Missing

Hey all,

Sorry I've been missing the past few days. It's been a doozy of a life. Between moving, getting sick, work being crazy - I just haven't had the time or energy to bust out a blog.

Never fear, though, I'm still here. Still working hard. Still eating yummy, delicious food (I made chicken and eggplant casserole last night - delish!).

I wanted to share with your a couple of secret diet killers. Calories really are the key to the whole weight loss debacle, but there are some hidden enemies that can really hold back weight loss progress:

1) "Fat Free" Is fat free a better option then not? Usually, yes. But don't let the words fat free elude you into thinking you are choosing a lower calorie or healthier option. To make up for flavor lost in fat you will regularly see increased sodium or sugar content. Read the box and compare to the regular version before you buy. There's really nothing wrong with a little fat.

2) Canned soup. It's delicious. It's typically low-cal (thank you Progresso!). It's PACKED with sodium. I'm not sure why they have to put so much sodium in a can of soup - probably something to do with preservative effects. Always opt for the low sodium soups (even then, the numbers can be baffling). Better yet, make your own. Soup recipes can be found in every shape size and a form and typically just require a little chopping and simmering. Remember, though, if your recipe calls for chicken (or beef)broth, grab a low sodium version of that as well.

3) Low calories per serving. Many boxes will tell you how low calorie a serving of their cereal, crackers, cookies, whatever it is have. But remember - all servings are not made equal. 100 calories of Cheerios is a whole cup of the stuff. That's great! 100 calories of Oreo cookies is only 1 cookie. If you are going to have crackers or cookies, make sure you read carefully and portion out your servings so you don't accidentally down 500 calories without thinking.

Those are just a few hidden diet disasters. I'll share more later.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 6 strawberries, 3 ounces low fat yogurt, 1 large tbsp protein powder and crystal light strawberry juice (210 cals)

Depressing Breakfast

So, my life is kind of a shambles right now. Each room in my house is full of boxes. Most of them are open now, gaping at me, ready to spit out all the CRAP that is in them. All the CRAP I just want to throw away, but know I actually want and actually use, I just can't imagine WHY.

So, anyway, given the current state of things, I haven't had a decent meal in days. This morning was no exception. We're running out of the house at the last minute and, par for the course this week, I stop in at the Cheetah Mart by work to grab a Diet Dew. I ate my last yogurt yesterday, so I have to hunt down something in the Mart for breakfast. I peruse the dairy area looking for something high protein and low cal. I find the winner. Muscle Milk Light. I read the bottle. 20 grams of protein: excellent. Less than 200 calories: perfecto.

As I'm drinking said muscle milk, I read the bottle. It says, "If you enjoy feeling dull, overweight and lethargic put this bottle down and pick up that donut and prepare to cry yourself to sleep on the couch again..."

Seriously? I think my breakfast just made me depressed.

Hope your Friday is great!

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Muscle Milk Light, chocolate flavored (170 cals)

Snack #1: 12 carrots and Carl Budig sliced turkey (125 cals)

Lunch: Progresso Light Santa Fe Chicken soup and 1/4 protein bar (200 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Food Only

I don't have time to be witty today. My apologies.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Nutrilite Protein Bar (240 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: 1 Taco Bell regular taco al fresco and side of pinto beans (250 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 pkg carl budig turkey (140 cals)

Dinner: Porkchops and mixed fruit (300 cals)

Snack #3: 2/3 of a protein bar (200 cals)

Total Calories: 1245

So busy!

I know my calorie counts the last couple of days have been low. I'm working on it. But, it's hard.

That sounds weird, I know.

But with all the moving busy-ness and work I haven't been able to do my normal meal planning/shopping and stopping at the gas station for diet soda and then attempting to find something suitable for nourishment (usually resulting in yogurt) means I have a hard time getting enough calories in.

I'll try to do better today.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt and 1 medium apple (160 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: 1 can Campbell's Healthy Request Teriyaki Chicken and Noodle Soup and 10 mini saltine crackers (250 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Dinner: Subway Egg and Cheese Flatbread (about 10 inches) with tomato and spinach (480 cals)

Total Calories: 1135

I'll have the beans. No beans.

So, last night Husband and I had the final walk through on our home we are purchasing (today!). Our schedules for the next few days mainly revolve around work and moving, so we will be grabbing some quick (okay, fast) food. Last night Taco Bell was the winner. ((For all you dieters/calorie counters out there, Taco Bell is one fast food place I recommend. They have their "Al fresco" items that replace cheese with salsa and start at 150 calories)). I ordered a hard shell taco al fresco and a side of their pinto beans and cheese. "No cheese," I requested.

So, the hub and I are sitting waiting for our food when I happen to glance over at the receipt for our order number. Instead, my eye falls to this:

I turn to Geoff and ask the natural question. "Does that say Pintos and Cheese, minus the beans?" We look at each other with big smiles. We figured the guys in back preparing the food would realize I hadn't just requested a side of cheese. We hoped.

We were wrong. The boy handing me my food asked me, "Did you mean beans and cheese with no beans?" "No," I replied. "I figured," he mumbled as he pulls something out of the bag and tosses it in the trash can and calls back for a side of beans.

Next time I'll just ask for the styrofoam packaging.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 1 cup frozen fruit, 3-ounces low fat yogurt, 1 (large) tablespoon protein powder, crystal light juice (200 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: 1 6-ounce yogurt and 1/4 cup edamame (130 cals)

Snack #2: 1 grap Blow-pop (60 cals)

Dinner: 6-inch Subway turkey sandwich (270 cals) To be fair, I bought a 6 inch, but I just didn't want it all.

Snack #3: Popcorn (200 cals)

Total Calories: 975 - I know, I know...

Manic Monday

Well, it was a rough weekend. Starting on Friday I was tempted with candy and donuts and cake and pie and all kinds of scary treats.

I'm happy to inform you that I abstained and was rewarded for my good choices this morning with a 3 pound loss this week! For a total of 8 and a half pounds lost in three weeks! It feels magical!

