Adventures in Chicken and Salmon

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!

 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.

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.  

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 do not 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.

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.  

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.

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!

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?

Rewards

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.
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.
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.
So, when you hit your next milestone, reward yourself with something that encourages you to continue on your healthy path and brings you joy!

Earth Hour

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.
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.
The image below does not show his book Food Rules and I don't plan to read The Botany of Desire at this time.

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 :-)
Anyway, what does this have to do with the blog?
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.
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.
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!).
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".

Bothered

Hello

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.
Well, first time shame on you, Jorge...this 40 year old isn't falling for another get rich quick scheme for you.

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.

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".
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.

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.


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 :-)


Have a great week!

Rough Day

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.
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.
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.
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.

Barlean's Oils

If you haven't tried the Barlean's brand flax and fish oils....oh, what sweet health you've been missing!  I had not tried them earlier in the BFC program due to its cost.  However, Total Health discount vitamins (website) sent me an email with an 11% off coupon.  I needed more probiotics anyway so I looked to see if they carried Barlean's and they do!  I was lucky enough to find both the berry and chocolate raspberry flavors and ordered one bottle of each.  With the discount and no tax or shipping costs, I paid around $23/bottle vs. $30.  Last night I was craving something sweet and looked at my tracker and saw that I'd not had enough MUFAs for the day so I went to the fridge and opened the berry omega swirl flavor.  KA-POW!  Berry explosion in my mouth...very creamy and sweet...almost too sweet since I've been on Stevia for 3 months.  My mind began working on ways to use this sweet nectar.  So, this morning, I added some of the berry omega swirl to my Uncle Sams cereal.  I was very light in my application of the oil not knowing how it would mix with cereal and almond milk but it flavored the cereal fabulously.  I was also worried about making the cereal too sweet based on my spoonful of oil last night but it turned out well.  I can see using the berry flavor as a salad dressing...especially for summer salads.  Just a drizzle for a wonderful very berry flavor.
I have been researching Stevia cookbooks as I've yet to bake anything sweet.  I absolutely LOVE brownies but Jorge's recipe uses Joseph's maltitol syrup....that stuff makes me feel horrible.  I bought Joseph's maple syrup and I will probably throw it away as maltitol and I do not like each other.  I've also read some conflicting reports about maltitol so instead of making the mistake I made with Splenda, I'll go with Stevia.  Yes, I've recently heard it may effect fertility but I've no interest in having kids and I'm 40 so it is a non-issue for me.
So, when I get my Stevia cookbooks I can totally see using both oils as the "extra" for the goodies.  Clemmy's ice cream isn't an option for me either....same issues as with Joseph's.  I did buy some Fage greek yogurt at Costco and look forward to flavoring it with the chocolate raspberry tonight as my dessert.
I would like to ask that if you happen to find a website that carries Barlean's at a good price to let me know about it.  This is a product that will become a staple in my fridge just like liquid stevia.  Run, run, run to the store or web to get a bottle :)

Happy 2010 Everyone!

