HAPPY THANKSGIVING from BLOG ME FABULOUS!

Wishing you and yours a very wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! Last year I spent the day in Sun City volunteering. It was a wonderful experience. My family due to conflicting work schedules was unable to really sit down and enjoy each others company. This year Grandma is cooking (Turkey was in the oven at 7am!) and the family is getting together. I feel very blessed that certain circumstances happening at home while I was in New Jersey, led me to be able to come home early. Otherwise, I would have been spending the holiday in an apartment alone or with another family, not mine. I am excited to be home for the holidays...and hopefully...for good. 

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. My family, my health, my friends (MIL a huge shout out to), my healing of my injury last year, my new company, my clients, and most of all the Lord who gave it all for me. To have these things and this life. 

I hope you have a wonderful day. Thus, if you know me, you know what comes next: It is a holiday, not a holimonth. You will eat all the rest of the days following today. No reason to eat to gain. No reason to wake up the next day feeling guilty. There will be leftovers :-) 

LOVE YOU ALL!
XOXO
Nichole

Product Review: Limited Edition Honey Maid Gingerbread

The product review gods are against me. This is my second attempt to write this review after it keeps "accidentally" not saving. Therefore let me be simple and clear. I bought these figuring it would be a nice sweet treat for the holiday season. There was only one box left on the shelf at the store. Therefore I assumed it was popular.

I opened them up tonight...epic fail. I will like always, give them a second chance. I do this with bad restaurant experiences as well. To be fair...maybe I was not really in the mood for it. When I think gingerbread houses (as pictured on the box) I think sweet and yummy. What I got was a spicy feeling tongue that I needed to drown in water.

1 serving size is 8 crackers= 2 full sheets

Calories 130

Calories from fat 25

3g of total fat

24g of carbohydrates

8g of sugars

2g of protein

This is not a "get in the holiday spirit" type snack. I would go back to eating the regular type. I did state I will try them again, once I find a recipe and figure out how to utilize them in a better format. Alone= fail. Thank goodness they are limited edition right? Means they can't be around for long :-p

All in all they get ONE star out of FIVE (*)

Alaskan Maple Salmon Dinner Under 600 calories!

This is a favorite of my grandmothers. I got the recipe for the sauce/marinade from one of my best friends in Canada. She made it for me this past January while I was there. I fell in LOVE!

The meal comes in under 600 calories and  you can do a few variations for the sides to change those values.

• Alaskan Salmon (Mine is Schwan's)--Aldi sells packages of wild caught and it averages $1 per pc.
• Maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic or fresh garlic you can mince-Aldi sells a glass jar of minced garlic cheap!
• Fresh or frozen broccoli
• small potatoes (my two are the size of one large!)
• condiments/sides as preferred.

Take 20-30 minutes to marinate salmon in an equal mix of soy sauce and maple syrup, make sure they are covered nicely and soak it in. It does not take much of either to do this. You can also use light syrup to cut calories.

Preheat oven to 375- once salmon is nicely soaked place in aluminum covered baking dish. Spoon a tsp of minced garlic across each piece of salmon. Bake for 20 minutes or until flaky with a fork.

Steam your broccoli as normal

Baked potato can do 5 min in the microwave and then wrapped in foil or bake in oven. Your choice.

Once done serve on plate. I chose to use 1 tbsp of butter spread split between each potato in this photo, minimal salt on potato and broccoli, and some Parmesan cheese on the broccoli. The potatoes also tasted amazing dipped in the excess sauce.

This is high in protein and a great balance if you are on the Herbalife program and needing one large colorful meal a day!

Not quite sure what to think of that phone call! Scam for sure!

So a phone call comes in. On my business line. The number shows "Unknown." Now, typically I do not answer these, I let them go straight to voice mail. I should have done that. The guy starts off with "I saw your website." I reply "OK, which one?" He states "The Herbalife one." This goes on for a moment while I try to figure out exactly WHAT he is calling for. After stating he was interested in knowing if I train distributors out of the state of Florida he then tried to sell me his advertising!

Mind you, this man gives me NO NAME, NO contact info, and No company name. He goes on to say they do over 40 publications like USA TODAY etc and do full ads. For $290 for a year it will reach 4.6 million people a month. People who want to start their own business. They promote to boaters and yacht owners. At this point my eyes are rolling. He then says I can do a 3 month trial for $150. A quarterly Fall promotion reaches another 7,500 people. The papers go out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

He then asks "So can I sign you up?" LMAO!!!!!!! I explain that I would like more information, an email or website and he says he can put the trial cost to $99. I told him at this time I am not interested but would like more information. "OK well call me if you are interested later." Then he hung up. Still leaving me with NO information.

