Here, there, and a little bit of everywhere...

So far in December...

1. Our Shout service was featured in the local newspaper for celebrating our 10 year anniversary. They did a great job pulling together all the information that I and our friend, Jeff, sent them and used a picture that Brooklyn took of us on my iPhone.


2. I got a new hoodie from Heart in Sol. I LOVE it. It may or may not have been inspired by this post.

3. On December 1, this cutie turned 8 months old. Cute cute cute!! Can't stand the cuteness. Don't tell my kids but I think I show people her picture more than I do B & J's pictures. Oops. :-)

4. On Monday night, my mom and I volunteered with ChildFund, and we got to see Donny and Marie Osmond for free. It was actually a pretty great show (and I'm not just saying that because I have pretty much wanted to be Marie Osmond since I was 5 and saw her in a televised Disney Christmas parade).

5. Our new family pictures were delivered, and I was able to finally rid my dining room of some ghosts of chubbiness past. I figured out that we are about 100 pounds lighter in our new pictures 3 years later. It's been a long journey (one that you have all traveled with me), and i'm pretty darn happy where we have ended up.

Hope everyone's Decembers have been going fabulously! Lots more programs and events and parties coming up soon. 'Tis the season for craziness!

Because plain old walking was getting kinda boring...

Quick Timeline Re-Cap for You:
Saturday, September 21- I injured my back.
September 21 and 22- I laid around.
Monday, September 23- Saw the doctor and got placed on modified activity.
Tuesday, September 24- I started walking.
Friday, September 27- I started getting antsy.
Sunday, September 29- Antsy evolved to boredom; Sent Chad to Target.
Monday, September 30- Started my FitBit adventure.

What's a Fitbit, you may ask?
Well, a Fitbit is one of the things that saved me from Walking Boredom.

Yes, I had some great walks with friends and talks with God while on modified activity. But you have to remember. I was coming off of a high intensity training program where I was doing lengthy planks, running crazy distances, and Zumba-ing my little a-- off. Walking wasn't cutting it.

But Competitive Walking?
Now, we're talking.

Fitbit is great because it is not only a pedometer, but it's also a social media experience. Fitbit allows you to have "friends" linked together so that you can see, daily, how many steps your friends have taken and also how you rank up against your friends in a 7 day span.

There are many different kinds of Fitbits. I have the basic model- $59.99 at Target, Best Buy, etc. It wears easily on the pant pocket or actually even attached to the bra.
 

(not my pants nor my fitbit but it was easier lazier to Google an image than stand up and take a pic)

 

 

It really is fun, as far as walking goes. You are encouraged to park farther away from entrances, take an extra trip up the stairs, and even run an extra half mile when exercising. You figure out that you walk about 6-7 miles a day in a Disney theme park. And that when you have a day of traveling to Hickory and sitting in meetings for work, you can barely break a mile.

 

But wait, there's more! Remember, I mentioned something about "ranking?"

 

If the "warm fuzzy feeling of being in first place" isn't enough for you, then you can do what I did. Participate in a healthy (no pun intended) competition each month. Last month, my Heart in Sol friends, with Chad and I, initiated a "Winner Dinner." Meaning the bottom half of our group buys dinner for the top half of the group based on average steps per day.

 

Can you believe that I was only 250 steps/day from being in the top half in October?! That's NOTHING in terms of a 10-14,000 step day. You better believe I now take those extra trips up the stairs and to the mailroom at work when I can. I was sooooo close. November is mine, baby!

 

To provide a source of encouragement (with a side of entertainment), we formed a Facebook group where we can taunt, cheer, make excuses, and post updates like this.

Thank goodness for screen shots. Otherwise, I would have never been able to capture the 3.5 minutes that I was in first place.

It really has been a great investment. You are so much more aware of your activity level. You can set goals, and your Fitbit will even have a little party for you when you reach those goals.

As the holiday season approaches and you start to think about what you could possibly tell your family to get you as a gift, think about a Fitbit.

And then friend me. I'll totally cheer you and taunt you.

But I'm not buying you dinner. Because as I type this blog, I am currently walking in place.

Zumba Etiquette 101 (OR What the instructors want to tell you but are too nice to say outloud)

This post is brought to you as a friendly public service announcement. Names and places have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Oh, heck, who I am kidding? Y'all know where I Zumba and with whom I Zumba.]

