A Little More Spice... and An Update

Hello again, blogging world!
I'm sorry I've been away for so long. Life has been kinda hectic. Unfortunately. My office is moving to a new location, so we've been busy trying to pack things up and still maintain our workspaces for the time being. Our official move-in date for the new office is next Wednesday. Let's hope things don't get too chaotic before then! Of course, I'm really excited for the move. It's in a much better location, and it's closer to home. Which means I'll save about a gallon of gas a day, alone! I know... it doesn't seem like much. But when you figure it's AT LEAST $2.50 a day, at 5 days a week... that adds up quickly!

Outside of that, I'm remodeling the bedroom. Oh yeah :) I'm totally stoked about that too. Green with black and white accents. It's beautiful :) When it's completely finished, I'll post some pictures on here.

So... back to my original posting idea for today. I promised you bay leaves and black pepper, and that's exactly what's on the menu for today. :) I know you're probably thinking, "Oh, black pepper... I use that all of the time. No big deal." Right? Wrong. I read some of the benefits of black pepper, and was REALLY glad that I did. I never knew it could be so beneficial to me.

So without further ado... Bay Leaves and Black Pepper.

Bay Leaves


What is it?
These are leaves from the Laurel Bay tree and usually are found dried, but are sometimes available fresh. They are mainly used to enhance soups but are removed before serving because on their own, they taste bitter. Used in Italian cuisine.

Substitutes?
If you do not have this, just omit it from the recipe and keep going. You can still make whatever recipe it is you were going to make.

Tastes like?
Pine like - too much can make a dish bitter

Health and Benefits?
*A cloth soaked in boiled bay leaves in water, placed on the chest, can relieve chest infections, flu, coughs, and bronchitis.
*Massage bay leaf essential oil onto affected areas to relieve sprains, swellings, backache, and arthritic and rheumatic pains.
*Settle the stomach
*A bay leaf rinse can help to treat dandruff.

Black Pepper


What is it?
Black pepper comes from the peppercorns grown off pepper trees, mainly from India and Indonesia. The black ones are dried peppercorns that have been picked before they ripen. Used in all cuisines.

Substitutes?
If you are looking for a little kick and you are out of black pepper, you can use a tiny amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, but these are completely different kinds of heat from the black peppercorn.

Tastes like?
Spicy and strong with a bite but no heat

Health and Benefits?
*Helps those with poor circulation
*Promotes mental clarity
*Helps clear up colds, viral infections and flu when prepared in tea.
*Induces urination
*Powerful anti-oxident
*It is anti-bacterial.
*Good source of magnesium and iron
*A strong black pepper and mint tea will help clear chest and lung infections and bring up unwanted mucus and phlegm.

Next on the agenda: Caraway Seeds and Cardamom.

"Spice"-ing Things Up A Bit...

I am a HUGE fan of Rachael Ray. I am not ashamed to admit it. I religiously watch her daytime tv show, and have recently been made privvy to her 30-Minute Meals show on the Food Network. (I apologize for not having known sooner, Rachael!) Now, one of the things that absolutely fascinates me about her and her cooking, is the amount of fresh herbs and spices she uses in her recipes. Not only are they colorful, but the unbelievable taste they give the food... wow!

So, for the next couple of weeks, I'm going to post some tidbits about different herbs and spices, including what you can substitue for them in a recipe, in case you don't have them on hand, what they taste like, and some of the health benefits you can reap by using them. Now, I have to give credit where credit is due... so Rachael and her herb and spice guide was a big help here. You can find it here on her website.

Today, I'm going to start with a spice and an herb. Allspice and Basil. I'm sure we've all HEARD of Allspice. I know I had, I had just never used it before! But, having gone through the research of what it's all about, I'm definitely going to be checking it out more often! And then there's Basil. Mmmmmm :) One of my favorites. I will not lie... you'll probably find basil in a lot of recipes that I'll be posting on here in the future ;) So, without further ado... I bring you allspice and basil.

Allspice



What is it?
Allspice is a nutty spice used in all types of cooking and enhances dishes using green leafy veggies particularly well. It is the "nut" of the nutmeg tree found in the East Indies.

Substitutes?
You can sometimes use nutmeg mixed with clove.

Tastes like?
Nutty, earthy and strong.

