Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Blonde Moment

Disclaimer:  No offense to my beautiful blonde friends, this is meant to be all in fun

Seems like I did the right thing by going blonde, a natural blonde as a child until my hair turned a much darker shade. I wanted to see if blondes have more fun.  Fun I don't know, more blonde moments maybe.

Last night I got ready to go to the gym, all pumped for my "boot camp" class.  Walk in with my head held high, so very proud of myself with my bottle of water, enter into the "classroom" and I see about 5 people. 

I thought to myself, wow, everyone must have stayed home tonight because it's cold out.  As I was thinking this, I must have had a very confused look on my face because Steve, one of the wonderful employees at 426 Fitness, came up to me and said can I help you?

I said I'm here for the 6:30 class.  Now Steve looked confused.  He said weren't you here last Saturday.  I replied "I was working, been working two jobs".  "Oh....well last Saturday was the last class". 

Ok so yes I've been working two jobs but I should have paid attention to the dates. That moment just took me back to high school alegebra when my teacher, Mr. Pitochi asked my friend Judy and I if we were sure we were not blonde.

So my class is over, I didn't get to partake in the final "olympics" of it all, but there will be in another session in March.  That being said, my good friend Kathy joined the gym and I'm glad for it, she'll keep me honest about going especially during this holiday season.

Stay healthy my friends.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Juggling the balls of life

Well, it's been awhile since I've "blogged".  I haven't had a whole hec of a lot to say.  Hope you have all found my facebook page of the same blog title "The Road to Thin". 

Not being one to be able to sit still and enjoy idle time, I'm going back to my old part time job. Yes, it appears that the universe thinks I have too much time on my hands.  Truth be told, money is tight, as I'm sure it is in lots of homes right now.  Not only have I spent half my life being an over eater, I'm an over spender as well.  It's time to look at the future. Yes, I'm getting my self physically fit, and healthy but it's time to get financially fit as well.  With a soon to be 16 year old daughter and a son who will be hitting the teenage years before I know it, it's time to start thinking about the cars they will need, that big insurance bill and college. 

It all goes hand in hand when  you think about it, do you know I have not been to a Dunkin Donuts in three weeks?  I haven't gone out for lunch in over a month.  This is remarkable as I used to go out to lunch every day. So, not only am I saving a ton of money but I'm eating much healthier. 

It seems to me that I'm much more organized an on my toes when I'm my busiest.  It will take some getting used to again. I have my full time job, then I'll be working an extra job, juggling the two kids, activities, and everything else.  There will be differences this time around. When I was working the two jobs before, I'd leave one, stop at Dunkin Donuts or the local market and pick up some kind of snack.  Sometimes we'd order take out at work.  This time, with my new thriftyness, I'll be bringing a snack, and planning ahead. 

There are other things I will have to juggle as well, like when to go to the gym. Ideally I'd love to go in the morning, like say 6ish, but anyone who knows me well, knows that I can never get up before 7.  This will be interesting.  I will also need to find time for my writing. 

I made it work before, I can do it again. 

A little off topic but I have to say...my kids are amazing.  When I told them that I had to go back to the part time job and that we all have to stick to a strict budget, I thought I'd get a lot whining and complaining.  Not these two. They said ok, and have not asked for a single thing and they completely understand. I'm very proud of them.

So, I start my new schedule next Wednesday.  I'll be working Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and every other Saturday, Every other Sunday.  Of course Thursday is Halloween, but this could be a very good thing.  Perhaps when I get home all the trick or treat candy will be gone and the kids will have hidden theirs. 

Until next time, be well.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

One change at a time

Did ya miss me?  I missed you. Thanks to all those who write me and ask for a blog, or ask where I've been.  Not only does it make me feel good but you keep me on my toes.  That is why I chose to bring you all along on this journey with me. To keep me honest. Thank  you for that.

It's been a very busy summer, have done a lot of traveling, South Carolina, NYC, getting ready to leave for Florida.

