tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50349316773571275792024-03-05T19:05:25.789-08:00as the pizza burns...Reflections on life, entering middle age and trying to figure out how to eat ;-)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-2687041295011270162012-09-08T13:05:00.003-07:002012-09-10T16:51:30.858-07:00Nothing like having your world turned upside down to net 2 pound weight lossI honestly could go on about this in a rant and I spent half the night writing this post in my head but I'm just too emotional and scattered right now. Long and short of it is, my husband said he is divorcing me and I know he is having an affair. I've spent 10 years raising HIS children and taking care of him and this is the thanks I get in return. I've feared on some level he would do this.....wait for me to raise HIS kids and then get rid of me for a younger model and he has.<br />
It has been hard dealing with this on my own. I don't want to share with my family because of what stress it will add to them and they have enough already. I don't have any friends locally and I have to admit that my BFF who moved away in 2007 back to NY has really let me down with this. I'm at a total loss for what to do and to make matters worse, I don't have the money to go anywhere. I'm stuck and I hate it.<br />
I've been so out of sorts that it actually took me the better part of 2 days to realize this is the second time he's rejected me and I'm mad at myself for getting into this.<br />
Eh, well, the upside is, I have managed to break 140 pounds and enter the elusive 130s so I might be at my goal weight for my 25th reunion at the end of the month.<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-15652598316895355062012-08-25T11:23:00.002-07:002012-08-25T11:31:33.005-07:0016 pounds and countingYep, that's how much I've "released" thus far and I'm good with that. I haven't been this excited about a lifestyle change since I did the South Beach Diet. I'll give the initial kudos to the Fast Track version of BFC but the rest goes to the Paleo community and from here on, my posts related to food will reflect that. I have a ridiculous collection of cookbooks as you can see:<br />
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Okay so there are a few phone books and gardening books in there but really, does this not put into perspective how much I LOVE and THINK about food!? I adore cookbooks, they are my favorite type of book and yet, I am now beginning to ponder the prospect of letting <b><i>some</i></b> of them go....<br />
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I ponder this because it may be, for me, no different than having those tempting "crap" food items in the house....I may be tempted to concoct a tempting sweet treat out of one of these books. Now, having said that, I am also doing some research online to see how I can modify some of these unhealthy recipes into healthier ones that are Paleo friendly. I have invested in two new books to help with my lifestyle and add some variety to the menu....I also am looking forward to having a near "perfect" Paleo Thanksgiving..."near" due to some must have's of the in-laws. I've already decided I'm cooking smaller quantities of their "must have's" as they do not eat left overs and I certainly don't want that food in my home any longer than necessary. So here are my new books:<br />
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I purchased the book on the left at Costco and the book on the right is available at selected Costcos (not mine so I ordered from Amazon). If you are interested in learning more about Paleo and how it can help several health issues AND comes with menu planners and shopping lists (free online download from her website) I'd get the book on the right. Diane has a blog http://balancedbites.com/ that is FULL of great information and she also does podcasts.<br />
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One of my biggest "gripes" against BFC was that Jorge didn't provide any science behind his S/C ratio. On page 96 of Practical Paleo, Diane gives the carb breakdown! Needless to say, BFC max of 120 is TOO HIGH unless you are a serious athlete. The latest news in sugar is women should limit it to 5 teaspoons or 20 grams per day.<br />
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So, here are some pictures of meals I've eaten that have assisted in my thus far 16 pound weight loss.<br />
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Two examples of breakfast-pastured eggs (2) and tomatoes and preservative free bacon (2) or sauteed spinach and kimche. I cook my eggs in either Kerrygold butter or coconut oil. I have a 12 oz. cup of coffee over ice with 1-2 tbsp. heavy cream and a couple drops of liquid stevia.<br />
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These are dinners and <b><i>IF</i></b> there are any left overs, they are brunch/lunch for the next day. I tend to be more of a brunch person-eating around the lunch hour so I guess I naturally do a little intermittent fasting. So my "eating window" is typically noon to 8pm. Today, as I write this, I realize that I've not eaten since approximately 8pm last night--it is currently 2:17pm EDT. I don't feel hungry but I know I need to eat in order for the fat stores to melt away. I'll cook a couple eggs and have some kraut or kimchee.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by and please feel free to share in the comments :-)<br />
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Disclaimer-I am NOT a nutritionist or dietician and my posts are strictly for entertainment purposes NOT nutritional/dietary advise. <br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-18735175968361591702012-06-03T16:12:00.003-07:002012-06-03T16:12:44.729-07:00Prepped for the weekLast night I got my cooking on and cranked out 12 coconut flour, bacon, egg, and cheese muffins, 12 coconut flour blueberry muffins, 12 apple, buffalo, pork meat muffins plus a mini loaf and a giant pot of chili for the Hubs.<br />
This is what it looked like by the end of it at oh, 1045pm.<br />
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I packaged 1/2 the muffins up to travel to my in-laws for the next 3 days. I shared the rest with the Hubs so he has some options for the next 3 days (he's not practiced at cooking for himself after 7 years of marriage :-) ) Before I began packing and collecting everything to load into the car, we had a blueberry muffin and BEC muffin each along with coffee. Then I started the descaling process for the coffee maker as it is acting up frequently as of late. The Charlet's cannot go without their coffee so addressing the mechanical issues of the coffee maker was a high priority this morning.<br />
So, my plan is to pack muffins to take with me to school every day for breakfast and lunch. I'll probably hit Whole Foods hot bar for dinner Monday and Tuesday.<br />
Well, hope you have a good week and thanks for taking the time to read my blog :-)<br />
