New Favorite Dessert/Snack

A few days ago, my husband left a recipe up on the computer (no doubt for me to find). I'm not sure if he wanted me to see it so that I would make the recipe (he is actually a very accomplished cook/baker himself...), or if he just thought I would like to see it. Either way, when I did find it, I had to try it.

I found my new favorite grab and go energy food, my favorite dessert, and my favorite all around sweet snack all in one in these delicious no bake energy bites! My favorite thing about them is the lack of guilt I feel when I pop two in my mouth for a snack, or for dessert. My next favorite thing is that they are all natural, and I don't feel guilty letting my toddler eat them, either.

This recipe was not my own, and I must give credit where credit is due. This is from a blog called Gimme Some Oven. It is a group of four women that run the blog, and they do a terrific job, so head on over there and check out some of the other recipes they have posted!

Here is the link to the recipe for No-Bake Energy Bites. Enjoy!

On Getting Active

I hope you are all enjoying your Spring, even though today it felt like winter again!

I have been getting tired of the same ol' same ol' in my workout routine (if I can even call it a routine...), which left me bored, which found me skipping the whole workout thing. So I decided to spice things up - here are some ideas to spice up your workouts as well!

1) Try something new -- I asked my husband to teach me how to play soccer. The benefits? A good cardio workout and quality time with my husband doing something he loves to do! I also found out that I am really enjoying soccer more than I ever thought I could. Lots of bonuses!

2) Enroll in an aerobics class -- Or something active. Working out with others will introduce you to new friends/accountability partners. Doing it together motivates you to not give up on yourself as easily. I am in a kickboxing class right now, and am absolutely loving it, even though it is hard work.

Ready..... GO! Go get active :)

New Smoothie Recipe

The sunny weather inspired me to try a new smoothie concoction, and once again, it is approved by not only myself, but also my two year old. Enjoy!

Green Fruit Smoothie

2 cups greens (I used collard greens, but spinach would work too)
1 med. banana, frozen
a few ice cubes
1 tsp flax seed meal
mixed berries, about 1/2c - 3/4c
pineapple juice to desired consistency
**for those of you who like it a little sweeter, you can add 1-2 tsp sugar**

Place all items in blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Honesty and Accountability

The truth is, I really like food. A lot. Not only do I like food, but I like to eat the stuff that isn't necessarily the healthiest for me. Sometimes, while I wish I could just eat whatever I wanted and not have it affect me, that isn't reality. So, I have to find some motivation to keep me making the right choices. This week, I found one of those motivators.

My daughter, who is two, had an appointment on Monday -- a routine check up for a two year old. This was also the appointment when they compare her height and weight to 'the chart', to see if her growth is right on track with all the other toddlers her age. According to 'the chart', she falls into the 12th percentile for her height and the 52nd percentile for her weight. The 50th percentile is average, which means our little cutie is probably always going to be little (and cute, but we don't need a chart to tell us that ;p)

While we knew that she was probably going to be on the shorter side when she was all grown up, this news hit me in a way that I wasn't expecting. The choices I make for her right now are going to become what she knows when its time for her to make the right choices. Which means if she eats unhealthily now, then she will have a harder time learning to eat healthy when she has to make the choices on her own. This is something that I have always struggled with, and it is not the thing that I want to pass on to my child. This is motivation to make the right choices not only for my health and well-being, but also for hers.

So, what is your biggest motivator to make the right choices? Think about it every time you want to binge on junk food because you are stressed, or when you aren't feeling like doing that workout.

My motivation. What's yours?

Courage and Green Smoothies

As some of you know, my husband and I were in Florida a couple weeks ago with a group of 120 teens for the annual Youth For Christ Florida Breakaway trip. It was an awesome time, and we really enjoyed the sunshine and warmth. Unfortunately, going on vacation did not motivate me to eat healthy and run every day. Between the fast food on the ride down, the camp food while we were there, and the countless snacks that YFC provided, I completely lost track of what I was putting into my body.

So, after some hesitation, I decided to bite the bullet and try something new to help my cleanse and get a fresh start... green smoothies! Now, I've never actually had the guts to put something as... weird... as spinach in my smoothie right along with my berries and bananas. But with the help of my husband and the bass player in our band, we took the step together. What I found was surprising!

We tried a smoothie with kale first, and while it wasn't too bad, I didn't like the way that the kale didn't really blend too well. It's texture causes it to stay in little tiny pieces. But I didn't give up. Next, I tried one with spinach, and I really enjoyed it (plus, I was getting all that green goodness and I couldn't even taste it!)