I had just received a message from a friend who was checking in on me and said she needed some help to get back on her journey and then my doorbell rang and it was my friend Sandra with some strawberries...Thanks Sandra!  Sandra and I had a long talk about how everything in life comes first and we always put ourselves last (you will see that is a constant theme in this blog but it is so true). We all need to reprioritize....bump ourselves up in the order of importance.  Now is the time. It's time to get on a good path before those holidays come and try to sabatoge all we've done.

When I lose my way, I go back to the beginning, back to basics.  I try to change one habit a week.  This week, I'm going to make sure I'm getting all that water that is very important.  I challenge you to do the same. 

We can do this!

This blog is dedicated to Annie and Sandra!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Walk Where You Are

Have down time?  Go for a walk! That's exactly what I did today.  Weekend long dance convention here in Providence. Not far from home maybe 20 minutes to a half hour.  However, not going to pay twice for parking and I do like to be in the area for my daughter in case I'm needed. Not to mention that I will be needed to do the lunch run. 

So on a Sunday morning at 8am when there is no retail open, my dance mom partner in crime is not around and I've already had my morning coffee...what to do, what to do?  A walk it is.

Not dressed for it. Note to self...have workout clothes in the car at all times as  you never know when you will get the urge to exercise.

Dropped the girls at designated point, got the settled and headed out.  Did 4.97 miles in just a tad bit over an hour.  If you are familiar with the area than you will understand the reference points.  Went from the convention center to Federal Hill to Providence Performing Arts Center, to Providence Place Mall.  (if you do not live locally feel free to google, Federal Hill is Rhode Island's Little Italy). Back to the Convention Center, a bit sweaty but feeling really good about myself.

Think I will head over to the mall to get a new shirt and deodarant.  Maybe a new gym bag so that I can always be prepared.

Make every minute count....walk it out.





Just a few sites from todays walk.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Banana Dippers - Product Review

Hello Readers,

I hope you have been following me on my Facebook Page.  Still juggling life, with the journey and exercise and blog and facebook as well as writing.  So even though you may not see a blog for a week or two rest assured I'm still at it and haven't forgotten you.  Pop onto The Road To Thin at Facebook and you'll find me.

You all know how much I LOVE to try new products and I am excited to tell you about the brand new Dole Banana Dippers.

The first time I ever had a frozen chocolate covered banana was in Disney World.  It had to be one of the most delicious frozen treats I've ever had.  You can't find them everywhere. The only other place I know of that sold Frozen Chocolate Bananas is the Munson Candy store in Mystic CT. 

I was clipping coupons the other day and saw a 1.00 off coupon for a new product....Dole Banana Dippers. Banana Slices covered in Dark Chocolate.  My heart skipped a beat.  I could not wait to get to the freezer section in my local grocery store and use my coupon. 

I was very excited but a little hesitant as my last trip to the market did not produce the results I had hoped for with those gross coconut water pops.  yuck!

This was a very different experience.  My tastebuds danced with delight.  I am happy to say that these Dole Banana Dippers are DELISH!

There are 6 packs in a box, 4 slices in a pack and one pack is 100 calories.  They also come with nuts but I opted for no nuts, I think I saved about 20 calories. I'm nuts enough.

This is a perfect summer treat.  

Thank's Dole!

http://www.dole.com/Products/Banana-Dippers/Banana-Dippers



Thursday, April 18, 2013

Coconut Waters Fruit Ice Bars (Product Review)

Hello readers, I'm back with another product review.

You all know how I love to find new products and it's great when they taste good but it saddens me that I have to give this product a bad review.

Edy's Outshine Coconut Waters  Fruit Ice Bars (With Pineapple)  -- My two favorites Coconut and Pineapple even better when they are together.  I saw the refreshing looking box peering through the glass doors at my local Stop & Shop. I read the label, only 60 calories, excellent source of vitamin C, made with real fruit.  A dream come true...I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this new frozen delicacy.

