Holiday weekend.....

Well its coming up on Christmas weekend... You know what that means right??? FOOD FOOD FOOD and more FOOD...

My Christmas actually started this past Sunday with our first party of the season. I was not as controlled as I would have liked to have been... damn Fudge gets me every time!  Thats not all that got me, there were cheesy potatos, rolls, pies, anything healthy became unhealthy, you know the trend I went in with an open mind and knew I survived thanksgiving and lost weight so why should Christmas be any different. I hate till i was content and tracked everything I ate. I broke into my extra ww points that day, tisk tisk... But hey I wanted to try some things. I have fully satisfied myself of cookies and pie and fudge and cheesy potatoes that's for sure!

So I worked extra hard at the gym this week to make sure once it came time to weigh in that I wasn't going up on the scale but down. Included a few 50 min runs and some extra time on the elliptical. Plus getting in my H2O was key!!! I have found that if I get all my water in that it tends to curb my appetite. I kept the same weight room routine but I am thinking of changing it up a bit next week. Thinking of doing a full body workout followed by my regular work outs... We will see if I find a good full body routine online later today!

So its Thursday and well we all know thats weigh in day... Oh BOY, in my head I was expecting a small gain.. Not 5 lbs but maybe a half pound to full pound. I mean, lets face it I wasa not talking like I had just 1 piece of fudge here people. So I stepped on the scale and my leader told me I lost 0.8 lbs... Hey ill take it I told her. I mean loss is a loss right!!!!

So today in W.W. it was about motivation... What motivates you to lose weight? Everyone in my meeting and there are roughly around 20 people all know I am doing the Tough Mudder race! Common reaction is "ARE YOU NUTS" haha well maybe alittle but it motivates me because I AM FINISHING that race! There is another factor that is motivating me that really noone really knows about. I will prob talk about it when I am ready but for now I think I will keep it to myself. For now the race is enough motivation for me. I mean lets face it this will be a tough test for me. 

well more to come later

Recipe of the week...



Cucumber Feta Rolls

1 PointsPlus value per roll
10-15 rolls

Ingredients
2 Medium Cucumbers
6 oz crumbled feta cheese
3 tbsp fat free plain Greek yogurt
3.5 tbsp red bell pepper (diced) or sun dried tomatoes
12 large olives
1 tbsp fresh oregano
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
pinch of black pepper

Instructions
Thinly slice the cucumbers longways on a mandoline at a 2mm thick setting. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler if you do not have a mandoline.

Lay the cucumbers on top of a paper towel lined cutting board while you prepare the filling.

Add the feta and yogurt to a medium bowl. Mash to combine using a fork. Add the bell pepper or sun dried tomatoes, olives, dill, lemon, and pepper to the bowl. Stir well to combine. In a bowl, mash the feta using a fork. Place 1 - 2 teaspoons of mixture at one end of a cucumber strip and roll up. Secure with a toothpick.

Repeat with remaining strips. If not serving immediately, chill until ready to serve. 

joined twitter

Joined twitter today.... Maybe this will become good at this

twitter name is: d3artstudio

post tomorrow it is Thursday and that is weigh in day...

HOLIDAY EATING doing it right!

WTF its 58º outside...

Ah is it already another Thursday? Wow this week has gone by pretty fast.  Well this week with the hoidays coming and the cooking/baking being done I expected to maybe gain a bit. But again I lost this time 2.8 lbs. Not bad pretty darn good I thoughts. Even had red lobster last saturday with the parents. Tho I stayed away from the cheese biscuits and the bad stuff. Went with a pepercorn steak with lobster tail and shrimp.

So I am used to this getting up at 5 am thing now. So much so that I wake up at 6 on the weekends now! You know thats a sign your getting old, when you start waking up on weekends early! But when I wake up, its usually just to watch some tv while ali and rotc sleep. ROTC hears me get up around 5 am every morning and she gets out of her bed aka the guest rooms bed and comes across the hall and jumps in my spot and groans until i put the covers over her. If I hit snooze just one time rotc is up on the bed nudging me to let her under the covers. This is her way of pushing me out of bed in the mornings! Weekends are a different thing. She knows im not getting up to go workout so she just bothers me till I let her sleep under the covers. Its like an alarm that I don't have to set. May have to try that one day to see if she gets up at 5 and wakes me up without hearing my alarm go off.

Workouts have become consistent so I have thrown in some wrinkles with the cardio. I have started to use a new piece of equipment our gym bought. Jacobs Ladder... Its a pretty good workout, I have seen it on the biggest loser but never gave it much thought to try. I curse that thing after about 5 min!

Well lets keep it up this week, xmas parties start this weekend and Ali birthday dinner friday night. Hope to stay on track!

Ham and Cheese Calzone PointsPlus® value | 8 Servings |  6 Preparation Time |  15 min Cooking Time |  30 min Level of Difficulty |  Moderate  main meals |  Take advantage of frozen bread dough for an easy preparation of this favorite Italian treat. You may use turkey breast instead of ham, if desired.
1 pound(s) frozen pizza crust dough, or frozen bread dough, thawed 1/2 cup(s) fat-free sour cream 4 tsp Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp black pepper 6 oz lean deli-sliced honey ham, diced 4 oz low-fat Swiss cheese 1 spray(s) cooking spray, or enough to coat calzones
Instructions Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Divide dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into two 10-inch circles. Transfer circles to prepared baking sheet. Set aside. Whisk together sour cream, mustard, oregano and black pepper. Spread mixture all over both circles, to within 1 inch of edges. Top one half of each circle with half each of ham and cheese. Lift untopped side of dough and fold over filling so it meets other side, forming a half moon. Pinch edges together to seal. Coat surface of calzones with cooking spray. Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Slice each calzone into thirds. Yields 1/3 calzone per serving.

Rumblings....

Well today is  yet another Thursday, you know what that means WEIGH IN DAY.... Well I went into it thinking I have to lose at least .4 lbs this week... I had a couple rough days in meaning friday with my friend Jack Honey and Mr. Walker haha But I thought I ran 20 miles from Sunday to Wednesday so I SHOULD at least loose 4 tenths of a pound maybe more... Well I got on the scale and seen 2 pounds gone! Yes buddy 2 whole lbs gone. Yea call it water weight or whatever but 2 lbs!!!! Just think what I can do if I didnt drink... (I am on to something here) now lets not get drastic here... I still like my booze as much as the next guy or gal but lets try a test..

My Test this week....
NO booze week/weekend...
I know I sound like someone with a problem, really I don't I have a few with friends after work on Fridays or Saturdays but I have not had any since last friday. Lets see if I loose anymore weight with not consuming any alcohol!!! Next thursday we will see how weigh in goes...

Ok now a few rumblings and ramblings........

Topic 1 - Albert "SHOW ME THE MONEY" Pujols
Well today big Albert went from its not about the money after winning a 2nd world series with the Cardinals to SHOW ME THE MONEY (in my best Tom Cruise voice)... We (cardinal nation) will move on and pick ourselves up and get back to the playoffs, I mean come on it's not like we are the Cubs... (haha had tho throw it in there) But when a guy goes and says one thing and does another thats backstabbing and more power to people that do it, just not how I operate... So Mr. Pujols, I wish you the best, I hope you continue to play at that high level and show the American League why you were the Class of the National League.

