Monday, June 4, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Benefits of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Children
When I was growing up, my mom was excellent about making sure that we always had fruit and vegetables with our dinner. I actually really loved eating fresh food when I was a child, including the broccoli that my sister turned green even looking at. I had to draw the line at lima beans and brussel sprouts though.
Doug and I as we embarked on our adult life were not....great... about including fresh foods. Okay we were terrible. Many times we were lucky if we saw a fresh fruit or veggie in any of our foods. Our fajitas and other main meals that featured fresh veggies were the exception rather than the rule.
Recently we were introduced to Bountiful Baskets. You have to log on early, especially if you are in a high demand area. Our baskets sell out in about 5 minutes. Oh wait...they get touchy on facebook if you say "sell". Rather "all contribution slots are spoken for in 5 minutes or less." Suddenly "sell out" seems much easier to say and type....but I digress.
We were underwhelmed with our first basket. It was about half of what we have been getting every other week. But since then we have been flooded with wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables. And since Bountiful Baskets is now a good half of our food budget we don't want anything to go bad. Our meals have suddenly bloomed with variety as we learn how to cook new foots and we are forced to experiment. Some of our experiements have met with success and some of the are massive failures. I don't care how often you read it...boiled Jicama does NOT mash.
Anyway, we had noticed that Nora was slowly constricting herself to fewer and fewer foods. She would dive into a basket of berries, but was turning her nose up at bananas and other veggies. I realized with a sinking feeling that her father and I were stunting her exposure to foods which can either set a young adult out looking for more flavors or make them run and hide when someone tries to introduce new foods.
Fruits and vegetables, especially before they have been cooked to death are full of micro and macro nutrients. During their formative years, children are using every smidgen of good nutrition to store away in their bodies to ward of future illnesses and diseases. Without a proper mix, some vitamins and nutrients can not be fully utilized by our bodies. And the incredible genius that created our world made most of those nutrients together in one food. Often times foods filled with calcium also contain vitamin D which unlocks that calcium for usage within our bodies.
Fruits and veggies also contain lots of helpful fiber to keep a child full and their system moving...
Not only are fresh fruits and vegetables good for you, they are part of the primary producers of our planet-which means the energy they give us is only one step away from pure sun energy. Energy given to us by meat and animal source (milk and cheese) are at a minimum two steps away from pure sun energy as meat animals must consume plant (and sometimes other animal) energy sources.
Finally. fresh fruits and vegetables are colored with all the colors of the rainbow- and a crayola box. Kids can have fun picking fruits and vegetables that match with their favorite colors, and creating edible works of art....if they will stop eatting the artwork long enough to create with it!
Doug and I as we embarked on our adult life were not....great... about including fresh foods. Okay we were terrible. Many times we were lucky if we saw a fresh fruit or veggie in any of our foods. Our fajitas and other main meals that featured fresh veggies were the exception rather than the rule.
Recently we were introduced to Bountiful Baskets. You have to log on early, especially if you are in a high demand area. Our baskets sell out in about 5 minutes. Oh wait...they get touchy on facebook if you say "sell". Rather "all contribution slots are spoken for in 5 minutes or less." Suddenly "sell out" seems much easier to say and type....but I digress.
We were underwhelmed with our first basket. It was about half of what we have been getting every other week. But since then we have been flooded with wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables. And since Bountiful Baskets is now a good half of our food budget we don't want anything to go bad. Our meals have suddenly bloomed with variety as we learn how to cook new foots and we are forced to experiment. Some of our experiements have met with success and some of the are massive failures. I don't care how often you read it...boiled Jicama does NOT mash.
Anyway, we had noticed that Nora was slowly constricting herself to fewer and fewer foods. She would dive into a basket of berries, but was turning her nose up at bananas and other veggies. I realized with a sinking feeling that her father and I were stunting her exposure to foods which can either set a young adult out looking for more flavors or make them run and hide when someone tries to introduce new foods.
Fruits and vegetables, especially before they have been cooked to death are full of micro and macro nutrients. During their formative years, children are using every smidgen of good nutrition to store away in their bodies to ward of future illnesses and diseases. Without a proper mix, some vitamins and nutrients can not be fully utilized by our bodies. And the incredible genius that created our world made most of those nutrients together in one food. Often times foods filled with calcium also contain vitamin D which unlocks that calcium for usage within our bodies.
Fruits and veggies also contain lots of helpful fiber to keep a child full and their system moving...
Not only are fresh fruits and vegetables good for you, they are part of the primary producers of our planet-which means the energy they give us is only one step away from pure sun energy. Energy given to us by meat and animal source (milk and cheese) are at a minimum two steps away from pure sun energy as meat animals must consume plant (and sometimes other animal) energy sources.
Finally. fresh fruits and vegetables are colored with all the colors of the rainbow- and a crayola box. Kids can have fun picking fruits and vegetables that match with their favorite colors, and creating edible works of art....if they will stop eatting the artwork long enough to create with it!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Progress Update and What I have learned
Over the past few weeks I have been doing Atkins. I have lost about 13 pounds and my weight loss is slowing, but that is pretty normal. I have lost a full pant size which is fantastic. It is to be expected that sometimes you lose inches over weight, especially if you have been active. In addition to being more present and aware in my own life (no more falling asleep at 7:30pm!), I have been able to enjoy horseback riding for long time periods, volunteering by landscaping for our local Zoo, and playing with my daughter.
