I got past my 45 pound goal and am within 10 pounds of my "level one" goal: "I want to lose AT LEAST this much!" As I close in on it, I can see that I will want to keep going a bit more, even though there are a lot of holidays to get through.
This week I sampled the "new" cinnamon pretzels and I have to say they are a BIG disappointment. I loved the original ones and now they messed with both the flavor and the texture. This was a go-to pre-made food for me and it is not good that they have changed it so dramatically. They don't even taste like cinnamon anymore-- or like pretzels.
I have been struggling to stay on track. I was getting lazy about making sure I was prepared every day and being sure I stuck to the program limits. Today, I was looking for something else and looked in my plan booklet and noticed, for the first time, that they state a carb limit of 80-85 grams for optimal weight loss. I looked at my last two weeks and noticed my carbs were a between a third more and double that. So, I now have a little more incentive to stay on track. (They were really high because I had been eating some "off plan" foods like walnuts and had been eating out too!)
I made a "practice" Thanksgiving meal today and it worked out pretty good. I made stuffing from the Medifast crackers, used roasted chicken I had on hand, made cauliflower "mashed potatoes" and mashed butternut squash. I also made some gravy from a mix that is Fat free and very low carb. Later, I made a Medifast pudding but added sugar free caramel flavoring and some pumpkin pie spice to the vanilla. This was pretty satisfying. I was surprised how flavorful the stuffing turned out and it made half a cup, which was a good size. For the real T-day with family, I can add a small salad too. I could make it less carbs by having a different vegetable other than the squash. I still have one more Medifast meal to get in today and I will be under my limits, even with this big meal.
This week I am busy with a lot of meetings during and "after" work hours, so that will be a challenge.
So will Wednesday when I have to go right from work to the gym, come back and pick up subs from our sub sale, drive them back to work, and be ready for a meeting at 6:30, all the while smelling those subs. I can't eat these yet, but I did order one for myself, thinking I would discard the bread and have something to eat while doing all this running around. If I get my act together, I can maybe make some sort of bun to put the insides in... we'll see.
I decided not to attend the Pasta Auction this year ( it is this Friday) since I can't eat pasta! I could eat the meat sauce (although it would be high in calories and carbs) and the salad, if I brought my own dressing, but I just didn't feel like dealing with it. I want to concentrate and get these 10 pounds off.
Hopefully, I will be back on track for real this week!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Two Busy Weeks
Well, I realize that I missed my entry last week. I was out of town for several days and there were other things going on. So.... I didn't get to 45 pounds last week, but I did reach 42. I left on Saturday for 4 days of conference where food would be provided during the day and at night we would go out as a group to some great restaurants. As you can imagine, this presented many challenges. Before I left, I made some Medifast brownies and some of my Dilly Biscuits made from Medifast products. These proved to be life savers as when I got to the hotel there was no microwave in the room, so I was stuck with cold things. I did manage to get a room with a refrigerator.
I would have the biscuits in the morning and the brownies for a snack during the day or when I got home in the evening. I managed to use Medifast pretzels as one meal each day and I didn't manage to get all five Medifast meals in. I usually had about 2 tablespoons of eggs and one sausage link in the morning, skipping the potatoes, bacon, croissants, bagels, fruit, and sweet rolls.
Luckily there was salad and a variety of roasted meats and fish each day at lunch, so I had small servings of those. I had brought some Newman's Own dressing so I was set in the day. It was very hard to by pass the soft bread sticks, rolls, and other sides that I couldn't have. I caved one day and had two tablespoons of mashed red potatoes ( they were great-- it was the first time I had potato in 3 months!). I skipped the great desserts-- I don't even know what they were since I tried not to look at them. know there were cakes and pies, though.
Evening was interesting since I didn't always know where we were going or what they would have. I ended up having salad most places, plus crab (broiled), shrimp, salmon, and/or steak with whatever vegetables I could get that are on my plan. This worked well, even though I was eating more than my plan allowed per day.
When other people with me had lava cake and creme brulee, it was a little tough to resist as were the wonderful breads at each place. But I knew I wasn't really hungry, I just WANTED these.
I also managed to go to the fitness area in the hotel everyday and do most of my routine, or adapt it. I also took the Metro into DC on Sunday morning ( Nate, this was during the annual marine Marathon), and spent three hours walking around finding caches. I know I walked several miles total since after two hours, I saw the next cache I wanted to get was a mile away and I decided to go for it.
This paid off well since when I got home I not only didn't gain any weight, I lost two more pounds.
I am having a little trouble getting back to a strict plan, but I am doing my best. I am now within 15 pounds of my "level one" goal weight-- the amount that I said I want to lose AT LEAST this much. We'll see how close I get by the end of the month.
My next challenge is waiting in the wings... tomorrow I go to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. They are known for their buffet. I'm not REAL concerned about this since I know they will have salad and carving stations, so I can get the basics and some veggies. I'll just have to resist all the other stuff!
I'll let you know how I do.
I would have the biscuits in the morning and the brownies for a snack during the day or when I got home in the evening. I managed to use Medifast pretzels as one meal each day and I didn't manage to get all five Medifast meals in. I usually had about 2 tablespoons of eggs and one sausage link in the morning, skipping the potatoes, bacon, croissants, bagels, fruit, and sweet rolls.
Luckily there was salad and a variety of roasted meats and fish each day at lunch, so I had small servings of those. I had brought some Newman's Own dressing so I was set in the day. It was very hard to by pass the soft bread sticks, rolls, and other sides that I couldn't have. I caved one day and had two tablespoons of mashed red potatoes ( they were great-- it was the first time I had potato in 3 months!). I skipped the great desserts-- I don't even know what they were since I tried not to look at them. know there were cakes and pies, though.
Evening was interesting since I didn't always know where we were going or what they would have. I ended up having salad most places, plus crab (broiled), shrimp, salmon, and/or steak with whatever vegetables I could get that are on my plan. This worked well, even though I was eating more than my plan allowed per day.
When other people with me had lava cake and creme brulee, it was a little tough to resist as were the wonderful breads at each place. But I knew I wasn't really hungry, I just WANTED these.
I also managed to go to the fitness area in the hotel everyday and do most of my routine, or adapt it. I also took the Metro into DC on Sunday morning ( Nate, this was during the annual marine Marathon), and spent three hours walking around finding caches. I know I walked several miles total since after two hours, I saw the next cache I wanted to get was a mile away and I decided to go for it.
This paid off well since when I got home I not only didn't gain any weight, I lost two more pounds.
I am having a little trouble getting back to a strict plan, but I am doing my best. I am now within 15 pounds of my "level one" goal weight-- the amount that I said I want to lose AT LEAST this much. We'll see how close I get by the end of the month.
My next challenge is waiting in the wings... tomorrow I go to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater. They are known for their buffet. I'm not REAL concerned about this since I know they will have salad and carving stations, so I can get the basics and some veggies. I'll just have to resist all the other stuff!
I'll let you know how I do.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I can't believe it's ONLY been 10 weeks!
I was kind of astounded yesterday when I realized it has ONLY been ten weeks since I started the Medifast/Take Shape for Life program. It seems like a lot longer. I guess that means it is becoming a habit for me.
So, on Monday I had my 8 week update at the physical therapy gym. I had an overall very good report. Of course they documented my weight loss since I've been at the gym, but they also did the measuring and the strength tests. I lost approximately 3 inches from the "big three" areas (each) and approximately one and a half inches from things like arms, calves, etc. So this was good. My upper body strength improved, so now I am at the 84 percentile. My flexibility remained good. One sort of odd thing was my resting heart rate was the same as two months ago. This is an area that seemed to me to have improved. But, Adrienne said it could have been because I came in and was exercising before we did the evaluation.
I still have two weeks to go until the 12 week "three month" mark and I am so close to my mini goal weight loss of 40 pounds by October 27 that I have decided to up that goal to 45 pounds. We'll see....
I tried a couple of new Medifast products in the last couple of weeks: Mango soft serve ( kind of like a cross between a slushy and soft ice cream). Assessment: good flavor, but I'm too lazy to make it since you have to "shave" the ice first (laugh). Chili. Assessment: yuck! poor flavor, which I tried to fix by adding chili powder and then adding a little tomato sauce, but neither helped. It only emphasized the texture, which I could take the "al dente" tiny kidney beans, but the rest was like mush-- or cat food. What a disappointment because I love chili! Cinnamon pretzels sticks (yes, these are a "meal.") Assessment; YUM! and.. they are PORTABLE. I don;t have to "make" them!!! yeaaaaaaa!
On Tuesday night I had my overnight heart monitor check. Everything seems to be in place and working correctly, but they told me I had slightly elevated fluid levels. While they said this was nothing to worry about, I decided I wanted to be checked out, particularly with the weight loss since maybe it means a change in medication. So I have an appointment with the doctor who installed my ICD next Thursday. I've had a couple of quirky things occur recently and I just think it is best to be looked at. Examples of what is going on: my heart rate spiked twice while I was at the gym. Once last Thursday to 126 and once today to 161!! (yikes.. was this a mistake???) My blood pressure seemed high so I had it checked at school-- right after the doctor's office told me the results. It was higher than its' been. However, when I checked it at home last night, it was back in the nice range that it has been in. So, now I am a little paranoid and put my hear rate monitor on when I got home tonight. I'll wear it to work tomorrow too. It has been between 67 and 83 while I've been typing this ( boringly normal!) Also, I have been dizzy a few times when I bent down to pick something up (this could be caused by my medications, which say it right on them). AND I have gotten hot and sweaty for no reason. Once on the evening before the heart monitor check.
Now, another factor is that I have gone off my hormone replacement medicine and I have been having hot flashes all the time (at least that's what I think they are). I had been slowly working my way off for about a year and finally finished with it in August or September. So.. although my doctor's office said too much salt or other things could affect the fluid rate, I will feel better going in and getting the once over.
