Dinner of Leftovers

Who said leftovers had to be gross and dull? I hate to brag but I just made the most incredible pasta from leftovers.

Ingredients:
Half of a large can of diced tomatoes
3 pieces of turkey bacon
a couple dashes of italian seasoning
A large spoonful of fat free sour cream
a small spoonful of fat free cream cheese
pepper
garlic salt
BAM.

Basically I put the tomatoes in a skillet and let them cook for about 3 minutes with the Italian seasoning.
Then I added the bacon and let it cook with the tomatoes for like 10 minutes flipping the pieces over every now and then.
Then add the sour cream and cream cheese and stir until it is all mixed together
I added some crushed red pepper to make it spicy and I like it hot so.. there was a lot
Bring to a boil then lower the heat and let simmer for like 5 minutes

I already had some cooked noodles so I just poured it over that and voila!

Challenges

This week presents my first challenge(s) of my second round of BFL. Thursday after Dylan gets out of school we will be driving down to Austin where I will be dropped off at Fogo de Chao to join to rest of the Bridal/House party girls for a bachelorette party of sorts. Now, Fogo de Chao is a fantastic restaurant where I could justify myself eating a lot because it is PROTEIN overload. It is a meat smorgasbord. If you haven't been there or heard of it go here. But, I am going to sadly decline the red meat and just eat off the salad bar so I control myself. We are going belly dancing after dinner so that will be some good added cardio. I am packing my mom's zumba dance belly dance skirt so, ladies prepare yourselves for that.
Now, the plan is to push my free day back one day. Normally I do Fridays, but this weekend I am going to do Saturday. I plan on waking up Friday morning before the bridal luncheon to run. I need some encouragement in this because every time I have ever packed shoes and clothes to run I bail (ex. all the times I have tried to run at camp). I find some excuse to not get up and do it. But I was reading in my BFL book that there is never a good excuse to not work out. Cardio can be done anywhere, you just have to run.

 Saturday is wedding day! YAY! I couldn't be more excited for these two. It is going to be a full blown celebration and there will be LOTS of cardio that day. I will be eating cake. But I'm not worried.

Sunday presents my second challenge. I hope to leave Sunday morning around 8 or 9 that way I can squeeze in my work out later in the afternoon. We will see how this all pans out.

Also, I have three tests next week. That alone terrifies me. Be praying for me this next weekend/week.

Wife Beater/Tank Top/Whatevs

So I decieded to share with you guys a few of my fitness goals. The reason I do this. What I want my end result to be. My ultimate goal in life... (fitness life). I will try to post a goal or two a week along with updates about my second round of BFL.

Goal # 1 (these are in no particular order but if they were, this would be number one)
I want to look good in just jeans and a tank top. Or shorts and a tank top. Whatever the bottom half of my attire may be, I want to feel confident enough in my body to wear a tank top. Whether it be around the house, or to the pool, whatever. My inspiration for this is Helen Hunt. She was smoking hot in Twister chasing tornados in a white wife beater.

See what I mean? What a hottie. I don't think Bill Paxton would have fallen back in love with her if she had been wearing a t-shirt or even a black tank. The costume designers really knew what they were doing. About the cargo pants, not so much. But who knew such a simple shirt would inspire such inspiration in me. Helen, you are my hero.

Also, Jessica Simpson looks pretty good in a white tank. 





My first step in achieving this goal is working on my love handles. My muffin top is NOT all that people. Don't let them fool you under this large t-shirt I am wearing. They came back this summer with full vengence. They think they are here to stay but they aren't. I have something to say to all those muffin tops out there, thanks for nothing, see ya never.

Alli

Also, for your viewing pleasure a short clip from 30 Rock.

Round 2

I am officially the worst blogger in the universe. Let's not stop there, we will go ahead and say that I am the worst Body for Life-er also. I quit 1 week short of my goal. I was extremely stressed due to finals and I threw the towel in. I continued to eat healthy but working out was not on high on my priority list.

I am sorry to those I have disappointed!

But the good news is... I am doing it again.