During the past week I had several cheats. I ate carbs at the Ranch Ride which was catered, then I ate carbs at the lunch for the Zoo Volunteers, and finally on Mother’s day we went out to eat at my favorite Chinese food restaurant. All of it was good and I am so thankful that my body did not pack on the pounds! I am grateful to be able to start over every day and recommit to following my Atkins diet.
I have learned various new recipes and found that I can enjoy a greater variety on this diet than I had anticipated. I have learned that losing this weight and becoming healthy is even more important to me than I realized.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Comments-
I love and encourage comments on any and all posts!! :) Please just on in if something catches your eye and let's have a conversation!
Bee Colony Colapse Disorder/Destruction
I know most of the people reading my blog are more than familiar with the facts of life. And no- I am not talking about the birds and the bees. Well, actually I am. Talking about bees that is. But before I get started on that- how about a refresher course.
Here is how earth works. Sunshine+Plants=Food for other things=things that dies=food for decomposers=more food for plants.
It all comes back to sunshine and plants. Without either one of those things, our planet would very quickly die along with everything on it. Eventually even bacteria and viruses would die for the lack of food and host organisms.
Plants are amazing things. They have every way of reproducing imaginable. From broken stems and roots, some plants are able to create an offshoot. From seeds or even spawning new bulbs. But the most typical type of reproduction is still sexual reproduction. Which is a bit hard when your feet are rooted in soil and you can't make your way over the the devilishly handsome geranium from next door. So what is a frustrated plant to do but call in a little romantic help?
Bees are the cupids of the plant world. They are enticed by bright colors and intoxicating nectars of various flowers. They rub themselves all over one flower before flying off to snuggle the next one. While they diligently stuff pollen into their pollen sacks, they are busy helping bring together flowers from all over the area.
But what happens when the bees start dying?
In recent years, the world has been suffering from a mass die off of bees. Apiaries are finding their hives abandoned instead of merrily buzzing with workers. Areas which used to be a smorgesboard for summer pollen gathering are strangely quiet. And farmers are finding it harder and harder to find beekeepers who have bees available to "plant" in their fields for pollination purposes.
So what happens if the bees are gone? Well say goodbye to the easy to buy fruit in the store. Any produce will have to be hand fertilized. Most all plant based fruits will become wildly expensive and almost impossible to come by. You can look forward for self-propigating foods such as the potato. So watch out for something similar to the Irish Potato famine. Potatoes will soon be our main source of nutrition.
However, recent news is coming forward stating that recent surveys of bee populations are finding some species- especially native species are still around. I wouldn't necessarily consider them thriving, but they are still there.
Huffington Post Article
I recommend that we all follow some general guidelines to help secure the safety of our little buzzing friends in our area:
Here is how earth works. Sunshine+Plants=Food for other things=things that dies=food for decomposers=more food for plants.
It all comes back to sunshine and plants. Without either one of those things, our planet would very quickly die along with everything on it. Eventually even bacteria and viruses would die for the lack of food and host organisms.
Plants are amazing things. They have every way of reproducing imaginable. From broken stems and roots, some plants are able to create an offshoot. From seeds or even spawning new bulbs. But the most typical type of reproduction is still sexual reproduction. Which is a bit hard when your feet are rooted in soil and you can't make your way over the the devilishly handsome geranium from next door. So what is a frustrated plant to do but call in a little romantic help?
Bees are the cupids of the plant world. They are enticed by bright colors and intoxicating nectars of various flowers. They rub themselves all over one flower before flying off to snuggle the next one. While they diligently stuff pollen into their pollen sacks, they are busy helping bring together flowers from all over the area.
But what happens when the bees start dying?
In recent years, the world has been suffering from a mass die off of bees. Apiaries are finding their hives abandoned instead of merrily buzzing with workers. Areas which used to be a smorgesboard for summer pollen gathering are strangely quiet. And farmers are finding it harder and harder to find beekeepers who have bees available to "plant" in their fields for pollination purposes.
So what happens if the bees are gone? Well say goodbye to the easy to buy fruit in the store. Any produce will have to be hand fertilized. Most all plant based fruits will become wildly expensive and almost impossible to come by. You can look forward for self-propigating foods such as the potato. So watch out for something similar to the Irish Potato famine. Potatoes will soon be our main source of nutrition.
However, recent news is coming forward stating that recent surveys of bee populations are finding some species- especially native species are still around. I wouldn't necessarily consider them thriving, but they are still there.
Huffington Post Article
I recommend that we all follow some general guidelines to help secure the safety of our little buzzing friends in our area:
- Try to avoid over use of toxins that are dangerous for bees- such as wasp spray
- Don't use toxic pesticides on flowers and other bee attractions- I would challenge you to find healthy alternatives
- Use organic and sustainable practices whenever possible.
- Build bee houses for Miller bees and consider putting in some hives if you have room on your property.
- Learn more about bees and their life cycles.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
WOW Fish Tacos! (low carb friendly!)
Fish Tacos. The idea of fish tacos always sounded weird to me. Fish...in tacos. That couldn't be good, right? Well that was before I saw how much my husband was enjoying the new Taco Johns fish Tacos. So of course then I had to try one... and I loved it. I love it more than my time honored favorites at Taco Johns (this is saying a lot). But now I am low-carbing it and such lovely things as Tacos are now not on the menu....or are they?
