Oktoberfest, WOW

Good Monday morning~

Well, it has to be considered as the BEST WEEKEND EVER, in the history of weekends. And, I am not talking about eating healthy. Just FUN with friends, long walks with your girls, hikes with the guys and FESTHALLE in Helen, GA for Oktoberfest. I just read about Roni’s weekend and thought “Wow, compared to my weekend, she was a Saint!” It started out great, grilled chicken salad and FF Honey Mustard Dressing. Friday night wasn’t too bad, my girlfriend Charity made some awesome chicken enchiladas, I ate the ones without a lot of cheese.

Then Saturday hit. . .are you ready! I made myself an omelet, skipped the bacon, sausage and links. I did have a biscuit. Then lunch was a healthy turkey sandwich, but did eat some BBQ chips, although not a lot. . .and ate lunch with my girls on the patio of our amazing cabin high on the mountaintop while we enjoyed a bottle of wine we had picked out at the Habersham Winery, YUM. Then we went for a long walk. . .up and down the mountain side. All while laughing until our sides hurt and talking about things you only would dream of discussing with your closest girlfriends.

Once the guys got back from their round of golf, we all geared up for FestHalle, boy, I didn’t know what I was getting into. Beer, beer and more beer. Brats, kraut, and did I say more beer!! PS. I am not a beer drinker! Then once they closed, off to the cabin for more indulging, my drink of choice. . .vodka with Vanilla Coke Zero. . .YUM, so we skipped that and headed for the shots!!!! Long night, a lot of fun!!!

Then comes Sunday, I woke early and made breakfast of French Toast, I had only one piece, and all the meats!! I did had a sausage link. I love it with syrup!! Then more walking in Helen and window shopping at all the fascinating gift shops and German themed stores. Then off to find Schnitzel,um, didn’t have a clue about that dish, so I ordered the Jagar Schnitzel. UM, FRIED, wow, but it was ssooo good. So, I became DD, because you could bring in your own beer the rest of the group enjoyed their beer and I enjoyed my water! So the trip home was draining and I needed some munching so had a small bag of chips, not the baked kind!!!

So there was my weekend of eating and drinking! I am terrified to step on the scales!! But, one weekend away with the husband, we had the Master Suite with 3 other couples, no children and so much fun and needed relaxation in the hot tub and long walks and hikes, was it worth it, you better believe it and we will be back next year to stay for than 2 and a half days!

WOW, body measurements!!

What an exciting morning!!! As many of you know, I am on a weigh loss journey, check out my blog atwww.kristymk.blogspot.com Well, this morning I remeasured my body. My last measurements were taken on June 9th, 07. Much to my surprise, I have lost 2-2 1/2 inches off my ENTIRE body, my waist was a 3 inch loss. But each thigh, leg, arm, hips EVERYTHING is down at least 2 inches, some places more!!! Working out an WW are working, soo exciting just had to share!!!

SSSSOOOOOOOOOO READY!!!

Have you ever been soooo ready for something you are just about to explode? Well, that's the way I am feeling! Mario and I are excaping this weekend, Friday through Sunday for a well deserved and earned get-a-away. We are headed to Helen Ga for Oktoberfest with 3 of our closest groups of couples. My amazing mother is watching our 3 boys, is she ready for that!!!! I am so grateful to her for her willingness to serve me through this! Thanks mom, you are truly the greatest and I'll buy you some wine!!!

You may be asking why I am so excited. Mario and I haven't had any time way, side from Mary Kay seminars, without the boys since our Honeymoon almost 9 years ago!!! So yes, we are eager to get away ASAP!!!

I can't wait to just be in his space with no cares in the world! We have an amazing cabin with a great view, game room and jacuzzi!!! We are going to have so much fun!!!

I'll report back upon trip end!!!

How Frustrating

Well, had my weigh in yesterday . . .super frustrating. . .I gained 0.08lb. Let me explain why I am so upset by this. . .we had Brayden's 1st birthday a week ago and I was so good. No Cake, no chips and I ate extremely healthy all week long. Worked out, drank my H2O.

The only thing I can think is, they say, if you don't eat all of your points, it will catch up to you. I can NEVER eat all my points. I mean really, I have 28 points to use and I have a very hard time using them all. Then to add activity points, which totally confuse me! This is the only thing I can think that may be hindering me!

I have a major mental block about the 16 lb mark! I'll explain. . .every time I get on the path to removing weight, I get blocked at 16 lbs. I mean EVERY TIME, so a little mad that I've gotten to that point again and a WALL presents itself. Guess I have decided to just go around it, or climb it, I will burn more calories that way :)

So today, the babies and I went to the YMCA!! I did my normal Monday spinning class and then decided to add my pilates class back in. I feel so good right now! My friend is napping and I will be putting the tennis shoes back on and get to cleaning!

