Coupons.com: Torani Syrup, Silk Almond Milk, AND More!

Coupons.com looks like they have some pretty good coupons avaliable to print.  The Silk Almond Milk I very rarely see a coupon for and I really like this product.  The Silk Unsweetened is very good in smoothies and protein shakes. 

 



 

$0.75/1 half gallon Silk Pure Almond Milk

$2/2 half gallons Silk Pure Almond Milk

 

 

 

 

$1/1 on any flavor Torani bottle of coffee syrup

 

 

 

 

 

$1/1 package of Jennie-O Turkey Meatballs 

 

 

$2/4 PowerBar ProteinPlus Bars
* Last week I got two CVS coupons from the coupon machine for a Buy 2 get 1 free on PowerBars!  (I didn't price them though)

$1/2 Hormel Pepporoni Packages
* Good on the turkey pepporoni!

$0.55/1 Hormel Naturla Choice Deli Sandwich meat, chicken strips, chicken sausage, or smoked sausage product







Awesome Cooking Giveaway!

Make sure and head on over to The World According to Eggface to enter this awesome kitchen gadget giveaway!  Some items included are Torani Syrups, a muffin pan, spatuala, cooking mixes, peeler, colander, and etc.  PLUS, a $25 Amazon.com giftcard!

 

Go here to read the full details on how to enter this completely awesome giveaway!  GoodLuck! 

Contest periods ends: Sunday, December 2nd, midnight (Pacific time)

Week #2 Weigh In

Thursday morning was my weigh in day, so I weighed myself before I ate.  (I'm no dummy....LOL!)  Since this Thursday was Thanksgiving I had to use my ole' cheap scale and it said down 1 pound.  I was disappointed, but I'm not sure how accurate it really is.  This Thursday I go back to the doctor and get weighed on their scale, so I'll have a better reading then. 

Recovery

I hope everyone enjoyed a great Thanksgiving and survived the Black Friday Madness.  Except this year it was more like Black Wednesday/Thursday/Friday! 

I did pretty good.  I didn't stuff myself like I normally do.  So, I was pretty proud of myself.  :)

Calorie Burner ~ Laughing!

Adjustment to the Phentermine

I'm on Week #2 of the Phentermine and so far so good!  I am still taking only a 1/2 of tablet a day.  I want to see how long I can drag that out till it wears off and I have to take the whole tablet.  The only thing that I have really noticed when taking this pill is that I don't really want to eat.  I have cravings for stuff, but they are not so terrible that I can't resist them.  The past two days I have had a horrible sweet tooth.  But, I have been good and only ate a square of a Hersey's bar.  Lately, I have felt sort of bloated and not like I felt last week.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't feel like I am really losing weight nor have I lost any. 

Even though I feel as if the Phentermine is working wonders for me, I have become a little worried because I have read that one of the side effects is sort of a anorexic thinking mentality. Obviously, I'm eating, but I'm to the point where I'm not eating all my food.  Not all because I'm scared to gain the weight, but because I don't feel like I'm hungry enough.  There is a little bit of a hunger pain, but it doesn't feel like I need to eat.  So I'm getting confused. (To eat or not to eat?)  Usually I would eat no matter what.  If I was hunger, starving, craving, whatever!  Now, it is just so weird for me b/c I had such awful food habits before, As seen here! I'm not used to feeling this way. 

Oh Sigh! I would have never thought that this would ever concern me nor would it be so hard to adjust (mentally) to taking this drug.  I'm sure I will figure it out since it is only the second week.  Everything takes time!  Thanks for listening to my ramblings! (haha)

Goodnight and sweet dreams
xoxo
Emily

More Meijer Deals

Guess What?! I found a couple more deals at Meijer that I thought was worth mentioning.................

Buy 2 Thoma's English Muffins - BOGO Free 
Final Cost - ? 

Buy 3 Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - $4.50
Use the $0.40/3 found here
Minus $0.40 from Meijer Double
Total = $3.70
Final Cost only $1.23 per tube!

