Surviving Christmas

I am here! Christmas was good. And I am not going to lie, not eating meat this holiday was hard. I did it though, and I am proud of myself. Don't tell my mom but if I have to eat wonton salad and rolls at another meal, I might puke. The funny thing about my mom is that she encourages me to lose weight, but then feels supper inconvenienced if I won't eat something. Moms!
Anyway I am super excited about the new year and the new goals I am making for myself. Some people never make New Year's resolutions but I always do. I like the fresh start and the new year. I think its fun.
So my healthy goals for 2010 are:

• Eat Vegan 80% of the time. Why 80% some times it will be impossible to eat vegan. If I am at home for example, or if somebody invites me over or out to dinner.
• Work out 5 times a week
  
• Train for our 5k! Right friends?
• Learn how to cook awesome vegan meals.

I am sure there will be more, but for now those are my goals. Do you guys make New Years Resolutions? What are they? I would love to know.

My Momma

So I am taking off a lot of time for Christmas. I am real excited to go home and just be lazy. This will probably be my last time of doing this......well at least until I marry that millionaire. Anyway There will just be a week where its just me and my mom. I sent her an e-mail telling her that we are going to be trying out some new veg recipes. She replied that as long as she didn't have to eat tree bark she was in. So I am so excited.
So here is to a healthy new year for all!

Meat Me

I am posting this here because a lot of people might wonder why going veg is important to me. I have a lot of reasons personally, but while I am trying not to preach, I think you should at least take a look at the evidence. I think since I have read the China Study.......which I highly recommend. I can let you borrow it, Cancer is probably one of my biggest reasons for me going veg. Probably the biggest excuse I hear is, I love meat. I could never do it, but good for you. But to me cancer is so scary that not eating meat is easy. I am sure we have all be touched by cancer, if this is the preventative cure, wouldn't it be worth it?
To me its a no brainer, and while I am not perfect, and make mistakes. This is the kind of life I want for myself, and someday my future children.
I Found these statistics on a website while "Stumbling", and some of them really made me shiver. A must-read if you need good points to win arguments, or, like me, just aren't as updated on these things as you though you were!


The Hunger Argument

Number of people worldwide who will die as a result of malnutrition this year: 20 million
Number of people who could be adequately fed using land freed if Americans reduced their intake of meat by 10%: 100 million
Percentage of corn grown in the U.S. eaten by people: 20
Percentage of corn grown in the U.S. eaten by livestock: 80
Percentage of oats grown in the U.S. eaten by livestock: 95
Percentage of protein wasted by cycling grain through livestock: 90
How frequently a child dies as a result of malnutrition: every 2.3 seconds
Pounds of potatoes that can be grown on an acre: 40,000
Pounds of beef produced on an acre: 250
Percentage of U.S. farmland devoted to beef production: 56
Pounds of grain and soybeans needed to produce a pound of edible flesh from feedlot beef: 16

The Environmental Argument

Cause of global warming: greenhouse effect
Primary cause of greenhouse effect: carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels
Fossil fuels needed to produce meat-centered diet vs. a meat-free diet: 3 times more
Percentage of U.S. topsoil lost to date: 75
Percentage of U.S. topsoil loss directly related to livestock raising: 85
Number of acres of U.S. forest cleared for cropland to produce meat-centered diet: 260 million
Amount of meat imported to U.S. annually from Central and South America: 300,000,000 pounds
Percentage of Central American children under the age of five who are undernourished: 75
Area of tropical rainforest consumed in every quarter-pound of rainforest beef: 55 square feet
Current rate of species extinction due to destruction of tropical rainforests for meat grazing and other uses: 1,000 per year

The Cancer Argument

Increased risk of breast cancer for women who eat meat daily compared to less than once a week: 3.8 times
For women who eat eggs daily compared to once a week: 2.8 times
For women who eat butter and cheese 2-4 times a week: 3.25 times
Increased risk of fatal ovarian cancer for women who eat eggs 3 or more times a week vs. less than once a week: 3 times
Increased risk of fatal prostate cancer for men who consume meat, cheese, eggs and milk daily vs. sparingly or not at all: 3.6 times.

