Expect AMAZING.

This is going to be a busy week for me -- I'm starting school this week with 2 classes afternoon and night class-- my last class ends at 9:30-- so when I get home, i workout then I watch some T.V. then go to bed ..I'm excited about this is because one of my classes I get to learn about print -- print ad's, logo cards, etc... and my other class is advertise your designs. Exciting huh?!

Last friday -- I went on the treadmill for 20 minutes at 3.4 speed and my legs was burning towards to the end of my time limit..-- then I  did leg presses and stairs climber.. and when I left I forgot my anytime fitness membership key -- so i went back and look for it the and the staff did. I could not find it at home to look in the car, So the next day I had to buy a new key for only $25 which isn't so bad. I got a necklace from Atlanta drift race that Garrett and I went to -- they were throwing free stuff and got this NO5 energy drink necklace to put my membership key in.. 

I've seen people who are addicted to McDonald's, Wendy's and taco bell.. Do you know much fat are in the serving-- ( you should watch for sodium imtake, and calories, and carbohydrates..)

BIG MAC -- One sandwich contains 540 calories, 260 which comes from fat and 29 grams of fat.
French Fries -- Medium size; 380 calories, calories from fat is 171 and 19 grams of fat.
That's 920 total for calories and 48 grams of fat total.

Here are facts from this website that I found:

Each day, 1 in 4 Americans visits a fast food restaurant

In 1972, we spent 3 billion a year on fast food - today we spend more than $110 billion

McDonald's feeds more than 46 million people a day - more than the entire population of Spain

French fries are the most eaten vegetable in America

You would have to walk for seven hours straight to burn off a Super Sized Coke, fry and Big Mac

In the U.S., we eat more than 1,000,000 animals an hour

60 percent of all Americans are either overweight or obese

One in every three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime

Left unabated, obesity will surpass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in America

Obesity has been linked to: Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease, Adult Onset Diabetes, Stroke, Gall Bladder Disease, Osteoarthritis, Sleep Apnea, Respiratory Problems, Endometrial, Breast, Prostate and Colon Cancers, Dyslipidemia, steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, breathlessness, Asthma, Hyperuricaemia, reproductive hormone abnormalities, polycystic ovarian syndrome, impaired fertility and lower back pain

The average child sees 10,000 TV advertisements per year

Only seven items on McDonald's entire menu contain no sugar

Willard Scott was the first Ronald McDonald - he was fired for being too fat

McDonald's distributes more toys per year than Toys-R-Us

Diabetes will cut 17-27 years off your life

McDonald's: "Any processing our foods undergo make them more dangerous than unprocessed foods"

The World Health Organization has declared obesity a global epidemic

Eating fast food may be dangerous to your health

McDonald's calls people who eat a lot of their food "heavy users"

McDonald's operates more than 30,000 restaurants in more then 100 countries on 6 continents

Before most children can speak they can recognize McDonald's

Surgeon General David Satcher: "Fast food is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic"

Most nutritionists recommend not eating fast food more than once a month

40 percent of American meals are eaten outside the home

McDonald's represents 43% of total U.S. fast food market 

-- Nuts about you. :-) Have a handful of nuts as a snack -- healthy fats.. 

- I get jolly time popcorn brand, with weight watchers brand on it --only 3 points plus for a bag of popcorn - in different flavors -- kettlecorn, and butter popcorn.

- would like to try this!

- Make a new snack for the day.(SMOOOOTHie) 1/2 cup of fruit with non-fat yogurt and blend -- or 1 banana with peanut butter and skim- fat free milk to blend. 

She looked fabulous in The Dark Knight Rises.

The reasons why I'm doing it:

skinny jeans,stares, bikinis, confidence,short shorts, my health, the satisfaction, the fun, my happiness, ME.

This is the year I'll make it to my goal weight! :) 

Jillian Michaels is ONE hard trainer. She is tough. One of the best trainers other than Bob Harper.

