Intro to Monique's Weight Loss Journey

Hello to all,

My name is Monique and I have been with Smart for Life since we open our wonderful center in June 2007. I lost 64 pounds in 5 1/2 MONTHS!! with great determination and support . When I started I was 285 , size 22-24, I got down to 219 and size 14 ....After two years of doing excellent I slowly crept back up , but I must admit not due to unhealthy eating habits more of stress and not portion sizing ...I finally decided to get back on the scale March 24th,2009 , the day I buried my Grandmother I was back up 250 !!! I was taken back--I first consumed myself with self pity and found so many ways to place the blame instead of looking in the mirror. Most of the new clothing I bought was either too tight or just not fitting! I decided to lose it , I could not go back ...April 24th, 2009. I decided not to soak in my grief and get back on the ball ! I am now 235! I will admit I could have done a lot better but that's the great thing about losing weight , you fall down and get back up..that is the motto I use with my patients.

Well stay tuned for more updates! My goal is to be 219 by the middle or end of Aug!!! Anyone care to join me ..come lets get this party started !!!!!!!!!

Banana Nut Treat

We were trying to spruce up our Banana Smart Cookie and came up with this awesome idea!

We took some of the Torini Sugar-Free Syrups we use for coffee (Hazelnut flavor) and poured some on our Smart Cookie before we heated it in the microwave.  We topped it off with a dash of cinnamon and voilà--we had a soft, warm cookie (moister than most!) that tasted like fresh banana bread!

Travel Tips

According to seatguru.com, US airlines serve worse food than international airlines:

"When asked which comfort feature provided by an airline flyers value the most, getting a full meal overwhelmingly ranked highest (40%). Singapore Airlines was voted #1 for serving the best food (19%), followed by British Airways (9%), Continental (7%), Air France (7%), and Cathay Pacific." [source]

We're not surprised--with the exception of a few of our transcontinental travels on international airlines, we've been deeply disappointed in the food choices. Here our some of our tips for traveling:

• Stock up on Smart Cookies! Ok, yeah, you expected that one. But think about it! What could be better than a low calorie, hunger suppressing cookie for traveling? You don't need to keep it cold or heat it up, there's no prep needed, and it won't be damaged if you just throw it in your bag (or purse or pocket!). Smart Muffins, Smart Bagels, and Smart Crunch also need no prep or storage, and make great in-flight meals!
• Bring your own beverage. With some airlines charging for everything, including water (!!!) you're better off being prepared. Even the airlines that give you beverages only bring them by once during a flight, and who knows when you'll get thirsty. Airplanes air also dehydrate your skin, and can worsen "nasal irritation, headaches, dry eyes and lips, and other common air traveler complaints" [source] We know that you can't bring water through security, but buy a bottle after you're through security or just bring an empty water bottle (the bigger the better!) and fill it from water fountains. Also consider buying a sports beverage with electrolytes!
  
• Bring raw veggies. Something like broccoli is best, but also try sliced peppers (I love red, yellow and orange the best, but green are great, too!), celery, snow peas, green beans, carrots or edamame. These veggies will have a great crunch factor and will be so much fresher (and preservative free!) than the food and snacks airlines provide!
• Pack lean protein. If your flight is during dinner time and you need a little more, consider packing yourself some lunch meat--turkey and chicken are best. Buy them from the deli in the grocery store (not in the prepacked packages that have a lot more sodium and preservatives) and bring them--they'll last outside the fridge for a little while. Also consider hard boiling some eggs (toss the yolk!) and bring them to munch on. If your trip is a long one and offers a full meal, see what special meals are available. (Take a look at airlinemeals.net) If they offer vegetarian options without pasta or bread--something like a salad or grilled veggies, your lean protein will be the perfect addition.

If your trip is by bus, train or car you have less liquid and space limitations, but all of these are still things to keep in mind. Especially on a road-trip, don't hurt yourself by thinking that a fast food drive through is your only option! Plan time to stop for meals and try a small family restaurant where you can order something healthy and filling (and something that won't make you end up in a gas station bathroom feeling sick!) You'll have a better experience and be healthy, and who could ask for more?

Delicious New Dinner Recipe!

I made this new recipe for dinner the other night and it was fantastic! Best of all, it was totally on program. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Italian Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

1-2 Medium Spaghetti Squash
1 Yellow Squash
1 Green Squash
2 Medium Tomatoes

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375

2. Use a large fork to poke holes all of the spaghetti squash

3. Place squash in a shallow baking dish and bake for 1 hour

4. Remove Spaghetti Squash and set aside to cool

5. Chop Yellow and Green squash and saute on medium-high with Pam and seasonings (I used Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Mrs. Dash's Italian Medley)

6. When squash begins to soften (~5 mins) add chopped tomatoes, stir, and continue cooking on medium heat until everything is soft.

7. While this is cooking, halve the spaghetti squash. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.

8. Use a fork to scrape the edges of the inside of the spaghetti squash, turning it into spaghetti like strands (thus the name!)

9. Fluff the spaghetti squash in a serving dish. Mix the tomato/squash mixture into the spaghetti squash strands and serve!

This dish tasted great and was perfect for the Medical Program, At Home Program, or just generally healthy eating! Serve it with grilled or baked chicken or fish, or with a salad with lunch meat and boiled egg whites to get enough protein.

Feel free to share your own variations on this or another meal you've made with spaghetti squash!

SFL Online!

After recently creating both a facebook and a twitter, we're entering the blogosphere, too!

Check back for Mo's Weight Tracking, Weight Management Tips, Recipes, Opportunities, and whatever else we come up with!

(Not new, but always feel free to stop by our website for more info!)