Guru Bob says, "When you renew your commitment each and every day, you reinforce your forward momentum, remind yourself of your goals, and refresh your confidence that you can and will achieve those goals."
Guru-in-training Karen says, "I need to commit to each and every day being able to deny myself the momentary pleasures of this world with an eye to the intangible rewards that I can't see yet, but know exist." I can't see better health, but I know I need it. I can't see increased energy, but I yearn for it with everything I have. Now I just need to make that elusive connection between every tangible bite I put in my mouth and those intangible but just-as-delicious rewards.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Do it anyway
Even if I don't feel like staying on plan, I have to do it anyway. If I do only what I feel like doing, I won't be able to lose weight and keep it off.
I will need help to remind me of this. I am the excuse queen. I can blame anything. I will need coaches and cheerleaders, so any of you out there that know how to motivate someone who can justify almost any shortcut, speak up or forever feel the guilt. It will be totally your fault that I didn't lose any weight. See?
I will need help to remind me of this. I am the excuse queen. I can blame anything. I will need coaches and cheerleaders, so any of you out there that know how to motivate someone who can justify almost any shortcut, speak up or forever feel the guilt. It will be totally your fault that I didn't lose any weight. See?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why do I want to keep doing this anyway?
Yes, I admit, I have fallen off the blog scene for awhile, but the weight loss attempt is still underway. I lost 2-3 pounds since I last updated. I finished my 30-day Jumpstart and will start afresh after a short break to remotivate myself.
To do that, I am asking myself the age-old question of why I want to diet and I came up with my top 10 reasons. I encourage you to do the same.
Karen's Top 10 reasons to diet: (in random order)
1. One chin.
2. A wardrobe that includes more than just purses.
3. A lap.
4. Thighs that don't touch.
5. Walk Paris.
6. No granny panties. Ever.
7. No comments behind my large backside.
8. Ditch the cover-up at the pool.
9. No shoulder-rubbing with strangers on airplanes.
10. Nomination for What Not to Wear instead of Biggest Loser.
To do that, I am asking myself the age-old question of why I want to diet and I came up with my top 10 reasons. I encourage you to do the same.
Karen's Top 10 reasons to diet: (in random order)
1. One chin.
2. A wardrobe that includes more than just purses.
3. A lap.
4. Thighs that don't touch.
5. Walk Paris.
6. No granny panties. Ever.
7. No comments behind my large backside.
8. Ditch the cover-up at the pool.
9. No shoulder-rubbing with strangers on airplanes.
10. Nomination for What Not to Wear instead of Biggest Loser.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Confessions of the Scale #1
The almighty scale. Not usually my BFF. But this week: worship & adoration. Even though it delivered the news of a miniscule .8 loss for me; my family lost such a large percentage of our total body weight that we WON the weigh-in at the gym this week. Fattastic 4 rawks.
If I'm truly confessing my feelings about the scale, though, I have to admit my OCD practices. Stepping on multiple times per day when I'm trying to lose causes my mood to fluctuate as much as the number does. Ok, maybe more.
Day 17
My breakfast burrito was so delicious I babbled about it on the phone with a friend. Especially the peach mango salsa. Don't worry BL fans: the amount of mango did not push me over my caloric limit for the day. Have to admit that I've never had refried beans for breakfast before this, but I'm really branching out now. Watch out brussel sprouts! Yeh, no.
Hubby was happy to grill chicken and shrimp for dinner while I put wild rice and broccoli in the steamer. Snuck a few bites of grilled sweet potato and some grapes for dessert. I could get used to this.
If I'm truly confessing my feelings about the scale, though, I have to admit my OCD practices. Stepping on multiple times per day when I'm trying to lose causes my mood to fluctuate as much as the number does. Ok, maybe more.
Day 17
My breakfast burrito was so delicious I babbled about it on the phone with a friend. Especially the peach mango salsa. Don't worry BL fans: the amount of mango did not push me over my caloric limit for the day. Have to admit that I've never had refried beans for breakfast before this, but I'm really branching out now. Watch out brussel sprouts! Yeh, no.
Hubby was happy to grill chicken and shrimp for dinner while I put wild rice and broccoli in the steamer. Snuck a few bites of grilled sweet potato and some grapes for dessert. I could get used to this.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Weigh In Day is Wednesday
Lost .8 today. It goes on so quickly and off so painfully.
I was following the meal plan in order until I got sick. Somehow I got all discombobulated. If that's even a word, I'm not sure how to spell it. Anyway...
Day 15 (sometime before I got sick) Zzzzzz
"Resting your body is just as important as working out." - Ali Vincent, season 5 winner
Ironic. This day in the plan came before I got sick, but I sure needed the info before the plague hit me. Research shows that "those who get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night are thinner than those who get less than 7 hours." Guess that explains why my husband is so thin.
While I was feeling bad I got plenty of sleep. I even slept in the doctor's waiting room. Well, they shouldn't have left me there for 2 hours.
Picking up where I left off (several days later):
Day 16
Take Stock! You're Halfway There
We may be midway through the 30-day jumpstart, but seeing that I've only lost 2.8 pounds so far, I'm thinkin I'm not quite midway yet. Nice thought, though. When I pause to take stock of my daily commitment to health, I realize that although I have such a very long way to go, each tiny little step is that much better than I was before. I was so proud of my smart little self after water aerobics today when I marched over to Tropical Smoothie and ordered, get this, a BANANA. Not a banana smoothie, just a banana. You can do that. Who knew? Then I went to Starbucks and got a skinny vanilla latte for protein to go with my banana and I had the perfect post-workout snack. Go me. Gold star for today.
Ate lunch out but I had already weighed in and Wed. lunch is my one big splurge for the week. Not tooo terribly bad since I got a multigrain bagel with tomatoes and wiped the grease off the cheese. Ewww
Made Sesame Chicken with Noodles tonight and although the kids picked out the red peppers and Dave added some hot seasoning to his, I thought it went over fairly well.
I was following the meal plan in order until I got sick. Somehow I got all discombobulated. If that's even a word, I'm not sure how to spell it. Anyway...
Day 15 (sometime before I got sick) Zzzzzz
"Resting your body is just as important as working out." - Ali Vincent, season 5 winner
Ironic. This day in the plan came before I got sick, but I sure needed the info before the plague hit me. Research shows that "those who get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night are thinner than those who get less than 7 hours." Guess that explains why my husband is so thin.
While I was feeling bad I got plenty of sleep. I even slept in the doctor's waiting room. Well, they shouldn't have left me there for 2 hours.
Picking up where I left off (several days later):
Day 16
Take Stock! You're Halfway There
We may be midway through the 30-day jumpstart, but seeing that I've only lost 2.8 pounds so far, I'm thinkin I'm not quite midway yet. Nice thought, though. When I pause to take stock of my daily commitment to health, I realize that although I have such a very long way to go, each tiny little step is that much better than I was before. I was so proud of my smart little self after water aerobics today when I marched over to Tropical Smoothie and ordered, get this, a BANANA. Not a banana smoothie, just a banana. You can do that. Who knew? Then I went to Starbucks and got a skinny vanilla latte for protein to go with my banana and I had the perfect post-workout snack. Go me. Gold star for today.
