Day Twenty One..

Hey All,

Sorry it's been so long since my last post, it's been crazy here. Between H3, Life and School, I have been a very busy girl. Last week it got real and what I mean is REAL HARD. The exercise has been the easiest, go figure. There are so many components to a healthy lifestyle, stress, responsibility, goals, money.

Focus is hard to keep even here in the protective bubble we call H3. Which makes this experience even that much more important to really absorb. I miss home but have the fear of returning to old habits. Food has been so much more than nutrition to me and exercise does not take the place unfortunately.

So this week there are several classes dealing with emotional eating. Which is my weakness.

I have made exercise goals and made good on them. I built up to 16,000 steps in 99 minutes today. My next goal is 20,000 before I leave next Sunday. The people here are amazing and I can't say enough about H3, it's a wonderful place to change.

Knowing that reality is coming sooner than later I am getting nervous about being on my own with these renewed skills. It's been a rough week and I survived. I hope this week holds less stress and more learning skills.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Fourteen..

Hey All,

I got up this morning early and got to breakfast eager to start my new week. I did a core strengthening class and then did the treading class then attended a Peer Pressure class. Lunch then did the weight training. After that I came back to the condo and worked on school stuff. Back for dinner and then home for more school work. The vibe here changes as new people come in twice a week. We have a younger crowd now. Which is fun for me, I get to use my humor more, which is always good for me. I have made some good friends and the journey we are on is one that changes everyone it touches. It's good stuff. I have a class this week called Smart Cart. It's where they take us to the grocery store and show us the products we should have in the house and those to absolutely stay away from. I am excited about this. I know what is good more or less but new products I have yet to try is what I am excited about. Whole wheat is the new thing. Pasta, rice etc. These are products that taste good and are god for me. Things are good.

Much Love,

Shanna

Dat Thirteen...

Hey All,

Woke up feeling energized and ready to rock. Did 13,000 steps today, then did weight circuit. After lunch went back to condo. and watched Crocodile Dundee did some school stuff and took a nap. Went to dinner then Javier, Rachel and I went for an evening drive around the island. I have yet to see it all. Not that it's that big it's just usually getting dark and we run out of time. We are trying to get a group together to go to Savannah next weekend, I hear it's the most haunted city in America(kinda cool)! Tomorrow is the beginning of week three. Still going strong and loving the changes.

Much Love,

Shanna

Dat Twelve...

Hey All,

Going to sleep. Will blog more tomorrow. I had a good day.

Much Love,

Shanna

Dat Eleven...

Hey All,

Almost two weeks in and it has been Great! Starting to miss home and friends and family...

I got a chance to take a nap today, I dreamt of Pappasitos Mexican Food. I woke up and was like oh man, why do I have to dream about FOOD? I have been hungry the last few days. I don't know if it's my Metabolism getting fired up or if old habits want to creep into my mind. I think it's a little of both. I did another 10,000 steps today. It feels really good to set a goal and reach it. I know this will be a long journey, one that will not be beaten easily. I am learning the right things to do at the right time. It's the resolve to change lifelong habits. The saying "Old Habits Die Hard" is true for food as well. Tonight was our gourmet dinner night, we had tuna sashimi salad and duck breast with spinach and whipped sweet potato's and berry cobbler for dessert. It was yummy! Well off to bed for the night.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Ten...

Hey All,

Well I did it. 10,000 steps in 75 minutes. Then I did the weight circuit. Then I did a class on surviving the restaurant game. It was good but nothing I did not know already. I was tired and took a long nap. I woke up in time to go to dinner. It was good, as usual. I'm tired and going to sleep. Will blog more tomorrow or the weekend for sure.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Ten...

Hey All,

Today was crazy. School is something I wish I did not have to deal with right now, but it is a part of the bigger picture. Thanks to my wonderful classmate Jenn, I am back on track.(school wise)

I took it easy today and mainly focused on school work. My goal tomorrow is to do 10,000 steps on the stairmaster! Whew, wish me luck! Lots to do tomorrow. But I must keep up the pace. I will let you know how it turns out. Here are a few more recipes.

Much Love,

Shanna

BANANA-OATMEAL HOTCAKES

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup Old-fashioned rolled oats ¼ tsp Baking soda

1 cup Water ¼ tsp Salt

2 Tbsp Light brown sugar ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp Canola oil ½ cup Skim milk

½ cup Whole wheat flour ¼ cup Non-fat plain yogurt

½ cup All-purpose flour 1 each Mashed banana

1 ½ tsp Baking powder 1 each Egg

PREPARATION:

• In a large, microwave safe bowl, combine the oats and water.

