Monday, November 22, 2010

Confessions of a Burger-holic

Hi, my name is Beverly and I am a burger-holic. There it's out. I said it, the world knows. But there's not quite the stigmata I was thinking attached to those words because ya know what? Soooo many of us LOVE BURGERS! It can be detrimental to one's waistline for sure but it can also be approached, as with EVERY love of ANY food, with common sense and deep thought to end up making it a positive and very exciting way life!

I love burgers and for that reason I have to be realistic about my "eating habits". I will NEVER give up eating burgers nor do I ever WANT to give it up! What's life worth living for if you cannot enjoy the things in life that make you happy, even if that's food? This is why I've chosen not to DIET but to change my lifestyle, including the food choices I make. I eat chocolate, drink beer, eat burgers, nibble cheese and all kinds of things associated with otherwise making one a big butt girl! But now I do it with a lot of thought and a whole lot of changes too! You CAN enjoy a burger, in sooooo many different styles, quite often in  your life IF you choose to do it right. I choose to do it right and I choose NOT to give up flavor and excitement when it comes to burgers.  Oddly enough I'm often inspired by the same burger places I rarely if ever frequent anymore also! Wendy's (God love them for their ability to make the most amazing, fatty, delicious styles of burgers in the fast food industry) is one of my favorites to copy but I take everything from fast food joints to local pubs and burger joints with amazing creations. The difference between their burgers and mine? Ohhhh so many differences....
  1. Mine are definitely less expensive
  2. Mine are definitely MUCH lower in fat
  3. Mine are definitely MUCH lower in calories
  4. Mine are usually created with much finer ingredients (which you'd think would make them more expensive but think about it.. it just makes it so I can use quality ingredients without paying all the overhead.. aka waiter, tips, lovely decor, drunk on the barstool, insurance for said drunk on the barstool, etc.)
  5. Mine can be eaten any time I want simply by walking into my kitchen and creating them
  6. Mine can be created with ingredients that I know EXACTLY what they contain (organic when needed, low fat or no fat ingredients instead of high fat types, less to even zero chemicals, top grade and low fat organic meats, no surprises)


Here are a few tips I have for creating a delicious burger that's better for you at home:
  • Use good ingredients - while this should just be a "given" for most sometimes you don't think about something as simple as replacing their 70/30 ground beef with a 90/10 beef to literally make your burger not only very flavorful but so much less full of fat. Add to that an organic beef and organic or  homemade toppings or ingredients or fat free/lower fat ingredients and you're really going to notice the difference in flavor, calories & fat
  • Replace "beef" with other things... my favorite is the veggie burger. But here's the key - KNOW HOW TO COOK THESE DIFFERENT "MEATS' OR "MEAT SUPPLEMENTS!!!!!! I cooked "veggie burgers" for years, always saying "they're okay" and never truly believing they were as good as a REAL burger. I'm not one to accept meat substitutes, especially for non meat ones. It's all about texture for me and I'm sorry there are very few non-meat products out there that I personally think taste like meats they're "replacing"..... until I realized how to cook them! See my info below for HOW TO COOK VEGGIE BURGERS. Remember that just because you use a beef replacement it doesn't mean it is going to TASTE like beef. The Boca Bruschetta burger has tons of flavor but don't go into it thinking it's going to taste like beef. That's not always the idea with beef replacements! However the Boca Grilled Veggie Burger, made the right way DOES taste just like beef and I can't tell the difference! My personal desire is if I want a REAL BURGER I will use REAL organic grass fed beef 90/10 or sometimes 85/15 because a little fat is what gives it flavor. If I use a 90/10 I will cook them on the range top using coconut oil (healthy oil) to give it some moisture & always use my Worcestershire sauce to start flavoring it!
  • Load up the toppings! Quit gasping and listen to these words.... a cheeseburger will not kill you, did not put on the extra 30 lbs or more on your thighs and is NOT the culprit for weight gain. Picking different cheeses (fat free feta is AMAZING on top of a burger), lower fat versions of sharp cheddars & swiss cheese amongst many other flavors, center cut, Canadian or turkey bacon instead of higher fat regular bacon & sauces that aren't loaded with fat (Hello Frank's Buffalo Sauce or Simple Hot Sauce) will make a huge difference in your final creation! Cheeseburgers from fast food joints, loaded with fat, added onto a platter of deep fried greasy fries, dripping of grease from the bun.... THAT is what added to your big butt and you cannot lie!  See the TOPPINGS IDEAS below for how to create that amazing mix of flavors!
  • Eat ONE burger, but load it up with goodies that are going to fill you up. Use HEALTHY sides, yes..  you CAN have "fries" but use things like the oven baked Alexia Fries in place of a deep fried or even oven baked unhealthy version. Pay attention to the sides! If you eat one burger, loaded up with a bunch of goodies, along with a single serving side dish, a healthy veggie or side and then sit for 10 minutes or so and STILL absolutely NEED another burger.... go for it. But I can just about guarantee you that you won't need that 2nd burger. When you go out or drive thru a drive thru window you often order 2 "because they're cheap" or "because they're not filling" or "because you MIGHT be hungry enough to eat them.... like you're NOT going to if it's there?" or on and on and on with excuses. So go ahead and make that 2nd burger at home, but don't put it on your plate. You can always reheat it for lunch (an amazing lunch I may add) the next day if you can't eat it for your dinner!


