I not only had pizza this weekend, but I also ate another bagel with cream cheese at my son's soccer game. I've been stopping at Dunkin' Donuts to get my son's father and myself coffee. Well, I always get them a donut (my son and his father) and myself that darn bagel. I'm now newly resolved not to go off plan this coming weekend, and I have all week to practice and prepare! It's tough because the DH is also home for three days, he only works a four day work week, and I want to indulge a little. I'm going to try some new recipes this weekend. That will keep me busy as well as nourish my body.
I'm drinking my green juice right now. I'm loving it. It's so lemony and gingery and bright green...I wonder if chlorophyll can turn your skin green like eating too many carrots can turn you orange? If so, I'm going to look an awful lot like Kermit the frog soon:) I don't have a food plan for the day yet, as it's early morning here. I will bust out the CRON-o-meter and carefully plan today's food. I've been reading a little about food combining, or rather a monodiet (I think that's what it's called). I'm trying to stick to the rules and see if I notice a difference. One that I have a hard time with is not combining cheese and starch. I love to make little quesadillas out of whole grain tortillas and low fat cheese with homemade fresh guacamole on top. According to "the rules", this is a big fat no-no. This is obviously not raw either. I'm trying to stick to raw during the day, with a cooked dinner. I'm thinking I can come up with some sort of raw quesadilla....hmmm....the wheels are turning.
The sprouts for the garden are getting taller. The chives, cilantro, and parsley never germinated, but I used old seeds so I'm not too surprised. Does anyone know about cucumber sprouts? They got all tall and then flopped over. I don't know if they are supposed to do that, or are they supposed to stand up tall?
Ooh I made watermelon slushy/ice yesterday. I put fresh cubed watermelon in the freezer, let it get mostly frozen, then put it in the blender with some agave nectar and fresh lime juice. It was 85 degrees here on Long Island yesterday, and this was soooo refreshing and tasty. I ate a big bowl of it after dinner (whole grain rotini w/ pesto sauce). Try it out!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Laziness
I have some pictures of the new sprouts, but I'm too lazy to get them off the camera right now.
The cucumbers sprouted like crazy, you can practically watch them grow. The basil and both tomatoes are coming up too. It's been a real trip to watch my son get so excited over this whole process.
I got my Raw Food Detox Diet book in the mail a few days ago. I'm very motivated, and this book has lots of great food, and ideas for going raw. The book doesn't make you go all raw 24-7 immediately, it's a process, and I really like that the author did it that way. And the recipes for the dressings and sauces look mouthwatering.
I've been eating a lot of juices and green smoothies during the day, with a cooked dinner. Usually some sort of meat with vegetables. I might cook a starch, but I usually just do this for the family. I have been noticing so much energy. I don't need my morning coffee some days. I feel so "juiced" (lol) from the juice, I don't even want it. The DH was floored when I said that I didn't have any coffee yesterday. He was like, "REALLY???"
I made some gazpacho yesterday. Technically, this is a raw recipe. Yummy. I've learned from experience to only put in one clove of raw garlic, as that stuff tends to get stronger as it sits. I followed the recipe from the detox book, but added a little balsamic vinegar. I also made an 'Effervescent Cantaloupe Soup' from my American Heart Association Low Calorie Cookbook. Thumbs down. It would have been delicious had it not had ginger ale in it. I didn't care for the bubbliness. It felt like a burning sensation almost. Otherwise the flavors were good. There was some coconut flavoring, some lime, and fat free half and half. However, the family wanted nothing to do with it. Wouldn't even try it. So I'm afraid I won't be making it again.
The calories are staying around 1600. I'm not losing any major weight, but at this point in the process, I feel so good it's not a major issue. I just know that as the eating comes along and my nutrition gets better and my body detoxes, the weight is bound to follow. There's no way that a woman of my size can maintain this weight with 1600 calories. I do have other issues, I have hypothyroidism and am also on a antidepressant/antianxiety cocktail. Both of these things can hinder weight loss and even cause weight gain. So I have that going for me, right? lol
The cucumbers sprouted like crazy, you can practically watch them grow. The basil and both tomatoes are coming up too. It's been a real trip to watch my son get so excited over this whole process.
I got my Raw Food Detox Diet book in the mail a few days ago. I'm very motivated, and this book has lots of great food, and ideas for going raw. The book doesn't make you go all raw 24-7 immediately, it's a process, and I really like that the author did it that way. And the recipes for the dressings and sauces look mouthwatering.
I've been eating a lot of juices and green smoothies during the day, with a cooked dinner. Usually some sort of meat with vegetables. I might cook a starch, but I usually just do this for the family. I have been noticing so much energy. I don't need my morning coffee some days. I feel so "juiced" (lol) from the juice, I don't even want it. The DH was floored when I said that I didn't have any coffee yesterday. He was like, "REALLY???"
I made some gazpacho yesterday. Technically, this is a raw recipe. Yummy. I've learned from experience to only put in one clove of raw garlic, as that stuff tends to get stronger as it sits. I followed the recipe from the detox book, but added a little balsamic vinegar. I also made an 'Effervescent Cantaloupe Soup' from my American Heart Association Low Calorie Cookbook. Thumbs down. It would have been delicious had it not had ginger ale in it. I didn't care for the bubbliness. It felt like a burning sensation almost. Otherwise the flavors were good. There was some coconut flavoring, some lime, and fat free half and half. However, the family wanted nothing to do with it. Wouldn't even try it. So I'm afraid I won't be making it again.