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*BEC and Blueberry muffin recipes are from Cheeseslave's blog www.cheeseslave.com and the recipe for the meat muffins is:<br />
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2 lb. meat<br />
1 medium onion, chopped<br />
1 medium, firm apple, cored and chopped<br />
1/2 tsp. Worchestershire sauce<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 tsp. pepper<br />
1 c. bread crumbs ( I used 3/4 c. almond meal and 1/4 c. flax seed meal)<br />
2 eggs<br />
Organic ketchup<br />
Brown Sugar (I used coconut palm sugar) <br />
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Preheat oven to 350<br />
In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix with your hands<br />
Portion out into muffin tins, mini loaf pans or a large loaf pan<br />
Squeeze ketchup on top of muffins/loaves and then sprinkle with brown sugar. Add sliced apple to the top for a pretty presentation and more apple flavor if you'd like. <br />
Bake for 20-30 minutes for the muffins/mini loaf and 50-60 for the large loafHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-84423297776465513612012-06-01T08:54:00.003-07:002012-06-01T08:54:58.291-07:002000+ milesIt has been a while since I've posted and here is why-<br />
1. Got accepted to a graduate certificate program for Play Therapy<br />
2. The university is 4 hours from my home which necessitated the need to find some closer accommodations<br />
3. Said accommodations are 84 miles one way from campus<br />
4. Eldest child graduated from Naval Basic Training in Illinois---road trip of 1600+ miles<br />
5. Homework is kicking ass, sucking spare time and when I return home, I report to my job.<br />
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I LOVE it, with the exception of being sleep deprived. I have been getting maybe 4 hours of sleep a night due to my temporary living conditions. I have to get up at 5am to get ready for school and then hit the road by 6am so I don't get caught up too bad in the road construction and end up late to class. The homework is a constant flood since it is compressed into summer school. Maybe I should nap from 130 to 2pm when my sister-in-law gets back home to let me in the house? (I don't want a key to the house, I'm fine waiting or shopping to fill in the time :) )<br />
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During this I have eaten some grains/legumes and alcohol but I still managed to lose a couple pounds. I need to work on drinking more water-I have my giant iced coffee in the morning during class and then don't typically have anything to drink again until dinner. I think this is due to my concern about needing to "go" while in class and/or driving back to my brother and sister-in-law's house. I suppose I should chug a liter of Smartwater as soon as I hit their driveway.<br />
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I am thrilled that not only has my town had a Whole Foods open recently, but my in-laws have too! Twice this week I went there and one day picked up lunch from the hot bar and dinner another night. It was good and I was able to load up on some greens! I also bought a few bottles of Kombucha to help the old digestive tract.<br />
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I leave again Sunday afternoon to resume my temporary living with the in-laws but this week I will go a little better prepared for the week. I am going to make a batch of coconut flour bacon, egg and cheese muffins and I think I will make my bison/pork apple meatloaf muffins. These are simple to make and keep really well in the fridge/freezer and I can leave a few for the hubs to have during the week as well. Hmmm, wait, no I might make chili for him to have over the week. He's pretty good about eating the same stuff for a few days and I still have frozen BBQ and Italian sausages he can rotate through. I guess I know how my Saturday will be spent....cooking, laundry and packing :)<br />
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Life will return to normal as of July. I just hope by then my case load at work has picked up. A time sheet for 1 hour of work is NOT going to pay bills.<br />
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I hope you all are fairing well and enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend. It was particularly meaningful for me as my father is a Vietnam vet (Navy) and my son graduated from Naval Basic Training.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-28452955795526206422012-05-18T14:12:00.002-07:002012-05-18T14:17:44.970-07:00Comfort DinnerSo the hubs sent me a text message Wednesday morning telling me that a co-worker gave him the finger. Of course I sent a supportive text back and offered to "ef" her up if he'd tell me where she was. Hubby has been dealing with a bunch of Kindergarteners at his job for the last three years and it is really getting old. I've told him that I believe he has grounds to file a hostile work environment grievance. Any way, since I couldn't exact some revenge for the hubs I thought I could do the next best thing....cook some comfort food. Two weeks ago I ordered ground bison, bacon ends and chicken quarters from US Wellness Meats. I have an apple meatloaf recipe that I love and was eager to try using the ground bison mixed with ground pork. I also needed to replace the bread crumbs as I am avoiding grains and wheat....voila, almond meal. To round out the meal, I made kale chips and mock mashed potatoes with cauliflower. And, if that wasn't enough, I baked Elana Amsterdam's spice cake from her gluten-free cookbook. I kicked it up a notch and topped it with homemade vanilla whipped cream. Here are all the pictures:<br />
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Hubby was very happy with dinner and as you can see from the pictures, we had plenty of left overs! In fact, today will be the third day we are eating the mini loaves for dinner...I don't mind one bit. I'll add sweet potatoes and seasoned collards to call it a meal :) The spice cake is high in sugar count and I cut it into 12 servings per the recipe. Elana uses a lot of agave syrup to sweeten her recipes, I used maple syrup for this one so there may be a difference due to that. If I understood stevia conversions better, I would have used stevia.<br />
Again, what is making this so simple for me to stick with and ENJOY is the fact that I can substitute out the "bad" stuff and put the healthy in. Next Wednesday is the opening for Whole Foods here. I cannot wait for it as I hope to finally be able to buy pastured pork and chicken in a store and not from the internet...don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I got from US Wellness Meats and may continue to order from them if for nothing more than the bacon ends as they are straight pork with NOTHING added :) I just want to reduce my carbon footprint with all the internet grocery shopping I do.<br />
