Tagged

Floriana at http://sugarlessdiet.blogspot.com/ tagged me and of course I'm up for a challenge so here it goes.  She asked the following 8 questions and here are my answers.

1.  If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would be a mule because I can be very stubborn and bullheaded.

2.  What is your favorite movie of all times?
I'm not sure that its my favorite of all times, I'm not even sure I have a favorite but I had never seen Casablanca before and my husband started watching it one night and I said I can't believe you are watching this stupid movie and about midway through he wanted to turn it off and go to bed and I so oh no you aren't I love this movie and I have to see what happens.

3.  How many diet books have you read?
Not that many maybe 3 or 4, but I've read alot online.

4.  What's your dream job?
My dream job would be a fashion photographer or maybe traveling the world taking pictures of beautiful places.

5.  What is your least favorite thing about yourself?
There are so many answers to that question.  Lets see my stomach, my thighs, my boobs, my frown lines, my arms....you name it I don't like it.

6.  What is your favorite clothing item?
I'm not really into fashion and I'm a stay at home mom so its not like I have to get dressed up to go to work so I really don't have a favorite clothing item......ask me when I'm skinny......lol

7.  What is your favorite sport?
Easy I only like one....football.....Favre fan all the way.

8.  If money was no object, what plastic surgery would you have if any and why?
Ok we will start at the top and go down.  First a face lift and botox in my frown lines, then liposuction under my chin.  Next I would have a boob job, not to get any bigger just to put what I have back where it should be.  Then a full body lift where they cut you all the way around and cut out a big section of skin then pull you back together and sew you up.  Maybe a butt lift or butt implant because when I lose weight I don't have a butt at all.  I would love to have my inner thighs done and my upper arms but I'm not sure its worth the giant scar you have after surgery.  After all that I would have liposuction done on any trouble areas and then I would have veneers put on my teeth and maybe even have some hair transplants because my hair is kind of thin on top or at least hair extensions.  As you can see I have thought alot about this....if only I could win the lottery.

My questions:

1.  If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
2.  What is one thing that you love about yourself?
3.  If you were shipwrecked on an island and could only have one food to, eat what would it be?
4.  What is one accomplishment in your life you are most proud of?
5.  If someone gave you one wish what would it be?
6.  If you only had one week to live what would you do?
7.  Do you have a bucket list and what is number one on your list?
8.  What is your biggest regret?

I tag:
http://imshrinkingblubeari.blogspot.com/
http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/
http://pudget1.blogspot.com/
http://shelikes2run.blogspot.com/
http://355fat.blogspot.com/

All you have to do is answer my questions, ask your questions and tag a few blogger friends.


If I didn't tag you and you are in the mood to join in consider yourself tagged.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 cup rice krispies
                 1 cup frosted flakes
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk
                 water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 fiber one bar
            water (16.9oz)

Lunch- chili w/ cheese and lite sour cream
            diet coke (12 oz)

Snack- 2 black bean brownies
            water (16.9 oz)



I haven't had dinner yet and I'm not sure if I'm eating anything since I'm not hungry.  I might have a snack afterwhile.

I just finished my exercise, I walked 2.1 miles in 31 minutes.

Update:  I did eat a bowl of cereal for dinner with 1 cup rice krispies, 1 cup frosted flakes and 1 cup skim milk.

Fun at the Zoo

We decided to take the kids to a small animal zoo we have in the area called Buffalo Beals.  Here is the link if you would like to check it out online http://www.buffalobeals.com/ .   It was a pretty nice day to get out and enjoy sometime together as a family; it wasn't to hot and the wind was blowing to keep you cooled off.  This zoo has monkeys, different kinds of birds, llamas, and a variety of other kinds of animals.  I got in alittle exercise walking around there but I'm not counting that as my exercise for the day.  I thought I would include some pictures of the fun we had and some of the animals we seen.

Here is my son Josh feeding a miniature pony.

Here is my son Josh feeding a parrot carrots.

I'm not sure what kind of bird this was but I just thought it looked cool.

This was a cool parrot the only thing it kept saying was hello.

This ostrich just seemed so girly.

Here is Josh trying to convince Dylan not to be scared to feed the giraffe.

I'm not sure what this was it looked like a cross between a buffalo and a cow.

I loved all the monkeys they were so cute.

This guys name was JR and he would spit water at you.

 

Here is Josh and Dylan trying to feed the geese but they were mean and chasing after them.

Here is my husband and the kids feeding the camels.

Sorry these are not very good pictures they were took with my cheap digital camera.  I can't wait to get my good digital camera after the first of the year.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 2 packs of instant oatmeal
                 2 slices bacon
                 water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 fiber one bar

Lunch- 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese and honey mustard
            on 1 whole wheat bun
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 apple
            2 small black bean brownies

Dinner- chili with cheese and lite sour cream
             water (16.9 oz)

I look at what I eat now compared to 2 months ago and I eat so much less now.  It just surprises me that I'm not losing weight faster than I am.  I guess its true what they say as you get older your metabolism slows down.  Just have to keep chugging along; it may be a slow journey but boy if its not going to be beautiful when I get there and it will only make me appreciate it even more. 

I'm not sure about exercise tonight.  I really want to walk around the neighborhood but its raining here.

Bored with my eating

In an attempt to come up with new foods ideas I have made a list of low fat, low calorie and high fiber foods.




Low fat foods

Olive oil, canola oil, nonstick cooking spray, safflower oil and flavored oils

Water-packed tuna, salmon and sardines

Canned vegetables and Fruits; peas, carrots, corn, beets, mushrooms, asparagus, peaches, pineapple and pears-in light syrup

Canned tomatoes (whole, diced or crushed), tomato puree and tomato sauce (with no added salt)

Canned or dried black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, navy beans, black-eyed peas, rice, lentils, barley, couscous, quinoa, bulgur, kamut, great norther beans, green peas, lima beans, mung beans, soy beans, split peas, tofu, white beans and adzuki beans

Whole wheat pasta

Anchovies, capers, pimientos, peppers, artichokes, pickles, sundried tomatoes and minced garlic

Low-fat, low-sodium canned soups and soup mixes; low-sodium, fat-free broths, bouillon cubes and stock concentrates

Herbs, spices and seasonings; whole garlic, garlic paste, tomato paste, chili paste, bottled ginger, low-sodium worcestershire sauce, soy sauces and bottled marinades