Now for some other news. I have decided to join my friend and her husband for a trip in December and January. We're going to Spain (and taking a side trip to northern Africa). We will leave Dec. 30, spend New Year's Eve in Madrid, and then head to the (classy) Costa del Sol vacation spot on the Mediterranean, Marbella. They are "treating" me to a space in their time share at Marbella, which is very nice and cuts down on the cost. We'll stay there for a week and do some day trips, including Gibraltar and taking a ferry across the Mediterranean to Tangiers--or wherever) We're thinking of going to Granada and Toledo as well, but we will plan more carefully later. We'll head back home on January 11. So.. it took me several days after they invited me to decide to go. Taking 7 school days off was a consideration and we tried to see about getting me home earlier, but it just seemed too complicated. I will also miss mom's birthday! But, now I am booked and all we have to do is extra planning. There is just one more problem: no habla Espanol!
So, on Monday I had my 8 week update at the physical therapy gym. I had an overall very good report. Of course they documented my weight loss since I've been at the gym, but they also did the measuring and the strength tests. I lost approximately 3 inches from the "big three" areas (each) and approximately one and a half inches from things like arms, calves, etc. So this was good. My upper body strength improved, so now I am at the 84 percentile. My flexibility remained good. One sort of odd thing was my resting heart rate was the same as two months ago. This is an area that seemed to me to have improved. But, Adrienne said it could have been because I came in and was exercising before we did the evaluation.
I still have two weeks to go until the 12 week "three month" mark and I am so close to my mini goal weight loss of 40 pounds by October 27 that I have decided to up that goal to 45 pounds. We'll see....
I tried a couple of new Medifast products in the last couple of weeks: Mango soft serve ( kind of like a cross between a slushy and soft ice cream). Assessment: good flavor, but I'm too lazy to make it since you have to "shave" the ice first (laugh). Chili. Assessment: yuck! poor flavor, which I tried to fix by adding chili powder and then adding a little tomato sauce, but neither helped. It only emphasized the texture, which I could take the "al dente" tiny kidney beans, but the rest was like mush-- or cat food. What a disappointment because I love chili! Cinnamon pretzels sticks (yes, these are a "meal.") Assessment; YUM! and.. they are PORTABLE. I don;t have to "make" them!!! yeaaaaaaa!
On Tuesday night I had my overnight heart monitor check. Everything seems to be in place and working correctly, but they told me I had slightly elevated fluid levels. While they said this was nothing to worry about, I decided I wanted to be checked out, particularly with the weight loss since maybe it means a change in medication. So I have an appointment with the doctor who installed my ICD next Thursday. I've had a couple of quirky things occur recently and I just think it is best to be looked at. Examples of what is going on: my heart rate spiked twice while I was at the gym. Once last Thursday to 126 and once today to 161!! (yikes.. was this a mistake???) My blood pressure seemed high so I had it checked at school-- right after the doctor's office told me the results. It was higher than its' been. However, when I checked it at home last night, it was back in the nice range that it has been in. So, now I am a little paranoid and put my hear rate monitor on when I got home tonight. I'll wear it to work tomorrow too. It has been between 67 and 83 while I've been typing this ( boringly normal!) Also, I have been dizzy a few times when I bent down to pick something up (this could be caused by my medications, which say it right on them). AND I have gotten hot and sweaty for no reason. Once on the evening before the heart monitor check.
Now, another factor is that I have gone off my hormone replacement medicine and I have been having hot flashes all the time (at least that's what I think they are). I had been slowly working my way off for about a year and finally finished with it in August or September. So.. although my doctor's office said too much salt or other things could affect the fluid rate, I will feel better going in and getting the once over.
Now for some other news. I have decided to join my friend and her husband for a trip in December and January. We're going to Spain (and taking a side trip to northern Africa). We will leave Dec. 30, spend New Year's Eve in Madrid, and then head to the (classy) Costa del Sol vacation spot on the Mediterranean, Marbella. They are "treating" me to a space in their time share at Marbella, which is very nice and cuts down on the cost. We'll stay there for a week and do some day trips, including Gibraltar and taking a ferry across the Mediterranean to Tangiers--or wherever) We're thinking of going to Granada and Toledo as well, but we will plan more carefully later. We'll head back home on January 11. So.. it took me several days after they invited me to decide to go. Taking 7 school days off was a consideration and we tried to see about getting me home earlier, but it just seemed too complicated. I will also miss mom's birthday! But, now I am booked and all we have to do is extra planning. There is just one more problem: no habla Espanol!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
9 Weeks...
So, you thought I made it over a hurdle and I'd have smooth sailing this week? That was not to be. Sunday and Monday went pretty well. I had missed my exercise day last Thursday, since there was torrential rain, so I did get back into it on Monday. On Tuesday, I had a dinner out to attend. I had looked at the menu online and saw I was in trouble. The place was trios, a place I enjoyed before Medifast, but now I noticed their menu was big on fried stuff, burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. ALL of the appetizers were off limits, so I couldn't even rely on those. Except for the house salad, all the specialty salads were no-nos. Okay. I had to think creatively. I ordered a house salad not dressing ( I brought my own), and a turkey burger, no bun, no chips, etc. This worked out well, even though I'm sure the turkey burger was NOT made from 99% FF. Now, this led into a day where I was running a workshop all day, which included breakfast and lunch and then was heading to my great niece's second birthday dinner.
Here's how I handled THAT: I had a medifast shake in the morning. The breakfast I ordered was scones and cheese. Working with the district caterer, I was able to get low-fat cheeses, so I could have a piece of that! I had a tropical punch at break time. Then lunch came. I had given participants a choice of two entrees, one of which I could eat. Some people had Cuban sandwiches, red potato salad, and fresh veggies. Others (and Me) had Salmon Caesar Salad. I had asked for mine with no carrots, but I forgot to ask them to leave out and "side dishes." I was dismayed to see that wonderful red potato salad in my "container." I resisted the urge to try it, but successfully, although regretfully, disposed of it all after I finished my salad. I also successfully ignored the fabulous soft bread sticks provided with the salad!
Since I had not ordered dessert, I bought frosting covered brownies and sugar cookies for everyone else. Why was I buying things *I* like to eat???? Worse yet, there were leftovers. I packed them up in my presentation box and decided I would either take them into the party or put the in the faculty room the next day. Unbelievably, they made it the whole way through the night in my car and then to the faculty room.
My nephew had made some great barbeque and there was a WHITE sheet cake! I resisted those, for the most part and had some cucumber and tomatoes with the dressing I had brought along for lunch and I was encouraged that morning when I got on the scale and had lost a couple more pounds, so I was able to resist pretty well. I had brought a medifast crab soup, so I made that and when everyone had cake, I ate a Medifast brownie I had ready to go.
Oddly, after I got over my second month need to turn all the Medifast into something else, I am now eating a lot of "pure" Medifast. I have also been very busy, so I don't really have the time to make different things. We'll see what happens as I progress!
Here's how I handled THAT: I had a medifast shake in the morning. The breakfast I ordered was scones and cheese. Working with the district caterer, I was able to get low-fat cheeses, so I could have a piece of that! I had a tropical punch at break time. Then lunch came. I had given participants a choice of two entrees, one of which I could eat. Some people had Cuban sandwiches, red potato salad, and fresh veggies. Others (and Me) had Salmon Caesar Salad. I had asked for mine with no carrots, but I forgot to ask them to leave out and "side dishes." I was dismayed to see that wonderful red potato salad in my "container." I resisted the urge to try it, but successfully, although regretfully, disposed of it all after I finished my salad. I also successfully ignored the fabulous soft bread sticks provided with the salad!
Since I had not ordered dessert, I bought frosting covered brownies and sugar cookies for everyone else. Why was I buying things *I* like to eat???? Worse yet, there were leftovers. I packed them up in my presentation box and decided I would either take them into the party or put the in the faculty room the next day. Unbelievably, they made it the whole way through the night in my car and then to the faculty room.
My nephew had made some great barbeque and there was a WHITE sheet cake! I resisted those, for the most part and had some cucumber and tomatoes with the dressing I had brought along for lunch and I was encouraged that morning when I got on the scale and had lost a couple more pounds, so I was able to resist pretty well. I had brought a medifast crab soup, so I made that and when everyone had cake, I ate a Medifast brownie I had ready to go.
Oddly, after I got over my second month need to turn all the Medifast into something else, I am now eating a lot of "pure" Medifast. I have also been very busy, so I don't really have the time to make different things. We'll see what happens as I progress!
Made it Through Some More Challenges
Well, camping out in a tent did prove to have its challenges! I ate my normal Medifast meals during the day on Friday and then joined my sister and her husband for the ride to Lock Haven. I brought a "meal" along for the ride. A couple hours later, when we got close to the place where we would camp, we found a Ruby Tuesday's to have dinner. Although I was prepared with a sandwich with bread made from Medifast soup, I decided I could do a plain meat and salad meal. I ordered the salad bar, so I could pick my own items and order a petite sirloin with grilled asparagus and green beans, which they nicely substituted for the potato ( I DO miss potatoes!). Then we settled in for the (cold) night. Later, when I logged my food into my Lose It app, I realized I had eaten much more food than usual that day, and didn't have any formal exercise to "trade off" the calories. However, when I say I was "way over" my limit, my total calories were 1150. I usually stay in the 800 range. I didn't quite realize this at first, though, since all I noticed was that RED "over" number of 315!
So I tried not to be too affected and determined I would concentrate better on Saturday, eating my pre-prepared Medifast meals and trying to get a healthy and lower calorie Lean and Green. After mt brother in law set off on his 26 mile MegaTransect race, my sister and I set off geocahing. We left about 8 AM and came back to watch my brother in law finish about 2:30. Luckily for me, the caching got us out walking and hiking. What beautiful places there are in the Lock Haven/Montour area! I was happy to note that during all this, my back was not hurting like it had been the last several months with any exertion.