I LOVE it when friends and family come to try out Zumba at Heart in Sol. I get that nervous "Oh, I hope they liked it" after they come to their first class. And then I get the relieved "Yay! They came back!" feeling when they come back for a second and third and tenth time. I know it takes courage to step into your first Zumba class. And most of you know it took me about 4 months after receiving my Living Social gift to take that plunge myself, and I've been doing it about 18 months now pretty religiously. There is almost always a new person whenever I attend a Zumba class and, whether I know them or not, I get those "yay for you! hope you have fun! don't be scared!" thoughts that I wish I could telepathically send across the room to them.

Though I am obviously not an instructor, I do spend quite a bit of time with a few licensed instructors, and we have gotten into some great conversations recently about the fact that there is an unspoken "Zumba Etiquette."

So, humor me for a few minutes as I walk you though some Zumba Class Rules to help you (and more importantly, those around you) have a most enjoyable experience...

Zumba Class Rule #1 (and my favorite):


Zumba Class Rule #2 (my own expansion of Rule #1): Don't worry about what you look like because no one is looking at you anyway.
[Seriously, the class is so fast moving and action-packed that no one has time to worry about what you look like because they are trying to keep themselves in check.]

Zumba Class Rule #3: If you want to claim a "good spot" then get to class early.
[It's first come, first served, people. You come in late, you get what's leftover. Period.]

Zumba Class Rule #4: Respect the "Markers."
[Building on Rule #3, for those people who were able to come early and "claim" a preferred spot with a water bottle/hairbrush/jacket/tennis shoe/rubber band/whatever, please be mindful of that claimed spot and find another one. Seriously.]

Zumba Class Rule #5: Respect the "Personal Space" of your fellow attendees.
[And building on rules #3 and #4, once you find your alternate space, please make sure you have left enough room that you are not invading the personal space of another Zumba attendee. There is a lot of booty shaking and shimmying going on, and you need some arm and leg room. Trust me.]

Zumba Class Rule #6: Respect the "Personal Space" of your instructor.
[Just as important as in class rule #5, the instructor also needs his/her space. Imagine a fishing dock coming out in front of the instructor about 3-4 feet. Avoid this area. If they move forward when you move forward...Do you see where this is going??? Give them room to get their own shimmying and body rolling on. This could also be referred to as the "splash zone" in some instructors' classes. For realz.]

Zumba Class Rule #7: When the instructor says to "wooo," you "wooo." And "wooo" hard.
[Speaking of instructors, I am just in complete awe of them, and they have my utmost respect. They spend so much time and energy into crafting the very best 45-60 minute class that they can. They give 110% to their attendees, so how sad is it when they only get 57% back? They want to see you having fun. They want to see smiles and hear you having fun. We need to give that back to them. So, just "wooo" people.]

[Side note about verbal participation in class: Wooo-ing and yow-ing is great. Talking to your neighbor about where your husband is taking you for dinner this weekend or gasp, even YAWNING during class, is not.]

Zumba Class Rule #8: "Front and Center" is not where you start off your Zumba experience.
[While the instructors love a good, enthusiastic participant (see rule #7), if it's your first time attending a class, front row center may not be the place for you to start. There are other people in that class who want to see what's going on, and they don't need to be trying to look around you to get their sights set on the instructor. It's harsh, I know. But I'm just being honest. Not to mention, having a first-timer all up in the instructor's personal space (see rule #6) can be very distracting to them.]

Zumba Class Rule #9: If you are trying to be perfect, you probably aren't having fun.
[This statement was said out loud in one of my first classes and I just KNEW it was directed at me. I took it to heart and never forgot it. Your Zumba class is not Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance. Don't stress over getting all the moves right- especially your 1st, 2nd or even 10th time. Just have fun. Do your best, but don't stress. 'Cause remember rule #2.]

So, whether you have been taking classes for years, just started recently, or have been tossing that thought around your head for a while, trust me when I say that both the instructor and the folks around you will appreciate the effort you make in following the above rules.

And when all else fails, enjoy that unexpected solo and give a big 'ole loud "woo!" 'Cause you are burning some crazy calories while having the time of your life.

Seriously.

Goal Check!

How's everyone out there doing on their goals?

Hmmmm???

I've set some new ones the last few weeks so I wanted to share.

I told myself "no running" until November just to give my body more time to heal and get us back from Disney. Well, we got back from Disney on October 27....and I went running that afternoon. [insert sheepish grin here]

But in my defense, I did Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1 so it was only like 90 seconds of running. Like maybe 4 different times.

