Biggest Loser 2015

Our school's Biggest Loser competition has commenced!  While I'm excited to get motivated to lose the rest of this baby weight, I know that it will be a true challenge.  You see in the past, I wasn't a mom (obviously) so I had lots of free-time (LOTS of FREE time).  I'm talking for-real free time to work out and stay fit; I combined my exercise regime with working out at Planet Fitness and taking classes at Sassy Girl Fitness.  Each day I dedicated 3 HOURS to working out - this was FULL, HARDCORE lifting, cardio, and core training.  I know that I will not be able to dedicate this amount of time now to exercising that I'm a mom.  However, I refuse to let being a mom become an excuse to not work out and live a healthy lifestyle.

The Fantastic Five are five tips that I give to my Biggest Loser Participants each week when we head off our competitions.  I thought I would share them in case you too are in need of some beginning of the year motivation :)

1.  Set Small Attainable Goals
Starting off a weight loss competition with the idea that you're going to cut out sugar, soda, caffeine, and processed foods is a map to Quitsville.  If you haven't cut these foods out before, trying to cut them all out at once will drive you insane.  Start with a small goal, like cutting out soda for a week, once you attain that goal then you can ADD to it.  

 
2.  Motivate Yourself
Sometimes we just need a visual of what our end goal is.  Going on a trip?  Take a picture of your destination and put it on your bathroom mirror and refrigerator door!  Can't squeeze into that favorite pair of jeans anymore?  Hang them on your bathroom door!  Seeing your goal every day will help keep you motivated.  

 
3.  Adopt the motto "after 8 is too late" for snacks after dinner. 
Snacking late has lots of negative effects.  First of all, when snacking late we tend to choose less healthy food option (chips, popcorn, candy, etc).  Secondly, at night our body is in rest mode, so our metabolism is resting and we are not as active as we were earlier in the day. This causes our snack to settle and we are not burning the calories that we are taking in.
Check out this article on tips for breaking the late night snacking habit!

 

4.  Meal Planning - Weekly
 Oh how I LOVE meal planning - Sunday night my husband and I talk about what dinners we will be making over the next week.  We are foodies so this is fun for us.  Not everything on the menu has to be perfectly healthy, but having our meals planned keeps us from making rash, unhealthy decisions when we get home from work.  It also helps us avoid the annoying "what do you want for dinner" conversation. 

5.  Stay on Track
Get a fitness/calorie counter app (like MyFitnessPal)and use it every single day.  If you're keeping up with every morsel you eat, you will be more aware of the foods you're eating and you begin to eat/snack less.  I mean really, who wants to spend 3 minutes logging in one hershey's kiss?  I'd rather just pass!
Other fitness/calorie trackers that are pretty popular:
FitBit
Calorie Count App
Health App (available on Apple iPhone 5s and 6)

Disclaimer: I am not a fitness trainer or doctor.  I am not affiliated with Biggest Loser in any way.  This is a friendly competition that my co-workers and I use to help us get motivated and lose weight.  The advice and information contained on this website may not be appropriate for all individuals. I accept no responsibility for and exclude all liability in connection with browsing this Web site, use of information or downloading any materials from it, including but not limited to any liability for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or misleading or defamatory statements.

Blueberry Power Muffins

I love blueberry muffins, but they aren't something I typically go out and buy. When I saw a recipe recently for the power muffins I knew I could tweak it a little and have a deliciously healthy snack. These things are so yummy!  I'll definitely be making these more often!

You’ll need:

Makes 12 regular muffins (depending how full you pack your muffin tin)

no-stick cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup oats–quick or regular oats, plain

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 ounces honey nonfat greek yogurt 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh blueberries

Heat oven to 350°.

Coat muffin tin with cooking spray or use cupcake liners. 

Combine flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

Combine yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a second bowl.

Fold yogurt mixture into dry mixture; stir to combine completely.

Gently fold in blueberries.

Spoon into muffin tins.

Bake until top is golden and springs back when you gently touch it, 20-25 minutes.