I started the morning with a medifast brownie I had baked and kept on ice. I found these are much better baked, and better still when kept cold. In the car during our travels I had a Mint Chocolate Bar. mid morning. At Lunch time, I broke into the cooler and made myself a ham and cheese sandwich-- Cream of Broccoli Soup, made into a bagel-like round, cut in half with lean mean and reduced fat cheese. Polished if off with a diet Dr. Pepper. This was working well and gave me some hope that my four days out of town later in the month will work out okay.
Back at the race there was food everywhere-- pizza, grilled hot dogs, platters of cheese and crackers, fresh veggies, fruit, and cookies. Plus free beer, soda and water. Okay. This was hard. I do crave a slice of GOOD, real pizza even though my "fake" pizza attempts are somewhat satisfying. Since I wasn't at home, nor had the luxury of a stove or microwave, I couldn't just make myself a fake pizza. So, after sitting around surrounded by this food for a while, I decided it was time to go back to the tent, get into my cooler and put together a salad. So, I did this, ( I had cut up cucumber. peppers, tomatoes and put them in individual container, so all I had to do was combine them) adding a bit of protein left over from my lunch. I had my favorite Newman's Own Light Sundried Tomato dressing. I took this back to the food area and enjoyed it. ( and I DID enjoy it!)
So now it was time to take down the tent and head home. My brother in law had finished this grueling race in 8 hours and 8 minutes and wanted to head home. My sister and I weren't done caching yet so off we set (about 5pm) and did several more caches, some in the area, and some on the way back. This gave me more exercise and I was pleased to be able to climb a pretty steep hill, make it up, and not be breathless at the top.
On the way home, we stopped and McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. While the others enjoyed treats from these places, I had another sandwich, this time made from Cream of Chicken Soup and London broil and thin Chicken breast slices. I was satisfied. Got home about 10:30.
With all the walking and hiking, which I estimated conservatively, I ended up 385 calories "to spare" so it ended that I was about equal for those two days!
On Sunday, I was trying to get back on track!
So I tried not to be too affected and determined I would concentrate better on Saturday, eating my pre-prepared Medifast meals and trying to get a healthy and lower calorie Lean and Green. After mt brother in law set off on his 26 mile MegaTransect race, my sister and I set off geocahing. We left about 8 AM and came back to watch my brother in law finish about 2:30. Luckily for me, the caching got us out walking and hiking. What beautiful places there are in the Lock Haven/Montour area! I was happy to note that during all this, my back was not hurting like it had been the last several months with any exertion.
I started the morning with a medifast brownie I had baked and kept on ice. I found these are much better baked, and better still when kept cold. In the car during our travels I had a Mint Chocolate Bar. mid morning. At Lunch time, I broke into the cooler and made myself a ham and cheese sandwich-- Cream of Broccoli Soup, made into a bagel-like round, cut in half with lean mean and reduced fat cheese. Polished if off with a diet Dr. Pepper. This was working well and gave me some hope that my four days out of town later in the month will work out okay.
Back at the race there was food everywhere-- pizza, grilled hot dogs, platters of cheese and crackers, fresh veggies, fruit, and cookies. Plus free beer, soda and water. Okay. This was hard. I do crave a slice of GOOD, real pizza even though my "fake" pizza attempts are somewhat satisfying. Since I wasn't at home, nor had the luxury of a stove or microwave, I couldn't just make myself a fake pizza. So, after sitting around surrounded by this food for a while, I decided it was time to go back to the tent, get into my cooler and put together a salad. So, I did this, ( I had cut up cucumber. peppers, tomatoes and put them in individual container, so all I had to do was combine them) adding a bit of protein left over from my lunch. I had my favorite Newman's Own Light Sundried Tomato dressing. I took this back to the food area and enjoyed it. ( and I DID enjoy it!)
So now it was time to take down the tent and head home. My brother in law had finished this grueling race in 8 hours and 8 minutes and wanted to head home. My sister and I weren't done caching yet so off we set (about 5pm) and did several more caches, some in the area, and some on the way back. This gave me more exercise and I was pleased to be able to climb a pretty steep hill, make it up, and not be breathless at the top.
On the way home, we stopped and McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. While the others enjoyed treats from these places, I had another sandwich, this time made from Cream of Chicken Soup and London broil and thin Chicken breast slices. I was satisfied. Got home about 10:30.
With all the walking and hiking, which I estimated conservatively, I ended up 385 calories "to spare" so it ended that I was about equal for those two days!
On Sunday, I was trying to get back on track!
My 8 Week Anniversary
So, today marked 8 weeks that I have been on the Medifast Take Shape for Life Plan. I know you are wondering if I made my mini-goal of 30 pounds by my second month. Yes, in fact, I lost 32! I think this is pretty good since I have been much busier this month and have not been watching as closely.
I have had some more challenges and face more ahead. This really gives me a picture of what my life is like and how difficult it is to stay on any program. This past Tuesday was another geocaching get together. We met a JoBoy's Brew Pub. The ONLY thing on the menu I could eat was steamed collard greens! No kidding, they didn't even have salad! So I had that and a diet coke ( which WASN'T on the menu, but luckily they had. Then Andy's birthday rolled around over the weekend. I thought carefully about what I could have and how I might "fake" a cake for myself. I ended up making the crockpot chili cauliflower soup again, then serving seared scallops and shrimp etouffe with a "make your own" salad and asparagus. For the cake, I made cottage pudding with nutmeg sauce for Andy and Patty and made a similar version for myself from Medifast Pudding and a Vanilla Shake mix. My sauce was made from Splenda and spray butter instead of the "full octane" sauce. It was pretty good.
My next challenge was a surprise. I got sick! I had some sort of virus and it was hard to get any food down, let alone the 6 meals I was supposed to have. I only made 5 and I had Medifast chicken noodle soup for breakfast! The next day I felt pretty much better, so I got back on track.
Now I am preparing for my next challenge: the camping/caching weekend with Laurie and Gene. Since we won't have electricity (although I understand we now have a generator from Bill) I have planned 10-12 no-cook meals. I will make some things ahead tomorrow night and put things together when I am ready to eat. Other things can just be mixed with water. I will need an entire cooler for two days! Of course, if we stop somewhere to eat, there may be things I can buy, so I won't feel deprived and who knows, there may be more out there than I expect. But--- just in case-- I'll be ready. I'll let you know how it goes!
I have had some more challenges and face more ahead. This really gives me a picture of what my life is like and how difficult it is to stay on any program. This past Tuesday was another geocaching get together. We met a JoBoy's Brew Pub. The ONLY thing on the menu I could eat was steamed collard greens! No kidding, they didn't even have salad! So I had that and a diet coke ( which WASN'T on the menu, but luckily they had. Then Andy's birthday rolled around over the weekend. I thought carefully about what I could have and how I might "fake" a cake for myself. I ended up making the crockpot chili cauliflower soup again, then serving seared scallops and shrimp etouffe with a "make your own" salad and asparagus. For the cake, I made cottage pudding with nutmeg sauce for Andy and Patty and made a similar version for myself from Medifast Pudding and a Vanilla Shake mix. My sauce was made from Splenda and spray butter instead of the "full octane" sauce. It was pretty good.
My next challenge was a surprise. I got sick! I had some sort of virus and it was hard to get any food down, let alone the 6 meals I was supposed to have. I only made 5 and I had Medifast chicken noodle soup for breakfast! The next day I felt pretty much better, so I got back on track.
Now I am preparing for my next challenge: the camping/caching weekend with Laurie and Gene. Since we won't have electricity (although I understand we now have a generator from Bill) I have planned 10-12 no-cook meals. I will make some things ahead tomorrow night and put things together when I am ready to eat. Other things can just be mixed with water. I will need an entire cooler for two days! Of course, if we stop somewhere to eat, there may be things I can buy, so I won't feel deprived and who knows, there may be more out there than I expect. But--- just in case-- I'll be ready. I'll let you know how it goes!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Experimenting and Making Fitness Progress
I have been trying several new recipes using Medifast products as the base and am slowly building a repertoire that will help me with both cravings and with becoming more prepared to eat away form home without having to do major preparations.
I've now made fudge-like candy from the Cocoa Mix. You add sugar free syrup, so I tried it once with Raspberry and once with Caramel. Liked it both times. Today I made a new "bread" using the cream of chicken soup. This was very easy and made a "puff" that could be cut in two, toasted, and made into a sort of grilled cheese sandwich. Very satisfying.
Yesterday I made a no-bake brownie from Medifast Cocoa and Pudding. The recipe called for peanut butter, but I substituted PB2 (powdered peanut butter) and this worked out just fine. It also asked for Sugar free peanut butter syrup, but I can only find a few kinds around here, so I substituted Hazelnut. As I said, just fine!
So far I have Raspberry, Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Caramel syrups. They are the type you can get at coffee shops. Since I don't drink coffee I don't really know what else might be available out there.
So, anyway, these recipes are making things interesting.
I am slowly losing more pounds and only have a couple more to get to my 30 lb goal by Sept. 27.
On Wednesday, I got a new exercise routine. My intensity was increased again and the amount of weight I use in certain exercises was upped. I am noticing my endurance, at least at doing these routines, is improving. My Fitness Coach was watching me get my heart monitor ready the other day and said, "Nancy, you are really looking smaller!" She meant this in a good way :)
I tried a Zumba class at my regular gym and lasted 40 minutes. I had been excited to try it, but when I did, it seemed like same old, same old, to different music. It seemed to me to have very repetitive movements. even from song to song. I was able to follow even the fast movements pretty well, but it still seemed pretty boring. I think I'll try Jazzercise again since I like that music better than the Latin stuff. ( The Latin beat is great, but the songs are a bit "too much" lyric wise.) And I still want to try the BodyFlow class, which I assume has Yoga movements and music. Having these options for the future are encouraging since I will at some point have to add more exercise to keep losing.
