I need to confess something. I haven’t worked out in…a month maybe? Possibly longer? I’m not even sure. I’m still doing little bits of exercise – some pushups and squats, short walks at lunch time, that sort of thing. Nothing sustained. No running, no time at the gym. At first it was because of the tailbone pain. I didn’t want to make my back worse. But NOT working out isn’t making anything better so I might as well work out, right? Maybe it will even help.
I will be going to the gym this weekend. I will at least get a good, long walk in, if nothing else.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
My Drawers, Revisited
Awhile ago, I did a post where I showed you what was in my desk drawer at work. The stuff in the drawer has changed so I figured I'd give you an update because I wanted to tell you about some stuff.
Clockwise from left:
1. Dessert Delights gum (mint chocolate chip flavor) - this is some seriously tasty gum.
2. Condiments - packets of tabasco sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, Crystal Light packets
3. Chai Teabags
4. No Sugar Added Fruit Cups
5. Atkins Endulge Bars - for when I am craving a treat so I don't cave in to the brownies and cookies and other crap that people bring in.
6. Mio drink mix...my new obsession! I love this stuff. I like my water with just a hint of flavor so the Crystal Light packets don't work as well for me unless I'm using a liter bottle. This stuff, you just add a little squirt to a glass of water and you have a delicious drink. I have the berry pomegranate and fruit punch flavors...so good!
7. Just the Cheese - crunchy cheese snacks. Maria gave me a box of these and they're just meh, but they'll get me past a crunchy/salty craving in a pinch.
8. Tylenol
9. Vitamins
10. Fiber Gummies - I snack on these. I love them. I'll have 3 or 4 of them when I want something sweet.
11. Iced Tea Powder - great for the same reason as the Mio - I can use just a little bit in a big glass of water.
So...that's what I always have on hand when I'm at work.
Clockwise from left:
1. Dessert Delights gum (mint chocolate chip flavor) - this is some seriously tasty gum.
2. Condiments - packets of tabasco sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, Crystal Light packets
3. Chai Teabags
4. No Sugar Added Fruit Cups
5. Atkins Endulge Bars - for when I am craving a treat so I don't cave in to the brownies and cookies and other crap that people bring in.
6. Mio drink mix...my new obsession! I love this stuff. I like my water with just a hint of flavor so the Crystal Light packets don't work as well for me unless I'm using a liter bottle. This stuff, you just add a little squirt to a glass of water and you have a delicious drink. I have the berry pomegranate and fruit punch flavors...so good!
7. Just the Cheese - crunchy cheese snacks. Maria gave me a box of these and they're just meh, but they'll get me past a crunchy/salty craving in a pinch.
8. Tylenol
9. Vitamins
10. Fiber Gummies - I snack on these. I love them. I'll have 3 or 4 of them when I want something sweet.
11. Iced Tea Powder - great for the same reason as the Mio - I can use just a little bit in a big glass of water.
So...that's what I always have on hand when I'm at work.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
New Food Finds
Has anyone tried this stuff?
It's called Arctic Zero and it is, essentially, a frozen protein shake. 150 calories for the whole pint, a bunch of protein, low in carbs.
And it tastes like it.
I think this was the first time I have ever dished out a small serving of frozen non-dairy dessert type product (I will not call it ice cream...it's nowhere near ice cream) and not finished it. I have had a pint of the strawberry flavor in my freezer for over a month and I finally tried it tonight. Yuck. It had a vaguely soapy/salty/whey flavor. Very disappointing after all the good things I heard. Maybe the chocolate based flavors are better - I have heard that the chocolate peanut butter flavor is pretty good - but strawberry was gross. Similar to the barium-like strawberry Atkins shake. Blaaaargh.
On the other hand...these...
are amazing. I'm not even kidding when I say that they are better than any candy bar I remember having in years. Yes, they're small, but truly satisfying. 130 calories, 8g fat, 6g fiber, 5g protein. Are they health food? Absolutely not. They're full of chemicals and sugar alcohols, but damn do they taste good and satisfy a chocolate craving without a ton of sugar.
The Atkins nutty fudge brownie and Atkins chocolate coconut bars are quite good too. The cranberry almond Atkins breakfast bar isn't bad, but a bit too sweet to call it breakfast.
