Sometimes you just need powdered doughnuts.

Oh yes. It's true.
After spending almost two hours pushing around a red #05 race car cart in Kroger yesterday, I let temptation get the best of me. I had used over $17 in coupons on whole grains, organic milk and frozen fruit and veggies.....shew, I was tired and the blond bombshell in the drivers seat of the race car was preciously asleep at the wheel. As we rounded the the last turn away, there they were. Sitting on the clearance table with a big orange "manager's special" sticker on them.....
Powdered Doughnuts, only 99 cents.

What to do, what to do.....

BUY THEM!

Man, they were good.

Love eating healthy, but also love a sinful treat every once in awhile too. However, be it known that after eating some my belly did not handle them so well - what have I done to myself?!?! :)
Good to be eating a salad today for lunch,
Jill....with a little white dusting on my mouth.

Copied from Real Life Make-Over site....

Eating right on a budget can be a challenge, but it's certainly not impossible. Consider this your cheat sheet to the 5 inexpensive foods you should eat everyday for optimum health.

#1 Leafy greens
Medical experts call them one of nature's miracle foods. Leafy greens like Swiss chard and kale are high in nutrients like folate and vitamins A and C that can lower your risk of cancer. Just one cup of dark, leafy greens a day could also prevent diabetes and high blood pressure.
#2 Nuts
Many nutritionists recommend nuts like almonds, cashews and walnuts because they're high in natural fiber. Fiber slows your digestive process, keeping hunger and unhealthy mid-afternoon snacks at bay. Goodbye vending machine runs!
#3 Onions
Studies show that consuming onions on a regular basis may reduce symptoms of asthma and the risk of developing stomach cancer. Add them to soups and stir-fry, and just remember -- the stronger the onion, the greater the health benefit.
#4 Whole grains
Refined grains, like white rice and pasta, have lost 90% of their nutritional value through the refining process. As if that weren't reason enough to choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole oats, a recent study showed that a diet rich in whole grains actually flattens your belly by reducing fat storage in your lower abdominal region.
#5 Yogurt
Making yogurt part of your daily eating routine can improve your digestion -- if you're buying the right stuff. Check that the label lists "active cultures" to make sure you're getting healthy probiotics, and pick a yogurt rich in vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.

Purple Cabbage

I have been reading the wonderful effects that purple cabbage has. Decided to try it out in a stir fry.....who knew it was so sweet. (and would turn everything purple - which Emma that was great).

The best.....one head goes on FOREVER. I have used it twice and still have 1/4 left. It also last forever in the fridge and doesn't spoil near as fast as other veggies.

Taking my left over and chopping it up for my Veggie Frozen Container - it will be great in soup when it gets full!

Going purple,
Jill

Its like free meals.

Ok, so to continue on our healthy adventure with veggies with soup.....practically FREE soup! :)
This may sound a bit disturbing at first for those of you who don't let the food on your plate touch each other, but I promise it taste fabulous in the end!

Every serve a veggie stir fry and have just one spoonful left at the end of the meal that no one can eat? What about that last spoonful of corn, green beans? What about the fresh veggie tray from last weekend's get together that no one wants anymore, but it starting to spoil? Well here is the cost effective, healthy and yummy answer!

Dump ALL these scraps in a plastic container measuring four cups. Keep it going in your freezer until it is full. When full, get it out and dump in a stock pot or your crock pot and add:
2 chopped onions, chopped and sauteed in olive oil
4 cups of broth (we like chicken - no MSGs added though!)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp FRESH rosemary
28 oz (3-4 cups) tomatoes in juice
Bring to a boil and turn down heat, or let simmer all day in crockpot. YUM!

