Aren't I always in a rush? I sure feel like it these days.
Problem is, this rushing has left me no time for exercise this week. Not cool.
Went out for dinner last night with my husband. We went to a local place. We shared some fried button mushrooms. Melt in your mouth so good!! Of course, they were battered and fried! We were okay with that as a treat, though. I also had a spinach salad topped with cucumber, cranberries, and almonds. I'm a big baby and picked off the onions and tomatoes. Sure wish I liked those raw.
I also indulged and had some of the yummy, yet not healthy warm bread. Again, occasional treat, so no guilt for me. :)
Scale was EXACTLY THE SAME today as last time I weighed in. I was actually pretty happy to see that considering the salt intake from last night and the lack of activity this week.
Today was a great day for eating. Tried two new recipes and they received mixed reviews. I was proud of myself for keeping up with the kitchen tasks while schooling and wading through my pile of emails and scheduling needs.
Another new recipe for tomorrow. Really hoping it's a winner. The children have been having a hard time with some of the new foods we've been eating.
Potluck on Saturday. I'm making Apple Baked Beans and cornbread muffins. Bringing our kind of food for a potluck is going to be an interesting experiment. I need to get tough skinned and not mind if no one really likes what we bring. ;)
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Proving Myself Wrong
You know, the last many years I've been lying to myself.
So many nights I've said:
I don't have it in me to cook.
I am WAY too tired to pull a meal together.
It will be SO late by the time we get home, I'll never get a decent dinner on the table before we all starve.
To death, no less.
All lies.
Tonight, we got home at 5:30. Of course, the whole way home I was lamenting over the "good ol' days" when I would have just had my husband get a take out pizza or run through the drive-thru for cheap burgers and fries. But, NOOOOOOOO. I have to eat HEALTHY. I have to eat Plant-Based foods. We can't do easy things and just move on. Isn't there room for exceptions and a tired mom to just have a break?
That's how I talk to myself.
I even bantered with my husband on the phone over all this. When the conversation ended, I realized just how much EASIER it was going to be to go home and throw something together rather than eat out at Who Knows Where because nothing out there leaves us feeling good anymore.
Tonight's dinner:
Pintos seasoned with crushed tomatoes, spices, garlic and onion; corn on the cob; fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, onion powder, and mushrooms using the corn water; applesauce for dessert
On the table in less than 30 minutes. Faster than any take out, delivery, frozen dinner, or probably most drive-thrus given the size of our order when we would go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scale was down today, lower than it's been. I have less than 3 pounds to go before I hit the next decade. You know I'm feeling really happy about that. :)
Broke a couple little toes last night, though. I've been hobbling around today and trying to put my feet up when I can to keep the swelling down. Really stinks. I was just setting some exercise goals with my T-Tapp workouts.
Tomorrow I'm going to try getting done my BWP and see how I do. Hopefully I can get in a decent workout without irritating those little appendages.
So many nights I've said:
I don't have it in me to cook.
I am WAY too tired to pull a meal together.
It will be SO late by the time we get home, I'll never get a decent dinner on the table before we all starve.
To death, no less.
All lies.
Tonight, we got home at 5:30. Of course, the whole way home I was lamenting over the "good ol' days" when I would have just had my husband get a take out pizza or run through the drive-thru for cheap burgers and fries. But, NOOOOOOOO. I have to eat HEALTHY. I have to eat Plant-Based foods. We can't do easy things and just move on. Isn't there room for exceptions and a tired mom to just have a break?
That's how I talk to myself.
I even bantered with my husband on the phone over all this. When the conversation ended, I realized just how much EASIER it was going to be to go home and throw something together rather than eat out at Who Knows Where because nothing out there leaves us feeling good anymore.
Tonight's dinner:
Pintos seasoned with crushed tomatoes, spices, garlic and onion; corn on the cob; fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, onion powder, and mushrooms using the corn water; applesauce for dessert
On the table in less than 30 minutes. Faster than any take out, delivery, frozen dinner, or probably most drive-thrus given the size of our order when we would go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scale was down today, lower than it's been. I have less than 3 pounds to go before I hit the next decade. You know I'm feeling really happy about that. :)
Broke a couple little toes last night, though. I've been hobbling around today and trying to put my feet up when I can to keep the swelling down. Really stinks. I was just setting some exercise goals with my T-Tapp workouts.
Tomorrow I'm going to try getting done my BWP and see how I do. Hopefully I can get in a decent workout without irritating those little appendages.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Two New Recipes Tonight
First, I Made Gravy!!!!
I am so ridiculously tickled over this. I had been suspecting I could come up with some kind of gravy with all the juices that cook off when I water sauté mushrooms. Well, I WAS RIGHT.
So, I sautéed the mushrooms in vegetable broth and garlic. I should have added some minced onion and will next time. Once the liquid from the 'shrooms released, I removed them from the pan. Added some more broth and brought to boiling. In the meantime, I mixed some cornstarch (and will try arrowroot powder maybe next time) to cold water and mixed until smooth. Added this to the broth and whisked. I needed to add some more broth to mine because it was a little too thick. I added some black pepper and it was done!
I am so ridiculously tickled over this. I had been suspecting I could come up with some kind of gravy with all the juices that cook off when I water sauté mushrooms. Well, I WAS RIGHT.
So, I sautéed the mushrooms in vegetable broth and garlic. I should have added some minced onion and will next time. Once the liquid from the 'shrooms released, I removed them from the pan. Added some more broth and brought to boiling. In the meantime, I mixed some cornstarch (and will try arrowroot powder maybe next time) to cold water and mixed until smooth. Added this to the broth and whisked. I needed to add some more broth to mine because it was a little too thick. I added some black pepper and it was done!
Poured this creamy goodness over my roasted vegetables and was in Comfort Food Heaven.
After dinner we whipped up some insanely good One Ingredient Ice Cream. I never imagined that frozen bananas, dark chocolate cocoa powder, and peanut butter would create such a divine experience!! I was so busy melting under the power this taste sensation that I didn't even THINK to get a photo. Oh, was it good!!
The scale was down today, thankfully. I'm still hovering that same number, though, since it went up earlier in the week. But I seriously expected it to be up today again after eating so much salt over the weekend.
I juiced breakfast and lunch today to try to clear out my system a bit.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Good Kind of Tired
I have not updated in a long time. Every time I sit in front of my screen, I'm a little too tired for getting in all I want to type.
Quick Version:
Saturday I made some amazing black bean and corn empanadas. I used Bob's Red Mill gluten free all purpose baking flour and flax-egg to up the nutrition on the crust. They were incredibly good. I got a little crazy with the chipotle chili powder, but that's an easy fix for next time.
Quick Version:
Saturday I made some amazing black bean and corn empanadas. I used Bob's Red Mill gluten free all purpose baking flour and flax-egg to up the nutrition on the crust. They were incredibly good. I got a little crazy with the chipotle chili powder, but that's an easy fix for next time.
I was short on filling, so I mixed some chopped apple and blueberries to use up the extra dough.
They weren't a quick meal, but I was really happy to have them for our picnic lunch this weekend while we had some fun downtown at our local Hay Day. How's that for a yummy nutritarian lunch?
Today we visited with a dear friend. The grill was loaded with thick pork tenderloin steaks, veggie skewers, and we had a green salad and watermelon. It was so good! I did enjoy some of the pork and it was delicious. The little girls went all crazy asking for more and more "chicken". I have to say, though, as yummy as that meat was, those grilled mushrooms stole my heart. Boy, were they good!
I haven't weighed myself in a few days. I've just been too busy each morning getting life going to get in a work out or weigh-in. Tomorrow we'll see how the sat did me in. We did chomp on corn chips and salsa in the car on the way home for dinner. I'm sure that's going to set me back a bit.