On Friday, I did a puzzle cache after work and it ended up taking me to Stauffer's parking lot, where they were having a Lobster Fest. I got a steamed lobster to take home for dinner. ( I regretted not being able to have the baked potato, cole slaw and roll that usually goes along with it, but I was glad at last I had the option of getting the lobster alone.) Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the watery-ness and lake of meat on it. I guess I should either make my own or get it when I'm at a better restaurant.
So, I guess mentally I'm back in the game, although I am still working through challenges. It will be great when this gets to be second nature. We have Parent's Night this week so that will be another challenge.
I've now made fudge-like candy from the Cocoa Mix. You add sugar free syrup, so I tried it once with Raspberry and once with Caramel. Liked it both times. Today I made a new "bread" using the cream of chicken soup. This was very easy and made a "puff" that could be cut in two, toasted, and made into a sort of grilled cheese sandwich. Very satisfying.
Yesterday I made a no-bake brownie from Medifast Cocoa and Pudding. The recipe called for peanut butter, but I substituted PB2 (powdered peanut butter) and this worked out just fine. It also asked for Sugar free peanut butter syrup, but I can only find a few kinds around here, so I substituted Hazelnut. As I said, just fine!
So far I have Raspberry, Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Caramel syrups. They are the type you can get at coffee shops. Since I don't drink coffee I don't really know what else might be available out there.
So, anyway, these recipes are making things interesting.
I am slowly losing more pounds and only have a couple more to get to my 30 lb goal by Sept. 27.
On Wednesday, I got a new exercise routine. My intensity was increased again and the amount of weight I use in certain exercises was upped. I am noticing my endurance, at least at doing these routines, is improving. My Fitness Coach was watching me get my heart monitor ready the other day and said, "Nancy, you are really looking smaller!" She meant this in a good way :)
I tried a Zumba class at my regular gym and lasted 40 minutes. I had been excited to try it, but when I did, it seemed like same old, same old, to different music. It seemed to me to have very repetitive movements. even from song to song. I was able to follow even the fast movements pretty well, but it still seemed pretty boring. I think I'll try Jazzercise again since I like that music better than the Latin stuff. ( The Latin beat is great, but the songs are a bit "too much" lyric wise.) And I still want to try the BodyFlow class, which I assume has Yoga movements and music. Having these options for the future are encouraging since I will at some point have to add more exercise to keep losing.
On Friday, I did a puzzle cache after work and it ended up taking me to Stauffer's parking lot, where they were having a Lobster Fest. I got a steamed lobster to take home for dinner. ( I regretted not being able to have the baked potato, cole slaw and roll that usually goes along with it, but I was glad at last I had the option of getting the lobster alone.) Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the watery-ness and lake of meat on it. I guess I should either make my own or get it when I'm at a better restaurant.
So, I guess mentally I'm back in the game, although I am still working through challenges. It will be great when this gets to be second nature. We have Parent's Night this week so that will be another challenge.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
6 Week Progress
After fighting off the doldrums of a month on the program, I am back to a pretty much stable situation. Although I am still looking for ways to make things fit better into my "real" life, I am back to doing what I am supposed to, whenever I can. My "reward" this morning when I did my six week weigh in was a loss of 26 pounds total. People are beginning to notice a change, and I would say I am too. Today I wore a suit for picture day that I haven't worn for a while. It was nice to see a good fit.
I am still experimenting with recipes, for both Medifast foods and "real" food. The last few things I posted pictures of were Cinnamon Pudding cookies which I made from Medifast Vanilla Pudding, using a recipe similar to the shake cake. I also made a huge ( pie plate size) Baked Spinach and Mushroom Frittata which, although it was supposed to be one serving, was way too much for me. I had a quarter of it at lunch and then ate the rest of my protein and veggies later as dinner. This dish had 2 cups of Egg Beaters as a base. The next thing I tried as a rootbeer float! This was very easy to make with a Medifast Vanilla Shake, diet root beer in place of the water to mix and ice. Not a lot of "float" but it had a good, creamy rootbeer flavor. Also pictured on my blog is a crockpot vegetable dish called Crockpot Curry Cauliflower Soup. This soups was mostly canned tomatoes and cauliflower, with seasonings and was easy as could be since it was in the crockpot. I took it out when done and pureed it. Good flavor.
I am still looking for good recipes for my Medifast foods that I can make and take with me. As I look to the future and things that lie ahead, I know this will be a key for me. I have a 2 day weekend away coming up in less than a month and don't know if I'll have access to electricity, so I will have to take everything with me. I also have a four day conference at the end of next month where three meals and snacks will be provided and there will be some nights when we go "out on the town" ( D.C.) to eat and enjoy ourselves. I will have to figure out how to deal with four days in a row of this. And be unobtrusive about it.
But my next challenge is tomorrow when I have a four (or more) hour meeting in the morning. I'll have to take provisions plus be ready in case there is something I must handle the minute I get back to my building.
I have a few more Medifast recipes I can try and see how they will "travel."
I actually went to my regular gym on Saturday and took a class called BodyVive Light. It almost killed me! (laugh) It was only half an hour, but there were so few people in it that I was definitely noticeable and could not "cheat" on any moves. It was basically exercising to music and not in a fun way. I did about 20 minutes on the stationery bike and then decided to leave even though I had planned to stay for another class called BodyFlow. That one I may like, though, as it seems like it could be yoga set to music. I'll try again when I have free time.
I did some caching with my sister Laurie that afternoon since it was such a nice day. So I got a lot of activity in even though I sort of wimped out at the gym.
I have to pay more attention to my meal choices again as right now I have been so busy I just grab a baggies with 5 Medifast products in it and head off to work, sometimes without checking what I had packed in there together. My freezer is packed full of Lean and green meals right now so I also don't pay a lot of attention to that. I feel like I should do more here or I may flag in my commitment. But, for now at least, I am back on track with the program. I want to reach the 30 lbs lost stage at the end of my second month (8weeks) which will be up on September 29. With 4 pounds to go, I don't want to get overconfident about that!
Till next time....
I am still experimenting with recipes, for both Medifast foods and "real" food. The last few things I posted pictures of were Cinnamon Pudding cookies which I made from Medifast Vanilla Pudding, using a recipe similar to the shake cake. I also made a huge ( pie plate size) Baked Spinach and Mushroom Frittata which, although it was supposed to be one serving, was way too much for me. I had a quarter of it at lunch and then ate the rest of my protein and veggies later as dinner. This dish had 2 cups of Egg Beaters as a base. The next thing I tried as a rootbeer float! This was very easy to make with a Medifast Vanilla Shake, diet root beer in place of the water to mix and ice. Not a lot of "float" but it had a good, creamy rootbeer flavor. Also pictured on my blog is a crockpot vegetable dish called Crockpot Curry Cauliflower Soup. This soups was mostly canned tomatoes and cauliflower, with seasonings and was easy as could be since it was in the crockpot. I took it out when done and pureed it. Good flavor.
I am still looking for good recipes for my Medifast foods that I can make and take with me. As I look to the future and things that lie ahead, I know this will be a key for me. I have a 2 day weekend away coming up in less than a month and don't know if I'll have access to electricity, so I will have to take everything with me. I also have a four day conference at the end of next month where three meals and snacks will be provided and there will be some nights when we go "out on the town" ( D.C.) to eat and enjoy ourselves. I will have to figure out how to deal with four days in a row of this. And be unobtrusive about it.
But my next challenge is tomorrow when I have a four (or more) hour meeting in the morning. I'll have to take provisions plus be ready in case there is something I must handle the minute I get back to my building.
I have a few more Medifast recipes I can try and see how they will "travel."
I actually went to my regular gym on Saturday and took a class called BodyVive Light. It almost killed me! (laugh) It was only half an hour, but there were so few people in it that I was definitely noticeable and could not "cheat" on any moves. It was basically exercising to music and not in a fun way. I did about 20 minutes on the stationery bike and then decided to leave even though I had planned to stay for another class called BodyFlow. That one I may like, though, as it seems like it could be yoga set to music. I'll try again when I have free time.
I did some caching with my sister Laurie that afternoon since it was such a nice day. So I got a lot of activity in even though I sort of wimped out at the gym.
I have to pay more attention to my meal choices again as right now I have been so busy I just grab a baggies with 5 Medifast products in it and head off to work, sometimes without checking what I had packed in there together. My freezer is packed full of Lean and green meals right now so I also don't pay a lot of attention to that. I feel like I should do more here or I may flag in my commitment. But, for now at least, I am back on track with the program. I want to reach the 30 lbs lost stage at the end of my second month (8weeks) which will be up on September 29. With 4 pounds to go, I don't want to get overconfident about that!
Till next time....
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Labor Day
I had a rough weekend. It was Labor Day and I had four days off work. Moving into that unstructured time was difficult and added to that I have reached the point where research says most people give up on their diets. Even the excitement of losing 21 pounds in four weeks couldn't overcome the creeping frustration of the constant food preparation and having to always be "prepared." I went out for some errands on Friday and decided it was so nice out, I would do some nearby caches. This got me messed up on eating-- I stayed out too long and had to run home and quick make something. Over the weekend I also attended the Geocachers' Fear Factor 2 Event. This was a picnic, games, and socializing. I resisted my own treats, even though they looked really good. I did make some deviled eggs and could have one of those. I had to make several items to take with me so I would have what I needed and not be too tempted. I made some 97% FF ground beef and 99% FF ground turkey burgers that also had mushrooms and green peppers in them. Since they were very lean I could have two, without buns, of course. I also took a salad and dressing with me.
I did get off track mostly because I was feeling very deprived and that everything was such a lot of work. Even though I had brought my own food, I ended up eating a hot dog (without a bun). This isn;t my favorite, so it was an odd choice. Then my frustration just got stronger. Finally on Tuesday I returned to work, and to structure, and had an easier time than I thought I would getting back on track.