Here are some tips:
*If using fresh oregano or thyme use 3 tsp. Many times I will pass the fresh herb section in the grocery just to see if any are on clearance because of purchase by date. I shop them up when I get home and put in freezer to use in soups like this. I really like the taste of fresh herbs.
*Use those chopped up broccoli steams we talked about last week!
*Sometimes I have dumped in left over rice into my veggie frozen tub.
*Making Kale Chips? Don't throw the steams out - chop them up and throw them in your veggie frozen tub!
*Don't pitch ANY left over veggies!!!!!
*Concerning the tomatoes in juice - try to buy in jars, not cans....I have read in several places the can mixed with the acid in tomatoes can create toxic chemicals. Best yet.....use some of those frozen tomatoes from the past summer's farmer market or from the plant you had in your back yard!
*Chicken broth - again, making your own is free and easy. I will post it another day, but for you busy moms just get the boxed broth with no MSGs added....good as gold.
*If you don't have the herbs/spices to make this, no fear...just go ahead and make with only the tomatoes in juice and broth. With all the "flavors" mixed together from the leftovers it will still taste scrumptious.

My mom use to make this ALL the time growing up as kids. Mainly for cost effectiveness. But now I see that not only is it saving money, it is really vital to have these good nutrients in our bodies as much as we can. Plus KIDS LOVE IT.....throw in a couple whole grain Ritz crackers, of course. :)
Enjoy!

Helpful site

Just got this from prevention:
http://online.prevention.com/bestpackagedfoods/index.html?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-02262010-_-Nutrition%20and%20Recipes-_-Packaged%20Foods%20We%20Love%20-%20Natural%20Foods

It talks about packaged food at the grocery - the best according to high nutrients and low processing/chemicals. Also gives quick tips on how to use them.

Started walking again....SHEW! So I can't even pull off a mile without huffin' and puffin'! I had to stop after just a sissy 15 minutes and had only went 3/4 of a mile (on an incline though) :)
Where did that 11 minute running mile go to?!?!?!!? We'll get back there, promise.

hey, go drink some water,
Jill

Saving Money and Time on yesterday's tip....

Ok, so now that you have the vow to get rid of the cans, here is some money and time saving tips to pass along.

Bags of frozen veggies can be more expensive than cans....but be sure to remember the oz. Many times bags have more in them. Kroger, Marsh, and Meijers are very good about putting them on sale every once in a while 10 for $10 - GO CRAZY and utilize your freezer on this deal!

Freeze freeze freeze. Plant a tomato plant in in your back yard this spring....by fall you will be surprised what one plant can bring you. Slice them and freeze them - they come in SO handy during the winter to pop out of the freezer and use in soups rather than canned tomatoes.

Don't throw away ANYTHING. No secret we are Dave Ramsey law abiding citizens. :) My wallet actually has envelopes attached inside it. So things sometimes get creative around here!
For example - broccoli. Buy it fresh (and don't waste your money on organic when it comes to broccoli - farmers do not spray it!). Once you get home, quickly rinse and cut off top florets to use in salads, snacks etc. Then DO NOT throw away the stalk! Cut it up, or save time by putting it in a blender/food processor/chopper gadget/whatever. Sprinkle out on a dish towel and let it dry out some. Then freeze it! Use this in soups, casseroles, and stir fry! Great nutrients in little time/effort.

Saving money is important, and it IS possible to eat healthy and do just that.
Jill

Baby Steps.

As mentioned before, I am very excited to be able to share how to help make our lives healthier for not only us, but our families as well. I know all you ladies are busy busy, so hopefully I can help with small tidbits. Lets just take baby steps...remember the smallest of changes you make today can impact your life GREATLY in 20 years!

This week, simply do one thing. Make a vow that when grocery shopping to always buy fresh or frozen fruit and veggies. No more cans in the pantry! Fresh peaches taste 10 times better than canned anyhow! :) This is a very small and easy change to make.....it WILL impact the way your body runs and feels....plus drop pounds. I promise.
And what better way to say I love you to your family?

come look in my pantry ladies....no cans. No preservatives. (Except for that can of chicken noodle soup for those emergency cold/flu days) :)
Small change, big results,
Jill

Fit Mommies

Well well well weinbach girls......baby talk is in the air!
So our CA Carrie is on bedrest - many prayers to you! Take good rest and care of yourself that little precious lady inside.
And our dear Sarah is being blessed with a bundle of joy in August right after Baby Phipps comes!
Annnndddddd there just might be another rumor stirring????

I love our friendships.....and I am pretty darn sure God does too. :)

Keep up the good exercising mommies to be....I just had a wonderful first visit with my new IN doc and he stressed how important it is - I believe it!
Glowing, Jill

Recipe - Hopefully the first of many!

