Recipe #1

Don't mind my granny apron... I'm hard at work!

I've officially tried my first healthy dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs!! Sorta.. I substituted the noodles with spaghetti squash. To cook the squash I just cut it in half, threw on some seasonings and olive oil, and popped it in the oven until I could stick a fork through it (about an hour). While that was cooking I made turkey, quinoa, and black bean meatballs. All really healthy things! Click for meatballs.. I did slightly modify it adding the turkey burger. Then I threw those in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. I never actually time the things I cook, or measure anything for that matter, so just keep an eye on everything to make sure it doesn't burn. :) When the "spaghetti" and meatballs were finished cooking I took a spoon and scraped out the insides of the squash, put it in a bowl, covered with meatballs and fresh parm, and it was delicious!! Didn't have time to do a red sauce, but maybe next time? Caitlyn and Emma approved and said it was REALLY good! That'll be something we can all eat... when (if) we are picked for the program. We should know by tomorrow!

CALL BACK!! Interview #2

Got a call back for a follow up interview!!! Back to Ashland tonight AND both Emma and Caitlyn got a call back too! How awesome would it be if we all got chosen! EEEK! Shew.. ok. I've also finished mine and Cait's diet diaries. Emma wants a zombie one, of course, so I've got to get to work on hers! This is a great way to keep yourself accountable and follow your meal/exercise plans. Fingers crossed!

Preparation... H? Just Kidding!

In preparation for this Friday, which is HOPEFULLY the day Caitlyn and I will be chosen as participants for the campaign, we are trying to get in the appropriate mindset. Last night we did some health food shopping at the Gucci Kroger.

Here's some things we got:

• eggs
• grapefruit
• greek yogurt
• granola
• green tea
• salmon
• shrimp
• scallops
• chicken
• NO SALT seasonings
• spinach salad mix
• green peppers
• apples
• carrots

and a bunch of other things I can't remember... Anywhooo.. I wanted to get spaghetti squash too, but unfortunately the Gucci Kroger fell short in that category and didn't have any. Lame. I've also put together a "Biggest Loser" Diary to help us track everything we do (see below). Computer permitting, I'll be pinning it for all to use! I also made us recipe cards for when we cook a really bangin' meal and want to make it again (also on pinterest). It'll all be put together in cute little binders for us. I'll post pictures when it's finished. In the mean time, if you're reading this and thinking "This girl is going to need some help. Maybe I should offer her some advice...", PLEASE DO!! :) Even if we aren't chosen we are going to still focus on getting healthy! Recipes, workouts, anything!!! Let the sharing begin!

Ashland AHC Screening - The Moment of Truth

Welp folks, last night was the "Biggest Loser" screening. Wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew I'd have an interview and have to weigh in. My weight? Yikes! The biggest I've ever been. Caitlyn, one of my biffles (best friend haha), had the same result. We both had let ourselves become lazy and large. Another biffle, Emma, was not quite as plump (lucky).  We then moved into another room where Michael, who will be our trainer if selected, gave us a rundown of the program. It's going to be intense, to say the least. As Caitlyn and I sat there we became more and more excited of the possibilities. We could be the epitome of health! Not only that, but the program ends right before summer and I wouldn't mind having a bod like Jillian Michaels. Next we had the one on one interviews where Caitlyn and I both stated that we'd happily gouge each others eyes out to win. We're rather competitive. :) Did you know that you can survive off of only green peppers?? Thank you Scott Landers for that info! I think the interview went well, but I'll have to wait and see if I'm chosen. There were over 40 candidates there! It was kind of eye opening. Our area really does have health issues from being over weight. Thankfully we having caring people like everyone at AHC who want to help. The group of people who work there are warm, kind, and motivating. Losing weight and dieting can be a bumpy road, but AHC is really committed to lighting a fire under our rather large rears and helping us succeed!  

I Will "Truffle Shuffle" No More

I didn't make a New Year's resolution for 2012. Why? Well, I tend to come up with different ideas every day and most of the time within 24 hours I have something new I'd rather be doing. That usually doesn't involve exercise or limiting how many pieces of birthday cake I can consume (my birthday being in January, it doesn't really give me a fair chance of starting off the year with a goal to lose weight and be healthier). Not that I don't get on workout kicks, but they aren't consistent like they should be. So, when my friend Erica offered me an opportunity to come to a screening a be a part of (hopefully) American Health Centers' "Biggest Loser" campaign I was eager to be a part of it. I need a little structure when it comes to diet and exercise and they'll be giving me just that. Nutritional plan, personal trainer, the works! When the 8 weeks comes to an end, I'll hopefully no longer be able to do the truffle shuffle like Chunk. Wish me luck.. screening is on January 19th!!