I don't need to be eating these bars every day, but they fill the craving for sweets, and they're something I can throw a box in my desk drawer, and I can grab one for the movies so I am not tempted by popcorn and candy. They have their place in my world.
Just wanted to share my new food finds.
It's called Arctic Zero and it is, essentially, a frozen protein shake. 150 calories for the whole pint, a bunch of protein, low in carbs.And it tastes like it.
I think this was the first time I have ever dished out a small serving of frozen non-dairy dessert type product (I will not call it ice cream...it's nowhere near ice cream) and not finished it. I have had a pint of the strawberry flavor in my freezer for over a month and I finally tried it tonight. Yuck. It had a vaguely soapy/salty/whey flavor. Very disappointing after all the good things I heard. Maybe the chocolate based flavors are better - I have heard that the chocolate peanut butter flavor is pretty good - but strawberry was gross. Similar to the barium-like strawberry Atkins shake. Blaaaargh.
On the other hand...these...
are amazing. I'm not even kidding when I say that they are better than any candy bar I remember having in years. Yes, they're small, but truly satisfying. 130 calories, 8g fat, 6g fiber, 5g protein. Are they health food? Absolutely not. They're full of chemicals and sugar alcohols, but damn do they taste good and satisfy a chocolate craving without a ton of sugar.
The Atkins nutty fudge brownie and Atkins chocolate coconut bars are quite good too. The cranberry almond Atkins breakfast bar isn't bad, but a bit too sweet to call it breakfast.
I don't need to be eating these bars every day, but they fill the craving for sweets, and they're something I can throw a box in my desk drawer, and I can grab one for the movies so I am not tempted by popcorn and candy. They have their place in my world.
Just wanted to share my new food finds.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Just Call Me Alice...
...because I'm in ONEDERLAND!!!
I was in my surgeon's building (my primary care doc is in the same office building) so I stopped for a weigh-in. 199 baby!!! My weight hasn't started with a "1" in a very, very long time. I'm so happy that Dr. Wizman was in the office today for that wonderful moment and he told me how proud he is of me.
I'm thrilled!!!
I was in my surgeon's building (my primary care doc is in the same office building) so I stopped for a weigh-in. 199 baby!!! My weight hasn't started with a "1" in a very, very long time. I'm so happy that Dr. Wizman was in the office today for that wonderful moment and he told me how proud he is of me.
I'm thrilled!!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
What's Wrong?
Do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Yeah. I don't think my wedding rings are supposed to fit on my middle finger. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to get them resized. I'd call that an NSV!
Yeah. I don't think my wedding rings are supposed to fit on my middle finger. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to get them resized. I'd call that an NSV!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Flight Booked
I just booked my flight for BOOBS 2.0 - yay! I saw a great deal (89 bucks each way, nonstop) so I had to go for it. I am so excited!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I Have Turned in to One of "Them"
My lunch order today:
"Please tell me if this is too much of a pain, but what I'd really like are the steak fajitas, no peppers, no tortillas, no chips, no rice or beans. I'd like the sides of sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. Also, if possible, a bowl of lettuce."
"No problem! You're on a low carb thing, huh? I'll also get you a side of sauteed veggies - broccoli, squash, and cauliflower - since you're not getting all the other stuff. Ok? By the way, you're looking great so whatever you've been doing in the last few months, keep it up!"
Now THAT'S service with a smile. I'll eat at Baja Cafe anytime!
"Please tell me if this is too much of a pain, but what I'd really like are the steak fajitas, no peppers, no tortillas, no chips, no rice or beans. I'd like the sides of sour cream, guacamole, and cheese. Also, if possible, a bowl of lettuce."
"No problem! You're on a low carb thing, huh? I'll also get you a side of sauteed veggies - broccoli, squash, and cauliflower - since you're not getting all the other stuff. Ok? By the way, you're looking great so whatever you've been doing in the last few months, keep it up!"
Now THAT'S service with a smile. I'll eat at Baja Cafe anytime!
