Well, the last few days have been not bad, but not good. Bread still seems to be wanting back into my life. As I found the 100 calorie buns in my freezer- happy to say they are all gone now. On Tuesday I came the closest ever to reaching the required water drinking level.
Last night I splurged on mussels. I bought a pound for 5.00. Well almost a dozen of them did not open. And come to find out that neither of us really like them. Wasted almost 10.00- we steamed them in white wine and garlic. To be served over the quoino pasta. Nice thing is we were ok without tomato sauce. We simple added some garlic and olive oil.
I need to buckle down and accept exercise as my friend. It's tough when I need to work more hours...ok I'll stop as that is an excuse isn't it.
I feel I need to get the meal replacement drink, and use it for at least 2 meals. The most challenging part is only 1 serving of fruit. But if by the end of the month- I can toss off another 5 pounds I will consider it a success.
Activia has "desert" yougarts. We tried the blueberry cheesecake. It was 100 calories, and since I can only have 150 in my dairy- that was a tough one. We did get the blueberry flavor- not so much on the cheesecake, however it was creamer than most yougarts. There is another brand which has the "desert" flavors and do it so much better. So just buy the light activia as its only 70 calories. For me not worth the extra 30.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
back on the wagon
The last two days have not been bad. I have controlled my bread lust. However struggling with the butter.
Lot's of water, however I know that I've not reached the 100 ounces.
Tuna was yesterday,for lunch. However only used half of the 100 calorie breads. Which saved room for the other half later on.
Today was left over chili, and then huge salad for dinner. Grocery budget is getting better. Not where I would like it, but better.
Today's salad was easy- 1/2 bag of frozen kernel corn 1 15 oz can of black beans and black eye peas- drain, then rinse. * hint, if you rinse them well then it elevates the gas later.
chop up 4 green onions with half of the green parts. grate 2 teaspoons of ginger, add 1/4 cup of grape seed oil, 2 teaspoons of glazed balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 glove of garlic crushed. Mix all together. I served it over some lettuce, added an avocado, and tomato. Ymm... very cheap and filling.
Corn- non brand name .99
Black Beans .99
Black eye Peas .99
Onion (green .79
Garlic (3.20 lb) .89
Ginger (3.99 lb) .50
avocado 1.29
Red Onion 1.00
lettuce 2.99
This all comes to 10.43. If you needed to buy the grape seed oil and the glazed balsamic vinegar- add additional -9.00 for the oil and 6.00 for the balsamic vinegar. Remember for these items a little will go a long way.
If you are not sure how you feel about ginger- just get a very small piece. If you don't see one, well it's ok to break one nub off. Again a little ginger goes a very long way. The salad was enough for dinner for two, and will have plenty to take to work for lunch. With lunch I will add in some canned albacore tuna. Healthy eating.
Lot's of water, however I know that I've not reached the 100 ounces.
Tuna was yesterday,for lunch. However only used half of the 100 calorie breads. Which saved room for the other half later on.
Today was left over chili, and then huge salad for dinner. Grocery budget is getting better. Not where I would like it, but better.
Today's salad was easy- 1/2 bag of frozen kernel corn 1 15 oz can of black beans and black eye peas- drain, then rinse. * hint, if you rinse them well then it elevates the gas later.
chop up 4 green onions with half of the green parts. grate 2 teaspoons of ginger, add 1/4 cup of grape seed oil, 2 teaspoons of glazed balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 glove of garlic crushed. Mix all together. I served it over some lettuce, added an avocado, and tomato. Ymm... very cheap and filling.
Corn- non brand name .99
Black Beans .99
Black eye Peas .99
Onion (green .79
Garlic (3.20 lb) .89
Ginger (3.99 lb) .50
avocado 1.29
Red Onion 1.00
lettuce 2.99
This all comes to 10.43. If you needed to buy the grape seed oil and the glazed balsamic vinegar- add additional -9.00 for the oil and 6.00 for the balsamic vinegar. Remember for these items a little will go a long way.
