Update

Quick check in this evening to share a recipe and talk about work, new goals and what is going on.

Work yesterday went well. It is definitely going to be tough getting used to working again, but I think after about a week I'll start getting into a groove. The machine I am going to be on is a lot more active than the others, so I'll be burning tons of calories all day- definitely an added bonus to the new job! I am SUPER happy about that!

I have decided to stop weighing myself for a couple of weeks. The next time I plan to weigh myself is May 18. It is just too stressful. I hate not seeing a lot of change (weight wise)! It is so discouraging. Whats crazy is that im not seeing a lot of weight loss, but I am seeing inches lost finally. Today I measured myself and I have lost an inch on my hips, and inch on my waist, an inch on one thigh and 3/4 on the other, and about a half of an inch on my shins. :) So, I am seeing changes physically, which is nice... I am definitely going to focus on that rather  than the scale for a while. The other change I am enjoying is the change in my fitness. I am definitely improving in all aspects of my "in shapeness" including cardio and strength. SO - I am going to focus on positive changes and hopefully on the 18th Ill see big changes on the scale too.

The other thing I am going to do is give up candy again until JT gets here (and possibly beyond). I just don't need it and if I make a commitment to give it up I WILL. So, now I am committed to all of you! :)

Now I am going to share a recipe with you. I read a blog called Keeping It Clean 
(The blog is linked to its name) Anyways, she has a great recipe for some protein bars. My friend Melanie made them  and LOVED the taste, but said they got a little dry in the fridge. She did change the recipe a bit so it may have been her changes or maybe you just have to eat them quickly? Not sure - they sound great though so I think they are worth a try!

J&J (Jim and Jamie) Protein Bars
Ingredients:

1 cup Whole Wheat Flour (or Oat flour)
4 Egg Whites
2 scoops Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
½ cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
½ tsp Baking Soda
¼ tsp Salt
8oz Gerber's Organic Berry and Banana Blend baby food
3 tbsp unsweetened baking Cocoa
1/2 cup Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal oats
1/3 cup slivered almonds
4oz Water

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients (oat flower, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, salt, baking cocoa) together in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients (egg whites, Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal, Berry flavored Baby Food,Water) together in a medium sized bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together.  Add oats, chocolate, and almonds.
5. Spray cooking dish with a non stick butter spray and add batter to dish.
6. Bake 20-30 minutes in oven.

Makes 16 squares, serving size is 2 bars.

Calories per 2 bars: 200 
Carbs: 28 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Protein: 14 grams
Fiber: 6 grams

If any of you make them let me know how they come out and if they get too dry for you too.

Besides not weighing myself (don't know if I said this already in my last blog or not) but I started half-marathon training this week - I know I said I was going to wait for next week, but I did all but one of the runs this week and decided I will start with week 2 Monday. I did a 3 mile run  today and will do 5 miles tomorrow. :) Should be fun! lol! I am using the Hal Higdon plan for training. It is the same program I used last time I ran a half and I felt very prepared.

Alrighty, headed to bed - please feel free to share some recipes, links, information, successes etc... I love the comments and feedback! thanks for reading!