Ate lunch out but I had already weighed in and Wed. lunch is my one big splurge for the week. Not tooo terribly bad since I got a multigrain bagel with tomatoes and wiped the grease off the cheese. Ewww
Made Sesame Chicken with Noodles tonight and although the kids picked out the red peppers and Dave added some hot seasoning to his, I thought it went over fairly well.
Off Track
My entries aren't matching up with the current date. I got a little off track with being sick, so from now on I will date my ramblings.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What is Hunger?
Every day, try to slay the dragon. -Curtis, season 5
I am becoming comfortable with being a little bit hungry. Eating on a structured, sensible plan is the best way to keep my blood sugar stable and not get too hungry, so I can finally begin to sense when my body needs food. Starting larger and getting smaller with the meals throughout the day is definitely the way to go. Taking snacks is also key.
Day 14
Knowing that I was going to eat lunch out today, I did 2 water aerobics classes. That really helps since you don't want to "undo" all that hard work!
I am becoming comfortable with being a little bit hungry. Eating on a structured, sensible plan is the best way to keep my blood sugar stable and not get too hungry, so I can finally begin to sense when my body needs food. Starting larger and getting smaller with the meals throughout the day is definitely the way to go. Taking snacks is also key.
Day 14
Knowing that I was going to eat lunch out today, I did 2 water aerobics classes. That really helps since you don't want to "undo" all that hard work!
Digging Deep
When you push your limits hard, the payoff is big.
I have found this to be true. The days I don't feel like working out and I suck it up and do it anyway are the days I end up feeling the best. Each day I need to strive to push a little harder, to do a little more than I have in the past. I can't expect to do the same ol' thing and get a different result.
Day 13
So proud of myself today. Went to a potluck dinner tonight and brought what I could legally eat. Put whole wheat pasta and turkey sausage in lowfat marinara in the crockpot and brought a salad. Everybody else ate it too and there wasn't a drop left. Now THAT was a plan!
I have found this to be true. The days I don't feel like working out and I suck it up and do it anyway are the days I end up feeling the best. Each day I need to strive to push a little harder, to do a little more than I have in the past. I can't expect to do the same ol' thing and get a different result.
Day 13
So proud of myself today. Went to a potluck dinner tonight and brought what I could legally eat. Put whole wheat pasta and turkey sausage in lowfat marinara in the crockpot and brought a salad. Everybody else ate it too and there wasn't a drop left. Now THAT was a plan!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Dreaded Plateau
Too early to be thinking of plateaus since I haven't even weighed in yet. But I guess it never hurts to be prepared. According to the experts the body needs and craves an even keel. So does my family. But I digress.
Biggest mistake dieters make: letting the scale discourage
Biggest mistake I make: letting the scale discourage & dictate
I need to wave a big old flag at my body and let it know that I will keep eating this way. Consistency is key. Never managed to pull that off before. Never managed to hold out long enough to surpass that "magical" metabolic threshold.
But A NEW LEVEL OF FITNESS LIES BEYOND THAT THRESHOLD AS LONG AS YOU DON'T GIVE UP.
Day 12
It's the little things in life. Used my new rice cooker to make my oatmeal this morning and it was easy-breezy. Poured in the oatmeal, the water, hit the button and walked away. Came back to properly cooked and perfectly warmed flakes of oat. Threw in some cinnamon, walnuts & strawberries and then topped it off with Greek yogurt. Tasted like dessert.
Couldn't find butter lettuce at the store and they were also out of Jennie O Turkey burgers (my new obsession), so I substituted at lunch and will register a request at Customer Service to never be out of afore-mentioned staples again.
Vanilla yogurt with diced apple and flaxseed. Happy girl.
Dave grilled the Italian Flank Steak tonight and it was so good the girls are asking for steak and eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
Biggest mistake dieters make: letting the scale discourage
Biggest mistake I make: letting the scale discourage & dictate
I need to wave a big old flag at my body and let it know that I will keep eating this way. Consistency is key. Never managed to pull that off before. Never managed to hold out long enough to surpass that "magical" metabolic threshold.
But A NEW LEVEL OF FITNESS LIES BEYOND THAT THRESHOLD AS LONG AS YOU DON'T GIVE UP.
Day 12
It's the little things in life. Used my new rice cooker to make my oatmeal this morning and it was easy-breezy. Poured in the oatmeal, the water, hit the button and walked away. Came back to properly cooked and perfectly warmed flakes of oat. Threw in some cinnamon, walnuts & strawberries and then topped it off with Greek yogurt. Tasted like dessert.
Couldn't find butter lettuce at the store and they were also out of Jennie O Turkey burgers (my new obsession), so I substituted at lunch and will register a request at Customer Service to never be out of afore-mentioned staples again.
Vanilla yogurt with diced apple and flaxseed. Happy girl.
Dave grilled the Italian Flank Steak tonight and it was so good the girls are asking for steak and eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Food is a false friend. I should know since we are BFFs. I share all of my ups, downs, and in-betweens with this so-called "friend". It's hard to feel the feelings. It's easier to stuff them and myself. So, time to face my fears and put myself out there. I have to look at my love-hate relationship with food and change my thinking.
Thanks Jilli-Bob.
Day 11
Digging this whole eat a big breakfast thing, especially my beloved bagel with PB & J. Breakfast is definitely not my problem area.
Apple & string cheese is not a problem either.
Rotting mushrooms didn't throw me off track. Just switched up the homemade Veggie soup for the Mushroom soup and patted myself on the back for my first attempt at soup. Wasn't bad.
Was dreading the Fish Tacos, but the leftover Halibut with lemons & tomatoes on the tortilla with avocado tantalized the taste buds. No more fish-dread here.
Snacked on Triscuits and veggie dip while making the soup and got myself into trouble. I was hungry, impatient for the soup to finish and polished off the dip container. Analysis: make the soup ahead.
Thanks Jilli-Bob.
Day 11
Digging this whole eat a big breakfast thing, especially my beloved bagel with PB & J. Breakfast is definitely not my problem area.
Apple & string cheese is not a problem either.
Rotting mushrooms didn't throw me off track. Just switched up the homemade Veggie soup for the Mushroom soup and patted myself on the back for my first attempt at soup. Wasn't bad.
Was dreading the Fish Tacos, but the leftover Halibut with lemons & tomatoes on the tortilla with avocado tantalized the taste buds. No more fish-dread here.