OK - So with my recent "life happenings", I'm not so up on the exercising as I should be. However, I am concentrating some good efforts into the food we put in our bodies. As you all know last June I was told by a very prestigious doctor (Dilly Sextuplets of IN ring a bell, yep that's my doc) that I had entered menopause with FSH levels so high, he had only seen 6 case of that in women my age. Then as the months passed last summer, I chose to not participate in his recommended protocol, but instead live a drug free life. I also began exercising and eating right. The 21 detox I did last fall REALLY opened my eyes as to the effects of what we eat. 21 days of no preservatives, additives, added hormones or chemicals changed my life completely......as you know we are currently 4 1/2 months pregnant and I haven't had a hot flash in months! :)

So with that being said, I am on a quest to take out favorite family recipes and transform them into amazing dishes with only the best nutrients. How could anyone argue with that! So here goes my first: Crockpot Southwestern Chicken.....a family favorite from my sister in law, Jen.

NORMAL Crockpot Southwestern Chicken:
2 cans corn
1 can black beans - drained and rinsed
1 jar chunky salsa
6 skinless chicken breast - halved
1 cup shredded cheese

Mix corn, beans and 1/2 of salsa in bottom of crockpot. Layer on chicken then top with rest of salsa. Cook in crockpot 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 on low. Then top with cheese. Serve on rice or tortilla chips and garnish with sour cream.

MAKE ME LIVE LONGER Crockpot Southwestern Chicken:
26-32 oz. of frozen corn or fresh out of the garden/farmer's market*
15 oz. natural black beans already soaked and prepared**
16 oz. homemade salsa***
6 Organic skinless chicken breast - halved (or all natural, the point....NO HORMONES ADDED!)
1 cup Organic shredded cheese - or we just leave it off!

Follow the same steps as above to prepare. Serve on REAL whole grain rice - NOT instant! Or if you are chip family and just can't resist, make sure to have whole grain tortilla chips.

*always go for frozen veggies over canned to cut out preservatives. If you have/know of a gardener, get theirs fresh this summer and freeze yourself to save $$$.
**Again, preparing your own beans as opposed to canned will cut out preservatives. it does take a long time....like soaking them over night?!?! Make large batches at once, divide in 15 oz (can size), bag and freeze. The unthaw perfect to use and only takes seconds at that moment saving you time.
***We now make all our own salsa. I plant a few tomato plants of my own and also use my father in laws produce from his garden. Canning is easy, you do not need a caner! I will post this easy and good recipe later as this is getting "wordy". But homemade = all fresh and no chemicals!

WOW!!!! THIS RECIPE IS SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!! It also makes a TON. Our family can eat off it for a couple meals and it never gets old! Some times we take left overs and make tortilla wraps with shredded lettuce inside - great lunch to go. This is also a great recipe if you have company coming over...everyone will love it!

ENJOY!

Back home again in Indiana...

...HOW 'BOUT THEM COLTS??!!!!!!! :)

Life is busy, but life is good. Lots of empty boxes! Even though all my energy these days has went to unpacking and putting away, I am so anxious to begin walking again. How is everyone else doing?

I am also excited to say we have made it to the point were dishes are out and the kitchen is in order making preparing food much easier! Lately I have been really focusing in on taking our 'ol favorite standby recipes and converting them to chemical free/all natural recipes. I hope to begin posting some soon.

Take care everyone! ....I have a game of "Candyland" waiting on me...got to love the irony there.
The red gingerbread man, Jill

Happy Trails too You....

Happy? happy? Oh Powell and Dublin OH - I will miss you!
My first 5K, a new baby, so many instant friends, a wonderful church.

We shall be back to visit. Promise.

Leaving 40 pounds behind.....may they always stay on Scioto Parkway. :)

The movers are here. We are in a fortress of boxes. See you soon, Indiana.....see you soon.
J

Emma meet Baby, Baby meet your sister.

Well girls, today time stood still. I absolutely never thought a moment like this would happen. my darling 4 year old heard a heartbeat coming from inside her mommy's belly. Her eye's. Oh her eye's. Too tall to measure. She exclaims "that HAS to be a boy!" (because we all know girls are sweet and quiet, right?!?!)