The Cholesterol Argument

Number of U.S. medical schools: 125
Number requiring a course in nutrition: 30
Nutrition training received by average U.S. physician during four years in medical school: 2.5 hours
Most common cause of death in the U.S.: heart attack
How frequently a heart attack kills in the U.S.: every 45 seconds
Average U.S. man's risk of death from heart attack: 50 percent
Risk of average U.S. man who eats no meat: 15 percent
Risk of average U.S. man who eats no meat, dairy or eggs: 4 percent
Amount you reduce risk of heart attack if you reduce consumption of meat, dairy and eggs by 10 percent: 9 percent
Amount you reduce risk of heart attack if you reduce consumption by 50 percent: 45 percent
Amount you reduce risk if you eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from your diet: 90 percent
Average cholesterol level of people eating meat-centered-diet: 210 mg/dl
Chance of dying from heart disease if you are male and your blood cholesterol level is 210 mg/dl: greater than 50 percent

The Natural Resources Argument

User of more than half of all water used for all purposes in the U.S.: livestock production
Amount of water used in production of the average cow: sufficient to float a destroyer
Gallons of water needed to produce a pound of wheat: 25
Gallons of water needed to produce a pound of California beef: 5,000
Years the world's known oil reserves would last if every human ate a meat-centered diet: 13
Years they would last if human beings no longer ate meat: 260
Calories of fossil fuel expended to get 1 calorie of protein from beef: 78
To get 1 calorie of protein from soybeans: 2
Percentage of all raw materials (base products of farming, forestry and mining, including fossil fuels) consumed by U.S. that is devoted to the production of livestock: 33
Percentage of all raw materials consumed by the U.S. needed to produce a complete vegetarian diet: 2

The Antibiotic Argument

Percentage of U.S. antibiotics fed to livestock: 55
Percentage of staphylococci infections resistant to penicillin in 1960: 13
Percentage resistant in 1988: 91
Response of European Economic Community to routine feeding of antibiotics to livestock: ban
Response of U.S. meat and pharmaceutical industries to routine feeding of antibiotics to livestock: full and complete support

The Pesticide Argument

Common belief: U.S. Department of Agriculture protects our health through meat inspection
Reality: fewer than 1 out of every 250,000 slaughtered animals is tested for toxic chemical residues
Percentage of U.S. mother's milk containing significant levels of DDT: 99
Percentage of U.S. vegetarian mother's milk containing significant levels of DDT: 8
Contamination of breast milk, due to chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides in animal products, found in meat-eating mothers vs. non-meat eating mothers: 35 times higher
Amount of Dieldrin ingested by the average breast-fed American infant: 9 times the permissible level

The Ethical Argument

Number of animals killed for meat per hour in the U.S.: 660,000
Occupation with highest turnover rate in U.S.: slaughterhouse worker
Occupation with highest rate of on-the-job-injury in U.S.: slaughterhouse worker

The Survival Argument

Athlete to win Ironman Triathlon more than twice: Dave Scott (6 time winner)
Food choice of Dave Scott: Vegetarian

Video?

So I am thinking about posting some videos. I know, I feel so cool. So the first video wont be up until after the new year. But the videos will be about cooking. I know funny right? But me and BFFH are going to be doing a vegan cooking day once a month, so look for those. I also have been inspired by some youtubers. I will post the link. This girl doesn't show her face but just the progress of her body. I am not going to be giving you any belly shots. I don't want to make you blind, but maybe something along those lines. Again they wont start until after the holidays because....lets be honest. Who can say no to all the goodies around this time of the year. Although I won't be eating meat. I am still going to cut myself some slack.
Chow!

Whole Foods Haul

This weekend I headed to SLC to see an old friend. I was excited to see this friend but I am not going to lie, I was a little more excited to go to Whole Foods. Whole Foods for those who don't know is a supermarket chain that boasts healthy organic goods. We don't have them around here so I was pumped to see what goodies I could find to try. Whole Foods is expensive! I knew this going in, but Yikes! I think that there is something seriously wrong with a world where you have to pay an arm and a leg to get healthy food, but junk food and fast food is cheap. Boo! However I had saved up some money specifically to head over there. So here are some things that I got:


I was super excited to find this book. I thought I would have to order it on line. I really enjoy reading and researching. I don't like to feel unprepared when people ask me why veg, or vegan. I have been reading so much lately I feel like maybe I could write a book of my own.



