Still here

I am still here and doing great! This past week I went to the gym 5 days in a row! I am definitely feeling it and it feels great.....well not really.....(my legs are killing me from lunges and squats)but you know what I mean. :) I am feeling toned and have more self confidence. I have a lot of weight to lose and I am just taking it one day at a time.

I am following the meals plans from the BIGGEST LOSER CLUB website. I signed up for that and have been loving it. It really helps to keep me aware of what I am eating. It keeps track of my calories, protein, fat, fiber,and carb intake. And I don't feel deprived AT ALL! YAH!

This cheese lovers favorite breakfast ~

2 oz cheddar cheese, 1 whole wheat English muffin, 1 Cup of strawberries (half slices)

Another favorite breakfast of mine is (2) 2/3 C of multi grain cheerios, 1 C skim milk, 1 C strawberries.

Lunch idea ~

10 raw baby carrots, 2 C romaine lettuce mixed with spinach leaves, salmon burger grilled and cut up, 1/4 avocado, 2 TBSP of ranch dressing(suggested KRAFT light but I only had regular), and 2 C smart pop popcorn.

I am giving myself 1 cheat day a week. I am giving myself 1 rest day a week from the gym.

Mon, Wed, and Fri are my intense cardio days.

Tues, Thurs, and Sat are my Strength Training days. On strength training days I will do a 10 minute cardio warm up first.

I am also stretching before and or after every work out to help with my flexibility.

I drink at least 64 oz of water a day and on most days more than that. I am one thirsty momma! This is the bottle that helps me stick to drinking lots of H2O!

5 VEGGIES THAT MAKE ANY SALAD SUPER HEALTHY!

I found this great article featured on YAHOO news. I am always trying to find a way to make my salads more exciting and healthy. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did!

Five salad veggies have turned out to be antioxidant superstars. Toss a handful into any bowl and you'll instantly up your defenses against everything from wrinkles to heart disease and even help make your RealAge younger. Punch up the antioxidant power even more by seasoning some olive oil and vinegar with a few of the herbs and spices below. Health food doesn't get any easy-breezier!

5 Superstar Veggies
Artichokes
Radishes
Broccoli
Red chicory
Leeks

8 Stellar Seasonings
Sage
Rosemary
Marjoram
Thyme
Tarragon
Cumin
Fresh ginger
Garlic

The #1 Vegetable Of the 27 vegetables scientists studied, the almighty artichoke led the antioxidant pack. Plus it's rich in both fiber and folate, two good-for-you nutrients. Look for plump but compact globe-like artichokes with thick, green, fresh-looking scales. The Runners-Up Radishes, broccoli, and even luscious leeks are stocked in most supermarkets. But what's red chicory? An Italian salad favorite with an oddly appealing bitter taste. Try mixing it with romaine.

The High-Powered Herbs and Spices Sage, rosemary, and thyme...when Simon and Garfunkel made them famous, nobody knew they had disease-fighting powers. Cumin, a spice used heavily in Indian food, is even more impressive, as is ginger. But experiment: All of these seasonings are simple ways to boost the health -- and flavor -- of any salad (soups too). Here's a get-you-started recipe.