Here is the second part of the story: We just recently started doing Bountiful Baskets. So each week we are getting lots of lovely produce and we never know exactly what we are going to get. On Saturday I got our regular basket plus the Mexican themed basket. Suddenly we had all sorts of stuff that I just don't buy. Like Tomatillos, peppers (spicy not green) and limes.
I swear I heard Doug giggle like a kid on Christmas morning when he saw what I had brought. He set to work making a great Mexican chutney:
Doug's Mexican Chutney:
Rough Chop the following:
One white onion
One Anaheim Pepper
One Pablono Pepper
Cilantro
One Tomatillo
and cover with the juice of one lime.
Refrigeration makes the flavors meld in the most delicious way.
So how does this relate to fish tacos, you might say? And exactly how are tacos low carb friendly? Well we got the excellent tip that if you want a "breaded" taste and feel for chicken or fish (probably any other meat you like to bread) all you need to do is dip the item in a raw egg and then roll in Parmesean Cheese. Then fry or bake (hot) to create a lovely golden crust.
So we decided to try our Parm crust on fish and see how we like it. Yes Parm cheese and Fish. I know- crazy you say. But trust me! You will never go back to bread again!
We used Tilapia. It is cheap, mild and did I meantion cheap?
So combine piping hot "breaded" fish with some sour cream and Doug's Mexica Chutney and you might swoon in delight. Amazing. We should probably patent it. Just don't sue us if you fall out of your chair in amazement! ;)
If you are low carbing in- Use a large lettuce leaf as your tortilla. It tastes great and gets in some of those leafy greens!
It's seriously amazing and I would share a picture-- but we ate all the evidence!
Here is the second part of the story: We just recently started doing Bountiful Baskets. So each week we are getting lots of lovely produce and we never know exactly what we are going to get. On Saturday I got our regular basket plus the Mexican themed basket. Suddenly we had all sorts of stuff that I just don't buy. Like Tomatillos, peppers (spicy not green) and limes.
I swear I heard Doug giggle like a kid on Christmas morning when he saw what I had brought. He set to work making a great Mexican chutney:
Doug's Mexican Chutney:
Rough Chop the following:
One white onion
One Anaheim Pepper
One Pablono Pepper
Cilantro
One Tomatillo
and cover with the juice of one lime.
Refrigeration makes the flavors meld in the most delicious way.
So how does this relate to fish tacos, you might say? And exactly how are tacos low carb friendly? Well we got the excellent tip that if you want a "breaded" taste and feel for chicken or fish (probably any other meat you like to bread) all you need to do is dip the item in a raw egg and then roll in Parmesean Cheese. Then fry or bake (hot) to create a lovely golden crust.
So we decided to try our Parm crust on fish and see how we like it. Yes Parm cheese and Fish. I know- crazy you say. But trust me! You will never go back to bread again!
We used Tilapia. It is cheap, mild and did I meantion cheap?
So combine piping hot "breaded" fish with some sour cream and Doug's Mexica Chutney and you might swoon in delight. Amazing. We should probably patent it. Just don't sue us if you fall out of your chair in amazement! ;)
If you are low carbing in- Use a large lettuce leaf as your tortilla. It tastes great and gets in some of those leafy greens!
It's seriously amazing and I would share a picture-- but we ate all the evidence!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Whoo Hoo!!
I am officially comfortably wearing size jeans (dryer dried!) no wiggling, no sucking in of my tummy, easily buttoned and zipped! I am also wearing a size 16 shirt that was known for "love handle creep" "Before". I have a feeling that I am going to start demarking my life as before Atkins and After Atkins. I am so glad that I am able to start wearing the other clothes in my closet! That means I can use at LEAST 2 more pairs of jeans- possibly three. I would like to drop down on more size before I wear my black legging like pants. I don't wear them to work- but I like to wear them riding.
I am so excited! I can't wait to crack the 170's!! :)
I am so excited! I can't wait to crack the 170's!! :)
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Pumpkin Flax Sugar Free Low Carb Muffins
Because I am on Induction with Atkins still I have been playing around with some muffins that don't contain flour. They have something called a "MIM" or Muffin in a Minute that is cooked in the microwave. I don't much like the idea of cooking something completely in a microwave and their recipe just didn't sound tasty to me. So I have been working on developing my own recipe. They still aren't perfect, but definitly better than just plain edible. Once I get to the next rung of the program where I can add nuts back in I will try some almond or hazelnut flour to provide a softer texture and richer taste.
So here goes my current incarnation of this recipe:
Pumpkin Flax Low Carb Muffins:
One can Organic Pumpkin Puree (Yes- get the organic. Libby's is watery and the organic brands are nice and thick.)
1/2 cup Splenda
4 tbsp butter
2 1/4 t cinnamon
3/4 t nutmeg
scant 1/4 t ground cloves
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 cups golden flaxmeal.
3 eggs
Combine all ingredients, dry then wet. Scoop into muffin tins. They don't rise much and if the shape you put them in is globular- they bake that way. They don't smooth out like wheat muffins would. So I use an ice cream scoop with a sweeper trigger.
Bake at 375 for at least 25-30 minutes.
I like mine after they have cooled a it and with some butter. Yum.
