The gym...

The Gym, a place I never thought I would really be a part of. But, now I am, and I am proud to say it. I am also proud of myself!

I started going because I bought a pass off Dealfind. I was going to try it out for the month and see how things went. But, I think I fell in love with the whole idea the first day.

On Sunday, my good Friend Christie and I met at 9:45 to go in. We were going to a class at 10:30, and wanted to get there a little early, just incase there was paper work etc to do. The girl at the front was really good, and explained that she really didn't know what to do with them. So, she signed it, pointed us in the direction of the change rooms and that was that.

Since we were early, we walked on the treadmill first. It was nice to be able to just walk and talk! Then we went for our class. This was the Body flow class, the one that I wasn't too sure about. It combines Yoga, Tai Chi and pilates, and ends with meditation. But, right away, I knew that this was going to be a great class!

When we went for the class on Tuesday (the same one), the girl at the front desk told us that she was supposed to set up a meeting. So, I set mine up for Wednesday night. We were still able to go to the gym, so we did the treadmill again and our class!

So, Wednesday, I went in for my meeting. We did the paper work and then she told me about the deals that I could get because I had the dealfind voucher. (I know, she probably says something like that to everyone- but whatever!). So, she explained everything, and I was VERY impressed. Everything from the personal training, free orientations, circuit training, and babysitting (I can take the kids there for 2 hours- and as long as I stay in the superstore building I am good- so I could even get groceries without them!). All of the new information, plus what I already enjoyed- the classes, the equipment, the sauna, and the showers (complete with shampoo, body wash, and conditioner right there!). It is some peace and quiet, mommy time, while getting healthy!

After thinking about it for a few minutes, I said yes. I figure that paying the $40 per month, well, I will go, because I will feel bad if I don't! I love the classes, I can go whenever I want, and if needed I have a spot for the kids- so also no excuses!

I am happy with this decision. I am proud of myself for doing this. And, from just going on Sunday and Tuesday, I have already lost weight! I got on the scale Wednesday morning and had lost a pound! I am now 146!

I still have a few other classes that I want to try- that are a bit more intense, and I have my personal training starting on Saturday (at 8am!). But, between that, and blogging about the gym and healthy eating, I think I am track!

In other news, I had my phlebotomy today- please keep your fingers crossed that this is the LAST one! I will find out what my iron levels are on Monday the 5th- which is also 2 years since my transplant!

And our recipe for the day... well this was last nights meal, Danika wanted sloppy joes- we all love them, and this recipe. It is so easy! I made it with garlic potato stacks (see below)- they were easy and so good too! (and of course steamed carrots!)

Diet Coke Sloppy Joes

 ground beef
1 cup diet coke
2/3 cup reduced sugar ketchup 
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp dry mustard

It is as easy as that- brown the ground beef, add the other ingredients, mix, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes (until it is thick). Oh, and we use diet pepsi- because we are pepsi people! 

This is a spark recipe- you can find all the nutritional info here! 

Then the potatoes

• 3 Ts Olive Oil
• 2 Clove Garlic minced
• 1 lb Russets potatoes sliced thin
• 1 t fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and ground black pepper

First you heat the oil and garlic in a small pan, just a bit. Cut the potatoes thinly- I used the mandolin. Dip a paper towel or brush in the oil and coat a muffin pan. Then toss everything in a bowl! Mix around until all the potatoes are coated, then stack them in the muffin pan! Put in the oven (350) for 35-45 minutes! Watch them, because depending on how thin your potatoes are, they can crisp up quickly- and just cook them until they are how you like- if you like crispier you might have to leave them in a bit longer! 

I don't add the salt, because, well, I don't really add salt to many things! 

The actual recipe you can find here! 

Then tonight, since I had my phlebotomy today. I got up early and put hobo stew in the slow cooker. It is another spark recipe- so nutritional info is here! 

The recipe shows you how to make your own meatballs, but we use frozen! Making it that much easier! 

I use half a bag of frozen meatballs

potatoes, quartered (I use the small potatoes, so I half them)

carrots

onion

1/2 cup ketchup

1/2 cup water

1 and a half teaspoons of vinegar

1 cup of frozen peas

(the recipe has other things, but that is what I put in). Then, put the slow cooker on low for the day! All the recipes I have found say to serve over rice or noodles, which we don't. We usually have it with bread!