Topic 2 - Who decides they want to play Santa at the mall? Cmon Man Really????
dI know I shouldn't think like this but cmon man... If you think about it who wakes up one morning and goes you know what I think Ill apply to be Santa this year at the mall. I can not wait to get peed on, puked on, screaming kids to cry on my lap and have tons of pics with me looking like a deer in the headlights in 79% of them... From popular belief Santa does not pay its a donation of time so well now you just have a old man wanting kids to sit on his lap/?? wtf. haha I wonder how many stinky diapers he has to smell, how many kids piss all over him and he does this for what the FUN of it? I can see being santa if you had a few sexy elfs working with you, but here in Central Illinois the elfs resemble a fat pork-rind eating linemen from the scout team (the program quote). I am no-one to judge just dont ask me to be santa anytime soon. Those of you that are please grow a real beard the fake one just looks cheap! haha Merry Christmas

Ramblings....

Don't you hate when you go to the gym and all the treadmills are busy and you cant run outside becasue well its 20º out there, and there is a person walking 1 mph and reading a magazine, texting, or even better EATING A DAMN TWINKIE.... while you stand there and wait for one to open up!

My damn knee aches... they don't hurt Sunday-Wednesday but that Thursday 40 min run makes me feel like an 80 year old man!

Sushi Fridays are my favorite lunches. Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, Yellow Tail Roll... Damn glad tomorrow is Friday!

Its time for NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION... that movie cracks me up still! Everyone has a cousin eddie in the family, whos is yours?


below is a new recipe for a pizza crust I love! so good and not as many points as Pizza Hut! until next time enjoy!

Parmesan Pizza Crust

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

3/4 – 1 cup lukewarm water

In a large bowl combine flour, salt, yeast and parmesan cheese. Mix with a spoon and create a well in the middle. Add in 3/4 cups water, honey and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until dough comes together. 

Continue to form into a ball with your hands. If more water is needed, add it by the tablespoon.

Knead dough for 1-2 minutes before placing it in a lightly oiled bowl and covering. Let rise for 1 1/2-2 hours.

After Thanksgiving Weight-in....

Well today is Thursday, and it is 1 week after thanksgiving! I did not weigh in on Thanksgiving week as w.w. was closed! So how was YOUR Thanksgiving???

If it was anything like mine you had alot of food around! We had 2 gatherings. One was at 12:30 for lunch then we drove and meet my wives family at 5:30 for Dinner! There was plenty of food and booze to go around! From Smoked Turkey, green beans,  mashed taters, to pumpkin pie it was looking to be a struggle!

But I woke up early Thursday morning and got a 3 mile run in outside (34º). Over the past 4 days I had accurued 46 extra ww points for food plus i had my daily limit and my extra 49 points for the week... So actually I could eat 151 pts worth off food and drinks on Thanksgiving.... But my goal is to lose weight so I stuck to my plan and calculated out all that I ate and drank... So how many of the points did I eat/drink you ask???? 52 pts. I didn't even get to my daily total... But I was satisfied and not hungry so it was a good day!

Today I had weigh in. When you get there you can hear all the other people talking and what not and hear I gained this and that because it was thanksgiving and i didnt track... Which is fine but my mind is made up and I have it set to lose... I was alittle worried about not losing because of the holiday but I thought maybe I stayed the same......

Stepped on the scale and see a 2.4 lb loss. YEA BUDDY! Made it thru the first Holiday with a LOSS!!! Next up Christmas then New Years... This is going to be a bumpy ride! But as long as I keep the same mind that I want to lose then I think it will be ok!

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks.

Ingredients
1 bunch of asparagus (mine had about 30 spears)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup flour (I used whole wheat pastry flour)
1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat with non-stick spray.
Snap off the tough ends of each asparagus spear. On two separate plates, add the eggs whites (lightly beaten) and the panko + flour + cheese. Season the panko mixture with salt and pepper if desires. Coat each asparagus spear in egg whites, then lay in the panko mixture and thoroughly cover. If the panko won’t stick, dip back in the egg whites and roll in panko once again. Lay each spear on the wire rack.

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Not a good stretch of weeks here if you are wanting to lose weight!!!! But I have to tell myself its not really a diet its a life style change. So far its been a good change! I have gone from a staggering 301 to 256.8 as I stepped on the scale this morning!

My goals for Thanksgiving Holiday
1) I do not want to feel like the STUFFED Turkey!
2) Get up in the A.M. and Run and have a good workout
3) Portion Control

 1) ah the stuffed turkey feeling... You know that feeling right? the unbutton your pants to get the pumpkin pie down feeling... Ah yes I know that feeling, so full that it hurts to lay on the stomach feeling. Well this year the plan is to NOT feel like that at all! How do I prepare NOT to feel like this?
Well I have a Lunch (my family) and Dinner (wife's family). As everyone knows there usually is alot of food at each gathering. Turkey is always a given but then you have mashed potatos, sweet potatos (and not the healthy kind either), dinner rolls, plenty of pumpkin, pecan, apple, and cherry pies!!!!

What I plan to do: Fill at least half my plate with vegetables, and fruit, have some turkey (unless its deep fried then ill have to pass) or ham. I can not pass up stuffing but for 1/2 cup it will cost me 5 pts. (oh well, only eat stuffing once a year and can not miss it). I am sure there will be things to munch on before Lunch/Dinner but if planned right I can survive thanksgiving and still lose at the scale! Oh and I can not forget pumpkin pie 1/8th of a piece is 11 pts... BOO but hey its Thanks Giving!

2) Workout in the Morning! So the YMCA in my town is not open on Thursday and thats the day that I usually train shoulders and train on the elliptical for 30 min and then run for 3-4 miles... Usually my day starts at 5:15 every weekday morning at the Y. Thursday I will not be able to do the elliptical or lift weights but I can get a nice run in. My run will start around 6:15 AM when its suppose to be a crisp 38º outside. Brrrrrr but I have been running outside more than inside (with the help of UA Cold Gear) I plan on running at least 3 miles at a 11:30 min pace. May try for 4 miles, I will just see when I start.

3) Portion Control: This is a big one for me. Yes MOST vegetables and fruit are 0 pts. sweet Potatoes and mashed potatoes do not count as 0... This sucks but its manageable! Turkey is 3oz for 2 pts... Not bad. The sides are what I have to control 1/2 cup of stuffing, and 1 piece of pie if I have the pts left. Just have to listen to my stomach.


Here is a DRINK recipe for all to enjoy! Cake Batter Martinis

These are not weight watcher friendly (6 pts each not including the top brim if you use the dots)

makes a single serving, is easily multiplied

1 ounce amaretto

1 1/2 ounces Pinnacle whipped cream vodka

1 1/2 ounces creme de cacao

1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur

1 ounce heavy cream

assorted sprinkles (nonpareils work best)

frosting

Using your finger, coat the rim of your glass with frosting – make sure not to miss any spots! Dump sprinkles on a plate and press glass rim into sprinkles, pressing to adhere. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for about 30 seconds. Strain into glass and drink!