This summer I ballooned back up. I went to Midland for two weeks, then San Francisco for a week and let me just tell you a little something about San Fran. You don't consume anything but bread, wine, and fine cheeses. This does not work to your advantage. I gained 7 pounds on that trip alone. On top of that, all the yummy food I ate in Midland also took it's toll. Jorge's, Taco Villa, Luigi's. I really need to learn to control myself when I go home.

It bothers me that I let myself gain all my weight back (and probably plus some) but I don't want to dwell on it any longer. I made a mistake and now I will work hard to get my healthy body back again. I think one thing that went wrong was that after BFL was over, I didn't have a plan. I had nothing to fall back on. No structure for me = calories and no exercise. This time, I plan on trying the Tone It Up work out regime.

I haven't done my official weigh in or my before pictures but those will be coming later this week.

Thank you to all those who supported me and who will continue to encourage me! Let's do this!!

P.S. here are my before and afters from my last round of BFL

1 Whole Wheat Bagel without Cream Cheese Please

They put the cream cheese on my plate anyways.
I'm at Zera about to crack open my chemistry book and cram 3 chapters in before tomorrow's big test at 11 am. Please pray.

I had a mini crisis this weekend and flew home for 24 hours. I'm so homesick. I miss my family so much. There is nothing like being away from them. In the midst of my depression I made some big no no's that I am not proud of. Especially so close to being finished with my challenge. But I will not quit. As my mom always says, "Get right back on it."

The big no no's consisted of Jorge's, 3 free days, 2 missed work outs, and 2 pounds gained back. Ughhh. I know. It's bad. But I needed that family time. I flew, and it was literally a 26 hour trip, there was no time to work out. It was so nice to see the family and get to play with my niece. She is the most precious baby girl of all time. Seriously.

So Week 11 started yesterday. I can't believe it! I am trying to not get down about my recent set backs and press on! Hope everyone has a great week.

Allison Todd

Stressed Spelled Backwards is Desserts

I am stressed to the max. To the extreme. Trying to get into a nursing program is one of the most stressful things I have ever done. Normally when stressed I eat a lot. Now, I want to work out the stress. That is an amazing feeling. BFL not only changed my eating habits and work out routine, it changed the way I think about things. I truly hate missing a work out. I know that it is good for my body and that we weren't made to be lazy! We were made to work hard and be healthy! I am thankful for my healthy body and the knowledge of how to take care of it. :D

If you are tired of me taking pictures of myself, I'm not a narcissist I promise! I normally don't take this many pics of myself. I just wanted to be able to clearly see my progress. Plus, blogs are always more fun when there are pictures involved. 

Ok so last summer I bought some capris that were WAY to small. It hurt to wear them. I bought them with the hopes that they would eventually stretch. They didn't. I lost a little bit of weight and they eventually fit but look at them now!

Also, I am trying to raise some money to go Bowl for a ministry that I support. If you would like to read more about it or if you are interested in helping click this link Bowlfest 2011

Thanks for reading!
Alli

Breakdown

I had the most pathetic breakdown tonight. Let me start by saying that I am a sappy, emotional mess these days. I miss my family back in Midland/Odessa so much. I really let it get me down when I shouldn't. Need to learn to move on, but that's for another blog another day.

Dylan went out with his friends tonight and I wanted to stay home and have a "me" night. I did my cardio and sat down, wrote my blog and then started watching some TV. I called Pita Pit, then called and cancelled my order and decided to eat the leftover pizza in the fridge. Mistake. Big Mistake. There was just one piece but I shouldn't have done it. This is what I do when I'm depressed, I eat my feelings. It really is a big problem. This summer when we first moved here and I was sad, I ate a whole cake by myself. Dylan and Sarah probably had one piece each but I ate the rest by myself. This is why I weighed 180 pounds this summer.

I then made myself a PB&J. With reduced fat PB and lowfat sugar free Jelly. I should have stopped there but I didn't. I wanted some McDonald's french fries. I battled myself with this for a few hours. Finally around 9:30 I went to Micky D's and ordered a medium fry and a small chocolate shake. As I type this I get a little sick with myself. Well when I went to pay, my card didn't work.

