Getting Frustrated

As of today I haven't lost any more weight.  I'm growing a bit frustrated.  I feel that my diet has been pretty spot on and I've been going to the gym at least 3 times a week.  There's gotta be something slightly off.  I just need to figure out what it is.  In the mean time.  I'm trying to keep a positive outlook on things and keep motivated!

I got my BodyMedia armband last week too.  I am super excited to have it.  Its really nice to see how everything stacks up throughout the day.  I have discovered that I sleep pretty horribly though.  I'm sure this could be a contributor to my lack of energy and frustrations.  On average I'm only getting about 5 1/2 hours of sleep a night.  I always thought I slept a lot better than that!  Crazy!  I'm gonna give it another week before I sit and really analyze the data that it's collected.  I'm sure it can give me some insight to what I need to do!

I have been really enjoying the weight lifting that I've been doing at the gym the past couple weeks.  I have noticed my muscles improving.  The pain will all pay off in the end!  I'm so glad I've got James to help show me the ropes.  I don't feel as silly with him there.

Despite all of the frustrations this week, I do know this... I'm going to keep my head up and push through the frustrations.  I WILL lose the weight I don't want to carry around anymore!  I will keep a positive outlook on this and I will conquer!

Parmesan Zucchini & Summer Squash

So in my endeavors to eat healthy I came across something that I must share.

As a preface, I love zucchini.  As a kid I remember my mom always having a garden full of fresh veggies.  During the summer she would always make the most delicious breaded zucchini chips.   Take something relatively healthy, coat them in egg and flour and then fry in butter.  Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Now a days I definitely try to steer clear of foods fried in butter or oil so I have altered the usual fried zucchini my mom would make and came up with my own version of deliciousness!

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini and Summer Squash

Here's what you need:

2 Medium Sized Zucchini
2 Medium Sized Summer Squash
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
3 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt (garlic salt can be used in place of regular salt) and Pepper to taste

Slice the zucchini and squash into thin slices.  I use my mandolin slicer.  Quick and easy, just watch your fingers!

Place the zucchini and squash into a bowl.  Add the olive oil and salt and pepper.  I often like to use a little bit of garlic salt for added flavor.  Mix the zucchini and squash with the oil and seasoning to ensure each piece is coated well.

Arrange the zucchini and squash on a cookie sheet in a thin layer.  Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.  Turn to broil and place cookie sheet on top rack to crisp cheese.  Remove from oven after cheese has browned (typically no more than 5 minutes).

Serve immediately!  Enjoy!

Recipe above serves 4 a generous amount (I could eat the whole pan though).


Nutrition Information:


Calories - 163
Calories from fat - 117
Total fat - 13.7g
Saturated fat - 3.4g
Polyunsaturated fat - 0.1g
Monounsaturated fat - 0.8g
Cholesterol - 8g
Sodium - 190mg
Carbohydrates - 7g
Dietary fiber - 2.2g
Sugars - 3.4g
Protein - 6.2g

Motivated!

I'm feeling great this morning.  The number on the scale has been agreeing with me this past week.  There's nothing like actually seeing the numbers go down to give you some much needed motivation!

Start your success with the LIVESTRONG.COM calorie counter.

I finally go to the store and bought my favorite multivitamin last week.  Maybe it's in my head, but I think they help me out a ton.  If nothing else, I'm at least taking a multivitamin.  :)  I'm personally a huge fan of the GNC vitamins for women.  I personally take the Women's Ultra Mega Energy & Metabolism.  Before I miscarried, I also took their prenatal vitamins.  Both were great.  

I'm rather excited for this week.  I've decided to follow James around the gym so I can utilize my time there better.  He know what to do to work each muscle group a lot better than I do.  He's worked out in the past and has done really well.  I still feel like a fish out of water when using the equipment.  I know my muscles are going to be super sore but I'm totally looking forward to it.  I know that building muscle is an important part of weight loss.  This picture shows the different in volume of fat vs. muscle.  I want more muscle than fat!

I'm also exicted for this week because I will be getting an armband from Body Media .  I have done my research and I believe this may end up being the best aid in my weight loss.  I'm getting the Link Armband, which is Bluetooth enabled.

The armband will track everything day in, day out (that includes sleep patterns).  It will then link directly to my iPhone via an app and upload all of my information there.  I will be able to view the data and make what tweaks are needed to my daily routines.  The only thing I will have to do is enter my meals.  I'm super stoked to try this out.  It says that those who have used Body Media have had 3 times more success in weight loss. 

A few other things that are helping encourage me along...

IF THIS ISN'T MOTIVATING, I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS!

 

SOOOO TRUE!!

I AM STRONG!!

For anyone else out there trying to lose weight, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!  It might not be easy right now but it will all pay off in the end!  Something that I keep reminding myself, THIS ISN'T A DIET!  IT'S A LIFE CHANGE!  You have to realize that you aren't going to go the rest of your life without eating a piece of cake or having a bowl of ice cream.  It's all about moderation.  The sacrifices you're making now are blessing in disguise.  :)