5K run and Weekend...

along way from weighing 301. Today when I stepped on the scale it rang up 264.8 lbs! Down 36.2 pounds so far... Just a quick update on that part of it :)

Ok so last Saturday was my first real 5k race... My goal was to run 12:00 min per mile so finish just over 36 min.

I finised with a time of 32:21 for 3.2 miles so I averaged just over 10 min per mile....

more to come this week.

Been training...

Well I know I am training to lose 75 lbs in 365 days, but I now have a new goal as well. I am now training to run Tough Mudder on March 18th in Indiana!!!! 



WHAT IS TOUGH MUDDER YOU ASK????

Tough Mudder Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet

Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit-crushing ‘endurance’ road race. Our 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Forget finish times. Simply completing a Tough Mudder is a badge of honor. With the best obstacles and the most innovative courses, it’s no surprise that Tough Mudder has ten times more participants than any other mud run and half a million participants globally. Tough Mudder has raised over two million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.

WARNING: Tough Mudder is 3-4 times longer and MUCH TOUGHER than a typical mud run such as Warrior Dash. On average, only 78% of participants finish the event. Only those in reasonably strong physical condition should enter.

My Indiana Course!!!!
12 Miles Long...

Detailed Map

Obsticles in my way thoughout the race include: Climbing Walls, Huge Hay Bales, Swimming in icy cold water, crawling thru mud under barbed wire fence, monkey bars over ice cold water (hence why I will be swimming),  Mud Hill Climb, Tightrope over river, Up and Under Logs, Carry a wood log a mile, jump off 15 ft cliff into lake, and the ever so fun ELECTRIC SHOCK THERAPY (hanging electric wires some having 10,000 volts going thru them!) ALL THIS FOR A TSHIRT, HEAD BAND AND THE THRILL OF KNOWING I AM A TOUGH MUDDER!

They say the average time is just over 3 hours for this course! Mind you this is in MARCH!!! There may be snow on the ground!!!

Last yearit was a high of 66 and a low of 33!!! So it will be a nice chilly run I am sure!!!! Some people asked me why I am doing this? I told them I just want to have something to shoot for.

The first mile I ran I my time average was 15:07 for the mile. That was me running/walking with major shin splints... I am now averaging between 9:30-10:45 min per mile... While some may say thats slow, for me thats pretty damn good. I can now run a mile without walking and my shins no longer have sharp pains going thru them. I run 5 days a week now taking friday and saturdays off from running. Tho some saturdays I will start adding some 5k races to my agendas! Maybe MAYBE a half marathon...

So far in the last 3 weeks I have lost an amazing 11 lbs... Not to bad. I am about to get into a weight category I have not seen in over 2 years!


Recipe of the Day




Cherry Cheesecakes
PointsPlus® Value: 3
Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

A perfect combination: rich, creamy filling and a light, buttery crust. Try different flavors of pie filling and whole vanilla wafers for crust.*

Ingredients
¾ cup(s) Crumbs, graham cracker
2 Tbsp Butter, light, melted
¾ cup(s) Cheese, cream, light
6 Tbsp Cheese, cream, fat free
3 Tbsp Juice, lemon, fresh
2 large Egg whites
1½ tsp Vanilla extract
½ cup(s) Sugar, white
¾ cup(s) Pie filling, fruit, light, canned, cherry

Instructions
1. Place 12 cupcake liners in a cupcake pan. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Spoon 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture into bottom of each liner and press down gently; refrigerate until ready to use.
3. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat both types of cream cheese until fluffy. Add lemon juice, egg whites, vanilla extract and sugar; beat until smooth.
4. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into muffin liners; bake until set, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
5. Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling. Yields 1 cheesecake per serving.

Notes
*Could affect PointsPlus value.

Good Week

The week has been very good to me. For the past 2 weeks I have not lost any weight nor have I gained any weight. Just at a stalemate with it...  Well this week I go to step on the scale and DOWN 4.4 pounds!!!!

Now just have to stay on track!!!





Cornmeal and Oat Breakfast Tops
PointsPlus® Value: 4
Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Part-muffin, part-cookie. Enjoy one dunked in coffee or toasted and spread with preserves.

Ingredients
2 spray(s) cooking spray
2/3 cup(s) uncooked old fashioned oats, do not use instant
2/3 cup(s) uncooked cornmeal
2/3 cup(s) whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety
1 large egg(s), beaten
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
7 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat 2 large cookie sheets with cooking spray.


In a large bowl, combine oats, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside.

In another bowl, beat sugar with egg until well-combined. Add melted butter and beat again.


Alternating in batches, add egg mixture and milk to dry ingredients, beating after each addition; fold in nuts.

Drop six mounds of batter (about 1/4 cup each) onto each prepared cookie sheet, about 3-inches apart; bake until top turns golden and a tester inserted in center of a breakfast top comes out clean, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for about 5 to 10 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Yields 1 breakfast top per serving.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar with egg until well-combined . Add melted butter and beat again.
4. Alternating in batches, add egg mixture and milk to dry ingredients, beating after each addition; fold in nuts.
5. Drop six mounds of batter (about 1/4 cup each) onto each prepared cookie sheet, about 3-inches apart; bake until top turns golden and a tester inserted in center of a breakfast top comes out clean, about 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for about 5 to 10 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Yields 1 per serving.

Notes
For a nice presentation, leave 1 tablespoon of oats out of the batter and sprinkle on top of the cookies before you bake them, like we did here.

So yea

So it has been awhile! Well I have been stuck on the same weight the last 2 weeks. Which is not bad, I guess... I know my problem... I would do great during the week and then the weekend would happen. One weekend went to a beer festival in Nashville, TN... Then the next weekend went to an all day tailgate. I do not have any plans to over do the diet anymore. Guns a blazing here we go. Down 35lbs and needing to kick it in gear to get down to 200 by this time next year!!!!


So the last week or so I have been the chef in our kitchen. Have made a few differnt things. Starting with the sweet potato cakes, meat stuffed ravioli, perogies, and stuffed salmon.

Now tonight I am going to attempt baked spaghetti squash with garlic and butter...



I have seen these in the stores just never thought about trying it... But have been craving some pasta lately and well pasta is too many points for weight watchers so I thought I would give this yellow thing a try. It is 0 pts because its a vegetable...  Well add in some garlic, butter, pesto, and basil... We will see how this goes.

Looks simple enough cook for 1 hr at 375ºF then cool for 10 min, cut in half, scoop seeds and then fork out the spaghetti...  Verdict on this to come!

Why Join?

Some questions were brought up in Weight Watchers on Thursday

Why did you join weight watchers?  How do you get off track? What do you do to stay on track?