Pickles, Ice Cream, and Flatulence Part 2

Here is the long awaited for Part 2 of Pickles, Ice Cream, and Flatulence.  I hope you're ready because it only gets better from here!  In the race to have babies, Barrett and I apparently ran a marathon instead of a sprint.  After 4 years of trying to get pregnant it is safe to say that we have a LOT of friends who have had babies.  These friends have been wonderful when it comes to preparing me for pregnancy, but sometimes I think they forget about some of the symptoms they had.  Now, every pregnancy is different so not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and heck maybe the joy of having your little one in your arms causes you to forget about these weird changes in your body, but here are a few more things that I think got left out of the advice.

Spreading:  I don't know if there is a medical term for this....so I will just call it what it is "spreading".  Here's an idea of what spreading feels like:  Think back to when you were about 10 or 12 and riding your bike.  Mine was pink and white, I loved that bike!  Now, think about getting your speed up, you're standing up on your pedals trying to build your speed, but then your foot slips off the pedal and you go crashing onto the metal bar, straddling it!!   Remember that?  That's what spreading feels like, bruising your lady parts.  I like to believe this is when waddling begins!  It's not a constant pain or uncomfortable feeling, but every now and then you'll feel like you've been kicked in the crotch and waddling is the only way to walk comfortably.

Unwarranted Advice:  Oh this one is tricky.  I was warned that people would be giving me lots of advice and I am welcome to listening to it.  I will even take your advice into consideration and weigh my options.  However, there are some women who give advice in such a negative, Debbie Downer kind of way that it becomes annoying.  For instance, I am aware that my time will be depleted - I am having a baby: he will not sleep through the night, he will be fussy, he will poop his diaper right after I've changed it, etc etc.  But it's the way these women give their advice with condescending tones in their voices "Oh honey (little snicker) you won't have time to wash your hair or even do your make up, much less use the bathroom." And the advice and negative tones just go on and on.  I can only imagine how it gets after the baby comes....oh my!  Earplugs please :)

Immobility:  Here's another symptom that folks semi-warned me about.  I was told it would be difficult to put on my shoes and socks.  I was told that I wouldn't see my feet for while - seriously I know they're there, but I'm not sure what they look like anymore.  I do not feel that I was fully prepared for the inability to move though.  Recently I dropped some of my dinner on the floor, and typically the 5 second rule would take place (5 seconds? yeah right, it's gonna take me about 7 minutes to squat down and pick that up) so I called out for our dog, Buckler, to come clean the floor instead.  Good thing he likes steamed vegetables.
Side note:  As soon as you find out you're pregnant, get a dog!  He will help keep the floor clean when you can't reach it anymore :)

Maternity Clothes Don't Fit Anymore:  You know that maternity wardrobe that you excitedly bought when you were 3 or 4 months pregnant?  Yeah, they don't fit any more.  Those cute little tunics, now look like belly shirts and those maternity pants are starting to cut off your circulation or press on your bladder even more than your baby.  If you're in your 3rd trimester, switch to leggings and wear them for the last 3 months! 

Leaky Breasts:  Your milk's in!  Congratulations!  Now, this doesn't compare to what will come after the baby is here, but the first time you experience this you might freak out a little bit.  I had NO idea what was going on - "why is my boob wet?".  Since it's clear (it's actually colostrum) I frantically ran to research it and text one of my girlfriends to make sure I wasn't a freak of nature.  Side Note:  Please inform your spouse of this new side effect before you get intimate again.  He doesn't want that surprise - trust me!

Leaky Lady Parts:  Are you in your 3rd trimester?  Have you peed your pants yet?  If not, consider yourself lucky.  This is one side effect that is certainly different for every woman.  Some may never pee their paints, but for many moms-to-be at some point there will probably be a little leakage.  Most likely this will occur when you are: laughing, sneezing, coughing....talking, walking, sleeping, who knows.  Just be prepared.  Take an extra pair of panties with you EVERY where you go, or wear a panty liner.

If you're reading this and your pregnant:  Congratulations!  I hope this isn't scary or intimidating...I just want you to be prepared.  And remember, like my husband has said many times: "I'm sorry, but I relish in your uncomfortableness because I know that means there's a growing baby in there!"