Monday, April 18, 2011
My Assbone
I just read the following on The World According to Eggface:
A is for Assbone - So I've lost 138 pounds so far and I discovered something. I have bones and they aren't big like I once claimed. I used to say, "I'm big boned" but you know what I'm not they are actually kind of small and jut out. It's been nice getting to know these new protrusions... collarbones, ribs, hips. Well all except one... my assbone. I know the proper term is coccyx but I prefer assbone and it begins with an "A". Well my assbone hurts like hell. I can't find a chair I feel comfortable in. I am constantly shifting from side to side. Fuhgetabout sitting on park benches. How do the skinny bitches do this??
I asked my Dr. about my assbone pain and he said, "Well Michelle you've got a lot less padding there." Well shit 10 years of med school for that answer. He also told me I needed to exercise more and develop my glute muscles and then talked about buying a pillow that looked like a flippin donut. Like being fat I didn't have enough embarrassing moments to last a lifetime now you want me to carry around a donut-shaped ass cushion. Yeah no thanks.
Aha! So it's lack of padding causing my assbone pain. Who knew that was ever anything I had to worry about? Me! Not enough padding!
Guess I'm starting a routine of squats and lunges to build up the assmuscle.
A is for Assbone - So I've lost 138 pounds so far and I discovered something. I have bones and they aren't big like I once claimed. I used to say, "I'm big boned" but you know what I'm not they are actually kind of small and jut out. It's been nice getting to know these new protrusions... collarbones, ribs, hips. Well all except one... my assbone. I know the proper term is coccyx but I prefer assbone and it begins with an "A". Well my assbone hurts like hell. I can't find a chair I feel comfortable in. I am constantly shifting from side to side. Fuhgetabout sitting on park benches. How do the skinny bitches do this??
I asked my Dr. about my assbone pain and he said, "Well Michelle you've got a lot less padding there." Well shit 10 years of med school for that answer. He also told me I needed to exercise more and develop my glute muscles and then talked about buying a pillow that looked like a flippin donut. Like being fat I didn't have enough embarrassing moments to last a lifetime now you want me to carry around a donut-shaped ass cushion. Yeah no thanks.
Aha! So it's lack of padding causing my assbone pain. Who knew that was ever anything I had to worry about? Me! Not enough padding!
Guess I'm starting a routine of squats and lunges to build up the assmuscle.
Crossing Off the List - Major NSV
Reason #2 on my Reasons to Lose 100 Pounds list:
2. To not have to use CPAP anymore for sleep apnea.
Well, I had my sleep study last night and five years after being diagnosed with sleep apnea...
NO signs of apnea. ZERO. My last sleep study, 80 pounds ago, I had SEVERE sleep apnea with 50+ events per hour.
Buh-bye CPAP. I'm breaking up with you. No more sleeping together. You're just not good for me anymore.
2. To not have to use CPAP anymore for sleep apnea.
Well, I had my sleep study last night and five years after being diagnosed with sleep apnea...
NO signs of apnea. ZERO. My last sleep study, 80 pounds ago, I had SEVERE sleep apnea with 50+ events per hour.
Buh-bye CPAP. I'm breaking up with you. No more sleeping together. You're just not good for me anymore.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Karin's Visit & Tailbone Pain
Spending the evening with Karin was awesome. She was one of the people I feel I strongly bonded with in Chicago last year. When she was going to be in town for one evening, we decided to make a night out of it, have a fancy dinner, and have a slumber party.
Dinner was wonderful - the restaurant focuses on fresh, organic, farm-to-table ingredients...and the best part - they offer 2 sizes of entree - full size or petite. Built in bandster portions! When we ordered, the server thought we weren't ordering enough, but turned out to be plenty. I decided to order two appetizers as my meal - one was a market salad with beets, greens, different lettuces, radishes...it was very fresh and delicious. I also had grilled wild shrimp with goat cheese polenta and local veggies. Delicious.
We did go for dessert. Karin had a gorgeous little key lime tart with pistachio and berries:
I had the mini chocolate cake with bitter chocolate mousse and dark chocolate shell. It was delectable and perfect.
We went for a drive after dinner and then settled back in our hotel room to relax:
The next morning we played around at Marshalls for awhile and tried on silly hats:
Our visit was way too short, but it was just a preview for the excellent time we'll have in Chicago. It was wonderful to see this amazing lady and I miss her already!