Lesson learned: Don't answer the UNKNOWN call. Next reminder to ALL: NEVER EVER EVER sit there and give your information to someone you are not face to face with or that YOU did not call yourself. Scammers are EVERYWHERE. Bad business practice and I am rather appalled.

Time flies...daily in my life LoL

So seriously, I did not even realize is now Sunday morning! I have not written since Thursday. I am not doing so well on this not being lazy blogging situation am I? I promise to get better at it. I have so much information and fun stuff I want to share. I want to thicken this bad boy up. Make it presentable. :-p 

Friday I met with new clients, hit up the bonfire at my pastors home, and then did some work online when getting home at midnight. Saturday I met with one client for an appointment and then went ice skating. I am really trying to get back in to the full swing of things. Too bad the ice on the South rink was so bad you could stand "still" and start gliding into the center. The ice literally dipped around all the sides. Did not lead to good spins or footwork at all!

I came home to end up going across the street to a friends house. She is a client as well. Her mother wanted to try the Cafe Latte Formula 1. They both ended up loving it! I think I might be addicted as well. Why pay $3.20 and the calories for an ice frap at McDonald's when I can get this for less than $1.00 per serving with some milk and ice?!?! 

I finally ended up at home around midnight. Lookie here..it is now nearly 3am LoL. I did a little more online work and now I am ready to snooze and have my first day of sleeping in this week!!! 

I promise to start adding some fun freebies and coupons tomorrow. Sunday paper is the BEST :-p 


XOXO

Thursday is shaping up to be wonderful!

Good afternoon! I did not get much sleep. I had to wake up to get 15 samples ready for a client to take in to work. That led to me doing her weigh in before 9am...but it was progress! She lost 3lbs and 8 inches this past week! I am so proud of her! She is currently taking the Formula 1 and Total Control from Herbalife. She has also become a fan of the chocolate coconut protein bars and the creamy chicken soup.

I then took a tray of samples up to Chase JPMorgan Banking (My awesome bank LoL)<--Hey! Bank of America pissed me off! I was a customer since the age of 10 and last Spring they really irked me the wrong way..that was after pissing me off LAST year as well. So I went there and started handling out samples per their request yesterday. I took in some Formula 1 vanilla lemon bars and Formula 1 cookies & cream pie!

I am doing wellness evaluations for the branch manager and his wife tomorrow! Along with that, I will hopefully be doing a presentation to the board of directors for children's football in the New Year! Apparently it is a big recurrence that many of the children have to lose 10-20lbs to be in their leagues. Herbalife has the children's shakes and vitamins which is a great way to help child hood obesity! I am very excited about this opportunity.

Tomorrow will be busy between work and a lunch date (Not a real date haha) with a friend of mine from the ice rink! I have not had Sweet Tomatoes in over five months!!! Salad bar..HERE I COME!!!

XOXO

I admit, I have been lazy in this aspect...

OK...I'm not usually one to be lazy. However, life has really just gone off with the speed of light lately and I can't seem to keep up. Not that this is a bad thing. I am busy with work. Selling Herbalife and helping my clients focus on their programs. They are all having success within the first week of starting and it really is not only exciting for me but really exciting for them!

Client A: Lost 3lbs the first week and over 6 inches total

Client B: Lost 2lbs first week (she cheated, she admitted, but now she is seeing results so she is getting strict on herself)--but she lost 7inches total and 3.5 of that came from her waist!


I have two client weigh in's tomorrow (Well today, it is now nearly 2am Eastern!)

I did a sampling event at a local gym. Gave away a nice prize basket. I have a lot of samples to deliver out once the sun rises. T-Mobile, A dental office, and a bank! The bank called me after I left asking if I could not only come in tomorrow but next week! No problem :-p

I had a really nice birthday. Went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I managed to only eat half of my birthday "cheesecake" cake haha.

I promise to get in here a little more often to blog, I just had so much going on so soon..but I promise..I have not forgotten about how special blogging is to me, plus it's fun :-p

Hope everyone has a super fabulous weekend!!!!!

XOXO

Two Week Check In!

So I did my two week check in. Here is what is going on-

I started caring about losing weigh Oct 2nd when I got back to Tampa. I was done with the feeling crappy, done with feeling fat, and done with making excuses. So in TOTAL I am down 17lbs.


The past two weeks with Herbalife I am down 5lbs and a total of 8 inches! The inches so far have come from bust, waist, hips, thighs, and calves! I feel amazing. Last night at the gym I was able to do cardio for two hours with no problem and burn off 1035 calories!!!!