But it felt goooooood. :-)

So, the last week, I have done three short run/walks, using the first few weeks of the Couch to 5K plan. So far, so good. Keeping my fingers crossed. And my bag of ice handy.

My first goal is to be back running 5K's by the end of 2013, so I think I am going to register for the Running of the Balls 5K run with Chad and my Heart in Sol family. It's scheduled for mid-December. This gives me about 6 weeks of training. I'm feeling pretty confident about this one.

My second goal is to run the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston on April 5. This one we have already registered for, and I am super excited. (I mean, a trip with hubby to Charleston is included, so how awesome is this?) However, a bit more nervous and not as confident, yes. But, excited nonetheless. I'll do the Bridge to 10K training for that one starting January and should be good (and well-conditioned) for this race. Should be. Hope to be. Pray I'll be.

So, have you all set any goals recently? Let me know about them, so I can cheer you on! Setting goals is the key to success, so don't waste any time establishing both short term and long term goals for yourself.

And let me know if you want to go running with me in December or April. :-)

Some interesting stats...

So, the Blogger public is speaking loud and clear to me. I did a quick run of my latest stats on the blog, and it's crazy the interest in my fatness and not-so-fatness.

Here are the stats over the entire history of the blog.

The top two are Slow Cooker Sunday recipes....the Sweet Baby Ray Ribs and the Shrimp & Grits. Both excellent choices, might I add.

Next up, is the post where I basically reveal the fact that I was not meant to be a stay at home mom.
And you all kinda found that entertaining.

After that, there are the last three posts I made about my lifestyle as it is right now....and my undying love for all things Heart in Sol.

Interesting to me....maybe not to you....but it does tell me that for some strange reason, you all like to know more of what I'm eating for dinner and my failures as a mom and less of what we did on our annual family beach vacation.

And one final interesting note....

Shout out to all the blog readers in Russia, Sweden, China, South Korea, the UK, Ukraine, Germany, India, and France. I am sure some of my casual language does not transfer well overseas but nonetheless, thanks for reading. :-)

I do appreciate you all reading. This blog is not only a place where I journal about the kids for the family scrapbooks and the grandparents but also a place where I can share my feelings, my challenges, my successes, and just my life as it is right now. I always hope it gives one of you out there the feeling of "yes, she feels the same way I do."

I'm always looking for more material and prompts, so if you have any requests over what you would like to know my opinion on, please feel free to leave a comment. No question is (probably) too personal.

After all, better to vent here than on Facebook.

Stream of Consciousness Friday

And some iPhotos from the last week dumped in here, too.

You know, just for fun.

1. John Legend is one fine man. There I said it. I could listen to him sing (Ok, listen AND watch him sing) any day. Ok, I'm glad to get that off my chest.

2. I've started walking longer distances in my rehabilitation. Mostly 2-3 miles. It makes it easy when I get to go with people because it makes me happier and more entertained. Thanks to Patrick, Emily, Silas, and this cutie, Bella, for all the walks this week.

3. Ribs make me happy. However, eating ribs when one does not have the ability to churn out a pretty hearty workout afterwards causes one to gain a pound or four in a week. But the ribs have been eaten and it will be awhile before I do that again. Now, I am just dealing with the rib-sequences.

And there may have also been cheesecake involved.

4. Pictures that are as cute as these don't come the first time around.
You always have one like this that came before...

5. Is anyone else having some anxiety about next week's Glee? I may need a box of tissues and some emotional support. This isn't going to be easy.

6. So, Jake loves this pumpkin he got last weekend. He calls it "Little Guy" and it may or may not also sleep in his room. For those of you on Facebook who suggest I get him a dog, thank you, and I will be happy to buy him a dog and it will live at YOUR house.

7. Singing makes me happy. And it was nice to get my phone back on Sunday to see that Brooklyn snapped some pics of me doing something I love. 


8. It's National Recruitment Week for the Girl Scouts. If you are bored and want to help me out, visit www.girlscouts.org, type in your zip code, which will direct you to our local site, and we are entered for a chance to win $5,000 as a council. No obligation for you, BUT if you really want to volunteer with the Girl Scouts, even better. Shoot me an email. :-) Here's a pic I posted on Instagram and Facebook showing my sweet little Girl Scout. She's growing up so fast!