Snacked on Triscuits and veggie dip while making the soup and got myself into trouble. I was hungry, impatient for the soup to finish and polished off the dip container. Analysis: make the soup ahead.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Fast-Food Trap
"Drive PAST the drive-through." - Bob, not-quite-as-scary trainer
Enemy territory. Found myself there tonight. On St George Island for photos with Robin and bribed daughters to be nice to each other with eating out, specifically calzones. Baaaad Mom. Even though I had steel-cut oats with blueberries and walnuts for breakfast before my cardio and an egg white quesadilla with mango salsa for lunch and packed string cheese and almonds for the road, I ended up eating a Chik-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich at the mall. This started my downslide. After the photo session I ate 1/2 of an individual spinach & artichoke pizza and 3-1/3 FRIED mac n cheese thingies. Then I couldn't stop. Finished off the container of cocoa almonds and topped it off with eating all the fudge frosting off a frozen cake. How could I go so wrong when I started off so well? I even took the time to pack turkey sandwiches, which I promptly bypassed while debating with myself standing in BJs. Guess I haven't gotten to the lesson on what to do if you backslide yet, but I am picking myself up, dusting myself off, and remembering how disgusted I felt when I was done.
Rule #513
On those Height-Weight charts, always go by your height with HIGH HEELS.
-Hallmark card sent by Jennifer
Enemy territory. Found myself there tonight. On St George Island for photos with Robin and bribed daughters to be nice to each other with eating out, specifically calzones. Baaaad Mom. Even though I had steel-cut oats with blueberries and walnuts for breakfast before my cardio and an egg white quesadilla with mango salsa for lunch and packed string cheese and almonds for the road, I ended up eating a Chik-fil-A grilled chicken sandwich at the mall. This started my downslide. After the photo session I ate 1/2 of an individual spinach & artichoke pizza and 3-1/3 FRIED mac n cheese thingies. Then I couldn't stop. Finished off the container of cocoa almonds and topped it off with eating all the fudge frosting off a frozen cake. How could I go so wrong when I started off so well? I even took the time to pack turkey sandwiches, which I promptly bypassed while debating with myself standing in BJs. Guess I haven't gotten to the lesson on what to do if you backslide yet, but I am picking myself up, dusting myself off, and remembering how disgusted I felt when I was done.
Rule #513
On those Height-Weight charts, always go by your height with HIGH HEELS.
-Hallmark card sent by Jennifer
On the Road: the Inconvenience Store
"Never let road food turn your weight-loss momentum into road kill". Be prepared, plan ahead and pack your own stuff. -Jillian, scary trainer
I may not have been traveling today, but this lesson couldn't have come at a better time because today was dreaded Errand Day. I knew I would be in the car all afternoon so this required planning ahead. Took blueberry muffins (see previous post) and SouthBeach approved "Nut"trition pack. This proved to be particularly helpful when we decided at the last minute to go see "Fame" right after I picked up at school. Bypassed the concession stand altogether and noshed on nuts (preportioned too!) instead of popcorn. Felt all self-righteous and victorious.
Planned ahead for eating out lunch today too. Knew I would be tempted to eat my regular Blackbird sandwich, which is all perfectly legal except for the cream cheese, so did 90 minutes of cardio to counteract. Almost killed me but didn't.
I may not have been traveling today, but this lesson couldn't have come at a better time because today was dreaded Errand Day. I knew I would be in the car all afternoon so this required planning ahead. Took blueberry muffins (see previous post) and SouthBeach approved "Nut"trition pack. This proved to be particularly helpful when we decided at the last minute to go see "Fame" right after I picked up at school. Bypassed the concession stand altogether and noshed on nuts (preportioned too!) instead of popcorn. Felt all self-righteous and victorious.
Planned ahead for eating out lunch today too. Knew I would be tempted to eat my regular Blackbird sandwich, which is all perfectly legal except for the cream cheese, so did 90 minutes of cardio to counteract. Almost killed me but didn't.
On the Road: Think Outside the Gym
"There is no epidural for exercise. You have to do it." - Heba, Season 6
I don't know what I would do without water aerobics. With all my health conditions it is the only exercise I can do without excessive pain. But I vow to work on the conditioning exercises in the book while I'm watching TV so that if I ever travel or can't get to the gym or the weather is bad or whatever, I have a backup.
Day 8
Had to go to the grocery store this morning before I could make the blueberry muffins since blueberries are such a hot commodity around here. They were worth the effort. Daughter #2 was the only one willing to try them and she didn't love them, but they were 1. hot and 2. bread-like, so I delighted in them. I will freeze the rest of the batch for instant gratification snacks in the future. Besides, they contain flaxseed and I'm convinced that my mood is boosted instantaneously upon ingestion of this powerful ingredient.
Enjoyed shopping with you, Amy.
Pesto Pizzettas. Oh how I love artichoke hearts. Never tried polenta before. It's a tube of prepared cornmeal found in the refrigerated organic section of Publix. Sliced and used as pizza crust. With a giant leap of the imagination one could almost liken it to Red Elephant's pizza crust, but it would be hard work to get there. Still, I liked it. What's not to like about olive oil, marinara, Pesto, roasted red peppers and cheese and did I mention artichoke hearts?
Another great find is Ezekial bread. Thank you Biggest Loser, for introducing me to guilt-free bread. I thought that phrase was an oxymoron til I met Ezekial.
Tried the recipe on the back of the Halibut packaging tonight. An Apron's Simple Meal from Publix. Always delicious and easy to fix and quick. This one was a winner. Sun-Style Halibut.
Here it is:
Sun-Style Halibut
cooking spray
12 oz. Halibut filets, thawed
3 T white wine
1/2 tsp seafood seasoning blend
2 plum tomatoes
1 lemon
1/4 c shredded Cheddar
1/4 c shredded Swiss (I used 1/2 c shredded lowfat Colby Jack in place of Cheddar & Swiss)
1/2 tsp oregano
Preheat oven to 400. Coat baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange fish in baking pan; drizzle wine over fish and sprinkle with seasoning.
Slice tomatoes and lemon very thinly; layer over top of fish, alternating and overlapping slices.
Sprinkle with cheeses and then oregano. Bake 11-14 min or until fish is opaque and separates easily with a fork.
Bon apetit
I don't know what I would do without water aerobics. With all my health conditions it is the only exercise I can do without excessive pain. But I vow to work on the conditioning exercises in the book while I'm watching TV so that if I ever travel or can't get to the gym or the weather is bad or whatever, I have a backup.
Day 8
Had to go to the grocery store this morning before I could make the blueberry muffins since blueberries are such a hot commodity around here. They were worth the effort. Daughter #2 was the only one willing to try them and she didn't love them, but they were 1. hot and 2. bread-like, so I delighted in them. I will freeze the rest of the batch for instant gratification snacks in the future. Besides, they contain flaxseed and I'm convinced that my mood is boosted instantaneously upon ingestion of this powerful ingredient.
Enjoyed shopping with you, Amy.
Pesto Pizzettas. Oh how I love artichoke hearts. Never tried polenta before. It's a tube of prepared cornmeal found in the refrigerated organic section of Publix. Sliced and used as pizza crust. With a giant leap of the imagination one could almost liken it to Red Elephant's pizza crust, but it would be hard work to get there. Still, I liked it. What's not to like about olive oil, marinara, Pesto, roasted red peppers and cheese and did I mention artichoke hearts?