This is the pathetic part: I cried. I drove away and I cried. I just wanted some friggen fries. I called Dylan crying and I'm sure he thought I was a crazy person. Who cries because they couldn't get fries?

About 30 minutes later, 3 of my sweet sweet friends showed up at my door with fries. I would've cried if I hand't already been crying.

It was a sweet gesture that I will be punishing myself for tomorrow. Week 10 starts Monday and I am going to go harder than I ever have! Maybe even add 10 minutes more to my cardio.

Thanks for reading and encouraging me. It really does keep me going. Love, Alli

Never Again

I'm still alive! I promise I haven't quit. I have been so busy these past few weeks and it just seems like I never have a second to slow down to even do laundry, much less write in the blog. But I've been feeling guilty so, here I am! I have a scary picture for you all... Here it is.

My shorts from last summer. When we went to Cambodia, I had to get new shorts because none of my other ones fit. Size 12. They look much larger.

I will never again let myself get that out of shape and that overweight again! Yuck.
/
Week 10 starts Monday. I am scared! What will happen when it's over? I don't want to quit working out. I want to keep losing, toning and being happy with my body.

I've only missed 2 workouts, both cardio. Can't miss anymore, we are in the home stretch!

These are my confessions

So... my eating hasn't been as strict as it should be. I had two free days in a row. I felt horrible and guilty. But after some advice, I put on my big girl panties and I dealt with it. Here is a tip if you plan on doing BFL: Plan your meals and have time for groceries. It is so much harder to do this when you don't have groceries at home. I have compromised meals because of this. Dylan and I are having a grocery store date later this evening and I can't wait! It's been too long since I've made a good healthy meal.

I was feeling pretty defeated by my Jorge's.cupcake splurge and then I took another pic. I don't know if you saw it below but check it out. You might be as shocked as I was.

wow wow wow wow wow. it's working!!!!! Can't give up. Sarah has decided to do an extra week since Spring Break was a set back. I think I might do an extra week too. We will see. Thanks for reading! 

I should be studying

But I am waiting for Sarah to pick me up so we can go do our LB work out. Please pray for us! We both have big tests tomorrow. :D

So here are some pics while I wait. We are in Week 8 people!

"Looks like you guys got some sun today" Don't worry it's healing. 

 Oh hi abs! Nice to see you again. It's been a while. 

Nice to meet you bicep! I don't think we've ever met! 

By the way, I was definitely not holding my tummy in this one. Embarrassing. It looks better than that I promise.

Spring Break

My last post was such a downer. I apologize for my bad attitude! I also want to apologize for not posting at all over the break. I meant to, but I have been so busy! It feels like I'm just getting a little break.

My break has been really great though. I haven't missed a work out. I even woke up twice at 5:30 am to go to Gold's Gym with my brother! It is actually kind of nice to get it all out of the way early in the morning and leaves you free for the rest of the day. I don't think I could do it regularly though, so props to you Cameron!

The only thing I'm worried about is my eating. I have been eating right, just too much. I went to Midland for a few days and loaded up on some Jorge's the first day we got there. It was so delicious and I appreciated it more after waiting so long to have it. I even ate well when we went to Aubelo's and it wasn't my free day. I haven't really cheated at all. The other night I had some chips when I shouldn't have but, oh well.

I even went on a hike on my free day! Impressive I know :D

I will update a longer post on Monday I promise! Enjoy the last few days of the break!

Vent

I am frustrated. Really extremely frustrated. My scale has not budged in weeks. I am at 157.2 and I'm not happy about it. My goal weight is 140. I weighed 140 in high school. I weighed 148 at my wedding. Actually, I really just want to be healthy. I want to be happy with the way I look. And I'm not yet.

I missed a cardio session. Had a little sinus episode and it would have been a bad idea to work out. I still have it today and I'm contemplating what to do. I could run, but should I? Will I make it worse?

I am also stressed. I have two tests the week after Spring Break, one of them being on Monday. I shouldn't go anywhere. I should stay home and clean and study and relax.

It is going to be great to see family, don't get me wrong.

I'm just in a fowl mood and it is affecting everything. I'll try to be more positive next time.

