How to comment

I've had quite a few people ask me how to leave a comment and my answer has been, "I have no clue!!" I don't know why blogger had to make it so stinkin difficult. Sorry it's taken me this long to help you guys out but I am a little technology challenged. Praise be to Jesus I finally figured it out though. I promise after the first time you comment it will be EASY from then on out. If you are NOT using a mobile phone or iPad you may skip to step 3. Okay here we go...

1. If you are using your mobile phone your screen will look like this. 

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and hit view web version. 

3. In the top right corner of the web version you will see a button that says sign in. Click or tap that button. 

4. You will now be prompted to sign in your google (gmail) account. Make sure to check the stay signed in box (optional)...that way you can comment without having to sign in each time you view the blog. 
*If you don't have a gmail account you will have to create one, then log out and follow these steps again*

5. When you get to the blogger screen you'll see a button on the left hand side that says Add. Click or tap that button. 

6. In the box that says "Add from URL" type...
www.eaglewithanappetite.blogspot.com
Then hit the orange button that says follow.

7. Eagle with an appetite will now be added to your reading list. 

8. Exit out of this screen. 

9. Now when you view posts I've made you'll be able to comment without having to login. Simply type and hit publish. 

I know this is A LOT of work just to post a comment guys. So thank you for being being patient and I can't wait to hear what y'all have to say!

Weigh In Wednesday

Y'all when I woke up this morning I could barely move. I was sore all over!! As promised, Sarah and I have been busting our boodies this week. Monday we worked legs and did about 25 minutes worth of cardio at the gym. Tuesday we went to the YMCA track and jogged/walked two miles. We were going to do more but there is a HUGE difference in running outside vs. inside on a treadmill. We were drenched in sweat and when I ran parts of my body jiggled I didn't even know I had. Even if you don't have a gym membership you can get an AWESOME workout for free by just getting outside. Maybe that's why I am down 16.8 pounds today!!!! Like how I snuck that in there?!?! 

Do you know why I have been doing so well? MY READERS...I know I was shocked someone besides my family actually read my blog too! But seriously just this week I have gotten several messages on Facebook and a couple texts that have been such an encouragement and gave me a reason to keep going. Someone told me I was the reason they starting exercising. Me?!?! Really?!?! Another reader said that my post about self esteem hit really close to home for them. They thanked me for being so honest because they too struggle with this issue. I also had a friend text me and say they put their baby in the stroller and went for jog around their neighborhood. Wow!!

I saw this quote on mamalaughlin's blog...
WOMEN inspire each other, GIRLS compete with each other.

Guys wether we know it or not what we say and do has a huge impact on those around us. You never know what is going on in someone's life. All they may need is a kind word. When I was running around the track Tuesday I thought about each one of those emails and texts and told myself, "Don't you dare give up keep running they're counting on you." So guys thank you! Your emails and texts have helped ME more than you'll ever know.

Yesterday Taylor and I were in Valdosta shopping and I saw soooo many cute clothes. For the first time in a while I was excited and it motivated me even more. I have an entire side of my closet devoted to clothes that don't fit. How depressing is that every time you walk in your closet?! A couple months ago I had given up all hope and was finally ready to bag them up to donate. I had pretty much determined that I was fat and that no matter how much I tried it didn't matter. I was ready to give in. I no longer enjoyed date nights with the hubs because I didn't feel pretty no matter what I put on. He never said anything but I know he knew. I'm not saying that being pretty should be all you're about but when you feel good about yourself you can be yourself. 

Taylor and I split a kids meal in the mall 

Around 175 pounds
UnChu, Me and Kelly 

Determined for that dress to fit again!!

Can I tell you a secret I've learned on this journey so far? It doesn't matter how much money you make or where you live that makes you. It is 100% how YOU feel about you. When you wake up each morning YOU determine how your day will go. Will you choose to be happy? Will you choose to be bitter? Can I tell you that some things had happened in my life and I was turning into a bitter person. I kept hoping for the day I would be skinny, we would have a house, a baby and more money. I was never satisfied. I truly believe God had to break me so I could see just how blessed I was. Is my life perfect? Far from it but even when I feel all alone, discouraged and like I can't make it another day I have someone who will listen.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Delta Chi shout out

Alright so I've decided to surprise the hubs and make him a blanket using all of his fraternity t-shirts from college. He has literally begged me to do this for years but I've put it off. ONE because I like to steal those shirts and wear them and TWO because it's a huge undertaking. Well in my opinion it's a huge undertaking. My friend Kelly can whip one together like Channing Tatum is waiting to be covered up with it. Since I'm no longer going to need my husbands t-shirts to hide in I thought what better time to start this project?! 