I hope you all have a lovely Friday evening and a relaxing weekend!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-25732835882088221602012-05-15T19:07:00.000-07:002012-05-15T19:07:13.618-07:00What I've eaten latelySo I've been trying some new recipes lately and thought I'd share them with you...pictures that is :) I've tried the cauliflower crust pizza and LOVE it! I also tried my hand at roasting a boneless leg of lamb...a new venture and I must admit to over cooking it and it isn't a flavor that really resonates with me. I have another boneless leg of lamb in the freezer as Costco had it on sale and I thought it would be a nice change. For brunch one Sunday I made crustless quiches - spinach, mushroom and onion.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is the cauliflower pizza crust</span></div>
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Here it is with sauce, mushrooms, bacon and italian sausage</div>
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And here it is with sauce, bacon, italian sausage, mushrooms and onions</div>
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Roasted boneless leg of lamb</div>
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Sauteed cabbage with Kerrygold Butter and Caraway</div>
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Crustless spinach, mushroom and onion quiches</div>
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I am really enjoying cooking and researching on the computer for tasty grain and gluten-free meals. I am happy to have found a food lifestyle that I believe for the first time ever, I can be happy and successful with.</div>
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<br /></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-19705836418299363082012-05-02T21:26:00.001-07:002012-05-02T21:26:38.642-07:00Adventures in Chicken and Salmon<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So with my renewed interest in cooking, I took it upon myself to find out how to butcher/break down a whole chicken. I wish Costco would carry organic chicken thighs and breasts with the skin on. Since they don't and I prefer to purchase the organic chickens, I went to YouTube for help. I found a video done by Ian Knauer, an editor at Gourmet magazine. It was very clear and simple and well done. I broke down two chickens!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Then I did something I saw on Paleo Parents blog....they wrapped BACON around chicken! Actually, they wrapped bacon around a whole chicken and roasted it, but you get the idea...I've done that too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I ground pepper over these bad boys and boy were they good :p (that's me licking my lips). Another recipe from Paleo Parents that totally rocked my world was Stacy's recipe for crab balls. Now, I didn't have any crab meat but I did have salmon and have grown up eating salmon cakes. I tweaked the recipe a bit adding fresh dill and lemon juice at serving. I also got crazy decadent and pan fried these in Kerry Gold Butter. To go along side these delicious cakes, I served the sweet potatoes delivered to my door from the CSA I belong to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What is that yellow pool above the sweet potato you ask???? Why, Kerry Gold Butter of course! Yes, I've got a healthy love of dairy :) The Hubs was very impressed with this dinner in particular and I've got to admit, it was REALLY good. I <i>do not</i></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">brag about my cooking and frequently criticize my cooking but I had to agree with the Hubs this time and all the credit goes to Stacy of Paleo Parents. The Hubs and I are looking forward to trying the actual crab ball recipe, I plan to make them cakes as I find it a little too tedious to roll out 25 balls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As for how things are going on the weight loss front, I've lost another pound which brings me to 11 pounds so far. It would be GREAT to get to 16 pounds by May 25th which is my son's anticipated graduation date from Navy Basic Training in Great Lakes. My 7th wedding anniversary is May 29th and I've got a FAB dress that would "feel" better on if I lost a few more pounds. I would really like to get my arms and legs in better shape but I'm lacking in motivation. I have a 25th high school reunion some time this summer too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I pulled out the tape measure two days ago as I realized my brassiere felt loose. I've lost a cup size so now I get to lay out more money for replacements. Luckily, this new size is a little easier to find in the big box stores so hopefully, it won't hurt the bank too much. I've also learned that Maidenform has an outlet store in Myrtle Beach so a great excuse for a road trip :) I am still wearing clothes ranging from 8-12 but the 12's are getting big-I am able to pull some of my size 12 pants on and off without messing with the buttons and zipper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, it is 12:25am and I've got a moving day tomorrow into an office at my new job :) Thanks for reading and have a GREAT day! </span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-418059994146364322012-04-30T12:24:00.002-07:002012-04-30T12:26:04.501-07:00Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I have had some time to tap into my love of cooking since I have changed jobs and have gone to a <b>very</b> part time basis until I can build a case load.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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? ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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 :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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? </span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-27829522971976978392012-04-21T09:55:00.000-07:002012-04-21T09:55:35.179-07:00Finding the right "lifestyle"<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">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 </span><u style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Why We Get Fat</u><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. 