The Biggest Loser Challenge - Week 2

It has been one week since I declared my commitment to my own Biggest Loser Challenge.

Here's my report:
I have lost two pounds and met my goal of exercising every day. Yippee!

I had hoped for more than two pounds lost, but it's better than nothing. My goals for this upcoming week are to continue exercising every day and to be more diligent with eating healthy. I'm going to focus on eating more fruits and vegetables (and therefore less junk). That should be simple, right? Well, we'll see how it goes when those potato chips are calling my name.

My inspiration.

Since this is a B for Biggest Loser post I thought I'd connect up with the always fun Alphabe-Thursday hosted by Jenny Matlock. 

Mailbox Monday

 Happy Monday!

Mailbox Monday is a fun way to find other blogs and to gain more readers.

Check out the blog hop at the Mailbox Monday host's blog: A Little of This A Little of That

The Biggest Loser Challenge

I have been a fan of the Biggest Loser for several years. It is an entertaining show and inspiring for anyone who has ever had weight issues.

During the last season I was pregnant and happily sat on the couch eating my snacks cheering on the contestants. Now, jump ahead several months - watching the new season premier Tuesday night I realized that I can no longer sit on the couch veggin' out watching other people become fit and healthy.

It's my turn to be a Big Loser!

I am going to take my own Biggest Loser challenge during the 11th season of the show. My goal is to lose these last 30 pounds of baby weight that I've been carrying around. I will report back here every Tuesday, just like the Biggest Loser contestants do on the show each week.

I don't have time for hours in the gym every day and I don't have the trainers, Bob and Jillian, yelling at me but I do have my own determination to get healthy and finally get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. (That is pre-pregnancy from my daughter who is now 6 years old. These pounds have hung on through my other two pregnancies but now it's time to say good bye.)

I'm not as brave as the Biggest Loser contestants: I would never want to be weighed on national television in just spandex and a sports bra, but I will use their bravery as my inspiration.

If anyone else is interested in joining me I would love to have the support and comradery.  It won't be easy but we can do it!

My first steps are:
1. Exercise everyday (as much as I can, even just for a few minutes).
2. Cut out late night snacks.

Next Tuesday I'll report back on my progress. Wish me luck!

How do I get my baby to sleep through the night?

This is a tough question for parents. Here I am on my third child and I still don't really have it figured out. I thought I would, by the way. Ha.

I am at a crossroads. Do I let him "cry it out" or should I bring him to bed with Daddy and I?

I've tried rocking Ryan back to sleep or comforting him while he's in his crib, hoping he would just fall back asleep, as you would expect at 3:00am, but that's not working. In fact, all he wants is to breastfeed when he wakes up.

Here's the advice my pediatrician gave us about getting him to sleep.

1. Put him down to sleep at night still awake. Feed him, change his diaper, rock him briefly, then lay him down while he is sleepy but not asleep yet. (This will teach him to go to sleep on his own.)

2. Do not feed him at night. (Ryan is 6 months old and at a good weight so he doesn't need the extra feedings.)

3. Have Daddy check on him when he wakes up at night. (Removing the option for breastfeeding.)

4. Let the baby cry it out (cry himself to sleep), checking on him every 10 minutes or so.

I know that the doctor's advice will work. The question is whether I want to put myself, my husband, and my baby through the nighttime crying.

I already follow step 1 with no problem. I've tried all the other steps and it has not been going too well. Last night, (technically this morning) Ryan woke up at 1:00am, 3:00am, and 5:00am. Arrghhh!

It sure is a good thing babies are so darn cute and lovable because this not sleeping stuff is the pits.

Mango Peach Salsa

Mango Peach Salsa is a delicious addition to many meals, such as fish tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.

I made a batch without any hot peppers so the kids could enjoy the salsa without the spiciness. They especially loved the sweet mango chunks.

This recipe, with the bright colors and sweet fruit, is a simple, healthy, and inexpensive way to make a common meal extra special.

Mango Peach Salsa

2 large mangos, diced
1 large peach, diced
1/4 c. diced red onion
1/2 c. chopped cilantro
1/4 c. diced red bell pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. tabasco sauce
1 tsp. white vinegar
1/4. c. diced jalapeno peppers (optional, depending on desired level of heat)


Mix together all ingredients. Chill and serve with your favorite Mexican dishes. Any other hot pepper can be substituted for the jalapenos and more or less can be added to your taste.

For more healthy and inexpensive ideas for feeding your family check out Pennywise Platter.