9. This was my cart at Sam's this morning. Pretty much staples in our house now.

10. And finally, a quick update on me. Nope, this was not today. This was taken awhile ago, but it's been my inspiration today and I will be back in the saddle weight bench soon. Currently, I am doing walking, stretching, and very minimal weights...followed by lots and lots of ice and rest and blogging and Facebooking and writing annual performance reviews for staff. You know, all those things done on the couch. I feel minimal pain and just a bit of soreness after activity. Nothing crazy happening but I am trying to be extra cautious. I'm bored and stubborn and frustrated. But I'm not stupid. I attended my first zumba class yesterday in two weeks and rocked some modified moves and listened to my body (which at times said, nah....not a good idea). I felt good today and I am just gonna take the weekend to rest. 

And maybe listen to some John Legend.

I may not be Superwoman...

...but I am One Tough Cookie.

If we are friends on Facebook, then many of you may have heard about my unfortunate run-in with my mortality last weekend.

That's a bit dramatic, I know. But saying it like that is much better than the truth.

Which is that I am kind of an idiot and my body said, to quote my trainer, "Slow your roll."

And that it did when I injured my back in Zumba last Saturday morning.

It took me a few days to put the pieces together as to why exactly I hurt myself doing something I've done a million times before.

But that's just it. I've done it a million times before. And many days in a row. And without rest.

To recap: Friday, I ran 9 miles on the treadmill. (The weather was iffy. And I got excited thinking about watching TWO episodes of Melrose Place that afternoon so I didn't mind.) That night, I found myself in a random push up/plank contest with my parents and Chad. And then Saturday morning I went to Zumba. A lot of exercise with not a lot of rest in between. So, something happened when I twisted, I felt a strain, and thus found myself at the doctor Monday with a slight bulging disc and on 10-14 days of restriction.

So, I've had a lot of time to think. You know, being laid out on ice on my back and all.

I started my thinking and processing with looking back at my activity level the past 5 weeks. It was quite shocking actually. Since August 19, I had only one day that I did not work out. One. There have been many weeks this summer where I worked out 7 days a week. And at the very least, 5-6 days. But honestly, I didn't even realize it. I would weight train two days a week and Zumba two days a week. And then run 2-3 days a week. Different stuff all the time, but pretty high impact stuff. And stuff I truly enjoy doing, so it didn't seem like "work." Or exercise.

But, even with exercise, there is definite truth of "too much of a good thing."

A week ago, I would have swore up and down that I wasn't "obsessed" with fitness. I had goals to reach, I reached them, and now, by God, I have to maintain them. I was just working hard. No biggie. I mean, I was eating well. And even sometimes eating not so well, so you couldn't accuse me of having any sort of diet complex.

But, y'all, looking back, I had an exercise complex. I was obsessed. And if I am being honest with myself, I still am obsessed. Because right now I am having withdrawals. I was depressed all weekend being inside when I would have loved to have been running outside. Or even just playing outside with the kids. I've gone longer bouts than this without Zumba (vacations, holidays, etc) but just the fact that I am not ALLOWED to go to class while it goes on without me makes me sad. And angry. And then depressed again.

But I'm here to say that I am so grateful that I appear to be on the mend. I walked two times this week (with doctor's blessing) but otherwise, I am taking this very slow. I am right on track to be back in the saddle next week slowly easing back into activities. I know things could have gone very different. And based on all the (much appreciated) personal stories on Facebook shared with me, I know I am very lucky.

And I'm not stupid anymore. I know this was a wake up call. I needed to slow down. I needed to rest. And I needed to get myself back on track.....not fitness-wise, but priority-wise.

God sent me a message this week.

I need to shift my priorities. I need to take time for myself, yes. But I can't use exercise as an excuse to eat cake. Or Sweet Frogs fro-yo. Every day.

I need to have balance. A good diet, a moderate exercise routine, time with my family, and time with Him. I need to refocus in general. Not only do I always squeeze in exercise, but I am always moving, in general. I can't sit down at home...there's always dishes to wash, laundry to fold, closets to clean, light bulbs to replace. But this week, I laid on the couch. I had conversation with my husband. I helped Brooklyn with her homework. And I snuggled Jake.

I ate responsibly since I didn't have the "crutch" of exercise. I drank 64 ounces of water everyday. I tried to look positively at my situation. And I didn't try to be Superwoman.

As of last week, I had reached a lot of my fitness goals (which I'll talk more about in a future post), but obviously I still have a lot to learn.

But I am a willing student and listener.

Because this was the wake up call I needed.

I'm just glad I picked up the phone.

