New Home Gym!!

WELCOME!!! We got a new elliptical and bench so fitness should no longer be an issue!
June has not been my best month but I am trying to stay positive and change my thinking!
Hope all is well xo

Highlights from Newfoundland

Hi Friends- Here are some of the highlights of the past two weeks

 We got a new dog- his name is Kodi

 View from the hike that Mom and I took overlooking Clarke's Beach

 Mom and I on our precious few times we had alone together

 We went to Poppa's Pier 17 restaurant with some of Mom's besties Lillian and Neta

 The Hill Family- pure salt of the earth

 Down time at Nan's house

 Replica of the world's most giant squid ever caught

 Who doesn't love a chip truck- regional treats such as E and E

Fries, dressing, turkey and gravy (pretty much thanksgiving done in the most fattening form)

Check back soon

Lots of love xo

Update

Hi Friends

Sorry the blog was empty for a whole week- my bad for sure!
Blogging is sometimes the hardest thing for me to do when I feel swamped allready, lots has went on since the last time we chatted....
I am finally home, we got home Friday to our house is distress because they were renovating our bathroom, but it is finally all coming together. Our camera batteries are dead and need to be re-charged, I have phone calls to make, unpacking to contend with, friends to see, places to go (maybe even work :S), dogs to walk, jobs to apply for, districts to argue with, fitness to keep control of and try to eat and be merry at the same time. So blogging has taken a little of a back seat. Hopefully tomorrow with some down time, and a camera re-charged we can get back on track with some proper interesting blogs.
But for now I'll leave you with the truth, I gained 4 pounds while I was away so I have some room for improvement!

Lots of love xo

Check In

Hi Friends

Sorry I haven't been blogging that much, I just haven't been around the computer much and haven't really wanted to go in and get down to the cyber business.
I hate the admit it I haven't been eating the best choices all weekend either but I have been trying to get my burn in, going for a run, hiking and biking and trying to stay in control of the eating.
Other than that Newfoundland is going ok, family stress makes everything a little nerve racking and my family is no different, and Nan god loves her has got to stop with the big meals and constant desserts because as much as I repeat "I am in control" I wind up ass sticking out the fridge with a peanut butter ball shoved in my gullet.
I can't wait to get back on the mainland so I can get some routine!
Lots of love xo

June Bucket List

Happy June Friends!!!

I hope it is nice and warm where you are and that you are dreaming of hot summer nights and beaches and BBQ's!! Things have been tricky here in NFLD I'm not doing the best but I haven't given up either. For example I went on a bike ride yesterday, I had a healthy breakfast but I also ate out last night, had some chips and too much chocolate again. Working on it- like they say "you don't gain weight overnight and you certainly don't lose it as quick either" Really my goal is not to gain any weight while I'm here so I can get back to my own rotuine not too damaged.

Onto today's blog topic I made a June Bucket list

1.Run a 5k after my event. ( I am notorious for doing the running room then never running again so I would like to run at least a 5k before the end of June)

2. Eat as many salads as possible. (After visiting my friend Erin my body and taste buds have been craving here delicious salads so I want to steal her success and try to eat a salad every day)

3. See the sunrise

4. Reconnect with friends I haven't in a long time.

5. Attend a yoga class ( When I was thin I always loved yoga because I find it was always something where I could feel my body changing, stretching, evolving but I tried it last year and it felt like I was breaking my wrists so I want to go again and work through heafty yoga pain)

6. Go out for a cappocino with friends. (I never make enough quality time with people and I love coffeeeee)

7. Drink more water

8. Find/Recharge my Ipod (my i-pod has an AM/FM radio feature and I'd love to get into the routine of podcasting some of my favorites CBC programs and going for a walk while listening)

9. Limit Chips ( I put the word limit but I really want to eliminate chips from the month of June. It just seems like everywhere you go in the summer someone is opening a bag of chips inviting handfuls to be devoured and I add quite a few calories doing this)

10. Make homade frozen pops ( I have been really reading a bunch of magazines lately and asll of them have these amazing frozen pops made of fruit so I want to invest in some pop equipment and create new healthy, cold delicious snacks)

So there you have it friends! I'd love to hear if you have any things on your bucket list for June xo

