Well, we are chugging along. Not much is changing. We made chicken and veggie soup this week. That's almost gone. I was pretty... remorseful...about not having crackers, rice or noodles in it. I kinda missed that texture, which I find very comforting. However, the taste wasn't lacking. All that flavor from the chicken and those wonderful veggies really made my tummy happy.
I also had an inspiration for easy lunches. I've been browning hamburger with some Serrano peppers from out of our garden (the first thing we pick is a hot pepper - hee). Then I add some spaghetti sauce and call it sloppy joes. For all intensive purposes it is. The cauliflower rice was ok with it, but I sauteed a medley of veggies this afternoon and that went very well together. Its interesting. The bags of veggies you can microwave just aren't appealing. They dont have the same flavor.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Weekend
Well, I've had an eventful weekend, so far. The temperature dropped here. Yesterday was in the 50s for most of the day. Once the sun broke loose it jumped up to the high 60s. It was an awesome day, if a bit chilly after 5 months of 90s. I saw one person walking her dog with earmuffs. That is just awesome.
Anyway, its an opportunity to work outside without sweating 50% of your internal fluids away, so now the compost bin is built and a bunch of brush is burned away. I still need to mow the front but the back is done. It has been productive. We also went grocery shopping yesterday, figuring the "cold" would keep most people inside. We were right.
Lisa made a roasted chicken, too. She started to try a mashed cauliflower recipe that didn't turn out as we'd hoped. And I learned there's a limit to the pressure you exert on a masher...
A couple of days ago, we heard from a friend who's reading this blog. She talked very kindly about how we've inspired her. The ironic thing is that she's already been VERY successful at weight loss, having lost over 100 pounds. She needed a boost to get some new weight off and looked to our blog for it. It's a good lesson for me. You're never done taking care of yourself.
Anyway, its an opportunity to work outside without sweating 50% of your internal fluids away, so now the compost bin is built and a bunch of brush is burned away. I still need to mow the front but the back is done. It has been productive. We also went grocery shopping yesterday, figuring the "cold" would keep most people inside. We were right.
Lisa made a roasted chicken, too. She started to try a mashed cauliflower recipe that didn't turn out as we'd hoped. And I learned there's a limit to the pressure you exert on a masher...
A couple of days ago, we heard from a friend who's reading this blog. She talked very kindly about how we've inspired her. The ironic thing is that she's already been VERY successful at weight loss, having lost over 100 pounds. She needed a boost to get some new weight off and looked to our blog for it. It's a good lesson for me. You're never done taking care of yourself.
Friday, October 26, 2012
First Restaurant
Well, I finally did it. I went out to eat on the plan. I have been leary because I wanted to be established before heading out into the world and trying to avoid all those foods. I chose a Mexican restaurant, since I knew a lot of the people there.
Avoided the chips and dip, while the guy next to me had cheese dip. That's been one of my favorites, but it wasn't hard to avoid. I just didn't look at him. heh. I ordered tea and chicken and beef fajitas, hold the rice and beans, sub grilled veggies, and no tortillas. Well, they messed up the order a bit. The kitchen gave me a double order of fajita (oh, darn) and no veggies or sides. Mike quickly had that remedied. I had grilled squash, zucchini and broccoli. That was excellent.
I should add that unlike fajitas in KC, when you order them in CC they dont come with sour cream and cheese so that was already handled for me. Mike got me the guacamole and pico, and a side of jalapenos. As a person who's never liked guac, I was surprised. It was really full of flavor. I've never really tasted it before, I think. I used it as a dip for everything I ate.
And a good time was had by me.
I also want to mention that a couple of days ago, Lisa roasted a beef...or however you say that. It was awesome, although never enough veggies. Is there anything better than carrots that have slow roasted with beef and soaked up some of the broth? Mmmmm. I finished that for breakfast today. ;-)
Avoided the chips and dip, while the guy next to me had cheese dip. That's been one of my favorites, but it wasn't hard to avoid. I just didn't look at him. heh. I ordered tea and chicken and beef fajitas, hold the rice and beans, sub grilled veggies, and no tortillas. Well, they messed up the order a bit. The kitchen gave me a double order of fajita (oh, darn) and no veggies or sides. Mike quickly had that remedied. I had grilled squash, zucchini and broccoli. That was excellent.
I should add that unlike fajitas in KC, when you order them in CC they dont come with sour cream and cheese so that was already handled for me. Mike got me the guacamole and pico, and a side of jalapenos. As a person who's never liked guac, I was surprised. It was really full of flavor. I've never really tasted it before, I think. I used it as a dip for everything I ate.