In other news, I don't think I mentioned it here, but I've been having a lot of tailbone pain. It hurts so freaking much when I am sitting for a long time (I work sitting in front of a computer all day) or when going from sitting to standing. I didn't think it was related to weight/band at all so I didn't really think to bring it up here, but Karin and I were at dinner last night and she obviously noticed I was hurting. She said she also had tailbone pain after she'd lost a bunch of weight. It went away eventually for her and I hope it will for me too. She thinks it's related to losing ass fat and not having as much cushion. The doc called in some painkillers, but those things make me loopy so I really can't take them during the day. Tylenol doesn't touch it and I'm not allowed to take Advil. Has this happened to anyone else? Anything help?
Dinner was wonderful - the restaurant focuses on fresh, organic, farm-to-table ingredients...and the best part - they offer 2 sizes of entree - full size or petite. Built in bandster portions! When we ordered, the server thought we weren't ordering enough, but turned out to be plenty. I decided to order two appetizers as my meal - one was a market salad with beets, greens, different lettuces, radishes...it was very fresh and delicious. I also had grilled wild shrimp with goat cheese polenta and local veggies. Delicious.
We did go for dessert. Karin had a gorgeous little key lime tart with pistachio and berries:
I had the mini chocolate cake with bitter chocolate mousse and dark chocolate shell. It was delectable and perfect.
We went for a drive after dinner and then settled back in our hotel room to relax:
The next morning we played around at Marshalls for awhile and tried on silly hats:
Our visit was way too short, but it was just a preview for the excellent time we'll have in Chicago. It was wonderful to see this amazing lady and I miss her already!
In other news, I don't think I mentioned it here, but I've been having a lot of tailbone pain. It hurts so freaking much when I am sitting for a long time (I work sitting in front of a computer all day) or when going from sitting to standing. I didn't think it was related to weight/band at all so I didn't really think to bring it up here, but Karin and I were at dinner last night and she obviously noticed I was hurting. She said she also had tailbone pain after she'd lost a bunch of weight. It went away eventually for her and I hope it will for me too. She thinks it's related to losing ass fat and not having as much cushion. The doc called in some painkillers, but those things make me loopy so I really can't take them during the day. Tylenol doesn't touch it and I'm not allowed to take Advil. Has this happened to anyone else? Anything help?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tomorrow
Guess what I get to do tomorrow. No really...guess.
Give up?
I get to have dinner and a slumber party with none other than Lap Band Gal!
To say I am excited would be an incredible understatement.
Give up?
I get to have dinner and a slumber party with none other than Lap Band Gal!
To say I am excited would be an incredible understatement.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Why is the Number Important?
My husband asked me an interesting question last night. Why is the number on the scale, and specifically getting under 200 pounds, so important to me?
I think we human beings like nice, round numbers. I happen to have been born in a country where we use pounds to measure the weight of things. If I was in Australia, it might have been very exciting to me when I got under 100 kilos. If I was in England, I might have been thrilled to get under 15 stone. But I don't, and here in America, I have always been told that "normal sized women" have weights that start with a "1".
I haven't seen a weight that started with a "1" in about 17 years.
Arbitrary? Probably. But I still think I'll be excited when I get down to 175, and 150 too.
My first major goal was to hit 232 pounds because that's what I weighed when I met my husband. I was on Jenny Craig at the time. My next goal after I reach "one hundred something" is to be 181 pounds, because that will put me at 100 pounds down...another nice, round number.
Of course, I have goals that don't involve the scale at all. I had a goal to be able to shop at regular stores instead of the "fat lady stores" and I accomplished that. I had a goal to be able to ride roller coasters. Done. I had a goal to be able to comfortably run around a city with my sister. Not a problem now. In fact, I wrote a whole list of reasons why I wanted to lose weight, and I have accomplished so many of them.
But I still want to see that "1" on the scale.
I weighed 201.4 this morning. Maybe I'll see that "1" tomorrow or the next day or the day after that. I want it sooner than later. It may be arbitrary but it sure will look pretty.
I think we human beings like nice, round numbers. I happen to have been born in a country where we use pounds to measure the weight of things. If I was in Australia, it might have been very exciting to me when I got under 100 kilos. If I was in England, I might have been thrilled to get under 15 stone. But I don't, and here in America, I have always been told that "normal sized women" have weights that start with a "1".
