- got yelled at and threatened with blood pressure meds by my doctor in February
- got an iPod for Mother's Day
- went to Florida in May
- broke my arm in August
- walked five miles in one day in September
- saw Sting perform at the Fox Theater in November
- dealt with car issues, family issues, and personal issues all stinkin' year
- lost 128.3 pounds, which is 36.75% of my original body weight
- lost 11 inches off my hips, 10.5 inches off my waist, and 11.5 inches off my bust
- lost control several times, but wrestled it back into my corner every time
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011
In 2011, I
Friday, December 30, 2011
What Was I Thinking?
For Christmas, I asked for and received Just Dance 3 and Zumba for the Wii. I've heard so much about how fun they are, and I figured it would be better than just stepping on and off the balance board in Free Step.
The girls were really excited for the Just Dance--they've played it at their friend's house, so they know a lot of the moves already. Lauren was demonstrating it for me last night, and I suddenly remembered: I am totally uncoordinated.
I was watching her jump around, thinking, "Crap. I am never going to be able to do that!" But I got up and did the "Crazy Thing Called Love" routine. You know the best part of trying to do one of these routines? You feel like a total idiot.
Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. I never like aerobics in college, either. But I do know that if I suck it up and do them more frequently, it'll get easier and I might even remember what rhythm is. Yeah, probably not.
The girls were really excited for the Just Dance--they've played it at their friend's house, so they know a lot of the moves already. Lauren was demonstrating it for me last night, and I suddenly remembered: I am totally uncoordinated.
I was watching her jump around, thinking, "Crap. I am never going to be able to do that!" But I got up and did the "Crazy Thing Called Love" routine. You know the best part of trying to do one of these routines? You feel like a total idiot.
Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. I never like aerobics in college, either. But I do know that if I suck it up and do them more frequently, it'll get easier and I might even remember what rhythm is. Yeah, probably not.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Stuffed Pepper Soup
One of my favorite recipe sites is Gina's SkinnyTaste. She posts a new recipe pretty much every day, and they usually look delicious. I was browsing there the other day, specifically looking for something new to make. I decided to give Stuffed Pepper Soup a try.
But I didn't want to tell everyone what I was making. Jeff in particular has bad stuffed pepper memories from the 70's--that and goulash are the two foods he & his brother joke about the most. But the recipe has everything we like: peppers, tomatoes, ground beef, rice. In fact, as I was making it, I realized that it looks a lot like chili without the beans. We eat our chili over rice, so the similarity is even greater. I used a more peppers than the original recipe called for, and no green--just red, yellow & orange.
The girls gave it grades of A- and B, and agreed that I could make it again. Jeff liked it, especially after I sprinkled some "Mexican" cheese over the top of his. I loved it and was glad I allotted two bowls for myself. I'm looking forward to leftovers for lunches the rest of the week.
But I didn't want to tell everyone what I was making. Jeff in particular has bad stuffed pepper memories from the 70's--that and goulash are the two foods he & his brother joke about the most. But the recipe has everything we like: peppers, tomatoes, ground beef, rice. In fact, as I was making it, I realized that it looks a lot like chili without the beans. We eat our chili over rice, so the similarity is even greater. I used a more peppers than the original recipe called for, and no green--just red, yellow & orange.
The girls gave it grades of A- and B, and agreed that I could make it again. Jeff liked it, especially after I sprinkled some "Mexican" cheese over the top of his. I loved it and was glad I allotted two bowls for myself. I'm looking forward to leftovers for lunches the rest of the week.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Shopping
I got a few Macy's gift cards for Christmas, woo hoo! I've decided to use them as my motivation. I have plenty of clothes to get me through the winter, but not much for spring or summer. It will take me a while to get my BMI from Obese to Overweight, so the timing should be just right. I will not go shopping until I get to that point.
We also got a big Amazon gift card from my mom. I dithered around for quite a while, trying to decide if I wanted earrings with my share of it, or an earring stand/organizer, or books or music or . . . yeah, you get it.