And a good time was had by me.
I also want to mention that a couple of days ago, Lisa roasted a beef...or however you say that. It was awesome, although never enough veggies. Is there anything better than carrots that have slow roasted with beef and soaked up some of the broth? Mmmmm. I finished that for breakfast today. ;-)
I think I'm eating too much fruit
So, the Whole30 rules say fruit in moderation. I don't think I've been moderate enough. Especially with raisins, which, let's face it, are nature's candy. I've been having frozen strawberries blended with frozen mangoes and orange juice as well, and I need to back off that stuff. Part of the idea is that your body is supposed to get away from burning sugar for fuel and instead burning fat, so I need to cut the sugar a little more, I think.
I felt awful yesterday and missed half a day of work. I'm not really sure why. Part of me wonders if it's the diet. I know that I'm supposed to experience some days of exhaustion and discomfort but I hadn't really felt anything like that until yesterday. But I was also low-grade fevery-feeling and my skin was clammy; I was dizzy, lightheaded and shaky. Just not sure if it was whole30 or a mild virus. I felt much better by evening.
So I made a slowcooked pot roast yesterday and it turned out pretty well. I think I overcooked it but I was pleased that something so easy to make was so yum. I cooked it out on the porch because our AC was out and I didn't want to add ANY heat to the house. Cooked carrots and onions with it, and then added some of the veggies I roasted over the weekend. By the way, I totally overdid the veggie roasting thing. We're going to have to toss some of them. My bad! I also don't like the baba ghanoush I made. It's a strange consistency and the flavor is off, which I attribute to the tahini I bought. Maybe I'll try making my own...
I felt awful yesterday and missed half a day of work. I'm not really sure why. Part of me wonders if it's the diet. I know that I'm supposed to experience some days of exhaustion and discomfort but I hadn't really felt anything like that until yesterday. But I was also low-grade fevery-feeling and my skin was clammy; I was dizzy, lightheaded and shaky. Just not sure if it was whole30 or a mild virus. I felt much better by evening.
So I made a slowcooked pot roast yesterday and it turned out pretty well. I think I overcooked it but I was pleased that something so easy to make was so yum. I cooked it out on the porch because our AC was out and I didn't want to add ANY heat to the house. Cooked carrots and onions with it, and then added some of the veggies I roasted over the weekend. By the way, I totally overdid the veggie roasting thing. We're going to have to toss some of them. My bad! I also don't like the baba ghanoush I made. It's a strange consistency and the flavor is off, which I attribute to the tahini I bought. Maybe I'll try making my own...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Ahhh, cravings
Well, I guess its welcome to the club for me. Today for the first time, I had real cravings. Its odd, though. I enjoyed Cheetos, but I cant think of a time that I ever craved them. Today sitting in class, I was struck at the texture of a cheeto and the satisfying crunch they make. Mind you it wasn't the taste that came to mind, it was the texture and the crunch. Tonight, we had tuna salad using lettuce leaves for bread. The crunchy was nice. My snack after was carrots and cauliflower in that dressing I made. Very nice.
After the cheeto thing, I was getting gas and looked over at a Chinese place and thought that I'd not be enjoying that food, either. I guess I'm getting to the tougher part of the plan. /buckles down
After the cheeto thing, I was getting gas and looked over at a Chinese place and thought that I'd not be enjoying that food, either. I guess I'm getting to the tougher part of the plan. /buckles down
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Cooking After
Well, we survived the stores...kinda. I passed out after we got home. Lisa, the ever-vigilant, kept on working and got some of the veggies ready for prime time (roasted and steamed so they are almost ready to eat and all we have to do is finish cooking them and munch.) After I got up, we made the homemade mayo and it turned out beautifully. Talk about a different flavor from regular - not greasy at all. Of course, it will only last a week or two so...
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2010/06/03/the-secret-to-homemade-mayo-patience/
I took some of the mayo and made a little Cumin Lime Dressing from it. It really turned out nicely, but I need to quadruple the recipe at least. Doubling it made enough for a very few meals.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/02/24/southwestern-cumin-lime-dressing/
Now, I think its time to make dinner. I'm going to try some stir-fried chicken and veggies, I think.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/10/29/best-stir-fry-sauce-ever%E2%84%A2-for-real/
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2010/06/03/the-secret-to-homemade-mayo-patience/
I took some of the mayo and made a little Cumin Lime Dressing from it. It really turned out nicely, but I need to quadruple the recipe at least. Doubling it made enough for a very few meals.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/02/24/southwestern-cumin-lime-dressing/
Now, I think its time to make dinner. I'm going to try some stir-fried chicken and veggies, I think.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/10/29/best-stir-fry-sauce-ever%E2%84%A2-for-real/
Planning the shopping
Well, we're tackling the having-food-on-hand issue today. We're getting a grocery list together now. Next will actually be the stores - it takes 2 to get everything we need. Its funny. Lisa has asked me for years to plan out the week's menu in advance and I've always resisted. I like to make things on the fly based on my cravings at the time.
