Thursday, March 10, 2011

Well I can't believe how long it's been since I posted.  I did go out of town for a workshop and probably ate way too many things I shouldn't have.  Then I had my knee surgery and probably ate several more things I shouldn't have.  I did finally take off the 3 pounds I'd gained and they are still gone. 

At the current time I can't say I've been good, because I'm not totally sticking to the plan.  I am still sitting at 14 pounds lost and haven't gained any back.  I probably eat 2/3 of my meals on plan, but not all.  I'm not super bad when I eat, but I do have the things I crave, like bread.  I will be off for spring break and hope it will help me get back on track.  While I'm home I will be very conscious of what I need to eat and get back in the habit of using the plan totally.

The one thing I have to help me stay motivated is the complements.  The loss is noticeable and it always feels good when someone makes remarks about it.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Very Frustrating Week

This has been one interesting week.  Work has been crazy, I have come home every day tired and hurting, and I have not eaten good at all.  Well, that is not entirely true.

I have eaten many good-for-me meals, and several not-so- good-for-me meals.  I have no excuses - it is what it is.  I know that eating good will have to be an every day thing for me.  I have put back on 2-3 pounds, depending on the day.  I will not get discouraged and I will get it back off.  Going to be very good for the next week (except that I'm goin out of town to San Antonio for work).  I will be as good as I can!!!

The next week I am having surgery on my knee to hopefully repair a torn meniscus.  I'm sure I won't feel like over-eating that week.  Maybe I will definitely get back on track then.

Until later.....

Saturday, February 12, 2011

My Progress!

Well my progress has been slow this week. It has fluctuated up and down all week. That is mostly my fault.  I have not been as good as I should have this week due to some stresses in my life that were out of my control.  My weight has fluctuated, but when I weighed this morning, I was at 13.7 pounds lost, which is .2 pounds from last week.  That's okay. At least I didn't end the week gaining.

The best part about this week is that people are actually starting to notice. I have lost enough that you can tell, and it feels so good when someone notices.  That is enough to keep me going. 

I am really going to try to add in some exercize this week.  My knee has been so bad this last few weeks that I am doing good to just do the walking I have to do at work and at home.  I really can't tolerate any extra weight on it for exercize.  I have an appointment with my Ortho Doc next week to talk about options again for the tear in my meniscus.  He gave me cortizone in December, but it did not help.  He does not suggest doing arthroscopic surgery due to my arthritis.  He stated that it would not fix the tear and keep it from getting worse, due to the massive arthritis I have in my body.  Replacement will be necessary, but I'm not ready to go there yet.  I had the other knee done 2 summers ago, and my shoulder replaced last summer.  I would sure like a summer without major surgery.  I'm hoping that maybe he could scope it and just clean up what's there now to give me some relief from the inflamation.  Maybe that would buy me some time.

My plan this week is to get back to the Health Club and get in the pool.  I know I can exercize that way.  I see water aerobics in my future.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Super Bowl Time!

It's the start of the Super Bowl.  Wait till you hear what we are going to eat.  No pizza, or hot dogs or any of that good stuff.  I got on the scales this morning and was pleasently surprised to have lost more weight from yesterday.  I know that the way I plateau I may gain back again, but I'm not going to eat anything tonight that will ruin it.  I have lost 13 1/2 pounds.

Here's tonight's menu:

Low-Carb Primavera Delight

Spaghetti Squash is substituted for pasta - you cook a halved spaghetti squash in a shallow baking dish with water in the bottom for about 45 minutes.  Separate the strands of squash with a fork and set aside.

In a medium frying pan, saute 2 cups of broccoli, 1 small diced onion, and 2 diced garlic cloves in 1 TBLS of olive oil until vegetables are crisp tender.  Add the squash and heat thoroughly.  Serve on plates with heated marinara sauce.

Sounds delicious.  Hope it tastes the same.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

It's Saturday Again!