The calories are staying around 1600. I'm not losing any major weight, but at this point in the process, I feel so good it's not a major issue. I just know that as the eating comes along and my nutrition gets better and my body detoxes, the weight is bound to follow. There's no way that a woman of my size can maintain this weight with 1600 calories. I do have other issues, I have hypothyroidism and am also on a antidepressant/antianxiety cocktail. Both of these things can hinder weight loss and even cause weight gain. So I have that going for me, right? lol
Monday, April 20, 2009
Garden
We started a garden this weekend! I'm so excited. We started the seeds inside in this little greenhouse seedling kit. There's cucumbers, two kinds of tomatoes, and watermelon. Jackson wanted watermelon. I also took the opportunity of all the space in the little kit to plant some more herbs. The ones I have planted on the living room window sill are looking a little sad, and the basil just never took off. I planted basil, chives, cilantro and parsley.
The grill also it's appearance this weekend. I made burgers on it last night. Yum. So begins the season of outdoor cooking. I love it. I need to get a fish/veggie basket this year though, because we are NOT eating steaks, ribs, and burgers all year, lol.
Eating was not right Sunday. I ate Doritos. Why do I feel like I'm in a confessional??? Forgive me readers, for I have sinned;) I not only ate Doritos, but I had a bagel with veggie cream cheese for breakfast. Instead of the usual green smoothie. I did, however, make some fresh carrot apple juice. So it wasn't a total wash. I'm happy to say the Doritos have left the building, so there's no more temptation. I should never have bought them, but I just had this craving for chips. Oh well, I'm human. I make mistakes. It's the journey, not the destination, right?
I've planned out my day today in the CRON-o-meter. Green smoothie, fresh fruit, grilled chicken and broccoli for dinner, and some healthy hot and sour soup. Much better. I have to atone for my indiscretions yesterday:) I'll be completely on pointe today.
On a lighter note, my son had a soccer game yesterday and just stood on the field. The ball went right by him along with a gaggle of children and he just stood right in his little spot on defense. Sheesh. We were freezing our butts off out there on that field watching him do NOTHING. Little rat. Oh well, maybe he'll decide to play next time, lol.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Down a pound!
Woohoo! Hopefully it's a sign of things to come, but I'm down one pound. I'm at 1600 calories a day and hitting all my nutrition targets. Fat is coming in anywhere between 10-25%.
We're having black beans made in the slow cooker tonight, with brown rice. I love this. I like to do vegetarian dinners a few times a week. I just threw half a pound of black beans in the slow cooker w/ some chicken broth, an onion, a packet of Sazon Goya w/ annatto, and some garlic powder. Set it to high and just walk away. A few hours later, when they're tender, I salt and then add some lime juice. The lime juice totally makes the dish. You can then mash them a little with an old school potato masher, or serve them as is.
I've converted almost everyone in the house to green smoothies. I tried them out on my 6 yr old today, nervously, and he loved it. But then again, he loves spinach. So both kids like them. I have yet to test it out on the DH. But I think he'd like them. My older one even asked if I could make them every morning for him before school! What a weirdo, but I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree:) Today we did spinach, papaya, purple grapes, and apple. Yum.
We're having black beans made in the slow cooker tonight, with brown rice. I love this. I like to do vegetarian dinners a few times a week. I just threw half a pound of black beans in the slow cooker w/ some chicken broth, an onion, a packet of Sazon Goya w/ annatto, and some garlic powder. Set it to high and just walk away. A few hours later, when they're tender, I salt and then add some lime juice. The lime juice totally makes the dish. You can then mash them a little with an old school potato masher, or serve them as is.
I've converted almost everyone in the house to green smoothies. I tried them out on my 6 yr old today, nervously, and he loved it. But then again, he loves spinach. So both kids like them. I have yet to test it out on the DH. But I think he'd like them. My older one even asked if I could make them every morning for him before school! What a weirdo, but I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree:) Today we did spinach, papaya, purple grapes, and apple. Yum.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Save me!
Someone step in and tell me to step away from the chicken nuggets! Seriously, I'm making dinner right now (a yummy low cal mac and cheese w/ spinach, and meatballs), but I've had the most horrible protein cravings. I'm down to between 65-80 grams of protein a day, I wonder if that has something to do with it. I've also gone down to 20 percent on the fat. I'm thinking the lower protein and fat has kicked in some cravings for all things bad. Oh well, I'll weather the storm...at least for now....
I started the day with a green smoothie again. I'm in love. I'm not a breakfast person, but slurping down one of those things is so easy and refreshing. I don't care for apples or bananas on their own, but in the smoothie they become something tasty.
I made some healthy hot and sour soup for lunch today. I used beef and chicken broth, shiitakes, silken tofu, some carrots, rice vinegar, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, an egg swirled in, and of course I had to add some Mongolian Fire Oil:) It was only 66 calories per serving. I had 4! Well, two large bowls. The original recipe called for chicken, but I wanted to keep the calories and protein down. My 2 yr old liked it too. I swear, he just wants whatever we're eating. He doesn't discriminate.
Well, I'm off to check my balls. Meatballs, that is!
I started the day with a green smoothie again. I'm in love. I'm not a breakfast person, but slurping down one of those things is so easy and refreshing. I don't care for apples or bananas on their own, but in the smoothie they become something tasty.
I made some healthy hot and sour soup for lunch today. I used beef and chicken broth, shiitakes, silken tofu, some carrots, rice vinegar, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, an egg swirled in, and of course I had to add some Mongolian Fire Oil:) It was only 66 calories per serving. I had 4! Well, two large bowls. The original recipe called for chicken, but I wanted to keep the calories and protein down. My 2 yr old liked it too. I swear, he just wants whatever we're eating. He doesn't discriminate.
