Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup (6)

Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup (6)

Serves 4

Ingredients

	1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless FROZEN chicken breasts, cut up in small chunks*
	1 lb package frozen mixed vegetables,*I substitute frozen carrots only, because I don't like the other veggies (corn & peas) in my soup but you can change up however you like!
	1 small onion(s), chopped/diced 1/2 cup fat free chicken broth
	24 oz Heinz Fat-Free Chicken Gravy, 2 jars (12 oz. each)
	1 1/2 Cups dry mix Fiber One Pancakes
	3/4 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth

Directions

Place chicken, 1/2 cup chicken broth, veggies and gravy in crockpot.
Cook on LOW all day or (if using thawed breasts) on HIGH for 2 hours.
In separate bowl, mix pancake mix and chicken broth.
Spread mixture on top of chicken and cook for 30-40 minutes longer on LOW in crock pot


Note: This is NOT my original recipe. It was shared with me a while back by a friend, who got it from a friend, etc. I have NO clue where the original recipe came from but the points values were calculated by my friend using her WW Access to the recipe builder; however, brand names/products can change the points® values! I am sharing the recipe as one that I LOVE to create & my family loves to eat!

*I have also substituted leftover turkey after the holidays for a delicious Turkey Pot Pie Soup! YUMMY!

As with all "points®" please consider figuring out your OWN points® according to the ingredients you use.

Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.

Taco Soup (4)

Crockpot Taco Soup (4)
(serves 8)

Ingredients:

1 pound ground 95% Fat Free Ground Beef
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 can 16 oz. pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 15 oz. red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 11 oz. corn kernels
1 can 8 oz. tomato sauce
2 cans 14.5 oz. each diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups water
1 can 4 oz. diced green chilies *optional if you do not like "spicy" you can omit
1 Packet taco seasoning mix
***************************************
1 cup shredded, fat free cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

Instructions:

Brown & drain fat from ground beef. Place meat with all remaining ingredients EXCEPT the cheddar & sour cream into crockpot. Stir to blend ingredients thoroughly. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.

Ladle into bowls. Top each bowl with 1/8 cup shredded cheese and a tablespoon of fat-free sour cream.

Approximate Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 219 calories, 5 g fat, 10 g fiber

Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.

Soup's On!

FALL: It's SOUP TIME

I never used to be a huge fan of soups. I wouldn't say I "hated" them by any means but I rarely found them to be something that was so filling and delicious I had to have them constantly. Of course, there was the exception of my childhood, where I ate Campbell's® cream of tomato soup ever day of my life at lunch. I do not exaggerate! My mother would get so mad because (back then we came HOME for lunch.. imagine that? LOL) every time I'd leave in the morning she'd ask "What do you want for lunch honey?" and my OBVIOUS answer was "Um, tomato soup mom! NOT anything else PLEASE?!"

This undoubtedly led to her every once in a while making "chicken noodle" because my friend, Sheila, (who's mom WORKED! and wasn't home to make her hot lunches *gasp*) liked chicken noodle better. I would get so upset & even sometimes cry when I smelled the chicken noodle soup coming up the stairs. LOL Yes, I had issues... spoiled brat that I was! My mom finally gave in and always made ME my tomato soup & my friend her chicken noodle. The only "variations" were what went with the cream of tomato soup... slices of freshly baked Italian bread from the bakery up the road, toasted cheese sandwiches or crackers (and those varied from plain ol' saltines to the very 'gourmet' Ritz® LOL) Life was good from then on!

As I "aged" though, I never was a huge fan of soups for dinners. I know, lots of people loved it when I made soup for dinner & I did make it often (the family loved it) but rarely would I enjoy it like everyone else seemed to be doing. My cream of potato soup, taught to me by my ex-husband's aunt, was the one exception to that rule but as you can imagine there is no lack of calories or fat involved in this delicious pot of goodness so, especially now, it's not on the stove all too often. I have managed to bring the calories & fat down to about 1/2 using skim milk & turkey bacon & topping with fat free cheddar but it's never going to be a super "point® friendly" soup.

Oddly enough I am slowly coming back around to "soups". Perhaps it's true we digress back into our childhood as we "age"? Or maybe I just never grew up (I think that's the stronger possibility). I also think that a lot of this change in taste for soups comes with the demand of the consumer wanting better tasting, more filling, simply better soups from a can. As always, Campbell's® seems to be the leader of the soup industry in coming out with better tasting & now even better for you brands & styles of soups!