Well I guess I joined for a few reasons like I told everyone earlier. I wanted to get in better shape. Well the 75lbs in 365 days is hard. I have lost a good amount of weight but it is getting harder and harder. I need to get back on track. So back to the questions.....

Why did I join? 
Well for overall health. I stepped on a scale one day and was over the 300lb mark! eeeeek....  Here I was 300lbs with our first baby son on the way. I was in need of some help. It was to the point that I would associate boredom with food...  I would say I'm bored... So I MUST be hungry... I had to get out of that mentality! I thought lets try weight watchers. It helps to go and listen but I have to make it stick that this is what I want to do! Have to remember this is not a diet but a lifestyle change. I have simple goals really. Get in good enough shape to not have back pain due to overweight, get rid of achy knees, and be in better overall health. Compete in Tough Mudder and FINSH!!!

How do you get off track?
Pretty damn easily to do this! It can go from having a great morning, and lunch to all hell in the evening! While at work it is very easy to stay on track. It is when I go home for the night where its hard to stay on track. It can start with one bad decision and snowball from there.... oh well 1 oreo wont kill me then another and then another and then you know making a milk shake then bad dinner choice followed by being bored... or procrastinating on doing something else...

What do you do to stay on track?
What do I do? well one good thing is to actually write down and account for every piece of food that goes into my mouth!!! This I will start doing now. Also going to try 1 month with NO ALCOHOL... I do not really drink much only on weekends when with friends but people say cut that out and the lbs will drop faster.

Food of the day...
I really want to make these this week.

Sweet Potato Cakes with Sour Cream and Chipotle Black Bean Salsa


1 Point Plus Per Cake w/salsa and sour cream!

For the sweet potato cakes:
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 green onions, both white and green parts, finely chopped
4-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4-6 tablespoons butter

Steam the sweet potato chunks for 15-20 minutes until completely tender, and then transfer to a colander and allow to drain until dry.

Once very dry, place sweet potato chunks in a large mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher to break up chunks. Add flour and finely chopped green onions, and mix with your hands to form a smooth batter. Using your hands here is best so that it doesn’t become over-mixed. In a food processor, the sweet potato mixture could quickly become gummy. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Once the mixture is smooth, and the flour and green onions are mixed in, you’re ready to fry. Note: the mixture should be sticky but not wet, so more flour may be needed.

In a non-stick skillet, heat two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Form round, flat cakes from about two tablespoons of batter per cake, and fry four or five at a time for three minutes per side until golden. Transfer finished cakes to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain and cool. Add more oil and butter to pan between batches as needed, and continue frying a few cakes at a time until all are ready for their toppings.

For the black bean salsa:
1 16 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1-2 chipotles in adobo, finely chopped
1 small, yellow bell pepper, small diced
¼ cup finely minced red onion
¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
¼ teaspoon salt

Combine all salsa ingredients, starting with one chipotle, in a small bowl and stir to combine. Taste for chipotle heat and add more if desired, and taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Salsa can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

To assemble for serving:
½ cup sour cream

Place sweet potato cakes on a serving platter and add a small dollop of sour cream to each. Top sour cream with a small spoonful of black bean salsa, and enjoy.

Yield: 34 small cakes

Another Day another pound!

Well its another week and I am down a few lbs. Last week I was up 2 lbs and this week down 6ish...
Stepped up on the scale today and wasnt expecting much...



Yea Buddy!!!!! Under 265 for the first time in 2-3 years!!!! Just got to keep working!

___________________________________________________________________________________

As some of you may know my son Colton passed away 36 minutes after he was born. This weekend we are having a Memorial for him with family and friends. There is a park in our neighborhood that Alison and I are donating 3 adult park benches and 1 children's bench to, along with a memorial rock. Colton would have been playing on this park for years. There is a jungle gym, ,swings, and some other little things to do in our neighborhood park. We thought what better way to celebrate his life than to have some benches in a park so when Alison and I have children we can watch them play while we sit on Coltons benches. Pictures to come in next weeks post.

I guess this week week wasnt a good week. UP 2 lbs from last week. I know there will be weeks like this or days where I am up but I went up in miles this week running, weight training went well, and food intake was normal. Nothing changed. Instead of pigging out or eating sweats I actually ate good and exercised great!



NOW this is what I feel like I ate! Which by looking at this picture just makes me want to make an Apple pie.

Well the weather is getting colder so its going to be chili time soon. Good Ole Turkey Chili!

Day 59 of 365 Days

Day 59, September 9, 2011

Well it has been a bumpy ride for 59 days... I have lost a total of 35 lbs so far. There have been great days where I stay on track and feel great at the end of the night when I lay down to go to sleep, and there have been days when I get home from work and uh oh not a good feeling. I still have those days when I sneak back into the fatboy ways of seeing a package of oreos and start off with just 2 Oreos and then it happens the hole first column of oreos are missing... I know where they went and I feel guilty for it afterwards!

So what has changed in the last 59 days? Hum well I actually do have more energy believe it or not. Workouts at the gym are no longer sluggish, I actually do not lose motivation anymore at the gym. Before I started this goal of mine I would get to the gym and start out good but lose energy fast or if it was crowded I would just say lets start tomorrow and so on. I woulnt run on the treadmill because lets face it running 5 min on that and then getting off of it because you can't do it anymore is just discouraging!! But I have stopped running inside and have taken my runs outside. Its alittle more difficult outside when you factor in the hills and heat and the hard pavement! The shins still hurt but only for the first quarter mile. I asked my Doc about it and he said its just because the extra weight its like entering a mac truck into a spring race gota get it warmed up before it can take off... I know if I can make it thru that first .25 mile then I will be good to go.

Day 14 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 14 - July 25, 2011


Well I survived the weekend. No weight gained and no weight lost...

Day 45 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 45 - August 26, 2011

Yesterday was weigh in day... down 5.2 lbs this week!!!!! Holly CoW that is a great week for me! I did have pizza last night... 4 slices BIG MISTAKE... my stomach is not used to the grease anymore man did that hurt and come out wicked! :) gota know my sense of humor... But now I have learned my lesson! Its amazing how my stomach will not allow me to consume as much as I used to. Its been 45 days and I am down past 265, which I have not been in over 2 years. The stomach shrinking on the inside is weird. I made tacos the other night. Usually I would put down about 3 of those thigns, I ate one and just looked at the 2nd one. I now know the difference in full and stuffed...  When I get stuffed it feels miserable!!!! I mean lay there and feel like crap. Full is a great feeling not hungry and take ROTC (our dog) for a walk after dinner. Well you know I can not lay down the sweets and my one weakness is KEY LIME PIE...

Well Weight Watchers had a recipe for Key Lime Pie!!!!!! So I am dieing to try it out this weekend!!!



Creamy Lime Pie
PointsPlus® Value: 5
Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

A creamy, sweet ending to any summer meal. Garnish with freshly grated lime zest, if desired.

