I'm dragging a bit today but I'm here. No workout this morning...I'm a little disappointed in myself
I did indeed have steak for dinner last night...but I totally was not hungry when I started making dinner so I cut my already small piece of steak in half. I was joking with my sister that it was the worlds smallest New York Steak dinner...even took a picture of it with my camera phone and sent it to her. She called me a dork...I think she's right.
Today I was lazy packing lunch for work...which will actually be lunch and dinner due to a 6pm appointment that will mess up my usual dinner schedule. So I have my usual egg-muffin-thing breakfast, for the rest of the day my lunch sack has celery and cream cheese, bacon, meatballs, sour cream, pumpkin cheesecake and greenbeans. Hmmm...I THINK my plan is to make a taco salad again out of the meatballs (utilizing the salad bar in the office cafeteria) and probably grab a fast food burger or something before my 6pm appointment. I sooooo was not motivated to pack my lunch today!
That's all I've got...I'm totally fighting the urge to down a diet cola right now just for the caffeine! Not sure why I'm dragging...maybe I just didn't eat enough yesterday. Sometimes it's actually HARD to eat as much as I should (who said that???).
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
LC Day 29
I guess I didn't need to worry about a monday weight gain from all my hard workouts this weekend...cuz I'm down to 277.6...I couldn't believe it for myself! But....I'm not booking it until friday...since I said that is my new weigh in day. What an awesome way to start the week though.
My workouts were fantastic. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical saturday and...gulp...20 MINUTES yesterday! I have no idea if I'll be able to repeat that, but I'm sure gonna try! I did arm weights saturday enough to make me sore even still today...so I'm doing something right! YAY! Today my booty hurts...so I did my "simple" lower body exercises right too...not bad for a girl with a spinal cord injury!
Breakfast was one of my "egg, sausage, cheese and cauliflower muffins" (I gotta find a shorter way of saying that!), looks like lunch will likely be roast beef heated with Swiss cheese, served on a lettuce leaf with maybe a side of green beans. Dinner will be steak and maybe a salad??? I'm also going to have pumpkin cheesecake sometime today, and I have celery and cream cheese packed in case I need a snack.
I didn't have steak last night as planned cuz I made a bizarre dinner that worked out pretty good. Some time ago I bought these turkey and chicken meatballs (brand name Aidells) from a natural food store. These are the chipotle kind. I knew from experience they were super spicy. Anyway, I pulled them out of the freezer trying to think of how to prepare them. Well...I ended up heating them up and them cutting them into 4 pieces and making a taco salad out of it. I wanted the sour cream to cool down the spiciness. It was pretty good...my only issue was that I made too much and had to throw some out. The package I had was zero net carb...but I just looked online and they have changed their nutrition info to show they are now 1 net carb...either way, it was good for something different.
As for rungs...I can't decide if I'm really on Rung 3 now since I didn't truly add anything from rung 2...or if I should hang out in 2 another week and give something new a go. I supposed I could work in some Ricotta somewhere...it just seemed so high in carbs that it wasn't gonna be worth the effort. I couldn't find any low-carb yogurt...and I don't think I'd be too thrilled to have it without fruit anyway.
My workouts were fantastic. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical saturday and...gulp...20 MINUTES yesterday! I have no idea if I'll be able to repeat that, but I'm sure gonna try! I did arm weights saturday enough to make me sore even still today...so I'm doing something right! YAY! Today my booty hurts...so I did my "simple" lower body exercises right too...not bad for a girl with a spinal cord injury!
Breakfast was one of my "egg, sausage, cheese and cauliflower muffins" (I gotta find a shorter way of saying that!), looks like lunch will likely be roast beef heated with Swiss cheese, served on a lettuce leaf with maybe a side of green beans. Dinner will be steak and maybe a salad??? I'm also going to have pumpkin cheesecake sometime today, and I have celery and cream cheese packed in case I need a snack.
I didn't have steak last night as planned cuz I made a bizarre dinner that worked out pretty good. Some time ago I bought these turkey and chicken meatballs (brand name Aidells) from a natural food store. These are the chipotle kind. I knew from experience they were super spicy. Anyway, I pulled them out of the freezer trying to think of how to prepare them. Well...I ended up heating them up and them cutting them into 4 pieces and making a taco salad out of it. I wanted the sour cream to cool down the spiciness. It was pretty good...my only issue was that I made too much and had to throw some out. The package I had was zero net carb...but I just looked online and they have changed their nutrition info to show they are now 1 net carb...either way, it was good for something different.
As for rungs...I can't decide if I'm really on Rung 3 now since I didn't truly add anything from rung 2...or if I should hang out in 2 another week and give something new a go. I supposed I could work in some Ricotta somewhere...it just seemed so high in carbs that it wasn't gonna be worth the effort. I couldn't find any low-carb yogurt...and I don't think I'd be too thrilled to have it without fruit anyway.
About Exercise
I suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury back in 2002. Since then, cardio exercise has been my biggest challenge...but I think I'm finally concurring it!
My injury affects my hamstrings mostly (they pretty much don't work at all)...but also my calves, hip flexors, glutes and adductors (all are extremely weak). I currently walk with a crutch but started off in a wheelchair...it's been a long road to get where I am today. I suffer from some pretty obnoxious hip pain (mostly on the right) because I walk in an unnatural way.
Several years ago I bought an elliptical that has sat in my home collecting modest amounts of dust for quite some time. I started really trying to use it this summer...logging about 4 minutes at a time before my quads (which over-compensate for my lack of hamstrings) would want to totally give out. When I started Atkins on March 2nd, I was still at 4 minutes per session...as of yesterday, I'm at 20! I’m at a level 1 with zero incline....so I have LOTS of room to build on once I master this. I can’t believe I’m at 20 minutes though! Pre injury, I could knock out 60 minutes...not sure if I’ll get there, but might as well try!
Another way I get my heart rate up is through upper body Tae Bo. I sit on my weight bench in front of a tv and do the upper body punches. I'm bored with it though...I don't like this particular video I have. I don't think Billy Blanks does a good job of balancing the workout on both sides of the body...so I get agitated. He'll work the heck out of the right side and totally skips the left for the same combo...annoys me. Sometimes I try just doing my own punch combo's while watching regular television, but I like having guided instruction to follow. I guess I should look for a new video.
I also have a Reebok Step from my pre-injury days. I use it now to try to train myself to climb steps again. That, in itself, is a workout since my legs just don't like doing it. I have it in front of my elliptical and I use the arm frame of the elliptical for my leverage/balance. I'll have to take a picture so you can see what I mean.
I do lots of arm stuff with currently only 3lb weights...but will be moving up to 5lbs soon. I had some serious triceps back in the wheelchair days, but that was a while ago now. I also do simple leg exercises...simple to able bodied people, insanely difficult for me...these get my heart rate up, too. I do knee lifts, I attempt hamstring curls...but really almost nothing happens, abductor sidekicks and squats...all while hanging onto something for dear life...I found a new use for my old walker in this little workout routine. I finish off every workout with 3 sets of 12 crunches and 2 sets of 12 each side oblique crunches. I used to do so many more...so I can’t wait to get my core strong again!
I’ve never in my life been able to do a push up...but I do wall-aways, which feel incredibly effective. I even did them when I was able-bodied. I highly recommend 3 sets of these, daily.
I did two very strenuous workouts over the weekend. I find during the week that if I don’t do them in the AM before work, I won’t do it...but getting up is hard. It’s getting easier...but I still struggle with it. Last week I think I managed to get up at least 2 times...that was awesome. Today...I slept in. But...after the tough workouts this weekend, I can give myself a one day pass. Tomorrow I’m shooting for 21minutes on that elliptical!
My injury affects my hamstrings mostly (they pretty much don't work at all)...but also my calves, hip flexors, glutes and adductors (all are extremely weak). I currently walk with a crutch but started off in a wheelchair...it's been a long road to get where I am today. I suffer from some pretty obnoxious hip pain (mostly on the right) because I walk in an unnatural way.
Several years ago I bought an elliptical that has sat in my home collecting modest amounts of dust for quite some time. I started really trying to use it this summer...logging about 4 minutes at a time before my quads (which over-compensate for my lack of hamstrings) would want to totally give out. When I started Atkins on March 2nd, I was still at 4 minutes per session...as of yesterday, I'm at 20! I’m at a level 1 with zero incline....so I have LOTS of room to build on once I master this. I can’t believe I’m at 20 minutes though! Pre injury, I could knock out 60 minutes...not sure if I’ll get there, but might as well try!