Hope your first day of November is excellent also.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Salsa Eggs and 1 slice turkey bacon (150 cals)

Snack #1: Cheese stick and 12 baby carrots (115 cals)

Lunch: Strawberry Cottage Double (130 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Dinner: Taco Bell hard shell taco al fresco and side of pinto beans (270 cals)

Snack #3: Air popped popcorn and two big marshmallows (200 cals)

Total Calories: 995 (This is bad, I know. I'll do better tomorrow)

No secrets

Well, friends, it's the dreaded Saturday. Saturday is always a little scary. Especially when the hub is away for most of it. That means everything I eat is just between me and dogs. And Rom is easy to buy of with treats. :)

However, I've got this little blog to keep me honest. So I won't let you down.

I hope you can all be strong this weekend, too. Have a piece of Halloween candy or two - but don't let a day dedicated to candy lead you to feel any regret or guilt on Monday. It's just a day like any other.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: 3/4 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup assorted fruit (180 cals)

Lunch: 1 cheese stick, 1 pkg Carl Budig Pastrami, 1 pkg Lipton "Cup o' Soup" (200 cals)

Dinner: 1/2 cup pulled pork and 1 small serving eggplant lasagna (350 cals)

Snack #1: 1/2 roll wafer candy and air popped popcorn (260 cals)

Total Calories: 990 cals

Friday Came!

Wow - I'm heading into my third weekend and still going strong. Halloween isn't gonna lead me astray. :)

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - assorted frozen fruit, 3-ounces low fat yogurt, 1 large tablespoon protein powder, and crystal light juice (215 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: Pumpkin Soup (200 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 6-oz low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Dinner: Eggplant Lasagna (350 cals)

Snack: 1 mini bag microwave popcorn and 1 100 calorie snack bar (200 cals)

Total Calories: 1210

Selfish

I have been feeling a little sorry for myself the past couple days. I work really hard. I try to keep the dishes clean, food on the table, lose weight, keep messes to a minimum and in the middle of all that I'm trying to pack up everything we own, manage the finances, work full time, give my dogs the attention they deserve, be a good friend, a good blogger, and a good person. Sometimes being a woman feels like a bit of a thankless job.

I remember talking to my mom a couple weeks ago and reminding her of something I had learned (that I apparently forgot in the past few days). Sometimes, if I'm doing all the above mentioned duties for the thanks or appreciation or recognition of others, there's a good chance I'm gonna be disappointed. However, if I do them for myself, if I get a little selfish about it, then I can feel fulfilled by doing those things.

I like to have a clean home, I like to eat delicious food, I like my new house and want to pack up and get moved in over there, I like to be on top of our finances and make sure all the bills are paid, I like my job, I love my dogs and I enjoy playing with them. I like my friends and want to be a good friend back. I like to blog, it gives me an outlet and a way to share the silly happenstances of life. None of the tasks on my plate are tasks that I hate. Sometimes they pile up in a way that feels completely unmanageable, but that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy each of the tasks while I do it and stop expecting anyone else to jump up and down and tell me how great I am for being so on the ball. I just have to do it for me sometimes.

P.S. Dianne (mom) - When you come out for TG, you better believe I'll have all the Diet Coke you can drink, a Tiara and we'll go shopping together and we'll both get new handbags.

C - Did you make the egg cups? What did you think?

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Bacon Egg Cup: 1 egg, 1 slice bacon, mushrooms, green bell pepper, cheddar cheese (150 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: Roasted Tomato and Cheddar "Pizza" (200 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Snack #3: 1 grape Blow-Pop (60 cals) Note: I read today that behind Jolly Ranchers, Blow Pops are the best candy choice you can make. And I just happened to have a drawer full of them!

Dinner: Eggplant Lasagna - I can't believe how big a serving of this stuff is! (350 cals)

Snack #4: Air popped popcorn (150 cals)

Total Calories: 1155

Just Food

It's been a crazy day - but here's my food.

P.S. Jes asked for my bacon egg cup recipe yesterday, so it is now linked to that item on my food journal on yesterday's post. Check it out and MAKE IT. It's easy and delicious. Plus, you can make it the night before and it reheats in the morning really well. See what happens when you comment, my dear readers? You get what you want.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 1/2 cup assorted frozen fruit, 3-ounces low fat yogurt, 1 (large) tablespoon protein powder, crystal light juice (200 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (125 cals)

Lunch: 1 and a half cups Pumpkin Soup (210 cals)

Snack #2: 6-ounces low fat yogurt and 1/4 cup edamame (130 cals)

Dinner: South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie (320 cals)

Snack #3: Air Popped Popcorn and 100 cal snack bar (250 cals)

Total Calories: 1235

Planning Ahead

This week has all the makings of a veritable disaster for me.

• We move in as few as 7 days (as many as 10). I have a lot to do. The house is about 30-40% packed, so we've got to finish all that up.
• Geoff's birthday is on Sunday, so I've got to finish all my shopping and planning for that.
• We need to meet with a contractor (or two) about replacing our living room window with a door (to walk out to the deck we are having built next week).
• Geoff has a camp-out with his scouts this weekend, so we need to make sure he's got everything he needs for that trip prepared.
• All the while, we both work full time and need some good, healthy fuel to burn to keep us going during all of this mayhem.

So, yesterday I made my grocery list, like usual, but I made sure to choose meals that I could easily cook ahead of time and reheat. Last night, I put food first and prepared this week's meals so that I can focus on the rest of my "to do" for the remainder of the week. I cooked up some South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie (always a crowd - and by crowd, I mean husband - pleaser) and some eggplant lasagna which smelled soooo good. I baked up bacon egg cups for breakfast and a quick and easy pumpkin soup for lunches.

So, try as it might, the stress and busy-ness that is life will not cause me to "fall off the wagon" so-to-speak.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Gandhi

P.S. S-I-L asked in my comments yesterday about "Just Bunches" cereal. It's my low-price replacement for granola. It has very little (if any) nutritional value, but I use just a sprinkle to give my parfaits some crunch, so I'd rather save a few bucks. It's made by post and it is a box full of just the bunches from Honey Bunches of Oats cereal. It's absolutely delicious.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Bacon Egg "cup" - 1 egg, slice turkey bacon, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, mushrooms (150 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (125)

Lunch: Grilled Tomato and Cheddar Pizza and small tastes of the office chili cook-off contenders (280 cals)

Snack #2: 6-ounce low fat yogurt and 1/4 cup edamame (130 cals)

Dinner: Eggplant Lasagna (SOOOOO good) (380 cals)

Snack #3: Air Popped Popcorn (150 cals)

Totals Calories: 1215

Weighing in

Well, it's Monday and you know what that means: time to weigh in.