So my challenge to you today is this: try something new! Just because it sounds 'healthy', doesn't mean that it tastes like cardboard, or worse. The best part about this is that my toddler absolutely loves smoothies, and now she is getting her veggies every day!!

Here is an idea on how to make a delicious green smoothie. Remember, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to be creative and try new combinations!

2 Cups of a green: kale, spinach, collards... you choose!
1 Cup ice (optional)
1 Banana (I always use a banana in mine, but you dont have to)
1 Cup Fruit (or to taste): orange and pineapple for a tropical taste, or mixed berries... experiment!
1 Cup Juice: Apple juice, orange juice, pineapple juice... your choice, just try for 100% juice... for the whole health part ;)
1-2 tsp sugar: If you like it a little sweeter, go ahead and add the sugar...

Blend on, my friends!!
(And let me know how they turn out!)

Spring into Smoothies!

While the rain continues to come down in droves and the temperature still feels like winter, I am determined to have a positive attitude. The rain and cold have stopped me from running outside since I've been home from the Sunshine State, but I can still try to make healthy choices! Here is a delicious smoothie recipe that even my 2 year old enjoys. It is perfect for a spring/summer morning, and its super easy to make!

Berry Smoothie

15g oatmeal (56.25cal)
1.5 c mixed berries (90cal)
1c skim milk (90cal)
.25 c strawberry Dannon light & fit yogurt (28cal)
2 teaspoon granulated sugar (32cal)
2 ice cubes (optional)


Place all ingredients into blender. Blend until smooth.

Total calories: 296.25 ( 148.13/ serving)
Servings: 2 (8oz each)

At less than 150 calories per serving, how can you resist?!?! Also, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to your smoothie for added protein and to keep you full longer.

What are some delicious smoothie concoctions you have created? 

Family Dinner Idea

I know that it can be hard to eat healthy, let alone make healthy meals that your family will enjoy. With this meal that I found at Skinnytaste, you can make a meal that isn't only delicious and healthy, but its also super simple.

Click on the photo for the recipe!

All you do is throw everything in a crockpot, and cook the rice. My two year old couldn't get enough of this! You can eat this dish as chili, over rice, over tortilla chips, or in a tortilla. 

This gets my vote for a great family dinner idea :)

Wrap #3 Review for the ItWorks Ultimate Body Wrap

For the third wrap in a series of four, I chose to put it on overnight. I made a few mistake with this one, but nothing so series there weren't some results. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a before picture (mistake #1), because it was right before bed and I was pretty tired.

My second mistake was this: Because I didn't want to be a human rattle with plastic wrap around me, I chose to use a very large ace bandage to wrap myself up, and this didn't really stay in place very well. It also seemed to soak up the lotion a bit, unlike plastic wrap. I guess we live and learn!

Here are some photos. I will be using a picture from after my second wrap for a comparison.

Left: After Wrap 2     Right: After Wrap 3

I am definitely seeing some tightening happening in some areas, mostly closer to the top. While I have seen a bit of tightening in the main baby fat build up, I was hoping for more in that specific area. But some is a start! And it just goes to show me that the best thing I can do is to work hard to get rid of that extra weight.

Here is a picture from before wrap 1 to after wrap 3.

I like what I am seeing, and from putting the pictures together like this, I do see a difference. What are your thoughts?

Running for A Change

I'm not much of a runner. I'm more a person who wants to be a runner, but seems to always have something that gets in my way of becoming one (so, basically, I'm part of the majority of the population ;P) My biggest excuse [this time] was my sprained knee from the car accident that happened about a month ago. I thought that was a pretty legitimate excuse, seeing as how it was a physical reason. But then I realized that the only thing standing in my way of my health was myself.

So, for the last few weeks I have been taking baby steps toward being more healthy, and thus this blog was born. It's always been hard to change the way I do things when it comes to my health. It was especially hard because it felt like I was the only one doing it -- trying to make the changes alone. This is why I am sharing my journey with you -- I want to provide the encouragement to all of you as well as have a support system for myself as well. Together, we can learn to be healthy, and take care of the bodies that God has given us.

Today, I decided to take the step and go running. Let me tell you up front, I am definitely not a runner :) Running is a difficult thing, and takes a lot of motivation. I always realize that I feel so accomplished when I get done running, and when I push myself on my run. Here's the thing: You don't have to run like a pro, and you don't have to run the fastest time. You don't even have to run the whole time. Just getting off the couch and putting your tennis shoes on is a start! Walking is great, and you can work up to running...