Another way I get my heart rate up is through upper body Tae Bo. I sit on my weight bench in front of a tv and do the upper body punches. I'm bored with it though...I don't like this particular video I have. I don't think Billy Blanks does a good job of balancing the workout on both sides of the body...so I get agitated. He'll work the heck out of the right side and totally skips the left for the same combo...annoys me. Sometimes I try just doing my own punch combo's while watching regular television, but I like having guided instruction to follow. I guess I should look for a new video.
I also have a Reebok Step from my pre-injury days. I use it now to try to train myself to climb steps again. That, in itself, is a workout since my legs just don't like doing it. I have it in front of my elliptical and I use the arm frame of the elliptical for my leverage/balance. I'll have to take a picture so you can see what I mean.
I do lots of arm stuff with currently only 3lb weights...but will be moving up to 5lbs soon. I had some serious triceps back in the wheelchair days, but that was a while ago now. I also do simple leg exercises...simple to able bodied people, insanely difficult for me...these get my heart rate up, too. I do knee lifts, I attempt hamstring curls...but really almost nothing happens, abductor sidekicks and squats...all while hanging onto something for dear life...I found a new use for my old walker in this little workout routine. I finish off every workout with 3 sets of 12 crunches and 2 sets of 12 each side oblique crunches. I used to do so many more...so I can’t wait to get my core strong again!
I’ve never in my life been able to do a push up...but I do wall-aways, which feel incredibly effective. I even did them when I was able-bodied. I highly recommend 3 sets of these, daily.
I did two very strenuous workouts over the weekend. I find during the week that if I don’t do them in the AM before work, I won’t do it...but getting up is hard. It’s getting easier...but I still struggle with it. Last week I think I managed to get up at least 2 times...that was awesome. Today...I slept in. But...after the tough workouts this weekend, I can give myself a one day pass. Tomorrow I’m shooting for 21minutes on that elliptical!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
LC Day 28
I'm here...trying to get the gumption up to get up and do a workout on the eliptical. My arms are sore from the weights yesterday....that good sore though, I'm pretty happy about it. LOL
I spent the morning making breakfast "quiches" in muffin cups to take to work for the next couple weeks. I just finished off the last batch...totally makes grabbing a quick breakfast easy. Last batch wasn't in muffing papers though...I hope that works out ok.
I think I'm having steak for dinner...not entirely sure yet. Right now I just need to get my booty in gear and do that workout...and laundry...and bills...ugh...
I spent the morning making breakfast "quiches" in muffin cups to take to work for the next couple weeks. I just finished off the last batch...totally makes grabbing a quick breakfast easy. Last batch wasn't in muffing papers though...I hope that works out ok.
I think I'm having steak for dinner...not entirely sure yet. Right now I just need to get my booty in gear and do that workout...and laundry...and bills...ugh...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
LC Day 27
I got up today and did a nice long workout. I did 15 minutes on the eliptical, and then I got off and attempted some "simple" (to the average Joe) leg exercises and then I did a bunch of upper body weights and crunches. Excellent Saturday workout! I can't believe I did 15 on the elipical! That Rocks!!!
I plan on paying some bills and maybe cleaning the car and garage today...or tomorrow, whatever. I THINK I'm gonna go out tonight...pretty sure of it. Go show off my 12 pounds lighter self!
I plan on paying some bills and maybe cleaning the car and garage today...or tomorrow, whatever. I THINK I'm gonna go out tonight...pretty sure of it. Go show off my 12 pounds lighter self!
Friday, March 27, 2009
LC Day 26
It's pizza day for me...having cauliflower crust pizza for dinner! I froze two six inch pizza crusts last weekend so it won't even be much work. NICE!
Up .5 today...I worked out yesterday, so maybe it's that? It can't possibly be food, seriously. Yesterday was a weird eating day. I had a small breakfast, lunch was leftovers of chicken and broccoli from Outback from the night before and 1/2 of a piece of cheesecake. Then I didn't have time for dinner so I only ate a couple pieces of salami and the other half piece of a cheesecake. I know I didn't eat enough, but I'll make up for it today. It was just a weird day.
I might take some pictures of my face and show differences so far...that's where I can totally see the loss to date. Not really seeing it anywhere else, but it will come.
I've decided to change my weigh in day to Fridays...my logic behind this is that all day today I've been thinking about how I will have time to do some great workouts this weekend...and then in the back of my mind I think "but it will make me gain for Monday's weigh in if I do too much"...which makes me start thinking maybe I shouldn't do anything. Clearly...not a good thing. So...If I use today as my weigh in day, then I won't have that lame excuse to fall back on going forward for not utilizing my free time over the weekends to exercise harder than I do during the week. I realize that the exercise, if done consistently, shouldn't affect my overall trend...but it's a psychological thing.
So...that said...today's weight was 279.5...I'm claiming it.
I bought a new scale! I just got it though...can't wait to try it out tomorrow. It supposedly tracks % of body fat and hydration...which would be very interesting to see next time I forget a water pill. LOL...it was only $25 at Costco!
Up .5 today...I worked out yesterday, so maybe it's that? It can't possibly be food, seriously. Yesterday was a weird eating day. I had a small breakfast, lunch was leftovers of chicken and broccoli from Outback from the night before and 1/2 of a piece of cheesecake. Then I didn't have time for dinner so I only ate a couple pieces of salami and the other half piece of a cheesecake. I know I didn't eat enough, but I'll make up for it today. It was just a weird day.
I might take some pictures of my face and show differences so far...that's where I can totally see the loss to date. Not really seeing it anywhere else, but it will come.
I've decided to change my weigh in day to Fridays...my logic behind this is that all day today I've been thinking about how I will have time to do some great workouts this weekend...and then in the back of my mind I think "but it will make me gain for Monday's weigh in if I do too much"...which makes me start thinking maybe I shouldn't do anything. Clearly...not a good thing. So...If I use today as my weigh in day, then I won't have that lame excuse to fall back on going forward for not utilizing my free time over the weekends to exercise harder than I do during the week. I realize that the exercise, if done consistently, shouldn't affect my overall trend...but it's a psychological thing.
So...that said...today's weight was 279.5...I'm claiming it.
I bought a new scale! I just got it though...can't wait to try it out tomorrow. It supposedly tracks % of body fat and hydration...which would be very interesting to see next time I forget a water pill. LOL...it was only $25 at Costco!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
LC Day 25
My scale said 279 again today...I hope I can keep it at LEAST that low for my official weigh in on Monday!
I went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner last night. I started with an appetizer of medium hot wings with no breading...omg...I'm in love! I honestly could have made that my whole meal (it was 5 wings) but I had ordered a chicken dish with a side of broccoli...I ate about 1/4 of the chicken and a piece of broccoli and I was done...so guess what I'm having for lunch today! Wohoo!!! LOL
I finished up my spaghetti squash and meat sauce yesterday and am blue that I can't have it again today. It was so dang good! And...I think adding squash to my diet every day has had a very positive impact on my...err...output. Just makes "things" easier...ya know? Maybe it's time to add pumpkin for the same effect.
Oh...and last note. I worked out again today! I punched out 13 minutes on the elliptical! MOST SO FAR! I have to be careful cuz my legs get so weak it becomes dangerous for me to get off the dang machine let alone walk across the room...but man...13 minutes kicks BOOTY for me! Of course that wasn't going very fast and was on the lowest setting...so all I kept thinking was that I had lots of room for improvement once I master 30 minutes at level 1! This is very exciting for me. It's the most consistently I've exercised since I've been injured...and it's the BIGGEST improvement I've had...in SEVEN YEARS of injury!
(Just as a basis of comparison...when I started using the elliptical this summer, I could only do 4 minutes before my leg muscles gave out).
I went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner last night. I started with an appetizer of medium hot wings with no breading...omg...I'm in love! I honestly could have made that my whole meal (it was 5 wings) but I had ordered a chicken dish with a side of broccoli...I ate about 1/4 of the chicken and a piece of broccoli and I was done...so guess what I'm having for lunch today! Wohoo!!! LOL
I finished up my spaghetti squash and meat sauce yesterday and am blue that I can't have it again today. It was so dang good! And...I think adding squash to my diet every day has had a very positive impact on my...err...output. Just makes "things" easier...ya know? Maybe it's time to add pumpkin for the same effect.
