If this is a diet, let me never eat normal again!!!

Chili con carne (~200 cals)

If this is a diet, let me never eat normal again!!!

I just made the BEST dinner!  I had some ground beef and didn't want to do burgers or meatballs, so I said, "Hey it's my PV day- let the vegetables carry me away!"  I decided to make a chili con carne loaded with veggies.  If you try any of my recipes-- try this one!!!

Chop up some red and yellow onions and garlic. Take ground beef and grill it with the onions/garlic - don't use oil because the ground beef will release it's own grease.  Once you see the meat has lost it's red color-- add in a packet of of Goya Sazon let it cook a bit till it's colored evenly.  THEN-- take the contents and put through a colander to drain out the grease-- while that's going on.  Put 2 cans of fresh diced tomatoes in same pan.  Add in 2-3 springs of finely chopped cilantro, and let simmer while you chop veggies.  Remember the meat is still draining.  Chop a bunch of your favorite peppers- the more colors- the more fun!  Put the meat/onions/garlic back into the pan with the tomatoes/cilantro.  Add in another packet of Goya Sazon, a chicken bouillon cube, and salt to taste-- ALSO add in some hot sauce for SPICE and mix!  Then add in your peppers.  You can add a bit of water if it gets too thick.  let it cook and simmer allowing all the flavors to mingle- stir occasionally.  Let cool and serve.  The picture does not do it justice.  

I also took really crunchy romaine lettuce and scooped it up like I would have with tortilla chips.

Also, I went out for dinner the other night to a mediterranean restaurant and I had the lamb/chicken kebab.   It came with a little shredded salad and I opted not to have the rice, and they were nice enough to offer me sautéed veggies- tomatoes, onions, squash, and okra.  I'm telling you I am really not missing my old food choices.  After dinner they brought over some baklava, and I offered my piece to my friend and enjoyed watching her eat it.  She's thin and loves sweets, so it was a win-win situation :D

RECIPE: Greek Quiche (PV)

Greek Quiche 

(~119 calories each)

Ingredients

1 cup frozen spinach 

1 oz fat free feta

2 tbs oat bran

1 egg

2 egg whites

- red onion (to taste_

- garlic (to taste)

- salt (to taste)
- oregano (to taste)

- ham (optional- but add in cals)

Servings/ recipe: 2

Calories: 119

Carbs: 22

Fat: 6 

Protein: 27

Directions:

Preheat oven at 350'F. Thaw and drain the spinach.  Mix in the feta cheese, oat bran and eggs.  Then add in onions, garlic, salt, oregano and any other spices you wish to use.  Also you can add in ham or turkey, but just remember to add the calories.  Put into two ramekins and place in a water bath (optional) and bake for 20'.  Check to make sure they are cooked through with a toothpick.  Let cool -- and ENJOY!!!

Ingredients	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
Spinach (Chopped or Leaf, Frozen) , 1 cup	30	3	0	2
Egg, 1 egg	70	0	5	6
Egg White - of One Large Egg, 2 egg white	34	0	0	7
Red Onion (Wolfram Alpha), 10 g	4	1	0	0
Goya - Chopped Garlic, 0.25 Tbsp	3	1	0	0
Oregano, Dried, 0.25 tsp	1	0	0	0
Fat-Free Feta Cheese, 1 oz.	35	1	0	7
Whole Foods Bulk - Oat Bran, 24 g	61	16	1	5
cals  carb fat  protein

Total:	238	22	6	27
Per Serving:	119	11	3	1   4

"The only way out is always through..."

"The only way out is always through..."