Another great find is Ezekial bread. Thank you Biggest Loser, for introducing me to guilt-free bread. I thought that phrase was an oxymoron til I met Ezekial.
Tried the recipe on the back of the Halibut packaging tonight. An Apron's Simple Meal from Publix. Always delicious and easy to fix and quick. This one was a winner. Sun-Style Halibut.
Here it is:
Sun-Style Halibut
cooking spray
12 oz. Halibut filets, thawed
3 T white wine
1/2 tsp seafood seasoning blend
2 plum tomatoes
1 lemon
1/4 c shredded Cheddar
1/4 c shredded Swiss (I used 1/2 c shredded lowfat Colby Jack in place of Cheddar & Swiss)
1/2 tsp oregano
Preheat oven to 400. Coat baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange fish in baking pan; drizzle wine over fish and sprinkle with seasoning.
Slice tomatoes and lemon very thinly; layer over top of fish, alternating and overlapping slices.
Sprinkle with cheeses and then oregano. Bake 11-14 min or until fish is opaque and separates easily with a fork.
Bon apetit
Your Cheating Heart
"Clean heart, clean conscience, clean pantry" is the mantra. Co-existing with the white stuff is impossible if I'm going to do this. No pasta, sugar, bread to send my blood sugar soaring. Unfortunately Temptation is my middle name. Thankfully I have a terrific support system to help keep me "clean".
Day 7
My beloved bagel was on the menu today. I only ate half but oh, so satisfying. I don't need white bread when I can have a wheat bagel. Ahhh...
Sausage and Lentil stew will be a recurring meal. Not just because it is filling and flavorful but because it makes so much!
A little off track this evening. I just couldn't face the FISH, but even though I strayed I didn't wander far. Turkey bacon on a whole grain English muffin with a touch of whipped cream cheese and lowfat Swiss did the trick. Almost Bagel Bagel if you s t r e t c h .
Day 7
My beloved bagel was on the menu today. I only ate half but oh, so satisfying. I don't need white bread when I can have a wheat bagel. Ahhh...
Sausage and Lentil stew will be a recurring meal. Not just because it is filling and flavorful but because it makes so much!
A little off track this evening. I just couldn't face the FISH, but even though I strayed I didn't wander far. Turkey bacon on a whole grain English muffin with a touch of whipped cream cheese and lowfat Swiss did the trick. Almost Bagel Bagel if you s t r e t c h .
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Break it Down
Just. break. it. down. Singularly devestatingly good advice. Step by step, little by little. Not overwhelming in small chunks. Just get started.
Day 6
Whose idea was it to make a menu with broccoli 2 days in a row? Wow. Now I remember why I don't do that. Not to mention the garlic, refried beans, lentils and salad. I feel like I'm going to explode.
Had a moment of weakness at Target late this afternoon because I was so hungry. I wavered in the food aisles, but pushed through it by buying cocoa-covered almonds and eating 1/4 cup for 150 calories. Got me through.
Done for the day and BL is on now. Off for some motivation.
Day 6
Whose idea was it to make a menu with broccoli 2 days in a row? Wow. Now I remember why I don't do that. Not to mention the garlic, refried beans, lentils and salad. I feel like I'm going to explode.
Had a moment of weakness at Target late this afternoon because I was so hungry. I wavered in the food aisles, but pushed through it by buying cocoa-covered almonds and eating 1/4 cup for 150 calories. Got me through.
Done for the day and BL is on now. Off for some motivation.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 5 Repeat
Day 5 here we go again
Trying again with the menu. With 6:00 Mass last night I didn't have time to make the Pork Stirfry with Garlic Broccoli.
Enjoyed the large breakfast again. Thought I would be uncomfortable in the water with all that in my tummy, but wasn't a problem, I just floated more.
Weighed in today for the start of the big contest. I've lost 12 pounds since the last contest. Not bad, but only a dent. I can do better now that I am sleeping well.
Salad and cottage cheese with slivered almonds and pear for post-workout snack/lunch. Not even remotely tempted to stray yet. Knock on wood.
Trying again with the menu. With 6:00 Mass last night I didn't have time to make the Pork Stirfry with Garlic Broccoli.
Enjoyed the large breakfast again. Thought I would be uncomfortable in the water with all that in my tummy, but wasn't a problem, I just floated more.
Weighed in today for the start of the big contest. I've lost 12 pounds since the last contest. Not bad, but only a dent. I can do better now that I am sleeping well.
Salad and cottage cheese with slivered almonds and pear for post-workout snack/lunch. Not even remotely tempted to stray yet. Knock on wood.
Pick Your Team Carefully
"You need people to encourage you when every part of who you are wants to give up." Phil, season 6
My family has decided to participate in our gym's new Biggest Winners contest as a team. This will help me more than they will ever know. I need all the support I can get and I am needy when it comes to support and encouragement.
Today went well. Breakfast was huuuuuge. A hard-boiled egg, 3 slices turkey bacon AND a strawberry yogurt parfait. There wasn't really room for my coffee after all that. But I like the larger breakfast followed by the lighter meals. New concept.
Note to self: pack protein snack for after water aerobics. Duh. How long have you been doing this? And don't forget the water bottle.
My family has decided to participate in our gym's new Biggest Winners contest as a team. This will help me more than they will ever know. I need all the support I can get and I am needy when it comes to support and encouragement.
Today went well. Breakfast was huuuuuge. A hard-boiled egg, 3 slices turkey bacon AND a strawberry yogurt parfait. There wasn't really room for my coffee after all that. But I like the larger breakfast followed by the lighter meals. New concept.
Note to self: pack protein snack for after water aerobics. Duh. How long have you been doing this? And don't forget the water bottle.
The Power of a List
"There is nothing like a list to concentrate the mind." Profound statement.
Reasons why I'm doing this: (in random order)
1. Health - take less meds, avoid further complications
2. Role model - "do as I do" for my kids
3. Shopping - let's be honest, I have enough purses
4. Energy - nap less, live more
5. Appearance - I'm not completely vain, but it would be nice to look better
6. Comfort - I'd like to have a lap
Day 4
The jicama was better today with the peanutty spread. How can you not love peanut butter, honey, lime juice and tofu? (trust me, try it)
Day 3 was a little off; never got to the turkey burgers, so had one for lunch today. Jennie O seasoned white turkey patties 95/5%, were not extremely flavorful, but it wasn't a bad taste either.
Dave made special diet-approved appetizers: Reduced fat Triscuit, touch of whipped cream cheese, just a touch, topped with turkey breakfast sausage link, cut into bite-size pieces.
Portobello Pizza was really good. Lowfat marinara on portobello with Jennie O Hot Turkey Italian Sausage (with the new Biggest Loser endorsement label) and lowfat mozzarella.
Kris and I did our own Cardio at the pool this afternoon until it stormed us out. One of Kellie's friends joined us and I think she was surprised at how intense our workout was. Got to snicker when you kick a teenager's butt.
