Revolving Diet

Day 35 ~ 2/26/12

I hope ALL of you had the most WONDERFUL day today!

It's my wedding anniversary today  and we went COMPLETELY LAZY!  Slept in until about 11:30, a friend called needing to talk so I ran out and met her at the diner for over an hour - where I deviated from plan slightly (had french fries)

Came home did some cleaning and cooked a pretty good dinner using substitutions, to keep on this last day of NO Grains...we are saving an anniversary dinner out for when we go away at the end of March (another reason to keep on the straight and narrow!!) . After last weeks running around, it was a nice break!

 Today's Meals:

 

12:00pm: Diner French Fries, water

3:30 pm: 1cup cottage cheese, cucumber slices

6:30pm: Crispy Chicken Costolleta, box of string beans, slice tomatos with balsamic vinegar drizzle

8:30pm: Jay Robb Vanilla Protein drink

 

 

I kinda poured the sauce out too fast (hence the unattractive display above), but it was delicious!!

Crispy Chicken Costolleta (Copycat of the Cheesecake Factory's Crispy Chicken Costolleta)Serves 4

Crispy Chicken
4 chicken breasts, cut horizontally, and pounded to about 1/4 inch thick, or use chicken cutlets.
Lemon zest of 2 lemons
1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs  (I Substituted Almond Meal)
2 Tablespoons Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
2 eggs, whisked with 2 T water
3 Tablespoons flour (skipped this ingredient and section of preparation)
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp kosher salt

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Zest two lemons. Bake zest for about 5 minutes until dry. On one paper plate combine flour, pepper and salt. On another paper plate combine eggs and water, whisk until combined. On another paper plate combine dry lemon zest, bread crumbs and cheese. Place pounded chicken in the flour, coating well, followed by the egg mixture and the bread crumbs. Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Place chicken in pan and cook on each side about 5 minutes until middle is no longer pink. You will need to work in batches, adding more oil and butter as needed. Keep chicken warm in oven at 250 degrees.

Lemon Sauce  (I made 1/2 of this recipe)

2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup plus 1 T fresh lemon juice
1/8 cup chicken stock
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Over medium heat in a fairly large saucepan heat canola oil. Add minced garlic and saute about 3 minutes. Add whipping cream and boil until reduced by one-third. Add Dijon, lemon juice, chicken stock and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.

 I am finishing the week with a loss!!  FINALLY!!!  Between the gain last weekend and sticking to this diet this week - Down 3 pounds!  I am remotivated to push the exercise and the friend I met this morning is my walking buddy, we made plans for next weekend walking - so I already have a set goal in place, I am going to get some extra (or just some) exercise in during the week.  The weather is starting to make it's turn to halfway decent days offering a great opportunity to get outside and GET MOVING!!!

Have a WONDERFUL NIGHT!  I am going to spend mine with my love!

KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP MOVING AND KEEP IT HEALTHY!!

Day 34 ~ 2/25/12

Just a meal update tonight.  Busy Saturday doing errands and visiting my mother in law and sister. I am bushed!!  I actually just got a shower in (I know gross) and it's after 8pm...

Today's Meals:

7:20am: 1 egg, 2 egg whites, fat free feta cheese, about 1/4 baby spinach 

9am: 1 cup cottage cheese

11am: 1 non fat yogurt

12:30pm: Chicken breast with peppers & onions and  slice of monterey jack cheese 

5:00 pm: Oven broiled Tilapia with lemon & a sprinkle of parmesan cheese,  sauteed spinach with garlic

8:30pm: Jay Robb Chocolate Protein drink

I hope you made the most of your Saturday...still another day to the weekend - make sure to take care of "YOU" in the day and ENJOY!!!

KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP FOCUSED AND KEEP IT HEALTHY!!!

 

Day 33 ~ 2/24/12

WOW-o-WOW.....is all I can say about the Cauliflower Pizza!!  First let me say, TRY IT!!  If you are not a fan of cauliflower, you really could not taste the cauliflower at all. I thought it would have added a little bitter taste, but not at all.

No Food Proccessor for me, I went Old School!  Shred more than a cup as once it cooks in microwave you get about 1/2 of what you started with

LOVE the Non-Stick aluminum foil, no greasy pan and easy clean-up!  I did use the olive oil - it really does not brush on, I dabbed it with a brush to get a light even coating on crust

My Pizza Dough...before heated to a golden perfection...

