Surprise Inside!!

I'm Baaaaaacccckkkkkkkk!!!

Good news Y'all! I didn't fall off the face of the earth; I simply took a break while I strived to hit my first goal. I decided not to post until that magic number popped up on the scale! While I was working my booty off...literally-I had a few adventures!

 I took a vacation one week then spent the next on Spring Break. I voted to spend that week really getting into exercise. The following week after that was my Bday week...so I've been a little busy!

My vacation was really a reward, or more of a celebration. I was hoping to hit the big goal by the time I hit the road for the first vacay of the sunny season, but that isn't what the Lord had in store for me.

What happened on this vacay Cori?

My vacay was EXACTLY what I needed. I took advantage of the gym at the condo and worked out every night. While I was pedalling, lifting, and walking, I met a really nice retired gentleman that opted to work out in his robe and sandals. From what I gather that's his thing...and I'm cool with that. I have no room to speak ill of him because he can out walk and bench more than me any day of the week. He was a little beast!

Headed to the gym!

I enjoyed seafood every night, but in small portions. I ended up saving money because I shared plates or ordered gumbo. I love being money savy!

I made it home relaxed and happy....oh whhyyy???

I found a big sale on bakeware at the Outlet on the way home! After that I was very content riding home watching the Chew with all my new goodies wrapped up in my trunk! :)


Check out some of the temptations my family brought along....

On second thought...Don't look at that crap!

I made it...somehow...still not quite sure how though!


















Next week....

Spring Break What?

I mostly take online classes now, so I can have an open work schedule, so not much changed this week except instead of hitting the books, I hit the pavement. I really got into walking....turns out I love it!

The first day I walked at home I went as far as I could....only one truck backed up to make sure I didn't need help.....HaHaHa

 I wish you could have seen their eyes when I said I was out exercising. They were like "Huh?!?!"

Yes, I'm a big girl in progress....you've got to start somewhere, right?

Since then I have really gotten into a routine of walking most every day, playing a little Wii Fit, or doing one of my DVD's.











Birthday Week yyyaaayyy!

This is what I have been most excited about telling you guys about. So much happened this week. Since I didn't hit my goal weight by my vacation I really worked hard to make it by my bday, but it still didn't happen. The big day came around, I visited family, had dinner with the boyfriend, and spent the evening with my friends.

 Now I realize this seems two levels more fun than watching paint dry, but to me it was just what I wanted!

You see, my friends, for the most part, all live in different states now. We see each other a few times a year. The fact that all of us would be together on my special day made me smile just thinking about it. (Not to take away from what the bf did because it was amazing, but he's on the blog a lot...others aren't) :)

When I arrived at Chris' (one of my oldest friends) we all road down to where the boys set up a fire and chairs (aren't they so sweet). We sat for hours talking about old times and our future plans (as we always do).

At one point I looked down at my phone and noticed one of my friends there had sent me a text that said "You look great, I can tell a big difference, so proud of you, keep it going". This friend always sends me motivation with his texts and is really a part of what gives me drive. Fighting back tears I responded "Thank you, I am trying so hard". You really don't know just how much it means for someone to compliment you on the hard work you are putting in.

After quite some time someone had the bright idea to go ride the ATV's in the freezing cold. There was a freeze warning all during this week might I add!

I don't have any photos of Chris or the other Brit :( I will get some of all of us next time!

Britt and I layering with EVERYTHING we have.

 

We all went and bundled up the best we could and took off into the woods! We road around laughing and talking until the wee hours of the morning. Any time we get together we do stay up all night just to spend as much time as we possibly can. We aren't at bars or whatever else is going on that late at night. We are always at Chris' land...staying out of trouble! We all crank our cars and go home as the sun is coming up, with smiles on our faces and circles around our eyes, from sleep deprivation.

Jonathan and Myself before we faced the weather...he was a little more prepared as you can see!

 

 

I look as big as I use to be with THREE jackets on!!!! These go in the books as some of the worst pictures, but at least you know I wasn't kidding about us bundling up or freezing.