Taddies went with me to Hobby Lobby for material

Ya'll I love to do arts and crafts but honestly I'm scared crapless (I would use the other word but Mama DON'T play and she reads my blog) to cut Chris's Delta Chi t-shirts! What if I mess them up? It's not like he can get anymore. That's why this morning I called Mrs.Joy. She is the mother of our good friend John who passed away last year. She made two quilts for him that are A. MAZ. ING...they're even quilted! She can literally do anything. Her home is absolutely beautiful and she made all the drapes, pillows etc. Mrs. Joy is no joke talented!! 

This project is going to take me a while but it got me thinking about Delta Chi at Georgia Southern. The story behind this fraternity is actually pretty dang cool! All of the hubs best friends were Delta Chi's as was he. So let's rewind the clock to 2002 and let me tell you a story of five extremely eligible bachelors...

Once upon a time in far away land called Statesboro lived five studdly young men. These gents were like no others in the land. For not only were they handsome they were also royalty, executive board royalty,in the kingdom of Delta Chi. Together these founding fathers started ceremonies and traditions that would be passed down from brother to brother for many years. Hundreds of fair maidens swarmed the gates of the castle in hopes of being courted by one these charming princes one day. 

Del Tiki-Everett, Pete, John, Rusty,
Chris...not sure where Rookes was 

Winter Ski Trip-Pete, Rookes, Chris and Rusty 

They are all still just as crazy today...but with less hair!!

That last part may have been a stretch!! But in all seriousness Delta Chi is where Chris made lifelong friends that he can call anytime day or night and they will be there. Even though they try to act all manly they love one another like true brothers. The best part is that by being married to one of them I have also met some gals I like to refer to as my "besties". We have all been friends for so many years that we are more like a family. Sometimes we even fight with one another like siblings do. But let someone mess with one of us and it's on.

My "besties"-Lacy, Kelly, Me, UnChu, Krisi 

All of our lives have changed so much since our Georgia Southern Days. I can't wait for football season to get here so we can see each other more and root for the EAGLES!! 

Lacy, Me, UnChu, Kelly 

YES you CAN eat out

After being gone for an entire week and having absolutely no groceries at my house we ended up eating fast food 3 times this weekend. We also went to a dinner party and VBS started Sunday night. Normally that would have killed any diet I was trying to stick to but this time I rocked it. You really can eat out and make smart decisions. It's just about the choices you make. I'm learning to order a kids meal or only eat half. You still get something you want and actually the kids meal is a normal portion size for an adult female. 

Dinner party outfit
top-JcPenny 

Chris and I have 16 middle schoolers
at VBS but that age group is so fun!

During the week we usually eat at home but on the weekends we eat out dang it. Who doesn't? In the past I would do so well during the week and then fall to pieces when my routine was messed up on the weekend. I would say, "Well I'll start again Monday." That's crazy! You have to live your life and apparently the "I'll start Monday" scenario was NOT working for me. I don't know about you (but I'm feeling 22?!...that silly Taylor Swift) but I'm not going to sit there and just watch as everybody else eats...that's nuts! Do you think all these little skinny people just watch everyone else eat? Maybe...haha

Zax Kid's Finger Meal is 570 calories including the
Zax sauce...without sauce 390!! That tiny little sauce
contains 180 calories!! Crazy girl say what?!?!

Saturday at Firehouse subs I ordered a medium Italian sub with no mayo. It's my fav and I can't even tell there is no mayo on it because it has so much flavor. The entire sub is 560 calories but I only ate half and a couple baked chips. Not too bad for around 300 calories. In the PAST I would have eaten the entire sub, added a bag of BBQ chips (210 cal) and a regular coke (390 cal). Now we're now talking more like 1,160 calories. Y'all I used to eat like this ALL the time and then I'd go home and eat something sweet on top of that then dinner later. No wonder I felt like crap all the time!

At Wendy's Sunday after church I ordered a cheeseburger kids meal and ate the entire burger (290 cal) because I was hungry. But then I only ate a couple of my fries. This is starting to become a habit. A good habit that I want to continue. At first the hubs was like, "That's all you're gonna eat?!" It was such a change that he didn't know what to think. But now that he sees what a difference it's making in OUR life he says, "I'm proud of you." 

Wore my new Premier necklace Sunday. If you've
never hosted a party you should. Fun girls night! 

Y'all if I can do this ANYBODY can! Is it hard? Heck yeah but feeling like I feel today is worth not eating a tub of ice cream. Being able to button my pants and fit into shirts I haven't worn in months is worth it! I heard this saying and it stuck...
If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not you'll find an excuse.
Isn't that so true y'all? 