A recent email from the company led me to purchasing a few of their "new" brands/styles of Chunky Soups. These soups were created to be a healthier option to the same styles of soups they offered previously only now made with lean meats, more veggies & simply lower in calories & fat. Many even boast 3 or more grams of fiber per 1 cup serving also! That's a real plus! I picked up a few different types of soups and have attempted to try out a few here and there. With fall weather upon us here in Erie, PA I'm quick to enjoy a warm cup of soup now but especially if I can have that cup of filling soup for 3 to 4 points®! Add a toasted Weight Watcher® brand bagel or Arnolds® Sandwich Thin for a point® or two more and you have a truly hearty & filling lunch!

Check out the newest information on Campbell's® Soups here. It shows some of their "lean meat" and "full serving" styles of soups that have just come out, including the one I most recently devoured: Campbell's® Chunky Beef Rib Roast with Potatoes & Herbs. 1 Cup of this awesome, flavorful soup comes in at 2 points®! Boasting Nutritional Information like 110 Calories, 1g Fat & 3g of Fiber you can afford 2 servings at lunch, without cringing (1 cup = 1 serving)!

If you're looking for an amazing, filling, flavorful, easy, & inexpensive lunch this fall & winter I highly suggest checking out the newest products available from Campbell's®. Unlike the Progresso® Soups that have been "authorized" by Weight Watchers® to boast 1 or 0 point® values... these soups are hearty, stick to you styles that don't all taste the same. I'm sorry but the Progresso® Soups all taste like the same boring chicken broth with different unflavored ingredients tossed in. Most of the ingredients being bland veggies to make it "low in points". I'll give up a point® or two for some flavor and some content thank you! With the Campbell's new line you get something that sticks with you the rest of the day and has tons of flavor! They all don't taste the same either! Each broth seems to be unique, with a lot of use of herbs & spices to give it a little something extra with each bite! The lean meats make a huge difference in the nutritional information also, and as far as I'm concerned it was about time Campbell's® decided to put up some of their awesome flavors in a more nutritionally respectable style!

If you're looking to make up a batch of your own hearty soup that's low in points® but high in taste... stay tuned. I have some amazing recipes coming soon for crockpot & stove top soups! Check out my Taco Soup Recipe.. the first in this "Fall Series" of souper delites! You make this one in the crockpot, simmer all day long and come home to a hearty dinner ready to serve! Don't forget to try the Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup too! It's a definite keeper for hearty fall & winter dinners!

Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.

Keeping Satiated... staying on track

Definition according to Dictionary.Com:
Satiated: n. The condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction; surfeit.

One of the key ways to "Stay On Track" when trying to lose weight is by keeping satiated. Feeling satisfied, both mind & body, is a definite way of making sure you keep on track with your eating.

The best way I've found to do this was with the help of my weight loss coach, Yvette. She suggested that, especially now that I was "working out" on a regular basis, I make sure I get something in me every 3 hours or so. At first I thought, "great idea but how realistic is that with a busy schedule?" but then I realized it's not only realistic it's simply common sense! Nutrition or Snack Bars were my answer!

Satiation leads to the body feeling satisfied, full & denies it the need to "cravings". This plays a part in may areas of our life, as well as eating. If you feel satisfied in your love life, you don't stray (I'm not talking only sex here, but truly in "love"); hence, why people with full relationships in every avenue - not just sexual - seem to have happy & long lasting relationships. Feeling satisfied in your life choices in general, makes each of those areas complete. If you're satisfied in your mind, your body follows. Again, it's common sense.. but how often do we seem to ignore simple common sense? For me, it's often!

My latest "mission" in my weight loss travels has been to make certain I'm feeling "satiated". This occurs when I make sure I have some intake every 3 hours or so. This can lead to overeating if you don't take heed to what is being put in your mouth, so making smart choices is a must. It can also lead to choosing "too little", leading to the satiety not sticking with you long enough & causing a sudden onset of "need"... meaning a real good chance you're going to turn into that quick fix "drive thru" place & making a wrong choice! I found that in the beginning, my choices often fell in the latter category of "too little", basically because I was concerned about the "Weight Watcher" side of my eating and leaning towards "fewer points". That was something I had to learn to change & it was not easy, I will tell you that up front. We WW'ers are quick to get excited over 1 and 2 point choices, while shying away from anything much higher for fear of "running out of points". Take it from me, if you are choosing right 3 and 4 point choices for snacks will leave you feeling much fuller & satisfied, leaving a lot less chance of 2 hours later rushing a McDonalds & ordering a side of cow! (Pssst.. I still have suspicions there is no "cow" available at McD's but call that my own hunch! LOL)

So how do you make the better choices for small meals or snacks throughout the day?

