November 10, 2012

Fall favorites


I did a post like this earlier this year, and it was a lot of fun to post pictures of things I've been enjoying lately. So here are some things that I've been loving over the past few months...




Peanut Butter Ginger Chews
Holy Hell, these things are good! They are individually wrapped candies (kind of like piece of taffy) that taste like peanut butter with a little kick. I eat one every day after lunch, as a kind of signal that lunch is over and I need to stop eating now. They are usually about $1.29 per box (I think there are 9 per box), but Kroger had them on Manager's Special for $0.69!

Sandwich made with: English muffin, egg whites, bacon, and cheese.
I've eaten one of these almost every single day for two months--breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I've never been a huge egg fan, but I can't get enough lately.

Free Panty coupons from Victoria's Secret.
I have no idea how I wound up on the mailing list for Victoria's Secret (I don't have a VS credit card), but I'm sure glad I did! I get one of these coupons about every two months, and there is no catch to the free panties. You just go to the VS store, pick out the color and size you want, and you don't even have to pay sales tax! (Of course, I usually end up buying something else that catches my eye...)

Cabernet and a Dove Promise (dark chocolate)
This has become a nighttime ritual of mine--a glass of red wine and a Dove Promise. I eat the promise very slowly--taking just a nibble at a time and sucking on it until it's gone.

Grapes, grapes, lovely GRAPES!
 My newest obsession. And I'm not even exaggerating when I say I'm obsessed with grapes. I've eaten 2-3 cups of grapes a day for the past 8 weeks or so (since I started WW). I like green ones and red ones equally, and I usually buy some of each. Grapes are 0 PointsPlus, and these have helped me to stay on plan when I'm feeling snacky.

Shorter, faster runs
I've said this about a thousand times since the marathon was over, but I am SO HAPPY to see 3-4 mile runs on my schedule again :)

These mugs I got from Sam's Club
These are the perfect mugs. They hold 16 oz., they are tall and skinny rather than short and fat (making them easier to hold), AND the handle fits all four of my fingers. I bought them in a set of six--two of each color pattern (green, red, and tan). They are also good quality ceramic, not that cheap hollow kind.

Vanilla ice cream cone from McDonald's
 My favorite way to spend 5 PointsPlus! When I feel like indulging and I don't have a lot of spare PP left, I always go for the McD's cone. Very satisfying!

My Teavana PerfecTea Maker
Using this little contraption actually makes it fun to brew tea! I usually brew some in the morning and then again in the evening. I wrote more about this on yesterday's post.

My Simply Vera pajamas from Kohl's
The most comfy pajamas I've ever owned. They are expensive, but totally worth it. I really need to get another pair, so that I have one to wear while I wash the other ;)

My entire Ragnar Relay team
This is a strange addition to my list, but I love every single one of these people! I feel like they are all very good friends of mine, and I've yet to meet nine of them.
Meredith and her husband have lost a TON of weight together, and are super inspiring.
Lealah is incredibly sweet, and helped me get through a miserable 20-mile run.
Ada gave me some encouragement and helpful advice when I was really struggling with my weight this summer.
Andrea and I have a lot in common--the weight loss, the body lift surgery, television appearances, and even the struggle with the last 10 pounds.
Rik doesn't even need an explanation. He came all the way here to run a frickin' marathon with me! And he didn't even leave me behind when I bitched and moaned at mile 19 (and 20, and 21, and...)
Jennifer is hilarious. I could listen to her talk all day and never get bored! It could be the NJ accent.
Linda really is "frickin' fabulous at 40". She's also been reading my blog from the beginning, and she's always been very encouraging.
Jen is a machine. I can't even describe her better than that. She wakes up at ungodly hours to workout!
Allison is my numbers-buddy. She likes data and charts and graphs and all that stuff as much as I do, and she's a champ at organizing stuff for our team. She has also come a VERY long way in her running this year.
Carly, as the newbie to our team, has fit in very well. She is incredibly sweet and enthusiastic about being on our team. I love her determination.
John is so much fun! He's always making jokes that lighten any mood, and I can't wait to sit down over umbrella drinks with him in Key West.
And finally... Mary. As I've mentioned before, Mary is pregnant, so she's no longer an "active" member of our team. But she is my go-to person when I'm feeling an urge to binge. She has helped to keep me in check quite a few times, because she truly understands binge eating disorder.
In less than two months, we will all be running from Miami to Key West together!

