Well - maybe I should whine a bit more about my weight loss, because this week was a big ol' 2 POUNDS! Yep, I get to add an "s" to that. This would make a grand total of 6 pounds in 5 weeks. Not too shabby if I say so myself.
Since I didn't hear from any of you on questions you have, or comments on how you are doing I am going to randomly choose a topic to discuss every week. This week I am going to talk about my diet. I have learned from my past mistakes that trying to follow a strict diet doesn't work long term for me. What does - so far making small, but lasting, changes. I have pretty much eliminated artificial sweeteners from my diet, and instead use natural options if I need to. I have also severely cut "white" products, like potatoes, bread and pasta. Instead I am using whole wheat bread and pasta products and if we do have potatoes we have sweet potatoes. I am also adding a TON of fruits and veggies to my diet. The thought behind that is that if I am filling up on fruit and vegetable options I am not hungry for "junk". (Does this mean that I always, 100% of the time make these choices - nope. Just most of the time.)
I also allow myself one "treat" a day. Lately that has been Easter Candy, a cookie, or something like that.
I do have a couple of new recipes that I have been making, so leave a comment to vote on which one you would like me to feature next!
1. Buffalo Chicken Salad
2. No-bake Energy Cookies
3. Crustless Breakfast Quiche
Until next week!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Guilty
For almost a year I have held onto guilt over how I felt about Buddy's Adoption Finalization Day.
In mid April 2011 we were summoned to Probate Court for this event. I just didn't get that excited about it. I just couldn't get that excited about it. I felt terrible about this. The day came, we went to court, and came home. It felt like just another day. (in fact, I had written the wrong day on the calendar at one point)
We have had many friends who have gone before us on this journey, and they did this day up big. A party, at least a cake - something special to signify the event. Not us. We just got dressed up, went to court, came home. That's it.
I even had to look back at some records to remember what date court was, because April rolled around this year and I couldn't remember it.
For almost a year, I felt guilty about this - until I realized something.
I can tell you almost every detail from the day Buddy came home - that his flight landed at exactly 6:00 p.m. on September 4th. That we first heard him crying behind the customs doors at 6:30 and that at 6:42 he was handed into my arms. I can tell you what I was wearing, what Steve was wearing, what he was wearing. I can tell you that we arrived home at 11:50 that night. Without looking back at pictures of the day I can say that we ate at Cracker Barrel and I had chicken strips and fries. I remember holding him so tightly that I didn't want to ever - EVER let go. I remember him looking up into my eyes while he had his first bottle with me.
I remember it all - because that is the day that mattered. He became my son almost 8 1/2 months earlier when he was placed in my arms. Not the day in court - that day was just a formality. It didn't change anything at all. (well, legally it did, but you know what I mean)
I think I was feeling guilty for nothing...
In mid April 2011 we were summoned to Probate Court for this event. I just didn't get that excited about it. I just couldn't get that excited about it. I felt terrible about this. The day came, we went to court, and came home. It felt like just another day. (in fact, I had written the wrong day on the calendar at one point)
We have had many friends who have gone before us on this journey, and they did this day up big. A party, at least a cake - something special to signify the event. Not us. We just got dressed up, went to court, came home. That's it.
I even had to look back at some records to remember what date court was, because April rolled around this year and I couldn't remember it.
For almost a year, I felt guilty about this - until I realized something.
I can tell you almost every detail from the day Buddy came home - that his flight landed at exactly 6:00 p.m. on September 4th. That we first heard him crying behind the customs doors at 6:30 and that at 6:42 he was handed into my arms. I can tell you what I was wearing, what Steve was wearing, what he was wearing. I can tell you that we arrived home at 11:50 that night. Without looking back at pictures of the day I can say that we ate at Cracker Barrel and I had chicken strips and fries. I remember holding him so tightly that I didn't want to ever - EVER let go. I remember him looking up into my eyes while he had his first bottle with me.
I remember it all - because that is the day that mattered. He became my son almost 8 1/2 months earlier when he was placed in my arms. Not the day in court - that day was just a formality. It didn't change anything at all. (well, legally it did, but you know what I mean)
I think I was feeling guilty for nothing...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Weekly Weigh In - Week 4
This was another tough week - I was sick (again) and it seems like when that happens I just kind of hold on. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I did loose - not much - but I'll take it.