Oh...and last note. I worked out again today! I punched out 13 minutes on the elliptical! MOST SO FAR! I have to be careful cuz my legs get so weak it becomes dangerous for me to get off the dang machine let alone walk across the room...but man...13 minutes kicks BOOTY for me! Of course that wasn't going very fast and was on the lowest setting...so all I kept thinking was that I had lots of room for improvement once I master 30 minutes at level 1! This is very exciting for me. It's the most consistently I've exercised since I've been injured...and it's the BIGGEST improvement I've had...in SEVEN YEARS of injury!
(Just as a basis of comparison...when I started using the elliptical this summer, I could only do 4 minutes before my leg muscles gave out).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
LC Day 24
I'm up early today but did not workout. I'm a tiny bit sore from yesterday’s workout and last night’s massage...honestly, I think it was more the massage...she dug in deep!
Food wise I'm doing awesome. Plan for today is the finish off that squash and meat sauce for lunch, probably a small breakfast (bacon or something) and then it's Outback for dinner. Haven't decided exactly what to get yet but have been looking over the menu.
My mood is great...and aside from being sore, feel generally really good. I think I can see a difference...at least in my face. I'm feeling pretty again...can only get better from here, right?
Food wise I'm doing awesome. Plan for today is the finish off that squash and meat sauce for lunch, probably a small breakfast (bacon or something) and then it's Outback for dinner. Haven't decided exactly what to get yet but have been looking over the menu.
My mood is great...and aside from being sore, feel generally really good. I think I can see a difference...at least in my face. I'm feeling pretty again...can only get better from here, right?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
LC Day 23
I woke up at 5:30 am and did a workout! Wohhooo!!! It's not QUITE where I want it to be, but it's a starting point. I'm just so glad I did it!
I THINK I might have kicked myself out of ketosis last night according to the strips. For the very first time...I didn't get a color change today. But I also had almost NOTHING in my bladder when I tested...I had to squeeze hard to get a drop. LOL...I didn't have time to wait for my bladder to fill up so now I can't say for sure If I did kick myself out, I did it by eating the following yesterday:
Breakfast: 2 egg/sausage/cauliflower muffins (basically a quiche in a muffin tin)...approximately 4 tablespoons of cauliflower total...Fitday says 2 carbs per muffin
Snack: Pickle (2 carbs)
Lunch: Spaghetti Squash (4 net carbs) with homemade spagetti sauce (7 net carbs)
forgot to snack in afternoon
Dinner: 2 cups cauliflower (5), 1 hot dog (1 carb) and 2 oz cheese (2 carbs) and 1 serving cheesecake for desert (3 carbs)
So...I get 28 net carbs yesterday. Yes...over my 25 max that I should be at for now, but I didn't think it would kick me out completely. I'll have to test later and see where I'm at. I don't bring the strips to work unfortunately.
Regardless if I'm in or out of ketosis...I woke up energized today and am feeling great...so I'm a happy camper.
I THINK I might have kicked myself out of ketosis last night according to the strips. For the very first time...I didn't get a color change today. But I also had almost NOTHING in my bladder when I tested...I had to squeeze hard to get a drop. LOL...I didn't have time to wait for my bladder to fill up so now I can't say for sure If I did kick myself out, I did it by eating the following yesterday:
Breakfast: 2 egg/sausage/cauliflower muffins (basically a quiche in a muffin tin)...approximately 4 tablespoons of cauliflower total...Fitday says 2 carbs per muffin
Snack: Pickle (2 carbs)
Lunch: Spaghetti Squash (4 net carbs) with homemade spagetti sauce (7 net carbs)
forgot to snack in afternoon
Dinner: 2 cups cauliflower (5), 1 hot dog (1 carb) and 2 oz cheese (2 carbs) and 1 serving cheesecake for desert (3 carbs)
So...I get 28 net carbs yesterday. Yes...over my 25 max that I should be at for now, but I didn't think it would kick me out completely. I'll have to test later and see where I'm at. I don't bring the strips to work unfortunately.
Regardless if I'm in or out of ketosis...I woke up energized today and am feeling great...so I'm a happy camper.
Monday, March 23, 2009
5 years? Really?
How is it that I haven’t had a really good, fulfilling, healthy, honest relationship in 5 years? How does that happen? Seriously?
Clearly my dating life is a catastrophe.
I didn’t even START dating till I was in college...and my first few choices were just such profound losers. One of them is still doing prison time...I hope. I check periodically to see if he is still there out of fear of “bumping into him” on the street somewhere. Another one married one of the many women he cheated on me with...and they are still together today. I used to wonder what it was she did to turn him around...and now that I know, I realize I would have never been the right woman for him as “domineering control freak” is just not in my character. The one I had the longest waste of time...errr...I mean relationship with repeats his unhealthy patterns over and over and over again...I’m now very close friends with his soon to be ex-wife, and our experiences with him are frighteningly similar.
But there was this one guy I dated 5 years ago...he was my “McDreamy”. McDreamy was such a unique and special guy to me. He was compassionate, empathetic, intelligent, romantic as hell...all the while being a responsible, trustworthy, and a real “manly man”. Everything you would ever want...except for his little commitment phobia...but other than that, quite the perfect specimen of “relationship material”. I fell for him hard...and fast. Whenever I think back on our short relationship, it brings a smile and a sigh. I remember the days he made dinner for me, the times he stopped by my office to see if I was available for lunch, the hours we spent talking getting to know each other. I remember the first date that neither of us wanted to end. I remember our first kiss, and our second. I remember how he treated me with respect and graciousness. I adored how he included me in his life...he didn’t hesitate to introduce me to friends and family. He seemed so interested in learning about me and who I am...he was so chivalrous and genuine. We never had an argument...and if we ever disagreed on anything, we just agreed to disagree. He even broke things off in the most gentle way he possibly could. He was my butterflies guy...he set the high bar.
But 5 years later...still single? I’ve had at least three microscopic relationships since then. I wouldn’t say I “compared” these guys to McDreamy...but there are certain standards one has to set for themselves...and I don’t think they were too high. I broke up with one guy partly because several times he “fell asleep” when he was supposed to be coming over to see me...that didn’t make me feel very special. Another guy lived with me for a while...not only did I totally feel taken advantage of, but he constantly had one foot out the door when I came home. We had some good moments...but mostly we tried to move too far forward too fast after having been friends for a couple years. Another guy was hot and heavy...seemed like McDreamy the sequel...and then he just faded away. I thought the first McDreamy’s commitment phobias were bad...he had NOTHING on the sequel! At least I felt the butterflies again...for a minute. I was starting to worry I was incapable of ever feeling that way again!
I get so frustrated because it seems like I have so much to offer and given the chance can make an amazing partner in a relationship...but those chances don’t seem to come my way. I asked a male friend if he thought I was too “picky”...and he said no...that I just know what I want and I’m not willing to settle. Lol...isn’t that the definition of picky?
I do know that I’m ready to have a new McDreamy in my life. I’ve waited...I’ve grown...I’ve learned. It’s time...
Clearly my dating life is a catastrophe.
I didn’t even START dating till I was in college...and my first few choices were just such profound losers. One of them is still doing prison time...I hope. I check periodically to see if he is still there out of fear of “bumping into him” on the street somewhere. Another one married one of the many women he cheated on me with...and they are still together today. I used to wonder what it was she did to turn him around...and now that I know, I realize I would have never been the right woman for him as “domineering control freak” is just not in my character. The one I had the longest waste of time...errr...I mean relationship with repeats his unhealthy patterns over and over and over again...I’m now very close friends with his soon to be ex-wife, and our experiences with him are frighteningly similar.
But there was this one guy I dated 5 years ago...he was my “McDreamy”. McDreamy was such a unique and special guy to me. He was compassionate, empathetic, intelligent, romantic as hell...all the while being a responsible, trustworthy, and a real “manly man”. Everything you would ever want...except for his little commitment phobia...but other than that, quite the perfect specimen of “relationship material”. I fell for him hard...and fast. Whenever I think back on our short relationship, it brings a smile and a sigh. I remember the days he made dinner for me, the times he stopped by my office to see if I was available for lunch, the hours we spent talking getting to know each other. I remember the first date that neither of us wanted to end. I remember our first kiss, and our second. I remember how he treated me with respect and graciousness. I adored how he included me in his life...he didn’t hesitate to introduce me to friends and family. He seemed so interested in learning about me and who I am...he was so chivalrous and genuine. We never had an argument...and if we ever disagreed on anything, we just agreed to disagree. He even broke things off in the most gentle way he possibly could. He was my butterflies guy...he set the high bar.