I've decided that I want to broaden my cooking horizons a bit, so I'm getting a couple cookbooks.
Cook This Not That 350 Calorie Meals
Cook This Not That Kitchen Survival Guide
I've checked both of these out of the library, and really like the way they're set up and lots of the recipes look good. I also saw that there's a 2012 edition out, but I'm not sure that it isn't more of a restaurant guide than a cookbook, so I'll give it a trial run via the library as well before I buy.
Look for more cooking posts in the coming months!
Song I can't get out of my head: Brighter Than the Sun
We also got a big Amazon gift card from my mom. I dithered around for quite a while, trying to decide if I wanted earrings with my share of it, or an earring stand/organizer, or books or music or . . . yeah, you get it.
I've decided that I want to broaden my cooking horizons a bit, so I'm getting a couple cookbooks.
Cook This Not That 350 Calorie Meals
Cook This Not That Kitchen Survival Guide
I've checked both of these out of the library, and really like the way they're set up and lots of the recipes look good. I also saw that there's a 2012 edition out, but I'm not sure that it isn't more of a restaurant guide than a cookbook, so I'll give it a trial run via the library as well before I buy.
Look for more cooking posts in the coming months!
Song I can't get out of my head: Brighter Than the Sun
Monday, December 26, 2011
Aftermath
Once again, all those good plans were for naught. I ate without thought or caring on both Friday and Saturday. Saturday night, I even felt like I might throw up for a brief moment and wondered why I was doing this to myself. Not a pleasant thought or feeling.
But Sunday was better. I had one biscotti with coffee at our church potluck breakfast service (one of the other members said, "We should do this every year, no matter what day Christmas falls on" and I agree) and the rest of the day was pretty good. It was kind of a relief to be eating better again. I certainly felt better.
BUT--have I gotten back on the scale yet? No. And I don't plan to. I plan to keep working my plan to the best of my ability and ignore the scale until January 1st. Then, like so many other people, I get a fresh start. Next Sunday will be Week 1 and I'll start over from there, no matter what that number is. Am I hoping it's a "good" number? Yes, of course. But whether it is or it isn't, it's where I'll be starting.
But Sunday was better. I had one biscotti with coffee at our church potluck breakfast service (one of the other members said, "We should do this every year, no matter what day Christmas falls on" and I agree) and the rest of the day was pretty good. It was kind of a relief to be eating better again. I certainly felt better.
BUT--have I gotten back on the scale yet? No. And I don't plan to. I plan to keep working my plan to the best of my ability and ignore the scale until January 1st. Then, like so many other people, I get a fresh start. Next Sunday will be Week 1 and I'll start over from there, no matter what that number is. Am I hoping it's a "good" number? Yes, of course. But whether it is or it isn't, it's where I'll be starting.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Week 46
Lost a little over a pound this week; that's more than half of last week's gain gone. It's still about a pound and a half over my lowest.
Yeah, I know it'll come off eventually. In a weird way, it's good for my motivation. It'll hopefully keep me mindful over the weekend.
Honestly though, I don't know if it will or not. When I'm confronted with yummy food, I don't generally do too well.. Appetizers seem to be the worst for me--vast arrays of food tempt me to constantly pick at it until I've had far too much. Sitting at the table, it seems to be easier for me to portion things. At Thanksgiving, it was the cheese ball that was the most irresistible.
The answer would seem to be to find something else to do. Find another place to sit that isn't right in front of the nuts and chips and cheese and crackers and spinach dip. Yeah--at the holidays, it seems like the only place that fits that description is the bathroom.
So we'll see how it goes. Today is a busy day, as is tomorrow, as is the rest of the weekend. I'll check back in with a report on Monday.
Yeah, I know it'll come off eventually. In a weird way, it's good for my motivation. It'll hopefully keep me mindful over the weekend.
Honestly though, I don't know if it will or not. When I'm confronted with yummy food, I don't generally do too well.. Appetizers seem to be the worst for me--vast arrays of food tempt me to constantly pick at it until I've had far too much. Sitting at the table, it seems to be easier for me to portion things. At Thanksgiving, it was the cheese ball that was the most irresistible.
