Revolving Diet

Day 308 ~ Summary of Lazy Zone Diet

For some reason I thought I had already done the Zone and I thought it was going to be interesting to try this "Lazy Zone Diet" out and do a comparison....with the previous week of catching up in my own home after running around with my sisters kids and worrying about my brother- in -law - I missed that I actually never did Zone yet .....

There really are too many diets out here.....

The week went great!  Convenience with being able to fit in fast food & frozen dinners....PLUS , I lost 2 pounds for the week!!!  What is not to like??

I did have a couple of days where it seemed that there was not enough food.  Specifically, Tuesday and Friday and I added fruit to "bulk" it up and I did have a bloated feeling which I am guessing from the increase in sodium from both the take-out and the frozen foods ....other than that, the week went well.  I did make my own yogurt parfait (not too hard & saved me from getting up early to stop at McDonald's in morning (believe it or not there is not a McDonalds on my way to work - THANKFULLY).....

I would do this diet again....if only going by my success this past week - - 2 POUNDS!!!!!!

Now I am curious to see if I would have the same success doing the regular "Zone Diet".....it's coming!

***DO NOT DO ANY DIET WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR FIRST***

 

Day 306 ~ 11/21/10

I had a wonderful morning spent with my sister who I do not get the chance to hang with much (two kids and a hubby) she is always making sure her family is on the move - - but today was a welcome one-on-one get together scouring an outdoor Flea Market, catching up and laughing.  I walked fairly steady for 3 hours (my exercise for the day!!)

Remarkably I only spent $21.00.  Not much of a selection and not many good ideas for baskets or holiday decorating.

Breakfast: 2 Morning Star Soy/Veggie sausages, 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, water

Snack (Morning)...Cold at Flea Market - had a cup of water chocolate "FAKE" Hot Chocolate (any hot chocolate not made with good hot cocoa mix and milk ...and my preference a splash of Bailey's - is not hot chocolate)

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Sandwich on low cal Oatmeal Bread, 1 slice Pepper Jack Cheese, lettuce, tomato, small bag Dorito Cool Ranch Chips

Dinner:  Too Tired to go out.....Pork Loin stufed with spinach & feta cheese, 1-1/2 cup sugar snap peas and baked potato

Another "quick" hoilday idea:  Look to your local theaters (movie -or- performance)...many great plays, musicals, comedians can be seen for a fraction of the cost of going to the BIG CITY....plus many offer Holiday Shows that run prior to the holidays if you need a little something to do close to home to get you into the holiday spirit!!!

I hope your day was AWESOME!!!  Check back in the morning for tomorrow's diet!

So true for us dieter's.....

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

 

Day 305 ~ 11/20/10

Spent the day winterizing the windows, washing curtains, etc....so my exercise was incorporated in my "fall cleaning".

Changed things up a bit on the menu - to give a little more flavor....

Breakfast: Made my own yogurt parfait - non fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup granola, 1/2 cup cantaloupe cubes (on side, water

Lunch: 1 BLT sandwich (no mayo) doubled up the bacon, skipped the extra bread, ice tea

Dinner: Grilled chicken breast, 1-1/2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower), 1 slice pepper jack cheese, 1 tablespoon caramelized onions, ice tea.

Calling it an early night tonight - - I need to take a shower now and just relax for the night...I have the 3rd (I think) Harry Potter on rental so my evening will be spent in potterland.....

I hope you also accomplished all you sent out to do (even if it was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING (sometimes you just need a weekend to veg out)...

Our main purpose in  life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. 

 

Day 304 ~ 11/19/10

 It's FINALLY FRIDAY!!!

Added an apple for lunch today - - I am going to see how I feel later, I might have to add another fruuit or veggie...today was another day that seemed lighter on food.

Breakfast - LUNA Lemon Zest Bar, water

Lunch - Leftover stir-fried Chinese food from last night, water, medium apple

Dinner - Chicken Pesto Alfredo (Healthy Choice Dinner), ice tea

Although candy, baking and other things “GOODIE” related is not on a diet….it is that time of year and sometimes you gotta nibble!!!!

Here is a nice classy gift for co-workers, family, friends and/or a hostess gift.  You have probably seen this sold in stores for $20 or more - - you can make this for a fraction of the cost!! 

