Eggs, A Low-Cost Superfood

Today is brought to you by the egg.

I had a really fabulous post written on the back of an envelope, but I lost the envelope.  All of my best ideas have gone the way of the envelope.

My brain is a funny thing.  Ideas and thoughts pop up out of nowhere and at the most random times.  Rarely do these good ideas come when I am seated in front of my computer.  Instead, they strike in the checkout line at the super-market, or in the middle church, during one of my husband's messages (don't tell him that!), or when I'm in the shower, or about to fall asleep at night.  I'm guilty of either forgetting my ideas or scratching them out on any scrap of paper I can find and then losing the paper.  One day, I'll get myself more organized and maybe even carry a notepad or use the Evernote App on my cell phone, but for today, you get an egg.

Eggs are unappreciated and undervalued.

They are crazy good for you and range in calories from about 70 - 85, depending on the size of your egg.  You get a lot of nutrition packed into every egg.

It's the perfect, protein rich, vitamin dense food.  And, as a bonus, it's cheap!

I've been writing 31 Days of Cheap Tricks over on The Domestic Fringe and we've talked about all kinds of ways to save money on food, everything from couponing to gardening.  However, adding eggs to your regular diet is one of the cheapest tricks I have to help you live for less while eating healthy.

Eggs are a low-cost superfood

Eggs are your friend.

So, go on, scramble, boil, fry, and flip an egg today!

Run Your Race

I was walking on the high-school track the other night feeling pretty darn good about my three miles.
Heck, I even pumped an arm or two during my imaginary race around the circle.

That is, until Granny showed up.

This woman, who is considerably older, heavier, and more wrinkly than I, moved faster than the speed of my first car.

Huh?

Every time I think I'm doing all I possibly can in regards to health and fitness, I look around and find an older person who can run laps around me.

It pushes me to do more and reminds me that I can do hard things.  And, so can you!

You see, if left to my own devices, I’m just not a cardiovascular overachiever.  I’m more of a buy a cute pair of yoga pants and stroll around the block type of gal.  Sure I’d love the legs of a runner, I just don’t want to have to run to get them.

Osmosis anyone?

Maybe if I fall asleep to Chariots of Fire, I’ll wake up with legs of steel.

Ah, fugettaboutit.

I know the Lord is calling me to more, to do more and be more.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 ~Hebrews 12:1-2

I'm not confused, I know this is a faith verse and not a run around the track verse, but isn't this life just like a race?  

God calls us to run with patience or endurance, all the while looking to Jesus.  If we're going to run our race of life well, we need faith.  Most definitely!  In fact, I wrote a 31 Day series on Living by Faith last fall; however, if we're going to run well, we need bodies fit enough to keep us moving forward.

That's what we're trying to do here - to bring our bodies into subjection, so we can be in subjection to the Lord in order to run our race well.

So, girls, let's get running!  (Literally or figuratively, you decide.)

 

Fitness Video Feature and an Announcement

What an incredible opportunity to be featured in Fringe Girl´s first ever T2 Video conference over at The Domestic Fringe

Here is what Fringe Girl said about it. After all, she just has a way with words.

t2 video #1 – heath & fitness

Please Note:  This is the very first time Dani and I spoke “in person”.  This is also the very first video I created, so it’s a little quirky.

For instance, I look at the ceiling all the time and when I’m not looking at the ceiling, I look like I am in terrible pain.  That’s my I’mfreakingoutontheinside face.  I’m absolutely not in any pain whatsoever, nor am I constipated.

My voice is also terribly scratchy and crackly.  That’s from many years of using steroid inhalers for my asthma.  Sorry.  I warned you I am not a speaker.

Dani was awesome though.  She’s a natural at video.  Maybe she’ll make her own exercise video one day

It is definitely the other way around. It is very difficult for me to watch myself, almost down right painful. However, I know Tricia has an incredible vision to do many more videos on many different topics to help and encourage ladies. She is a true encourager, and has encouraged me by stepping out of her comfort zone to do these conference calls. Click HERE to read more about her T2 videos






The video is a bit long, so if you already know me or are not really interested in my background, skip to minute 7:00. That´s where we talk about health and fitness. Get ready to Be Strong!

 .... oh and don´t miss the announcement is at the bottom of this post.