Another week has come and gone and so has my weight.  I did go back to eating only fish and chicken with vegetables and fruit.  I even stayed away from the deserts that were brought to school yesterday for Souper Bowl Day.  I really did like what my co-worker had on her plate.  So last week I was at 9 pounds and today I am at an 11.7 pound loss.  Back on track.  Still hoping for at least 5 pounds per month for February, March and April.  I would definitely accept more, but would be happy with 15 more pounds before I go to Ohio to the wedding.  Next week I will post some more meals and maybe even a recipe or two (like the Eggplant Parmesan we had last night).

Have a blessed week-end and stay out of the cold.  Texas has had it's share of cold weather this week and I'm ready for sunshine.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

My Birthday!

Well - another year has come and gone and I am one year older.  Wish  it could be one year younger.  Can't we just start going backwards.

Well backwards is what I seem to be doing with my diet lately, and some of that is my fault.  I keep losing and gaining the same  pound.  I was at an 11 pound loss.  Then last night David and I went out for my birthday, and I will admit that I ate not just a little, but a lot of Carino's bread. Bread is my enemy, and I have missed it.  It was so good.  But today I have an extra pound to deal with.  I am back at a 9 pound overall loss.  So I am going back to the beginning of the diet for a week.  I am not going to eat the extras and see if I can jump start this again. Not giving up, just revamping the plan.  Everyone have a blessed weekend.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Weekend is almost over!

It is Sunday evening and the 4th day of my new eating plan.  Found out that Power Cookies made with things like applesauce, wheat flour, vanilla whey powder and oats can be pretty good.  Make a great snack or breakfast. 

Made homemade soup with veggies and chicken again today.  It is a favorite of mine.  Even went out to eat lunch after church and had some salmon with baked sweet potato.  Ate half and saved the other half for a lunch treat one day this week. Yum!

Best part - I have lost 10.9 pounds in 3 weeks.  Can't beat it and can't really complain.  Have not starved and have not been unhappy about what I am eating.  Thanks for listening and I'll be back next week with good news.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Day 17

Today was the last day of the accelerate cycle of my diet.  As of this morning (Day 1-16) I had lost 9 pounds.  I am happy with that.  I know that it will slow down now, but maybe not too much.  I have a new dress to buy for a wedding on May 7th.  I really hope to be able to buy it around the 1st of April and to buy a much smaller one than I would right now.

Going to post my meal plan for the next week - starting tomorrow.  I now will alternate between the way I have been eating and adding in some beef and starches every other day.  Ready to go.

Day 1

Breakfast
Dr. Mike’s Power Cookie
Peach – sliced
Cup of green tea

Lunch
Chicken salad:  Baked or grilled chicken breast (diced) loose-leaf lettuce, 1 sliced tomato, assorted salad veggies
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
½ cup brown rice
6 oz sugar-free yogurt

Snack
Protein Smoothie

Dinner
Grilled Salmon
Steamed Vegetables                      

Day 2

Breakfast
2 scrambled egg whites
½ grapefruit
Cup of green tea

Lunch
Large Green Salad topped w/tuna; drizzled with 1 tbls olive or flaxseed oil and 2 tbls balsamic vinegar
Cup of green tea

Dinner
Grilled chicken
Steamed or raw vegetables
Cup of green tea

Day 3

Breakfast
Dr. Mike's Power Cookie
Cup of berries
Cup of Green tea

Lunch
1 large bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup
1 medium baked potato with 1 tbls fat-free sour cream
6 oz sugar free yogurt
Cup green tea

Snack
Fresh fruit with sugar free yogurt

Dinner
Sirloin Steak, grilled
Tossed salad with 1 tbls olive oil and 2 tbls balsamic vinegar
Cup green tea

Day 4

Breakfast
2 eggs
1 orange
Cup green tea

Lunch
Lettuce Wraps  (diced chicken mixed with sliced red grapes, chopped scallions and chopped celery/with olive oil and salt and pepper)
Cup green tea

Snack
Yogurt

Dinner
Sesame Fish or grilled or baked fish
Steamed vegetables
Cup green tea

Snack
Fruit

Day 5

Breakfast
½ cup oatmeal
4 egg whites scrambled
1 fresh peach, sliced
Cup green tea