We also saw two tiny, yet perfect hands, waving (Oh, yes they were waving) at us from the TV screen. I would like to think he/she was signing "I Love You".....ya, pretty sure. ;)
Dancing and moving. What a wonderful sign. Emma told the doctor that the baby was swimming and must think my belly is a pool. I just love her. I love she is going to be a sister. She will be the best sister, I am sure of it.

Everything checked out well. We are cleared to go forth to IN. How warming to know that we have such a great "souvenir" from the place that I have so dearly fallen in love with and will miss. God is good....all the time.
love love,
Jill

Missing you girls!

Hey Ladies,
I hope that this finds you all doing well.

Things here are pretty good. I just went through a bad spell of colds/stomach bug. I was literally sick 5 times during 7 weeks. No fun! Now, I'm ready to cook/eat healthier and start exercising again. It's so challenging because our new house is still not in order and my kitchen isn't finished. I haven't had a kitchen sink since we've moved in. Who wants to cook when you have to wash your dishes in the bathroom sink. So, my new hobby is calling the delinquent contractor 5 times a day until he finishes the job. Aren't you glad you are not him???

So, tonight I'm going for it. I've put the house and work before my health and now it's time to get this body moving so my feet may not be as swollen, my blood pressure won't elevate and I can keep my weight gain under 30 lbs. (at 20lb at 27 weeks. Much better than with Jackson, but still not exellent.)

I wish that I had some wise information to share like Jill does, but I don't.
But, I do love you all and am sending out hugs. (So does Jackson.)

Carrie

busy busy, but not too busy to have.....

.....lost that 40th pound for the year!!!!! WOO-HOOO! I so can't believe it! That is how much Emma weighs. I literally dropped "her" off of me.....no wonder I can run better now! ;)

Busy time of year - I feel like our feet haven't touched ground in several weeks. And of course no time to slow down in the near future. Busy people....are blessed people. Right?! Of course!

Getting in time (and energy) for exercise is no secret VERY HARD these days. Stretching is sometimes all I can get in. With the holiday's nearing I am on the quest to find some low calorie snacks to make this year instead of the stand-bys of every year. Also looking to use as little preservatives as possible and go as natural as I can. I'll keep you posted on my findings!
busy bee,
Jill

EFF to ARK....

Congrats to Heather Steffey whom is now the Mrs. Heather Starkey!

Back from FL.....wedding was beautiful, Disney was so magical, and back home "enjoying" the, brrrrr, windy weather.

Good to see you WB girls!!!!! Praise God for the amazing friendships!!!! We missed you CA Carrie!!!!!!
more to come, Jill

Biggest Loser

Well last night was a two hour "almost" finale. Again, sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Anyone with the goal to get healthy should watch it. Anyone who needs the motivation should watch it. Anyone that has a passion for loving life should watch it. Just watch it.

Danny is amazing. Dad, husband, good 'ol boy. He saw himself dying. But the kicker is, he did something about it. And kept going. Last night we saw them go home for 60 days. While home, he lost 59 pounds!!! No trainers, no stocked kitchen.....just him. wow. you don't need the big wigs to help you, you just need to open your eyes and do it for yourself. I am so amazed with him. Danny, you have changed your life. You have changed your family's life. Forever.

I can tell withing the past 5 months of my journey a similar occurrence has taken place. Its not about being skinny or wearing those smaller jeans. Its about changing my life. And when my life changes so does my family's. I could not be more excited to feel this way. Life is so different from one year ago.
Heading to that Sunshine state tomorrow!
Jill

December is here!

Hey WB girls, can you believe December is here?!
See you all soon in FL!!!!!

Heather - enjoy those last few days as a single lady! HA!

Well ladies, I have finally surpassed the 35 mark! As of today I have lost a total of 36 pounds for the year. Whooooo-hooooo! Just think how much easier it will be for me to shake my hinny as we dance it up after the wedding!!!!!
Can't wait,
J

Thanksgiving Run. Commit and Deliver.

Wow. What a morning to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving - hoping each of you is enjoying family to the hilt!

My morning started off with a goal to finish the challenge of a four mile run. Never running that far in one continuous stretch, I wasn't sure it was doable. But what kinda thought is that? I couldn't stop! That's right 44 minutes and 8 seconds! Done. Did it. Never felt better. What an accomplishment. Love it.

