In Case You Haven't Heard, NTTC has MOVED!

Hi Folks -


Adding a quick post to let you know that I've moved my little blog over to a new address:   http://www.nothankstocake.com/.


I'd love to have you join us at the new location.  There's a whole lot of exercising and cooking going on! :) 


Please update your bookmarks and blogroll so your clicks are redirected accordingly and get updates as to all of the new posts.


Click HERE to zoom over to the new and improved No Thanks to Cake.  I hope you love my new place as much as I do...


xoxo -
Kelly

A New Place - No Thanks to Cake Has Moved!

Please make sure you've updated your pagelinks to reflect the new address.  See you at my new site!

Me Against the Treadmill

This morning, I got a wake up call that I didn't really expect.  A phone call that no one wants to get at 3:59am.

The good news is that the police went out to check on my place, and there was no sign of entry.  Apparently, Colorado is having yet another one of our SUPER windy days, which sometimes can set off alarms and blow open doors and such.

The bad news is that once I woke up, there was no going back to sleep.

I laid there for a few hours.  I checked my Twitter and FB accounts, reviewed email, and finally got myself out of bed.  Ugh.  It's going to be a long day.  PS.. Do you know there's a new NTTC Facebook page??  Click here to "Like" it!

After some brief laptop work, I decided that since I was up I should probably hit the workout room here at the hotel.  While there are a lot of people who work out in the mornings, I am not one of those people.  I like to wake up naturally... and not be stunned by sweat and loud music from my iPod.

When I got downstairs there were plenty of people and just one treadmill available for my use.  I remember that treadmill... it's where the infamous workout injury took place.  Keep in mind, this workout room is just plain dangerous.  Monday night, I was flung from the treadmill... sort of like a slingshot I flew to the ground.  AWESOME. (Not awesome at all.)

I'm stil trying to get myself in shape for the 5K in June, so I decided I would do a short workout this morning from a time commitment yet high intensity.  Couch to 5K was my workout of choice.

Keep in mind, this is where I'm running.

This morning, my breathing was my biggest challenge.  We all know that the Mile High City has me at least 5,280 feet above sea level, but here in SLC surprisingly I'm just at 4300.  It felt like I was at about 11,000.  So hard.  My legs can handle the running, but my lung capacity really needs to build up if I'm going to be able to run Jodi's Race in June.

Repetition and training will get me there, I feel confident.  This morning there was a lot of crazy out loud self-talk too... "Come on!"  "You Can Do This."  It took every bit of verbal encouragement to get me through it.

That and Stronger by Kelly Clarkson... once again when I was thinking I'd just walk the last interval, the song came on my iPod....

AND... I WAS RUNNING!!!

If you read my blog much, you may have noticed that I travel pretty often so you probably aren’t surprised that today’s topic is travel.

Today has been a record travel day.  I arrived at the airport ON TIME (early even!), lines were fast, my bag was under 50 lbs, and people are actually friendly!  Best travel day ever, even if my alarm went off at 4:40am!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Travel

1.  Where did your most recent trip take you?  My last trip happily brought me home from Salt Lake City on Friday, and I'm actually heading back there this morning.  I really should take up residency in Utah somehow...

2.  Is there a place that you’d like to visit that you haven’t yet?  If so, where?  Greece is on the list, as is Spain.  I'd like to do some serious travel in the Caribbean as well - - Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda (that may be more Atlantic), St. Thomas, St. John... all are targeted for future vacations!

3.  Do you travel lightly, or do you cram as much into your luggage as possible?  Negative on the light bags.  I travel pretty heavily.  Like Kenz, I checked in this morning with 46.2 lbs of luggage.

4.  Do your eating and exercise habits change when you travel? If so, how?  Because I travel about three weeks a month, I'd say my eating and exercise habits change when I'm at home and have access to a refrigerator full of food and a stove!  I really try to stay on program when I'm on the road, and do my best to get to the hotel gym on each trip.  Here's some of my best travel tips for eating healthy, and where to find healthy snack options in the airport.  Avoid the temptations!  You can do it!

5.  Tell us about a place you’ve been that you’d like to go back to.  The Caribbean.  I just love how beautiful the water is down there.  I literally felt like I was swimming in a screensaver.  I long for that feeling again.

6.  Do you prefer to travel at a certain time of year?  Well, there's a few times of year I wish I could avoid:  1 - The holidays and 2 - Spring break.  Spring break through Denver and/or Salt Lake City are brutal.  Lots of people with skis and no clue where they are going.  For a frequent traveler, it slows me down...

7.  If you had to choose, would you go to the beach or the mountains?  I live near the mountains, so I choose beach EVERY TIME.