Health and Benefits?
Allspice has been used to help with digestion and to relieve any discomfort associated with indigestion. It's also beneficial in the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic pains and other muscular and joint problems. It is also known to settle the nervous system; i.e. helps ease stress and anxiety.

Basil



What is it?
Basil is a green, leafy herb often used in italian cooking (as well as in other cuisines) and is the main ingredient in Pesto Sauce. Thai cuisine includes a purple basil.

Substitutes?
For pesto, you can make a parsley, spinach or arugula pesto instead, or if making a tomato sauce, use oregano or thyme.

Tastes like?
Mild and sweet - very aromatic

Health and Benefits?
Basil is recognized for its soothing and sedative properties and is useful to calm the nervous system and aid digestion. As well as this, basil is said to:
*Treat respiratory and chest problems such as bronchitis or coughs.
*Relieve cold and flu symptoms
*Inhibit the growth of certain bacteria
*Protects cells from oxidation and damage
*Act as an anti-inflammatory and relieve rheumatic and arthritic conditions.
*Prevent the progression of the above illnesses.
*Improve blood flow through the body by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels.
*Prevent heart disease and failure
*Act as a digestive.
*Ease stomach cramps and pains
*Treat nervousness, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and tiredness.
*Relieve migrains.
*Increase the production of breast milk.
*Repel insects (It's a natural mosquito repelent!
*Treat insect bites.
*Cure insomnia.

Our next herbs/spices on the menu: Bay Leaves and Black Pepper

It's The Small Things In Life...

Every day, I wake up, stretch, get myself ready to go, and then I leave my house. I drive to work and walk through the door. Upstairs is my office. Now, generally, I wait and take the elevator up to the second floor (yes, the second floor) so that I'm not out of breath. I look at the stairs and tell myself that it would be a GREAT idea to take them. But, for whatever reason, I can't will myself to do it. I dread the sweating, the increased heart rate, the very heavy breathing... sucking air is more like it... not to mention the light headedness, the pain in my knees, ankles, feet, back, hips, and pelvis.

But today, something was different. I'm not sure if it was the beautiful summer sunrise, the fact that I had actually gotten up early enough to not feel rushed, or that I'd had a great night of sleep. All I knew, was that I was going to walk myself straight up those stairs, regardless of how it made my body feel.

And I did it. I walked up the stairs.

And the first thing that came to me... was pride. I was so proud of myself for accomplishing that feat. It was such an overwhelming feeling, that I vowed I would take those stairs at least 3 times a week. My confidence is soaring, and just as they always say...

It's the little things in life that make all the difference!

Changes...

You'll have to excuse me while I attempt to better my blog :) I'm working on making it look a lot nicer, and I'm learning how to use it better too!

So... until things finally start to take shape... please forgive me :)

My Reasons to Make the Change

I told myself months ago to make a list of reasons as to why I was choosing to take the road of weight loss. I knew I should make the list and look back at it every time I had a difficult day or made a bad choice... or to just remind myself of why I'm doing what I'm doing. After sitting down and writing down ALL of the reasons (even the shallow, vain ones), I share them here, with everyone now.

My Top 20 Reasons

1. to be healther
2. to be happier
3. to have a baby :)
4. to get married (this is my own choice... I want cute pictures!)
5. to sit in a booth
6. to fit in "stadium seating" seats without being uncomfortable, sore, or bruised
7. to be able to shop almost anywhere (except Abercrombie. that is a NEVER)
8. to not be stared at or made fun of by people on a daily basis
9. to be an inspiration for others
10. to live a longer life
11. to gain more self-respect and self-worth
12. to live a more active lifestyle
13. to walk up a flight of stairs and not die from lack of oxygen
14. to have a better sex life :) (might as well be honest about it! lol)
15. to put a seat belt on comfortably WITHOUT an extender
16. to go back to school and fit in the desks comfortably
17. to prove to myself and others that I CAN do it!
18. to wear high heels and feel sexy :)
19. to wear that "little black dress"
20. to rub it in (oh yeah... if I drop the weight, I'm DEFINITELY rubbing it in!)

So... I'll probably add to the list over time. But for now, there's my top 20 :)

And... We're Back!

Hello, my blogging world. Yep. I've sucked at updating this for the last few months. I've sucked big time. And my reason? Oh, sure. I could sit here for hours making up excuses as to why... but none of them really matter, right? Bottom line - I'm lazy. I've spent my entire life being lazy and hiding behind the only shield I've ever been able to hide behind... food.