Hope everyone else is doing well and staying healthy as we prepare for the holidays!

XoXo

I cheated...and checked the scale..and the measurements

Yea, I said it. I cheated! I got my new omron sensor scale for my business. I could not help but test it out on myself first. I am now down (Thanks to Herbalife) 5 pounds and 4.5 inches! Some of that came off the ever dreaded thighs! I am not having many cravings at all. I am doing my two shakes (smoothies) a day, my colorful meal, and my snacks. I have a lot of energy. I feel vibrant. I LOVE the way my clothes are fitting right now. No love handles over the sides of my jeans or work out clothing. Sports bra is becoming lose. My regular bras are fitting better again. I just feel GREAT!

I already starting booking wellness evaluations locally. I am also starting up a weight loss challenge. 20 participants, $35 registration fee, lots of prizes at the weekly meetings, and a $500 grand prize to the BIGGEST LOSER!!! This could get interesting! Herbalife also just released some new products! A pumpkin spice formula 1, coQ10, and a French Vanilla Formula one allergen free! What a great way to finish off the year and start 2011!

Hope everyone is having an amazing October and lets finish it out with a bang!


XOXO

Week #1 weigh in!

I am pretty proud here....granted last week I only worked out twice. But, here are the results

Week #1 weigh in- Down 3lbs (stupid clothes weigh 3 LMAO)....Down 2 inches 1in in bust and 1in in hips! Down 0.4% on the BMI scale. Body fat not moving YET but I did pick up speed and went a bit longer than my normal 3 miles...burned more calories in same time :-)

 

I have more energy, more stamina..and I really like the glow I get after my cardio work out. I have been doing (2) shakes a day, taking total control, and cell activator from Herbalife. 

I am currently setting up free wellness evaluations in the area of Tampa, FL and local surrounding areas!

Hope everyone is having a super fabulous week!

XOXO

SHAKE UP TAMPA IS LIVE!!

Hey lovelies! My website is now LIVE! SHAKE UP TAMPA all my Herbalife products are there, if you live in Tampa, give me a call for a free wellness evaluation (Over $75 value!) Or email me HERE

XOXO

Silk Soy Milk Coupons $1.00 off!

If you are anything like me, you love your soy milk, but not the cost! Right now Smart Source is offering 2 print out coupons per person (go to the link twice) and print off coupons for $1.00 off the purchase of ONE half gallon!

I use this milk in all my Herbalife shakes as does my grandmother!


PRINT SOY MILK COUPON

Jillian Michaels Vanilla Whey Protein Powder

$10 at Wal-mart, they had the triple chocolate or the vanilla cream. I got it because it is 100 calories, 15g protein, and 3g of fiber. Low in carbs as well! Has approx 14 servings (Mind you, I don't use a full scoop)

Open: Smells like play-doh! I'm a little turned off..stick my finger in it like a child..and lick..oh snap! It tastes like vanilla!

1st attempt: Mix in almost a full scoop with a glass of vanilla soy milk. (Not so keen on the water idea and too lazy to unpack the blender and make a smoothie..plus, I don't have any fruit!)

I mix it up, it was not gritty...anything that did not dissolve with my lame attempts of stirring..did melt in my mouth and taste really good. I downed the glass smoothly and was pretty content. I do presume that using a blender would have made it with no bumps along the way, and I bet it would be amazing in a smoothie.

All in all, I am a happy camper...we shall see if it really helps my appetite, today I had 2 snacks and 1 meal, and now this glass of soy milk with the whey protein. if I do one more snack tonight, I will be right on target! I am tempted to try the triple chocolate to help subdue some chocolate cravings :-)

So **** 4 out of 5 stars, the smell and mixing consistency could be better. PS..it does not smell once you blend it in your drink of choice. Cost is less than $1 per serving! 

Fried Pickles On The Fly!

So, I am notorious for starting a craving frenzy on facebook for fried pickles! This started last month, while I was in New Jersey. My beau took me to Cheeseburger In Paradise (Note- their burgers suck, but their fried pickles are amazeballs!). A few days later..I was on a high craving for fried pickles again. Like, a seriously moody..won't eat anything until I get this..type of craving. One thing led to another and girls from one of my favorite message boards, were going crazy for the craving. Some went out to eat that night as did I, and some said they were making them at home.

