First Good Experience!

Well today I tried Somya Resse recipe for a protein shake! Her website is www.missresse.com and she has a lot of weight loss information along with her video blogs! The shake was good and satisfying with lots of nutty flavor! The almond butter mixed with the oats taste good! I will definitely make this for breakfast from now on! If you choose to have the protein shake more than once you have to replace the almond butter with yogurt & fruit! Almond butter is for breakfast only! Try it and let me know how you like it or don't!
1/2 cup Lactose milk
1TB of Almond Butter/Organic
1TB of Oats (un-cooked)
1 Scoop of Whey Protein
Ice & Water
Blend & Enjoy!

Fresh Start!!!

Ok so today was my second Weight Watchers meeting and I enjoyed it! More people showed up than last time so that made it more interesting. This time I had a family member with me and the support was good given I am a newbie! So I weighed in with a 3.6 weight loss not what I was hoping for but it is better than going the other way! The meeting focus was to journal and commit to your lifestyle change. I found that journaling my meals through the week helped me in many ways. I was writing and keeping track and I began to notice my eating pattern, habits and reasons for why I felt the need to eat even when I was not hungry! So it was liturgic for me in a sense to track my progress! I began to see my "Rainbow" everyday in my meals & the planning of my meals! The rainbow effect means to see more colors on your plate which means more fruit & veggies! I challenged myself everyday to do that every meal every day and guess what I did. So now that I have shared why & when my weight loss journey started...we are on to the good stuff! See you on the Scale;-)

Go Get It

Go Get It

Crispy Veggie v.s. Fried Food

Baked Eggplant Cutlets

 That are perfect for a snack, for a skinny eggplant parm, an eggplant sandwich, or over a salad. They also make a great appetizer topped with a dab of ricotta and some marinara sauce. One of the tricks of keeping this crispy is making sure your eggplant slices are thin. Weight Watchers Baked Eggplant Cutlets
Points: 1 Weight Watchers PointsPlus
Servings: around 8
Serving Size: 2 eggplant cutlets
Nutritional Info: 48.7 calories, .5 g of fat, 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 2.6 g of protein
Ingredients
1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 egg whites
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and place a large baking sheet into the oven to preheat as well. This helps the eggplant to crisp up right away.
2. Mix together the breadcrumbs, oregano, rosemary, basil, and black pepper. Beat the egg whites and set aside.
3. Slice your eggplant into 1/4 inch pieces. Then sprinkle with salt and let sit for at least 5 minutes on paper towels. This will help remove some of the moisture.
4. Pull out the baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Dip the eggplant into the egg whites and then coat on both sides with the bread crumbs. Place onto the baking sheet. Repeat until all of the eggplant are done.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping half way through. Let cool for 2-3 minutes and enjoy!

Amazing Recipe!!

Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes

The cupcakes are back and this time as a yummy, portion controlled version of macaroni and cheese goodness.  (Is it strange that every time I read that line I keep singing the lyrics to My Boyfriends Back?)  These are perfect for an appetizer, meal with a simple salad, or party treat – switch up the cheese and veggies to create different flavor profiles – just don’t forget the egg which is the binding agent.  Yum.
Weight Watchers macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes
Points: 3 weight watchers pointsplus
Servings: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Ingredients
3 cups of cooked high fiber pasta (I used elbows)
1 cup cooked, drained spinach
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese*
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese*
1 cup 1% milk
1 egg
1 egg white
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 clove of crushed garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
*any of your favorite cheese would work and you can lower calories with reduced fat versions
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or cooking spray.  I prefer cupcake liners because they are easier to get out.
2.  In a small sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Slowly whisk in the flour to make a roux.  This will help thicken the sauce.
3.  Add in the milk and garlic bring it to just under a boil.  Slowly whisk in the cheese and continue to cook until the cheese sauce comes together.
4.  Pull the cheese sauce off the stove and mix in one egg and one egg white.   Adding eggs will help the cupcakes to stay together.
5.  In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spinach, cheese sauce, salt, and pepper.   Pour the mixture into your cupcake tin evenly.
6.  Bake for 10-15 minutes until the macaroni and cheese cupcakes get brown on the top.  Enjoy as a great lunch, fun appetizer, and treat!
Shortcut: Don’t have time to make the cheese sauce?  Instead you can just mix the cheese, milk, garlic, egg, and egg white into the pasta just after it was cooked and it is still warm.  The cheese will just begin to melt.  Stir in the spinach, salt, and pepper and then bake.  The texture will be a little less creamy but they are just as delicious!