But 5 years later...still single? I’ve had at least three microscopic relationships since then. I wouldn’t say I “compared” these guys to McDreamy...but there are certain standards one has to set for themselves...and I don’t think they were too high. I broke up with one guy partly because several times he “fell asleep” when he was supposed to be coming over to see me...that didn’t make me feel very special. Another guy lived with me for a while...not only did I totally feel taken advantage of, but he constantly had one foot out the door when I came home. We had some good moments...but mostly we tried to move too far forward too fast after having been friends for a couple years. Another guy was hot and heavy...seemed like McDreamy the sequel...and then he just faded away. I thought the first McDreamy’s commitment phobias were bad...he had NOTHING on the sequel! At least I felt the butterflies again...for a minute. I was starting to worry I was incapable of ever feeling that way again!
I get so frustrated because it seems like I have so much to offer and given the chance can make an amazing partner in a relationship...but those chances don’t seem to come my way. I asked a male friend if he thought I was too “picky”...and he said no...that I just know what I want and I’m not willing to settle. Lol...isn’t that the definition of picky?
I do know that I’m ready to have a new McDreamy in my life. I’ve waited...I’ve grown...I’ve learned. It’s time...
LC Day 22
Well...as I suspected...I'm up .5 pounds. I really can't explain this. I really, REALLY hope my CCL is not 20! All I did this week was up my veggies. That seriously can't be it, right? I was in ketosis every single day....didn't get knocked out even once.
I still have a little chest congestion...lol...feel like blaming my weight gain on that.
I've been contemplating buying a new scale. My current one only does .5 pound increments...I think I want to see something more granular than that.
Such a disappointing way to start the week when you feel like your doing everything right. *sigh*
I still have a little chest congestion...lol...feel like blaming my weight gain on that.
I've been contemplating buying a new scale. My current one only does .5 pound increments...I think I want to see something more granular than that.
Such a disappointing way to start the week when you feel like your doing everything right. *sigh*
Sunday, March 22, 2009
LC Day 21
Tomorrow is my weigh in day...and it's not looking good. I'm not sure what the problem is...I'm definitely in ketosis every day this week. I'm a little dissapointed...but one thing I know is that even if I don't lose more weight (which I doubt will happen), I plan on sticking cuz I just feel better. It's gotta come off eventually, right?
I just ordered a chair aerobics video from Amazon on demand...if it downloads to my tivo right (so far I have my doubts) I'll give it a try tomorrow morning. I've been doing sort of a seated tae bo type thing...but getting bored with it. We'll see how this video works. Wish I could do some of the new dancing ones I've seen infomercials for, but I don't have that kind of use of my legs :( *sigh* I used to love dancing.
Today I made a spaghetti sauce...which was pretty high in carbs with all the tomato sauce....and I made a spaghetti squash...which is higher carb than I anticipated. Loved it though...but the combo pretty much maxed me out. :(
I just ordered a chair aerobics video from Amazon on demand...if it downloads to my tivo right (so far I have my doubts) I'll give it a try tomorrow morning. I've been doing sort of a seated tae bo type thing...but getting bored with it. We'll see how this video works. Wish I could do some of the new dancing ones I've seen infomercials for, but I don't have that kind of use of my legs :( *sigh* I used to love dancing.
Today I made a spaghetti sauce...which was pretty high in carbs with all the tomato sauce....and I made a spaghetti squash...which is higher carb than I anticipated. Loved it though...but the combo pretty much maxed me out. :(
Saturday, March 21, 2009
LC Day 20
Well I'm sick-ish at home today. Taking it easy to get over whatever this no-voice/coughing thing is. It's pretty annoying but seriously, I've felt way worse.
Last night I made cauliflower crust pizza...which I will TOTALLY make again! I just ate a leftover piece that I reheated in a frying pan on the stove....that made it even better I think cuz the cheese in the crust got crispy. MMMMM....it was so good! I accidently made too much pizza dough last night so I was able to make two additional 6 inch pizza crusts that I stuck in the freezer for another day. Excellent!
Yesterday I totally forgot to take my water pill...so I'm up insane poundage today. That's what happens with me. I've taken my water pill today and hopefully the combo of laying in bed all weekend to shake this illness and drinking lots of fluids will help to show some kind of loss monday morning. It's hard to tell where I really am with all the excess fluid.
I'm all out of the cheesecakes I made last weekend...ate one a day which was a lovely treat. I think I will make more today. Wish I had a springform though! Last time I made them in ramekins, which worked well...but I like using my ramekins for other things and that tied them up for most of the week. I sell pampered chef products...so I can totally order a springform...just want it today. *sigh*...so impatient!
Last night I made cauliflower crust pizza...which I will TOTALLY make again! I just ate a leftover piece that I reheated in a frying pan on the stove....that made it even better I think cuz the cheese in the crust got crispy. MMMMM....it was so good! I accidently made too much pizza dough last night so I was able to make two additional 6 inch pizza crusts that I stuck in the freezer for another day. Excellent!
Yesterday I totally forgot to take my water pill...so I'm up insane poundage today. That's what happens with me. I've taken my water pill today and hopefully the combo of laying in bed all weekend to shake this illness and drinking lots of fluids will help to show some kind of loss monday morning. It's hard to tell where I really am with all the excess fluid.
I'm all out of the cheesecakes I made last weekend...ate one a day which was a lovely treat. I think I will make more today. Wish I had a springform though! Last time I made them in ramekins, which worked well...but I like using my ramekins for other things and that tied them up for most of the week. I sell pampered chef products...so I can totally order a springform...just want it today. *sigh*...so impatient!
Friday, March 20, 2009
LC Day 19
Scale was back down to 281.5...I will keep fingers and toes crossed that it will be lower by monday morning.
I think I've solved the big energy mystery of the week. Currently, I have no voice...this has been the weirdest, and yet most mild illness ever (knock on wood!). I think it started monday with the chills and low energy (but no fever, I checked!). Tuesday progressed to sneezing all day but no real congestion. Wednesday afternoon I had a little bit of an annoying cough that lasted through all of thursday and by last night I started loosing my voice which is now completely gone (and I have a teleconference in 10 minutes...not sure how to do that!). If that's as bad as it's gonna get, I'll take it!
My energy is back...in fact, I took an ambien and went to bed at 9:30 last night...dog woke me up at 4 am for a potty run and when I crawled back into bed, I couldn't fall back to sleep. I tried though...
So...if that energy keeps up, I will try the whole AM workout thing again next week. This week I just didn't have it in me! I tried monday...but felt horrible. It's almost 9am right now and I feel peppy...nice!
Happy first day of spring everyone!
I think I've solved the big energy mystery of the week. Currently, I have no voice...this has been the weirdest, and yet most mild illness ever (knock on wood!). I think it started monday with the chills and low energy (but no fever, I checked!). Tuesday progressed to sneezing all day but no real congestion. Wednesday afternoon I had a little bit of an annoying cough that lasted through all of thursday and by last night I started loosing my voice which is now completely gone (and I have a teleconference in 10 minutes...not sure how to do that!). If that's as bad as it's gonna get, I'll take it!
My energy is back...in fact, I took an ambien and went to bed at 9:30 last night...dog woke me up at 4 am for a potty run and when I crawled back into bed, I couldn't fall back to sleep. I tried though...
So...if that energy keeps up, I will try the whole AM workout thing again next week. This week I just didn't have it in me! I tried monday...but felt horrible. It's almost 9am right now and I feel peppy...nice!
Happy first day of spring everyone!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
LC Day 18
Grrrr....I'm frustrated.
My scale read 283.5 this morning, and I'm not sure why. It is my TOM...but usually my weight gain for that happens the week prior. I have been eating fresh foods and not adding salt...so I don't think it's a sodium problem but maybe I'm wrong. That's a big jump from where I was yesterday morning, so I'm totally annoyed. I ate essentially the same menu yesterday that I had on monday....lunch and dinner were exactly the same with only breakfast being different. I don't know...obviously it's not a fat gain, right? I just want to know what it is. I hope it's gone by my next weigh in!
Grrrrr.....
This is probably why I shouldn't weigh every morning.
My scale read 283.5 this morning, and I'm not sure why. It is my TOM...but usually my weight gain for that happens the week prior. I have been eating fresh foods and not adding salt...so I don't think it's a sodium problem but maybe I'm wrong. That's a big jump from where I was yesterday morning, so I'm totally annoyed. I ate essentially the same menu yesterday that I had on monday....lunch and dinner were exactly the same with only breakfast being different. I don't know...obviously it's not a fat gain, right? I just want to know what it is. I hope it's gone by my next weigh in!