Now, that's all changed and we're planning ahead. Thank goodness for http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com. It really has helped. Lisa also got her cookbook from the library, but I do not think she's looked at it yet - I certainly haven't. So in the end, Lisa gets her way. /sigh Must she be so awesome?
Now, that's all changed and we're planning ahead. Thank goodness for http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com. It really has helped. Lisa also got her cookbook from the library, but I do not think she's looked at it yet - I certainly haven't. So in the end, Lisa gets her way. /sigh Must she be so awesome?
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Well, another day in the books. Today completes our 8th day on the plan. Things are moving along, kinda. Its more like things have begun to drag. We need to figure out some variations because its going to get unbearable if we dont. We need to get some food cooked up for the week, too. Its just too hard to handle this on the fly. We need food RTEs.
Yesterday we thought we'd try going out to eat. I was tired and really didn't feel like cooking and Lisa agreed. We were driving out to Docs to enjoy a sunset over the water and we started talking about what we could have. Planning = success, right? So we figured some kinda unbreaded fish and veggies. No problem.
Then I started thinking about how much we were getting ready to pay for a piece of fish and some veggies and I just couldn't do it. We swung by Paul's fresh seafood, instead. I do not go by as much as I used to since we do not live out near Flour Bluff, but he still remembered me. He had some fresh shrimp, of course. It kills me that his smallest shrimp would be jumbo shrimp in KC. I smile every time I pick some up. Anyway, we got a pound of shrimpees and he said the flounder was especially fresh (caught that morning) so we picked up a couple of fillets.
For those that do not know, I am not a big fish eater. Never have enjoyed a fish flavor and it never satisfies my hunger. Anyway, when we got home we decided to grill half the shrimp and one fillet and have the rest the next day. That was yesterday evening and true to form we finished it off today. I have to say that I really enjoyed the flavor of the fish. Lisa pan fried it with some butter and bay's seasoning yesterday and today had butter, cherry tomatoes, basil, and lemon juice. It was outstanding. I was sorry to see the end of it. After the meal, I was really full. Now, the full only lasted 3 hours or so, but that's a LOT longer than it used to. Very well done, mi Solana.
Yesterday we thought we'd try going out to eat. I was tired and really didn't feel like cooking and Lisa agreed. We were driving out to Docs to enjoy a sunset over the water and we started talking about what we could have. Planning = success, right? So we figured some kinda unbreaded fish and veggies. No problem.
Then I started thinking about how much we were getting ready to pay for a piece of fish and some veggies and I just couldn't do it. We swung by Paul's fresh seafood, instead. I do not go by as much as I used to since we do not live out near Flour Bluff, but he still remembered me. He had some fresh shrimp, of course. It kills me that his smallest shrimp would be jumbo shrimp in KC. I smile every time I pick some up. Anyway, we got a pound of shrimpees and he said the flounder was especially fresh (caught that morning) so we picked up a couple of fillets.
For those that do not know, I am not a big fish eater. Never have enjoyed a fish flavor and it never satisfies my hunger. Anyway, when we got home we decided to grill half the shrimp and one fillet and have the rest the next day. That was yesterday evening and true to form we finished it off today. I have to say that I really enjoyed the flavor of the fish. Lisa pan fried it with some butter and bay's seasoning yesterday and today had butter, cherry tomatoes, basil, and lemon juice. It was outstanding. I was sorry to see the end of it. After the meal, I was really full. Now, the full only lasted 3 hours or so, but that's a LOT longer than it used to. Very well done, mi Solana.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Yearnings
Well, today I've started to experience some yearnings. They aren't cravings because they aren't for specific things. Mainly, I'm yearning to just go out and eat so I dont have to work to eat. The other side of that is when I'm hungry, it's so much easier to go get crackers and a jar of peanut butter rather than fuss. There are other snacks, of course, but I'm lamenting the absence of my typical ones and it's hard.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Biochem
Well, this is interesting. I'm not sure what to attribute to my lack of appetite. I had no lunch and I ate last night at 4.30 pm and felt no need to eat all night - I was at my pc either homeworking or playing a game until 2 and then awake until 3.30 am. That's 11 hours with no hunger pangs. When I awoke this morning, I ate breakfast because we were both going to campus and I knew I should - but I still wasn't hungry. The 2 eggs and half a potato stuffed me for over an hour.