How to Cook A Veggie Burger - I cooked veggie burgers the wrong way for YEARS! I feared those little critters! While my mind wanted to love them, I'd buy every plausible brand and style out there only to be disappointed and walk away saying "it's not really a burger but it's 'ok'" every time! What was I doing wrong?  I was thinking that because it was made of veggies it didn't need to be cooked for any long period of time. I read the directions, nuked them for a minute or less from frozen state and thought the makers had to know what they were talking about right? WRONG! Here's what I found. In order for the veggie burger to have the texture and flavor of a "real" burger you not only have to cook it super well done on a high heat but you need to add some flavorings while cooking it. My favorite thing to do is place the frozen pattie into a hot pan (you will hear the sizzle), splash it with some Worcestershire sauce & pepper (I omit the salt because of the salt content in the Worcestershire), cook it so it browns up almost on the verge of a "burn" but not quite on one side, then flip it. You may need to turn the heat down a bit at this point so you don't burn your pan. Now I top it with just a splash of steak sauce. While you don't have to cook it for a long period of time you do need to cook it on a high, hot heat and make sure it's browned up extra well. This is what takes the 'rubbery' type of chew out of the veggie burger that normally is always there. It also gives it just a hint of a "real burger" taste that comes from the Worcestershire and steak sauce.

TOPPING IDEAS - toppings make the burger. A plain cheeseburger becomes a bacon and cheddar burger with the change of one topping and the decision to use one particular cheese. Here are some excellent ideas on burger toppings that, when you pick a healthier version, can make your burger not only "over the top" delicious but keep them from being an unhealthy version of the same burger offered at your local burger joints!