I'm very happy to report another successful week! A 2 and a half pound loss to bring me to a total of 5 and a half pounds down in 2 weeks. Sweet!

Hope you all had a great weekend as well.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait - 6-ounces low fat yogurt, 2 strawberries, sprinkle "Just Bunches" cereal (120 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: Subway 6-inch Turkey Sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes and mustard (280 cals)

Snack #2: 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt and 1/4 cup edamame (130 cals)

Dinner: South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie (425 cals)

Snack #3: Small Microwave popcorn bag (100 cals)

Total Calories: 1170

Hello, Friday.

Time sure seems to fly.

Time is an interesting thing. When you have no goals, time is scary. It looms and passes and sneaks away - leaving you with a heart full of "could haves" and a head full of "what ifs."

When you have goals, time is invigorating. With each passing moment, you feel full of the possibilities. Each moment is another moment to make decisions that will lead to that goal. You work harder, stronger, smarter and happier.

I'm going into my second weekend and thus getting ready to wrap up week 2 of my diet. It has really been great. I know I seemed a little cranky yesterday, but it was just honest. As great as it feels to be taking some action in my life, it's hard to forgive myself for mistakes I can't undo.

But I love to look back over the past couple of weeks and realize this life truth: You can't stop time from passing, but you can choose what you do with each moment. I am either going to gain weight or lose weight - it's up to me whether I use the days, and months, and years to turn into the person I want to be or if I let the time decide for me.

I choose goals. I choose me.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 3-ounces low fat yogurt, 4 strawberries, 1 slice mango, 1/4 peach, 1/2 scoop protein powder, crystal light orange juice (200 cals)

Snack #1: 12 baby carrots and 1 pkg Carl Budig turkey (115 cals)

Dealing with the Anger

So, I'm approaching the week and a half mark on my new resolve to be healthy (okay, okay, it's a diet). Things are going really well. I've got a nice routine going with my meals. I eat about every two hours. I make sure there is a least some protein in every snack/meal and I haven't been starving or craving bad foods much.

The hub has even bought fries and a burger a couple times and I didn't even take a bite. (Not that I couldn't, mind you, I just don't really want to).

I'm still trying to simmer down from how, really, angry I am at myself for all the weight gain. In April(ish) of 2009 I was at my goal weight. Now, October 2010 and I'm back to exactly where I started when I lost all that weight. We're not talking a 10 pound swing, friends. We are talking 40. Up and down and up and (hopefully) down. This weight loss is important to me on so many more levels then just being thin. But, sometimes it's hard not to look at the tag on my jeans or the fullness in my face and not really feel angry at the girl looking back. Angry for being so weak, so anxious, so lacking in self control.

But I don't want to be angry at myself. So that's the main reason I am taking action. I love my life: my family, my friends, my job, my dogs, my [well, it's almost mine] house, my body (even if it weighs more then I like, it is strong and attractive); I love all of it. And I'd rather spend my time counting a few calories along with my blessings rather then eating whatever I want and then secretly despising myself for some missteps when it comes to food and weight.

It's a learning process, but with each successful day I get a little closer to accepting myself.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait - 6-ounces low fat yogurt, 2 strawberries, sprinkle "Just Bunches" cereal (110 cals)

Snack #1: 1 pkg Carl Budig Turkey (10 grams protein!!) and 12 baby carrots (115 cals)

Lunch: Black Bean "Soup": 3/4 cooked black beans, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, 1 slice avocado (165 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt (130 cals)

Dinner: Applebee's Shrimp and Island Rice (375 cals)

Snack #3: 100 cal microwave popcorn bag and 1/2 protein bar (185 cals)

Total Calories: 1080 - dang it.

Food Only

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 3 strawberries, 1/4 peach, 1 slice mango, 1/2 scoop protein powder, 3-ounces low fat yogurt, crystal light juice (225 cals)

Snack #1: 12 Baby Carrots and a cheese stick (110 cals)

Lunch: Subway Egg and Cheese English Muffin Melt (170 cals)

Snack #2: 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt and 1/4 cup edamame (130 cals)

Dinner: Shredded pork and 1 red potato (380 cals)

Snack#3: McDonald's ice cream cone - no cone and 100 cal microwave popcorn bag (250 cals)

Total Calories: 1265

Hungry just talking about it.

It's so hard to blog every day. I just don't have very much that interesting to say on a daily basis!

I went grocery shopping last night and got my much-needed supply of food for the week. Some of the food highlights for the week include:

Lunch - Black Bean Soup, California Wraps, and Lettuce Wrappers with Chicken

Dinner - Caribbean Baked Chicken with Mango, Garlic and Soy Grilled Pork Chops, Sun-dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Pulled Pork Sandwiches (just BBQ pulled pork for me - no bun).

I also stocked up on some delicious veggies for side dishes: fresh asparagus and squash, green beans (I wanted fresh ones, but Wal-Mart let me down, so I got frozen).

All in all it sounds like it should shape up to be one delicious week!

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait - 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt, 5 strawberries, a sprinkle "Just Bunches" cereal (120 cals)

Lunch: California Wrap - 1 whole wheat tortilla, 1 pkg Carl Budig Pastrami, 1/3 avocado, mustard (280 cals)

Snack #1: 1 6-ounce low fat yogurt and a cheese stick (160 cals)

Dinner: Pork Chop and yellow squash (380 cals)

Snack #2: Air popped popcorn and 1/2 protein bar (230 cals)

Total Calories: 1170

The Big Three

Welcome to Weigh-in, Day One.

The result? 3 pounds lost! Not too shabby. Honestly, I was hoping for a little more given that it is the first week of the diet and all that jazz. However, having said that, I'm thrilled with a three pound loss and won't complain for one second!

I've still got a long way 'til my goal, though, so I'm going to keep on going strong.

Today is the day I need to write my menu and my shopping list. I'll share the highlights with you tomorrow.

Suggestion: For a satisfying sweet treat, try freezing your favorite yogurt flavor. You will feel like you are eating frozen yogurt at home, while keep the calories low. (Try to only freeze it for 3-4 hours. I froze mine overnight and it took about 10 minutes to thaw enough to spoon through).