Check your local listings...

The Working Mom Stays Home Episode: "The Escapes"
Season 1, Episode 2

Episode Synopsis: If you loved episode 1 ("...& Forgets to go to Zumba"), you'll love this one. Mama manages to escape the home for two separate occasions- a meeting for work (and was super thrilled to wear pants that buttoned) and a 4 mile run (and most definitely needed that 45 minutes). Other than those two mini escapes, episode 2 captures another sick day in the Johnson house. Highlights include: finishing half empty water bottles (mama), scrapbooking (B), launching rockets off the couch (J, thanks to a dose of Tylenol), baking another Pinterest recipe of cinnamon sugar bread, drawing self-portraits, a visit to the best doctor ever to rule out strep throat, multi-colored pancakes (You think Mama would have learned with food dye the day before and the mess it leaves on a counter. Rookie mistake.), and some "help" with work emails. Oh, the hilarity.

Original Air Date: Aug 20, 2013

The Makings of a Reality TV Show Right Here...

Dear TLC,

I know your primetime line up is pretty solid right now...you know, with Honey Boo Boo and Sex, Lies, & Zumba. But I propose to you a new reality show for next season:

The Working Mom Stays At Home (& Forgets to Go to Zumba)

So, this week was a crazy week anyway...Chad went back to work for teacher workdays last Thursday, my parents are back to work, and Brooklyn has no school. Which means, I needed to adjust my schedule, take her in to the office with me, work from home, catch up in the evenings, etc. Nothing unmanageable. Just a bit of juggling. And only until Thursday when she starts back.

But then our sweet boy came down with a fever Sunday and stayed home from school yesterday. Which left me home with both kids- one who was less than 80% and needed snuggles (but not all the time), pillows (but only a certain number and shape), entertainment (but not too much entertainment), and food (but only at times when no one else was eating), and a girl who, to put it bluntly, was just pissed that her little brother got sick and ruined.her.life.

So, I had to snap into action.

And go ahead and call the work day a wash and put in for sick leave.

I had no one to call on but Pinterest and myself. And a closet full of toys and activities that the kids hadn't seen since the last major holiday.

We did handwriting activities with dry erase boards.

While wearing a pirate costume.

We made apple slices with cinnamon in the oven. (Because when else but a sick day would you be home for 2 hours to let them bake at 275 degrees?)

http://pinterest.com/pin/49047083415341636/

And we made homemade finger paints...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentbrew/6851755809/

And, while they did that, I cleaned out the cabinet under the sink.

There was stamping and sticker-ing.

And magic eraser-ing.

And then grocery list making when I ran out of magic eraser.

We cleaned out the laundry "room" (me), ordered Chinese take out (Brooklyn), dyed hair (me), ate lunch naked in the bed (Jake), and played in the whirlpool tub.

And then it was 11:30am, and I was running out of steam.

So, I pulled out the iPad for Jake and then I was able to answer a few work emails.

And laid in bed with the kids and organized my Pinterest boards.

Cause, you know, it had been a while.

And then Brooklyn was bored again, so I went to said boards and found a recipe for a peanut butter chocolate smoothie that was the answer to my Cookout prayer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentbrew/6851755809/

 



Jake started to rally, so I invited my parents over for dinner...cause somewhere in the day I made a meatloaf, too.

While we waited for the reserves to show up, we played "baby" in the playroom.


And I guess got dressed sometime around then, too.

Sadly, Jake started feeling bad again around dinner time and took a turn.

So, we are home again today.

Another day of cursing and blessing Pinterest in the same breath.

And snuggling one and entertaining another....though not at the same time. And not who you would think.

And reminding myself that all is well and all will be well.

And assuring Brooklyn that I will make this up to her and we will have a "FUN" teacher workday another day soon.

But first, I need to go enter another day of sick leave in the system at work.

Eat this, Not that (The Jaclyn Edition)

I get lots of questions about my weight loss...mostly, "What do you do?" When I respond, "Diet and Exercise" a lot of times I get a good "Oh." I think sometimes people really do think that there is a miracle solution that is quick and easy.

But unfortunately, until I find that quick and easy miracle, it's Diet and Exercise for me. All day. Every day.

I've done a good deal of journaling about my exercise.

Now, it's time to talk food.

It's a never-ending battle journey with food for me. And I am prepared to deal with this for the rest of my life.

And because I know this, I try fun and exciting ways to still have "treats" in my life.

