I have so much to write about! Look out Tuesday...Here I come!
Funny Random Thought:
Why is the school zone 20mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." ~Unknown
Thank you so much for helping me get through week fou; only 48 more to go!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
day 26: update
I haven't forgotten about you. As a matter of fact, I think about you all the time!
Today I am on day four of Atkins Induction Phase. If you have no idea what I mean by that, that is perfectly fine. If you are more than 50 pounds overweight; I can almost guarantee that you know what I mean by that. See, after a full weekend of finding out that I CAN drink like I used to (10 year reunion) and finding out that I WOULD LOVE to eat like I used to (mini vacation = a little cheating), I decided I needed a 'detox' period. Carbohydrates for me, are a form of addiction. After I have some carbs, my body needs a week or usually two of no carbs before the cravings (and the cold sweats, hehe) go away and I barely miss them.
The way that induction works? I lower my carb intake to about 20 grams per day; eating mostly green veggies, proteins, eggs and cheese. After two weeks I slowly start to work in other things; nuts, higher carb content veggies and berries. The first couple of days of induction are a bit difficult, but I soon start to realize the benefits and feel the results. After only one day, no heartburn...which while eating carbs is a daily occurrence. Can anyone say, a bottle of tums every two weeks? Yuck. It's even easier to get out of bed in the morning; it seems like (for me) carbs have a tendency to weigh me down, make me tired and cause me to burn out several times throughout the day. Cutting them out gives me immediate results. Plus the weight keeps on coming off.
I'm not saying that this works for everyone, and I will keep saying that, but, in my personal experience, I've had good results. Gradually I can start adding in new items to eat, until I've reached a 'maintaining' point. BUT, I'm still not completely satisfied with my results so 'maintaining' isn't something I'm quite ready for. It is, however, reassuring to know that that point of maintaining exists. It's real! It's really really real! Sooooo, anytime I reach a plateau with the weight, I take it back to induction. If this sounds like something that you think might work for you and if you think you might want some more specifics, because this is, by no means, a technical explanation of Atkins and the way it works; I highly recommend checking out the Atkins website. While you are there, click on Success Stories. It's motivation at it's finest. Before and afters? I can't get enough of them!
One of my biggest struggles with my blog is coming up with a daily topic. I've started jotting notes down on my phone when things come to me, but your input and your questions...They are so so helpful.
And so I ask you, “What do you hate more than anything about trying to lose weight? Let's quite with this 'it's so amazing', 'it seems to be so easy' crap and get down to the nitty gritty!”
Today I am on day four of Atkins Induction Phase. If you have no idea what I mean by that, that is perfectly fine. If you are more than 50 pounds overweight; I can almost guarantee that you know what I mean by that. See, after a full weekend of finding out that I CAN drink like I used to (10 year reunion) and finding out that I WOULD LOVE to eat like I used to (mini vacation = a little cheating), I decided I needed a 'detox' period. Carbohydrates for me, are a form of addiction. After I have some carbs, my body needs a week or usually two of no carbs before the cravings (and the cold sweats, hehe) go away and I barely miss them.
The way that induction works? I lower my carb intake to about 20 grams per day; eating mostly green veggies, proteins, eggs and cheese. After two weeks I slowly start to work in other things; nuts, higher carb content veggies and berries. The first couple of days of induction are a bit difficult, but I soon start to realize the benefits and feel the results. After only one day, no heartburn...which while eating carbs is a daily occurrence. Can anyone say, a bottle of tums every two weeks? Yuck. It's even easier to get out of bed in the morning; it seems like (for me) carbs have a tendency to weigh me down, make me tired and cause me to burn out several times throughout the day. Cutting them out gives me immediate results. Plus the weight keeps on coming off.
I'm not saying that this works for everyone, and I will keep saying that, but, in my personal experience, I've had good results. Gradually I can start adding in new items to eat, until I've reached a 'maintaining' point. BUT, I'm still not completely satisfied with my results so 'maintaining' isn't something I'm quite ready for. It is, however, reassuring to know that that point of maintaining exists. It's real! It's really really real! Sooooo, anytime I reach a plateau with the weight, I take it back to induction. If this sounds like something that you think might work for you and if you think you might want some more specifics, because this is, by no means, a technical explanation of Atkins and the way it works; I highly recommend checking out the Atkins website. While you are there, click on Success Stories. It's motivation at it's finest. Before and afters? I can't get enough of them!
One of my biggest struggles with my blog is coming up with a daily topic. I've started jotting notes down on my phone when things come to me, but your input and your questions...They are so so helpful.
And so I ask you, “What do you hate more than anything about trying to lose weight? Let's quite with this 'it's so amazing', 'it seems to be so easy' crap and get down to the nitty gritty!”
Monday, September 14, 2009
day 22: monday funday?
Last week was pure insanity. I am ecstatic that it is Monday...Ah, the delightful feeling of a new week; how I love thee.
But before I get on with my week as if last week never happened...
Now would be the perfect time to tell my Mother how much I love her. See with everything going on last week and worrying so much about how she was doing in dealing with the passing of my grandpa; I, idiot, completely forgot about her birthday! I spoke with her on her birthday...had an entire conversation, but the words, "Happy Birthday" never left my mouth, not once. What a crappy feeling that is. I love you Mom, so so SO much! HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY! I will make it up to you, and like I said...It won't happen again.
And now the fun part...
Funny Random Thought:I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!),but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and runaway?
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die." ~Thomas Campbell
Thank you so much for helping me get through week three; only 49 more to go!
Friday, September 11, 2009
day 19: argh!
Friday Update Day. Argh!
I’m normally not a huge fan of the word ‘argh’, but I think it appropriately portrays my feelings about this last week.
Let me start by saying…You know that feeling you have when you have a goal and you are so intent on accomplishing that goal and nothing in the world could stop you from it because you are ultra determined? OK…Now you know that feeling when that feeling goes away? Isn’t that the worst? Well, I can’t say that the determined feeling has gone away completely, this past week, but it has definitely been bumped off the tracks slightly. This is just a tiny peek into my week (peek into my week…that’s cute).
* Shopping and getting ready for my 10 year high school reunion. (It’s tonight…Milestone!)
* Avery’s first day of fourth grade.
*Evenings of getting homework done and trying to keep Avery on track.
*Laundry, cooking and cleaning (but never as much as I should be doing).
*Not a single blog…it’s been literally driving me nuts!
On top of the above, I received a phone call Tuesday morning that my 26 year old brother was in the hospital with heart complications. He has since been released from the hospital and seems to be recovering ok in the comfort of his own home, but he gave us all quite the scare. I should tell him…Next time, just hide in the closet for 20 minutes until you have that perfect opportunity to jump out, scream BOO and make us pee our pants. It’s so much more fun that way! Anthony…I love you!
You might not believe it, but all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. On Saturday night I received the very sad news that my grandpa Stan would have no more than 4 months left to live. He had a difficult battle with cancer and it wasn’t looking good. At that moment, I sat alone and had the most amazing cry ever. It was one of those kind of cry’s where you think of the good times and all of the memories; you cry, you laugh, you cry harder. You think about the fact that you should have visited more, you think about how your mom and the rest of your family is feeling…you cry even harder; until you just can’t cry anymore. Just thinking about that kind of cry, makes me teary eyed. Sadly, my grandpa Stan, didn’t make it 4 months; he passed away at home on September 9, 2009. In honor of my grandpa Stan, I have posted his obituary directly below this post and I’ve added just a couple of my own personal memories of my time with him. Grandpa Stan…I love you!
You get to a point, when being faced with so many different things, that you start to wonder, “Why is MY goal so important”, “I should be focusing on others, not just myself”, “Problems and issues that I’M having aren’t always the most important things in life”. You just have to remember that in order for you to, say, be there for your child who just started school, or your family who has lost a loved one, or a friend or relative with health issues, or to be there for your home…making sure it’s being kept up and that your family is happy and comfortable, or…the list goes on and on; YOU really are the most important element. YOU are the common link and in order for YOU to be at your best, you should feel your best and you should never ever feel guilty or afraid to accomplish your most desirable goals.
Do you like how I direct all of this towards YOU? Really, it is my intention is to reinforce this within MYSELF! At this point in my life, I am required to stay on course, stay consistent and show myself, my son, my friends and family that I CAN DO THIS…I CAN AND WILL FINISH WHAT I’VE STARTED.
And so I say to everyone who is letting life get in the way of your dreams, “Your dreams ARE your life, catch them while you can!”.