~ Excuse our mismatchedness* these were the only clothes I had in my trunk!

Many people don't know this tid bit of info about me: I don't drink. So for all those little brains that are spinning, thinking "Yeah, she was around that fire drinking", you are incorrect. I have never had the desire to drink...plus I would NOT waste the calories on the junk! I have the type of personality that doesn't need alcohol to shine...I can be me, with my bottle of Smart Water all night long and my friends respect that. To each their own! I don't have an issue with people of the LEGAL age making their own decisions....mine is just to not partake.

After our adventure was over I went home feeling much like a popsicle. The next day I had so much energy that I worked out twice that day! The following day after that I walked a little further than normal. I realized how much I needed to see my friends to refuel my soul! I was on top of everything again, full of love and excitement.

At the moment, as I was walking up the biggest hill on my walk , I saw just how much those people mean to me! Even if we are ten hours away I would still be there in a minute if they needed me. I don't want to loose the feeling I have and am determined to see them all more! They are my second family....and we always need family to keep us going.

Chris and Jonathan

Both these boys have a special place in my heart. They don't come as great as these two, ladies... I am beyond lucky to have them as friends...and you will never hear me say they don't spoil me because they certainly make everything about us!

*Take Note Guys*

 

Whatever ladies walk down the aisle to these boys WILL be amazing...because they have to be approved by the Britt's and myself.  

 

 

...there isn't a picture of all three of us girls, sorry!

So two days after my bday I jump on the scale and.....DRUM ROLL..........I FINALLY HIT MY FIRST GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess my friends gave me that push I needed.

 I have officially lost 50 POUNDS!!!

50 down and not clownin' around!!

 

Wednesday morning when I stepped on the scale and saw that golden number I couldn't wait to head to work! As soon as I jumped in the car I dialed that number I've been waiting for...my grandparents. Shockingly my grandpa answered the phone...my grandmother never lets him get it first. When I told him he said, "Baby, I'm really proud of you"...that's all it took....I was fighting back tears again and I AM NOT a person that cries often. I always want his approval and the easiest is with school because it comes naturally, but I know how much getting the weight off means to him. As I strutted down the long hall to my office I had a huge smile on my face and a nice prancey pace!

 

So much has happened during the first 50 pound struggle! I have learned to love my flaws because I am a 'work in progress'. I still have many more goals to hit, but I am much further than I was and a lot further than all the people still sitting on their couches.

I am much more confident now! I'm getting 'the old Cori personality' back and am not afraid to leave anyone behind that can't love me for me! One thing for sure -I have not changed...I am much happier now and in return probably a little nicer. HaHa!

 I never want people to think I am different because I can fit on all the rides at the fair now...aka because I have lost my butt...and everywhere else the weight has disappeared from, so I am more determined than ever to show people you can still be kind after a transformation.


Anyway...

I have a really good routine now and will keep going! Also I will have more 'Week of Dinners' for you all very soon. I am honestly still enjoying the moment I have looked forward to for months!

I only have a couple pictures of my birthday...it was way too cold...we all looked like little snowmen, but I do have photos along the way of my FIRST 50 AND THE BEACH! Beware I don't have makeup on in all of these photos ;)

 

I feel so lucky to be making progress!!!

 

 

BEFORE....YUCK! Hypothyroidism had kicked my big booty.

 

 

 

 

Now...first 50 down...the journey thus far.

 

I still have a lot to loose....so off I go to work on my second 50!

 

Until Next Time,

Be the best you can be!

 

XOXO

 

Cori

Snack Attack

 I'm constantly looking for new snacks to keep things new and fresh.

                     Here are a few things I'm snacking on this week!