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie - 6 strawberries, 3-ounces low fat yogurt, 1/2 scoop protein powder, crystal light orange juice, splenda (250 cals)

Snack #1: 12 Baby Carrots and a cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: Grilled Tomato, Garlic and Feta Cheese Pizza (210 cals)

Snack #2: 1/4 cup edamame and 1 6-ounce "frozen yogurt" (150 cals)

Dinner: Subway egg and cheese on english muffin (230 cals)

Snack #3: Microwave Popcorn and 1/2 protein bar (230 cals)

Total Calories: 1185

Food only

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait - 1 6 ounce non fat yogurt and "Just Bunches" cereal (110 cals)

Lunch: 1 serving brown rice risotto and a cheese stick (220 cals)

Snack #1: "Frozen" yogurt (80 cals)

Dinner: Chicken and Rice (400 cals)

Snack #2: Air Popped Popcorn and 1/2 protein bar (300 cals)

Total Calories: 1110

Weekends...

I have reached the first weekend of my new resolve to be healthy. Weekends are always really rough for me. I get out of my routine. I sleep in too late and throw off my whole eating "schedule." I made sure to get up early enough today that I wouldn't been thrown off too much.

I'm about to go grab a snack and head off to the salon to get my hair done. :) Nothing like a little change in the hair to freshen up my feelings about myself. Hope you are all having a lovely weekend as well, dear readers.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Smoothie: 2 slices frozen peaches, 6 frozen strawberries, 3 ounces lowfat yogurt, 1/2 scoop protein powder, crystal light orange juice (220 cals)

Snack #1: Baby Carrots (12) and string cheese (115 cals)

Lunch: Brown Rice Risotto and string cheese (220)

Dinner: Subway 6-inch Egg White and (cheddar) Cheese Flatbread Sandwich with tomatoes, olives and spinach (400 cals)

Snack: Air Popped Popcorn (150 cals)

Total Calories: 1105

My Bad...

I don't know that anyone actually goes back the next day to see my food journaling for the previous day but, if you do, I want you to know up front that I do not condone my calorie count yesterday. I didn't know until this morning when I put in my last couple items that my count was less than 1200. Ideally, my calories will come in between 1200-1400 for a day. Less than 1200 is never the goal (and I don't think it really helps the body lose weight to feed it quite so little). So, I will make some adjustments to my intake today to make sure I don't come in quite so low!

Today is going to be my first real test in self control. My office is having a BBQ lunch. Here is how it is described on my calendar. "Lunch will be provided, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers on the grill, soda and other items." Hmmm. Other items. I going to bet that doesn't include Grilled Tomato, Garlic and Feta Cheese Pizza? Because that's what I was going to make for myself today before this little luncheon was scheduled.

Never fear, though, I packed some Brown Rice Risotto to put next to a naked hamburger patty. And it's going to be just delicious. :)

Food Journal:

Breakfast: 1 6 oz Light Key Lime Pie Yogurt and 1/2 apple (110 cals)

Lunch: 1 small hamburger patty, 1 slice tomato, 1 serving brown rice risotto (210 cals)

Snack #1: 1/4 cup uncooked edamame and 1 cheese stick (130 cals)

Dinner: 1 Serving South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie (360 cals)

Snack #2: Air popped popcorn (175 cals)

Total Calories: 985

Busy Stovetop

On my menu this week, my lunches ended up being a little more cooking heavy then I'm accustomed to, but for the last little while, lunch has been the weak link in my day. I either eat too little and end up starving for candy from the office candy jar by mid-afternoon, or I don't have anything planned so I run to the nearest fast food place and put my body into sodium shock. So, I turned to my trusty South Beach Diet Cookbooks and hunted from some delicious, easy lunch ideas.

I ended up with the following list for lunches: Almond Crusted Chicken (leftovers); Grilled Tomato, Garlic, and Feta Cheese Pizza, Vegetarian Chili with Avocado Salsa, Barley Risotto, and Edamame Salad.

Well, last night I was preparing dinner (South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie) and simultaneously cooking the Risotto and Veggie Chili. Every burner and the oven were on. Phew. It was quite the multi-tasking. But, I'm happy to let you know that we will be having a delicious lunch break today!

3 days down...

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait: Yogurt, 1/3 apple, Just Bunches cereal (120 cals)

Snack #1: Baby carrots (12) and cheese stick (115 cals)

Lunch: Brown Rice Risotto with Spinach and Parmesan (180 cals)

Snack #2: 1/8 cup Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame and 1 6-ounce yogurt (150 cals)

Dinner: 1 Serving South Beach Diet Spinach Dumplings (290 cals)

Snack #3: Air popped popcorn (150 cals)

Total calories: 1045

Learning with Tyra

I'm going to admit it. "America's Next Top Model" is my favorite of all my guilty pleasures. So, last week Geoff and I were watching and I had a bit of an epiphany. No, seriously.

So the girls are hanging out in their ridiculously awesome beach house when they get a surprise visit from supermodel Karolina Kurkova. Karolina went on to mix up a fruit and veggie smoothie for the girls and talk to them about how important it is to eat healthy. Not just to stay thin, but to look beautiful, to keep their skin clear and glowing, to keep them feeling strong and healthy.

So, I may never look like Karolina Kurkova, but I can feed my body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to really function at its best. I can feel strong and healthy and beautiful - and if I'm truly feeding myself a healthy lifestyle, the weight loss can't help but come along for the ride. Right? Right.

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Fruit Smoothie (see Monday for ingredients - 210 cals).

Snack #1: 12 Carrots (40 cals)

Lunch: Lean Cuisine Pot Sticker Meal (370 cals)

Snack #2: Cheese stick and Yogurt (160 cals)

Dinner: South Beach Diet Shepherd's Pie (420 cals)

Total Calories: 1200

Day Two

Well, I had to start somewhere, right? And thus I'm off and onward to day #2 of...what? I don't want to call it a diet, really. Just life, I guess. Just choosing the healthy versus the fried. Choosing the low-cal/low-fat versus the candy. Choosing myself over stress and anxiety.

Yesterday was a success. You can look to yesterday's blog to see my food journaling for the day.