The answer would seem to be to find something else to do. Find another place to sit that isn't right in front of the nuts and chips and cheese and crackers and spinach dip. Yeah--at the holidays, it seems like the only place that fits that description is the bathroom.
So we'll see how it goes. Today is a busy day, as is tomorrow, as is the rest of the weekend. I'll check back in with a report on Monday.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Then and Now
I should print both of these and keep them on my refrigerator.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
That Helped
So it's been a rough week. I'm doing my best with my plans, but I'm not really feeling it. I'm surrounded by cookies, and my mom just sent us a tin of Swiss Colony popcorn. I told Sarah that she could have the White Chocolate bag, I'd take the Butter Toffee bag, Lauren could have the Cheddar bag, and when Dad got home, we'd tell him it came empty.
It's a joke, but also a sincere temptation. I really could eat that whole bag. Of course, it would be over 1000 calories and 72 grams of fat. The Pecan Tassies that are my signature Christmas cookie are 100 calories each. In past years, I would eat three at a shot. Today, I ate one after lunch, very slowly, and I savored every bite.
Part of me hates this. Hates mindfulness, and would much rather just eat without thinking and without consequences. Sadly, the former is possible but the latter is not.
This afternoon, I took a risk. I had planned to try my dress on again tomorrow, but I decided to give it a go today. This had potential to backfire in a big way. My weight is up a little right now, and if I couldn't get it zipped, I knew I would be seriously bummed.
When it did zip, I was happy but also relieved. Don't get me wrong--it was tight, and I had no intention of even trying to sit down in it. But it zipped.
The zipper made it easier to ignore the Fail Voice. That's the voice that gleefully reminds me that I've lost essentially no weight this month, and am nowhere near getting below that magic 225 where I stalled last time. That's the voice that wonders why I don't just eat what I want for this ONE WEEK and get back on board next Monday, I could totally do that, no problem. And if I gained a few pounds or even ten, so what? It'll just come back off again once I'm working it.
Except that I've already lost it once. I don't want to have to lose it again and again. And again. A fluctuation of a couple pounds is reasonable, but that's it. I'm drawing a line in the sand. I'm going to keep working my plan, even if my results aren't optimal yet. Health is the goal here--losing weight is the happy side effect.
It's a joke, but also a sincere temptation. I really could eat that whole bag. Of course, it would be over 1000 calories and 72 grams of fat. The Pecan Tassies that are my signature Christmas cookie are 100 calories each. In past years, I would eat three at a shot. Today, I ate one after lunch, very slowly, and I savored every bite.
Part of me hates this. Hates mindfulness, and would much rather just eat without thinking and without consequences. Sadly, the former is possible but the latter is not.
This afternoon, I took a risk. I had planned to try my dress on again tomorrow, but I decided to give it a go today. This had potential to backfire in a big way. My weight is up a little right now, and if I couldn't get it zipped, I knew I would be seriously bummed.
When it did zip, I was happy but also relieved. Don't get me wrong--it was tight, and I had no intention of even trying to sit down in it. But it zipped.
The zipper made it easier to ignore the Fail Voice. That's the voice that gleefully reminds me that I've lost essentially no weight this month, and am nowhere near getting below that magic 225 where I stalled last time. That's the voice that wonders why I don't just eat what I want for this ONE WEEK and get back on board next Monday, I could totally do that, no problem. And if I gained a few pounds or even ten, so what? It'll just come back off again once I'm working it.
Except that I've already lost it once. I don't want to have to lose it again and again. And again. A fluctuation of a couple pounds is reasonable, but that's it. I'm drawing a line in the sand. I'm going to keep working my plan, even if my results aren't optimal yet. Health is the goal here--losing weight is the happy side effect.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Follow Up
It's not the most I've ever gained. Not quite two pounds, which I know will come back off again in time.
