Weightloss Superstar: Krista Donovan

One of the things I hear the most when asking others what made them start their weight loss journey is they didn't like the way they felt about themselves. It's amazing how the extra weight on our bodies can take away from our quality of life. We don't do all the things that thinner people do, we hide in photos, we don't like shopping, keeping up with our children is a lot harder. These are some of the things I personally experienced and I hear them from others often. My favorite part of someone's story isn't the number of pounds they have lost but the lives they have gained by making the choice to not be skinny but to be healthy. 
Meet Krista, a 28 year old mother of two from Florida who didn't like the way she felt about herself and changed her depression into empowerment and went from overweight and unhappy to fit and happy! Check out her story below!

Krista (Before)

When did you start your journey?
June 2011

What is your favorite exercise routine?
Chalean Extreme (weight lifting)

What's on your playlist that gets you pumped?
The music on the programs I use

How much weight have you lost total?
55 lbs

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?
Just keep going, you will hit plateaus, you will have nutritional slip ups BUT as long as you keep on your routine you WILL see results!

How did you lose the weight/ what plan did you follow?
I used home workout programs and a DELICIOUS meal replacement SHAKEOLOGY, the

Krista with her husband and their two children (After)

workout programs are Insanity, Turbofire, Chaldean extreme and Focus T25. I love then so much I became a coach to help others achieve their fitness goals!

What's your favorite "cheat" meal?
 I am SO BAD, I LOVE LOVE LOVE pizza, pasta, bread, cheese, sugar, chocolate... Pretty much everything I shouldn't have. But,"Everything in moderation!" Right?

Krista (After)

What are your favorite snacks?
Avocado, almonds, bananas, carrots I keep them in the house to keep me from over indulging on junk.

What's your favorite motivational quote or saying?
"Look like a beauty, train like a beast"

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My sister. She lost a lot of weight after having her second child, she inspired me and introduced me to these awesome products.

How much more weight do you want to lose?
None, I am working on toning and building muscle.

Have you always had a weight issue?

Krista (After)

No, in fact I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain an ounce! While I was pregnant (both times) I over ate and stuffed myself with junk, gained 75lbs with my first and 60lbs with my second.
 
What made you decide to start losing weight?
I had to wear maternity clothes for 6 months after my son was born, I was very depressed that I had let myself go so bad and I wanted to feel better about myself.


Way to go Krista!!! If you are interested in Shakeology or any of the exercise programs that Krista follows hit her up at
BeachbodyCoach.com/KristaAnderson or GetFitWithKrista.com She also has a facebook page at Facebook.com/getfitwithkrista

Want to inspire others too?! Send me your story and you might be our super star of the week!!!!

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My heart has stitches that sometimes want to break.

I don't dream of you very much anymore. I wake up most mornings and the sad feeling is there, knowing that I could have had some stolen moments with you in my dreams. Sipping on my morning coffee and looking out at the snow on the ground that is melting away, my heart is sad. Life has become....normal without you here. I hate that. I don't want that huge hole in my heart to be reopened but at the same time I hate that not talking to you on the phone, seeing your face for lunch dates and listening to your frantic voice mails about me not driving in the fog are no longer there. Christmas is coming, it is my favorite Holiday, something that you instilled in me, giving gifts. Seeing the faces of the ones we love opening a gift and their joy....your last Christmas with me wasn't anything special, in fact the last few Christmas' of your life I didn't spend much of the day with you. I hate that. I hate that I pushed you aside to run off to others, I did that a lot in the last year of your life. I loved you always and I enjoyed our time together but I was always in a hurry, I always had somewhere to be or something to do. Was that a reason why you didn't want to fight as much this time? I will always have to live with that thought. The last night that I saw you alive and conscious.....you didn't want me to leave. You cried as I was told I had to leave the hospital that visiting hours where over. I think you knew, you knew you were leaving,  we always called each other "favorite friend" you were always so much more than my Grandmother. You ARE so much more than my Grandmother, see I use you in the past tense now. I hate that. I sit her watching my daughter smile and giggle at the tv and my heart hurts, I didn't get to show you her, yes you saw her and Xander in heaven before they were given to me, but I missed out on the joy of showing them to you. Oh how they would have loved you, and how they could have bragged that you were their Great Grandma. Lord knows I love knowing that while everyone calls you Nanny and loves you as their Grandma, you were always truly mine. One day my children's children will call me Nanny..I hope I can be even half of what you were to me to them...and I hope that one day Bella will want that of her children's children. I love you Nanny, and even though your void in my life has become...almost normal, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you, miss your snorts of laughter, your silly misuse of words, your hot tea, your singing, your soft warm arms that always hugged just the right amount of tight, your kindness, and above all your wonderful loving heart. When you talked to me about death and I said, I don't want to hear it, you aren't going to die, you put your hands on my cheeks, looked me straight in the eyes and said, "I love you, I will always be in your heart."  Forever you will stay Nanny......always in my heart.