Perspective

Hi Friends

Okay so we made it to Newfoundland! Yipeeee after a great sleep at my aunts I feel refreshed to give you all an update.....
So we boat was okay, a little rocky and nausiating but I made it through with no sea-sickness which for me is always a success. Yesterday when we got off the boat we faced a grueling 10 hours ride to my Nan's house which was the worst- if you have never been to Newfoundland (the weather sucks, most of the time) It is so cold, foggy and rainy here so this is going to be tough to get out and excercise.
Another thing I am nervous about is eating- for example yesterday I walk into my Nan's house and there are candy dishes everwhere, I open her fridge and it looks nothing like mine so I am going to have to go and get some groceries because I don't do meat, potatoes and bread like everyone does here in my family. So I am nervous about my weight for sure.
Onto a non-scale victory for the week- I am feeling thinner in my jeans so hopefully that means I am losing inches!! I decided not to formally weight in this week because my Nan is the only one with a scale and I am pretty sure she bought it in 1960 and it's not digital so probably inaccurate.
So folks that is it for today, I am going to really be blogging these next 10 days because I need to accountability more than ever since I am away from my confort zone
Lots of love xoxox

A weekend of Love in Nova Scotia!

Hi Friends

I am currently sitting waiting for the boat in North Sydney NS to head to Newfoundland overnight tonight and we had a great drive up! We also have a new addition with us- Mom adopted a golden lab mix from the SPCA this weekend named Gill- he's a good guy except enjoys chewing on his rope (any suggestions?)

On to the star of the blog (me?!?) I had a wonderful weekend with one of my besties down in Annapolis Royal NS. We had such a nice dinner out with her staff on Friday and a few too many Rye and Gingers but a wonderful time had by all. Then Saturday we went down to an amazing market got some local organic produce and eggs which was such a treat :) We then headed up to Greenwood NS to get some excercise in, Erin (my besty) is an amazing inspiration, she swims, eats super clean and excercises like no one I know! So when I got there I decided to take full advantage of the indoor track and I ran a really awesome 10k in 1:26 minutes :) Erin then treated me to an increadible supper and we watched a nice movie and off to bed for me.
You know when you get a chance to see that friend of yours that really makes life seem great, that was me this weekend!!

So today was a day full of driving we are finally here just waiting with wifi (what a treat!!) Ok well that's the update for now, talk soon xox

Changing Scenery

Hi Friends

It's going to a be a quick one today cause I still have lots to finish but I wanted to update you and let you know that I am going to Newfoundland for 2 weeks to visit family and such and I know I won't be able to blog that much if at all starting tomorrow. I am going to try my best to post at least every 3 days but I am staying at my Nan's and she has no internet but I am going to try my best.
Things are really good here, my dad celebrated his 59th birthday yesterday so we had a nice supper out (who knew 5 oz of prime rib had 50g of fat in it) it was a little shocking to the system but back on board today! I have book club tonight, then heading out for Nova Scotia for the weekend before setting sail for the island Sunday night so I'd say check back Wednesday of next week and there should be some updates!

Lots of love, catch you soon xoxoxo

One of my old faithful lunches

Hi Friends

Do you know what I love to grab for lunch on the go and at home more than anything?!?! SOUP
I think my obsession might be linked to the fact that my mother never allowed me to bring a thermos to school (it was sure to leak with all the fidgeting I do!) But at last I am a slightly grown adult and bring soup all the time to work, its just the right density for a lunch, keeps me warm and settles me down when I am grumpy or having a rough day.
Campbell's just came out with two amazing vegetarian soups one is fiesta black bean and the other is tuscan minestrone both are UNREAL! Plus you only have to microwave it for 2 minutes and no clean up- all you need is your own spoon and voila (lunch on the go)
If you are even more lazy than me or need to eat seriously on the run or have kids galore and never get a chance to even grab a spoon there are some great soup at hand options that are nutritious, delicious and mom or busy person friendly.

I sure enjoy my soup and I hope you try a steaming bowl soon!
Lots of love xo

Week 3 Check In

Hey Friends

I lost another .5 pounds so 3 pounds in total :)

I have been loving all the fruit that is now out at Costco
Check it out

I've been working on a vision book this long weekend- I'll share once it is done!
Going to the movies this afternoon with some besties!
Positive vibes to all of you xo

10k!!!!!

I ran my first practice 10k this morning in 1:35 minutes!

So happy!!!! Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend xo

Weekend update

Hi Friends

How is everyone doing on this long weekend?

Things on my end have been good, yesterday we went back out to the beach to help paint, ect then Mom and I went to see Bridesmaids which was super funny!
This morning I got up and had a lovely morning alone watching Becoming Chaz on OWN and the Doc Club which was hosted by my favourite Rosie. So it's been nice!
Tonight we are going to a graduation party so hopefully I'll be back tonight or tomorrow for another update
Lots of love xo

Paradise City

Hi Friends

What a day I have had!!! I loved every minute of my start to the long weekend :)

Mom and I went out this morning to my one of my favourite places in the world Shediac NB. Our family friends whom are way more family than friends Janis and Arnold had a cottage there since we have known them in 1988 and it is truly where some of my favourite and fondest memories exist. One day I hope to be lucky enough to own a cottage right there close to them. Take a look at some of the scenery- incredible eh?!

