Revolving Diet

Day 237 ~ Summary of The GH Amazing Soup Diet

For the week - I lost fairly consistently, if not a lot.  Down 1.1 pounds.  The plus, I lost. The negative, not really anything other than a major craving for a BIG FAT JUICY CHEESEBURGER!!!!

The soup recipe options, were very good and filling.  I had a decent variety in the meals and I wasn't really bored with the soup.  The only downside I can think of is that it probably would have been better to wait another month before hitting a soup diet (I might have to do the Cabbage Soup Diet when it's cold outside....of course then we will be in closed quarters and I would probably stink hubby out of the house with "cabbage farts"....I know you  are laughing - - because you know what I mean....actually this might be a great idea, I can get him back!!)

Could I do this diet long term??  During the colder months - I think I could probably stick to this fairly well.  Especially with making the big pot of vegetable soup ahead of time, it was easy to just dip into it when I felt a little hungry. Plus the warmth from the soup could warm me right down to the bones when it gets really cold out....soup does a body good!!  Being that it was in Good Housekeeping - you know it got the "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval".

I liked it.  I could definatley do this again.The soups were simple enough and not expensive to make.  Other family members could have the same soups with you - my hubby had soup two nights along with me and like them. 

***** DO NOT DO ANY DIET WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR***

Day 236 ~ 9/12/10

Had a wonderful time at the bridal shower....over indulged a little.  Half a bottle of wine, a roll, 2 cookies and a forkful of cake.  Not on the GH Soup diet...but it was good!!

In  light of the shower today - I shkipped breakfast (a BIG NO-NO)....so the over indulging may have wiped out the skipped breakfast ( I hope so)....

Breakfast: Water

Lunch: Skirt steak over grilled zucchini, tomato & mozzarella appetizer, small spinach salad

Snack: 1 bite of cake, two cookies

Dinner: 2 cups Mexican Chicken Soup (I really liked this one)

No exercise today.  Just could not get moving this morning.  Back on track for tomorrow (Monday's are always a "back on track" day).....

I hope your Saturday & Sunday were productive!!! 

What would the world be like if everyone helped each other?   The world would be a much better place.  Just my thoughts...

Day 235 ~ 9/11/10

Gorgeous Saturday today!  Hopefully you were able to get outside and do your body good....yard work, a brisk walk, a lazy afternoon on a blanket in the park reading a book....

I was up early and moving....cleaned up the kitchen, wrapped my gifts or tomorrows bridal shower, ran to Lowes, grocery store and cooking!!  I was moving all day....didn't get any exercise in though - - BUT - - - I cleaned off what was being used as a "throw-all" which is actually my tread-climber.....so first thing tomorrow morning, I will start using it!!   I am temporarily on a quest for new comfortable walking sneakers (bra's are on the back burner for now).  I want to use for walking on treadmill and for upcoming walking vacation in October.  My foot is still in air-cast so trying on sneakers right now is limited to my right foot.....All suggestions or recommendations are welcomed!! 

To answer your question....I will be walking using my air cast.  I am tired of arm circles an leg lifts - I have to get back to walking.  I find for myself walking to be a great overall exercise and I actually miss it!

Today's Meals:

Breakfast: 1 cup Cheerios, 1 banana and 2 tablespoons walnuts, 1/2 cup skim milk

Snack: 1 Cup vegetable soup

Lunch: 1 Cup Turkey Chili (GH Recipe)

Snack: 1 Vanilla non fat yogurt, 2 tablespoons walnuts

Dinner:  Taco Salad (93% lean ground beef with taco seasons, 1/4 cup tomatoes, 1 cup chopped lettuce, 1 tablespoon fat free sour cream)

As I said before I have a bridal shower tomorrow and we were able to pre-select our lunch options.  I chose the skirt steak - it seemed the best option. 

Bridal showers are one of those functions to OOH and AAH over all the gifts and see some relatives you do not normally see (for good or bad reasons).  Every one has THOSE relatives....I am not an exception to that rule.  I seriously think that (hubby agrees on this) there really are only a small fraction of my relatives that are normal.  On his side the same thing.  You just get who you get as relatives - - you don't have to like them, but you are nice to them - - but they always seem to supply a few good stories (and laughs) until the next get together.

One quick story... (I know I am dragging on here)....one of my cousins is cheap.  Not just cheap....CHEAP!!!!....so much so that her and her family joined us on a vacation several years ago to the shore....we went to dinner one night and every restaurant we pulled into (they had their own car and pulled into parking lot before us) she would jump out of car and look at the menu, come back to one of us and say the prices are too high....we ended up going into about 8 restaurants before she ok'd it......(we let her pick the first night...NEVER AGAIN) - during same vacation (another night) we were doing boardwalk food.  All of us wanted to go to this great sausage, peppers & onions place with awesome french fries....she announced they would find another place and meet us....they ended up finding a place that had 10 cent hot dogs and 25 cent hamburgers.....they went on and on about what a great deal it was....the next day  - not one of them could go to the beach as they all had diarrhea!!!  So much for CHEAP FOOD!!!