I feel guilty when people see me out in public and I'm eating ColdStone ice cream or a juicy burger.

But many don't know the "back story" when they see me out eating those things. There was most likely lots of juggling of calories (light lunch, basically eating like a rabbit with fruits and veggies), lots of sweating at training or Zumba, and yes, I will probably be going over calories for the day.

But that's ok. Because I'm human. And it's OK.

It's O.    K.

So, here are some "tricks" to help you cut some calories, but still maintain some sort of normalcy. I am in no way a dietician, a trainer, or an expert on any of this.

But I am a full time working mother of two who has to do what she can the best she can. I don't have time to make pasta out of a spaghetti squash, and I really think my kids will tell the difference between potatoes and cauliflower. So, I have to work with what I've got for right now. And maybe in the future we will try new things. [And my trainer is out of town this week. Otherwise, I bet he would kill me for what I am gonna tell y'all.]

So, let's get started.

What Southerner doesn't love this?

Love me some chicken and biscuits. And dirty rice. And seasoned fries.

But a two piece meal at Bojangles with seasoned fries and a biscuit is about 1006 calories.

But, here's an alternative for you.

Remember my crock pot? Though it does hibernate in the summer, I do pull it out every now and then and cook up some chicken legs in the summer time.

Pinterest has some great recipes and here is an easy one.

http://pinterest.com/pin/99360735500167749/

By making our own chicken legs at home, two-three chicken legs in the slow cooker is about 225 calories. Then, we swing by Bojangles on the way home from church and pick up individual sides of dirty rice (165 calories) and green beans (35 calories). [Sorry, no biscuit, but I usually get one for the kids and take a small bite before handing it over.]

Now, that new meal is around 400 calories (425 with your biscuit bite). Saving you over 600 calories.

See? It's fun, right?

Next up.

Coming home from the beach, there is a Hardees on every corner and if you end up like us, you miss the last busy restaurant stop and end up ONLY seeing Hardees to stop for lunch and a potty break.

The best advice I can offer you here?

Order the turkey burger (460 calories) and a side salad (120 calories no dressing). This meal is only 580 calories as opposed to a Bourbon burger, fries, and a coke which is 1600 calories. And just don't taste your husband's real burger and the turkey burger isn't all that bad.


Ok....moving right along to the question of "How can I eat what I REALLY want to eat?"

I love Moe's. And I really don't want a naked burrito. I want the real deal. A real burrito.

So, I get one.
But, did you know that by simply ordering the Joey Jr. with chicken, lettuce, and rice and no sour cream or guacamole (460 calories) instead of the full-sized Joey (about 700 calories for the same ingredients), you save about 240 calories? [Don't add the cheese either (you can't really taste it anyway) and you can save another 70 calories.]

And try to portion out your chips. But I know that's hard.

I LOVE chips.

But, I'm not eating these chips...

My absolute favorite snack are these chips...
And this salsa...
16 chips and 2 tablespoons of salsa is 180 calories. And it's delish.


Ok...on to my nemesis. My kryptonite.

Cookout Milkshakes.

We just have to stay away. Far far away.

But this week, we pulled out my Magic Bullet and made fruit smoothies.

Definitely a MUCH better choice.

Especially when you look up an Oreo milkshake and see that a 20 ounce milkshake is about 1200 calories. Because each Oreo they put in it is 53 calories. EACH Oreo.

So, fruit it is!



Finally, it's all about the drinks for me.

For me, my general rule is "I want to chew my calories when it comes to meals, so when it comes to beverages, no calories."

So, when I started this weight loss journey....seriously started....I gave up all calorie-filled drinks.

No soda.
No juice.
No alcohol.

Pretty much ever.

I don't do well with drinking milk, but I do make sure I eat a yogurt every day to get my calcium.

And it's a lot...A LOT...of water.

Hopefully this helps you out in helping you make smarter choices when it comes to meals.

Truly the best thing you can do is pack your lunches for work and cook dinner at home. Avoid the "inner aisles" at the grocery store, stick to the outer aisles, and really work that produce section well. [A smart man once told me that the sooner something goes bad, the better it is for you.]

Keep track of your calories if you can. With my current weight and my goals, I have to stay around 1200 calories for the day. I love My Fitness Pal and it's a great tool to keep with me at all times and keep me in check throughout the day.

I'll share some of my tips and tricks with MFP soon. But if you have a smart phone and can download the app today, do it now. Don't wait. I'll be back soon.