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!