Nanny April 2006

Super Star of the Week: Alicia Kloster

Meet Alicia a 28 year old mother of two from the Midwest! Her weight issues started in college and in 2007 she hated the negativity of her life due to her weight, so she decided to lose weight and feel better about herself. Check out her story below!

When did you start your journey?
I started my weight loss journey in May 2007.  I had just graduated college and had put

Alicia (before)

on the freshman 15, and by that, I mean 30 lbs.  Looking in the mirror one day was a big

reality check.  Whoa.  I’m overweight, not happy, and most certainly not healthy.  Time for a change.

What is your favorite exercise routine?
Honestly, this kind of changes with time.  I very much enjoy running during the nice

Alicia (Before)

weather months.  My family and I like to run outside and enjoy the scenery.  I never ever thought I could be a runner, and never ever have been until this past April.  Now that the weather has become very cold, I can honestly say I miss it.  Running is not only physically good for you, but it’s so good mentally for you too.  I have never come back from a run in a bad mood.  It’s very uplifting.

What’s on your playlist that gets you pumped?
Heart of a Champion by Nelly & Written in the Stars.  Those are two of my most favorite songs on my playlist.  I love when they come on towards the end of my workout when I need a boost to not quit.

How much weight have you lost total?
I started my weight loss journey at 180 lbs back in May 2007.  From that point, until right now as I stand, my weight loss is 26.4 lbs.  It has fluctuated throughout my journey as I have had two babies in there.  Although I technically officially started my journey

Alicia (before)

in May 2007, I have “re-started” my journey a total of three other times, with my most recent restart April 25, 2013.  Since April 2013, I’ve lost a total of 19.8.

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?
NEVER EVER quit.  Every single time I stopped counting points and slacked off working out, the pounds slowly crept back.  Never ever give up.  If you fall off track, start back immediately.  It’s never too late to make good decisions.  And when you do fall off track(it happens to everyone; we are human), don’t call yourself a failure and punish yourself.  Brush off your shoulders, and take back control.  Most of all, believe in yourself.  You CAN do this.

How did you lose the weight/what plan did you follow?
I follow Weight Watchers

What’s your favorite “cheat” meal?
Definitely pizza.

What is your favorite snack?

Alicia (After)

I really like Fiber One brownies.  They are two points a piece.

What’s your favorite motivational quote or saying?
“You are lapping everyone on the couch.”  One of my biggest goals was to run a 5K.  I achieved that goal this summer, with my first 5K being in June 2013.  However, at first, I tended to get a little discouraged watching people pass me and get incredibly better times than I did.  Although my times did get better throughout the summer, I realized that I will never be the fastest runner, and that’s ok.  I’m proud of me, proud of how far I’ve come, and proud to call myself a runner. So the other 5k’s I did, I would repeat that quote in my head while I ran, and would smile.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
I would have to say Staci Chambers, the starter of this site.   Each post that she puts on the site is very motivating.  And it’s crazy, but the timing of posts almost always correlates to how I’m feeling that day.  Staci has been on this journey for quite a while now, and has never given up.  She’s a wonderful wife and mother, and still finds time to be healthy.  Thank you Staci for never giving up, helping motivate me as well as so many others, and teaching me that it’s ok to be human.  Most of all, thanks for being you!

How much more weight do you want to lose?

Alicia (after)

Ideally, 10 lbs.

Have you always had a weight issue?
Not so much.  I was never a skinny girl by any means, but played sports in high school so that helped keep my weight in check.  My weight issue started in college.

What made you decide to start losing weight?
When I was overweight, I didn’t feel healthy and most certainly not happy.  I didn’t like how my clothes fit, and hated trying anything on.  Overall, everything in my life felt negative.  Looking in the mirror that day in 2007, I knew I was ready to change, but also felt scared.  Would I be successful? Would I stick with it?  How long will it take to lose the weight?  I took it day by day, and eventually things fell into place.  Some days are easier than others, and some days my attitude just plain sucks.  But I will NOT go back to the old me.  I care about ME, I care about being healthy for my KIDS, and I’m proud of who I have become.