Each Of These Burger Toppings can be used on VEGGIE Burgers also! Replacing a 90/10 burger with a veggie burger cuts the points in half from 4 to 2 or even 1 point depending on the type of veggie burger you use. I prefer the Boca Flame Grilled Style which comes in at 2 points.
Buffalo Style Veggie Burger
  • Black 'n Bleu Burger - created with a fat free feta, a few drops of fat free or low fat bleu cheese dressing drizzled on top and a slice of Canadian bacon cooked up crisp or 2 pieces of turkey or center cut bacon on top. This burger was inspired by the burger offered at Wendy's (see my piece written on it) and comes out a lot lower in fat, calories and points when you make it with fat free and lower fat ingredients!
  • Buffalo Style Burgers - again, the fat free feta comes to the rescue as it's melted on top and then drizzled with Franks Hot Sauce. Toast the bun (we know not to use normal buns right? Use the sandwich thin type buns or a light bun) and the toasted bun makes a world of difference in keep the ingredients all piled high!
  • Veggies Galore - I love grilled onions and I can't explain the "O-Face" I get when I bite into a huge burger piled high with sauteed sweet onions. No oils are needed, just a pan and some heat as you sweat out the onion and then just brown it! If you're a mushroom lover add the shrooms! (I'm not a shroom lover at all but this is a perfect companion if you are!). Don't stop there... add a pile of lettuce and some fat free, low cal condiments (ketchup, mustard, stadium mustard, relishes, fat free mayos, chipotle mayo - light or fat free or fat free/low fat dressings drizzled on top to create a different flavor each time) Pickles can put a zest in between your bun too and the sandwich thin styles give you some crunch without being too thick!I personally love using a relish because I don't like to bite into a big pickle. Be careful with what you choose for dressings, etc. if you're trying to live chemical & preservative free because these can be loaded with tons of chemicals and preservatives.
  • Spreads & Dressings - using fat free versions is the best way to get the creamy goodness and loads of flavor without the fats. I love to take a fat free mayo and add some ground chipotle powder to it, creating a fat free chipotle mayo! Dressings can turn a plain burger into a "Ranch Burger" or a "Bleu Cheese" burger. Using a fat free bleu cheese dressing gives that bleu cheese flavor and using some fat free feta with it creates the texture of a true bleu cheese topping!
  • Pittsburgh Style Burgers - anyone who has ever been to Pittsburgh loves the "Burgh Style" sandwiches made famous by Primanti Brothers. They are a totally fat laden, delicious burger piled with slaw and fries. But you can recreate the same taste without the fat & calories!  Simply take some shredded cabbage (or bagged coleslaw mix), sprinkle a bit of sugar over it with some salt & pepper and let it sit in a cup for a few hours if possible but at least 20 minutes or so. Bake up some Alexia Fries, toss a couple of those on your burger with a cup of the slaw and VOILA you have a Primanti style burger without the calories & fat! DELISH too! Of course the toasted bun makes a huge difference. (are you noticing a theme with TOAST the bun?)

Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!




WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!


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*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Hello Hard Cider!

Ok, I have a confession..... I love to try different beers and such and while I don't really have the funds to do this often we sometimes splurge on a 6 pack of 3 different types or even 6 different types of beers. Enter my favorite store... Wegmans! Finally, Pennsylvania has begun to come into the 20th Century (yes I know it's PAST that time.. but we're a little slow) and starting to find ways to slowly but with much policing add the ability for us grown adults to actually purchase beer & beer type products (coolers, ciders, etc.) in the stores that have "Cafe's"!!!! WOOOOHOOO! Way to go Pennsylvania!You're only a few hundred years behind the other states around us but hey, who are we to complain?

So my best friend from college came 2 weeks ago for the weekend!!! Hoooray!!!! We, of course, find this to be a given reason to misbehave (just a little) and quickly purchase foods we shouldn't and alcoholic beverages. Did I mention we're COLLEGE BFF's? LOL  So it's only right for us to celebrate our get togethers with some alcohol. Of course the lame, old ladies we've become we each partook of a single Hard Cider and switched to iced teas. We are sooooo old.

But I had to share this WONDERFUL find!!! I've heard of "hard cider" before but first off, assumed it was something that kind of "happened" by accident (you know, that gallon of cider that gets pushed to the back of the fridge until one day you pull it out and go "wow, I didn't know cider expanded a container like this!". I heard tell that "some people" create the stuff "on purpose" but had never truly seen it in the stores. Remember again, I live in Pennsylvania where the government runs the liquor that flows anywhere in the state. So when we saw it and were feeling so very "festive" of the fall nature we decided we had to try it!

Of course we also purchased many other items that were NOT on our list too... but we did get some wonderful veggies to roast for dinner that night (in case you wondered veggies cancel out any alcoholic beverages of chocolate conception... not that WE would partake of any of these things.. *cough*) I will however have a WONDERFUL blog post on the roasted veggies and the new veggie I found called Romanesca!