Swirl Cinnamon Bread with Smucker's Natural Creamy Peanut Butter with a Dash of Cinnamon to Speed Metabolism

 

 

 

Snacks for Work

 

Protein Shake, Lemon Water, Decaf Iced Green Tea Strawberry Acai

Weight Watchers Cheese, Veggies, Spinach-Strawberry Salad, Almonds

 

 

 

Oatmeal, Decaf Tea, Peanut Butter, Weight Watchers Cheese,

 Low Sodium Almonds, Cashews, Kashi Cereal Honey Almond Flax and Strawberry Field

 

 

Nacho Snack

 

Sage Valley Yellow Corn Chips 7 chips is 70 calories

Pace Salsa 2 Tbsp 10 calories

Light Sour Cream 1 Tbsp 20 calories

Shredded Cheese 1/8 cup 23 calories

 

Total: 123 calories

 

That's all I normally do for these nachos, but I made it my dinner one night by adding spinach and  cutting up a turkey patty from the night before.

 

 

 

I keep Veggies in my house at all times.

This week I'm working with Spinach, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery, and Snow Peas!

 

  

 

Veggies and my protein shake for my morning snacks!

 

 

 

Swirl Bread, Peanut Butter, Sugar Free Jello, Strawberry Yogurt, Kashi Cereal-Honey Almond Flax and Strawberry Fields, and

...MY FAVORITE SNACK EVERRRRRRR Okra Chips!!!!!

 

These are beyond good!

 

 

Spinach-Strawberry Salad

This will be on my 'Week of Dinners' post next week!

 

                                    Drink of Champions

 

 

 

Sugar Free Chocolate Pie

 

Pie Shell

Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding (Either 4 individual puddings from the 4 pack or a small pudding mix)

Light Fat Free Cool Whip

 

This Pie is just right for that sweet tooth.

When you start craving chocolate or something sweet run to this instead of cake or candy bars.

 

This Pie takes me 5 minutes to make and helps me get through those moments in life when I need to eat...aka when I'm stressed. Needless to say I always keep these ingredients on hand.

 

 

I am not that much of a sweet tooth person, but when I need that something extra I also have strawberries and cool whip at times. It's just right for the night snack.

 

 

Hope this inpsires you to try new foods! Until my next snack attack post!

 

Be the best you can be!

 

XOXO

Cori

A Week of Dinners (1)

So many people ask me where I get my meal ideas from. Mostly from just thinking of different foods that I would like to incorporate into my diet. When I come up short on ideas I search bhg.com for quick healthy meals. I normally read a recipe then turn it into my own creation. I don't want 17 ingredients to cook with-8 of those being things I have never heard of. I like to keep things simple. If my local grocery store doesn't carry it, I probably won't be using it. You can always take the main idea of a recipe and alter it to the things you have in your kitchen.

I understand that some people don't like thinking up meals. They want that cheat sheet put in front of them...well consider me your cheat! As I make new things I will give you the recipe with pictures of all the yumminess I'm cooking up. I am going to call these posts 'A Week Of Dinners'. I will do five meals on each post...some nights I might do a repeat of a meal I have cooked before or a Cuginos soup (I'll tell you about those later), so that's why there will be five instead of seven. Five meals that I have created that I know you can too!


Dinner One:
Shrimp and Pineapple

 

 

Ingredients:

 

Frozen bag of shrimp

Small can of pineapple

Old Bay seasoning

 

Shrimp and Pineapple is simply that. I grabbed a bag of frozen shrimp from my freezer ($5.00 at Walmart raw or cooked works fine), a small can of pineapple from my pantry, and a little Old Bay seasoning.

 

Put a little I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! in your skillet, toss the bag of shrimp and Old bay in next. Cook each side a few minutes, about 3 - 4 on each side. Now chuck in the can of pineapple. Let the two simmer together long enough for them to marry...a few minutes.

 

TADA~ you are done. This is a meal that takes literally minutes!

I'm going to do shrimp skewers with pineapple chunks next time.

 

 

 

Dinner Two:

Pizza

 

 

 

This Pizza can be made two ways with two different types of bread.