Peppermint Stick CLIF Bar
Today was actually the first time I tried this flavor, but it was SO DELICIOUS that I just had to include it. It's seasonal (boo!) so I'm going to go to Kroger and stock up on these. I love the texture of CLIF Bars--kind of like raw oatmeal cookie dough--but the flavors can be hit or miss. These were a hit for sure!

The Walking Dead television show (photo source)
 I never, in a million years, would have guessed that I would like this show. I despise anything having to do with zombies, but this show had me hooked. I had promised Jerry that I would watch one episode while he was at work (and I didn't even think I would make it through one). By the time he got home, I had watched the entire first season. Bahaha! It's THAT good.

Tea/coffee time with Jessica and Renee
 I don't have any pictures of us at the coffee shop, so this one from Winers will have to do. But we've been getting together every couple of weeks for tea/coffee and chit chat for an hour or so. It's been nice to have adult conversation!

Half Size Me podcast
I know I've mentioned this podcast a couple of times, but I've been listening to it during my runs. I'm almost caught up on all the episodes now, and I've really enjoyed it. Heather interviewed me for the podcast a couple of months ago, and she said it was going to air on Monday. I'll share the link when it does. But if you like podcasts and/or weight loss success stories, this is a great one to listen to! She does a lot of interviews with people that have lost weight, and I love to hear about their stories.


So tell me... what are some things you've been loving lately?

32 comments:

  1. Yoga! Inspired by you, I gave myself a six week challenge of going to yoga every Saturday. I went to my second class today and I felt like I really am getting the hang of it!

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  2. MinnesotaKellyNovember 10, 2012

    This is awesome--thanks! Thanks to your mention of it, Teavana Blueberry Kona Pop tea is my favorite :)

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  3. I just discovered the holiday cliff bars and need to stock pile them! All 3 flavors are amazing..pumpkin spice, iced gingerbread and the peppermint stick! I've also really loving my espresso gu! There's only 2 flavors I can tolerate (that & peanut butter).
    And for curbing my peanut butter addiction I love my pb2! Couldn't live without it.

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  4. Things I can eat daily and never get tired of: roasted broccoli, roasted butternut squash fries, and sauteed brussel sprouts
    special treat I eat once or twice a week: artic zone ice cream. I've tried the chocolate peanut butter, cookies n cream and the vanilla maple. Some people hate them, but I love them. I let them sit out and soften for about 10 min. before eating it, and it's so good. I guess after not eating "real" ice cream in so long, this taste just as good, and I can eat the entire pint for 150 calories. --------journeytoHealth Newmark (on facebook)
    Chris :)

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  5. I just started listening to the half size me podcasts as well! They're pretty great and help make the hard part of my runs fly by! I've been loving Special K chips and Peppridge farm cracker chips (I'm a chip person, can't you tell?)

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  6. Thankyou for sharing :)
    I have been eating cereal with chcochips lately & I just cant get enough.
    PS. I luv that tea maker...In India we make it on gas(stove) and do make it really strong we boil water add, tea leaves & after switching off gas cover it.
    Then after five mins add milk(if u like it with milk)Really great.:)

    U may want to try "Taj Mahal" brand if you ever want a change.

    Thankyou for answering my query on WW.
    Zainab

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    Replies
    1. I am such a cereal-aholic. I have even eaten it twice today already. I tried to slow down my intake, but have realized I should just accept that cereal is my down fall (next to ice cream and peanut butter!) I never thought of putting chocolate chips in there though, fun idea :)

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  7. Fun post, thank you :) I have been re-discovering walking. I am just getting over being sick and I was afraid to slow down on my running for fear of losing mileage, ect. But, my husband finally made me just realize I was probably making it worse by not resting and fretting so much. We have been walking our dog and downtown to grab dinner, it's been really nice :)
    Also, delicious oatmeal concoctions...usually with pb, of course. And, I have been on a baking kick- so dangerous, but so good!

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  8. There are pumpkin pie and iced gingerbread Clif bars too - we sell them at Whole Foods! They're too close to cookies for me, though, so I made a New Years Resolution not to eat any. Mid November and I'm still going strong! Even though iced gingerbread sounds sooooooo good...

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    Replies
    1. Have you tried the pumpkin and gingerbread pop tarts? Yum! But if I eat one, I usually have to eat 2...

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  9. I must say... I'm a little disappointed that I'm not on this list. With that being said, Oktoberfest beer and hoodies are fall favorites of mine. Did I mention that I can enjoy all these while on the couch under a warm blanket with the latest episode of the Walking Dead on my big screen TV massaging the feet of the greatest wife in the world?