Since I was headed into a 3 hour class with a couple hours lead-time to "study" (which turned out to be a facebooking session, but whatevs) I also packed a lunch. I just got home, 5 hours after I ate breakfast, and I'm not hungry at all.
*********
Ok, Lisa called and we spoke for 30 minutes. Now, I'm starting to get hungry! Gonna eat some veggies and cashews with a little apricot applesauce on the side.
I'm just floored by the strange way this plan is affecting me. I'm not craving at all. I'm not hungry much. I feel more energy. I am not sleeping much. I dont know the biochemistry but its fascinating.
Since I was headed into a 3 hour class with a couple hours lead-time to "study" (which turned out to be a facebooking session, but whatevs) I also packed a lunch. I just got home, 5 hours after I ate breakfast, and I'm not hungry at all.
*********
Ok, Lisa called and we spoke for 30 minutes. Now, I'm starting to get hungry! Gonna eat some veggies and cashews with a little apricot applesauce on the side.
I'm just floored by the strange way this plan is affecting me. I'm not craving at all. I'm not hungry much. I feel more energy. I am not sleeping much. I dont know the biochemistry but its fascinating.
Sleepless in the Corpusal.
Apparently, I've now gotten to the stage where you cant sleep. Couldn't get to sleep until 3 last night and woke up at 6, unable to get back to sleep. Now, I buy not getting to sleep because of a nap, but not getting back to sleep is unheard of for me. Gonna be a long day, methinks.
Oh, and I wasn't hungry after I ate at 4.30 yesterday afternoon. Weird.
Update: After a couple of hours, today is shaping up to be even weirder than I thought.
I had 2 eggs and half a sweet potato. Nothing else. I'm still stuffed and that was over an hour ago. Also, once I got over the burning eyes, I dont feel badly from the lack of sleep. I have energy and I'm pretty clear headed. Now, I dont trust that for a 3 hour class, so I'll get some tea from Starbucks to help but...odd.
Oh, and I wasn't hungry after I ate at 4.30 yesterday afternoon. Weird.
Update: After a couple of hours, today is shaping up to be even weirder than I thought.
I had 2 eggs and half a sweet potato. Nothing else. I'm still stuffed and that was over an hour ago. Also, once I got over the burning eyes, I dont feel badly from the lack of sleep. I have energy and I'm pretty clear headed. Now, I dont trust that for a 3 hour class, so I'll get some tea from Starbucks to help but...odd.
Day 4 - I have energy!
Wow, I have to say, I feel awesome. I'm so used to being so totally wiped out after work that I have nothing left. It's been a challenge going to choir on Tuesday nights because I can barely function after 5pm. But today, wow! My head is clear, I have almost as much energy as I did when I got up this morning and I'm so alert. This is really exciting stuff.
Edited the next morning:
Which just goes to show you that different people react differently to this regimen. Jason's struggling with fatigue, which is totally normal for many on Whole30. I had some of that over the weekend, and who knows, it might come back again. But last night was a revelation for me. I've been so tired for so long, and had convinced myself that it was just me getting older. I had almost forgotten what having energy was like.
And I should have also said, this was after a day working in heels which usually wears me completely out. There are some muscles in my legs that are basking in self-discovery this morning...
Edited the next morning:
Which just goes to show you that different people react differently to this regimen. Jason's struggling with fatigue, which is totally normal for many on Whole30. I had some of that over the weekend, and who knows, it might come back again. But last night was a revelation for me. I've been so tired for so long, and had convinced myself that it was just me getting older. I had almost forgotten what having energy was like.
And I should have also said, this was after a day working in heels which usually wears me completely out. There are some muscles in my legs that are basking in self-discovery this morning...
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
More tired from the moving.
The plan has been affecting me for the last couple of days but I had
been blowing it off. I've been kinda lethargic (which is why I wasn't
working to figure out the source.) However, I had plenty of sleep last
night and still needed a lie down this afternoon. Even now I'm
knackered. I imagine its the cleansing doing its thing.
The chili turned out pretty well. I like the chili and the chocolate is a nice touch. I wish it had some heat to it, but we all have to share, right? This stuff sparked my first...they weren't cravings...yearnings. I always have rice or crackers or potatoes or something else with the chili. Lisa says she enjoyed sweet potato with hers. There's also supposed to be some kinda cauliflower rice. I'm dubious but maybe I'll try it.
