Decorating the Christmas Tree

Yesterday afternoon we put on the Christmas music, broke out the egg-nog and nutmeg and decorated our Christmas tree. Our four kids, their best friend next door, my Dad and stepmother, and Scott and I worked together to trim our tree, hang the stockings and position the nativity scene.

It was both a fun and overwhelming experience. My living room really isn't very big. And, have you noticed how much smaller your house feels when an 8 foot real Christmas tree occupies the corner and all the furniture has been shifted around? Now imagine four adults standing among five excited children, with smiles from ear to ear, swarming around the tree until every last ornament is placed. And in the background, to make things just a little bit more nostalgic, we played the Chipmunks Christmas Album. It was an absolute frenzy for about 15 minutes...and then it was quite again as they scampered off to play hide and seek with one another. It was a Christmas tsunami that left my living room looking both disastrous and beautiful. Once we put away the empty ornament boxes and swept up the pine needles that had been knocked off the tree, I couldn't believe how warm and festive my home felt from corner to corner.

I'm not a fan of winter, but it's really nice to have such a wonderful holiday to look forward to right when the weather turns cold and days become so short.

My Health Journal
Tonight I had half a steak, steamed green beans, potatoes for dinner (+ a raspberry turnover for dessert :$). After dinner I helped my girls with their homework, watched a little bit of "The Flintstones" with them and then put them to bed. After working for about 1 hour on a communication brief I completed a weight routine focused on my hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. I also completed a series of sit ups to work my abdomen.

How is everyone else doing with Christmas preparations and personal health and fitness?

Day 2 on My Journey to the Better Me

Today is my second day on this journey to the better me. I woke up this morning and jumped on the scale. It seems that my weight varies between 160-164 lbs during the day. So, my aim will be to bring my weight down to 146-150 lbs.

Last night my work out went well. I started at 9 pm and finished around 9:40. Tonight, at around 9 pm, I plan to do another weight workout--this time focusing on my arms. Because of the variety of exercises in the program I'm following, it's a longer workout. It takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. So, I'll be done around 10:30 pm. 

Tomorrow I have to find the energy to do at least 30 minutes of cardio! I could really use some comments to support my training!!! I'm fighting a cold that has started in my throat - I hope it doesn't effect my new regime. 

For supper tonight I plan to make myself and Scott and "Arugula Salad With Chicken and Avocado" from www.realsimple.com. My girls aren't a fan of salad so I thawed the turkey pot pie I made a couple of weeks for them. Here is the recipe for my healthy meal:

Ingredients

• 4  6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2  tablespoons  extra-virgin olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lime juice
• 1  teaspoon  honey
• 2  bunches arugula, thick stems removed (about 6 cups)
• 1  avocado, sliced
• 1  bunch small radishes, thinly sliced
• Bread (optional)

Preparation

Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water. Bring to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Add the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and gently simmer until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 

Divide the arugula among bowls and top with the chicken, avocado, and radishes. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Serve with the bread (if using).

It would be great to hear from anyone out there whose following some kind of health routine. Tell me what you did today! 

Launching My Journey Toward a Healthier Me

I woke up this morning having no idea that today, I would start this daily journal/blog. And, it's not a particularly good day for me to start this journey toward eating more healthily, working out and having a positive attitude. In fact, I woke up with a sore throat and am feeling pretty frumpy at the moment. But, then again, I don't think any day is better then the next to make a positive life change. So lets not waste anymore time Suzan!

Okay, so here are my 3 goals.

1. Eat healthy food and reasonable portions. My aim is to weigh 150 lbs! I'm a 36 year old, 5'11" tall woman. I bought a scale today and it's telling me that I weigh exactly 164 lbs. So I have 14 pounds to lose. That doesn't seem so bad.
2. Workout 5 times each week.  And, balance the workouts between weight lifting and cardio! I want leaner legs and stomach.
3. Write this journal everyday for 1 year!

Let's see how I do. Toward goal 1 - I'm going to have a healthy chicken stir-fry tonight for dinner. And, toward goal 2, I'm going to do the 'legs' workout from the book "Body for Life".

Here is the recipe for the "Sauteed Chicken and Peppers with Coconut Rice" meal I will eat tonight from www.realsimple.com

Ingredients

1  cup  long-grain white rice
1  14-ounce can coconut milk
1  tablespoon  plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2  pounds  boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper
1  large red bell pepper, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1  large clove garlic, thinly sliced
1  19-ounce can black beans, drained
1/4  teaspoon  ground cumin 

Preparation
Cook the rice according to the package directions, replacing 1 cup of water with the coconut milk.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook for 3 minutes. Turn and move to the sides of the skillet. Add the bell pepper and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the bell pepper is slightly softened and the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to individual plates and return the skillet to medium heat. Add the beans, cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the remaining oil. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve with the chicken and rice.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for a kid friendly, healthy meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less? One of my biggest challenges is getting supper on the table quickly enough so that I have enough time after supper to help my daughter's with their homework (before bedtime)!