Peppermint Bark Recipe

9 Peppermint Canes (or about 20 peppermint hard candies)
1 lb. of milk or dark chocolate
1 lb. of white chocolate
Approx. 1 Tbs. butter

Waxed paper -or- non-stick Parchment paper

(If you use the non-stick Parchment paper - there is no need to butter the paper

 You can buy white and milk chocolate in big blocks at most supermarkets -- or you can purchase the chocolate melting disks at Michael's or a candy making store.  (Note: chocolate chips do not produce the same results).

 Unwrap your peppermint sticks/hard candies and put them in a large zip lock bag.  Crush them with the side of a hammer  or something heavy until they're broken into bits. Put them in a bowl and set aside.

 You can grate your chocolate ahead of time (less time for melting) or use a double boiler (I find this to be the best method).  If you do not have a double boiler..put chocolate in medium sized heat proof glass bowl and place over a pot of boiling water that the bowl can sit on comfortably without falling in .  There are ways to microwave - but I find the chocolate comes out smoother doing the double boiler method.  You just gotta keep stirring for smoother melted chocolate!

 Line a 15" x 9" large cookie sheet (or if you have a jelly roll pan you can use that) with waxed/non-stick parchment paper  don't forget to butter paper if using wax paper.  Pour your melted milk/dark chocolate on the waxed/parchment paper and spread it out (does not have to be level or even). Place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow it to set and harden.

 Next while the milk/dark chocolate is cooling....start melting your white.  White chocolate can scorch easily - keep an eye on it while melting!! 

 Pour melted white chocolate onto the cooled milk/dark chocolate and spread evenly. Don't worry about it being uneven or level -- close is good enough!  Now....sprinkle the crushed peppermint stick pieces all over the white chocolate while it's still warm. Place in refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes until the bark is firm and cooled.

 Invert the cooled bark and peel the waxed paper off. Break into pieces.

 At this point you can package up in cellophane bags with colorful ribbon -or- little candy boxes found at Michael's or candy making store.

 One thing to be very aware of is that melting chocolate CANNOT have ANY contact with the water!  So make sure that no water splashes into the bowl of chocolate and take it a step further and have an absorbent dish towel handy to wipe all traces of moisture off the bottom and sides of the bowl before you attempt to pour out the chocolate.  Also don't cook it over water at a "rolling boil", just let the water simmer -- you don't want the water to boil up and splash.  Chocolate that gets moisture in it will "seize" and be very unappealing.  It will become grainy, firm up and be unusable.  It is very important that everything you use is totally dry and that you don't overheat the chocolate.  One additional warning DO NOT use wooden spoons because they may hold a little moisture which could cause your chocolate to seize.

I hope your week went well and you are geared up for the weekened before the "official" start of the "Holiday Season"...

The secret to happiness is not in doing what one likes to do, but in liking what one has to do.

Day 303 ~ 11/18/10

Hallelujah!!!!  Getting closer to FRIDAY!!!!  And I am back on the losing track!!  I got 30 minutes on the tread climber this morning and felt ENERGIZED the entire day!!

Breakfast:   Small omelet (used 3 eggs whites & ½ egg yolk), 1 slice dry wheat toast, tea, water

Lunch:  Peanut Butter Sandwich on whole grain bread, a banana, 8 oz cup of 1% milk.

Dinner: ½ container (Take out) steamed chicken & broccoli, ¼  of a container of White Rice (balance is tomorrows lunch)

 A couple more holiday gift ideas for you (Guys & Gals):

 1)  Go through recent/old photos and have a copy made. Pick out a frame (for you crafty ones out there you can make one - use pine cones, wine corks, etc...) your intended gift recipient would like.  Still going with this idea – if you are getting together with this person (or their family) prior to the holidays and you are all dressed up – take a new picture….or buy movie tickets and put in a frame as a family gift (two for one gift here)….