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" :)</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-42610978267811317422011-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:002011-10-22T12:29:48.573-07:00Trying BFC Fast Track<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So today is day 6 of the Fast Track version of the Belly Fat Cure. I bought the book last Saturday at Costco and spent that weekend indulging in all the "bad" stuff for the final time. All-in-all I've had a good week. I have had several days where I've only eaten 2 meals and maybe a snack. My morning routine doesn't involve eating...it is an afterthought honestly. Take today, I didn't eat breakfast and so far, at 253pm, I've eaten a slice of cheddar cheese and some pumpkin seeds still in the shell. I've had a low grade headache all week as I am coming off sugar. I have also reduced my alcohol intake this week and last night's glass of red resulted in a major headache this morning...I didn't have a huge glass either and I drank it over the course of several hours. I guess I'm sensitive to something in it to have this reaction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway, Amber's blog has been great in providing some alternatives as I am really struggling with no sweets or seasonal treats. She has posted a coconut pancake recipe, pumpkin and coconut muffin recipe and a recipe for chocolate coconut balls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have gotten on the scale every morning and it hasn't budged. I hope this is due to a week's course of antibiotics. I'm off them now and will resume my probiotic routine and I am going to drink some homemade ginger/peach kombucha a friend was kind enough to share with me. I really expected to see a loss as I'd really gone crazy with sugar and carbs in pre-made foods. I'm feeling disappointed and discouraged but at the same time I wonder if maybe I wasn't eating as poorly as I thought I was. I've learned a lot from BFC and have done pretty well keeping the basic principals in mind when shopping and eating. I do freely and readily admit that I am susceptible to seasonal treats such as: hard ciders, muffins, cookies, pies and chips and salsa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Eggs have been the staple this week and I need some variety. Perhaps tomorrow I will make the ham crusted quiche in the FTBFC book. I will also make Amber's coconut pancakes and make enough to freeze/refrigerate as a grab and go breakfast or snack. I would also like to make Amber's pumpkin coconut muffins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Something that Amber and I share in common is using tea as a "treat". I love looking for yummy teas and have found World Market to be a good source for this. I have also enjoyed the standard grocery stores carrying the Celestial Seasons holiday flavored teas....sugar cookie, sleigh ride, candy cane, nutcracker as well as their decaf sweet coconut chai. I drink these hot or cold. I make a pot of flavored herbal tea every day and fill my insulated tumblers with it to drink throughout the day to ensure I get my required fluids in. I enjoy Alyaa's Herbal Water a lot but can't always afford it so I use the herbal tea to make my own version of "flavored" water. Since we are finally experiencing cooler evenings here in coastal North Carolina, I've had a hot tea with cream at night when the snack or sweet cravings hit. Thanks to Amber, I now will have a yummy muffin to go along with the tea!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tomorrow I will get my exercise area set up and I will commit to doing at least 30 minutes of core exercises a day. It may be 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work, but I'm going to do it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yahoo news showcased female actors over 40 and their looks on the red carpet this year and I would like to look as healthy as they do. Of course I don't have nanny's or a personal trainer available to me 24/7 so I'm realistic. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, how's your journey?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-4534633990565158202011-04-02T10:48:00.000-07:002012-02-04T11:19:41.625-08:00Yes, it has been a whileSo, 8 months ago was my last post. Suffice it to say that it has been a very difficult 8 months. I was laid off from my crappy job in mid-December and the unemployment guy suggested I wait until January to file because my "base" for the previous quarter was $500....which would be what my benefit was based on. So I waited and looked for the requisite number of jobs per week in a field with very few viable options. I eventually got a job the end of January but again, with an unethical company. The highlight is, I will finally get my license in 2 months :-) and I made it clear in the beginning, that I would not participate in anything I remotely questioned as unethical practice.<br />
I am an emotional eater. I have had my sugar and carb party for the last 8 months and while it was delicious and fun at the time, the crash has happened and here the cycle goes again.....spring and summer are here and I don't want another summer to go by without a single trip to the beach I live just 10 miles from.<br />
I have mentioned that sugar is my downfall....not so much that I seek it out, as I've been very happy with replacing sweetener with stevia, but that when I do have it, the scale reflects it very quickly. I don't know that carbs are the big issue, however, after reading Amber's blog and watching the video of Dr. Oz's show with Gary Taubes on it, I might do an experiment this week and eat nothing but lean meats and green veggies to see if I can drop some pounds fairly quickly. I also have major "elimination" problems and can't figure out if it is due to low fiber, not enough hydration or a combination of the two...but today I'll put together a menu for the next week and go shopping for supplies and give it a go and pray that I can "go" soon....I feel awful.<br />
I am also contemplating purchasing a book by an authority in CBT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Judith Beck, daughter of Aaron Beck, has written 3 books on dieting and using CBT to change thoughts and behaviors related to food. I think this is what is missing for me. I believe at this point I know enough about nutrition that I could teach anyone about food and nutrition but no one has really addressed the thoughts and feelings associated with eating for emotional eaters.<br />
Here is a link to her website:<br />
http://www.beckdietsolution.com/Library/InfoManage/Guide.asp?FolderID=1&SessionID=%7B0571EB69-B6E9-42B1-A49C-F0540325C466%7D<br />
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Once I create my menu for next week I'll post in the event that anyone would like to reference it.<br />
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Thank you for reading and posting comments, I appreciate the feedback :-)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-40295244166667991832010-08-07T10:54:00.000-07:002010-08-07T10:54:28.188-07:00StressIt's been a while since I've posted. I have had a rough summer. The heat here, much like the rest of the East Coast, is unbearable. Add to that a teenage boy with AS and ODD, a job I hate and the "promised one" no where in sight and limited visits home to Virginia to see my family has made me a stressed out eating mess. Yesterday I just realized that I'd not taken my probiotics in a week. I don't get on the scale often but thought I was looking a little fuller in my lower abdominal area and lo and behold-when I got on the scale I wasn't happy with what I saw. Needless to say, I've not been thoughtfully eating. Well, that isn't totally true. I have been very conscious of staying away from candy bars, soda and baked goods even though I've really wanted them. My carbs are high...I know that and honestly, I don't think the carbs are my weight issue...it's the hidden sugars. I have gotten weak in my date night dinners and have added dessert in addtion to my "treat" margaritas. When date night started, I was thrilled to have the margarita and relished it. Now, with my stress levels and emotions in a negative place, I'm using the 'ritas and dessert as coping mechanisms. I have also returned to the very bad habit of eating once a day-dinnner. I've had nothing but coffee for the day more days this past week than I want to admit.<br />