But I have to admit, it's a little disheartening. Not surprising--I knew this would be the result in the middle of the binge. But I still have that tendency to think of this in a linear way, and this feels like a step back. It messes with my "schedule." Really, though, I should not be thinking in those terms at all, so having it messed with is not a totally bad thing. Sometimes, I will overeat. But ONLY sometimes. Most of the time--the vast majority of the time--I will make healthy choices. And that will get me where I need to go, and keep me there.
But I have to admit, it's a little disheartening. Not surprising--I knew this would be the result in the middle of the binge. But I still have that tendency to think of this in a linear way, and this feels like a step back. It messes with my "schedule." Really, though, I should not be thinking in those terms at all, so having it messed with is not a totally bad thing. Sometimes, I will overeat. But ONLY sometimes. Most of the time--the vast majority of the time--I will make healthy choices. And that will get me where I need to go, and keep me there.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Week 45
I did not weigh in this morning. I think this is the first Thursday I've missed. I can blame it on Lauren being on the Wii early this morning (she woke up super early), or on my getting breakfast before I remembered to weigh, but really, I just didn't want to.
I've had a couple binge days this week, and although I followed one with a loss the next day, I know I'm up this morning. I'm trying to decide if I'll just let this whole week go and not weigh in until next Thursday, but I know that isn't a good idea. Eventually, I'll have to start weighing in less frequently, but right now especially, I need the accountability.
Tomorrow morning, before breakfast, I'll weigh in and record the damage, no matter how bad it is.
I've had a couple binge days this week, and although I followed one with a loss the next day, I know I'm up this morning. I'm trying to decide if I'll just let this whole week go and not weigh in until next Thursday, but I know that isn't a good idea. Eventually, I'll have to start weighing in less frequently, but right now especially, I need the accountability.
Tomorrow morning, before breakfast, I'll weigh in and record the damage, no matter how bad it is.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Doubt
I'm essentially back to the weight I was when I got married. It's also the same weight I was when I last got serious about my health last time (about seven years ago). So now I have this vaguely superstitious fear that I won't be able to get past this point. That I'll just up and quit. AGAIN. That I'll stop caring. That I'll go back to those old bad habits.
I've had occasional binge days in the past, and for the most part, I've come to accept them and know that I can move past them. But now I have this horrible dread that I can't or won't get past the point of eatting myself into oblivion.
Oblivion sounds good right now--there's a lot of stress going on, and there's no sign of it letting up. Last week, I was going to write a blog post called, "It Never Gets Better," but I decided that sounded too depressing and that I should have more of a zen-like "It's Always Something" attitude instead.
So what am I doing about it? Right now, I feel like all I can do is keep a really tight rein on my eating. I don't think that's a really healthy attitude either, but at least it isn't unremitting binging.
I've had occasional binge days in the past, and for the most part, I've come to accept them and know that I can move past them. But now I have this horrible dread that I can't or won't get past the point of eatting myself into oblivion.
Oblivion sounds good right now--there's a lot of stress going on, and there's no sign of it letting up. Last week, I was going to write a blog post called, "It Never Gets Better," but I decided that sounded too depressing and that I should have more of a zen-like "It's Always Something" attitude instead.
So what am I doing about it? Right now, I feel like all I can do is keep a really tight rein on my eating. I don't think that's a really healthy attitude either, but at least it isn't unremitting binging.
Friday, December 09, 2011
My Ring
Last year, I didn't wear my wedding ring, because it was too small. I can't even remember how long it had been since I'd worn it regularly. One of my big goals was to be able to wear it again. I finally could, but it took until summer for it to be comfortable, which was longer than I expected.
I frequently took it off when I went for walks, which was a good thing in August. If I'd been wearing it when I fell, I would have had to have it cut off. It did take a few weeks for the swelling to go down enough to get it back on.
Yesterday, I took it off again. It's gotten so loose that I'm starting to worry about it falling off. It's not quite to that point yet, but it's definitely sliding around on my finger. I'm going to find out about a ring sizer, but until then, it stays in my jewelry box. I'm happy to have lost the weight, but my hand feels weird without it.