I’m normally not a huge fan of the word ‘argh’, but I think it appropriately portrays my feelings about this last week.
Let me start by saying…You know that feeling you have when you have a goal and you are so intent on accomplishing that goal and nothing in the world could stop you from it because you are ultra determined? OK…Now you know that feeling when that feeling goes away? Isn’t that the worst? Well, I can’t say that the determined feeling has gone away completely, this past week, but it has definitely been bumped off the tracks slightly. This is just a tiny peek into my week (peek into my week…that’s cute).
* Shopping and getting ready for my 10 year high school reunion. (It’s tonight…Milestone!)
* Avery’s first day of fourth grade.
*Evenings of getting homework done and trying to keep Avery on track.
*Laundry, cooking and cleaning (but never as much as I should be doing).
*Not a single blog…it’s been literally driving me nuts!
On top of the above, I received a phone call Tuesday morning that my 26 year old brother was in the hospital with heart complications. He has since been released from the hospital and seems to be recovering ok in the comfort of his own home, but he gave us all quite the scare. I should tell him…Next time, just hide in the closet for 20 minutes until you have that perfect opportunity to jump out, scream BOO and make us pee our pants. It’s so much more fun that way! Anthony…I love you!
You might not believe it, but all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. On Saturday night I received the very sad news that my grandpa Stan would have no more than 4 months left to live. He had a difficult battle with cancer and it wasn’t looking good. At that moment, I sat alone and had the most amazing cry ever. It was one of those kind of cry’s where you think of the good times and all of the memories; you cry, you laugh, you cry harder. You think about the fact that you should have visited more, you think about how your mom and the rest of your family is feeling…you cry even harder; until you just can’t cry anymore. Just thinking about that kind of cry, makes me teary eyed. Sadly, my grandpa Stan, didn’t make it 4 months; he passed away at home on September 9, 2009. In honor of my grandpa Stan, I have posted his obituary directly below this post and I’ve added just a couple of my own personal memories of my time with him. Grandpa Stan…I love you!
You get to a point, when being faced with so many different things, that you start to wonder, “Why is MY goal so important”, “I should be focusing on others, not just myself”, “Problems and issues that I’M having aren’t always the most important things in life”. You just have to remember that in order for you to, say, be there for your child who just started school, or your family who has lost a loved one, or a friend or relative with health issues, or to be there for your home…making sure it’s being kept up and that your family is happy and comfortable, or…the list goes on and on; YOU really are the most important element. YOU are the common link and in order for YOU to be at your best, you should feel your best and you should never ever feel guilty or afraid to accomplish your most desirable goals.
Do you like how I direct all of this towards YOU? Really, it is my intention is to reinforce this within MYSELF! At this point in my life, I am required to stay on course, stay consistent and show myself, my son, my friends and family that I CAN DO THIS…I CAN AND WILL FINISH WHAT I’VE STARTED.
And so I say to everyone who is letting life get in the way of your dreams, “Your dreams ARE your life, catch them while you can!”.
My Grandpa Stan
This obituary came from the Washington State Everett Herald Newspaper:
Stanley passed away at home on September 9, 2009 after battling cancer. He was born on February 2, 1931 to Charles and Florence Adams in Everett where he resided his entire life.
Stan is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Debbie. He also leaves behind his children, daughter, Kim (Adams) Wylde; sons, Shawn and Mitchell Adams; and step-children, Steve Strabeck (Jo) and Kathie Waters (Mike). Stan was blessed with six grandchildren, Shawndra, Anthony, David, Ryan, Kelsey and Bevan; as well as three great-grandchildren, Avery, Colin and Stella. The "outlaws" were especially close to Stan: mother-in-law, Elaine; sister-in-law, Tammy Sampson (nephews Drew and Adam); and brother-in-law, Mitch Davis (Eileen; niece, Shelly and nephew, Joey).
Stanley was preceded in death by Gramma Haley, Gramma Florence, Gramma Babe, and, recently, his father-in-law, Bill Davis.
Stan was the "best shake sawyer around" where he worked for Miller Shingle Co. For many of his last working years, he also owned and operated his own saw mill. Because working for a saw mill can be hazardous he did lose a finger. He proudly displayed it, especially to the children when he teased them saying "an alligator bit it off", and delighting in their wide-eyed expressions.
First and foremost, Stan was a family man and loved the family gatherings over the years: birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July to name a few. He also loved the life of gambling until he wised up in his later years. Stan enjoyed a variety of careers early in his life such as mechanic in the Army at the age of 15 by way of an altered birth certificate, cab driver, commercial fisherman, and insurance sales.As per Stan's wishes, there will not be a service.
Donations in Stanley's name are appreciated and can be sent to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County.
A few of my fondest memories, of my time with my Grandpa Stan:
I remember as a little girl, staying over at my grandpas house on Christmas Eve. I remember feeling completely safe, comfortable and cozy; peeking out the window in the middle of the night expecting to see Santa and his sleigh fly by. When we woke up in the morning, we would have delicious food and open presents…one of my favorite days of the year as a little girl.
I remember the many many family get-togethers throughout the years and everyone devouring my grandpas AMAZING spaghetti. He would spend ALL day making his sauce. In our family, he was famous for his spaghetti; it was the best spaghetti you would ever taste!
Some little girls might have been frightened by a large, tattooed man with a missing finger, but he was MY grandpa! I was fascinated and intrigued by him. I would climb up in his lap and we would check out his tattoos together. I remember feeling very safe and protected in my grandpas lap.
Some years of my life were filled with my grandpa Stan and some years of my life were scattered with my grandpa Stan, but the memories that I have of him will stay with me forever. Grandpa Stan…You were an amazing man, I will love you and remember you always. Thank you for sharing with us, your time here on earth. Rest in Peace.
I remember the many many family get-togethers throughout the years and everyone devouring my grandpas AMAZING spaghetti. He would spend ALL day making his sauce. In our family, he was famous for his spaghetti; it was the best spaghetti you would ever taste!
Some little girls might have been frightened by a large, tattooed man with a missing finger, but he was MY grandpa! I was fascinated and intrigued by him. I would climb up in his lap and we would check out his tattoos together. I remember feeling very safe and protected in my grandpas lap.
Some years of my life were filled with my grandpa Stan and some years of my life were scattered with my grandpa Stan, but the memories that I have of him will stay with me forever. Grandpa Stan…You were an amazing man, I will love you and remember you always. Thank you for sharing with us, your time here on earth. Rest in Peace.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
day 14: sunday funday
So I miss ONE day of blogging and what happens?
Eggs and bacon for breakfast, that's what!
Time for some fun and encouragement to get me back on track for next week!
Funny Random Thought:
MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." -Stephan Dolley Jr.
Thank you so much for helping me get through week two; only 50 more to go!
Eggs and bacon for breakfast, that's what!
Time for some fun and encouragement to get me back on track for next week!
Funny Random Thought:
MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." -Stephan Dolley Jr.
Thank you so much for helping me get through week two; only 50 more to go!
Friday, September 4, 2009
day 12: update
I never realized the therapeutic effect this blog would have on me. It’s actually pretty incredible. Not only am I getting the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with you; which is, by the way, one of my most favorite things to do in the whole wide world, BUT I’m also getting a chance to get some weight off of my chest (no pun intended). Getting some of my more intimate thoughts out there, intimate thoughts that have never before left my head…it feels marvelous…simply marvelous. I always feel like I have to say simply marvelous after I say marvelous. OK…now I think I’m just stalling. Let me just get to it already…
I, Shawndra, have made an agreement with myself to go ahead and just lay it ALL out on the table. As you may or may not know, today is Friday Update Day. It is the day that I have dedicated to ME and my progress; where I’m at with my plan, any struggles I’ve faced over the past week, things of that nature. Are you thinking ‘just get to it already, lady’?
Well, once a month from here on out I will be posting my actual weight and measurements. There is never a bad time to get some extra motivation SO, to start, I’m going to be using my weight and measurements from April 4, 2009 to compare and give you and myself, a clear idea of where I stand right now and how far I’ve already come. Here we go…
April 4, 2009
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 258.6 lbs (yes, I count the tenths! Don’t judge me.)
Hips: 51”
Waist: 42”
Chest: 48”
Legs: 28”
Arms: 18”
September 4, 2009
Age: 28
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 213.0 lbs
Hips: 45”
Waist: 36”
Chest: 43”
Legs: 25”
Arms: 15”
Total LOSS(-)/gain(+)
Age: +1
Height: no change
Weight: -45.6 lbs!!!
Hips: -6”!!!