So here I am, home, in Tampa. Craving them. I have a jar of spears on the table....one thing leads to another and I am whipping up my own concoction in hopes of it being edible...(This is how all great cooks start out, right?)...I googled a few recipes, nothing seemed easy enough. So alas, I come up with my own. Nope I did not measure...so be fabulous like me and just wing it :-)

Prep- 3 small bowls, a fork, a frying pan
Ingredients: Pickles (Slices would work so much better, but beggars can't be choosers!) I had spears.
1 Egg, flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, and vanilla soy milk (yes, I went there)

1st bowl I put a cup of flour, some paprika and garlic powder...mixed it up...
2nd bowl whisk egg, milk (1/4 cup?), and tbsp or 2 of hot sauce..your choice
3rd bowl breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder..mix it up

FIRST IMPORTANT RULE: DAB ALL JUICES OUT OF PICKLES BEFORE STARTING!!!!!

Next, go into each bowl....cover in bowl one, soak in bowl two, and bowl three turns into an art project and your fingers get glue like...you will survive. While you are doing this you should be heating your oil on the stove (I used vegetable, you can use olive, canola, peanut, etc) Once heated up and popping a little...place pickles in pan...turn after about 30-40 seconds if it 's a spear...4 times to get each angle..if it's slices you used, then turn them after about 45-60 seconds.

Once browned and crisp, take out, lay across paper towels to absorb the excess oil...service with your favorite dressing if you don't have some super fabulous horseradish sauce...I used ranch..thousand island is great too!

This is CHEAP, EASY, and somewhat not messy.... :-) ENJOY!!!!


ETA: My grandmother had NEVER had this before, and she tried them, her statement "Wow! These are interesting, I never would have thought....this would make an interesting appetizer for events!" :-)

Day Seven

So it's true. I have lost like 10-11lbs in this first week. I knew I would. It always starts off fast then becomes a slow process. Yes, I get it, this is day seven...where are 3, 4, 5, and 6? To be honest..they got busy, well I did. So I skipped out on writing, nothing interesting happened. I promise. I do have a recipe to load with a photo, but that would be when I find my cable cord. I had been taking photos on my cell, but it chose to act up.

In the meantime, I am doing well at making good choices. Thursday I had gone to my pastors house for dinner. Catfish, grits, cornbread, beans, coleslaw, and key lime pie...I had a little of each MINUS the grits and cornbread! I thought that was an accomplishment in itself. I've been cooking easy this week so besides the menu I want to load later (Misu Mandarin chicken and garlic green beans)..I have been doing simple fish and beans, fish and veggies, etc.

I have been rather tired and in some minor pain..most of the tired is from the allergy pills I am taking, I take them and I am knocked out for four hours at a time. I am hoping all that will change once I am back on a normal schedule with a job. I have an interview tomorrow! As well, I have been contemplating...returning to modeling early..and just going for a plus size model. I know I may get some scrutiny from the plus size crowd, but to be honest, plus size starts at like anything over a size 8. Not my choice....just the way the world likes to slam women around emotionally. Been talking to some photographers, tossing the idea around.

In the meantime, I have managed to unpack half my car....put nothing has been put away. One load of laundry has been done..but the evil sequin shirt took over that load and now EVERY PIECE OF CLOTHING has sequins to pick off...that devil shirt...is going in the garbage. So cute on the mannequin, so evil in the wash.

Sorry, this entry is so boring, promise to become more interesting as I liven myself up...like I said...allergies...pills...tired....blah....

Until next time..xoxoxo

Day Two

Today was a rather somber day. Woke up feeling like a truck rain me over. Made 2 eggs and 5 slices of turkey bacon for breakfast. Then took a migraine pill and went back to bed for four more hours. Woke up again, made some left over easy peasy chili. Then took my grandmother to the grocery store, we had to buy groceries for mom and sis.

After that, I unpacked some of the car...and hopped in the shower. It was time to surprise one of my best friends at church. Her squeal across the loft was priceless. The sermon was a nice easy one to comprehend. Then...things happened. I had been having a rough few weeks, with the stuff going on in the family.  Finances are crap, school hurt me last year after my injury, and well just everything seems stressful. Now, I may return to a new college, and still be able to help others. I can do all the paperwork now, and be enrolled in January. I am going to discuss this with family, as I have the references who can write my letters for me.

Oh, I did make some maple salmon for dinner, I had mine with a small salad. I did end up eating boneless wings at Applebee's later after church. I'm hoping I don't regret that too much later. I have a lot to write about, about the journey home...but I will do that later. Sweet dreams..it's nearly 2am..bleh.

Day One

So, day one is complete. (Yesterday). However, I was too tired to update the blog. Please forgive me? My day was slow, no real physical activity required. Just getting into the step of things.