I frequently took it off when I went for walks, which was a good thing in August. If I'd been wearing it when I fell, I would have had to have it cut off. It did take a few weeks for the swelling to go down enough to get it back on.
Yesterday, I took it off again. It's gotten so loose that I'm starting to worry about it falling off. It's not quite to that point yet, but it's definitely sliding around on my finger. I'm going to find out about a ring sizer, but until then, it stays in my jewelry box. I'm happy to have lost the weight, but my hand feels weird without it.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Week 44
Well, this is it--the deadline I set to get back to the weight I think I was at when I got married. So did I make it?
I'm half a pound over. That is success, as far as I'm concerned. I haven't tried my dress on recently--I've decided to wait until my actual anniversary for that, but I believe it'll zip easily. Thanks for all the encouragement from everyone--it really does make a big difference!
For this week, I lost 1.18%. Four week floating average is 1.42%.
It's time for a new goal. I go back to see my doc in early February, and I'd really like to be in the "Overweight" BMI category by then. That's 11 pounds and 8 weeks away. Normally, I'd be very confident about that time frame. But Christmas will be here soon. It took a week to rebound from Thanksgiving, and that was just one day. I want to give myself a little wiggle room.
Also, I'm going to start slowly increasing my calories in January. When I eventually get to maintenance, I'll be eating more. I'd like to work to that slowly and kind of coast into it.
I still haven't started the C25K yet. I have a little more time today, so I'm hoping to figure out how to do the first level without the podcast or stopwatch or whatever. I don't want to have to count seconds in my head, but that's all I can think of so far.
I'm half a pound over. That is success, as far as I'm concerned. I haven't tried my dress on recently--I've decided to wait until my actual anniversary for that, but I believe it'll zip easily. Thanks for all the encouragement from everyone--it really does make a big difference!
For this week, I lost 1.18%. Four week floating average is 1.42%.
It's time for a new goal. I go back to see my doc in early February, and I'd really like to be in the "Overweight" BMI category by then. That's 11 pounds and 8 weeks away. Normally, I'd be very confident about that time frame. But Christmas will be here soon. It took a week to rebound from Thanksgiving, and that was just one day. I want to give myself a little wiggle room.
Also, I'm going to start slowly increasing my calories in January. When I eventually get to maintenance, I'll be eating more. I'd like to work to that slowly and kind of coast into it.
I still haven't started the C25K yet. I have a little more time today, so I'm hoping to figure out how to do the first level without the podcast or stopwatch or whatever. I don't want to have to count seconds in my head, but that's all I can think of so far.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Week 43
Down .17% this week. Four week floating average of 1.12% down.
That's a reasonable loss, considering that I came off Thanksgiving week, and two large losses previous weeks. I'm satisfied. I have 3.2 pounds left to get to my original goal by next week. That's not impossible, but it's highly unlikely, and I'm not going to worry about getting there in the next seven days.
I'd like to start the Couch to 5K program soon, but don't want to kick out the $75 for the community center this week (yes, that's what I'm choosing instead of Planet Fitness). I might download the podcast for my iPod and run around the gym for half an hour instead for the first week or two. I won't know exactly how far I've gone, but that's not something to worry about yet. I'm going to work more on getting to the point where I can run for more than 30 seconds at a time first.
After a fairly laid back week, things are ramping up again. I'm working today and tomorrow afternoon & evening, and Sarah has to be at church by 6:30 Saturday morning. That's also the day of the craft show and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. I've done very little prep for Christmas in terms of shopping, baking or sewing, and none of the decorations are up yet.
Happily, I've found asucker friend that is willing to do the C25K program with me, so that will help with motivation. I will start by Monday at the absolute latest.
That's a reasonable loss, considering that I came off Thanksgiving week, and two large losses previous weeks. I'm satisfied. I have 3.2 pounds left to get to my original goal by next week. That's not impossible, but it's highly unlikely, and I'm not going to worry about getting there in the next seven days.