- THE BIGGEST LOSERS

I WOULD rather sweat, work it off (paid off), then wear a bikini this summer. :) Tan Time!

One of good exercises. :)

Well I hope you enjoy my blog post for the day. I'll update with another post later on this week, going to weigh in at weight watchers this week, and going to the gym. :)

Believe it because it works.

It does.

Stephanie -- 

HAPPY NEW YEAR. (2013)

Well... Today's the first day of 2013, well in minutes it'll be midnight, January 2nd.

 

 

I had a fabulous new years eve.. I spent it with my boyfriend, Garrett watching television, when the peach dropped and had dinner with his parents.

 

My new years resoluation:

1. SAVE MONEY. $$$

2. Get to my goal weight.

 

I can't hardly believe it that THIS year-- this year that I'll be able to meet my goal weight. I've lost almost 60lbs, and yes, I'll admit.. I've been on plateau few times last year about 3-5 times but it was not around the same month.. It was once every while.. But this year, I'm going to be extremely hard -- working hard with fitness and diet. I've got about 65lbs to go. As well you know, average weigh per week is 1/2 up to 2lbs.. Just do carefully, and don't wear yourself out.. I work out six days a week, and every single saturday -- I get a day off from working out..

 

I saw on instagram -- a woman liked my post i put on there -- a newest magazine of the month (weight watchers) with jessica simpson on the front cover..So i went to check it out who she was, turns out she's a member of weight watchers.. This is a brand new snack that I want to try out: If you know me very well, I have cravings for sweets.. :) Well it's normal, alot of people have cravings for sweets, fast food, starbucks, and the list goes on.

 

 

Above is a monitor, waterproof, called ACTIVELINK -- by WEIGHT WATCHERS.. I got it late November, -- it's a monitor that tracks every movement and counts how much activity points plus daily.. You have to be a weight watchers member to use this --- The orginal price is $39.95 but I get weekly e-mails from weight watchers, and I recieved a coupon $10 off so I got it for $29.95, but they charge you $5 extra to your monthly payment. You clip it on your shirt,bra, sports bra, or pants.. You charge it on your computer, for me I usually charge everyday or every other day.. I also metioned that it's waterproof and you can wear it in the shower or on the beach!

 

Recipe of the week:

Balsamic Bowtie Pasta~

 

- 6 ounces uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)

- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

-1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

- 2 tablespoons Lite or Fatfree (or reduced fat) Balsamic Vingariette

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

- 1 (4-ounce) package crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese

1.  Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Combine cooked pasta, tomatoes and basil in a large bowl.
2. While pasta cooks, combine balsamic vinigariette (through pepper) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil to vinegar mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Drizzle vinaigrette over pasta mixture; toss well to coat. Add cheese; toss to combine.

Pictures of the day:

Want to try this! [with Resistance Band.]

 "

 

- Excellent example to PACK your lunch in the morning when you go to work -- or for school! :)

New Beginnings.

Wow'..

  It's been a crazy, wild ride this year. I just finished my semester with a B in my class and next semester i'm going to be more busier, with taking two classes for my major in graphic design from 1:30-5pm to 6:30 -9:30 pm... I'm just enjoying my christmas while it last until i go back to school not this coming up tuesday but next tuesday on the 8th.. [Sad but I'm ready to go back to school.. but won't get break until APRIL for SPRINGBREAK..]

Which i'm excited about -- because with me losing the weight, I'll have to buy new clothes again... in different size. I've already lost 2sizes so far, and i put them up in the closet in the office.. [Will save it when that time comes when I'm married and expecting a baby.] But don't worry, that won't happen for a while now, the baby part.. :) Just gotta finish college and get a career when I graduate.

So, Weight watchers came out with a new plan:

WEIGHT WATCHERS 360. 