• Microwave on high until the oats are creamy and tender; about three

minutes.

• Stir in brown sugar and canola oil; set aside to cool slightly.

• In a separate bowl, combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda,

salt, and ground cinnamon; whisk to blend.

• Add the milk, yogurt and mashed banana to the oats and stir until well

blended; beat in the egg.

• Add the flour mixture to the oat mixture and stir until just moistened.

• Place a nonstick frying pan or griddle over medium heat; once hot,

spoon ¼ cup pancake batter into the pan.

• Cook until the top surface of the pancake is covered with bubbles and

the edges are lightly browned; about two minutes.

• Flip the pancake and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

• Repeat with remaining pancake batter.

• Serve immediately.

Number of servings: 10

Serving Size: 1 pancake

Calories: 90

Fat Grams: 3

HERB ROASTED PAN SEARED BEEF TENDERLOIN

INGREDIENTS:

4

4 oz. Beef tenderloin filets, fat removed

1 tbsp Thyme, fresh, chopped

½ tsp Sea salt

1 tsp Black pepper, ground

1 tsp Olive oil

PREPARATION:

•

Heat oil in large sauté pan.

•

Season each filet with thyme, salt, and pepper.

•

Place each filet in hot pan and sear each side until it has a nice crust. Cook to desired doneness. If a well done center is desired, finishing the filets in the oven will help prevent a burned outer crust.

•

Serve with your favorite vegetable and starch!

Number of servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 filet

Calories: 190

Fat Grams: 9 grams

Day Nine...

Hey All,

Today was a mixed day. I have school work to continue with during this journey. So, when my day is over I have school assignments to complete. This is a challenge for me right now. Today two of my favorite people left H3. France and Cybele a mother and daughter that made a huge impact on my experience here. They are fantastic people and I am sad to see them leave. We spent all day together. We exercised in the pool and went back up the Eiffel Tower one more time. France is originally from France and still has a Summer home there. She has invited me to visit anytime. I hope I get the chance. Cybele's job will bring her to Houston in the Fall. So we have plans to see each other then. I hope they will be friends for life. They have touched me in a way that only old friends can. Many after dinner therapy sessions occurred after dinner. Good stuff. It's amazing everyone has a story and I have been blessed to know theirs.

We went to the Hilton Head Beach today with Debbie, Rachel and Cybele, boy is it hot here. Rachel got stung by multiple jellyfish, I mean STUNG...It was the worst I have ever seen. Needless to say I did not return to the water. The beaches here have nothing on California beaches for sure. Pretty but in a different East Coast way.

The food was awesome today, I posted some new pics. on Facebook. My whole body is sore from working out. Today's killer was a boot camp aqua deep water treading class. The instructor must have come from the military. Whew she was tough, my arms hurt as I type this.

I am tired and ready to sleep. Thank you all so much for the AWESOME words of encouragement, they do keep me going. The following is what we had tonight and it was amazing!

Much Love,

Shanna

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

INGREDIENTS:

4 each Chicken breast, cleaned and pounded

4 each Swiss cheese slices

2 oz. Canadian bacon, ½ ounce per person, sliced really thin

½ bag Spinach, cleaned

½ cup Panko, bread crumbs

1 T. Parsley, chopped (optional)

1 tsp Onion powder

½ cup Eggbeaters

PREPARATION:

•

Prepare breading bowls; one bowl with panko crumbs, onion powder and parsley and the other bowl with egg beaters.

•

Set aside until ready

•

Heat large skillet with non stick cooking spray.

•

Sauté spinach with salt and pepper and cook just until wilted.

•

Lay chicken breast out flat on cutting board.

•

Lay one slice of Swiss cheese down and then on top of that the ½ ounce slice of Canadian bacon, and then 2 tablespoons of sautéed spinach.

•

Roll breast up tightly.

•

Dip rolled breast in egg beaters and then coat in panko crumb mixture.

•

Set on parchment covered baking sheet and continue.