I did not eat breakfast as I slept in until I had to go to the grocery store. So therefore, I had a nice hearty lunch of easy peasy chili (recipe in What's Cookin section). After that I had errands and things to do. I did have a small snack of low fat ham and a laughing cow cheese spread. Later my dinner consisted of a marinated turkey burger and a nice large spring salad with just a pinch of cheese and some vidalia onion dressing. I also had a few nibbles of the Sam's Club chicken. I think I consumed way more than 64oz of water. At least 8 cups of orange/passion fruit/jasmine tea. I did treat myself to my sweet tooth of 3 maraschino cherries. All in all I did not have too many hunger pains. I did however, wake up with a small headache. The body has cravings and when you take those away it can get a little attitude problem. All should be fine after today or tomorrow. Weird thing is...I weighed myself on Saturday evening and then again this morning..and it shows like a 10lb difference...in the right direction. I will not give it much merit as it was different times of day and I was wearing more the first day. Either way...as long as it goes DOWN and not UP..I don't care :-)

Easy Peasy Chili $1.23 per serving!

You can barely get a crappy hamburger off a value menu for this price! Here you get a satisfying, hearty, protein filled meal!

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

SHOP AT ALDI AND GET THIS PRICE: $4.91 for 4 servings = $1.23 per serving

1lb ground turkey meat $2.49
(2) 8oz cans tomato sauce .25 each (.50)
(1) can light red kidney beans .55
(1) package of chili seasoning .35
(1) onion-5 onions to a bag .40 each (1.99 cost for whole bag)
1/4 cup happy farms shredded colby/jack cheese .62 (2.49 a bag)

Slice up or slap chop your onion. Brown the turkey. (DO NOT DRAIN)- Once browned, add in the onion and stir. Then add the seasoning and stir until all meat is covered.  Pour in kidney beans (DO NOT DRAIN), and the two cans of sauce. Stir, turn to a simmer for 15 minutes with lid on.

 Serves 4-scoop 1/4 cup cheese on top. Enjoy!

I find this is a great dinner and an even better left over for lunch the next day!

Diet Myth #1

Diet Myth 1: The best way to lose weight is to cut calories dramatically

If you reduce your portion sizes, you will lose weight. However, you need to do this gradually. Weight loss should be about 1 to 2 pound per week. To lose a pound per week, you need to create a calorie deficit of 500 calories a day. Please note diets that provide less than 800 calories a day can increase the risk of diseases related to poor energy and nutrient intakes.
Losing weight gradually is better for your health than fast weight loss. If you lose weight rapidly, you are likely to gain it back. Researchers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend a combination of a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity as the best way to achieve a steady and healthy weight loss.

 

References 

 

• The Weight-control Information Network. Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/myths.htm
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Key Recommendations From the Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
• Calorie Counter (7 Biggest Diet Myths Debunked) 

The time has come...

Well the time has come. I hate stupid "I will start on the 1st of the month" comments. However, sometimes, that's how it works. This time however, it does not work that way. Tomorrow is fourth. Tomorrow is a Monday. I like Mondays...when it pertains to goals. I wish my calendar on the wall started on Monday. Either way, Sunday is an "off" day. Confused yet? :-)

Tomorrow I start the path again with the utensils I have, the knowledge I have gained, and the goals put in place. Tomorrow, I weigh in. (I also purposely loaded up on tons of carbs and crap to gain about 10lbs the past 2-3 weeks, as I know I will lose that alone in week one.) So, tomorrow is weigh in, tomorrow is grocery shopping day, and tomorrow is DAY ONE :-)

Granted, Pam is going to start on Nov 1st, BUT....Nov 1st is a MONDAY :-) So she can get away with it. I set up goals, I have a plan, and now to spring into action. I have put this off for nearly 4yrs now, and I am sick of it. I got ahead, like way ahead 2yrs ago...and even got myself partially on track a year ago..before my leg injury. Now...it's time. If I want to enjoy the things I want to do in life, the jobs I want to pursue, and the ambitions I have for myself...I need to be at least 40-50lbs smaller. I can do this. Everyone says blogging is a new way to hold yourself accountable. I agree. When I ran the research program over a year ago I ran a blog. It worked...then I chose to stop being accountable...and this is where I am now.

So a few things to keep motivated--We will have a Fit Fact as much as possibly, hopefully on a daily routine...but if life gets me busy....we shall understand, right? I will do a weekly weigh in with bmi check and body fat reduction calculation. As well...progress as I go into my certification programs.

If I inspire ONE person a MONTH...I will be happy :-) So here we go!

Done with the job, getting ready to roll

So today...I am done. I did my final day at the call center here in New Jersey. I head home to Tampa, FL shortly...I have goals, dreams, and some aspirations..along with a bit of financial worry. I got a sweet call from a customer. She said I could use her as a reference anytime. A co-worker is going to try to find me a "New Jersey Girls Don't Pump Gas" shirt. That way I have an excuse when I go back to Florida. I have not pumped gas in over four months!

