Um, my 30-day No Sweets Fast lasted for 3 days. I have a good excuse though! Dutch treats :) My mom came back from her yearly vacation with speculaas, appelstroop, and hagelslag. Well, needless to say, I couldn't say, "I'll have those in 27 days from now," because with my family around, there wouldn't be a crumb left a week from now, let alone 27 days!
A couple of days ago, I was wandering around in Wal-mart at 11 at night, blearily peering through sleep-o my deprived eyes at things I did not need, while trying to remember what I did need. In the middle of the office supplies aisle, I found a neat black mesh pencil holder, then picked up some smiley stickers that I will use as part of my incentive weight-loss program. The plan is to put a number of small stones, each representing a single pound, in the pencil holder. Then each time I lose a pound, a stone is taken out. Each time I gain a pound, a stone goes back in. Each time I exercise a mile, I'll put a smiley sticker on my exercise chart that I'm going to make.
I know, it sounds kind of elementary, but I'm finding that I have to keep on trying different things until I find something that works, and stick with that. I am a visual person and I like rewards :)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Popcorn on the TV
Yesterday I started my 30-day No Sweets Fast. I think it was probably one of the most difficult days of my life! For some reason all day long I was hungry. I wanted to eat something, and I wanted it to be something sweet. Like brownies. With vegan icecream on top. And chocolate syrup. And chocolate chips sprinkled over that. Okay, next topic.
So I spent most of the day working on paperwork with the TV playing in the background and for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to put my macadamia-sweetened-popcorn tub on top of the TV. All day long I stared at that popcorn but I couldn't eat it. Strangely enough, today I took a look at the popcorn and had no interest in it at all. Maybe I need to stare at a brownie all day?
Yesterday really made me realize how emotionally attached I am to food. As I constantly obsessed over eating something sweet, regardless of what it was, I kept on asking myself if I was really hungry. Each time the firm answer was No. I was not physically hungry; I was emotionally hungry.
There are a lot of false beliefs I carry around with me, that I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who battles with. Thoughts such as, "I deserve a sweet treat because it's been such a long day." Well, giving in to that excuse makes every day a difficult and a long day. It becomes really easy to find a reason as to why the day was so hard that only a brownie, or three, can make you feel better.
How about, "I bought the icecream on sale and I really shouldn't waste it." This is a difficult one for us frugal shoppers. We're so excited to find a good deal, we don't think about the consequences for our hips and our hearts. Some good deals can be left on the shelf for someone else to enjoy. Or, just buy one tub of icecream instead of 14 tubs. (It's true. I bought 14 tubs of Purely Decadent soy icecream the other day. It was only $1.99 at Grocery Outlet and I just couldn't pass it up.)
Here's a good one. "I'll just have one." One brownie, 10 chocolate chips, 1 handful of sugary popcorn, 1 slice of cake, 1 piece of chocolate. Hmmmm, I'm starting to see a theme here (chocolate, anyone?)! I've tried both kinds of self-control. One: no sweets during the week but a free pass on the weekend. Two: a sweet treat every day that's been scheduled into my daily calorie allotment. Most of the time, the daily treat works best for me, except for those binge days. Then the "just one" lasts for exactly one second. Before I know it, I'll be hands deep in the brownie box, inhaling white chocolate chips, and reaching for potato chips in between to mix it up a little. Hence the 30-day Sweet Fast. If I'm not eating it, I don't have to worry about rationing it.
One of my biggest challenge is this one. "I can't do this. I've tried it before and it worked for a grand total of 2 weeks before I gave up. My schedule keeps on changing so I can't keep a daily routine. I've tried to eat healthy and exercise for me, for my friends, for my family, but it's never lasted. So why should this time be different?" I don't have the answer to that question. I don't know why this time should be different, but I do know I have to keep on trying. Maybe there isn't a quick-fix and maybe there won't be a miraculous breakthrough, but maybe, like the tortoise, I will eventually reach my long-distant goal.
If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and chew on a stick of celery. . .
So I spent most of the day working on paperwork with the TV playing in the background and for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to put my macadamia-sweetened-popcorn tub on top of the TV. All day long I stared at that popcorn but I couldn't eat it. Strangely enough, today I took a look at the popcorn and had no interest in it at all. Maybe I need to stare at a brownie all day?