Well, I'm off to check my balls. Meatballs, that is!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Green Smoothie
All I can say is yum. I whirled up some spinach, a banana, and an apple. I slurped it up and so did my little one.
The rest of the day is more fruit (melon), some cottage cheese, a smoothie, some fresh juice, and grilled chicken breast and a plain salad for dinner. Oh, and a sweet potato for breakfast.
I am feeling so good. I wake up with so much energy now. I don't know what to do with myself. I guess I'll have to focus all this into something productive.
I'm still waiting for some weight loss. I lost two pounds and that's it. I think I'm going to drop the calories. Today I'm at 1600. I'm noticing it really is about the food choices. I have had days where I'm starving and can't wait to eat more, then I have days when I feel satisfied all day. I have to focus on getting lots of those fresh fruits and veggies in. I went to the grocery store yesterday and picked up carrots, apples, oranges, bananas, spinach, celery, papaya, and cucumber. It was super cheap to just choose things that were on sale for the most part. People who think it's expensive to eat healthy are way off base. I've eaten healthy and junky, and eating healthy is much more inexpensive. I could see maybe the meat being an issue, but we just eat regular meat for now from BJ's. We just buy enough for one month. Ground beef, chicken breast, some kind of fish, and shrimp. I'm sure if you choose organic, free range meat it's more expensive. I am taking it one step at a time. Maybe some day we'll get the organic meat.
I've just ordered the Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose, and I'm sure to get some good recipes from that. I'm eating mostly raw during the day anyway. It's kind of easy with CRON. I didn't mean to do it, it just sort of happened that way.
Well, I'm off to start my day. I am hoping to get my letter of acceptance in to nursing school any day now. The anticipation is killing me! I just want to get through it and start working already. I've been a SAHM for 6 years now, and I'm ready to get back in to a career. By the time I'm through with nursing school, my little one will be in school.
Good luck to everyone today, be safe and healthy:)
The rest of the day is more fruit (melon), some cottage cheese, a smoothie, some fresh juice, and grilled chicken breast and a plain salad for dinner. Oh, and a sweet potato for breakfast.
I am feeling so good. I wake up with so much energy now. I don't know what to do with myself. I guess I'll have to focus all this into something productive.
I'm still waiting for some weight loss. I lost two pounds and that's it. I think I'm going to drop the calories. Today I'm at 1600. I'm noticing it really is about the food choices. I have had days where I'm starving and can't wait to eat more, then I have days when I feel satisfied all day. I have to focus on getting lots of those fresh fruits and veggies in. I went to the grocery store yesterday and picked up carrots, apples, oranges, bananas, spinach, celery, papaya, and cucumber. It was super cheap to just choose things that were on sale for the most part. People who think it's expensive to eat healthy are way off base. I've eaten healthy and junky, and eating healthy is much more inexpensive. I could see maybe the meat being an issue, but we just eat regular meat for now from BJ's. We just buy enough for one month. Ground beef, chicken breast, some kind of fish, and shrimp. I'm sure if you choose organic, free range meat it's more expensive. I am taking it one step at a time. Maybe some day we'll get the organic meat.
I've just ordered the Raw Food Detox Diet by Natalia Rose, and I'm sure to get some good recipes from that. I'm eating mostly raw during the day anyway. It's kind of easy with CRON. I didn't mean to do it, it just sort of happened that way.
Well, I'm off to start my day. I am hoping to get my letter of acceptance in to nursing school any day now. The anticipation is killing me! I just want to get through it and start working already. I've been a SAHM for 6 years now, and I'm ready to get back in to a career. By the time I'm through with nursing school, my little one will be in school.
Good luck to everyone today, be safe and healthy:)
Monday, April 13, 2009
OMG I'm addicted!
Fresh juice is sooooo fun! I've already made the carrot from the last post, and some cantaloupe, and a mixture of apple, beets w/ the greens, and some celery! I have a feeling I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the produce department, lol......it's so refreshing and yummy. Just wanted to update all of you on my new obsession. I've only had it 5 hours and I've used it three times:)
Fresh carrot juice owns!
I was IMing with my 16 yr old twin bro and sis last night. They are in WA and I'm in NY so we chat sometimes. My little brother kept saying that stuff "owned"....as in Metallica owns or Ibanez guitars own. I was telling him that we just got tickets to see Metallica in November at Madison Square Garden, and that we recently bought a blue Ibanez electric guitar that I have yet to touch.
I just got back from Target w/ the kids. We had to get sippy cups, as my toddler loves to chew the spouts til they leak and make a huge mess of strawberry milk on our floors and/or tables. I had a little birthday money burning a hole in my pocket so I'm now the proud owner of a Juiceman Junior juicer! I've been wanting a juicer for a while but they are a little expensive to just go out and impulse buy. So we made a batch of fresh carrot juice w/ a little parsley thrown in. I remember having these friends that were brothers when I was teenager, and their parents were hippies and always had some sort of carrot/parsley combination to offer me. I loved it.
Well, Jackson, my 6 yr old, loved the juice! He sucked it down and then got mad when there wasn't anymore. It was so fresh and sweet.
I also saw on Oprah the other day this green smoothie thing that Dr. Oz showed. It had celery, cucumbers, ginger, an apple, and spinach. I tried it in the blender/food processor, and it didn't turn out too well. BUT...now with the juicer I bet it comes out right:)
I didn't count calories yesterday. It was my birthday. This doesn't mean I ate everything in sight, I just know I didn't get all my nutrition in. I'm guesstimating the calories at maybe 1900. I had a wicked chocolate mousse cake for dessert, and a midnight snack of cheesecake. But hey, it was my birthday, so I let loose a little.