Ok this is not food either, but you put food in them. Its a blenderbottle. I think I might get some more of these puppies and give them as baby shower gifts. There is a little whisk ball in the bottle that helps mix up whatever is in the bottle. Like for chocolate milk, or formula, or smoothie, salad dressing....blah blah blah you get the picture. Cool. I read about these online and so I was excited to try them.



I think everybody has probably had couscous before, maybe not even knowing it. But I just picked up a couple of boxes to trade up my rice consumption.


The O.N.E. juice boxes are what I really went after. I had heard raves bout coconut water. And could never find it here in my town. But Here is the link to their website so you can read more about these boxes of liquid "gold" for the body.


I also picked up some organic treats, super yum. I already ate the mango's. That bag is empty. I hope the Chocolate bananas will last longer.


I got some organic sugar too. But the next item hopefully will replace this.

This Agave Nectar is something I am so excited to try. Its a sugar replacement. Its 25% sweeter than sugar, so you don't use as much in cooking or whatever you might use sugar for. Its also vegan and 100% natural. This was not that expensive, if I like it this is going to be a replacement for sugar permanently. Here is more info.


Just some fun pasta! I can't wait to eat this for dinner tomorrow night!



These are Gojo berries. I have been hearing about these for years. These are dried. Its a bummer I couldn't get some fresh ones, but I guess that is the price you pay for living in a dry climate. Its says on the back that I have to soak them in distilled or purified water for 30-60 minutes before eating them, but you can put them in smoothies, cereals, juices, or just snack on them. Yum!



These are flaxseed crackers. I had read about these little babies on vegan blogs too, so I thought I should try them out. Here is more info on the benefits of flaxseed if you are interested.



Here is what they look like opened. Kinda reminds me of my grandma's bird food right? Not going to lie, Kinda tastes like it too. Although they were good. I think next time I will try these again in a different flavor. They were kinda spicy.

Confession Time

Ok, I have not made it to the gym once this week. I know. Bad Katie, bad bad bad. In my defense I was lazy, ok not really a defense but honesty is the best policy. I still have been sticking to my diet.
So I am going to be hitting it hard next week as punishment, also for a tighter tush!
Here are some yummy things I have been eating this week.



I was craving some hummus. I keep forgetting to get crackers, so I put some olive oil in a pan and fried up a few wheat tortillas and just tore them apart.



I know I have already showed you these before, but they are yum! I forget to not fill them full so I end up eating them with a fork. Oh well.

The Mental mile or 3.1 miles

So I am getting excited about this whole 5k thing. I did some research about it yesterday. Click on THIS link. I think back to when I could even run a mile. It was a long long long time ago, and I was super slow... not that it matters right?
So to change the subject for a second, today I was reading a magazine, I know you are all shocked that I would be reading a mag, anyway there was a story about a woman who in her early 30s got diagnosed with M.S. (multiple sclerosis). She was a very active person, I am talking about 30 mile bike rides before breakfast. I sat in shock and thought to myself if a healthy person like that can get that disease then there is no hope for any of us. As I continued to read the article, she talked about how she decided to take a holistic approach as well as a "normal" medical approach. So along with her shots she was taking vitamins and putting good things into her body. But what really stuck with me is the mental approach she took. She posted signs on her mirrors and said to herself daily "Reverse it"......disclaimer here, she did beat the disease. Whether or not you believe in the power of mental health and clarity I believe that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Healing Cancer, M.S.? Maybe, Maybe not but maybe running that 3.1 miles for my 30th birthday is doable. And although I tend to be my own worse enemy like we all do. I am set on having my next 30 be even more fulfilling as the 30 before no matter what I do.