Grrrrr.....
This is probably why I shouldn't weigh every morning.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
LC Day 17
I'm down .5 pounds since monday...but I don't "own it" till my official weigh in day which isn't till next monday...so I'll keep watching.
Struggling with emotions this morning...saw the date and it hit me like a ton of bricks as today would have been my due date for the baby I lost several months ago. Thought I was ok...but apparently not. Trying to hold it together at work...probably doesn't help that I started TOM today (sorry for any guys reading, but it's a part of life, ya know?)...so not only extra emotional but also feel like crud.
TOM could reasonably explain my energy issues over the last couple days...but just in case my original hypothesis is correct, I ate cauliflower for breakfast.
Still rockin the ketosis even though I upped the veggie intake the last couple days.
Struggling with emotions this morning...saw the date and it hit me like a ton of bricks as today would have been my due date for the baby I lost several months ago. Thought I was ok...but apparently not. Trying to hold it together at work...probably doesn't help that I started TOM today (sorry for any guys reading, but it's a part of life, ya know?)...so not only extra emotional but also feel like crud.
TOM could reasonably explain my energy issues over the last couple days...but just in case my original hypothesis is correct, I ate cauliflower for breakfast.
Still rockin the ketosis even though I upped the veggie intake the last couple days.
Today I would have held you in my arms, but instead I hold you in my heart
I didn’t realize the date this morning.
I got up, got ready for work as I always do...let the dog out, cleaned up after the cats, made lunch...all the usual morning stuff. I drove to work listening to my ipod and parked my car and walked inside...and that’s when I saw it...today is March 18, 2009.
Remembering the significance of the date knocked the wind out of me.
If things had gone differently, maybe today I would be holding you in my arms. Maybe I would have spent the last few months in the discomfort of pregnancy. Maybe I would have been setting up a nursery. Maybe I would have been having regular ultra-sounds, watching the growth of my little one. Maybe I would have experienced all the excitement and fears that come from expecting a baby. Maybe it would have all culminated to today, when I finally had my water break and had to rush to the hospital to deliver my bundle. Today was your due date...today I should have been able to hold you in my arms and feel that love a mother feels for the first time...
I wanted you in my life for so long...and I had tried with no success. I figured it wasn't possible...and then you happened. You were such a surprise...but once I discovered you were the reason I had been sick for weeks, I was ecstatic...and petrified...at the same time. Did my fears scare you away?
These last 8 months passed by so fast. Would it have been faster if I hadn’t lost you? Or would it have been slow enough for me to enjoy it as it might have been my only chance. How different would things be today? So many late summer decisions would have gone a different way...no heartbreak over a man...no wild parties...no travel...no agonizing over projects at work as I would have been made to take it easy...many different decisions would have been made to protect you and to prepare for you.
But you weren’t meant to be...you left me so fast I barely had a chance to get used to the idea of you. And all this time I thought I had accepted your loss and moved on...until today...I didn't know it would still hurt this bad...I wasn't prepared for the emptiness I'm feeling.
Today would have been your day...today I would have held you in my arms, but instead I hold you in my heart...and I always will.
I got up, got ready for work as I always do...let the dog out, cleaned up after the cats, made lunch...all the usual morning stuff. I drove to work listening to my ipod and parked my car and walked inside...and that’s when I saw it...today is March 18, 2009.
Remembering the significance of the date knocked the wind out of me.
If things had gone differently, maybe today I would be holding you in my arms. Maybe I would have spent the last few months in the discomfort of pregnancy. Maybe I would have been setting up a nursery. Maybe I would have been having regular ultra-sounds, watching the growth of my little one. Maybe I would have experienced all the excitement and fears that come from expecting a baby. Maybe it would have all culminated to today, when I finally had my water break and had to rush to the hospital to deliver my bundle. Today was your due date...today I should have been able to hold you in my arms and feel that love a mother feels for the first time...
I wanted you in my life for so long...and I had tried with no success. I figured it wasn't possible...and then you happened. You were such a surprise...but once I discovered you were the reason I had been sick for weeks, I was ecstatic...and petrified...at the same time. Did my fears scare you away?
These last 8 months passed by so fast. Would it have been faster if I hadn’t lost you? Or would it have been slow enough for me to enjoy it as it might have been my only chance. How different would things be today? So many late summer decisions would have gone a different way...no heartbreak over a man...no wild parties...no travel...no agonizing over projects at work as I would have been made to take it easy...many different decisions would have been made to protect you and to prepare for you.
But you weren’t meant to be...you left me so fast I barely had a chance to get used to the idea of you. And all this time I thought I had accepted your loss and moved on...until today...I didn't know it would still hurt this bad...I wasn't prepared for the emptiness I'm feeling.
Today would have been your day...today I would have held you in my arms, but instead I hold you in my heart...and I always will.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
LC Day 16
Yesterday I was extremely tired, most likely because I did not eat enough this weekend and am pretty sure I didn't get enough carbs in. The issue kinda improved today, but I think I've learned something about myself.
So yesterday, I really upped my veggie intake...had celery and cream cheese for a midmorning snack, homemade taco salad for lunch and huge serving of broccoli with my chicken dinner...along with other added carbs in my intake throughout the day.
Today, I felt better than yesterday, but still very very tired. I'm relatively sure it's not dehydration because I'm drinking lots of water and I'm not feeling the headaches or muscle spasms I personally get with dehydration. I have, however, been EXTREMELY chilly while at work. This morning it was so bad I was wearing gloves and a jacket in the office. Exhaused and freezing cold does not make a productive employee...I was a zombee!
Until lunch.
Lunch I was taken out to Red Robin by some girlfriends for my birthday. I ordered a Chicken Caesar salad with no croutons. It was a HUGE amount of lettuce...probably at least 3 cups worth...but I ate all but 1/2 a cup of it...delicous by the way. Well...by 2pm, I started to feel some energy and I was no longer wearing the jacket and gloves back at the office. My mood was elevated the rest of the day and I did chores while making dinner and plan on doing some very minor weights tonight while I watch tv.
So I think what I've discovered is that not only did I not get enough carbs over the weekend...therefore making me feel horrible yesterday...but I also need to be eating more with each meal through the day, to include breakfast. For breakfast today I had an egg, 2 pieces of bacon and a slice of cheese. I think I need to throw a veggies serving in with breakfast.
I'm in my 3rd week so am only at the point of adding 5 grams of additional veggie carbs...and I think I've successfully done that so far...still burning ketones.
So yesterday, I really upped my veggie intake...had celery and cream cheese for a midmorning snack, homemade taco salad for lunch and huge serving of broccoli with my chicken dinner...along with other added carbs in my intake throughout the day.
Today, I felt better than yesterday, but still very very tired. I'm relatively sure it's not dehydration because I'm drinking lots of water and I'm not feeling the headaches or muscle spasms I personally get with dehydration. I have, however, been EXTREMELY chilly while at work. This morning it was so bad I was wearing gloves and a jacket in the office. Exhaused and freezing cold does not make a productive employee...I was a zombee!
Until lunch.
Lunch I was taken out to Red Robin by some girlfriends for my birthday. I ordered a Chicken Caesar salad with no croutons. It was a HUGE amount of lettuce...probably at least 3 cups worth...but I ate all but 1/2 a cup of it...delicous by the way. Well...by 2pm, I started to feel some energy and I was no longer wearing the jacket and gloves back at the office. My mood was elevated the rest of the day and I did chores while making dinner and plan on doing some very minor weights tonight while I watch tv.
So I think what I've discovered is that not only did I not get enough carbs over the weekend...therefore making me feel horrible yesterday...but I also need to be eating more with each meal through the day, to include breakfast. For breakfast today I had an egg, 2 pieces of bacon and a slice of cheese. I think I need to throw a veggies serving in with breakfast.
I'm in my 3rd week so am only at the point of adding 5 grams of additional veggie carbs...and I think I've successfully done that so far...still burning ketones.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Two weeks down, a lifetime to go...
So I weighed in after two weeks of induction today and I’m down 11 pounds! WOHOOO! For some reason I feel exhausted today...I can think of two possibilities. First...it’s probably TOM which could start today or tomorrow...too much information, I’m sure, but it’s a reasonable explanation. The other entirely reasonable explanation is that I didn’t eat enough carbs yesterday...or the day before that, really. It was such a hectic weekend that I was pretty horrible about getting my veggies in...I was pretty horrible about getting ANY food in, really. I’d say through the course of the entire weekend, I probably consumed less than 2000 calories. Believe it or not, that’s not enough! Fitday says my body needs 3000 calories a day to maintain...you want to do a small calorie deficit to lose weight...too big of one and you can go into starvation mode. I gotta watch myself.