Ingredients
6 oz Pie crust, graham cracker
14 oz Milk, condensed, with sugar, fat free
8 oz Egg substitute, fat free
¾ cup(s) Juice, lime, fresh, from key limes
¾ cup(s) Topping, whipped, fat free, thawed if frozen

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Place crust on a baking sheet; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg substitute and lime juice; pour into crust.
3. Bake pie until center looks set but still shakes a little when you tap it, about 15 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Transfer cooled pie to refrigerator; chill for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Cut chilled pie into 12 slices; garnish each piece with 1 tablespoon whipped topping and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Have a great weekend...

Day 37 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 37 - August 18, 2011




So here we are day number 37... So far its been a good smooth sailing ride. Little weight loss here and there... But then the fat kid inside of you screams 'GIVE ME SOME SWEETS" so you give in alittle. Well this weekend I plan on making a 2 pt. cookie its actually 2 cookies into 1!!!!!!

What is this 3 pt cookie I am talking about you ask???? Well I call it Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie... and I LOVE this cookie haha.

My Recipe is below BUT below is the point break down. I have no clue why WW does this but here it is
1 cookie = 3 pts
2 cookies = 6 pts
3 cookies = 10 pts
is there any forumla behind this madness?

Here is what they look like... 


DAMN THOSE LOOK GOOOOOOOD... But I am using MINT OREOs this weekend. Just throw some more flavor into there haha

Mint Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies:

	Ingredients 2 spray(s) cooking spray
	2/3 cup(s) low fat cream cheese, at room temperature
	1/3 cup(s) unpacked brown sugar
	1/3 cup(s) sugar
	1 large egg(s)
	1 tsp vanilla extract
	1/2 cup(s) whole-grain wheat flour
	1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour, unbleached
	1/4 tsp table salt
	1/2 tsp baking soda
	2 Tbsp fat-free skim milk
	6 oz mini chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray or cover with parchment paper.
  
• Beat cream cheese and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer until sugar is fully incorporated (should not have granules); add egg and vanilla and blend again.
  
• Combine both flours, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl.
  
• Add half the flour mixture to the cream cheese mixture; beat until well incorporated. Add milk and remaining flour mixture; beat until fully blended and then fold in chips.
  
• Place dough around oreo and lay on cookie sheet. Make sure to leave at least an inch between each cookie. Bake cookies until slightly golden on top, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for 1 to 2 minutes; remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Yields 1 cookie per serving. 

HOT DAMN THESE ARE GOOD HAHA.... Maybe add just a bit more cookie dough to top of Oreo to fully cover it and add points accordingly. This recipe should make 24 cookies!

Day 34 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 34 - August 15, 2011

Boo only .8 lbs... more tomorrow busy busy

Day 27 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 27 - August 8, 2011

Its been awhile since I last updated.  3 pounds removed from last weigh in. I have not been under 270 in over a year! What a great feeling. Can not wait to hit that 250 mark. That will mark the first time in 3 years being in the 250 range!!! When I met Ali, I was in the 230 range. Can not wait till I am in that range again!

So the harest thing for me not to just go to the fridge and eat is ICE CREAM! You know I didn't get to be 301 by eating too many veggies and fruits! I love to have ice cream.... I still eat it but of course in moderate helpings. No longer filling my bowl 2 times to the top and adding toppings such as chocolate, or any of that kind of stuff! Who knew there were other types of ice cream other than the ones with all the candy pieces in them! haha... But I have found the one for me! Blue Bunny Frozen Yogurt!!!!

Lets compare my NEW fav vs my Old Fav shall we....



Blue Bunny
100 Calaries

0g Fat
19g Carbs
17g Sugars
4g Protein
2 ww points per 1/2 cup

Beyers Mint Chocolate Chip
150 Calories
8g Fat
18g Carbs
17g Sugars
2g Proetin
4 ww points per 1/2 cup

SOOooOoOoOOooo I can have 2 helpings of blue bunny for the 1 helping of Beyers... If I want a mint flavor I have found adding some mint extract is a great way to go!

Here is a recipe that gets me by for my milkshake fix!

Cookies and Cream Shake



PointsPlus™ Value:    4
Servings:  4
Preparation Time:  5 min
Cooking Time:  0 min
Level of Difficulty:  Easy

Cold, creamy and sweet. A wonderful way to celebrate the hot days of summer.

 Ingredients

	2 cup(s) fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt
	1/2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
	1/8 tsp mint extract, optional
	4 item(s) cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie(s)

Instructions
Place yogurt, milk and mint extract in a blender; blend until smooth and creamy. Add cookies; blend for a few seconds until combined. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving.

Day 17 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 17 - July 28, 2011 


Weigh in was today. I was dreading it. Since I went and had Mexican last night, cheese dip and nachos along with a 22oz bud light with 2 beef tacos.... I thought i would pay for it today at weight in...   Well low and behold 2.4 lbs gone! WooHoo!!!!! I guess all that running is paying off little by little!

 More to come later dang busy days!

Day 16 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 16 - July 27, 2011 


Ah day 16... Its going pretty good at staying on track. Tomorrow is weigh in day :(... Not sure how I feel... Have I lost, gained, or stayed the same... I have ran 5 miles total this week, with 2 more miles tomorrow morning before weight in. I have my new running shoes



work the crap out of your calves. Barefoot running! Not bat, I actually ran the Warrior Dash in these and it was pretty easy. I could dig into the mud for up hills and worked good on the obstacles..They will also double as Jet Ski shoes.

Well more tomorrow

Day 15 of 75lbs in 365 Days....

Day 15 - July 26, 2011 


Ah good ole Day 15 here... Made it thru the weekend without gaining the weight I loss last week back! That's a great accomplishment on a weekend for me!! Busy week sorry not writing more!

Day 11 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 9 of 75lbs in 365 Days....

Day 11 - July 22, 2011 

Ah the weekend starts in a few hours... I have decided to go to weekly weigh-ins... this daily weigh-in just frustrates me. I can be down 3 lbs one day and up 2 the next... I guess weekly will be better for me to keep my sanity! I run 6 miles eat healthy and weigh in higher than the day before where I didn't work out geish damn scale I know it's laughing at me! :)

So the weekend for me starts here in a couple of hours. The weekends are always the hardest to stay on goal! It's just too easy, get bored there is the fridge... I got to change that mentality!!! At least during the week I have work and so I just can't keep going to the fridge!  So this weekend I will be busy so it may not be as hard as usual! We will see come monday morning how good I did!

Day 9 of 75lbs in 365 Days....