Well NO MORE!

After having watched the last season of The Biggest Loser, and being inspired by so many of those contestants (Ashley and Michael mostly), something inside of me FINALLY clicked. I realized that I don't HAVE to live my life like this. I don't HAVE to be miserable constantly. I don't HAVE to be ashamed of who I am and make my life revolve around food. I guess I've been sitting around waiting for something to motivate me. Well, I think I've found it :)

Watch out, world. Nothing is stopping me now. NOTHING and NO ONE. I'm getting ready to make the biggest life change I've ever attempted to make, and I'm not stopping until I make it to the finish line!

My cousin, Tonya, is also working on her weight. I'm hoping that she and I can work together to motivate each other and remind one another of why we're doing what we're doing. We are beautiful people who deserve our happiness.

I know you can do it, T! :)

I look forward to FINALLY updating this on a regular basis. No more laziness for Marie! :)

Food For Thought...

I'm sorry it's been awhile. I've been busy, stressed, etc etc.

Recently, the First Lady decided to make it her goal to fight childhood obesity. It's a fantastic idea, and I have a lot of thoughts on it (which I'll get to later!) But, I wanted to share with you an article that I read online about the cost of obesity in America. It's a good read and makes you open your eyes. Enjoy!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/09/fact.check.obesity/index.html?eref=ib_us

Out of the 4s and into the 3s!

Finally. I've gotten below 400lbs. I'm not sure how I've managed to do so, but I have! My clothes are fitting better, I feel a million times better already, and I've started noticing myself making better choices. For the most part :) I still have slips here and there.

I've been a little lax on my postings... I apologize. I've been working hard this week, and on top of that, I haven't been feeling all that great :( I'm not sure what it is that's got me feeling so out of sorts, but whatever it is, hopefully it'll be on it's way out soon!

I hope that everyone is doing well in their goals and ambitions thus far for the year. It's the end of January... we're 1/12 of the way done with 2010! Hard to believe that it's gone by so fast!

In the next few days, I'll have lots to post about, so be looking forward to some more tips, recipes, and more. I'm even going to post my monthly pictures so we can see the difference! I'm excited for that :)

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to sharing with you in the very near future.

Here's to thinking skinny thoughts! :)

Weight Loss Struggles and More

Ugh.

That's how I'm describing the last week or so. I've struggled to stay within my points and to eat well. It's been difficult for me. I've done a pretty good job, considering. But why does it have to be so hard? You'd think it'd be simple after having read everything I've read, but I've come to accept the fact that I have a problem. It's like a bad addiction. I'm not sure how else to describe it.

Take for instance today. I had a moment of panic, which led to stress... and what do I try to do? Turn to food for the comfort. Thank goodness I have a support system to pull me back to reality!

So... instead of reaching for something BAD for me, I entertained myself elsewhere.

Anyway... back to something not so down... lol

In my WW magazine, there was a section about how to make steaks for less. It's complete with three recipes, and I thought I'd share some of that article now. Enjoy!

Steak Specials

Not all low-priced steaks are created equal. Here's how to get more bang for your buck:

Cube - This cut of lean round steak is never tough because it has been through a butcher's tenderizing machine. The result? Less fuss for you - no pounding or marinating necessary.

Ham - Choose a steak that's at least 1/2-inch thick (also, pick slabs without the bone so you get more meat for the money). Though the package says "fully cooked," we suggest heating the ham for maximum flavor.

Salmon - Frozen salmon steaks are a great buy. look for moist, translucent flesh. Thaw in the refigerator overnight or microwave on Defrost in 30-second intervals for 2 minutes per pound, with equal standing time between zaps.

RECIPE

Swiss Steak & Spuds

Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 40 min.
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 tsp each salt and coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 c low-sodium beef broth
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 (1/4-lb) cube steaks, trimmed
- 1 (8 oz) package sliced mushrooms

Directions:
1. Bring potatoes and enough water to cover to boil in covered pan. Simmer until tender, 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Return potatoes to pan; add 1/4 tsp salt. mash potatoes, adding 1/3 - 1/2 cup liquid.

2. Mix broth and 2 Tbsp flour. Coat steaks with remaining 2 Tbsp flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper.

3. Spray nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and set over high heat. Add steaks and cook 2 minutes per side. Stir in mushrooms and broth mixture; bring to boil. Cover and simmer 25 minutes. Uncover and cook until gravy thickens. Serve with potatoes.