Number of Servings: 4

Serving Size: 1 chicken cordon bleu

Calories: 250

Fat: 10

Cauliflower-Potato Mousse

Ingredients:

½ head cauliflower, cut into florets

1 large russet potato peeled and cubed

1/2 cup skim milk

1 teaspoon butter

1 small stalk rosemary

1 clove garlic, crushed

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon white pepper

Method:

• Place cauliflower and potato cubes in a steamer basket over boiling water

or stock. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until very soft

• Place skim milk, butter, rosemary and garlic in a small pot and bring to a

simmer, turn off heat and let stand while veggies are cooking,

• Transfer cooked potato mix to a warm medium bowl

• Using a hand mixer begin whipping

• Strain some of the milk mixture into the potato mix and continue whipping

until light and fluffy, add more milk as needed (you may not need it all)

• Season with salt and white pepper and keep warm

• Mousse may be piped onto a heated dinner plate using a pastry bag

Number of servings: 4

Serving size: ½ cup

Calories: 66

Fat grams: 2

Day Eight...

Hey All,

Today was back to the grind. I did 10,000 steps on the stair master. My legs are crazy sore, but I can see the difference in them already. Shorts are getting baggy and starting to see the change in my body. The friends I am making are incredible people from all over the country/world. I still have alot to learn but feel like I am changing everyday. I am very proud of myself of the work I am doing here. Feel a bit guilty for leaving home and coming here.

Shanna

Day Seven...

Hey All,

The weekend was great here. They give us more free time and I had a chance to see the island a bit. It's so pretty here. It rains everyday, that's why it's so green and lush. I have been working out like a machine but feel so good. I had a surprise today. One of my old friends from Culinary School showed up today. Javier. It is so good to see him. It's been 15 years since I've seen him. He will be here for 2 weeks. Small world...

I have some great news. I have lost 12 pounds already! WOW! I already feel different. The program here is incredible, the people are awesome and I am making life long friends already.

It's so good because no matter what size they are, we are all here to make a healthy lifestyle change. There is support coming from everywhere it's amazing! I have been tired but invigorated as well. I love my accommodations and at night I get time to work on school work and blog. The days go by so fast it's amazing. I am getting used to the exercise now and some what look forward to breaking a good sweat.

I have been hungry the last few days and they say it's because my metabolism is speeding up. So I have been drinking lots of water and dealing with it. The food here is amazing and fulfilling.

If I have changed this much in a week, I can't even imagine what it's going to be like in another three weeks. I am not just talking about weight loss either. Talk about self-esteem building, it's everywhere. Yesterday a friend told me I was Miss Popularity and I am an inspiration to many. Wow, just me being me. It's amazing how much ones life can change so quickly, with the right tools.

I am truly blessed and I am in love with life again.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Six...

I'm tired and will blog more tomorrow.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Five...

Hey All,

Today was a very good day. Got up ready to hit it. Did the Ultimate Circuit Class, went back up and down the Eiffel Tower, Did Water Resistance class, taught my new friends to play Wii, lunch was a chicken cesaer wrap w/ tomato soup. Another class was exercise physiology, I learned a lot in this class. Did another exercise class called Roll It Out. I will do this at home for sure, great stretching exercise. Had some therapy with some new friends/ very helpful to hear others stories. I can't tell you enough about this place, H3 is an amazing place. The program is so individualized. I have not mentioned they don't let us weigh until the day we leave. I can already tell I've lost weight. I feel better than I've felt in years! I am so blessed to have this opportunity, I can't even express the gratitude I have for my Parents and Jenna for supporting me on this journey. I love you all so much. Dinners on Friday nights are what they call Gourmet dinners. 4 courses, it was fantastic! Rack of lamb, couscous with field greens, wrapped zucchini with goat cheese and tira misu. They say you need one day of increased calories to boost your metabolism. It was a nice treat for sure. The I sat with my new friend France, from France. She reminds me of a mixture of my mom and my granny. I could just steal her away and bring her to Texas with me. SO Awesome. She and her daughter Cybella are here and have become quick friends I hope to know for the rest of my life. She has given me an open invitation to her house in the South of France, whenever I want. I hope to take her up on this one day. Cybella is coming to Houston for work in September, I hope we get to hang out together. She wants to see the Ranch in LG. It's good stuff here. I can't believe I have three more weeks here.

The changes that have already occurred are amazing.

Much Love,

Shanna

PS

I have been asked for recipes, one of the best desserts I've had is listed below.

PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. fat free cream cheese

1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (you may substitute melted chocolate)

16 oz. sugar free, non-dairy whipped topping

1cup skim milk

PREPARATION:

•

In a mixing bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar and peanut butter (or melted chocolate

•

Slowly add milk and beat at medium speed until smooth.

•

Fold in thawed whipped topping

•

Freeze and scoop as you would ice cream or

•

Spoon 1 1/2 cups into a serving glass or dish

Number of servings: 16

Serving Size: 3/4 cup

Calories: 80

Fat grams: 1.5

Day Four...

I am gonna make this quick. I'm tired and ready to go to bed.

The day was good, I climbed the Sears Tower up and down.

over 4800 steps. Then did low impact aerobics and rode the stationary bike.

Lunch was salmon with a dill sauce, fingerling potato's . Classes were

Just say No and the other was Portion Control I will have to

talk more about that later. Crazy some of the labels have 4

servings for a muffin at 700 calories. Do you really want a small

muffin for 700 calories? You could have a really big breakfast for that.

Soda's, don't get me started. Working on school stuff.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Three..

Hey All,

Things went very well today. Started at breakfast; Oatmeal, Egg Beaters and two pieces of turkey bacon. Then did a shoe fitting. A foot Dr. came in and analysed our feet and our walk. It was cool but nothing I didn't already know. Then I went to my first class, I did Tai Chi, it is so not as easy as it looks. But i liked it a lot! Will continue to learn along the way. Then Metabo meal, carrots, celery and ff blue cheese. Did I say water? Water is in my hand all day...Then first class was named Stress Eating. It was a good class too. I am learning to connect the reason I might binge eat. Sad, mad, glad and any other emotion I might want to stuff in with food. Lunch time; had a huge scallop and mussel salad, with this Fantastic dessert made with ff cream cheese and peanut butter in a phyllo cup, 35 calories. I will bring this one home for sure. I am going to start taking pictures of lunch and dinner, the plates are served beautifully. Then off to climb the Sears Tower@2700 steps. Tomorrow I am going to go up and down the Eiffel Tower, that's 3500 steps round trip. Then I did the workout machine circuit. I hit it hard, it was good. Then my next class which was Craving Control, more about how to refocus when I get cravings for certain foods.(Thanks..Gold N Crisp in LG, I know a few of these pounds have come from you.) Then OMG...If anyone knows me, knows I don't dance too often or too well. I took Zumba a Latin Dance Class....Okay let me tell you I burned probably 500 calories in that class. Crazy stuff...Talk about shaking some A@@ I was... Fun and worthy...Then did some stretching and relaxation. Dinner was very good, Eggplant Rollantini, green beans and garlic bread and salad.

The day is over and I am tired, but feel great. This is an amazing experience and indeed a new beginning.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day Two...

Hello,

Day two was a success.

I woke up feeling well, no real soreness, which made me happy. Breakfast was oatmeal w/blueberries and fresh squeezed right in front of me orange juice. Thermal walk after breakfast, then got on the bike for 30 mins. First class of the day was "Ultimate Circuit" it was very good. You start in the Cardio Room(bike,treadmill and elliptical machine) then every two minutes you change to the Weight Room(all weight machines) for the Weight Machine portion. You do this for an hour. I liked it because it was fast. Get on a machine, give it hell and before you know it two minutes is up. Walk/Run across the hall and get a weight machine with the number on it. Then after that I had my first counseling session. This went well too. They took my blood when I got here and I got my results, all relatively normal. BP normal, cholesterol normal, triglycerides are on the high end of normal all in all I am healthy! We talked about what I wanted to accomplish here and I told him, I want to learn the lessons that they have to offer and take them home where I can continue the healthy transition. Next class was goal setting. I enjoyed Adam her is one of the Health/ Nutrition Staff. Nice guy. (Mike and Jo, he reminds me of Ken) Then lunch, pita with chicken salad w/ micro field greens and a chicken and rice soup.