Waist: -6”!!!
Chest: -5”!!!
Legs: -3”!!!
Arms: -3”!!!
This is exactly 5 months of progress! Trust me starting numbers are always daunting but after looking back, I’m so glad I had a record of where I was. I would HIGHLY recommend to you, to keep track of your measurements. The scale isn’t always the best way to track your progress. There are several reasons your weight may fluctuate but if you are measuring on top of that, you are getting a clear idea of how your body is transforming. And please don’t weigh yourself everyday…you will, most likely, be disappointed. Checking your weight weekly and measuring monthly gives your body time to adjust and change. If you write it down, you can visually see those changes; that’s motivation in itself. And never ever forget…IT WILL TAKE TIME, especially to lose weight the right way.
So since today is all about ME, I say to myself, self, “You are a strong, powerful, beautiful woman…Oh shoot, did you remember to turn off the iron? I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid. I don’t iron! Ha.”
I, Shawndra, have made an agreement with myself to go ahead and just lay it ALL out on the table. As you may or may not know, today is Friday Update Day. It is the day that I have dedicated to ME and my progress; where I’m at with my plan, any struggles I’ve faced over the past week, things of that nature. Are you thinking ‘just get to it already, lady’?
Well, once a month from here on out I will be posting my actual weight and measurements. There is never a bad time to get some extra motivation SO, to start, I’m going to be using my weight and measurements from April 4, 2009 to compare and give you and myself, a clear idea of where I stand right now and how far I’ve already come. Here we go…
April 4, 2009
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 258.6 lbs (yes, I count the tenths! Don’t judge me.)
Hips: 51”
Waist: 42”
Chest: 48”
Legs: 28”
Arms: 18”
September 4, 2009
Age: 28
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 213.0 lbs
Hips: 45”
Waist: 36”
Chest: 43”
Legs: 25”
Arms: 15”
Total LOSS(-)/gain(+)
Age: +1
Height: no change
Weight: -45.6 lbs!!!
Hips: -6”!!!
Waist: -6”!!!
Chest: -5”!!!
Legs: -3”!!!
Arms: -3”!!!
This is exactly 5 months of progress! Trust me starting numbers are always daunting but after looking back, I’m so glad I had a record of where I was. I would HIGHLY recommend to you, to keep track of your measurements. The scale isn’t always the best way to track your progress. There are several reasons your weight may fluctuate but if you are measuring on top of that, you are getting a clear idea of how your body is transforming. And please don’t weigh yourself everyday…you will, most likely, be disappointed. Checking your weight weekly and measuring monthly gives your body time to adjust and change. If you write it down, you can visually see those changes; that’s motivation in itself. And never ever forget…IT WILL TAKE TIME, especially to lose weight the right way.
So since today is all about ME, I say to myself, self, “You are a strong, powerful, beautiful woman…Oh shoot, did you remember to turn off the iron? I joke, I joke. I kid, I kid. I don’t iron! Ha.”
Thursday, September 3, 2009
day 11: the side dish
Today is all about side dishes and if you are thinking...BORING, then this will be perfect for you
I think that a lot of people get stuck when it comes to side dishes. I think they feel like they have to make a starch, whether it's potato, rice or pasta, they feel like dinner isn't complete without it. And more than likely, it happens to be a potato, rice or pasta out of a box. Gross. I know for me, it's not possible to lose weight consistently while eating a serving (or more, which usually happens) of potato, rice or pasta every day. I'm sure once I get into a state of 'maintaining' my weight, I can start adding these things back into my diet in small amounts. But until then, I am required to be creative and make my side dishes satisfying and delicious. Such as these...
Fresh and Easy
Roughly chop cucumbers and tomato, in a bowl; drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (use sliced onion or even just onion powder for extra flavor), add chopped garlic and fresh basil. Done!
Quick and Flavorful
Add garlic to a little bit of olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat (this will infuse the oil giving it tons of garlic taste), add fresh chopped zucchini and/or summer squash, season with salt and pepper (again, use sliced onion or even just onion powder for extra flavor), saute until desired texture, add chopped fresh basil. Done!
If you can't tell...I love love love fresh basil! Oh, and the "use sliced onion or even just onion powder" thing works every time!
Cool and Refreshing
Add a little sour cream to chopped cucumber and red onion, season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning salt, add lemon zest for extra ummm...zest. Done!
Crisp and Tasty
Chop up your favorite vegetables into large chunks (i.e. bell peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumber, zucchini, tomato, green onion, cabbage), arrange on and around a small bed of green leaf lettuce, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper. Done!
Oh...I like balsamic vinegar a whole bunch too! For lunches I mix a small container of olive oil, baslamic vinegar and salt and pepper. If you chop everything when you get home from the grocery store, or the night before, and place into plastic baggies...this is the easiest lunch in the world to grab!
All of these simple side dishes are GREAT for warmer weather and, as we start to move into the fall and winter seasons, I will work on coming up with new ideas to keep you comforted and fufilled.
So are you one of those people who feel like you have to have a starch with dinner? You know I gotta say something to you...”You are allowed to have ONE side dish, that ONE side dish is allowed to be vegetables and you are allowed to enjoy it! It's OK, I promise."
I think that a lot of people get stuck when it comes to side dishes. I think they feel like they have to make a starch, whether it's potato, rice or pasta, they feel like dinner isn't complete without it. And more than likely, it happens to be a potato, rice or pasta out of a box. Gross. I know for me, it's not possible to lose weight consistently while eating a serving (or more, which usually happens) of potato, rice or pasta every day. I'm sure once I get into a state of 'maintaining' my weight, I can start adding these things back into my diet in small amounts. But until then, I am required to be creative and make my side dishes satisfying and delicious. Such as these...
Fresh and Easy
Roughly chop cucumbers and tomato, in a bowl; drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (use sliced onion or even just onion powder for extra flavor), add chopped garlic and fresh basil. Done!
Quick and Flavorful
Add garlic to a little bit of olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat (this will infuse the oil giving it tons of garlic taste), add fresh chopped zucchini and/or summer squash, season with salt and pepper (again, use sliced onion or even just onion powder for extra flavor), saute until desired texture, add chopped fresh basil. Done!
If you can't tell...I love love love fresh basil! Oh, and the "use sliced onion or even just onion powder" thing works every time!
Cool and Refreshing
Add a little sour cream to chopped cucumber and red onion, season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning salt, add lemon zest for extra ummm...zest. Done!
Crisp and Tasty
Chop up your favorite vegetables into large chunks (i.e. bell peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumber, zucchini, tomato, green onion, cabbage), arrange on and around a small bed of green leaf lettuce, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper. Done!
Oh...I like balsamic vinegar a whole bunch too! For lunches I mix a small container of olive oil, baslamic vinegar and salt and pepper. If you chop everything when you get home from the grocery store, or the night before, and place into plastic baggies...this is the easiest lunch in the world to grab!
All of these simple side dishes are GREAT for warmer weather and, as we start to move into the fall and winter seasons, I will work on coming up with new ideas to keep you comforted and fufilled.
So are you one of those people who feel like you have to have a starch with dinner? You know I gotta say something to you...”You are allowed to have ONE side dish, that ONE side dish is allowed to be vegetables and you are allowed to enjoy it! It's OK, I promise."
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
day 10: why brain, why?
I touched briefly on substitutions in restaurants...you know, the typical substitute, a veggie or side salad for your starch. Alright, alright, I touched microscopically on substitutions in restaurants. It seems like everybody would most likely know that you can substitute a veggie for a starch, but it’s all about thinking of it! If you have easy tips in the back of your head, maybe they'll start popping up more and more.
I know that when I had felt especially down on myself because of my weight issues; maybe it was an unsuccessful trip to the mall or a belly full of fast food, I would seriously think about food constantly. I would think about how much I hated food, I would think about all of the things I was never going to eat again; it consumed me. But the moment I had food in front of me, as soon as I was eating delightfully awful food, every single thought that I had about food; all of the constant thoughts that would run through my head every second of the day...gone; gone as if they had never existed. That is a very difficult fight to fight with yourself. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment of change or why it happened (yet!), but writing about it in the past tense is SUPER AMAZING!
So in an attempt to brainwash you and completely change your way of thinking…Here are just a couple really easy, delicious substitutions:
Starbucks
I know so many people that say they will never give up their coffee, that’s perfectly fine, just change it up a little bit so that it works for you.
Watching your carbs?
Try a tall iced coffee with cream and sugar free vanilla. If you want something extra sweet, ask for whip cream. If you just can’t give up that latte, ask for a breve.