So here goes my current incarnation of this recipe:
Pumpkin Flax Low Carb Muffins:
One can Organic Pumpkin Puree (Yes- get the organic. Libby's is watery and the organic brands are nice and thick.)
1/2 cup Splenda
4 tbsp butter
2 1/4 t cinnamon
3/4 t nutmeg
scant 1/4 t ground cloves
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 cups golden flaxmeal.
3 eggs
Combine all ingredients, dry then wet. Scoop into muffin tins. They don't rise much and if the shape you put them in is globular- they bake that way. They don't smooth out like wheat muffins would. So I use an ice cream scoop with a sweeper trigger.
Bake at 375 for at least 25-30 minutes.
I like mine after they have cooled a it and with some butter. Yum.
Facing down the Dragon...
I faced down my own personal dragon today. Nora wanted to go to the carnival which we promised she could quite a few months ago. You know- before I decided to be a reformed carb a holic. The carnival is a perfect opportunity to get foods like elephant ears and funnel cakes.
So as Nora was running around the house getting ready to go I was waging a war with my dragon. Do I abandon all the hard work in getting OFF carbs in the first place and gorge myself on funnel cakes at the carnival? Or should I stand strong and stay the course knowing that in the long run I will be all the better for not induging.
So we went to the carnival and I saw people eating those lovely fried funnel cakes loaded down with strawberries and whipped cream. Oh man. My mouth was watering and I was thanking my lucky stars that it wasn't a hot July day because my will power might have melted.
Instead, Nora got to ride all her favorite rides and a few new ones that she is now tall enough to ride. Then we went to Wal-Mart and grabbed a couple movies out of the Redbox and we had a fun afternoon watching movies together.
I couldn't believe it. I made it out of the carnival without eating Fair Food!! Either this is a mark of personal growth or there is something wrog with me! ;)
So as Nora was running around the house getting ready to go I was waging a war with my dragon. Do I abandon all the hard work in getting OFF carbs in the first place and gorge myself on funnel cakes at the carnival? Or should I stand strong and stay the course knowing that in the long run I will be all the better for not induging.
So we went to the carnival and I saw people eating those lovely fried funnel cakes loaded down with strawberries and whipped cream. Oh man. My mouth was watering and I was thanking my lucky stars that it wasn't a hot July day because my will power might have melted.
Instead, Nora got to ride all her favorite rides and a few new ones that she is now tall enough to ride. Then we went to Wal-Mart and grabbed a couple movies out of the Redbox and we had a fun afternoon watching movies together.
I couldn't believe it. I made it out of the carnival without eating Fair Food!! Either this is a mark of personal growth or there is something wrog with me! ;)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
View from my Dining room!
As promised earlier- this is my neighbors garden. It is in this narrowish strip between out two driveways. I didn't get the greatest shot- but there is a lovely mixture of tulips, lupin, and lots of other stuff out there as well as some beautiful rocks!
Down 10lbs and a pant size
I have met my modified goal of losing 10 pounds in a month. I still have two days left so let's see by how much I can exceed it!
Now her is the really exciting news. About 6 months ago I was buying new pants because all my others were getting too small. I knew a certain size and make of the "George" brand at Walmart would work and I wanted nice looking slacks. I was in a hurry so I grabbed a pair, but did not try it on. I was ashamed when I realized I had grabbed the wrong size but I didn't have time to exchange them. So I have been lugging around these size 16 slacks that were WAY too small for me for all this time.
They were so small that I could not even think of buttoning them and I was having a hard time getting them over my mammoth thighs. Yuck. Not a fun mental image there. Sorry about that. Then my 18s started to get tight. Yikes. This was getting out of control. Then I hit my heaviest ever. 193. On a 5 foot frame. Really not good.
So now I am on the Atkins journey and have lost actually from my heaviest- just shy of 13 pounds in a month and week.
So tonight, inspired by the losses posted by others on the Atkins board I decided to try on my own personal albatross. And guess what? Over the thighs.... great I think! Over the rump- even better! Can I button (this was where I had had about a 3-4 inch gap before)? Suck it in...and yes! Button! Can I slip buckle? Yes! And can I zip? Yes!
Now to be sure- they are a bit skin tight over the rump and thighs...so they won't be on my wardrobe list for another week or two- but this is the first time EVER that I have actually gotten the darn things on!! My current size 18s from the same company are starting to get loose and I could pull them down and off without unbuttoning if I really wanted to. I don't need a belt with them yet but I am SO looking forward to the day when I do! I have some jeans that have been patiently waiting for me to stop being such a cow that are now going to get to see the light of day again. I am so so excited!
I am starting my exercise in earnest now. Horseback riding and working on the Eliptical as well as walking on my breaks. Do you think I can step up the weightloss and hit 15lbs next month? That was my goal this month but I didn't quite make it. I would dearly love to surprise my family with a great loss before my Grandfather's birthday on June 9th. Lets see- so I am 181 right now so I could be in the 160's before June 9th then I am going to be the happiest girl! That would put me back to what I weighed about the time Nora was born and I would have to buy new clothes!! I can't wait until I have to buy new clothes because everything is too big!
I am having so much fun losing weight. It is so much more fun than putting on the pounds!