So, this week I began looking for another job in earnest. I would love to leave this job immediately but unfortunately, it doesn't look like that will happen. I will continue to plug along and I'm going to make myself a priority. I have a lot of paperwork to complete by Sunday evening but I also want to take the time to set myself up for success this next week so I don't feel so bad. I want to iron my clothes and make lunch for the week so I don't have to scramble to get it done in the morning. I also want to make a large batch of tea-spearmint and a new one that is green tea with ginger, coconut and lemon grass. Just doing these few simple things, I hope will help with some of the stress next week. I also intend to use the tracker again until things settle down for me.<br />
Are any of you introverts? I am and I don't go out of my way to make friends or engage folks in small talk. However, it has become painfully clear to me that I might need to find a friend who lives within 50 miles of me! :-) Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-68491420123915306462010-06-23T13:44:00.000-07:002010-06-23T13:44:37.343-07:00What I've been eating lately & websitesSo, as I've written, I purchased a CASE of GG crispbreads. Well, to date, I have had tuna salad on them, as well as, turkey sloppy joes, Costco's spinach/artichoke/parm dip, good 'ole PB&J and sliced tomato and cheese. I have avocados and Laughing Cow cheese that I want to try this week too. I regularly eat chocolate VitaTop muffins-from Costco. I've had my period this week so the muffin and BAGS of popcorn have been a nightly regular and therefore my system has been "regular"! (hee, hee) I have enjoyed the farmer's market and my CSA box. I've had miniture plums, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and a variety of squashes. My family's favorite summer salad is a strawberry/spinach/feta with balsamic. I ordered more stuff from Netrition.com-apricot and peach Nature's Hollow preserves and Orange Creme Barlean's Omega Swirl which I add to my plain greek yogurt-YUMMY! I still take Dr. Murray's 12/12 probiotics and drink Smartwater, SoBe 0 and iced coffee. I prefer flavored coffee to using flavored stevia but since I don't always make the coffee in the morning (husband always makes plain) I have both on hand. Every Thursday is date night with my husband at the local mexican restaurant and I enjoy their $1 margaritas and chili verde. At least one night a week we get pizza-where it comes from varies and we have a salad with it. I am really proud of myself for packing lunch twice already this week and plan to finish the week out taking lunch with me. I had gotten into a bad habit of eating lunch out on the road (I travel across 5 counties to do my job) either at McDonald's (actually, I eat breakfast there-egg mcmuffin & unsweet tea), Subway & Wendy's. I'm going to boil a few eggs tonight to make egg salad for tomorrow's crispbread topping.<br />
What are your staples? Challenges? Favorite crispbread toppings?<br />
I've discovered that I am doing the bulk of "my" grocery shopping (vs. the family) online....are you too? I shop between 3 different websites for different things.....would LOVE the convinience of one-stop-shopping but what's a girl to do :-D Where are you shopping? What are the deals/shipping? Here are mine-<br />
<a href="http://www.allstarhealth.com/">http://www.allstarhealth.com/</a> they have $5.95 shipping and I buy my probiotics from them-cheapest I've found<br />
<a href="http://www.netrition.com/">http://www.netrition.com/</a> they have $4.95 shipping and I buy Nature's Hollow, Barlean's, Zevia, Pasta, GG crispbreads and stevia from them<br />
<a href="http://www.totalhealth.com/">http://www.totalhealth.com/</a> has free shipping on orders over $85 and under 5 pounds. I had ordered my probiotics from them but their price went up, they have Barlean's and stevia products as well as a full line of NOW products that I occassionally partake of.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-61207469351681399772010-06-01T17:22:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:00:26.781-07:00ConvertsA few weeks ago my supervisor mentioned that she was doing Weight Watchers to lose weight for upcoming graduations she would be attending. I asked her how it was going and she said she had a lot to lose before the events. So what did I do? I told her that if she dropped the sugar and increased her fiber she'd lose more weight and quickly. I explained the basics of 15 grams of sugar and 24 or more grams of fiber per day and to READ labels. I wrote down my favorite and easy to find BFC products and over the last 2 weeks have shared some products with her. She is doing a combined WW and BFC-ish program and is doing very well. She is consistent with a 2-3 pound loss per week which is good. Her husband has started doing this as well and he has already lost 19 pounds! I enjoy helping her out a little and sharing the evils of sugar with her. She is SO happy and excited with the acceleration of her weight loss....she even told me that the WW folks were concerned she was losing too much too quickly!<br />
Last week I took her a package of the GG Scandinavian Crispbreads and she shared them with her husband and they both really liked them. She has since placed an order for a few packages to get her through the next couple of weeks. She even shared that her BMs have been like nothing she has ever experienced before. I told her that I completely understood. She asked if she needed the probiotic and since she hasn't abused sucralose/Splenda like I did for years unwittingly, I told her no. If the crispbread is doing wonders for you, save the $ for new clothes and IF the crispbreads don't work as effectively then incorporate the probiotics. <br />
I'm glad I shared this information with her and she feels that these changes are something she can stick with. I feel like I'm getting a little BFC refresher course when she asks me questions and it has motivated me to be more mindful of what I am eating. I really do like the crispbreads and their versatility. I haven't had PB&J for quite some time and that has been my favorite way to eat the crispbread since receiving my order and the Nature's Hollow berry preserves. I look forward to discovering other tasty ways to get fantastic filling fiber into my diet :-)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-59733828471608883622010-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:002010-06-02T13:58:38.987-07:00GG Scandinavian Bran CrispbreadI finally bit the bullet and ordered a CASE of these from <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Netrition</span>.com. They arrived quickly and the first night I had them I ate 4 with tuna salad. After the 3rd one, I could tell my belly was bloating and getting full. Needless to say, today I did MUCH better even with my excitement. I ate my usual Uncle Sam's cereal with some berry <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Barlean's</span> Flax oil and an iced coffee. For lunch I had 2 crispbreads with some Kirkland's brand organic peanut butter and Nature's Hollow berry preserves....absolutely delicious and filling! For dinner I ate some spaghetti with <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Barilla</span> fiber pasta...very good and for dessert, a chocolate <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Vitat</span>op Muffin. Total fiber consumption for today....30+ grams! The difficulty is getting all the fluids in!<br />