After lunch is a Thermal Walk. They believe in walking just a bit (1 mile) after every meal. I actually liked it, the I went to Paris and climbed the Eiffel Tower. There is a machine here that is a recumbent stair master. On the machine it had a sign saying 1665 step to the top of The Eiffel Tower. I said what the hell let's see f I can do it. Yeah, I did it!!! Next class was "Exercise Prescription". What we need to do to continue to lose weight when we go home. 3 month and six months are the toughest. If you can be successful for 6 months you are 85% more likely to maintain your weight. Adam again. Then the next work-out was a machine circuit routine. I liked it too, but I hit it hard today. After this I was exhausted, came back to condo and slept through dinner. Woke up and ate some fruit I had here. They give us Metabo Meals three time a day. Keep the metabolism on an even keel. At home I would not think of snacks like this. New ah ha moment. I actually had several today. I already feel the difference. Can't imagine what I am gonna feel like on day 28, if this is only day 2.

Much Love,

Shanna

Day One...

Hey guys, it's been a hell of a day. I survived!

First, let me say the place is beautiful. I began my day at 7am for blood work. 7:30 breakfast 250 calories, oatmeal,pineapple,fritatta w/ goat cheese and coffee. Then off for what is called a Thermal walk. A quick mile outside on one of the many bike/waling paths they have. It's like a large gated community. I got lost coming back last night...so after the Thermal walk I did the "raising the bar" class, think 2009 Jane Fonda workout. Not too bad. Then right after that I did a "low impact" aerobics class . Then a snack. 100 calories. I had carrots and fat free blue cheese dressing. Then off for thermal walk. Next was the class on repairing self-esteem. Lunch was a turkey rueben and a salad and a veggie soup. 350 calories Next was another class on planning a healthy menu, that was cool. Then off to water aerobics "nautical noodle". Then cool down for dinner. Dinner was chicken Santa Fe with a squash mix and some green pea avocado mix Low fat guacamole and salad 350 calories. . Pretty good.. Then thermal walk and the day is over. I am tired but I feel pretty good. We will see if I can walk tomorrow. So far so good.

Much Love,

Shanna

Nervous, but excited....

On My way to South Carolina. Check in is at 4pm EST. I'm feeling very nervous and excited. Up and dressed with my game face on. Mom, I have make-up on. I will blog tonight. Hopefully with pictures of H3. OMG...I am really nervous... Wish me luck...

Pay it forward,

Shanna

Driving...

Hey guys,

I am getting ready to leave the hotel for the next leg of my tour of the southern states.

The drive went well yesterday, made great time. Hoping to make it to Georgia today.

Doing some school work then, I'm off to Georgia.

Pay it forward today,

Shanna

Off and Running!!!!

Here I go!

I will be on the road for he next two days. Wish me Luck and Safety!

Will blog as I get a chance, which I hope to be daily.

Holla!

Shanna

The Night Before...

This is for those of you that know me now and especially those that have known me my whole life.

To you guys, I love you and thanks for loving me for me. I have struggled my entire life with my weight. I have always been happy go lucky and usually the "life of the party". As I have gotten older the pounds just kept adding on and I watched myself gain weight and did nothing to save myself. I have lost and gained hundreds of pounds in my life. The struggle has always been to lose it and keep it off. My momma once told me I was born with a "fat soul" and she gave it to me, this is very true. In our house food was and still is Love. We eat to celebrate , we eat to mourn, we eat to reward. All my life, food has been such an integral part of who I had become. I love food, I love to cook food, serve food to my many wonderful friends and family throughout the years(I had to put the culinary degree to use somehow). So, now here I am the heaviest I have ever been and I have found that my "fat soul" is killing me, in more ways than one. My parents have been the biggest supporters of me, I cannot tell them thank you enough, but I will try and make them proud.

I am leaving in the morning, to go to a weight loss resort. Some people call them "Fat Farms"! Don't like the term but hey, what are you gonna do. Unfortunately, some people do judge the book by the cover, shame on them. So my New Journey begins tomorrow. I will be checking in on Sunday and will stay 28 days. I anticipate an attitude adjustment where food and exercise are concerned and so much more. I will be going to the beautiful state of South Carolina. I have never been, but I have heard it is beautiful. So, if I'm gonna have to literally work my ass off might as well do it somewhere beautiful. In a way this blog will be my way of sharing my experience with those that may be struggling with their own weight or just want some tips that I will be learning and passing on. Pay it forward, I say! Help someone change today, but change starts within first. "An empty vessel has none to give"

I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you all. I hope the message is clear. I am changing my life and it begins today. Won't you share the journey with me??? It's gonna be a long one!

P.S. The "Before" picture is really scary. But, I do look forward to the "After" picture much more.

Much Love,

Shanna

test from cellphone...

Test Run..

Hello,

This is a test.