Monday, August 16, 2010

Final Scores

Week 4 scores
Team Utah is 728.6
Team Henderson is 754.9

Final Scores
team Utah 748.8
team Henderson 775.64

Congrats team Henderson!!!! It sounds like everyone has enjoyed the game and especially the results! We are all winners in that respect, but a bet is a bet and we would love to see some fun pictures for anyone that is willing to go through with it;)

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Hello-well only one day left and I already used my free day and free meal early in the week. What a killer-but now I know I can make it for just one and half days more. Something I came acrosss in the Eating for Life book that is better for me and cheaper than Starbucks is: you take a Myloe-plex lite chocolate shake that is already made up(you can find them at Walmart) then you put it in a blender with 10 ice cubes and 1 1/2 teaspoons of decaf instant coffee and blend. It turns out to be a decaf mocha frappucino at about a third the cost. Can't wait until I can have them on a regular basis. Thanks to all for allowing me to be a part of this. Regardless of the outcome between teams I have lost almost 20 pounds since I started eating this way and I know I will continue to follow the program-just not quite as strict. This has been an eye-opener. My family has not complained with the news that we will be staying on this program. They have even started requesting certain dishes and snacks. Again thank you and good luck to everyone.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Positive Outcomes

I think I need to take a minute to focus on all of the good that's come from this diet experience, because I'm starting to get increasingly cranky. :)

1. I have lost about two pounds per week. I had lost a little before we started, so my clothes are fitting a little bit better. I put on a pair of denim capris today, and noticed that I didn't have the "muffin top" look in them anymore. I still can't fit into my smaller clothes, but hopefully I can hold on to some things I've learned here and lose the rest of the weight.

2. My positive habit was to actively play with my kids each day. I was hit and miss before, but they love it when I get involved in their imaginary scenarios. It's been a good thing to make sure I really focus on making time for that daily.

3. My negative habit was to cut down on my computer time. I dislike Facebook, but I spend too much time blogging, emailing, online shopping, etc. Again, it's been good to focus on this problem.

OK, but now I need to complain about one thing. We are getting a lot of good food from our garden. We planted so many cherry tomatoes that we can hardly keep up with them. I don't like the fact that I can't just grab a handful from the bowl whenever I want, since they are so healthy. We've also had a bunch of apricots, strawberries, etc. All the points I've lost have been from unauthorized snacking, but it's often been something healthy. I look forward to eating all I want from our garden - and more cereal - without feeling guilty about letting my team down.

I'm taking my day off on Sat. and my meal off Sunday night. Sundays are so busy that I don't have much time to think about snacking, SO I really just have a couple of days left. I can do it! (Or maybe I can't, really, but I'll be done either way! :)

Monday, August 9, 2010

Week 3 results

Team Utah 716
Team Henderson 771

Keep working hard everyone, only 1 week left in this competition! As Daylemarie said in the post below, we are all better people, and we are making better decisions and that matters more than winners, losers. Finish strong everyone! Until next week...

Get um all moving!

The one thing I have enjoyed most about doing this diet is sharing it with my husband! It has been really great to see him get the concepts of protein, carb and fat! We have gone on line to look at our favorite fast food joints web sights and calorie counters (and vowed to never eat there again, we will see how long that lasts) We eat on our small plates and everything is a lot more colorful and just clean feeling! But mostly I have loved to see us stick to something! Our language is better our prayers are better, our girls eat better! My baby just got done having a peach a pear, some potato and celery! Jayla even eats almonds and string cheese for lunch with me! Your family can do it too I guess is what I mean to say--there is no reason to dumb it down for them! Make the change for the better in all of them! EVEN IF IT MEANS HAULING THEM IN A BIKE TRAILER FOR NOW---SOMEDAY THEY WILL THANK YOU FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE STYLE!!! Good luck on your last week!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Granola!

5 cups oats
2 cups raw almonds (or whatever nut!)
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup flax seed
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
I added 1/3 cup of vanilla protein powder and I think I would add a few teaspoons of vanilla extract!
1 tsp ginger (I used it and think I would leave it out, kinda strong, but if you like ginger go for it!)
1/3 cup agave or honey
3/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
2 TB canola oil
mix dry ingredients
mix wet ingredients
pour wet over dry and press until wet!
heat oven to 300
spread on baking sheets
cook for 40 min to an hour depending on your desired crispness turn every 20 or so!
This goes fabulous in plain yogurt with fresh berries!

