What I've eaten lately

So 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.

Here is the cauliflower pizza crust

Here it is with sauce, mushrooms, bacon and italian sausage

And here it is with sauce, bacon, italian sausage, mushrooms and onions

Roasted boneless leg of lamb

Sauteed cabbage with Kerrygold Butter and Caraway

Crustless spinach, mushroom and onion quiches

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.

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?

Finding the right "lifestyle"

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

Trying BFC Fast Track

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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.  
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".
So, how's your journey?


 

Yes, it has been a while

So, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Here is a link to her website:
http://www.beckdietsolution.com/Library/InfoManage/Guide.asp?FolderID=1&SessionID=%7B0571EB69-B6E9-42B1-A49C-F0540325C466%7D

Once I create my menu for next week I'll post in the event that anyone would like to reference it.

Thank you for reading and posting comments, I appreciate the feedback :-)

Stress

It'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.
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.
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! :-)