                                                                                                           Robert Frost

I haven't had the chance to write in a week because I've been dealing with my own issues and what they meant, and so how could I write?... when the words weren't even clear to myself.  I am happy to say that through all the drama of this week- I have not cheated on the diet or gotten off track.  If anything, it helped me to regain focus and clarity.  I now know that food and alcohol will not solve my problems-- they are only a distraction.  I am on a mission to tackle my obstacles, so the last thing I need is interference.  So what happened that kept me off the keyboard for a week?
This week I broke up with my boyfriend.  We had been together for 9 months, and while the first seven were a fun roller coaster ride, the last two had become like riding in a car with no breaks.  Eventually, you hope the car stops moving before you hit something.
I made the decision to leave because I was becoming a person I did not like, and I could see that being in the relationship would be a conflict with my goals of trying to be the best I could be.  It wasn't that my boyfriend was a bad person, I actually still believe he has a huge heart and tried as best he could, but the reality was that circumstances had hit us both, and rather than try to fix one-and-other, we needed to focus on ourselves.  I did loved him, but in the end I loved "ME" more!
Is it selfish?  I asked myself this question over and over again.  But the reality is that-  if I am not ok for me- how can I ever be ok for him, or anyone else?
At first he thought it was because I had lost weight and because I was committed to reaching my goal weight.  He believed that I wanted someone else.  That I was with him because of my weight, but when I was back to being "normal", I would want someone better.  Who knows maybe there's a slight truth to that, but this was not the reason for my decision.
We discussed taking a break, but when I went to his apartment to get my computer...something came over me.  He wasn't home. I began packing my things, and trekking up and down the stairs to my car with my things.  Anyone that knows me will tell you- "I'm a runner"!  When things get difficult, or I just don't want to deal with something- I run- and I don't look back.  I have ran across the country, even across the globe, and every time- leaving EVERYTHING behind.  Only to start all over again and repeat the same process again and again.
This time it was different!  I had to take my things! I had to make sure they were packed and organized and NOTHING was left behind- not even the trash.
Somehow, I realized what I never had before-- these were MY things- these were me.  Every other time I looked at the things as "replaceable" even though I've left things behind that I will never be able to replace-- from pictures to a classic car.  I don't know if I wanted to take my things or if I just didn't want to leave them behind- I guess in the end it's rather the same thing.
I packed my two laptops, my library of books, my clothes, shoes, dishes, bathroom supplies, I even took the dish detergent dispenser.  I only took the things that were mine.  I also took any trash of mine threw it in a bag and dumped it on the curb on my way out.  I came back in one last time, looked around, took a deep breath, left the keys, walked out and drove away.
I know there are still a lot of things I need to work through -things that I have either been in denial about or completely ignored.  My weight, is just one of those things, but my progress has given me the confidence to know that I am in control of one area of my life, and I can gain control of the rest as well.
I've come to the realization that every little thing is one step forward. The time doesn't matter- the direction does.  I know I am heading in the right direction.  I am ready to tackle the journey, and I know the maze is long.  I know that I will hit a wall once in a while, and probably come upon the same wall more than once, but I believe that there is a way through!  and it is the journey through, that will teach me how to continue to be the best that I can be, when I get to the other side!




Picture from: http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/aspect3d/aspect3d0910/aspect3d091000059/5680947-high-quality-illustration-of-a-large-maze-or-labyrinth-please-see-my-portfolio-for-more-in-the-serie.jpg

Cruise week 4: Social "Life" on a diet

WEEK 4: 16.2 lbs lost

I have a confession to make about this past weekend.  I was invited to a pre-valentines day party, and I did go out, and I did have a few drinks.  I should start by saying that before the party I was a bit worried that I wouldn't have a thing to wear.  There was a dress in the closet (at my BF's house) that I had not worn in almost a year, and even then it was tight.  I figured I would amuse myself and try it on, and the dress actually fit.  It wasn't tight- it wasn't loose either- it just fit!  Also, I had started to use my egg yolks for a hair treatment.  I felt so guilty throwing all those yolks away.  Well, I tried this a couple of times, and my hair had REALLY improved and was really shinny.  I decided to wear it down, which I never do.  I went to the store and picked up some stockings and a pair of bright RED heels, and I felt so sexy!
Apparently others did as well because at the party I had a few offers to buy me drinks.  I hadn't had dinner because I had a late lunch, so I figured I could splurge calorie wise on a few rum & diet cokes.  I had an amazing time, but I have to be honest that all weekend I was super worried that the scale would not go down.   I also didn't exercise as much as I would have liked, so I was really worried it might actually go up!
Well, last night I got back from my weekend in the City, and this morning I weighed myself.  The scale did not punish me, so I will not feel guilty about my one night out!  I lost another pound this week.  Yes, I could have lost more, but I think that considering the evening - I will be REALLY happy with this week's weigh-in.  I won't make it a habit to go out drinking, but I think that it's important to balance life with the diet without sacrificing either.  After all, this will be the key to mainting the weight once it's come off.  I'm really glad that I write things down, so that I can SEE what works and what doesn't seem to work.  I made the choice to drink a diet coke with rum instead of some high calorie drink, AND when I came home I ignored my munchies, which was always a huge pitfall for me.  I used to go out for drinks - usually beers and then come home and raid the fridge from drinking munchies.
I did go out- but I changed my going out habits- I made a better choice, and I did not eat once I came home-- in that case I did not cheat on the diet, I tailored it a more realistic diet.  If I had not been tracking what I ate and my weight- I could have easily seen this night as a "slip up" and maybe even abandoned the diet.
The Dukan diet can be quite restrictive, and if you're on the cruise phase for a long time (like me), you will have to find ways to make it work for YOU!  Take every chance to learn something- in this way - we don't  cheat the diet or more importantly cheat ourselves!  CHEERS TO US!!!