A Inspiration To Me!! Health & Many Other Ways!

Jennifer Hudson Weight Loss

Jennifer Hudson weight loss has been much talked about. Her slim physique left many curious about how she was able to achieve the amazing transformation.
Award-winning recording artist and actress Jennifer Hudson first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the third season of American Idol in 2004.
According to Hudson, she was not conscious of her weight until her appearance on the said show. Hudson once mentioned in an interview that she did not even know she was considered plus-sized until she came to Hollywood.
“I thought I was the perfect size,” said Hudson, now a spokesperson for Weight Watchers, a weight loss program which helped the star lose 80 pounds.

Jennifer Hudson Weight Loss: Adjusting To A Healthier Lifestyle

Growing up in a neighborhood where people were mostly her size, Hudson never considered herself to be overweight; however, in preparation for American Idol auditions, she did lose some weight. After American Idol, Hudson continued to live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising.
By maintaining a healthy diet and regular workout, she was able to shed the pounds she was asked to gain for her role in Dream Girls. However, it was Hudson’s pregnancy and the birth of her son that ultimately inspired her to lose weight. “I wanted to set a good example for my son,” said Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson Weight Loss: New Habits & Weight Watchers

Jennifer Hudson started off walking 30 minutes a day, which she said was at least better than sitting on a couch. Eventually, she began doing daily workouts involving:

• 1 Hour of Cardio
• 1 Hour of Resistance Training
• 4 Sets of Push-Ups
• Leg Squats
• Sit-Ups

Hudson admits that she has tried many kinds of diets, but it was with Weight Watchers that she saw results. In fact, she credits Weight Watchers for her weight loss transformation.
Weight Watchers provides different products and services that help people lose and maintain their weight. The group’s main approach is weight loss through the formation of healthy habits, eating smarter and exercising more.

Jennifer Hudson Weight Loss: Weight Watchers Portion & Points System

Weight Watchers is mainly about portion control and no food is off limits.
It follows a point-based system. The program works by giving a number of points that the person is allowed each week, and different food have corresponding points. Unhealthy food takes up more points, while healthy food takes up less.
This system encourages the person to eat less sugary or greasy food and more fruits and vegetables. Weight Watchers holds classes every week, during which people are educated on how to eat better and are provided with a support system that motivates them to stick to their diet.
It was with the Weight Watchers program, as well as regular workouts with her personal trainer and motivator, Harley Pasternak, that Jennifer Hudson was able to drop from a size 16 to a size 4!
She has since written a book entitled I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, and has been quoted saying, “I’m prouder of my weight loss than my Oscar!”
Jennifer Hudson Weight Loss is truly an inspirational story that will enlighten many on one of the many ways anyone can safely lose weight, be fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Master Cleanser Recipe - How To Make The Lemonade

Master Cleanser Recipe - How To Make The Lemonade

Somaya Reece - Weight loss tips that work (protein shakes & eating habits)

Hair We Go!!!

I'm A Go Getter Baby
For the past couple of week I have been working with this new hair company "GoGetter Beauty" hair company! My first experience with wearing hair extensions ordered from online has been a great one. I have YouTube friends whom make a living reviewing all types of hair from different hair companies. I just found out about this so I guess I'm sally come lately when it comes to online ordering! 
I was excited when my UPS man showed up and I cracked that black box open and started playing with my two packs of long soft Remy hair. The plus side to side to wearing my slamming hairstyles I get to sell the hair and make money also. I'm not looking to be a YouTube guru when it comes to hair but I found a new business by the owner finding me online! Love me some Seth***
I love this Remy because it's soft as butter and from straight to curls and back again it still lays soft down my back 18inches and all.  I don't know what fabulous new do I'm going to wear next but knowing me it will be stunning and I'm ready to help you get yours!!


