Planet Fitness

My son started going to the gym with me. I think it's been great for both of us.  

My losses

At the begining of this year I was 178lbs. Today is 5-29-2014 and I'm 159 lbs :-) that makes me Happy I'm in the next set of ten's lol.  I have to work it to get in to the 140's :-)   it's a slow progress but it's progress.  While I'm sitting here thinking I'de like to go to the bakery down the street to get some pastries for my morning coffee hahahaha.  

Accountability

Accountabilty is putting it all out there. So here goes, a few months ago I was 178. A couple months ago I was 173. Today I am 169. I am 5'6 1/2". 

I would love to be at around 140. 

There's that :-)

Merry Christmas

7 Health Promoting Properties of Flax

DID YOU KNOW? There are 7 Health Promoting Properties of Flax:

1. Flax promotes cardiovascular health.  The ultra high levels of omega-3 fatty acids lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol)
2. Flax promotes colon health
3. Flax can boost immunity
4. Flax provides fats that are precursors for brain building
5. Flax promotes healthy skin
6. Flax may lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels
7. Flax can be slimming.  Fats high in essential fatty acids increase the body's metabolic rate, helping to burn excess unhealthy fats.

When using flax oil:

• Don't use it to cook.  It's okay to use it after food is cooked.  Heating healthy fats can turn them into harmful ones.
• Purchase it only when it's stored in a black container.  This keeps the sunlight out. 
• Keep your oil refrigerated. Healthy fats (olive oil being the exception) can spoil quickly.
• Use your oil within 6 weeks of opening.
• Take it with a meal.  Flax oil taken with a meal can increase the nutritional value of the other foods.
• Take it with along with your multivitamin/mineral.  It works best when taken with other nutrients.

You are on the right track by using flax!  If you don't have your flax--get it TODAY!  We offer organic flax seed only for $9.99. 

This article is from my dear friend Robin, Please let me know if you are interested I will forward the info Thanks so much!

Happy Birthday Mia, Kimbo and Choco!

We are making Birthday Cupcakes for my 3 youngest babies & Daisy. Tomorrow Mia, Kimbo & Baby Choco turn 3. They have been a great loveable addition to our family. We were also just given Daisy. She has been a great well behaved Yorkie. What a blessing she has been. We were told she turns 5 in April so we will celebrate them all. We ♥ U 3 Dearly.Thank you 4 for the ♥ you give us! Happy Birthday my little loves!

9 Appetite-Suppressing Foods

9 Appetite-Suppressing Foods
By Whitney Provost

If you're like most people, conquering your appetite is one of the biggest challenges you face in your fitness and weight loss journey. As soon as the word "diet" crosses your lips, you may find yourself craving all the junk you know you're not supposed to eat. The secret is eating the right foods to help calm the cravings for the wrong ones. Adding these 9 easy-to-find, tasty foods to your meal plan can help you rein in your appetite before it gets out of control!

1. Oatmeal. This hot cereal is high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means it fills you up and takes a long time to digest. Research has shown that diets high in slow-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal suppress the hunger hormone grehlin more effectively than diets high in fat do. In fact, when you eat oatmeal for breakfast, you may find that your appetite is lower at lunchtime. Steel-cut or rolled oats digest more slowly than the "instant" variety do, so it's worth taking a few extra minutes in the morning to prepare your breakfast the old-fashioned way.

2.  Apples. Not only are apples nutritious, but what sets them apart from other fruits is pectin, a soluble fiber that helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you full, and sustains your energy. One medium apple with skin contains 4 grams of fiber, which is more than you'd get in an average slice of whole wheat bread. Add an apple and some cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for an appetite-suppressing breakfast.

3.  Pine nuts. These edible pine-tree seeds contain more protein than any other nut or seed, and their oil stimulates two appetite-suppressing hormones (cholecystokinin [CCK] and glucagon-like peptide-1) that tell your brain you're not hungry. Blend pine nuts with basil, garlic, and a little olive oil to make pesto, or sprinkle them on your salad or oatmeal for a delicious, nutty crunch.

4.  Salad. The fiber in typical salad vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and peppers is very filling and helps slow the release of glucose into your bloodstream. Studies have shown that when people start a meal with a small salad, they eat significantly fewer calories in the meal itself. Just watch out for the high-fat dressings (or worse, fat-free dressings that are high in sugar). Try having the dressing on the side and dipping your fork into it for easy portion control, or simply add a dash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tasty, super-low-calorie option. Bonus tip: Try to eat a vegetable at every meal to keep your appetite at bay all day long.

5. Olive oil and other unsaturated fats. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine found that unsaturated fat causes the intestines to release a compound (oleoylethanolamide) that has been shown to reduce appetite and stimulate weight loss. Some great unsaturated fat choices include avocados, olives and olive oil, almonds, salmon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, and sesame seeds. These foods are high in calories, so enjoy them in moderation while regulating your appetite.

6.  Flaxseeds. Flax is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds are also very high in protein and fiber, making them excellent for appetite control. Sprinkle ground flaxseeds over oatmeal, salads, or yogurt, or add them to smoothies to help stabilize your blood sugar and turn off the hunger hormones.

7.  Beans. The fiber in beans increases CCK, a digestive hormone that's a natural appetite suppressant. A research study at the University of California at Davis found that men who ate a high-fiber meal containing beans had CCK levels that were two times higher than when they ate a low-fiber meal. Beans also keep your blood sugar steady, which helps stave off hunger.

8.  Whey protein. New studies suggest that whey protein stimulates the hormones that increase the feeling of being full. In one study, researchers at the University of Surrey in England found that people who consumed whey protein felt fuller and more satisfied with less food. Whey also stabilizes blood sugar, and that can help control food urges. Make a drink with Beachbody's Whey Protein Powder to calm your appetite any time of the day.

9.  Spicy foods. Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives peppers their heat, can also help control your raging appetite. A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition suggests that capsaicin-rich foods may help you consume fewer calories, plus they help support weight loss by suppressing your appetite and making you feel fuller. You can add hot pepper sauce to tomato juice, stir-fry some Anaheim or Serrano peppers with other vegetables, or cook up some jalapeño or poblano peppers in your omelet. Other spicy ingredients may have similar effects, so try adding spices like hot mustard and curry to your salads and meats.