Today I've eaten the fresh carrot juice, a chilled soup made from buttermilk, radishes, and cucumbers, with a little sugar and rice vinegar, and will be having the usual smoothie, and tilapia and broccoli for dinner. I'm finding that I'm eating mostly vegetarian and raw during the day, and having a meat and cooked meal at dinner. It's working for me. I feel great. I've been in such a great mood lately. I feel lighter and happier. Laughter comes quick, and I'm making others laugh too. Although, whether they're laughing at me or with me is another question entirely.....
Here's a really cool photo of the orchid DH got for me. It's the best picture I've ever taken. I'm no photographer.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sushi
I hope sushi is healthy, cuz I'm eating a bunch of it tonight:) My birthday is tomorrow, and we're having sushi tonight for my birthday meal.
I was given a really pretty orchid plant yesterday for my "birthday weekend". It's white and I'm sure I'm gonna kill it....any advice on orchids?????
I want to post pics of the roses I received from my dad, and the orchid, but I'm too lazy to do so right now.
I'm going to be 34. Hmmm....I was telling DH that I don't feel 34, I feel younger. Like I should be worrying about 34. Although when I turned 30, I didn't freak out either. I did, however, have issues with 28 for some reason. I still haven't figured that one out. Maybe nearing the end of my 20's?
My 2 yr old is "this close" to jumping. He's getting the momentum, but his feet aren't leaving the ground yet. We also put him in pull-ups today to practice a little potty-training. His potty sings this inane song that gets stuck in your head, and he just kept sitting on the potty to hear the song. I finally had to just turn the damn potty off. Bad mommy. Oh well, he'll have plenty of instances to be hating on me, it's not the first and it won't be the last....
I gots to go, it's almost time for Jeopardy! Oh yeah!
I was given a really pretty orchid plant yesterday for my "birthday weekend". It's white and I'm sure I'm gonna kill it....any advice on orchids?????
I want to post pics of the roses I received from my dad, and the orchid, but I'm too lazy to do so right now.
I'm going to be 34. Hmmm....I was telling DH that I don't feel 34, I feel younger. Like I should be worrying about 34. Although when I turned 30, I didn't freak out either. I did, however, have issues with 28 for some reason. I still haven't figured that one out. Maybe nearing the end of my 20's?
My 2 yr old is "this close" to jumping. He's getting the momentum, but his feet aren't leaving the ground yet. We also put him in pull-ups today to practice a little potty-training. His potty sings this inane song that gets stuck in your head, and he just kept sitting on the potty to hear the song. I finally had to just turn the damn potty off. Bad mommy. Oh well, he'll have plenty of instances to be hating on me, it's not the first and it won't be the last....
I gots to go, it's almost time for Jeopardy! Oh yeah!
Friday, April 10, 2009
New Cookbook
Yay! I just received a new cookbook in the mail. I love when I get stuff in the mail. It's like Christmas and a birthday all rolled into one:) It's the American Heart Association's Low-Calorie Cookbook. It says it has over 200 recipes. Yum.
No snacking last night, hooray! I stuck to my plan and came in at around 1750 calories. I'm really struggling with where to go with my calories. I'm 5 foot 8, 191 pounds right now. I'd like to get down to 135. I'm trying to start out with 1800 calories. I've been reading other blogs and it's all over the place! I've seen some really low numbers and some lucky bloggers who can enjoy 2000 calories a day. I guess it's a personalized number based on what your body is comfortable at. So far I haven't lost any more weight. Just two pounds from the first three days. If I keep staying the same, I'll drop the calories another hundred and try out 1700. I'll give it another week or two. I'm really in no rush, since I know I'm much healthier, even if the weight doesn't come off so fast.
I've had a sweet potato, some cabbage with some grilled chicken and dressing, and we're having whole grain pasta w/ alfredo sauce and broccoli for dinner tonight. It's light alfredo sauce. And my usual smoothie's on the menu for a snack, but I honestly haven't been very hungry today. So we'll see.
No snacking last night, hooray! I stuck to my plan and came in at around 1750 calories. I'm really struggling with where to go with my calories. I'm 5 foot 8, 191 pounds right now. I'd like to get down to 135. I'm trying to start out with 1800 calories. I've been reading other blogs and it's all over the place! I've seen some really low numbers and some lucky bloggers who can enjoy 2000 calories a day. I guess it's a personalized number based on what your body is comfortable at. So far I haven't lost any more weight. Just two pounds from the first three days. If I keep staying the same, I'll drop the calories another hundred and try out 1700. I'll give it another week or two. I'm really in no rush, since I know I'm much healthier, even if the weight doesn't come off so fast.
I've had a sweet potato, some cabbage with some grilled chicken and dressing, and we're having whole grain pasta w/ alfredo sauce and broccoli for dinner tonight. It's light alfredo sauce. And my usual smoothie's on the menu for a snack, but I honestly haven't been very hungry today. So we'll see.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Brewer's Yeast and Valerian Root
I just got my brewer's yeast powder and valerian root capsules from GNC. I've said in previous posts I'm not a good sleeper, and I don't like to take sleeping pills that knock me out because I have a two year old who sometimes gets up in the night. SO...I've had prior experience with valerian root tea and remember that it was quite effective so I went and got the 500 mg capsules. It's fairly inexpensive, I paid just over 7 dollars for a 100 day supply. The brewer's yeast stinks. It's a disgusting rusty color and frankly I'm a little scared! But it's all in the name of health. I just have to think of some inoffensive way of sneaking it into my food.....any ideas???