Visit my site on GGB and find your next hairstyle and/or business venture!
www.gogetterbeauty.com/jdwill

Week One!

Meetings .vs. Online
Before becoming pregnant with Josiah I was using Weight Watchers Online and I lost 15 pounds before learning we were Blessed with having another baby! So I know what I'm getting with the online program and the e-tools are great by the way. Today was my first time ever attending a ww meeting and it was better than I thought. I weighed in and received tons of information plus coupons on some ww foods. I am excited and look forward to sharing this journey with you! The Points Plus program is fun and yes you have to do some counting on a daily to not go over your points! One of my favorite new gadgets is my Points Plus Counter....three simple input of numbers and you know how many points each meal/snack is. You will know every day if you went over or under and you can use it with any food!

I'M COUNTING POINTS BABY!!!

Last Stork Visit (~_~)

No More Labor & Delivery
Baby Josiah is here and I am ready to WORK IT OUT!!! He is amazing and a healthy little boy with a heart warming smile now I have to get back into shape for our family vacation.

No More Diaper Duty

No April Fool
Noah Matthew was born December 21st of 2008 during a freezing ice storm Michigan was having that year! He was the joy in my life and he brought life to our home as he reached new milestones as he got bigger. Of course by now my two loves of my life turned into a preteen and a teenager and no longer needed me! I was only good for feeding them and running them places and money to go somewhere. Funny how they will turn on you! Noah was finishing up his potty training and we were officially off diaper duty! (Wait For IT)
I started to work out three sometimes four times a week & my love for creating new recipes was growing with every delicious meal. Thinking my body was just reacting to my intense workouts I paid no attention to ummmm a monthly cycle not showing up! Sleep on the sofa I woke up like a burglar was in the house...."I haven't had my period" wow better make a appointment. Not able to sit still and wait that long I drag baby daddy down to Planned Parent Hood with me and had a test done that day! For some reason the lady was taking to long to come back in leaving me with a lot of time to talk to God and get on the same page if you know what I'm saying! So she comes in with these papers and starts talking about different programs they offer and prenatal vitamins....wait wait wait lady you did not say what I need to hear first.  Me:Umm so my test was positive"....in her happy & perky voice "oh yes now let's get your due date"!! I almost hit the floor(^o^) 

We found out on April 1st....No April Fools & no more working out!!! 

On Again Off Again

To Eat Or Not To Eat (That Is The Question)

I dropped weight here and gain weight there through out the years and I dealt with it in different ways! I tried weight loss pills, slim fast, soup diets, no carb, fast & master cleanse you name it! Why was I doing all this to keep that "fat" girl from coming back! What was so bad about her anyway? After years of searching I learned nothing was wrong with heavier Juantoria other than the health issues. So I learned how to buy, cook and eat clean foods. I learned the power foods and what they do to your body and why they are needed everyday. I drank my gallons of water a day, walked every where, moved across country and drop down to 175  my lowest weight. I moved back home found a new house and started over "again" being I had this new me going on! Going out to eat with me was like a Oprah Life Class...lol. I drove my family and friends crazy with grams of fat, fiber intake, trans & saturated oils, how much this and not enough that information. It was like shut up and eat already!! After those holidays were over they wanted my information then and wanted to workout with me. I loved helping others with their weight issues at whatever stage they were in because I knew what it was like! New Year New Me!!!

