Revolving Diet

Day 327 ~ Summary of the Pizza Diet

CARBS are not my friend!      I GAINED - 4 pounds on the Pizza Diet.

BUT....................PIZZA is great for a diet!!!  For me not realistic....But it tasted soooooo good!!!

I of course did not get in an hour of exercise everyday.

Making my own pizza was helpful as I was able to keep an eye on what I put on and I kept the cheese to a minimum (even though I used Skim Milk Low Fat (NO TASTE) cheese....the addition of spices (oregano, basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc) helped a great deal.

Would I do this diet again - - HELL YEAH!!!!  It was yummy - but if I was on a time line to drop pounds fast (to fit into a special outfit, go on vacation, class reunion) this diet would not be my first choice.

Who knows, if the weather was better and I got in that hour of exercise daily and did the diet longer I might have counteracted the gain.

But the bottom line is I GAINED.  So not so good for my quest to lose weight ......I can not stress enough it was a fun, easy to do diet. No real thinking and the food was delicious!!  Drawback - some sight constipation - - but adding the apple juice and more veggies to the pies helped!!

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

Day 326 ~ 12/12/10

VERY QUICK UPDATE TONIGHT !!

I have been sick ALL DAY.  I was able to get down 2 slices of pizza for lunch and a can of Progresso Penne Chicken soup for dinner.

I have lost my voice (not a good thing) and just feel like I got the SH*T kicked out of me.

Tomorrow I start the SWEDISH DIET.

Check back tomoroow for Outline!!!

So Sorry for the brief update - but I am just really under the weather!

Day 325 ~ 12/11/10

Really late update tonight!!!

So we had the holiday party tonight and the last couple of nights I had been trying to pull together an outfit.  I basically went with what I wore to the wedding I went to a month ago.

Started thinking about why I chose not to wear a dress and the answer was pantyhose and/or tights.  The thought of wearing either of these articles of clothing put me in a hot sweat not unlike a person that has bad incontinence and has the need to use adult diapers.  Pantyhose does everything I hate - hold me in like I am a human sausage casing and lends to the possibility that I will have to walk through a room that no one is in (except me & hubby) and the chhhh, chhhh, chhhh of my thighs rubbing together where he would in turn have to ask - "Do you hear that"?  I think I hear a mouse or something....then I would have to say - "No, I do not hear a thing"...then we walk a little more and he says "Did you hear it?, I hear it again" ...then I'd have to pull him along and say NOOOO....you hear my thighs rubbing.....more sweat, more sweat.....

That is pretty much the reason for not wearing cordorouys.  I like cordorouys - when winter comes, I always think about how warm they must be and then I'll take a pair into the dressing room and admire myself - walk back and forth and hear the swoosh, swoosh, swoosh and the vivid memory from a nightmare I had while wearing them of my thighs catching fire from the friction that pantyhose and cordorouys could cause.  The cordorouys are placed on the rack I picked them up from.  Back away slowly and no one gets hurt....

Getting back....the party. A LOT OF FUN!!!  Hubby's band (newly formed and just about ready to play live gigs) did a mini concert for everyone.  They sound great!  There was catered italian food, lots of appetizers and cocktails.  I picked at a little of ENERYTHING.  Tried my best to stick to lighter items, salad, etc...

Breakfast: 1 slice pizza, 1 cup apple juice

Lunch: 1 slice pizza, ice tea

Dinner:  Penne Vodka, Shrimp Coctail, Brushetta, greek salad, chicken parm, wine.....

There was too much food - since I nibbled and talked and drank (not too much) I kinda lost track what I nibbled on.  I do know the heavy things, like penne, I only had approx 1/4 cup - I tried to fill up on the shrimp and salads.

It's late and I am tired and looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!

Have an AWESOME NIGHT!!!!

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life. 

Day 324 ~ 12/10/10

Today was easy as pizza’s made yesterday took care of yesterday and today meals. Hubby going out with a friend for dinner (tired of looking at Pizza)..

Did the same routine as the last few days :

Breakfast: 1 slice caramelized onion Pizza, 1/2 cup apple juice

Lunch: 2 slices of garlic spinach Pizza, ½ cup apple juice

Dinner:  3 slices of caramelized onion Pizza, ice tea

Snack:  1 slice garlic spinach Pizza

My system continues to run slow…..all this bready pizza is continuing to mess with me.  My stomach is bloated (not gassy like from the Cabbage soup though). I added apple juice this morning and for lunch and I will do for the next few days.  As you can see, in an effort to give the pizza flavors that keep me hooked – I have enlisted garlic and onions; bad breath alert – I have resorted to using Tic Tac’s (the ½ calorie mint) to help out.