I went out for dinner that night at a mini-golf/ restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could have broasted chicken and a salad. I had forgotten my dressing, though. And, although this had a lot more calories and fat than I have been having, I didn't do too much damage. My weight held steady, and then after a day, I started losing again. I am only glad I didn't get way off track. So, not that it is any easier, I feel like I can do this again for a little while. I am hoping for another 10 pounds in this month. We'll see if I can do that!
I also tried a new food for me-- scallops. There is a picture on the blog. They tasted pretty good.
I did get off track mostly because I was feeling very deprived and that everything was such a lot of work. Even though I had brought my own food, I ended up eating a hot dog (without a bun). This isn;t my favorite, so it was an odd choice. Then my frustration just got stronger. Finally on Tuesday I returned to work, and to structure, and had an easier time than I thought I would getting back on track.
I went out for dinner that night at a mini-golf/ restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could have broasted chicken and a salad. I had forgotten my dressing, though. And, although this had a lot more calories and fat than I have been having, I didn't do too much damage. My weight held steady, and then after a day, I started losing again. I am only glad I didn't get way off track. So, not that it is any easier, I feel like I can do this again for a little while. I am hoping for another 10 pounds in this month. We'll see if I can do that!
I also tried a new food for me-- scallops. There is a picture on the blog. They tasted pretty good.
Friday, September 3, 2010
My Four Weeks Goal
Well, Wednesday was my four week "anniversary" of starting on Medifast. I got on the scale and my total weight loss was 21 lbs! So, I did really well. I am b raced for the fact that things will slow down now, but I am hoping for 10-12 lbs a month. This may be hard. I didn't get my vitals checked like I thought-- that isn't until October! So, I did take my own blood pressure and heart rate and I had really good news. Over several days, my heart rate was averaging 98-102 systolic and 56-65 diastolic. that would be like 100/60. My resting heart rate was in the mid to low 70s consistently. It had never been lowered that 79 and was usually in the 80's even with all the medication I am on. So, these are good things. In case you were wondering about how my meals average nutritionally, I can tell you what my Lose It reports say:Typical amounts would be about 100 grams of protein, about 80 g of carbs, and about 15 g of fats. This translates into 800-900 calories a day of input. When I go to the gym, I use about 230 calories. I have been careful about making sure I have sufficient calories on those days, as I don't want to lose energy. I HAVE noticed I am not as tired after work right now, even though this was a pretty busy week. I am not coming home and falling right to sleep like I did in the spring. But, that might be because I am not coming home until about 2 hours later. It takes a minimum of an hour and 15 minutes to do my routine, most of the time longer. I got a new routine on Wednesday with more strenuous stuff to do, so we'll see how that goes.
Even with all the good results, I am already "cracking" a little, though I have done a lot to keep things interesting for me. I am missing some of the things I enjoy eating and it is a lot of work to keep making the meals and making them satisfying. This applies to both the Medifast foods and my Lean and Green Meals. I really do enjoy the foods, but miss just being able to stop and pick up something on the way home or to purchase something that looks good at the grocery store. I have to think about every meal and have food on my mind all day-- as in "Is it time for me to eat again?"
I did make some things from the Medifast foods I like and that are portable. The Shake cakes that I make from the Shakes mixes are great. I adapted that recipe to the oatmeal and with a little tweaking I can also have these to tote around when I'm on the go. It is nice not have to make everything every time I have to eat. That was time consuming and inconvenient, so I am glad I am coming up with ways to make this work better. One thing I really like is what I call "pizza bread." I'll be making some tomorrow so I will try to remember to take a picture of it. It is made form the Medifast tomato soup. If you remember, I didn't like the flavor and consistency of this meal and was disappointed. Well, I found a recipe that I tweaked a bit and it is a Delicious, portable treat. The dry soup mix is mixed with several spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano and other "Italiany" tastes. A teaspoon of this and a 1/4 cup of water added makes a "batter" that you drop onto a baking sheet. They look like 3" round light red pancakes. I can eat these spicy treats (one meal is 6 rounds) with veggies or spread with a Laughing Cow cheese wedge. mmmm
I also made some chicken fingers with Medifast crackers as a breading. These were great! I am going to try some "sweet" rolls from the oatmeal also.
I have a challenge again this weekend with the Geocachers Fear Factor Live Picnic. I have already developed a plan for this day since the event runs from 9 AM to 6 PM and is about 25 miles from my house. I need to take a minimum of three meals with me and am planning for the most portables ones I can think of. I'll want to take at least one "extra" just in case. Also, I need to decide if I will eat a burger they provide or take my own "patties" to ensure I have extra lean beef. Luckily, since they are asking people to contribute, I can see what people are planning to bring. I will have to take my own dressing and maybe even my own salad. The other challenge for this event is that I will be making my S'mores Peanut Butter Bars and "Baby Ruth" Cookie Bars to take along to share. These may be pretty tempting so I foresee a bit of a problem. I am thinking of making deviled eggs also since they need them and it is something I can eat.
As always, I'll let you know how this goes.
Even with all the good results, I am already "cracking" a little, though I have done a lot to keep things interesting for me. I am missing some of the things I enjoy eating and it is a lot of work to keep making the meals and making them satisfying. This applies to both the Medifast foods and my Lean and Green Meals. I really do enjoy the foods, but miss just being able to stop and pick up something on the way home or to purchase something that looks good at the grocery store. I have to think about every meal and have food on my mind all day-- as in "Is it time for me to eat again?"
I did make some things from the Medifast foods I like and that are portable. The Shake cakes that I make from the Shakes mixes are great. I adapted that recipe to the oatmeal and with a little tweaking I can also have these to tote around when I'm on the go. It is nice not have to make everything every time I have to eat. That was time consuming and inconvenient, so I am glad I am coming up with ways to make this work better. One thing I really like is what I call "pizza bread." I'll be making some tomorrow so I will try to remember to take a picture of it. It is made form the Medifast tomato soup. If you remember, I didn't like the flavor and consistency of this meal and was disappointed. Well, I found a recipe that I tweaked a bit and it is a Delicious, portable treat. The dry soup mix is mixed with several spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano and other "Italiany" tastes. A teaspoon of this and a 1/4 cup of water added makes a "batter" that you drop onto a baking sheet. They look like 3" round light red pancakes. I can eat these spicy treats (one meal is 6 rounds) with veggies or spread with a Laughing Cow cheese wedge. mmmm
I also made some chicken fingers with Medifast crackers as a breading. These were great! I am going to try some "sweet" rolls from the oatmeal also.
I have a challenge again this weekend with the Geocachers Fear Factor Live Picnic. I have already developed a plan for this day since the event runs from 9 AM to 6 PM and is about 25 miles from my house. I need to take a minimum of three meals with me and am planning for the most portables ones I can think of. I'll want to take at least one "extra" just in case. Also, I need to decide if I will eat a burger they provide or take my own "patties" to ensure I have extra lean beef. Luckily, since they are asking people to contribute, I can see what people are planning to bring. I will have to take my own dressing and maybe even my own salad. The other challenge for this event is that I will be making my S'mores Peanut Butter Bars and "Baby Ruth" Cookie Bars to take along to share. These may be pretty tempting so I foresee a bit of a problem. I am thinking of making deviled eggs also since they need them and it is something I can eat.
As always, I'll let you know how this goes.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Moving Right Along
So, here's what's been going on with me since the first day of teachers. On Thursday, August 26, I decided to have some Medifast Pancakes for breakfast. I have never been a pancake fan, but I am enjoying these more and more. Maybe because they are the thing that is most like bread of what I am allowed to have. I'm going to try to use some of the Medifast products to make bread or rolls this weekend or next and I'll let you know how that goes. I spent the morning in meetings learning about new technologies I have access to. I had brought water and a new meal item with me, so 2 hours into the morning I had Medifast Honey Mustard Pretzels. These were pretty good and that is saying something because I generally like the salt on pretzels, not really the pretzels themselves. So, that is one "grab and go" food I can use when I am faced with a challenge.
Went back to my office and had another new item for lunch: Beef Vegetable "stew." This was tasty. Not as thick as stew usually is, but it had a creamy tomato-beef background flavor and I could taste the various vegetables in it too. I had Crystal Light lemonade and some celery and salsa. Before I went to the gym, I had a banana creme shake-- still tasty.
My workout went a little better today. I am more on my own so I can move through the routine about 10 minutes faster. Every once in a while, Adrienne calls across the room, "Slower, Nancy" or "Bend your legs, Nancy," so I know she is keeping her eye on me even when she is working with other people. I am setting my own goals and have been doing some of the exercises at home on my "off" days.
I re-heated my Broccoli Chicken Dijon ( now pictured on my blog) and had Mustard Greens and Cucumber as an extra vegetable. Again, glad I have some of these meals made ahead of time so all I have to do is microwave them and make my vegetables.
I had some Clear Choice Black Cherry Sparkling Water with this. I had a Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar-- still very good! But I needed just a little bit more today, so I had an ounce of Land O Lakes Naturally Slender Cheese. This is probably my biggest craving-- cheese. I am trying to balance out small indulgences in it with my plan.
On Friday, I made the Medifast Chocolate Chip Pancakes and had a glass of Crystal Light Orange Sunrise. Later I had an Orange Creme shake. I was faced with some last minute issues teachers wanted done and one thing that could turn into a real disaster if it is not taken care of by other people.
I was looking forward to another new food: Creamy Tomato Soup. This was a big disappointment. It was too thin, but the real problem was the flavor. I had even added some fresh basil and chives from my herb garden, and some pepper. This didn't do it much good. I will have to use this in recipes rather than eat it as soup, I guess. This was a shame, because I was really looking forward to some good tomato soup. Maybe because this wasn't too satisfying, I had some ranch soy crisps. I like these because they are very thin, not like the usual rice cakes. They have good flavor too. These are considered a snack, not a meal.