I usually only cook two times a week and the other two we eat leftovers. I used to try and cook something different every night but "ain't nobody got time for dat" (Youtube-Sweet Brown). Let me also tell you that Chris is probably the pickiest eater ever! It's like having a husband with the taste buds of a five year old. Although I have gotten him to venture out a little. So this week here is what we are having...
Monday and Wednesday:
-Doritos Soft Tacos and/or Salad
Tuesday and Thursday:
-Spinach Meat Loaf, Mashed Cauliflower and Roasted Carrots
-Friday and Saturday:
Out to eat! 

I buy some "special" things just for me but I mostly eat whatever the hubs eats. I just watch my portion size and I substitute ingredients with lower cal equivalents. I'm usually sneaky and wait until after we have eaten, then I tell what I substituted. If my man child can't tell the difference that's saying a lot! 

Rusty (one of Chris's best friends), Man Child and Kelly 

Self Esteem

I've been debating on if I was ready to share my thoughts about self esteem with you guys. Because honestly I really have a hard time with this. But then I realized the whole point of this blog is to be REAL and not sugar coat things. I want to inspire and help others and being REAL is the only way to do that.

So let me just start by saying that I think MY weight affects me every single day. It determines the way I treat others, how others treat me and how I live my life. When I'm overweight I feel like I'm in a shell and don't want to come out. Do I have a great husband? Yes. Do I have a job I enjoy? Yes. Has God blessed my family beyond anything I deserve? Yes. Do I love myself and feel worthy of others love when I'm overweight? No.

When I started writing this blog I had stopped taking care of myself. Sure I got dressed and pretended to be happy when I had to but deep down I hated myself. I was so embarrassed of the weight I had gained that I didn't even want to go spend time with friends. I just wanted to be at home in my pajamas and not see or talk to anyone. I stopped posting ANY pictures of myself on Facebook because I didn't want people to know what a failure I was for gaining such a tremendous amount of weight.

One night I woke up at like three in the morning. I went to the bathroom, sat on the floor and just cried like a baby. This sounds so vein but I prayed that God would please just give me the strength to get this weight off. I told him I hated myself and was so tired of feeling inferior. I was tired of trying to go above and beyond to get
people to like me because I didn't like me. I literally sat there and cried for thirty minutes.

Right now I have tears in my eyes typing this because it is something I have struggled with for so many years. If you've never been overweight then it probably makes no sense but if you have you understand exactly what I'm talking about. This sounds crazy but I promise it's like I heard God say, "You only have to please me." After that I had a peace come over me like nothing I've ever felt. I knew that God was going to help me but I had to put my all into it and glorify him through it.

Now you may be thinking, God doesn't care about what people weigh and you've lost you're mind. But guys actually it does matter to him. Now let me back that by saying God loves you wether you are a size 16 or 6 and the number on a scale could NEVER change that!! But it truly is God's will that we take care of our bodies and live a happy life.

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Aganist such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Since that night I have felt alive and with each pound I lose I am finding myself again. I am watching what I eat, exercising and taking care of myself.  Am I perfect? No way but I'm taking it a day at the time. If the entire reason for this journey was to help just one person that really needed to read this then it was a success.

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.
-Author unknown

Still kickin it in ATL

Y'all it has been one busy week! From Saturday until Tuesday I was in Florida on vacation,Tuesday night I was back at home in south GA and Wednesday morning I took off to Atlanta for my work conference. I am a traveling beast. Let's pray my little hondie makes it cause I've worn that little car out over the years.

Alrighty so let me you catch you up on what's been going on here in A.T.L...For lunch on Thursday I met one of my besties Kelly for lunch atMoe's. Welcome to Moe's!!! Sorry I had to say it. If you've eaten there you get. Anyway, Kelly and I had such a great time catching up and laughing. I miss that girl and I don't get to see her enough. We both ordered a Moo Moo which is the kids meal. She's one of those skinny girls so she always eats  and orders like this. It was actually her idea to order a kids meal. Don't you hate people like that?! I normally order a big fat burrito with a cheese dip. I looked up the calories for my Moo Moo and to my surprise it was only 268 calories. Being able to eat small portions of what I want is really working. Why in the heck I've starved myself an ate cardboard to lose weight in the past I don't know. 

Say Moo Moo

Soooo good!! I controlled myself and only ate 1/4
of my chips. That was harder than college!