If you are not sure how you feel about ginger- just get a very small piece. If you don't see one, well it's ok to break one nub off. Again a little ginger goes a very long way. The salad was enough for dinner for two, and will have plenty to take to work for lunch. With lunch I will add in some canned albacore tuna. Healthy eating.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
falling off the wagon
I was so proud of myself a few weeks ago, when I stopped any urges for cake. Friday being the end of a very stressful week, I allowed myself to eat cake. Not just any cake, but one with butter cream frosting. However I did pay a price for it. Within an hour, I had a horrible sugar headache, and felt ill all night. So once I got home it was nettle and wild orange tazo tea for me. Nettle tea is a great tea for the digestive system.
I am upset with myself for allowing me to fall off the wagon as I did. My body did not respond so kindly, and I do believe my "brain" now understands...NO SWEETS!
Today is going to be a "foodie" day, yet if I keep an eye out for my warning signs, and drink lots of water I should keep everything in check.
So, I am back on the wagon....
I am upset with myself for allowing me to fall off the wagon as I did. My body did not respond so kindly, and I do believe my "brain" now understands...NO SWEETS!
Today is going to be a "foodie" day, yet if I keep an eye out for my warning signs, and drink lots of water I should keep everything in check.
So, I am back on the wagon....
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
stress the true test
I will say that this past week-end I slightly fell off the diet wagon, with two drinks...and a very very small slice of cake- it was someones birthday. However, at work there was an apple pie contest, of which many many apple pies were around-I did not take a slice, or bite. There has been a small bowl of chocolate at a co-workers desk..still untouched, at least by me.
All of this is good- yet this week the stress has been mounting. Without going into detail, this week has been a particularly difficult one. Normally, this is when my diet really hits the fan. I succumb to chocolate, even pastries...feel bad afterwards..none the less. While those can be self defeating - stress can also paralyze me to the point, where I don't eat at all. I become so focused on what needs to be done, I by pass lunch ..and then by dinner time, is when I start to self destruct-and forget if I have to stop at the grocery store- all those delectable temptations. Such as this past evening. It was truly a test. While my brain was going hey-there is the soft gooey pastries, creamy ice-cream, go for it! My body was saying, not so much. So I grabbed a bag of salad mix, a tomato, and an avocado. Went home, where I had cucumbers still...and created a BIG SALAD. The dressing was simple, some adobo seasoning, grape seed oil, and glazed balsamic vinegar. On the weeks you can splurge- that is a good to go indulgence. A little goes a very very long way. For salad, simple take whichever type of olive you like, add the herbs you like, toss the salad-then drizzle a little of the glazed balsamic vinegar. Simple yet tasty.
I have become a strong supporter of detox. I do not crave coffee, sugar, breads- it helps to keep you on track when life is taking you off track. Check with your doctor...as there are so many detox products. Products strengthen the detox diet. It can be done with food only. I know myself and knew that I needed help.
All of this is good- yet this week the stress has been mounting. Without going into detail, this week has been a particularly difficult one. Normally, this is when my diet really hits the fan. I succumb to chocolate, even pastries...feel bad afterwards..none the less. While those can be self defeating - stress can also paralyze me to the point, where I don't eat at all. I become so focused on what needs to be done, I by pass lunch ..and then by dinner time, is when I start to self destruct-and forget if I have to stop at the grocery store- all those delectable temptations. Such as this past evening. It was truly a test. While my brain was going hey-there is the soft gooey pastries, creamy ice-cream, go for it! My body was saying, not so much. So I grabbed a bag of salad mix, a tomato, and an avocado. Went home, where I had cucumbers still...and created a BIG SALAD. The dressing was simple, some adobo seasoning, grape seed oil, and glazed balsamic vinegar. On the weeks you can splurge- that is a good to go indulgence. A little goes a very very long way. For salad, simple take whichever type of olive you like, add the herbs you like, toss the salad-then drizzle a little of the glazed balsamic vinegar. Simple yet tasty.