Vinegars, mustards, low-fat or fat-free salad dressings and mayonnaise

Whole grain breads, rolls and bagels; whole wheat flour; whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal, bran flakes or low-fat granola

Dried fruits; cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins, apples, apricots, dates, figs, peaches, pears, prunes and strawberries

Nuts and seeds; almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, filberts, pistachios, pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and flax seeds

Honey, molasses and maple syrup

Pretzels, low-fat microwave popcorn, jello and applesauce

Lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, avocado, acorn squash, artichoke, asparagus, bean sprouts, beets, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, hubbard squash, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, parsnips, rutabaga, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, wax beans, zucchini, bok choi, broccoli, collard greens, dark green leafy vegetables, kale, mesclum, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, turnip greens, water crest, beet greens, chard and dandelion greens,

Strawberries, grapes, watermelon, apple, apricot, banana, cantaloupe, casaba melon, crenshaw melon, figs, grapefruit, honeydew melon, lemon, lime, kiwi, mango, orange, papaya, peaches, pears, persimmon, pineapple, plums, pomegranate, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, loganberries and raspberries,

Angel food cake

Egg whites

Vegetable soup

1% reduced fat and skim milk and soy milk

Skinless chicken breast

Skinless turkey breast

Lean beef, pork, lamb and veal

Catfish, cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, herring, mackeral, pollock, salmon, sea bass, snapper, swordfish, trout, tuna, clams, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, scallops and shrimp

Low fat peanut butter

Bulgur, cracked wheat, oatmeal, whole grain cornmeal, muesli, whole grain barley, pearl barley, whole rye, brown rice, wild rice, amaranth, millet, and quinoa

Whole wheat crackers and whole wheat tortillas

Low fat yogurt, low and reduced fat cheese, skim mozzarella, low fat string cheese, neufchatel cheese, low fat cream cheese, low fat puddings, low fat custards, low fat frozen yogurt and low fat ice cream 
 
Low calorie foods

Broccoli, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, mushroom, watercress and red peppers,

Cottage cheese, low fat

Chickpeas and potatoes

Whole long grain rice and brown rice

Tofu

Yogurt, fat free or light

Rice cakes

Lean lunch meat and lower fat or fat free hotdogs

Breakfast and granola bars

Lowfat cottage cheese, low fat cheese

Popcorn, air-popped

Pickles

Sugar free jello

Light bread

Mustard and ketchup

Apricot, melon, currants and grapefruit

Beef, canadian bacon and ground turkey

White eggs
 
High fiber foods

Raspberries, pears, apples, strawberries, bananas, orange, figs, raisins, apples w/ skin, apricot, dried apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe, dried figs, grapefruits, peaches, dried peaches, plums, dried dates, prunes, blackberries, kiwi and mangos

Whole wheat pasta

Bran flakes, oat bran and oatmeal

Popcorn, air-popped

Brown rice

Rye bread, whole wheat and multigrain bread

Split peas, lentils, black beans, lima beans, baked beans, chickpeas, kidney beans and pintos

Sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachio nuts, pecans, cashews, flax seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and walnuts

Artichokes, peas, broccoli, turnip greens, sweet corn, brussel sprouts, potatoes w/ skin, tomato paste, carrot, avocados, beet greans, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, cole slaw, collard greens, green beans, celery, kale, onions, sweet peppers, summer squash, sweet potatoes, swiss chard, tomato, winter squash and zucchini

I don't want to get bored with what I'm eating and that effect my weight loss efforts.  There are many foods that I have been scared to include in diet such as nuts and oils because I always thought of them as very fattening and bad for you but in small portions they are actually healthy for you.  I guess I still have alot to learn.  Hope this list may help some of you others come up with some new foods to try, if you find anything thats really good let me know.

Black Bean Brownies

Yes I said black bean brownies, it may sound weird but they are so yummy.  My kids prefer these brownies to regular brownies because they are more fudgy.  With a few subsitutions you have a brownie that is lower in fat and higher in fiber and protein.  Remember there is still alot of sugar in these brownies so no you can't eat the whole pan....lol

Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients:
1- 15.5 oz can black beans
1 large box of brownie mix
nonstick cooking spray to coat pan

Instructions:
Spray 9x9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Open the can of black beans and drain out the liquid then rinse off the black beans.  Put the black beans back in the can and finish filling the can with water.  Dump the black beans and water into a blender and puree.  In a mixing bowl combine brownie mix and pureed beans, stir just until combined then pour into pan.  Bake as directed on box. 

I have these baking right now and I thought I would take this time to give you the nutritional information on both normal brownies and black bean brownies so you can see for yourself the difference.  The following information is for the whole batch, you can use this to decide whatever serving size you want by dividing each amount by the number of servings.

Normal Brownies                   Black Bean Brownies
3400 calories                                2620 calories
160g fat                                          40g fat
0g fiber                                           21g fat
480g carbs                                    537g carbs
340g sugar                                    320g sugar
40g protein                                    48g protein
2100mg sodium                            3265mg sodium

As you can see we cut the fat by 75% and increased the fiber from 0g to 21g.  The carbs did go up alittle and so did the protein but as far the significant increase in sodium I'm not sure if thats an accurate measure or not because we did dump the liquid out of the black beans and rinse them off so I would think that would have decreased the sodium alot.  I still would chose the black bean brownies over normal brownies anytime.  I've tried other recipes with yogurt and applesauce and none have turned out as fudgy and chocolatey as these.  And if you are worried about tasting the black beans in the actually brownies, you don't, they just add to the fudginess.  If I can get a good picture of the brownies once they are cooled and cut I will post that later just so you can see how good they look.  Here is the picture I promised even though its not that good, can't wait until I get a better digital camera.

Exercise Challenge

I was recently sick with a cold and I got out of my routine of exercising and when something throws me off like that its very hard for me to get back on track so I've decided to set up an exercise challenge for myself.  I saw something similiar to this on Katie's blog http://katie-fttw.blogspot.com/ and I decided to do it myself.  Of course her goal is alot higher than mine but I didn't want to set something I wasn't capable of accomplishing, that wouldn't be motivating.