Watching your calories?
Go for a tall Americano with a splash of cream and sweet n low.
Breakfast
Go ahead and go for the omelet, but I would sub out the hash browns for cottage cheese and tomato slices, or fruit. It’s OK to say no toast! When it’s not in front of you…you can’t eat it. Right?
McDonald’s
I hope by now you know how I feel about fast food. Yuck! It’s just not good for you, but I know, being a mother of a 9 year old, sometimes it’s just easy.
Watching your carbs?
You can order hamburgers and chicken (not breaded) burgers with no bun. Shoot, you can even order a sausage McMuffin with no McMuffin. Say it just like that too, they love that. The salads are a good option, but try and skip the croutons or breaded chicken.
Watching your calories?
I would do a grilled chicken burger with no bun, maybe extra tomatoes. Skip the fries and go for the apple wedges.
So this is the tip of the iceberg as far as substitutions go, but it’s a start.
If your brain shuts down when food is in front of you like mine did, I say to you, “You are getting sleepy...Very sleepy...You will remember these tips when ordering food and when your food comes, your brain won't even know what hit it. You will eat your food and feel happy and satisfied!"
I know that when I had felt especially down on myself because of my weight issues; maybe it was an unsuccessful trip to the mall or a belly full of fast food, I would seriously think about food constantly. I would think about how much I hated food, I would think about all of the things I was never going to eat again; it consumed me. But the moment I had food in front of me, as soon as I was eating delightfully awful food, every single thought that I had about food; all of the constant thoughts that would run through my head every second of the day...gone; gone as if they had never existed. That is a very difficult fight to fight with yourself. I cannot pinpoint the exact moment of change or why it happened (yet!), but writing about it in the past tense is SUPER AMAZING!
So in an attempt to brainwash you and completely change your way of thinking…Here are just a couple really easy, delicious substitutions:
Starbucks
I know so many people that say they will never give up their coffee, that’s perfectly fine, just change it up a little bit so that it works for you.
Watching your carbs?
Try a tall iced coffee with cream and sugar free vanilla. If you want something extra sweet, ask for whip cream. If you just can’t give up that latte, ask for a breve.
Watching your calories?
Go for a tall Americano with a splash of cream and sweet n low.
Breakfast
Go ahead and go for the omelet, but I would sub out the hash browns for cottage cheese and tomato slices, or fruit. It’s OK to say no toast! When it’s not in front of you…you can’t eat it. Right?
McDonald’s
I hope by now you know how I feel about fast food. Yuck! It’s just not good for you, but I know, being a mother of a 9 year old, sometimes it’s just easy.
Watching your carbs?
You can order hamburgers and chicken (not breaded) burgers with no bun. Shoot, you can even order a sausage McMuffin with no McMuffin. Say it just like that too, they love that. The salads are a good option, but try and skip the croutons or breaded chicken.
Watching your calories?
I would do a grilled chicken burger with no bun, maybe extra tomatoes. Skip the fries and go for the apple wedges.
So this is the tip of the iceberg as far as substitutions go, but it’s a start.
If your brain shuts down when food is in front of you like mine did, I say to you, “You are getting sleepy...Very sleepy...You will remember these tips when ordering food and when your food comes, your brain won't even know what hit it. You will eat your food and feel happy and satisfied!"
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
day 9: avoiding the worst foods
Google '30 worst foods in America'; you might be surprised what you find.
A few things I noticed, I thought I would share with you. I'm not going to name restaurants or brand names but if you want to check out the article then seriously...Google '30 worst foods in America'. I am, however, going to try and give you the basic idea of the article and a couple easy tips on avoiding the worst foods in America; tips that I try and stick to when I'm out and about, at restaurants or traveling.
It is a requirement that I start with this interesting fact: They have discovered a “worst” canned fruit. Canned fruit? Isn't it tragic they there is a “worst” canned fruit. I'm sorry but if there is a “worst” of something, I don't think I want it at all. Don't you feel like you should be able to trust fruit, no matter what? Well, I hope this isn't a huge disappointment, but the best kind of fruit is, and always will be, fresh fruit! Canned fruit...full of sugary syrups. Apple chips or banana chips...again, full of sugar and sometimes even fried. Think about fresh fruit like this...you don't have to heat it up or keep it cold, some of it comes in it's own packaging, it's delicious and you can eat it anywhere. Same goes for veggies! As you can see I'm very passionate about my fresh fruit. A-moving-on.
It's not surprising that there were more than a few items on this list straight from some of your favorite menus, but what is surprising, and scary, is that some of these menu items contain over 6500mg of sodium! And over 140 grams of fat! I think that someone should litterally be sitting in jail for this. If I were you, I would just try to stick to the basics when you go out to eat, honestly if your going to the right places it should taste good and fill you up. Pick a good protein; if is is not breaded, not fried and, preferably, not drowning in gravy, it's quite possibly, a good protein. These are just suggestions, and sometimes it may be OK to splurge on horribly delicious foods, but not every time. Just ask your server to substitute; some restaurants may charge, but usually not. I will get extra veggies instead of a starch or sometimes a side salad. Now you have a meal full of vegetables and lean, flavorful proteins. You get the idea?
When you're traveling; gas stations, airports, fast food...Actually just stay away from fast food...try to stick to snacks that aren't full of sugars and sodium. Keep in mind, however, that this will be nearly impossible. I would always, first, make this suggestion...bring your own snacks. Obviously, this isn't completely realistic, sometimes you just can't. Always try and find fresh fruit. I mean, if you can find fresh fruit at the gas station, don't you think you can find it just about anywhere? Then try things like almonds, peanuts, beef jerky, string cheese. These are all high protein, and because protein uses 25-30% of the energy it provides just for digestion, this can lead to a higher metabolic rate. This basically means greater fat loss when following a good healthy plan.
So after all of this, now is the most appropriate and inappropriate time to tell you that I am not a health/nutrition expert; shoot, I'm still almost 60 lbs away from my ideal goal weight. Everything I write about just comes from my personal experiences, things I've read in books, things I've done a little research on and maybe even some things I heard from someone who heard it from their neighbors, cousins, brothers, friend.
And so I say to you, “Read me, love me and hopefully you find value in me, but never, ever, EVER sue me!”
A few things I noticed, I thought I would share with you. I'm not going to name restaurants or brand names but if you want to check out the article then seriously...Google '30 worst foods in America'. I am, however, going to try and give you the basic idea of the article and a couple easy tips on avoiding the worst foods in America; tips that I try and stick to when I'm out and about, at restaurants or traveling.
It is a requirement that I start with this interesting fact: They have discovered a “worst” canned fruit. Canned fruit? Isn't it tragic they there is a “worst” canned fruit. I'm sorry but if there is a “worst” of something, I don't think I want it at all. Don't you feel like you should be able to trust fruit, no matter what? Well, I hope this isn't a huge disappointment, but the best kind of fruit is, and always will be, fresh fruit! Canned fruit...full of sugary syrups. Apple chips or banana chips...again, full of sugar and sometimes even fried. Think about fresh fruit like this...you don't have to heat it up or keep it cold, some of it comes in it's own packaging, it's delicious and you can eat it anywhere. Same goes for veggies! As you can see I'm very passionate about my fresh fruit. A-moving-on.
It's not surprising that there were more than a few items on this list straight from some of your favorite menus, but what is surprising, and scary, is that some of these menu items contain over 6500mg of sodium! And over 140 grams of fat! I think that someone should litterally be sitting in jail for this. If I were you, I would just try to stick to the basics when you go out to eat, honestly if your going to the right places it should taste good and fill you up. Pick a good protein; if is is not breaded, not fried and, preferably, not drowning in gravy, it's quite possibly, a good protein. These are just suggestions, and sometimes it may be OK to splurge on horribly delicious foods, but not every time. Just ask your server to substitute; some restaurants may charge, but usually not. I will get extra veggies instead of a starch or sometimes a side salad. Now you have a meal full of vegetables and lean, flavorful proteins. You get the idea?
When you're traveling; gas stations, airports, fast food...Actually just stay away from fast food...try to stick to snacks that aren't full of sugars and sodium. Keep in mind, however, that this will be nearly impossible. I would always, first, make this suggestion...bring your own snacks. Obviously, this isn't completely realistic, sometimes you just can't. Always try and find fresh fruit. I mean, if you can find fresh fruit at the gas station, don't you think you can find it just about anywhere? Then try things like almonds, peanuts, beef jerky, string cheese. These are all high protein, and because protein uses 25-30% of the energy it provides just for digestion, this can lead to a higher metabolic rate. This basically means greater fat loss when following a good healthy plan.