Running from the Zombies

So BFFH sent me a text last night that said, you want to run a 5k with me in the spring? After my initial moment of panic and nausea I said SURE! I am still kind of asking what I got myself into. Last spring I really wanted to make it a goal to do a 5k at the end of the summer, well you know how things go. You get busy and one day of not working out turns into 2 turns into 16, and so I failed. But this time I know BFFH won't let me cop out. That is the best thing about her. She is so encouraging and supportive, and I know I will have to be that way for her if we are going to make it. Since we live in different cities we will have to work out alone, and just push eachother through the phone. Maybe I can talk BFFE into training with me. Maybe BFFH and BFFN can work out together? Maybe SILD can find somebody up there and we can all do it together? Sound fun? Ok!

Pictures of you, pictures of me,

Remind us all of what we used to be. I just saw a recent picture of me on a friends blog, let me just say first of all I never shy away from a camera. I think it had to do with my friends in high school always mugging for the limelight whenever that little flash went off. I think it's an admirable trait, nothing is more annoying than people hiding from the camera when you want to take a picture. Get over yourself! Nobody is perfect we all have bumps and lumps and zits and bad hair days. Just smile. Its easy.
However having seen this picture I mentioned, I kind of felt down. Yuck! Thats really what I look like? No wonder I am .......... I filled in some naughty things about myself.
But then I stopped myself from the downward spiral of depression my mind was taking and was reminded that a bad picture does not a ugly person make.
It just reinforced this journey that I am on right now. Its about health and wellness, and very little do do with how much I weigh...... although dropping the pounds is an added perk.
It also reminded me that you should never judge a book by its cover, and that big lady at my gym who thinks its ok to just wear a tiny tank top? Well good for her, and good for me for even getting my ass to the gym in the first place. Also thanks to BFFH, I needed a little motivation today!

The sickies

I am trying desperately not to get sick, work is super busy and we can't have one more person gone. Also there are a ton of new babies that I have to be able to kiss. I was feeling some scratchies in my throat and the sniffles so I took it easy yesterday and did not workout. I didn't like it. It made me feel yucky. I guess I have formed my workout habit. Yes! My diet it going good, I am trying to work on portion control and with the Christmas holiday just weeks away its going to be a struggle. Good thing I have some elves looking out for me.

Fun Food

I am digging all the new food that I am finding to try. BFH gave me some spaghetti squash and I made the most delicious dinner last night. I am a huge garlic fan so I found this olive oil. Its like heaven. I baked the squash with the olive oil on it, and threw on some sun dried tomatoes and some fresh olives. The olives were intense. I got them special at Freddy's. Those Greeks love the intense flavor of food. Maybe I won't be buying those again.
I had the left overs tonight after my workout. Yummy!
Then I was still wanting something else. So I found this bread with all these seeds and good stuff in it. Its called Dave's killer Bread..... and its vegan! So I slathered some sun butter on it, and some sugar free jam, and I was in heaven.
I am finding it so exciting to try all these foods that I used to avoid in favor of chips and candy. Anyway maybe someday soon when I am feeling more confident about cooking, I will invite everybody over to share the yum!

Here we go again

So I am back, and let me tell you I indulged this weekend. No meat, but pretty much everything else. Its time to kick it in gear this week and the next three weeks until Christmas. I know I said that I am not going to be into numbers, and I am not. But I do know how much I weigh and I have a goal in mind to make for the new year. Its doable and with a little work and perseverance, I know I can do it.
Another goal I am going to be setting for the new year is to eliminate dairy completely. I don't drink milk because yuck, but I do eat a lot of things with milk in them. What does that mean? A lot. It means no ice cream, no cake, cookies...... Not! It just means that all those Vegan cookbooks I have collecting dust on my shelf are going to be put to good use. Also my sister has a co-worker that is a vegan. I am going to try to get in touch with her and talk about what she eats, and to see if she can offer me some tips.
I am realistic. I know where I live and who my family is, but I also know that my family and friends will support me, even if that means I bring my own food when we dine. I hate to use the word vegan. It has so many stigmas that go with it. While I do believe in rights for every living creature I am doing this for my health. The books I have been reading have offered me undeniable truths, and I would like to be around for a while.
Will I mess up? Sure probably thousands of time, what is important to me is that I learn about my body and learn how to fuel without all the extra fats. Its no secret that I have a hard time digesting dairy anyway, so it probably won't pose to much of a challenge......until I see cake!
I also think it will be easier when I move to SoCal. They have restaurants and stores that cater to the hippie crowd ha ha hha.
But until then I will use the resources that I have. The internet is great, also I enjoy reading so I can pick up a book when I need. I figure the new year is a perfect time to start this journey because I will have a whole year until holiday season to really figure out how to cook/make some other dishes that I could add to the festivities.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am still alive! I have been a little under the weather, so I have not worked out since Saturday. And since I am heading home today for the rest of the week to partake of calorie city, Monday is the perfect time to kick it in gear. I am not really worrying about tomorrow. I am going to be there with my family and there will be food. So I can either count calories or have a good day. I am going to have a good day. Also I love me some mashed potatoes so I am pretty pumped about that.
Hope everybody's mashed potato day is as good as mine.
Just real quick I want to say what I am thankful for:
Loving Family
Loving Friends
Good Health
The lord
A car that starts
Laughter
An awesome sense of style.... hahhaha!
Love you lots!