Alicia after a mud run 5k!

Congrats on all your success Alicia! You will reach your goal, I will be there every step of the way, and when we screw up we will lift each other back up! We got this! My biggest reason for doing a super star of the week is to remind and encourage everyone that we are all human, we make mistakes by how we deal with them shows that we are truly superstars. Send me your story and you never know who you might inspire to not quit! 

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Recipe Corner: Staci's Haystack Dinner

My cousin sent me this yummy recipe and I played around with it to help make it WW friendly. It was really yummy and everyone loved it, including my 2 year old!!!! 

 

Staci's Haystack Dinner

 

Ingredients-

4 cups instant White Rice

1 lbs. ground turkey or beef

1 - 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup - I used mushroom with roasted garlic soup

1 - 10.5 oz. can cream of celery soup

2 cups (16 oz) cooked peas (I used frozen and cooked according to package)

Shredded cheese for topping (To save on points I used a little bit of reduced fat Parmesan cheese on mine)

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Tony Chachere (to taste....my hubby is from New Orleans so we like spicy in our house...this seasoning is not needed unless you want it)

Directions-
Cook Rice according to package....I used instant because it's easy but you can use any style of rice you'd prefer just note it will change my points value on it.

 

Meanwhile, cook turkey in a large saucepan until thoroughly browned. Add both cans of soup and seasonings; stir until well combined and creamy. Cook until warm.

 

To serve Haystacks put some rice on a serving dish, top with meat mixture, then top with peas and finally top with shredded cheese. If your peas are warmed the cheese should melt over them, if not you can stick the plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

 *** This made 4 servings for us. Each serving was 8 classic WW points (10 points plus). I divided the meat mixture into 4, used 1 cup of rice, 2/3 cup of peas and Parmesan cheese. You can adjust these items to your liking and recalculate points.

 

Staci's Haystack Dinner 

Super Star of the Week: Danielle Vega

Meet Danielle, a 33 year old from California who has struggled with her weight since High School. She hit "rock bottom" and crawled her way back to a better her. Check out her amazing story below......

When did you start your journey?
November 2011 is when I hit rock bottom and decided that I wanted my life back. I was a hefty 218lbs and a total sour grape.

What is your favorite exercise routine?
Anything with a steal bar and weights on each end , but I'd die if someone told me I couldn't do dead lifts any more. It's my favorite all body workout.

What's on your playlist that gets you pumped?
"Already Home" by Jay-Z, that song is like Nos to me. Anything Chris Brown, JT, Ciara and Rick Ross.

How much weight have you lost total?
In total 41lbs. It doesn't seem like a lot for someone who has been committed to working out for 2yrs, but I have put on muscle mass for sure. I can see and feel it all over my body.

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?
Stay consistent. When/if you fall, get right back up. Remember your life is only lived

once, so don't feel bad to enjoy a non-healthy meal every now and then. Take pictures, they speak louder then a scale does.

How did you lose the weight/ what plan did you follow?
I started my journey with Stroller Strides, then moved to the YMCA and slowly added in weight training with my husband. In May 2013 I hit a plateau which lasted until Sept 2013. I finally caved and join a Weight Watchers group after baring witness to 2 friends having great success on it. I've lost about 12lbs since I joined.

What's your favorite "cheat" meal?
I love me some pizza and fries, but a good o'le Cheese burger from The Habit is heaven on earth for me. With a Whiskey and Coke on the side

What is your favorite snacks?
Frozen mango cubes or a skinny cow wedge with some Wheat Thins.

What's your favorite motivational quote or saying?
Push yourself, no one is going to do it for you.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Honestly, I'm my biggest motivation. I've come a long way and I've lived life during my journey, every time I fell I got right back up and I continue to do so. But I have a friend, she's a mother of 3, full time job/mommy/wife and she gets in her run at least 5 days a week, more if she can. If she has time for a healthy life then I have no excuse.

How much more weight do you want to lose?
I'd like to shred another 20lbs, it's so hard to have a number. After you have a baby your body physically changes so it's hard to imagine what I'd look like at a specific weight.

Have you always had a weight issue?
Since high school, yes. I've been up and down. I'm the lowest I've been on almost 7years.

What made you decide to start losing weight?
Well I was bitter, angry and so unhappy with myself. I could feel my marriage suffering and I could see the unhappiness behind every smile in my pictures. I saw clothes that once fit me too big "shrink" into something small. I had to take control or myself or I was going to loose my mind, amongst other things. Taking the challenge and telling myself that I deserved a better life was the best thing I have done for myself in the past 8years.

