I realize it's past Thanksgiving, but I have a few things I want to mention that I'm grateful for - in relation to health and weight loss:

I'm incredibly grateful for a body that is resilient. I know that losing weight is never going to be easy for me, and that I'm never going to be able to mindlessly eat whatever I want and be thin. However, I have been kind of amazed at how the body will heal itself if treated right.

I'm grateful for support from friends who really believe that I can do this. SPICE. :)

I'm grateful for time, and the fact that I've realized that progression is not an overnight thing, but that I can keep working on.

Finally, I'm grateful for the fact that people can change.

Spoonful of Sugar

This weeks spoonful of sugar:  There is a great website for recipes and there are a lot of healthy recipes to try out.  It is:  recipezaar.com  My aunt showed me this website and I love it mostly because it tells the nutrition value of almost all the recipes I have ever looked at.  That is so great for all of us that keep track...keep track of carbs, calories, points, all the information you need is right there to help you stay within your goal amount.  I have tried a stir-fry on there already and was very happy with it.  I will have to make it and post it one of these days.  Until then, enjoy the website.

Words of Encouragement

Don't give up.  Keep going.  You can do it!!

Spoonful of Sugar

This weeks spoonful of sugar:  There is a challenge in trying to figure out what really works, for each of us individually, to lose weight. So Sugar and I decided to sit down one day for lunch and we made a list which consisted of 2 steps.  First, write down all of the things that worked for you in the past to help you lose weight.  I know for me the things that worked for me were having a good friend to be there and encourage you, drinking water, walking, and cooking for myself.  Now as hard as this is for me to admit, having a crush never hurt anything either as far as weight loss.  The second step, write down all of the things that didn't work for you.  This was easy because I have many things like counting carbs, that does not work for me.  Having a membership at a gym does not work for me.  Losing weight for the wrong reasons is not it either.  So take a minute and really think about what has worked and what hasn't.  Making this list has helped me know what will work for me and I know it will help you also.  I know that your list will be different than mine, but in the end we can understand better what will help us lose that weight we have been trying to get off.  Make this list now with your friend and have a good time doing it.  Good luck this week on losing weight.

Sweet Friends

Okay, so it has been confirmed to me once again that you need a good friend, a friend to support you in your weight loss battle. My weight loss friend is one that I feel completely comfortable talking about my hang ups with about weight issues. She is always there with a listening ear. She asks the best questions to get me thinking about where I am at, but also where I want to be. We were talking about what has worked for us in the past and we both agreed that having a friend there for support is what we both need. One to walk with you, one to encourage you especially on those days you just want to give up. Friends are a must have in the battle against weight loss.

Milk-duhds

I've been struggling with getting past a certain number on the scale. *Every morning this week, the same number looks back up at me from the scale, and I'm wondering if it's really possible that I've hit a plateau this soon? Surely it can't be.

This week Spice designed and printed our new food journals, and I haven't had time to assemble mine yet, and I'm wondering if maybe that is my hangup. I know from past experience that nothing speeds weight loss like hardcore, honest food journaling. It's just so easy to forget that you popped four milk-duds and a box of nerds after your healthy lunch. How do you forget milk-duds? It's easier than you think. Try it sometime - journal every morsel that goes into your mouth, and I guarantee you, there will be some surprises like my milk-duds.

Did you notice that my answer was right there in that paragraph? I'm supposed to be eating low-carb, what am I doing with milk-duds? Duhd. Hello, plateau. So, tonight after work, I'll go home, and cook a big healthy dinner, with most of the "big" factor being in masses of vegetables, and tomorrow is another day. I will get past that number on the scale!

*I weigh everyday, first thing in the morning, after using the restroom, and before eating or drinking anything. How and when you weigh is entirely up to you - and everyday weighing can be frustrating because the body fluctuates so much in terms of water, etc. In fact, for most people I'd probably recommend that once a week is a good idea. The reason I weigh every day is that my brain is so eager to not think about calorie and carb counting that I have to be constantly vigilant. Routine is the only thing that keeps me sane, and weekly just doesn't do it for me. I will literally 'forget'. Everyday keeps me honest.

Spoonful of Sugar

This weeks spoonful of sugar: Write down a primary goal that is within reach and then figure out small steps that will help you reach that goal. For example, let's say you decide that for the next 3 months you will lose 30 lbs. What are you going to do to accomplish that goal? Will you keep a food journal, set a specific time each day for exercise, how much exercise will you need to do, will you plan a menu, keep track of carbs? Remember to be reasonable and realistic with these goals. For us, the first small step was creating this blog. Those that follow will know the progress and the steps we have taken and are taking to reach our goals. You will find that as you stick to these small steps you have set then you will become more and more excited about the ultimate goal. Have fun and let us know what is working for you.

Southwestern Black Bean Salsa

I have this thing about breakfast - to begin with, I'm hungry and want to get full, but I also want it to last me for as long as possible. As a result, I favor proteins like scrambled eggs. But honestly - scrambled eggs get boring really quickly. This recipe for Black Bean Salsa makes the most important meal of the day a little more interesting, while (bonus!) adding great fiber and some healthy fats, and it tides me over. At least until snack time.

This salsa can be thrown together in minutes from the things you have in your pantry or lying around. Don't let the details or the measurements distract you - cooking is about creating something, after all. Go ahead and get imaginative, and throw in whatever you like - this is simply a great framework for a delicious salsa that provides more fiber and healthy fats that the usual jar of store-bought tomato mush.

Southwestern Black Bean Salsa (recipe courtesy of (of course) Spice)

1 14 oz. can of black beans
1 14 oz. can of corn
1 avocado, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup sweet yellow onion, diced
1 large tomato, diced
Juice of 1 fresh lime

Fancy pants extras you can try: cilantro, jalapenos, a little juice from a can of chipotle peppers, small cubes of pepper-jack cheese, and drum roll.... bacon. (If you do, serve it quickly, before it gets soggy).

Mix together, and give it at least a half an hour to get some of the good juices going. It will last for three days covered in the fridge.