Turks and Caicos... Also on the list!

8.  Have you ever needed a passport to travel?  Yep, I have one and it's ready for a trip at any moment!  I've been to Europe a few times + the Dominican Republic.

9.  Do you collect anything in your travels?  Just frequent flier miles, and LOTS of them! :)

10.  Where do you plan to go next?  I fly to SLC this morning, and next week is Missoula, Montana.  The following week, I'll be in Vegas.

They're all work trips, but guess which one I'm looking most forward to??

New Recipe: Hungry Girl's Sweet 'n Sticky Sesame Chicken

Two recipe posts in a row???  How excited are you??  And how excited was I to get to eat all of this lovely food??

I wish I could tell you that I ate this last night, but I'm blogging to you from the Marriott in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I had this tasty dish over the weekend, and thought it really hit the spot!  

Today when I go to asian restaurants, I order the steamed chicken and broccoli with no rice, but there was a day where I just LOVED the Orange Chicken... and the Sesame Chicken.  Any fried chicken bites in a sticky sauce, we were BFF.  So, when I caught HG on the TV a few weeks ago making an innocent version of my favorite treat, I had to try it.

Now, there's a LOT more ingredients than my usual recipes in this one.  However, you very likely have them in your cupboard.  I had everything but the onion and the chicken - - seriously! 

Hungry Girl's Sweet 'n Sticky Sesame Chicken

From Hungry Girl 

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 7

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

10 oz. raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into nuggets

1/8 tsp. each salt and black pepper

1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)

1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

1/4 cup fat-free chicken broth

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. sugar-free pancake syrup

2 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

1 tbsp. ketchup

1/2 tbsp. reduced-sodium/lite soy sauce

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. crushed garlic

1 tsp. sesame seeds

2 tbsp. thinly sliced scallions

Optional: red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.

2.  Place chicken in a quart sized ziploc bag and season with salt and pepper. Top with egg substitute and toss to coat.  Put flour in wide bowl. One at a time, shake nuggets to remove excess egg and coat with flour.

3.  Evenly lay on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

4.  To make the sauce, combine broth with cornstarch in a nonstick skillet; whisk to dissolve. Set heat to medium low.

Add syrup, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. If you like, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Mix well. Cook and stir until thick enough to coat a spoon, 2 - 3 minutes.

5.  Remove skillet from heat. Add chicken and toss to coat.

6.  Plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Add a plentiful side of steamed broccoli.

ENJOY!

PER 1 CUP SERVING: CAL: 288; PROTEIN: 37g; FAT: 4g; CARB: 24g; FIB: 2.3g; SOD: 815mg; WW Points Plus 7

New Recipe: KG's Chicken Amore with Roasted Green Beans

I spent Valentine's Day alone, and chose to celebrate with a delicious home-cooked meal.  I think personally-prepared meals can be quite romantic, when you have a plus one. So why not make the same yummy dish when it's just for one?

I hear a lot of people say that they can't cook for just one.  Um, I completely disagree.  Recipes can be cut in half or cut in 4ths fairly easily.  Hungry Girl recipes are some of my favorites, as she often has the recipes prepared for one or two servings, which makes it sooooo easy (less math.)

I actually caught an episode the Hungry Girl cooking show on Food Network this weekend, and HG's fancy Valentine's meal inspired me to create my own version of her HG's Chicken Amore.  I didn't plan ahead, so I just did my best with what I had in my fridge.  It actually was quite delish!

I can imagine there's MANY other combinations that I can come up with to make stuffed chicken... I'll keep you posted!

KG's Chicken Amore with Roasted Green Beans

Inspired by HG's Chicken Amore

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

1 chicken breast

1 wedge Laughing Cow Cheese

1 piece of roasted red pepper

1 small handful of fresh spinach

2 cloves roasted garlic

salt

pepper

cooking spray

1 small bag green beans

several cloves roasted garlic

cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Place one boneless skinless chicken breast in a Ziploc sandwich bag, removing excess air.

2.  Pound chicken with a meat tenderizer to a create a thin piece of meat.

3.  Top chicken with one wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese, spread evenly over the chicken.  I used the Garlic and Herb flavor (of course.)

4.  Load the chicken up with fresh spinach, peppers, and garlic.  Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

5.  Roll this chicken up, and secure with toothpicks.  Place in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. 

6.  Spray a jelly roll pan with cooking spray.  Spread out green beans and spray with more cooking spray.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Add some roasted garlic cloves, if you choose.