I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have ordered these crispbreads and preserves from <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">netrition</span>.com. I am very happy with the speed of delivery as well. The foods are delicious and the crispbreads truly do fill you up quickly. You definitely need to drink with these and I find it more palatable to top them with something moist.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-56324103404571478602010-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:002010-04-30T16:51:44.912-07:00Rewards<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Like most folks, I've rewarded myself with food and shopping sprees for clothes. What I've discovered is food shouldn't always be the reward and I've got too many clothes! I spent a recent Saturday "shopping" in my own closet and was amazed at how much I had to donate because the clothes are too big! Actually, I felt mixed about it, on the one hand, hooray for the weight loss but on the other, boo for the $ wasted.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I have opted to reward myself with things that will keep me motivated to eat well. I have a HomeGoods store here where I live. I like to go there and look at what they have as far as dishes, glasses and pans. I have found dishes and bowls that are beautiful Italian ceramic that I eat my meals from. I have also purchased unique and pretty glasses. I buy only one-not a set, to emphasize that this is for ME. I really enjoy eating off of beautiful dishes and pretty glasses certainly encourage fluid consumption.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I was also very thrilled to discover glass water bottles at HomeGoods. I had read about them in magazines but hadn't seen them and just by chance I found them at HomeGoods. I bought 4 of them and they are pretty-butterfly and flower designs on the glass.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So, when you hit your next milestone, reward yourself with something that encourages you to continue on your healthy path and brings you joy!</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-88141057975276121222010-04-30T12:35:00.000-07:002010-05-01T20:02:19.177-07:00Maintaining<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, like Amber (Me and Jorge), I've been on the BFC lifestyle for 6 months and I've lost 16 pounds. I am pleased with where I am with my weightloss and have maintained this for about 2 months. Would I like to lose more? Yes. Have I been following the plan 100% like Amber? No.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">I think my biggest issue when I began BFC was the size of my pants. I was wearing size 14 and I'd never worn that size before. I also hated the fact that my boobs were regularly sitting on my belly. Once I got back into the 150's my pant size went down and once I hit the 140's I was able to buy some new pants....size 8 jeans and size 10 dress pants. I haven't been regimented in following all of the BFC criteria...I've been mostly following the sugar rule. I admit that some evenings, my husband and I have date night at the local mexican restaurant on .99 margarita night and I'll have 2 of those. I also admit to having 2 of McDonald's flavored coffees. I tried the caramel frappe and last summer I lived off the iced caramel coffee. I've had 2 iced caramel coffees in the last month.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">For those reading this who are currently on the BFC plan, if you haven't gotten the message from others yet, automation of your meals is key. I've started a new temporary job waiting for my "real" job to start in July (fingers crossed). For the last year I've only worked part time and now I'm working full time and I am finding it difficult to get going in the mornings. I've had 2 or 3 days where I actually packed all my food for the day and ate it. I went so far as to buy a new cooler and I've not used it as well as I'd envisioned. Bathing suit weather is here and I'm close to getting into one but not just yet.....flab.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">Yes, how long have I been mentioning core exercises so I can wear that bathing suit?! Have I done it? Nope. Honestly, I'm exhausted from the job and the thought of exercise makes me tired! However, I know I have at least 15 minutes every morning that I could start doing something to deal with the flab. Maybe I need to hang my bathing suit in the bathroom where my last good beach picture is and use that as motivation and reminder of the goal. I would really love to get back to the 130's. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia;">I guess it is one meal at a time, 15 minutes of core work a day-away.</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-13590039340962846022010-03-27T09:16:00.000-07:002010-03-27T09:16:00.950-07:00Earth Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkLrxPF898-beH4yqb6fYLBkwvEQ5pCUaNuE57KUaC8tx9qEI0oDsOeANcw3E2nyjPkDjR3_fyBCe-7O2zE1QRW_vEHlYZvRYPXZ4ia9TDuY4ftMT_ugMOvBGGxrk7Tjx3nL8imn1UHI/s1600/food-inc-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkLrxPF898-beH4yqb6fYLBkwvEQ5pCUaNuE57KUaC8tx9qEI0oDsOeANcw3E2nyjPkDjR3_fyBCe-7O2zE1QRW_vEHlYZvRYPXZ4ia9TDuY4ftMT_ugMOvBGGxrk7Tjx3nL8imn1UHI/s320/food-inc-poster.jpg" /></a></div><span id="goog_1751733685"></span><span id="goog_1751733686"></span>On Tuesday of this passing week, my family and I watched this movie. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I have known for quite some time that processed foods and fertilizers were not good for us or the environment and this past fall I read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. It is sad what "the industry" has been able to get away with for so long.<br />
On Wednesday I began reading the first of 3 books by Michael Pollan who is featured in the movie and actually goes into much greater detail of what is happening with food. I also highly recommend these books.<br />