Needless to say - - we have not repeated that vacation option again.  You save for a vacation - ENJOY IT!!!

Okay I am done bitching about my relatives (for now)......

Have a great night and a PEACEFUL SUNDAY!!!

PAY IT FORWARD

If someone does something nice for you - don't Pay Back....

Pay Forward - do something nice for someone else!!

 

Day 234 ~ 9/10/10

HAPPY FRIDAY TO EVERYONE!!!!

Got up Bright eyed and ready for the day...started with getting my morning exercise  - 15 minutes on the arms and 15 minutes of floor (crunches, leg lifts, etc).....

Breakfast: 3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese, 2 tablespoon walnuts and 1 cup cantaloupe

Snack: Vanilla non fat yogurt, 2 tablespoons walnuts

Lunch:  1/2 pita, 3 oz Boars Head low sodium Ham, 1 slice tomato, lettuce, avocado slice

Snack: 1 Cup vegetable soup

Dinner:  2 Cups Turkey Chili (GH Recipe)

I have been sent this "story" a few times and every time I get it I laugh.... because this is sooooo something I would do....

 

My Trip to Costco

Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Molson, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

What did she think I had an elephant? So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again... I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IV’s in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.) Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's butt and a car hit us both.

I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard.

Costco won't let me shop there anymore…

I hope your week went faster than mine felt.  I even had one of the parts department guys call me this afternoon and ask me how many days we really worked this week (My Reply - - only 4 but feels like 8) he totally agreed!

Tomorrow is a somber day of remembrance of those lost in 9/11 and those who have served and who currently serve our country.  Take a few moments to remember those who have lost their lives on that very, very sad day.  The make sure to tell the ones you love - how much you love them!

Have a Wonderful weekend!!

Be good to yourself and only good things will happen!!

Day 233 ~ 9/9/10

I skipped the grapes in the Waldorf Salad....it wasn't for me.  But the salad was delicious!!

 

One more day to go to this never ending week.....last night dinner with the girls went well.  They are all older than me and have all worked togeher for a long time (anywhere from 5-25 years) so alot of what they talked about (or who they talked about) I didn't know much about....I observed and didn't alienate myself by speaking throwing myself under a bus....

 

Breakfast: 1 cup Cheerios, 1 banana and 2 tablespoons walnuts, 1/2 cup skim milk

 

Lunch:  I made the Waldorf Chicken Salad last night and it was a grab and go for today!
3 oz. cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed, with 1/2 apple, chopped, 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced and 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts; serve on 1 cup. spinach leaves. Topped with dressing of 3 Tbsp. plain nonfat yogurt, 1 tsp. lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Snack: Vanilla non fat yogurt

Dinner: 2 Cups Mexican Chicken Soup

 

Diet is going well....having the soup at night is a filler (even though lower in calories).  I have a bridal shower (I forgot was this weekend) - already got the gift, so I am ahead of the game!!

 

Short update tonight, didn't get much sleep last night - going to try & get in bed early tonight!!

 

I hope your day ddin't drag too much & you are looking forward to the weekend as much as I am!!  Have a SUPER NIGHT!!!!! 

 

We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough.

 

 

Day 232 ~ 9/8/10

The "work ladies" invited me to dinner tonight.  Maggianos was the restaurant chosen.  If you have never been to Maggianos, it's an italian chain restaurant - -that is a few steps above Olive Garden.  The food is delicious and the sevice is excellent.

In reviewing my options on the GH Soup Diet, as with most diets, Fettucine Alfredo, Lasagna and Ravioli are not options.  I stuck with the Ceasar Salad.  I know I could of turned them down...BUT, they only go out to dinner together once a year (that right there tells you the age group of the woman in my office, my old job we went out weekly)  and I am the new person at my job....so not to cause waves, I am joining them for dinner.

I am posting this right before I meet them as I am not sure what time (it's not going to be late) I will be home....I just might not be able to get on the computer later tonight (hubby has his own thing to do).....

 

Breakfast: 3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese, 2 tablespoon pecans and 1 cup cantaloupe

Lunch:  1/2 pita, 3 oz Boars Head low sodium Turkey Breast, 1 slice tomato, lettuce, avocado slice

Snack: 1 Cup vegetable soup

Dinner: Chicken ceasar salad (Dinner Out)

Early Morning Exercise today - 15 minutes on the arms and 15 minutes of floor (crunches, leg lifts, etc).....I made suer to get back on track with wearing the exercise gear to bed last night!!

I hope your day was WONDERFUL!!!!

You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it. 

 

Day 231 ~ 9/7/10

Back to work Tueday....IT DRAGGED!!!!

I could of definately done with a few more days of hanging out and doing nothing ...AND YOU AND I KNOW, that this week is going to feel like we worked longer than four days....

Having soup when it's 90 degrees out....not one of my more brilliant ideas.  Maybe I should have popped South Beach in this week??!!  Already bought the groceries and made the soup, so I will stop my complaining now!!!!

