Hey Ladies

I am kinda nervous about tomorrow. I don't mind the exercise, I am good with that, I think. I am afraid, however, of the calorie goals. I totally sucked this week. Yes, me, the one who challenged Mendy on the "eat as you normally do this week", business. I decided to do what she said and eat normally, and what I learned was this: I am totally rotten about my food choices. I also realize how much I use food as a comfort. The calorie totals really opened my eyes. So, in short, I am glad to be here, and I can raise my water bottle in a toast, but you might find I have a milkshake in it, or maybe even some fries.

But I'm not giving up.

Ro

This picture is going to keep me away from McDonald's, I'm putting it on my fridge...creepy.

Ready, Set, Go!

I just want to say how excited and motivated I am to be training with Mendy! Since having my baby 7 weeks ago, I am more motivated than ever to really change from not caring really what I put into my body, to really caring about how healthy and fit I can be! Mendy has helped me realize that its not about the six-pack abs or the size 0 jeans I wore in high school, but to get healthy and to achieve a good, useful goal that will not only benefit me, but can help other people too! I too, have to realize that I am not 16 anymore and that I can't get away with eating whatever I feel the need and still be skinny.
I have noticed even in this first week of working out that I already have more energy than before. I love the way it feels to be sweating your butt off and thinking, 'gosh, this is the longest last ten minutes on the elliptical or how bad the last set of crunches hurts,' but Wow, what a great feeling it is to step off the machine after a 45 minute workout and realize your one step closer to achieving the goal you have set for yourself!
It is also a great motivation to look down at my innocent little baby boy and have the urge to strive to be the best mother I can be and show him as he grows how to have good eating habits, make the right choices, and that being healthy will have a strong positive affect on his life! I look around in the world and see such obesity in small children and it makes me sick to think about how people are letting their children even at small ages have such bad, unhealthy eating habits and instead of being outside playing sports, they are sitting in front of the television and playing video/computer games.
So, lift up your water bottles ladies... I PROPOSE A TOAST to all the ladies on this blog that are wanting to make a change in their life or achieve a certain goal....Get ready, Get set, Go For It!!!

Confessions of a Personal Trainer

Yesterday I overate. Ok, I overate healthy food, but still, I know I overate. I went over on my calories, and I ate till I was stuffed ( not good). Last night I made my favorite bran muffins because I had a friend coming over this morning for a Bible study. Last night after dinner I knew they were sitting in the kitchen....I swear they were saying, " Mendy, come eat me....its ok, I am healthy!!!" Well, I did. It put me over my calories by about 300 and it also made me feel absolutely stuffed. I should have stopped at one, but NO, I had 3. I guess the good thing is that my pipes are working well today and I have pooped twice and it is only 2 in the afternoon.

I always make a point not obsess about counting my calories. I like to count them because when I don't I tend to put stuff in my mouth that does not benefit my body in any way. So, another lesson learned.....stop at ONE!!!!!!! I will be learning this lesson all my life I guess. THe point is that I don't ignore it and try to pick back up and try, try again. Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for reading.

Recipe - Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts

Chinese food is a big trigger for me, so I was thrilled to find this recipe in the Weight Watchers Take Home Tonight cookbook.

Szechuan Chicken with Peanuts
Serves 4
1 cup = 302 calories, 11g fat, 3g fiber, 293 mg sodium

Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp chili-garlic sauce
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 Tbsp minced, peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced on a diagonal
1/4 c unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts

Directions:
1. Combine the chicken, 1 Tbsp of the hoisin sauce, and 1 Tbsp of the cornstarch in a medium bowl. Toss well to coat and set aside.

2. Combine the remaining 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, broth, vinegar, sugar and chili-garlic sauce in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Heat a nonstick wok or a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles. Swirl in the oil, then add the chicken. Stir-fry until almost cooked through, 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

5. Add the bell pepper, carrots and peanuts. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.

6. Add the hoisin sauce mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens, and the chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute.

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I have kind of wimpy taste buds, so I use the chili-garlic paste somewhat sparingly. This reheats very well (unlike some other Chinese recipes that I've made where the sauce goes a bit off when refrigerated.)

LETS DO IT!

alright ladies, I am ready to do this thing, I went out with a bang today I ate a cherry danish from Panera and enjoyed every buttery morsel! but thats it! bring on the chicken breasts and lettuce! The storage tub of "skinny clothes" will be opened by the end of the year! Cant wait to get to know everyone and there disappearing forms! Lori

Only 5 openings left for evening class

Only 5 spots left for this new evening class. If you are interested then please call the Liberty Community Center at 792-5152, press 0 for the front desk. You can sign up and pay over the phone.

This class is exactly what you need to get back into shape, foster discipline with you eating, have accountability to keep working out, and see the results you have been wanting for a long time.

Almost full

There is only one more spot left in my morning session. I am sooooo thrilled about the great response for this class. It just shows that there are moms out there who want affordable personal training even though they are staying home and sacrificing an income.

I created a time slot for the working moms too. I have one signed up so far. If I can get at least 2 more then we will have a morning and evening class. I know you are out there. I know working moms want this too!!!! Most working moms are great multi taskers...well really all moms are great multi taskers. My point is that- working or not working, we need to make exercise a priority!!!!!