I'm looking forward to the beginning of another new and great week. Hopefully my body will get a good sleep like last night and I'll have the energy I need to hit the ground running....like I need to do!!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
I juiced most of my day today.
After going out to that restaurant for dinner, I could not get over that heavy, dragging feeling. I don't know if it was the bread or oils or salt or it all together, but all my body wanted was raw food. So, I gave it to myself in the form of juice.
By the end of the day, I was feeling more energy and much better. I juiced some things that were needing to get used up, since we were low on groceries. Zucchini, head of romaine, lime, apples, carrots. It was drinkable.
Just a morning workout again today. We did walk to the school this evening to watch the fireworks. Did some dancing with the little girls while we waited. That was really fun.
Tomorrow is a big day. I have a lot of food to prep in the morning and then we head down town for hay day. That will give me a decent amount of walking, at least.
In the morning I'm putting together a Brown Rice Lentil Quiche and those empanadas I've been dying to make. I hope I am!! That's a lot to cram in before 9am. Ugh.
After going out to that restaurant for dinner, I could not get over that heavy, dragging feeling. I don't know if it was the bread or oils or salt or it all together, but all my body wanted was raw food. So, I gave it to myself in the form of juice.
By the end of the day, I was feeling more energy and much better. I juiced some things that were needing to get used up, since we were low on groceries. Zucchini, head of romaine, lime, apples, carrots. It was drinkable.
Just a morning workout again today. We did walk to the school this evening to watch the fireworks. Did some dancing with the little girls while we waited. That was really fun.
Tomorrow is a big day. I have a lot of food to prep in the morning and then we head down town for hay day. That will give me a decent amount of walking, at least.
In the morning I'm putting together a Brown Rice Lentil Quiche and those empanadas I've been dying to make. I hope I am!! That's a lot to cram in before 9am. Ugh.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Date Night!
My husband surprised me this afternoon. He found a vegan restaurant that is only a 30 minute drive from our home. He even set aside his juice fast to take me out for dinner. What a treat!
We shard a small plate of tofu fries. I've never had tofu before, so it was fun way to try it. Interesting texture and taste. Actually, the fries were so loaded with salt and oil, I'm pretty sure we didn't really taste the tofu. ;)
I ordered a black bean burger. It was yummy. Way too much bread for my liking, but a real treat, just the same.
David had a tempeh fajita. Again, never had tempeh before, so this was a neat way to try it, prepared by someone who knows how to cook it. :) He LOVED it. Really loved it. He's convinced it has to have just as many calories as a steak and cheese sub since it tasted so much like it. It was heavy on the oil and salt, but, of course, there's no way it registers anywhere near real beef. ;)
It was fun to find a place to go for a treat. It doesn't completely fit our goals for nutrition and health, but for an occasional treat (bdays, anniversary, etc) it's nice to know there is somewhere we can go to celebrate and fully enjoy what we are eating.
Got in my morning workout, an afternoon walk to the library with a girly, and a tiny bit activity with some wii games tonight. Not anything too strenuous, but I was moving. :)
Hey, I'm noticing a few things, though. Shortly after dinner I got a headache and I'm still feeling it a little. I'm also feeling crazy sleepy. Makes me suspicious over those two thick slices of whole wheat bread I had at dinner. Maybe I really do have some gluten issues. I have it so infrequently now, maybe I'm seeing some reaction that can be singled out a little easier now that other foods have been taken out of the way.
We shard a small plate of tofu fries. I've never had tofu before, so it was fun way to try it. Interesting texture and taste. Actually, the fries were so loaded with salt and oil, I'm pretty sure we didn't really taste the tofu. ;)
I ordered a black bean burger. It was yummy. Way too much bread for my liking, but a real treat, just the same.
David had a tempeh fajita. Again, never had tempeh before, so this was a neat way to try it, prepared by someone who knows how to cook it. :) He LOVED it. Really loved it. He's convinced it has to have just as many calories as a steak and cheese sub since it tasted so much like it. It was heavy on the oil and salt, but, of course, there's no way it registers anywhere near real beef. ;)
It was fun to find a place to go for a treat. It doesn't completely fit our goals for nutrition and health, but for an occasional treat (bdays, anniversary, etc) it's nice to know there is somewhere we can go to celebrate and fully enjoy what we are eating.
Got in my morning workout, an afternoon walk to the library with a girly, and a tiny bit activity with some wii games tonight. Not anything too strenuous, but I was moving. :)
Hey, I'm noticing a few things, though. Shortly after dinner I got a headache and I'm still feeling it a little. I'm also feeling crazy sleepy. Makes me suspicious over those two thick slices of whole wheat bread I had at dinner. Maybe I really do have some gluten issues. I have it so infrequently now, maybe I'm seeing some reaction that can be singled out a little easier now that other foods have been taken out of the way.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
And, today went well. :)
Just my morning exercise again, though. Took the children to the lake for a swim today, but watching 5 little non-swimmer girlies doesn't lend to much swim time for mom. I was IN the water with them, though, in my suit that I haven't worn in years and now fits better than it ever did before. :)
For lunch, I g-bomb'ed the taco lentils. The children weren't overly impressed or thrilled with me. They still ate them, though.
I made up a gorgeous salad, but wasn't too happy about the taste. I'm pretty sure the cabbage was going bad, or I just don't care for that cabbage raw in my salad.
I need to keep working at getting my exercise in each day. I did purpose to stay on my feet most of the time we were schooling. At least that helps.
And, seeing the scale down another pound this morning was hugely motivating. :)
Just my morning exercise again, though. Took the children to the lake for a swim today, but watching 5 little non-swimmer girlies doesn't lend to much swim time for mom. I was IN the water with them, though, in my suit that I haven't worn in years and now fits better than it ever did before. :)
For lunch, I g-bomb'ed the taco lentils. The children weren't overly impressed or thrilled with me. They still ate them, though.
I made up a gorgeous salad, but wasn't too happy about the taste. I'm pretty sure the cabbage was going bad, or I just don't care for that cabbage raw in my salad.
For dinner, the recipe I was going to use ended up being something I couldn't make. I don't have the right appliance and I forgot to soak the nuts overnight. I through together some vegies, pasta, and let the children toss it with olive oil salad dressing. They were happy.
I made up a bed of romaine and spinach. Then I water sautéed cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic, onion, black beans, and squash from the garden. I was craving a buffalo sauce flavor for it but wanted to stay away from the hot sauce aka sodium. I tossed in some cayenne pepper, ground mustard, and rice vinegar in hopes it would give me a similar flavor. Not quite.
It wasn't awful, though. I did add some salsa to the salad, as it needed a little sweetness. Sprinkled it all with walnuts and chewed myself to the Very Full status. It's after 9pm and I'm still feeling stuffed!
And, seeing the scale down another pound this morning was hugely motivating. :)
Monday, August 19, 2013
This Week's Menu
I thought I'd post the link to this week's menu.
I change it at the end of each week. I don't change everything, though. I'm starting to find my rhythm with what meals repeat and what themes fit for each day. Pasta night got moved to Tuesdays since Mondays I need a crockpot or easy meal for after play practice this fall.
I change it at the end of each week. I don't change everything, though. I'm starting to find my rhythm with what meals repeat and what themes fit for each day. Pasta night got moved to Tuesdays since Mondays I need a crockpot or easy meal for after play practice this fall.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Pretty good day.
I had a marathon morning and got a ton accomplished before noon when we had to leave. I packed our lunch of Sloppy Lentil Joe's, raw vegetables, and home made applesauce for a picnic lunch. I replaced the sugar in the lentil recipe with apple juice and it turned out great!
I only got in my morning exercise today. I wanted to walk during the boys' play practice, but that didn't happen. Tonight I watered the gardens, but that was it for activity.