We this fall here in New Brunswick we had quite the hurricane so it made a lot of damage to the dunes, beach and many of the cottages closest to the shore. Janis has two sisters whom I call "matantes" Barry-Anne and Chris. Well Barry-Anne's cottage had a lot of water and damage so this was the week we all came together to put it back together, painting, replacing the windows and floors, cleaning, ect. My job today was cleaning the wicker furniture and the appliance and wooden furniture while everyone else did other tasks. Of course since it has been one of our only sunny days I wanted to be outside with a hat and some suncreen on! Well wait till you see my awesome burn.

 There are all ma tantes on the deck getting things organized

Look at that lower back burn from bending over cleaning (please excuse the rolls as you know I'm trying to work on them)

Well that's it for today guys- hope you had a little sunshine wherever you are and lots of love from me xo

Struggles

Hi Friends

So deep down I am a huge nerd as some of you know and one thing I always loved in school was patterns and relations in math class, like figuring out ratios and sequences were right up my alley. I think what drew me to these problems were you can relate them to every day life outside of the math class and boy can I see one in my life right now...

I have a downfall and it's called after school snacking (or come home stressed and lonely and take your stress out on a bag of whatever or a plate of perogies or a couple hundred calorie snack food) It's a problem the minute I get into the door, I sit down, open my mouth, fill the hole and check out, so we are going to need to make some changes.

For the next week so from the 19th to the 27th every day I work I'm going to drive from school to the gym, I can still watch the television but instead of adding calories, i'll be subtracting them (feel like your getting a math lesson yet?!?) cause what I'm doing now is not working.....

Ok rant over, god I hate being honest about my eating but I need to confront to move on
Lots of love- still running tonight and I'll bring the camera for some pics xo

Back in the saddle again!

Hi friends

Another hectic day at school, between Grade 1's being philosophical about birthday parties, ressource rhyming words, teaching skipping in Grade 2 and escorting kids back and forth in Grade 8 because some are such punks to terrorize the kindergarden kids its been quite the day!

BUTTT onto really good news- I got back to the running room tonight and did a nice 5k which felt brutal when it was happening but I think it really pulled me out of a huge depression.... I hate to admit it but working out has a huge effect on my mood disorders...

Tomorrow I am going out to run some hills then our group is heading to the pump house to celebrate the end of hill training- I'm going to bring my camera to get some shots for the blog because I know it's lame without pictures but I'm trying my best here

Lots of love- no matter what's going on in your life remember that it will all work out xo

Results are in....

Hi Friends

So I fell a little short of my goal this week and only lost .5 of a pound so 2.5 in total which is okay with me I knew this was going to be a slow process and now only 59.5 pounds to go.... yahoooo for being in the 50's to lose :)

The weather here has been terrible for the last week and there isn't much end in sight so I'm hoping and praying that before we know it we will be all back to sunshine and outside fun

Short one for tonight folks I'm exhausted- check back tomorrow xo

New Found Favourite Snack

Meet the LARABAR

I first was introduced to this bar from a favourite blog of mine

Here is the link to Susan's blog if you want to visit

http://networkedblogs.com/hSFW9 (FYI Susan blog is incredible)

Susan has been a real inspiration to me- we first met when I moved to Moncton in 1988 because her Nanny and Poppy lived behind me and I grew up with Mal and Ken as surrogate grandparents to me. Susan and I used to play together as kids then we lost touch for a while in high school and university and are still not close but I always read her blog and her courage and process of blogging is so incredible that it's a real joy to know her.

So back to LARABAR this week as I was at Costco picking up fruit, I came across a box of LARABARS and took a peak at the ingredients. The one thing that really blew my mind was that there was NO SUGAR ADDED, the ingredients are all unprocessed and are either fruits or nuts or both. As most of you know I'm a huge snacker and it has been so difficult to find a snack that I can buy to throw into my lunches when I have been called to work- this has been a lifesaver!!! I've tried three flavours- key lime pie, apple pie and peanut butter cookie- so far peanut butter cookie is my favourite. All the bars are gluten, dairy and soy free and are vegan and kosher.  They all contain less than 6 ingredients that I can read, pronounce and understand as well. 

Here is me with my LARABAR and fruit for breakfast this morning

The main ingredient in all the bars are dates so they really pack a punch on the fiber!!