Reasons why I'm doing this: (in random order)
1. Health - take less meds, avoid further complications
2. Role model - "do as I do" for my kids
3. Shopping - let's be honest, I have enough purses
4. Energy - nap less, live more
5. Appearance - I'm not completely vain, but it would be nice to look better
6. Comfort - I'd like to have a lap
Day 4
The jicama was better today with the peanutty spread. How can you not love peanut butter, honey, lime juice and tofu? (trust me, try it)
Day 3 was a little off; never got to the turkey burgers, so had one for lunch today. Jennie O seasoned white turkey patties 95/5%, were not extremely flavorful, but it wasn't a bad taste either.
Dave made special diet-approved appetizers: Reduced fat Triscuit, touch of whipped cream cheese, just a touch, topped with turkey breakfast sausage link, cut into bite-size pieces.
Portobello Pizza was really good. Lowfat marinara on portobello with Jennie O Hot Turkey Italian Sausage (with the new Biggest Loser endorsement label) and lowfat mozzarella.
Kris and I did our own Cardio at the pool this afternoon until it stormed us out. One of Kellie's friends joined us and I think she was surprised at how intense our workout was. Got to snicker when you kick a teenager's butt.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Me Time
"You know what? If the world falls apart, I'll be in good enough shape to fix things when I'm done losing weight." -Jackie, Season 5
Going minimalist ("brutally protective") with the social calendar. Kinda like being on the ranch only NOT. Jennifer jokingly calls it my hibernation period when I do this, but it will be worth it. It's an investment in my future.
Day 3
Last night's recipe for Doc's Chili was really good. To get my extra calories I added whole grain pasta and a sprinkle of low-fat Cheddar. Mmm, mmm.
Today I didn't have time to make Egg Foo Yung before we left for allergy shots, so I swapped the morning snack smoothie and drank it on the way. When I got home and could pay full attention to cooking, I made the egg/cabbage concoction, and it wasn't bad. I used leftover Canadian bacon from Day 1 as the meat so it was extremely easy and it was filling. I feel another star sticker embellishing my food journal for today (thanks to Valerie for my old WW stars).
Going minimalist ("brutally protective") with the social calendar. Kinda like being on the ranch only NOT. Jennifer jokingly calls it my hibernation period when I do this, but it will be worth it. It's an investment in my future.
Day 3
Last night's recipe for Doc's Chili was really good. To get my extra calories I added whole grain pasta and a sprinkle of low-fat Cheddar. Mmm, mmm.
Today I didn't have time to make Egg Foo Yung before we left for allergy shots, so I swapped the morning snack smoothie and drank it on the way. When I got home and could pay full attention to cooking, I made the egg/cabbage concoction, and it wasn't bad. I used leftover Canadian bacon from Day 1 as the meat so it was extremely easy and it was filling. I feel another star sticker embellishing my food journal for today (thanks to Valerie for my old WW stars).
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 2 Repeat
Technically Day 3.
Repeating Day 2 menu:
1. to use up the oats leftovers,
2. to use the ingredients for Doc's Chili which I've already purchased
3. to let my friends who are going to do this with me catch up.
Day 2 (Repeat)
Skipped snack this morning as I was working on the house some more. Went straight to lunch, but don't really like sushi, so substituted a whole wheat bagel with chicken and lowfat cheese melted under the broiler. And a pear.
So far so good.
Repeating Day 2 menu:
1. to use up the oats leftovers,
2. to use the ingredients for Doc's Chili which I've already purchased
3. to let my friends who are going to do this with me catch up.
Day 2 (Repeat)
Skipped snack this morning as I was working on the house some more. Went straight to lunch, but don't really like sushi, so substituted a whole wheat bagel with chicken and lowfat cheese melted under the broiler. And a pear.
So far so good.
Who Are You Doing This For?
Today's question hits hard since I pride myself on trying to be selfless. Of course I'm doing it for me, right? I mean, who else would I be doing it for? But, when I'm truthful with myself I realize that I put others' needs in front of my own to my detriment. I get easily side-tracked because somebody's something is more urgent than my need to eat healthy and workout. Or so it seems. My health issues are telling me otherwise. Time for me to focus on me. Ultimately, I got myself into this mess and I need to get myself out. Note to self: I am worth paying attention to. Dave and the kids will be happier if I'm happy.
Day 2
Dave made the Banana Nut Oats since he eats oatmeal every day anyway. It helped to also devour the 3 hard-boiled egg whites for protein. Saved the milk for later since it was so filling.
Water aerobics in a very cold pool. The instructor tried to convince us we burn more calories when the water is cooler. They better get that heater fixed soon, calories be darned.
Ate at Hopkins for lunch. Had my usual Blackbird sandwich, but will probably switch to salad next time. All that cream cheese seemed sinful.
Too busy driving and errands to eat my snack, so ate dinner early. Too busy getting the house picked up for the cleaning lady to actually fix the dinner, so we popped Amy's burritos in the microwave, added leftover chicken and served with pears. Not too bad. Sugar-free pudding for dessert.
5 hours after dinner, still working on the house, tummy starts grumbling, so even though I hate to eat this late, I finally fix my PB & J on Ezekial bread and drink the milk from breakfast. YUM. Another good day. :)
Day 2
Dave made the Banana Nut Oats since he eats oatmeal every day anyway. It helped to also devour the 3 hard-boiled egg whites for protein. Saved the milk for later since it was so filling.
Water aerobics in a very cold pool. The instructor tried to convince us we burn more calories when the water is cooler. They better get that heater fixed soon, calories be darned.
Ate at Hopkins for lunch. Had my usual Blackbird sandwich, but will probably switch to salad next time. All that cream cheese seemed sinful.
Too busy driving and errands to eat my snack, so ate dinner early. Too busy getting the house picked up for the cleaning lady to actually fix the dinner, so we popped Amy's burritos in the microwave, added leftover chicken and served with pears. Not too bad. Sugar-free pudding for dessert.
5 hours after dinner, still working on the house, tummy starts grumbling, so even though I hate to eat this late, I finally fix my PB & J on Ezekial bread and drink the milk from breakfast. YUM. Another good day. :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Toot
I hope I didn't pull anything trying to pat myself on the back.
Biggest Loser Season 8 started last night. I'm thinking they might need to make the season a little longer. Most of them have a long way to go. I can so feel their pain. But mostly I'm thankful I don't have Jillian screaming in my face.
My own journey got off to a smashing start. I went to bed hungry which is good. I had a square of dark dark Ghiradelli chocolate that Dave brought home from San Fran with a glass of milk during the BL show, right after I did the Day 1 Mobility and Body Weight exercises, which was good.
Jicama is interesting. Eaten at the same time as carrots was better. Maybe it's an acquired taste.
I dragged myself to the pool and did my own 20 minute cardio workout since I missed Water Aerobics this morning while taking Kris to get her stitches out. Had the whole pool to myself. Bliss.