I was down again this morning. Seeing my lowest weight yet and in the lower part of my current decade. I'm really happy to see the scale going the right way again.
Tired tonight. I may not have gotten in my formal exercise, but I was on my feet most of the day and I'm feeling it tonight!
It's almost my bedtime. I REALLY need to work on sticking to that so I'm not dragging so much at night.
I had a marathon morning and got a ton accomplished before noon when we had to leave. I packed our lunch of Sloppy Lentil Joe's, raw vegetables, and home made applesauce for a picnic lunch. I replaced the sugar in the lentil recipe with apple juice and it turned out great!
I only got in my morning exercise today. I wanted to walk during the boys' play practice, but that didn't happen. Tonight I watered the gardens, but that was it for activity.
I was down again this morning. Seeing my lowest weight yet and in the lower part of my current decade. I'm really happy to see the scale going the right way again.
Tired tonight. I may not have gotten in my formal exercise, but I was on my feet most of the day and I'm feeling it tonight!
It's almost my bedtime. I REALLY need to work on sticking to that so I'm not dragging so much at night.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
I'm here...I didn't disappear!
Okay, I know you've been worried. Normally, an absence of a few days from my blog means I've been hitting the chocolate chips pretty hard.
Not this time!! :D
I have been staying up too late, though, leaving me spacey and tired and not able to put too many coherent sentences together.
Friday night I was spent. I just did NOT want to spend another minute in my kitchen making food. I was craving a nice dinner at a nice place with nice people around me. No food to prep or cook and no dishes to oversee.
Thing is, going out to eat while staying plant strong is nearly impossible! Even a salad at most of our local places is loaded with stuff I'd pick out. I don't want to pay $10 for a plate of lettuce-hold-the-dressing, iykwim. ;)
We decided on a new Mexican restaurant near us. I looked over their menu before we left and chose one of the vegetarian options they had. I ordered it without the dairy. It was devine!! Tortilla stuffed with a medley of vegetables, topped with tomatillo sauce. A side of lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, and rice. I left the rice, since it was white. I only ate one enchilada and left some beans on the plate as well. I was stuffed with yummy food! We did splurge and have the chips and salsa and I ignored the fact that the tortilla was white flour. I enjoyed my meal with an abundance of gratitude!
Saturday was busy with household tasks, meals, picking up and dropping off my daughter for work, and grocery shopping. We actually only needed one cart this week. Shocking.
Today we grazed a bit. I think I'm just going to not fuss about snacking on Sundays as long as the snacks are nutritious. I did overdo the grains this weekend. The tortilla on Friday, brown rice on Saturday, and I had TWO pieces of Ezekiel bread toast tonight for my dinner. It was lovely.
My weight still is going down, but not in very high increments. Still, down is what I want to see.
Very little exercise this weekend. I took a walk with some kiddos around town on Saturday, but that's been all. I need to get to bed at a decent hour tonight so I can get back to my habit-building goals.
So, that's my weekend report. I don't like being away from here for long periods of time. I know it drags my motivation down a bit. Thankfully, I still had good things to report this time.
Not this time!! :D
I have been staying up too late, though, leaving me spacey and tired and not able to put too many coherent sentences together.
Friday night I was spent. I just did NOT want to spend another minute in my kitchen making food. I was craving a nice dinner at a nice place with nice people around me. No food to prep or cook and no dishes to oversee.
Thing is, going out to eat while staying plant strong is nearly impossible! Even a salad at most of our local places is loaded with stuff I'd pick out. I don't want to pay $10 for a plate of lettuce-hold-the-dressing, iykwim. ;)
We decided on a new Mexican restaurant near us. I looked over their menu before we left and chose one of the vegetarian options they had. I ordered it without the dairy. It was devine!! Tortilla stuffed with a medley of vegetables, topped with tomatillo sauce. A side of lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, and rice. I left the rice, since it was white. I only ate one enchilada and left some beans on the plate as well. I was stuffed with yummy food! We did splurge and have the chips and salsa and I ignored the fact that the tortilla was white flour. I enjoyed my meal with an abundance of gratitude!
Saturday was busy with household tasks, meals, picking up and dropping off my daughter for work, and grocery shopping. We actually only needed one cart this week. Shocking.
Today we grazed a bit. I think I'm just going to not fuss about snacking on Sundays as long as the snacks are nutritious. I did overdo the grains this weekend. The tortilla on Friday, brown rice on Saturday, and I had TWO pieces of Ezekiel bread toast tonight for my dinner. It was lovely.
My weight still is going down, but not in very high increments. Still, down is what I want to see.
Very little exercise this weekend. I took a walk with some kiddos around town on Saturday, but that's been all. I need to get to bed at a decent hour tonight so I can get back to my habit-building goals.
So, that's my weekend report. I don't like being away from here for long periods of time. I know it drags my motivation down a bit. Thankfully, I still had good things to report this time.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Better Day
Today I pushed myself out of that bed and got my morning 20 done, after I helped David get his juices ready. My weight was down a bit, thankfully.
We loaded up after an early lunch (soup for me) and went to an audition for my boys. We were there several hours, so I had them bring the double stroller. I took a couple girlies and lapped the building we were at so I could get in a bit of exercise while I was there. I also spent a good deal of time standing and talking with friends. Better than sitting, right?
This evening was "meat night" and we came home to a crock pot full of Chicken Taco Chili. It was a major success. I nutri-tized it when we got home, adding some greens, mushrooms, and onions. I put in one chicken breast (instead of three that the recipe called for) and put in a few cups of white northern beans to bulk it up. It will serve us for two meals. So, we did have our meat, but it was sparing. I've always been frugal with our meats, but this was a stellar performance in my book. :)
After dinner we walked up to the tennis courts. We got in some doubles, singles, and mostly chased balls. For a bit, I did some power walking lapping the courts so I could know I got in some decent movement for the evening. It was a gorgeous night.
We came home to bible time and now it's that glorious quiet as everyone that isn't in bed yet is reading or clicking away at the keys.
David joined us for dinner tonight. It's been almost 2 weeks since he did that. It was *really* nice to have him join us for a meal.
We loaded up after an early lunch (soup for me) and went to an audition for my boys. We were there several hours, so I had them bring the double stroller. I took a couple girlies and lapped the building we were at so I could get in a bit of exercise while I was there. I also spent a good deal of time standing and talking with friends. Better than sitting, right?
This evening was "meat night" and we came home to a crock pot full of Chicken Taco Chili. It was a major success. I nutri-tized it when we got home, adding some greens, mushrooms, and onions. I put in one chicken breast (instead of three that the recipe called for) and put in a few cups of white northern beans to bulk it up. It will serve us for two meals. So, we did have our meat, but it was sparing. I've always been frugal with our meats, but this was a stellar performance in my book. :)
After dinner we walked up to the tennis courts. We got in some doubles, singles, and mostly chased balls. For a bit, I did some power walking lapping the courts so I could know I got in some decent movement for the evening. It was a gorgeous night.
We came home to bible time and now it's that glorious quiet as everyone that isn't in bed yet is reading or clicking away at the keys.
David joined us for dinner tonight. It's been almost 2 weeks since he did that. It was *really* nice to have him join us for a meal.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Bummer Day
That stinky little scale was up for the second day in a row!
Yesterday it was only up .2 pounds. No biggie. That could be anything.
Today, up .9 pounds. So, basically up a pound in the last 2 days. What??
I'm eating well and under on calories.
I'm exercising.
Sigh.
So, I was crabby about that today and fought with the "what's the point, just go get a shake" mentality while I was out with my boy today.
I didn't get the shake.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Today was filled with my regular breakfast bowl, Indian Spiced Lentils served with romaine leaves for dipping at lunch, (I had a very small serving) and White Bean and Barley soup with some kind of funny biscuits Elizabeth made up. Everyone had those with all fruit on them. I had a small salad.