I'd like to start the Couch to 5K program soon, but don't want to kick out the $75 for the community center this week (yes, that's what I'm choosing instead of Planet Fitness). I might download the podcast for my iPod and run around the gym for half an hour instead for the first week or two. I won't know exactly how far I've gone, but that's not something to worry about yet. I'm going to work more on getting to the point where I can run for more than 30 seconds at a time first.
After a fairly laid back week, things are ramping up again. I'm working today and tomorrow afternoon & evening, and Sarah has to be at church by 6:30 Saturday morning. That's also the day of the craft show and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. I've done very little prep for Christmas in terms of shopping, baking or sewing, and none of the decorations are up yet.
Happily, I've found a
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Week 42
Down 2.1% this week. Floating average of 1.77% down over four weeks, 1.09% down over six weeks.
This is surprising, but not shocking, just like two weeks ago but in reverse. Then, I saw my daily weight not budging even though I was on track. This week, I've been eating the same way, but watching the numbers drop almost daily. In fact, today was the first time I haven't lost at all in almost two weeks.
So big losses two weeks in a row. I'm three and a half pounds from the goal I set for Dec 8. I know I can do that, but I'm not sure if the numbers will get there by that time. Maybe, maybe not. It doesn't matter, because I know I will get there and beyond. The "beyond" part is what really matters to me.
The plan for today: moderate breakfast, small lunch, nice dinner. We're going to the in-laws', so I don't know what all they will have, but I know it'll be good, and I plan to enjoy myself. I anticipate that the appetizers will be my biggest challenge.
This is surprising, but not shocking, just like two weeks ago but in reverse. Then, I saw my daily weight not budging even though I was on track. This week, I've been eating the same way, but watching the numbers drop almost daily. In fact, today was the first time I haven't lost at all in almost two weeks.
So big losses two weeks in a row. I'm three and a half pounds from the goal I set for Dec 8. I know I can do that, but I'm not sure if the numbers will get there by that time. Maybe, maybe not. It doesn't matter, because I know I will get there and beyond. The "beyond" part is what really matters to me.
The plan for today: moderate breakfast, small lunch, nice dinner. We're going to the in-laws', so I don't know what all they will have, but I know it'll be good, and I plan to enjoy myself. I anticipate that the appetizers will be my biggest challenge.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Shopping
I went out shopping with a friend last night and had a really good time, got a couple cute things on clearance, found a couple cute things to add to my Christmas list. One of the places we went was Macy's because I had a gift card. Their woman's department is nice but not amazing. You know what is amazing? Their online catalog. There are several dresses I see there that I'd love to try on, because I'm not buying something I can't try on.
For example: this dress looks really cute in the picture. But how do I know that waistband will hit me in the right place? How do I know the neck isn't too low? Same issues with this one. I love the whole wrap concept, but since I've never tried one on, I can't know for sure how it will look.
I'm not about to kick out $$$ for five dresses so I can try them on at home and return four. I guess it's just that much more incentive for me to get out of the plus sizes. Easter shopping is going to be fuuuuuuuuuuuun.
For example: this dress looks really cute in the picture. But how do I know that waistband will hit me in the right place? How do I know the neck isn't too low? Same issues with this one. I love the whole wrap concept, but since I've never tried one on, I can't know for sure how it will look.
I'm not about to kick out $$$ for five dresses so I can try them on at home and return four. I guess it's just that much more incentive for me to get out of the plus sizes. Easter shopping is going to be fuuuuuuuuuuuun.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Reconsidering
As I was walking out to my car at the end of the parking lot the other night (the other cold and windy night), I remembered something: I really dislike being cold. When I mentioned this to Jeff, he said, "You live in Michigan. You're just now realizing this?" No, I've known this for a long time. But when planning to join a gym, leaving the house when it's below freezing and getting into a cold car is one of the things I didn't take into account. It's also one of the things I do my best to avoid. Once there's snow on the ground, I'll like it even less.