As you can see I have a new ticker on the right side of my screen now and it starts at 0 and goes to 160.  I have challenged myself to walk a 160 miles by New Years.  Now for some of you that might be nothing and maybe once I get going on this challenge I may have to up that number.  The way I came up with this amount was to figure out how many weeks were left until January 1st, 2011 and if I exercised 5 days out of each of those weeks and went 2 miles each time thats 160 miles.  It will be a motivator to see that little person moving across that ticker getting closer to 160.  Thank you Katie for giving me this idea.

Now for my reward!!!   I think a new pair of walking shoes would be a pretty good reward, plus if I walk that far I will need a new pair.  I don't need a reward to finish this challenge because just accomplishing it will be good enough but alittle extra incentive never hurts.  Has anyone bought a pair of the new Shape Ups they have out?  I have wanted a pair but they are like $100.00 and I'm not the kind of person to spend that much money on a pair of shoes.  Are they worth it? 

Just alittle reminder of what I'm working so hard for.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 cup frosted flakes
                 1 cup rice krispies
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk

Snack- 1 fiber one bar
             water (16.9 oz)

Lunch- 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese and honey
            mustard on 2 slices whole wheat bread
            1 cup lite vanilla yogurt
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 3 small peaches

Dinner- 2 riblets
            1/2 cup corn
            1 cup green beans
            1 cup broccoli
            1 cup baked beans
            water (16.9 oz)

I ate pretty good today I think.  I also fixed mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese for dinner but I ate veggies instead of eating those carbs.

I am exercising tonight if it kills me....lol

Update:  I just walked 2.1 miles in 32 minutes, not to good but it is a very hilly area.  I'm just proud of myself for starting my exercise back.

Award Time

Thanks to Michelle at http://makingmefit.blogspot.com/ I'm receiving the following award.

The rules:

1. Post who gave you this award - Done
2. State 10 things you like.
3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment.

Things I Like:

1.  Scrapbooking....I love creating and preserving memories!!!
2.  Photography......Again love creating and preserving memories!!!!
3.  Going to the beach....nothing like waking up to the sun rising over the ocean and going to sleep
     listening to the waves crashing on the beach.
4.  School.....I can't believe I'm saying that but now that I'm older I really like being back in school.
5.  Fall......love to see the beautiful colors and feel the cool crisp air.
6.  Fresh fruits and vegetables.....the only reason I will hate seeing summer ending.
7.  Blogging....I'm new to the blogging world but its really addictive.
8.  Christmas.....its such a beautiful time of the year with everything decorated so pretty.
9.  The new Chevrolet Camaro.....what a cool car.
10.Pizza....probably the most perfect food in the world.

And the bloggers I'm giving this award to are as follows:

http://sugarlessdiet.blogspot.com/
http://imshrinkingblubeari.blogspot.com/
http://unveilingthediva.blogspot.com/
http://suckitinbuttercup.blogspot.com/
http://inweighovermyhead.blogspot.com/
http://www.scalejunkie.com/
http://katie-fttw.blogspot.com/
http://toosexy4thisfat.blogspot.com/
http://kyokocake.blogspot.com/
http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/

You all deserve it!!!

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 cup frosted flakes
                 1 cup rice krispies
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk

Snack- 2 cups watermelon
            1 fiber one bar

Lunch- 1 slice turkey, 1 slice cheese and honey
            mustard on 2 slices whole wheat bread
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 2 cups watermelon

Dinner- 2-6 inch blueberry pancakes
             1/4 cup syrup
             2 slices bacon
             water (16.9 oz)

Today wasn't the best eating day, it was another sugar packed day.  I eat the last of my watermelon today and I'm not buying another one because I just eat way to much of it.  Watermelon has become my dessert because of its sweetness.  I also didn't get in much water today so that's something I'm going to definitely have to work on.  Also I decided to fix breakfast for dinner tonight because it would be alot quicker and easier and I ended up eating 2 slices of bacon and 2 pancakes which I wasn't feeling that bad about eating until after I was done.  I don't know why I keep telling myself that I like pancakes because I don't.  They make you feel bloated and just plan yucky and the syrup doesn't help any either. 

I've been putting off exercise and using being sick as my excuse but I definitely need to get back at it.  I've just gotten lazy and I'm struggling to get started again.  I just need to push myself to do it and then I will keep doing it, its just breaking through that wall thats standing in front of me thats the hard part.

Whoa trigger!!!!

My question to you is what triggers a binge for you? 

Luckily since I've starting blogging my weight loss journey I haven't had a binge yet, thank God.  What I want to know is what triggers a binge for you?  Is it a certain emotion or a craving for a food you absolutely love, is it a lack of willpower or are you just trying to bury some deep dark feelings you don't want to surface?  I've probably experienced each one of these at one time or another.  For me food can be a punishment or a reward.

If I'm sad, depressed or mad then I turn to food to comfort me, to take away the bad feelings I don't want to feel.  If I'm happy then food can only add to that happiness right.....wrong.   If I've done something I'm proud of or I've really accomplished something then why not go out to eat to celebrate, I deserve a reward for my hardwork, but is it a reward....heck no.  What if I'm bored?  The first thought that pops into my head is what do I have in the kitchen to eat?  Why is it every emotion leads me right back to food?  I'm not a robot; I have freedom of choice, then why is it when it comes to food I don't or I can't make a better choice?  Its time I reprogram myself to respond to these emotions in a different way.  If I'm sad, depressed or mad then apparently someone mad me that way right?  I have started to think why give that person the satisfaction of winning twice by binging.  I'm stronger than that!!!   I don't need food to make me happy; I need to be healthier to be happy!!!!  Reward myself with food.....why would I do that when there are so many other things that can serve as a lasting reminder of my accomplishments.......clothes, jewelry, perfume....etc.  If I'm bored....why should I be bored I have this blog to keep me busy, I have hobbies, school and a family to take care of.  My emotions will no longer be the cause of me binging....I've taken my power back!!!