 Honestly, I haven't been to weight watchers for a couple of weeks.. BUT I was and still am tracking my food -- and working out 6 days a week. I've been on plateau : / and it STINKS! So  I've made a change: I printed 1-- I mean 2 of each Monthly calender. Pack of calendar for cheat days: every 2weeks.. and the thing is in FEBRUARY, there's valentines day and my birthday exactly a week after.. I'm thinking healthy dinner for valentine's day with non-fat frozen yogurt  and a cheat day on my birthday like cooking 93/7 lean burgers with oven fries.. just a potatoe with olive oil and kasher salt. :) or something like that. Also, a calendar for my workout routines.. Since i'm going to school afternoon and night classes on TUES & Thurs's..so Sun's, Mon's, Wed's are gym days and tues, thurs, and friday's are home workouts.. Every Saturday's i get a off-day...

As you may know or not know, Jessica Simpson, a pop star and well known in the movie called, Dukes of the Hazzards -- is the newest spokesperson for weight watchers.. She had signed the contract earlier this year, after she gave birth to her precious daughter, Maxwell. She struggled with losing weight at the beginning, but lost 50+ lbs. She's looking fabulous looking mom. Now, she's expecting another child, which makes Maxwell a big Sister. :-) She's off the diet now, ( not healthy when you're pregnant), until after baby no.2 is born.. She just did weight watchers commerical.

"Hi. I'm Jessica simpson and this year is all about new beginnings for me. I've lost over 50 pounds on weight watchers. It let me be me and I'm only human. I love food. I love life. I had no idea that I can be in so control and so fee at the same time. Introducing the new Weight Watchers 360 program -- built for human nature. Expect Amazing. Because it works. "
-- Jessica Simpson

Also with Jennifer Hudson [ the original spokesperson]:
-- former American Idol Contestent --

"I'm Jennifer Hudson. I hate getting up in the morning. I love bread, I love cheese. Did I say that I love chocolate? I'm human and the new weight watchers 360 program lets me be. The reason I'm still in this body and feeling so good is isn't because I never go out and enjoy the extra large, extra cheese world we live in. It's because I do and you can too because with weight watchers program is built for human nature. You can expect amazing. Introducing the new weight watchers 360 program, expect amazing. Because it works. "
 -- Jennifer Hudson

Well what's stopping from you for losing weight? You'll feel great and healthier. Make it as your new years resolution. Brand new year. Brand new you.

As usual, I'm posting some pictures that I found from tumblr. :)

- Think I posted this before, One of the great weight loss example

- Try to have pineapple as a snack for the day. :)

 Don't like eggs but this is a great for breakfast.

                                             

Average weight loss is 1/2 lb to 2lbs per week.

So cute. I'm a fruity person. :)



Holy Moly.Holy Cow.

It's been weeks since I've updated with you on my weight loss Journey.. :( I've been so busy with school, it's insane! Just had to work a tad few touches on my two projects for raster imaging class. It's a photography class. I'm majoring in Graphic Design -- and was thinking not only can do graphic design, I've learned a lot in photography! Restoration, Colorization, and retouching is what I've learned in class and it's interesting. :) Right now, we're doing composition, making a project that looks realistic. I know most likely you cant find a career both for graphic design and photography, I'm just going to find a job for graphic design right after I graduate college, and make my own money ( doing photography stuff..)no. yes.... I'm going to make my own business cards for both graphic design/photography if you ever need designs/photo touch up..

My Weight Watchers meeting moved to another location this week-- Can't wait to check it out next week. Sadly, I can't go tomorrow because I'm going to hang out with my friend Katie for a bit, then pack for Helen, cook cookies for Helen.. Oktoberfest is going in in Helen.. It's my first time going to Helen and for Oktoberfest.. all at the same time. So I'm definitely going next week to catch up. I've been eating healthy still, and working out 6days a week. Saturday's are my days off.