Jenny and I are starting 13 weeks to a 10K, tonight! I can't wait. Anyone who knows me, knows it has been a life dream of mine to run a marathon! We'll see how this 13 weeks goes, then off to train for a marathon!!!!

Until next time, BE BLESSED!!!

PS. My WW Buddy, Jenny lost 5.6 lbs last week, I am so proud of her!!!!!!

Ok, so it has been awhile

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. So much has happened!! Well, had my 3rd weigh in with Weight Watchers and I lost another 6.6lbs! For a total of 15lbs in 3 weeks. The gym is going great and I have MAJOR competition with Jenny!! She is keeping me on my toes and going!! I am so proud of her, she has lost 14.6!!

We had Brayden's 1st birthday party on Sat and we had a packed house, 40 people came to his party, can you imagine when he is a teenager!!!! It was so fun, the most fun was every person that walked in the door told me I was getting so skinny!!! Wow, what a word to hear describe ME!! I mean really, I use to be skinny, before kids and HOT, but lately I have been feeling less than HOT!! I can't wait for my husband to be excited to have his skinny wife back! RIGHT!! We did have so much fun! The party ended at 2am!!!!!

The husband and I are headed to OKTOBERFEST, in Helen Ga. next weekend with 3 other couples and my awesome mother is watching the boys! I am so looking forward to getting away. We haven't had alone time without the boys in a very long time!!

I'll keep you posted about the removal of weight, as my friend Jennifer says, if you lose it, you will want to find it, so we are removing it!!!!

BANANAS, thanks Beth for the info!

B A N A N A S!

I know this is a teeny bit long, but it's so interesting!!! Read through, I was impressed...

xo



A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:



Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.



Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.



Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.



But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.



Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.



PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.



Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.



Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.



Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school (

England) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.



Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.



Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.



Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.



Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.



Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.



Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.



Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. !



Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.



Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.



Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal



Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to ! the brain n and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.



Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!



Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!



So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"


PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!

I Know this might be helpful, FAT BURNING ZONE

The Truth About the Fat Burning Zone

Part 1: Your Target Heart Rate Zone

Do you exercise because you want to lose weight? If so, you probably know that cardio exercise is a key factor in helping you lose weight. Many people are warned to stay within their 'fat burning' zone for the best results, but do you really burn more fat if you work at lower intensities? Is it the most effective way to help you lose weight?

The Ugly Truth

The body does burn a higher percentage of calories from fat in the 'fat burning zone' or at lower intensities. But, at higher intensities, you burn a greater number of overall calories which is what you should be concerned about when trying to lose weight. The chart below details the fat calories expended by a 130-pound woman during cardio exercise:

	Low Intensity - 60-65% MHR	High Intensity - 80-85% MHR
Total Calories expended per min.	4.86	6.86
Fat Calories expended per min.	2.43	2.7
Total Calories expended in 30 min.	146	206
Total Fat calories expended in 30 min.	73	82
Percentage of fat calories burned	50%	39.85%

From The 24/5 Complete Personal Training Manual, 24 Hour Fitness, 2000

In this example, the woman burns more total calories and more fat calories at a higher intensity. This isn't to say that low intensity exercise doesn't have it's place. In fact, endurance workouts should be a staple of a complete fitness program along with shorter, higher intensity workouts or even interval workouts which are a great way to burn calories and build endurance. To figure out your own intensity levels, start by calculating your target heart rate zone.

What is Your Target Heart Rate?

In order to figure out which zone you're in, you first need to figure out what your own target heart rate is. You can do this by using the Karvonen Formula. You can also use any number of target heart rate calculators to get your heart rate zone, but many of them do not incorporate your resting heart rate (which makes it a bit more accurate).

Below is an example of the Karvonen formula for a 23 year old person with a resting heart rate of 65 beats per minute (*to get your resting heart rate, take your pulse for one full minute.):

220 - 23 (age) = 197
197 - 65 (resting heart rate) = 132
132 * 65% (low end of heart rate) OR 85% (high end) = 85.8 OR 112.2
85.8 + 65 (resting heart rate) = 150 112.2 + 65 (rhr) = 177
The target heart rate zone for this person would be 150 to 177

For this person to work in his 'fat burning' zone, he would need to stay around 150 beats per minute or lower. To work within his 'cardio' zone, he would need to work at 150 bpm or higher. This step-by-step article will help you learn more about finding your target heart rate and how to use it.

ABOUT.COM

Protein and it's importance

Q: What is protein and is it crucial to make sure I get enough?