Other notes if you haven't discovered hummus as an alternative to mayo (flavor sandwiches and such, and as a dip for veggies) GIVE IT A TRY! Just got done making roasted red pepper hummus! Delicious! Bought some jalapeno at a specialty store too and used it as a sandwich spread!
OH and EDEMAME if you haven't tried it you should too, it is high in protein, low fat and a great evening snack if you have the salt munchies!
Lots of new possibilities keep the recipes coming!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Chocolate Zuchini Muffins
makes 18

1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup oat flour
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup agave nectar
9 tbsp chocolate protein powder
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup skim milk
3/4 cup cocoa powder
4 large egg whites, beaten
2 cups zuchini, shredded

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

line muffin pan with liners, then coat the liners with non-stick cooking spray

In large mixing bowl, sift together wheat flour, oat flour, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Then add wheat germ, protein powder and salt. Stir to combine.

In another bowl, combine applesauce, skim milk, agave nectar, egg whites. Then add to dry bowl. Stir just until mixed. Gently fold in zuchini until evenly combined.

Spoon batter into liners until 3/4 full. Bake until toothpick comes out clean- about 18-22 mins.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Grocery shopping

In the past, I would always have an item or two in my grocery cart that I would feel guilty for buying (Darn those Zingers!). This last shopping trip, I felt healthier just looking at all the yummy healthy foods! This game has opened my eyes to a lot of new, healthy eating options! Thanks for the great game so far everyone!

Ode to Team Utah

I like to thank Team Utah for their success of Week One.
Without the motivation, its not as much fun.
We are halfway through week three and I've already spent
My day off; I look at the rest of the week with discouragement.

I will stay away from the ice cream for my other teammates
I don't want to share the declaration of shame, on my tailgate!
In the book it warned week three can be trying
If I said any different I would be lying.

So bring on the smack, I could use the fun
Daylemarie I have been waiting to see a new one!

Go Team Henderson!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Why I Want to Lose Weight

I am no stranger to curves-I've never been a skinny girl-but since my fourth baby came ten months ago, my formerly hour glass shape is more like a beehive. None of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit so my wardrobe consists of elastic waist workout pants, t-shirts, and the cutest maternity clothes I have. In addition, I have noticed other ailments that I did not have before my body decided to be BFF with this weight: plantar fascitis (I think since my heels are in pain everyday), snoring (which causes my husband to wake me up several times at night), and I sweat more (gross!) I'm not trying to be a size 2, but getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight would be nice, and being healthier is always a good idea.  So the battle of the bulge rages on. . .

Monday, August 2, 2010

Week 2 Results

Team Henderson
811 points

Team Utah
756.87 points

Congrats team Henderson! Good luck next week team Utah, losing promotes motivation!
We are all 1/2 way finished!

Rough Week

Sorry Team Utah! I didn't do as well this week. However, I'm feeling recommited. I need to make a couple of changes, that I'm publicly listing here:

1. Get junk food out of the house. The first week I didn't have any around, but this time we had too many tempting things looking at me from the cupboards and freezer.

2. Stop exercising with my kids on their bikes. My little girl on training wheels is too slow, bless her heart.

3. Don't let the day and meal off ruin everything else I've done. Quality not quantity!

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Week 1 Results

Here are the results for Week One!!

Team Utah = 793.55

Team Henderson = 765.66

Good Job Team Utah! You can do it Team Henderson!!!

Sorry I was using Microsoft excel to add up the points and it led me astray!! I will let Natalie do the figuring from here on out!!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Is cocoa powder allowed-I couldn't find it on the list of things to eat but I know that is not all inclusive?

My apologies!!

I would like to send out an apology to TEAM Henderson! Due to this huge problem I have accepting callings, I have been out of touch will the real world for the past week! I know that many of you down there in Henderson understand the time, effort and more than anything lack of sleep Girls camp is. So I apologize for not getting our teams score together but I am way to exhausted to day to get it all figured out so I am going to post our score for you tomorrow!! Thanks for being so understanding! Christel

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Shrimp Scampi

2 portions whole-wheat penne pasts
1tbsp olice oil
3 cloves garlic,minced
2 portions raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tail off
3tbsp butter buds
3tbsp chicken broth
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 lemon halved
3 tbsp reduced-fat pamesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

cook pasta according to package directions

while pasta is cooking, heat oil and garlic in large skillet over medium heat

Add shrimp to skillet and cook until almost all pink-about 2 mins

add 1 tbsp of Butter Buds and chicken broth saute for 2 more minutes

place cooked pasta in large mixing bowl and combine with remainder of Butter Buds and black pepper- mix gently

add cooked shrimp to pasta and gently mix together

divide into two portions and spoon onto plates top with sqeeze of lemon, parsley and cheese
Creamy Salsa