I have become a strong supporter of detox. I do not crave coffee, sugar, breads- it helps to keep you on track when life is taking you off track. Check with your doctor...as there are so many detox products. Products strengthen the detox diet. It can be done with food only. I know myself and knew that I needed help.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
omega 3
Have been working on the 1000 calorie goal. I got my prescription for my omega 3. Still able to avoid the surgery stuff. The toughest part is the limit to 1 serving of fruit, and keeping with the 120 calories for the dairy. I like my activia, and almond milk for the smoothie. So need to be creative when mixing it.
After the Dr's visit feeling a bit frustrated. Low calorie, and low fat all agreed on, however the amount of carbs that I am taking in on the smoothie mix alone is staggering 44 carbs if I drink it twice a day.
Lunch is a simple salad with greens, avocado, and farm fresh tomato's. Sprinkle a little olive oil and garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Waiting to hear the verdict regarding my amino acids. That is the kicker. I am going to be looking into the web site, just to see what its like. Reporting back any results.
After the Dr's visit feeling a bit frustrated. Low calorie, and low fat all agreed on, however the amount of carbs that I am taking in on the smoothie mix alone is staggering 44 carbs if I drink it twice a day.
Lunch is a simple salad with greens, avocado, and farm fresh tomato's. Sprinkle a little olive oil and garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
Waiting to hear the verdict regarding my amino acids. That is the kicker. I am going to be looking into the web site, just to see what its like. Reporting back any results.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Dr's.and Omega 3
Today was the regular Dr's visit. She gave me a web site to check out, for the amino acid supplements. That I could simply put in what I am deficient in, and it would give me the right combination. So I will be checking that out tonight. In the mean time I have a prescription for the Lazava, which is for my Omega 3.
I was reading up on it,not too bad on the side affects. Burping is one. If you compare apples to apples, supplement's are not FDA approved, meaning that they do not need to go through any FDA testing. Therefore not all brands are created equal. A quality omega 3 supplement is around 43.00, while my prescription is only 32.00 and I have a 20.00 off coupon from the manufacture- which brings it down to 12.00. That's a cost savings.
Besides, I am not sure I am willing to really eat salmon two or three times. Not sure about fish anyway unless I know the waters it came from.
Got a great veggie recipe, and super simple. The hardest part is to peal the butternut squash. Some folks don't, however I do think it's worth the extra effort to do so.
Once you have it peeled, then cut into chunks. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, drizzle some olive oil, a crushed garlic glove. More if you really enjoy garlic. Either pop in the oven for 45 minutes or put into the micro for 20.
I was reading up on it,not too bad on the side affects. Burping is one. If you compare apples to apples, supplement's are not FDA approved, meaning that they do not need to go through any FDA testing. Therefore not all brands are created equal. A quality omega 3 supplement is around 43.00, while my prescription is only 32.00 and I have a 20.00 off coupon from the manufacture- which brings it down to 12.00. That's a cost savings.
Besides, I am not sure I am willing to really eat salmon two or three times. Not sure about fish anyway unless I know the waters it came from.
Got a great veggie recipe, and super simple. The hardest part is to peal the butternut squash. Some folks don't, however I do think it's worth the extra effort to do so.
Once you have it peeled, then cut into chunks. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, drizzle some olive oil, a crushed garlic glove. More if you really enjoy garlic. Either pop in the oven for 45 minutes or put into the micro for 20.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The next step
Day one of 1000 calories was not difficult. What is becoming my Nemesis is the 100 0z of water. It is still a work in progress.
I do have an appointment with my regular Dr on Thursday. The discussion is going to be about my amino acids, an Omega 3 supplement as well as how if at is my body actually absorbing nutrients.
The next step is to include more activity. However I am still not feeling energic. So will try to do more walking, bike riding-when weather permits.
I do have an appointment with my regular Dr on Thursday. The discussion is going to be about my amino acids, an Omega 3 supplement as well as how if at is my body actually absorbing nutrients.