Cravings?  Lets see cookies, cakes, ice cream, chocolate, pizza, fast food....you name it I pretty much crave it....oh lets not forget brownies and donuts.  As you can see I'm a fast food and sweetaholic.  Its very hard not to give into these cravings; everywhere you go food is right in your face.  Quick, inexpensive, fattening, greasy, calorie loaded goodness just calling our names.  The trick for me is to give into those temptations....yes thats right give in, but you have to do it sensibily.  If I want fast food I get the healthiest thing they have on the menu.  That doesn't mean ordering 5 grilled chicken sandwiches because they are better for you then eating a burger, you also have to watch portion size to.  I also stay away from anything that has been fried, I go for grilled, baked or broiled.  Now mind you I don't eat out all the time but when the day has been busy or I don't feel like cooking then I chose the healthiest fast food I can find.  As for sweets I also allow myself to have them on occassion, but I limit the size I buy and how much comes into the house.  If I'm craving chocolate then I usually get something like a single peppermint patty.  Or if my husband is eating something sweet then I will take a bite or two and thats it I stop.  I would never ever bring a whole cake or a half gallon of ice cream in the house at least at this point because I still don't have the control I need not to binge on it.  You have to find what works for you and stick to your guns.

Lack of willpower....that pretty much described the old me.  I committed and recommitted myself a million times over to losing weight but here I am 37 years old and 238.4 lbs.  I've asked myself so many times why is it so hard to lose weight if I want it so bad, all I have to do is stop eating like I do.  If only it was as easy as making your mind up to lose weight we would all be skinny.  My willpower has grown so much just since starting this blog.  Maybe its the accountability or the support I'm receiving but I feel more empowered and in control of my life and my eating then I ever have been.  For most of us and me included we let this long journey overwhelm us and it can if you focus on how long its going to take to get the weight off but for me I'm taking this journey one day at a time.  I get up in the morning and I have my routine that I go through each day...... breakfast, lunch and dinner around the same time.....go to school, clean the house, run errands, make phone calls, whatever it is I need to get done that day.  I try to keep my mind off food and keep it busy thinking about other things.  Food should not be the main focus of our day and then our lives come second.  I use to plan my day around my food; now I plan my food around my day.  Just slow down and enjoy the journey because when you get to your destination you want to remember where you came from so you never go back there again.

Burying my feelings.....what else is there to do with them, feel them?  Yes thats what we need to do and I know thats not easy.  I have spent many years completely blocking out any feelings I had.  I was just an empty shell just going through the motions but like I've told my husband so many times if you don't feel the bad feelings you can't feel the good ones either.  You can't pick and chose or at least I can't.  Now I let myself feel...if I need to cry then I cry.... if I need to laugh then I laugh.  You let the feelings out then you don't have to use food as a coping device to stuff those feelings down.  I know for many people there is abuse and other things that have led them to deal with their feelings in this way and for something that extreme you probably need counseling.  I'm not ashamed to say that I have been in counseling.  There are so many good things that can come out of letting go of the past and moving forward and giving yourself permission to live your life, emotions and all.  Don't let anything stand in your way of weight loss....just face your fears and conquer them then you can begin to live a healthy, happy, long life.

Thank you

When I started this blog I honestly never expected that anyone would read it, I hoped but never assumed.  Now only 4 weeks later I have 22 followers, how exciting.  There are so many sweet and supportive people who leave me comments and keep me motivated and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Most of you who follow me and even ones who don't I try to visit your blogs and leave comments to show you encouragement back.  Its so nice to discover a community of people from all over the world that support each other; no matter what race, religion, age or sex everyone is the same here.  I do have to admit one thing though this blogging thing is addictive.....lol.  I love turning my computer on and seeing the comments that have been left and I love reading other peoples blogs and seeing what is going on in their lives for the day.  For the ones that have been blogging for awhile does this newness wear off?  Honestly I hope not because I've finally found a way thats keeping me on track with my eating and exercise and I have all of you to thank for that.  I wish all of you the greatest of success and I only hope that I can be there as much for you as you have for me.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 cup frosted flakes
                 1 cup rice krispies
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk
                 16.9 oz orange juice

Lunch- 4 oz rotisserie chicken breast, 1 slice cheese,
            honey mustard on 1 whole wheat bun
            2 cups watermelon
            16.9 oz diet coke

Dinner- 2 fresco ranchero chicken soft tacos (taco bell)
             water (16.9 oz)

I've been so busy today that I haven't eaten that much which I guess is a good thing. 

I might try to exercise here in a few minutes even though I'm still not 100% yet.  This cold has really interferred with my exercise.  Wouldn't it be crazy if I lost more weight next Tuesday after not exercising much?  Guess we will see what happens.

Weigh in- week 4

Well I weighed in this morning and it wasn't what I wanted it to be but it was still a loss.  I lost a big whopping .6 lbs for a total of 8.6 lbs in 4 weeks.  I was going to post progress pictures but considering how little I have lost I doubt you would be able to see a difference so I think I have decided to just take pictures for every 20 lbs I lose.  I'm hoping to lose more weight next week but I need to get over being sick first so I can start exercising again, maybe tomorrow.  I am trying to watch more closely what I eat now after finding out how much sugar and sodium somethings have in them.  I ate alot of fresh vegetables for dinner tonight and I didn't add any salt and boy could I tell a difference.  I guess I'm just going to have to get use to eating less sodium like I got use to drinking fat free milk.  Well I'm signing off for tonight, this blogging thing is a little addictive.....lol.  Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 cup frosted flakes
                 1 cup rice krispies
                 1 cup skim milk
                 water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 2 cups watermelon

Lunch- 1 banana and 1 tsp mayo on 2 slices
            whole wheat
            water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- 5 oz rotisserie breast chicken
            1 cup broccoli
            1/2 cup green beans
            1 cup brussel sprouts
            1 ear of corn
            water (16.9 oz)


I tried to watch how much sugar intake I had today.  I increased my vegetables and decreased the fruit.  I also cut my sugary cereal in half by adding a cereal that doesn't have much sugar.

I guess I'm not going to exercise today either because I'm still sick but I'm hoping tomorrow I will be well enough to exercise. 

Fast Food

I decided since I get so busy sometimes and it helps to just grab something on the go that I would make a list of my favorite places to eat and what I can have at each place. 