Alli

BUSY BEE

Sorry I haven't posted. I have been so busy as of late. School is busting my butt right now, but it will be worth it in the end. I promise to post a good, long, meaningful, picture filled post tomorrow. But for now. A post work out treat:

Banana Goodness
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 small banana
1 tablespoon reduced fat crunchy peanutbutter
a handful of ice cubes
and go.

That is my go to smoothie :D

Protein bars, shakes and smoothies are used to their best advantage within 30 minutes of a work out. A little BFL wisdom for ya.

Can you believe we are in our 6th week? I can't. 6 to go! I can't wait!!!

Baby Got Back- Part 1

I don't think I can ever remember a time in my life when I was happy with my body. Even in high school when I weighed 140-145, I thought I was fat. I was by no means toned, or in shape. But I was not fat. I am famous for the phrase, "I will start my diet tomorrow." My friends could be millionaires if they had a dollar for every time I have uttered those stupid words.

This problem is deep rooted in insecurity and comparison. I have a serious problem comparing my body to others. I think this is something all girls and women go through. We compare our bodies, our clothes, our lives to one another. It's unhealthy and leads to some serious self worth issues. When we should have our identities in Christ, we instead place them in ourselves and our desire for what we should look like/own/etc...

Not where I meant to head with this post. Ok moving on. So, I worked at Hollister for a good 2 years of my life. Good can also be substituted in that last post for awful. No really, I liked it. Gave me a great excuse to listen to crappy punk rock music and I smelled like "Jake" everyday.

So, one year the crew decided to have a softball team. This happened to be the year that I was at my most insecure. I wasn't clinically bulimic but I was vomiting after every meal to try and shed a few pounds. I remember being so desperate to just good the food out of my body that I would hide in alley's after lunch and make myself vomit, and then continue on my way. Horrible horrible habit. Thank GOD it only lasted a few months.

Anyways, so the softball team was called the "Swamp Donkey's." I have no idea what that even means, but everyone got nick names to have printed on the back of their shirts. This sweet girl who was my friend, and had an enviable body got the name "Great A" printed on hers... meaning great ass. Mine said, "Fat Ass." They didn't even have the decency to just put the "A", no no, they put the whole word. I weighed probably 138 pounds, I was NOT fat. Ok so maybe my butt wasn't as tight as hers, but she played soccer. Of course it wasn't. Needless to say, I was offended (nothing against this girl, love her to death).

To be continued...

p.s. This is me and Sarah, my BFL partner. This is from Spring 2007. I am wearing my "Swamp Donkey's" shirt. I'm pretty sure I deleted all pictures with the back of the shirt on them.

Week 5 pics

Sugar, We're Going Down

I am happy to report that I tried on a size 8 cargo pants yesterday... and they fit. It was the best day ever. It really encouraged me to keep going with this Challenge even though sometimes I feel like it isn't working. It is, and the results are taking time. Nothing changes overnight, healthy weight loss takes time. This was especially encouraging to me because I was a size 12 this summer. On a bad day, I might even have to try on a 14. I'm serious, I promise I'm not making it up. I was 180 pounds on a 5'4 frame. Gross!

Also, I bought some really cute shorts from Urban Outfitters a couple of months ago and they didn't fit. My goal was to fit in them by my birthday, and they did! Barely, but they did! I took a picture to send to my mom when we went out last night. By the way, The Clay Pit is fantastic.

alli

P.S. The title of the post, referring to the size of my pants dropping, I'm goofy.

ok seriously

Literally 20 minutes after I posted, Dylan and Tyler walked in with a cake and champagne. How could they? I only had 3 bites and half a fluke (???) of champagne. I also busted my butt today on the treadmill and we did extra back exercises so I feel like it's ok..

Silly boys. They do not understand!

Hufflepuff Know Whats Up

The title to this post has nothing to do with anything, but it's my birthday and I do what I want. Ask Lindsey and or Katie and or Sarah.

Kidding. It's because I watched this earlier Like Its Quidditch.

So today was my birthday and I worked out. On my birthday. On. My. Birthday. This is big. I used to make up excuses as to why I couldn't work out and the perfect excuse would be, a birthday. I did not even cheat on this day! I could have eaten anything I wanted, but I didn't I stuck to it.