A: Protein comprises 20 building blocks called amino acids. Of those 20, the body makes 11 called nonessential amino acids. The other nine, called essential amino acids, must be supplied by food, or dietary protein, explains Julie Burns, M.S., R.D., owner of SportFuel Inc., a sports-nutrition company in Western Springs, III.

There are two kinds of dietary protein -- complete and incomplete, Burns says. Animal and soy proteins are called "complete" proteins because they contain all nine essential amino acids. Plant products, including vegetables, nuts and legumes, are called "incomplete" proteins because they lack one or more essential amino acids, she says.

As a macronutrient, protein helps curb your appetite, which may help you lose weight. Compared to carbs and fats -- which are primarily energy sources -- proteins play crucial roles in the body. They provide structural features of body tissue and serve as immune-system antibodies/signaling molecules. In the form of enzymes and hormones, proteins help regulate sleep, digestion and ovulation.

For these functions and others, your body requires complete proteins. However, by combining a variety of plant products throughout the day or over the course of a few clays, you can easily satisfy your body's needs without eating meat or soy products, Burns says. If you're a vegetarian or vegan, eat combinations of plant proteins that complement each other, such as rice and beans, peanut butter and bread, or hummus and pita.

Q: I've heard some forms of protein are "superior." Is that true?

A: Just because animal protein is complete doesn't mean it's healthier than incomplete plant proteins, Burns says. Sources of animal protein are usually higher in fat, particularly saturated fat, and lower in fiber than plant-based sources, although there are plenty of lean complete proteins: seafood, lean beef, pork tenderloin, the breast meat of poultry, nonfat milk and egg whites are a few examples, says Burns. Plant sources of protein, on the other hand, don't contain saturated fat, are always cholesterol-free and have lots of disease-fighting phytochemicals.

Q: How much protein do I really need to eat every day?

A: If you're mildly active (you exercise three times a week for 30-60 minutes), you probably don't need more than the RDA -- 0.4 grams per pound of ideal body weight, says Melinda Manore, Ph.D. To calculate your daily protein needs in grams, multiply your weight by 0.4. (For a 145-pound woman, that's 58 grams, or 12-15 percent of total daily calories.)

If you're moderately active (you exercise four to six days a week for 30-60 minutes), you may need slightly more -- from 0.6-0.7 grams. (That's 87-101.5 grams, or about 20 percent of total daily calories, for a 145-pound woman.)

If you're highly active (you exercise daily for an hour or more) you may need even more protein than that -- from 0.9-1 gram. (For a 145-pound woman, that's 130.5-145 grams, or about 30 percent of total daily calories.)

You also may need this amount if you are recovering from a serious illness or exercising at higher altitudes than usual -- for example, you're backpacking at 7,000 feet but live at sea level. At higher altitudes, your body is deprived of oxygen until you adapt, placing a stress on all systems and increasing cellular damage. Protein helps protect and repair cells while your body acclimates, which can take several weeks.

Q: Is it a problem if my protein intake is higher than the RDA?

A: If you consume more protein than you really need, you risk several negative consequences. First, you could gain weight. Consuming more calories than you need in a day, even if they're protein calories, will cause your body to store the extra calories as fat.

In addition, eating protein at the expense of vegetables, grains and other healthy foods can deprive your body of essential nutrients. Plus, it can cause dehydration because it takes a lot of water to eliminate extra protein.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_2_22/ai_91233478

Oh my goodness!!! I had my first weigh in on Sunday and I have lost 8 lbs!!! In a week! I am so excited and can't wait to get back on those scales, I know it is messed up!!! I feel better because we are eating healthy and I can't wait to keep things going! My friend Jennifer is a great motivator and inspiration! She has been coming to the gym with me and is amazing!!!!! Thank you jennifer for being such a great role model!!!

It's October 1st and I can't wait to see where I'll be in a year!!!!!

Wow, eating is healthy and Fun!

Wow, I am so excited. For the first time all week, I have eaten all my points!!!! It is such a celebration to me, now let me tell you what I ate!

Breakfast was oatmeal made with 2/3 c 1% milk, 1 teaspoon ICBINButter and a tablespoon of REAL sugar, YUM for 5 points

A 2 point Coffee

Leftover Sausage and peppers from last night on a hoagie roll for lunch for a 7 point sandwich, super yum

Snack was 0 point Progressive Soup and 4 points worth of Whole Wheat Ritz crackers, I needed something salty :)

Dinner, get this was 2 slices of thin crust Garden Fresh pizza from Papa Johns. I didn't even eat the garlic butter!!!! for 10 points

Man, I just added it all up and I still have 2 points left, however, I am taking my activity points away, because I have 2 sick boys and Brayden sat on my lap for 2 hours today just cuddling mommy, not napping, not playing, just laid there and said AHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHH AHHHHHH, he is getting his 1 year molars.