I had a great workout tonight at the gym, came home, took my shower and wanted to settle down with a low cal snack.  I opened the "pop" up took a bite and thought, maybe I tasted it wrong, this can't possibly be a disappointment, the second taste proved I was right the first time. It's like eating an ice cube with chunks of pineapple.  There is just  not much flavor.  I think I was expecting a Faux Pina Colada.  My Bad.

Now I suppose this is a great treat if you like Coconut Water. I had never had Coconut Water before and I don't plan on it again.  The package says "Fruit Ice Bars" so it is definately not false advertising.  The Pineapple is real fruit.

Try it if you like but my taste buds cannot endorse this.  I wonder if my cat will like this?




Thursday, April 4, 2013

Being Wonder Woman

So let's get the negative out of the way....I've gained a few pounds..pretty pissed at myself.  Ok...turn on the positive...that's part of this journey, being normal, it's normal to go up and down, it's normal to get stuck. So pep talk to myself time:  Self, get over it, you know what to do, cut sugars, cut carbs, up the workout. Get obsessed again with the scale. Get back to drinking that water...yes, i'm a water slacker.

See I've said it before when I get obsessed with the scale (stepping on it every day even twice a day)  I do better.  This once a week thing isn't working for me.  So obsession it is.

I feel so much pressure these days. On top of working the old 9-5 job, trying to keep up with the house cleaning, paying the bills, writing a book, keeping up with a blog, and a new facebook page, we've got the dance schedule 6 days a week, the 3 day a week wrestling schedule is over but not we have 3 days a week baseball.  The poster on my office door is Wonder Woman and somewhere along the way I convincend myself that I am.   I don't want to admit that I'm not..but.I still have a NYC trip to finish planning for next weekend as well as a week vacation in Myrtle Beach, a trip to Florida and dance recital weekend.  My brother is coming in June for a week and will be staying at my house, prom season is coming and yes, I have a Freshman Daughter going to a Senior Prom.  Whew!

So as much as I'd like to say I'm not Wonder Woman I think I'm going to hold on to that alter ego for awhile.

Back to the journey...I will complete this journey this year, I'm determined, I'm not going to give up. Remember the old me by now would just say screw it!  No way...I know I can do this I won't give up.  This is just part of the story, part of the bumps in the road. We all have them.  Just have to learn from it and not let it get us down.

I can't wait to start walking again. I'm seriously thinking about putting my gym membership on hold as of May 1 and get back to basics and do my walking, pick up a few weights and do my weight training at home.  I did so well last year with the walking, I could save the 45.00 a month, if it doesn't work I can just start it up again.

I'm off to work and I'm in my "journey" mindset...gonna grab a fruitcup for breakfast...when I was in trouble as a kid Mom used to say life is about starting over and tomorrow is a new day...so today I start over. 

Here we go....... (again) 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Staying Motivated

One of the hardest things to do is stay motivated on this journey.  Every morning I get up and the first thing I think about is I have to continue on.  What am I going to eat today?  The ironic part is that the old me used to get up and ask ok what am I going to eat today? Waiting for each meal to come and indulge in all things bad.  Now it's the same question but with a different meaning.  What am I going to eat today to keep me satisfied but also keep me on this journey that seems like it's taking forever.

Yes, I could join nutri system, jenny craig or some other quick and "easy" weight loss but one of the things I decided to do on this journey was to do this on my own, as a normal person with whatever foods are available to me and learning how to handle the food around me.  Yes this is taking longer but I am learning how to eat normally and make better decisions.  It has to be that way.  I've heard to many stories about quick weight loss only for that person to gain it all back when they were done with the program.

I'll take the long road.  I refuse to walk this road again.

As I venture into another day, another week and yet another holiday (Easter).....I will do my best to stay on this path.

Happy Easter everyone!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

WELCOME TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE

It's been a very busy beginning of the year and unfortunately I've gotten a little off track with life in general.  I've been very overwhelmed with my daughter's dancing schedule and my son's wrestling schedule among other things.  I took a bit of a U-turn on my diet and with my writing of the book and the blog.  This is life. This is what it's all about and what I set out to do. To lose weight like a normal person with a normal life who sometimes loses focus.  While I will still be writing my blogs I want to say

WELCOME TO MY FACE BOOK PAGE

Yes, The Road To Thin now has a Facebook page.  Some of you have been with me from the beginning and some may be just finding me now, if you are just discovering my story. . . WELCOME!

