1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell *
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup (6 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream (optional) Directions
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.
BEAT eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.
BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
* If using frozen pie shell, use deep-dish style, thawed completely. Bake on baking sheet; increase baking time slightly.
You know I love me some makeup! But there is so much more to “looking (and feeling) Joli good” than just what we put on our faces every day.
What is a diet? Whether you are consciously on a “weight loss diet”or not, you still have a diet. A diet can easily be explained as the “set of food rules that you follow for yourself.” Most of us seem to want weight loss at one point or another in our lives. Is there a magic food formula? Unfortunately, still NO! We are not all genetically the same, so what is right for one person is not necessarily best for someone else.
While obesity is a major factor in a lot of diseases, it is better to focus on health at every size. Health should not just be a weight goal, but a lifestyle: lots of physical activity, regular meals, good social support. Instead of just focusing on weight loss, focusing on healthy outcomes such as less cancer, heart disease, and longer life with better quality.
Active obese people tend to live longer than skinny sedentary people.
Losing weight, while it is not easy, isn’t actually the hardest part. Maintaining that weight loss is trickier. Overly restrictive diets are hard to maintain. I am not saying that you have to change everything about your current diet, but sometimes just making small changes here and there make big differenced in the long run.
Studies have shown that something as simple as keeping track of your weight on a consistent basis helps with weight loss. As well, keeping a food journal can actually double your overall weight loss! I write down everything I eat, whether good or bad to keep myself accountable and aware of what I am actually eating. I think this is the #1 thing that has helped me to lose weight and I am hoping it will help me to maintain this weight loss in the future.
Think more about what is healthy to eat instead of all of what you should not be eating.
Most of us don’t overeat because we are hungry, we over eat because we are in the habit of overeating. Some times simple changes like putting the cookies and snacks away in the closet and instead having fruit and veggies easily accessible can make healthy dietary choices easier without being overly conscious of the change.
Moderation: less meat, more veggies, having fruit for dessert and skipping processed foods.
Also, leave room for flexibility! Make good choices 80% of the time and let yourself have a bit of indulge every once in a while. Healthy is a longterm lifestyle, not a short term quick fix.
Consistency is more important than perfection!
The first time I watched this video by Dr Mike Evens I started taking notes! I love the way that the vastness and confusion of “healthy eating” and “diets” is broken down into smaller bites (pun totally intended. :-))
Please take 15 minutes out of your busy day to watch this video!
“Dr. Mike Evans is a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. He is a Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and has an endowed Chair in Patient Engagement and Childhood Nutrition at the University of Toronto.
Written, Narrated and Produced by Dr. Mike Evans Illustrations by Liisa Sorsa Directed, Photographed and Produced by Nick de Pencier Editor, David Schmidt Story/Graphic Facilitator, Disa Kauk Production Assistant, Chris Niesing Director of Operations, Mike Heinrich”
You can also check out the other interesting health information he has on his website by clicking HERE.
I know I personally feel so much better overall when I eat healthier, not just physically but mentally as well. What do you think about overall health over weight?
If you would like to read more about my journey from flab to fab click HERE.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Combine the flour and sugar in a medium size bowl. Then cut the butter in with a pastry cutter or two forks, until it forms a crumb mixture. Then press down into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
For the caramel add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir an additional 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Pour over cooled shortbread bars. Allow to cool.
Once the caramel has become firm, mix the chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook in 15 second intervals, until the chocolate is melted. Then pour over the caramel layer and allow to set. May place in the fridge to help set faster.
Once the chocolate has hardened, cut into squares with a warm knife.
Go check out all the other awesome recipes at I Heart Naptime!
All food is not created equal. Unfortunately the two hundred calories from a Little Debbie Snack Cake are not equal to the 200 calories in steamed veggies. I really wish that this was not true! I really wish that my body would use the calories from desserts the same way it uses the veggies.
Despite having met my goal weight, I still have good days and bad days. Some days I want to eat an entire bag of skittles all by myself…the big bag, while other days I will stick to my healthy food plan no problem. The important thing is that I don’t let the mess up days keep me from being successful the next time.
I love them all, but the green ones are probably my favorite closely followed by the red ones.
I saw this video a while back and I love how it shows the comparison between the different foods. It perfectly shows how equal doesn’t mean equal!
Thank you for continuing to journey with me from flab to fab! If you would like to read more posts about this journey click HERE!
Free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)
Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body. It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training. Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?
Chest
Shoulders,
Abs,
Triceps
Quads
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with one minute of cardio in between the circuit repetition. Some of these things are harder to name/explain.
Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one
Warm-up
Alternating Swing Kicks
Speed Rope
Single Knee Thrusts Right
Alternating Swing Kicks
Speed Rope
Single Knee Thrusts Left
Circuit 1:
Bent Rows Wide Grip Heavy Weight (palms face forward)
Cross over Curtsy lunge with Bicep Curls with Medium Weight
Plank Rows with Heavy Weights
Super Mans with Light Weights
Cardio -1 minute Rock Star Jumps-repeat circuit 1
Circuit 2:
Stork Stance With a Low Row Right Leg
Reverse plank (I HATE this! You’ll feel this in the shoulders, lower back, arms, and glutes)
Stork Stance With a Low Row Left Leg
Cable press Heavy Dumbbell Curls, all the way up all the way down
Cardio -1 minute Plyo jump with knee grab-repeat circuit 2
Circuit 3:
Statue of Liberty Single Leg Squat with Reverse Fly (Medium Sized Weight in the left hand raise the left leg)
Lunge Chops Heavy Weight right leg (I hate lunges, but I love these!)
Statue of Liberty Single Leg Squat with Reverse Fly (Medium Sized Weight in the right hand raise the right leg)
Lunge Chops Heavy Weight opposite leg (I hate lunges, but I love these!)
Cardio -1 minute-Running Man-repeat circuit 3
Circuit 4:
Lat Pulls with a High Crunch medium weight
Reverse Crunch Hip Lift (don’t swing the legs!)
Windshield Wipers R/L
Swat Swimg with one medium weight (I love these, but you will feel them the next day!!!)
Cardio -1 minute- ZigZag Jumps-repeat circuit 4
Cool Down/Stretches
As usual I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, (Once again, I woke up in the middle of the night in pain because I rolled over and my muscles were so sore from the workout!) but thankfully, after that not much at all. I knew I was going to be sore, so I took motrin before going to bed. 🙂 I will write a detailed review of Cardio 2 soon. (I LOVE Cardio 2).
If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1-5 and Cardio 1 click HERE.
Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
I used to only bake cookies, now I bake (roast) vegetables. Both are absolutely delicious. My most recent favorites are cauliflower, eggplant, and sweet potatoes.
It is so simple! Here is how I make the sweet potatoes…
Preheat oven to 425
I slice a sweet potato thinly
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Spray a baking sheet with coconut oil
Bake at 425 until crispy for about 20-30 min flipping (and sampling) every 10 min.
I like mine to be extra crispy.
Another way to make them is to sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, it is so super delicious both ways!
I LOVE tacos! They are one of my absolute favorite meals. This casserole tastes like a taco and is so easy to make! I love how the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom make a nice crust. The refried beans and meat mix together with the cheese to make each bite taste like heaven.
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min.YIELD:4 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (use ground turkey for a healthier option.)
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper (personally I hate peppers, but if you like them, go ahead and add them!)
1 envelope taco seasoning (I prefer the lower sodium one)
1/2 cup water
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings: chopped lettuce and tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, sour cream and picante sauce
Directions:
1.In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Cook and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes; set aside.
2.Place chips in a greased 8-in. square baking dish.
3.In a small bowl, stir refried beans; spread over chips.
4.Top with beef mixture and cheese.
5.Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
6.Top with lettuce, tomatoes and olives. Serve with sour cream and picante sauce. Yield: 4 servings.
**Please see update below.
Did you think that I totally forgot about these? Nope, I didn’t! My sore muscles haven’t forgotten either!
Like workout 2, workout 4 is focused on the back of the body but has more compound movements than the earlier 2 workouts.
What will you need? exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)
While this phase is still meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?
Back
Biceps
Glutes
Hamstrings
Abs
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with one minute of cardio in between the circuit repetition.
Here is a breakdown of phase one workout four:
Warm-up
Butt Kicks
Single Leg Hip/Glute Stretch
Backwards Arm Circles
Repeat
Circuit 1:
Alternating forward Lunges
Static Squat with a Medium Row
Single Leg Deadlift with Upright Row
Opposite Leg Deadlift
Cardio -1 minute Plyo Skaters -repeat circuit 1
Circuit 2:
Side Lunge Bicep Curl
Bent Over Wide Row High and Wide
With arms holding weights strait up, step back with front knee down onto the ground into kneeling position back up to standing with weights lifted over the head the entire time (does that even make any sense? Trust me, it is super hard and not fun at all!)