A huge congrats to Danielle for making the choice to be healthy and happy! Never give up and always remember you're beautiful! I love how real everyone has been, it isn't an easy road but as you can see from all these amazing weight loss stories it is worth it.

Be an inspiration message me your story at Facebook.com/irunbecauseiliketoeat and you might be a super star of the week!

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Super Star of the Week: Tommy Gumbs

Meet Tommy, a 33 from California who didn't like the way he felt about himself. So he made the decision to change his life from overweight, unhappy and unhealthy to a lean toned racing bicyclist! Check out his awesome story below!

When did you start your journey? 

I started my journey in 2011.
At that time I was 285 lbs. I was very unhealthy and just plain miserable. I knew something had to be done,
but I just didn’t know how to do it.
What I learned was everyone has an answer. And the answers you get will always be different. But I kept my eye on the goal, which was to feel good about myself again. 

                                                                   What is your favorite exercise routine?

Cycling and running.  Its actually hard to say. Coming from a time in my life where I was physically impaired, I tend to love anything that makes me feel alive. But, if I had to choose, it would be cycling.

What's on your playlist that gets you pumped?

After a couple years of making playlist, I now prefer to listen to Podcasts. Specifically Podcasts from "Above and Beyond.” I love just hitting play and letting the blood get to pumping. Plus, podcasts are free :)

How much weight have you lost total?

I have lost about a 100lbs. My waist at the beginning of my journey was a 42. I now wear

a 30. The actual amount of weight changes as when I am in race season, I tend to lean out. The lighter the better.  

What tips do you have for someone still working towards their goal?

Never give up. Life is race. How you want to finish this lovely race is up to you. 

As for eating, or drinking, I tell people that you need to learn your body and what works. Everyone is different. You only fail when you stop searching for what actually works for you. 

How did you lose the weight/ what plan did you follow?

I lost the weight by eliminating Soda first. Lost 15lbs the first month. Then I eliminated fast food. Lost 15 lbs the second month. The third month I started portion control and running/elliptical. By the fourth month I started incorporating a lot of protein, and

started cycling. From there on it was amazing watching my body change. I wish I had entered a contest or something.I never followed a plan. I just did what felt right. The key to my success is I never stopped. I never backed down. I aspired and dreamed of more. The faster my runs got, the longer my rides went, the more I pushed myself, the more I realized that I could do this. I could accomplish what I started, and go beyond that. I realized that my potential was infinite and I was the true master of my destiny. 

What's your favorite "cheat" meal?

I don’t have a favorite cheat meal. I am so active now that I constantly eat. Between racing and training, I need to consume a lot of calories and protein. I don’t eat like people think I do at all. I try to intake at least 3k a day. 

What is your favorite snacks?

I love peanut butter. I eat a large jar of Peanut Butter, and a large jar of Honey a week. I have 2 to 3 Peanut Butter smoothies a day. :)  

What's your favorite motivational quote or saying?

You can do it…from one of those Adam Sandler Movies. 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

 I don’t have one person that inspires me. I have hundreds. From the strangers that I see out on the road riding and running. To the people I see in the gym. I am inspired by those that are willing to change their life, or those that have done it. Like you Staci! Those are the people that inspire me because if they can do, so can I!  And, if I can do it, so can they. 

How much more weight do you want to lose?

Because I am on the other end of the spectrum, my weight depends on what I am doing. I stay around 175, but If I am not racing, I will beef myself up to 185, then drop it off for when I do race. 

Have you always had a weight issue?

I was always a larger guy. I was never happy with my body. I was always above 220 though. 

What made you decide to start losing weight?

I had a Kidney stone and I never wanted to go through that pain again. Hence, I cut out Soda, then fast food, etc. In the end I guess my pain from a kidney stone lead me to my greatest pleasure…..enjoying life and pushing my body as far as I can.  I have never had another Kidney stone BTW.

A huge congrats on your success Tommy! To see how happy and active you are is an inspiration in itself! You truly are an inspiration, keep on shining! You rock!!!

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Recipe Corner: Skinny Pumpkin Pie

I used a recipe I got from Skinnytaste.com and tweaked it a little bit, the end result is amazing! I am not usually a big pumpkin pie person, usually it's the texture that bothers me the most. I've never made a pumpkin pie so I wanted to try my hand at it and OMG this pie is delicious and full of flavor!!! You can find the original recipe at skinnytaste.com below is my version, which only has some added spice.

