julesmcclelland

I made thin boneless pork chop soft tacos tonight, actually. Just sliced them into strips, dusted with low sodium taco seasoning and cooked over medium heat until done; topped with black bean-corn-tomato-cilantro-lime juice and red onion relish and just a smidge of reduced fat feta cheese. Very flavorful and a little goes…

I feed a family of 6 for $125/week (and that includes toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc). We eat a mainly vegetarian diet with some chicken and soy meat products. I pack lunches for 4 kids for school (sandwich, fruit, crackers and treat), cereal for breakfast and homemade dinners. The secret is to really plan out your…

I normally log my food one day ahead just to see if what I have in mind fits in for that day or if I need to adjust. I'm just a big planner and a bit Type A, so it frees up my mind for other tasks. ha ha Now, I do, sometimes make changes if I just don't feel like eating what I had planned but it makes it easier for me to…

The Outback breakdown was great! I haven't eaten there in years (and haven't considered it because I associate it with unhealthy chain fare), but I may have to go by there. Thanks!

This has been adapted from a Hungry Girl recipe and I've used it with sucess on different cake mixes: 1/2 box moist cake mix (any flavor) 1 1/2 tspn baking powder 1/2 cup no sugar added applesauce 1/2 cup club soda (unflavored) Mix all ingredients together and either pour into 8x8 dish or makes about 9 cupcakes. Bake btwn…

I, too, am a SAHM and find it hard not to constantly think about food. Although, we have other things to keep us busy, we also are at home most of the day and have access to anything that we are willing to put together or grab from the pantry. I can tell you what has helped me (most days): I enter what I am going to eat…

I've built much of my strength training routine on this video podcast: madefittv. Found it on iTunes and I've really seen a difference.

I live on the 2nd floor and just use the apt gym for my noisy stuff plus their cardio machines. In my neck of the woods (Texas) just about every apt complex has a free fitness center and most are open late or 24 hrs. Many have DVD players available, too.

I had always just ignored the preprogrammed 1200 cals as I know that I should eat about 2000. I finally took the time to manually reset the calorie amount. I have read posts where people wondered and lamented the low calorie amount but never took the time to respond that 1200 is really too low, esp if you are exercising.…

Yes, I have had great success using Brummell and Brown Yogurt Spread. I use it in baking and general cooking. It tastes pretty good and much better for you. The only bummer is that it seems to only be in tub form, so you have to scoop it out with a measuring spoon for recipes. I really don't think I'll use butter or…

I used it when I first started adding strength training to my regimen and I could tell that it was working out my puny muscles a bit and it was fun to do. Once I started incorporating resistance bands, pushups and 8 lb dumbbells into the mix, the Shake Weight became useless. I'd recommend for beginners that need an easy,…

I bought the FitFlops last year and was pretty disappointed. I basically bought $50 flip flops that are not very attractive. ha ha I gave them a good try, too. No difference. I will say that they are comfortable and I still wear them when I'm going to be out walking for a long time during the hot months in Texas. Maybe the…

The jewelry box that has my grandmother's and great grandmother's jewelry in it!

I am really sorry to hear that. Although I have not really had a "weight issue" my younger sister has. I think that she has retaliated against my mom's passive aggressive insults about her weight and eating habits by eating more. I have 2 other good friends who have battled weight and food issues their whole lives due to…

Yep, you are my sister, JessicaT2007. I, too, think of each calorie I am ingesting or planning to ingest and how much I should work out to compensate. I am sooo thrilled when I have just 3 calories left at the end of the day. I'm trying not to worry my poor husband with my obsession. ha ha

Hi, yes, I do love this site. I'm really just trying to maintain my weight and using the food diary has really kept me accountable to all that I eat and want to eat. I think the best part is when you add your exercise and you see your calorie allowance increase. Whew. Good luck to you.