Missed my afternoon snack while picking Kris up from school, so ate rotisserie chicken on the way home, right out of the bag. Then for dinner I had my deviled eggs made with hummus with my veggies. I might be on to something here. It was nice & light, and as I said, I went to bed hungryish. Side note: raspberry vinagrette is really good on tomato/cuke salad.
Writing it all down helps me remember and keeps me accountable. Try it, you'll see.
Biggest Loser Season 8 started last night. I'm thinking they might need to make the season a little longer. Most of them have a long way to go. I can so feel their pain. But mostly I'm thankful I don't have Jillian screaming in my face.
My own journey got off to a smashing start. I went to bed hungry which is good. I had a square of dark dark Ghiradelli chocolate that Dave brought home from San Fran with a glass of milk during the BL show, right after I did the Day 1 Mobility and Body Weight exercises, which was good.
Jicama is interesting. Eaten at the same time as carrots was better. Maybe it's an acquired taste.
I dragged myself to the pool and did my own 20 minute cardio workout since I missed Water Aerobics this morning while taking Kris to get her stitches out. Had the whole pool to myself. Bliss.
Missed my afternoon snack while picking Kris up from school, so ate rotisserie chicken on the way home, right out of the bag. Then for dinner I had my deviled eggs made with hummus with my veggies. I might be on to something here. It was nice & light, and as I said, I went to bed hungryish. Side note: raspberry vinagrette is really good on tomato/cuke salad.
Writing it all down helps me remember and keeps me accountable. Try it, you'll see.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Make Up Your Mind
OK, I know what you are going to be thinking about my new decision, but don't worry, I'm thinking it too. Can't the girl make up her mind??? Well, in true form, my feeble attempt at sustaining momentum failed. But, also in true form, I remain optimistic, hopeful, a dreamer, maybe crazy?
In honor of Season 8 of the Biggest Loser beginning tonight and following along with their theme of "SECOND CHANCES", I will take my second chance and follow along with them.
Abandoning the South Beach Diet was no easy decision, but any program works if you work it, right? The gym where I work out is doing a Biggest Loser-style contest, so I will enter that and my rationale for changing plans is that this will be easier. I'm using the Biggest Loser 30-Day Jumpstart book for the motivational tips, easy exercises and less-time-in-the-kitchen recipes. I invite my special friends to join me on this journey.
Day 1 Make Up Your Mind Now
"This first day has to start with a strong and clear commitment to yourself."
My commitment:
1. Do my very best. No excuses.
2. Pat myself on the back for small triumphs, let small mess-ups go.
3. Now is the time for me and getting myself healthier.
Breakfast
Ham & Cheese Breakfast Melt (delicious). I used one whole egg instead of 2 egg whites, so sue me. Blueberries, milk, coffee. Off to a good start. This is doable.
In honor of Season 8 of the Biggest Loser beginning tonight and following along with their theme of "SECOND CHANCES", I will take my second chance and follow along with them.
Abandoning the South Beach Diet was no easy decision, but any program works if you work it, right? The gym where I work out is doing a Biggest Loser-style contest, so I will enter that and my rationale for changing plans is that this will be easier. I'm using the Biggest Loser 30-Day Jumpstart book for the motivational tips, easy exercises and less-time-in-the-kitchen recipes. I invite my special friends to join me on this journey.
Day 1 Make Up Your Mind Now
"This first day has to start with a strong and clear commitment to yourself."
My commitment:
1. Do my very best. No excuses.
2. Pat myself on the back for small triumphs, let small mess-ups go.
3. Now is the time for me and getting myself healthier.
Breakfast
Ham & Cheese Breakfast Melt (delicious). I used one whole egg instead of 2 egg whites, so sue me. Blueberries, milk, coffee. Off to a good start. This is doable.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Delectable, delicious dessert
Cocoa-Nut Mousse
Whipped ricotta cheese with cocoa, Splenda, vanilla & almond extract, toasted coconut and toasted almonds. S t r e t c h the imagination and you almost get Almond Joy.
Whipped ricotta cheese with cocoa, Splenda, vanilla & almond extract, toasted coconut and toasted almonds. S t r e t c h the imagination and you almost get Almond Joy.
Weak and tired
Day 5
I found it hard to lift my limbs today. Crawled out of the bed just before noon, forcing myself to scramble some eggs (couldn't find the leftover asparagus to make into an omelet) and nuke some turkey bacon before lying in the tub and falling back asleep until the girls woke me up at 5:00. Not sure what serious disease I have this time, but I'm wiped out for sure.
Tried some new-to-me French Onion flavored Lite Laughing Cow cheese with celery and will repeat.
Warned our 12-year-old dinner guest about our eating Plan and she seemed to enjoy the black beans and chicken on brown rice with olive oil and Parmesan seasoning. I reluctantly skipped the rice. A gazpacho salad with cuke, cherry tomatoes and green peppers in South Beach balsamic rounded out the meal nicely. The girls were content with strawberries & blueberries with Lite Cool Whip for dessert and I was tempted to join them, but got up and washed dishes instead. It's really hard to pass up something so healthy! Have I mentioned I only have 9 more days of Phase 1? Not that I'm counting or anything. I don't feel deprived really, but I will have more variety when I get to Phase 2.
I have to say that I haven't even been truly tempted. The popcorn smell was the hardest so far, but I even watched one child drink a milkshake and walked right by an Auntie Annes. Go me.
I found it hard to lift my limbs today. Crawled out of the bed just before noon, forcing myself to scramble some eggs (couldn't find the leftover asparagus to make into an omelet) and nuke some turkey bacon before lying in the tub and falling back asleep until the girls woke me up at 5:00. Not sure what serious disease I have this time, but I'm wiped out for sure.
Tried some new-to-me French Onion flavored Lite Laughing Cow cheese with celery and will repeat.
Warned our 12-year-old dinner guest about our eating Plan and she seemed to enjoy the black beans and chicken on brown rice with olive oil and Parmesan seasoning. I reluctantly skipped the rice. A gazpacho salad with cuke, cherry tomatoes and green peppers in South Beach balsamic rounded out the meal nicely. The girls were content with strawberries & blueberries with Lite Cool Whip for dessert and I was tempted to join them, but got up and washed dishes instead. It's really hard to pass up something so healthy! Have I mentioned I only have 9 more days of Phase 1? Not that I'm counting or anything. I don't feel deprived really, but I will have more variety when I get to Phase 2.
I have to say that I haven't even been truly tempted. The popcorn smell was the hardest so far, but I even watched one child drink a milkshake and walked right by an Auntie Annes. Go me.
On the road
Day 4 (Friday)
I couldn't bring myself to scramble eggs with onions and jarred red peppers before we left on our St. Augustine road trip this morning, so I grabbed 2 more leftover quiche cups. No, I'm not a creature of habit or anything. But in my defense, the recipe made 12 and I refuse to let them spoil! It is safe to assume that I will have V8 and coffee each morning as part of my new ritual.