Our fifth Christmas Crunch Challenge will begin in just under a month! We are praying about some changes to make it even easier to keep track of points, and asking some key ladies to help in the leadership and encouragement.

Please, be thinking and praying about joining in on this fitness journey for life!

Be Strong in Jesus,
Dani

Chrunch In Sunday

Unfortunately I've been sick all week. I haven't exercised in what seems like a very long time. I tried, but I was getting dizzy every time I started moving around. I'm finally feeling better today and I did a 30 minute workout video. Thankfully I didn't gain any weight this week!

On the upside, my husband's high school reunion is this coming July and he's just entered a weight loss challenge with his friends on facebook. I thought it was funny...all these men are trying to outdo each other with the percentage of body weight they can lose by next July. Somehow I doubt their challenge will be as fun as ours. ;-)
-Tricia

Crunch In & Sick Day

Exercising is the only good thing I have going for me in this challenge and I am sick. I tried to get some exercise in tonight, but pooped out very quickly. I just feel lousy, so I'm taking it easy. When I feel better I'll be back at double speed.

I do have GOOD news though. My exercise is paying off and the thigh toning video is working. I'm getting it back from the library tomorrow! I measured twice to be sure this was all right and I was very pleased.

Waist 32 1/2 down to 31
Hips 42 down to 41
Rt. Thigh 25 down to 24
Lft. Thigh 24 1/2 down to 23
Rt. Arm 12 1/2 down to 12
Lft. Arm 12 down to 11 1/2

THAT'S 6 INCHES!!!

Yes, I'm happy. Makes me want to move twice as much. We won't talk about my weight. I don't know how I can lose so many inches without losing weight, but it happened. Ok, I'm off to bed.
-Tricia

Chrunch In Sunday

I DID NOT feel like exercising tonight, but I did anyway and now I've very glad. My husband told me this morning that he may join me on this diet of mine. I'm praying he does, because he is an extremist and if he decides to loose weight, I will too. It can't be helped. He'll have me exercising 4 times a day and asking me about every bite that goes in my mouth. Boy I hope he does...I need a drill sargent!

Overall it was a great day. A good day in church and I went on a hiking trail with my family and dog this afternoon. I hope your Sunday was just as good!
-Tricia

Excited Crunch In

I'm totally excited. I tried on a skirt tonight that was WAY too tight and it almost fits now. I mean I could actually wear it now, but I won't. I just prefer it to be a little looser, but this exercise is working for me. I was so motivated that I just did a 20 minute thigh toning video and I already did a 30 minute aerobic video this morning. I even lost more inches, but I'm not telling till Wednesday.

I begged my husband to go to the library and get me the thigh toning video back the other evening. I had already washed my face and changed my clothes and didn't feel like making myself presentable for the library people. He's so good to me. He went and took some heat for checking out the video. The other day he went back in for something else and the woman at the desk asked him how his thighs were doing. I'm very blessed to have a husband that loves me and my big thighs. ;-)

Happy weekend!
-Tricia

Chrunch In- Thursday

Well, Former Fat Lady Nina came to visit me on my blog today and told me in her own nice sweet way to shut up and get crunchin. So despite the fact that I'd already crunched for 30 minutes, I got back up off my wide bottom and just did 20 minutes of a thigh toning video. Hopefully I'll lose another inch on my hips and some inches on my thighs. Better yet, maybe my legs will just fall off and I'll be spared the pain and suffering of these exercises.

I hope you all had a great day! Thanks for giving me a kick in the pants Nina. I needed that! I just wish you could come over and clean out my fridge and take my mixer hostage so I'll stop baking.
-Tricia

Crunch In with Measurements

First, I don't have a picture. Sorry. I'd take one now, but my husband is at a Veteran's Day service with my son and they have my camera. Second, no weight change for me this week. I'm still at 2 pounds lost. I know that's nothing, but I did see a little change in my measurements, so here goes.

• Bust 39 New Bust: 38 1/2
• Chest 33 New Chest 33
• Waist 33 New Waist 32 1/2
• Hips 43 New Hips 42 (Clap, clap)
• R Thigh 25 New 25
  
• L Thigh 24 1/2 New 24 1/2
• R Arm 13 New 12 1/2
• L Arm 12 1/2 New 12

That is 3 inches and I'm happy. My goal for this week is to do better with my eating and get my thigh measurements to move down. My legs are killing me this morning, so I may wait until this evening to exercise again.