So here I am...watching ANTM and soon Hellcats! Then I need to pack. Tomorrow I go take my car to Firestone to get my alignment (New Jersey is all about jacking up your car on these roads). Gotta help Diane pack her apartment too since she is moving down here.

I'm so ready to get back to doing missions work, going to church, seeing my friends, and starting my new diet plan and fitness regimen. I am giving my friend Pam, bridal boot camp. I am going to assist her with my research and knowledge in health, nutrition, and fitness. She will be the most beautiful bride, she is so beautiful inside and out. I want her to feel her best for her wedding next year.

Oh snapdiddles...Hellcats is on, gotta go ;-) Update more later! HA!

Weight Loss Shopping List-Ketosis Inducing

Medically given list at weight loss clinics, minus the expensive drugs, the $75 weekly visits to get measured.

YOU HAVE TO BE DEDICATED TO ACHIEVE GREATNESS!!!!!!!


The goal of the first 2 to 4 days is to induce ketosis, which means that your body is burning fatty tissue. Split into 2-3 meals a day.

10 Servings per day (maxium 4 from the LEAN LIST)

Very lean List
1oz chicken, turkey (white meat no skin, cornish hen)
1oz fresh or frozen cod, flounder, trout, halibut, or tuna canned in water
1oz crab, lobster, scallops, or shrimp
1oz 1gm or less fat per ounce cheese non fat or 1% cottage cheese or 1/4 cup fat free cheese
OTHER CHOICES: Processed meat with 1gm or less of fat per ounce
2 egg whites
1/4 cup egg substitutes
3oz soft tofu
1 hard boiled egg

LEAN list (make 4 of your 10oz)Beef: USDA select or choice, trimmed of fat, flank steak, tenderloin, t bone, porter house, ground round 1oz
Pork: lean pork, ham, canadian bacon, tenderloin 1oz
lamb, road chop or leg 1oz
Veal, lean chop or roast 1oz
Fish: herring, salmon, catfish 1oz
oysters 6pc
sardines 2pc
Cheese: 1/4 cup of 4% cottage cheese, 2tbsp grated parmesan or 1oz cheese with 3gm fat or less per oz
Other: Hot dogs and processed meats with 3 gms of fat or less per 1oz

This stage starts day 3-4 once you attain ketosis. 10 Protein servings a maximum of 4oz per day can be from the lean list, the remaining 6 should be from the very lean list.

Add in 2 to 4 servings a day from this list:
1 serving= 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked
asparagus
artichoke
bamboo shoots
beans (green or yellow)
broccoli
brussel sprouts
cabbage
cauliflower
celery
cucumber
eggplant
greens, collard
mushrooms
onions, scallions
peppers (gr, red, sweet, hot)
sauerkraut
spinach
radish
apples 1 small
cherries 12
grapes 12
grapefruit half
oranges 1 small
strawberries 6
peach 1 small








Do NOT Eat: starchy vegetables, beets, bread, carrots, corn, pasta, rice, potatoes, yams, or tomatoes
Salad Dressing" 2 tbsp of low fat or fat free dressing with no more than 30 calories per tbsp. You may also use 1 tbsp olive oil and red vinegar
Beverages" calorie free flavored waters, decaf diet sodas, decaf coffee & tea, crystal light, NO MILK, JUICES, or CREAMERS

Daily Fluid Requirements" one gallon= 16 8oz glasses---64oz of your daily fluid must come from water

Free selections" 1/2 cup diet gelatin, lettuce of all types, salt, pepper, seasonings, sprices, fat free broth, red wine vinegar, mustard, miracle whip free, ketchup, cocktail sauce, artificial sweetners, caffeine/sugar free beverages

Homeward Bound..Not the movie!

So, I had bitched and moaned at the opening of this blog, that I wanted to go HOME! I will miss my beau more than anything...he means the world to me. He has changed my panic, worry, and homesickness..it's something a little less dramatic of a situation. He is getting ready to head out of state for awhile for training for a possible promotion. It's worth it. I can't stay here alone...and shitty things are happening in hell "work". The turnover is so damn high, the manager is gone, and it's stressful. Emotionally draining. As well, there are a lot of things to take care of back in Tampa. I'm not giving the exact departure date. Shit! I don't know myself yet. I do know less than 15 days but more than 5.