Felt a little funny packing a lunchbox like a schoolgirl, but road rot and SouthBeach don't really mix. Boar's Head roast beef and 2% cheese cubes stood in for Tex-Mex roll-up, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes. More tweaking.
After our campus tour Kellie scraped me up off the sidewalk and somehow I made it to the car and we made it to Jax to Todd's Bonos BBQ for lunch before I completely wilted. An extra large salad with smoked turkey and bleu cheese dressing perked me up enough to hang out at the Mall while it stormed. Went to a movie and really struggled with the popcorn flavor that they pipe into the theater. But victory was mine when we left empty-stomached. I was planning to finish off the roast beef on the way home but hours in the car even in an ice-packed insulated bag left limp meat and warm cheese. A few nuts aided me the distance to the nearest Chick-fil-A where I devoured a bunless chargrilled chicken sandwich. Ok, so it was more like a piece of chicken and a piece of lettuce with a tomato side.
Arrived home too late to make Espresso custard, so subbed a No Sugar Added Fudgsicle and a glass of milk. 4 down and 10 days to go with no carbs. It's perfectly acceptable to pity me.
I couldn't bring myself to scramble eggs with onions and jarred red peppers before we left on our St. Augustine road trip this morning, so I grabbed 2 more leftover quiche cups. No, I'm not a creature of habit or anything. But in my defense, the recipe made 12 and I refuse to let them spoil! It is safe to assume that I will have V8 and coffee each morning as part of my new ritual.
Felt a little funny packing a lunchbox like a schoolgirl, but road rot and SouthBeach don't really mix. Boar's Head roast beef and 2% cheese cubes stood in for Tex-Mex roll-up, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes. More tweaking.
After our campus tour Kellie scraped me up off the sidewalk and somehow I made it to the car and we made it to Jax to Todd's Bonos BBQ for lunch before I completely wilted. An extra large salad with smoked turkey and bleu cheese dressing perked me up enough to hang out at the Mall while it stormed. Went to a movie and really struggled with the popcorn flavor that they pipe into the theater. But victory was mine when we left empty-stomached. I was planning to finish off the roast beef on the way home but hours in the car even in an ice-packed insulated bag left limp meat and warm cheese. A few nuts aided me the distance to the nearest Chick-fil-A where I devoured a bunless chargrilled chicken sandwich. Ok, so it was more like a piece of chicken and a piece of lettuce with a tomato side.
Arrived home too late to make Espresso custard, so subbed a No Sugar Added Fudgsicle and a glass of milk. 4 down and 10 days to go with no carbs. It's perfectly acceptable to pity me.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Out & About but not eating
Day 3
Leftover quiche cups in place of poached egg & smoked salmon. It's hard enough for me to eat fish even when 1) I don't have to cook it and 2)I don't have to smell it cooking, but for BREAKFAST??? No way!
Saw my doc this morning and she is pleased with my numbers. Agreed this was a good Plan for me and recommended adding Metamucil. Don't tell my husband because he is religious about it and has been on my case about adding it to my regimen for years. Don't you just hate it when they're right?
Since I had to run errands today, I packed more cheese sticks (this time paired with sliced turkey breast) and stopped for a Chick-fil-A salad (with chicken on it this time) and the cows thanked me.
Out and about all day left no time for cooking, but luckily rotisserie chicken was on the agenda for tonight anyway. With a few white beans and asparagus (instead of roasted artichoke hearts- some more tweaking on my part) and a glass of milk I was a happy camper.
Not sure if I'm looking forward to Lime Zest ricotta for dessert, and still didn't get any exercise, but let's focus on baby steps and call it another success.
Leftover quiche cups in place of poached egg & smoked salmon. It's hard enough for me to eat fish even when 1) I don't have to cook it and 2)I don't have to smell it cooking, but for BREAKFAST??? No way!
Saw my doc this morning and she is pleased with my numbers. Agreed this was a good Plan for me and recommended adding Metamucil. Don't tell my husband because he is religious about it and has been on my case about adding it to my regimen for years. Don't you just hate it when they're right?
Since I had to run errands today, I packed more cheese sticks (this time paired with sliced turkey breast) and stopped for a Chick-fil-A salad (with chicken on it this time) and the cows thanked me.
Out and about all day left no time for cooking, but luckily rotisserie chicken was on the agenda for tonight anyway. With a few white beans and asparagus (instead of roasted artichoke hearts- some more tweaking on my part) and a glass of milk I was a happy camper.
Not sure if I'm looking forward to Lime Zest ricotta for dessert, and still didn't get any exercise, but let's focus on baby steps and call it another success.
What was I thinking?
Day 2
Goal: dazzle family with gourmet healthy meals
Reality: Ew, gross, Mom!
Ok, so maybe I was the only one to partake in the spinach Quiche Cups to Go this morning. But I thought they were divine. A little V8 and coffee and I'm good to go.
Confident in my ability to handle eating out after mastering one whole day on the Plan, I met friends for lunch at Atlanta Bread. Half of a Balsamic Bleu salad (sans apples since I'm still in Phase 1) and half a bowl of garden veggie soup (the veggies were actually all of limits: carrots, corn & peas, but the broth was good). Note to self: add chicken to salad next time. By 2:15 I was already starving.
Cheese sticks are now my best friends. Sorry gals!
Shopping at Target at 5:00 was a bad idea in so many ways. Still hungry from lunch and dinner nowhere in plain sight, a handful of SB recommended nut mix saved the day! With a piece of lunchmeat chicken as I walked in the door, I was able to hang on until the Shepherd's Pie was ready. Enter the kids and their "EWWW." They don't even know that edamame and cauliflower can stand in for peas and mashed potatoes if you use your imagination and a lot of spices. Their loss. Dave raved.
Now this is where the what was I thinking comes in. Dessert was supposed to be maple almond flan. Have you ever actually made a flan? Me neither. Well, I'm not sure at which stage I messed up (maybe at all stages), but the darned thing never set. It turned out to be almond latte (forget the maple you were supposed to drizzle over the top since there was nothing to drizzle it on top of!) and didn't taste bad for a coffee-type drink with no coffee in it. Won't be making that again any time soon. I think I tend to rush things when cooking. Just ask my friends who suffered through the Strawberry Pretzel salad.
Ok, so this Project really requires some intensive labor or some tweaking. Tweaking sounds about my speed. So tired from the flan attempt I didn't exercise at all. Just sat on the couch and moaned about how weak and exhausted I was. But I'm still calling Day 2 a success.
Goal: dazzle family with gourmet healthy meals
Reality: Ew, gross, Mom!
Ok, so maybe I was the only one to partake in the spinach Quiche Cups to Go this morning. But I thought they were divine. A little V8 and coffee and I'm good to go.
Confident in my ability to handle eating out after mastering one whole day on the Plan, I met friends for lunch at Atlanta Bread. Half of a Balsamic Bleu salad (sans apples since I'm still in Phase 1) and half a bowl of garden veggie soup (the veggies were actually all of limits: carrots, corn & peas, but the broth was good). Note to self: add chicken to salad next time. By 2:15 I was already starving.