I also wrote up my menu for the week and did my grocery shopping so I don't have to make any last minute runs to...McDonald's...for a meal. Some highlights for this week's menu: Spinach Dumplings, Feta and Arugula Pizzas, Beef Crockpot Stew. Mmm. My stew is in the crockpot as I type.

My goal for today is to stick to the "rules" and carry on. I'll do my weigh-ins on Monday mornings. So you'll just want to wait 'til then to see how things are going on the scale. I know...you can barely stand it. ;)

Food Journal:

Breakfast: Parfait - 6 oz low-fat yogurt, 1/2 nectarine, sprinkle "Just Bunches" cereal (160 cals)

Snack #1: Baby Carrots (12) and String Cheese (115 cals)

Lunch: South Beach "Pizza": 1 whole wheat tortilla, 1 oz feta cheese, 1 plum tomato, 1/2 clove garlic; and 1/8 cup mixed nuts and candy corn (315 cals)

Snack #2: 1/8 cup Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame and yogurt (150 cals)

Dinner: Stew with Meat, Potatoes, and Carrots (350 cals)

Snack #3: Air popped popcorn (150 cals)

Total Calories: 1240

Not so mini anymore

Okay, Okay. So I know I've been MIA for awhile now. And I know that any readers I do have out there (hi, mom) probably don't have a lot of faith in me at this point.

But, I'm not gonna let that stop me. :)

I've got 30-40 pounds to lose in 6 months. And you better believe I'm gonna do it.

Rules of the week:

1) 3 meals and 3 snacks each day.

2) NO chocolate.

3) Daily exercises (be it just dog walking)

4) Food journal.

Wish me luck!

Breakfast: Strawberry/Peach smoothie: 3 peach slices, 5 strawberries, 3 ounces nonfat vanilla yogurt, 10 ounces orange Crystal Light, 1/2 scoop soy protein powder, 2 tbsp Splenda (210 cals).

Snack 1: Baby Carrots (12) and string cheese. (125 cals).

Lunch: Almond Crusted Chicken Breast, 1/2 Apple, 1/4 cup mixed nuts w/candy corn (317 cals)

Snack 2: 1/4 cup Dry Roasted Wasabi Edamame and 1 Low-fat Peach Yogurt (210 cals)

Dinner: 1 Serving South Beach Diet Spinach Dumplings (290 cals)

Snack 3: 5 cups airpopped popcorn (150 cals)

Total Calories: 1302

1 follower...

How sad is it that after all this time, my weight loss blog has only ONE follower (and, yes, it's my mother).

Anyway, things are going better. Saturday I put on my roller blades for the first time in [literally] years. I took the pup out for some exercise and we had a blast. I plan to go on a couple short blading adventures with him every day. It's fun for me, fun for him, and exercise for us both. That's a win-win.

I've been having a little trouble with sweets - but have been really good today about keeping myself full and happy with healthy, delicious snacks and I'm not craving anything too tempting.

I got two new South Beach cookbooks and have some yummy meals planned for the upcoming week. I'm hopeful to loose another couple pounds. I've got some serious ground to gain on my 15.

Exercise Report: Sunday Geoff and I went out on our bikes and found a delightful bike path. We rode for about 90 minutes and some parts were directly into the wind and pushed us pretty hard. It was wonderful. This morning I went on a 15 minute blading adventure with Rom and then did 15 on the treadmill and 15 on the stair stepper at the gym. I'll do at least another 15 minutes with the Rom-bo dog tonight and hopefully a little more biking.

Hor-moans

It's Friday and I'm happy about this. It's been a long week. Filled with lots of work, cleaning, cooking, vomiting (fantastic, right?), cramping, and general grump-faceness.

I had a few food slip-ups this week. It's my "time of the month" and the week before is generally a week of me craving carbs and sugar and feeling bloated and fat so I-might-as-well-eat-that-insertunhealthyfooditemhere-anyway. However, in general I've been doing well and mostly trying not to feel guilty for any snafus that may have occurred.

More importantly, the 'week before' is over now - and that means my appetite has gone with it. So, a couple days of no appetite should make up for a couple days of extra appetite.

My weight is a bit up due to the aforementioned bloating and inc. sugar/salt intake, but by Monday I should be back down to where I was and ready to lose that last 9.

I believe in me!

Workout Report: I got sick Tuesday afternoon. This prevented me from working out in the evening, cuz I figured my body should recuperate. Then Wednesday rolled around and I opted to spend the evening cleaning my [very neglected] apartment (which, by the way, looks fantastic now) rather then heading over to the gym. So, when Thursday morning rolled around and I rolled out of be 45 minutes before work - I vowed to Geoff that I NEEDED to work out that evening. He promised to make sure I did.

So, after dinner (pizza meat pie, kinda like a cheese-smothered meatloaf; 'twas quite delish), we hopped on our bikes and rode to the gym. I spent 60 minutes on the treadmill watching Project Runway. Then we rode to the grocery store for some - much needed - ice. So, 45 minutes of bike riding and 60 minutes of treadmilling didn't quite make up for my two missed days - but it was sufficient recompense, I think.

I did make it to the gym this morning as well for a 60 minute round-robin (20 elliptical; 20 stationary bike; 20 stair-stepper).

Roasting the Chick. Peas.

Well, inquiring minds want to know about Roasted Garbanzo Beans. There's not much to tell beyond the fact that they are just that - garbanzo beans roasted in the oven.

It's interesting, though, what happens to a garbanzo bean when roasted. I mean, let's be honest, garbanzo beans are mediocre at best. They are kinda slimy and lumpy. But their flavor isn't all bad. Which is why they are the perfect candidate for roasting. When roasted, they get kinda crunchy and nutty (not to mention a great source of protein). Like a healthy corn nut.

To roast them (and, yes, this recipe orginated from the SBD cookbook), I start by opening 4 cans of beans and rinsing them in a strainer so there's none of that foamy, weird liquid from the can on them anymore.

Next I lay them out on a jelly roll pan and drizzle them with 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil. I sprinkle them with a generous amount of sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Depending on my mood I'll flavor them with cayenne, garlic powder, or seasoning salt. Then I give the pan a good shake to make sure each bean has a nice coating of olive oil.