So after all of this, now is the most appropriate and inappropriate time to tell you that I am not a health/nutrition expert; shoot, I'm still almost 60 lbs away from my ideal goal weight. Everything I write about just comes from my personal experiences, things I've read in books, things I've done a little research on and maybe even some things I heard from someone who heard it from their neighbors, cousins, brothers, friend.
And so I say to you, “Read me, love me and hopefully you find value in me, but never, ever, EVER sue me!”
Monday, August 31, 2009
day 8: diet resume
How many things have I tried to do, to lose the extra pounds?
Shall I count the ways?
1. White Rice, Water, Subway "Diet"
This isn't actually a real plan of any kind; it is, however, something I've tried. I'll admit, when you have water in the morning, white rice for lunch and a 6 inch sub with no mayo and no cheese for dinner, you will probably lose a few pounds. Unfortunately, this "diet" is completely unrealistic and has absolutely no nutritional value.
3. sparkpeople.com
This is a free website dedicated to healthy living. This is something I would suggest to you if you need a bit more direction. You take a basic quiz when you sign up and the site gives you suggestions based on your answers. The amount of calories, carbs, protein, etc. you should be eating. How many calories you should be burning daily. How many glasses of water you should be drinking. They have easy tracking systems set up and they even have an iPhone app! You can create your own personal 'space' where you can blog and keep track of your progress. Overall, this is a thumbs up from me.
2. Living on Lean Cuisine
Never have I lost a significant amount of weight living on Lean Cuisines. I would say these may be good in a pinch, but the reality is most of these meals are filled with sodium and carbohydrates; two things I would recommend you cut way back on if you are serious about losing weight.
4. Atkins/Low Carbin It
Since April, I've lost about 35 pounds following this plan. If you stick to it and get creative, soon you will be following this plan without even realizing it. You don't have to follow it SO exactly, just try and stay away from bread, pasta, rice and anything with sugar. I know it sounds harsh but you can use other things to substitute when you really need a carbohydrate fix. I would suggest high fiber wraps; they are great with tuna fish or bacon, lettuce, tomato or just veggies galore. If you need something sweet, stick to berries...try them with mint, lime juice, coconut flakes, maybe a little whip cream and a tiny bit of dark chocolate shavings. And remember, any restaurant will sub your starch for extra veggies, or maybe even a side salad. If you're thinking about it, I would check out the website; if anything, the success stories are totally worth it. Oh and keep in mind that with this plan, you really have to accept the fact that this is a life change...Once you go back, you always go fat.
5. Auditioned for 'The Biggest Loser'
I, sadly, cannot tell you the positives/negatives or the outcome of this particular plan. Other than the very obvious outcome, “I didn't make it on the show”, BUT it was a very memorable day in my life. I was in line in front of the NBC studio with thousands of other 'thinly challenged' people for hours and hours. If I had it to do again, I would totally send in a video audition!
Sometimes it feels like there are SO many different “diets” that things start to get a little convoluted. You don't know if you should go this way or that way; it hurts my brain just thinking about it. Just try and find something REALISTIC! I cannot stress that enough!
And so I say this, to the hundreds of millions of "diet" plans shoving yourselves down our throats, "Back off! Geez!"
Shall I count the ways?
1. White Rice, Water, Subway "Diet"
This isn't actually a real plan of any kind; it is, however, something I've tried. I'll admit, when you have water in the morning, white rice for lunch and a 6 inch sub with no mayo and no cheese for dinner, you will probably lose a few pounds. Unfortunately, this "diet" is completely unrealistic and has absolutely no nutritional value.
3. sparkpeople.com
This is a free website dedicated to healthy living. This is something I would suggest to you if you need a bit more direction. You take a basic quiz when you sign up and the site gives you suggestions based on your answers. The amount of calories, carbs, protein, etc. you should be eating. How many calories you should be burning daily. How many glasses of water you should be drinking. They have easy tracking systems set up and they even have an iPhone app! You can create your own personal 'space' where you can blog and keep track of your progress. Overall, this is a thumbs up from me.
2. Living on Lean Cuisine
Never have I lost a significant amount of weight living on Lean Cuisines. I would say these may be good in a pinch, but the reality is most of these meals are filled with sodium and carbohydrates; two things I would recommend you cut way back on if you are serious about losing weight.
4. Atkins/Low Carbin It
Since April, I've lost about 35 pounds following this plan. If you stick to it and get creative, soon you will be following this plan without even realizing it. You don't have to follow it SO exactly, just try and stay away from bread, pasta, rice and anything with sugar. I know it sounds harsh but you can use other things to substitute when you really need a carbohydrate fix. I would suggest high fiber wraps; they are great with tuna fish or bacon, lettuce, tomato or just veggies galore. If you need something sweet, stick to berries...try them with mint, lime juice, coconut flakes, maybe a little whip cream and a tiny bit of dark chocolate shavings. And remember, any restaurant will sub your starch for extra veggies, or maybe even a side salad. If you're thinking about it, I would check out the website; if anything, the success stories are totally worth it. Oh and keep in mind that with this plan, you really have to accept the fact that this is a life change...Once you go back, you always go fat.
5. Auditioned for 'The Biggest Loser'
I, sadly, cannot tell you the positives/negatives or the outcome of this particular plan. Other than the very obvious outcome, “I didn't make it on the show”, BUT it was a very memorable day in my life. I was in line in front of the NBC studio with thousands of other 'thinly challenged' people for hours and hours. If I had it to do again, I would totally send in a video audition!
Sometimes it feels like there are SO many different “diets” that things start to get a little convoluted. You don't know if you should go this way or that way; it hurts my brain just thinking about it. Just try and find something REALISTIC! I cannot stress that enough!
And so I say this, to the hundreds of millions of "diet" plans shoving yourselves down our throats, "Back off! Geez!"
Sunday, August 30, 2009
day 7: sunday funday
I get bunches of emails from friends with funny random thoughts and perfectly inspirational quotes, but where do they all go? They sit in 'inbox' land, never to be enjoyed again. SO...Sunday 'funny random thought and perfectly inspirational quote' day? I say yes!
Funny Random Thought:
There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."
-Frank A. Clark
Thank you so much for helping me get through week one; only 51 more to go!
Funny Random Thought:
There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
Perfectly Inspirational Quote:
"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."
-Frank A. Clark
Thank you so much for helping me get through week one; only 51 more to go!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
day 6: hummus!
I've had people ask me so many differnet questions about hummus. What is hummus? Can you make hummus at home? What the hell are garbanzo beans? The list goes on and on, but when I received this, so far favorite, question about hummus, 'What do you eat it on or do you just eat it by the spoonful?' (thank you , dear friend Dana), that's when I got excited because I knew I was going to write about it!
Let's first discuss what hummus is. Basically, hummus is a dip or spread made of chickpeas. Hummus, I recently learned, is the Arabic word for chickpeas. Some of you may know chickpeas as garbanzo beans. Same thing. And in case your wondering, garbanzo beans is the Spanish translation for chickpeas. This is so much learning!
Can you make hummus at home? Absolutely! It is incredibly easy, although I have to admit, I usually buy it from the store. But I should just make it...OK, OK I'll just start making it!
Very basic hummus will consist of only four ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas
1/4 cup of olive oil or less
1 Tbs. of lemon juice or less to taste
salt
Thats it! You place your chickpeas and lemon juice in the food processor, give it a blend and add your olive oil in stages, you may not need it all. You just want to get it to a texture that works for you. Then salt to taste. If you like, you could add 1-2 Tbs. of tahini, for extra flavor and richness; tahini is a paste made of ground sesame seeds, you can get it at any grocery store. Really this is another one of those things that does not require a recipe. You can grab a can of chickpeas, start adding a little of things you like to it (garlic, green olives, pine nuts, etc.), blend it up to a desired creaminess and you are ready to go.
I have been trying all kinds of hummus this past week. They sell several brands at your local grocery store. 'Athenos' and 'Sabra' brands seem to be the most popular. Both are good but I personally wasn't a fan of the Sabra Roasted Red Pepper. All of the garlic flavored brands that I've tried, I've liked. You'll also notice that if you purchase from the grocery store their brands are typically very creamy, almost like a spread. But if you purchase from say, Trader Joe's, theirs are going to be a bit more chunky. Having been overweight all of my life, chunky isn't one of favorite words, but I honestly don't mind the chunky hummus.