Lot of things that happened -- I don' t remember if i ever posted in the previous entry's... But i lost two pant sizes and a ring size. :) The other day, I was cleaning out of my closet, taking out my spring/summer clothes to put in a bag/storage box and put in the office closet.. and take out my fall clothes to put in my bedroom closet.. Not one, but more than a few clothes, i can cannot wear at all. It's SUCH A GREAT.AMAZING. FEELING !! Even with my class ring, I can't wear it anymore, it got loose on my 4th finger, then used to wear in middle finger, but not that's extreme loose. (can't wear it on any finger on BOTH hands..) So i put it up in the jewelry box to get it re-sized soon. Also, my amazingly beautiful promise ring that my boyfriend Garrett got me almost 4 years on Christmas.. Yes. he got it for me 4 months after dating, for Christmas.. Funny story, is that when we started dating, he got me a ring from walmart or should I say wally world?!? It's a cute little ring with pink heart in the middle. Unfortunately, it'd turn my finger green, so he got me the real deal for Christmas.. we went to a jewelry store few weeks before Christmas, he wrote my ring size on his phone, and decided to get me a ring, with his birthstone, since i already got my birth stone on my class ring. What a romance?! :) He make me blush and give me butterflies constantly.

So anyways, back to the topic.. with the clothes that i cannot wear.. I was going to donate it.. but then decided to keep it because what if I gain it back when I get pregnant..after getting married. It might be a couple years from now, or 5 years from now.. Don't wanna to spend money again on those clothes I won't wear with the rest of my life.. I'm never,ever,ever going to that weight I was.



Make some goals for the next few months:
- lose 20lbs by December 5th
- Walk 3times a week
- Drink 8 glasses of water per day.
- Go to bed early. ( this helps you lose weight.. and feel great!)
- use work out dvds 1x/week

Here's a good thing I totally agreed: I learned in meeting, and i just found this online not too long ago:

NON-SCALE VICTORIES.

Over-due.

Wow, I've been so busy lately with starting my college classes last week for fall semester of 2012, with ending a great weekend.. BECAUSE it was my 4years anniversary with my boyfriend, the love of my life, garrett. : )

Last friday he came over seeing me all dressed up and got my hair done.. I look like a pochantas with my tan skin and brunnette hair. LOL... I got him a collage picture frame with our pictures ( he asked me if i had a professional do it, i repsonded saying no.. i did it all myself.. GREAT compliment.), memory box that i painted (he keep all of my stuff like drawings, cards, movie tickets, 3D glasses,event tickets etc..), perler beads i made of pikachu, zelda, I <3 YOU, and game boy with tetris game on it.., and ALSO, an engraved pocketknife that says Happy anniversary. Stephanie&Garrett. 08.24.08

So friday night, Garrett and I went to italian restaurant called Giorgios. The one and only in Georgia. I had my cheat day that day, havent had one since May -- which was 3 months ago.. I know i know.. it's been a while. but that's a good thing.. Usually, people would have cheat days once a week, but for me it's every 3 months.. At first, it took me a while to get used to it, since then i'm 100% confident.. scratch that. i'm 105% confident. They make the most amazing calzones along with dressings. it's homemade.. i got a cheese calzone with ham and pineapple, then a salad (no cheeeeeese! since i already got cheese in my calzone..) with ranch dressing. SO YUMMY. With left over of dressing, i used to dip the bread with ranch... Not only me that likes that ;-) Not a weird combination..... After that, we went out to menchies.. WHICH is a healthy place.. I could care less about brusters, even though it's a great icecream place, but not much toppings... they have several flavors -- No sugar added/fat free chocolate swirl, coffee toffee, strawberry swirl, and chocolate something.. forgot what's called.. but menchies/yogli mogli have the best toppings that all are non - fat and low - fat .. my top favorites are cake batter, red velvet, thin mint, cookies and creme vanilla chocolate and peanut butter... Also, for seasons like christmas, they'd have like peppermint yogurt or egg nog.. I blame this on my brother and my best friend dara for getting me addicted to frozen yogurt places. HA-HA... They only charge $0.44/per oz. which is not really a bad deal... So i went and got mix of cookies and creme with cake batter... (I bet you'd do this when you were a kids but for me, i'd like out of the cake batter bowl when we're done baking...) Bet you couldn't resist. I'm gonna keep you posted with recipes and Tips on how to lose weight... Summer's almost over.. You're going to want to read my posts coming up with great tools and recipes..