Day 9 - July 20, 2011 

Todays Breakfast


Ciabatta Roll - 5 pts
Egg - 2 pts
Turkey Bacon (2 pieces) - 1 pt
Kraft single Cheese - 2 pts
Kiwi Water (12oz) - O pts

Total = 10 pts



Todays Lunch


Salmon - 7 pts
Oswigo Cheese/shrimp/Crap topping - 3 pts
Salad - 0 pts
Cheese - 1 pts
Tomato - 0 pts
Cucumber - 0 pts
Salad Dressing - 2 pts
Propel Zero Water (36oz) - 0 pts

Total = 14 pts
Day Total = 23 pts


Today started off early for me. Bright at early at 5:15 AM... It starts getting light that early. Who would of thought that haha... But yes I have decided that during the week its easier to workout at 5:15 in the AM that in the evening. The gym is nice and cold and there are no (in Jason Moores words MoMo People around). You know the (MoMo People) they are the people that go to the gym for social time. They are the type of person that walk on the treadmills at 1.2 mph while drinking a gateraid... May as well walk and eat a krispy kream! Your putting more sugars/carbs into your body that you are working off at 1.2 mph there MoMo!!  MoMos also venture into the free weight rooms... They are the guys who put all this weight on to bench press but you never see them do it... They put the weight and then continue to talk to anyone in the gym that will listen to them, they then sit down only to stand back up and continue talking... Then when you ask to use the bench they say they are going to do their reps... Sometimes they actually do 1 rep then take the weight off... OR I just take the weight off with out asking... MOMO.... I swear...

BUT this is the AM and only people that are really devoted go in the AM or the old folk go. But they can run circles around people. They have some major energy and its always nice to talk or listen to them. They have some good stories.

This morning was the same its been all week. Nice and cool in the treadmill room. I had 2 miles I had to run today... I use the Walk/Run/Walk/Sprint method. I am actually up to running 2 miles with no problems now. I remember when I first started. I would run not even 20 seconds and my shins would kill, it would feel like they were going to break in half when running for 20 seconds. They hurt so much!

Found out 2 things...
1) out of shape DUHHH
2) I was wearing the wrong shoes! Never knew they made that much of a difference. (don't judge im no runner here) But with the Help of Body N Sole in Champaign I found the correct shoe. Needless to say I had been running in Nike Shox.... Which were size 12R which ment size 12 Regular Width... Well found out I should be wearing 12 4E which is 4 times the with of the regular shoes... WOW what a difference that made.

Running will always be a chore for me, people say it becomes addicting but I do not think so! I am signing up to run Tough Mudder but not until next fall. So I still have PLENTY of time to run and get in better shape for that. If you don't know what touch mudder is:
Tough Mudder is not your average lame-ass mud run or spirit-crushing ‘endurance’ road race. Our 10-12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Forget finish times. Simply completing a Tough Mudder is a badge of honor. Tough Mudder has raised over one million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.
WARNING: Tough Mudder is 3-4 times longer and MUCH TOUGHER than a typical mud run such as Warrior Dash. On average, only 78% of participants finish the event. Only those in reasonably strong physical condition should enter.

Yes I know thats crazy but it give me some more motivation for this weight loss thing and to get in better shape!!!

Day 9 of 75lbs in 365 Days

Day 8 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 8 - July 19, 2011 

 Day 8... Well yesterday was a great day. Actually stayed on track with food and working out. Not alot really happened yesterday, mostly busy at work then went shopping at Sams Club. Got some veggies/fruits/meats/water. Going to try these new jupiter peaches... Never heard of them but they are suppose to be sweet. I also got my cherries and some salad, along with chicken, salmon, and pork chops. So dinners/lunches will be good for the next 2 weeks :)

So looks like i lost a pound somewhere yesterday... I stuck to my guns and ran 2.15 miles then done some weight training for 45 min. It was nice in the gym. Actually had the air on  in the weight room! Ah tonight I will be running outside for softball. Please let someone turn the air on out there its too hot!

Day 7 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 7 - July 18, 2011 

 Well gained a bit... Too much fun in Chicago this weekend I guess... But in all reality I did not think I would lose every single day. Its a struggle with a goal in mind. Didn't work out at all over the weekend. Today I have to get it in high gear! Tonight starts 2 mile runs and weight training... Tried full body didnt really like it so going back to my 3 days of weights... Today is 2 mile run with Chest/Back weight workout. More tomorrow very busy today.

Day 4 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 4 - July 15, 2011 

 "Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." 

It will be a tough day 4 and 5... Going to Chicago area with Alison to visit some friends and family. Plan on going to Giordanos Famous Chicago Style Pizza... if you know anything about their pizza its deep dish and delicious!!!!!!!!!!!! But it is also 17 pts per slice!!!! EEEkk!!!!

 

But man it looks so good! I should have plenty of points to have a slice of this tonight, but if not I know my goal and won't let anything get in the way of my goal! 

Now onto the other thing I will prob consume this weekend... BEER.. Yes Cold yummy Beer... 4 Pts per 12 oz of lite beer!!!! Damn is it really worth 4 pts? I gave up drinking a beer or anything other than H2O thru the week. Maybe I can have 1 or 2 this weekend. We are going to a Minor League Baseball game on Saturday and no not the Chicago Cubs tho I think they should join the Minor Leagues. We are going to The Cane County Cougars game Saturday. Front row down the 3rd base line. So Ball park food aka Hot Dogs and Beer will be tempting.  

As you can see this weekend will be my first true test on this year long journey. I am sure I may falter a few times but I need to stay strong and not give into temptation. 

Ok I tried Shakeology shake today for breakfast... Tried the Green one, some of my friends say they are so good blah blah blah... Well I mixed it with some strawberries and honey... Ya this is not for me. First it tasted like green crap, Left a funny after taste and smelled like rotten vegetables...  They say the Chocolate is better. Well when I try that one I will let you know. But so far its not looking so good for it... I like the lean shakes from GNC still. 

Today Pts 

Shakeology Shake - 4 pts

6oz Pork Chop - 7 pts

asparagus - 0 pts

Strawberries - 0 pts

honey 1 tbs - 1 pt

pasta with carrots & broccoli - 5 pts

Total so far today: 17 pts

Dinner to be determined.......

75lbs in 365 days...

Day 3 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 3 - July 14, 2011 


"Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels."

Great Quote from one of the followers on facebook page 75lbs in 365 Days


That quote hit the nail on the head! I have heard stories of people losing weight and not having the back aches, knee aches and getting off their meds... (I am not on meds at least not for my weight :^)) But I do pray for the day where I can wake up and not have a back ache or run with the bad knee pains. 


Starting a new weight routine tonight... Been going back and forth on a 3 day set of workouts with cardio mixed in between the days or a 5 day total body workout with cardio on same day after weights... Not 100% sold on my decision but I will give it a shot for a week or 2 and see how it goes.


Going with the Full Body workout routine for the first 2 weeks with cardio on same day after weights. After this 2 week trial period I will try the 3 day sets working 2 muscle groups per session with cardio. 
We will see how this goes. Less weight more reps... 


Today at Weight Watchers the topic was vegetables.... mmm mmm m my favorite (can you hear the sarcasm?) I do like some veggies... I have grown to like fresh green beans (still can't eat the ones out of a can) I blame that on my parents haha, they tried to make me eat them one time as a kid and once was all it took for them to never make me try them again!!! But the fresh ones are really good! Asparagus is becoming one of my new favorites too (on the grill)!!! Sweet corn on the grill is amazing also! But the question was raised how many vegetables have you ate in the last 2 days?