I then put in the oven at 500 degrees for about 35-40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes or so the keep the beans from sticking/burning.

When they start to get a little toasted looking, I know they are done.

Let them cool completely before portioning into baggies. But don't let them sit out too long after cooling, otherwise they morph into little rocks.

Enjoy!

Exercise Report: Monday was a less vigorous day then usual, but I still got my time in. I did a 40 minute walk with the dogs in the morning and a 20 minute walk with the hub at lunch. I haven't worked out yet today, but will make sure I do tonight!

Tips, Tid-bits, and Tricks

My dear friend-and-former-roomie, Mari, commented on my last blog and requested any "tips" I might have on preventing pre-meal snacking.

I have two answers.

Number One: Planning, Planning, Planning.

I plan my menu for the week on Sunday evening and shop on Monday evening. I buy exactly what I need to make all my pre-planned meals and snacks. But, really, that's all I buy. So, there aren't any really great "oops, I accidently put that chip/cookie/snack in my mouth and spoiled my dinner" opportunities.

I also cook the entire (work)week's worth of lunches Monday night and pack them in tupperware so that there isn't that dreadful risk of sleeping past the alarm, or getting stuck on a call at work, and therefore missing lunch.

I also plan snacks. I have my snack basket full of apples, yogurt, string cheese, roasted garbanzos, chopped veggies, etc...and we both take whatever we are in the mood for to work to eat throughout the day - so we never end up starving. I try to make sure I have a source of protein at every snack and meal - protein takes longer to metabolize and therefore keeps you feeling fuller, longer.

The South Beach Diet Cookbook has become my best friend because it allows me to plan delicious meals that are relatively easy and quick to prepare. It typically takes me about 40 minutes to get dinner on the table, so that's enough time for Geoff to take out the dogs, change out of his work clothes, and veg for a minute before he gets too hungry.

Number Two: Exercise Early

Something about starting the day moving (even it's it's just a ten minute walk around the block, or dancing around the kitchen while cooking breakfast) seems to trigger the body to know that today - I am taking care of myself.

Good luck to all my fellow losers out there, big and small. And those those who are no longer losing, but hope not to gain (again)!

Exercise Report: I got up and went to the gym today. I spent 60 minutes doing cardio (20 cross trainer, 20 stair stepper, and 20 treadmill). Yipee.

Psh. Forget the post. Just read the scrolling text to the right -->

Today is a good day.

1) Pay Day. Always good.

2) Morning bike ride with the hub (50 minutes). Felt good.

3) Shower in my own bathroom instead of the gym. Not having to see other naked women = good.

4) Cooking bacon egg cups for breakfast. Tasted good.

5) Stepped on the scale to another pound and 1/2 gone. 'Twas GOOD.

6 down, 9 to go. 20 more days on the challenge. I dare say I might even be able to do it.

Exercise Report: Via number 2 up above, you can see that I did indeed get my morning workout on. I'm hoping to get the hub out to play some racqetball tonight, but if the weather stays as it is, bikes might win again.

Super. Snooty.

At lunch today, Geoff and I were eating my skillfully prepared lunch. One of his pharmacists walked by and asked what we were having, to which Geoff replied:

"It's, uh, a chili-thing, with some avocado thing. I don't really know. But it's really good."

In my head I'm screaming it's homemade Vegetarian Chili, made with grilled bell pepper and fresh garlic, with Avocado Spread and Sour Cream. But, whatever you call it, it's was really good.

Exercise Report: Geoff and I went to the driving range last night. I sucked. Due to this, I only really hit for about 20 minutes to bring the total for the day to 70 minutes. I went to the gym this morning and got 55 minutes in (30 elliptical, 10 stationary bike, 10 treadmill, 5 rowing). It was super.

Am I HOT or is that just my Oven?

There are no good titles on a diet blog. I'm gonna work on getting more creative with my titles. I spend the majority of my posting time just trying to come up with a decent title. Lame? Yes.

Things are going smoothly. Went to Wal-meezy last night and purchased a truckload (or a Mercedes load) of groceries. I came home and cooked and cooked and cooked. I made Barley Risotto with Spinach and Parmesean. I made Vegetarian Chili with Avocado Spread. I made a delectable fritatta. I roasted and bagged 10 servings of garbanzo beans. Sliced and bagged apples, and carrots, and all other delicious items. I tupperwared 4 days worth of lunches, 7 days worth of snacks, and 2 days worth of breakfasts.

I've already kicked this week's butt and it's only Tuesday!

As a side note, I went to the doctor's today - and even the doc's scale brought me in at 4 pounds down.

Exercise Report: On account of the aforementioned 1 hour of shopping and 2 and 1/2 hours of cooking, I was unable to get in any formal exercise yesterday. But, shopping and cooking is at least not a sloth-like activity. And, it must be done. I did spend 50 minutes at the gym this morning - 25 on the stair stepper and 25 on the treadmill.

Note: Last week I came in at 510 minutes of exercise (or an average of 72 minutes a day)!

Week Two

And so begins week two of the 30 day challenge. Clearly things are going smoothly thus far. My weight was up a tad this morning, but that's the normal fluctuations.

I planned my grocery list for the week. Monday is shopping night. I'm excited about some of the meals I'll be making this week (courtesy of the South Beach Diet cookbook). Some highlights are Barley Risotto, Provolone Chicken Melt and Veggie Chili (lunches - made the chili last week and it was to die for); Carribean Baked Chicken with Mango and Pizza Meat Pie (dinners). The snack basket will be refilled with bell peppers, edamame, radishes, cheese sticks, yogurt, dried fruit, and roasted garbanzo beans. I will be buying new, full and delicious kettle corn popcorn seasoning and spray butter. Sounds like a good week to be eating at the Parker household.

Last week is was so fun to find creative ways to get active with Geoff. Our weekend was packed full of biking, racquetball, dog-walking and all kinds of fun ways to get up and get out.

Exercise Report: Sunday Geoff and I took a nice 45 minute bike ride. My body was killing me after racqetball and racing on the stationary bikes the day before, so he went out for some more biking in the evening, but I decided to give my body a rest. Today we plan to bike in the evening, but it looks like it might rain, so we'll go play racquetball at the Y if the weather prevents us from biking.