And so, Dana, to answer your question, "What do you eat it on or do you or do you just eat it by the spoonful?", I say to you..."A lot of people eat it with pita bread or crackers. I am not one of those "a lot of people". Try it on cucumbers, celery, zucchini sticks, bell peppers or my personal favorite...carrots! Never EVER eat it by the spoonful. Thank you SO much for this super amazing question!"
Let's first discuss what hummus is. Basically, hummus is a dip or spread made of chickpeas. Hummus, I recently learned, is the Arabic word for chickpeas. Some of you may know chickpeas as garbanzo beans. Same thing. And in case your wondering, garbanzo beans is the Spanish translation for chickpeas. This is so much learning!
Can you make hummus at home? Absolutely! It is incredibly easy, although I have to admit, I usually buy it from the store. But I should just make it...OK, OK I'll just start making it!
Very basic hummus will consist of only four ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas
1/4 cup of olive oil or less
1 Tbs. of lemon juice or less to taste
salt
Thats it! You place your chickpeas and lemon juice in the food processor, give it a blend and add your olive oil in stages, you may not need it all. You just want to get it to a texture that works for you. Then salt to taste. If you like, you could add 1-2 Tbs. of tahini, for extra flavor and richness; tahini is a paste made of ground sesame seeds, you can get it at any grocery store. Really this is another one of those things that does not require a recipe. You can grab a can of chickpeas, start adding a little of things you like to it (garlic, green olives, pine nuts, etc.), blend it up to a desired creaminess and you are ready to go.
I have been trying all kinds of hummus this past week. They sell several brands at your local grocery store. 'Athenos' and 'Sabra' brands seem to be the most popular. Both are good but I personally wasn't a fan of the Sabra Roasted Red Pepper. All of the garlic flavored brands that I've tried, I've liked. You'll also notice that if you purchase from the grocery store their brands are typically very creamy, almost like a spread. But if you purchase from say, Trader Joe's, theirs are going to be a bit more chunky. Having been overweight all of my life, chunky isn't one of favorite words, but I honestly don't mind the chunky hummus.
And so, Dana, to answer your question, "What do you eat it on or do you or do you just eat it by the spoonful?", I say to you..."A lot of people eat it with pita bread or crackers. I am not one of those "a lot of people". Try it on cucumbers, celery, zucchini sticks, bell peppers or my personal favorite...carrots! Never EVER eat it by the spoonful. Thank you SO much for this super amazing question!"
Friday, August 28, 2009
day 5: update
I have decided to update you all on my progress every Friday.
This update may or may not consist of the following:
Weight Lost/Gained (Gained? Better not be gained!)
Strengths/Weaknesses
Exciting News
Delicious Recipes
Ideas for Success!
So let’s just dive right in, shall we?
This entire week has been dedicated to this raw fruits and veggies diet that I have been on. Oh, speaking of DIET…I will no longer use the word “diet”…I hate the word “diet”. From this moment on, any “diet” I may be following will be referred to as a plan. Sometimes plans work; sometimes they do not, but from experience, “diets” NEVER work. SO…this raw fruits and veggies plan that I have been on…
I explained it briefly in my blog entitled ‘day 2: dave’. To refresh your memory, it consists of 70% raw fruits, veggies, almonds or nuts and humus throughout the day and 30% protein (small piece of chicken, fish or even shrimp) with lightly steamed veggies for dinner. It was also recommended to me to take a B-12 supplement for energy. I take a dissolve in your mouth form of B-12, but I heard that zip fizz would work just fine. The first couple of days were pretty difficult but it really is getting easier and easier every day. This was originally going to be a 10 day plan, but it has been working so well and I feel great, so I think it might just stick with it.
My time in the kitchen has been interesting. Keeping chicken exciting is always a challenge but I’ve been being adventurous. See one of my more successful experiments in a separate post below: Roasted Garlic Stuffed Chicken . I seriously suggest that you play around with healthy, fresh ingredients. I use a lot of garlic, a lot of onion, fresh herbs, lemon and lime...get creative!
I, by the way, find it hilarious that Julie Powell, my biggest inspiration to start this, used enough butter in 365 days to make like 10 life size model of myself. Which would be so incredibly bizarre to see. It's pretty opposite content wise, but it was the idea of doing something, sticking to it and using it to help me, and maybe even inspire other's, to accomplish something very important...That's what got me excited about this blog.
I haven't side-stepped too far away from my path these last 7 days, except maybe a glass of wine or two with a certain co-worker. We are talking no coffee, no soda, no BUTTER, but a crap load of bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, carrots, apples, broccoli, pears, peaches, strawberries, which are all very yum. It has been paying off; in the past 7 days I have lost another 7 pounds. A pound a day is very rapid weight loss. If you are not losing a pound a day, please don't be discouraged. Every 'body' is different, but I find that having the thought process that I am going to be a success and visualizing how my body will look; that seems to be more powerful than what I'm eating.
Go Positive Thinking! Go!
This update may or may not consist of the following:
Weight Lost/Gained (Gained? Better not be gained!)
Strengths/Weaknesses
Exciting News
Delicious Recipes
Ideas for Success!
So let’s just dive right in, shall we?
This entire week has been dedicated to this raw fruits and veggies diet that I have been on. Oh, speaking of DIET…I will no longer use the word “diet”…I hate the word “diet”. From this moment on, any “diet” I may be following will be referred to as a plan. Sometimes plans work; sometimes they do not, but from experience, “diets” NEVER work. SO…this raw fruits and veggies plan that I have been on…
I explained it briefly in my blog entitled ‘day 2: dave’. To refresh your memory, it consists of 70% raw fruits, veggies, almonds or nuts and humus throughout the day and 30% protein (small piece of chicken, fish or even shrimp) with lightly steamed veggies for dinner. It was also recommended to me to take a B-12 supplement for energy. I take a dissolve in your mouth form of B-12, but I heard that zip fizz would work just fine. The first couple of days were pretty difficult but it really is getting easier and easier every day. This was originally going to be a 10 day plan, but it has been working so well and I feel great, so I think it might just stick with it.
My time in the kitchen has been interesting. Keeping chicken exciting is always a challenge but I’ve been being adventurous. See one of my more successful experiments in a separate post below: Roasted Garlic Stuffed Chicken . I seriously suggest that you play around with healthy, fresh ingredients. I use a lot of garlic, a lot of onion, fresh herbs, lemon and lime...get creative!
I, by the way, find it hilarious that Julie Powell, my biggest inspiration to start this, used enough butter in 365 days to make like 10 life size model of myself. Which would be so incredibly bizarre to see. It's pretty opposite content wise, but it was the idea of doing something, sticking to it and using it to help me, and maybe even inspire other's, to accomplish something very important...That's what got me excited about this blog.
I haven't side-stepped too far away from my path these last 7 days, except maybe a glass of wine or two with a certain co-worker. We are talking no coffee, no soda, no BUTTER, but a crap load of bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, carrots, apples, broccoli, pears, peaches, strawberries, which are all very yum. It has been paying off; in the past 7 days I have lost another 7 pounds. A pound a day is very rapid weight loss. If you are not losing a pound a day, please don't be discouraged. Every 'body' is different, but I find that having the thought process that I am going to be a success and visualizing how my body will look; that seems to be more powerful than what I'm eating.
Go Positive Thinking! Go!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Recipe: Roasted Garlic Stuffed Chicken
Roasted Garlic Stuffed Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 heads of roasted garlic (see tips below)
¼ cup of chopped onion
1 bunch of fresh basil
1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms
salt
pepper
olive oil (spray works great)
1. Slice chicken breasts down along the side, making sure not to cut all the way thru. Most stuffed chicken recipes say to flatten the chicken between waxed paper, but I didn’t do that and it worked out perfectly.
2. Squeeze both heads of garlic into a bowl. Add chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste. Spread one spoonful of mixture between each chicken breast.
3. Place a layer (or two) of fresh basil leaves directly on top of garlic mixture.
4. Arrange sliced mushrooms on top of the fresh basil. You can use other veggies if you prefer…as long as you can get the chicken around it. Example: sliced zucchini or asparagus. Keep in mind something like broccoli or cauliflower will probably only frustrate you.
5. Pull top half of chicken across your filling and secure with toothpicks.
6. Spray cooking sheet and top of chicken with olive oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper. You can also season with onion powder, garlic powder, etc.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Tips for Roasting Garlic
Cut the tip of garlic off, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap in tin foil and place in a 325 degree oven for 45 mins. If you are short on time, peel several cloves, add a bit of olive oil to a frying pan, saute the garlic on medium low eat until soft. Be careful not to burn it!