Yesterday really made me realize how emotionally attached I am to food. As I constantly obsessed over eating something sweet, regardless of what it was, I kept on asking myself if I was really hungry. Each time the firm answer was No. I was not physically hungry; I was emotionally hungry.
There are a lot of false beliefs I carry around with me, that I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who battles with. Thoughts such as, "I deserve a sweet treat because it's been such a long day." Well, giving in to that excuse makes every day a difficult and a long day. It becomes really easy to find a reason as to why the day was so hard that only a brownie, or three, can make you feel better.
How about, "I bought the icecream on sale and I really shouldn't waste it." This is a difficult one for us frugal shoppers. We're so excited to find a good deal, we don't think about the consequences for our hips and our hearts. Some good deals can be left on the shelf for someone else to enjoy. Or, just buy one tub of icecream instead of 14 tubs. (It's true. I bought 14 tubs of Purely Decadent soy icecream the other day. It was only $1.99 at Grocery Outlet and I just couldn't pass it up.)
Here's a good one. "I'll just have one." One brownie, 10 chocolate chips, 1 handful of sugary popcorn, 1 slice of cake, 1 piece of chocolate. Hmmmm, I'm starting to see a theme here (chocolate, anyone?)! I've tried both kinds of self-control. One: no sweets during the week but a free pass on the weekend. Two: a sweet treat every day that's been scheduled into my daily calorie allotment. Most of the time, the daily treat works best for me, except for those binge days. Then the "just one" lasts for exactly one second. Before I know it, I'll be hands deep in the brownie box, inhaling white chocolate chips, and reaching for potato chips in between to mix it up a little. Hence the 30-day Sweet Fast. If I'm not eating it, I don't have to worry about rationing it.
One of my biggest challenge is this one. "I can't do this. I've tried it before and it worked for a grand total of 2 weeks before I gave up. My schedule keeps on changing so I can't keep a daily routine. I've tried to eat healthy and exercise for me, for my friends, for my family, but it's never lasted. So why should this time be different?" I don't have the answer to that question. I don't know why this time should be different, but I do know I have to keep on trying. Maybe there isn't a quick-fix and maybe there won't be a miraculous breakthrough, but maybe, like the tortoise, I will eventually reach my long-distant goal.
If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and chew on a stick of celery. . .
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Recipe: Eggplant Parmesany
I stumbled across this recipe when trying to make an appetizing dish out of two vegetables that needed to be cooked. It is easier than pie, uses minimal ingredients, and tastes absolutely delicious! If you're a creative cook, you'll have fun making my Eggplant Parmesany.
In a casserole dish, layer the following ingredients in the order listed
1/4 jar of spaghetti sauce (just enough to cover the bottom of the dish)
Thick slices of eggplant
A thick layer of washed fresh spinach leaves
Generous dabs of Tofutti Sour Cream
Salt to taste
Thick slices of eggplant
Bouillon powder and onion powder to taste
A second thick layer of washed fresh spinach leaves
Salt to taste
Grated vegan cheese (Follow Your Heart Cheddar) on the very top
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let soak in the refrigerator overnight. About 1.5 hours before you plan to eat, turn the oven on to 350 Fahrenheit and pop the casserole in the oven. Serve with plenty of bread to sop up the sauce! You may want to add some extra water, but when I did that, I had to pour it all out at the end because the eggplant ended up swimming in a watery soupy mixture!!!
Calories ~ 400 for the entire dish (varies, depending on how much cheese and tofutti you use)
In a casserole dish, layer the following ingredients in the order listed
1/4 jar of spaghetti sauce (just enough to cover the bottom of the dish)
Thick slices of eggplant
A thick layer of washed fresh spinach leaves
Generous dabs of Tofutti Sour Cream
Salt to taste
Thick slices of eggplant
Bouillon powder and onion powder to taste
A second thick layer of washed fresh spinach leaves
Salt to taste
Grated vegan cheese (Follow Your Heart Cheddar) on the very top
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let soak in the refrigerator overnight. About 1.5 hours before you plan to eat, turn the oven on to 350 Fahrenheit and pop the casserole in the oven. Serve with plenty of bread to sop up the sauce! You may want to add some extra water, but when I did that, I had to pour it all out at the end because the eggplant ended up swimming in a watery soupy mixture!!!