I haven't seen a weight that started with a "1" in about 17 years.
Arbitrary? Probably. But I still think I'll be excited when I get down to 175, and 150 too.
My first major goal was to hit 232 pounds because that's what I weighed when I met my husband. I was on Jenny Craig at the time. My next goal after I reach "one hundred something" is to be 181 pounds, because that will put me at 100 pounds down...another nice, round number.
Of course, I have goals that don't involve the scale at all. I had a goal to be able to shop at regular stores instead of the "fat lady stores" and I accomplished that. I had a goal to be able to ride roller coasters. Done. I had a goal to be able to comfortably run around a city with my sister. Not a problem now. In fact, I wrote a whole list of reasons why I wanted to lose weight, and I have accomplished so many of them.
But I still want to see that "1" on the scale.
I weighed 201.4 this morning. Maybe I'll see that "1" tomorrow or the next day or the day after that. I want it sooner than later. It may be arbitrary but it sure will look pretty.
Friday, April 8, 2011
It's Missing!
My appetite, that is. The carb monster is sleeping. Maybe there's something to the whole "carbs make you hungrier" thing.
After the first 2 days of hell (Wednesday and Thursday pretty much sucked), today my mood improved, my energy level improved, and I've lost...drumroll please...about 4 pounds since Tuesday. If that's not incentive to keep going, I don't know what is. I'm only about 3 pounds from Onederland.
Today's food was:
10:00 AM - Breakfast -
Coffee w/ Splenda, a tablespoon of heavy cream, and a splash of Almond Breeze
2 deviled egg halves
4 slices of bacon
2:00 PM - Snack -
1/2 of a small cucumber, peeled and seeded, with bleu cheese dressing
4:00 PM - Lunch -
Turkey sausage, shrimp, and shredded cabbage, steamed with Old Bay and topped with a tablespoon of butter (oh my goodness, this was so good!)
Few bites of leftover jerk chicken
9:30 PM - Dinner -
Small taco salad: romaine lettuce, turkey taco meat, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce
My bedtime "snack" will be 1/2 cup of Almond Breeze with a dash of sugar free strawberry syrup.
Not bad at all.
After the first 2 days of hell (Wednesday and Thursday pretty much sucked), today my mood improved, my energy level improved, and I've lost...drumroll please...about 4 pounds since Tuesday. If that's not incentive to keep going, I don't know what is. I'm only about 3 pounds from Onederland.
Today's food was:
10:00 AM - Breakfast -
Coffee w/ Splenda, a tablespoon of heavy cream, and a splash of Almond Breeze
2 deviled egg halves
4 slices of bacon
2:00 PM - Snack -
1/2 of a small cucumber, peeled and seeded, with bleu cheese dressing
4:00 PM - Lunch -
Turkey sausage, shrimp, and shredded cabbage, steamed with Old Bay and topped with a tablespoon of butter (oh my goodness, this was so good!)
Few bites of leftover jerk chicken
9:30 PM - Dinner -
Small taco salad: romaine lettuce, turkey taco meat, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce
My bedtime "snack" will be 1/2 cup of Almond Breeze with a dash of sugar free strawberry syrup.
Not bad at all.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
A Day in my Life
Amy wrote (in response to the banded woman on Dr. Oz who professed to eat nothing but 6 spoonfuls of yogurt and some broth each day):
In the meantime, it did make me realize that for those just starting to research WLS, I should (and perhaps YOU as well) should write up a little post about what OUR lives look like now that we are banded.
Ok, here you go. This is a bit different this week since I'm doing Atkins, but generally my typical day looks something like this...
8:00 AM - Wake up. Drink coffee with 1% milk and Splenda. Walk 2 miles.
9:00: Get ready for work. Put on my size 16 pants. Notice that they're getting a little loose. Feed parrots.
9:45 - Eat breakfast - usually leftovers (a bunless hamburger, leftover turkey taco meat, etc.), Eggbeaters on a toasted deli flat roll with a slice of cheese, or Lean Cuisine spring rolls (I especially like the garlic chicken ones). My band is usually tighter in the morning but as long as I
eat slow, I'm fine. I've never been a protein shake drinker as a meal...I have a long day and I need a solid breakfast.