So this evening, as I partake in the last of our finds (and secretly vow to contact the local beer distributors to see if they sell this luscious stuff by the case... no, no I won't) I decided I had to share. It's definitely NOT a "diet" food. I do believe it's pretty "natural", so to speak... so I guess it does still count as "clean eating"? Am I stretching it here? LOL  But either way, to partake once in a while in something this delightful is not only allowed but I feel completely necessary! *raises bottle up*  So here's to good friends I miss and great times ahead and one heck of a WONDERFUL find! This is like a taste of "fall" in a bottle.


Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NEED TO GET FIT BUT DON'T WANT THE GYM MEMBERSHIP?
THINK ABOUT A TRAMPOLINE!


Check out The Trampolines King Website for tons of FREE information & guidance in purchasing this wonderful piece of equipment that is affordable and helps burn TONS of calories (not to mention tons 'o fun)!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!




WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!


TwitThis
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Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....




Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With  The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Pumpkin Cookies - 3pts

Today I decided to make something yummy. I'll confess up front it's not as "healthy" as it could be, but I had to use what I had around the house. In the end they were quite delicious and well, yes full of sugar & butter and yumminess that I should never have indulged in but we only live once and it is PUMPKIN! If it's pumpkin, it's okay to indulge. That's the rule. Look it up!

I found a recipe on the Libby's Pumpkin page here... Old Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

My version is only slightly different. I didn't glaze the cookies at all, instead I sprinkled with Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles. I also didn't use the spices they did, again.. used the GFS Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles. I also used organic pumpkin & organic butter, along with sea salt. Warning.... these are VERY sweet! But they're so good!
Here it is.....

Old Fashioned Soft Organic Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can combine 1/2 and 1/2 wheat flour to white)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 teaspoons Cinnamon Maple Sprinkles (From GFS - Gordon Food Service)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup organic butter (1 stick), softened
  • 1 cup Organic Pumpkin
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheet.

Combine ingredients together. Their recipe suggested doing it by splitting the dry/wet ingredients & using a mixer... I simply dumped it all in one big ol' bowl and stirred with a big wooden spoon. I ended using my hands to pull it all together, so if that grosses you out you may want to use a mixer. It is a sticky dough. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto sprayed cookie sheet.

Remove from cookie sheet to cool and sprinkle with the Maple Cinnamon Sprinkles on top, just lightly.

Bake for 15 until edges are firm & browned. 
 
Yields 36 Cookies

Nutritional Information per cookie (from their cookie - adjust to your ingredients)
Calories 120   Fat 3g   Fiber 0.5g
WW Pts. according to their recipe, with a glaze on them is 3pts.

While I wouldn't suggest making these daily, they're a nice treat for a good cold fall night to snuggle and watch Shrek's Halloween Spooktacular!!!! *(Which is exactly what I'm doing with 2 cookies & a glass of soy milk!)

End result..... absolutely delicious, very sweet, very soft pumpkin cookies. Honestly, these freeze up well so you can make a whole batch and put them away so you won't eat them all. I made them for a weekend football party we're having so I'm hoping they last that long... we both keep stopping by the plate and stealing one! LOL  Again, while it's not the most healthy recipe I've shared I honestly feel you have to create "goodies" once in a while to enjoy. These are well worth sharing and making but be sure you can either limit yourself with sweets (they're very sweet) or freeze them immediately (preferably in a freezer in the basement to deter you from just grabbing one to eat out of the freezer!)

Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NEED TO GET FIT BUT DON'T WANT THE GYM MEMBERSHIP?
THINK ABOUT A TRAMPOLINE!


Check out The Trampolines King Website for tons of FREE information & guidance in purchasing this wonderful piece of equipment that is affordable and helps burn TONS of calories (not to mention tons 'o fun)!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!




WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!


TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....




Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With  The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Day To Celebrate!