Skinny Pumpkin Pie
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 3 pt • Points+: 5 pts
 

Ingredients: 

• 15 oz canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree) I used homemade
• 2 tbsp light butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, unpacked
• 1/2 cup fat free milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 frozen pie crust

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

 Place pumpkin in a large bowl. Add light butter, and mix well. Using an electric mixer, mix in brown sugar, milk, eggs, egg whites, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.
Bake 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Serve with whipped topping and enjoy!

Skinny Pumpkin Pie

Source: Skinnytaste.com
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Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Parmigiana

This is a super yummy and simply recipe, defiantly one that makes you think you are "cheating" on your diet!!! =)

Chicken Parmigiana

Source: Weight Watchers

Classic Points Value 5

PointsPlus Value 7

Serves: 4

3 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray   1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4-oz pieces     
2 item(s) egg white(s), lightly beaten    1/2 cup(s) dried plain breadcrumbs    1 Tbsp Italian seasoning    1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste    1 tsp olive oil      1 1/2 cup(s) canned tomato sauce    1/2 cup(s) (shredded) part-skim mozzarella cheese    2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese   

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
  
• Place chicken between two sheets of wax paper; using a rolling pin, pound chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. (To watch a video of this technique, click here.)
  
• Place egg whites in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs with Italian seasoning and salt. Dip chicken in egg whites; turn to coat. Dip chicken in bread crumb mixture; turn to thoroughly coat.
  
• Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and add oil; heat over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink in center, about 4 minutes per side (cook chicken in batches if necessary).
  
• Pour 1/2 cup of sauce into prepared baking dish; place chicken in pan in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce evenly over chicken; sprinkle with both cheeses. Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly, about 25 minutes. Yields 1 piece of chicken per serving.

Weight Watchers Chicken Parmigiana with mashed potatoes and parmesan preen beans

www.weightwatchers.com
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Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice

Recipe Corner: Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice

This meal is listed as a side but I use it as the main course and serve with veggies for a nice low point dinner! My kids love it! Super easy to make and oh so yummy!!! Enjoy! Sometimes I will switch the chicken for pork, and I love to add mushrooms to it!

Serves 6 (1 cup serving)
3 classic weight watchers points/ 4 points plus

Ingredients: 

	2 spray(s) cooking spray
	4 large egg white(s)
	1/2 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), chopped, green and white parts
	2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
	12 oz uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
	1/2 cup(s) uncooked carrot(s), diced
	2 cup(s) cooked brown rice, regular or instant, kept hot
	1/2 cup(s) frozen green peas, thawed
	3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce

Instructions

• Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set pan over medium-high heat. Add egg whites and cook, until scrambled, stirring frequently, about 3 to 5 minutes; remove from pan and set aside.
  
• Offheat, recoat skillet with cooking spray and place back over medium-high heat. Add scallions and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add chicken and carrots; sauté until chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  
• Stir in reserved cooked egg whites, cooked brown rice, peas and soy sauce; cook until heated through, stirring once or twice, about 1 minute. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 

 

 

 

Weight Watchers Chicken Fried Rice with a side of stir fried veggies

 Source: www.weightwatchers.com
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Recipe Corner: Staci's Pumpkin Soup

Staci's Pumpkin Soup



Walmart had their pumpkins on sale for .1 each! So I bought 10, I've been playing with different pumpkin ideas and I thought I love soups so why not make a soup. I winged this so I'm not 100% sure on the measurements so you'll have to eye it and use the spices and amount of pumpkin to your liking.


Ingredients:
2 small pumpkins (mine had pumpkin pie stickers on them, they probably weighed about 2-3lbs each. Not super small but not big either)
Fat Free half and half
Ground Nutmeg
Ground Ginger
Ground Cinnamon
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Salt
Vegetable broth


I started by cooking the two small pumpkins. To cook I cut them in half seeded them and then cut into 4's. Baked at 350 for 45 minutes. Once they cooled I peeled the skin off. Pureed the "meat" in a food processor. I got a sauce pan out set it over medium heat used about 3 cups of vegetable broth,  about 1/4 cup of FF half and half, added the pumpkin puree (I kept adding to get the consistency I wanted and ended up using almost all the pumpkin...there is probably a cup of pumpkin left) sprinkled pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, salt and cinnamon to taste. Mixed until well blended and cooked until fully heated. Fresh cooked pumpkin (canned pumpkin has points) is no points so this soup comes out to 0pts for 1 cup and 1pt for 2 cups!!!!

Pumpkin Soup