Cookin' It Up

Food is an important part of a balanced diet. - Fran Lebowitz

I made a conscious effort to cook more at home this week.  Not only is it easier on my pocketbook but it's also much healthier for me.  I can control what I am eating and how it is being prepared.  I need that to keep myself on track with my slow but sure weight loss (down 10 pounds since March - YIPPEE!).

Most of the things I make are modified versions of my favorite foods - turkey burgers, oven-baked chicken tenders, whole grain and flax pancakes.  I'm not much of a cook but I try to make things that are tasty but good for me.  I don't want to give up flavor because I have to watch what I eat.

I had to celebrate my Mexican-American heritage on Cinco De Mayo with some Mexican comfort food but I didn't want to go out and have a plate of greasy nachos (although it was very, VERY tempting to do).  Instead, I made some delicious fish tacos at home.  They were super easy and filling.  I used tilapia filets, added a black bean and corn salsa that I made and topped with shredded cabbage and cilantro.  I also sneaked in a little touch of avocado.  I was pretty proud of myself!

I'm trying to keep the cooking at home thing easy because, I know myself, and if it isn't easy I won't stick with it.  I don't have time to do the whole gourmet cooking thing and, quite frankly, I don't want to be in my kitchen for hours at a time.  It needs to be simple, fresh and healthy.  So far so good!  It's pretty encouraging!

The healthy cooking plus regular walks will continue to give me the results that I need.  Slow and steady wins the race!

Happy Trails!
Valeka   

  

Doin' It

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen.  -  John Wooden

What a great month March was!! I became more consistent with my workouts, continued being mindful of how much I eat (psyllium husk in water before each meal is my new best friend. The fiber fills me up and keeps me from over eating), AND I've eliminated a lot of stress from my life.   

I must say - it's all coming together nicely. As a result, I'm officially down five pounds for the month!  I don't quite SEE a change in my body yet but I'll take the weight loss.  Five pounds may not seem like a lot but it's better than a GAIN any day!  I lost the equivalent of this sack of potatoes.  It's five pounds gone which will help my joints when I walk, wog or run.  Besides, I never liked potatoes very much anyway :-) 

I'm very pleased with my progress and know that April will be just as great if not better!  I must admit, hearing about friends that ran races this past month further fueled the fire in me.  It is something that I miss doing and the only person keeping me from it is me.  For the last two weeks, I have been walking (with a few "sprints" thrown in) twice a day.  Splitting my work outs throughout the day makes it feel less overwhelming and I get more done.  The added bonus is that Big Baby is loving it!  I know that she and I will be in running shape soon!  

Happy Trails!

Valeka