Happy 2010!
I hope you and your families had a safe and wonderful holiday season.  Although the shortest visit of the last 4 or more years, I was still able to go home to my family in Virginia and spend 6 days with them.  I love that even at 40, I have my Mom tuck me in on Christmas Eve and wake me up Christmas Day.  While home I was able to do pretty well on the program.  I did choose to indulge in sweets that are significant for us at this time of year but I kept it sane.  Normally I would have taken a lot of holiday food treats home with me and purchased/made more while home but not this year. This is the first year that I didn't have eggnog!   My Mom did pretty well with understanding my "latest" food restrictions but I really think she may have been impressed by the 13 pound weight loss since Halloween (that was the last time she saw me).  My pants were noticeably baggy and honestly, the seat of them looks like I am carrying a "load" if you know what I mean ;-)
JC Penny had corduroys on sale the day after Christmas for $10 so I bought 2 new pair in colors I didn't already have and they fit much better tho' they are cut in the thighs to accommodate saddlebags (which I don't have) so they still look a little funny but no "load".
I did gain 2 pounds but I do believe most, if not all of it was due to fiber.  I didn't eat anywhere near 30 grams while at home.  I stayed hydrated, took the probiotics but still felt bloated so I think it was a "false fat" issue.  I didn't have internet access while home so I missed 2 weeks of classes but watched them New Year's Eve.  They were okay but nothing spectacular.  I've read the other blogs and have found them very interesting.  I have also checked out Amazon to see how the book is doing.  I was in Costco last Wednesday and they didn't have his book but they did have the paperback version of Flat Belly Diet which I've done and basically still do just adding the S/C/F from this program.  I find that "mashing" the two together makes a more complete lifestyle and when I do follow it to a "T", I am never hungry.
As we begin this new year I realize that I need to make some changes.  I believe I've got the healthful eating on it's way but I am unhealthy in other ways.  I am chronically unhappy...with my underemployment, my marriage and husband's children and I am isolated.  I am still nursing the hurt of soul mate friend moving away and not working to keep our friendship strong and alive...I am being forgotten and may very well have been forgotten if I didn't make myself email her.  I really need a positive outlet but can't seem to figure out what that would be.  Finances are tight right now so I can't sign up to take a class or anything.  I find it difficult to "deal with" people outside of my professional obligations...not one for small talk or social games.  That was what was so great about L until she moved away.  We had so much in common and yet were quite different.  I just wish I knew why she's abandoned me.  This is incredibly painful and May will make it 3 years since she left.
So, having said all that, this is the year I need to work on being happier.  I must find a full time job and that will eventually lead to me being self-employed by 2011.  I want to wear a bikini on the beach this year.  I want to find something that I can do that makes me feel good...be it take classes and learn a hobby, volunteer, or perhaps find a friend.
I wish you a year full of hope, health, happiness, success and love.

Total Health website, Probiotics, liquid stevia

On Thursday December 3, I placed an order with Total Health discount vitamins online.  I received my package yesterday.  Two items are on back order - wish I'd known that when I placed the order.  Total Health offers free ground shipping on orders over $85 and under 5 pounds.  I ordered 4 bottles of Natural Factor's 12/12 probiotic that Jorge recommends.  This website has the cheapest price for these pills $13.97/60 capsule bottle.  I had been wanting to try several recommended products and after A LOT of internet research, I settled on ordering from this company.  I will have to remember for future purchases that it will take almost 2 weeks for the order to be processed and delivered.  If I do not have a large order to place, I may go to either vitacost or netrition.  They have flat $5 shipping but most of their stuff costs more than Total Health.
Natural Factor's 12/12 Probiotic-
Take one pill 3 times daily with a meal.  Keep refrigerated.  I have taken 3 all at once this evening and I will probably take another 3 when I go to bed.  I haven't been on probiotics for 2 or 3 weeks now, as I was waiting for this shipment to arrive.  I'll share my thoughts on the efficacy of this product later in the week.
NOW and Sweetleaf Liquid Stevia-
2 fluid ounce bottles-NOW brand significantly less expensive than Sweetleaf but Sweetleaf offers more flavors.  I purchased French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Lemon, Peppermint, Orange Creme and plain.  I look forward to flavoring my water and coffee with these.  Hmmm, I'll try the peppermint in water right now.  Okay, the sweet comes through more so than the peppermint.  My water is room temperature so that may have something to do with it too.  I've noticed that mint comes through either when it is hot or very cold.  If plain coffee is brewed in the morning, I'll try it in my coffee.  I love mint tea, so this will definitely be used to sweeten that.  I see the lemon being used to sweeten/flavor my water.
As I try these products I will post reviews of them.