Working out my FRUSTRATIONS!

It was a bad bad bad day at work.... If I had more money saved I think I would have left it for good. I was so grumpy afterwards I talked myself into eating a bag of chips and ice cream, and six hours of movies. Then on the way home I thought to myself that life is full of bad days is one horrible 8 hours really enough to make me break all my good habits and hard work. I turned up the radio and sang along to whatever was playing and by the time I walked into my front door, I had made up my mind to go take it out at the gym. I am really glad I did because not only did I work up a good sweat, I was able to let the day go and just focus on kicking my ass. "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it"I always have liked that quote from Anne of Green Gables and I have thought of it often on days just like today. Tomorrow can be a better day!

Do you know Lawrence Welk?

I think I totally offended the gym lady today. I always just do my business and don't talk to anybody. Rude....? Maybe but I am not there to socialize, plus the other ladies that are working out are old enough to be my grandma, so what do we talk about Frank Sinatra? So anyway she tells me she is "so glad to see me" That's nice, but I am paying to be there and work out not for a social hour. I always notice her watching me, and as soon as the earbuds come out she is talking to me. I am freaking paying to work out, so I pretty much told her that.
Maybe there will be a time when I feel confident enough to go to a "regular" gym and won't have to deal, but I guess until then I will be sweatin with the oldies.

Kickin my own...

So today was another struggle to get to the gym day. I had to bribe myself with a new magazine. It totally worked, I like those things. I am totally somebody who needs incentive. I totally love all your comments and tips! It really helps me feel like I am being held accountable. I also have a dream outfit. It just something simple and will actually fit into my SoCal lifestyle perfectly. And of course flip flops to finish the chill look.
What can I say, I am a simple girl with simple tastes. So what is your motivation?

Pushing through the Mondays

I hate Mondays! I really had to push myself to make a lunch, drink my water and work out. I decided that I was not feeling up to the gym today and came home and did some Billy Blanks! It kicked my tush! I think I might have had an easier time at the gym. I didn't even make it through that Drill Sgt. and his Tae Bo hell!
But I am happy that now I have another form of exercise to add to my routine.
Last night I had a yummy dinner too. I bough some wheat tortillas and make me a hummus, rice veggie wrap. I liked it so much, I think I might have it again tonight.
Also a kink in the chain today..... the bathroom was out of order at work! I had to keep running up the stairs every 30 minutes because I drink so much water. I guess it was good for my buns right?

Sunday Yoga

I have been keeping up with my diet and exercise even If I have not been keeping up with my blog.
I have been pushing myself hard at the gym, and have finally found a play list I think I can live with. I think the thing that I have been struggling most with is the late night eating. I am working on it though and making sure I get my water in too.
Sundays the gym is closed so I was thinking what I could do. Going for a walk is great, but its getting cold and winter winds do not appeal to me. So I thought I would try Yoga. I found myself a beginning yoga dvd and today was my first day. I know it sounds corny, but I like it a lot. After a hard week and before another hard week its good to get some grounding. I am not going to lie, some of the poses are a challenge but I think yoga is less about making sure you do every pose and making sure the ones you can do are right. I am pretty sure I am not going to be doing hand stands anytime soon.
Anyway I have a wish list, I want some kitchen aids to help in my journey. This is a wish list for me to buy, it am not posting it here as a gentle nudge to tell my mom or Santa. Maybe if you could give me some recommendations regarding these items, that would be more helpful.
Kitchen wish list:
Food processor
Food dehydrator
Juicer
Blender(the kind that can cut through steal, ok maybe not.... but a heavy duty one)