Oh yeah, in spite of the whole dont weigh thing...down 9 pounds in 3 days. Being a really big guy sure has its perks, especially when you start to lose weight. In the beginning its so much fun.
The chili turned out pretty well. I like the chili and the chocolate is a nice touch. I wish it had some heat to it, but we all have to share, right? This stuff sparked my first...they weren't cravings...yearnings. I always have rice or crackers or potatoes or something else with the chili. Lisa says she enjoyed sweet potato with hers. There's also supposed to be some kinda cauliflower rice. I'm dubious but maybe I'll try it.
Oh yeah, in spite of the whole dont weigh thing...down 9 pounds in 3 days. Being a really big guy sure has its perks, especially when you start to lose weight. In the beginning its so much fun.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Headache on the night shift
Well, today was my first day to be Whole30 at work. Not quite a normal day, as I work Monday nights, so Jason and I had breakfast together (which we don't do the rest of the week), and I had to bring dinner instead of lunch with me.
So the spinach/mushroom/etc mix that I made on Saturday went pretty well this morning with eggs and a little chicken sausage. I know I enjoyed it more than Jason, but he actually ATE ALL HIS MUSHROOMS which is amazing.
I was really anxious this morning which is typical for Monday before going back to work, so Jason convinced me to take Shayna for a walk and burn off the nerves. It was a very good idea, partly because it was a beautiful cool (for Corpus Christi) morning and because Shayna is a good walking dog, unlike her siblings!
Hamburger patties and roasted vegetables for lunch, and then I brought an avocado (ate at 4pm), an apple (ate at 2pm), and some tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and pork leftovers from last night's dinner all mixed in a salad (5pm). Been feeling pretty well today until after that dinner when I developed a mild headache. Not sure what could have caused that. At least I'm not having the problems I had yesterday!
Our friend Sarah loaned us some books and I've been having a look at them. I will say they have been pretty helpful in spelling out some of the whole30 details (It Starts with Food) and recipe ideas (Well Fed). Thanks, Sarah!
So the spinach/mushroom/etc mix that I made on Saturday went pretty well this morning with eggs and a little chicken sausage. I know I enjoyed it more than Jason, but he actually ATE ALL HIS MUSHROOMS which is amazing.
I was really anxious this morning which is typical for Monday before going back to work, so Jason convinced me to take Shayna for a walk and burn off the nerves. It was a very good idea, partly because it was a beautiful cool (for Corpus Christi) morning and because Shayna is a good walking dog, unlike her siblings!
Hamburger patties and roasted vegetables for lunch, and then I brought an avocado (ate at 4pm), an apple (ate at 2pm), and some tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and pork leftovers from last night's dinner all mixed in a salad (5pm). Been feeling pretty well today until after that dinner when I developed a mild headache. Not sure what could have caused that. At least I'm not having the problems I had yesterday!
Our friend Sarah loaned us some books and I've been having a look at them. I will say they have been pretty helpful in spelling out some of the whole30 details (It Starts with Food) and recipe ideas (Well Fed). Thanks, Sarah!
Chocolate Chili
Well, its come to this...chocolate chili.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/
1. Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add onions, stir with a wooden spoon and cook until they’re translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan with your hands, mixing with the wooden spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.
2. In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours. Do not skimp on the simmer! Serve in deep bowls with big spoons.
Variations:
Try a meat combo by mixing ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or bison.
Make a double batch and freeze half so you have chili-on-demand.
Top with sliced olives, diced onions, and/or avocado slices.
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/02/22/my-favorite-chili-recipe/
Chocolate Chili (From my cookbook Well Fed: Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat)
Prep 20 min | Cook 2-3 hours | Serves 6-8Ingredients:Directions:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted, chopped tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth
1 cup water
1. Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add onions, stir with a wooden spoon and cook until they’re translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan with your hands, mixing with the wooden spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.
2. In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours. Do not skimp on the simmer! Serve in deep bowls with big spoons.
Variations:
Try a meat combo by mixing ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or bison.
Make a double batch and freeze half so you have chili-on-demand.
Top with sliced olives, diced onions, and/or avocado slices.
Good Ideas
Well, a surprise today. We've had some terrific ideas from friends on Facebook, but today the realtor that helped us sell our house in KC, said hello. (For anyone reading this who may need a realtor in KC, Bryan Tobiason is the best I've ever seen - and I used to have a real estate license so I know a few in that line of work.) He became more than a realtor and more of a friend while we were selling our house. Apparently, he saw my link to this blog on my gchat status. Bryan did this in May and is still basically following the diet. He saw many health benefits from it, and continues to enjoy them.
