About Me

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I am a former career girl and am now a stay-at-home-mom to 2 amazing little girls. Exercise and "dieting" have never been easy for me. But now more than ever, I am determined to adhere to a more active, healthy lifestyle. I am not dieting - just making smarter, more natural food choices. I want to set a great example for my girls. I starting running last year with the Couch-to-5K running program. I've lost over 35 pounds since last year and I want to lose 60 more. I completed my first race (a 5K) in October and I running a 10K by this summer. My long-term goal is ultimately to run a half-marathon in 2012. I've created this blog to put it all out there and most of all - to keep me honest. I include a tested recipe & inspiring workout song on each post. I am also hoping to inspire and be inspired by you! I would love for you to join me for this journey and become an official follower of this blog!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Losing Weight & Not Hungry (Really) - Part 1

I'm not starving right now as I'm writing this and I'm not starving myself with this change to my overall diet - honestly!

I am doing 5 things:
 1.Eating more natural, healthier foods
 2.Eating reasonable portions
 3.Eating well balanced meals
 4.Eating a variety of foods
 5.Only eating when I am hungry

And I've lost 9 pounds in two and a half weeks. I think that is more successful than any other previous "diet" I have been on. This is also NOT a diet. I am not counting calories and I am allowing myself things I like (like cheese and pine nuts on salads, red meat & even butter in recipes yikes!). I know the running program is also helping. For those not sure about starting it - that it might be too much of commitment... It is 3 days per week for 25 minutes or so - totally doable. I actually like to do it every other day. I find it easier that way - so technically for me it's 4 days per week. 

Here's some detail into the ways I have changed my diet.

1. Eating more natural/healthier foods:
- I've always made sure that my daughter has eaten this way when possible through the food I have made her since she started eating solid food- and at some point I realized - aren't I worth it too?
- Seeing Food Inc. when it first came out really opened my eyes to how bad certain foods really can be. 
- In order to do this I've had to start cooking more and planning ahead. I am more organized and the whole family is going to be better because of it. 
- I actually feel a lot better physically already from making this change. 

Tips- It is more expensive and takes a lot more time to eat this way. Going to your local farmers market this summer can help reduce costs.  I've also found that Trader Joe's has the best prices on a lot of the natural food items by far vs. natural food stores which are usually a rip off. In terms of time, I wash and cut things every few days and store in zip lock bags or containers for easy/quick access - so time can never be an excuse. If you feel like eating something you used to really like, try to find a healthier recipe for it online - that's what I've been doing.

2. Eating Reasonable Portions:
Let's face it... After being on probably 20 different types of diets over the span of my life thus far including weight watchers about 4 times - I know what a real portion size should be, however eating one has always been a problem. And eating the right size portion has been the hardest part for me so far. The food tastes good and most of the time I do want more than what I actually eat. Not because I am that hungry...mainly because I used to like the feeling of being pretty full.

Tips-Eat a reasonable portion. If you still feel like you are hungry have a cup of tea (green if it's early enough in the day or herbal. I like Celestial Seasonings sleepytime). If you still feel hungry 1/2 hour later, let your self eat something else that's less calories than another portion of what you are eating. Something different with protein/fat - like a mozzarella string cheese or I also like Sunrise Energy Bars (you can find them at Costco). Also if you are trying to break the old habit of ending a meal with something sweet (which I almost always did last time I was pregnant), try a flavored coffee with skim milk - it's worked for me.

So I don't make this post a novella... I am breaking it up into 2 separate posts. My next post will include details of the remaining 3 changes to my diet and how they've been successful for me this far - including tips that have worked for me!

On a side note... I want to be extremely honest... this giant change in my life feels good - especially the running part but it isn't easy and I don't want to pretend that it is. When I have a bad day or night - I really want to turn to food but I haven't and that's been hard. Hopefully some of these tips will help you out as much as they've helped me so far. 

Question for followers/blog viewers: Are you liking reading this blog so far (is there something you want more / less information about?)  Are there any songs that are really motivating you these days?