First off, learn what's out there. Take the time to shop, I know we all are so busy we don't really have that time but truly, you are SO worth it. I started at GNC. Yes, overpriced, but a quick 1-stop kind of place that tends to carry a bunch of different "bars" to much on.

Second, and most anyone who's health conscious knows this already, take the time to read the labels. While it may sound like it's a great choice because it's "Healthy" or "Low Cal", etc. the Nutrition Label doesn't lie. I personally keep the calories at 200 or less (venturing mostly towards the 150 area) and obviously the fats as low as possible, with fiber being at NO less than 3g. These general rules will keep your "bars" at 3-4 points and definitely keep it easy to stay within points if you're sticking to the WW Plan.

Third, ask others what they've tried. Read blogs, talk to friends, ask the sales lady. Hearing how things taste before putting out nearly $2 or even more for a single bar can help save you a lot of money. There is nothing worse than thinking you're going to love something only to find out it's SO not your style. Of course, if you don't THIS is where I come in! And a few other blogs I've seen out there! I WILL add to this page often, as I try various new bars/snacks & also as I find more on other blogs.

Here are few of my favorite bars/snacks that help keep you satiated throughout the day. I've included links & nutritional information when possible. I provided the links to various suppliers, not for you to necessarily purchase but to see the item and the information provided. Many of the links will also end up showing a "sale" on the items (a definite plus) but I don't get a single cent from sending you to these links so please do not think I'm "SELLING" things here. The Links are a simple way to give you a look at the product.

As always, check the package yourself to be sure what YOU are purchasing matches the N.I. I'm sharing, as there are variations & products sometimes do change.These are NOT in any particular order, but they are rated on a 5 Star System ***** with 5 Stars being GREAT, 1 Star being GOOD but not something I rush to buy! Feel free to mention what YOU love to snack on in between meals too!

Bar/Snack	Rating 1-5 Stars (5 Stars being Best)	Nutritional Information (per bar/serving)	Where Have I found these available & approximate prices I've paid	Comments
Luna - Caramel Nut Brownie	***** 5	180 cal / 6g fat / 4g Fiber / 8g Protein	WalMart - box of 6 for $5.97	Inexpensive & very delicious. They also travel well, so are great to toss in a purse or gym bag. These are probably one of my favorite bars/snacks.
Muscle Milk Light Bar - Vanilla Toffee Crunch	****4	160 cal / 5g fat / 4g Fiber / 15g Protein	GNC, Wegman's Food, Walmart (on average $1.79 - $1.99/bar) *GNC often runs specials on these - buy 1 get 1 free (by the case)	I love these & love that they are lower in calories; therefore points. My son dislikes them and swears they taste like "sour milk" to him. They are NOT a milk product, lactose free.
Muscle Milk Light Bar - Chocolate Peanut Caramel	****4	170 Cal / 6g fat / 4g Fiber / 15g Protein	GNC, Wegman's Food, Walmart, most health food stores (on average $1.79 - $1.99/bar) *GNC often runs specials on these - buy 1 get 1 free (by the case)	See above - this one I love when I need a chocolate fix too!
EAS - Myoplex Lite Bars - Peanut Caramel Crisp	*****5	190 Cal / 6g Fat / 7g Fiber / 15g Protein	GNC, Wegman's, Walmart ($2.00 on average/bar)	These are another one of my faves. Make sure you grab the LITE bars, the others are quite a bit higher in calories & meant for those who need to bulk up. They remind me of a combination rice crispy bar, granola bar type of snack. Again, these hold up well in a gym bag/purse so they're a great option to take along!
GNC Pro Performance ProCrunch Lite Chocolate Crisp	***3	140 Cal / 4g Fat /2g Fiber / 12g Protein	GNC ($1.59 - $1.75 or so)	These are too low in fiber for me to get too excited about. The taste is acceptable, not great. They're a little "cheaper", at least in the GNC stores (obviously because it's their brand) but all in all they're not something I crave. They do provide a good chocolate punch though.
Luna Sunrise "Morning Nutrition for Women" Bars (Apple Cinnamon)	4****1/2	180 Cal/ 5g Fat / 5g Fiber / 8g Protein	Wegmans (sale for a case of 15 $6.49) - Avg. price $0.99 ea.	I'm not a huge fan of "white chocolate" but this was amazing! I'm surprised at how much I liked it! The flavor, very intense & fall like. This seriously bordered a 5 star. WHY it's geared towards "women" & morning is beyond me but I will be using this one any time I need a pick me up or to stay on track & not binge!

Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.

Worth 3 Banana Muffins

I can't find enough "easy" recipes in my life. Can anyone? I'll be honest, I'm not a hectic lifestyle type of person. I've been lucky enough to have cancer kick my ass for a reason.. .to slow me down & force me to enjoy life, so I'll be damned if I want to spend it all sweating in a kitchen. One of my tricks to being "prepared" for snack cravings or quick fix breakfast needs, etc. is to whip up batches whenever I get a chance & storing it (freezing, etc.) for later use. It can be a life saver!

Breakfasts for me are not an easy meal. I'm not a big morning eater but I realize the importance of jump starting my body to let it know it's "Wake Up Time" and start metabolizing everything I put in. For this reason alone, I love quick & easy breakfast foods like muffins & breakfast sandwiches. Of course, making batches ahead is always a plus!

Here's one of my most favorite muffin recipes. While the original called for some much higher fat items, I did toss around some ideas & make some changes that resulted in a much lower in point, calorie & fat content without losing the flavor & texture. I've attempted the recipe with Splenda® Brown Sugar but personally, it doesn't cut the points enough to take away the texture & flavor that the real stuff adds. To me, it's not worth it.

Banana Muffins (3)

Makes 18 muffins per recipe

Ingredients

	2 cups whole wheat flour
	1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1/2 cup Natural Unsweetened Apple Sauce
	1/4 cup canola oil
	1/2 cup honey
	1/3 cup unpacked brown sugar
	2 1/3 cups banana(s), mashed

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350F degrees. Spray muffin pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl mix wet ingredients. Stir in bananas. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture, stir just until moistened. Scoop batter into muffin pans.

Bake for about 25 minutes and then check every five minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Depending on your oven the bake time goes between 25 & 28 minutes on average.



Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.

Creating Happiness.. getting results

It's no secret that one of the biggest keys to success is "happiness". I've gone through some major crap in life (haven't we all?) but I find that the days that I concentrate on the good parts, the happy parts, the parts I want to remember forever.... are the reasons for my success in not only my life thus far but especially in my weight loss.

Anyone who knows me knows I've not been the most successful in the "love" area. LOL That's an understatement eh? I've had everything from "oops I forgot to tell you I was married" to "you're my everything so now I'll stalk you" and every other whack job in between. I'm certain it's not all their fault, I've allowed a lot of it happen and take responsibility as a grown adult for not demanding more for myself sometimes. I put my "love life" on the back burner for the past 10 years or so to be there for my kids. I've dated, enjoyed some good and some bad relationships but never allowed any to become an important part of my life. But as much as I wanted to say "I don't need a mate" I knew, if I was being honest, that I had something missing. I battled cancer alone (not really, I had family but you know what I mean by "alone" in this sense), I battled MS alone, I battled financial digression and so much more... all alone. I stood strong for my kids and would never change that but I also think it was a huge factor in my weight gains.

I had medical issues that helped add to the weight, but truth be told I didn't really care if I became fat & unhealthy. The day that attitude changed I felt like I had lifted a million pound weight off me. I never looked back, but as I look ahead I see such a beautiful future and now I have someone to share it with. The happiness this man has given me, in the short time we've known each other & been together, has truly inspired me even more to become even healthier. I don't want to battle cancer again with him at my side, I don't want to battle MS symptoms... I want a healthy body that I can share and embrace with him as we move into our future.

Other times in my life when love walked in, in it's limited fashion that I would allow, I would almost always gain weight. One guy I swear to God I gained 10 pounds within weeks because we would just eat. I should have seen that as a sign eh? LOL But this time it's been so different. We do go out to eat. Sometimes I make slightly "less than great" choices, but for the most part I not only control my portions extremely well but I pick what I would if I were dining alone or with just the kids... staying on program and continuing to lose the weight.