I'm also feeling frustrated that my fingers are still swollen and my rings won't fit better. Was researching a little on that today. Not sure what it means, though. Sigh.
Heading to bed soon.
Tomorrow is a new day. His mercies are new every morning...and every night, thankfully.
Yesterday it was only up .2 pounds. No biggie. That could be anything.
Today, up .9 pounds. So, basically up a pound in the last 2 days. What??
I'm eating well and under on calories.
I'm exercising.
Sigh.
So, I was crabby about that today and fought with the "what's the point, just go get a shake" mentality while I was out with my boy today.
I didn't get the shake.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Today was filled with my regular breakfast bowl, Indian Spiced Lentils served with romaine leaves for dipping at lunch, (I had a very small serving) and White Bean and Barley soup with some kind of funny biscuits Elizabeth made up. Everyone had those with all fruit on them. I had a small salad.
I'm also feeling frustrated that my fingers are still swollen and my rings won't fit better. Was researching a little on that today. Not sure what it means, though. Sigh.
Heading to bed soon.
Tomorrow is a new day. His mercies are new every morning...and every night, thankfully.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
I started the day feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
Ate fine.
I got in a mild workout this morning. Then I tried the TTapp Step Away the Inches dvd this afternoon. It was a great workout! I felt energized when I finished it.
Then I was HUNGRY about 4pm. I was craving something heavy and chewy and related to BREAD in a big way. I got the children's dinner going and munched on the crusts from Kindy's Ezekiel Bread sandwich and I was instantly satisfied. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but my stomach was definitely happy.
I'm not sure if I was hungry like that due to a craving or if it had to do with getting in a harder workout, smaller lunch, and that I'm nursing again.
Dinner tonight was simple. We heated up leftovers and kept life easy. I had on the menu to make a new batch of soup, but we had a lot in the fridge that needed eating, so I didn't want to make more.
Ate fine.
I got in a mild workout this morning. Then I tried the TTapp Step Away the Inches dvd this afternoon. It was a great workout! I felt energized when I finished it.
Then I was HUNGRY about 4pm. I was craving something heavy and chewy and related to BREAD in a big way. I got the children's dinner going and munched on the crusts from Kindy's Ezekiel Bread sandwich and I was instantly satisfied. I'm not sure if that's good or bad, but my stomach was definitely happy.
I'm not sure if I was hungry like that due to a craving or if it had to do with getting in a harder workout, smaller lunch, and that I'm nursing again.
Dinner tonight was simple. We heated up leftovers and kept life easy. I had on the menu to make a new batch of soup, but we had a lot in the fridge that needed eating, so I didn't want to make more.
Simple fare: Vegetable soup, walnuts and a peach for me
For date night, we went to Staples and shopped. We were there a long time. Now I'm hanging out watching David work out on the wii wondering if I'm going to get a turn. It's almost my bed time. ;)
Monday, August 12, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Started the day a little behind, due to waking up in the middle of the night to check out the meteor shower with the big kids. Fun, but we were dragging this morning!
I got in my work out and was thrilled to see the scale down again! What a great way to start the next month of progress. :)
Today I was still pretty tired and lacking ambition. I muddled my way through school and meals. Today we tried Ezekiel bread for the children's pb&j and it was great. They all loved it. And, they didn't complain at all about the leaf of romaine I put in their sandwiches. That was great.
For dinner I made No-Meat Balls with marinara sauce. I served it over whole wheat pasta for the children, no pasta for me.
It was good, but had a little too much of some kind of spice to it. Not sure which. Everyone was happy to have something fun like that for dinner. I'm pretty sure Honoree' thought it was a regular meat ball. ;)
I got in my work out and was thrilled to see the scale down again! What a great way to start the next month of progress. :)
Today I was still pretty tired and lacking ambition. I muddled my way through school and meals. Today we tried Ezekiel bread for the children's pb&j and it was great. They all loved it. And, they didn't complain at all about the leaf of romaine I put in their sandwiches. That was great.
For dinner I made No-Meat Balls with marinara sauce. I served it over whole wheat pasta for the children, no pasta for me.
It was good, but had a little too much of some kind of spice to it. Not sure which. Everyone was happy to have something fun like that for dinner. I'm pretty sure Honoree' thought it was a regular meat ball. ;)
Ruth took on the task of making dessert tonight and she did a great job. She took her favorite recipe for tarts and altered it. She replaced the flour with garbanzo bean flour and oat flour, and replaced the butter with applesauce. Look at that cutie rolling out her dough.
Then she filled them with diced apples and cinnamon. She was so happy to have a dessert that everyone (except Daddy who is still on his juice fast) could enjoy.
That's about it for tonight. I'm tired and hoping to be asleep early. I'm hoping to get some good things done tomorrow so I'm more energetic and ready for some fun in the evening.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sunday Rest
Enjoyed a lovely day of worship with our church family today.
I packed up a Mexicali Pasta Salad for the children for lunch. Along with peanuts and plums and a berry almond salad from Wendy's for me we visited with my il's for lunch. The pasta salad was a new recipe and it turned out really good. I skipped the cheese it called for in the recipe.
After we got home, I enjoyed a lovely sit on my swing outside and finished reading the meat of Disease Proof Your Child by Dr. Furhman. Now I have more homework. ;)
I think the meal plan I have for the children right now is good. I may want to adjust a little more and I will give some of his recipes a try, but I think I'm on a good course.
I do need to look at adding in some supplements, though. I'm needing to decide on a multivitamin, if I need extra B12 and D, and pick a DHA supplement too. It looks like I'll want to have that DHA in higher doses for the boys since it helps with ADHD issues. Good information in there giving me some direction for those issues as well.
I made a big decision that was nagging at me the whole way through the book. I'm trying to re-latch Kindred with nursing again. I weaned her about 4 weeks ago when we first started juicing. She acts interested every so often, but Dr. F's book convinced me that I need to give it a try again until her second birthday. I've never nursed a baby that long, but I'm going to give it a try. I'd like it if I could get her off the formula, even though she's been on it her whole life as a supplement. Maybe the more solids she gets, the less she'll like that bottle.
She did well tonight. She latched right away without batting an eye and she was swallowing and I could express milk when she was done. I'm hopeful about this. With the changes in my diet, it would be great to see if it helps my enrich my milk a bit.
I sure did like having some alone time snuggling with her. She was a bit distracted and antsy, but I'm going to keep working at it because every time she would unlatch, she'd turn right back for more.
It's going to be a great feeling knowing I'm giving her GOOD nutrition and a strong start with extended bf as well as the right foods at the table.
I packed up a Mexicali Pasta Salad for the children for lunch. Along with peanuts and plums and a berry almond salad from Wendy's for me we visited with my il's for lunch. The pasta salad was a new recipe and it turned out really good. I skipped the cheese it called for in the recipe.
After we got home, I enjoyed a lovely sit on my swing outside and finished reading the meat of Disease Proof Your Child by Dr. Furhman. Now I have more homework. ;)
I think the meal plan I have for the children right now is good. I may want to adjust a little more and I will give some of his recipes a try, but I think I'm on a good course.
I do need to look at adding in some supplements, though. I'm needing to decide on a multivitamin, if I need extra B12 and D, and pick a DHA supplement too. It looks like I'll want to have that DHA in higher doses for the boys since it helps with ADHD issues. Good information in there giving me some direction for those issues as well.
I made a big decision that was nagging at me the whole way through the book. I'm trying to re-latch Kindred with nursing again. I weaned her about 4 weeks ago when we first started juicing. She acts interested every so often, but Dr. F's book convinced me that I need to give it a try again until her second birthday. I've never nursed a baby that long, but I'm going to give it a try. I'd like it if I could get her off the formula, even though she's been on it her whole life as a supplement. Maybe the more solids she gets, the less she'll like that bottle.