That made me think that we've gotten some good ideas. I wanted to bring them together for easy reference.
1. Sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes
2. Turnips "aren't bad." - I've not tried this yet but I can see getting tired of sweet potatoes.
3. Pickles help with sugar cravings, but watch the salt intake.
4. Cinnamon helps with sweetness and works terrific as a spice.
5. Recipes at http://www.thefoodee.com/tag/
7. That being said, there are several places you can get less expensive meats if you have trouble finding them.
a. Steve's Meats in Desoto - grass-fed is $1 more than regular.
b. Homespun Hill Farm in Baldwin http://www.homespunhillfarm.
8. Smoothies with coconut milk are awesome, apparently. I'll let Lisa work on that one. She's the smoothie queen.
Also, I've noticed I have to head to the bathroom to pee every 2 hours or so. Not sure if that's detoxing or just extra water from veggies but I wake up to go so it kinda sucks. Just thought I'd mention it in case someone is thinking of trying this out. People have told me that there are other bathroom issues you can experience, but so far so good. I just hope it doesn't wait for me to be in class to attack - but we all know that's what will happen, right? That or trying to handle the long walk from the parking lot to the classroom. Ugh.
Oh, I should also say I've already weighed and I've lost 4.8 pounds, thus far. I know you aren't supposed to weigh all the time while loosing weight, but I figure that the first week should be safe.
That made me think that we've gotten some good ideas. I wanted to bring them together for easy reference.
1. Sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes
2. Turnips "aren't bad." - I've not tried this yet but I can see getting tired of sweet potatoes.
3. Pickles help with sugar cravings, but watch the salt intake.
4. Cinnamon helps with sweetness and works terrific as a spice.
5. Recipes at http://www.thefoodee.com/tag/
7. That being said, there are several places you can get less expensive meats if you have trouble finding them.
a. Steve's Meats in Desoto - grass-fed is $1 more than regular.
b. Homespun Hill Farm in Baldwin http://www.homespunhillfarm.
8. Smoothies with coconut milk are awesome, apparently. I'll let Lisa work on that one. She's the smoothie queen.
Also, I've noticed I have to head to the bathroom to pee every 2 hours or so. Not sure if that's detoxing or just extra water from veggies but I wake up to go so it kinda sucks. Just thought I'd mention it in case someone is thinking of trying this out. People have told me that there are other bathroom issues you can experience, but so far so good. I just hope it doesn't wait for me to be in class to attack - but we all know that's what will happen, right? That or trying to handle the long walk from the parking lot to the classroom. Ugh.
Oh, I should also say I've already weighed and I've lost 4.8 pounds, thus far. I know you aren't supposed to weigh all the time while loosing weight, but I figure that the first week should be safe.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Day Two ... discomfort begins?
Well, it's the second day of this whole30 thing. Breakfast was eggs, sweet potato and chicken sausage (from Sprouts, no additives etc.). For lunch we did a pork loin roast (were going to try for pulled pork but bought the wrong piece of the pig) which turned out quite nicely, with veggies on the side. Been nibbling on raisins. Dinner will be pork w/ salad, I think.
Yesterday I had a headache, now I'm having - euphemism alert - gut issues. Not really sure it's whole30-related but it's definitely uncomfortable. If this continues into the week, work will be interesting.
Found a recipe I'd really like to try, for both the chicken and the dipping sauce:
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/06/09/the-best-chicken-you-will-ever-eat-ever/ . Will look forward to that later on this week.
Yesterday I had a headache, now I'm having - euphemism alert - gut issues. Not really sure it's whole30-related but it's definitely uncomfortable. If this continues into the week, work will be interesting.
Found a recipe I'd really like to try, for both the chicken and the dipping sauce:
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/06/09/the-best-chicken-you-will-ever-eat-ever/ . Will look forward to that later on this week.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The evening...of DOOOOOM!
Well, as expected the evening sucked. Its my grazing time and additionally I'd not had my normal starches. I'm glad I cooked an extra turkey breast cause that and half a jar of applesauce is gone. I think I may survive but I have yet to not be hungry tonight.
This is reminding me of the couple of years I spent learning how to be mindful when I ate. After I moved down here I kinda forgot about all that. The benefit of that experience is that I know this "hunger" will pass. While it feels every bit as real as hunger felt by anyone else, its totally in my mind. I have to retrain myself to really feel hunger. I figure tomorrow will really suck, so I'm looking forward to it.
I had one lab that kept me busy for around 6 hours today. That kept my mind off food. Guess I'll hit another tomorrow.