And don't worry friends:  I will be posting plenty when the baby arrives...I won't be sleeping so I might as well write my blog, right?

Until next time.....

Pickles, Ice Cream, and Flatulence: Part 1

As I head off my 3rd trimester, I realize that there are some symptoms that people did not prepare me for.  I know folks don't want to scare you by dishing the gross details that come with child bearing, but I would've liked to know that there's the possibility I will pee on myself.  So I've decided it's about time women know what to REALLY expect.  This is my first pregnancy but I think there's something here that every expectant mom can relate too.   And don't worry, Part 2 is coming soon!!

Here are the things that folks don't or won't tell you about:  Please note, these are my own experiences and every pregnancy is different.

Flatulence:  I was actually told about this one.  Many people, and books, informed me that I would produce a LOT of gas as my pregnancy progressed.  However, no one told me that it would be bad enough that I would offend myself!  I now keep a can of Febreze air freshener close by in my desk drawer at work.   I have also become a master at "crop dusting".  Yes, I am now THAT person!  While I can take GasX, it has not even come close to amending the situation!

Anticipation:  There's something about hitting the 3rd trimester that increases your anticipation.  I still have 10 weeks until my due date but my anticipation is at an all time high.  You (and your spouse) will likely create a "Honey Do" list, if you haven't already. I find myself walking in our little one's room and just staring in his closet, or around the room and mentally creating a to-do list of items we need to add to the registry or go buy, RIGHT NOW because we want to be prepared, right?

Reflux:  Some women have expressed having some crazy heartburn, and being someone who loves spicy food and has heartburn already I assumed this would be the worst for me.  But, I have not experienced heartburn, I've just had acid reflux or as WebMd likes to call it "Regurgitation".  Let me give you an example.  I was on the phone the other week with my girlfriend, Kendra.  We had been chatting for a while, then all of a sudden, mid-sentence I say "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, I just threw up in my mouth."  Luckily, my trash can was close by so I just spit into it, but seriously there was no belch to precede this regurgitation.  I was just talking, and there came the chunks.

Love:  When we announced we were pregnant I immediately started hearing from women, "Girl you have no idea what love is."  They are so right.  Granted I haven't met this little boy yet, but the day we found out we were pregnant I knew that I would lay down my life for him.  There is NOTHING I won't do for this sweet miracle baby.  We recently had a 3D/4D ultrasound at SweetPea 3D and watching him smile, yawn, move his fingers and suck his thumb only caused my heart to swell with joy.  As I showed his pictures to friends and family I heard myself saying "I am so in love with him".  I love that he looks so much like my husband too.  I get a little Barrett out of the deal and I wouldn't trade that for the world! :)

Part 2 of "Pickles, Ice Cream, and Flatulence" is coming soon.  Be on the look out! :)

Goodbye 2013; Hello 2014!!

2013 is coming to an end and I am sitting here thinking, "How in the world did 2013 go by so fast?"  I really think this is the quickest time has ever flown for me...As I'm sitting here reading everyone's posts and watching their video montages I find myself reflecting on my year as well.  As a recap, here is my year in review:

January:
Our niece, Samantha Grace, entered our world on the 6th and everyone's lives changed forever!  Babies and children are such a wonderful blessing!

February:
I joined my first Life Group at Freedom House Church, God Chicks, and it not only strengthened my relationship with Christ but it gave me beautiful new friendships with some amazing women!

March:
Not only did I reach my goal weight this month, but I surpassed it!  I got on the scale this month and weighed LESS than I did in high school, but still had lots of muscle tone!  I am extremely proud of that accomplishment.

April:
Barrett and I took our annual Spring Break trip to a land far, far away.  This year we visited the Riviera Maya.  Unfortunately, we both spent a day and a half in the room recovering from either food poisoning or Montezuma's Revenge.  We're still not sure on that one!

May:
Picked beautiful carnations out of my front flower bed and gave them to my mom and grandmother's as part of their Mother's Day presents!  This month I also attended the May races, as usual, and got to cheer for my favorite driver Kasey Kahne!