Today was truly one of the best days I've had in a long time!  I love working out. I'm not a heavy duty, psycho, nonstop workout type. If you are.. please don't be offended. I am more of a "just get moving, do something you enjoy, get the heart a-pumpin' while you do something fun" type. I used to run regularly, about 2 miles a day. I have to do any walking or running in the water because of the side effects of my cancer treatments that have literally eaten away my spine. I have chronic pain, managed best as can be with a daily dose of 24 hour time release morphine. I am in constant pain, with the exception of when I'm in the water. I get in a pool and it's like entering heaven for me. You cannot begin to imagine how I feel in comparison with living 24/7 with pain so intense that even on morphine is always there. The morphine makes it less horrible, but still I remain in constant pain. But truth be told, I hadn't hit the gym for months. Between a recurrence of cancer (totally under control & beaten again) and moving to a different section of town (far from my old gym) I really just never got there. I now have no car, live quite a distance from the gym I was a member of and just basically wasn't going. I quit the gym, became more and more of a couch potato and my body paid the price. I gained weight, although not a huge amount and it kept fluctuating. I was an unhappy camper!
There certainly is no longer any shortage of brands out there that are low in fat, high in fiber, low in calories! The real issue is, which ones truly work for you. Everyone's different so what I love may not be what you love, but  here are a few of my absolute "Can't Do Without" breads and what I use them for. I will however confess, I can be seen visiting Panera Bread once in a while to grab a loaf of asiago bread or some other absolutely divine, hearty bread for a pannini! Like everything, I think in moderation I'll be just fine with it & I don't treat myself often, as I know I can't behave!

So we move to today.... Our local "Y" was doing a special all this week, free trial week and $25 joining fee. I thought it also said something on the ad about no payments until January but they didn't say that at our "tour". So on Monday I went to one of the "Y's" on the west side of town (I live on the East side but my best friend since grade school goes to that one & offered to take me with her Monday night). I was in heaven. I got to do a little boxing on the heavy bag (this is my BIG stress reliever & I do it with much TLC so as not to overdo things with my back), I went from that to the pool and jogged a bit, not nearly my former 2 miles but wow did it feel wonderful! I swam a little and during the good 30-40 minutes I spent in the pool I was pain free. Once again... amazing!

Move on to today... Thursday. I had wanted to get to the "Y" on this side of town, not far from our house actually. I know that if I join this will be the one I use more often than not and I hadn't been to this one in a long, long time! I also know that this one I can get to via the bus regularly too so I have a much better chance of staying with it if I know I have options to get there. Now comes  my "Best Day In A While" part.... I kept hinting and eventually asked my fiance' to come with me. I know, for a fact, that the last thing to do to someone is harp on them about getting "healthy". The more you harp on a person the less they want to do something & the more they will want to do just the opposite of what you're trying to get them to do. That holds true from everything from changing their lifestyle and eating habits to getting them to exercise. I knew that approaching him with "harping" wasn't the way to go. I asked him once, he said yes and then changed to "I don't think I will". I let it go for a bit then commented "Would you like to just go walk through with me and see the place since you haven't been there since you were a kid? You don't have to work out or you could take your stuff with you and if  you do feel it, then do some stuff. If not you can go do your thing and maybe even join me at some point? Or you could sit in the lobby and watch some television... whatever. Just come to see the place."  He surprised me with a hesitant but somewhat interested "Ok, maybe I will. But ..." and I interrupted him. "I'm not going to harp or fight with you. You do what you feel like."  I know that his biggest reason for NOT going is plain and simple... and a fear I'd say quite a few others have... he's embarrassed that he's going to be that big fat guy that everyone stares at and laughs at, etc.  I knew otherwise. I've been in gyms. There are people of all shapes and sizes, styles and abilities. I've even openly approached kids I see giggling or laughing at someone and told them they were being rude. I figure if the parents are too ignorant to say it, dammit I will. Sorry, I refuse to see anyone be belittled for doing something RIGHT!