If you have any questions, please let me know. In all honesty, I've never written a recipe before. You don't even really need a recipe for this, just grab anything and stuff your chicken with it! You'll be surprised how easy and delicious it is. Good luck!
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 heads of roasted garlic (see tips below)
¼ cup of chopped onion
1 bunch of fresh basil
1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms
salt
pepper
olive oil (spray works great)
1. Slice chicken breasts down along the side, making sure not to cut all the way thru. Most stuffed chicken recipes say to flatten the chicken between waxed paper, but I didn’t do that and it worked out perfectly.
2. Squeeze both heads of garlic into a bowl. Add chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste. Spread one spoonful of mixture between each chicken breast.
3. Place a layer (or two) of fresh basil leaves directly on top of garlic mixture.
4. Arrange sliced mushrooms on top of the fresh basil. You can use other veggies if you prefer…as long as you can get the chicken around it. Example: sliced zucchini or asparagus. Keep in mind something like broccoli or cauliflower will probably only frustrate you.
5. Pull top half of chicken across your filling and secure with toothpicks.
6. Spray cooking sheet and top of chicken with olive oil. Season to taste with salt, pepper. You can also season with onion powder, garlic powder, etc.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Tips for Roasting Garlic
Cut the tip of garlic off, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap in tin foil and place in a 325 degree oven for 45 mins. If you are short on time, peel several cloves, add a bit of olive oil to a frying pan, saute the garlic on medium low eat until soft. Be careful not to burn it!
If you have any questions, please let me know. In all honesty, I've never written a recipe before. You don't even really need a recipe for this, just grab anything and stuff your chicken with it! You'll be surprised how easy and delicious it is. Good luck!
day 4: getting personal
It's our fourth date...I feel it's a respectable time to get personal.
I have been “dieting” since I can remember. The school bus was a particularly hard time of the day. My best friend was very thin and they used to call us Ren & Stimpy; I give them points on creativity. I recall one day running home crying. Someone on the bus had shouted, “The only thing stopping you from Jenny Craig is the door!”. Till this day, I have no idea if the comment was directed towards me or what that comment even really means, but it did not matter. I told my mom that day that I wanted to go on a diet. She was very supportive and cooked me ‘good for you’ food. It was horrible (not the food, my mom is a wonderful cook) but the 'being a little girl and trying to lose weight'. I would literally sneak hand fulls of chili cheese Frito's while frantically watching over my shoulder to make sure nobody witnessed my failure. I was 9.
In sixth grade, I left my jacket in the lunch room. It was turned into the principle and, in my pocket, the diet pills I stole from my mom’s bathroom cupboard, were discovered. This, of course, produced many more tears. When I learned the meaning of Bulimia in high school health class, I thought my prayers had been answered. I never had the courage…Thankfully!
After one too many glasses of wine, my mother swears that it all started when visiting my dad and his family in California one summer. If I’m ever going to succeed I have to accept the fact that no matter when it started, no matter whom I would like (or my mom would like) to blame, the key is within ME!
Every “diet” path (until NOW) has led me straight into a brick wall. Usually at that point, I pull up a chair and hang out on the wrong side of the brick wall until I hit a new rock bottom; whatever it may be. Maybe it’s a simple and very rude question from a stranger, “Are you expecting?” or a long over do breakup with a boyfriend. I stay on track for a while but, without fail, life happens. I lose a job...now I don’t have a schedule, so I can’t stick to a “diet”. Christmas comes...there’s good food everywhere, so I can’t stick to a “diet”. Dating a new guy...why should I stick to a "diet". And so on, and so on.
As I've gotten older I have grown to accept my body. I look in the mirror each morning and know that this is the body I was given and that everything I do that day CAN change it. There is no magical overnight fix. The day that I accepted that...I say accepted and not realize because, honestly, I've known it all along...is day everything became that much easier.
And so I say to YOU…”Which side of the brick wall are you on?”.
I have been “dieting” since I can remember. The school bus was a particularly hard time of the day. My best friend was very thin and they used to call us Ren & Stimpy; I give them points on creativity. I recall one day running home crying. Someone on the bus had shouted, “The only thing stopping you from Jenny Craig is the door!”. Till this day, I have no idea if the comment was directed towards me or what that comment even really means, but it did not matter. I told my mom that day that I wanted to go on a diet. She was very supportive and cooked me ‘good for you’ food. It was horrible (not the food, my mom is a wonderful cook) but the 'being a little girl and trying to lose weight'. I would literally sneak hand fulls of chili cheese Frito's while frantically watching over my shoulder to make sure nobody witnessed my failure. I was 9.
In sixth grade, I left my jacket in the lunch room. It was turned into the principle and, in my pocket, the diet pills I stole from my mom’s bathroom cupboard, were discovered. This, of course, produced many more tears. When I learned the meaning of Bulimia in high school health class, I thought my prayers had been answered. I never had the courage…Thankfully!
After one too many glasses of wine, my mother swears that it all started when visiting my dad and his family in California one summer. If I’m ever going to succeed I have to accept the fact that no matter when it started, no matter whom I would like (or my mom would like) to blame, the key is within ME!
Every “diet” path (until NOW) has led me straight into a brick wall. Usually at that point, I pull up a chair and hang out on the wrong side of the brick wall until I hit a new rock bottom; whatever it may be. Maybe it’s a simple and very rude question from a stranger, “Are you expecting?” or a long over do breakup with a boyfriend. I stay on track for a while but, without fail, life happens. I lose a job...now I don’t have a schedule, so I can’t stick to a “diet”. Christmas comes...there’s good food everywhere, so I can’t stick to a “diet”. Dating a new guy...why should I stick to a "diet". And so on, and so on.
As I've gotten older I have grown to accept my body. I look in the mirror each morning and know that this is the body I was given and that everything I do that day CAN change it. There is no magical overnight fix. The day that I accepted that...I say accepted and not realize because, honestly, I've known it all along...is day everything became that much easier.
And so I say to YOU…”Which side of the brick wall are you on?”.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
day 3: goal...a four letter word.
Goal: something that somebody wants to achieve.
Fail: to be unsuccessful in trying to do something.
Isn't it so sad that, more often than not, these two terms go hand in hand?
While I was employed as a Market Center Administrator (technical term for paper pusher) for a real estate company, I had the opportunity to learn all about goal setting. Here is a very brief rundown of the process:
1. Decide on a goal. Whether it has to do with health, wealth, business or personal, the goal must be specific.
2. Figure out what steps you need to take in order to reach your goal successfully.
3. Breakdown your goal into obtainable checkpoints. (example: I want to lose 60 lbs in one year; 5 lbs a month. or 1.25lbs a week) This can be used with ALL goals; it’s simple math. Make sure that this breakdown is REASONABLE. Do not set yourself up to fail.
a. Your goal isn't directly related to numbers? Let’s say that you want to have a better relationship with your spouse. Now, the steps want to take to reach that: watch a movie together every weekend, have sex four times a week (remember: don't set yourself up to fail), take a dance lesson two nights a week. Now you have numbers to work with. ONCE a week or FOUR times a month. You get the picture.
4. Commit!
5. After committing you MUST have accountability. At my office, this consisted of a weekly one on one meeting discussing each other’s goals and what we had done to accomplish those goals.
6. Succeed! Accomplish your daily goals, in order to accomplish your monthly goals which will, inevitably, cause your yearly goals fall into place.
Sounds easy enough. Yet daily, people are failing. Why? Although there are thousands of websites with insight as to why people fail their goals, for me it lies in step number 5...ACCOUNTABILITY! Who else will know that I have failed a goal other than myself? And what will ‘myself’ do if I fail at accomplishing that goal? Not a damn thing, other than weep quietly when no one is looking…or eat! Ha!
Not this time, my friends…NOT THIS TIME! Even though it has only been three days, I think about my blog every time I reach for a snack or fill up my water bottle. There was a moment of clarity the first time I started typing...I could just tell that this was it. If I am unsuccessful, who will know? The world (not that “the world” is reading my blog) but, again, you get the picture.
Succeed: to manage to do what is planned or attempted.
And so I say to myself, Self…"Take this goal, and kick this goals ass!"
Fail: to be unsuccessful in trying to do something.
Isn't it so sad that, more often than not, these two terms go hand in hand?