I am not tired of Pizza though.  Even with limited options – you can definitely be creative!

I want to update you on some recent comments made by my doctor.  As you know I always put in at the end of the diet outline and at the end of my summary of the week – to “talk with your doctor before starting any diet”.  My hubby had a doctor’s appointment and in conversation our doctor, he had asked how I was doing….then proceeded to show my hubby a reminder on is blackberry to talk to his patients about what I am doing and refers them to my blog! I know my doctor is supportive but I was floored when I heard this.  I have business cards for this website and I gave him some (not thinking he would use them) he asked for more!!!!  He said he not only reads my site, he tells patients about the site and fellow doctors. 

If that doesn’t send a jolt of motivation I do not know what will!!!

What is comes down to is no matter how long it takes – if you have support of the people that matter most to you – YOU WILL SUCCEED!!!

Have an AWESOME NIGHT and a TERRIFIC WEEKEND!!!

It’s the holiday season - - - SLOW DOWN - - No need to over stress – take care of yourself first, everyone else second!!

Day 323 ~ 12/9/10

Day 4 of Pizza and all is good as far as eating the pizza.  The abundance of carbs is wreaking havoc on my digestive system though. 

I made two more pies last night -

(1) with fresh garlic & spinach quick sauteed in a pan and then added a chopped tomato and skim low fat cheese, 1 tablespoon of fat free feta cheese, oregano and a pinch of salt & pepper.

(1) with caramelized onions (I do not add sugar in caramelizing my onions, I let them breakdown on their own and take on their own sweetness - takes forever but worth it!), grilled eggplant and skim low fat cheese.

Continuing with the "nationality themed recipes" - I have added a recipe that is popular in both Hungarian and Polish households. I am part Hungarian and this is one of my favorite dessert recipes.  My grandmother used to make both the Nut and Poppy Rolls - but for me she would double up the walnut mixture as I would eat it on it's own and we would make "extra nutty" walnut rolls! Yes, to answer the most obvious question - I have loved desserts from a very young age......Unfortunately, I do not have her recipe - - but I found one that seemed to be very similar  - - straight forward ingredients and simple to make. I plan on making this one myself a little closer to the holidays - if you decide to try it before me - let me know how it came out!

Note:  This is a sweet bread.  It is also another great baking idea for a gift!

Hungarian (Beigli) - Polish (Makowiec)

Walnut and/or Poppy Seed Roll Recipe

Ingredients:
2 1/4 teaspoons of traditional active dry yeast (1 package)
1/4-1/2 cup milk
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 cup lukewarm milk
4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp icing sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
3 egg yolks

Walnut puree filling: 1 2/3 cup of ground walnut; 1/2 cup sugar; 2-3 tsp of grated lemon rind; 1/4 cup water
Poppy Seeds filling: 2/3 cups poppy seeds, grind well; 5 tbsp sugar; 1/2 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp grated lemon rind; 1/2 tbsp +1/4 tbsp+1/4 tbsp apricot jam

Directions:

Dissolve the yeast and granulated sugar in 1/4 cup of lukewarm milk. Set aside for 10 minutes until the liquid forms a foamy mixture.

Combine the flour, icing sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter. Mix well.

Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg yolks. Mix gently, gradually adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk until the dough can be formed into a ball. Cover with a cloth and let rise until doubled in size (2 hours).

Grind the walnuts and poppy seeds separately.

Mix the ingredients for the two fillings separately in a medium saucepan and simmer over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the stove and allow to cool.

Divide the dough into two halves and roll each half on a floured surface into 12x18 inch rectangles. Spread the nut filling on one rectangle and the poppy seed filling on the other, leaving a margin of at least an inch on all edges.

Turn up the sides to prevent leaking and roll lengthwise to form two 12-inch rolls. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg whites, poke a few holes in them with a fork.

Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown

I am not trying to sabotoge anyones diets!!  I am trying to be helpful on recipes and ideas for creative gift giving.  If anyone's diet is going to be sabotoged it will be my own....I really have the itch to bake (and EAT!!!!...... BAD BAD THINGS!!!)

Have a SUPER NIGHT!!!!!!

People have often said that motivation doesn't last. Well, if you think about it neither does bathing - that's why it's recommended daily. 

 

Day 322 ~ 12/8/10

Gained a pound.  Thinking inevitable being all the pizza I am eating.  Keeping a close eye on the scale...