She did well tonight. She latched right away without batting an eye and she was swallowing and I could express milk when she was done. I'm hopeful about this. With the changes in my diet, it would be great to see if it helps my enrich my milk a bit.
I sure did like having some alone time snuggling with her. She was a bit distracted and antsy, but I'm going to keep working at it because every time she would unlatch, she'd turn right back for more.
It's going to be a great feeling knowing I'm giving her GOOD nutrition and a strong start with extended bf as well as the right foods at the table.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
This Month's Progress Pics Posted!
One month of before and after pics are posted!! Click on the button at the top if you want to see them.
I'm so excited that I can SEE a difference in my face, just like I was hoping!!
David looks amazing, like I keep telling him. :)
Today was good all around. Food wise, I probably didn't eat enough. We were busy and on the go, mostly, so I didn't have time to prepare much for meals. Quick breakfast, reheat some beans on the go for lunch, and warm up a Lentil Loaf and a couple bags of frozen vegetables with mushrooms and onions added for dinner.
We did our grocery shopping today and then I spent the afternoon in the garden. I dug up some things and planted some seeds for a fall harvest. Really hoping it all comes up because we could use all the greens and cauliflower we can get!
Boy, I just keep looking at those comparison pics. It's SO motivating to SEE progress right before your eyes. It's like becoming a whole new person. :)
I'm so excited that I can SEE a difference in my face, just like I was hoping!!
David looks amazing, like I keep telling him. :)
Today was good all around. Food wise, I probably didn't eat enough. We were busy and on the go, mostly, so I didn't have time to prepare much for meals. Quick breakfast, reheat some beans on the go for lunch, and warm up a Lentil Loaf and a couple bags of frozen vegetables with mushrooms and onions added for dinner.
We did our grocery shopping today and then I spent the afternoon in the garden. I dug up some things and planted some seeds for a fall harvest. Really hoping it all comes up because we could use all the greens and cauliflower we can get!
Boy, I just keep looking at those comparison pics. It's SO motivating to SEE progress right before your eyes. It's like becoming a whole new person. :)
Friday, August 9, 2013
Menu Plan
I just finished up this week's menu plan. You can click on this link to go to the document. There are a few more new recipes than I wanted to go with for a school week, but I'm going to aim for it anyways.
I like having a weekly menu to work from. I don't eat all the meals that are on it, or all the parts of the meals. I stick with my g-bomb breakfast, so the menu plan is for the children. I also work to avoid grains right now, so I generally skip the rice, pasta, and some breads that we serve. I allow myself one to two meals a week with whole grains aside from my daily sprinkling of raw oats in my breakfast bowl.
I was trying to link the recipes on the chart, but I couldn't find a way to do that. When I'm planning, aside from recipes we already use weekly, I choose from my ETL binder or pinterest boards for new recipes to try.
Let me know if you have any questions. :)
I like having a weekly menu to work from. I don't eat all the meals that are on it, or all the parts of the meals. I stick with my g-bomb breakfast, so the menu plan is for the children. I also work to avoid grains right now, so I generally skip the rice, pasta, and some breads that we serve. I allow myself one to two meals a week with whole grains aside from my daily sprinkling of raw oats in my breakfast bowl.
I was trying to link the recipes on the chart, but I couldn't find a way to do that. When I'm planning, aside from recipes we already use weekly, I choose from my ETL binder or pinterest boards for new recipes to try.
Let me know if you have any questions. :)
Friday, August 9, 2013
Today was a good day.
Got in exercise with each meal, though lunch and dinner was after I ate. Still having a hard time getting the food on the table AND exercising before I eat.
I am eating really low on calories. I'm not sure what to think of that. I'm glad to be under and I'm rarely hungry, so I don't feel like I want to work too hard to change it. I was low on protein tonight. I should have worked a little harder to get in some brighter greens and nuts with my meal.
I had half an apple tonight for a little dessert after our evening walk. Not my usual habit, but it was nice to have a little extra something tonight.
We watched a show tonight, Eat, Fast, and Live Longer with Michael Mosley, about how fasting and diet affects health. It was interesting, but even I could see the faulty science in it. It is streaming on pbs.com right now if you're interested in watching it.
I thought it was quite interesting that they were pointing out that the IGF (insulin factor) is higher with higher levels of protein in our bodies. By decreasing the protein, we decrease the IGF, thereby lowering our risk for disease. Not exactly what we're being told by the medical community.
What was off to me was his ending theory that by eating whatever you choose for five days a week and "fasting" by eating only one meal, limited in calories, 2 days a week that you will decrease your risk for disease. Truly, if you eat high fat, high sugar foods five days a week and then don't eat those twice a week, it's pretty easy to see that your blood levels will show a decrease in the effects of those foods in your body. That doesn't mean you are necessarily healing or preventing disease long term, in my opinion. If you are vicariously eating unhealthy foods on a regular basis, abstaining from them for any amount of time can certainly help, but it won't bring lifelong healing.
In short, that fasting pattern is not a habit I'm interested in developing.
I am, however, interested in learning more about the idea of restricting calories and fasting in general. It was intriguing to see some of the scientific research connected to hunger and brain activity. I also found it fascinating to see the effects of people who eat a restricted calorie diet normally. They were the ones that were strong, healthy, alert, young, and content with their lifestyle.
On another note, I attempted a new recipe tonight, Saucy Lentil Loaf from The End of Diabetes by Dr. Furhman. I need to better prep myself for these meals. It took way longer than I planned for. We ended up reheating some leftover soup to go with our cabbage and green bean stir fry. The lentil loaf will be used for sandwiches tomorrow at lunch.
My biggest obstacle was dealing with the artichokes in the recipe. I have never eaten those, never mind prepped them. I'm sure you would have been laughing at me to watch the mess I made.
I'm working on making my menu for next week. I'm getting it on the computer so it's easier to update each week. I'll come back later to post the link when it's done.
Got in exercise with each meal, though lunch and dinner was after I ate. Still having a hard time getting the food on the table AND exercising before I eat.
I am eating really low on calories. I'm not sure what to think of that. I'm glad to be under and I'm rarely hungry, so I don't feel like I want to work too hard to change it. I was low on protein tonight. I should have worked a little harder to get in some brighter greens and nuts with my meal.
I had half an apple tonight for a little dessert after our evening walk. Not my usual habit, but it was nice to have a little extra something tonight.
We watched a show tonight, Eat, Fast, and Live Longer with Michael Mosley, about how fasting and diet affects health. It was interesting, but even I could see the faulty science in it. It is streaming on pbs.com right now if you're interested in watching it.
I thought it was quite interesting that they were pointing out that the IGF (insulin factor) is higher with higher levels of protein in our bodies. By decreasing the protein, we decrease the IGF, thereby lowering our risk for disease. Not exactly what we're being told by the medical community.
What was off to me was his ending theory that by eating whatever you choose for five days a week and "fasting" by eating only one meal, limited in calories, 2 days a week that you will decrease your risk for disease. Truly, if you eat high fat, high sugar foods five days a week and then don't eat those twice a week, it's pretty easy to see that your blood levels will show a decrease in the effects of those foods in your body. That doesn't mean you are necessarily healing or preventing disease long term, in my opinion. If you are vicariously eating unhealthy foods on a regular basis, abstaining from them for any amount of time can certainly help, but it won't bring lifelong healing.
In short, that fasting pattern is not a habit I'm interested in developing.