1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup salsa
1 jalapeno seeded and diced if desired
1 whole wheat flour tortilla
1 cup fresh vegetables cut into dipping sizes

preheat oven to 400

blend cottage cheese and salsa with jalapeno in food processor about 30 seconds

cut tortilla into 12 wedges
place on baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray
bake about 7 min or until lightly toasted

The book said to add 1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt into blender but I did not care for the wange the yogurt gave it.

I have gotten all of these out of the book Eating for Life by Bill Phillips
Golden Pancakes

serves 2(they warm in the microwave really good the following day)

1 cup uncooked whole-grain oats (non-instant)
6 egg whites
1 cup fat-free cottage cheese
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon-I use 1/2 tsp
1 tbsp agave nectar
1/4 any berries warmed slightly

lightly coat a non-stick skillet or griddle
place over medium heat

In a blender place cottage cheese, oatmeal and egg whites
blend for about 1 minute- till everything is chopped up
add vanilla, cinnamon and agave nectar
blend 30 seconds

Pour batter onto skillet 1/4 cup at a time(doesn't have to be exact)
Cook until batter is bubbly on top and dry around edges-about 3 mins
turn and cook other side about 2 more mins

While pancakes are cooking I warm the berries in the microwave for about 30 seconds until they are juicy-my favorites are blueberries with this. You can add sugar free maple syrup for your extra calories that day but I found the berry juice and the fact that the pancakes are so moist you don't need the extra syrup
Grilled Fish Tacos

4 portions of fish-I have been using Swai
8 whole wheat tortillas-6inch
non stick cooking spray
organic seasoning salt-most do not have sugar in them
1 lime
8 lettuce leaves

Salsa
1 avocado diced
1/2 red onion
cilantro to taste
1 lime
fresh jalapenos diced to taste
cumin-can be added as well

coat fish with nonstick cooking spray
add seasoning salt to taste
place on grill for about 5-7 min each side (I use a foil tray on the grill)
right after fish is done squeeze lime juice evenly over all 4 portions

Add diced onion, avocado, jalapenos, cilantro to medium bowl
add lime juice from one lime, add cumin if desired
stir well
place in fridge until fish is done

grill tortillas on hot grill for about 30 seconds on each side

place lettuce in each one of the tortillas
place 1/8th of fish and salsa on top of each lettuce

I have had this dish a couple of times and it is one of my favorites

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Zumba!

My sister bought some Zumba DVDs at a garage sale and never did anything with them, so she just passed them on to me. I'm still on the beginning one. Here is how I look after a couple of times of Zumba:

Seriously, I love this! I went to Guatemala on my mission, and after I got back, I would sometimes go Latin dancing with my friends. It just seemed like the "step-touch, step-touch" move with a lot of hip movement, but now I know how the steps really work. It's fun. Try it!

GOT WATER?


ENOUGH SAID, NOW DOWN IT!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Dramatic Weight Loss

Here I am showing the results of my first week of competition:

Can't wait to see how I look after another week of way too many vegetables!

Apple Pie (kind of)

You begin by coring an apple. Then put the slices in a bowl and add 1/4 c of water. Microwave for 2 minutes. (This makes the apples a little soft and warm.) Then remove the slices from the bowl, put on a plate, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Now eat with some nuts and a string cheese, and you've got yourself a little GAME on TREAT (meal!)
EnjoY!

Monday, July 26, 2010

For Spinach Lovers

Spinach Salad with Penne
9 servings

1 cup uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
7 cups fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
3/4 cup reduced fat balsamic vinaigrette (or balsamic vinegar mixed with olive oil for our purposes)
1/3 cup pine nuts
8 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Optional: chicken or other lean meat

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.

2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cheese, vinaigrette, pine nuts, basil and pasta. Serve immediately.

YUMMMY

Ok so many are feeling like they don't get to eat anything that great. Well we tried this recipe out yesterday and it was sssooooo gooooood! The spices alone were sooooo yummy to smell. In fact this is the first time we have ever used them and definitely not the last. Can't wait to try them with other meat! We even thought the pearl barley wasn't bad, but if you are not a fan you could subsitute wheat rice or couscous. It seems like a lot of work, but it really doesn't take that long. The end result is soo good, it's worth it! (FYI if you do it in the order I put it, dinner will be ready as soon as the pork is cooked.)