Outfit of the day...
dress-target, denim jacket-old navy,
michael kors bag-tj maxx

Thursday night I met three of my besties at Chateau De Nails in Roswell. This place is adorbs! Inside it  has pink walls, chandeliers, wooden floors, candles burning, girlie pillows on the the sofas and...get this, you wipe your hands with a fresh white towel every time you use the sink!!  Y'all you don't get that everywhere this place is legit. Laura and I both got gel nails while Lacy and Unchu (Ninja mommy-she's Korean and pregnant) got pedis then we switched. I LOVE gel nails. They stay pretty for so much longer than regular polish. 

Laura say cheese!

UnChu and Lac

After we got rid of our grocery store feet we walked across the street to Nona for dinner. It was so nice outside so we sat on the patio and ended up staying for a couple hours.We have all been friends for years and it's like we have never even had time apart when we get together.

I ended up ordering a salad with grapes, fancy cheese, pecans and a maple bacon vinaigrette. It was amazing and I actually wanted a salad which was shocking. I think one good decision leads to another, and another and another. I hated saying goodbye to my girls but it was already close to 10 PM. We had such a good time and I miss them!

Today was LONG! I woke up at 6 AM, got dressed and headed to the conference for ServSafe training from 8AM-5PM. That's such a long time in a classroom learning about internal temps of food, cross contamination, regulations etc. but our instructor was awesome and really nice. I also learned so much information I had never heard. So all in all it was worth it. I ended up making a 92 on my test..whoop, whoop and thank ya Jesus! 

Time for teacher clothes again

Conference food...womp, womp :o(

My favorite part about conferences are the vendors. When you walk through there are all these educational booths. One minute I'm looking at text books and then out of the corner of my eye I see purses, necklaces, scarves and then this happens... 

They are so cute though

For dinner Unchu and Steve picked me up and we headed to what Unchu refers to as "Korean BBQ". It was so cool and I got to hear Unchu speak Korean for the first time. These two are probably some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in your life. They are also expecting a baby that Unchu calls her "gummy bear". It's going to be the cutest little white Asian ever! 

Steve has his eyes closed...haha

Tomorrow morning my conference will end and I'll head back home. I've had such great time here in the A.T.L. but I'm ready to see my hubbie. I miss him and our little Sadie cat opotamus. Maybe I can get back in my routine. Gonna hit the the gym hard this coming week y'all! Promise

My GSU days...

I graduated from Georgia Southern in 2008. My major was Family and Consumer Sciences Education. I am now going on my 6th year teaching high school post college...scary! This past year I taught Culinary Arts for the first time ever. It has definitely been a huge learning experience but I now love it. 

Best Alumni around!!

In my opinion GSU has the best education program around. By the time you graduate you have been in a public school classroom for 3 semesters. My last semester I student taught in Screven county with Mrs. Ayers. I adore her and she's the reason I survived my first year teaching.

Last summer I became certified to teach Culinary Arts through the Culinary Institute of America. Let me just tell you those were some long days but OMG at everything I learned! Our Chef instructor was
from New York and got such a kick out my southern bell accent. For our final test grade we had to teach knife skills in the form of a presentation. I rewrote the lyrics to "Teach me how to Dougie" into
"Teach me howda Cuttie". It was pretty dang hilarious seeing those teachers faces when I started white girl rapping. 

So long story short, teaching Culinary I am ALWAYS around food and if I'm not around it I'm talking about it. But ya know what, I'm determined to not let that get in my way. I am actually going to use

it to my advantage and experiment with healthy recipes/healthy substitutions. By the end of this weight loss journey I'm going to be lookin like Giada de Laurentiis...haha 

I have an easy but yummy recipe to share for a stuffed pork loin. You can always add or take away to make it your own. Serve with rice pilaf or risotto, a veg and you're set. One 1/2 inch slice is around 270 calories vs. 350 calories without the low cal substitutions. This is delicious and soooooo worth the calories!!

Stuffed Pork Loin
-Pork Loin
-1 pack frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed)
-1 package light or reduced fat cream cheese (softened)
-1 cup lite mayo
-2 cups Italian bread crumbs
-Plastic wrap (to place over meat when pounding with meat mallet)
-Salt and pepper
-Meat mallet (or go all redneck on it and use a hammer if you don't have one)
-Butcher's twine

Split pork loin down the side like a sub roll (not all the way through), open and
cover with plastic wrap, pound with meat mallet until around 1/2 inch thick
and lightly salt/pepper both sides (take it easy on the salt because pork is naturally salty).
Mix spinach and cream cheese in a bowl. Then spread evenly over meat. 

Carefully roll pork loin and tie with butcher's twine.
Rub the outside with mayo (keeps meat from drying out). 

Roll in bread crumbs, wrap in tin foil and bake on
350 for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.