Buy 3 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls - $4.50
Use the $0.60/3 found here
Total = $3.90
Final Cost only $1.30 per tube! 

Buy 2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes - $2.50
Use the $0.50/2 found here
Minus $0.50 from Meijer Double
Total = $1.50
Final Cost only $0.75 per box!

** Plus, if you have not gotten your Thanksgiving turkey yet and want a Butterball, check this out!  You can combine the Crescent Roll & Potatoes scenario listed above to use this coupon here:

The coupon specifics that you have to buy any combination of FOUR (4) of these items listed......

1. Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
2. Green Giant Canned Vegetables
3. Betty Crocker Stuffing or Boxed Potatoes

Deal Scenario
Buy 1 Butterball Turkey -$20 (Price will vary depending on weight)
Buy 4 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes - $5.00
Use the $3 off Turkey mentioned above (coupons.com)
Use 2 $0.50/2 Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes listed above
Minus $1 from Meijer Double
Final Cost - $20*  Will Vary!
 

* This will be the ONLY time I encourage anyone to buy Donuts on this blog! But, considering the circumstances we may never see Hostess products again! So I will make this exception. 

Buy 5 Hostess Bagged Donuts
Total = $10
Final Cost $2 a bag! 

Meijer: *AWESOME* Nestle Coffee-Mate Creamer Only $0.79 per Bottle!

Hurry out to your local Meijer's this week and stock up on Nestle Coffee-Mate Liquid Refrigerated Non-Dairy Creamer (16 oz.)!  They are advertised in the ad as 3 for $5.00 plus Buy 3 get one FREE!  This is such an awesome deal, especially with the holidays approaching!  Here's how you can score 4 bottles of creamer for about $3.00!

Buy 4 Nestle Coffe-Mate Refrigerated Creamers (16 oz.) -$5.00
Use 2 $0.55/1 Coffe-Mate Creamers here
Use 1 $0.75/2 Coffe-Mate Creamers here
Final Cost  $3.15 for 4 bottles of creamer!
That is only $0.79 per bottle!

Even without any coupons this is an excellent deal!  I also checked Meijer's coupon policy to see if they had any specifications on using coupons with a free product, I could not find any.  This is what I found.....

" Customers may use one manufacturer coupon (paper or digital) per item."

Go here to see their full coupon policy. 

Applebee's ~ Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

I just have to share with you that Applebee's Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp is so delicious!  This meal fits so well with my diet plan.  I ordered it with a side salad and no seasoning or butter sauce.  I was really surprised how good it was without all the yummy melty butter and I loved the sautéed mushrooms and onions.  But, the best part has to be that it is on the 2 for $20 menu (regular menu price $11.69)!  How Awesome.  Good Job Applebee's! 

"Cajun-seasoned chicken breast grilled and served on a sizzling skillet with blackened seasoned shrimp, garlic and thyme. Served with fried red potatoes and sautéed onions & mushrooms."

EZ Freeze Stayfit Salad Bowl

Yesterday I finally used my new EZ Freeze Stayfit Salad Bowl that I posted about here.  It actually worked pretty good for my lunch.  I didn't have a need to freeze the top part because I have a fridge at work that I put my lunch in.

I put my lettuce and cheese in the bottom and my meat and broccoli in the top.  It worked out pretty good.  The bad part is that you can not microwave any part of this bowl.  I tried putting in the top part (divider/freezer part) and I heard a massive crackling so that is what makes me think it's not microwaveable.  Ooopps!   The bottom part makes a great salad bowl to use whenever you need a bowl.  The only problem is the lid doesn't fit without the top part, but I use it anyway and just make sure to hold the lid on the top so I can shake my salad up. 

Week #1 Weigh In

I don't know what else to say other than Yahoooo!  Today was my first initial weigh in at Dr. Sparks office.  Well, I jumped on the scale and to my surprise I had lost 10 pounds!  At first I just stood there because it didn't register with me because their scales are so high tech.  I was trying to figure out how much I lost, when Lisa said "WOW"!  You lost 10 pounds, I couldn't believe it.