Blah

I have no energy today! Tonight I am off with the gym. I am headed to the "Falls" (so silly when people say that) to celebrate turning 8. We are eating buffet style which I know is a serious no no in diet land. I am hoping they have some healthy options for me as well.
Anyway last night I went to the gym, I am still not happy with my play list. I need to do some more tweaking. But after I got home I got a serious case of the Blahs. They have continued through today. I need a bump up of spirit and maybe attitude.
I was watching the biggest loser yesterday and there is/was a girl named Shay on there that weighed over 400 pounds! She is a great motivator but everybody on that show is. So when I get the blahs I need some reminders of why I am doing this, I guess I just need to know that I am not alone. That is why I appreciate your comments so much. I might open this blog up to more people.
Anyway here are a few sites I look at to keep motivated.
Thats Fit
50 incredibly inspiring weight loss blogs
Shay loss ( you know, the guy from Z103)

Raviloli? Holy Cannoli!

Today was another good day! I had to run to the bathroom to pee a lot. Is that TMI? Sorry if it is. At the gym the play list really worked. There are a couple songs that I need to change because they were just not fast enough, but I got a real good sweat.
So part of this whole thing is for me to try and eat healthier. I would say I am an okay eater....maybe its better to say that I am conscious of what I put in my mouth, good or bad. But I have a real problem with portion control. So I am eating smaller meals and more often.
I really am into researching food these days and what is the best for my body. I have had some eye opening experiences. I saw this movie trailer called Food Inc. a while back and it just came out on dvd so I bought it. Its not pushing vegetarianism at all, in fact the guy who is conducting the story orders a cheese burger right off the bat. Its just talking mostly about the food that we get sold in the stores and how the FDA does a piss poor job of taking care of the American citizens. Here is the link: trailer anyway its super interesting, if you want to borrow it, just let me know. I think its something everybody should watch. I truly don't believe that ignorance is bliss like I once did.
Anyway moving on
I had a yummy diner tonight. I found these packs of pasta goodness in Fred Meyer. I love that store. I know its a little more expensive, but they boast the biggest vegetarian and vegan section in Pocatello. This ravioli was in the veg section. So good and not expensive. I know most everybody who reads this blog has a family, so these are for sure not big enough for you, but just perfect for a single like me.
Also its pomegranate season! I love them like a fat kid loves cake.....I also love cake. I know they are a bit messy and a struggle to get open, but for me they are totally worth it.

Monday Music

I am not sure If I am going to post everyday on this blog, but I might just to keep myself honest.
Today was a good day, I drank lots of water, and you were right BFFN, I had to pee a lot! I also went for my workout with my Ipod and it worked great. I kinda felt bad, the lady asked me if I was ok. Oh well she is getting my money shouldn't that be enough? The only problem was that its hard to feel motivated when you listen to Josh Groban, and so I came home and made a new curves play list for my workout:
Crazy-Gnarles Barkley
Stupid Girls-Pink
Dirrty- Christina Aguilera
Fighter- Christina Aguilera
Potential Breakup Song- Aly and Aj
Slow Down-Aly and Aj
Girlfriend-Avril Lavigne
FreakOut- Avril Lavigne
Self Inflicted-Katy Perry
World of Chances- Demi Lovato ( my slow down song)
Party in the USA- Miley Cyrus ( just in case my routine gets messed up and I need a fast song again-Don't mock me, I like this song)
Nobody Knows- Pink ( just another slow down song)

I don't know about you guys but music motivates me, loud fast music! So hopefully this works. I can always make new play lists if I get sick of this one, but for now I am happy.

Weekend worries

I don't know about the rest of you but the weekend are the worst for me pigging out. I really need to set some goals for the weekend. I did do exactly what I thought I was going to do and pigged out. So I did a little research about weekend cravings and found this.