A beautiful crispy work of cauliflower pizza dough art

Looks like the REAL THING!

 Today's Meals:

7:20am: Vanilla Protein drink (made with Jay Robb egg white protein & 1/2 container plain yogurt, a little cinnamon)

9am: Sweet Red Pepper Hummus with cucumber slices

11am: 1 cup 2% cottage cheese with red pepper slices

12:45pm: Egg Salad over raw spinach with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and baby carrots 

7 pm: Cauliflower Pizza with sliced tomatoes

9:00pm: I will be eating the leftover cauliflower pizza

Even though it's a NO Grain Diet, recipes like this are still high in fat.  Cheese is allowed on this diet but from a calories stand point going easy on it will only help not hurt you.  So this could not be an every day occurance, but it was good.  Even hubby had a piece and liked it (and he didn't taste the cauliflower).

This past week had a few beautiful days and next week is looking the same - I did get two 1/2 hour lunchtime walks in (not sure if I had noted it) so I am looking forward to doing it again next week.  Kickboxing class does not re-start for about a month (next sign up) so I will be either doing my afternoon walks and/or using my own equipment at home (just have to find it under the clothes).

I hope your week was a success!  Keep in mind, no matter how big or small a weight loss -or- extra minutes you add to your work out program - YOU ARE DOING IT and YOU WILL SUCCEED!!!

KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP FOCUSED AND KEEP IT HEALTHY!!

Day 32 ~ 2/23/12

My cravings for bread has not dissipated over these last three days into today.  I had noticed the same thing last week but was thinking the additional stress was causing my cravings.

My caving into have them is being held back by the fact that I am full.  Eating every couple of hours these last few days really makes a difference!

Today I moved into the next Phase “Stabilize”,  I am back to (3) meals and (3) snacks – eliminating one snack/meal.  Going with a “BIG” Chef Salad made by a local deli by where I work, helped keep me very full this afternoon , I didn’t even notice I missed a snack.

Veggies are natures filler!!

 

7:20am: 1 cup Plain yogurt with walnuts, dash cinnamon and a pinch sweet & low

9am: Sweet Red Pepper Hummus with cucumber slices

11am: 1 cup 2% cottage cheese with red pepper slices

12:45pm: Chef Salad with 1 tablespoon Russian Dressing (low cal)

6 pm: Turkey breast tenderloin roasted in lemon & garlic with carrots, onions and zucchini

8:00pm: Vanilla Protein drink (made with Jay Robb egg white protein)

 

I am looking forward to tomorrow – I have a recipe for Pizza using cauliflower for the crust, I want to try and it works out well with MEATLESS Friday!  I included recipe here just in case you are game to try it too!!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked, rice cauliflower
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)

pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*

Directions:

To "Rice" the Cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.

One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To Make the Pizza Crust:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).

Enjoy!

*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.

I got the recipe here: http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2011/04/cauliflower-crust-pizza.html

 Gotta run, we ran out of carrots, onions, hummus, etc....

Have a SPECTACULAR night!!!

KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP FOCUSED, KEEP HEALTHY!!

Day 31 ~ 2/22/12

Today is Ash Wednesday and even though I am Catholic - when I see the first person of the day with ashes on their forehead, I want to tell them they have dirt there (happens.every.year)...that being said....today is a NO MEAT DAY....and a lot of eggs, cheese and salad...

I am going to be gassy!!

Running out after work to do Dad's taxes - so a quick drive through McDonalds was the fastest thing to eat on my way over there...I just picked off the bun and breading - what was left was a mushy picked apart piece of fish, I do not recomment doing this.  I would have been better off just getting a package of California Rolls (I thought of this in mid-pick through the filet of fish) - don't the best ideas come at the worst times??!!

Phase One, Day Three

7am: 3 Scrambled eggs with fat free feta cheese

9am: Sweet Red Pepper Hummus with cucumber slices

11am: 1 cup Plain yogurt with walnuts, dash cinnamon and a pinch sweet & low

1pm: Lettuce wraps with egg salad (made with a teaspoon of may - yes I can have mayo!!)