So I got up at 5:30am today and did 10 minutes on the elliptical...not my best performance, but I was WIPED after 7 minutes! I’m blaming this exhaustion! I then did 3 sets of 12 crunches and 1 set each of 10 oblique crunches...not great...I can’t wait to build on this. That’s all I eeked out this morning. I’m gonna eat some veggies today and try again for tomorrow.
The weekend was pretty great. Friday was the best...my cancelled birthday party turned into a small get together with Alan, Sandy, Sonja and Eli, Jenn, Allison and Kirsty. Alli brought her PS2 and a couple of fun trivia and karaoke games that were just a blast. Everyone got really hammered...except me cuz I didn’t want to waste the prime fat burning time...and it was a ball. I really had a wonderful birthday party.
Saturday Dad, Bonnie and Rachel drove down from MV to take me to lunch. I chose Ruby Tuesdays because people in the LC community RAVE about the mashed cauliflower there...really, I have no idea why. I totally make it better! But...I ate my prime burger and half of my mash and then went home to clean house for party 2.
Party 2 was just eh...SEVERAL people that RSVP’d didn’t show, so we had a ton of food for nothing. It rained and was super cold, which made hot tub use, doable but less pleasant...I didn’t go out there myself, but others did. Trinity was having an extra-special panic attack brought on by the meds prescribed to PREVENT a panic attack at parties...I spent most of the night baby-sitting her. The party ended relatively early (around 2am I think) and I was in bed just after 3....and then Sunday I just chilled. Ahhhhh....perfection!
So during induction I tried a few recipes...I’ll keep track here so that I can refer back from time to time.
Broccoli Quiche: ok, but next time I make it, I really need to freeze the additional servings. I tried to eat all of it in a few days and now I never want to see broccoli quiche again. That was a mistake. I used this recipe from Linda’s Low Carb site:
10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and well drained
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces onion, chopped, about 1/3 cup
6 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Spray a large glass pie plate. Put the broccoli, onion and cheese in the bottom of the plate. Beat the eggs, then whisk in the cream, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over the cheese. Bake at 350º for 35-45 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Makes 6 servings
Can be frozen
Per Serving: 379 Calories; 32g Fat; 18g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs
Broccoli and Chicken Casserole: this was made with cream cheese as the base for a sauce...I’m not sure I like this method much at all...just too much of an aftertaste with the cream cheese...and it was sooooo thick I couldn’t mix it into the broccoli. By the way...I over-cooked the broccoli, which is a pet-peeve of mine, so that affected the results, too. I will have to try something else for the cheese sauce. I used the following recipe but cubed up a chicken breast and added it for additional protein:
14-16 ounce package frozen broccoli florets
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 pieces bacon, chopped and fried until crisp
Cook the broccoli 4-5 minutes or just until tender-crisp; drain very well. Put in a greased 2-quart casserole. Mix in the cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, salt, pepper and bacon. Bake at 350º for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly.
Makes 4-6 servings
Can be frozen
Per 1/4 Recipe: 278 Calories; 22g Fat; 14g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
Cheesecake: Delicious! I MIGHT omit the lemon juice next time...I’m not entirely sure why it’s in there and I think I can taste it....but other than that, very good! I did half the recipe and put it into single serving ramekins instead of making one cake. I used this recipe that I found on ADBB: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/desserts/28708-low-carb-cheesecake-induction-safe-when-crustless.html
Ingredients
cake:
4 packs Philedelphia Original cream cheese (8 oz. each), softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup equivalent sugar substitute (recommended: Splenda or even better, concentrated liquid splenda)
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, should be a "no sugar" extract
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice, if you prefer)
2 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
optional "crust" (add this when you get to OWL and add nuts)
1/3 - 1/2 cups pecans, processed into crumbs
1 T. butter
1 t. splenda
Equipment: 1 (8-inch) cake pan
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray the cake pan bottom and sides witha flavorless or butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray. Cut a piece of baker's parchment paper the size of the bottom and place inside. Spray this with spray as well. Set aside.
In a shallow roasting pan (that's big enough to fit the cake pan inside), pour about 1-inch of water and place it on the center rack of the oven to preheat.
IF including the crust, put pecans, butter and splenda in a food processor and pulse to form a moist mixture. Use this as if you were making a graham cracker crust. Put just enough butter so the pecan crumbs stick together, careful not to put too much or your texture will be off. Press this into the bottom of your cake pan as evenly as possible.
Completely soften cream cheese at room temperature or microwave for a minute or two. In a large mixing bowl, stir or mix with hands: softened cream cheese, sour cream and sugar substitute until well mixed. You don't want to use a mixer in this recipe or the incorporated air will prevent the texture from being dense and rich.
In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, vanilla, lime juice, eggs, and egg yolks until well blended.
Pour the egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Stir or mix with hands until well blended.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Place pan into the heated water bath in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 400, then lower the oven temperature to 275 degrees F. Continue baking for 1 1/2 hours, or until top is light golden brown and cake is pulling away from the sides of the pan. Turn off the oven and leave the cake in the oven to cool slowly for 3 more hours. (This will keep the cake nice and tall and prevent the top from cracking.) Remove and refrigerate before serving. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (both assume using powdered Splenda. Carbs will be less if using liquid Splenda.)
Parmesan Chicken Fingers: Pretty good. I did this with chicken breasts...will probably be better with thigh meat. I’ll try that maybe tonight. There really isn't a recipe, per se...I found the suggestion on ADBB to dredge the chicken in egg and then grated parmesan cheese and fry until crisp.
Honey Mustard: decent but grainy...might have been the Splenda. I will try making it with Sweetzfree and see if I get a smoother result. I Kinda made this myself on the fly...I don’t have actual measurements. I’ll try again and list measurements when I have something I’m happy with.
Pancakes: pretty good...I would make these again for something different. Sure am tired of eggs! I used this recipe that I found on ADBB:
Ingredients
2 large eggs
4 oz Cream Cheese
Sweetzfree (to taste) or Splenda
.5 tsp Cinnamon, ground
1 tbsp Flax Seed Meal (ground flax)
DIRECTIONS
Place the egg whites in a separate bowl and beat with electric mixer until stiff peaks appear.
Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with the mixer until smooth. Beat in the egg yolks and the the sweetner, cinnamon, salt and flaxseed meal. Fold in the egg whites.
Heat large heavy fry pan over meduim low heat. Grease lightly with butter. Form pancakes using about 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side. Don't rush these- if you cook them on too high of a tempature, the butter will burn.
So I got up at 5:30am today and did 10 minutes on the elliptical...not my best performance, but I was WIPED after 7 minutes! I’m blaming this exhaustion! I then did 3 sets of 12 crunches and 1 set each of 10 oblique crunches...not great...I can’t wait to build on this. That’s all I eeked out this morning. I’m gonna eat some veggies today and try again for tomorrow.
The weekend was pretty great. Friday was the best...my cancelled birthday party turned into a small get together with Alan, Sandy, Sonja and Eli, Jenn, Allison and Kirsty. Alli brought her PS2 and a couple of fun trivia and karaoke games that were just a blast. Everyone got really hammered...except me cuz I didn’t want to waste the prime fat burning time...and it was a ball. I really had a wonderful birthday party.
Saturday Dad, Bonnie and Rachel drove down from MV to take me to lunch. I chose Ruby Tuesdays because people in the LC community RAVE about the mashed cauliflower there...really, I have no idea why. I totally make it better! But...I ate my prime burger and half of my mash and then went home to clean house for party 2.
Party 2 was just eh...SEVERAL people that RSVP’d didn’t show, so we had a ton of food for nothing. It rained and was super cold, which made hot tub use, doable but less pleasant...I didn’t go out there myself, but others did. Trinity was having an extra-special panic attack brought on by the meds prescribed to PREVENT a panic attack at parties...I spent most of the night baby-sitting her. The party ended relatively early (around 2am I think) and I was in bed just after 3....and then Sunday I just chilled. Ahhhhh....perfection!
So during induction I tried a few recipes...I’ll keep track here so that I can refer back from time to time.