Blessings After The Storm

God Is Good
After all the madness & scarey thoughts about the future had subside, I continued to have a pretty normal pregnancy. Born on May 12th was my not so little bundle of joy, Quinton weighed in over 8 pounds with lungs that could fill the heavens!! I went on to have my only girl Theresa in 1998 again high risk but still pretty normal pregnancy! Only to find out five months after her birth I was pregnant again with twins! Yes I was busy to put it mildly! 
One night after celebrating a wedding in our family a couple of my cousins & I decided to go riding around. It was warm outside and the streets were full of people enjoying the weekend. I remember sitting at a light waiting for it to turn green but it seem like a lifetime before it did. I turned into a close by gas station and as I turned my life took another turn as well. Before pulling all the way into the open lot a red convertible full of drinking teenagers slammed into my car, causing my body to hit the steering wheel. Screams and horns rang in my ears so loud I blacked out for a minute.  (RAN A RED LIGHT-DRUNK-KEPT GOING..YEA HE WAS ARRESTED)!!
Rushed to the emergency not in too much pain I figured everything would be just fine. Test were ran and information was given to hospital staff & the police! Ok so the doctor comes in and says "we need to put you upside down"...huh? They were trying to save my twins from being born. I spent a couple of days in the hospital & one late night a pain set in like no other and the bed was full with blood. All the running around and quick prep this and giving me meds could not stop Gods Will from being done! Within the hour my twins (girls) were sent back to heaven.

At this time I didn't put on weight I lost a lot actually from being depressed & mad at the world! Then I started to remember I had two other children to live for and they were still here and they needed me! I had a loving support system and that made the healing easier! I still had my Quinton & Theresa and we were going to be just fine!! ~Juantoria

Surprise!!!

Recovery With A Twist
Fast forwarding to the next year and past all the doctors visits and red tape it takes to be approved for surgery! I showed up to the hospital early that morning with the support of my parents and father of my oldest and first born son! I weighed in that day before being prepped for surgery at a never forgetting weight of 315 pounds, and that was obese considering my age and height of 5'5! Ok I go home after a couple of days of monitoring not like now where they send you home the next day! I'm glad I had my surgery when I did because nowadays they send you home too quick in my opinion. Now it's October and I'm laying in bed after cleaning up and trying to go to sleep. I remember this day like yesterday....I felt a little flutter continued flutter going on in my belly. I went and told my mother what was going on, I was still living at home then and man was I scared. 
My mother trying to come up with some logical reason for why I was having these feelings had come up with everything from hernia to tumors! I remember her saying "you can't be pregnant because you just had your surgery", and me thinking of course not! So I took not one, not two but three pregnancy test because Quinton (my son) dad freaked out and came back with more than one test. I picked up all three and ran into my mothers room..."they all are positive" I said with this numb feeling in my throat!! My parents looked at me and looked at each other and started laughing. What was so funny I still don't know to this day but I was not laughing at all. If I was pregnant how far could I be because again I had surgery a couple of months ago. So I get an emergency appointment and there he was this face looking at me on a ultrasound picture! That's right...I was 2 1/2 months pregnant when I had my surgery!!! Being cut open for hours, having pain medication for a while, not being able to eat for weeks (no solids), losing weight fast all this ran constant through my mind! 
Was this child going to be ok and was I going to be able to carry him full term? ~Juantoria

Beginning Of A End

Here Is The Skinny On The Big Girl
I was about 18 when I noticed that yes I was a big beautiful girl with a eye for fashion and a love for my signature red hair styles, but ummm I was also the "fat" girl! I could dance, sing, do hair & make-up, and make the room laugh (not at my expense mind you) and cook my butt off for any and every occasion! The year of graduation my colors for prom were red & white and for a girl my size it had to be fabulous and no expense spared. I thought I was the bomb.com and that I brought it baby! To my surprise the day the seniors returned to school everyone dresses were being talked about. All I remember what was said about my dress was "HEY KOOL-AID" which was a popular commercial back then. I was surprised "no they couldn't be calling me fat", but yes they were my supposedly friends and all!! Wait a minute I'm the one everybody loves!! 
This is where things start to change some for the good and some for the not so good! My decisions in the next twelve months would impact me and my family for the rest of my life. I was always given things by my parents, we really didn't have to work hard for our rewards. I was a good student so that was not a issue for me. My mother spoiled us all and continues to do so to this day:-) Yes I'm a spoiled 35 year young women...lol!! I say this because I want you to understand why I choose my next step in my weight loss journey. 
Instead of working out and eating right I'm going to have a quick surgery and be done with this fat girl non-sense. At that time in my life the gastric bypass was popular Rosanne Barr & singer Carnie Wilson were doing great and I wanted a quick, dramatic change like them and everything would be fine.
Surgery Table Here I Come!! ~Juantoria