7.  Bake both dishes at 350 for 30-35 minutes.  Watch the beans to make sure they don't get overly brown.

Yep, I made that!

Roasted green beans have become my favorite... Sometimes, I pretend they're fries. 

Doesn't that look amazing???  There was NONE left.

ENJOY!

Weighing in on Work Out Wednesdays

Peer pressure is great and powerful.  Moreso than I ever imagined actually.

I like the fact that you guys knowing what I'm eating or how I'm working out influences me postively.  I don't like it, however, when I feel like I've let you down, and I'm hard on myself.  I spent years being hard on myself and so mean to myself for not doing what I said I would do in relation to fitness. 

That didn't serve me well.  I'm not sure I want to continue down that path.

With Workout Wednesdays, I'm falling short of the goal I've set for myself (and communicated to all of you.)  And, I feel terrible about it right now. 

While I only worked out 3 times this week, I'm so proud of the time I spent in the gym.  I did a VERY successful round of Couch to 5K on Sunday, running the entire round without whining, stopping, or injuring myself.  That's huge!  

So, I've made the decision to transform my Workout Wednesday posts.  I'm going to continue to tell you about my workouts for the week, but I'm not going to be so hard on myself about the number of days I've worked out v. the number of days I haven't.  I'd rather focus on my time in the gym and celebrate what I've done. I think that's more productive for me right now.

(Source)

I can't even tell you how great I feel when I workout... and how great I feel in general.  At this time last year, I refused to workout and used words like "hate" and "detest" to describe it.  What a difference a year makes!

Ok, I feel better for putting it out there.  I'm down to the last 13 lbs... and I'll get there eventually.  To me, the sprinting is over.  This isn't about racing to the finish line.  This is about pacing myself in a way that makes me feel good about the process and learning that I can maintain what I've started.  It's about building a lifestyle that includes exercise and learning to love what I'm doing at the gym.

In other news, I took a LEAP and I'm officially registered for Fitbloggin' 12!  Who else is going???

Long Live the Chick Flick

I went this weekend to see The Vow.  It's the latest romantic comedy with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, and as soon as I saw the trailer, I knew I had to see it.  I am a HUGE fan of The Notebook (the book and the movie), so anytime I see Rachel McAdams as the female lead in a movie like this.... I have to see it.  I will say, she did not disappoint.

Quick Sidenote:  The previews at The Vow included one for the new Nicholas Sparks' movie The Lucky One.  I feel a little cougar-esque even mentioning it... but holy crap, Zac Ephron has grown up.  Can't wait to see this one as well!

Back to The Vow... The Vow is the story of an adorable couple who has a devastating car accident.  The car accident leaves Paige (Rachel McAdams) without any memory of her husband Leo (Channing Tatum).  It's the heart-wrenching tale of him trying to remind her of how much she loves him.  Tatum plays this character that you just quickly fall in love with (and makes you wonder why McAdams doesn't just PRETEND she remembers and go with it!) 

Go see it, and take tissues.  I totally cried throughout the movie, in that "good cry" kind of way.  CNN actually published an article this weekend about how people like to go to movies and cry.  I guess I'm that girl, and I'm guessing you might be, too.  My friend Kris and I just sat there for a while after the credits had run when the movie had gotten the best of us.  We finally left when we saw the cleaning people... but not before we spent a few minutes comparing the disappointment of the weeks' dates and wondering where our real-life Leo might be. 

Now, I know that there are opposing views out there on chick flicks.  In case there is any question, I am VERY pro-chick flick.  While I'm a practical Capricorn, I'm also a hopeless romantic.  I like to think that this kind of beautiful love exists in the world. 

Do I think every relationship is perfect and like the movies has a happy ending?  
No.  

Do I believe that people connect on this deep of a level?  
Abso-freakin-lutely.

Actually, I know they do.  I've been there.  So wrapped up in another person that you'd literally do ANYTHING for them, when you simply light up in their presence, and you can't wait to tell them the good news and the bad.  They are your better half and you theirs. Would I remember them if I had a brain injury and amnesia?  Hmmm.... not sure, but I know this to be true...

Now, I know as children arrive, multiple car payments are due each month, and 20 years of being with one another...  relationships transform and change.  I don't expect it all to be rainbows and butterflies, but what I do know is that I want it.


As a 30-something.... I have many friends that have been married a long time.  Several have been divorced, and they're all warning the single girl of the peril of relationships and how much WORK it is.  It's these same folks that try to tell you that chick flicks are destructive.  I don't think I could disagree more.

I'm 35 and single.  And, I plan on finding it.  

