
#activity ran 5 miles	-4
#food sweet tomatos and snack	9
#food crackers	1
#food protein bar	3
#food burrito and veges	4
#food popcorn	1
Total:	21

Table provided by Roni's Food Tweet, Eat, Post Generator.

I have to announce that I beat the Holiday Battle of the Bulge! No weight gained...yes...Im stronger than I thought!

123.8