The image below does not show his book Food Rules and I don't plan to read The Botany of Desire at this time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wO1ZUvAoGTfkft9T16onk3avJwuMkdPmLzki1SHqthSS_MZGiVF-cgw2flfxcrgizns6hNoCUyG2od-eC2feXaCDPwnOJeOZwLvrFX5oIi3qhJVMN1CBNnkjecyaG6SVXXtnGXm9KQ/s1600/michaelpollan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0wO1ZUvAoGTfkft9T16onk3avJwuMkdPmLzki1SHqthSS_MZGiVF-cgw2flfxcrgizns6hNoCUyG2od-eC2feXaCDPwnOJeOZwLvrFX5oIi3qhJVMN1CBNnkjecyaG6SVXXtnGXm9KQ/s320/michaelpollan.jpg" /></a></div>For the last 2 years I have been incorporating as much organic food my budget could afford for the family. I am lucky to have a fantastic Farmers Market that runs from April to Oct/November each year and a local co-op that features healthy products of all kinds. This year I was able to buy a membership with a local organic CSA (community supported agriculture). For the fee I am getting 1/2 bushel of fresh organic produce for $18.75/week. I don't think that is a bad deal at all. In fact, it is cheaper than what I was paying going to the Farmers Market (tho' I will continue to go for other items). I have also just recently become aware of another CSA that supports NC farmers in general. Unfortunately, the farm is not organic tho' the coordinator of this CSA says they do things sustainably and thoughtfully....which leaves me questioning whether to sign up for this or not. My husband keeps going back and forth which is driving me crazy :-)<br />
Anyway, what does this have to do with the blog?<br />
Well-a lot in my opinion. BFC is loaded with processed foods and lots of the WRONG kind of fats. I have mentioned before in other posts that I have taken the sugar information from Jorge and added it to The Flat Belly Diet that I tried and liked 2 years ago. I really appreciate the work that Amber (meandjorge.com) has put into finding low carb/high fiber food....I really want to get my hands on a package of those GG crispbreads! Jorge doesn't really explain the science and studies that support the 15/6 ratio. He gives plenty of video and links to support information about sugar and what it does to us but not so much the carbs and why this 15/6 ratio. I figured out that it really needs to be about unprocessed high fiber carbs and nothing crazy with the amount. Honestly, if we eat high fiber the bulk makes us feel full and we stop eating. I've got the family on quinoa...rice will be the exception...even brown/wild rice. I haven't had white rice in years.<br />
So for Earth Hour (which here on the East Coast is 830pm) my family is going to sit and chat about Food Inc. by candle light. I have held off having the discussion so everyone would have enough time to process what they saw and heard. I need time to process information myself and the timing works out really well.<br />
I am one of a family of four. Tonight, as a family, we may agree that we are willing and wanting to eat more simply and sustainably which means eating more grains and produce and reducing our meat consumption (we already have meatless Mondays and at least one other night a week without meat). Once we work through what meat we have in the freezer, I will only purchase organic meat. We do not eat beef - chicken and pork primarily and some seafood occasionally (that is another discussion in and of itself!).<br />
I encourage you to see the movie-I rented it from Netflix. Michael Pollan's books I got from Overstock.com and I will be purchasing the movie from them as well. Please participate in Earth Hour...we go so far as to flip all the breakers for the hour so we are truly "off the grid".Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-51386600007504649652010-03-20T16:01:00.000-07:002010-03-20T16:01:31.643-07:00Quick UpdateI am trilled to announce that I've lost 3 pounds! After sitting at a plateau for months, I dropped another 3 and during "that time of the month" no less :-) If I can drop another 10 pounds, I'll be thrilled. Needless to say, I am very motivated now. Spring has come to coastal North Carolina and I love being outside now. In June, it will be another story but for now, it is great! So to celebrate, I exfoliated and pulled out the TanTowels and started my tan today :-) No pasty blue legs for this girl.<br />
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I will write more, a few topics to share but just wanted to share this for now! Good luck :-)Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-5211661582863084062010-03-03T11:15:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:18:12.757-08:00Zevia Give Away @ meandjorge-Amber<a href="http://asthepizzaburns40bellyfatbfc.blogspot.com/2010/03/zevia-give-away.html#links"><br />
</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-87398453460429210972010-03-03T11:13:00.000-08:002010-03-03T11:13:30.581-08:00Zevia Give Away<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Amber of meandjorge has a Zevia give away going on right now. Zevia is absolutely fantastic! I've tried all the flavors with the exception of their newest one-Dr. Zevia which is supposed to taste like Dr. Pepper (one of my fave sodas). I have even used the sodas when making a cocktail...like Zevia cola and vanilla vodka, Twist with citrus vodka, Black Cherry with vanilla vodka...as you can imagine, it could go on and on!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here is Amber's website to enter-</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">www.meandjorge.com</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Good luck! </span></span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-2534694478169182972010-02-20T15:10:00.000-08:002010-02-21T11:31:09.750-08:00Bothered<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hello</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is anyone else getting bombarded with Jorge's latest plan for those of us in our 40s? I'm still reeling from the $400 price tag of the last "coaching class" that netted a loss of 13 pounds....not the 30 his "hook" claimed I would lose.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, first time shame on you, Jorge...this 40 year old isn't falling for another get rich quick scheme for you.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Okay, enough of my time on that. It has been 3 weeks now since I last posted something. I've been very busy and was laid off from a job that I loved the kids I worked with but couldn't stand the company. Fortunately I was able to land a part time gig as a contracted consultant to get a program up and running at another agency.....full time employment may follow. Then there is the ever present tension, frustration and "ICK" of living with 2 teenagers.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">How has the "life style" been? Well, considering that I've eaten King Cake every week since the last blog entry and I've not gained anything says a lot. I married into a Cajun family and between the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, it has been a nonstop party since the playoffs. Fortunately, the King Cake supplier has ceased making the deliciously divine "crack".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I did neglect to take the probiotics for about 2 weeks and that really threw a wrench into the mix so I ate those pills like candy for a week and now I'm back on track.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The goal is to get automated again. I've let that go since January and it really lends itself to me over eating at dinner time. My body has already "changed time" so I am getting sleepy earlier and waking up earlier and that is a definite plus. I'm not sleeping the morning away and then rushing to work. I get up and have coffee, get on the computer and then eat something but not enough as I am almost "binge" eating at dinner! So, again, automating is key.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nice discovery since I've been gone from the blog....2 more followers, welcome, and I can NOW LEAVE COMMENTS!! Woo Hoo! Needless to say, Amber (meandjorge) was the first to get a comment :-)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have a great week!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-11701609340216504632010-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:002010-01-30T14:16:13.255-08:00Whoops!Hi there!<br />