And when I say it, I mean the connection.  I don't mean all the shenanigans that go along with the movies.  I don't expect grand gestures (i.e. the final dance scene in Dirty Dancing.)  I don't expect him to climb up the balcony to "rescue" me (ala Pretty Woman,) and he won't build me my dream house and steal me from my fiance (i.e. The Notebook.)  I don't even expect him to desperately try to make me fall in love with him again when I get amnesia.  I get it.  I live in the real world.   

But I do and forever shall expect to be loved.  Here's to finding it, if you don't have it yet either, get looking!  Don't waste another moment.  I know I won't!

Happy Valentine's Day

So Happy to Be Overweight

I've decided to do something different in terms of weigh-ins moving forward.  Forever now, I've only reported my weight at Jenny Craig as my official weight.  However, my travel schedule has been just plain nuts and weighing at Jenny Craig has been eliminated.

I use a WW Scale at home, as it's the only one I could find that weighs including tenths of a pound

I plan to begin weighing myself weekly on my home scale (which actually weighs a little higher than JC.)  I plan to weigh on Friday mornings, and on Saturday mornings when I'm on the road.  I'll still weigh in at JC too, but blog about my at-home weight.  Make sense?


I weighed on Saturday morning to find the following...

I'm down another 1.8 lbs!

Total Lost: - 78.2 lbs

I've moved into a new "weight decade" (i.e. from the 120s to the 110s) this week, and this week also marks a momentous occasion in relation to BMI.

For those of you unfamiliar with Body Mass Index (BMI), the CDC defines BMI as "a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to   screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems."  Click here to calculate your own BMI.

Now, I'm super happy with my weight loss progress and how I feel, but I was surprised to calculate my current BMI and to find out that I'm now officially...

OVERWEIGHT 

Yep.  Last week had I calculated my BMI I would have fallen into the "Obese" category.  When I started my journey with Jenny Craig, I was actually technically "Morbidly Obese."  That means that my weight could have led to an early death and early onset of devastating disease.

If you're not aware of your BMI, it's time to check on it.  If you're living with obesity, it's also time.  Longevity could be yours.  I'm getting closer, but I've got a way to go.  I'd love to see you there with me when I'm super-old and still fantastically (and chemically) not gray.

Let's do this, folks!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I woke up this morning and reflected on what I ate yesterday.  Seriously, not the best food day for me.  Yesterday morning, I had seen a VERY small number on the scale for me.  I have a feeling if I weigh today, I will not see that same number.  

Thanks, Ang, for sharing this fun image!

Here's a glimpse of my eating yesterday.  Not the best... I'm so much better when I have a plan!!!


THE GOOD
I started by day with my usual breakfast these days, which is an English Muffin with a Garlic and Herb Laughing Cow Light Cheese Wedge.  Mmmmm.  To kick it up a notch, I sprinkled it with about a teaspoon of Chia Seeds.  I don't know if you guys read Run Eat Repeat, but she's one of my new favorite bloggers.  She featured chia seeds yesterday on her blog, so I decided to try them on my muffin since they've been in my cupboard for months.  DELISH!

Chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3s and fiber and just add a little crunch, no extra flavor.  Try them!


THE BAD
This is where it started to get kind of crazy.  I went to work at Starbucks yesterday.  When I have reporting to do, I often go to Starbucks because I can jam out a lot of work with little interruption.  Oh, and this is where the Salted Caramel Mochas are made so, it makes me love it even more!

The cutest cups EVER help too!

Anywho, I got all caffeinated off an SCM and worked there for hours sucking down FOUR Venti ice waters... and I forgot about eating.  


Now, I don't mean this in the "I'm-a-waif-food-doesn't-interest-me-kind-of-way."  I mean that I was chairdancing listening to my playlist and working hard and sorta forgot about lunch.  Caffeine tends to affect me in this way.  Hmmm.... maybe I should drink more coffee!


As I wrapped up my sales visits for the day, I realized I was FAMISHED.  It was 5pm, and very close to dinner time.... but, I had a date last night so it wasn't like I could go home and have dinner.  SHOOT!


So, I went home and hit my freezer and found this guy.

Jenny Craig Meatball Stuffed Sandwich

Keep in mind, this image is NOT my own.  There was no salad, nor a lovely glass of lemon water.  No plate either.  It was pretty much inhaled, with no scraps left behind.  It's sort of like a Hot Pocket, but I think MUCH better.  It's my go-to fast JC lunch because it only takes 90 seconds in the microwave and plates are optional. 


THE UGLY
So... I casually mentioned above that I had a date last night.  Yes, this is a follow-up date to date #1 that I told you about a few weeks back.  My crazy schedule sometimes gets in the way of my personal life, as evident here but just the same, I was excited to be seeing him again.  


