I'm putting my weight on "Project Status"

I stayed away from the scale until Riley was six weeks old. Then Chad and I started playing with the Wii Fit Plus that we got for Christmas, and I got measured. What a lovely game...after I stand on the board it analyzes my weight, then I see my little Mii character all skinny and cute, waiting for the BMI/weight results to come up. I watch the line go higher and higher on the scale, while my little Mii gets fatter and fatter. Then I hear this low-pitched "boi-oi-oing" sound, then sweet little voice saying, "That's overweight." No mincing words there.

So yes, I'm overweight. I had a baby two months ago, and I have quite a bit of weight to lose. Here I am, sharing the shocking numbers with you, putting my concrete goals out there, and making my weight my new "project." And I'm excited to be able to share some progress already!

Starting weight: 174 lbs (I weighed 185 before I had the baby, so this number is discouraging)
Starting body fat: 35%
Goal weight: 135 lbs
Goal body fat: 25%

Weight this morning: 170 lbs! Woohoo!

Here's what I've been doing:

• Exercising 30 minutes at least 3 times per week using the Wii Fit Plus and Dance Dance Revolution. Best Christmas presents ever. I get cardio, strength training, yoga, and lots of fun.
• Breastfeeding. This burns an average of 500 calories a day
• Eating about 1800 calories a day. But this is just an estimate. I'm not counting calories. Instead I'm choosing healthy foods and just counting servings, which is easier, and is a great way to make sure I'm getting all the fruits and veggies I need (something I am terrible at if I'm not working at it).

That's it. It's not rocket science, and it's not complicated, otherwise I wouldn't do it. I have 35 pounds to lose, and 17 weeks is a reasonable time frame (averaging a loss of 2 pounds per week). So I will reach my goal by June 1st. I'm going to be accountable to myself, my husband, and this blog.

If anyone wants to join me in baring it all, please do! I feel better knowing I'm not the only one fighting this battle. We need to stick together!

Mexican Rice

Okay, so this is not strictly "healthy," since it's white rice, but my thinking is: if you're craving Mexican food, it's better to make it yourself so you can control the ingredients. Chad and I have been making "gringo" enchiladas since we were first married. We love the simplicity of spiced meat, cheese, sour cream, and enchilada sauce, thrown together in flour tortillas. It's something I make often.

On thing this meal was missing was the rice that you get at an authentic Mexican restaurant. We just couldn't seem to master the art of Mexican rice. We'd buy those packets/boxes that said Spanish or Mexican Rice on the front, but the finished product was far from delicious. A couple years ago my friend Sarah taught me a recipe she'd learned from a friend. This rice is so yummy and easy. Now I go to restaurants, and the rice I used to crave doesn't hold a candle to what I can make at home!

1-2 Tbsp olive oil (This is the only fat in the recipe. I use olive because it's healthier, but any kind is fine.)
1 cup long grain white rice
1/2 onion, minced (can also sub dried onion flakes)
2 1/2 cups water
1 small can tomato sauce
1 tsp chicken bouillon
onion and garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil and rice in medium skillet over med-high heat. Use just enough oil to coat the rice. Cook until rice is nicely browned, adding minced onion half-way through to soften (don't add dried onion here or it will burn).


2. Add water, tomato sauce, bouillon, and spices. Stir and bring to boil.


3. Lower heat, cover, and let simmer 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.