Let's challenge ourselves this Spring... let's set a goal that we've always wanted to set but have been too afraid to do it. We can do it together!

What are your goals for this Spring?

Review for ItWorks Ultimate Body Wrap, Part 4

Today was the day to apply Wrap #2. Here are some pictures from before put it on:

And here are some from after I removed it, about 3.5 hours later (I left it on longer this time, because I didn't break out from the first one.):

I do see a small difference in the side view. What do you think? 

Let's compare my very first picture, from before the first wrap, and a picture from after the second one:

Seeing these pictures side by side, I am definitely seeing some tightening and toning. I still have two wraps to go, so we will see if there will be more results. But for now, I am liking what I am seeing! I will do my final review of the product after the 4th wrap for you all. I know this is a lengthy, multiple part review, but I want to show you the results as I get them.

ItWorks Ultimate Body Wrap Review, Part 3

Here are some pictures taken 23 hours after applying the wrap:

What do you think? Personally, I don't see much difference, but I haven't given up on it yet. Here is a side view of my before picture, and the one from above: 

Leave comments on if you think it worked/is working. Also, I was informed by a seller that the company does not guarantee inches lost, but rather toning and tightening. I just wanted to clear that up :)

If you do have more questions or want to try any of the ItWorks products for yourself, you can visit kamidempsey.myitworks.com. 

After talking with Kami about the product, she told me that because the wrap is made of all natural ingredients, it will work differently from person to person. The ingredients react differently to the stuff in my body than it might to the stuff in yours. That being said, it might take more than one wrap to start seeing results. Which is why I am going to move on to wrap number 2 on Saturday. I am also sticking to my healthy eating choices (I'd like to call them habits, but I'm not quite there yet :P) and my workout plan every day.

I will say that I was over excited to get a 'quick-fix' for my left over baby fat, and it left me disappointed. I want to stress that the absolute best way to lost weight and keep it off is the old fashioned working out and eating healthy. That will always work, no matter what :)

Stay tuned to see the results of the first wrap after 3 days as well as results of the second wrap

ItWorks Ultimate Body Wrap Review, Part 2

Okay, so, here is the beginning of the process. I'm not excited about posting my baby fat on the internet for everyone to see, but oh well. I'll do it anyway, and hope that we see results ;)

Here are some before shots:

My goal is to stand the same way for all of my photos,
so it doesn't look like I am slouching for more effect.

Ugh. Please forgive my stomach. It just goes to show why I am on a search to do things healthier... I'm just a regular everyday mom trying to get healthy and in shape. I'm glad you are all joining me on this adventure -- there are no secrets!

Here are the results after taking the wrap off (I wore it for 45 minutes):

In the corner is the little miss that gave me all those stretch marks...
And it was SOOOO worth every one!

My measurements before I wrapped were:

2" above belly button: 37"

Around belly button: 39"

2" below belly button: 42"

(This post will definitely have me working out even harder... I can't believe I'm posting these numbers! lol)

And after:

 2" above: 37"

Middle: 39"

Below: 41.5"

This wrap product says that it can help me lose up to 3 inches between the three different measured spots. There's half an inch ;)

I want to urge everyone that the healthiest thing you can do, and to guarantee that you can keep inches off, you should workout regularly, and have as healthy a diet as possible. It starts with just getting active, and choosing water over sugary drinks. Thats a great first step if you are struggling -- its all about baby steps :) I encourage you to take the steps with me -- I am simply trying out this product to see if it works, but I am going to continue to work out and do my best to stick to a healthy diet. I mean, everyone wants instant gratification, especially when it comes to our bodies. But there is no such thing as a 'quick fix'. Getting healthy is a life style change, its not just one choice, but a series of choices that you make every day... If you make a wrong one, just brush it off, don't hold it against yourself, and try again! 

In the words of the lovely Richard Simmons: YOU CAN DO THIS!

ItWorks Ultimate Body Wrap Review, Part 1

I received the package of 4 wraps today in the mail, and I was so excited to start the review process, that I am doing it in a couple (or more) parts.

Here's what you get in the mail.

Here's an individual wrap.

So, the first thing I did was read the instructions. Next, I took some before pictures and measured 3 spots around my middle: 2 in. above and below my belly button, and on my belly button. I also made sure my stomach was clean: I didn't want any other lotions or anything to interfere with the stuff on the wrap.