 2)   Make a basket – get a basket cheap (Michael’s, Wal-Mart, etc…) again making it specific to the gift recipient.  For a guy – use a plastic pail as your basket and fill bottom with some tissue paper and add car wash coupons, turtle wax, sponges, car air freshener, thermal coffee mug  & driving gloves.  For a girl – start with a basket (or large make-up bag, even a small purse) add fuzzy socks, nail polish, nail files, perfume, gift certificate for a manicure –or- hair cut at their favorite salon…there are so many options and if you start now you can pick-up some little extras to make your basket stand out! Target and the Dollar stores have $1 bins that you can actually find useful things to add at little cost.  For a couple you can do a bottle of wine and some chocolates and holiday dish towels. 

If you are stumped for ideas – just check out sites that sell gift baskets – I bet yours will have more items, look nicer and be cheaper than what you see on-line.

 3)   You are invited to a home for a holiday party – an easy & nice “hostess” gift…..Get a Nice sized flower pot (cheap again at Michael’s or Wal-Mart)  and some Styrofoam to fit in bottom of pot  (you need something that you can stick your cookie flowers in) ….Buy cookie stuff (either cut & bake like Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies –or- Sugar Cookies) ….get long (heat proof) lollipop sticks at Michael’s or a candy making store, clear cellophane bags (that your cooked cookie will fit into) and ribbon….to make the cookies:

 If you're making rolled cookies (like sugar cookies) rather than drop cookies (like chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies), roll them out nice and thick--between ¼ and half an inch. You'll also want to choose a cookie recipe that will not spread too much when it bakes, or your cookies will be too thin to stay on their sticks. To control the spread of your cookies:

• Use half margarine or vegetable shortening and half butter as the shortening in your recipe
• Refrigerate the cookie dough before shaping, and again before baking
• Do not grease the cookie sheets. For easy clean-up, use parchment paper

Follow the recipe directions for making the cookie pops, ensuring that the sticks you use are long enough for the purposes of your bouquet. Gently push the sticks or skewers far enough into the cookie so they will stay firmly planted on their "stems." The portion of the stick that's inside the cookie should be completely encased in dough and not poking out; patch with extra dough if necessary. Always put the sticks in before baking!
Watch the baking time carefully: if you've made large cookies, you may need to turn down the oven temperature and bake them longer if they appear to be done on the bottom before the middle can catch up. Remove the cookies from the pan with a spatula; don't handle them by their sticks until they're completely cool.

If you are creative, you can decorate cookies using Royal Icing (this icing gets hard) or if you went with the Chocolate Chips – no decorating needed…..you can even get (or make) your Chocolate Chip Cookies with the mini M & M’s and your cookies will be colorful!  Once your cookies are packed and wrapped in their cellophane bags – arrange in flower pot and using more tissue paper (green if you have) shredded tissue paper is also very good! 

As an added touch you can add pictures of your Hostess, or just decorate the flower pot in a festive motif….glue and holiday ribbon are quick an easy choices!!

Royal Icing Recipe

3 Tablespoons Meringue Powder

4 Cups sifted Confectioners Sugar

6 Tablespoons water

Beat all ingredients at low speed for 7 to 10 minutes, or until icing forms peaks. Tip: Keep icing covered with a wet kitchen towel at all times. Icing can dry out quickly.  You can separate into smaller bowls and add food coloring.  Using a decorators bag with tip – start decorating…or just use a knife and spread evenly and top with sprinkles!

Icing can dry out quickly.  BE QUICK!!!

I will continue to add ideas, recipes etc....if you have anything you want me to add - just write!!!

Have a SUPER NIGHT!!!  I hope your week so far has found you refreshed and up for the challenges you put out for yourself!!!

 Success in life consists of going from one mistake to the next without losing your enthusiasm or taking your eye off your goals

 

Day 302 ~ 11/17/10

Down another .3 (I didn't eat much yesterday - but the apples last night helped fill me up!)  Today seemed a bit better - plus had pizza for dinner, always a plus - but not a good as a BIG JUICY BURGER would of been!

Breakfast: Skipped the McDonalds Fruit and Yogurt Parfait w/Granola - Made my own at home (no fruit), water

 Lunch: Burger King small whopper (no mayo), Burger King tender grilled chicken salad (brought my own low fat italian dressing), water

Dinner: Lean Cuisine French Bread Pizza, 1/4 cup pistachios, ice tea

 

As I said earlier in the week, this week was going to drag, it's only Wednesday and I feel like it should be Friday. 