I had a vanilla shake before I went off to do some geocaching after work. I was only 4 away from 1100, so I wanted to get those and did.
I made it home in time to eat again! This time I had a "surf and turf" of Shrimp Cocktail and London Broil. I added wax beans and a mixed salad (also now pictured on my blog). I had a Clear Choice Tropical Fruits Sparkling Water with this. Even though I already had a snack today, I decided to have some Sugar Free Black Cherry Jello.
Today I made Medifast Scrambled eggs with 1 ounce of round steak (ALSO now picture on my blog) with the Crystal Light Sunrise and decided to set out to do more caching. I am feeling more confident in being prepared for 2-3 meals at a time away from home. I went on a trail that Laurie had recommended to me where there were five caches in about a mile. I took my bike with me and had the first real ride outside my neighborhood since before my ICD implant.
Since I have been using the exercise bike in my routine, I felt I was able to do this. I put my GPS and my heart monitor on my handlebars and set off. Luckily it was fairly easy terrain, although I had to walk the bike a couple of times because I had stopped for caches just before I approached hills. In the end, I got all 5 caches, then rode the nearly mile path back, so it was almost 2 miles all together.
I was feeling pretty good after this and it was only about 10:30, so I set out for a few more caches. I love my Geocache app on my iPhone. Even when I'm not "prepared" it tells me where close by caches are. I told myself three times it was time to eat a bar, but kept forgetting. Finally about 11:30, I took it with me as I set out after a cache in the park. I had taken 2 bars, a shake, and three bottled of water with me.
I felt pretty good after the bar, so I pressed on getting a few more caches. I decided I was close to the outlets so I would stop in to Reading China and Glass. This was a pretty dumb move on a Saturday around noon. Traffic on Route 30 was bumper to bumper. Nevertheless, I grabbed a cache at the WaWa, but decided against going after one at Dutch Wonderland or any more as a matter of fact. I stopped to do some shopping and looked all around the store. I was able to find some Sugar Free Torani syrups there- so I got Caramel and Chocolate. By this time I was noticing my legs were really aching. Still, I stopped at Target and again walked all over the store. It was now approaching 3 pm so I mixed the shake with some bottled water and had that. I headed home pretty tired, but feeling I had accomplished a good day.
By 4:30 I was really hungry so I re-heated some pork tenderloin, mashed cauliflower and made a three lettuce salad with mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and radish. ( ALSO now pictured on my blog). I couldn't resist another ounce of cheese as a treat. I also had a swiss mocha shake that I doctored with some of the chocolate syrup I had just bought. I have one more "meal" to get in tonight.
Tomorrow I plan to get things straightened up around the house-- not doing much cooking, I don't think, but maybe an item or two. I also want to get my outfits picked out for the first two weeks of school. This saves me a lot of time, especially as I have to get up so much earlier! The students will be here Monday and my time won't be my own for most of the week. Monday will also be my seventh visit to the gym, so I will get weighed and measured and have my routine evaluate and revised.
I'll let you know later in the week what my one month progress is officially.
Went back to my office and had another new item for lunch: Beef Vegetable "stew." This was tasty. Not as thick as stew usually is, but it had a creamy tomato-beef background flavor and I could taste the various vegetables in it too. I had Crystal Light lemonade and some celery and salsa. Before I went to the gym, I had a banana creme shake-- still tasty.
My workout went a little better today. I am more on my own so I can move through the routine about 10 minutes faster. Every once in a while, Adrienne calls across the room, "Slower, Nancy" or "Bend your legs, Nancy," so I know she is keeping her eye on me even when she is working with other people. I am setting my own goals and have been doing some of the exercises at home on my "off" days.
I re-heated my Broccoli Chicken Dijon ( now pictured on my blog) and had Mustard Greens and Cucumber as an extra vegetable. Again, glad I have some of these meals made ahead of time so all I have to do is microwave them and make my vegetables.
I had some Clear Choice Black Cherry Sparkling Water with this. I had a Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar-- still very good! But I needed just a little bit more today, so I had an ounce of Land O Lakes Naturally Slender Cheese. This is probably my biggest craving-- cheese. I am trying to balance out small indulgences in it with my plan.
On Friday, I made the Medifast Chocolate Chip Pancakes and had a glass of Crystal Light Orange Sunrise. Later I had an Orange Creme shake. I was faced with some last minute issues teachers wanted done and one thing that could turn into a real disaster if it is not taken care of by other people.
I was looking forward to another new food: Creamy Tomato Soup. This was a big disappointment. It was too thin, but the real problem was the flavor. I had even added some fresh basil and chives from my herb garden, and some pepper. This didn't do it much good. I will have to use this in recipes rather than eat it as soup, I guess. This was a shame, because I was really looking forward to some good tomato soup. Maybe because this wasn't too satisfying, I had some ranch soy crisps. I like these because they are very thin, not like the usual rice cakes. They have good flavor too. These are considered a snack, not a meal.
I had a vanilla shake before I went off to do some geocaching after work. I was only 4 away from 1100, so I wanted to get those and did.
I made it home in time to eat again! This time I had a "surf and turf" of Shrimp Cocktail and London Broil. I added wax beans and a mixed salad (also now pictured on my blog). I had a Clear Choice Tropical Fruits Sparkling Water with this. Even though I already had a snack today, I decided to have some Sugar Free Black Cherry Jello.
Today I made Medifast Scrambled eggs with 1 ounce of round steak (ALSO now picture on my blog) with the Crystal Light Sunrise and decided to set out to do more caching. I am feeling more confident in being prepared for 2-3 meals at a time away from home. I went on a trail that Laurie had recommended to me where there were five caches in about a mile. I took my bike with me and had the first real ride outside my neighborhood since before my ICD implant.
Since I have been using the exercise bike in my routine, I felt I was able to do this. I put my GPS and my heart monitor on my handlebars and set off. Luckily it was fairly easy terrain, although I had to walk the bike a couple of times because I had stopped for caches just before I approached hills. In the end, I got all 5 caches, then rode the nearly mile path back, so it was almost 2 miles all together.
I was feeling pretty good after this and it was only about 10:30, so I set out for a few more caches. I love my Geocache app on my iPhone. Even when I'm not "prepared" it tells me where close by caches are. I told myself three times it was time to eat a bar, but kept forgetting. Finally about 11:30, I took it with me as I set out after a cache in the park. I had taken 2 bars, a shake, and three bottled of water with me.
I felt pretty good after the bar, so I pressed on getting a few more caches. I decided I was close to the outlets so I would stop in to Reading China and Glass. This was a pretty dumb move on a Saturday around noon. Traffic on Route 30 was bumper to bumper. Nevertheless, I grabbed a cache at the WaWa, but decided against going after one at Dutch Wonderland or any more as a matter of fact. I stopped to do some shopping and looked all around the store. I was able to find some Sugar Free Torani syrups there- so I got Caramel and Chocolate. By this time I was noticing my legs were really aching. Still, I stopped at Target and again walked all over the store. It was now approaching 3 pm so I mixed the shake with some bottled water and had that. I headed home pretty tired, but feeling I had accomplished a good day.
By 4:30 I was really hungry so I re-heated some pork tenderloin, mashed cauliflower and made a three lettuce salad with mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and radish. ( ALSO now pictured on my blog). I couldn't resist another ounce of cheese as a treat. I also had a swiss mocha shake that I doctored with some of the chocolate syrup I had just bought. I have one more "meal" to get in tonight.
Tomorrow I plan to get things straightened up around the house-- not doing much cooking, I don't think, but maybe an item or two. I also want to get my outfits picked out for the first two weeks of school. This saves me a lot of time, especially as I have to get up so much earlier! The students will be here Monday and my time won't be my own for most of the week. Monday will also be my seventh visit to the gym, so I will get weighed and measured and have my routine evaluate and revised.
I'll let you know later in the week what my one month progress is officially.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
First Day with the Teachers
Today is my "three week" anniversary and when I weighed myself this morning, I had lost 17 pounds. I have set a mini goal now of getting to 20 pounds by next Wednesday, the one month mark. I think this is really doable since I lost 10 pounds he first week, 3 three pounds the second and four pounds this week.
My days are certainly getting more challenging. Not at all because of food cravings or not liking the Medifast products. I have few craving and when I do they are only momentary. There are only a couple of the products I didn't care for. The problem is really the timing of my work commitments coupled with going to the gym right after work. Monday was harder than I expected because they actually had a chicken dish for lunch that I COULD have. I should have just stayed with my own plan, but I didn't and that threw me off all day. When I go to gym right after work, I can barely make it there and back home f=before I have to eat again. I am worried how this will work once things really get moving for me at work. It takes about an hour and a half to do my "routine" at the gym, so the earliest I can get home now is about 6. That means I put in a 12 hour day each time I go there. That plus the boring routine aren't much incentive to keep doing it. BUT I have made appointments for the next weeks to go and after Monday I will have done 7 sessions, so I will get some of my "vital signs" (like inches lost) checked and maybe an altered routine, too. This might provide more incentive.
Tuesday went pretty smoothly. I had some of the "no-bean" Turkey Chili I made in the crockpot over the weekend. This was excellent. Some days I know I have more protein or vegetables than strictly on the plan, but with the extra exercise and the fact that what I am doing is working, I feel I am doing fine. I do record all of it in my Lose It app and it tells me pretty accurately if I have taken in fewer calories or specifically protein or too much fat and I use that to decide if I can add a vegetable or protein.
Today was really hard. It was the first day the teachers were back, so we had special programs. I got off to a bad start when I couldn't get in breakfast because I had to leave earlier. I thought I'd make a quick shake at work before the morning meeting, but when I got there about 7:15 my computer wasn't working right so I got caught up in trying to solve that problem. I set off for the high school with only having had 2 cups of water. Luckily, I still had the leftover mini "muffins" I had made on Tuesday. I ate two as I walked to the high school. Now this was a good thing. It's only about a quarter mile, but I hadn't walked over for about two years-- last year , remember, I was in the hospital on this day getting my ICD implanted.