Burger King

BK veggie burger (no mayo, no cheese)   340 cal   8g fat   47g carbs   9g sugar
23g protein   1030mg sodium

Tendergrill chicken sandwich (no mayo, no cheese)   360 cal   7g fat   41g carbs   8g sugar   55g protein   1010mg sodium

Tendergrill Garden Salad (1 pack fat free ranch dressing)   350 cal   10g fat
33g carbs   9g sugar   36g protein   1790mg sodium

Wendy's

Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich   370 cal   7g fat   2g fiber   42g carbs   9g sugar   34g protein   1150mg sodium

Grilled Chicken go wrap   260 cal   10g fat   1g fiber   25g carbs   3g sugar
20g protein   750mg sodium

Chili (small)   220 cal   7g fat   6g fiber   22g carbs   6g sugar   18g protein
870mg sodium

Garden Side Salad  w/ croutons and 1 pack light ranch dressing  205 cal
12g fat   2g fiber   21g carbs   5g sugar   5g protein   640mg sodium

Plain baked potato w/ 1 pack of sour cream and 1 pack of buttery spread
370 cal   8.5g fat   7g fiber   63g carbs   4g sugar   8g protein   145mg sodium

McDonalds

Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich   420 cal   10g fat   3g fiber
51g carbs   11g sugar   32g protein   1190mg sodium

Grilled Ranch Snack wrap   270 cal   10g fat   1g fiber   26g carbs   2g sugar
18g protein   830mg sodium

Grilled Honey Mustard Snack wrap   260 cal   9g fat   1g fiber   27g carbs
4g sugar   18g protein   800mg sodium

Snack size fruit and walnut salad   210 cal   8g fat   2g fiber   31g carbs   25g sugar   4g protein   60mg sodium

Fruit and yogurt parfait w/ granola   160 cal   2g fat   1g fiber   31g carbs
21g sugar   4g protein   85mg sodium

Taco Bell

Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco   170 cal   4g fat   2g fiber   22g carbs
3g sugar   12g protein   740mg sodium

Fresco Grilled Steak Taco   160 cal   4.5g fat   2g fiber   21 carbs
3g sugar   9g protein   600mg sodium

Fresco Crunchy Taco   150 cal   7g fat   3g fiber   13g carbs   1g sugar   7g protein  
350mg sodium

Fresco Soft Taco   180 cal   7g fat   3g fiber   22g carbs   2g sugar   8g protein  
640mg sodium

Mexican Rice   130 cal   3.5g fat   1g fiber   21g carbs   1g sugar   2g protein  
410mg sodium

Pintos n Cheese   170 cal   6g fat   9g fiber   19g carbs   1g sugar   10g protein  
750mg sodium

KFC

Grilled Chicken Breast   210 cal   8g fat   0g fiber   0g carbs   0g sugar
34g protein   460mg sodium

Grilled Chicken Drumstick   80 cal   4g fat   0g fiber   0g carbs   0g sugar
11g protein   230mg sodium

Grilled Chicken Thigh   160 cal   11g fat   0g fiber   0g carbs   0g sugar
16g protein   420mg sodium

Grilled Filet Sandwich w/o sauce   290 cal   4.5g fat   2g fiber   32g carbs
6g sugar   32g protein   720mg sodium

Green Beans(individual)   20 cal   0g fat   1g fiber   3g carbs   1g sugar  1g protein   290mg sodium

Mashed Potatoes(individual)   120 cal   4g fat   1g fiber   19g carbs   0g sugar
2g protein   530mg sodium

Little Caesars

Pepperoni Pizza(1 slice)  280 cal  11g fat  1g fiber   30 carbs  3g sugar  14g protein 
520mg sodium


As you can see everything I have listed is pretty high in carbs and sodium so I don't plan to eat out that often but it helps to know what I can have if I need to.  If you would like to know some of the healthiest things at other restaurants either you can go to their site and find out the nutritional info for yourself or just leave me a comment and let me know what restaurant and I will be happy to add it to the ones listed above.

Sodium

I just had a very startling realization.  I was getting me some watermelon to snack on and I usually sprinkle alittle salt over the top and I just happened to look on the salt container and it said that 1/4 tsp of salt has 490mg of sodium in it.  Oh my God I never really thought about it before but I sprinkle salt on watermelon, cantaloupe, fresh veggies when I'm cooking them and in my pasta water.  Never again will I add salt to anything I eat.  The recommended daily allowance for sodium is 2400mg so if you have 1 tsp of salt thats your intake for the whole day.  We all know that sodium makes us retain water and it isn't good for our health either.  I'm going to start paying better attention to what is in the food I eat.  I was concentrating on calories, fat and fiber and recently I have realized that I need to also be focusing on my carb, sugar and sodium intake.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast-  2 packs of instant oatmeal
                  water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 cup watermelon
            1 cup cantaloupe
            water (16.9 oz)

Lunch- 1 banana and 1 tsp mayo on 2 slices
            whole wheat bread
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 fiber one bar

Dinner- 1 baked potato with 1 tbsp sour cream and
             1 tbsp margarine
             2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese and 1 tsp
             honey mustard on 1 whole wheat bun
             water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 cup watermelon
            1 cup cantaloupe

I'm not exercising today because I'm sick but hopefully I'm better tomorrow.

Fruit and Vegetable Nutrition Info

I spent today tracking what I ate so I could see where I was overeating and my main problem turned out to be to much sugar intake.  I decided to make a chart listing my favorite fruits and vegetables to refer back to when I'm trying to decide what to eat.  To my surprise there is alot of sugar in fruits so thats something I need to take into consideration when I'm planning out my menu for the day.

Fruits
Banana(1)     105 cal   .4g fat   3.1g fiber   27g carbs   14.4g sugar    1.3g protein   1.3g sodium

Watermelon(1 cup)     46 cal   .2g fat   .6g fiber   11.6g carbs   9.5g sugar
.9g protein   2mg sodium

Cantaloupe(1 cup)     60 cal   .3g fat   1.6g fiber   14.4g carbs   13.9g sugar
1.5g protein   2mg sodium

Grapes(1 cup)     104 cal   0g fat   1g fiber   27g carbs   23g sugar   1g protein  
3mg sodium

Apple(1 medium)     95 cal   0g fat   4g fiber   25g carbs   19g sugar   0g protein   2mg sodium

Applesauce(1 cup)     102 cal   0g fat   3g fiber   27g carbs   23g sugar   0g protein   5mg sodium

Peaches(1 large)     68 cal   0g fat   3g fiber   17g carbs   15g sugar   2g protein  
0mg sodium

Pineapple(1 cup)     109 cal   0g fat   2g fiber   28g carbs   26g sugar   1g protein   2mg sodium