3pm: Baby carrots and califlower with garlic hummus

5:10pm: Quick "on-the-go" meal - 2 Mcdonald's Fish of Fish (no bun and picked off breading)

To have once I get home:

8:00pm: 2 Hard Boiled eggs, 1 skim mozzarella cheese stick

Easter is SIX WEEKS away.  Lent starts Ash Wednesday and in my family we do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday or any Friday through all of Lent. In addition, something is usually given up during this period.  Giving something up is completely up to the person, but it is usually something you really enjoy - not something you know you could give up and not miss.

SIX WEEKS is the length of many popular diets  -or- at the very least the inital phase of many diets.  If you were to look at the opportunity here - you can use EASTER as a GOAL DATE.

SIX weeks from now:

"I will be able to walk __________minutes"

"I will get into my size ________ jeans"

"I will use the SIX WEEKS to ________________"

Right around the corner frome EASTER is SPRING...so you can take this as a jump start to moving more and focusing on your next goal.

Whatever you do......KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP FOCUSED!!

WE ARE ALL DOING THIS TOGETHER

Healthy is better than SKINNY!!!!!!!!!!

 

Day 30 ~ 2/21/2012

In my attempt to keep on the straight and narrow (read...make no baked goods)...I got crafty.

 Last night I conned my hubby into making our own laundry soap.  I had read an article about the Duggars...you know the family with like a million kids and counting and with all those kids, you know they have laundry by the truckload! They make this concoction that works out to be a penny a washload.  A penny!!!!!  Laundy soap is expensive even if you do have coupon!

All you need is (6) things: Borax $2.99, Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda $2.99, Nels-Naptha Soap Bar $1.79, 5 gallon bucket with lid $5.78 and 10 empty gallon milk containers.  Prices are what I paid for these items....this link has awesome Step-by-Step Instructions (we referred to it a bunch of times)

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/02/make-it-homemade-liquid-laundry-soap-1/

This is my bucket of soap :

I will not have to buy laundry soap for months!!

Between my little bit of crafty last night, I extended it into today by making a decent heathly snack with chickpeas (pic's and recipe below) 

Phase One, Day Two

7am: Coconut milk smoothie (1/2 container plain yogurt, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 sweet & low)

9am: Sweet Red Pepper Hummus with cucumber slices

11am: 1 cup Plain yogurt, chopped almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds

1pm: Lettuce wraps with ham, pickles, mustard

3pm: 2 Hard Boiled eggs, 1 skim mozzarella cheese stick

5:30pm: Small steak with  tomato, cucumber, red onion salad

7:30pm: Oven roasted chickpea's, lemon zinger tea

I never made this recipe before but have had them at a friends house. The chickpeas actually cripsen up and are sort of like a popcorn replacement (not really, just kinda go with me on this) but they are a good healthy snack - plus a veggie/legume!!

Sweet and Salty Roasted Chickpea Recipe 

• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
•  1 teaspoon cinnamon or your spice(s) of choice (I made 2 batches - one with cinnamon, in pic & 1 with  1 teaspoon powdered ranch dip mix - skip the brown sugar if you do the ranch dip)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Place chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes. (You didn't miss anything here.  You don't oil or season them until after they are done.  In fact, for an extra healthy treat, try them when they get out of the oven before even adding the oil.  They are enjoyable all on their own.)
3. Transfer chickpeas to a bowl and mix thoroughly with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Enjoy hot, or bring to room temperature.
5. I do not find them good the next day...my suggestion, eat while hot/warm.

KEEP POSITIVE, KEEP FOCUSED!!

Have a SUPER night!!

 

 

 

 

Day 28 ~ 2/19/12

The past weeks NO GRAIN Diet suffered an unsuccessful week of completion.  Between the wake, funeral and me being under the weather today, the only thing I have to report about the diet is that it was going well and then unexpected circumstances threw me off course.

I am doing a RE-DO on the No Grain Diet this coming week.

I have no earth shattering moments to report. 

Life gets in the way of the best laid intentions and when it does we just have to pick-up and start again.

I hope your past week went well and your weekend was WONDERFUL!!!