I pigged out last night at about 2 am. Oh well, I'm not one to beat myself up over mistakes, I just try to do my best. Not sleeping well contributes to snacking. Hopefully the valerian root helps. If one is asleep, one cannot pig out on salat tangiers in the middle of the night:)
Ok, the plan is at 1750 calories today. I mapped it all out on the CRON-o-meter early this morning. I happened to be up at 6am since my toddler is an early riser. The little bugger.
On to the list of things I hope to accomplish this year:
1) Grow my hair out....uh this one's a no-go, I just love short hair. I was growing it for the DH...
2)Get in to nursing school
3)learn spanish
4)have a movie night once per week
5)collect 50 state quarters
6)Get a massage
7)Go to a rock concert (I used to go quite a bit, but since kids this has dwindled)
8)Start a blog (DONE!)
9)Lose 30 pounds
10)read a book a month
11)do a detox each season
12)knit a scarf for my son and my father
13)go to a play (Done, saw Wizard of Oz w/ my son)
14)be in more pictures
15)take a vitamin every day
16)learn a song or two on guitar
17)accessorize more, or should I say accessorize at all...
18)Bike to the library w/ the baby once a month
19)Remember birthdays
20)do 25 pushups
There it is. What's on your to-do list?
I pigged out last night at about 2 am. Oh well, I'm not one to beat myself up over mistakes, I just try to do my best. Not sleeping well contributes to snacking. Hopefully the valerian root helps. If one is asleep, one cannot pig out on salat tangiers in the middle of the night:)
Ok, the plan is at 1750 calories today. I mapped it all out on the CRON-o-meter early this morning. I happened to be up at 6am since my toddler is an early riser. The little bugger.
On to the list of things I hope to accomplish this year:
1) Grow my hair out....uh this one's a no-go, I just love short hair. I was growing it for the DH...
2)Get in to nursing school
3)learn spanish
4)have a movie night once per week
5)collect 50 state quarters
6)Get a massage
7)Go to a rock concert (I used to go quite a bit, but since kids this has dwindled)
8)Start a blog (DONE!)
9)Lose 30 pounds
10)read a book a month
11)do a detox each season
12)knit a scarf for my son and my father
13)go to a play (Done, saw Wizard of Oz w/ my son)
14)be in more pictures
15)take a vitamin every day
16)learn a song or two on guitar
17)accessorize more, or should I say accessorize at all...
18)Bike to the library w/ the baby once a month
19)Remember birthdays
20)do 25 pushups
There it is. What's on your to-do list?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
McDonald's
I took the kids to McDonald's for a treat. I know it's not good for them, but we only go once or twice a month. My son is aware that we only eat fast food once in a while because it's junk. I am always having conversations about food with my 6 yr old. He's very receptive to it, and I want him to know what is healthy and that you can have the junk sometimes, but you need to take care of yourself. I ordered an iced coffee for myself, nonfat milk and no sugar. I felt so proud of my choice. My DH even asked what I got for myself when we spoke on the phone, and when I told him just an iced coffee, he said, "Wow. That's some will power!"
Tonight we are having whole wheat pasta with meat sauce. I'm becoming more aware of how often we eat red meat, and I think it's time to cut it down to once a week, with the goal being even less than that. DH is a big fan of the red meat. But he's told me more than once that he'll eat whatever I put on his plate, so we'll have to put that to the test I suppose:)
I'm thinking of visiting the local GNC and picking up some brewer's yeast. I don't know exactly how it will benefit me yet, I just know it's nutritious. If I can get the kids to eat it while their young, they'll just grow up with it. I've read that it tastes yucky though. I'm willing to try it.
I've read several different theories on fat ratios in the diet. I'm keeping it at about 25 percent, but have seen some people and books recommending as low as 10 percent. If one of my goals is weight loss (along with the optimal nutrition), I wonder what the pros and cons of the two are. If anyone has any advice, I'd sure appreciate it. Is it healthier to be lower, or can one be just as healthy at the higher ratio???
DH has been thinking of starting a garden this year. We've never done it before, and time is running out, so if he's gonna do it, it better be soon....we were thinking of tomatoes, zucchini, and maybe peppers. It's going to be his and the kids' "thang". I don't do outdoors very much, even though I know I should, and I don't do insects. I'm terrified of everything creepy-crawly.
I was reading on Nenette's blog (http://www.lifecandy.net/) about her f*** it list, and it made me think of something I did a few months ago. I made a list of twenty things I wanted to accomplish this year. In my next post, I'll list them. One has already been laid to rest, growing my hair out, since I just chopped it all off again. But hey, no one's perfect, and it is a woman's perogative to change her mind, isn't it? I think it's great to have goals in mind, even small ones, to work towards and give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Being a stay at home mom, sometimes I lose sight of "me". I become all about the house and the family. The list reminds me that I am a separate entity w/ things I want for myself.
Tonight we are having whole wheat pasta with meat sauce. I'm becoming more aware of how often we eat red meat, and I think it's time to cut it down to once a week, with the goal being even less than that. DH is a big fan of the red meat. But he's told me more than once that he'll eat whatever I put on his plate, so we'll have to put that to the test I suppose:)
I'm thinking of visiting the local GNC and picking up some brewer's yeast. I don't know exactly how it will benefit me yet, I just know it's nutritious. If I can get the kids to eat it while their young, they'll just grow up with it. I've read that it tastes yucky though. I'm willing to try it.