I was so sad to miss my workout today, I was really looking forward to it and due to the baby's fever, we couldn't go :( I might go in the AM, before Beth's Debut!

Signing off and going to bed!

Yum Dinner

I love to cook and thanks to weightwatchen.com, Roni has inspired me to cook healthier! Thanks Roni! Last night I made my friend Jennifer's Buffalo Chicken Salad, check out her recipe at her myspace blog, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=120888705

Tonight I made sausage, peppers and more from Roni, I deleted the tomatoes, Mario isn't a fan of tomatoes, piled it on a hoagie roll. Talk about EASY and YUMMY.

I am feeling really good about my WW plan. I am having an extremely hard time eating all my points. I have at least 5-9 points each night. I can't seem to eat enough to make them all up! I am eating a lot healthier. Mario even commented about how he enjoys eating healthy again, SKINNY HERE I COME!!!!!

I love my friend Michele, you should check out her blog, http://micheles-moments.blogspot.com/2007/09/flame-in-all-of-us_18.html. She is so talented and such a source of strength for me, no matter what I am going through. She is such an amazing scrapper, you should buy some of her work!!! Love ya Michele!

I look forward to keeping everyone posted on my weight loss journey! First weigh in is Sunday and believe it or not, I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!

SecureGive

How exciting, I have started working with a company called SecureGive, securegive.com. Check it out and if you need a Giving Kiosk in your Church or Non Profit, I would love to help out!

This came into our lives such a manner I had to listen, I was on 3 different occasions woken up in the middle of the night and every time I opened my Bible, something I do when I can't sleep, I read verses about planting a seed on good soil and then collecting the harvest of plenty! Others about listening to Gods small still voice. The "voice" I kept hearing was to talk to Dr. Marty Baker, our preacher at Stevens Creek Community Church, and see if just possibly I had talents I wasn't using to the fullest in my current situation that I would be able to use and further the Kingdom of God and work with his company SecureGive. After the 3rd time of waking in the middle of the night, I figured I would listen. I sent an email, right, email I mean really! But I just couldn't wait until Sunday next or even Wednesday night Service! He forwarded the email to his wife, Patty. This all was on Monday, well, by Wednesday I hadn't heard from them, so I figured that was God shutting a door and I was to keep working with my other at home business. Well, I decided after returning home on that Wednesday that I would drive back across town and go to WalMart, see I was in their parking lot just 20 mins earlier and had left because I wanted Coen to take a nap. Well, if you know Coen, he wasn't asleep, so I decided to go back and try it again. Well, I walked in and Patty was standing right there at the door! WOW, God works in mysterious ways. Long story short, now I am working with Patty on this endeavor to grow their company and loving every min. of it! Yes, I still love my MK Business and will be working it harder than ever, to get in our 2nd MK Car!!! But, sometimes when God speaks, it is just best to listen and see where He will take you when you obey~!

On the Weight Loss Journey

Well, let's see. . .I have been working out since April 07, everyday and some days twice a day, although I am seeing some difference in the way my clothes fit, I am not seeing any great weight loss, which, let's be real is the reason I go so often. I am so concerned to be here when my boys get older and to not be the "fat mommy". That being said, I have, with much encouragement from Jessica and Jennifer, joined Weight Watchers. Now, there is where the story begins. I have tried WW before, and after 16 lbs. hit a wall and after 5 weeks began gaining it all back, although I was still following the program! So here we go again, with a lot of hesitancy on my part. That said, without Jennifer's support, I would have never walked in the doors, not to mention, step on those scales!!! So I did it, and we are off. I will be posting updates, as my schedule allows!

I am so excited to create this blog. My name is Kristy Youngblood, I am a work at home mom of 3 boys, Jaxon (6), Coen (2.5) and Brayden (10 months). I have the best husband any woman could ever dream of. He is the most amazing daddy, husband and best friend. We were married on June 12, 1999 at Kiokee Baptist in Appling, GA. God has taken us on an amazing journey. We just moved into our best house ever. A 2800 sq ft house, with "MAN SPACE" downstairs, the big screen, boys rooms, play room and my corner, THE OFFICE!!

I have my own business as a Sales Director with the #1 skin care and color cosmetics brand in the Nation, MARY KAY! I am so proud of my business, as we are diligently working on earning our 2nd Mary Kay car, the '08 Saturn VUE!!!

My passion in my business and life is to discover God's Jewels. He creates each of us just like a diamond. No 2 are the same! How exciting is that! We are created in his image and he molds us to perfection.

I am so proud that I get to help women feel beautiful and find their purpose in life.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I can't wait to keep you posted!