Lost this week:   1 lb
Lost on Dukan:  14.2 lbs
Total Lost:          16.2 lbs

Note: I have decided to start doing the blogs by weeks now on the cruise phase, since the pounds lost will not come off as they did in the attack phase.  Also, I will be going away on weekends, which makes it a bit harder to post.  You can refer to earlier posts (PM) to see what my usual meals are.  I will only post meals if they are interesting and will always try to include a picture.  I am always happy to hear comments or suggestions.  

15 lbs LOST !!! Day 23: PM (PV)

15 lbs LOST!!!!

I'm celebrating my farewell to 15 lbs off my body!!!
So when I had 70 lbs to loose 15 did not seem like such a big deal- But let's see- what weighs 15 lbs???  I googled it-- you know what- a bowling ball weighs 15 lbs.  WOW!!!
That's a lot less to carry from now on.

Today I had a job interview.  Please read my Day 5 AM post to see what happened on my last interview.  It was AWFUL - I had nothing to wear because my clothes no longer fit me!!!
Well, this morning, I fit into my suit-- AND I actually need to have the jacket taken in.  I felt great, and I looked great, if I do say so myself.  WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!
This job is a little out of my field, but I am very optimistic.  I was great at the interview and confident!
I have to say that the change in physical appearance is GREAT but the change in psychology is even better!  There are just no words.  I feel like with each pound I loose, I gain something new.  It hasn't even been a month- and I feel my life has changed so much.

If you are struggling with your own weight issues- the best advice I can give you is --- PLEASE don't just tackle the weight-- PLEASE try and tackle the issues that have led you to be overweight.  I wasn't ready to do that in the past, and I would loose, but the pounds would come back on eventually.  I still have a long way to go before I reach my goal, and even further still in maintaining it, but I am optimistic because my perspective has changed.  I don't look to food or alcohol for pleasure.  I feed myself to feed my body.  I'm not saying it's easy or that I'm perfect EVERY day, but I really do strive for it.  Not because I'm on a diet, but because I love the journey.  I can't wait to be free of all that's been weighing me down (literally)!!!

Pepper steak

February 2, 2012

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Folgers - Coffee-1% Milk, 12 oz	55	6g	1g	4g	5mg	60mg	6g	0g
Cottage Cheese - Daisy, Low Fat, 2%, 1 cup	180	8g	5g	28g	20mg	720mg	8g	0g
Whole Foods Bulk - Oat Bran, 24 g	61	16g	1g	5g	0mg	0mg	0g	4g
Generic - Ground Beef Round - 85/15 Cooked, 1.5 oz	90	0g	6g	8g	28mg	24mg	0g	0g
Lunch
Egg Land's Best - Large Natural Egg (White Only, No Yolk), 3 egg	51	1g	0g	11g	0mg	165mg	1g	0g
Bumble Bee - Premium Albacore Tuna In Water - 5 oz Pouch, 5 oz	175	0g	4g	33g	75mg	350mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Beef - Chuck, clod steak, lean and fat, 1/4" fat trim, cooked, braised, 3 oz (1 serving)	231	0g	15g	22g	80mg	48mg	0g	0g
Bell Pepper - Green - Raw, 1 cup	25	7g	0g	1g	0mg	4mg	4g	3g
TOTAL:	868	38g	32g	112g	208mg	1,371mg	19g	7g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes
Cardiovascular
Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace, walking dog	102	20
Dancing, aerobic, ballet or modern, twist	231	30
TOTALS:	333	50

Day 22: 14 lbs lost Cruise Day 12 PM (PP)

14 down - 56 to go!!!

So...I know I said I would only weigh myself once a week on the cruise phase---BUT yesterday I was feeling bloated, and didn't think the scale was being fair - ok maybe not the scale -- my body.
This morning I weighed myself again - because- believe it or not my yoga pants felt loose- and they're stretch!  Well, I was down another 0.6lbs from yesterday.  So that makes my total loss 14lbs and a more manageable 56 to go.  I will be a very happy girl when I hit my 50 mark!  I will celebrate - sugar free Jello for all!

Speaking of which, I want to bring up the topic of socializing on the Dukan (or any diet).  For me, socializing meant EATING & DRINKING!!!  I was a VERY social person - how social?  70extra pounds social!!!  I was the organizer, planner, party animal - however you choose to call it.  I guess I was never fully committed to a lifestyle change because I associated the change as giving up my social lifestyle.  So what happened?  Well, to be honest- I think I just got older, got the partying out of my system, and found more important things to occupy my time.  Also, I went back to being a (Masters) student, which meant giving up the extravagant lifestyle.  No more dinners out with friends or nights out for drinks.  I've changed my priorities- and you know what - I can honestly say that I'm happy- even with seltzer in my wine glass ;)

Tonight was my niece's 2 month bday.  Well when there's birthday, cake is not far behind, and this time cannoli cake.  As if cake wasn't bad enough, let's top it off with some sicilian pastry.  I looked at it, but was not at all tempted- it was funny- instead of thinking that it looked delicious- I thought it looked "cute"! As if it was there for mere decoration- and in my case- it was.  My brother was a bit upset that I didn't even "try" it.  "Just take a small piece", he pleaded, but I was very firm and said that I can NOT have any sugar or carbohydrates.  Just as if it was a medical restriction.  He didn't like it, but you know what - he'll get over it!  The more strict we are the greater discipline we will build for ourselves.