I've read several different theories on fat ratios in the diet. I'm keeping it at about 25 percent, but have seen some people and books recommending as low as 10 percent. If one of my goals is weight loss (along with the optimal nutrition), I wonder what the pros and cons of the two are. If anyone has any advice, I'd sure appreciate it. Is it healthier to be lower, or can one be just as healthy at the higher ratio???
DH has been thinking of starting a garden this year. We've never done it before, and time is running out, so if he's gonna do it, it better be soon....we were thinking of tomatoes, zucchini, and maybe peppers. It's going to be his and the kids' "thang". I don't do outdoors very much, even though I know I should, and I don't do insects. I'm terrified of everything creepy-crawly.
I was reading on Nenette's blog (http://www.lifecandy.net/) about her f*** it list, and it made me think of something I did a few months ago. I made a list of twenty things I wanted to accomplish this year. In my next post, I'll list them. One has already been laid to rest, growing my hair out, since I just chopped it all off again. But hey, no one's perfect, and it is a woman's perogative to change her mind, isn't it? I think it's great to have goals in mind, even small ones, to work towards and give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Being a stay at home mom, sometimes I lose sight of "me". I become all about the house and the family. The list reminds me that I am a separate entity w/ things I want for myself.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Salat Tangiers
Here's what we'll be having with our baked tilapia tonight. It's from New Recipes from the Moosewood Restaurant Recipeasel (book that's also stands on the counter on it's own), from 1996.
1.5 c couscous (I use organic whole wheat)
1.25 c water, or to your couscous' instructions
1 c diced carrots
1 large red or green pepper, diced
1 c cut green or wax beans (I use green)
1/3 c chopped red onions (I use more because we like it)
1/3 c currants (I use raisins)
1/2 c almonds (I used walnuts, but I've also used pecans)
Dressing:
1/2 c veg oil (I use less)
4 T fresh lemon juice (i use more)
salt to taste
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 T orange juice or apple cider
4 T fresh chopped parsley
1 T fresh mint (I use more)
pinch of cayenne
Make the couscous and put in a large bowl. Steam carrots, peppers, and beans. The instructions tell you to steam them separately, but I just chuck them all together and it's fine.
Add to couscous. Stir in red onion, currants, and almonds. Whisk together dressing ingredients, toss with couscous mixture and chill for at least an hour to let the flavors develop. This will serve 4-6, more as a side dish.
Give this recipe a shot. The flavors are so good together. I don't even care for green beans, but I gobble them up in this salad. As always, feel free to adjust anything or substitute things. I think this might taste good with dried apricots in it as well, instead of the raisins.
I've eaten cottage cheese today and some fresh cantaloupe. I'm lucky I got any cantaloupe at all, with my two children swiping chunks from my bowl:) But let me try to serve them some cantaloupe in their own dish and I bet you they wouldn't touch it, lol....
The food for the rest of the day is another smoothie, but with light vanilla soymilk (my local grocer was out of the light chocolate), baked tilapia, the salat tangiers, and steamed broccoli. I still have another 200 calories to go according to the cron o meter, but I'm saving that for tonight's snack, we'll see what I come up with. Apricots?? Blueberries?? I dunno yet.
It's very difficult to keep my protein as low as the CR Way recommends. I'm coming up a little higher, like in the 80-90 gram range.
I've been so into taking good care of myself lately. I used a clarifying detox facial mask when I got out of the shower today. It's from Boscia, and I got it from Sephora. It's made in Japan, and I have sensitive skin and it doesn't bother me at all. In fact I've used it twice a week for two weeks now, and my pores look smaller and my skin seems brighter. Just a dab'll do ya. I put it on very sparingly cuz it wasn't cheap.
On another topic, I want a hat. Just a little beanie to cover my hair on bad hair days or when I don't feel like styling it. As you can see from my profile, I wear a short bob with straight short bangs. SO...I'm feeling crafty and going through my knitting and crochet books. I've also looked online a little for free patterns. Since it's spring, I don't need a wool yarn or anything, I'm using black plain cotton. I'll post photos when I'm done. I'll also try to get a picture of dinner tonight! Gotta give a visual.
1.5 c couscous (I use organic whole wheat)
1.25 c water, or to your couscous' instructions
1 c diced carrots
1 large red or green pepper, diced
1 c cut green or wax beans (I use green)
1/3 c chopped red onions (I use more because we like it)
1/3 c currants (I use raisins)
1/2 c almonds (I used walnuts, but I've also used pecans)
Dressing:
1/2 c veg oil (I use less)
4 T fresh lemon juice (i use more)
salt to taste
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 T orange juice or apple cider
4 T fresh chopped parsley
1 T fresh mint (I use more)
pinch of cayenne
Make the couscous and put in a large bowl. Steam carrots, peppers, and beans. The instructions tell you to steam them separately, but I just chuck them all together and it's fine.
Add to couscous. Stir in red onion, currants, and almonds. Whisk together dressing ingredients, toss with couscous mixture and chill for at least an hour to let the flavors develop. This will serve 4-6, more as a side dish.
Give this recipe a shot. The flavors are so good together. I don't even care for green beans, but I gobble them up in this salad. As always, feel free to adjust anything or substitute things. I think this might taste good with dried apricots in it as well, instead of the raisins.
I've eaten cottage cheese today and some fresh cantaloupe. I'm lucky I got any cantaloupe at all, with my two children swiping chunks from my bowl:) But let me try to serve them some cantaloupe in their own dish and I bet you they wouldn't touch it, lol....