Calories ~ 400 for the entire dish (varies, depending on how much cheese and tofutti you use)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day One:
I did not snack today (do chocolate chips count?) but I probably went way over my calorie limit. I think I'm becoming obsessed with counting calories and maybe need to change my focus from counting constantly and thinking I can still eat another 250 calories and stay in maintenance mode to choosing wisely and eating till I'm 2/3 full.
Breakfast was a grapefruit, 4 clementines, and half a pita bread with jam. Lunch was a huge green salad with edamame, blue cheese, and dressing, a pound of steamed asparagus spears, and 1/3 cup of basmati rice. Supper was where I bombed. It started out okay with 1/4 baguette with avocado and sprouts, but then I had another 1/4 baguette and finished with a mini pizza. A bit too much for supper, I do think, but I was sooooo hungry from my strange breakfast and lunch! I see the wisdom in having a breakfast that is filling and can keep you going for the rest of the day.
Okey dokey, well tomorrow is another day!
Breakfast was a grapefruit, 4 clementines, and half a pita bread with jam. Lunch was a huge green salad with edamame, blue cheese, and dressing, a pound of steamed asparagus spears, and 1/3 cup of basmati rice. Supper was where I bombed. It started out okay with 1/4 baguette with avocado and sprouts, but then I had another 1/4 baguette and finished with a mini pizza. A bit too much for supper, I do think, but I was sooooo hungry from my strange breakfast and lunch! I see the wisdom in having a breakfast that is filling and can keep you going for the rest of the day.
Okey dokey, well tomorrow is another day!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Getting Back on the Bandwagon (and off the scales!)
This past week hasn't been as productive as I had hoped it would be. I think part of the reason is that when I stepped on the scales a day into the regime and realized my body was cooperating (finally!) and leaving the plateau where I'd been so comfortable for entirely too long, I psyched myself out and decided I could take it slow and still eat what I wanted to eat. Not a good battle plan.
I've also been doing some emotional eating. For some reason I've been craving potato chips. Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought some at Trader Joe's, the "healthy kind" but at 150 calories for 7 chips, I should have bought the bag of chips I saw on Friday that was lower in calories. Once I open a bag of something, anything, I have no self-control anyhow, so if I'm going to binge, I might as well binge on something that is lower in calories! The bag of chips I got had 2400 calories in it total. I've eaten about 2/3rds of that bag already. Not a good idea.
I haven't dared to buy chocolate, because I know I shall inhale and it will be gone. Instead I picked up a tray of mini-blueberry muffins. The problem with those (as with the chips) is that 8 of the 12 muffins are now gone, and with each at 90 calories, let's just say I probably won't be looking at a weight loss this week. I know, I know, I need to get ahold of myself and do something about all this eating. Sometimes I wonder if maybe the only cure is to only buy celery sticks and apples, but realistically that is probably not the best way to go about it!
I had to laugh when I looked at my list of 7 goals for last week. I definitely did not meet all of those goals. I think this week I need to be more realistic. Maybe I should just pick one goal and stick with it.
I've also been doing some emotional eating. For some reason I've been craving potato chips. Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought some at Trader Joe's, the "healthy kind" but at 150 calories for 7 chips, I should have bought the bag of chips I saw on Friday that was lower in calories. Once I open a bag of something, anything, I have no self-control anyhow, so if I'm going to binge, I might as well binge on something that is lower in calories! The bag of chips I got had 2400 calories in it total. I've eaten about 2/3rds of that bag already. Not a good idea.
I haven't dared to buy chocolate, because I know I shall inhale and it will be gone. Instead I picked up a tray of mini-blueberry muffins. The problem with those (as with the chips) is that 8 of the 12 muffins are now gone, and with each at 90 calories, let's just say I probably won't be looking at a weight loss this week. I know, I know, I need to get ahold of myself and do something about all this eating. Sometimes I wonder if maybe the only cure is to only buy celery sticks and apples, but realistically that is probably not the best way to go about it!
I had to laugh when I looked at my list of 7 goals for last week. I definitely did not meet all of those goals. I think this week I need to be more realistic. Maybe I should just pick one goal and stick with it.
