Zucchinis Galore

So... since healthy recipes have been on my mind a lot lately, I'm coming to you with another appeal.

What in the world can one make out of zucchinis???

I'm talking huge, hulking zucchinis (squash) that have been picked fresh from the garden. I have a ton of large zucchinis that friends have given me, and I really do not know what to do with them apart from slicing them, dipping them in flour, and frying them in oil. And, naturally... I do not want to do that!

So... help! I am in desperate need of healthy zucchini recipes!

Thanks! :)

Yummy Pumpkin Recipes

Summer's almost over, and it's heading towards my favorite time of year... autumn! And around this time of year, I inevitably begin to think of ways to incorporate pumpkin into my healthy eating plan. I love pumpkin! And during the autumn... I just can't get enough of it!

So, I was wondering... what's your favorite healthy pumpkin recipe?

One of my favorite recipes is simply to make a crustless pumpkin pie, following the directions on the back of a can of pumpkin, and just try to make it healthier. For instance, I use fat-free evaporated milk instead of regular canned milk. And I cut way down on the sugar. It's a guilt-free dessert that not only tastes good... but is good for you, too!

And have any of you ever tried that quick and easy pumpkin recipe where you mix a can of pumpkin with a devil's food cake mix to make chocolate-pumpkin muffins? That recipe has been around for years, but I only discovered it this week. I haven't made it yet, but I think I will. And.... just in case any of you would like to try it... here's a link: Chocolate Muffins A La Weight Watchers

Do any of you have any healthy pumpkin recipes you'd like to share? If you do... I'd be thrilled if you'd share them in the comments! Thanks in advance!

xo,
C.C.

Wildlife Adventures

So... how are you all doing???

I've been doing well, believe it or not. hehe I'm continuing to cut back on my portions, and I'm focusing on eating only healthy foods. I'm drinking lots of water, and I've been walking several times a week.

In fact, I've been walking 45 minutes 3-4 times a week! And I'm loving every minute of it. I started out walking 30 minutes, but I was quickly able to increase the time. And my walks have turned into somewhat of a wildlife adventure!

I've been walking in the evenings, and I inevitably see little bunnies and groundhogs every time I walk. And this past Tuesday, I even saw 3 deer in a field adjacent to the cemetery that I walk in. It's been fun to say the least. I love the country!

I haven't weighed myself in ages, but my sister told me this morning that she could tell that I've been losing weight. That totally made my day! And it actually feels good to not focus on numbers so much. However, I do think I'll weigh in soon... possibly the 1st of September.

I have nothing new to report on the home front, but I'm choosing to remain optimistic.

I hope you are all doing well! I'll check in again soon.

xo,
C.C.

Moving Forward

You know what? I've decided that I'm not going to live in the past anymore. I've decided to move forward with my weight loss and just forget about all of my past attempts that have ended with less than stellar results. Today is a new day with no mistakes in it... and I am moving forward!

I've done well this past week. I've stayed on track with my eating, and I've managed to walk for 30-40 minutes at least three evenings. My goal is to walk 4 times a week, and to gradually increase the distance as the days go by.

And... I'm feeling better already... both physically AND emotionally. I always do when I'm eating and exercising. So... why do I ever get off track in the first place? Hmmm... it's an emotional thing for me, I guess. I still haven't fully learned how to disconnect food from my emotions, but I have learned a bit along the way.

Things are still the same on the homefront, but I have faith that that is going to change soon, too. And I do want to thank all of you who left such encouraging comments on my last post! I was blown away by your kind words of encouragement, and I am absolutely amazed that so many of you care about how I am doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

xo,

C.C.

A New Beginning

This week, I decided that things had to change. I decided that I had to start over on this journey to lose 200 pounds.

I've been doing poorly for so long. I think I gave up. I think life and circumstances overwhelmed me for a bit, and I just didn't care about anything... including myself.

I have to change. And in order to do that, I have to change my attitude. I have to change my outlook. I have to change my behaviour.

I'm taking small steps to get back on track. For the past 2 days I've been watching my food intake. I'm cutting back and eating healthier foods. Yesterday I did 15 minutes of a Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds DVD. Tonight I am planning on going for a walk in a local cemetery. (Some might think that's morbid, but it's actually my favorite place to walk. It's far away from traffic and people and I won't feel the embarrassment of people watching me.)

I don't want to be fat the rest of my life. But this is just so freaking hard, and I do get discouraged from time to time.

But... I have to change. I have GOT to get back on track... in spite of the present situation, in spite of everything.

Lord, help me!