So, with that being said.  I have hit goal for this month.  Yippie!  Week #2 is beginning and I am going to keep up the momentum.  It always helps to have some healthy competition, mine being my mom!  Go team Emily...Rah-Rah!

YOU

"You are afraid to die, and you’re afraid to live. What a way to exist.”

~ Neale Donald Walsch ~

Whew!

I can't believe it will be one week tomorrow since I have started taking the Phentermine.  So far ...... I have had no problems with it nor any of the supplements I am taking.  So, I am pretty pumped about that.  I thought for sure I would have some sort of side effects. (headaches)

The first couple days I was dieting I was super tired and had no energy.  At that time I was kind of disappointed because the Phentermine was supposed to give you a boost.  But, now I think it is due to my body adjusting to the new foods and diet.  It wasn't used to all those fruits and veggies, it went into freak out mode and didn't know what to do!  The last couple of days I haven't been as sluggish  but, I'm still waiting for that energy surge.  On the other hand, I have felt a lot better overall.  I am not bloated and my feet haven't swelled like balloons lately.

With tomorrow being Thursday it will be my first weigh in day.  I have mixed feelings.  I have so badly been wanting to weigh myself, but I told myself  "No".  I will be so upset if I only lose a minimal amount.  I am not sure what I am hoping to see tomorrow, but I want some sort of big difference on the scale to keep me motivated and moving along.  I'll see tomorrow! 

Awesome Sargento Cheese Coupon ~ Light String Cheese!

Over at coupons.com they have a coupon good for $0.55/1 Sargento Natural Cheese Product (5 oz. or larger).  This would make a great deal on Sargento String Cheese paired with a sale.  Be on the lookout.  This is my favorite string cheese as seen here!

First Day

My official first day on this diet was Friday November 9, 2012.  It wasn't too hard to adjust to the eating, I just found it hard to take all my pills.  As mentioned before, I feel like I am eating more pills than I am food.  I also feel like the Phentermine is really helping me cope and make better food choices.  It is really hard to explain how it is helping me see food differently.  It is very weird.  As before it was almost to the point where I had to have food.  Junk food, snack food, candy, fast food.....just anything. (like a druggie)  But, now I do not feel that real hunger as I did before.  It takes the edge off that craving.  As an example, Friday I was thinking about food and how I love pizza and it was almost like my brain erased the taste of it immediately.  I felt like I could kick the thought aside and move on, instead of dwelling on it and then just give in and eat pizza.  So, I don't really have that craving nor does my mouth water for food like it has before.  It is just so strange.  Is this how a normal person feels?  As before, my life would revolve around food, now it is almost like I could take or leave the food.

I also think knowing that I am going to be held accountable for my weight loss each week and that I am paying for this makes me just a little bit more motivated than before.  It is sort of a game now.  I need to prove to Dr. Sparks and Lisa that I am losing weight and I am serious about this.  I just hope this is going to stick and the newness doesn't wear off.

What I ate:

Friday November 9, 2012

Weight and Inches Shake blended with 1/2 banana & a strawberry flavor packet.
Tuna salad w/ carrots and cooked cabbage
Hamburger patty, roll w/ honey butter, cooked cabbage, and ketchup
8 oz. apple juice

Saturday November 10, 2012

Weight and Inches Shake - Vanilla
1 banana
Salad w/ 2 oz turkey lunch-meat, pinch of shredded cheese, few croutons, and salad dressing.
Chili w/ crackers and a hunk of cheese.
Metamucil & O.J. (ewwww......but my friend Devin chugged it down with me....That is true friendship!)
* I had to have cheese.  I couldn't stay away!

Sunday November 11, 2012

1 banana
Salad w/ 2 oz. turkey lunch-meat, pinch of shredded cheese, few croutons, and salad dressing.
Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich (dry - only lettuce) and green beans.
8 oz. O.J.
* But, the night isn't over ...... so I still am able to have 2 shakes yet. 