P.S. To answer C's comment from my previous post: My body REALLY loves exercise. My body also REALLY loves water retention. A full week of regular cardiovasular exercise coupled with a full week cooking all my own meals (therefore taking in about a billion times less salt and sugar) means my body will drop a lot of weight - fast. Things should slow down a little bit after the first two weeks, but I love to watch the numbers fly those first couple!

Success

Well, one week down. And 4 and 1/2 pounds down! Yay!

Exercise Report: I actually ended up taking Friday off from working out, but I'm okay with it because my poor bod just got thrown back into the whole workout thing. I think it's okay to give it a break. Today, however, I did get about 70 minutes of workout in. Geoff and I went to the Y and played racquetball (my first time) for about 55 minutes and then we went down and "raced" on the Expresso bikes for a few miles (about 15 minutes). It was a blast. My legs are super tired. We are planning to go rollerblading tomorrow at the park downtown - we'll see what we actually end up doing!

Head Games

So much about health and confidence and body image and weight is all just in the head.

I've been making smart food choices and exercising regularly now for, what, 5 days? And, yet, I feel slimmer, sexier, more confident and I've got a little added swaggar in my step. And, while my weight is down a pound or two - I know, realistically, that doesn't translate to actually looking slimmer.

It's bizarre - but at least it does provide that much-needed will power to keep going and keep trying and keep on keeping on.

Exercise Report: Thursday - I rode my bike to the gym and back and worked out there for 45 minutes for a total of 75 minutes of exercise (30 biking, 35 elliptical, 10 rowing machine). Today I slept in so I haven't worked out yet, but I will! :)

Wasted!

I was reviewing some of my old photos the other day and I realized something. I have wasted so much time in my life worrying about my weight. In every photo I looked at...I remember the time when it was taken...and I remember thinking "boy, I feel fat" or "boy, I look fat in that photo" or "man, I wish I looked more like I did in that photo."

It reminded me of a quote on a magnet I came across at some kitschy shop in the Mall of America.

What a waste! It's going to take some effort - but I'm going to learn how to be happy. Regular exercise, healthy eating, occasional indulgences are going to turn me into a lean, happy gal. While counting days and minutes exercised and tracking my weight loss is vital to the success of reaching a healthy weight - I am done worry about numbers.

Looking at each picture I could tell you how much I weighed in that photo. Ridiculous! Because, you know what? It doesn't matter. I have some amazing memories at all weights. It's about being healthy and comfortable (and, yes, there is a number associated with that - but it's not the number I thought it would be). Finally.

I'm feeling good about things today. Strong. Confident. Maybe it helps that the number on the scale was down. :-)

Exercise Report: Geoff and I went golfing last night, so that brought my total exercise for the day to 80 minutes. I got up to take a long bike ride this morning, but about 1/8 mile from the apartment - my front tire popped! I jogged back to the apartment with my bike and walked the dogs while hub fixed up the tire. So, the hour long bike ride turned into a 25 minute bike ride with a 15 minute dog walk and a 5 minute jog. Oh, well, that's still 45 minutes! I'll find the other 15 before the day is over.

Allegiance Olympics

Well, today was a rockin' good time at work. We have been having a heath and fitness goal this year. The first quarter is over, so we had our "retreat" today. We had six 'events' consisting of scrabble, boggle, Norweigian golf, bean bag toss, pictionary, and mini golf. We were split into four teams and competed.

It was loads of fun. My team ended up "winning" silver. There were awards for those who reached their exercise goals. I was a failure at this last quarter - but so far this quarter I'm on a roll.

Exercise Report: I made it to the gym this morning and did 50 minutes of cardio (25 minutes on the cross trainer - killer. and 25 on the treadmill). I plan to walk the dogs for 10-20 minutes tonight to reach my goal of 60 for the day. :)

The Snack Basket Revisited

Well, super-wife and lazy-wife came to an agreement today.

Snack basket = great idea.

Snack basket full of cookies, chips, rice krispies and other sugar/salt-filled goodies = evil idea.

Thus the "new" snack basket, or "reincarnated" snack basket arose.

In the fridge: a purple bowl filled with baggies of cucumbers, radishes, edimame, cheese sticks and low-sugar yogurt.

On the counter: an orange bowl with baggies of roast garbanzo beans, pita bread, and dried mangoes.

I'm already looking forward to snack time!

Workout report: 45 minutes at the gym this morning (15 elliptical, 30 stationary bike). 2 short (15 minute) walks with the dogs. For a total of 75 minutes.

It's fun to stay at the...

Well, today I finally felt well enough to get out and about a bit. Geoff and I took our first Fargo bike ride together. The wind made things a little tougher then expected, but overall, it was sunny and warm and great to be on my bike again.

We rode to the YMCA and signed up for our memberships. So, my first weight loss challenge will officially begin Monday morning. After my nasty allergic reaction last week, I'll need to start things a little slower then I would normally like to, but getting back into the swing of a regular workout is going to be glorious.

I'm also excited to get back into the swing of cooking. Before I got sick, I made a delicious days worth of meals - and I'm soooo ready to have that every day. Tonight I made steak with tomato topping (a new favorite of ours from the South Beach Diet cookbook) and boiled asparagus. I LOVE the southbeach cookbook. Mostly because everything is delicious. It's a great feeling to know that whatever I decide to cook will be great.

Anyway, tomorrow I have planned a London Broil (in the fridge marinating as I type) with Roasted Asparagus Soup (I love this time of year when asparagus is practically free!) and Broiled French bread with Garlic and Melted Medium Cheddar Cheese. I'm hopefuly that the weather will be gorgeous and we can pack it up for a picnic.

YMCA - here I come.

Ready - Set - oh, wait...

Well, I was all ready and set to start my 15 pounds in 30 days challenge, when my body decided that I needed to take a week of bedrest and have a severe allergic reaction. I'm hoping to get my gym membership all squared away this weekend and get started on Monday - Oh, yeah.

The Challenge

The Challenge: 15 pounds lost in 30 days

Starting Date: Whatever day I get my YMCA membership - hopefully 03/31/10.

Completion Date: 04/29/10

Methods for Weight Loss:

• Cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day and packing healthy snacks to eat at 11am and 4pm.
• Exercising at least 60 minutes, 7 days a week (this includes, but is not limited to, the gym, dog walking, geo-caching, golfing, and cleaning).
• Limiting my TV watching to 2 shows a night.
• Drinking as much water as I do Soda each day.