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First let me say thank you for your comments. Unfortunately, I cannot leave comments anywhere....my blog or others for some unknown reason. Amber has been great in trying to help me resolve this issue but alas, nothing :( Please believe me that I would respond to each of you if I could figure out what is wrong.<br />
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I've kinda fallen off the wagon this past week or so. I'm not making eating a priority. Most days I am eating at 2pm and then again at 730pm and that's it. I've eaten Subway 2x this week, Arby's once and mexican dinner "date night" last night. 'Tis the season for King Cake and with the Saints headed to the Super Bowl, I've gone gangbusters with the cake..........however, I am proud to say that it has been the ONLY sugar I've indulged in. My issue seems to be the carbs lately NOT sugar......a huge change from the past. I have also been really lax about the probiotics. It's the stress I'm dealing with....job, finances, teens and hubby. The hubs and I are working on a new role for me and I'm having difficulty making the transition but I do believe it will be for the best and I'm glad he has finally HEARD what I've been begging for over the last 7 years. I have applied for 2 jobs and got a surprise potential job offer too. Next week I interview for one and have to call about the other.<br />
Sleeping is my favorite thing to do and so I do try to make the most of it and get a lot of it :-D However, I really need to get my hours under control. I've been staying up until 1-2am and sleeping until 10-1030am. My current job allows such a schedule but I know that will come to an end if I get a job elsewhere.<br />
I must also admit a new preoccupation (which has kept me from this blog). I constantly play FarmVille on Facebook. What a dork right?<br />
So, I've had to take a hard look at what I've been doing....especially since Amber is totally ROCKIN' it...WOO HOO and way to GO! I live on the coast of North Carolina so beach season is only 3 months away. I've gotta buckle down and lose at least 8 more pounds. I started BFC at 161 and I'm now 148. I would LOVE to get to 130 but I've not seen that number in a long time. I'm now 40 so I guess 140 is more realistic....maybe even 135? I need to order the cookbooks I mentioned in the last entry and start doing some core exercises.....and EATING :-)<br />
My next entry is going to be full of forward movement, NOT stagnation. Again, thanks for reading and commenting and have a GREAT week!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-14636647604875171842010-01-21T20:18:00.000-08:002010-01-21T20:18:11.007-08:00Rough Day<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So today it has been rough with food. I am definitely eating emotionally. My job is up in the air....and I'm under-employed as it is. Next week my favorite kid leaves the program I run so there is no telling if I'll ever see her again and I worry for her. I haven't had a brownie since October and I am craving one like my life depends on it! I haven't been doing well making sure I eat at least 3 meals and 2 snacks a day so that certainly hasn't helped matters at all. I basically binge eat when I get home as that has been the only meal I've consumed for the day.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I went to Costco on Monday to grocery shop and saw that they finally had Jorge's book in stock. I flipped through it and decided not to buy it. After the 13 weeks and the videos and discussion on the boards, I don't think I need it. I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about Jorge and his "cure". I've been doing a lot of research about him and his anti-sugar predecessors. I understand the basics of Jorge's plan (tho' he never really explained the science or foundation for the 15/6 ratio during the online coaching experience) and use that in addition to monitoring fiber and yes, the meals of the Flat Belly Diet. When I am actually eating properly, I graze all day. Morning starts out with a leisurely cup of coffee or two and then around 11am I eat Uncle Sams cereal. Then for lunch at around 130-230pm I have a wrap or two with tuna and spinach, eggs and cheese, chicken and spinach and then around 5pm I eat a snack of nuts, olives or cheese. At 7 or 730pm I eat dinner....protein and veggie and a glass of wine.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I really need to make it a priority to eat. I have gone from 161.6 pounds (Oct. 19, 2009) to maintaining 148 for the last month. If I ate regularly it would probably start going down again and if I added some exercise it would definitely go down.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have not prepared well for the day when my brownie craving would return. The Green & Black's chocolate is great but doesn't do a great job substituting as a brownie. I have researched some Stevia cookbooks and plan to purchase two. I think since some of my fellow BFCers are blogging about recipes I'll join the bandwagon (and honor Julie & Julia) and blog about recipes from the Stevia cookbooks. </span></span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5034931677357127579.post-41767536247798138512010-01-17T15:27:00.000-08:002010-01-17T15:27:46.721-08:00Another use for flavored liquid steviaSo I have found another use that is quite yummy for flavored liquid stevia.......I put it in my Uncle Sams cereal. I have used the french vanilla flavor and breakfast has become something I look forward to now. I have been so impressed by this I've yet to try my other flavors...not too sure that the citrus ones would be that good but I wonder if it would be like eating fruit loops or fruity pebbles? I have used hazelnut and french vanilla in my coffee and it is very good. I would like to find lime flavor to use for mojitos and margaritas. I can use the lemon flavor for a Tom Collins.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202848397772614811noreply@blogger.com1