The food for the rest of the day is another smoothie, but with light vanilla soymilk (my local grocer was out of the light chocolate), baked tilapia, the salat tangiers, and steamed broccoli. I still have another 200 calories to go according to the cron o meter, but I'm saving that for tonight's snack, we'll see what I come up with. Apricots?? Blueberries?? I dunno yet.
It's very difficult to keep my protein as low as the CR Way recommends. I'm coming up a little higher, like in the 80-90 gram range.
I've been so into taking good care of myself lately. I used a clarifying detox facial mask when I got out of the shower today. It's from Boscia, and I got it from Sephora. It's made in Japan, and I have sensitive skin and it doesn't bother me at all. In fact I've used it twice a week for two weeks now, and my pores look smaller and my skin seems brighter. Just a dab'll do ya. I put it on very sparingly cuz it wasn't cheap.
On another topic, I want a hat. Just a little beanie to cover my hair on bad hair days or when I don't feel like styling it. As you can see from my profile, I wear a short bob with straight short bangs. SO...I'm feeling crafty and going through my knitting and crochet books. I've also looked online a little for free patterns. Since it's spring, I don't need a wool yarn or anything, I'm using black plain cotton. I'll post photos when I'm done. I'll also try to get a picture of dinner tonight! Gotta give a visual.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Eggs???
Yes, I had three delicious whole eggs for breakfast. With cheese:) It was glorious.
I've hit my targets in the cron o meter, however, I just read in the CR Way that women shouldn't eat over 60 grams of protein, and I've heard elsewhere that we should eat much more. I'm going to try to keep it at 60 for a week or two and see how that affects me.
I am feeling great today. The hunger hits but doesn't bother me at all now. In fact, it feels kind of good, like energizing. I made the Miracle Soup out of The Anti Aging Plan today. Thumbs down! It was like a big bowl of plain boiled veggies, and not even my favorite veggies. Yuck. I strained out the veggies from the water, and have them in the fridge. I figure I can have them cold like a salad w/ some dressing. Don't want to waste precious veggies!
I had some low fat cottage cheese and cantaloupe for lunch. Made the smoothie again. And dinner will be some simple grilled chicken breast and oven roasted asparagus with an olive oil and balsamic dressing. Lots of fresh garlic too.
I'm down two pounds already, so if it keeps coming off this quickly, I will have to increase the calories. Although it's very tempting to keep going when you see weight loss that fast, but I know it's not healthy, and I'm all about the health! Since it's spring break and my older son's home, I had to share my smoothie with two others instead of just the baby. They love it. I like giving them something so healthy too.
I've hit my targets in the cron o meter, however, I just read in the CR Way that women shouldn't eat over 60 grams of protein, and I've heard elsewhere that we should eat much more. I'm going to try to keep it at 60 for a week or two and see how that affects me.
I am feeling great today. The hunger hits but doesn't bother me at all now. In fact, it feels kind of good, like energizing. I made the Miracle Soup out of The Anti Aging Plan today. Thumbs down! It was like a big bowl of plain boiled veggies, and not even my favorite veggies. Yuck. I strained out the veggies from the water, and have them in the fridge. I figure I can have them cold like a salad w/ some dressing. Don't want to waste precious veggies!
I had some low fat cottage cheese and cantaloupe for lunch. Made the smoothie again. And dinner will be some simple grilled chicken breast and oven roasted asparagus with an olive oil and balsamic dressing. Lots of fresh garlic too.
I'm down two pounds already, so if it keeps coming off this quickly, I will have to increase the calories. Although it's very tempting to keep going when you see weight loss that fast, but I know it's not healthy, and I'm all about the health! Since it's spring break and my older son's home, I had to share my smoothie with two others instead of just the baby. They love it. I like giving them something so healthy too.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Better:)
Not as hungry today. Had a bagel w/ veggie cream cheese for breakfast on the way to my son's soccer game. Not the most nutritious choice, but I'm making up for it the rest of the day w/ a smoothie, asparagus, and fresh cantaloupe. I'm going to buy low fat cottage cheese today to for more protein, which I'm struggling to get enough of each day.
As for the hunger yesterday, once I just got used to the feeling, I was ok. I knitted a lot and just kept myself occupied. But I sure did enjoy my dinner! lol
I've had a problem with snacking at night. I'm not a good sleeper and I tend to munch on things like pretzels or string cheese late at night. I'm hoping the sleeping will get better on this nutrition plan. I haven't snacked at night for two nights now. It's almost like I don't feel as hungry for it now that I'm not eating as many calories. Like maybe my body's adjusting to the lower calories. It's weird, I can't explain it, but I haven't been craving a snack.
My plan is to enter some custom foods into the CRON o meter today or maybe tomorrow. There's a few things I eat that aren't included in the database. I'm also going to add my multivitamin.
Today is day three. I'm feeling good after a mild struggle with hunger pangs. I'm victorious!!!
As for the hunger yesterday, once I just got used to the feeling, I was ok. I knitted a lot and just kept myself occupied. But I sure did enjoy my dinner! lol
I've had a problem with snacking at night. I'm not a good sleeper and I tend to munch on things like pretzels or string cheese late at night. I'm hoping the sleeping will get better on this nutrition plan. I haven't snacked at night for two nights now. It's almost like I don't feel as hungry for it now that I'm not eating as many calories. Like maybe my body's adjusting to the lower calories. It's weird, I can't explain it, but I haven't been craving a snack.
My plan is to enter some custom foods into the CRON o meter today or maybe tomorrow. There's a few things I eat that aren't included in the database. I'm also going to add my multivitamin.