Recipe of the day:

Let's Talk About Mex', Baby!

When it comes to super-caloric fast-food items, we're often left asking, POR QUÉ? (That's Spanish for "WHY?") But one bite of our new guilt-free swap, and "Why not?" becomes the more appropriate question -- hence the name of our recipe. Just chew it!

Ingredients:
Two 6-inch corn tortillas
1/3 cup frozen ground-beef-style soy crumbles (like the kinds by Boca and Morningstar Farms)
1/2 tsp. taco seasoning mix
2 tbsp. fat-free refried beans
2 tbsp. taco sauce
3 tbsp. shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped tomato

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

Lay tortillas on the baking sheet, side by side, and bake for 6 minutes. Flip tortillas. Bake until crispy, about 6 more minutes. Leave oven on.

Meanwhile, bring a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium heat. Add soy crumbles and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. taco seasoning. Cook and stir until hot and well mixed, about 2 minutes.

Spread 1 tortilla with refried beans. Top with seasoned soy crumbles, followed by the other tortilla.

In a small bowl, mix taco sauce with remaining 1/4 tsp. taco seasoning. Spread the top tortilla with seasoned sauce, and sprinkle with cheese and tomato.

Bake until sauce is hot and cheese has melted, about 3 minutes. Eat up!

MAKES 1 SERVING

Calories: 254
Fat: 6.5g
Sodium: 803mg
Carbs: 34.5g
Fiber: 6.5g
Sugars: 3.5g
Protein: 16.5g

PointsPlus® value 6*

Quote:
- still hungry before bed? Go for low-fat string chees,e the case in protein is slow to digest and will sustain you throughout your zzz's.
- (DO)n't qu(IT).
-Running the stairs - great cardio exercise -- also a great way to tone your butt.

I just created this book, ( you can buy a composition journal at walgreens for cheap)and i'd cut out words from magazines to tape on journal that inspires me for this weight-loss journey.
**Will post pictures later on this weeek..**
found out from pinterest.

Keep It Up.

Sorry that I haven't post in a week.. See, first of all, I've been sick last week, for almost a week until last wednesday from viral infection. I have been having headaches constantly, and it's been driving me nuts. I have been in bed all week non-stop, just sleeping in and watch television then taking naps. I thought I was having a sinus infection, because of the migraines, but good thing is that I didn't have no strep throat/runny nose/cough or sneezing but my fever has been going up and down.. the highest was 102.5 and lowest was 99.8 before hitting 98.1 when I started feeling great.

So last thursday, the first day that I had my weekly weigh-in at weight watchers. and LOST -2.8lbs. Heck yeah! I've lost 5lbs total from being sick, and man my apetite wasn't that good, I ate twice a day. Now my apetite is back, today I had two proteins. For lunch, I made a burger with italian seamse seeds bread.. ground beed 93/7 (lean which for weight watchers is 4 Points Plus Values)also with GREEN TRIANGLE. (Goodhealthguidelines..) and for dinner tonight, my mom went and got me CHICK-FIL-A chargrilled chicken sandwich with fruit cup. with JUST 7 points plus..for dinner..

- Yummy (7points for sandwich 0 points for fruit cup)
+2 ppv for Honey roasted bbq sauce (if you want to add on.) = 9PPV

I'm a huge chickfila fan, for all of you chickfila addicts out there, you'd know whatcha I'm talking about.. I'd used to get the regular chicken sandwich but with the fat and calories also S.O.D.I.U.M, a little too much .. and don't forget the waffle fries. I stopped ordering that meal and order a healthier one, chargrilled sandwich with fruit cup.. Yes..., there are times that I'd have a craving for chickfila chicken sandwich but in the back of my mind, I have to make a healthier choice for myself.. and since then, I stopped having my cravings for that including chocolate, wendy's burgers, and other fatty foods. So if you have a craving with something like that, remember to think order healthier, and before you know it, your cravings will go away.. but it's also okay to treat your self once in a while. :)

Here are awesome pictures from pinterest that I saw including fitness and F-A-C-T-S:
trust me, yOu'll lOve it. :)


 - one thing i learned about eating right, have veggies, protein, fruit, and starch.
 - Good way to drink H20 .. Average is to drink 8 glasses of water.
 - great way for ALL college students. especially college students 15.