Hope you all check out Susan's blog and check back tomorrow for my new favourite easy lunch xo

Creating a little wager within

Hi Friends

So today and I went to the gym- yahoooooo and actually it was nice to get back on some cardio machines and doing some strength training....

I also decided to motivate myself with a little wager- for each meal I ate properly I will pay myself $1 and if I work out that day I will pay myself $2 so hopefully I'll have $5 in my bank at the end of each day. It may sounds outrageous to some of you but honestly I have $35 a week I can put away for this and as sad as it maybe I am motivated by money. So today I get $4 (lunch wasn't the best choice)

Here is an example of my breakfast which payed me a dollar (gives a whole new meaning to dollar menu item :)

It was soooo yummy :)

Hope all is well with you all xo

Food Journaling

Hi Friends

I had originally posted this yesterday but I think the blog zone crashed and didn't keep it for some reason (whoopsies)

Ok so I wanted to introduce you to my food journal- I've been trying to keep all the things I've eaten writing down in it since May 1st

So I wrote it all down until Sunday and realistically that's when things went off track so today I'm going to get back to it cause it feels good to write down your success and maybe Ill even buy some stickers (that was my favourite thing about weight watchers)

So I just came back from the optometrist and she said my eye is just attacking itself but it is a natural process and I have to let it run it's course- kill me but at least it's not something horrible

Have a good weekend everyone! Much Love xo

Hi Friends,

So here's my new hair- I'm having a bad day- my eye is really hurting and I haven't been living up to my end of the bargain at all and I feel completely shitty about it all (hence the fake smile)
I can't seem to work through my feelings so I won't attempt to explain yet...... hopefully tomorrow I will be willing and able to give some more information
Lots of Love xo

You can check out my sore eye here- gross eh (going to the optometrist on Friday)

Better Day and the eye of the beholder

Hi Friends

I am having a better day today than yesterday for sure eating wise so that's really nice
A recipe I had tonight which is one of my favourites is spicy peanut stirfry
Take a bunch of veggies and put them in a frying pan on high, add chicken, a little soya sauce, all natural peanut butter, a splash of water and some chilli flakes and voilaa!! Its so good and you can eat it without the chicken and still have some protein from the PB :)

I have a weird eye redness thing going on right now- Im not sure if its a stye or pink eye- hopefully it will be better tomorrow..... I'm also getting my hair coloured and cut tonight (not much for the cut just a little trim) so check back for pictures tomorrow :)

Quote for the day:

“Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” Mary Tyler Moore

Lots of love friends- it's never going to be a perfect ride so I need to understand bumps are a part of my journey as frustrating as they might be xoxo

Life has taken the wheel and I've made a U-Turn

Hi Friends

This is going to be short because I've got to get to bed because work has been a calling and with being off sick all last week, I've got to be taking all the money I can get.
Sum things up I've realized being home has its weight loss potential- I did WONDERFUL from Monday to Thursday, not bad Friday, ok Saturday, Sunday was a shitshow and so was today! So I did a major u-turn and I'm trying to find the nearest exit to get back on board.....
BTW- for example my mother just turned to me and asked me if I wanted to take the KFC we had yesterday for supper for my lunch tomorrow, don't worry I said no.....
Goals for tomorrow we need groceries badly especially fruit and I need to have bean soup and some major veggie stir fry for supper......

So all in all its been kind of a disappointing two days I've really taken up super bad habits again and I'm angry at myself for doing that- but onwards and upwards right

Total weight loss for week 1- 2 lbs (better than nothing)
Goal for next week- let's do 3lbs so I can even out at 5lbs in 2 weeks

Lots of love xoxox

Girls Night Out and Mother's Day

Hi Guys

Well it's been an interesting weekend filled with lots of love, friendship and some unhealthy choices mixed in there every once in a while.
I'm going to take this day to spend with my momma and blog tomorrow with my results and my weekly findings.
Hope you are all well xox

Find your ARTspiration

Hi friends

One of my greatest passions in life is good art- art to me just sings to me. I love paintings especially with lots of vibrant colors and textures. I have grown into quite a little collection that really has no connection whatsoever except what speaks to me. All my artwork speaks and inspires me in different ways. I have a sailboat in my bedroom that reminds me that life is a journey. I can stand and look at that boat all the time and its like Garth Brooks sings "The River" in my left ear.....

I recently picked up a new purchase in which I call Betsey- she isn't for everyone that's for sure but she hangs close to my fridge to remind me about my values of eating sustainable. She brings me much love and her eyes are just so kind

Don't you just love her- I could kiss that pink nose and sometimes I do!!