Couldn't help spending those 44 minutes thinking and visualizing each of my WB Girls and their families, Ali running her turkey trot this morning, my beautiful family (Adam who was graciously tending to the turkey at home, and Emma standing on the porch yelling "GO MOMMY, YOU CAN DO IT!"). I was also thinking much of my sister-in-law and the whole Phipps' side of the family....a new weight loss challenge has been erupted this week and I am so excited to see life changing habits happen for the whole family.

Wow. so many people. So many good friends. So many lives. How could I possibly not be the happiest gal in the world?

Couldn't help but have Adam take a picture of me after the run. Wanted to find the "before" picture, there was a bit of a problem....I couldn't! For the past year I have hid from the camera...ashamed of where I had gotten. The best I could find was one from this past June. Keep in mind I had ALREADY lost 15 pounds by then! So excited to see the change. Feel the change. Live the change. Take that Satan... you can go in your corner and cry like a baby now.

Which brings me to a small reflection. Last weeks sermon was absolutely perfect. Titled "samshing Satan inthe Motuh." A clear reminder that Satan is here, feeding us lies nonstop. Our preacher didn't walk on eggshells when he spoke....he laid it all on the line. Satan is here to destroy us. And he will if we don't smack him around and let him know that God's will has more authority over any one of his lies. Man, it sure does....do i ever believe it. Oh what a six months it has been. I no longer let Satan run my health. He has taken too much away from me, but no more. No more.

As the sermon came to a close the praise band began to softly play their music in the background as the Pastor Mike gave a perfectly spoken conclusion. Heartwarming. Inspiring. Uplifting.

He finished with this sentence (and I would like to close today with it also);

"It's time to tell Satan, ' YOU CAN GO TO....

...well....HOME'."

***For the whole sermon, use this link. If anything catch at least the last ten minutes. :) http://www.vistacommunitychurch.org/sermon-audio/smashing-satan-in-the-mouth.html

Tuesday's Biggest Loser.

So am I the only one that cries in this show? :)
I just love it. These people have got it. They see what they are doing and why. It's not about losing the weight - it is about giving life back....to themselves and their families. I just love them all.

here are some figures for you from the show tonight:
- America spends over $147 BILLION on health care cost related to obesity a year. STUNNING. Now it doesn't matter what political party you are in favor for, but times are scary when it comes to American health care. Time to take care of ourselves and depend on no one!!!!
- 1 in 3 children in America are obese. So apparent when you walk in our schools. What are we doing to our kids?
- An average American family can SAVE $20 by eating at home rather than eating out. AMEN.

Wow. Wow. To change today is to change FOREVER.
Still drinking my water, still exercising, still centering meals around veggie and fruits. Still making a difference. Every minute. Everyday.
Love that show - how motivational. Find it on the web and watch it if you missed it.
Givin' life,
Jill

Couple tidbits.....

haven't put in a any tidbits lately...here are a few I found interesting today.
For starters, I TOTALLY agree with Mel that weight loss is 80% what you eat, 10% exercise and 10% genetics. As I look over my journey this couldn't ring any more true. Agree agree. With that being said here are a couple things to keep in mind on our healthy journey to come.

In a recent question to Women's Health Mag. Q&A, a person wrote in asking if you can have too many artificial sweeteners? The answer from Keriglassman, R.D., "YES". "Artificial sweeteners can actually curb your sweet tooth, and some research has shown that they may even trick your brain into craving MORE sweets! So wean yourself off sugar and sugar substitutes with naturally sweet snacks that additional dietary benefits, like fiber-filled berries or antioxidant-rich dark chocolate."

I'll add to that, don't forget artificial sweeteners contain aspartame which is very damaging to women's hormones, with in turn can affect your weight and cancer odds. Be sure to check and read your labels on EVERYTHING. Don't forget if you are a soda drinker....best thing there - kick it....don'tjust take my word on it read the article on Monday Nov. 2 blog posting....seriously read it.