When I go home, I will be living in a different place than I left. I will be attempting to find a full time job asap, and I will be going back to what I love and enjoy...being a gym rat and nutrition junkie. Being around family helps me absorb the shock of homesickness...who would think? LoL

There are hopes that if the beau takes the promotion, he could transfer to FL. We shall see. We never know which direction our path will take until the next day unfolds. As I write all this, I am a bit teary eyed. I made a good friend in one girl here...someone I will miss. I also am remembering the loss of my grandfather, who passed away 4yrs ago today. Everyday I wear his thumbprint on my necklace..he was the first and only family member I have ever lost. What is loss? Right now I feel LOST..being away from home. Granted, it will not be easy returning. I only have one month of bill money saved up. No job lined up...and need to re-do my resume pronto. I will have some work stuff in the modeling world lined up by March once I finish doing what I need to do to get back to the old me...the me I was before everything went down hill.....4-5 years ago.

So in essence....this is just a swift update...to let you know....I am homeward bound...yea...not the movie. Maybe, just the short novel :-)

Rough few days

Wed evening my mom went in to the ER. She was released at 12am, and at 6am taken back. It all started with a bloody nose that would not stop, then a bloody nose that was choking her as the blood was coming out of her mouth. By Thursday morning she was going into plan a - a simple surgery in the nose with a specialist. The bleeding started again. So at 7pm she went into plan b- another small surgery using a scope. They put some particles on an artery that the blood was coming from. Today has been a stand by day...taking in all phone calls since 7am, apparently my sister and Grams left the hospital at 12am last night and then at 3am Grams  got a call the bleeding started again. Luckily today so far, no bleeding. She will be at the hospital a few days. I feel a bit useless up here, but know I gotta finish what I came to do...and then get the hell back to Florida. I want to thank all my friends and extended family for the prayers and good vibes! I love my mommy so much :-) My sister of course..at 16 has been my rock the past few days...calling me and texting me any and every update. She was there for all the craziness I had in my life back in FL, she is still the stronger of the two of us :-) Here's hoping to a calm weekend and all is well in each of your lives!

One Tree Hill...How I love Thee...

For 7 seasons, I have been loyal. Here is season 8! Possibly..the end :-( So who else was tragically saying a big fat "WTF?!?!?!" To the Clay and Quinn situation? Being the buzz kill I am to myself, I had to start googling spoilers. I am still a bit on edge for the season. So many rumors floating around, a lot of truth I presume as well. Is this the final season? Will they be picked up again? What do the producers have in store for us? Who will live? Who will die? And WHY WHY WHY is Clothes Over Bros gone? I guess I get the point, they want to make the show relate to the audience again. The audience is all bankrupt or in some lame economic situation...that is why they are bring Brooke down.

So we can have good and we can have bad. The what ifs are among us...Will Hailey have a good pregnancy? Will Clay and Quinn survive? Will Mia and Chase get back together or will Alex keep them apart? Will Grubbs ever get his girl on tour? Will Peyton and Lucas return? PS..how old should their kid be now?!?! Will anything crazy and insane happen to lil Scott or his bunny? Will we see Brooke's wedding? ill they sign off the air will Brooke being preggers? Will Sam ever make a reappearance? (PS...Quinton dude is now on Hellcats!!) What is going to happen to Mouth and all the other guys? Will Mr Scott return? Will the ghost of any ones past come back? Crazy Katie and Nanny Carrie are both cast members of Pretty Little Liars now....How did they hop from CW to ABC FAMILY? Whatever....

So much anticipation and no solid answer on how many episodes we REALLY get to answer all these questions. They better not leave me all pissed off like Tru Calling back in 2003-2005...they put the last of Season 2 and the unaired episode on the DVD..but lame asses never even solidified the story line!!!!!!!!!!!

OK...I can breathe now....Until next week....One Tree Hill...How I love thee..

Lazy Pasta Salad

Since I was in pain and was not able to make it to the grocery store...I had to go lazy for an edible meal today. So Lazy Pasta Salad. All ingredients can be found at Aldi.

Whole wheat rotini (I used 3/4 box to make dinner and lunch for tomorrow)

1/2 cup Happy Farms colby/jack shredded cheese

1/2 bag bacon bits

6 tbsp fit and active light Italian parm dressing

*Boil noodles

*Rinse in cold water

*Chill in fridge for 30 minutes

*Sprinkle cheese over it

*Sprinkle bacon bits

*Add dressing

Once all items are there, put a lid on your dish and shake it to get all ingredients mixed. Enjoy!

PS..you won't be seeing too many carb induced meals as I go forward...I am just trying to slowly get rid of food I already have before putting myself into ketosis again to start my new weight loss plan.