Lunch
Shrimp salad (cooked shrimp, 3 tbls chopped onion, lettuce, 1 tomato,  1 tbls olive oil
Baked sweet potato
Cup green tea

Snack
Cup blueberries with 6 oz yogurt

Dinner
Pork Sirloin Chops, broiled
Steamed veggies
Cup green tea

Snack
6 oz. yogurt

Day 6

Breakfast
2 hard boiled eggs
½ grapefruit
Cup green tea

Lunch
Baked or grilled chicken breast
Tomatoes
1 Medium orange
Cup green tea

Snack
Probiotic choice

Dinner
Baked or grilled fish
Vegetables
Cup green tea

Snack
Kefir Smoothie

Day 7

Breakfast
2 eggs scrambled
1 baked potato, diced, seasoned and browned in a small frying pan
1 orange
Cup green tea

Lunch
Black Bean Chili
Large tossed salad w/1 tbls olive and 2 tbls vinegar
Cup green tea

Snack
6 oz yogurt

Dinner
Extra lean hamburger patty – broiled
Sliced tomatoes, drizzled with fat-free salad dressing
Green beans
Cup green tea

Snack
Kefir smoothie







Saturday, January 15, 2011

It's The Weekend

The weekend is finally here.  I am pretty stoked about this plan so far.  Today is day 13 and when I got up this morning I had lost 7.5 pounds in 12 days.  I know that will probably slow down soon, but it is so good to see major progress here in the beginning.  My goal is 30 pounds in 4 months and I see that happening if I can just keep motivated.

Made some soup last night.  I had made it one night last week and had the burner up too high and went to take a bath.  Ruined the soup that was going to be for lunch the next day.  So I started over last night.  You use 4 grilled or baked chicken breasts, chopped onion, celery, carrots (cabbage and okra - didn't go in mine), and a can of crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth.  You simmer all ingrediants except for the chicken for 1 hour.  Then add the cubed chicken pieces to heat them.  I made it last night and cooled enough to put it in the fridge.  Just ate a bowl for lunch.  So good!!!!  Have enough for other meals, unless someone else around here eats it.

Next week (Wednesday) will be my last day of the first 17 days of the plan.  Then I will get to start adding more choices into my diet.  I will probably journal some menu plans again for part of that 17 days!

Have a great weekend and eat healthly!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Days Ten and Eleven

My how time really flies when we are having fun.  My original plan was to try to blog every day, however it is difficult with work and more work.  I will really try to keep up with this for my sake.  I know it is good to put it down on paper. 

Yesterday my weight turned back around again to the loss side.  As of this morning I have lost a total of 6.9 pounds.  Can I just say 7 - it's so close.  I am not griping.  I'm just glad to be losing again. 

Well I had a doctor's appointment yesterday for a 6 month regular check up.  I have a physician that monitors the medications I'm taking.  One of those medicines is for blood pressure.  One of my goals with this plan is to get off of my cholesterol and blood pressure meds.  It's probably just a coincidence, but my blood pressure always runs around 134 over 80 to 84.  Always!  Yesterday it was much lower; 120/70.  And that was at the doctor's office where you are usually nervous and pressure is slightly elevated.  I may be able to meet that goal of dropping that medicine after all.  Let's hope!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Days Eight and Nine!

Did not blog at all yesterday.  It was a busy Monday and I was tired.  Did good to fix dinner and get some sewing done.

Okay I don't have a lot to report and won't bore you with complete meal plans this time, but I will tell you that I still weigh the same thing I did yesterday morning.  I had lost almost a pound, so I back to 5 pounds.  Two days and no loss.  I have tried to figure out just what the problem is.  I am sure that it could be lots of things.  I am going to try to really watch the sodium and make sure I get all of my food.  I do have trouble getting in snacks, so maybe that will jump start me again.

They meals are good - but I haven't done any of the recipes for the last two days.  Just grilled chicken and salads and steamed veggies, plus fruits and yogurt and lots of green tea.  I mean lots of green tea.  Really starting to enjoy it.  I just need to pour it in a wine glass to see if that helps. 

