Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking

So I have had some time to tap into my love of cooking since I have changed jobs and have gone to a very part time basis until I can build a case load.  I spend a lot of time on the computer during the day which helps me rationalize not exercising as I am researching all things dietary and delicious :)  One meal that I made recently made really satisfied and I felt good eating it.  I made pork burgers and caramelized some onions from my CSA box.  I also used the hydroponic Bibb lettuce from the CSA box as a "bun" for the burger.  I made a salad using the rest of the Bibb lettuce along with a cucumber, Kumatoes and carrots.  Granted, the burger was messy but OH how juicy and delicious.

  

I have also really enjoyed getting a little creative with the One Minute Muffins.  I made Strawberry muffins for dessert one night using the juicy organic strawberries from my CSA box and topped it with some homemade whipped cream with a touch of vanilla.

  I posted this picture on my Facebook page and a dear friend made a reference to the movie "Calendar Girls" can you guess what it was?  ;)

My husband has recently remarked on how much he is enjoying my renewed enthusiasm for cooking.  He was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure and prescribed medication in addition to the medication he takes for chronic kidney stones.  I must share that since I met my husband 7 years ago and took over the cooking duties, his health has improved and the formation of kidney stones has dramatically decreased.  As a single dad, he was fond of cans and eating out....A LOT!  Granted, I am not there when he goes out for lunch every day, but I like to think what I'm doing here at home is helping to off-set that one meal a day he eats on his own :)

On a personal note, since I began Fast Track BFC and then incorporating some Paleo/Primal principles into my new eating "lifestyle" I have lost 10 pounds to date.  I managed to lose another pound last week!  I don't think this is bad at all for about 6-7 weeks of "work".  Sure, it has slowed down to a pound a week, but still, IT IS A POUND PER WEEK! Oh, AND WITHOUT EXERCISE :) as I am loathe to do it....still haven't found the motivation as of today but there is always tomorrow, right Scarlett?

Finding the right "lifestyle"

It's been a while.  I admit, I have a hard time with follow through sometimes.  But, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise as evidenced by the on and off of the eating "lifestyle".  What I am consistent with is my LOVE of food, cooking and eating.  What of that continues to change and evolve is what I am eating and the "lifestyle" I'm trying to stick with.  I think I may have found what works for me, finally.  It is a modified Paleo.  I say modified because I am keeping the dairy.  Cheese and heavy cream are necessary for my success with any eating "lifestyle".  Why I feel so optimistic about this is I have found blogs that have recipes that allow me to continue to have delicious baked treats.  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have come across the variety of 1 minute muffins and cakes that use almond, coconut or flax seed meal as the flour.  I have also discovered the multiple benefits of coconut oil-both for cooking and for moisturizing and treating skin conditions.  Approximately one month ago I began eating this way and so far I've lost 9 pounds.  I probably would have lost more had I not engaged in 2 weekends of indulgences (Mexican fare, too many libations and pizza) but I'm not beating myself up about it because it is just so easy to get back into the routine and rhythm again.  I've started following Mark Sisson's Daily Apple blog and discovered that I am a bit of a "faster".  I don't do anything regimented it's just the way I typically eat.  See, I don't like to eat when I first get up in the morning because it makes me feel queasy.  I definitely have my coffee first thing and recently I've noticed that I can nurse that iced coffee for the whole morning.  I may "feel" hungry around lunch time or a little later into the afternoon and I'll eat some protein and a fat of some kind, usually cheese.  I try to have dinner around 6-7pm and finish the night off with an iced "nightcap" of either amaretto or canton for a sweet fix and wind-down.  So, I go, on average, up to 18 hours between dinner and my next meal-whether I make it a breakfast or lunch themed meal.  I have also modified the amount of carbs I consume from Jorge's original 120 to 105 but I've kept the 15 sugars and 25 fiber.  I've been trying to lose as much weight as I can without going to exercise because of the common sense Gary Taubes discusses in Why We Get Fat.  I don't really like exercise either, especially now that I don't have someone to do it with (I did well with a buddy).  However, I think I'm beginning to plateau and I have my son's graduation from basic training (Navy), my anniversary, my 25th high school reunion and oh, yeah, BEACH to get healthy for :)  So, whether or not I like it, I need to get started with it.  I do like the yoga and exercise ball and recently the Hubs and I "treated" ourselves to a XBOX 360 with the Kinect sensor.  He picked 2 games and I picked one and that was Zumba Rush.  I've heard a lot of women like Zumba and I did like to dance back in the day so why not? What do I have to lose other than another 17 pounds right?  I don't know if 17 pounds is realistic but I remember weighing 130 pounds and would really like to get back to that.  What I have found most helpful so far in this latest "lifestyle" effort is using MyFitnessPal.com to track just about everything that I put in my mouth.  I really get a kick out of seeing calories left over at the end of the day and the site saying how much I'd weigh at the end of 5 weeks if I kept eating that way.  It also tells me that I'm eating too few calories but I ignore it because my body isn't sending signals that I am-and I do have days where I am over the calorie goal of 1200, but again, I don't beat myself up about it.  Perhaps engaging in daily or every other day blogging like some of the BFC-ers  on the BFC Facebook page do will help me be more accountable and follow through?  I certainly do enjoy taking pictures of my meals and "treats" :)