Christmas Party Success

So last night was my husband's union party.  I did well to prepare for it by having a wrap with 3 eggs, 3 slices of Canadian bacon and a sprinkle of cheese.  I ate that around 1130am so it was brunch and by the time 7pm rolled around I was ready to eat!  It was around 730 or 8pm when we hit the buffet and I was really happy with the offerings.  I had a 1/2 cup serving of garlic mashed potatoes, a cup of green beans (they were very crisp and delicious), chicken Marsala and crab stuffed flounder.  I didn't even look at the dessert table but saw from the plates of guests there was chocolate cake, cheese cake, chocolates.....
I had one glass of red wine, brought my Stevia in the Raw and had one iced tea and one cup of coffee.  My husband did have dessert, the chocolate cake, so I sampled a tiny taste.  It was moist and very delicious.  I enjoyed the tiny sample and was pleased to refuse my husband's further offerings. 
This is the only holiday party we attend so I am pleased that it really was a non issue.  Thanks to fellow BFCers who have partied and shared their stories with us.  Their experience helped me and supported me in making good choices and feeling confident in the lifestyle.
Three folks sitting at our table had dessert.  The hotel cut HUGE pieces of cake...they had to have been 3 servings at a minimum....and as they sat there in front of me eating them, all I could think of was the video of red blood cells and sugar and Dr. L's lecture "Sugar: The Bitter Truth".  
Part of me wanted to break out into teacher mode but it wasn't the time or place and I have to say, no one would have believed me anyway.  I do look forward to sharing this information with my family when I go home for Christmas.   
For those still celebrating the holidays with parties and dinners, the best of decision making to you because luck has nothing to do with it.  Control is ours!

Where is everyone?

So, where is everyone?  The traffic on Jorge's website has virtually come to a stop.  Is it due to the holidays or is it due to a lot of folks being really unsatisfied?  The Accountability Buddy site has had comments holding steady for each group for a week now.  The Emotional Emergency site is seldom used.  In fact, I am the last one to post an issue.

I have an admission.  I think I'm obsessed with the BFC website.  I mentioned in an earlier post that I spent hours pouring through the posts, well, I'm not getting that now and it bums me out.  How pathetic is that?  The blogs are great but like me, not everyone posts something everyday.  Guess I'm feeling pretty isolated in this too.


Jane and Amber, thank you for attempting to help me.  I am unable to figure the whole comment thing out.  The comment box never shows my name nor when I chose any of the profiles does it actually post the comment.  Oh well.  But thank you so very much :)

Product Review-Steaz Zero Calorie

http://www.steaz.com/

 Steaz Zero Calorie sparkling green tea IS zero!  This refreshing bubbling beverage is sweetened with organic erythritol, stevia and organic purple carrot juice for this particular flavor.  It comes as a 4 pack and at my local co-op was $5.99.  I have not had the opportunity to check out other stores to see if they carry it or if it is cheaper elsewhere.  For the BFC plan it is 0/0 and heaven knows we need as many of those as we can find :-)

I attempted to make a sparkling cocktail with this using vanilla vodka & Steaz Zero blueberry pomegranate.  I thought it was pretty good-different of course and my husband wasn't sold on it.  The tea threw the flavor for him.  Cocktail or not, I highly recommend this product to those who enjoy sodas and miss them.  Unlike Zevia, which is a BFC 0/1,  Steaz Zero is 0/0.  So enjoy!

Product Review-Water

http://www.herbalwater.com/

This is delicious water!   It is flavored with herb extracts and vanilla.  It comes in several flavors and is zero everything.  I found 3 varieties of it at Cost Plus/World Market.  The two shown here and cinnamon orange peel. You can get it online cheaper from Vitacost.com but they only have 2 flavors.

http://www.metromint.com/

MetroMint is also very delicious water that is flavored with extracts of mint and fruits and they now even have chocolate mint.  I discovered this water 2 years ago when I was going to the gym regularly and really having a difficult time cooling down during the summer workouts.  I have found MetroMint at Whole Foods, Fresh Market and World Market/Cost Plus.  It is on the pricey side like Herbal Water but it is a nice treat and certainly makes getting some of the 80 oz. I should be drinking everyday more pleasant.  I highly recommend both of these waters.