Happy Crunching everyone!
-Tricia

Crunch In Tuesday

I managed to get in 45 minutes of exercise today with a thirty minute aerobics video from the eighties and a fifteen minute walk with RealAge.com. Although I feel like throwing my hair up into a side pony-tail and breaking out the leg warmers. I'm happy. I do feel like like I'm getting into better shape, because my stamina exercising has definitely improved. My legs are also killing me, so I'll take it as a good sign.

My problem is that I'm still consuming too many calories. The scale proves that. At this rate I'll be a fat woman who is in great shape and can run a couple of miles...not the point of this diet.

I need to try harder to zip the lips. That's what I'll be working on this coming week!

I pray you're all enjoying a great day.

Monday Crunch In

Today hasn't been a great day because I've had a really bad migraine; however, I did manage to get 10 minutes of floor exercises in this morning and another 10 minutes of jogging in this afternoon. I'm going to try to do more after dinner.

Because I haven't really had the extra money to buy any exercise DVD's, I've been borrowing some older VHS tapes from the library. It's worked out perfectly. I have the tape for 2 days and then need to return it, so it ensures that I not only do exercises on the tape, but that I walk to library several times a week.

I'm not sure if it's working or not, but when I got ready for church yesterday, my husband told me that I looked like I was losing weight. He said my clothes looked looser. I'm happy with that!

Hope you all had a blessed weekend.
-Tricia

Crunch In Friday

Just wanted to make sure I post a Crunch In today. I don't want to make Dani nervous thinking that I've gone AWOL. ;-)

I managed to get 40 minutes of walking done on Wednesday. I've found that forgetting things at the grocery store is really helping me. Since we only have one car and my husband has it at work, if I've forgotten something for a recipe, I'm forced to walk. I'm beginning to hate that I live in a city FULL of hills, but I think it's good for my bottom. ;-)

Yesterday was 41 degrees and raining, but I set my stove timer and jogged around my house. It was mildly pathetic, but I figured it was better than nothing. My son officially thinks I'm nuts. I'm happy to report that I got 20 minutes of exercise in while my soup simmered.

Nothing yet for today, but it's still early in the US.

Have a happy weekend full of good, healthy foods and exercise!

By the way, I dropped another pound (total 3), but I'm not counting it until Wednesday. I have to be sure it's not a fluke. Maybe it's just that I got a haircut! ;-)
-Tricia

Lentil Soup

Hi ladies! I just wanted to share a yummy recipe with you. I made it for dinner tonight and it was very tasty and good for you. I'm not sure of the exact calorie content for each bowl of this lentil soup, but I checked and one cup of cooked lentils is only 230 calories and you're not eating an entire cup of lentils in each bowl.

The recipe makes A LOT! You will have enough soup for several meals.

Ingredients:
1lb. ground beef (you can eliminate this, but remember the meat will be spread out over many bowls)
1 large onion
6 cloves garlic
5-6 large carrots
1 bag baby spinach
1 bag dried lentils
1 large can (29 oz) petite diced tomatoes
4 large beef bullion cubes or 8 of the small ones
12 cups water
2 bay leaves
3 tsp. basil
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Start by rinsing lentils and browning your ground beef in a large soup pot. After beef is browned, drain off all fat and add the chopped onion, diced carrots and garlic (I use a garlic press for my garlic, but you can chop it if necessary). Add the water, beans, tomatoes, bullion cubes, and all seasonings. Bring to a rolling boil and then lower to a low/med heat and simmer for an 1 1/2 or so. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese towards the end.

Like I said, this makes a lot of soup. I imagine that you can add a variety of vegetables, whatever you have on hand. You can also make this completely meatless. Google the benefits of lentils and I think you'll be surprised. They really good for you and super high in fiber.

Enjoy!
-Tricia

Crunch In - Wednesday

It's been exactly one week and so I woke up this morning and weighed myself. I've only been weighing first thing in the morning, because I've heard that's when you are at your lightest. Why would I inflict self-punishment and weigh in at my heaviest?

Anyway.

All I can say is that it is because of God's mercy that I am exactly 2 pounds lighter today than I was a week ago.