Caribbean Pork Tenderloin

3/4 c pearl barley
1 1/2 c reduced sodium vegetable broth
3/4 c water

Place barley in a large sauce pan add veg. broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to med. low, cover and simmer untile barley is tender and liquid is absorbed about 35 min.

Mango Salsa
1 ripe mango peeled, pitted and diced (I would personally use two)
1 red bell pepper, seeded, and chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp lime peel, grated
1 lime, juiced
1/4 c fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp salt

Combined all the ingredient above and mix. Cover and refrigerate to let flavor blend.

Pork

4 portions of pork tenderloin(about 1 lb) trimmed of fat
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp five spice powder (found in Asian food section)
3Tbsp hoisin sauce (found in Asian food section)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 cups baby spinach


Lightly coat a broiler pan with cooking spray. Season pork tenderloin with blakc pepper and five spice powder(we coated it on both sides so we used more than 1 tsp). Place pork in oven and bake 10 min. In a small bowl combine hoisin sauce and sesame oil. Coat tenderloin with sauce and bake until juices run clear, about 15 min. Remove tenderloin from oven, let set 5 min then cut. Divide the spinach between 4 plates. Top each with a portion of sliced tenderloin a spoonful of salsa. Add a portion of barley, serve and enjoy!!

We really loved this and our kids thought it was great tooo. We also grilled our pork instead of cooking it in the oven. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!!!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sauteed Zuchinni

Here is a yummy way to saute up some Zucchini. I know those of us that live in the GREAT STATE of UTAH have zucchini in abundance if we have gardens!

Too bad it is like LIVING ON THE SUN in Henderson and gardens are few and far between!!!

Sauteed Zucchini
Dice up your Zucchini
Pour about a tablespoon of Olive Oil in your pan. Add the diced zucchini. Add some Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (all to your liking). Stir it all together, then put a lid on the top. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes (or until the zucchini is soft) stirring every 3 to 4 minutes. You can add this to pasta if you want or eat it by itself. You can also add some fat-free Parmesan cheese for your protein.

Enjoy!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Busy Eating

So is any one else overwhelmed by the amount of time this takes???? Makes pretty food though! It is amazing what you get when you eat natural, whole, colorful foods! Can you say SPINACH!!! This is quite the adventure! Wishing you all many bright green meals!



(forgot pictures of the other two meals!)

Big Fella Phil's Banana Chocolate Protein Bars

Makes 8 Servings
Olive Oil Cooking Spray
1 cup Oatmeal
5 Scoops ( 1 ounce each) Chocolate Protein Powder
1/2 Cup nonfat Dry Milk Powder
2 Egg Whites
1/4 Cup Fat-Free Cottage Cheese
2 Bananas Mashed
4 Tablespoons Water
2 Tablespoons Agave Nectar
1 1/2 teaspoon Udo's Oil
Dash of Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Raw, Crushed Almonds

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees and spray a 9 x 12 inch casserole with the cooking spray. In a medium bowl combine the oatmeal, chocolate protein powder, and milk powder. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, then add the cottage cheese, bananas, water, Agave Nectar, oil and vanilla extract until blended. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix to combine. Pour the mixture into the pan, sprinkle the almonds on top, and bake for 30 minutes or until edges are browned. To serve cut into 2x3 inch bars!

Enjoy~

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Quick and Easy Snack

2 Low Fat Mozzerella Sticks (String Cheese)
6 cashews
1 apple and 1 plum
or
1 Banana

Counts for all your groups

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Grilled Chicken Tuscan Style

2 portions chicken breast
1 Tlbsp olive oil
2 tomatoes diced
2 Tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Garlic seasonin
1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced, divided
2 portions whole-wheat bread

Preheat grill to high. Place chicken on hot grill and cook for about 6 min., turn and grill for about 6 min more, until no longer pink in hte center

While chicken is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over med.-low heat. Add tomatoes and capers: saute until soft about 10 min. Stir in Mrs. Dash seasoning and 1/2 of the sliced basil; saute 2 more minutes.

Place a portion of chicken on a plate and top with half the tomato and caper mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining fresh basil. Place a portion of the whole wheat bread add a fruit and dinner is served!