Raisins(1 miniature box)     42 cal   0g fat   1g fiber   11g carbs   8g sugar  
0g protein   2mg sodium

Vegetables
Green beans(1 cup)     44 cal   0g fat   4g fiber   10g carbs   2g sugar   2g protein   299mg sodium

Broccoli(1 cup)     54 cal   0g fat   6g fiber   12g carbs   2g sugar   4g protein  
64mg sodium

Brussel Sprouts(1 cup)     56 cal   0g fat   4g fiber   12g carbs   2g sugar
4g protein   32mg sodium

Cauliflower(1 cup)     28 cal   0g fat   2g fiber   6g carbs   2g sugar   2g protein   18mg sodium

Corn(1 cup)     177 cal   2g fat   5g fiber   41g carbs   5g sugar   5g protein  
415mg sodium

Potato(1 large)     284 cal   0g fat   8g fiber   68g carbs   3g sugar   7g protein  
22mg sodium

Sweet Potato(1 large)     162 cal   0g fat   6g fiber   37g carbs   12g sugar
4g protein   65mg sodium

Tomato(1 cup)     32 cal   0g fat   2g fiber   7g carbs   5g sugar   2g protein  
9mg sodium

Cucumber(1 medium)     24 cal   0g fat   1g fiber   4g carbs   3g sugar   1g protein   4mg sodium

I do have one question though.  Is eating fruit with high sugar content as bad as or the same thing as eating processed sugar or processed foods that contain sugar?

Recommended Daily Allowances

If you have been reading my posts I have been complaining about not losing much weight.  Well Floriana from http://sugarlessdiet.blogspot.com/ suggested that maybe I was eating to many carbs and to much sugar.  Well being sick today and having nothing better to do I decided to look up what my recommended daily allowances are.  I went to many different sites to find this information and if any of its not right please correct me.  According to what I have found here are my limits:

Calories:  1760 to lose 2 lbs a week
               2260 to lose 1 lb a week
Fat:  64 grams
Fiber:  25 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 grams
Sugar:  40 grams
Protein:  50 grams
Sodium:  2400 milligrams

I also decided to keep track of what I have eaten so far today just to see how I'm doing.  So far these are my totals:

Calories:  1513
Fat:  30 grams
Fiber:  36 grams
Carbohydrates:  299 grams
Sugar:  112 grams
Protein:  43 grams
Sodium:  2150 milligrams

As you can see everything is fine except I'm over the limit for my sugar intake.  Of course I won't do this everyday but its good to know where you are standing sometimes just to keep yourself in check.  If anyone has anything else to add to this or any corrections on the information I have please don't hesitate to comment on this post.  Thanks Floriana for letting me know where I needed to make some changes, this experiment has really opened my eyes to what I'm eating.

Sick and frustrated

I woke up yesterday morning feeling alittle bad but last night I coughed my head off all night.  This morning I'm feeling even worse, with chest congestion, a cough and just overall feeling yucky.  I hate being sick because I have so much to do everyday and being sick doesn't help me accomplish anything.  I'm taking medicine right now to break up the congestion but it usually takes a few days for that to really start working.  And of course you would know it this is Labor Day vacation so everyone is home so I can't just lay in the bed and rest.  I guess I will just have to push through it because I have a house to clean, cooking to do and exercise later plus I have to get everything ready for tomorrow.  Have I said it already..... I HATE BEING SICK!!!!!

On top of being sick tomorrow is my weigh in day and my scale is showing no loss right now.  I just don't get it; I am eating better than I have ever in my life and actually exercising and I'm not really losing that much.  It's just so frustrating to be trying so hard and seeing no results.  I'm going to try not to eat alot today and I'm going to make myself exercise later and maybe I will have some loss when I get up in the morning.  My goal was to lose 2 lbs this week so I would have a total loss of 10 lbs but I don't see that happening.  It really sucks when your overweight and you get your mind in the right place to get healthy and your body rebels against you.  I'm going to have to make some kind of changes this next week to kickstart my weight loss.  Any suggestions?  I'm willing to try anything at this point to see my scale start moving.  Thank God my bulimia is under control or I know what I would be turning to right now.  I'm just so sick of being overweight!!!!  If anyone can look at what I'm eating and give me any suggestions on what to change I would appreciate it very much.  Should I kick my exercise up some?  Eat different foods?  Eat less?  Eat more?  Thanks for any help you can give me!

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 2 cups rice krispies
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk
                 12 oz bottle yoohoo

Snack- 1 cup cantaloupe
            water (16.9 oz)

Lunch- 5 oz rotisserie chicken, 1 slice cheese and honey
            mustard on whole wheat bun
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- peppermint patty
            1/2 peach
            1 cup watermelon
            1 cup cantaloupe
             water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- 5 oz rotisserie chicken
             1 ear of corn
             fried yellow squash
             water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 2 cups watermelon

I feel like I have overeaten today for some reason.  I wasn't even hungry today plus I feel like I'm getting sick and my body is sore from the hike yesterday.  I wish I was one of those people that doesn't eat when they are sick but I'm the complete opposite.  Eating makes me feel better when I'm sick.  I know for dinner it shows I had fried squash but it wasn't really fried.  I just coated squash with a little flour and spices and sprayed a griddle with cooking spray and fried it until it was done.  I don't know why but I feel like I'm slipping alittle with my eating lately even though when I look at what I've eaten it doesn't seem that bad.  Maybe its just me playing mind games with myself.  When you don't see the weight coming off fast enough you start worrying that you are doing everything wrong.  Maybe I will feel better tomorrow and I won't feel like this. 

As far as exercising I just don't know yet.  I'm already making excuses to get out of it.  Like "I don't feel good" or "my body is sore from yesterday" and "I worked out hard yesterday so I can take today off".  I'm just afraid that if I start listening to that voice then I will fall off the wagon again.  How do you know the difference between listening to your body and listening to that voice thats trying to sabotage you?
         

My first blog award

How exciting I have received my very first blog award thanks to Brigitte at http://bmittler.blogspot.com/ .  Please stop by her blog and show her some love and support. 

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Nominate fifteen newly discovered blogs.
4. Let your nominees know about the award.
 