You'll still find the same unique,, entertaining, some times "ranting" blogs here (you can also view this blog right from FB) but be prepared for a fun, new, interactive Facebook page.  Everyone is welcome, all ages, all sizes. Share your opinions, your stories, your tips or just come along for the ride.  

Be there as I reach the finish line, as I reach my goal of losing 100 pounds (and maybe more) and as I complete my book.

It is true when I say that your support means the world to me and you all help keep me going on this journey. 

THE ROAD TO THIN

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Borges/593198580707659

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Klondike (product review)

I found it...the PERFECT dessert for me!  May I remind you that Ice Cream is my absolute downfall.  If it were legal I'd marry it. 

In my constant search for safe foods to satisfy my sweet tooth I have stumbled upon a safe ice cream heaven.  Klondike (on a stick)  8 Bars in a pack for 2.99.  English Toffee and French Vanilla.  Made with low fat ice cream and you would never know it was low fat ice cream.  It is sooooo tasty.

Only 100 calories per bar.  This product was formerly known as Slim a Bear.  Now i think I've seen these in the store before but stuck my nose up at them, why, because the word Slim was in it.  Yes, I admit it, I'm a food snob. If it says diet, slim, healthy, or any other word that makes me think it may taste bad I won't give it the time of day.  I'm trying to change that.  Trying to be more open minded.

Now the box says that one serving is two bars that would be 200 calories. Stop right there...that hurts my brain.  I don't need two bars. One is just fine. Satisfying enough.  So we will have one bar for 100 calories, Klondike do not give me that option and tempt me by saying I can have two for one serving. 

There is also a note on the box saying this is NOT a low calorie food.  This confuses me, made with low fat ice cream but not a low fat food.  Well, I'll let that slide because all I know is that 100 calorie snacks are the way to go.  When I find a 100 calorie snack, I know that I don't have to think.. I have one and I'm good. 

On the back of the box there are other 100 calorie Klondike products listed, now that I know they are tasty I will try the res,t like Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Fudge and more.

Good move Klondike!


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

SPARKLING ICE (product review)

I find that when  you are dieting or changing your lifestyle it's so important to try new things, different things to keep you interested. 

I get tired of eating the same old things and am always looking for something new to switch it up.

Drinking water is very important.  I used to think that was a bunch of bull but it's true.  When I stick to my guns and drink my water daily I notice that my skin looks great.  Lately I've been slacking with the water and my skin is a bit dry and just doesn't have that healthy glow.  I also believe that when I'm drinking my water faithfully I eat less.

Let's face it water is good for you but it gets boring.  I just can't and won't go back to soda. I treat myself a little and have some gingerale now and then but it's so sweet. 

I've put lemon in my water, I like that.  Sometimes I'll use Crystal Light.  Tonight when I was at the market I decided to try something new.  Sparkling Ice.  I've seen it in the store lately but I kept on walking by. I'm very funny about trying flavored water.  I tried Vitamin Water. My cousin loves it, to me it tasted like Gatorade and I'm not a fan of that either.

I bought three bottles of Sparkling Ice.  They had lots of flavors to choose from.  I chose Pineapple-Coconut, Pink Graplefruit, and Lemonade.  It's a dollar for a 17 ounce bottle.

Sparkling Ice, Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water. ZERO CALORIES!  With Vitamins and Antioxidents.  It's the Vitamins and Antioxidents that usually stop me in my track. Still hesitant when there are "healthy" things involved -- old brain says "healthy = taste bad".

I tried my Pineapple Coconut and the result was..............................I LOVE IT!  Yes!  A new alternative to boring water. 

For more info you can go to www.sparklingice.com

Hmm, maybe someone from the sparkling ice company will see this review and send me a case (wink, wink).