11:00 - Arrive at work. Drink coffee.
1:00 - Have a small snack - a fiber bar, piece of fruit, tablespoon of chicken salad, or a string cheese.
4:00 - Lunchtime. A taco, bowl of soup, salad, cup of chili, 6" Subway turkey sub with the bread scooped out, or leftovers. Also, sometimes a small frozen yogurt or Tasti-D-Lite. If the weather is nice, go for a half mile or so walk.
6:30 - Cup of chai tea with 1% milk and Splenda.
9:30 - Dinner - almost always a piece of fish or meat and a vegetable. Sometimes we'll have brown rice too. Turkey tacos (in a bowl, I don't eat the shells), burgers, or a Lean Cuisine are frequent visitors to my dinner table.
Later - Watch some TV, read, mess around on the internet, read blogs.
This can vary a bit...I have school once a week and on those days I have to be at work at 9:00 AM (with an hour commute) and don't get home until after 9:00 PM. Thursday nights are my knitting night and my friend Erin and I knit and have dinner at this amazing Jamaican restaurant where I will have either a jerk chicken salad or a piece of jerk fish. Weekends are TOTALLY different. They include a trip to the gym, cleaning the house, seeing friends and family, or just chilling out with my husband
I will tell you this...I do not live on 6 spoonfuls of yogurt and a cup of broth per day. And life is good.
In the meantime, it did make me realize that for those just starting to research WLS, I should (and perhaps YOU as well) should write up a little post about what OUR lives look like now that we are banded.
Ok, here you go. This is a bit different this week since I'm doing Atkins, but generally my typical day looks something like this...
8:00 AM - Wake up. Drink coffee with 1% milk and Splenda. Walk 2 miles.
9:00: Get ready for work. Put on my size 16 pants. Notice that they're getting a little loose. Feed parrots.
9:45 - Eat breakfast - usually leftovers (a bunless hamburger, leftover turkey taco meat, etc.), Eggbeaters on a toasted deli flat roll with a slice of cheese, or Lean Cuisine spring rolls (I especially like the garlic chicken ones). My band is usually tighter in the morning but as long as I
eat slow, I'm fine. I've never been a protein shake drinker as a meal...I have a long day and I need a solid breakfast.
11:00 - Arrive at work. Drink coffee.
1:00 - Have a small snack - a fiber bar, piece of fruit, tablespoon of chicken salad, or a string cheese.
4:00 - Lunchtime. A taco, bowl of soup, salad, cup of chili, 6" Subway turkey sub with the bread scooped out, or leftovers. Also, sometimes a small frozen yogurt or Tasti-D-Lite. If the weather is nice, go for a half mile or so walk.
6:30 - Cup of chai tea with 1% milk and Splenda.
9:30 - Dinner - almost always a piece of fish or meat and a vegetable. Sometimes we'll have brown rice too. Turkey tacos (in a bowl, I don't eat the shells), burgers, or a Lean Cuisine are frequent visitors to my dinner table.
Later - Watch some TV, read, mess around on the internet, read blogs.
This can vary a bit...I have school once a week and on those days I have to be at work at 9:00 AM (with an hour commute) and don't get home until after 9:00 PM. Thursday nights are my knitting night and my friend Erin and I knit and have dinner at this amazing Jamaican restaurant where I will have either a jerk chicken salad or a piece of jerk fish. Weekends are TOTALLY different. They include a trip to the gym, cleaning the house, seeing friends and family, or just chilling out with my husband
I will tell you this...I do not live on 6 spoonfuls of yogurt and a cup of broth per day. And life is good.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Atkins Day One
Today, my first day on Atkins, went fine.
The food is good, but I'm definitely going through some carb withdrawals. I'm grumpy. I've had a low grade headache since the afternoon and I'm freakin' tired. I just fed the parrots and after I put them to bed, I'm going to sleep too. I saw that Amy posted that she's had a lack of energy on Atkins. I will definitely say that is the case here too. Maybe I'll feel more energetic in a few days after withdrawing from carbs...who knows?