Ways to Control Weekend Eating

• Plan ahead.
• Watch portion sizes.
• Minimize the number of meals you eat at restaurants.
• Beware of buffet style restaurants.
• Concentrate on people and conversation over food.
• Offset weekend eating with extra exercise.
• Track your daily calories on the weekends.
• Change your lifestyle to incorporate healthy food choices on the weekend.
• If you must eat dessert, share with a few people and only take a couple of bites.

All good tips I am going to be trying. I am most worried about when I go home to my mom's house, talk about junk food haven! I also went to the store and got me a few accessories that I think will help my in my journey.
I am sure that they have been around for a while, but I really love the fit and fresh containers that I found. I got a salad one that has a for and a spoon, a little lid for the salad dressing, and an ice pack to keep your food cool. I won't need that as much because I have a fridge in my office, but it will be great when I need to take food somewhere that has no fridge. I also got just a basic container that you can put veggies or fruits, or nuts or leftover whatever also with an ice pack.
The last thing that I got was an ipod arm band for my ipod so that I can take it to the gym or walking.
I mentioned that I go to curves and they have music playing, but a problem that I found with that gym is that the ladies will just talk to you if you let them. Its nice, but I am there to work up a sweat, so I think I will try this out and see if people will leave me to my workout.

H2 to this hizz 0

For my first mini goal I am going to only be drinking water. This is not really that hard of a goal for me. I am not a soda drinker anyway. It burns going down. So while I always reach for water to quench my thirst, I don't do it nearly enough.
Also I tend to over juice if I do drink that stuff. So much sugar!

No water, no go....
What happens to your body when you’re dehydrated?

• Your brain won’t work properly – you’ll be groggy, slow, and feel out of it
• You’ll lose muscle tone
• Your kidneys won’t be able to function; toxins and wastes will back up in your body, making you feel generally crummy
• You’ll have trouble regulating your body temperature; you make feel overheated, or you may feel chronically cold and unable to get warm.
• You’ll get constipated
• Fats stored in your body won’t get used up or metabolized
• You’ll think you’re hungry all the time, and so you’ll be likely to eat more
• Your skin will get dry, itchy, and saggy

Also I recently snagged myself a new BPA free water bottle. I love this thing. Its stainless steel so the water stays cold longer, and is better for the earth. I only like really cold water. Heidi can drink water that has been sitting in her car for hours, Yuck! So for baby step number one Water!

So I have made the decision.....

Now I need a couple things done before I head out in about 8 months. First I need to save save save money. This is a tricky thing for me. I am a notorious spender. But since I have no degree.....yet people, I will probably get down there and have to work where I get a job. I can't be picky.
The second thing I need to do is lose weight! I know right? How many times can a person say that before it starts happening or before she dies. Hello! California is beach weather all year round. Mostly. So I am vowing to get into shape. My hope is to lose about -- pounds, but I am not so much into the numbers as I am into feeling my best. So maybe I shouldn't even put a number. ( I took it out)
I am not sure who I am going to allow to read this blog yet, but you will only be seeing pounds lost....or gained(Boo). You will not get to see a complete weight number. Maybe someday, but for now I say no to that. Also you probably won't be seeing any pictures. Maybe. Who knows its a trial.
Also positive suggestion comments are encouraged. I am going to also work on my cooking skills and make healthy food so any meat free recipes would be great. Thats right kiddos and I totally going vegetarian. I know I have been wishy washy about it in the past, but last summer when I went total veg I managed to lose about 20 pounds and my guts just felt better. So I am doing it and keeping it that way. I have this great cookbook, its super intimidating but I am going to be using it.
Its called: How To Cook Everything-Vegetarian.
I also have a membership to Curves, you know, the fat ladies Gym. It has just been costing me money, but I am going to be putting it to great use. Also I am thinking about taking a spinning class or an aerobics class next semester.
Things that you wont see on this blog:
an everyday food diary- I have tried this in the past and its anoying people don't want to read that crap anyway.
My weight- sorry but its private and super embarasing
Pictures of my body. You all know what I look like. Maybe as I get farther along and you can see a change.
Things you will see:
Recipes
Progress reports
Fit Tips (they will be motivating for me, and maybe for you)
Pictures of food creations- bad and good
Okay I think I have covered the basics.
Wish me luck!