Sugar: The Bitter Truth

So I watched the latest video post from Jorge and was completely floored. I had no idea how bad sugar was outside of fruits and vegetables. Fructose is a poison just like ethanol (alcohol). So much for the red grape that Dr. Oz extols. The silver lining however, is that I can't look at a candy bar, baked goods, Dr. Pepper or A LOT of things the same way ever again. I am already a label/ingredient list reader but I will be ever more vigilant in my inspection of food products.
Within the last year I discovered Nature's Own organic wheat bread for my kids. It does not contain HFC and has whole grains in it and a decent amount of fibre. What is even better is that I buy it at the bread thrift store so I pay $1 to $1.50 per loaf depending on their sales. I have a chest freezer so I load up on it when they have it. My last trip I bought 16 loaves and 4 packages of the HFC free whole wheat hamburger buns.
I also learned that fibre, fibre, fibre is key for many reasons. The video also touches on why it is absent from fast food and why so many food producers don't include it in their products.....shelf life and shipping to other countries. If we were to follow a Paleolithic diet, we would only eat raw foods and our fibre intake would be around 100-300grams.
An amazing video with lots to think about. I went so far as to try and find the book Pure, White and Deadly the Dr. mentions and I did find it on Amazon for $662! So much for reading.
I highly recommend that you watch the video.

DOWN & BFC ?s

So I weighed today as it is the "official" weigh-in day and it is the lowest yet! 153 even.
This is after 3 gin and diet tonics (and yes, it had bad sweetener in it), 3 slices of supreme pizza, slivers of pumpkin pie and rum cake, spoonfuls of potatoes and sweet potato souffle. Needless to say, I'm quite pleased and the "critical voice" never entered my head.
I am about to leave for work but I did check the boards on the BFC website and people still have questions about portions. I'm surprised by this because I'm sure Jorge has addressed this in one of the earlier videos. Just on the chance that someone reads this, here goes-

meats should be the size of a deck of cards or roughly the size of the palm of your hand

nuts 1/4 c-get health benefits and helps to curb hunger

cheese 1 oz (yes, it costs more but the prepackaged ones really are convenient and travel well)

In the afternoons, I eat a cheese stick and a small palmful of walnuts and drink (2) 16.9 oz bottles of water. If I run out of cheese sticks I make a Jay Robb protein shake with water or "milk alternative" and eat a palmful of walnuts.

Then for dinner I usually eat a wrap or two with a protein, light sprinkle of finely shredded cheese, 1/2 c. spinach and maybe tzatziki or spicy mustard.

The key take away here is nothing is "free", "zero" or "all you can eat" because eventually it all adds up. Too much of anything isn't always good....well, except for peace and love maybe :-)

Survived Thanksgiving

Well, I survived Thanksgiving-that's because we didn't actually celebrate Thanksgiving until today (my husband's family couldn't come until last night) :-) I did all the cooking and prepared everyone's favorites. Did I do BFC? No I didn't and I don't feel bad about it at all. I was so busy on Thursday and Friday that I hardly ate so my spoonful of everything that I made today isn't a concern for me. I am even going to indulge in a sliver of rum cake and pumpkin pie. I weighed earlier in the week and saw my lowest yet....153.4! I also got out the tape measure and I've lost an inch at my belly button.
I am concerned that I've run out of probiotics and will order the ones Jorge recommends after I post this. I also plan to "accelerate" things by up-ing the dose since it is okay.
Since I had to get the house together and presentable for family, I've not done my product reviews. I am really planning and hoping to do this on Sunday after company has left. I have beverages, chocolate, protein, Amazing Grass, etc. to share.
I hope fellow BFCers had a good holiday on the plan or not :-)

Is it possible????

Even though I know I shouldn't do it, I got on the scale this afternoon. All I'd had for the day was a cup of coffee and my Uncle Sam cereal. I had actually gone up on the scale on Thursday but today.....DOWN and I broke 155 :) So, I went to that scary place, my closet where I keep my "regular" clothes. I pulled down a pair of size 10 jeans (admittedly with stretch) and put them on.....they FIT. The jeans actually touched me and the "muffin" at the waistband was minimal. People, I've gone from size 14 pants to size 10....the size I wore 2 years ago! Now, I'm not letting this get to my head too much because as we know, not all pants & sizes are created equal, but it feels good to start a clothes donation box for The Salvation Army.
I've struggled emotionally this week. Last night I allowed myself to acknowledge the fact that I am not happy. I've got a lot of stresses in a lot of areas and my relationships aren't what I'd like them to be. It was Thursday night I believe and I ate 3 servings of Joseph's cookies. I had that little voice in my head saying "you aren't hungry" and I rationalized it by saying that my body will have the adverse reaction to eating that much Maltitol and I'd lose weight. Can you believe this?
I'm an introvert. I don't like meeting new people and I really don't like small talk. I enjoy silence and very deep and meaningful relationships with a few people. I don't have that in my life right now. My BFF moved away in May of 2007. We have a lot in common and did everything together...we met on the job and it just took off. Her move was completely unexpected and happened in one week. I love her a lot and miss her terribly. I went to visit her in October of 2007 and haven't been back. She doesn't call me and occasionally emails me. We used to IM but she had a baby in August and we've not been in touch really since. So that makes me very sad, lonely, hurt and I don't want to trust or love someone that much again. We were going to grow old together.......
Well, "the best laid plans of mice and men."