I did discover that unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze is pretty good. I had a cup of coffee and a cup of tea with a splash of that stuff and I enjoyed both. One gram of carb per cup, and only 40 calories.
The food is good, but I'm definitely going through some carb withdrawals. I'm grumpy. I've had a low grade headache since the afternoon and I'm freakin' tired. I just fed the parrots and after I put them to bed, I'm going to sleep too. I saw that Amy posted that she's had a lack of energy on Atkins. I will definitely say that is the case here too. Maybe I'll feel more energetic in a few days after withdrawing from carbs...who knows?
I did discover that unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze is pretty good. I had a cup of coffee and a cup of tea with a splash of that stuff and I enjoyed both. One gram of carb per cup, and only 40 calories.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Atkins Begins
Dinner tonight - my first Atkins meal - was a smashing success. Scott grilled some burgers and I had mine with a slice of grilled onion, a pickle, mustard, and some of that low-sugar ketchup that Maria mentioned. Delicious! Of course, the carb withdrawals have not kicked in yet, so I may not be in as good of a mood about the whole thing tomorrow. ;-)
A couple of people asked me about the menu I put together. If you're interested, here it is. This is subject to change IF there is a good low-carb option. I put this together as a guide, so I never can say that I don't know what to eat. But, as an example, Scott and I talked about going out for crabs one night this week. If that happens, I know I'll have an order of steamed dungeoness crabs and a side salad. Yum. Other than that - this is what I'll be eating for the next week.
Tuesday:
Dinner - burgers, grilled onion, pickle
Wednesday:
Breakfast - leftover burger
Lunch - Caesar salad & bacon cheeseburger (no bun)
Dinner - steak, broccoli
Thursday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - steamed cabbage, shrimp, sausage, Old Bay
Dinner - Rocksteady Jamaican jerk chicken salad (lettuce, jerk chicken, avocado, oil, vinegar)
Friday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - cheeseburger and mashed cauliflower
Dinner - taco salad (turkey taco meat, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce)
Saturday:
Breakfast - bacon & cheese omelet
Lunch - turkey, lettuce & avocado wraps
Dinner - steak, turnip "fries"
Sunday:
Breakfast - bacon & cheese omelet
Lunch - chicken salad over lettuce
Dinner - Roasted Brisket with Parsley, Mint and Thyme (an amazing looking recipe that Scott found) with roasted cauliflower
Monday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - Moe's burrito bowl (lettuce, chicken, onions, sour cream, guacamole, tomatillo salsa)
Dinner - Grecian Pork Tenderloin, green beans
Tuesday:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, bacon
Lunch - tuna, cottage cheese, hard boiled egg, lettuce, vinegar, oil
Dinner - burgers
Wednesday:
Breakfast - leftover burger
Lunch - steamed fish, green beans & almonds
Dinner - caesar salad and grilled chicken breast
Thursday & Friday to be determined...haven't decided yet. Will complete my menu before I go to the grocery store next weekend.
Snack choices:
deviled eggs
cucumber, broccoli, or cauliflower & dip
bacon
Just The Cheese snacks
celery with bleu cheese & hot sauce
smoked fish dip with celery
chicken salad
tuna salad
salami slices
meat leftovers
pickles
pumpkin cream cheese custard
sugar free whipped cream
A couple of people asked me about the menu I put together. If you're interested, here it is. This is subject to change IF there is a good low-carb option. I put this together as a guide, so I never can say that I don't know what to eat. But, as an example, Scott and I talked about going out for crabs one night this week. If that happens, I know I'll have an order of steamed dungeoness crabs and a side salad. Yum. Other than that - this is what I'll be eating for the next week.