A Whole .5 pound. Oh how I wish for a week of being able to say POUNDS! That would bring my total up to 4 pounds lost in four weeks.
By the way, have you ever heard of someone having an allergic reaction to ALLERGY MEDICINE? Yeah, me either. But it happened.
How are all of you doing? Anyone on this journey with me want to share a success story? I would love to hear it!
Until next time -
A Whole .5 pound. Oh how I wish for a week of being able to say POUNDS! That would bring my total up to 4 pounds lost in four weeks.
By the way, have you ever heard of someone having an allergic reaction to ALLERGY MEDICINE? Yeah, me either. But it happened.
How are all of you doing? Anyone on this journey with me want to share a success story? I would love to hear it!
Until next time -
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Weekly Weigh In - Week 3
This was a rough week - it was a holiday week, it was stressful, it just wasn't my best week.
But I didn't gain. I was shocked this morning when I weighed in and had not gained anything.
I learned something in this last week, I have two choices when life is stressful, I can eat myself sick- or I can pray about it and find something useful to do. For the first time, I chose the later. In the past if I had a "bad" week and didn't lose, or gained, I wanted to give up and quit. I am not doing that this time. I am starting fresh today - back into my routine, low carb, no skipping meals then binging later (and over eating).
How do you handle rough weeks? Or holiday meals? We had some healthier options this year and all the extra desserts that were left went to work with my sweet husband today. (I made a new dessert, man was it good!)
Leave a comment on what great choices you made this week!
But I didn't gain. I was shocked this morning when I weighed in and had not gained anything.
I learned something in this last week, I have two choices when life is stressful, I can eat myself sick- or I can pray about it and find something useful to do. For the first time, I chose the later. In the past if I had a "bad" week and didn't lose, or gained, I wanted to give up and quit. I am not doing that this time. I am starting fresh today - back into my routine, low carb, no skipping meals then binging later (and over eating).
How do you handle rough weeks? Or holiday meals? We had some healthier options this year and all the extra desserts that were left went to work with my sweet husband today. (I made a new dessert, man was it good!)
Leave a comment on what great choices you made this week!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Weekly Weigh In - Week 2
So how did this week go? Down 2 pounds! That is a total of 3.5 pounds in two weeks. I am pretty excited about that.
I know for me, I tend to focus on how I have failed and often need reminders that there are times I get it right. Today I would like to focus on those successes!
The first was just planning out my week. I planned menus, time, activities and planned in times that I could treat myself, and times I knew that I needed to buckle down more to make room in my life for the treats.
Second, we went for ice cream at my favorite place (this was actually not this past week, but the week prior) Handel's Homemade Ice Cream. In the past, I would get a dish of ice cream and eat it so fast that I didn't really even taste it. Which is a shame - as the dark chocolate raspberry truffle is worth every minute on the treadmill to burn the calories. This time, I got a small dish, ate part of it, and took the rest home and ate it over several days. I stretched it out, and enjoyed it even more. I was just as satisfied as when I pigged out and ate it all.
Lastly, I had dinner with a friend at a favorite restaurant. I planned my day (food wise) around this day, and instead of emptying the bread basket myself, I had two small pieces. That was it. I also ordered a huge salad for an appetizer, with fruit and nuts and all kinds of goodness in it, and just a small appetizer for my main course. I even took some home for the next day.
So, those were my recent successes. This weeks goals are to still exercise at least 5 times, 30 minutes of cardio, and adding in some toning exercises. (Thank goodness for nap time!) It is also Easter Weekend, which for us means a lot of food, so part of my plan is to accommodate for the big meals during other parts of the days/week.
Have a good week!
I know for me, I tend to focus on how I have failed and often need reminders that there are times I get it right. Today I would like to focus on those successes!
The first was just planning out my week. I planned menus, time, activities and planned in times that I could treat myself, and times I knew that I needed to buckle down more to make room in my life for the treats.