Groupon ~ Online Deals

Groupon.com online deals look like they are hosting some healthy deals.  Groupon deals do not last forever, and most only last a couple of days so you really have to pay attention to the dates when these deals expire.  But, it is well worth checking their site, because you can grab some pretty inexpensive goods.  Plus what is better than free shipping w/ a $15 purchase.  

"The Biggest Loser"  Fitness Monitor - Only $69.00 ($129.95 value) or "The Biggest Loser" Personal Fitness Monitor with Polar heart-rate monitor strap - Only $99.00 ($179.90 value) + you will get free shipping & returns and each comes with a 1 year warranty & online CD!

Features

• Monitors physical exertion and caloric balance
• One-touch real-time update on daily progress including steps taken and distance traveled
• Smart Body Technology details calories burned, activity levels, and heart health
• May be worn daily at home, at work, or on the set of your reality TV show
• Sync with computer to track long-term progress
• Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and Mac OSX 10.5 and higher
• Slimcoach measures 2.8"x3.2"x6.4"
• Monitor is not waterproof

GNC Digital Talking Bathroom Scale  - Only $25.00 ($60 value)!  + free shipping & returns.

Features

• Talking scale displays and speaks weight and the occasional knock-knock joke
• Safety glass holds up to 330 pounds
• Large, easy-to-read 1.3-inch display
• 12.5”x1.2”x13.5”

Danskin Now Eight-Piece Pilates Kit - $19.00 ($29.99 value)!  + free shipping & returns.

• 65-centimeter exercise ball
• Hand pump
• Light-resistance band
• Medium-resistance band
• Two 2-pound soft weight balls
• Workout guide and DVD

And more!

Thursday November 8, 2012 - Began!

I went back to Dr. Sparks office for my appointment.  It was very informational.  He talked with me about weight loss and the effects of being obese has on your body.  As I mentioned earlier I wasn't sure what kind of diet I was going to be following.  He gave me a 1200 calorie diet (yikes!) to follow.  Go here to see a similar version.  My menu consists of 2 weight and inches shakes and 2 meals.  It is an exchange menu and there is no dairy on this diet.  (OMG! I love cheese......what am I going to do?)

Dr. Steven B. Sparks, D.O.

I also found out that you are on the Phentermine 3 months then 6 months off.  Which is sort of strange.  But, I was told you could take 1/2 a tablet each day and spread that 3 months out over 6 months, then that way you would only be off of it for 3 months.  I am not sure what I am going to do yet.  I have been on the pill for about 3 days.

Along, with the diet he also told me that I had to take the following:

Phentermine - 1/2 tab for the first week
Carnitine - 6 capsules daily
Fish Oils - 4 capsules daily
Magnesium - 1 daily
Vitamin D - 1 weekly
Calcium - 3 capsules daily
Metamucil 1-2 daily

So far I feel  like I have ate more supplements than I have food.  I have yet to try the the Metamucil.  Gross!

 

My Last Fix

Yes, I had to get one last fix before I started on this adventure.  Might as well do it up right!

November 6, 2012

This was the day that I was supposed to see the Bariatric Dr.  So we arrive at the office and the receptionist says I tried to call you, but Dr. Sparks had to cancel his appointments because he had an emergency.  She was really nice, so I wasn't mad, but I was disappointed at the time.  I had geared myself up for starting on my diet this Tuesday.  But, Oh well, such is life.  So, she weighed and measured me and did all the good stuff so when I rescheduled all I would have to do is walk in and see the doctor, which worked out very well!  My  rescheduled appointment would now be Thursday November 8, 2012. 

Whew! Hang on......Here's an Update.

I apologize, I have been MIA for days now.  It seems like these past couple days have been a roller coaster ride (wwweeeee!) So, now that I am caught up on everything, finally, I can get back to my norm.  Nothing bad or good has happened to disrupt life, it was just one of those things.  So, to clear my mind and get myself back on track and bring everyone up to speed I am going to go post by post.  So...get ready and hang on because here comes a whole lot of useless information!  (HA, just kiddings!)