End result.... we ended up going and taking a tour. It's nice, a little antiquated but not horrid. Some new things are there, 2 very nice pools but most of all the atmosphere is one where it's truly customer friendly & user friendly. I was impressed, so was my guy! This was a definite plus. I had good vibes already. Next we talked money, I was still good... we ended up with a "couples" program price offer of $55 a month. Not bad at all for 2 people! The norm around here for anyplace with a pool is about $40 a person. The gyms with just equipment are about half that but they're useless to me as I can't do much on the ground because I need the weightlessness of the water to allow my back to cooperate with working out. Add to this an amazingly large amount of classes (including water workouts) that go with the membership. He seemed happy with what we had seen and heard thus far. Next step was "Do you want to work out a bit? Toss the basketball around a little? Walk the track? Whatever?" He smiled. "Sure!" I almost fell over... the hurdle was jumped. Now it was all downhill from here & easy rollin'!
 
So we  went our separate ways. I went directly to the pool. I couldn't wait to just get in there. I walked 1/2 laps (the lap pool goes from 3.5 ft to 7 ft. & I obviously cannot run in 7 ft of water since I'm barely over 5 ft. tall! LOL). I ran and then I'd change to treading water for a lengthy spell in the 7ft end. I was in heaven. I was pain free. THIS is my glory. But better than being pain free was when my man walked into the pool area. He had a smile on his face, some sweat on his forehead and he grinned to me as he commented "I can't believe you got me to do this, but I'm glad you did!" I laughed. "What'd you do so far?" He was like a kid again, reliving the days when he'd come to he "Y" to throw some hoops. "I tossed the ball around. I really suck now" I laughed. This was the man who barely moved from his chair each day, telling me he was shooting  hoops. "Then I walked a bit. I think I'll go down and try those stationary bike things"  I cracked up. I was so proud I could pop! He smiled again "Quit smiling so much", he quipped. He knew that this truly made me happy. I smiled at him and made one last comment. "I don't care if you are 800 lbs, what I care about is getting you moving, getting your body to love moving and getting you healthy." He looked at me with complete adoration and said "I realize that. I'm glad I came." 

End result..... we walked out with him saying "So tomorrow let's come a little earlier ok?" I couldn't have smiled any more. "Yes!", was my immediate answer. Then he asked the girl at the desk about joining to which I answered, "You pay the first month & fee, from then on it's mine. Deal?" I knew that I won't get paid until the 3rd of the month so I wouldn't have the money to join while the special was running. He smiled and said "Sounds good".  So it looks like WE are going to have a Y membership! I am truly the happiest girl around right now! I don't expect  miracles but for every MINUTE I get him out of that chair and moving, doing anything other than just sitting there.... I feel like I've gained a minute more of life with him! I'm truly celebrating!
 
 
 
Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NEED TO GET FIT BUT DON'T WANT THE GYM MEMBERSHIP?
THINK ABOUT A TRAMPOLINE!


Check out The Trampolines King Website for tons of FREE information & guidance in purchasing this wonderful piece of equipment that is affordable and helps burn TONS of calories (not to mention tons 'o fun)!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!




WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!


TwitThis
Like this article? Twit it to your followers!



Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....




Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With  The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Gotta Have Bread

I will confess, I am a bread freak! I love my bread, plain & simple and I refuse to give it up. This is one area where I won't negotiate... I will never be without my bread! But how do you approach it with a healthier lifestyle approach?  Many will argue that it's very simple, you either "can't" have it or you can't have anything but the gluten free, non-flour, all whole types. To them I say... "good for you, enjoy it". But for me I say, "there has to be something out there that tastes good and is somewhat healthy".

There certainly is no longer any shortage of brands out there that are low in fat, high in fiber, low in calories! The real issue is, which ones truly work for you. Everyone's different so what I love may not be what you love, but  here are a few of my absolute "Can't Do Without" breads and what I use them for. I will however confess, I can be seen visiting Panera Bread once in a while to grab a loaf of asiago bread or some other absolutely divine, hearty bread for a pannini! Like everything, I think in moderation I'll be just fine with it & I don't treat myself often, as I know I can't behave!