PER SERVING (1 steak with 1/2 cup potatoes and 6 Tbsp gravy): 318 calories, 9 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 49 mg chol, 502 mg sodium, 30 g carbs, 3 grams fiber, 31 grams protien, 23 mg calcium. WW Points Value: 7.

Ham Steak & Hash Browns

Prep Time: 10 min.
Bake / Broil: 30 min.
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen diced unseasoned hash browns
- 1 large red or green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tsp canola oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 (1-lb) boneless low-sodium ham steak, quartered
- 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray rimmed baking pan with nonstick spray. Toss hash browns, bell pepper, oil, black pepper, and salt on pan; spread in single layer. Bake until has browns are lightly browned and bell pepper is tender, about 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through baking time. Cover and keep warm.

2. Increase oven temperature to broil. Spray broiler rack with nonstick spray. Broil ham 4 inches from heat until heated through, about 3 minutes per side. Brush with barbecue sauce and broil until sauce is bubbling, about 1 minute. Serve with potatoes.

PER SERVING (1 piece ham with about 2/3 cup potatoes): 265 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 53 mg chol, 1,293 mg sodium, 25 grams carb, 1 gram fiber, 23 grams protein, 16 mg calcium. WW Points Value: 6.

Salmon Steak & Red Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 min.
Roast Time: 35 min.
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 lb red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
- 1 Tbsp + 2 tsp whole-grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
- 4 (5 oz) salmon steaks, about 1 inch thick

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray rimmed baking pan with nonstick spray. Mix potatoes, 1 Tbsp mustard, oil, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper; spread on pan. Roast 20 minutes, stirring once after 10 minutes.

2. Mix yogurt and remaining mustard, salt, and pepper in bowl. Remove potatoes from oven; push to one end of pan. Coat 1 steak at a time in yogurt mixture, place on opposite end of pan. Roast until salmon and potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove salmon skin and bones before serving.

PER SERVING (1 steak and 1/2 cup potatoes): 295 calories, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 80 mg chol, 400 mg sodium, 21 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 20 grams protein, 73 mg calcium. WW Points Value: 6.

As If There Aren't Enough Reasons...

*Sigh*

As if there weren't enough reasons already to lose weight, I have now read about another one.
I started getting Weight Watchers magazine, and as I was flipping through and reading, I found an article about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Guess what?! Being overweight can exacerbate CTS.

Here's what the magazine article says:

A strong link between excess pounds and the onset of CTS was found in a review of several studies. CTS occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing burning, tingling, or numbness in the fingers and hand or pain radiating from the wrist. The weight link is probably due to the anatomy of the carpal tunnel, a tight space in the wrist that houses the median nerve and nine tendons. "If extra fluid or tissue, such as fat, is added to this space, the pressure is increased and the nerve may be compressed," explains David M. Rempel, M.D., a professor of occupational medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.

Prevention Pointers Suggested:

Go easy - Grasping objects - such as pens or tools - tightly can increase pressure on the carpal tunnel nerve.

Break it up - Take frequent breaks and switch activities regularly (go from typing to filing for example)

Watch your form - Avoid bending your wrist all the way up or down when typing or using hand tools.

Act fast - Suspect CTS? See a physician - the sooner you're treated, the better your chances of avoiding extreme measures, like surgery.

Ugh! So, I'll chalk this on my list of yet another reason to drop my weight. I hope a lot of these are inspiring others to shed their excess pounds as well!

Chinese Food.....

Okay, I did it. I ate chinese food tonight. However, I chose a healthier dish than I would normally order. I usually get General's or Sesame chicken. Tonight? Chicken with garlic sauce. Yum :) It wasn't deep fat fried, and wasn't coated in some fattening sauce... it was refreshingly delicious! And, since I had so many points left for today... I cheated :) I ate a couple of the crab ragoons! So delicious :)

But you know what, I was proud of myself. I'm not good at trying new things. I like sticking with things that I know I'll like. I have anxiety over having to try something completely new... it makes me nervous! So... it was a REALLY big step for me to try that tonight :) Go me!

Maybe next time I'll get adventurous and try something else ;)

Ranch Dressing

Who doesn't love ranch dressing? Who doesn't love dipping EVERYTHING in it? I know I do. A LOT. Ranch dressing and I have had a wonderful love affair, and unfortunately, I think it's got a heavy hand in why I've gained so much weight in the last few years. Which is sad. It's so good!