Now her is the really exciting news. About 6 months ago I was buying new pants because all my others were getting too small. I knew a certain size and make of the "George" brand at Walmart would work and I wanted nice looking slacks. I was in a hurry so I grabbed a pair, but did not try it on. I was ashamed when I realized I had grabbed the wrong size but I didn't have time to exchange them. So I have been lugging around these size 16 slacks that were WAY too small for me for all this time.
They were so small that I could not even think of buttoning them and I was having a hard time getting them over my mammoth thighs. Yuck. Not a fun mental image there. Sorry about that. Then my 18s started to get tight. Yikes. This was getting out of control. Then I hit my heaviest ever. 193. On a 5 foot frame. Really not good.
So now I am on the Atkins journey and have lost actually from my heaviest- just shy of 13 pounds in a month and week.
So tonight, inspired by the losses posted by others on the Atkins board I decided to try on my own personal albatross. And guess what? Over the thighs.... great I think! Over the rump- even better! Can I button (this was where I had had about a 3-4 inch gap before)? Suck it in...and yes! Button! Can I slip buckle? Yes! And can I zip? Yes!
Now to be sure- they are a bit skin tight over the rump and thighs...so they won't be on my wardrobe list for another week or two- but this is the first time EVER that I have actually gotten the darn things on!! My current size 18s from the same company are starting to get loose and I could pull them down and off without unbuttoning if I really wanted to. I don't need a belt with them yet but I am SO looking forward to the day when I do! I have some jeans that have been patiently waiting for me to stop being such a cow that are now going to get to see the light of day again. I am so so excited!
I am starting my exercise in earnest now. Horseback riding and working on the Eliptical as well as walking on my breaks. Do you think I can step up the weightloss and hit 15lbs next month? That was my goal this month but I didn't quite make it. I would dearly love to surprise my family with a great loss before my Grandfather's birthday on June 9th. Lets see- so I am 181 right now so I could be in the 160's before June 9th then I am going to be the happiest girl! That would put me back to what I weighed about the time Nora was born and I would have to buy new clothes!! I can't wait until I have to buy new clothes because everything is too big!
I am having so much fun losing weight. It is so much more fun than putting on the pounds!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Good Morning!
This morning is gorgeous here in South Eastern Montana. The sun is up and I can already feel that it will be a warm, glorious day. The Johnny Jump Ups are flowering all over the yard and my neighbor has this wonderful garden that I can see outside my window in our dining room. I am so grateful that she has planted this beautiful space. It really gives me a lot of pleasure to see her garden. You can tell that over the years she has added and cared for it with an artist’s eye. I’ll try to get a picture tomorrow to share.
Still plugging away with Induction on Atkins. You can stay on it as long as you want and I really want to keep losing weight as quickly as is healthy and possible. Going to the Ongoing Weight Loss is reputed to slow weight loss down a bit so until I am within 15-20 pounds of my goal- I am going to keep on induction. I think I can still get a 10 pound loss for this month which makes me so happy! I really need to incorporate some stretches and exercise into my program so starting today, I am going to take all my breaks outside and walk around the building where I work!
I am so happy that the warmth of spring is here. Spring is always such a wonderfully hopeful and renewing time. As if seeing new grass and plants coming up encourages us to renew our spirits as well. I am all for a little spring cleaning of the soul… How about you?
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Weight Loss Journey Continues
My initial weight loss has slowed down somewhat, but I have lost just over 8 pounds in less than a month. That is amazing to me. I have never had consistent weight loss before. I was hoping to lose 15 pounds this month, but I will take 10! I think that is an achievable goal. :)
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Second week of Induction starts today!
So I closed out the first week of induction with a total loss of 6.1 pounds! Yay! I am so so excited! What a great feeling! I was hoping to make it a round 7 pounds but last night I tried the "Muffin in a Minute" recommended on the Atkins community board. It's made with ground flaxseed instead of flour. This poured a lot of fiber into my system and I think that actually kept the scale from budging now but having a regular influx of a strong fiber is good and needed and I am sure the weight loss will catch up in a day or so.
I am still striving for a loss of 15 pounds in a month. I am hoping that by adding a little more exercise I can race for the finish. I know 15 is an arbitrary number but it would just be so so fantastic!
So far I am enjoying the diet and losing weight. I don't feel deprived and I certainly feel like I have more energy mid-day and a more positive attitude.
Wish me luck!
I am still striving for a loss of 15 pounds in a month. I am hoping that by adding a little more exercise I can race for the finish. I know 15 is an arbitrary number but it would just be so so fantastic!
So far I am enjoying the diet and losing weight. I don't feel deprived and I certainly feel like I have more energy mid-day and a more positive attitude.
Wish me luck!
Friday, April 13, 2012
And the Journey Contiues!
Another pound lost! I am 6 pounds from when I started Atkins and 7 pounds from my heaviest weight. It's not fun to contemplate that not too long ago I was horrified when I saw the scale tip into the 180's and now I am happy that at least it is going down and not up! Only 9 pounds left to meet my goal for the month. I am feeling better and better about it all the time. I have two days to lose another pound and a half to meet the half way mark on the half way mark of the month. I really should be including more exercise. I am goig to try walking during my breaks today at work.
So here is what I ate yesterday:
Two egg omlette withe mushroom and cheese
Two sausages
Water
Lunch:
Baked Chicken Breast with butter and season salt
Salad with a little of the chicken butter dizzled on top (I know it sounds weird but it tasted AMAZING!)