Lets See 2 Days Veggies:
Lettuce, Banana Peppers, Tomato, Green Beans, Onion, Pickles?, and Red Peppers... So I guess I had over 4 so that works. I am trying to think of different ways to get veggies into my meals. Leave a comment if you have any good recipes and I can try it out and post it for everyone! 

Trying to think of topics to make these 365 days go by and have something to talk about. 

75lbs in 365 Days

Day 2 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

75lbs in 365 Days

Day 2 - July 13, 2011 

Facebook Page -75lbs in 365 Day Now has 2 friends... Just alittle more motivation for me. People to hold me accountable!


So I read a quote today "I wake up every day with the realization that this is it, that there's only one shot at this life and I can either enjoy the ride and live it to its fullest and to my highest potential or I can stay the way I am."

This is one of the quotes I read that really made me think. Do I want to always have back problems, knee aches, and sluggish days.... Not really and this is the quote thats on a post it on my computer at work so when I think hey I can skip this day... I just have to look up and read it.


Ok So Day 2 of 365... Started off today at 6:45... Wanted to work out this morning but the bed felt way too good! Nice and cold so when my alarm went off at 5:30 the SNOOZE was hit!!!!! I really need to go to bed before midnight so I can get up and work out in the morning... Maybe one of these days I will learn!!!  Highly doubt it but with the heat I need to start making myself get up and go in the morning! 


So when I weighed in this morning I was expecting to have same weight since really all the exercise I got was playing softball last night. Tho it was hot and I did run alot due to the fact we scored a bunch or runs, I thought well all I have done was eat and work on the computer... So i was thinking i may of gained... But I actually lost 1.8lbs!

So today for breakfast I had another lean shake w/non fat milk. Cookies N Cream for breakfast is there anything really even better? Ok well maybe eggs, turkey bacon and a slick of wheat toast but come on its cookies n cream for breakfast!!!! Throw in alittle ice and you have a pretty good smoothie! For lunch today it will be left over pork cop with garlic and peas... Not sure about dinner yet. I am thinking turkey 6 in sub from subway... Tonight is Beer league softball. First true test of not eating pizza and having beers! Taking a pizza, breadsticks and pop over to a buddies house. I have a game plan and plan on sticking to it, Turkey Sub with all the veggies! 


Point total so far for Bfast/Lunch/Dinner 
Lean Shake - 4 pts
Fat Free Milk -2 pts
Pork Chop - 7 pts
WW Bar - 3 pts
Subway (Turkey w/all veggies) - 7 pts
Banana  - 0 pts
Apple - 0 pts
H2O - 0 pts


Total Used= 23 total points 
Allowed = 58 total points


Need to mix in some more veggies and fruits...  Will get around to doing that for sure! 

Day 1 of 75lbs in 365 Days...

Day 1 of "75lbs in 365 Days"

Well today (July 12, 2011) is day 1 of the next 365 days devoted to losing 75lbs!


So for the past 10,950+ days of my life (30 years) I have devoted myself to eating and getting up to 301... I stepped on the scale 5 months ago and seen 301... 301 I thought to myself WOW... In High School I was 190 then in College went to 225 (damn alcohol and buffet style lunch/dinners). I have always been the "big boned" kid, now I want to shed that persona and lead a healthy lifestyle. Not only for myself but for my wife and family. I do not want to leave my family early because I didn't take control of myself sooner!

I have been thinking of this for the past few weeks. Can I really do this? Can I shed 75lbs in 365 days... That is only .205 pounds a day! I thought about the ways to do it...  

1) Surgery??? I have known people that have went through it and lost tons of weight. But is that realistic for me? I mean a guy who is terrified of needles and blood and being cut open? Come on no way i can do that! Plus too much money....

2)  Liquid Diet (Fad Diets) This one crossed my mind a few times. But come on how realistic is this one? Yes I have seen some amazing results. BUT once they go back to solid foods they mess up and gain it all right back... I mean do I want to have a liquid salad, liquid chicken for dinner and lunch etc... NO WAY!!!!!

So I decided on 
3) Weight Watchers and holding myself accountable!!!! Came to the conclusion that this is what it will have to be! I joined weight watchers about 24 weeks ago... I have had mixed reviews so far. Granite its because I have been well lets say lenient with my points.... Don't get me wrong I have lost while being on WW but just not as much as I should be. The good news is I have not gained the weight I have lost back. But I have not been truthful about recording points and all that like you should be. I have the WW app for iphone and it really helps me account for what I eat and be able to read up on what other people are doing to help them! Yes, I go to the meetings... Every Thursday at 9:30 A.M. I have tried other meetings before but really enjoy the leader in my meeting. She is my age and has alot of energy. Most the other meetings I have been to the leader has been older and lost such and such weight back in 1998 or some other late year.... But this meeting has stuck with me and I really enjoy the people there.  At first it was a little intimidating... Just because I was the only guy there in a room of women. They make it fun and to listen to people with the same problems I have really helps. I like the weight watchers slogan of its not a diet its a life style change... Which is true, portion sizes and knowing whats good for you rather than loading up a plate full of stuff not good for you. I have kinda stalled out so thats why I am starting a new goal!!!!  "75lbs in 365 Days"

July 11, 2011
A few days ago I had it in my mind I will start this journey on Tuesday... Why Tuesday you ask? Well because I gave myself 1 night where I could have my last supper... Yep and that would come Monday the 11th... MONICALS ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA NIGHT...  Why not have that one thing that I absolutely love! Monicals Pepperoni Pizza!!!! I did not go all wild and get 10 pizzas and stuff myself... I ordered a Small Pepperoni Pizza all to myself!!!!!! Weight Watchers says you can have anyfood you want as long as you count it... Well a Small Pepperoni pizza is 42 pts... Well You get 49 extra points for the week and I used all but 7 of them on this pizza! So technically I am still in the clear for WW points this week...... Man it was so good, I sat there afterwards full and knowing what lies ahead... Sure I can still have pizza and what not but not a whole pizza, a few slices yes, deep dish (well half a slice) haha but the road starts in the morning...

Tuesday Morning
Woke up at 5:15 A.M. TIME TO WORK OUT LETS START THIS WITH A BANG... 5:16 A.M. back to bed damn its dark outside... I like working out in the morning but just not this morning....Well Finally rose back up at 6:45 time to get breakfast and ready for work. Today I decided to drink a GNC Lean Shake with fat free milk. I do this prob 1-2 times a week for breakfast... It usually keeps me satasified till about 10 am... Then I will have an apple and a ww snack bar to hold me over to lunch.

Lunch will be chicken breast and a bannana...

Dinner is pork chop and some sort of vegetable (YUCK)

Not sure on workout today, Hoping to get to the gym before softball tonight to at least run or do a weight routine. But will no doubt sweat and run at softball tonight.