Broccoli Quiche: ok, but next time I make it, I really need to freeze the additional servings. I tried to eat all of it in a few days and now I never want to see broccoli quiche again. That was a mistake. I used this recipe from Linda’s Low Carb site:
10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and well drained
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces onion, chopped, about 1/3 cup
6 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Spray a large glass pie plate. Put the broccoli, onion and cheese in the bottom of the plate. Beat the eggs, then whisk in the cream, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over the cheese. Bake at 350º for 35-45 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Makes 6 servings
Can be frozen
Per Serving: 379 Calories; 32g Fat; 18g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 3g Net Carbs
Broccoli and Chicken Casserole: this was made with cream cheese as the base for a sauce...I’m not sure I like this method much at all...just too much of an aftertaste with the cream cheese...and it was sooooo thick I couldn’t mix it into the broccoli. By the way...I over-cooked the broccoli, which is a pet-peeve of mine, so that affected the results, too. I will have to try something else for the cheese sauce. I used the following recipe but cubed up a chicken breast and added it for additional protein:
14-16 ounce package frozen broccoli florets
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 pieces bacon, chopped and fried until crisp
Cook the broccoli 4-5 minutes or just until tender-crisp; drain very well. Put in a greased 2-quart casserole. Mix in the cream cheese, cheddar, green onion, salt, pepper and bacon. Bake at 350º for 20-30 minutes, until bubbly.
Makes 4-6 servings
Can be frozen
Per 1/4 Recipe: 278 Calories; 22g Fat; 14g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 4g Dietary Fiber; 4g Net Carbs
Cheesecake: Delicious! I MIGHT omit the lemon juice next time...I’m not entirely sure why it’s in there and I think I can taste it....but other than that, very good! I did half the recipe and put it into single serving ramekins instead of making one cake. I used this recipe that I found on ADBB: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/desserts/28708-low-carb-cheesecake-induction-safe-when-crustless.html
Ingredients
cake:
4 packs Philedelphia Original cream cheese (8 oz. each), softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup equivalent sugar substitute (recommended: Splenda or even better, concentrated liquid splenda)
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, should be a "no sugar" extract
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (or lemon juice, if you prefer)
2 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
optional "crust" (add this when you get to OWL and add nuts)
1/3 - 1/2 cups pecans, processed into crumbs
1 T. butter
1 t. splenda
Equipment: 1 (8-inch) cake pan
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray the cake pan bottom and sides witha flavorless or butter-flavored nonstick cooking spray. Cut a piece of baker's parchment paper the size of the bottom and place inside. Spray this with spray as well. Set aside.
In a shallow roasting pan (that's big enough to fit the cake pan inside), pour about 1-inch of water and place it on the center rack of the oven to preheat.
IF including the crust, put pecans, butter and splenda in a food processor and pulse to form a moist mixture. Use this as if you were making a graham cracker crust. Put just enough butter so the pecan crumbs stick together, careful not to put too much or your texture will be off. Press this into the bottom of your cake pan as evenly as possible.
Completely soften cream cheese at room temperature or microwave for a minute or two. In a large mixing bowl, stir or mix with hands: softened cream cheese, sour cream and sugar substitute until well mixed. You don't want to use a mixer in this recipe or the incorporated air will prevent the texture from being dense and rich.
In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, vanilla, lime juice, eggs, and egg yolks until well blended.
Pour the egg mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Stir or mix with hands until well blended.
Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Place pan into the heated water bath in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 400, then lower the oven temperature to 275 degrees F. Continue baking for 1 1/2 hours, or until top is light golden brown and cake is pulling away from the sides of the pan. Turn off the oven and leave the cake in the oven to cool slowly for 3 more hours. (This will keep the cake nice and tall and prevent the top from cracking.) Remove and refrigerate before serving. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (both assume using powdered Splenda. Carbs will be less if using liquid Splenda.)
Parmesan Chicken Fingers: Pretty good. I did this with chicken breasts...will probably be better with thigh meat. I’ll try that maybe tonight. There really isn't a recipe, per se...I found the suggestion on ADBB to dredge the chicken in egg and then grated parmesan cheese and fry until crisp.
Honey Mustard: decent but grainy...might have been the Splenda. I will try making it with Sweetzfree and see if I get a smoother result. I Kinda made this myself on the fly...I don’t have actual measurements. I’ll try again and list measurements when I have something I’m happy with.
Pancakes: pretty good...I would make these again for something different. Sure am tired of eggs! I used this recipe that I found on ADBB:
Ingredients
2 large eggs
4 oz Cream Cheese
Sweetzfree (to taste) or Splenda
.5 tsp Cinnamon, ground
1 tbsp Flax Seed Meal (ground flax)
DIRECTIONS
Place the egg whites in a separate bowl and beat with electric mixer until stiff peaks appear.
Place the cream cheese in a large bowl and beat with the mixer until smooth. Beat in the egg yolks and the the sweetner, cinnamon, salt and flaxseed meal. Fold in the egg whites.
Heat large heavy fry pan over meduim low heat. Grease lightly with butter. Form pancakes using about 1/4 cup of the batter for each pancake. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side. Don't rush these- if you cook them on too high of a tempature, the butter will burn.
Friday, March 13, 2009
LC Day 12
It's my birthday!!!! Wohoo!
And I had a big WOHOOO this morning when my scale was down to 282! Now if I can just stay clean through my birthday weekend so I can RECORD that lovely low weight (or maybe even lower???) on monday...that would be fabulous! Today is day 12 for me.
Last night I made individual servings of sugar-free crustless cheesecake to get me through this birthday weekend. I brought one with me to work today JUST IN CASE the work people got me a cake...but if they didn't, I will save it for when I have people over to my house later tonight. I just want to have SOMETHING to stick a candle in...and steak didn't sound as fun.
Speaking of steak, I splurged on myself last night and bought a 6-pack of New York steaks at costco. I've got them all vacuum sealed up and in the freezer now...maybe I'll pull one out before the weekend is out.
Dinner last night was a bit of a treat for me...pizza burgers is what I call it. It's just a patty with some pizza sauce, pepparoni and cheese...easy, but tasty. The sauce can be high carbish. I meant to check my ketosis this morning but totally forgot...but judging from the taste in my mouth, I think I'm ok. Blech.
And I had a big WOHOOO this morning when my scale was down to 282! Now if I can just stay clean through my birthday weekend so I can RECORD that lovely low weight (or maybe even lower???) on monday...that would be fabulous! Today is day 12 for me.
Last night I made individual servings of sugar-free crustless cheesecake to get me through this birthday weekend. I brought one with me to work today JUST IN CASE the work people got me a cake...but if they didn't, I will save it for when I have people over to my house later tonight. I just want to have SOMETHING to stick a candle in...and steak didn't sound as fun.
Speaking of steak, I splurged on myself last night and bought a 6-pack of New York steaks at costco. I've got them all vacuum sealed up and in the freezer now...maybe I'll pull one out before the weekend is out.
Dinner last night was a bit of a treat for me...pizza burgers is what I call it. It's just a patty with some pizza sauce, pepparoni and cheese...easy, but tasty. The sauce can be high carbish. I meant to check my ketosis this morning but totally forgot...but judging from the taste in my mouth, I think I'm ok. Blech.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
LC Day 11
I'm on day 11. Made a new recipe last night that turned out ok but looked NOTHING like the photo on Linda's site. It was supposed to be cheese broccoli casserole, but I added chicken to the recipe cuz I didn't think it had enough protein for a main dish. The "cheese" sauce was so thick that I couldn't mix it with the other ingredients...I basically laid it over the top of the broccoli in hopes that it would melt down into the dish while in the oven. It didn't. It kinda had this gross roasted marshmallow look to it when I pulled it out of the oven. HOWEVER...it tasted all right....just looked gross.
I did NOT work out last night...and don't think I will get a chance to tonight. Grrrrr....scheduling is becoming a major issue. I really need to get out of bed at 5am!
I did NOT work out last night...and don't think I will get a chance to tonight. Grrrrr....scheduling is becoming a major issue. I really need to get out of bed at 5am!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
LC Day 10
so this is day....*counting on fingers*...10 for me. I'm up a pound since yesterday morning but I think I know why...and it's just water cuz I'm not eating enough food to actually gain fat.
Last night I never had dinner. I got home at 7, worked out till 8, and because I take ambien, I have to stop eating after 7-8ish or the ambein doesn't work. Around 9 I was painfully hungry....so I ate a slice of cheese and chugged some H20 hoping it wouldn't affect the ambien...it didn't. You forget what hunger pains feel like until you do Atkins...lol. I went WAY over the time between meals limit...my last food intake was at 2pm
I so totally wish I could get on a sleep schedule that would allow me to work out in the morning before work. Maybe I should concentrate on that next week. I think that would help my eating schedule and free up my evenings a little bit. It worked for me the first time around, but I was a young whipper-snapper back then. Now I'm plagued with sleep issues. Maybe with the ambein I can make this work. I'll set some goals for next week.