The meeting lasted about three hours. I had avoided the breakfast buffet tehy had prepared for teachers by coming in a different door but when break time came, I went out looking for water since the muffins were dry and I had already drunk what I brought. They had fruit, bagels, sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls and lots more stuff... but no water. I ended up taking a cup of ice and dealing with the dryness that way.
I walked back to my building about 11 AM and immediately had a bunch of questions from different people to take care of. So, my plan to get a meal in right away fizzled. I ended up eating my leftover half portion of tuna salad and lettuce, about 11:30 and followed that almost immediately with a Medifast Maryland Crab Soup because I had a faculty meeting at one that I had to set up for. That meeting went for another three hours, almost, and I was out the door headed for the gym eating a very tasty Cinnamon Roll Crunch Bar on the way. I like getting there early (just after 4) because it is less crowded. I got home afterward about 6 and still had two medifast meals and at least a half portion lean and green to get in! So, I put a salad and a "surf and turf" mix of a couple of thin slices of London Broil and my leftover salmon on a plate and had that within 10 minutes of getting home. This gave me time to space out a pudding and a shake or bar-- haven't quite decided on the last meal today.
I got my new batch of food yesterday and there are some new things to try. So, I'll have some more variety also in my meals since I now have enough for at least 6 weeks. The first two orders each came with an extra free week of food. Among the items I got are some "grab and go" meals. This is something I have to work on-- getting more items that don't need to be "made" or can be pre-made. I think that will help me get my meals in on time.
Next week will be the real test!
My days are certainly getting more challenging. Not at all because of food cravings or not liking the Medifast products. I have few craving and when I do they are only momentary. There are only a couple of the products I didn't care for. The problem is really the timing of my work commitments coupled with going to the gym right after work. Monday was harder than I expected because they actually had a chicken dish for lunch that I COULD have. I should have just stayed with my own plan, but I didn't and that threw me off all day. When I go to gym right after work, I can barely make it there and back home f=before I have to eat again. I am worried how this will work once things really get moving for me at work. It takes about an hour and a half to do my "routine" at the gym, so the earliest I can get home now is about 6. That means I put in a 12 hour day each time I go there. That plus the boring routine aren't much incentive to keep doing it. BUT I have made appointments for the next weeks to go and after Monday I will have done 7 sessions, so I will get some of my "vital signs" (like inches lost) checked and maybe an altered routine, too. This might provide more incentive.
Tuesday went pretty smoothly. I had some of the "no-bean" Turkey Chili I made in the crockpot over the weekend. This was excellent. Some days I know I have more protein or vegetables than strictly on the plan, but with the extra exercise and the fact that what I am doing is working, I feel I am doing fine. I do record all of it in my Lose It app and it tells me pretty accurately if I have taken in fewer calories or specifically protein or too much fat and I use that to decide if I can add a vegetable or protein.
Today was really hard. It was the first day the teachers were back, so we had special programs. I got off to a bad start when I couldn't get in breakfast because I had to leave earlier. I thought I'd make a quick shake at work before the morning meeting, but when I got there about 7:15 my computer wasn't working right so I got caught up in trying to solve that problem. I set off for the high school with only having had 2 cups of water. Luckily, I still had the leftover mini "muffins" I had made on Tuesday. I ate two as I walked to the high school. Now this was a good thing. It's only about a quarter mile, but I hadn't walked over for about two years-- last year , remember, I was in the hospital on this day getting my ICD implanted.
The meeting lasted about three hours. I had avoided the breakfast buffet tehy had prepared for teachers by coming in a different door but when break time came, I went out looking for water since the muffins were dry and I had already drunk what I brought. They had fruit, bagels, sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls and lots more stuff... but no water. I ended up taking a cup of ice and dealing with the dryness that way.
I walked back to my building about 11 AM and immediately had a bunch of questions from different people to take care of. So, my plan to get a meal in right away fizzled. I ended up eating my leftover half portion of tuna salad and lettuce, about 11:30 and followed that almost immediately with a Medifast Maryland Crab Soup because I had a faculty meeting at one that I had to set up for. That meeting went for another three hours, almost, and I was out the door headed for the gym eating a very tasty Cinnamon Roll Crunch Bar on the way. I like getting there early (just after 4) because it is less crowded. I got home afterward about 6 and still had two medifast meals and at least a half portion lean and green to get in! So, I put a salad and a "surf and turf" mix of a couple of thin slices of London Broil and my leftover salmon on a plate and had that within 10 minutes of getting home. This gave me time to space out a pudding and a shake or bar-- haven't quite decided on the last meal today.
I got my new batch of food yesterday and there are some new things to try. So, I'll have some more variety also in my meals since I now have enough for at least 6 weeks. The first two orders each came with an extra free week of food. Among the items I got are some "grab and go" meals. This is something I have to work on-- getting more items that don't need to be "made" or can be pre-made. I think that will help me get my meals in on time.
Next week will be the real test!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Making Progress
So... I have now lost 16 pounds with 2 days to go until I hit my 3 week time. I placed my own order with some of my own choices and should have a new batch of food by next weekend. There will be some products I haven't tried yet. I thought you might be wondering what my "Lean and Green" meals look like, so I've attached some photos of food I've made. They are crabmeat stuffed flounder with zucchini and mashed cauliflower. Ground turkey and veggie patties with asparagus and lettuce salad, meatballs and sauce with eggplant and salad with cucumber, radishes, and sun dried tomato dressing, crab cakes with eggplant and lettuce salad with sesame ginger dressing. The last one is a HALF portion of tuna-veggie salad on lettuce.
Well, Thursday was really challenging. Even though I was prepared with some medifast oatmeal "cookies" and some medifast muffins that didn't turn out very well. I gotta get that right! I also took my lean and green meal with me to work-- this time it was the flounder/crabmeat-- since I knew I wouldn't get home until 7:30 or so. As it was, I didn't get home till after 8 and had one meal to go. I guess I was thrown off by being out of my routine. The bars are supposed to help out here. And while they taste good, they just don't stay with me like some of the other foods. So, after having a meeting from 3:30 to 5:30 where there were cinnamon rolls, doritos, m and m's, and other stuff like that ( I had bottled water and my cookies), and getting out of the gym at 7:30, I stopped at the nearby Stauffer's for some spinach. I shopped around a bit and looked for some of the sugar free syrups, but they didn't have any I wanted. By now, I was really starving. I thought I could pick up a piece or two of the rotisserie chicken, but all they had was whole ones. I wandered around the store looking for something to eat. This was getting dangerous. I just couldn't find anything I wanted, even some lean meat to take home to cook and I finally gave up.
My problem continued in the car and when I got home too. I found 3 or 4 little sticks of celery in my lunch bag, though, and these staved off the hunger until I got home. I had a Medifast meal-- a chocolate shake--but it still didn't satisfy me. Uh oh... So I had two dill pickle spears-- I had found some at Costco that were made with Sea Salt, so much less sodium! Not enough .. I had some jello. I'm only supposed to have one snack a day, so this could have been bad. I know this is hard to believe, but I began craving some wax beans I had picked up at Stauffer's along with the spinach. So, I made those and they satisfied me pretty much. They were fresh, not canned. I ended up having ONE MORE SNACK!!! -- another wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese. I went to bed a little bummed.
BUT, unbelievably, when I weighed myself Friday morning the scale had finally moved.
On Friday I went back to more of my usual routine and was successful. I had oatmeal, shakes, chicken noodle soup, and a mint bar. The whole way home I was planning dinner and had myself set on salmon cakes, but when I got home, I found I didn't have any canned salmon. This is something I ALWAYS keep on hand since it is such an easy meal to make. I was disappointed but I didn't want to lose my momentum. I had some canned crab, though, so I made homemade crab cakes without breadcrumbs. THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!! I think these were the best I ever made. Really nicely spiced. It was only later I saw how much sodium is in Old Bay Seasoning. On my next shopping trip, I quickly grabbed some with reduced sodium for my next venture.
I noticed when I logged my meals for the day, though, that I was short on protein and higher on carbs. The crab meal was very low calorie, and even with three crab cakes, I had half a protein portion I could eat. After looking around for what protein could suit me and would also be low on carbs, I ( Unbelievably again!) actually left the house (about 8 PM) and went to Oregon Dairy where I bought, among other things, some Boca burgers. I ate one of these, since it was a lot of protein and little of anything else. This was also delicious! I was able to have a little mustard as a condiment and it really went nicely. This night I went to bed encouraged.
I got up on Saturday with a mission. I was going to set out on a geocaching adventure close to home to see if I could manage being out on a cache run and still be prepared with my Medifast meals. I decided to have the Medifast scrambled eggs for breakfast. I had a portion of cookies that I had made for Thursday left over so I took those, a Peanut Butter Crunch bar, and even a vanilla shake, which I figured I could pour into half of one of the bottles of water I was taking along and shake it up if I really needed it. This would last me about 6 hours and I didn't plan to be out that long, even though I also had some errands to do, so I thought I'd be okay.
Well, everything started going wrong and that usually has meant lately that I just give up and scrap my plans. I couldn't get my computer to get an internet connection so I could download some nearby caches. I tried not to be impatient and re started it at least three times. Nothing was working. I finally decided it was one of my pieces of equipment. Amazingly, I figured out which one, fixed it, and got on and downloaded. That took an hour.... Now I set out for my first cache which was nearby at Landis Valley museum area.