June:
I wrapped up another school year and then bolted out the doors and headed to the beach!  My home away from home!

July:
Spent a week in an ocean front home on Oak Island.  This is my only negative post:  The locals are HORRIBLY RUDE, and we will never visit that beach again.  Seriously, if you want to relax go to the Outer Banks, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, or Holden Beach. 

August:
Barrett and I found out that we were expecting!  After years of infertility treatment it was the best surprise that we were pregnant without any fertility help!  God is SO good!

September:
I joined Jamberry Nails.  Wow!  I not only love the nail wraps, but the pay isn't too shabby either.  I LOVE this part-time "job".  By far this is the easiest direct sales job I've ever had.  Everyone loves these nails wraps!
www.sarahdabbs.jamberrynails.net

October:
Celebrated 6 years of marriage to my best friend, Barrett Dabbs!  I fall more in love with him every day!  This month we also watched 2 dear friends get married in Shelby, NC.  Congrats Casey and Nancy Keith!

November:
Found out that our little bundle of joy is a boy.  We had a huge party and are thankful for all of the friends and family who came to support us!  What a wonderful surprise!  Can't wait to meet John Davis Dabbs in April!

December:
Was asked to lead a Life Group at our church along with Kendra Glover!  WOW!  I was completely caught off guard and enthusiastically accepted the challenge.  I can't wait to share the Word and fellowship with some wonderful women next semester! 

So there you have it: My 2013 in Review!  I cannot wait for 2014 for so many reasons, but most of all I am ready to welcome our sweet little boy in April.  I'm sure I'll be posting lots more in the next few months as we prepare for his arrival!

Happy New Year!!

Weekly Verse: 12/29

As 2013 comes to a close and this is the last Sunday of the year, I post my last verse(s). 

But before I do, let me take you through this 52 week journey. I started this journey with the idea of simply memorizing a verse and sharing it weekly. I quickly realized that an anecdote, along with the verse helped me with memorization. 

After a few weeks, I realized that I didn't just want to memorize verses but use each "weekly scripture" as a message. I would spend so much time reading His word and searching for the perfect verse or verses to go along with what I was going through that past or upcoming week.  As a result my relationship with Christ has become stronger than ever!

If you need a New Year's resolution may I suggest this: Dig deeper into the Word! Read a few verses each week, memorize a verse each month, read the entire Bible! But dig into your faith, you'll be amazed at how much it changes your life! 

My verses for this week are part of my prayers for each of you as you enter into the new year.  God bless you and Happy New Year. 

Paul's Prayers for Spiritual Wisdom:

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength (Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV)

Weekly Verse: 12/19

So, I just realized today is Thursday and I never posted my weekly verse.  Pregnancy Brain must be getting to me.  However, this slip couldn't have come at a better time.  I'm sure you've all heard about the A&E/Phil Robertson controversy and I think that could stand to be addressed.

I want you to think about this for just moment:
Phil Robertson voiced an opinion, a belief, and in a country where we have Freedom of Speech he is being punished for his "politically incorrect" views.  Wait!  Before you bite my head off, let me state that I do firmly believe that his comments were crude; however, that is my opinion and I am entitled to it.  It is also my opinion that he has every right to stand by his faith and speak up for things he doesn't believe in.  He quotes the word of God, and while his beliefs may not be popular or accepted by society he is entitled to them.

I spent years in the high school English classroom teaching my students about debating topics.  We debated some very touchy subjects (war, religion, politics, etc).  However in my classroom students were taught that they were to respect everyone's opinion.  That doesn't mean they had to agree with it, but they had to respect it and accept it as an opinion or belief.  I had 11th grade students, 16 year olds, who understood this better than our media-driven society.  People think that just because something offends them (especially if it is related to the Bible and Christianity) that they should condemn others and punish them for exercising a right that was bestowed on our country (which was founded on Christian beliefs).

I applaud Phil Robertson for standing up for his beliefs.  I don't agree with his choice of words, but I don't have to.  He stood on the word of God and supported his statements with Biblical facts.

This week's verse focuses on just that:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:10-17, ESV)