Water
Dinner:
Turkey Leg
Two Sausages
Water
During the day I made myself some orange cream soda water which was good and we discovered that by making shave ice, using some of the shave ice syrup (sugar free) and putting some heavy cream in it. I probably am over doing on the heavy cream- but it sure makes a satisfying end to a meal! It has literally stopped my cravings flat.
I am really looking forward to all the great changes that this diet is going to bring to my body! I feel better than I have in a long time!
So here is what I ate yesterday:
Two egg omlette withe mushroom and cheese
Two sausages
Water
Lunch:
Baked Chicken Breast with butter and season salt
Salad with a little of the chicken butter dizzled on top (I know it sounds weird but it tasted AMAZING!)
Water
Dinner:
Turkey Leg
Two Sausages
Water
During the day I made myself some orange cream soda water which was good and we discovered that by making shave ice, using some of the shave ice syrup (sugar free) and putting some heavy cream in it. I probably am over doing on the heavy cream- but it sure makes a satisfying end to a meal! It has literally stopped my cravings flat.
I am really looking forward to all the great changes that this diet is going to bring to my body! I feel better than I have in a long time!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Five pounds lost!
Don't you hate it when you have a nice long blog post already typed out and you accidetally hit the red X instead of the minimize button?
Anyways- Atkins is doing really well. I have lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the month. When I started I was at 190- I had lost some pounds before Atkins started and then gained them back. Which was the story of my life pre-atkins. Lose some pounds, then gain them back. Back and forth. Exhausting and disappointing!
I feel awesome on Atkins and am learning ways to "treat" myself without breaking the rules. We went shopping last night and we got lots of protein. Today's breakfast will be cheesy eggs with mushrooms.... (the kind would call it an omlette, but I have never been good with those!) and a couple of links of breakfast sausage! :) Last night's dinner was pan cooked chicken breast, a small green salad with grape tomatoes, and a creamed shave ice. Wow- what an amazing treat! We bought an ice shaver which does a pretty decent job for only being 20 dollars. Then I got some sugar free syrups (coffee, cream soda and now shave ice ready!) I put some on and the flavor was good but actually a bit too much, so I drizzled some cream on my shave ice... WOW! It was AMAZING! I love the fact that I can have cream and such even on the induction phase of Atkins.
I also bought some flavored water. It is sweetened with Splenda so that is good. Another brand had aspertame in it which is not alowed on Atkins. I wonder why Aspertame is not allowed. So frustrating since so much has aspertame- like Crystal Lite etc. Anyway the flavored water was a bit of a let down- tasted to much like club soda to me... until I put a tiny bit of cream in it- That really helped mediate the "bite" of the club soda. Also the flavor was orange so it tasted like a very muted creamsicle! Yummy! Now I just wish I could find a water that had more flavor, less club soda taste.
Doug has noticed that my energy is going way up. I make it through the day without the afternoon slump. My mood is elevated from what was my "normal" and I think I would be sleeping better if we had a decent mattress. I am really looking forward to getting back down to the 170's which I haven't seen for a while. Then from there on I am just going to keep shedding pounds until I get to my goal. This WILL happen. I am determined!
Anyways- Atkins is doing really well. I have lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the month. When I started I was at 190- I had lost some pounds before Atkins started and then gained them back. Which was the story of my life pre-atkins. Lose some pounds, then gain them back. Back and forth. Exhausting and disappointing!
I feel awesome on Atkins and am learning ways to "treat" myself without breaking the rules. We went shopping last night and we got lots of protein. Today's breakfast will be cheesy eggs with mushrooms.... (the kind would call it an omlette, but I have never been good with those!) and a couple of links of breakfast sausage! :) Last night's dinner was pan cooked chicken breast, a small green salad with grape tomatoes, and a creamed shave ice. Wow- what an amazing treat! We bought an ice shaver which does a pretty decent job for only being 20 dollars. Then I got some sugar free syrups (coffee, cream soda and now shave ice ready!) I put some on and the flavor was good but actually a bit too much, so I drizzled some cream on my shave ice... WOW! It was AMAZING! I love the fact that I can have cream and such even on the induction phase of Atkins.
I also bought some flavored water. It is sweetened with Splenda so that is good. Another brand had aspertame in it which is not alowed on Atkins. I wonder why Aspertame is not allowed. So frustrating since so much has aspertame- like Crystal Lite etc. Anyway the flavored water was a bit of a let down- tasted to much like club soda to me... until I put a tiny bit of cream in it- That really helped mediate the "bite" of the club soda. Also the flavor was orange so it tasted like a very muted creamsicle! Yummy! Now I just wish I could find a water that had more flavor, less club soda taste.
Doug has noticed that my energy is going way up. I make it through the day without the afternoon slump. My mood is elevated from what was my "normal" and I think I would be sleeping better if we had a decent mattress. I am really looking forward to getting back down to the 170's which I haven't seen for a while. Then from there on I am just going to keep shedding pounds until I get to my goal. This WILL happen. I am determined!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Atkins is starting to get easier-
Yesterday I bought some shakes and "endulge" treats that are Atkins brand. That did make it quite a bit easier. I had a shake for breakfast, a peanut butter endulge treat as a snack, a salad with two hard boiled eggs for lunch and a bunch of pork for dinner. We need to work on sides at home but it is almost time for a shopping trip so that will be fixed soon....
