Chilly Dilemma

I couldnt' have started this new-me adventure at a worse time, I swear it. Not only did I start it right before the holidays AND during football season but I also started it when the mornings are getting progressively colder making it clear that I cannot continue to take my morning walks because I also happen to push my little boy around while doing it. His poor cheeks (which are quite massive, btw) are red by the time we return home no matter what type of warm clothing and blankets I bestow upon him.

Yesterday we had to skip our morning walk anyway because it turns out we needed diapers and formula. So instead we piled into the car and did our quick shopping. By the time we got back there was definitely no time left before I had to work. So I decided to walk during my half hour lunch break. Boy was I glad I did that! The sun was shining and it was more comfortable, temperature-wise. And by the time I got back to work I felt more energized and ready to take on the back half of the day. WHYYYYY did I not do this sooner?

Now. This new routine may work well for now. But I must remember that I DO live in New England, after all, and the flurries will be coming soon followed by large snow banks and icy roadways. I don't really want to go to the gym. It's not my thing. My husband digs it, which is fine. But me? Nahhh.

So I ask: What sort of things can I do during the snowy months to stay active and burn calories? I've considered just doing laps in my own house but I might get dizzy. I've also considered trying to find someone selling a used treadmill but it doesn't seem financially feasable at this time. I am also considering purchasing the Wii Fit (Does that even WORK?). So I am open to suggestion. Help me out here.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers

So I figured I'd start off with what I had for dinner TONIGHT!

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Packages Al Fresco Italian Chicken Sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Yellow Onion, cut into strips
• 2 (15 oz) cans Stewed Tomatoes
• 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
• 1 package McCormick® Slow Cookers Italian Herb Chicken Seasoning Mix

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker/crockpot and mix well.

2. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

Serve over brown rice if desired (calories not counted in nutritional assessment)

NURTRITIONAL INFO:

(Per Serving)

Calories: 232

Fat: 7

Carbs: 32

Protein: 17

Sugar: 21
Iron: 17

Rumbly in my Tumbly

Well hello!

I suppose I should first start off by introducing myself. My name is Amy. I am a mom of twin girls who are in middle school and a 9 month old son. I am married to a wonderful man and have a job in human services. In September 2003 I had gastric bypass at the tender age of 23. At that time I was around 250 lbs. I can't be sure of the exact weight because I refused to acknowledge scales. By August 2004 I had gotten down to 127 lbs. I felt fantastic! Somewhere along the line I started to not care so much about what I was putting in my mouth. The past couple of years I just let myself go. Not sure why, either. In any case my husband and I decided to start using the MyFitnessPal app on our phones to track calories. Since then I have become slightly obsessed. I have also lost 5 lbs in the past two weeks. So yay! My goal is to get back down to 130 lbs or less.

Since I've become a calorie counting fanatic I have been hunting for low calorie recipes and giving my favorite recipes healthier make-overs. I thought it would be useful to share some of my newfound knowledge with people and share inspiration.

What to expect from this blog:

• Low Calorie/Healthier recipes (which will include photos and nutritional information)
• Low Calorie snacking ideas
• Exercise tips and tricks
• Weekly Weigh-In for myself (whether it's good or bad)
• I will respond to any questions or comments you have while being respectful (I ask you to do the same)
• Funny anecdotes to make you smile

I hope that you all enjoy this blog. It's something that will help me stay on track and I hope it inspires you to do the same.