 - pasta salad with farilla brand, tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese. Yum.

  - unsalted preztels, fruit, and homemade pizza (which are the best beats restaurant and fast food because they're high in calories, sodium and fat.) Get bobolli pizza crust either thin or wheat.. with any toppings.. you need protein chicken, or turkey bacon. :)

 - workout plans

  - Like below, when I was talking about getting rid of my cravings like for chickfila regular chicken sandwich. :)



I already got this in weight watchers brand, for my weekly meetings and weigh-ins. :)



 

For all the beginners for people with WEIGHT LOSS.

Well, I hope you enjoy my blog for the day and like those photo's i added from pinterest. Hope you learn something for the day and remember, if you gain or have a bad day, tomorrow will be a better day and you'll learn better for your weight-loss journey..

Have a great weekend! :)

Empower yourself.

Sorry that I haven't been on this week to blog, but earlier this week I didn't feel too well, wasn't on computer at all this week.. Today is the first time I've been on this week, checking my messages and checking facebook and learned that one of my best friend's sister died Wednesday.. It was so soon and sad to know the fact that she was just twenty-five years old.. We grew up in the church together back in the days, then she moved to the state of Michigan and got married.. Thinking of her and her family when they're grieving losing their daughter, sister, friend, wife. Also, my grandmother's birthday was this Wednesday, so we went out to Long Horn's for lunch. Surprisingly, we usually go to Red Lobster for their birthdays and anniversary.. As for me, you know in my previous that I cut down sugars, but also, i cut down going out to dinner every Friday night.. (due to dinner with high sodium and high points..) You can find low points for lunch and dinner out.. but for me, I'd go out to dinner once a month, then turned to hardly ever. Last time I went out to dinner was back in May 2012 at steak & shake for Garrett's birthday, then July 1-7 week in Florida going out to seafood restaurants with my dad, my brother and his girlfriend Megan.

So for lunch, I had a renegade sirloin steak, 6oz for only 10 points with a side salad that came with fat free ranch.. For dessert, I made my grandmother a birthday cake. Do you want to know the special ingredient? It's so so so good. To make a cake, regular cake mix like strawberry, vanilla, chocolate or red velvet.. You usually would use oil, water, and eggs.. At a weight watchers meeting while back, my leader Diane told us to have apple sauce instead of eggs.. Eggs are high in fat and calories.. So good, then when you're making the cake mix, instead of spraying the pan, rub butter on the pan then put flour ( i put wheat flour because we were out of regular flour..) put some on the pan and shake it around to make sure it sticks on the butter on the pan.

Here's a great website:
What I absolutely love about this website, is that you can eat anything you want or what you've been craving for (desserts, side dishes, and appetizers..) This website, tells you the nutrition facts for a food item (look below..) Stick to the recipe it shows on there -- with reduced calories, fat, sodium, and sugars.. Also to all of those people who are addicted to starbucks, there's a few recipes of coffee. Me, nah, I'm not a coffee person. HeHeHe.
Also it tells you how points plus of the food item -- homemade vs. resturant.

Recipe (below) --> http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/show/2113
For an example: O Charley's have potatoes skins, which I'd crave for, but it's high in fat.

Instead of:

 TGIF - Loaded Potato skins -- 11 points

Have instead:

Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe (2 loaded potato skins)
Calories: 202
Fat: 7.5g
Sodium: 295mg
Carbs: 23.5g
Fiber: 3.5g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 10g
PointsPlus® value 5*

Well I hope you enjoy my post and have a great weekend. :) Comment if you have any tips or questions.


--Eat Great. Live Healthy.--