- This week I will not eat unless it is a meal-time, I will only eat 3 meals a day, and I will consciously choose the foods I place on my plate.
Recipe: Eggplant Chips (re-posted)
A week ago I went online looking for an eggplant recipe. When I came across the recipe for "Eggplant Chips" I decided to give it a go. Now I am eagerly looking forward to going shopping again so I can buy two eggplants this time! I made some changes to the recipe, but it worked out really great. If you like salty snacks, you'll enjoy this one!
1 eggplant
Olive oil spray
2 Tb Braggs Liquid Aminos
1/2 Tsp Garlic salt
Spray the baking sheet with the olive oil spray, pour the liquid aminos on the tray, then sprinkle garlic salt. Make sure the baking sheet is covered, then take your 1/4 inch eggplant slices, coat each side with the amino-salt mixture, and place on the tray. I needed two trays, so I coated the first batch and placed them on the other tray, then coated the second batch, sopping up all the remaining amino-salt mixture. Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side at 400 F. Check after 7 minutes to see if they are burning yet, remove as soon as they are golden brown. My favourite way to eat these is in a tortilla wrap with alfalfa sprouts, arugula, and a salad vegetable.
Calories ~ 130 for the entire eggplant
1 eggplant
Olive oil spray
2 Tb Braggs Liquid Aminos
1/2 Tsp Garlic salt
Spray the baking sheet with the olive oil spray, pour the liquid aminos on the tray, then sprinkle garlic salt. Make sure the baking sheet is covered, then take your 1/4 inch eggplant slices, coat each side with the amino-salt mixture, and place on the tray. I needed two trays, so I coated the first batch and placed them on the other tray, then coated the second batch, sopping up all the remaining amino-salt mixture. Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side at 400 F. Check after 7 minutes to see if they are burning yet, remove as soon as they are golden brown. My favourite way to eat these is in a tortilla wrap with alfalfa sprouts, arugula, and a salad vegetable.
Calories ~ 130 for the entire eggplant
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Choices, Choices, Choices
I absolutely love Fresh Choice! My sis and I went there for lunch today, since I had a 35% off coupon, and we ended up paying only $5.26 each. Totally awesome! I think I ate about twice as much salad as I should have, but I loaded up on the salad bar and only had two pieces of pizza, a bowl of icecream, and half a slice of the zucchini loaf that I love. Now I'm trying not to think about the extra pieces of zucchini loaf I didn't eat that are wrapped in a napkin at the bottom of my bag!
What I love about Fresh Choice is that they have the nutritional information for every single item. Even the salad bar items! Like 1/2 a cup of spinach is 2 calories. It's perfect for me because as I went down the line, I was mentally adding up in my head the calories I was putting on my plate, and ended up with a salad that couldn't have been more than 300 calories. They also have a pretty decent fat-free Italian dressing for only 15 calories per serving (got to look for one of those in the grocery store next time!) but I had to get a little ranch for my boiled eggs. You just can't eat boiled eggs with fat-free dressing!
I think I want to figure out how to make my salad my main dish at lunch time. Today, my salad included edamame, fresh spinach, blue cheese, chipotle hummus (too spicy for me!), mushrooms, cucumber pickles, kidney beans, bell pepper, chickpeas, pita bread, sweet corn, and boiled egg. Yummy!!! Okay, I'm getting hungry, so I'll stop here!
What I love about Fresh Choice is that they have the nutritional information for every single item. Even the salad bar items! Like 1/2 a cup of spinach is 2 calories. It's perfect for me because as I went down the line, I was mentally adding up in my head the calories I was putting on my plate, and ended up with a salad that couldn't have been more than 300 calories. They also have a pretty decent fat-free Italian dressing for only 15 calories per serving (got to look for one of those in the grocery store next time!) but I had to get a little ranch for my boiled eggs. You just can't eat boiled eggs with fat-free dressing!
I think I want to figure out how to make my salad my main dish at lunch time. Today, my salad included edamame, fresh spinach, blue cheese, chipotle hummus (too spicy for me!), mushrooms, cucumber pickles, kidney beans, bell pepper, chickpeas, pita bread, sweet corn, and boiled egg. Yummy!!! Okay, I'm getting hungry, so I'll stop here!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)