The good news? I dropped exactly one pound since yesterday! Wow! Now I need to start adding in my exercise to keep up the good work! My goal is to reach 15 pounds of weightloss this month alone. I am just a few ounces away from the five pound mark already- so I have 20 days to lose 10lbs!
I am really excited to see such good results already. It makes the sacrifices totally worth it to see the pounds coming off. I would really like to see another 15 pounds come off in may. That would put me down to 162 which is pretty close to where I was when Nora was concieved. My goal is to get down to 130-125. I would love to run a 5k- actually run it by the end of the year. So some of my weight loss is going to be training for an event like that.
Well I better get off blogging and go do some exercise! Here's hoping tomorrow I have two pounds off to report!
The good news? I dropped exactly one pound since yesterday! Wow! Now I need to start adding in my exercise to keep up the good work! My goal is to reach 15 pounds of weightloss this month alone. I am just a few ounces away from the five pound mark already- so I have 20 days to lose 10lbs!
I am really excited to see such good results already. It makes the sacrifices totally worth it to see the pounds coming off. I would really like to see another 15 pounds come off in may. That would put me down to 162 which is pretty close to where I was when Nora was concieved. My goal is to get down to 130-125. I would love to run a 5k- actually run it by the end of the year. So some of my weight loss is going to be training for an event like that.
Well I better get off blogging and go do some exercise! Here's hoping tomorrow I have two pounds off to report!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Made it through the Weekend
The Atkins Journey:
I had a doctor tell me more than a year ago that Atkins would be good for me. I have put off trying it for so long because it seems like a hard diet to stick to. But Friday I decided that it was about time and Saturday was Day One of Induction.
At work it was hard because I had not adequatly prepared for induction. I need to cook a couple days worth of protein and have it read to go to work. I need to have hard boiled eggs on hand and some cheese sticks as well. I did buy some frozen pre-cooked hamburgers and the just disposed of the buns. That got me through Saturday. The we went to Wyoming for Easter weekend. I didn't think much of the car trip but I was hungry half way through. The only thing I could find was some jerky but it had a sugar glaze :( I ate it anyway because it was under my net carbs for the day. I am not sure how bad that was but at the time I couldn't find any alternatives.
Then we got to my parent's house and things got a bit easier. Eggs and bacon, ham and a small salad. And on the way home I ate some cheese. Today should be the day that my body realizes that I am not feeding it carbs anymore. I am anticipating some withdrawal symptoms and have a feeling that I am going to be really wiped out by the end of the day.
Wish me luck! Hopefully we will see my weightloss ticker sliding down the scale. My dream loss for April is 15 pounds so we'll see!!
I had a doctor tell me more than a year ago that Atkins would be good for me. I have put off trying it for so long because it seems like a hard diet to stick to. But Friday I decided that it was about time and Saturday was Day One of Induction.
At work it was hard because I had not adequatly prepared for induction. I need to cook a couple days worth of protein and have it read to go to work. I need to have hard boiled eggs on hand and some cheese sticks as well. I did buy some frozen pre-cooked hamburgers and the just disposed of the buns. That got me through Saturday. The we went to Wyoming for Easter weekend. I didn't think much of the car trip but I was hungry half way through. The only thing I could find was some jerky but it had a sugar glaze :( I ate it anyway because it was under my net carbs for the day. I am not sure how bad that was but at the time I couldn't find any alternatives.
Then we got to my parent's house and things got a bit easier. Eggs and bacon, ham and a small salad. And on the way home I ate some cheese. Today should be the day that my body realizes that I am not feeding it carbs anymore. I am anticipating some withdrawal symptoms and have a feeling that I am going to be really wiped out by the end of the day.
Wish me luck! Hopefully we will see my weightloss ticker sliding down the scale. My dream loss for April is 15 pounds so we'll see!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Am I a terrible mom if...
I say I am glad that the birthday rush for Nora is finally over. We have one more thing that we promised- we promised a kid's party when it gets warm enough to host at a park- but that should be pretty easy. We'll do the cake and ice cream- the kids will run around like maniacs.
Last night we used the money that Aunt Heather and Grandma Dee gave her to buy a microscope and telescope set. We got them home only to find out how terrible they were. The microscope would not focus and the provided slid was terrible. It was so disappointing for Nora.
So I took the set back and got her a pretend kitchen which she is loving- so all turned out well. I just wish the first set had been even halfway decent.
Yesterday, Nora was my buddy running errands after school was out for both of us. She is so funy and imaginative. I feel so blessed to have my daughter. After we got done at the post office she decided we were hungry. So I thought we would pop into a local Mexican place to get some Sopapillas. Instead we ended up having an early dinner- just Nora and mom. I decided we need to do that more often- just have a random treat where we get to spend some one on one time together.
Last night we used the money that Aunt Heather and Grandma Dee gave her to buy a microscope and telescope set. We got them home only to find out how terrible they were. The microscope would not focus and the provided slid was terrible. It was so disappointing for Nora.
So I took the set back and got her a pretend kitchen which she is loving- so all turned out well. I just wish the first set had been even halfway decent.