Second, we went for ice cream at my favorite place (this was actually not this past week, but the week prior) Handel's Homemade Ice Cream. In the past, I would get a dish of ice cream and eat it so fast that I didn't really even taste it. Which is a shame - as the dark chocolate raspberry truffle is worth every minute on the treadmill to burn the calories. This time, I got a small dish, ate part of it, and took the rest home and ate it over several days. I stretched it out, and enjoyed it even more. I was just as satisfied as when I pigged out and ate it all.
Lastly, I had dinner with a friend at a favorite restaurant. I planned my day (food wise) around this day, and instead of emptying the bread basket myself, I had two small pieces. That was it. I also ordered a huge salad for an appetizer, with fruit and nuts and all kinds of goodness in it, and just a small appetizer for my main course. I even took some home for the next day.
So, those were my recent successes. This weeks goals are to still exercise at least 5 times, 30 minutes of cardio, and adding in some toning exercises. (Thank goodness for nap time!) It is also Easter Weekend, which for us means a lot of food, so part of my plan is to accommodate for the big meals during other parts of the days/week.
Have a good week!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
New Recipe Alert - Roasted Kale
What green leafy vegetable has my unbelievably picky two-year old begging for more? (not going to lie, I knock back quite a bit of this myself - guilt free!)
Roasted Kale Chips. I know, I can't believe it either. I thought it was a fluke (for crying out loud, he's so picky he won't eat a sandwich if you call it a "sandwich") but I have made this now three times, and each time I hear "Moe Kale Peas" over and over for days. It is crazy. And easy. If you google Kale Chips or Roasted Kale you will find TONS of recipes. Today, I will share with you the recipe and tips I have learned to help you get your own easy-peasy snack.
Large Bunch of Kale - (My supermarket had bags of this in the pre-washed lettuce area, I used this the first time and it didn't work so hot. I use fresh, whole leaf kale. Luckily, a little farmer's-market type store near me has it all the time for cheap.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Fresh ground pepper
That's it.
Now for the easy directions. Wash the kale leaves, and trim the coarse rib out so you just have the flat leaves. The rib takes much longer to bake than the leaves, so if you leave it in you will end up with kale ribs and burned leaves. Trust me on this. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry the kale well before you start.
(I forgot to take a photo before I started, so this was what about half the kale looked like prior to baking.)
Next, layer the kale in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with foil, and sprayed well with non-stick cooking spray. Drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons of Olive Oil over the kale and toss to cover
well. Sprinkle with a little Sea Salt and bake in an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees.
Bake the kale for 10-20 minutes, or until crispy. (I know, I hate this part. The time totally depends on how wet the kale is, and how humid your house is. I have made batches that were done in 9 minutes and ones that took 25 or more.) Using tongs, turn the kale once or twice.
Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, it should look like this.
Roasted Kale Chips. I know, I can't believe it either. I thought it was a fluke (for crying out loud, he's so picky he won't eat a sandwich if you call it a "sandwich") but I have made this now three times, and each time I hear "Moe Kale Peas" over and over for days. It is crazy. And easy. If you google Kale Chips or Roasted Kale you will find TONS of recipes. Today, I will share with you the recipe and tips I have learned to help you get your own easy-peasy snack.
Large Bunch of Kale - (My supermarket had bags of this in the pre-washed lettuce area, I used this the first time and it didn't work so hot. I use fresh, whole leaf kale. Luckily, a little farmer's-market type store near me has it all the time for cheap.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Fresh ground pepper
That's it.
Now for the easy directions. Wash the kale leaves, and trim the coarse rib out so you just have the flat leaves. The rib takes much longer to bake than the leaves, so if you leave it in you will end up with kale ribs and burned leaves. Trust me on this. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry the kale well before you start.
(I forgot to take a photo before I started, so this was what about half the kale looked like prior to baking.)
well. Sprinkle with a little Sea Salt and bake in an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees.
Bake the kale for 10-20 minutes, or until crispy. (I know, I hate this part. The time totally depends on how wet the kale is, and how humid your house is. I have made batches that were done in 9 minutes and ones that took 25 or more.) Using tongs, turn the kale once or twice.
Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, it should look like this.
(The white stuff is Parmesan Cheese, I tried a new recipe and it wasn't as good as my original)
Remember the HUGE pile of kale I had at the beginning? Well, this is what it looks like when you are finished:
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