While I was employed as a Market Center Administrator (technical term for paper pusher) for a real estate company, I had the opportunity to learn all about goal setting. Here is a very brief rundown of the process:
1. Decide on a goal. Whether it has to do with health, wealth, business or personal, the goal must be specific.
2. Figure out what steps you need to take in order to reach your goal successfully.
3. Breakdown your goal into obtainable checkpoints. (example: I want to lose 60 lbs in one year; 5 lbs a month. or 1.25lbs a week) This can be used with ALL goals; it’s simple math. Make sure that this breakdown is REASONABLE. Do not set yourself up to fail.
a. Your goal isn't directly related to numbers? Let’s say that you want to have a better relationship with your spouse. Now, the steps want to take to reach that: watch a movie together every weekend, have sex four times a week (remember: don't set yourself up to fail), take a dance lesson two nights a week. Now you have numbers to work with. ONCE a week or FOUR times a month. You get the picture.
4. Commit!
5. After committing you MUST have accountability. At my office, this consisted of a weekly one on one meeting discussing each other’s goals and what we had done to accomplish those goals.
6. Succeed! Accomplish your daily goals, in order to accomplish your monthly goals which will, inevitably, cause your yearly goals fall into place.
Sounds easy enough. Yet daily, people are failing. Why? Although there are thousands of websites with insight as to why people fail their goals, for me it lies in step number 5...ACCOUNTABILITY! Who else will know that I have failed a goal other than myself? And what will ‘myself’ do if I fail at accomplishing that goal? Not a damn thing, other than weep quietly when no one is looking…or eat! Ha!
Not this time, my friends…NOT THIS TIME! Even though it has only been three days, I think about my blog every time I reach for a snack or fill up my water bottle. There was a moment of clarity the first time I started typing...I could just tell that this was it. If I am unsuccessful, who will know? The world (not that “the world” is reading my blog) but, again, you get the picture.
Succeed: to manage to do what is planned or attempted.
And so I say to myself, Self…"Take this goal, and kick this goals ass!"
Monday, August 24, 2009
day 2: dave
I received my first blog comments! Thank you so much everyone!
My first three comments in history were from 1. my boyfriend, 2. my boyfriends mom and 3. a good friend I've known for 15 years. I'd say that's pretty comparable to Julie's first comments, whom, according to the movie, was her very own mother. I may mention or refer to some comments in my daily blogs depending on how they fit in. My very first comment fits in delighfully for today.
Which really brings us to day two of my 365 days. The perfect time to introduce my boyfriend! Dave...I love you sugar pie.
Daves said...
Way to go Shawndra! It is nice to see that you found inspiration and have been able to set a goal for yourself. Do you know what you are going to do next to accomplish the goal you have set?- Dave
Very nice, very cute, very supportive comment. Don't you agree?
Here is a rundown of Dave's eating habits for the past few years:
First (when we met) - Pescatarian: Those who abstain from eating all meat with the exception of fish. I tell you because, I'll be honest, I had no idea what the word meant when I first heard it.
Next (started April 3rd)- Low Carber: Person who basically cuts out all flour and sugar. That isn't a technical term or definition, but he still went along with me for the ride...with great success; he has also lost a total of 40 lbs.
NOW (started last Wednesday) - I was introduced to a raw fruits and veggies 10-day plan. It is 70% raw fruits and veggies all throughout the day and 30% protein (small piece of chicken, fish or even shrimp) in the evening with lightly steamed veggies.
This is clearly a very brave man. I'm sure that he will come up from time to time and now it won't go like this...Dave (that's my boyfriend). Having someone so supportive there with me, experiencing it all, seeing the results together...words cannot describe how much it has helped me. It is encouraging, to say the least. And if he can get through 5 days of the raw fruits and veggies cleanse, he can certainly get through my new 'annoyingly passionate' outlook on the next 363 days.
And so, to answer your question...Do you know what you are going to do next to accomplish the goal you have set? I say to you, Dave...It may involve more celery, hun. Sorry.
My first three comments in history were from 1. my boyfriend, 2. my boyfriends mom and 3. a good friend I've known for 15 years. I'd say that's pretty comparable to Julie's first comments, whom, according to the movie, was her very own mother. I may mention or refer to some comments in my daily blogs depending on how they fit in. My very first comment fits in delighfully for today.
Which really brings us to day two of my 365 days. The perfect time to introduce my boyfriend! Dave...I love you sugar pie.
Daves said...
Way to go Shawndra! It is nice to see that you found inspiration and have been able to set a goal for yourself. Do you know what you are going to do next to accomplish the goal you have set?- Dave
Very nice, very cute, very supportive comment. Don't you agree?
Here is a rundown of Dave's eating habits for the past few years:
First (when we met) - Pescatarian: Those who abstain from eating all meat with the exception of fish. I tell you because, I'll be honest, I had no idea what the word meant when I first heard it.
Next (started April 3rd)- Low Carber: Person who basically cuts out all flour and sugar. That isn't a technical term or definition, but he still went along with me for the ride...with great success; he has also lost a total of 40 lbs.
NOW (started last Wednesday) - I was introduced to a raw fruits and veggies 10-day plan. It is 70% raw fruits and veggies all throughout the day and 30% protein (small piece of chicken, fish or even shrimp) in the evening with lightly steamed veggies.
This is clearly a very brave man. I'm sure that he will come up from time to time and now it won't go like this...Dave (that's my boyfriend). Having someone so supportive there with me, experiencing it all, seeing the results together...words cannot describe how much it has helped me. It is encouraging, to say the least. And if he can get through 5 days of the raw fruits and veggies cleanse, he can certainly get through my new 'annoyingly passionate' outlook on the next 363 days.
And so, to answer your question...Do you know what you are going to do next to accomplish the goal you have set? I say to you, Dave...It may involve more celery, hun. Sorry.
day 1: 60lbs in 365 days
I saw Julie & Julia this weekend, so now I'm starting a blog. EWE...I wonder how many blogs have started out with that very sentence...
The fact is, that doesn't really matter to me.
There are a couple of things that I realized in watching Julie Powell's story:
1. I never knew how easy it is to start a blog. It took me WAY longer to actually come to the decision to do this than it did to create a blog and start blogging!
2. I think that blogging (I really hope that's a word) could, quite possibly, be the best form of accountability ever.
AND
3. I never finish anything either! I'm dying to finish something. What better way to finish something than to start something?
So what could I possibly be starting?
Here is the plan...
I am embarking on a weight loss journey. Again...EWE, but just hear me out.
For the past five months I have cut out carbs and sugary, delicious foods. I should also mention, that for the past 5 days I have been on a raw fruits and veggies cleanse (5 more days to go...Thanks Mom). In this time frame I have dropped 40 lbs. Exciting? Indeed! Have I met my weight loss goal? Not so much.
I loved loved LOVED, that Julie had a time frame to complete her goal. I have decided that I too will blog for 365 days. That gives me one year to lose an additional 60 lbs. Which would bring me to my ideal BMI. I'm 5ft 8in if you are interested in doing the math. So that's 60lbs in 12 months...5 lbs a month. Very reasonable, I'd say.
I know nothing about blogging and my grammar/spelling is, more than likely, disgusting some readers, but I feel hopeful and excited that this will keep me on the right track and possibly inspire others. And to Julie, I say...Thank you for sharing your story with the world!
The fact is, that doesn't really matter to me.
There are a couple of things that I realized in watching Julie Powell's story:
1. I never knew how easy it is to start a blog. It took me WAY longer to actually come to the decision to do this than it did to create a blog and start blogging!
2. I think that blogging (I really hope that's a word) could, quite possibly, be the best form of accountability ever.
AND
3. I never finish anything either! I'm dying to finish something. What better way to finish something than to start something?
So what could I possibly be starting?
Here is the plan...
I am embarking on a weight loss journey. Again...EWE, but just hear me out.
For the past five months I have cut out carbs and sugary, delicious foods. I should also mention, that for the past 5 days I have been on a raw fruits and veggies cleanse (5 more days to go...Thanks Mom). In this time frame I have dropped 40 lbs. Exciting? Indeed! Have I met my weight loss goal? Not so much.
I loved loved LOVED, that Julie had a time frame to complete her goal. I have decided that I too will blog for 365 days. That gives me one year to lose an additional 60 lbs. Which would bring me to my ideal BMI. I'm 5ft 8in if you are interested in doing the math. So that's 60lbs in 12 months...5 lbs a month. Very reasonable, I'd say.
I know nothing about blogging and my grammar/spelling is, more than likely, disgusting some readers, but I feel hopeful and excited that this will keep me on the right track and possibly inspire others. And to Julie, I say...Thank you for sharing your story with the world!
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