Also here is a great link I found with Thanksgiving approaching: http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/your-stay-slim-holiday-survival-plan/0de77e643f803110VgnVCM10000013281eac____/weight.loss/strategies.for.success/emotional.eating?cm_mmc=Spotlight-_-11232009-_-Weight%20Loss-_-Holiday%20Overeating

Keep truckin' my friends. I have gotten word from my in-laws there is a new and upcoming challenge coming for the whole family to lose unhealthy fat and get the body working at its prime. Go Phipps' family....GO GO GO!

ahhhhh...Sunday Mornings.

Love Sunday mornings! (when we are home)
Usually a great time to get in that long walk/run since Adam is home with Emma, but today I simply rested and then got in a very good yoga DVD. I love that stretching and muscle burnin'. "Breathing" really does refresh me. Feelin' good.

And of course we go to the best church ever that doesn't start until 10:30. So I have prepared lunch (cooked the chicken and all!) this morning, dishwasher loaded and going, everyone dressed and looking good and simply enjoying the family....all before church starts.
And...I am wearing tights with a denim skirt that I use to teach in BEFORE Emma was born. Rock on new bod.....rock on.
Jill

ok - so editing the post a bit...it is now Sunday evening and just for the record, I want everyone to know we were late to church after that beautiful morning! :) Blaming this one 100% on my husband!!!!
ps - drank 96 oz of good 'ol H2O today. gonna pee all night.

Hey Class, Listen up, there's a new runner in town!

Hey hey - watch out Dublin OH...Ali Hooper is hitting the pavement! YEAH!!! Kudos girl! Keep it up!
Who else is out there stepping up the game? Heart rates up ladies - lets do it!

Can't wait to see you WB Girls in FL....just a few days away!

Long day here. Over six hours in car. -ugh- good thing I got out there with my dog this morning for some fresh air.....always starts the day good.
Off to bed my friends,
Jill

Good day, good day.

Heard last night there are a couple of OHIO-ERS running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving day - absolutely cool. They are awesome. Go Life Group. I love hearing about people taking control of their future!

Getting excited around this place. Brisk air will do that to you. ahhhhhhh - love this new running gig in my life, always have liked the outdoors....and no better time than the cool fall with a little Indian Summer.
God is good.....all the time.
Jill

Today's Motivation.

So if ....... "adding 11 minutes of walking each day will reduce your risk of getting breast cancer by nearly 20 percent" -Journal of the National Cancer Institute

...and if...."carrying weight around your middle is risky because excess fat produces hormones and chemicals that can contribute to insulin resistance - which increases risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.....less than 35 inches in considered healthy" -Study in Archives of Internal Medicine

.....then I have some more work to do.
Perhaps more than 11 minutes a day. :)
Still No Excuses November,
Jill

LIFE.

So did anyone watch the Biggest Loser last night? Anyone cry? Man, I tell you the people on that show are amazing. I have the up most respect for them. THAT is what hard work is. You can all the best trainers and cooks in the world, but NO ONE gives you the motivation/determination other than yourself. I could not be more proud of the speeches they gave last night - so many involved their family.

I can relate. It isn't on as near big scale as they, but I can relate. A year ago this month, I lost the next precious member in our family when I miscarried. It happened at home. There is a moment when you are just standing there feeling hopeless. Hopeless. Hopeless. What I had done?
On that day I looked in the mirror and saw a very unhealthy person. Overweight. I was someone who wasn't healthy enough to carry that precious life that God was giving us. What had I done? I was cheating my family. Its not just my life but its theirs too. How selfish of me to let my weight get this way and do nothing about it. It was time for change.

One year later. 34 pounds lighter, taking my BMI from obese to just barely overweight. Still have some to go. Exercising every day....no matter what. Eating fruits and veggies every meal, all day....no matter what. My waist has dropped in inches - reducing my risk for cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. No trainers, no cooks, just me. Just me determined to make LIFE better and longer. I'm doing this for my family...for myself....for the family we could have had - I owe it to that little one.
Every time I want to give in or give up, I just think of that moment a year ago...standing in the bathroom - hopeless. I have to do this. I have a responsibility to do this. Getting healthy is not an option or something on my "to-do" list. It is my LIFE. My family's LIFE.
So go pick on someone else Satan. I am NOT letting you or your temptations take one more day away of anyone's precious life.
LIFE.
Jill