The next step is to include more activity. However I am still not feeling energic. So will try to do more walking, bike riding-when weather permits.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Nutritionist
This morning was the day I saw the nutritionist. On the good news side, I lost 10 pounds.
In looking at my amino acids she did not feel that they were low enough, that it could not be taken care of by diet. Which is why I am on a high protein diet.
She did say however that an additional supplement of Omega 3 would be needed, as that would help to decrease my LDL. I could either take a good high grade quality supplement, around 42.00 or take the prescription depending on how the cost factor would be and if my insurance covers. Thankfully my insurance does and it would be less.
So now its back to the regular Dr. In addition to asking for the prescription of Omega 3, I need to ask a question. Are my vitamin and amino acids low because of a systolic function or am I not absorbing the nutrients that I am taking- therefore would need supplements, then what is the best way to take them.
As for the rest- I am on a diet of 1000. calories a day. I have another "shake" that I get to drink twice a day. However my fruit is down to one serving a day. That hurts. Depending on the veggie- its an all I care to eat. I still have a no bread rule. And as far as red meat goes, probably once a month will be fine. Lot's of fish.
Our splurge this week was grape seed oil. As it is suppose to be better than the olive oil. Still wrangling on the cost of food. There has got to be a way to get from flab to fab..and not spend a fortune on food. Working on pix's so you can see how I start to dwindle down..and pix's of some of the meals. Stay tuned. The goal is to be fit and fab by Christmas.
In looking at my amino acids she did not feel that they were low enough, that it could not be taken care of by diet. Which is why I am on a high protein diet.
She did say however that an additional supplement of Omega 3 would be needed, as that would help to decrease my LDL. I could either take a good high grade quality supplement, around 42.00 or take the prescription depending on how the cost factor would be and if my insurance covers. Thankfully my insurance does and it would be less.
So now its back to the regular Dr. In addition to asking for the prescription of Omega 3, I need to ask a question. Are my vitamin and amino acids low because of a systolic function or am I not absorbing the nutrients that I am taking- therefore would need supplements, then what is the best way to take them.
As for the rest- I am on a diet of 1000. calories a day. I have another "shake" that I get to drink twice a day. However my fruit is down to one serving a day. That hurts. Depending on the veggie- its an all I care to eat. I still have a no bread rule. And as far as red meat goes, probably once a month will be fine. Lot's of fish.
Our splurge this week was grape seed oil. As it is suppose to be better than the olive oil. Still wrangling on the cost of food. There has got to be a way to get from flab to fab..and not spend a fortune on food. Working on pix's so you can see how I start to dwindle down..and pix's of some of the meals. Stay tuned. The goal is to be fit and fab by Christmas.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Detox is over
I have completed my 28 days of detox. The true test came yesturday on how well my will power would be. While I have managed to avoid all candy and chocolate, on Friday I avoided cake. We had a celebration of sorts to which we served cake. Normally- I would indeed take some of that surgary convection.
I won't say that I did not come close.
Today is day one after detox, I started off the morning with a scrambled egg, and fresh berries, and nettle tea. What I have learned is to drink the tea before eating. Nettle tea helps with the digestive system.
Still trying to manage the food bill. Working on receipes, budget and such. Monday is going to be an interesting day and I do not want to spend too much at the food store-till I get my meal plan and find out about my amenio acids.
I can tell you is that tomarow, Sunday I have always had a tradition..wake up, coffee, scone, and sunday paper, and if schedule permitted the Sunday Morning Show. While I can have two out of the 4, I don't miss coffee- but I do miss the scones. Need to find something that can be worked out. However until such time- it will be nettle tea, and fruit.
I won't say that I did not come close.
Today is day one after detox, I started off the morning with a scrambled egg, and fresh berries, and nettle tea. What I have learned is to drink the tea before eating. Nettle tea helps with the digestive system.
Still trying to manage the food bill. Working on receipes, budget and such. Monday is going to be an interesting day and I do not want to spend too much at the food store-till I get my meal plan and find out about my amenio acids.