I am, however, interested in learning more about the idea of restricting calories and fasting in general. It was intriguing to see some of the scientific research connected to hunger and brain activity. I also found it fascinating to see the effects of people who eat a restricted calorie diet normally. They were the ones that were strong, healthy, alert, young, and content with their lifestyle.
On another note, I attempted a new recipe tonight, Saucy Lentil Loaf from The End of Diabetes by Dr. Furhman. I need to better prep myself for these meals. It took way longer than I planned for. We ended up reheating some leftover soup to go with our cabbage and green bean stir fry. The lentil loaf will be used for sandwiches tomorrow at lunch.
My biggest obstacle was dealing with the artichokes in the recipe. I have never eaten those, never mind prepped them. I'm sure you would have been laughing at me to watch the mess I made.
I'm working on making my menu for next week. I'm getting it on the computer so it's easier to update each week. I'll come back later to post the link when it's done.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Snacky-snacky.
That was me today. The children and I made plans to go visit friends. I stopped to pick up some snacks for the children and caved when I saw those yummy Terra Exotic chips. My oldest daughter and I munched on them in the van.
We had to skip our visit due to a child getting sick on the way there. Detour back home. Cleaned up the house and then sunk down to enjoy a movie and snack. More snacky. I munched on some blue corn tortilla chips and salsa.
The food wasn't bad. A little outside of ETL due to the oils and grains I'm supposed to avoid. But, I really enjoyed the treat with the children.
I felt SO full, though, by dinner time. Maybe that was a good thing. I made Lemony Steamed fish and chicken (separately, but same seasoning) and roasted vegetables. I had one bite of chicken (eh, I haven't been missing much) and a small pile of vegies, only two bites of sweet potato in the mix.
I think I'm *okay* on calories for today. Maybe a bit over. But, wow, can I snack if I let myself! I really need to stick to that rule if I want to stay on track with weight loss.
I nutri-tized my taco soup recipe today. I posted it on my recipe page. It turned out really good. As I was eating it, I had the thought, "THIS is what I was wanting," as I remembered my frustration yesterday in finding something satisfying to eat. I'm not sure what it was, the familiar taste/texture? This is one of our favorite meals.
Oh, and I weighed-in today. I'm calling that last weigh-in a fluke, as I'm up today. BUT, if I look at Tuesday's weigh-in compared to today's, I'm still down a pound. I will take that, for sure!
I pinned a few recipes tonight. I want to try making some crackers from juice pulp tomorrow when we finish up school.
My new habit building list has been a huge help to me. I'm really happy with how our days are going. We're getting lessons done and I'm pretty much keeping up with checking and grading work. Still wishing I had a bit more time to keep up with meals, but, judging from the slow and steady progress we made with school and routine this week, I think it'll eventually come.
That was me today. The children and I made plans to go visit friends. I stopped to pick up some snacks for the children and caved when I saw those yummy Terra Exotic chips. My oldest daughter and I munched on them in the van.
We had to skip our visit due to a child getting sick on the way there. Detour back home. Cleaned up the house and then sunk down to enjoy a movie and snack. More snacky. I munched on some blue corn tortilla chips and salsa.
The food wasn't bad. A little outside of ETL due to the oils and grains I'm supposed to avoid. But, I really enjoyed the treat with the children.
I felt SO full, though, by dinner time. Maybe that was a good thing. I made Lemony Steamed fish and chicken (separately, but same seasoning) and roasted vegetables. I had one bite of chicken (eh, I haven't been missing much) and a small pile of vegies, only two bites of sweet potato in the mix.
I think I'm *okay* on calories for today. Maybe a bit over. But, wow, can I snack if I let myself! I really need to stick to that rule if I want to stay on track with weight loss.
I nutri-tized my taco soup recipe today. I posted it on my recipe page. It turned out really good. As I was eating it, I had the thought, "THIS is what I was wanting," as I remembered my frustration yesterday in finding something satisfying to eat. I'm not sure what it was, the familiar taste/texture? This is one of our favorite meals.
Oh, and I weighed-in today. I'm calling that last weigh-in a fluke, as I'm up today. BUT, if I look at Tuesday's weigh-in compared to today's, I'm still down a pound. I will take that, for sure!
I pinned a few recipes tonight. I want to try making some crackers from juice pulp tomorrow when we finish up school.
My new habit building list has been a huge help to me. I'm really happy with how our days are going. We're getting lessons done and I'm pretty much keeping up with checking and grading work. Still wishing I had a bit more time to keep up with meals, but, judging from the slow and steady progress we made with school and routine this week, I think it'll eventually come.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Wednesday, July 7, 2013
Today felt hard.
I woke up late because I stayed up too late. I felt tired and dealing with a lack of motivation most of the day.
I still got our schooling done, got in 3 session of exercise. Though, my pre-lunch didn't happen until well after lunch. I still got in three bits of activity with my three meals.
I'm feeling a little uninspired with food. Maybe just bored. We made veggie wraps today. Big bowl of lettuce and all manner of vegetables, fruit, beans, and nuts to fill it. I was actually REALLY wanting to make a wrap for myself. It was HARD to build a salad and not enjoy that chew tortilla wrapped around it. I took a LONG time to eat my salad. But, I was glad at the end that I didn't have the bread/grains.
When dinner came around, I was equally down. None of the leftovers seemed good to me. I ended up with a small bowl of beans and a green apple with a few little pieces of walnut. I was feeling bad that I didn't have more greens or vegetables. That apple is a lot of sugar. But, I was just plain worn out and didn't want to work so hard at feeding myself. At least I stayed on course, right? It wasn't quite the level of nutrition it should be, but it wasn't anti-nutrient either.
I need to find a good balance between prepping foods and getting school done. This is getting hard to do both.
I didn't weigh in this morning. I'm a little scared to see that the number that I was at yesterday go up because it was in error or something.
I did got with David tonight to try some tennis. First time we've played alone. I need to change the name of that game to Chase-Balls cause that's pretty much all I did.
I woke up late because I stayed up too late. I felt tired and dealing with a lack of motivation most of the day.
I still got our schooling done, got in 3 session of exercise. Though, my pre-lunch didn't happen until well after lunch. I still got in three bits of activity with my three meals.
I'm feeling a little uninspired with food. Maybe just bored. We made veggie wraps today. Big bowl of lettuce and all manner of vegetables, fruit, beans, and nuts to fill it. I was actually REALLY wanting to make a wrap for myself. It was HARD to build a salad and not enjoy that chew tortilla wrapped around it. I took a LONG time to eat my salad. But, I was glad at the end that I didn't have the bread/grains.
When dinner came around, I was equally down. None of the leftovers seemed good to me. I ended up with a small bowl of beans and a green apple with a few little pieces of walnut. I was feeling bad that I didn't have more greens or vegetables. That apple is a lot of sugar. But, I was just plain worn out and didn't want to work so hard at feeding myself. At least I stayed on course, right? It wasn't quite the level of nutrition it should be, but it wasn't anti-nutrient either.
I need to find a good balance between prepping foods and getting school done. This is getting hard to do both.
I didn't weigh in this morning. I'm a little scared to see that the number that I was at yesterday go up because it was in error or something.
I did got with David tonight to try some tennis. First time we've played alone. I need to change the name of that game to Chase-Balls cause that's pretty much all I did.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Habit Building
I joined some online friends in a 60 day challenge to build some new great habits, replacing some old ones that Need To Go!
So, here's my list:
New Habits I Desire
Love the Lord
Daily bible/journal/prayer before morning chores/computer time
Weekly letter sharing God's word with someone.
Love my husband
Daily pray a psalm for/over him
Greet him with a smile each time he comes home from being away
Love my children
Daily Prayer Hands
No social media during lessons, choring, or project/group time
Daily 15-30 minutes One/Two-on-One time (school days) with each child
Speak to the Heart Challenge: add a piece of scripture to our day visually, auditorally, or another creative way. At least one *new* thing each week.