Ok well I'm off to Halifax tomorrow for a girls night out with one of my besties so I won't have a blog for you tomorrow but check back Saturday evening to find out how I tried to incorporate health into a whole lot of fun, friendship and fantastic adventures!

Lots of Love from me and from Betsey xo

New Beginnings

Hi Friends

Spring is deff in the air here in Moncton even though it is a bit overcast- boy I wish I was feeling better to get out

Check out the new buds on the trees here:

Also before I left for Las Vegas, Mom and I purchased the hottest wheels on the planet:

I've been out on her once and boy is it ever a workout- a lot harder than I remember as a kid but it gave me new joy to know that I am doing myself and favour and taking one more car off the road which is nice especially with the price of gas

So today Im going to try to encourage you to do something I thought I would never try and especially enjoy. I was guilty for a long time of making my salads more like soups- I lived for the dressings on salads and the creamier the better. Salad dressings can add up to 100 calories per tablespoon which is nothing compared to what I would add to a salad. So when I was reading "Eat to Live" Dr Furhman suggested instead of dressing squeeze lemon or lime juice on your salad ( I thought Oh Brother kill me now). So I thought this man was crazy, no cheese, no croutons, no creamy salad dressings ( what about caesar salad?!?!?!) so I gave it a try. People of the universe I am asking you to just push your fears aside and try it- shockingly I actually enjoyed  my salad and could taste the lovelies in it, plus it stayed really crunchy! I am encouraging you to do the same, save those 100 calories from your diet, I don't think you'll miss them! :)

Here is my salad from today full of berries and toasted almonds (OMG you need to get raw slivered almonds and to this at home- just put your oven to 400 and toast them lightly- game changer right there) and some craisins (which I know have some sugar involved but a girls gotta live a little)

Let me know if you try the no dressing salad and how you felt about it

Lots of love and encouragement

Healing slowly

Hi Friends

I have been taking it easy today- I went to the doctor and she referred me to an ears, nose and throat specialist for my sinus issues. I also got three months worth of medications that cost almost $300- really reminds me that health is really the most valuable gift you can have.
I didn't go to my running clinic tonight because I think it was a better choice not too push too hard when feeling exhausted.

A lovely quote from someone I'm gonna miss so much at the end of May:

"If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. And if you run full speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race. "

Miss Oprah- I don't know what I'm gonna do when she doesn't have her show on anymore

Hope you are well xo

Let me blow your mind....

Hi Friends

I have a terrible sore throat and cold, like bammmmmmm!!! I hate this feeling and normally I would be turning to my comfort foods and fast food because I don't have the energy to do much more but this time I have been turning to oranges, soup and tea

One of my biggest influence over the past year has been Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution. I love meat as much as everyone else but these next two videos really changed my view on processed meats so much.

Take a look at these

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9B7im8aQjo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wshlnRWnf30

Hope all is well with all of you- remember try to make your best choices xo

Welcome

Hi Friends

So many of you whom are reading this have been invited personally by me to join me on this journey because I consider many of you my rocks, you're my Oprah (if I'm Gail) and many of you have been there through thick an thin (literally) whether it would be walking, running, advice, push ups, this or that diet so I know you would probably like to follow along on this next journey (one in which I think might actually stick)

So if you haven't noticed yet and how could you not- I've gained 62 pounds since 2005 which has made me want to change my ways... but I haven't decided to do that until now because of fear of another failure

What pushed me over the edge was running this morning (an 8.8k if I might add) I realized that I am capable of losing this weight if I decide to commit to doing it, so I committed

May I introduce you to Dr Joel Furhman and his book "Eat to Live" not live to eat which may just have been my bestseller. I have known about this program for a while now because two very dear friends of mine swear by it- you not only look better but are transformed by the action of eating gooooooodddd foood...... What types of things will I be ingesting you might ask- lots of fruits, veggies, lentils, some nuts, a little meat (about 12oz a week I have decided) His book has a wealth of knowledge that I'll let you all check out on your own if you are interested
His website is http://www.drfuhrman.com/

Let's take a look at what we have to work with

Lots to work with....... BMI 34

So what can YOU expect from this blog- hopefully you can find some inspiration from me and vice versa, I will be uploading something everyday whether it be a little thought, a new recipe, a fear that I want to express, a joy to share, for me having a blog will keep me accountable and the ability for me to connect to you all and other out there who share the struggle- no one loves anything more than a good success story.
I will be updating the pictures, BMI and total loss percentage every week

Tootles for now guys..... xoxo