 

 

Day 25 ~ 2/16/12

No bugs, lint or cat snackies added to the menu last night!!  Another good day but temptation reared it's ugly head - they brought pizza into work for lunch today...I stuck with the veggie soup I brought in....

Phase One, Day Two - Eat every two hours

7:00am:  Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein Shake (added a little extra vanilla)

9am: Plain Yogurt with chopped walnuts and pinch of cinnamon

11:30am: 1 can/2 cups vegetable soup (Progresso)

1:20pm: Swiss Cheese rolled in lettuce with red pepper hummus and cucumber slices

3:30pm: 1 cup split pea soup (Progresso)

5:45pm: (leftovers) Chicken fajitas - chicken breast, red, green, yellow peppers & onions, sauted with lime juice, garlic, cayenne pepper

7:10pm: Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein Shake (added a little banana extract to mix it up...it was ehhhh, not as good as a real banana)

10:00 pm: 2 HB eggs (projected snack)

That's it for now....going to watch a dvd I just got from Netflix...Rise of Planet of the Apes...Have a great night - Keep POSITIVE!!

IF YOU CHEAT, YOU ARE ONLY CHEATING YOURSELF

Day 24 ~ 2/15/12

Not sure if I should add this as "extra" - but I think I ate a bug in my sleep last night.  It was either that or Booby decided that my open mouth was a new place to put a kitty snack. and she was sharing (awwww)

I was woken by the reflex to swallow.  Since I was sleeping in bed and not sleep walking in the kitchen (I never do that) although my uncle used to walk to the school bus stop in his boxers when he was a kid and my grandmother used to hear the front door close and followed him to the bus stop on a regular basis to bring him home - that's a whole 'nother story there...anyway, I swallowed and it was definately something I swallowed - I would prefer not to think that I swallowed a bug and really just lean towards a medium sized lint ball.  Either way I swallowed something in my sleep and was able to tell the story in a way at work that my co-worker almost spit her coffee out - "Points for Me" on that one!  At least I made someone smile!!

Good day, just tired. Looking forward to just relaxing tonight.  No plans to stop anywhere, visit anyone, shop or return phone calls.

Phase One, Day Two - Eat every two hours

6:45am:  Jay Robb Vanilla Whey Protein Shake (added a little extra vanilla)

9am: Red Pepper Hummus with raw cauliflower florets

11:30am: Plain Yogurt with chopped walnuts and pinch of cinnamon

1:20pm: Turkey breast slices with spinach rolled-up with garlic hummus, cucumber slices

3:30pm: 1 cup split pea soup (Progresso)

5:45pm: Chicken fajitas - chicken breast, red, green, yellow peppers & onions, sauted with lime juice, garlic, cayenne pepper

8pm: 2 HB eggs

10pm: Going to skip, too late to eat

 We had sad news yesterday.  Our aunt who had just celebrated her 100th birthday on January 1st, passed away.  I will not be updating meals this Friday or Saturday (wake & funeral services) - Morning Motivation will still be there - catch up will be on Sunday.

I haven't gotten any exercise in and hoping I can get on track, been feeling sluggish and that may be an additional reason why I am so tired.

I hope your week is going smoothly! Have a WONDERFUL night!!

THE KEY TO HAPPINESS IS ..... YOU

 

Day 23 ~ 2/14/12

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY....I picked a bad day to start this diet....NO SWEETS...!!!!!

But I was FULL!  Eating every two hours kept me alert (no mid afternoon drowsiness)

Phase One, Day One - Eat every two hours

7am: 2 Hard Boiled eggs, 1 turkey sausage

9am: Hummus with raw cauliflower florets

11am: 1 cup Vegetable soup (Progresso)

1pm: Plain burger, mustard, 4 pickle slices and a small side salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber slices - salt & pepper)

3pm: Plain Yogurt with chopped walnuts and pinch of cinnamon

5pm: 1 cup vegetable soup (Progresso)

7pm: Take out chinese - Steamed Chicken & broccoli (with a teaspoon spicy garlic sauce)

9pm: Turkey breast slices with spinach rolled-up with garlic hummus

 Going to spend some quality Valentine's with hubby....enjoy your night!

and Remember.......

If you didn't the Chocolate you wanted for Valentines Day....it's 1/2 price tomorrow!!!