Original weight 171.2
Today's weight 169.2

I feel like I've been missing in action since Friday and I have. I've not done well, so I figured I would spare you all the discouragement of a whining post. Although I haven't stuck to my ideal calorie intake each day, I have eaten much less than normally.

I've discovered that eating tiny meals keeps me from getting heartburn, so it's an added bonus. I've also enjoyed exercising with my kids. They are making me do their floor exercises from gym class and they are joining me as well. My kids have a little contest going to see who can do the most sit-ups. They can both do more than me. ;-)

I have been keeping track of my exercise on the great excel spreadsheet someone sent out. Although I don't remember who sent it, THANK YOU!

I'm back in the groove and geared up for a better week than the last. Praying you all reach your goals!
-Tricia

A Tip & My Walk

I'm just going to share a quick tip, but I'm not sure it's a good tip. Dani Joy can set me straight if it's not.

A woman, who for medical reasons cannot gain any weight and who has maintained the same weight for many years, told me that when she is absolutely craving sweets, she simply eats a teaspoonful of sugar. It satisfies her sweet tooth and only has a few calories, much less than a cookie or cake or something like that.

So if and when I must, I'm considering a spoonful of sugar. It worked for Mary Poppins and it may work for me.

I walked a total of 80 minutes today. I actually shaved off a little time. It wasn't all in one shot though. I walked to school, went on a walking field trip, walked back home, walked to the store, and walked back. It was pretty spread out so I don't think it will have a great impact on me, but at least I moved for 80 minutes. My shirt was wet with sweat by the time I came home from the store carrying groceries and it's cold here, so it's gotta be doing something good for me. Please tell me is, because my feet hurt.

I'm totally psyched to order the 30 day shred. It's a must on my list of things I NEED in the near future. I'll be saying something different after I actually start it, I'm sure!

Have a great day ladies!

Crying in my Rice Cakes

Ok, here goes....

Weight: 171.2
Bust: 39
Chest: 33
Waist: 33
Hips: 43
Right Thigh 25
Left Thigh 24 1/2
Right Arm: 13
Left Arm: 12 1/2

Ok, I just TOLD ALL!! Spilled my guts and now there's nothing to do but go cry in my rice cakes.

No really, I'm getting more excited every day. I actually went for a RUN yesterday, but after about 10 minutes I pulled a muscle in my left calf. Hopefully it'll feel better by tomorrow and start all over again! I even turned down a piece of cake today. Small steps...

I pray everybody is having a great day crunching it!

-Tricia

Hi, my name is Tricia. I'm a....

Hi, my name is Tricia. I'm a recovering chocaholic who promises not to steal any candy from my children this Halloween.

I'm almost kidding, but not really.

I have two children, 7 & 9, one husband, and a dog...a very bad dog. Although I know that I need to loose weight (mainly because I'm wearing my 'fat' clothes everyday), I'm not excited about doing it. I know it takes work and willpower, but most of all I think I'll need prayer.

I could make many excuses for why I gained weight over the past several months, but they would all be excuses. The real reason I've gained weight is because I've developed some bad eating habits. Last night I was at a birthday party at my church when I realized that I had just eaten a slice of large sub sandwich and a piece of cake without even knowing it. I felt sick on the way home because I ate when I wasn't even hungry. I just went and got food because someone said it was time to eat. It was quite a shocking realization to understand that I'd just consumed an entire meal with desert and I wasn't even hungry, nor did I particularly enjoy the food. That kind of eating stops today!

I wasn't going to be so honest here, but after reading Nina's post, I'm convicted. I'm 34 and my goal is to loose 26 pounds. To me 26 pounds seems like a hundred. Because of my body type and the way I gain weight, I can often hide the fact that I've packed on the pounds, but I weigh 171 pounds and I'm ashamed. I'm too short for that much weight and God won't grant my request to grow five more inches. I think my only saving grace is that I walk a lot. It keeps my fat from being too jiggly. :-)

So I've started my Christmas crunch today. Oh, I know it doesn't officially start until Wednesday, but I need a practice run. I've measure my breakfast and lunch and took a walk to the library the long way. I am praying that God not only helps me loose weight, but also gives me a desire to be as healthy as I can be.

The top photo is a picture of me now. I guess I'll have to wait for my after picture. Thank you Dani Joy for giving me the push that I need!