Today is day three. I'm feeling good after a mild struggle with hunger pangs. I'm victorious!!!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Hunger today
Omg...I'm feeling very hungry today. I don't know why, but I'm suspicious that it may just be out of boredom. The baby's asleep right now, and my two bigger guys are off fetching groceries at BJ's (super club like Costco), and I'm feeling restless. SO...I'm trying to keep my mind off the kitchen. I took a nice shower, painted my toenails, and playing with my current knitting project, which is a scarf for my 6 yr old son. He won't get to wear it til next year, but oh well. He didn't tell me he wanted it til about a week ago, so he's just gonna have to wait. Or maybe just rock the scarf look for spring, lol.
Food today: I had another smoothie today at about 11am. Same as yesterday. Delish. My two cups of coffee with light chocolate soymilk, no sugar or cream. Lunch is going to be a sweet and spicy cabbage slaw, w/ oranges and sesame oil and chili flakes. Dinner will be the most mainstream, whole grain pasta with meat sauce. I'm using 90% lean beef and regular jarred marinara sauce. Could be healthier, but I'm trying to use up the stuff I have on hand right now.
Update on the moussaka: I liked it except for the eggplant, which came out bitter in some bites. It had kombu in it and I was very nervous that everyone would hate it, but you couldn't even taste it. Kombu is a great source of vitamin D. However, the recipe was very complicated, w/ lots of different components, and it was just "okay", not great, so I don't think I'll make it again. I'm eyeballing the 3 bean chili in the Anti-Aging Plan book. We'll see....for now it's just a process of trial and error to find what works for my family. My 6 yr old HATED the moussaka. He even gave up the prospect of dessert to avoid eating it, which is downright shocking!
So now I'm off to make myself a nice cup of green tea and watch some trash on tv. I'm addicted to reality shows on VH1. It's my guilty pleasure:) How do you fight hunger? Do you get hungry, even? How long before you got used to the lower calorie levels?
Food today: I had another smoothie today at about 11am. Same as yesterday. Delish. My two cups of coffee with light chocolate soymilk, no sugar or cream. Lunch is going to be a sweet and spicy cabbage slaw, w/ oranges and sesame oil and chili flakes. Dinner will be the most mainstream, whole grain pasta with meat sauce. I'm using 90% lean beef and regular jarred marinara sauce. Could be healthier, but I'm trying to use up the stuff I have on hand right now.
Update on the moussaka: I liked it except for the eggplant, which came out bitter in some bites. It had kombu in it and I was very nervous that everyone would hate it, but you couldn't even taste it. Kombu is a great source of vitamin D. However, the recipe was very complicated, w/ lots of different components, and it was just "okay", not great, so I don't think I'll make it again. I'm eyeballing the 3 bean chili in the Anti-Aging Plan book. We'll see....for now it's just a process of trial and error to find what works for my family. My 6 yr old HATED the moussaka. He even gave up the prospect of dessert to avoid eating it, which is downright shocking!
So now I'm off to make myself a nice cup of green tea and watch some trash on tv. I'm addicted to reality shows on VH1. It's my guilty pleasure:) How do you fight hunger? Do you get hungry, even? How long before you got used to the lower calorie levels?
Friday, April 3, 2009
First post
I just started CR yesterday. I've read the Anti-Aging Plan and The Longevity Diet, and I've decided to do the rapid reorientation, as I'm way too impatient to log in three to seven days of calories to find an average.
My first "CR" dinner was not a big hit. My 6 yr old son is now fighting me on it. I made the moussaka recipe from the AntiAging Plan book. I can see that there's definitely going to be an adjustment period.
My BF is totally on board for whatever I need to do, so that's good to have the support. He wants to be healthy too. BUT...when it comes down to what we really need to do to live the lifestyle, I don't think he's got the guts! LOL. We'll see....
I didn't get hungry til about 11am, and I had 2 cups raw broccoli slaw mix, w/ 2 tb goddess dressing. My 2 yr old was loving it and kept coming back for more when I shared bites w/ him. Then I got hungry again at around 2 and made a smoothie from fresh strawberries, frozen unsweetened peaches, plain low fat yogurt, and light chocolate soymilk. Again, my 2 yr old son loved it and I had to share. Then the moussaka.....I haven't tried it yet, dinner's coming up. We'll see....
I'm using the CRON-o-meter for keeping track and so far I've stayed within 1700-1900 calories, with deficiencies in Vitamin D. I'm working on getting more.
Well, that's it for the first post. What do you guys like for breakfast? I hate breakfast and prefer savory over sweet.
My first "CR" dinner was not a big hit. My 6 yr old son is now fighting me on it. I made the moussaka recipe from the AntiAging Plan book. I can see that there's definitely going to be an adjustment period.
My BF is totally on board for whatever I need to do, so that's good to have the support. He wants to be healthy too. BUT...when it comes down to what we really need to do to live the lifestyle, I don't think he's got the guts! LOL. We'll see....
I didn't get hungry til about 11am, and I had 2 cups raw broccoli slaw mix, w/ 2 tb goddess dressing. My 2 yr old was loving it and kept coming back for more when I shared bites w/ him. Then I got hungry again at around 2 and made a smoothie from fresh strawberries, frozen unsweetened peaches, plain low fat yogurt, and light chocolate soymilk. Again, my 2 yr old son loved it and I had to share. Then the moussaka.....I haven't tried it yet, dinner's coming up. We'll see....
I'm using the CRON-o-meter for keeping track and so far I've stayed within 1700-1900 calories, with deficiencies in Vitamin D. I'm working on getting more.
Well, that's it for the first post. What do you guys like for breakfast? I hate breakfast and prefer savory over sweet.
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