You could also add garlic and diced onions to the saute mixture for more flavor.
(Eating for Life by Bill Phillips)

Pointers

I was a psychology major and in one of my classes we spent time discussing how to help over eaters change their habits. Because I know Utah team doesn't have a chance against us anyways, I thought I would go ahead and share these pointers with them as well.

-Don't be the one to clear the table (You are much more likely to add an extra bite here and there as you put the left overs away.)
-Never eat standing up! (You become much more aware of what you are eating and how much if you aren't walking around doing other things.)
-Always arrange all of your food on your plate at once. Your portions will seem much more satisfying if you see all of your meal together instead of snacking it here and there.
-If you get hungry between meals, drink water. I know this one is much more common knowledge, but thirst often gets confused with hunger.

Hope this helps make the competition a bit more competitive! Go team Henderson!!!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Team Henderson's Healthy and Unhealthy Habits

Natalie- write in journal everyday, not raise voice at my family
Kortni- read scriptures everyday, not nag husband
Jordon- read scriptures everyday, not get distracted half way through conversations
Tiffney- write down all expenditures daily, not leave makeup on my face when I go to bed
Brooke- read scriptures everyday, not swear
Sandra- practice piano daily, not go without brush & floss Teeth/ Wash Face
Mandy- read scriptures at least 20 mins every day, not stay up past 10:30PM
Jason- practice piano daily, not stay up past 10:30PM
Carmen-do dishes after each meal, watch TV 1 hour less per day

****Remember not to change your habits or you get a 50 point penalty!

It's About the Game Now

So I got up this morning at 5:40 (that's 7hrs and 40 min of sleep=15pts) to go walking with my friends at 6. I got a text from one of my friends saying she was out of town. Yes, I was tempted to put my head back on my new fluffy pillow, but I thought, "I'm not just doing this to be social, it's about the game now." So I went to the rec center and walked the indoor track for 47 min. even after my other friend didn't show up because it's about the game now. Already this game is motivating me to be more healthy.  Have a great day contestants! (I just earned five points for writing this, right?) 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

WHAT TIME IS IT?????

GAME TIME!!!!!

Team Utah And Team Henderson

LET"S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!

It is finally here! Weigh in tomorrow and keep track of your scores make sure to turn them into your scorekeeper by 12:30 on Monday! Look forward to hearing from you this week!

GOOD LUCK BOTH TEAMS!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Food List to Print Off

Here is how you get to the foods page to print it off. Open up the gameondiet website. Click on Az's tips. Click on FYT foods. Click the link and then print off the Lists. This will be really helpful for planning meals!!

HEADS UPS on dates!!!! We are moving the competition back a week, we will be starting on July 19th!!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Game Is on!!

Here is a little more info on the game. I am thinking of gettingit started the week of July 11th. So we would go from the 11th of July to 9th of August. (Let me know how that works with everyones time frames)

1st : The Website http://www.gameondiet.com/

2nd: The Point System is as follows

You can earn a maximum of 100 points a day for doing the following:
1) Eating 5 balanced meals a day, every 2-4 hours -- 6 points per meal
2) Exercising for at least 20 minutes a day -- 20 points
3) Sleeping for a minimum of 7 hours per night -- 15 points
4) Drinking 3 liters of water a day -- 10 points
5) Adopting a healthy new habit that you practice every day -- 10 points
6) Dropping one unhealthy habit -- 10 points
7) Communicating with your team members every day -- 5 points

You earn penalties (points lost!) for:
1) stepping on the scale more than once a day
2) unsanctioned snacking (you can have as much celery and cucumber as you want throughout the day, plus 100 free calories of whatever once a day, no other snacking)
3) Colluding with the opposing team to get them to break a rule
4) Drinking alcohol (see exception below)
5) changing the healthy or unhealthy habit during the course of the game (you have to pick those and stick to them).
6)Drinking Diet Soda (Not allowed)

It's not about total deprivation as you get:
1) One day off a week, when you don't have to follow any of the rules
2) One meal off a week when you can eat what you want and have one unit of alcohol
3) each day you can have 100 calories of anything as a bonus treat
If you don't lose at least 1% of your weight each week, you lose your alcohol privilege for the duration of the game. The game runs for 4 weeks
Points are handed in once a week and tallied with your teammates. The winning team will get to do something to the losing team that we have yet to determine.

I know that some of you have already told me you are interested in doing this so after reading this if you still are let me know and when we are about to get started we will meet together so we can go over all the rules, come up with a prize and a strategy so we can win!!