This leads to some frustration. I haven't lost but 3 pounds. And hardly any inches. They say the results don't really start coming in until 8 or 9.

Well I friggen hope so or I have missed out on SO much Chick-Fil-A... That isn't a very good attitude to have. But, it's my birthday.

Thank you all for the birthday via Facebook and such. I hope you all have a great rest of the week! :D

Why BFL?

Some of you might be wondering why I would do this to myself. I don't have time to write it all down today so here is a preview of why:

Me at 148 lbs July 2009                              

at 180 lbs July 2010

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

Study Break

So, I'm at a coffee shop, Zera, and I'm cramming my brain full of information about Microbiology, Chemistry, and history. I think I might die. But the good news is, Monday starts Week 4 of BFL. That means we are 25% through. HALLELUJAH AND AMEN.

I won't lie people, I have some serious abs coming in.

The other day I was straightening my hair and Sarah pointed out the "blooming" muscles in my arm. I have never had that before... and it's only week 3!!! I am so excited. Especially because I have been so discouraged by the actual poundage lost. I stepped on the scale this morning, and it said 157.2. I have been hiding my scale in the closet to avoid the temptation to weigh again and again but, I just had to this morning.

Dylan and I went to the Melting Pot for dinner last night. Yumma. I didn't blow my free day, but I did enjoy the fondue. Plus, it is served with lots of fresh veggies and things so it can't be that bad right? Right. Okgood, I'm glad we all agree. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

alli

It's Been a While

Sorry I haven't blogged in so long. Things are crazy here! I have 3 tests on Monday and I had 2 quizzes this week, so I'm pretty much mental at all times. The good thing is, I haven't missed one single work out despite my hectic schedule. Tonight is cardio and I am actually looking forward to it. I look forward to pushing to that new high point in the run. With BFL there is a certain system and way of doing things. For cardio, it's twenty minutes with intervals. You start off at a Level 5 of intensity, whatever that may be for you. For me, that's walking at a fast pace. From minutes 1-5 on the treadmill you work your way up from Level 5- Level 9 intensity. You maintain for 1 minute, then go back down to 5. It is this system of intervals for 20 minutes and you are done. DONE. That is all the cardio required for BFL. Fits in quite perfectly with my student schedule and wifely duties.

I have been kind of discouraged lately at the amount of pounds lost so far: 2. I keep reminding myself that weight loss does not happen over night and healthy weight loss is gradual. The good news about this though is that I have been building muscle so that counts right? I have the book "Champions of Body for Life" and it breaks it down week by week. Alexa Adair said that she had only lost 3 pounds when she started week 3 and she ended up losing 20 pounds total, so there is hope!

Thanks again for reading this and encouraging me. I appreciate it so much!

Alli

Seamstress or Seamster?

Today I had Dylan cut a T-shirt for me. I want to be like the cool girls that know how to do the free weights and the bench press and stuff. He did an amazing job. I asked him why he wasn't in fashion and he gave me the look. Oopsie. :D So manly of my manly manliest man to cut a shirt for me. I have my own personal Seamster.

Today's workout has been the best so far. Sarah and I went to the UNT rec Center to do our upper body work out. We always take our BFL book and I always feel so insecure about it. But I felt like I could life 500 lb today! We bench pressed and even though it is hard to just lift the bar alone, I made progress and it felt amazing when I did my last six reps with the added weight. Sarah was a good encourager also. It makes it easier to do BFL when you have someone to do it with you and keep you accountable and yell at you like Jillian Michael's (except MUCH prettier and MUCH nicer) to keep going and that it really isn't that heavy.

I do have a big challenge coming. My parents are visiting this weekend. All we ever do is pig out. I always take them to all the good places in Denton to eat. I will still do that this time but I cannot give in to the temptation! Tomorrow is my off day and we are going to Anamia's to eat for my birthday dinner. I can't blow it on chips and salsa. Ooohhh but there guacamole is SO good. Go there, get some, and have a changed life.