Seven things about myself:
 
1.  I am addicted to scrapbooking.  I always have a camera with me everywheres I go and so I have thousands of pictures to scrapbook.  My favorite things to scrapbook are my kids lives and places we visit.  Right now I have around 50 scrapbooks.
2.  I am very obsessive compulsive.  I plan out each days events the night before and I hate to not accomplish something on my list.  Its the only way I have found to keep myself organized.
3.  I use to be a hairdresser but I have not done it in about 14 years now.  God I didn't realize how old I was until I just figured that out....lol...has it really been that long?  I liked doing hair and I still do my families but I don't think it was my calling.
4.  I have been married twice.  I married my high school sweetheart when I was 19 and I married my current husband when I was 32 years old.  We have been married for 4 years but we have been together for over 8 years.
5.  My youngest son had cancer when he was 18 months old.  It was a form of cancer called ganglioneuroblastoma and luckily they were able to remove the tumor completely without any need of radiation or chemo.  We found out about the cancer because he also had a condition called opsoclonus myclonus syndrome which alerted us to the tumor.  OMS is a condition in which his own immune system was fighting off the tumor and because of this it started to attack his brain which began to affect his speech, motor skills and fine motor skills.  At his worst he couldn't talk, sit up, crawl, walk and he had tremors and his eyes danced back and forth.  If you would like to know more about OMS you can visit this site http://omsusa.org/ .  Until recently he received a medicine called IVIG through a portacath installed in his chest.  The IVIG was given to help with the symptoms from the OMS.  He still has speech and learning disabilities but other than that he's doing as good as his twin brother.
6.  I am currently enrolled in school in the photography program.  I love taking pictures and hope to turn my passion into a career. 
7.  I have suffered with bulimia for over 10 years.  I have been bulimia free for about 6 months now thanks to a medicine that my doctor put me on called cymbalta. 
 
That wasn't easy to come up with 7 things about myself.  Now its time for me to bestow this blog award on fifteen blogs that I really love reading and who motivate me to keep going.  Thanks for your wonderful blogs and keep up the weight loss.  I nominate:
 
http://sugarlessdiet.blogspot.com/
http://266-twosixtysix.blogspot.com/
http://shelikes2run.blogspot.com/
http://my30by30plan.blogspot.com/
http://lisas-weightlossprogram.blogspot.com/
http://imshrinkingblubeari.blogspot.com/
http://lynnsweigh.blogspot.com/
http://escapefromobesity.blogspot.com/
http://alltheweigh2009.blogspot.com/
http://chibistruggles.blogspot.com/
http://fatladiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://pudget1.blogspot.com/
http://suckitinbuttercup.blogspot.com/
http://kyokocake.blogspot.com/
http://inweighovermyhead.blogspot.com/
 
Congratulations!!!!!

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 2 cups frosted flakes
                 1 cup skim milk
                 water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1/2 peanut butter bar

Lunch- veggie burger, no mayo, no cheese (Burger King)
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 3 small peaches
            1 fiber one bar
            water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- 5 oz rotisserie chicken, 1 slice cheese and honey
            mustard on 1 whole wheat bun
            water (16.9 oz)

I ate right today and went hiking in the mountains for my exercise so I've had a pretty good day.  Hope everyone else is doing well and having a wonderful weekend.

My hike

Last night I asked my husband if we could go somewhere today so I could take pictures and he said yes we could go to South Mountain.  We got up at 6:00am so we could get there early before it got to hot and we hiked for 1 1/2 hours.  It was beautiful and not to hot and the wind was blowing which kept you cooled off.  If you don't know what South Mountain is its a small mountain, nothing to bad and when you get to the top there is a beautiful waterfall.  All the way up the mountain you walk by a stream with smaller waterfalls.  I took my digital camera so I could get some pictures to put on here but in the excitement of everything I completely forgot to take any so I've found some online to show you what it looks like. The reason I'm telling about going to South Mountain is because I'm counting that as my exercise for today.  On the way up you have to climb rocks that are placed like steps then higher up you get to actual steps that are very steep.  I realized how out of shape I was when I got to the steps.  Every couple of flights of steps we would take a rest because I was so out of breath and my heart was beating so hard.  I realized today that if I plan to be any kind of photographer I'm definitely going to have to get in shape.  I have to be able to keep up with the millions of other photographers competing for jobs.  It was weird when we got there today the only people we saw anywhere weren't tourist, they we're photographers.  My husband and myself we're out climbing over giant rocks trying to find the best shots and I'm sure people thought we we're crazy but oh well.  I would definitely say that I got a good workout today. 

The following pictures are some of the beautiful waterfalls you can see at South Mountain State Park.  I found them on the following site http://photocamel.com/forum/landscape-travel/61516-south-mountain-state-park-nc.html and they were supplied by tomh1000.  I can only hope to be able to take beautiful pictures like these. 

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 2 cups frosted flakes
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk
                 water (16.9 oz)

Lunch- 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese and mustard on
            2 slices whole wheat bread
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 fiber one bar
             water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- small order of vegetable fried rice
            1 fortune cookie
            water (16.9 oz)

As you can see I did splurge on dinner tonight; I had vegetable fried rice from a chinese restaurant. Even though I know this is not the best thing to eat because its made from white rice its still a victory for me.  This has to be one of my favorite restaurants around here and they have an all you can eat bar.  Normally I would eat 2-3 plates of food then a plate of desserts, but knowing that I was not capable of controlling myself if we ate in the restaurant I chose to call in an order instead.  I still missed the coconut chicken they have its the best thing in the world but for the sake of losing weight I will just be content with having fried rice.  Another challenge conquered and won!!!!

I'm still deciding on whether to exercise tonight or not if I do I will update later.

My first photograph

This has nothing to do with weight loss but I am very proud of it so I wanted to brag alittle.  I recently started back to school and I'm majoring in photography.  I have always loved taking pictures so I thought why not take something I loved doing.  This is my first semester actually in a photography class and we have learned so much in just the last month.  A couple days ago we were sent out to find pictures in a scavenger hunt and try to get the best shot we could using what we have learned.  Today we got to process and develop the best picture we had taken and we have to turn it in for a grade.  I was very proud of my shot so I thought I would share it on here.  I actually took this picture in a graveyard, it just caught my eye and I thought it would make a pretty picture.  Hope you like.

We are learning to take pictures using black and white film which I love using because it gives a certain feel to the pictures.  Of course this picture looks alot better in print than it does on here but I was just so excited that from start to finish I was responsible for how this picture turned out. 