Cardio -1 minute-Alternate step up/hops with weights-repeat circuit 2
Circuit 3:
Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight
Plank with alternating leg raise
Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight opposite side
Hollowman
Cardio -1 minute- Fast Feet-repeat circuit 3
Circuit 4:
Terry Pulls right side (looks easy, but if done correctly it is a lot harder that it seems)
Good Mornings with 2 heavy weights
Terry Pulls left side (not an ab move, think about the terry muscles that you are using.)
Swarms (crunch up and rotate touching your ankles.)
Cardio -1 minute-Jab Cross Hook Upper Cut Combo- repeat circuit 4
Cool Down/Stretches
Since I haven’t written about Body revolution in a while, I finished phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4. I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.
I will write a detailed review of Workout 2 and Cardio 1 soon.
Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB!
I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!
Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:
This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.
Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
I had a wonderful day filled with indulgence in lots of delicious foods that I haven’t allowed myself to eat in a while. Look at that Stuffed French Toast!!!
When I was younger I used to think that being “old” must be terrible. I was totally wrong!
So far I have appreciated life during my 30s so much more than I did in my 20s.
A lot of that appreciation has come with natural maturity as well as lessons that can only be learned through living life.
Beautiful flowers I got for my birthday from my husband and kids.
Here is a simple list of a few of the things I have learned during the first half of my thirties…
Always wear sunscreen!
That beautiful smooth skin will not stay smooth and beautiful for long. If you keep getting “just a little burn” everytime you’re out in the sun, it will turn into something less than beautiful as time goes on!
Exercise is so fun!
I hate to admit is, but before I was in my 30s, I didn’t see the necessity of daily activity/exercise. I’m glad that this is a lesson I learned at the beginning of my 30s, and I plan to continue with this healthy lifestyle.
I cannot eat whatever you want and stay thin/healthy!
I really wisht that this wasn’t true. Unlike the exercise lesson, this one I just recently really learned and I am glad that I have finally learned how to eat healthy.
The book is always waaaaaaay better than the movie! I didn’t start reading for pleasure until I was 31. It took me 31 years to realize that one of the most enjoyable things in my life could be found at the library!
Don’t say I don’t like a food until I have tried it.
I have always been a very picky eater! On my 30th birthday, we went out to a very fancy restaraunt for dinner. Instead of ordering the food “without this” or “with this instead of that”, I decided right then to for once just order it the way it was found on the menu. That meal was one of the best I have ever had, and itchanged my eating/ordering habits.
People are NOT against me, they are FOR themselves.
Stop and think about this one, this was an epic lesson!!! No one is actually working against me, they are working for what is best for themselves. It is not about you, it is always about them.
Stop doing things that make me unhappy.
I’m not talking about necessary responcibilities, I’m talking about the added stresses we put onto ourselves. If you don’t want to do it, just say no. Once you say “no” a few times it gets a lot easier to say.
Happiness is not determined by what is happening around you but instead by what is happening inside of you!
It is ok to distance myself from relationships that are not healthy.
We all have them, those people who we feel obligated to hang out with even though we don’t enjoy being around them. I refer to these people as fattning food/nap people. Because after spending time with them I feel like I need to eat something fattening and take a nap. Just because you have known someone for several years doesn’t mean that you have to stay “close” friends. If you feel depressed and tired after spending time with someone, it is time to let that relationship go! I always tell my children, you can still be kind to someone without having to be best friends.
It is ok to be afraid, just don’t let fear be the thing that controls me.
Be motivated by your fear to to things that make you uncomfortable. Some things are not as scary as you may think they are. You’ll be amazed at how strong you really are when your fear is faced and overcome. II Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
These are some of the lessons that stick out in my mind. I am sure that there are lots and lots more, but I will save those for another post. I’m so glad that every day is an opportunity to start over and learn new lessons!
Way back when Pinterest was brand new and there weren’t too many people that used it yet, I pinned this easy crockpot potato soup from Pearls Handcuffs and Happy Hour. As we all know, Pinterest has really taken off and it has been a huge blessing to bloggers of all kinds.
I have made this soup so many times, and ever time I make it I love it just as much! Very simple, very delicious. Perfect for dinner on cold winter days!
Photo credit goes to Pearls Handcuffs and Happy Hour
In a crockpot, combine everything EXCEPT for the cream cheese.
Cook for 6-8 hours on low heat.
About 1 hour before serving, add cream cheese and keep heated until thoroughly melted.
Serve with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions (Sometimes if I have leftover ham I will cut it up and add it into the soup, ham is my favorite!)
If you would like to read the original posted recipe on Pearls-Handcuffs-Happyhour click HERE
I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good
What will you need? exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)
While this phase is still meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?
I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram 
Looking Joli Good 