The funny part is, the first week of "weigh in" after meeting him I had "maintained"... to his defense, he came in on a "TOM" week and I never lose then.. lol... but I was happy as I also had been so busy between scheduling and such that staying the same was not big deal. Week two I had a minimal gain, again not his fault.. I swear.. lol.. with something like 0.2 lbs gained. I had hurt myself at the gym being an idiot (I always think I'm so in shape! LOL) so I ended up having to give up nearly an entire week of "workouts", causing the slight gain. This most recent weigh in I about died. I really hadn't thought much about whether I stayed on program or not. Oddly enough, it had just become a way of life for me now and the decisions I make are natural. If we dine out I make good choices, control my portions and to be honest.... 90% of the time could care less if I even eat as I'm so wrapped up in conversation with this man that it's unreal. I love to hear him talk and laugh and simply just be with him. Food happens to end up on the table but I rarely care or notice. I think that's an amazing thing for me... it used to be the food always got my attention... conversation and laughter came with it.

So I decided that since I haven't blogged in a while, yeah I know.. he's taking up so much of my time *grin*... I had to blog about being happy and how to handle it! Sounds easy enough, you're happy, you enjoy it! Right? But those of us with food addictions or whatever you'd like to call our bad eating habits & lack of control when food is around know that it's not always that easy. So many times we celebrate with food, we eat out of both depression and elation. But suddenly, when you realize this, it becomes something you can control. I've made it a habit of holding his hand while we're eating. Hopefully it doesn't bug him, he hasn't complained yet, but it helps me slow down and not shovel the food in. It also makes me stop eating for a bit and just look at him to smile. Yeah, you can barf now. LOL

But your happiness doesn't have to come from someone else. It's time to take that step back in your life and decide if you're being honest with yourself. Are you really happy or are you putting on a front for others? If it's the latter, which for me it was, it's time to change. That underlying unhappiness is something that you can change and once you do you will find that you no longer have this emptiness you try to fill with food. Finding your happiness can be as easy as finding time for friends, family or old acquaintances to finding/making time for YOU at the gym or even taking walks. It's not hard to figure out what makes you happy... it's harder to figure out how to get that happiness to stay with you. But the reality is, YOU ARE WORTH IT!

So grab onto that happiness bug, and let it take you past the food buffet and into a world of "eating to live" not "living to eat". It's amazing when you realize that happiness is no longer attached to food, but to something or someone that brings that happiness into your life. Happiness is what you make of your life. You can sit back and let it happen or you can create it. You have the reigns of control, it's time to use them!

What makes me happy? Pretty simple things really:

1. My kids (Richard, Noelle & Nicole)
2. My sweetheart (Rich Z.) and all the things he does... from simply holding me to kissing me to just being with me when I need those big, burly arms!
   
3. My puppies (yeah, kids & kritters have my heart all too often)
   
4. My "me time" at the gym
5. Reading a book
6. Watching a sunset (happens to be best when done with #2 on the list *grin*)
7. Watching a sunrise (again, seems like that would be best with #2 on the list too eh?)
   
8. Swimming in a pool, feeling my body just relax in the water

My list could go on... but I take this list with me in my mind, every where I go. I always know that if I need to smile, I think of one of those things on that list or better yet, enjoy one of those things. That happiness results in my not running to the fridge or drive-thru to drown my sorrows. How do I know it works? Today was a perfect example.... without going into detail I got some more "bad news" from the ex about his issues with the kids. He's such a loser & it seems like no matter what that man can make me upset. He did. But oddly, this time after I spent time at the lawyers office and sat back for a few minutes I pictured this moment:

I sat on a bench with Rich, just being held, talking and enjoying each others company. It was a short moment in the span of life itself but one of those ones that I will treasure forever. Even if the "romance" dwindles and we parted ways, I'd keep this in my vault of "most wonderful moment memories". It made me not only smile but realize a greasy burger or fatty milkshake wasn't nearly as wonderful as that thought, that picture.

So take the time to make your list. Use that list when you need it because there are going to be times in your life when you will decide you need to fall back on something... and this time.. don't let it be FOOD! I know it's made a huge difference in my life to fall back on "happiness" now... and with 5.2 lbs. lost this past week.. and I'm certain more this week... I know it's all for the best.



Help me win this great recognition!
Vote now if you like my blog! Thanks!

By Body & Soul

Check out my Daily Menu Food Log for a quick glance at what I'm eating to get where I'm at, which is a healthier & therefore thinner ME!


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!

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....

1.
Check out the Fab Fatties

2. Joe Gigantino - Fitness Trainer
This is the guy that really set me on the path to physical fitness



3.

4. BWJEN



5.

5.

6.Sean Anderson the formerly 500lb man!
Diary of A Winning Loser


*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.