Note:  As I start dating more (which hopefully will happen), I'll probably make little mentions here and there of date-like activity.  Know that while I would LOVE to tell you all about all the details, I may be a little vague just in case I ever decide to tell any of the boys about this site.  Which obviously, when he's the right one he'll have to know about my secret blogging life (or else he'll think I'm just really strangely food obsessed and take pics of everything I eat.)


Ok... so, let's start with the NOT ugly.   How about a peek at my date outfit?

I loved this look and picked it up at the BCBG Outlet at Colorado Mills.  The top was on CLEARANCE for $9, and I paired that with a BARELY visible thick black belt.  It's sort of a Judy Jetson sleeve with tiny shoulder pads and little wings (?)  The shirt fit sort of long so it might be a good pairing with skinny jeans, which always make me feel less than skinny.  Either way, this look was CUTE.


So, I let the guy pick where we were going to dinner and what did he come up with?

MEXICAN

OH, THE HORROR.  We all know I have "issues" with Mexican food and chips. 

And, to be going there on a practically empty stomach.... I probably ate 15 chips and ordered from their "healthier selections" menu... getting the Spinach Quesadilla.  Now, for the record, I call bullshit on this restaurant.  There is NO WAY that Spinach Quesadilla is on the healthier side.  I would call it "meatless", sure, but NEVER healthy.  I love spinach enchiladas or spinach anything... so I knowingly took the splurge despite the false advertisement.


I also had a glass of wine.  MyFitnessPal said it wasn't the worst day ever, but gosh... Mexican late in the evening was not at all what I had in mind.  


The great news is that I'll be hitting the gym this afternoon to burn those calories off and then some.  I can't wait to get there!


Have a great day, my dears! 

Down Right Random!

After a very random Wednesday, I only have randomness to offer to you.  I have a recipe I'll share tomorrow, but tonight... random seemed the way to go.

I hope you love it, Baby Illyana!

A SUPER SPECIAL CREATION
One of my bestest of friends is having a baby girl ANY DAY NOW.  I finally got her baby blanket completed and shipped and it actually arrived BEFORE the little lady makes her grand appearance.


If you're a knitter, you'll want to know that I found the pattern on Ravelry, and I thought I'd share the link on how to make it too. It's a super easy pattern and looks VERY complicated and impressive.


I kind of want to make another one... and I just heard of a baby boy on the way!  But, I've also gotten a request for a hat + a Cleveland Browns scarf.  I probably should go in order.

JUST BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE TELLING YOU

I've never eaten a strawberry (that I can remember).  When I was little, I loved  Strawberry Shortcake (the doll) and all of her friends, but I can't ever remember eating the fruit.  Since I've been on JC, I've tried the freeze dried strawberries and I definitely like them.  I think I might try the real deal some time soon.  I know it's weird, but I've been picky all my life.... working through this one new thing at a time!

I may wait until summer when the strawberries look so beautiful and delicious, but I think this is the summer I'm going to try it.

SUPPORT WOMEN IN NEED OF BRAS

When you lose weight, you lose weight everywhere.  So, I know I can't be the only one who had to change bra sizes during this process.  What does that leave behind?  Lots of delicates with no where to go.  

My sister-in-law Beth found out that Soma Intimates is collecting new and gently used bras this month to be donated to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  What a great place to donate!!!

I boxed up mine that don't fit and am mailing them to Soma (address on right), and you can also drop them off at any one of their retail locations nationwide now through February 26th!

If it doesn't fit, you're not going to wear it and/or shouldn't be wearing it.  Donate to a good cause.  I love this one!  Click here for more details on how to participate!

I HEART THE MOUNTAINS

I flew home from Boise tonight, and I got to see the most beautiful view of the mountains from the airplane.  Keep in mind, I fly  over these guys almost weekly.  Interestingly, I never get sick of seeing them, or of taking pictures of them.  

I probably have about 40 others that look just like this, but this is the first one I took on my iPhone from about 25K feet and before the flight attendant told me I was allowed to turn on my portable electronic equipment.

Sorry, United... I couldn't resist.

FUN BEFORE AND AFTER SHOT

I get to wear suits to work sometimes... and sometimes when I'm trying to decide which look to go with I take a pic of them.  Yes, I'm a nerd.  BUT, in this case I am glad I did because I have a rare full body progress pic.  


I see some differences.  Do you???


Note:  The pants in February are a size smaller and the jacket is TWO sizes smaller.  I think the thighs are slimming.... and I like to think that it's the elliptical making it happen.