I can tell you is that tomarow, Sunday I have always had a tradition..wake up, coffee, scone, and sunday paper, and if schedule permitted the Sunday Morning Show. While I can have two out of the 4, I don't miss coffee- but I do miss the scones. Need to find something that can be worked out. However until such time- it will be nettle tea, and fruit.
Friday, July 2, 2010
What's for dinner?
As previously promised " what's for dinner.".
Most nights we switch from tilapia to salmon, with veggies, veggies and yes more veggies.
I now include once a week some gluten-free, organic pasta. However rather than processed sauce, it is a simple use of fresh tomato's being sauteed in olive oil, and garlic.
The veggies is an array of bell peppers, zucchini and onion, and eggplant or butternut squash. The veggies are either steamed, or sauteed with a little of the olive oil. The seasonings are fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper for some "kick".
Salads are a big part as well. If I buy dressing it is organic. Mostly I make my own. It's not hard, and is less expensive. My standard dressing recipe?
1/4 cup of Olive oil.
1/4 cup of vinegar
2 cloves of garlic- crushed.
1 teaspoon of a Dijon style mustard
2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Mix all the ingredients and pour. This will be more than enough for several individual salads or one big salad, with left over for later. Because you mixed fresh- the flavors are bold, so don't drown the salad. Just enough for taste. Best practice, Use a tablespoon- and mix after each application.
Cost factor: Olive oil can run from 3.49 for a small bottle up to over $25.00 depending on the amount and brand. If on a tight budget, purchase the smallest and use just for salad dressing. The vinegar can also range depending on what kind of vinegar. Experiment with the different flavors as you can afford them. If your budget is really tight- go for the apple cider, which is generally less than $2.00 for a bottle. Buy any Dijon style mustard, no need to go "glam" on the mustard. Just please not yellow mustard. On sale or a non brand Dijon is about 2.39. Garlic-buy fresh, and one bulb will run less than a dollar. As for the lemon juice, I have used the ones in the plastic squeeze bottle than can be had for under $2.00 as well. I Know what you are thinking, you can get a bottle of dressing for way less. If you stay on the "cheap" side it's probably going to cost about 8.00. However, think in terms of health as well as pocket book. The apple cider vinegar will last for several months. The bulb of garlic will handle at least 3 more applications. If you start out with the already squeezed lemon juice- will also have more applications. So while the in ital cost may be higher- in terms of healthier (no salt or preservatives)but you will be able to make the dressing in smaller individual amounts, and make the initial cost go down as you use it. Not to mention can be used in more varieties than bottled dressing. When I buy dressing, again its organic and a flavor that is really unique and not sure how to duplicate. Such as Organicville Sesame Turmeric. Working on it- but sesame oil, can be costly. A small bottle about $6.00.
Most nights we switch from tilapia to salmon, with veggies, veggies and yes more veggies.
I now include once a week some gluten-free, organic pasta. However rather than processed sauce, it is a simple use of fresh tomato's being sauteed in olive oil, and garlic.
The veggies is an array of bell peppers, zucchini and onion, and eggplant or butternut squash. The veggies are either steamed, or sauteed with a little of the olive oil. The seasonings are fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper for some "kick".
Salads are a big part as well. If I buy dressing it is organic. Mostly I make my own. It's not hard, and is less expensive. My standard dressing recipe?
1/4 cup of Olive oil.
1/4 cup of vinegar
2 cloves of garlic- crushed.
1 teaspoon of a Dijon style mustard
2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Mix all the ingredients and pour. This will be more than enough for several individual salads or one big salad, with left over for later. Because you mixed fresh- the flavors are bold, so don't drown the salad. Just enough for taste. Best practice, Use a tablespoon- and mix after each application.