Tend my temple (body)
10-30 minutes of exercise before each meal
Bed by 10pm
So, my list has categories. That's how my brain works. Everything neatly on it's own shelf. However, that's not how life really works. None of these shelves is separate. They all work together to bring me into balance and strength. In fact, while I was making my list, I struggled a bit on which shelf to put some goals on (and, yes, I did trim this list down from it's original. I was trying to keep it short and simple.)
I am thrilled to report that, today, my first day, I accomplished all my goals! I am ending the day exhausted, mentally, but completely overjoyed that the Lord enabled me to push myself to Do Good Things. :)
The scale dropped 1.5 this morning! I gotta think that was a hiccup with the wii board, but I left it be. We'll see tomorrow what it says. I ate very little today, so I'll see how that affects it. I just wasn't feeling hungry for much of what I made. I did build a huge pot of vegetable soup this morning for lunch and then had it again at dinner. I didn't want to eat the pasta the children were eating.
I'm sort of in the weird place where nothing sounds very good to me and I'd rather just not eat. I'm thinking that's not a great place to be, but with keeping up with school and building a new routine, I think I'm letting the food go and this is better than eating what I shouldn't eat, maybe.
I got in at least 10 minutes of activity before each meal. That was one of my hardest goals to meet today. I was really excited I did it, but, wow, is that hard to get in to the routine.
We had a lovely time at the park tonight enjoying some live big band music. I hung out at the playground with the girls and tossed the football around a bit with them too. I worked at doing some squatting, bending, and just overall using my body in ways that I could tell I'm getting stronger.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and another day of building good habits to replace old ones.
So, here's my list:
New Habits I Desire
Love the Lord
Daily bible/journal/prayer before morning chores/computer time
Weekly letter sharing God's word with someone.
Love my husband
Daily pray a psalm for/over him
Greet him with a smile each time he comes home from being away
Love my children
Daily Prayer Hands
No social media during lessons, choring, or project/group time
Daily 15-30 minutes One/Two-on-One time (school days) with each child
Speak to the Heart Challenge: add a piece of scripture to our day visually, auditorally, or another creative way. At least one *new* thing each week.
Tend my temple (body)
10-30 minutes of exercise before each meal
Bed by 10pm
So, my list has categories. That's how my brain works. Everything neatly on it's own shelf. However, that's not how life really works. None of these shelves is separate. They all work together to bring me into balance and strength. In fact, while I was making my list, I struggled a bit on which shelf to put some goals on (and, yes, I did trim this list down from it's original. I was trying to keep it short and simple.)
I am thrilled to report that, today, my first day, I accomplished all my goals! I am ending the day exhausted, mentally, but completely overjoyed that the Lord enabled me to push myself to Do Good Things. :)
The scale dropped 1.5 this morning! I gotta think that was a hiccup with the wii board, but I left it be. We'll see tomorrow what it says. I ate very little today, so I'll see how that affects it. I just wasn't feeling hungry for much of what I made. I did build a huge pot of vegetable soup this morning for lunch and then had it again at dinner. I didn't want to eat the pasta the children were eating.
I'm sort of in the weird place where nothing sounds very good to me and I'd rather just not eat. I'm thinking that's not a great place to be, but with keeping up with school and building a new routine, I think I'm letting the food go and this is better than eating what I shouldn't eat, maybe.
I got in at least 10 minutes of activity before each meal. That was one of my hardest goals to meet today. I was really excited I did it, but, wow, is that hard to get in to the routine.
We had a lovely time at the park tonight enjoying some live big band music. I hung out at the playground with the girls and tossed the football around a bit with them too. I worked at doing some squatting, bending, and just overall using my body in ways that I could tell I'm getting stronger.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and another day of building good habits to replace old ones.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Back to School
We're back to a school schedule after a two week break.
I kept the meals simple and familiar so we could focus on getting into a routine.
Breakfast: oatmeal, fruit, and pb for the children, Breakfast bowl for me
Lunch: Taco lentils, served on a bed of spinach for me (we adjusted the recipe to add more lentils and less brown rice)
Dinner: Romaine and spinach topped with a mix of onion, corn, garlic, black beans, mushrooms and salsa
I took the children to the lake this afternoon. We brought along peanuts, carrot sticks, and peaches. One thing I really like about nutritarian focus is how easy snacks are. We often would have these for snacks before, but not it's just so nice to have something easy and simple with all the new meal prep I do lately.
I didn't get in any exercise today aside from running around to various stores before we went to the lake. I'm on my second day of my cycle and feeling tired. Yesterday I had a bit of a headache after church. That's it, though. No cramping at all. I really am starting to believe that eating plant-strong is making a big difference in this area.
Oh, I weighed in this morning and was down again. That was a nice way to start the week. :)
I kept the meals simple and familiar so we could focus on getting into a routine.
Breakfast: oatmeal, fruit, and pb for the children, Breakfast bowl for me
Lunch: Taco lentils, served on a bed of spinach for me (we adjusted the recipe to add more lentils and less brown rice)
Dinner: Romaine and spinach topped with a mix of onion, corn, garlic, black beans, mushrooms and salsa
I took the children to the lake this afternoon. We brought along peanuts, carrot sticks, and peaches. One thing I really like about nutritarian focus is how easy snacks are. We often would have these for snacks before, but not it's just so nice to have something easy and simple with all the new meal prep I do lately.
I didn't get in any exercise today aside from running around to various stores before we went to the lake. I'm on my second day of my cycle and feeling tired. Yesterday I had a bit of a headache after church. That's it, though. No cramping at all. I really am starting to believe that eating plant-strong is making a big difference in this area.
Oh, I weighed in this morning and was down again. That was a nice way to start the week. :)
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
I did it. :)
This evening I was looking for something for dinner. We're mostly grazing our way through a lazy Sunday here. ;)
As I hunted I had that "I want to feel FULL" mentality going on. I had visions of tortillas and chewy pita bread filling my belly. I hunted.
I was pulling out foods to fill the bread. No beans. Well, lettuce is good. I can do lettuce and sprouts. But, I knew that tortilla was way high in calories. Keep hunting.
I saw that massive salad my daughter was building for herself. Yeah, salad. Haven't had that since...ummm....okay, not since yesterday. So, a salad it is. If I could JUST find some dressing I like!
Hunt. Hunt. Hunt.
Build. Build. Build.
Romaine and swiss chard with shredded carrots and beets. Check.
Alfalfa sprouts...mmmm....this is getting better. Check.
Protein...fats??.....Sunflower seeds. Check.
Texture variation? Raisins. Check.
Dressing?? Need me some dressing. No oily Italian. No to the salsa my daughter is using. Not what I'm after. The lime juice isn't the flavor for those yummy sprouts.
Hunt. Hunt. Hunt.
I sure do like my spicy brown mustard. What can I mix with that to make a dressing??? Too lazy.
Squirt. Squirt. Squirt. (only about 2 tsp worth)
Add a side of cold, leftover corn on the cob.
Chew. Crunch. Chew. Crunch.
Mmmmmm....Satisfaction.
I love that fully belly feel from foods that are nourishing me instead of weighing me down. Walked away from the Empty Grain Craving victoriously. :)
Took a break from weighing in today. I avoided fruits today since I felt overloaded by them yesterday. This morning I just had some leftover stir fry for breakfast. For lunch I gobbled up some corn chips and fresh salsa on the way home from church. So, see? I DID have grains today and that just left me craving for more.
I had some fresh veggies and hummus and a bowl of leftover Mushroom Soup when we got home from church. Sort of an extended lunch. Then I had my salad and corn for a late dinner.
Not the best day as far as avoiding snacking. But I'm still counting it a win that I trumped that bread craving and lazy bent for stuffing my face.