Tuesday:
Dinner - burgers, grilled onion, pickle
Wednesday:
Breakfast - leftover burger
Lunch - Caesar salad & bacon cheeseburger (no bun)
Dinner - steak, broccoli
Thursday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - steamed cabbage, shrimp, sausage, Old Bay
Dinner - Rocksteady Jamaican jerk chicken salad (lettuce, jerk chicken, avocado, oil, vinegar)
Friday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - cheeseburger and mashed cauliflower
Dinner - taco salad (turkey taco meat, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce)
Saturday:
Breakfast - bacon & cheese omelet
Lunch - turkey, lettuce & avocado wraps
Dinner - steak, turnip "fries"
Sunday:
Breakfast - bacon & cheese omelet
Lunch - chicken salad over lettuce
Dinner - Roasted Brisket with Parsley, Mint and Thyme (an amazing looking recipe that Scott found) with roasted cauliflower
Monday:
Breakfast - spinach/feta crustless quiche bites
Lunch - Moe's burrito bowl (lettuce, chicken, onions, sour cream, guacamole, tomatillo salsa)
Dinner - Grecian Pork Tenderloin, green beans
Tuesday:
Breakfast - scrambled eggs, bacon
Lunch - tuna, cottage cheese, hard boiled egg, lettuce, vinegar, oil
Dinner - burgers
Wednesday:
Breakfast - leftover burger
Lunch - steamed fish, green beans & almonds
Dinner - caesar salad and grilled chicken breast
Thursday & Friday to be determined...haven't decided yet. Will complete my menu before I go to the grocery store next weekend.
Snack choices:
deviled eggs
cucumber, broccoli, or cauliflower & dip
bacon
Just The Cheese snacks
celery with bleu cheese & hot sauce
smoked fish dip with celery
chicken salad
tuna salad
salami slices
meat leftovers
pickles
pumpkin cream cheese custard
sugar free whipped cream
Friday, April 1, 2011
Low Carbing It
I've decided. I'm going to do 10 days of low carb for a kick in the scale's ass. I weighed 207 today. I weighed 207 about a month ago. I don't think I need a fill, so I'm cutting the junk for 10 days starting on Tuesday at dinner (with option to renew if I'm feeling good and losing).
Why 10 days? Because I need the weekend to shop for groceries and prepare. Tuesdays are my hardest day of the week because I leave for work at 7:45 AM and I don't get home from school until nearly 10:00 PM. My wonderful husband almost always cooks burgers for dinner on that night and it is easy for me to eat a burger without the bun for dinner. I'll just skip the ketchup. Wednesday is usually my easiest day of the week. I think making it just a little easier on myself is a good idea.
10 days from dinnertime Tuesday, I will be having dinner with the wonderful Lap Band Gal. We are going to a very fancy restaurant called Market 17. The focus there is on small plates, farm-to-table, organic, and local. It looks fantastic. I don't want to go to a restaurant like that and be all picky about if there is flour in something or if there is fruit in my salad. That meal will be the start of my transition back to normal, healthy, bandster eating.
But again, if low carb is doing good things for me, I may just stick with it. I certainly don't need to be eating ice cream or mashed potatoes.
I'm making a menu to get through the 10 days so there is never a question of what I will be eating. Scott found some awesome looking low carb recipes (crab stuffed deviled eggs, anyone?) that I will be trying.
I want to see 199 soon. I know it's just a number but it has been eluding me for so many years and I am almost thinking that my not being there yet is just a mental block that I need to get past.
Why 10 days? Because I need the weekend to shop for groceries and prepare. Tuesdays are my hardest day of the week because I leave for work at 7:45 AM and I don't get home from school until nearly 10:00 PM. My wonderful husband almost always cooks burgers for dinner on that night and it is easy for me to eat a burger without the bun for dinner. I'll just skip the ketchup. Wednesday is usually my easiest day of the week. I think making it just a little easier on myself is a good idea.
10 days from dinnertime Tuesday, I will be having dinner with the wonderful Lap Band Gal. We are going to a very fancy restaurant called Market 17. The focus there is on small plates, farm-to-table, organic, and local. It looks fantastic. I don't want to go to a restaurant like that and be all picky about if there is flour in something or if there is fruit in my salad. That meal will be the start of my transition back to normal, healthy, bandster eating.
But again, if low carb is doing good things for me, I may just stick with it. I certainly don't need to be eating ice cream or mashed potatoes.
I'm making a menu to get through the 10 days so there is never a question of what I will be eating. Scott found some awesome looking low carb recipes (crab stuffed deviled eggs, anyone?) that I will be trying.
I want to see 199 soon. I know it's just a number but it has been eluding me for so many years and I am almost thinking that my not being there yet is just a mental block that I need to get past.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)