Cost factor: Olive oil can run from 3.49 for a small bottle up to over $25.00 depending on the amount and brand. If on a tight budget, purchase the smallest and use just for salad dressing. The vinegar can also range depending on what kind of vinegar. Experiment with the different flavors as you can afford them. If your budget is really tight- go for the apple cider, which is generally less than $2.00 for a bottle. Buy any Dijon style mustard, no need to go "glam" on the mustard. Just please not yellow mustard. On sale or a non brand Dijon is about 2.39. Garlic-buy fresh, and one bulb will run less than a dollar. As for the lemon juice, I have used the ones in the plastic squeeze bottle than can be had for under $2.00 as well. I Know what you are thinking, you can get a bottle of dressing for way less. If you stay on the "cheap" side it's probably going to cost about 8.00. However, think in terms of health as well as pocket book. The apple cider vinegar will last for several months. The bulb of garlic will handle at least 3 more applications. If you start out with the already squeezed lemon juice- will also have more applications. So while the in ital cost may be higher- in terms of healthier (no salt or preservatives)but you will be able to make the dressing in smaller individual amounts, and make the initial cost go down as you use it. Not to mention can be used in more varieties than bottled dressing. When I buy dressing, again its organic and a flavor that is really unique and not sure how to duplicate. Such as Organicville Sesame Turmeric. Working on it- but sesame oil, can be costly. A small bottle about $6.00.
water and detox
During the detox...I needed to step up my water in take. I was to drink any where from 100-120 ounces. I did OK- mostly in the 100 oz range. I don't think I ever got to 120.
One would think with as hot and humid Florida is, it would be easy. However not really. One of the ways I come close is that I try to drink one bottle (20 oz) on my way to work. I have about a 20 minute drive to work. I usually get most of it drank before I arrive, so it does help make the rest of the day seem easier. None of the powdered mixes are allowed. It is just water. and maybe a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Why you ask so much water?...Remember I am detoxing so to help flush out all my toxins...water, and more water.
One would think with as hot and humid Florida is, it would be easy. However not really. One of the ways I come close is that I try to drink one bottle (20 oz) on my way to work. I have about a 20 minute drive to work. I usually get most of it drank before I arrive, so it does help make the rest of the day seem easier. None of the powdered mixes are allowed. It is just water. and maybe a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Why you ask so much water?...Remember I am detoxing so to help flush out all my toxins...water, and more water.
folic acid and amino acids defiencies
Thus far on this journey, I have found out what I am deficient in. And on Monday I go to the nutritionist to see what I can do about it.
One of the things I am deficient in, which also makes me boarder line anemic, is folic acid.
How folic acid deficiency was explained to me, is it is very important for heart health. One can be fit, low cholesterol, and have heart problems all due to deficient folic acid. Yet it is one of those tests that is generally not done.
I am now taking a prescription for 1mg of folic acid.
Another series of test was done for my amino acids. All of which are also boarderline low, with a few that are out of range for normal.
Aspargine, and methylhistidine, and tryptophan. Not sure what any of this means. Hopefully on Monday.
Also what was tested was the buoyancy of my ldl. Of which my size pattern is more toward the small size pattern- (b) but still considered ab, A is large. Not sure what the goal is of that is either.
And yes my cholesterol is a little high.. its 203, and goal for that is 200 or less. My triglycerides are also out of range.
One of the things I am deficient in, which also makes me boarder line anemic, is folic acid.
How folic acid deficiency was explained to me, is it is very important for heart health. One can be fit, low cholesterol, and have heart problems all due to deficient folic acid. Yet it is one of those tests that is generally not done.
I am now taking a prescription for 1mg of folic acid.
Another series of test was done for my amino acids. All of which are also boarderline low, with a few that are out of range for normal.
Aspargine, and methylhistidine, and tryptophan. Not sure what any of this means. Hopefully on Monday.
Also what was tested was the buoyancy of my ldl. Of which my size pattern is more toward the small size pattern- (b) but still considered ab, A is large. Not sure what the goal is of that is either.
And yes my cholesterol is a little high.. its 203, and goal for that is 200 or less. My triglycerides are also out of range.
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