February 1, 2012

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Breakfast
Homemade - Dukan Chocolate Muffin, 1 muffin	67	11g	2g	6g	72mg	155mg	1g	2g
Folgers - Coffee-1% Milk, 12 oz	55	6g	1g	4g	5mg	60mg	6g	0g
Truvia - Sugar Substitute, 1 packet	0	3g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Wellsley Farms (Bj's) - Oven Roasted Turkey (Deli), 1 oz.	30	1g	0g	6g	10mg	175mg	1g	0g
Generic - Egg Whites (2 Scrambled), 3 Egg Whites	51	1g	0g	11g	0mg	165mg	1g	0g
Lunch
Homemade - Chicken Leg W/O Skin Boiled, 75 g cooked	165	0g	10g	18g	63mg	55mg	0g	0g
Dinner
Beef - Chuck, clod steak, lean and fat, 1/4" fat trim, cooked, braised, 3 oz (1 serving)	231	0g	15g	22g	80mg	48mg	0g	0g
Snacks
Daisy - Low Fat Cottage Cheese 2% Milkfat Small Curd, 1/2 cup	90	4g	3g	14g	10mg	360mg	4g	0g
Jell-O (Jello) - Gelatin Dessert - Sugar Free Peach Low Calorie, 0.5 cup	10	0g	0g	1g	0mg	60mg	0g	0g
Chobani - 0% Greek Yogurt Strawberry Non-Fat, 0.5 oz.-22g	12	2g	0g	1g	0mg	6mg	2g	0g
Chobani - Greek Non-Fat Plain, 1.5 ounces	26	2g	0g	4g	0mg	20mg	2g	0g
TOTAL:	737	30g	31g	87g	240mg	1,104mg	17g	2g

Exercises	Calories	Minutes	Sets	Reps	Weight
Cardiovascular
Dancing, aerobic, ballet or modern, twist	231	30
Walking, 3.0 mph, mod. pace, walking dog	154	30
TOTALS:	385	60	0	0	0

Picture from: http://www.katyprimarycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/scale-and-feet.jpg

RECIPE: Chocolate Oatbran Muffins

Chocolate Oatbran Muffins

~67 Cals/ muffin

Ingredients:

- 2 eggs

- 6 tbs of oat bran

- 6 tbs of plain fat-free greek yogurt

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 4 tbs cocoa powder (unsweetened)

- 3 packets of Truvia (sweeten to taste)

Directions:

Preheat the oven at 350'F. Scramble the eggs in a bowl. Add in the oat bran until mixed thoroughly. Continue adding in other ingredients one at a time, while mixing. Distribute evenly into 6 cups of a muffin tray (this will give you 1 tbs of oat bran/muffin). Then bake at 350'F for about 15-18', or until cooked thoroughly.

Nutritional Info:

Serving sz: 1 muffin

Servings/ recipe: 6

Calories: 67.2

Carbs: 10.5g

Fat: 2.2g

Protein: 5.8g

Cholest: 71.6mg

Sodium: 154.8mg

Sugars: 0.5g

Fiber: 2.2g

(in MFP as Home Made - Dukan Chocolate Muffin)

Foods	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Cholest	Sodium	Sugars	Fiber
Whole Foods Bulk - Oat Bran, 72 g	184	47g	4g	14g	0mg	0mg	0g	11g
Argo - Baking Powder, 1 tsp	0	0g	0g	0g	0mg	760mg	0g	0g
Egg - Large Egg, 2 egg	140	0g	9g	12g	430mg	130mg	0g	0g
Truvia - Sugar Substitute, 3 packet	0	9g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	0g
Chatfield's Premium - Premium Cocoa Powder - Unsweetened, Alkaline Free, 4 tsp	26	4g	0g	0g	0mg	0mg	0g	2g
Chobani - Greek Non-Fat Plain, 3 ounces	53	3g	0g	9g	0mg	39mg	3g	0g
TOTAL:	403	63g	13g	35g	430mg	929mg	3g	13g

Picture from: http://media.photobucket.com/image/chocolate%20muffin%20cartoon/kilmario/muffin.jpg