So here are some of my faves in the bread aisle:
  • Sandwich Thins - originally Arnold's were the only ones out there in my area but now there are tons. These are simple, round slices to create sandwiches in and come in a variety of types from Whole Grain White to Multi-Grain, Honey Wheat, Rye or Wheat. They're plain, simple and do the job of giving you a fairly healthy option, high in fiber, low in calories and decent in taste for making your sandwich. I love the rye sandwich thin for my ham and swiss melts! IowaGeek has some neat ideas for using the sandwich thins in a variety of ways!

  • Italian Sub Thins - much like the bread above, these "thins" are a version created that is longer for a sub style sandwich. While they seem to accommodate sandwiches a bit easier since they're long, they don't offer any extra flavor or "beefiness" to your sandwich. They're good and serve their purpose as both a sub roll and a hot dog roll (although they do offer a specific thin for hot dogs too)

  • Bagel Thins - These top my list for both sandwiches and stand alone. I always
    4 Pt. Cajun Egg White Bagel Sandwich
    purchase both styles, the plain and the "everything" bagel thin. I use the plain when I have a flavorful meat that I don't want extra flavors coming from the bread. I use the everything when I want a bagel (yes these really do hit that craving with a pack of Laughing Cow light and creamy swiss, which is almost like cream cheese) or when I have something that can handle the full flavor of a combination of sesame seed, poppy seed, onion and garlic. As you can see by my picture here, I also LOVE using them for breakfast sandwiches!

  • Ezekiel Breads - these are actually one of the healthiest in terms of content but they're not exactly low in calories. They offer quite an array of flavors and generally are kept in the freezer to extend the life. They have NO additives so this bread is the REAL thing, like great grandmum used to make, without the chemicals and additives to give it a long shelf life. No big problem though with freezing it because it tends to pop apart easily and toasts up well. My favorite is the Sesame Seed bread because it has just a touch of sweetness to it when toasted. I tend to toast it and slide just a hint of peanut butter across the top to get a little protein. Downside is, if you're counting points 1 slice is pretty much all you're going to want toast up for a light breakfast with some fruit or juice on the side. For some reason I always use these breads for toasting or making French toast as opposed to sandwiches. I'm not sure why. It could be a texture thing, a flavor thing, I really don't know but it's my go to when I want toast or am making French toast. Plus side: it's hearty and completely natural! They're made by Food For Life, who also offers an array of other items! Check them out here!

  • Naan Bread - you have to read the labels on these and be sure you realize what a serving is! I love these for instant and delicious Naan Pizzas! They come in so many different flavors!

Please feel free to share some of your favorite breads or styles to use the ones I've mentioned!


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Wish me luck on my journey to "eating clean" and  healthy! 
And please feel free to comment and share ideas for trying to live and eat "clean" and losing weight by changing to a healthy lifestyle!
 
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Don't forget to check out my newest Book Blog, where I give book reviews on recent books I've read. If you're a reader you'll want to check this out!




WE CAN DO THIS, TOGETHER
ONE DAY AT A TIME!


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Who Else Helps me get healthy?
These are just a few of the people online that inspire me....




Foodbuzz




1. Weight Loss With  The Fabulous Fatties
Check out the Fab Fatties - tons of ideas, comic relief & great give-aways!

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness - Sign up for his FREE newsletter!



3. HK Weighs In

4. BWJEN - Another WW Buddy & A 'bookworm' too!?
BKJen


5.Get Fit After 40

5.Green Lite Bites

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser - Sean is an inspiration to anyone trying to get healthy!
Sean Anderson

*Note I am not affiliated nor endorsed by Weight Watchers® at all, in any way. I highly recommend their program and cannot say enough GOOD about it, but I also have decided that they were my "stepping stone" to making a change in my lifestyle. Any mention of Weight Watchers®, their program or their term of "points®" does not mean they have approved, seen, or endorsed anything on my blogs.

Also, if at any time Points® are mentioned it is always with the assumption that you will analyze the recipes, foods, ingredients and figure the points out specifically for your consumption of any product, as ingredients may vary by brand, size, etc. and Points® is a registered trademark of the Weight Watchers® company.