Cheese sticks are now my best friends. Sorry gals!
Shopping at Target at 5:00 was a bad idea in so many ways. Still hungry from lunch and dinner nowhere in plain sight, a handful of SB recommended nut mix saved the day! With a piece of lunchmeat chicken as I walked in the door, I was able to hang on until the Shepherd's Pie was ready. Enter the kids and their "EWWW." They don't even know that edamame and cauliflower can stand in for peas and mashed potatoes if you use your imagination and a lot of spices. Their loss. Dave raved.
Now this is where the what was I thinking comes in. Dessert was supposed to be maple almond flan. Have you ever actually made a flan? Me neither. Well, I'm not sure at which stage I messed up (maybe at all stages), but the darned thing never set. It turned out to be almond latte (forget the maple you were supposed to drizzle over the top since there was nothing to drizzle it on top of!) and didn't taste bad for a coffee-type drink with no coffee in it. Won't be making that again any time soon. I think I tend to rush things when cooking. Just ask my friends who suffered through the Strawberry Pretzel salad.
Ok, so this Project really requires some intensive labor or some tweaking. Tweaking sounds about my speed. So tired from the flan attempt I didn't exercise at all. Just sat on the couch and moaned about how weak and exhausted I was. But I'm still calling Day 2 a success.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Harder than I thought
Did I really say one year? I meant one month, perhaps one week. Just finished Day 1 and I have to say WHEW. It didn't sound too daunting when I read the list. Shrimp cocktail. Check. Sirloin steak, grilled. Um, I don't know how to operate that Big Green Monstrosity outside, so out came the Foreman to ruin a perfectly innocent piece of shoe leather. Check. The green peppers and onions, grilled (in a pan on the stove) and marinated in balsamic vinegar were tasty and enhanced by the leftover shrimp (non-fish-eating child's portion) to restaurant-worthy status, as declared by hubby. Check. The kids gave the heart of palm potato salad a big thumbs-down, but I stretched my imagination enough to at least equate this dish to the summery salad described. There were no actual potatoes harmed in the making of this dish. Check. But then it came to the dessert. Shoulda actually read the recipe before we were all finished with the unusual dinner and ready for a tantalizing treat. Oops, Maple Flan needs to be chilled for 4 hours or overnight. Saving that for tomorrow. Lesson learned. A quick substitution was made and most of us enjoyed the Peanut Butter Delight made with ricotta cheese and you guessed it, (natural) peanut butter. I'm going to bed now so I don't mess up Day 1.
Day One
My eyes popped open this morning at the crack of noon and my body did a self-diagnostic to figure out why the blood was already pumping. First day of my Project. Had that anticipation/dread like it was the first day of school. There's nothing like shiny new school supplies to get me excited. Even though I haven't been to school in um, a few years. So this blog is like a new notebook, a blank canvas yearning for that first doodle.
Breakfast (should I say brunch?) was a ham & cheese omelet, low-sodium V8 and coffee. Omelet turned out picture perfect if I do say so myself, but I'm no Julia! I flipped it with a spatula instead of tossing it like a pizza.
By 4:30 I was ready for lunch. To make this Project work, I really need to follow the Plan, so I may end up eating dinner at midnight. The mid-morning snack, which I combined with lunch was a homemade guac, using cottage cheese. The spices gave it a substantial kick and transformed the tasteless celery stick into a gourmet appetizer. The Chock-Full-of-Veggies Chili was more spicy goodness. Instead of dolloping with low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt, as called for, I had to put 2% Cheddar in it to appeal to my picky children, so if I don't lose any weight I'm blaming it on that. It was supposed to be eaten with a large, mixed green salad, but I already had the celery and major helpings of raw veggies don't agree with me, so I'll bulk up on cooked veggies later. Already with the compromises! But as the good doctor said, the "Sample Meal Plans are meant to be guidelines, and you should adjust them to suit your personal tastes." Off to exercise...
Breakfast (should I say brunch?) was a ham & cheese omelet, low-sodium V8 and coffee. Omelet turned out picture perfect if I do say so myself, but I'm no Julia! I flipped it with a spatula instead of tossing it like a pizza.
By 4:30 I was ready for lunch. To make this Project work, I really need to follow the Plan, so I may end up eating dinner at midnight. The mid-morning snack, which I combined with lunch was a homemade guac, using cottage cheese. The spices gave it a substantial kick and transformed the tasteless celery stick into a gourmet appetizer. The Chock-Full-of-Veggies Chili was more spicy goodness. Instead of dolloping with low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt, as called for, I had to put 2% Cheddar in it to appeal to my picky children, so if I don't lose any weight I'm blaming it on that. It was supposed to be eaten with a large, mixed green salad, but I already had the celery and major helpings of raw veggies don't agree with me, so I'll bulk up on cooked veggies later. Already with the compromises! But as the good doctor said, the "Sample Meal Plans are meant to be guidelines, and you should adjust them to suit your personal tastes." Off to exercise...
I'm so Julie
The Books
The South Beach Diet SuperCharged. First edition, 2008. Arthur Agatston, MD, with Joseph Signorile, PhD. Dr. Agatston became my hero when he introduced me to the concepts of "good carbohydrates" and "good fats".
Julie & Julia. Paperback movie tie-in edition, July 2009. Julie Powell catapulted to the top of my list of heroes after I saw the movie, which inspired me to mount my own project of dedication and diligence to enrich my life and live to the fullest.
The Contender
Busy stay-at-home mom by day, diet book junkie by night. Too old for supersized, too young for disease, too overweight to do nothing, I am up for a challenge. Risking my friendship with the staff at Bagel, Bagel, I am signing on for a daunting assignment. Picking just one diet, uh hum, I mean healthy eat plan and sticking to it. 365 days. 1095 healthy meals and 730 healthy snacks.
One serial dieter and no idea how to cook. How far it will go is probably not tricky enough for a suspensful cliffhanger...
The South Beach Diet SuperCharged. First edition, 2008. Arthur Agatston, MD, with Joseph Signorile, PhD. Dr. Agatston became my hero when he introduced me to the concepts of "good carbohydrates" and "good fats".
Julie & Julia. Paperback movie tie-in edition, July 2009. Julie Powell catapulted to the top of my list of heroes after I saw the movie, which inspired me to mount my own project of dedication and diligence to enrich my life and live to the fullest.
The Contender
Busy stay-at-home mom by day, diet book junkie by night. Too old for supersized, too young for disease, too overweight to do nothing, I am up for a challenge. Risking my friendship with the staff at Bagel, Bagel, I am signing on for a daunting assignment. Picking just one diet, uh hum, I mean healthy eat plan and sticking to it. 365 days. 1095 healthy meals and 730 healthy snacks.
One serial dieter and no idea how to cook. How far it will go is probably not tricky enough for a suspensful cliffhanger...
Friday, June 26, 2009
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