Picked up a veggie pie (peppers, onions, broccoli and light on cheese (as they did not have low fat skim) at lunch today.  The temptation to get a pepperoni, sausage, peppers and onions pizza was at the tip of my tongue when I called in my order....Something just so greasy and yummy to change things up a bit...BUT NO - I was good!!  Restraint (the very little I have) won out!

Breakfast: 1 slice Leftover plain pizza, bottle of water

Lunch: 2 slices veggie take out pizza

Dinner: 2 slices veggie take-out pizza

Snack: 1 -1/2 slices veggie pizza

Take-out pizza a little better than mine - only for the fact that it was "whole fat cheese" vs the skim milk low fat cheese I have been using at home (which of course a little better for me)....I will be making two pizza's tonight, just do not know what kind yet.

Pushed myself to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in...IT WAS HARD...I am really just not into it.  That sounds bad - but I am being honest.  I feel like a slug (just not slimy and I do have usable limbs)...

Have a TERRIFIC NIGHT!!! 

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

Day 321 ~ 12/7/10

No surprise here....day 2 of Pizza!  So far so good!  The pizza dough is basic and the toppings are really going to make this diet work and keep me interested.

Today's pizza is basic - plain  (tomato pie - as the old time italians call it) low-sodium pizza sauce and low fat, skim milk mozzarella. A quick sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a pinch of oregano - made it taste almost like the local pizzeria's.  (Not as cheesey or greasy though).

 

Breakfast: 1/2 cup grapefruit juice, 1 slice plain (tomato pie) pizza

Lunch: 2 slices leftover pizza from yesterday

Dinner: 2 slice plain (tomato pie) pizza

Snack: 1 slice plain (tomato pie) pizza

Working in another recipe today for Italian Biscotti since I am in the "italian" mode here... Another great recipe for gift giving or just making for the holidays or anytime.  Biscotti is a harder cookie best known for it's ability to stand up to dipping in coffee and hot chocolate.

Basic Italian Biscotti Recipe

 Ingredients

• 12 ounces butter
• 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 ounces dried cranberries
• 4 ounces chopped almonds
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 165 degrees C ).

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time; beat until fluffy. Stir in the anise and vanilla extracts. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; Add them to the egg mixture along with the cranberries, almonds and chocolate chips. Stir with a spoon and as the dough comes together, Knead by hand.

Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each piece into a log about 15 inches long. Place logs onto cookie sheets, 2 to a sheet, the long way. Flatten the logs out until they are about 3 inches wide with a slight hump going down the middle. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, loaves should be firm. Cut the loaves into diagonal slices 1/2 inch wide, place the slices onto the cookie sheets and return to the oven. Toast on one side, then turn them over to do the other side. This will take about 7 to 10 minutes.

The great thing about this recipe is that it is versatile.  You can melt chocolate and dip the bottoms, roll in sprinkles or chopped nuts.  Add raisins and walnuts instead of cranberries and almonds.  Use different extracts maybe a little orange or lemon zest.

Being this is a vanilla biscotti – you can add ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and make chocolate biscotti.  The possibilities are endless.

Once completed – pop a few in a cellophane gift bag, tie a little ribbon and you have an instant gift!!

I haven't gotten in any exercise in a few days and I am feeling it.  Minimally I've done housework, making and baking the pizzas, etc...The Pizza Diet calls for 60 minutes a day....This time of year I just want to hibernate and not push myself (isn't that what Springtime is for???) - I do need to get back on track - I am still working on myself to get back in gear....it's coming....

I hope your day was productive and your diet and exercise regimen is on target (at least better than mine right now!!).

Have an Awesome night!!!

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Day 320 ~ 12/6/10

PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  One pie for the whole day!  I have only had 6 slices and I am stuffed!!

My pizza  (from the recipe with added low fat skim cheese, lightly brushed with olive oil, garlic, chopped tomatoes, fresh basil and some fat free feta cheese (the globs).....

 

Breakfast: 1 slice Pizza, 1/2 cup grapefruit juice

Lunch: 2 slices of Pizza, water

Dinner:  3 slices of Pizza, ice tea

Snack:  ????????  PIZZA  ??????????

I am finishing up this update late as I wanted to see if I coud get another peice of pizza down - but no luck....I am seriously full - the other two I will have tomorrow morning!

Kept busy tonight finishing up christmas/holiday cards and making a "plain pizza" for tomorrow - - -

Have a GREAT night!!!

 When odds are one in a million, be that one