Think I might try eggplant again tomorrow.  It was probably mine and David's favorite of all meals.

So a total of 5 pounds in 9 days.  Wish it was more, but I could just have a crazy drop this week. And if not, I will settle for 5 pounds a week. 

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Day Seven!

Up and at 'em early this morning.  Gotta get myself and girls ready for church and this will be a different Sunday for me.  No Starbucks and no going out to eat lunch after church.  This is a test for me, but I will get by.


Weighed in and was stable at yesterday's weight.  Not sure why, but at least I didn't gain (not one ounce).  Last night's Sesame Fish was very good, although I am not a fan of Tilapia (it's a little dirty tasting to me - like a lake).  I may go for another white fish next time.


On the menu for today


Breakfast-
2 boiled eggs
1/2 grapefruit
cup of green tea


Lunch-
Taco Salad (ground turkey with taco seasoning)
Bed of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa and 1/3 cup of shredded, reduced fat cheddar cheese
cup of green tea


Snack
Apples


Dinner
Chicken stir fry with brocolli, carrots, red pepper and onions - cooked in 1 tbls of olive oil and seasoned with a little garlic, ginger and lite soy sauce.
cup of green tea


Snack-
Keifer Smoothie (Keifer blended with berries, sweetener or agave nectar and 1 tbls flaxseed oil)
Didn't know what Keifer was, but was able to find it with the yogurt @ HEB.  It's an alternate pro-biotic choice other than yogurt.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Day Six News and Plan!

Okay so it is finally Saturday.  Got up and weighed in.  Wow.  So excited.  1.6 pound lost and a total now of 5.9.  I am really liking this.  Treating myself today to a massage.  Really looking forward to it.  Girls are with us for the weekend, so I'm kind of subjecting everyone to my food.  There will be some modifications for David and the girls however.


Breakfast-
Yogurt
Apple
Green Tea


Lunch-
Lettuce Wraps - 3 leaves of curly lettuce
Filling - 1 grilled chicken breast (chopped), 2 tbls chopped celery, 1/2 cup sliced red grapes, chopped scallion, 1 tbls olive oil and salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green tea
David and the girls ate the filling but they put it in pita wraps instead of lettuce.

Snack-
Orange slices

Dinner -
Sesame Fish - Tilapia covered in olive oil, rice vinegar, lite soy sauce and garlic salt, then sprinkled with sesame seeds.  It is broiled and sounds delicious.
Steamed Brocolli
Green Tea

The girls have opted for fish sticks.  Oh well, at least it is fish.

Snack-
Yogurt

Day Five News and Plan!

I knew when I skipped breakfast yesterday it would not be good.  I actually gained back .8 pounds when I weighed in this morning. Going to keep treading along and I'm sure it will be okay.

My plan for Friday
Breakfast
2 scrambled egg whites
1/2 grapefruit
Green tea

Lunch
Baby spinach salad
Grape Tomatoes
Crumbled Low-fat Feta Cheese
Olive Oil with Balsamic Vinegar
Green Tea

Snack - Yogurt

Dinner
Ground Turkey Patties
Side Salad with Tomatoes
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
Green Tea

Snack - Grapes

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Day Four Plan

Drank my lemon juice and weighed in.

Breakfast -

Skipped today - didn't feel good and went back to bed for several hours.

Lunch -
Lettuce Wraps - 3 leaves of curly lettuce
Filling - 1 grilled chicken breast (chopped), 2 tbls chopped celery, 1/2 cupt sliced red grapes, chopped scallion, 1 tbls olive oil and salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green tea

Afternoon snack -
Yogurt and an apple

Dinner -
Eggplant Parmesan
Baked eggplant dipped in egg whites and low fat parmesan cheese.  Baked and covered in marinara sauce.

1 cup green tea

Except for skipping breakfast I really think I did well today.  I am enjoying the recipes that come with the book and I must tell you that the eggplant was good.  David even liked it.  Had great flavor.

Morning of Day 4!