Okay, so later today I plan to post some product reviews.

Yesterday wasn't the best day. I went over a carb serving because my eating schedule was off and I didn't get enough protein/good fat in early in the day. I woke up late because I've returned to a bad practice of staying up until 1-2am. I am also completely wrapped up in the boards on Jorge's site. I spend HOURS on them-checking to see if someone has posted anything new, recipes, web sites and yes, what they are saying about the program and Jorge.

I am sticking with the program and making sure I get good fats in every day to deal with visceral fat which Jorge has not addressed. Prior to the BFC I did the Flat Belly Diet by Prevention magazine and prior to that I did the South Beach Diet. I did well on both programs but they support using sucralose/Splenda which I now know is BAD. The Flat Belly Diet was really informative regarding visceral fat which is the fat that accumulates and surrounds your organs. Eating the proper fats and sticking to a 1600 calorie diet (4 400 cal. meals) they said you would lose belly fat and inches. I did just that and never felt hungry. However, the only thing that stuck from that diet was MUFA-the good fat your body needs to be healthy and get rid of visceral fat. Which brings me back to "tweaking" BFC and the tracker.

My tracker (another fellow BFCer, Lucie, sent me one she had made and I've since created my own to add other items to track) lists meals, snacks, liquid intake, carbs, sugars, fiber and MUFAs. If I go another week without losing weight, I'll start tracking calories too. I do not currently exercise and do not plan to as I do not want to overwhelm myself with change. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I am still getting used to how/what to eat and until it becomes second nature and "automatic" I am not going to go over board with stuff. I think that has been a problem for me in the past. All or nothing thinking. I have to change EVERYTHING right now and commit 100% in order to get it right....and it proves to be too much for me. My husband and kids are eating whatever they want (still healthy food but some hidden sugars) because I'm not at a place where I can incorporate what I've learned into cooking for them every day. I am focusing on me first.

So, today I plan to eat at reasonable and regular intervals to keep the blood sugar levels satisfied. I already have my walnuts packed for work so I just need to get my protein powder in a shaker and I'll be good for the afternoon. Breakfast was the usual Uncle Sam cereal, lunch will be a wrap of some kind with spinach and dinner well, I might play that one by ear.

Today has been a good BFC day. I think I've settled into a rhythm and pattern. I have to agree with what others have said...keep it simple. Automate it as much as you can. I've never eaten so much "bread" before. Honestly, I've never craved bread or HAD to have it. I live for the wrap/tortilla now :-)
Fiber, fiber, fiber is the third key element of this lifestyle. Gotta get at least 30 grams in per day. I have found that the best way for me to achieve this is to have Uncle Sam cereal 10 grams of fiber at a 0/2 value with 1/2 to 3/4 c. unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Lunch and dinner consist of a protein in a wrap for 12 grams of fiber per wrap and a value of 1/1. I get all my food based carbs in and feel full and have one or two left over so now I don't feel stupid drinking one of my carbs. Tonight I had a wrap with 2 eggs, a sprinkle of finely shredded cheese and 3 strips of turkey bacon and an orange Zevia. I LOVE Zevia. I have a carb left before bed so I am thinking of having a hot chocolate!

Last night there were technical difficulties so class was very late starting. The boards were full of very negative comments. I think if everyone just stepped back and asked, "Is it Jorge's intent to frustrate us and not follow through on the program promises?" they would have answered "No". If they had been in Jorge's shoes, what would be their expectation of us and our behavior?
Where is the patience, compassion and understanding? Isn't that what we desire from others?