So, I'm going to give workout DVDs another look. When I got them last time (and never used them), I still had nice weather to tempt me outside. I'm hoping that the cold will encourage me to use them more. I've put holds on three different ones and can hopefully pick them up soon. Hopefully I can find something I really like.
So, I'm going to give workout DVDs another look. When I got them last time (and never used them), I still had nice weather to tempt me outside. I'm hoping that the cold will encourage me to use them more. I've put holds on three different ones and can hopefully pick them up soon. Hopefully I can find something I really like.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Ciabatta Rolls
Holy cow, these things are AMAZING. I made them Sunday night/Monday morning. Yes, they take a little time. Yes, they're a little work. But did I mention the AMAZINGNESS?
When I first took them out of the oven, they had a very crisp crust. Like, break it open hard. But really good.
After they sat for a while, the crust went from hard to fabulously chewy. That's the kind of texture I love, but that I find really hard to get, especially out of my own oven.
The flour is kind of messy when you eat them, which is just another reason to break them into bite-sized pieces with your hands instead of tearing into them with your mouth.
Unfortunately, I ate three that first day. Since then, I've been more restrained, but it's been seriously hard to resist them.
For Thanksgiving, we're bringing rolls and dessert. I'm going to make these and another recipe that has a slightly sweeter, more tender yield. I'll try to post more step-by-step pictures. For dessert, pumpkin pie is a no-brainer. I was going to bring something healthier as well--maybe even the Cook's Illustrated Cheesecake that is supposed to be so fabulous. But then I thought about pecan pie. Then I thought about Dutch Apple Pie. Then I thought about Black Bottom Pie. At this point, I have no idea what we'll end up bringing.
When I first took them out of the oven, they had a very crisp crust. Like, break it open hard. But really good.
After they sat for a while, the crust went from hard to fabulously chewy. That's the kind of texture I love, but that I find really hard to get, especially out of my own oven.
The flour is kind of messy when you eat them, which is just another reason to break them into bite-sized pieces with your hands instead of tearing into them with your mouth.
Unfortunately, I ate three that first day. Since then, I've been more restrained, but it's been seriously hard to resist them.
For Thanksgiving, we're bringing rolls and dessert. I'm going to make these and another recipe that has a slightly sweeter, more tender yield. I'll try to post more step-by-step pictures. For dessert, pumpkin pie is a no-brainer. I was going to bring something healthier as well--maybe even the Cook's Illustrated Cheesecake that is supposed to be so fabulous. But then I thought about pecan pie. Then I thought about Dutch Apple Pie. Then I thought about Black Bottom Pie. At this point, I have no idea what we'll end up bringing.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Week 41
2.22% loss this week. Four week floating average is at 1.34% loss.
Yeah, that's what I thought. A week of nothing in spite of good habits = a huge loss the following week. I don't think I'm destined for nice, even weight loss for a while. Once I get closer to my goal weight and start slowly increasing my calories, I'm hoping for more moderate, consistent losses.
I just finished a big breakfast of fried potatoes with mushrooms, scallions, red peppers, ham & eggs (410 calories for a huge plate of food).
Lunch is going to be kind of a splurge. When I got home from work last night, Jeff was making hamburgers on the George Foreman, and they smelled wonderful, so I'm having a cheeseburger & salad for lunch. Originally I was going to use a ciabatta roll (look for a post about those tomorrow) for the bun, but I'd rather have one with dinner, so I'm just going to slap the patty on top of the salad ( 371 calories).
Dinner will be leftover minestrone soup with a little ham thrown in for protein, a roll, an apple, and a couple rolls of Smarties (368 calories).
I still have about 150 calories left for the day, and I need to get some protein, but I've hit my limit on fat. I don't think I'll be able to get any exercise today unless we stay home instead of going to see my Dad. We'd all rather go see him, but I haven't talked to him yet this morning, so I don't know if he's up for visitors.