The soup is good.  I am having it for dinner only. Today being only the second day I haven't found the need to have it more.  Tomorrow I might bring a cup to wok as a snack instead of yogurt or veggies.

 

Breakfast: 1 cup Cheerios, 1 banana and 2 tablespoons walnuts, 1/2 cup skim milk

Snack:  1/2 cup raw carrots

Lunch: Caprese Salad (One of my Favorites!!), 1/2  pita  (no hummus)

Snack: Vanilla non fat yogurt

Dinner: 2 Cups Mexican Chicken Soup

I copied/pasted the Basic Veggie Soup and the varitations I might try this week.  Not included was the Greek Fish Soup Variation (I DO NOT LIKE FISH SOUP).....This recipe and variations are right off the Good Housekeeping site...... 

 

Basic Soup Recipe

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Makes: 28 cups

 

• 1 lb. carrots, sliced
• 3 med. onions (1 1/2 lbs.), chopped (4 c.)
• 4 lg. stalks celery, sliced
• 2 lg. cloves garlic, crushed with press
• 2 cans (28 oz. each) whole tomatoes in juice
• 1/2 sm. head green cabbage (1 lb.) thinly sliced (6 c.)
• 3/4 lb. green beans, trimmed and each cut into thirds
• 1 can (48 to 49 oz.) chicken broth
• 6 c. water
• Salt and pepper
• 3 med. zucchini (1 1/4 lbs.), sliced into half-moons
• 2 bags (6 oz. each) baby spinach leaves

1. Coat 12-quart stockpot (or 2 large saucepans) with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, add carrots, onions, celery, and garlic; cook 8 minutes or until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.

2. Add tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon. Add cabbage, green beans, broth, water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to high; stir in zucchini and spinach and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.

Each cup: About 45 calories, 2 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g total fat (0 g saturated), 4 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 410 mg sodium

Minestrone Soup Variation

To 2 c. Basic Soup, add 1/2 c. rinsed and drained canned white kidney beans (cannellini); heat to boiling. Stir in 1/2 c. whole wheat fusilli or rotini, cooked as label directs; heat through. Stir in 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. additional Parmesan or Romano to serve.

Mexican Chicken Soup Variation

To 2 c. Basic Soup, stir in 3 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 1/3 c. fresh or frozen corn kernels, and 1/4 tsp. ground cumin; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Stir in 3 Tbsp. coarsely crumbled baked tortilla chips (1/2 oz.). Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedge.

Southwest Chili Variation

In nonstick saucepan, cook 4 oz. (1/2 c. packed) ground turkey breast, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, and 1/8 tsp. ground cumin 3 minutes or until turkey is browned and cooked through, stirring to break up turkey. Stir in 2 c. Basic Soup, 1/2 c. drained and rinsed canned black beans and 1/4 c. salsa; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. shredded reduced-fat Cheddar to serve.

Goulash Variation

In nonstick saucepan, cook 4 oz. ground turkey breast, 1/2 tsp. paprika, a pinch caraway seeds, and a pinch salt 4 minutes or until turkey is browned and cooked through, stirring to break up turkey. Stir in 2 c. Basic Soup; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in 1/2 c. egg noodles, cooked as label directs; heat through. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in 2 Tbsp. reduced-fat sour cream.

Red Beans and Rice Variation

In saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook 2 oz. turkey kielbasa, cut into 1/2-in. pieces, with 1 sliced green onion (white part only; reserve green part for garnish), until sausage browns. Add 2 c. Basic Soup, 1/2 c. rinsed and drained canned red beans, 1/2 c. cooked brown rice, and 1/8 tsp. Cajun seasoning; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved green onion. Serve with hot sauce.

Have a great night and keep those finegers crossed the balance of the week doesn't drag!!!

When it becomes more painful to suffer than to change... you will change.

 

Day 230 ~ 9/6/10

A sad day it is.....the unofficial last day of summer - - - back to school, no more long weekends at the beach....no holidays until we hit November (Halloween is not a paid holiday - - DARN!!!  Dressing up and get a paid day off to do it??!!  AWESOME on so many levels!!......)

BUT....we have getting healthy and ready for the holidays to look forward to!!!  POSITIVE THINKING!!!

(Or at least dropping a few pounds before the holidays so we can splurge a little)

Today went well!!

Breakfast: 3/4 cup low fat cottage cheese, 1 banana and 2 tablespoon walnuts

Lunch: 1 cup skim milk, 2 slices low cal oatmeal bread, 3 oz steak slices (leftovers from the hanger steak) 1 teaspoon horseradish dressing, tomato slices

Snack: Vanilla non fat yogurt

Dinner: 2 Cups Hearty Vegetable soup

Drank water throughout day. AWESOME Diet so far as I like that specifics are laid out - my grocery list was at the ready and I ws able to use the leftover steak from the other night...what could be better??

Looking forward to this week!!

I hope your three day weekend was spent doing the things you LOVE and catching up on things you needed to catch up on!!  Have a TERRIFIC night....and a super tomorrow!

It's what you do, not when you do it, that counts!!