Wow, what a morning.  Woke up with a terrible headache.  Might be because I haven't been able to sleep at night.  Up until 2:00 am Tuesday and 1:00 am last night.  However, I also think I have some jaw problem.  Talked to the dentist Tuesday about TMJ, but he doesn't think that's what it is.  Regardless, my jaw is sore, it hurts to chew and my head was awful this morning.


Okay - no more griping.  I did weigh when I first got up and then went back to bed and slept, so I didn't eat breakfast.  I know that will not be good for weight loss, but the truth will be told tomorrow.


My weight loss this morning - .6 pounds, for a total in 3 days of 5.1 pounds!  Still psyched.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

My Meal Plan for Wednesday!

Drank my lemon juice and weighed in.


Day One


Breakfast -
2 Hard-boiled Eggs
1/2 Grapefruit
Cup of Green Tea


Lunch -
Lettuce Wraps - 3 leaves of curly lettuce
Filling - 1 grilled chicken breast (chopped), 2 tbls chopped celery, 1/2 cupt sliced red grapes, chopped scallion, 1 tbls olive oil and salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green tea


Afternoon snack -
Yogurt


Dinner -
Grilled Salmon
Steamed brocolli and carrots
Cucumbers and tomatoes
1 cup green tea


Evening Snack -
Small apple


Pretty good day.  Didn't get too hungry, in fact I'm having trouble trying to eat all the food I need to.  Getting pretty psyched about this.  I know I can do it.  Need to get David to snap a picture of me at the beginning.  Don't let two many pictures get taken of me, that's why I'm the photographer.

Morning of Day 3!

Well I woke up this morning and that was a good thing.  I did not go to sleep until 2:00 am.  Pretty tired.  Then I weighed and was actually in shock .Lost another 1.2 pounds for a total of 4.5 pounds in 2 days.  Good motivation.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My Meal Plan for Tuesday!

Breakfast-
Yogurt
Bluberries
Green Tea


Lunch-
Super Salad consisting of:  Greens, Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumbers
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Green Tea


Snack-
Red Grapes


Dinner-
Grilled Salmon
Steamed Green Beans
Green Tea


Snack-
Fruit flavored yogurt


Good day - got a little tired this afternoon and really felt like I could use some sugar, but I got through it.

Morning of Day Two

Well this diet promises quick weight loss, and I was hopeful, but did not expect the results that I got.  Woke up and weighed this morning and had lost 3.3 pounds.  I know that will not happen again, but it was a very nice start to this plan.  Makes me want to keep trying.

Monday, January 3, 2011

My Meal Plan for Monday!

Drank my lemon juice and weighed in.


Day One


Breakfast -
2 Scrambled Egg Whites
1/2 Grapefruit
Cup of Green Tea
I haven't eaten grapefruit since I started taking cholesterol drugs, but I saw on "The Doctors" that you can squeeze the juice out (no bottled juice) and drink the juice in the morning and take your choloesteral meds at night and should be okay.


Lunch -
Green salad topped with tuna
Drizzled with 1 tbls olive oil and 2 tbls balsamic vinegar
1 cup green tea


Afternoon snack -
Yogurt


Dinner -
Grilled chicken
Steamed brocolli and cauliflower
Cucumbers and tomatoes
1 cup green tea


Evening Snack -
Small apple


So I have gotten through the day without too much stress, except that I can definitely feel the effects of no sugar or carbs.  I hope that doesn't last too long.  And since I am making sure I drink lots of water, I have spent a lot of time in the 'little girls' room" today. We are getting ready to eat our grilled chicken breasts and I am very hungry.  Overall a pretty good day.  Hope tomorrow is just as good.

Day One

I call this 'Day One' because it is the first day of my new eating plan.  I bought a book I saw on a Dr. Phil show called "The 17 Day Diet".  It's not really just a 17 day diet, but the eating plan runs in 17 day cycles.  Cycle one "Accelerate" starts today.  I have gained about 13 pounds since the start of the school year, and I am tired of the way I look and feel.  Going to make a change in my eating habits and this book will help me stay focused on it.  More later.