 

 

Type One: Hot Pizza

Ingredients:

Joseph's Mini Pizza Shells (Sold in Walmart Deli)
Shredded Cheese
Tomato Sauce (small can works)
Can Chicken
Can Shrimp
Bacon Bits (the ones in a bag....they are similar to real bits)
All the veggies you like! I use the following
Bell Pepper-any color you can find.
Jalapeno

Spread the tomato sauce first then toss all the ingredients on a shell. Then bake for 12 minutes at 350. (Use the back of the shell bag for time to bake). This recipe is so filling, low in calories, and packed with protein.

Type Two: Cold Pizza

Ingredients:

Joseph's Mini Pizza Shells (Sold in Walmart Deli)
Shredded Cheese
Cream Cheese Spread or Cream Cheese
Ranch Seasoning Mix
Can Chicken
Can Shrimp
Bacon Bits (the ones in a bag....they are similar to real bits)
All the veggies you like! I use the following
Bell Pepper-any color you can find.
Jalapeno

These are cooked a little different.

Bake the shells for 12 minutes at 350 then take them out of the oven. Place the cream cheese down first then sprinkle with ranch powder (you can mix the cream cheese and ranch powder together if you wish). I don't use an entire packet of the ranch...just guesstimate here. Next place all the meat and veggies on and top with shredded cheese. That's it- another filling meal is complete.

If you want to make an entire large pizza you can buy the premade pizza shells or a couple bags of the dough mix and make your own pizza dough. I did this last night. It actually turned out just like Pizza Hut minus the fat and grease! Both small and large pizza dough is so yummy!

Try this - you won't be disappointed! This recipe is about making it your own! Use the veggies you like.


Dinner Three:
Taco Salad

Taco salad is simple.

Ingredients:

Turkey Meat
Taco Seasoning Packet
Lettuce
Veggies
Can Kidney Beans
Can Tomatos
Can Corn
Pace Salsa
Shredded Cheese
Tortilla Chips- I use Sage Valley Yellow Corn ones....7 chips is 70 calories...and they are huge
Lite Sour Cream
Lite Ranch

Ground your turkey meat and add taco seasoning per the packet directions. While that is cooking either microwave or use the stovetop to cook the beans, tomatos, and corn in seperate bowls. Drain the meat, beans, corn, and tomatos. It's very simple-Toss into a bowl: lettuce, veggies...love some green bell peppers, beans, corn, & tomatos. Next sprinkle some cheese, a little salsa (2 Tbsp is only 10 calories), a dab of sour cream or ranch, add a few chips and you are done!

 Quick, Easy, and Yummy!


Dinner Four:
Maple Pork Chops and Cabbage with Sausage

Ingredients:

Pork Chops (bone in or out)
Lite Sugar Free Syrup
Cabbage
Turkey Sausage

Marinate the pork chops in the syrup then bake. Times to cook will depend on the meat you buy. Normally I cook mine at 350 for 20 minutes, the chops shown took longer because they are much larger and thicker than the normally ones hanging out in my freezer. I sprinkle a little meat tenderizer on mine to make sure every bite is tender.

Cut and wash the cabbage then toss in a pot of water. Cut the turkey sausage and add to the cabbage with a spinkle of salt. Cook on stove top until cabbage is tender.

This meal is something your grandmother would make without all the calories. The sweet pork chops is heavenly and just the right flavor. Give it a try!



Dinner Five:
Chicken Piccata (my way)

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts or fingers
Lemon
Mrs. Dash Seasoning

Dab a little olive oil on the chicken, dash of salt, & a sprinkle of Mrs. Dash seasoning (garlic and herb) - you can leave that seasoning out or add it for more flavor. Take lemon slices and place on top of the chicken. Bake in a foil lined pan at 375 for about an hour or until chicken is done. I pair this with roasted potatoes or asparagus.

This is great for nights you don't have time to deal with several ingredients.



Next week I will have more meals and a surprise for you guys!!!

Go try the meals from this week and tell me how you like them! I'm also posting more snack ideas today, so don't forget to grab your shopping sheet and add those items to your list!

Until Next Time, Be the Best You Can Be!

XOXO
Cori