-alli

Pre-Cardio

Week 2, Day 8! About to go do some Cardio with Sarah. :D I feel confident enough to wear this here Nike tank, even though my muffin top is hangin out.... but my muffin top is all that. Whole grain, low fat.

-Alli

I Survived Super Bowl XLV

I made it through the weekend. Free Day was hard. Free Day was rough. I did really terrible on Free Day. I went to CiCi's. I'll stop there, because we all know where that was headed. Also, I had a spin out on the ice Friday evening and I was upset and thought that I deserved to eat everything in sight. I didn't, but I did eat things that I should not have because I was emotional.

I'm an emotional eater. And also a bored eater.

I went to a Lingerie Exchange with my friend Teagan, and I turned down a cupcake. A CUPCAKE PEOPLE. That is huge for me. I didn't even realize it until Sarah said, "WHAT? You turned down a cupcake? Alli I'm so proud." It was hard. I did have some chocolate mousse. The nice girl just gave it to me and I didn't know her I didn't want to be rude. But I busted my butt after the party doing cardio so I think I will be alright.

 But today was a big test. I went to a Super Bowl party with my home group from church. I ate celery and guacamole. I also made a dip from my Eating for Life cook book.

Onto Day 8 tomorrow!

Freeeeeee Day!

After 4 days, we finally made it to Free Day. I do want Chick-fil-a for lunch but other than that, I am ok not doing this Free Day.

Last night we went to the movies to see 127 Hours, which is fantastic by the way, and I sat in the middle while a large bucket of popcorn was passed in front of me. It didn't bother me at all until we went to the apartment of the people who had bought it and it was sitting all alone on a table. I had a couple pieces. Probably not even a handful. Then, Jill made cookies. Oatmeal raisin cookies. From scratch. I had two. I feel so guilty. So so guilty. My justification was that my free day started at midnight, and it was 11:20 pm. Oh well. I will have to exercise better self control next time. I don't want to dwell on it more than I already have.

I am proud however, of the fact that we have been working out despite the snow. It would have been the perfect excuse to not get to the gym. But we did! I even fell yesterday and hit my elbow after leaving our apartment complex's gym. But we went! And that is a just a little victory. 4 days down, 80 to go.

Alli

Fill All Thy Bones with Aches

Oy. When did I become an old woman. Monday morning, day one of BFL, I woke up with aching knees. This happens every now and then so I just blew it off. Yesterday and today I have been full blown aching. My ankles, my elbows, even my fingers are aching. I am praying this won't put a damper in my work out routine, but Dylan had to grind the pepper for me this morning on my eggs because it hurt so bad. I will just have to push through it. Today is cardio. I will go light on the treadmill.   

I won't let this cold weather keep me in! The apartment gym is just a short walk away. I made some green chili soup from my Eating for Life cookbook last night, eating the leftovers now. Leftovers are better the next day anyways :D Hope you are all staying warm! 

Day 2

Today is Day 2 of my Body-For-Life (BFL) Challenge. So far, so good. My only temptation has been the Chick-Fil-A that is so inconveniently located in my school's Student Union. Great. But, I opted for a salad with kidney beans, and veggies instead. Yum.

I decided I will post my before pictures. So, here they are.

Hope you didn't lose your appetite! :D

"It ENDS tomorrow"

Tomorrow Sarah, Jenni, and I will begin the Body for Life Challenge. It is a 12 week nutrition and health program. For one of our last meals we went to McDonald's. Gross I know. But it was our last day to pig out so we let ourselves go. 


We were sitting at McDonald's and Sarah said something about how she was tired of her pants being too tight and I said, "Don't worry Sarah, it starts tomorrow." Jenni, with her quick wit, said, "No it ENDS tomorrow." 


It does end tomorrow. Tomorrow is Day 1 of 90 days that will hopefully change our bodies and our habits. I don't really want to post how much I weigh and my percentage of Body Fat but I suppose it will help keep me accountable with so many people knowing those digits. And that is assuming people actually read this thing... Ok so here it is.


Height: 5'4
Weight: 162.4
Body Fat: 31.3%


I took "Before" pictures but I will spare you all until I am finished. Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this journey!


Alli T