My first challenge

Tonight will be my first challenging situation I am put in where I will have to fight the urge to join in and eat with everyone else.  I have been invited to an art exhibit my teacher is having and he said there would be food there, Mexican food at that which I love.  I am taking my two youngest kids with me so my plan is to just focus on them and on taking pictures of the event.  I've never been to an art exhibit before so that may keep my mind off of eating but you know there is always that person that asks how come you aren't eating anything.  I don't want to seem rude and just say I'm not hungry, I'm just going to be honest and tell them I'm trying to lose weight.  It just seems like everytime you are in a situation like this there is always a food pusher.  You know what I mean the ones that say, "one bite won't hurt you" or, "go ahead and enjoy yourself, its just one time".  I know some people from my class are going to be there but usually at social functions I feel like the outsider.  I'm going because this counts as extra credit and it will give me a chance to get out and socialize with other photographers.  I will let you know how it went when I get home tonight.  This is a good learning experience for me, both for photography and for facing my fears.

Update:  I attended the art exhibit and it was pretty interesting.  My teacher did an exhibit on latinos because he and his wife adopted a little girl from Guatemala and they wanted her to understand her heritage and culture.  We walked around and looked at the pictures and then the kids ate.  The food wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.  They had cut up fruit and vegetables, chips and salsa, cakes and cookies, and punch.  I did have a half a glass of punch while the kids we're eating but I was able to be a good girl even though that cake with all that sugary icing was calling my name.  Then on the way home I wanted a milkshake so bad but I resisted that temptation to.  Why is it everything that tastes so good has to be bad for you....lol?

Here is a couple pics of the kids enjoying themselves eating.  Sorry for the poor quality I just used my cheap digital camera to take these.

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 2 cups frosted flakes
                 1 banana
                 1 cup skim milk

Snack- Fiber one bar
            water (16.9 oz)

Lunch- 2 slices turkey, 1 slice cheese, and mustard on 2 slices
            whole wheat bread
            1 cucumber
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 banana
            water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- 2x2 inch square of meatloaf
            water (16.9 oz

Snack- 1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 tsp peanut butter
            and 1 banana

I know I didn't eat alot for dinner but I'm not really hungry.  If I get hungry afterwhile I will eat a snack.

I've already done my 30 minutes of walking for the day so I'm happy about that.

Blog Hop

Lucy from Diminishing Lucy is hosting a blog hop to help weight loss bloggers like myself meet up with others who are going through the same struggles.  If you would like to participate just click on the image below to find out more information.





You can also add your name to the list below so you to can participate or click on one of the links below to encourage someone else who is trying to lose weight.

My Family

I couldn't really think of anything to blog about tonight so I decided to introduce you to my family. 

This is my husband Ronnie.

This is my oldest son Brandon; he is 13 years old.

These are my twins.  They are 9 years old.  Joshua is on the left and Dylan is on the right.

This is my dog Peanut.

This is my cat Junebug.

This is my guinea pig Ziggy.

As you can see I run a zoo around here.  Other than me and the cat there are all males in this house so the testerone runs high around here.   

Food and Exercise Journal

Breakfast- 1 pack instant oatmeal
                 Diet Dr Pepper- (20 oz)

Lunch- Veggie Burger, no mayo or cheese (Burger King)
           
Snack- Peppermint patty
            water (16.9 oz)

Dinner- 2 slices pepperoni pizza
            water (16.9 oz)

Snack- 1 banana

It doesn't look like I ate much today seeing it typed out but I was pretty busy and just haven't had time to snack.  I just had pizza for dinner and I stopped with 2 slices even though I wanted the whole thing.  Pizza is my favorite food and I literally think I could win a pizza eating contest.  I'm just staying out of the kitchen and away from the leftover pizza until someone puts it away and out of sight. 

I'm not sure about exercising yet because I don't feel good right now.  I forgot to take my medicine this morning and it makes me feel lightheaded when I forget.  I'll see how I feel afterwhile.

Obesity Statistics

Currently more than 1 billion adults are overweight worldwide and at least 300 million of them are clinically obese.  Obesity is a disease that affects 34 percent of adults age 20 and over in the United States, which amounts to more than 72 million people. About 33.3 percent of American men and about 35.3 percent of American women are obese.


Childhood obesity is already epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide. According to the US Surgeon General, in the USA the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled since 1980. 


Obesity Rates by State:
1.Mississippi (33.8%)
2.Alabama (31.6%) and Tennessee (31.6%)
4.West Virginia (31.3%)
5.Louisiana (31.2%)
6.Oklahoma (30.6%)
7.Kentucky (30.5%)
8.Arkansas (30.1%)
9.South Carolina (29.9%)
10.Michigan (29.4%) and North Carolina (29.4%)
12.Missouri (29.3%)
13.Ohio (29.0%) and Texas (29.0%)
15.South Dakota (28.5%)
16.Kansas (28.2%)
17.Georgia (28.1%) Indiana (28.1%) and Pennsylvania (28.1%)
20.Delaware (27.9%)
21.North Dakota (27.7%)
22.Iowa (27.6%)
23.Nebraska (27.3%)
24.Alaska (26.9%) and Wisconsin (26.9%)
26.Illinois (26.6%) and Maryland (26.6%)
28.Washington (26.3%)
29.Arizona (25.8%) and Maine (25.8%)
31.Nevada (25.6%)
32.Minnesota (25.5%) New Mexico (25.5%) and Virginia (25.5%)
35.New Hampshire (25.4%)
36.Florida (25.1%) Idaho (25.1%) and New York (25.1%)
39.Oregon (25.0%) and Wyoming (25.0%)
41.California (24.4%)
42.New Jersey (23.9%)
43.Montana (23.5%)
44.Utah (23.2%)
45.Rhode Island (22.9%)
46.Vermont (22.8%)
47.Hawaii (22.6%)
48.Massachusetts (21.7%)
49.District of Columbia (21.5%)
50.Connecticut (21.4%)
51.Colorado (19.1%)

I live in North Carolina so my state ranks in the top ten of the fattest states with almost 30% of the population being overweight. 

My sources for this information:
http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/facts/obesity/en/
http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/obesity/
http://healthyamericans.org/newsroom/releases/?releaseid=216