This is reminding me of the couple of years I spent learning how to be mindful when I ate. After I moved down here I kinda forgot about all that. The benefit of that experience is that I know this "hunger" will pass. While it feels every bit as real as hunger felt by anyone else, its totally in my mind. I have to retrain myself to really feel hunger. I figure tomorrow will really suck, so I'm looking forward to it.
I had one lab that kept me busy for around 6 hours today. That kept my mind off food. Guess I'll hit another tomorrow.
What on earth will I eat for breakfast!
One of the things I'm most worried about with this whole30 thing is breakfast. I am totally a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast. I know how long it takes to make what I like and I vary only slightly from day to day. But on this new plan, no bread, no tortillas, no cheese, no dairy, no white potatoes... so that eliminates toast, tortillas, smoothies and my usual hash browns.
Today's breakfast (see below) was very successful. I really enjoyed it and felt good after eating it. But I spent much longer cooking it than I want to spend on breakfast on workdays. So I had read a suggestion about pre-cooking things on the weekend that I can then warm up and have with eggs during the week. Above is my first attempt: spinach, onions, mushrooms and red bell pepper. I've already nibbled some of it, which may be the flaw in my plan... who's to say there will be any left on Monday morning?
It begins...
Well, we started this morning. Lisa cooked up some fried sweet potato with a very little onion, eggs, and thought of adding some applesauce. Actually, who'd have thought all this would go together so well. I was pretty surprised, too.
Before we ate, she thought it would be a good idea to make a pact. Lisa's really been the one thinking ahead about the mental struggles we'll face and how to deal with them. She's really made our success at this much more possible. I'd have jumped in blindly and flailed around like a flailing thing.
The pact was that we would contact each other if we think we will deviate from the plan and we'll be honest about any deviations we may make, either intentional, accidental, or mental lapses. Also, if we are thinking of dropping the plan, we should not be given permission but encouraged to stick with it. However if the plan is punted, there is no recrimination. I should have made her add that we cant recriminate ourselves, either.
Aaaaaaaand, we're off....
Before we ate, she thought it would be a good idea to make a pact. Lisa's really been the one thinking ahead about the mental struggles we'll face and how to deal with them. She's really made our success at this much more possible. I'd have jumped in blindly and flailed around like a flailing thing.
The pact was that we would contact each other if we think we will deviate from the plan and we'll be honest about any deviations we may make, either intentional, accidental, or mental lapses. Also, if we are thinking of dropping the plan, we should not be given permission but encouraged to stick with it. However if the plan is punted, there is no recrimination. I should have made her add that we cant recriminate ourselves, either.
Aaaaaaaand, we're off....
Friday, October 12, 2012
We're doing what? Holy crap!
As Jason said in his post, we're going to be doing this Whole30 detox diet for the next month on the advice of his physician. Partly I'm hoping to lose a little weight by cutting out a lot of carbs and partly I'm excited about investigating possible food sensitivities (gluten, dairy) that I've always wondered about but never examined.
If you're interested in this diet, just google whole30. Essentially we have to eliminate dairy products, gluten, sugar, additives and alcohol from our diet for 30 days. 30 days allows the body to heal from any inflammation caused by food sensitivities and also (hopefully) will prompt us to establish some new, improved eating habits.
I'm having huge anxiety about this, partly because some of my eating is habitual. My breakfasts in particular are going to be completely upended on this plan. At least I like eggs. People who don't like eggs have a real challenge with morning protein. But I will REALLY miss my toast and tortillas (my usual egg accompaniments) and my smoothies. Maybe I can figure out how to make a smoothie with almond milk...
I'm also having anxiety because alcohol is my relaxer and work has been extremely stressful recently. I will have to plan carefully and make sure I have other options for letting go of a bad day instead of just popping open a beer.
And I'm not big on meal-planning and grocery shopping, and this diet will require a lot of both. When your mainstays are taken away (in my case, pasta and potatoes!), it's a lot more work to figure out how you're going to feed yourself. But hopefully after 30 days of this I'll have better skills in this area.
My last area of concern has to do with the expense of eating things like 100% grassfed, organic beef, wild-caught, sustainably-fished fish and free range eggs. With Jason in school and us living only on my income, I'm not sure we can afford these niceties. We're off to the organic market in town - Sprouts - today to see what's available and how much it's going to hurt our pocketbook, but I'm guessing we'll have to bend those rules.
Anyway, we need to get started soon, because I'm NOT going to be on this diet come Thanksgiving. Period! Wish us luck!
If you're interested in this diet, just google whole30. Essentially we have to eliminate dairy products, gluten, sugar, additives and alcohol from our diet for 30 days. 30 days allows the body to heal from any inflammation caused by food sensitivities and also (hopefully) will prompt us to establish some new, improved eating habits.
