Update

Oh man, sorry for the lack of updates!! It's been crazy over here lately. And I've felt uninspired with blogging :-/ But, here's what's new:

We survived a tornado! The tornado hit right over by our condo..luckily we were at my parents when it hit, or else I probably would have been scarred for life!

This is not our actual condo, but right in our complex. Luckily we did not have much damage..a few tree limbs and some debri in the yard. Overall, we are very thankful.

Only 3 more weeks until the Spring semester is over..thank the Lord! SO ready for SUMMER. I've decided not to take any summer classes. I pretty much overloaded myself this semester, but I'm enrolled for the Fall semester already so it'll be here before we know it! 

I'm still holding steady around 204-206 lbs and although that's not where I want to be long term, I'm not beating myself up about it. I'm going to get to where I want to be..sooner or later. I eat healthy..although I'm not always perfect, I'm always conscious of everything that I eat.

We booked our vacation! We are staying on the Delta Queen boat hotel in Chattanooga, TN..can't wait! We will be staying one night in Nashville then driving on to Chattanooga for 3 days. The downtown atmosphere seems awesome. I must admit, I didn't have the best first impression when I called to book our stay and then had to call back twice to get an email confirmation. Cross your fingers that we won't have any problems with this trip.

Just a quick picture of me and J on Easter..it was a nice day!!

Alright, I think that's all that's new with me. I'll be back to share some recipes that have been working out for me and just some other healthiness updates!



Before/After pics

Oh man I think it's time for a trip down memory lane. Every once in awhile I need to take a step back and take a look at where I've come from to where I am now and remember where I want to go.

Oh, and I found an old camera file from summer 2010. I started my weight loss journey January 9, 2010 at 249lbs. Since then it's been a constant battle of temptation, sweat, tears, struggles, etc. Every day is as hard as the prior day, but I am destined to get this under control and live a healthy life for me and my future family.

Yikes I look so WIDE.. Sept. 2010

This picture is really hard to post, but whatevs..it's my roots. Vacation July 2010

I remember being SO happy this day..my size 22 capris were way too big. I think Oct 2010

This pic really reminds me of this strong determination I once had. I literally used to work out like..everyday.

My latest weigh in pic..still a ways to go, but every day is a new day in the right direction.

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday

Let's make this short and sweet..homework to do and a lunch to pack for tomorrow!

Here's what I'm lovin'..

Oh man this card hard me cracking up :) This is how I feel every week in Public Speaking..I absolutely hate talking in front of everyone so I really just want to read word for word my PP slides, ha.

Low sodium chicken taco salad..I pretty much want one everyday. Very light, but filling.

love this picture of my hubby and niece & nephew (my nephew had just had new tubes placed in his ears hence the headphones) J is going to be a really good dad.

Trips to Orange Leaf=yummo! Wedding/Birthday cake is my fave.

I loved cheering for the Jayhawks, but was sad they lost in the Championship :( RCJH

I'm sure I'm lovin more, but homework is calling my name :-/

ta-ta

Low Sodium

I've mentioned before that I'm going to be on a low sodium diet. I've been reading up a lot on the Benefits of a Low Sodium Diet and think it is really the best fit for me at this point in my life. The thing that stuck out is: a Low Sodium Diet is healthy for everyone.

Although I don't have high blood pressure, I do get bloating and swelling and constipation often. I can always feel when I've eaten "badly" and carrying "water weight."

I'm using this as a shopping list guide. Basically I'm just trying to incorporate more whole fruits/veggies/lean meat and back off from the processed, fatty food. This also means stepping away from the pop [soda] and reduce the amount of times eating out.

Here are some recipes that are on my mind to try: (click the link for directions)

Vegetable Steak Kabobs

Baked Lemon Chicken

Garlic Ranch Chicken

Crockpot Beef BBQ

Hopefully these work out for me! In the meantime I'm going to be packing my lunch full of  fruits and vegetables..and let's not forget 100oz of water a day :)

Weekend Wrap-Up

Terrible quality photo, but J and I had such a great time cheering on our Jayhawks! We had the family over to watch the game. We ended up ordering pizza..maybe not the healthiest choice ever, BUT..you know how I feel about convenience. All about portion control people..2 slices of meat lover's pizza= 680 calories. Ouch. I'm going to round up to 800 calories for the night because I hit up the veggie tray a bit.

My nephew, sister, Mom, niece, me, Dad

Can't wait for the CHAMPIONSHIP game!

Today I'm just relaxing, some housework and homework and gearing up for another week ahead of me!

Have a happy, healthy week full of healthy choices :)

I have to keep reminding myself that being healthy is not only about losing weight :)