Dear Diary...pain sucks

So last night I was really moody...was even being slightly nasty to my new beau. It started pretty much Saturday at work in the afternoon...kept getting chills, sniffles a bit, and a pounding headache. Or, at least what I thought was a headache. I was grumpy through the movie we went to see. Then took some Excedrin Migraine. The pain subsided. Apparently that is all it did. So like I was saying, Sunday I started feeling moody and very irritable...no it's not PMS. That was last week :-) I went to bed at my normal time of around midnight. Set my alarm for work. I kept having nightmares and sharp pains in the neck. The neck pain was imaging from the nightmares of being shot in the neck, a bow and arrow to the neck, etc.

So I wake up, and call work..in tears at this time because I had spent nearly 45 minutes repetitively trying to get out of bed but my neck giving me spams each time. As well, my head was throbbing like a jack hammer was on it. I called out of work and passed out...started with a muscle relaxer to hopefully ease the tension in the neck...I thought at this point I might rip my neck off. Then had some more Excedrin migraine, with the lovely warning on the bottle stating no more than 2 in a 24hr period. Around 2pm when the pain was still not going anywhere..I broke down and called my mother to ask advice on if I should take my script migraine meds since I found two I had left. I finally rolled out of bed after 4pm. Let me tell you I feel like I have been hit by a truck and dragged around a couple blocks.

I have never had these neck spams back in FL, only here...I get migraines that's a given..but I'm so sick of the severe pain it puts me in, driving is basically a no go because you can not turn your head and every few minutes you get a spasm that makes you want to crumble to the floor. Then if you take a muscle relaxer...you are not supposed to drive because it makes you sleepy!!!

I swear I have never been as unhealthy as I am in this state....Can I go home yet?

Here's to the heartbreakers By: Katy McAllister with lyrics

My baby sister sent me this music piece...I think every woman who has ever been hurt can relate to this!

What's for dinner?

Tonight- Cooking for one.

Normally a serving per my requirements is 6 pierogies from Aldi (Cheese and potato)

However, I had 8..they put more in the box for some reason. Normally there are 12 total so 2 meals.

So simple: Put 2 tablespoons of butter into the pan...cut up half an onion...saute

Once all that is in, add in your pierogies. Flip them continuously to brown nicely and stay soft.

Place on plate- put 1/4 cup Aldi Happy Farms cheese on top (Colby Jack blend is best)

Cut into pieces= Enjoy

The time to prep literally is like 1 minute to cut the onion. Cooking time is under 10 minutes total, I prefer to cook it on medium. The box (Bremer brand I believe) states 3 pierogies is a serving, as I said 6 with the onions and cheese make a good meal...but tonight there were my 2 extra so I splurged :-)

Hi my darlin's

Day one- September 12, 2010. My friend Jennye egged me on to start a blog again. The last blog I had followed my vacation in Canada in January. Then life fell apart a bit. Well...it kind of fell apart before then. See, to make a long story short, I was a competitive figure skater..did recreational nationals last year placing 1st in all three of my performances. I also got accepted into a dance program at my college. Then, I was injured. Smashing my left leg in a wooden door. It was pretty  much exactly a year ago when this happened. I can now fully walk without pain and even run to an extent. The nerve damage kept me from walking for nearly two months.

So fast forward to January 2010. I took a trip to Canada. I met someone, they lied, broke my  heart, blah blah blah....later met another guy...who was a cop...who said I could trust him...blah blah blah...he lied...broke my heart...and was a bit psycho to boot..along with his bat shit crazy mother. Then I ran....

I had no scholarships, no money for for my figure skating coach to continue with me, and a crappy part time job. I hauled ass on short notice to New Jersey--AKA--HELL! This state stinks, literally...the people can't drive, the people are rude, and parking is a disaster. Not to mention I hate my job dearly. Maybe I don't hate it...but I certainly do loathe it. However, a sparkle did come my way once I met a certain someone. He knows I have no intent to continue living in this state, my days are numbered (literally on a calendar). But, he sticks around and treats me like a princess....I'm hoping he will journey with me on a short vacation and meet my family and friends....he knew before we went out our first time the consequences of getting involved with a woman like me....I'm not here long...

So now, I stayed in bed most of the day, like I stated before. Jennye egged me on Facebook with peer pressure to start a blog again, since all my friends are blogging now days. Alas...this is where I ended up. Blog Me Fabulous....The only game plan I have going home...is to get my CPR/AED certifications and then get ACE certified in health and weight loss management. Who knows what dizzy mess I will get myself into after that. I'm kind of a nutrition geek...always wanting to make others feel good. I think I would kick ass offering a Bridal Bootcamp :-) I'm a dreamer...what can I say?

Peace, Love, and good chocolate
Calla Nichole Brinly