I'm having huge anxiety about this, partly because some of my eating is habitual. My breakfasts in particular are going to be completely upended on this plan. At least I like eggs. People who don't like eggs have a real challenge with morning protein. But I will REALLY miss my toast and tortillas (my usual egg accompaniments) and my smoothies. Maybe I can figure out how to make a smoothie with almond milk...
I'm also having anxiety because alcohol is my relaxer and work has been extremely stressful recently. I will have to plan carefully and make sure I have other options for letting go of a bad day instead of just popping open a beer.
And I'm not big on meal-planning and grocery shopping, and this diet will require a lot of both. When your mainstays are taken away (in my case, pasta and potatoes!), it's a lot more work to figure out how you're going to feed yourself. But hopefully after 30 days of this I'll have better skills in this area.
My last area of concern has to do with the expense of eating things like 100% grassfed, organic beef, wild-caught, sustainably-fished fish and free range eggs. With Jason in school and us living only on my income, I'm not sure we can afford these niceties. We're off to the organic market in town - Sprouts - today to see what's available and how much it's going to hurt our pocketbook, but I'm guessing we'll have to bend those rules.
Anyway, we need to get started soon, because I'm NOT going to be on this diet come Thanksgiving. Period! Wish us luck!
Day one, still tired from the moving.
So, today's the day. We've spent the last week and a half eating the stuff out of our cabinets we wont eat on this plan. Frankly, a break from noodles will be nice. We dont have the food in the house, yet, so we went to Hester's for breakfast. Lisa suggested we ride our bikes there (she failed to mention we'd have to ride them back.)
I was so danged frustrated on that ride. No, that's not accurate. I was angry. I dont really have a good reason to be, I just was. Sure the gears kept switching on their own, the tires were flattened because I'm too heavy, and my ass just plain hurt from that ridiculous seat, but beyond that there was no reason. When I got to the restaurant, I was feeling anxious so I ordered a meal and a waffle. That, friends, is what's called emotional eating. I ate it all and dang was it good. It even made me feel less anxious. It also made me feel drained, lethargic, stuffed, and just plain icky but at least I wasn't anxious.
Now we're back home and as I write this (and the blood flow is returning to my rump) I am thinking just how grateful I am to have a lady who lets me vent when I'm upset at the evil bike that's trying to kill me but who is just so supportive. Dang, I'm lucky.
So, today we're going to take said evil bike to get new tires and maybe a new seat, then off to shop for the food for the whole 30 plan. For those that dont know, this is a paleo-type diet taken one step further. It also cleanses you of all sugars, dairy and grains. After you get through the 30 days, which I'm assuming is that length so you break your old habits, you then begin adding food back in a little at a time and judging how you feel. Then you know what makes you feel badly.
My doctor did it and recommended it to me. She said that for her the cravings stopped after a week, but normally its 2. With all the noodles and rice I eat, I'm expecting it to be 3 weeks for me. Plan for the worst and hope for the best, right?
Oh, I should say that Lis and I are trying to both blog here - hence the "4 2" portion of the title.
I was so danged frustrated on that ride. No, that's not accurate. I was angry. I dont really have a good reason to be, I just was. Sure the gears kept switching on their own, the tires were flattened because I'm too heavy, and my ass just plain hurt from that ridiculous seat, but beyond that there was no reason. When I got to the restaurant, I was feeling anxious so I ordered a meal and a waffle. That, friends, is what's called emotional eating. I ate it all and dang was it good. It even made me feel less anxious. It also made me feel drained, lethargic, stuffed, and just plain icky but at least I wasn't anxious.
Now we're back home and as I write this (and the blood flow is returning to my rump) I am thinking just how grateful I am to have a lady who lets me vent when I'm upset at the evil bike that's trying to kill me but who is just so supportive. Dang, I'm lucky.
So, today we're going to take said evil bike to get new tires and maybe a new seat, then off to shop for the food for the whole 30 plan. For those that dont know, this is a paleo-type diet taken one step further. It also cleanses you of all sugars, dairy and grains. After you get through the 30 days, which I'm assuming is that length so you break your old habits, you then begin adding food back in a little at a time and judging how you feel. Then you know what makes you feel badly.
My doctor did it and recommended it to me. She said that for her the cravings stopped after a week, but normally its 2. With all the noodles and rice I eat, I'm expecting it to be 3 weeks for me. Plan for the worst and hope for the best, right?
Oh, I should say that Lis and I are trying to both blog here - hence the "4 2" portion of the title.
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