David went back to full juicing again. He has a good friend that started his juice fast today, so they are in it together. He's looking amazing!
This evening I was looking for something for dinner. We're mostly grazing our way through a lazy Sunday here. ;)
As I hunted I had that "I want to feel FULL" mentality going on. I had visions of tortillas and chewy pita bread filling my belly. I hunted.
I was pulling out foods to fill the bread. No beans. Well, lettuce is good. I can do lettuce and sprouts. But, I knew that tortilla was way high in calories. Keep hunting.
I saw that massive salad my daughter was building for herself. Yeah, salad. Haven't had that since...ummm....okay, not since yesterday. So, a salad it is. If I could JUST find some dressing I like!
Hunt. Hunt. Hunt.
Build. Build. Build.
Romaine and swiss chard with shredded carrots and beets. Check.
Alfalfa sprouts...mmmm....this is getting better. Check.
Protein...fats??.....Sunflower seeds. Check.
Texture variation? Raisins. Check.
Dressing?? Need me some dressing. No oily Italian. No to the salsa my daughter is using. Not what I'm after. The lime juice isn't the flavor for those yummy sprouts.
Hunt. Hunt. Hunt.
I sure do like my spicy brown mustard. What can I mix with that to make a dressing??? Too lazy.
Squirt. Squirt. Squirt. (only about 2 tsp worth)
Add a side of cold, leftover corn on the cob.
Chew. Crunch. Chew. Crunch.
Mmmmmm....Satisfaction.
I love that fully belly feel from foods that are nourishing me instead of weighing me down. Walked away from the Empty Grain Craving victoriously. :)
Took a break from weighing in today. I avoided fruits today since I felt overloaded by them yesterday. This morning I just had some leftover stir fry for breakfast. For lunch I gobbled up some corn chips and fresh salsa on the way home from church. So, see? I DID have grains today and that just left me craving for more.
I had some fresh veggies and hummus and a bowl of leftover Mushroom Soup when we got home from church. Sort of an extended lunch. Then I had my salad and corn for a late dinner.
Not the best day as far as avoiding snacking. But I'm still counting it a win that I trumped that bread craving and lazy bent for stuffing my face.
David went back to full juicing again. He has a good friend that started his juice fast today, so they are in it together. He's looking amazing!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Made a big pot of Dr. Furhman's Famous Anti-Cancer Soup.
Not a real big hit.
I think I have two problems, so likely, it's user error and not the recipe. One, the vegetables didn't cook long enough before I put them in the food processor to puree. Two, my food processor isn't high-powered enough get the soup creamy. I ended up with a strange consistency that leaves you thinking it needs to be a sauce, not a soup.
We have altered our cornbread recipe again to fit our nutritarian goals and it tastes great! I'll add it to my recipe page.
Went grocery shopping again tonight. I think I'm going to have to resign to being a two-cart family from now on. Or, at least until David is done juicing. We bought the store out of kale and I still didn't have enough for the whole week. Crazy.
I'm tired. I'm worn out. I went over my menu for next week and feel a bit defeated. I think it was the fail on the soup today. I'm going to set aside those soups and recipes that call for pureeing nuts and such in a high-powered blender, since I don't have one. I dug out some of my own recipes from my box and I think I'll just go with those, nutri-tizing them as I go. Also, I think I'm just longing for some familiar tastes in my life again. Nothing so familiar that it's not full of the nutrients I need, though. ;)
I also feel a bit fried from all the food prep and new recipes. I think I just need a break. Tomorrow the fam is going off in different directions. That means we'll just keep it simple with leftovers and such for meals. I'm looking forward to a date with my oldest and youngest daughters and then an afternoon of reading and rest.
Not a real big hit.
I think I have two problems, so likely, it's user error and not the recipe. One, the vegetables didn't cook long enough before I put them in the food processor to puree. Two, my food processor isn't high-powered enough get the soup creamy. I ended up with a strange consistency that leaves you thinking it needs to be a sauce, not a soup.
We have altered our cornbread recipe again to fit our nutritarian goals and it tastes great! I'll add it to my recipe page.
Went grocery shopping again tonight. I think I'm going to have to resign to being a two-cart family from now on. Or, at least until David is done juicing. We bought the store out of kale and I still didn't have enough for the whole week. Crazy.
I'm tired. I'm worn out. I went over my menu for next week and feel a bit defeated. I think it was the fail on the soup today. I'm going to set aside those soups and recipes that call for pureeing nuts and such in a high-powered blender, since I don't have one. I dug out some of my own recipes from my box and I think I'll just go with those, nutri-tizing them as I go. Also, I think I'm just longing for some familiar tastes in my life again. Nothing so familiar that it's not full of the nutrients I need, though. ;)
I also feel a bit fried from all the food prep and new recipes. I think I just need a break. Tomorrow the fam is going off in different directions. That means we'll just keep it simple with leftovers and such for meals. I'm looking forward to a date with my oldest and youngest daughters and then an afternoon of reading and rest.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Thursday, August 1, 2013
I'm holding steady at the weight I was the beginning of the week. I'm glad I'm not going up, but now that I'm going down, I want to keep going. :)
Went out for a date night with David last night. We went to Tropical Smoothie Café. I ordered a Mexican type salad, hold the chicken, onion and tomatoes. (I cannot eat onion or tomato raw...blech). It came with salsa, guac, a miniscule amount of black beans and corn and a highly seasoned white rice Mexican rice thing. So, not the healthiest choice, that's for sure. We shared a no-sugar added fruit smoothie, Blimey Limey.
So, overall, I'm over on how many grains I've had this week and my salt intake is pretty high.
I have been getting up in the mornings for my weigh-in. I also added in some morning stretches and this morning did about 20 minutes on the wii of yoga and such to wake up a bit. That was nice. I haven't gotten in any other exercise, though. Maybe a good walk tonight.
I made up bok choy tonight. Very empowering to make foods I've barely eaten, never mind cooked before. The sauce was way too salty, so it needs adjusting, but I think it went over decently. I liked it. (except the sauce ;) )
Went out for a date night with David last night. We went to Tropical Smoothie Café. I ordered a Mexican type salad, hold the chicken, onion and tomatoes. (I cannot eat onion or tomato raw...blech). It came with salsa, guac, a miniscule amount of black beans and corn and a highly seasoned white rice Mexican rice thing. So, not the healthiest choice, that's for sure. We shared a no-sugar added fruit smoothie, Blimey Limey.
So, overall, I'm over on how many grains I've had this week and my salt intake is pretty high.
I have been getting up in the mornings for my weigh-in. I also added in some morning stretches and this morning did about 20 minutes on the wii of yoga and such to wake up a bit. That was nice. I haven't gotten in any other exercise, though. Maybe a good walk tonight.
I made up bok choy tonight. Very empowering to make foods I've barely eaten, never mind cooked before. The sauce was way too salty, so it needs adjusting, but I think it went over decently. I liked it. (except the sauce ;) )
Tonight was Chicken Night. I've never seen Verity more excited in her life!! LOL. She ran through the whole house exclaming, "We're eating chicken!!! We're eating chicken!!!" Poor girl. She misses her chicken. ;)
We served baked thighs and I roasted some cauliflower and baby Brussels sprouts with a lime juice, chili powder, coriander, onion, garlic dressing. That was great!
As I was serving the food, I was planning to share a bit of chicken with the baby. She devoured it SO fast!
I just didn't want any. It smelled good, but I had no real desire to eat it, so I passed on the chicken. No sense in eating it simply because it's THERE. I'm learning. :)
Oh, one more thing. Those *skinny* jeans I bought for myself as a reward when I dropped my weight before. They are loose and I can pull them down w/o unbuttoning now too. Yay. :)
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