Wish me luck - I'll keep you updated!

Ready, Set, Go!

One of these days...

The salad for lunch is prepped and packed. The veggies for the breakfast fritatta are chopped. The chicken for tomorrow's Chicken with Lime Sauce for dinner is defosting in the fridge. The snack veggies are cut and sectioned into individual serving sizes. The roasted garbanzo beans are cooling on the stove.

This chick is ready for change.

I came to a decision this weekend that I was done letting my neighbors below me bully me out of exercising. Hold that thought, I'm not going to start being a crappy neighbor and work out on my treadmill anyway. The treadmill is going back (and yes, in the Merc). :(

I will be trading it out for a membership at the Y. Right down the street from Geoff's work is a great YMCA with a great cardio studio and weight room, group exercise classes, rock climbing wall, indoor skate park, video game room, and basketball. Plus, two tennis courts right outside.

The downtown Y has 2 pools, raquetball and a couple additional features.

So, as soon as the treadmill gets returned, we'll take the cash and head over to the Y and start going in the mornings before work.

I need it. Exercise makes me feel better in so many ways. So, I'm done neglecting it. Mostly by removing the excuses. If it's too easy to put it off, then something's got to change.

And change it will.

The Mini-Loser goes to Minne-apolis

Well, our mini vacation this weekend was a welcome respite from life. We had a great little hotel room, complete with separate living and bed rooms and kitchen. Breakfast in the hotel had everything you could ask for (including healthy options!).

The Mall of America didn't disappoint, with 3 stories of shops, both high end and affordable, a theme park in the middle, and free refills on Diet Mountain Dew. Ikea was just across the parking lot from the mall as well (and Geoff was thrilled to find out we were there on the weekend of the $1 Swedish Meatballs meal).


Overall it was a nice, relaxing weekend. I didn't get any "conventional" exercise in, but since one level of the Mall of America is over a half mile, I walked at least 2 miles in the mall alone and then Ikea added another good distance. I also made smart food decisions. There was no weight loss this morning, but no gain either.

Progress is progress, right?

Mini-Apple-Less

Another pound down. Cool.

Last night was Pistachio Crusted Chicken - and it turned out great. It was really easy. Whirr up the pistachios in a food processor. Mix with cumin and sesame seeds. Dip chicken in flour, egg and then the pistachio coating. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

I also made a side-dish of "glazed" carrots. I just boiled these in orange juice for 10 minutes, then added honey and let the liquid boil off. They were a great compliment to each other and I'll definitely be making this again.

I also worked out last night. 30 minutes on the treadmill (at very high incline) and then 20 minutes of weight training (using the resistance tubes).

Geoff and I are off on a little "roadtrip" this weekend to Minneapolis. Should be loads of fun. I figure I can bring the resistance tubes and weight train while we're at the hotel.

Pizz-uh oh

So, last night got a little crazy time-wise. Hub had to work late. But hub also had to be to the church by 6:45 for scouts. I left work at 5:30, went home and let the dogs relieve themselves. Then I had to hop back in the car and pick hub up at 5:45, but he didn't actually get out of work until 6:15. So on the way home we stopped and picked up...a Little Ceasar's Hot-n-Ready pizza.

I know.

Ma and I discussed at some length the fancy stories I could tell about what I made for dinner last night to blog about. haha. But I guess the whole point of this blog is to keep my honest.

However, as if the fates are trying to keep my motivated, by weight was down 1.5 pounds today. So, instead of feeling guilty about my two slices of pizza last night, I'm feeling good about that fact that a) I didn't eat 4 and b) I don't have to sabotage today. Sometimes guilt makes me feel like eating (okay, pretty much always), so not having to deal with the guilt is a huge blessing.

Tonight on the menu is Pistachio Crusted Chicken. Yum!

I'm getting my ND license today. Hope my picture looks better than my Utah one - it's BAD. So bad.

(Anti)Thanksgiving

Last night I made my foray into Mushroom Stuffed Turkey. They were gorgeous and smelled kind of like heaven - but neither the hub or I were too impressed with the flavor. Maybe I'll try a different kind of mushroom next time...or do chicken instead or turkey....or just never do it again.

But, it was still edible and healthy. We had a little side salad with spinach, greens, and a pinch of pistachios. That part was yummy.

Still no exercise. Long story. Neighbor issues. I'll talk about it later. Probably. LAME.

Sweet Holy...Potatoes

Well, day one went pretty well and day two is off to a good start. I went grocery shopping last night and got everything I need for a week filled with delicious dinners and healthy snacks.

Last night I cooked up a pot of Sweet Potato Garlic Soup. It was super (souper?) easy, and turned out really great, I think. Just sweet potatoes, onion, roasted garlic, green beans and chicken broth. It made for a nice creamy, slightly sweet soup. I topped it off with a swirl of unsweetened Greek yogurt and some chives. Yum!

I didn't exercise yesterday, which is the real killer, but by the time I finished my grocery shopping, cooked up the soup and ate...it was almost 9pm. And, being on the third story, I didn't want to disturb the downstairs neighbors. I should be able to get finished a lot earlier tonight and therefore get my workout on.

I did buy a few $3 shirts while I was at Walmart grocery shopping - and they are pretty cute. Surprisingly enough.

One day down...

Denial

Well, after months of misplaced denial, I'm back at square one on the weight loss wagon. I stepped on the scale this morning to an ugly scene.

I took a brief moment to mourn the loss of my short-lived svelt figure and then allowed the full reality of the 30 pound gain to sink in.

But, it's okay. You know why? I have meal-planned and exercise-planned and before the summer can make it to my door, I'm gonna kick that 30 pound's butt.

This week I have planned a plethora of healthy, easy dinners including pistachio crusted chicken, stuffed butternut squash and Thai chicken. During the day I'm doing Slim Fast powdered drinks for 2 weeks.

I'd really like to sit around and be embarrassed about all the weight I've gained (but let's be honest, the sitting around is what got me here in the first place) and hate my clothes - but that would not make them fit again. So, here I am, putting myself out there. Accountable to you, reader(s). Keep me honest, will ya?