SONG THAT KEPT ME RUNNING THIS WEEK: "Pump Up the Jam" Technotronic (old school i know!)
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE: Whole Wheat Pasta with Edamame, Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes (adapted from Nancee Melin's recipe in August's Cooking Light)

Whole Wheat Pasta with Edamame, Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes
What I like about this recipe is that it is vegetarian - and I think it is hard to find recipes that are vegetarian and filling. BUT I have to disclaim this recipe. It wasn't my husbands favorite - I think it was a little too natural for him (lol!). I don't know if it's because I cooked it so late that night for our dinner, but I actually liked it better cold the next day for lunch :). This is a recipe where you could definitely save money if you get the herbs etc. from the farmers market. ALSO - It's very important to hear to use high quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for flavor - without it, this dish would be pretty bland.
8 ounces uncooked whole-wheat penne
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans), thawed
2 cups loosely packed baby arugula
1.5 cups grape tomatoes roasted
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ounces fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shaved

1. Roast washed grape tomatos plain on a cookie sheet in a 375 degree oven until the skin looks crinkled (about 10 minutes or so) 2. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. 
3. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add edamame to pan; cook 2 minutes or until edamame are thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Combine pasta and edamame in a large bowl. Stir in arugula and next 6 ingredients (through salt), tossing well. Sprinkle each serving with cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.





13 comments:

  1. Great job, Kelli! I love your tips -- they are very helpful, especially considering the fact that I have similar issues.... wanting to feel "full" rather than just "not hungry", and wanting to end the meal with something sweet. I got into that when I was pregnant as well, so it must be the hormones!

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  2. Also, the pasta dish looks fantastic! Did YOU like it? I love vegetarian dishes, and the ingredients are some of my favorites.

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  3. What does edamame taste like? I've always wondered.

    I enjoy your blog...it's a great blend of personal info, helpful advice, fun music, and tasty recipes! :)

    I have playlists posted on my blog if you're interested in song ideas.

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  4. @Amy - thanks :). I think the pasta looks prettier than it tasted. Don't get me wrong - it was still good or I wouldn't have posted it - but I think it's a better lunch than dinner maybe? I l liked it better cold the next day.

    @Thanks Rochester for the feedback. I will def. check out your blog.
    Hmmmm. edamame is hard to explain. It kind of tastes like hard lima bean but with much of a less stronger taste - but they are a great source of protein.

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  5. i saw your blog posted on the c25k facebook page - i love it! i love the idea of the recipe and song because i'm always needing more inspiration, whether it's for my run or in the kitchen!

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  6. I saw your blog on Facebook too. I really love your advice, insight and determination. You really are inspiring!!

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  7. I too saw your post on the C25K facebook page...digging your blog for sure! You've definitely given me some new ideas for food and my c25k playlists.

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  8. You are an inspiration! I too have two kids - 9 and 10. I never struggled with weight till after having them within 18 months of each other and going through a rough time in my marriage. I am now a single mother who works full time on the side so time is precious to me - so 30 minutes only 3 times per week works well for me. I will begin the c25k program on Monday though I've been doing some walking/running intervals over the past few weeks. Your inspiration continues...I've also decided to start a blog about myself and my journey to becomming a runner - wow, I can't believe I just said that!! Thanks so much, Jenna

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  10. Sorry...my fat fingers got in the way of my thoughts...and I hit the 'Post Comment' too quickly.
    Love your blog Kelli...great tips, ideas and honesty! This C25K journey ISN'T easy, but if it were, we'd have been doing it years ago, right? Keep up the great work...glad to follow you!
    My motivational song today was...Theme from Rocky. lol. Now THAT'S old school!
    Keep runnin' sweetie...we can do this!!
    Connie

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  11. did I happen to mention that you are my hero, inspirationa and truly awesome?

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  12. love your blog- restarting C25k. I love running to Super massive Black Hole, by Muse.

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  13. thanks so much deann - gotta love muse. a different muse song is a one that kept me running this week and is going to be featured on the blog :)

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