Last night I never had dinner. I got home at 7, worked out till 8, and because I take ambien, I have to stop eating after 7-8ish or the ambein doesn't work. Around 9 I was painfully hungry....so I ate a slice of cheese and chugged some H20 hoping it wouldn't affect the ambien...it didn't. You forget what hunger pains feel like until you do Atkins...lol. I went WAY over the time between meals limit...my last food intake was at 2pm
I so totally wish I could get on a sleep schedule that would allow me to work out in the morning before work. Maybe I should concentrate on that next week. I think that would help my eating schedule and free up my evenings a little bit. It worked for me the first time around, but I was a young whipper-snapper back then. Now I'm plagued with sleep issues. Maybe with the ambein I can make this work. I'll set some goals for next week.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
LC Day 9
...and I'm feelin FINE! Pretty great, in fact.
As of this morning I am down a fantastic 7 pounds of what I'm sure is part water but also some fat...I know this because I've been in ketosis since day 2! WOHOOO! I can taste the ketones in my mouth today...ahhhh...the sweet taste of success!
I've passed induction flu, I've gotten over carb cravings...and am even getting to the point where I make too much food and have to save leftovers for a future meal. Yesterday I made a two egg omelet with 1/2 oz of cheese and some ham...I could only eat half. I also made my usual favorite meal of two burger patties with cheese and bacon and partway through the second patty I realized I was getting pretty full. I love this effect of this WOE!
Before "dinner" I got hungry so made a snack of cauliflower and cheese...and then never got hungry for dinner. I know I have to be careful that I'm not eating too little...but it's hard when you are so satisfied most of the time!
So today in my lunch bag at work...I have the second half of that omelet, the second half of a piece of steak I had for dinner 2 nights ago, 2 hard boiled eggs, three pieces of bacon and two pickles. I have not eaten breakfast yet, been up for 2 hours...and I'm not hungry. I KNOW I need to eat something...I'm getting around to it, I swear.
My ankles look AMAZING...I have ZERO excess fluid pooled in them right now and they look so normal...I love it! I've cut back to one water pill a day for now because they are looking so good...I hope to cut that out eventually as well.
So...my challenges for this week still stand...parties to go to both on Friday and Saturday. I'm having an internal struggle on whether or not the alcohol is worth it...since it will kick me out of ketosis for a few hours. I'm not sure I want to give up that fat-burnin time! Both parties are at my house...so I need to work on making sure I have some foods available for ME...and will have to be really careful when the cake comes out...cuz I know people are gonna expect me to eat some for my birthday.
Ooh...just got hungry! Gonna go reheat that omelet!
As of this morning I am down a fantastic 7 pounds of what I'm sure is part water but also some fat...I know this because I've been in ketosis since day 2! WOHOOO! I can taste the ketones in my mouth today...ahhhh...the sweet taste of success!
I've passed induction flu, I've gotten over carb cravings...and am even getting to the point where I make too much food and have to save leftovers for a future meal. Yesterday I made a two egg omelet with 1/2 oz of cheese and some ham...I could only eat half. I also made my usual favorite meal of two burger patties with cheese and bacon and partway through the second patty I realized I was getting pretty full. I love this effect of this WOE!
Before "dinner" I got hungry so made a snack of cauliflower and cheese...and then never got hungry for dinner. I know I have to be careful that I'm not eating too little...but it's hard when you are so satisfied most of the time!
So today in my lunch bag at work...I have the second half of that omelet, the second half of a piece of steak I had for dinner 2 nights ago, 2 hard boiled eggs, three pieces of bacon and two pickles. I have not eaten breakfast yet, been up for 2 hours...and I'm not hungry. I KNOW I need to eat something...I'm getting around to it, I swear.
My ankles look AMAZING...I have ZERO excess fluid pooled in them right now and they look so normal...I love it! I've cut back to one water pill a day for now because they are looking so good...I hope to cut that out eventually as well.
So...my challenges for this week still stand...parties to go to both on Friday and Saturday. I'm having an internal struggle on whether or not the alcohol is worth it...since it will kick me out of ketosis for a few hours. I'm not sure I want to give up that fat-burnin time! Both parties are at my house...so I need to work on making sure I have some foods available for ME...and will have to be really careful when the cake comes out...cuz I know people are gonna expect me to eat some for my birthday.
Ooh...just got hungry! Gonna go reheat that omelet!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
LC Day 2
I've made it to day two. I did not eat all that I had planned yesterday...but I also did not exercise, so that's ok. I had a horrible, horrible headache by 3pm...my guess is carb withdrawl but I'm surprised it hit so fast. I know that I get into ketosis much faster than I did the first time around generally speaking...so I guess it could stand to reason that I go through carb withdrawls faster, too.
I've had a good nights sleep. My plan for today is 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast (still working on the second one), chicken caesar salad for lunch, bacon for a snack and then I think a recipe I saw yesterday for a cassarole for dinner...not 100% sure on that yet.
The big thing for me tonight will be making ahead some food for tomorrow. I have to travel 2 hours away to my dad's tonight...my sister is having surgery tomorrow to determine how far her melanoma has spread....it's going to be a difficult day, and a long, nervewracking day stuck in a hospital...so I really need to be prepared! I plan on making a broccoli quiche and maybe take some of that leftover cassarole...I dunno...I gotta figure it out.
Anyway...glad to be on day two. Trying to decide if I should weigh next monday or wait till my 14 days is up. Hmmmmm....
I've had a good nights sleep. My plan for today is 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast (still working on the second one), chicken caesar salad for lunch, bacon for a snack and then I think a recipe I saw yesterday for a cassarole for dinner...not 100% sure on that yet.
The big thing for me tonight will be making ahead some food for tomorrow. I have to travel 2 hours away to my dad's tonight...my sister is having surgery tomorrow to determine how far her melanoma has spread....it's going to be a difficult day, and a long, nervewracking day stuck in a hospital...so I really need to be prepared! I plan on making a broccoli quiche and maybe take some of that leftover cassarole...I dunno...I gotta figure it out.
Anyway...glad to be on day two. Trying to decide if I should weigh next monday or wait till my 14 days is up. Hmmmmm....
Monday, March 2, 2009
LC Day 1
So...this is day 1 of induction for me. My official start weight is 292 (grumble, grumble). I've started the day well...though I'm already hungry so I'm about to have a hardboiled egg. I've plugged my meal plan into fitday and am relatively ok on the percentages...not perfect, but I've never tracked to percentages before.
I've also never ACTUALLY measured 2 cups of salad greens...that was a small dissapointment.
Tonight I will go home and do a workout and take some measurements. I'm glad fitday tracks the measurements too...that's pretty cool.
I had a horrible nights sleep...so here's hoping that the workout takes a lot out of me so I can rest well tonight!
I've also never ACTUALLY measured 2 cups of salad greens...that was a small dissapointment.
Tonight I will go home and do a workout and take some measurements. I'm glad fitday tracks the measurements too...that's pretty cool.
I had a horrible nights sleep...so here's hoping that the workout takes a lot out of me so I can rest well tonight!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Fresh start
This was writting on 3/1...but apparently not published.
I had some old blogs here...moldy old...so I deleted them, as I wanted a fresh start.
So here I am...starting fresh. Not sure what I'll blog about here...but we will see how this morphs as time passes. I usually have something to carry on about...such as my dating life (or lack there of), my aging and dusty ovaries and the bioligical clock that is moving at warp speed, my weight...sigh...always something with that. I can go on and on about my pets, and my friends, my family, and my job...my house, the economy, my bills, my recent urge to run away from it all. Yes...I'm sure I'll find something.
But for today, it's a fresh start. This weekend was all about fresh starts, so I might as well blog it up. Monday is a new day.
I had some old blogs here...moldy old...so I deleted them, as I wanted a fresh start.
So here I am...starting fresh. Not sure what I'll blog about here...but we will see how this morphs as time passes. I usually have something to carry on about...such as my dating life (or lack there of), my aging and dusty ovaries and the bioligical clock that is moving at warp speed, my weight...sigh...always something with that. I can go on and on about my pets, and my friends, my family, and my job...my house, the economy, my bills, my recent urge to run away from it all. Yes...I'm sure I'll find something.
But for today, it's a fresh start. This weekend was all about fresh starts, so I might as well blog it up. Monday is a new day.
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