Reasons for doing this
Overall Health, Back Pain, Knee Pains, and wanting to be around for my family...
I first started this because my son Colton was on the way and was to be born July 31, 2011... My wife and I received some bad news about Colton a few months ago. He was going to be born with a kidney disease that would ultimately take his life a short time after being born.  This was devastating to us, as he would grow and kick inside Alisons stomach but we knew his fate. It was very hard and still is... Ali went into labor on June 8th and Colton Paul was born June 9th, he was a strong little guy. He held on and was with us for 36 wonderful minutes.  Although he was with us for only a short time we will always hold him in our hearts and remember him with a smile. He is our little angle looking over us. My reason and motivation behind this change is so I can be around for my family as long as possible, and to not take anything for granite.



No one not even my wife  knew I was going to start this "75lbs in 365 Days" today.  But Today is the first day to a better lifestyle!

Day 1 of "75lbs in 365 Days"

Best time of the year!

It is fast approaching... Yes the best damn time of the sports year! You have March Madness and Opening Day fast approaching!!!! 

Lets start out by choosing the NCAA Tourney....

My Bracket


I did choose Ohio State as my Champion. I have never won any pools in my life. While I have heard about people winning by simply choosing the colors of the teams they like. huh wish I was that lucky!

I am pulling for the Illini of course but I have them going to the 2nd round even though I do not belie they should be in the tourney at all. They should be a 3 seed in the NIT. But gota give them one win...

My final 4 (Ohio St, UCon, Kansas, St. Johns)

I was back and forth on the Ohio St. vs UCon game... Lets hope I chose wisely....


OK now onto MLB!!!!

I am a Cardinals fan but I did not let that deter me from choosing a NL Central Champion.

This year I belive the NL Champs will be the BREWERS...

My predicted order of finish is:


I think the brewers stepped up and got the pitching they needed and have the firepower in their order to do big things this year! More baseball talk later... Predictions of NL Champs/AL Champs, World Series and NL/AL MVP and Rookies all coming soon....

Recipe of the day!!!!!

Creamy Chocolate Dip   PointsPlus™ Value:    2 Servings:  14 Preparation Time:  5 min   Wonderful with fresh fruit but also tasty with a thin layer of peanut butter on reduced-calorie whole wheat toast. Ingredients   1 1/2 cup(s) canned chickpeas, loose skins removed, washed, drained    3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa    1/2 cup(s) sugar    3 Tbsp fat-free sweetened condensed milk    3 Tbsp hot water    Instructions Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; blend until smooth. Allow to set up in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Yields about 2 tablespoons per serving.

A Chef in the making....

Sunday Funday got off to a good start!!!! My grandma showed me how to make pierogi!!!!!! I have loved these for a long time. I always wanted to learn to make them and that time came Sunday! I remember going to Toledo, Ohio and having these I think it was Stanleys Market and well My grandma and her sister used to make them all the time also! Its not that hard its just time consuming... Started at 10 am and finished by 12:30. I made a total of 65... Now the hard part is finding the cheese to use. I think I'm going to try the fruit ones too! Now gota go to the store and buy a heavy duty mixer!!!!


In case you dont know what a Pierogi is...

Pierogi- Pierogi are served in a variety of forms and tastes (ranging from sweet to salty to spicy) in Polish cuisine. Pierogi were traditionally peasant food, but eventually spread in popularity throughout all social classes, including nobles. They are served at many festivals, playing an important role as a cultural dish. At the 2007 Pierogi Festival in Kraków, 30,000 pierogi were consumed daily. Polish pierogi are often filled with fresh white cheese (curd, pot cheese), potatoes, and fried onions, which is the most popular variety in North America. In Poland more popular are pierogi filled with ground meat, mushrooms and cabbage, or for dessert an assortment of fruits (various berries, with either strawberries or blueberries being most common). Sweet pierogi are usually served with sour cream, while savory with bacon fat and bacon bits. Poles traditionally serve two types of pierogi for Christmas Eve supper. One kind is filled with sauerkraut and dried mushrooms, another – small uszka filled only with dried wild mushrooms – are served in clear borscht.^[1] Leniwe pierogi ("lazy pierogi") are a different type of food, similar to lazy vareniki, kopytka, or halušky.




Time to get on making me some pierogi!!!! Well if you ask for a recepie you wont get one haha. There is no measuring out ingredients or any of that in the Pollock way of cooking!! It's a little of this add some of that well that looks right don't you think...

So we start out mixing the cheese with a few spices and onions and what not in a large bowl. We used 5 tubs of cheese. Stuff was cold made my hands go numb damn it...


MmMmMm that  the good stuff.... After thats all mixed up you can do 2 things. Keep all the cheese in the bowl and scoop it as you need it or make small balls to put into the dough. I choose the balls since its faster. 



Next comes the fun part making the dough! You have to use a heavy duty mixer! None of those hand mixers the little motors just cant take it...  Add 5 eggs (only thing that was ever fixed in this whole process) then add some flour... I asked how much and got enough but not too much.... WTF haha

So if you add too much flour just add some water. Easy enough... Beat the eggs then add the flour and wahlah i have the dough! This will stuff about 8 or 9 perogi depending on how much cheese you put in them...


Cover the counter with flour and roll out the dough and cut it using this old anciet polish cutting tool
(aka a large soup can) ha...







After you get the dough cut into circles add the cheese to center fold and pinch the dough shut!



after you have 5 completed you can boil them until they float.... After they start to float remove with a spoon and rinse under cold water to keep them from sticking to each other!



After rinsing them off set them on drying racks and let them dry till they are no longer sticky. This is the longest part!!! After Drying double bag them and freeze them...





Or fry em up and enjoy!!!




It was a good time making these. I can not wait to make some more, I think I am going to sell them at our garage sell this spring. $10 for 6.... Wonder if I will make any money... Going to try fruit ones sometime soon. You have to deep fry those tho. Top it with some whip cream and brown sugar and it should make for a good desert...

BOY GIRL BOY GIRL BOY GIRL

Well today Ali and I found out the sex of our baby. Well what do Butkus, Singletary, and Urlacher all have in common? They are all Great Chicago Bears Linebackers.... Soon to be followed by our SON... Yep you guessed it a BOY!!! Due July 31st.... 

All along Ali and I have been saying we will be having a boy. For some reason we just knew it... I guess when we surprised my parents with a boy snoopy blanket at Christmas we jinxed it.... For some reason I kept having dreams we were going to have a son. 

When the tech first started the sonogram right away you could tell the baby was a boy. He was not shy about it at all. Wanted to show the world on that little screen.  

More later time to get some stuff done.. 


Leaving you with my favorite chinese dish.

 General Tso's Chicken
 PointsPlus™ Value:    7
Servings:  4

 

Ingredients

	3/4 cup(s) canned chicken broth, reduced-sodium
	1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
	2 Tbsp sugar
	2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
	1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
	1/2 tsp ground ginger
	2 tsp peanut oil
	2 medium scallion(s), chopped
	2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced (medium)
	1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or 1 dried chili pepper, minced
	1 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
	2 cup(s) cooked white rice, kept hot

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger; set aside.
  
• Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, garlic and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Add chicken; sauté until browned all over, about 5 minutes.
  
• Add reserved sauce to pan and simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
  
• Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Yields about 1 cup chicken with sauce and 1/2 cup rice per serving.