Yesterday, Nora was my buddy running errands after school was out for both of us. She is so funy and imaginative. I feel so blessed to have my daughter. After we got done at the post office she decided we were hungry. So I thought we would pop into a local Mexican place to get some Sopapillas. Instead we ended up having an early dinner- just Nora and mom. I decided we need to do that more often- just have a random treat where we get to spend some one on one time together.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Exercise
Yesterday was my first trip back to the Couch 2 5k program that I got interested in last year. I had to quite at minute 20 of a 30 minute program because I just couldn't get it done. Today I tried again and even though it was hard, I got it done! Boy were my legs jelly though! I was running/walking a mile or more just a three months ago- I am surprised at how quickly my body has decided it doesn't want to do that any more.
I am taking some supplements that are supposed to help revv your metabolism and cleanse your body at night. I don't know but last night I took some of the "detox" pills which are mostly natural ingredients and they seemed to work!
Even though I had some weight gain yesterday, I think alot of it was water weight which the pills helped me get rid of... As of this morning I am back down to 188.2 and I am going to keep working out all week and see what Sunday brings! I am excited! Do you think I can get down to 185 or lower this week? I really hope so!!
I am taking some supplements that are supposed to help revv your metabolism and cleanse your body at night. I don't know but last night I took some of the "detox" pills which are mostly natural ingredients and they seemed to work!
Even though I had some weight gain yesterday, I think alot of it was water weight which the pills helped me get rid of... As of this morning I am back down to 188.2 and I am going to keep working out all week and see what Sunday brings! I am excited! Do you think I can get down to 185 or lower this week? I really hope so!!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Ugh-
Girl Scout cookie should not be allowed. I should have more self-discipline. And I certainly shouldn't be left alone with Samoas...
Yup- no weight lost this week. Back to square one.
So this moring I woke up at 5:30 and decided to get back to working out on the Eliptical every morning. I made it about half way through week 1 and had to stop. The eliptical kept sliding forward on the wood floors so I am going to have to put gripper mats under the "feet" of the eliptical before I do any more- I don't want to mark up the floors.
I am a bit worried that I am in a prediabetic stage. I was looking into some warning signs yesterday and needless to say I had the wits scared out of me. Diabetes has always been terrifying to me. I really don't want to walk that road. So I am going to be working out for 30 minutes in the mornings, walking on my breaks at work and also going to work out 30 minutes in the evening whenever I can. I would really like to see an hour and a half of activity ever day. I need to lose a minimum of 40 pounds but I would really like to see that closer to 60 or 70. This will happen. I will lose weight. No more wasted time. No more excuses. It starts now!!
Yup- no weight lost this week. Back to square one.
So this moring I woke up at 5:30 and decided to get back to working out on the Eliptical every morning. I made it about half way through week 1 and had to stop. The eliptical kept sliding forward on the wood floors so I am going to have to put gripper mats under the "feet" of the eliptical before I do any more- I don't want to mark up the floors.
I am a bit worried that I am in a prediabetic stage. I was looking into some warning signs yesterday and needless to say I had the wits scared out of me. Diabetes has always been terrifying to me. I really don't want to walk that road. So I am going to be working out for 30 minutes in the mornings, walking on my breaks at work and also going to work out 30 minutes in the evening whenever I can. I would really like to see an hour and a half of activity ever day. I need to lose a minimum of 40 pounds but I would really like to see that closer to 60 or 70. This will happen. I will lose weight. No more wasted time. No more excuses. It starts now!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
So it has been a LONG time since I posted anything. We have moved from our house in Laurel. For two wonderful months we lived out in the country and I couldn’t have been happier. But then our landlord had a family emergency and we were asked to vacate our lease so a farmhand could move in. They seem like really nice people and we found a really great old house in Billings. It’s in the historic district which makes me happy. I have always loved old architecture. I just look at these old buildings and have to smile when I think of how amazing the architects and builders were. I wish I could see the old blueprints. I probably should have pursued architecture as a vocation. Maybe I can take architecture classes online after I graduate in the fall.
Nora is turning 5 this year. I can hardly believe it. It seems like not too long ago she was born and we have had so many wonderful times. I love her so much. Sometimes I feel a bit morbid because I have this underlying fear that we are going to lose her somehow. I wonder if all parents worry about losing their children to some horrible accident or stranger. Maybe it is the fact that she is growing more and more independent. She is going to be attending a new summer program this year that does all sorts of fun activities- like swimming. I am terrified of having someone else watching her during swimming lessons. However, I have come to understand that to some degree I am what is being termed a “helicopter mom” I want to hover over her and keep all danger away. To some degree I guess this is good but I also want her to feel safe to play and explore.
This is Nora just a month ago loving on her horse. J I love my girls!
Well- I am sad to report that I have reached my heaviest weight in my life. I hate being like this. I hate looking in the mirror. I hate how I feel and what I feel I CAN’T do. Enough is enough. So I am almost embarrassed to admit that I reached 192 pounds. That is mind blowing for me. Since Thursday I have been Soda free and I have already lost 4 pounds. I know that doesn’t seem like a lot- really a drop in the bucket, however as my total weight goal is 130, by losing 4 pounds off the 192 it is 6.45% of my total overall weight loss goal. That sounds a lot more hopeful I think. J
Anyway I hope to keep myself accountable here for my weight loss. Doug and I are having a competition to see who can lose the most by December. ;) Think I can win?
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