Is it really “Never too late?”

Okay, I was busy cooking tonight for my hubby and I (since my kids don’t eat the “glorious meals I make for us) and I was struck by this thought. Is it ever really too late to do/take on something? I am asking this, because recently, I have not been so happy with my eating habits and the habits of all of my family members, kids and hubby included. SO, we are trying to make changes.

My husband decided he is going to stay away from carbs and eat more salads, chicken and fish as well as go biking at least 3 mornings a week. I am really proud of him. I know it is hard to be disciplined b/c I also fall off the path so many times, but in the end, I KNOW and FEEL better when I do go to the gym regularly; which I actually enjoy, unlike lots of people I know…it is just time consuming and I don’t have too many hours each day since my youngest is only in school until 1pm a day…I also MUST and I mean, MUST stop “noshing” on all the goodies I have for my kids, as well as eat three meals a day or at least five small meals…I tend to make my snacks a meal at times and not good choices, (examples include but are not limited to Kettle Corn popcorn, Oreo cookies or chocolate!)

So, as I am trying hard to make a nice meal tonight for us to eat together, consisting of salmon baked in the oven with panko (Japanese bread crumbs) and lemon, oregano, salt and pepper, along with green beans, onions and water chestnuts that I sauteed in a pan with a small amount of olive oil, Teriyaki sauce and salt and pepper, I thought, is this TRULY healthy? I know the types of foods I should be making, like the salmon is great b/c of the omega fatty acids, but what about the bread crumbs? What about the sauteed veggies in TERIYAKI sauce? Hmmm…could I be doing something better?

Does anyone have any really great COOKBOOKS to share with me on eating and making healthy meals for your family?

I hope it is never too late. I want my children to realize how important eating healthy is for your body and mind to work well.  Though I so have the munchies and LOVE LOVE chocolate, I almost feel like I can hardly have a day go by without some form of chocolate. Luckily, I try to have Bittersweet/Dark Chocolate, which is actually good for you…just NOT the whole bar!

Anyone else have any stories about trials and tribulations of dieting, cooking well, eating healthy or the like? Post about it here.  I would love to hear about it. We can learn from one another. I personally, NEVER feel it is too late…there is always hope. Even if my children are already close to 12, 10 and 3.5 years old!

CLEAN EATING! one of my new health changes…

Now that Passover is behind me, I decided to take charge of my “bad” eating habits. As of May 2nd, I have decided to join a gym again and exercise regularly. But, my more difficult lifestyle change; I am aiming to start eating “clean”. As my sister in law explained to me, it is a healthier way of eating. So, of course, I immediately type in Clean Eating in the search space on Google.com to see what it means. Here is a good site that explains it:

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating/

Well, it is very simple, clean eating is basically eating chicken, lean meats, fish and fruits and vegetables. Basically, skip all the good things in the grocery store! LOL All the healthy foods are on the outside of a supermarket (if you have ever paid attention). Groceries know how to entice their customers. HOWEVER, if you are a smart shopper and only shop with what is on your list, then you will be okay and not tempted.

It has only been my third day so far and it is not too bad, I have to say. I am cutting out all processed sugar and white flour. I am a HUGE junk food person and I think that is where my biggest problem lies. I have an extra 15 lbs. that I feel I don’t need on my body. No one believes me that I am really the weight I tell them, but it is true. Scales don’t lie, or do they? LOL!

I have always been a gym person, it is MY time, I have more energy and love going, but when I went back when my third child was 6 months old, I found that she started to nap in the early am hours, so I ended up NOT going, because there was only babysitting until 12PM at my gym. I ended up leaving my many year membership there and found out that they actually have NO babysitting there anymore, so being a SAHM, I couldn’t have kept going there anyway…so, for 1 & 1/2 years I have not been exercising. SHAME ON ME!  I now have joined this week and have gone to work out every day. I am quite proud of myself. It was a LONG time coming, but it feels great to jump right in again…

Now, I am not the type to just e a s e my way into it, instead, I go full force! I did a full hour on the treadmill (which I never do!) with a level 3 incline the whole time. I was so proud of myself. Then, on Tuesday, I did a SPINNING class, I have always wanted to attempt, but was afraid of the bikers. They all seem so determined and excited about it, but in a way, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up. This class was fabulous. If anything, the instructor gave me the motivation to join the gym…for real!  It was so difficult, but I did the full hour. I couldn’t believe it. But, boy, what a job it does on your tush, ouch! I was in so much pain last night, I actually had to take a 600 mg. motrin. I felt better in the morning, though my knees, legs and tush are still sore. I hope I can manage to keep up with it and take it at least one time a week!

I once attempted about a year ago to stop eating all my junk food, processed sugar, etc. but lasted maybe two weeks, I hope I can continue for longer this time. I truly want to make this a life change. I don’t want to give it up forever, but feel that I can “cheat” once in a while, not multiple times a day like I have been. It is tough for me to not “finish my toddler’s unwanted snacks” or nibble on a snack I am preparing for the kids at home, but I am trying, so far so good.

I am approaching my 40th birthday…not in a few months, but a little over a year and I feel that as you get older, it is that much tougher to shed the pounds, I don’t want to have health issues, so I am trying my best to eat right, exercise and GET ENOUGH SLEEP! Another one, I am not that good about. But, I have been trying to get at least 7-8 hours a night now, when I use to average 6 or less. All the celebrities say, sleep is a big thing, it gives them clearer skin, etc. and I believe it is all true. SO…now that I have poured my heart out, please comment and share your thoughts, okay?

Also, shop our boutique, www.startingoutsmall.com every Tuesday, we have a special going on now, 10ontuesday. Stock up on baby gifts and save an extra 10% on orders of $30 or more! Happy shopping!

StartingOutSmall, LLC.

www.startingoutsmall.com

I am still plugging away…

Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! I like exercising, but finding the time is the tough part. I had been very good since the start of the NEW YEAR and my new year’s resolution to lose some weight, but now that my kiddies are on vacation from school, it is not as easy. I am so busy, etc. BUT, I did manage to do my “work out tape” yesterday.  I do this 1/2 hour or so tape with a woman named Leslie Sansone and she “walks” you through a 2 mile BRISK walk. I love it, even though I feel it is more for older ladies…LOL. It is a good workout and so easy. They say it is a fat burner, a good way to lose weight…I am not so sure. I lost only about 1 lb. so far.

But, I shouldn’t complain too much, I mean I look pretty good, but I just want to lose another 5-10 lbs. I did lose all the pre-pregnancy weight in only 11 months. (they say to give yourself up to a year, so I was a month ahead of the game!)

How are you all doing with your new year’s resolutions? I would love to hear. Send me a twitter or write me a comment. Thanks.

Rebecca Barkai/CEO

www.startingoutsmall.com

info@startingoutsmall.com

PS. I hope you all enjoyed my review yesterday of the TAKE YOUR PIX ALBUM. I think they are fabulous. Please tell all your friends and family to check out their site: www.boardbookalbums.com . Also, if anyone has any products that they want me to review, please send me an email at my email address: info@startingoutsmall.com

CIAO!