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    Replies
    1. Ha,ha. You go, Jerry. When are you going to be a guest blogger again?

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  10. Going to have to check out that podcast! I have a super long commute and listen to podcasts all the time, but am always looking for weight loss/healthy living subjects. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. I love purple grapes and Macintosh apples this time of year. I love watching I Love Lucy practically every day, despite having seen every episode about 100 times. I also love that I've started crocheting and knitting again after a long hiatus. I made some leg warmers that I've really worn out running and love them!

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  12. Ive been loving a peppermint candy cane dissolved in my coffee, love candy canes, every Christmas I buy lots of them before they sell out.

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  13. Oh and the Walking Dead, my husband and I are hooked on that show too!

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  14. There's a broccoli/cheese/quinoa casserole recipe that I'm addicted to and have been making quite a bit. (Found on pinterest).
    I love the Country Peach Passion (Celestial Seasonings) herbal tea at night with a little honey, and the Lipton Green Tea Purple Acai and Blueberry (add a little sugar-free berry flavored Torani syrup and lots of ice). I used to have skinny mochas every day but I'm enjoying teas a lot now.

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  15. I have been enjoying being more accountable to my diet and exercise through my Mio Active watch. It counts the calories I burn each day, I plug in what I have consumed plus time my activities (running) and I get my net amount for the day. Surprisingly, if I promise myself a glass of red wine at night, I tend to stay within my calorie range for the day. I have been enjoying a great California red wine... Innisfree (2007 vintage!!!) Cab Sauvignon.... so delicious.

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  16. I've been loving my Planters NUT-rition peanut butter leftovers from my House Party and my $1 Biscoff biscuits from Dollar Tree! They still had them when I went back this week!!

    I have NOT been loving the gas lines and fretting about gas the last 2 weeks, however.

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    Replies
    1. Linda, I'm heading to the East Coat (for an appearance on the Today Show!) next Sunday. I hope things are back to normal in NYC by then. What do you think???

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  17. Katie, I love weight loss bloggers and you are #1 in my book! I also love grapes, but my preference is the BLACK ones. So firm, so juicy, so sweet, so delicious!

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  18. I really like this post! I'm hunting down that Cliff bar and finding that podcast! I have been listening to podcasts a lot lately and was just looking for another good one. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. I've really fallen in love with the PB2!! I've made peanut butter, sprinkled the powder over an apple and a banana, and last night I saw a video tutorial on myfitsperation.com (also an obsession) about how to make peanut butter hot chocolate with PB2 for 83 calories.

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  20. Love all the photos, thanks for sharing them with us :)

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  21. Popchips - any flavor! I can only buy the small bags, though, or I'd eat WAY too many.

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  22. I love these kinds of posts - I really enjoy seeing what other people are in to (like those candies? Never heard of them, but will certainly look for them now!)
    And The Walking Dead? Yep. My favorite show on TV. I already knew it was based on a comic but I just heard there are now novels!!

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  23. How UN-observant am I... Is that a nose ring?! I love it! And i love your lists, they give me new things to try! I always sign in as anonymous because I am too lazy, and sick, to log into my google account! haha

    Karen

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  24. For me, lately, it's been a recipe that I found on Sparkpeople (which I read about on your blog). It is for a single serving brownie. It's not the best brownie you will ever eat but it's not bad. I've made up a bunch of little containers with the ingredients except for the yogurt. It is 3 WW points.

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  25. The egg white sandwhich looks so good. How do you make it? Do you make 2 slices of bacon in a pan or microwave and how do you make the egg?

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  26. Walking Dead is so awesome!! I just recent found out about larabars. They are more like "dessert" treats but they are so yummy! Like eating cookie dough!

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  27. Walking Dead is actually filmed just down the road from me. So if you ever find your way down to Atlanta, I will show you the small town of Senoia where it is filmed. A friend's husband actually works on the set.

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  28. I absolutely adore this post about your favorite things! I am intrigued by quite a number of them. I love the glass of wine with dark chocolate... In fact, I tell guests at my tastings that if you want to reward yourself at the end of the day, have a glass of red wine with a piece of dark chocolate (and they often have the Dove promises at my tastings!)... I remind them of all the antioxidants in red wine and dark chocolate. It's the perfect way to reward yourself at the end of the day, but also something to look forward to! Cheers~

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