Theres always a tomorrow

Well, this past weekend was a total bust. Two and a half days of my life that I can't get back thanks to The Blizzard of 2013 otherwise known as Nemo.  By the way,  when has a snow storm ever had a name and what kind of name is Nemo anyway?  I think it's a pretty lame name for a snow storm.  I digress. 

Spending Friday evening into Sunday evening without heat and electric was not a good time.  Not being able to cook a decent filling meal, we spent the weekend snacking on anything and everything around.  Sometimes because of hunger but most times because of boredom.  Yes, I blew it....chips, M&M's and honestly, I can't even remember what else.  I ate whatever was around.  I did have a few bannana's that's good right?

The storm closed every store and business in the area but lucky for us we were able to find a pizza place open.  One Horse Saloon in Swansea.  Thank God!  I wanted real food.  We walked in to order and they started by saying they were out of Pizza.  A little comical but that's ok because we just wanted sandwiches.

I was never so happy to eat a sandwich in my life.  This past weekend I learned that I was born in the right era because I would never have made it in colonial times.  I also learned that in an emergency I would really have to learn how to ration my portions.  I should have only ate half a sandwich instead of the whole thing...just in case. I took my chances. 

It's a new day...we start over and get back on track.  Keep moving forward. As a good friend said to me...The good thing is there's always a tomorrow. 

The old me would have turned the weekend eating fest into a year long event.  Today I just start a new.  Here we go.....

Monday, January 21, 2013

The January Blues

It's cold and snowy out tonight. I'm tired. As usual, I have too much on my proverbial plate. The holidays may be over but I've been sick with the nasty flu/cold strain that's been making the rounds.  I'm in the middle of planning a fundraiser for a friend, I have my son's 10th birthday party to throw together for the first weekend in February, I'm away the next two weekends for dance competition, The last weekend in February is the only time left for my daughter's birthday celebration and that leaves me to move my own birthday celebration to sometime in March, If I can even find time then.

For those of you who don't know my daughter shares my birthday with  me on February 20th and my son was born on February 19th. Crazy right?  Throw in Valentines day, work, dance schedules, wrestling....Calgon take me away.

I still need time to blog, to work on my book and go to the gym.  Whew! 

Yes, I'm tired and I have the January blues.  But I will not give up, I must keep at it.  Afterall, in a blink spring will be here and I threw away all  my shorts from last year that were too big.

I'm setting my goal, can I hit 30 pounds by June?  I am going to give it my very best shot.  How I long to walk into a store this year and have my choice of shorts.  I want to go crazy and buy a whole new summer wardrobe.  But I can only do that if I get the rest of this weight off.

I always try to keep these blogs and my attitude positive so, focusing on a positive, I received for Christmas a pair of exercise pants.  I looked at the tag and the size was an XL.  Hmmm, thanks for the compliment I thought but these will never fit me.  A XXL or XXXL maybe.  I shoved them  in my drawer thinking that someday I'll fit into them.  Last week when I couldn't find my old faithful workout pants, I said, "let me try these on just to see"  Well I'll be....what do you know, they fit! Ha, look at that, I fit into pants not purchased at a plus size store.  Amazing.

Now I do have to say I have definately conquered Girl Scout Cookies because those little cutie pies have been ringing my doorbell and guess what.....I haven't bought any, haven't even been tempted.  A little white lie is all I needed...Sorry, I already bought them from my daughters troop.  My daughter is no longer a girl scout but they don't need to know.

I have not been able to conquer the carbs though. That is next on my list.  I've really got to cut back.  Went shopping and loaded up on fruit, so, i'm going to try to replace my breads and pastas with fruits and veggies.  I also am going to try my hardest to get 20 minutes in the am on the eliptical. 

It's all about change and I have to do this. 

I already have my spring/summer plan...walk to the gym, do my weights and walk home.

I have to give a shoutout to my friend Jen....the last couple weeks she's been keeping me on track when I've wanted to stray or take a night off from the gym she's been the one reminding me of where I want to be. So Thank you Jen!

OK here we go....phase two.....entering the completion phase.