 

I was thinking about a few low cost Christmas ideas that anyone (Yes guys you can do this too) can make.  Until Christmas (or other holidays) I will add a few easy to make ideas or thoughts on best buys at stores and/or creative gifts......

 

Easy Granola Recipe :

 

1 container (18-ounce) old-fashioned oats (6 cups)

8 ounces sliced almonds

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dried raisins

1 cup light-brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

1/2 cup honey

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients except butter and honey.

 

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in honey. Pour over oat mixture and toss to distribute. Spread granola onto a parchment lined baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until oats are toasted and sugar begins to caramelize, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely on pan. Transfer to an airtight container.

 

Using Mason Jars and a little ribbon add a nice touch to this inexpensive gift and the sky's the limit on what you can add to granola to make it specific (chocolate chips, apricots, walnuts, etc...) to who you are giving the gift to.

 

Make a little extra for yourself!

 

Have a TERRIFIC NIGHT!!!

 

 Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving their goals AND nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude.

 

Day 301 ~ 11/16/10

I dropped the .5,  I gained yesterday.  Today's meals not as satisfying as yesterday.  Plus just looking at what I ate - it's not much. 

Breakfast:  1-1/2 cups cut up cantaloupe, white grapes, 1 cup plain Greek non-fat yogurt, 15 almonds, water.

Lunch:  Boars Head low-sodium turkey breast , lettuce, tomato on 2 slices whole wheat bread. Water


Dinner:  Progresso Hearty Vegetables Penne Chicken Broth Soup with 1/3 cup added grilled chopped chicken

Snack:  2 medium apples  (I was still hungry)

Not an hour after I ate I was still hungry, went with fruit (trying to keep healthy)....I got 20 minutes in on the treadclimber and that was pushing it...Trying to get back into my groove!!

Quickie update tonight - I've got some cleaning to do....

I hope your day was WONDERFUL!!!

 Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.

 

 

Day 300 ~ 11/15/10

 

Can you beleive Day 300???!!!!  I am surprised myself!! 

DId you get a chance to check out the menu for this week?  The Lazy Zone Diet!

I have just finished my meals for day - I am full (not over full) but bloated.  My stomach is protruding more than usual.  It is only Dat 1 of this diet - - - hopefully things even out over the week!! 

Breakfast:  Lemon Zone Bar, Tea

Lunch:  1 slice Cheddar Cheese, Baja-Style Chicken Quesadilla(Lean Cuisine), water

Dinner: Quarter Pounder no mayonnaise (from McDonald's), homemade side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber (no dressing - just salt & pepper), water

This weeks plan has no recipes to make - it's really a convenience, take out type diet....another one of my favorites although I still have to cook for hubby (no he did not mind Mc Donald's for dinner tonight).

This week seems like it will be a long one.  The week leading up to a week that there is a holiday always seems to drag! Forget about the actual week the holiday is in....I am looking forward to a long weekend.  I have no plans to fight the crowds on Black Friday.  People get too nuts!!  I know there are deals - - but is it worth it to get up ridiculously early to stand in line for the doors to open, to risk being trampled by people that:

1) have not showered, let alone brushed their teeth... 

2) like you, had turkey the day before ...turkey farts  (do not pretend you do not know what I am talking about)

3) will be in line in front of you to only remember they forgot something and ask if you could watch their cart so they can grab it....only holding you up more

 4) Overall ...... have no regard for others

Stay Home....Enjoy the holiday!!  If you start shopping online now you could be done before Thanksgiving!!  Plus....those Black Friday Deals are also online - why waste the time, energy and gas???!!!

Be creative and cut costs this holiday - everyone is in the same boat (watching their money)....make -or- bake something, treat someone to a night of free babysitting, house sitting, a drop-off or pick-up at the airport, tell your group that instead of trying to buy for everyone - all go out an celebrate a nice dinner or lunch together and call that the gift.....there are plenty of ideas that won't break the bank!!  I'll try to add some over the next few weeks!!

Have a TERRIFIC NIGHT!!!  Talk to you more tomorrow!!

 Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right.