So, I was incredibly thankful when my mother reminded me that we had a Weight Watchers point friendly recipe for it! I was so excited :) I went right for the recipes, and discovered that we actually have 2. So, if you have an aversion towards one, you might find the other appealing! I'm going to share both with you, and hope you all find a new love with one of these :)

1-Point Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

*2 cups buttermilk
*1 Tablespoon light mayo
*1 Packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Flavor

Mix together, and voila!

1/2 cup = 1 point


Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

*1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Flavor
*1/4 cup Hellman's Light Mayonnaise
*3/4 cup Kraft Fat Free Mayonnaise

Mix together, and serve.

4 Tablespoons = 1 point

Weekend Success

Well, I had a great weekend. My food choices were great (other than the few Hershey's Kisses I had this afternoon lol), I was more active than usual, and my water intake was wonderful. I'm telling you... I feel like a new person :)

Thank you to those of you who decided to take a quick peek at my blog. I'll try to keep it as interesting as possible for you ;)

Anyway, I want to go back to Oprah's magazine. For those of you who have never picked one up, the sections she does on weight, beauty, health, etc. are wonderful. And who doesn't get hooked on Dr. Oz and what he has to say? I know I do! He's always got so many insightful things to say, and so with that being said, I'll leave you with an article that was published in this month's magazine. Hopefully it'll leave you with a short list of helpful tips!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and I look forward to starting yet another successful week! :)

Dr. Oz's 5 Secrets of "Waist Loss"

A "Biggest Loser" Wake-Up Call

I'm a HUGE fan of "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. I remember the first time I ever watched it, and how I kept thinking to myself "wow, I'll never let myself get to be like that!" Oh how I wish that were true.

This season, they have their biggest cast ever, not to mention their biggest contestant ever, weighing in at 526 pounds. In the first week, he lost 32 pounds! I was so inspired by all of the contestants, that it made me want to work that much harder.

This last week, however, was a wake-up call... not only for the contestants, but for me as well.

I record the show on Tuesday nights, and watch it when I get a chance later in the week. My chance this time was this morning. And oh how horribly shocking and sad.

They performed medical tests on each of the contestants, and the Doctor for the show came to give them all their results. One contestant learned that at 27, she was now a diabetic. Another, that they were at a 98% chance of having heart failure and dying in the next 10 years. The largest contestant, found out that he's carrying around 303 extra pounds of nothing but fat, and that it's slowly overworking his organs, which will cause them to eventually shut down and kill him.

They also gave contestants a look at how old their body REALLY is. The 27 year old had a body that was 57. 57! That's 30 years of life she's throwing away by being overweight.

Sitting there, watching the results of their health tests, I had to ask myself... is that really how I want to end up? Do I want to sit face to face with my own mortality? Absolutely not. After watching that episode, I can honestly tell you that there is no way in hell I'm staying the way that I am now.

Honestly, I'm afraid to know what my test results would be. I'm afraid to know how old my body really is. My knees don't work well, my back and hips are constantly in pain. I know my heart and lungs work at least twice as hard as they should.

The bottom line here... by living the way that I'm living now, I'm basically, slowly, committing suicide.

What an even greater reason to keep working hard. Thank you, Biggest Loser, for yet another inspirational episode that has hit VERY close to home.

A Shocking Read

Every month, I receive an Oprah magazine. Most of it is just fun to flip through and dream, but there's a section towards the back of the magazine that has some REALLY good articles. Most of them are about your health and body. Last month's issue had a story about a woman who was overweight. She visited Dr. Oz and he told her that her extra fat was causing a lot of pressure on her organs, and this, in turn, would eventually lead to her dying... probably earlier than expected. I freaked out when I read this. It honestly was exactly what I needed to hear/read to get myself going. It inspired me to begin this journey.

Well, this month's issue featured the second part of her story... after she had been on a program for 2 months. After her 2 months, she visited Dr. Oz again, and she discovered that she had been thrown into menopause about 10 years early. He goes on to explain to her that living an inactive lifestyle brings on menopause quicker than an active one, and that weight plays a big part in that.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!? Okay. Time out. I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready for menopause early! I'm almost 27 years old, and I still want loads of children! We are getting up off the couch and moving our ass. I will NOT let this weight get the best of me. No way!