And now the fun part starts! It was pretty hard to do this alone, and maybe just because you are trying to wrap yourself, but it is doable.  After I cleaned and dried my stomach, I opened the applicator... applied it :) 

 The instructions told me to smooth it down, and so I did. I couldn't take pictures of me applying it, but here was the end result.

I'm not one to put my stomach out there for all to see, so this thing better give me some results :P

The next step was to saran wrap myself up to help keep the wrap in place. This was the most difficult part: I've never tried wrapping myself, and my hands we all gunky from the lotion. Here's what I look like...

side view
I accidentally deleted the front view

So, now, I wait for 45 minutes. The instructions say to wear it for a minimum of 45 minutes, and if it is the first time, to ONLY wear it for 45 minutes (in case you might be sensitive to the ingredients. All natural stuff).

So far, I feel like there is a lot of menthol or menthol-like stuff in the wraps. I felt like I opened up a jar of Vick's vapor rub when I opened the wrap, and I am hoping that the strong sensation is zapping all of those fat cells away, or at least making them smaller. 

I am going to be posting pictures as I go, and am hoping to take multiple pictures at different time intervals to see just how long it works (they say it should work up to 72 hours.)

The instructions also say that for BEST results, use the defining gel between applicators, which I didn't want to spend money on, so I am seeing if it really keeps the fat off like I exercised it off if I ONLY use the wraps, and continue to work out and eat healthy (or somewhat :P)

Stay tuned... the RESULTS photos will be posted in the next couple of hours!

Product Trial

As I posted in an earlier post, I said that I was hoping to have the opportunity to try products and review them to help you, the readers, make wise decisions. I am happy to say that I will be trying out a new product within the next day or so, and I want to hear your comments!

Product: ItWorks Ultimate Body Applicator

What: The body wrap claims to take inches off of you middle and keeping it off as if you had worked it off. It claims that it is not just water weight that you lose, but that it tightens and tones to help keep it off.

I was pretty skeptical about this, so I decided to try it. You are supposed to leave the wrap on for 45 minutes, and it will continue toning and tightening after you take it off for up to 72 hours.

Here is a video as to how they say the product works, because that is what I was interested in...


 I will be rating this product on the following things:

*Safety
*Effectiveness
*Operator Difficulty
*Cost

Here is a picture of another customer's results.

I will soon be posting my own photos of how it worked for me, so stay tuned. 

My main questions are: 

*Will is actually work?

* If it does work, will I be able to keep the results without buying the other products (defining gel, fat fighter      pills from the ItWorks company) to maintain them?

Results blog soon to come!

Making Delicious, Healthy Meals

This week, I came to the realization that a healthy mom/wife is a happy one. But, I also realized that it is my responsibility to make healthy meals for my daughter as well (and my husband!)  When I first started the health journey, I was making individual meals, and the rest of the people in the household were eating a different meal. The other day, it hit me -- if I want the best for my family, I should be making them healthy meals too! The problem was that all of the recipes I had found were for single meals. That was until I was introduced to skinnytaste!!

A friend of mine tagged me in a link to a recipe on the skinnytaste website, and when I checked it out, I found a PLETHORA of wonderful, healthy recipes that.... wait for it.... taste GREAT!

So, hats off to Gina for her brilliant meals that are healthy and full of flavor. I've tried 4 of them so far, and I have enjoyed them! (I wasn't crazy about the raw oats recipe, but I am planning on changing it up a little bit to fit my likes more). My entire family had seconds tonight when I made the Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken.

Check this site out!!

Choose Health

Welcome to my new blog, Choose Health!

As many of you know, I have tried many times in the past to get my health in the place that is should be. All of those times, however, I was more focused on losing the weight than I was making healthy choices every day. It finally clicked in my brain that if I focus on making good choices, I would be setting myself up to lose the weight that I was so desperate to lose.

And so, this blog was born. I am on a mission to not only make healthy choices, but to learn all that I can about how to make the BEST choices on the budget that God has blessed me with!

The goal of this blog is to share with the readers what I am learning. I want it to be used as a resource for healthy choices. And, as much as I want health to be about one specific thing, -- only working out, or only eating healthy -- I've learned that it is all-encompassing. So, you will be able to find ideas on here about exercise, healthy foods, and even different products that are supposed to help us in our 'health journey'.

Together, I want to learn all about what it really means to be healthy, and I want to encourage each other when it gets hard to make the right choices while we are surrounded by the wrong ones.

Subscribe to my blog if you are interested in learning with me :)