Yeah, that's what I thought. A week of nothing in spite of good habits = a huge loss the following week. I don't think I'm destined for nice, even weight loss for a while. Once I get closer to my goal weight and start slowly increasing my calories, I'm hoping for more moderate, consistent losses.
I just finished a big breakfast of fried potatoes with mushrooms, scallions, red peppers, ham & eggs (410 calories for a huge plate of food).
Lunch is going to be kind of a splurge. When I got home from work last night, Jeff was making hamburgers on the George Foreman, and they smelled wonderful, so I'm having a cheeseburger & salad for lunch. Originally I was going to use a ciabatta roll (look for a post about those tomorrow) for the bun, but I'd rather have one with dinner, so I'm just going to slap the patty on top of the salad ( 371 calories).
Dinner will be leftover minestrone soup with a little ham thrown in for protein, a roll, an apple, and a couple rolls of Smarties (368 calories).
I still have about 150 calories left for the day, and I need to get some protein, but I've hit my limit on fat. I don't think I'll be able to get any exercise today unless we stay home instead of going to see my Dad. We'd all rather go see him, but I haven't talked to him yet this morning, so I don't know if he's up for visitors.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Beef Stir Fry
I can't begin to say how often we have stir fry. Beef or pork, it's a great way to make a healthy dinner we'll all eat.
This version used:
10 oz sirloin steak, sliced thinly
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 cup sliced red and yellow bell peppers
2 cups green beans
2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
To make it, I browned the meat over high heat, then took it out of the pan before it was cooked all the way through. Then I added some olive oil, and let it get hot over medium heat before adding the onions. After they got translucent, I added the garlic & ginger. That came out of the pan and got added to the meat. I added the bell peppers and let them get a little color before throwing in the green beans. Then I added a few tablespoons of water and slapped a lid on the pan so the vegetables could steam a little. Then I cleared some space in the middle of the pan for the hoisin sauce. I added the meat & onions back in, and stirred everything thoroughly to coat.
We ate it over brown rice, and there are two servings left. I'll have one for dinner tonight, and Jeff will have the other for lunch tomorrow.
Per serving (1/6th of the meat/veg + 1/2 cup brown rice): 245 calories, 28 carbs, 6 grams fat, 18 g protein, 3 grams fiber. I'll also have an apple in the car.
Just for comparisons sake, tonight's family dinner while I'm at work will be BBQ meatballs. One serving, which is 4 meatballs and a few tablespoons of sauce, is 315 calories, 21 carbs, 17 grams fat, 16 grams protein, and 0 fiber. I love meatballs, but 4 isn't much of a dinner. That doesn't even touch on anything on the side. I'm glad I've got leftovers.
This version used:
10 oz sirloin steak, sliced thinly
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 cup sliced red and yellow bell peppers
2 cups green beans
2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
To make it, I browned the meat over high heat, then took it out of the pan before it was cooked all the way through. Then I added some olive oil, and let it get hot over medium heat before adding the onions. After they got translucent, I added the garlic & ginger. That came out of the pan and got added to the meat. I added the bell peppers and let them get a little color before throwing in the green beans. Then I added a few tablespoons of water and slapped a lid on the pan so the vegetables could steam a little. Then I cleared some space in the middle of the pan for the hoisin sauce. I added the meat & onions back in, and stirred everything thoroughly to coat.
We ate it over brown rice, and there are two servings left. I'll have one for dinner tonight, and Jeff will have the other for lunch tomorrow.
Per serving (1/6th of the meat/veg + 1/2 cup brown rice): 245 calories, 28 carbs, 6 grams fat, 18 g protein, 3 grams fiber. I'll also have an apple in the car.
Just for comparisons sake, tonight's family dinner while I'm at work will be BBQ meatballs. One serving, which is 4 meatballs and a few tablespoons of sauce, is 315 calories, 21 carbs, 17 grams fat, 16 grams protein, and 0 fiber. I love meatballs, but 4 isn't much of a dinner. That doesn't even touch on anything on the side. I'm glad I've got leftovers.
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