I searched and searched, but couldn't find anything. I was going out blind-- just using the downloaded coords and my iPhone app, which I now read and saw there were at least three DNFs ( did not find) on this one. That's when I realized I didn't have my recharge cord with me. If I was going to cache this way, I needed that cord, so I went back home. Finally, I set off again. Another hour had gone by. The next cache I went after was in the woods and was hard to get to, but easy to find. One down, on to the next. Another nearby one was on the bike path near Township. This one had BIG hllls to go up and down. I was a little intimidated because the other problems I've been having are my back aching after standing or walking for a short time and getting out of breath on inclines. Nevertheless, I pursued this one. Again into some woods. I think I have to climb down a very steep incline and go across a creek, but I don't want to do it if the cache really isn't there. So, I come out of the woods, sit in the grass, and look it up. I'm sure now it's on the other side so I go in again. I make my way down the steep hill, across the water, and up the hill on the other side. THANK GOODNESS it was obvious when I got there. After backing my way down this other steep hill, climbing up the other one, I again take a break and look up the next cache. It is then I realize that I haven't been as out of breath, nor is my back hurting as much. If going to the MAG gym is helping with this, then I guess I'll put up with the boredom of the program for a while longer!
Time to eat a meal already, so I do so as I head for the next cache.
I grabbed more and then did some errands in between. I was still feeling pretty good. After a few more, I go to one that is a little cemetery on the side of the distributor road to route 30. The place was CRAWLING with grasshoppers! As I carefully made my way through tall grass I realize there is poison ivy everywhere! I decide I HAVE to go right home and clean up NOW!!!
In the end, I did 12 caches and spent about 5 hours doing this and the errands. I didn't need to use the shake until I got home.
I made the ground turkey into patties and mixed in some veggies: mushrooms, garlic, celery, zucchini, peppers, spinach and parsley. Since I can have 7 ounces of lean turkey (this was 99%) these made GIANT portions. It was like eating two quarter pounders, and then some. But they were delicious and since a pound made 2 portions, I was able to freeze one for another time. I think it will be key for me to have some things that are big portions for when I get to a "starving" situation. I had a Kemp's sugar free raspberry popsicle as a treat.
Today I spent some time crockpot cooking so I don't have to make meals during the week. I did some turkey chili ( with no beans!) and some Spanish chicken. I was able to get 7 meals to freeze in addition to the two I kept available for this week. I also made a tuna-veggie salad and had half a portion for lunch. I'll have the other half for lunch tomorrow, when I have ANOTHER luncheon to go to. This will be my "emergency" meal in case I can't eat what they provide. Since I only ate half of my protein and greens, I was able to have shrimp cocktail (10 shrimp) with asparagus and lettuce salad for dinner. I'm headed for bed with no feeling of hunger now. Tomorrow-- the luncheon and the gym-- I'm skipping a red hat meeting because I'll need to eat after the gym and they will have all kinds of goodies. I'll catch up later.
I'm anxious to see if the scale will go down more by Wednesday am-- the end of my first three weeks. That day is the REAL start of the school year for me. The teachers are back and I have meetings all throughout the day. I need to be prepared!!!!.
More later, of course.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I Start My Exercise Program
Well, The challenge for Monday was a bit more than I expected. Luckily, I called ahead and found out that lunch was going to be a pasta bar! This is pretty much my favorite kind of food. So, I was glad I had packed some left over crab imperial and I took a salad I had made along also, just in case, with, of course, my own dressing. When I got there, My secretaries had us sitting off to the side, so that was great. I came up to the buffet and suddenly remembered that they always have those wonderful soft bread sticks. THAT was a real challenge. The salad had shredded carrots in it, so I took a little, knowing I would fill it out with my own stuff, and pick out the carrots parts. Ahead of me were various kinds of pasta and sauces. I couldn't resist taking two tiny meatballs, and even though the sauce is the part I like best, I resisted the urge to smother them in it. I quickly got out of line and went to my seat to add my "bring alongs." This made a plateful of food. The crab was delicious and I was satisfied with the meatballs, although I was eying the bread sticks of everyone at the table. In the end, I think I was the last one still eating (right through their dessert). Made it through another challenge!
After work was my first day to see my exercise program and run through it. My initial reaction, sadly, was BORING!!! It looks like it will be hard for me to keep this up, but I am committed to two weeks right now, so we'll see how it goes. Here's the low down:
8 minutes on the bike, "resistance" exercises at the bar (most of the exercises are in sets of 10 and I do 2 sets). My trainer had to "up" the weight to 35 lbs since I am so strong (laugh). Now, did I mention there is NOTHING to look at in this gym? I didn't think there was even music, but I realized later it was so soft, I just didn't hear it above the 9 people in the room. From the resistance exercises, I moved to biceps curls, (5 lb weights 10x 2). Then I sat in a chair and "marched" (10x2). They I lay on a table and did quad squeezes, back squeezes, neck curls, some kind of pilates type head curl and stomach crunch, and another back/leg exercise with a towel under my knees. (all 10x2). Then I went into an exit stairwell (!) and did quad/ham string stretches- two types 10x2 for 20 sec. each. Then I came back and did the elliptical bike for 8 minutes (both arms and legs move). And I was done. This took almost an hour and a half.
On the way home Andy called and encouraged me to continue with it all. Maybe that was fate because I was doing some negative thinking at this point.
Got home and of course it was time to eat. I had some of the crockpot pork tenderloin I had made and some cauliflower "mashed potatoes." Since this was all pre-made and just had to be nuked, I "made dinner" while I continued to talk to Andy on the phone. That part of my plan works well as often I am hungry when I walk in the door after work, and this used to be a time for me to grab a couple of pieces of cheese or other snack to "hold me off" until dinner. I was able to have this "second" lean and green meal because the crab at lunch was only half of what I am allotted. So I had a 2-3 oz portion of the pork at dinner. Since I could add 15 minutes of bicycling and I put in 15 minutes of light weight lifting to cover the rest of my time at the gym, I felt I was ahead of the game. This "subtracted" a minimum of 150 calories for my intake, so I felt safe in having a 10 calorie half cup of sugar free black cherry jello (also pre-made). I had eaten 636 calories that day and "used" an extra 150, So my net was 488. That doesn't really seem enough to me, so I will have to watch that.
On Tuesday, I had a meeting all morning, so I had to make sure I was "taken care of." Because my meetings at central office often go way beyond the plan, I needed to take two meals with me. I had a Strawberry Shake before I went and some Crystal Light sunrise orange. I bustled around my office getting ready to go and realized on the way I had forgotten my water. I almost turned around for it, but I knew there was a cooler there, that I could at least get some water from.
I get there: Surprise! Breakfast! Bagels, sweet rolls, bowls of cut fruit! Juices, and, THANK GOD, cold bottled water. I skip everything but the water. A couple of hours into the meeting I have an oatmeal raisin bar and more water. I have the "cookies" I had made from my oatmeal for lunch. I had packed these for the meeting, but was out by 12, so I ate them then.
I finished off the portion of pork tenderloin I had the day before with a big salad. Later I had chocolate pudding and a vanilla shake. I did succumb today to a small "treat." I was craving cheese, but I had thrown out most of mine and hadn't bought anymore. I did have a Laughing Cow Light Garlic and herb "wheel" so I ate one wedge of that (35 calories, 10 mg cholesterol,1g Carb, 2.5 g protein). It wasn't the worst thing I could eat, but I fretted about it a bit anyway.
Wednesday. Still stuck at 13 pounds lost. Had an Orange Shake, then Oatmeal with some caramel sugar free DaVinci syrup, Chicken Noodle Soup, half a pack of crackers, and a peanut butter bar. Went to Hartz for my second exercise day. This went a little better. Adrienne had contacted my heart doctor and she gave an upper limit for my heart rate as 130. It was good we checked because I thought it was 150. So, she "upped" my rigor on the bikes and added another quad exercise. The gym was relatively empty until about 5:15 so she stayed with me pretty constantly. At least talking to her while I exercised eliminated some of the boredom.
Went home and had meatballs and tomato "sauce," lettuce and cucumber salad, and eggplant. Had a medifast chocolate pudding later AND had a "snack" of celery and salsa. This time I added stretching to my calories expended so this was a subtract of nearly 200 calories (with the biking and weights). But, since I had eaten ground beef, I still had a net calorie of 786. I thought this was better than the first day.
New challenge for Thursday (will the scale PLEASE go down one more pound???)
I have meetings that run through 5:30 and the gym at 6:00. My lean and green meal must be moved up in the day and I have to have 4 other meals before I get home.
After work was my first day to see my exercise program and run through it. My initial reaction, sadly, was BORING!!! It looks like it will be hard for me to keep this up, but I am committed to two weeks right now, so we'll see how it goes. Here's the low down:
8 minutes on the bike, "resistance" exercises at the bar (most of the exercises are in sets of 10 and I do 2 sets). My trainer had to "up" the weight to 35 lbs since I am so strong (laugh). Now, did I mention there is NOTHING to look at in this gym? I didn't think there was even music, but I realized later it was so soft, I just didn't hear it above the 9 people in the room. From the resistance exercises, I moved to biceps curls, (5 lb weights 10x 2). Then I sat in a chair and "marched" (10x2). They I lay on a table and did quad squeezes, back squeezes, neck curls, some kind of pilates type head curl and stomach crunch, and another back/leg exercise with a towel under my knees. (all 10x2). Then I went into an exit stairwell (!) and did quad/ham string stretches- two types 10x2 for 20 sec. each. Then I came back and did the elliptical bike for 8 minutes (both arms and legs move). And I was done. This took almost an hour and a half.
On the way home Andy called and encouraged me to continue with it all. Maybe that was fate because I was doing some negative thinking at this point.
Got home and of course it was time to eat. I had some of the crockpot pork tenderloin I had made and some cauliflower "mashed potatoes." Since this was all pre-made and just had to be nuked, I "made dinner" while I continued to talk to Andy on the phone. That part of my plan works well as often I am hungry when I walk in the door after work, and this used to be a time for me to grab a couple of pieces of cheese or other snack to "hold me off" until dinner. I was able to have this "second" lean and green meal because the crab at lunch was only half of what I am allotted. So I had a 2-3 oz portion of the pork at dinner. Since I could add 15 minutes of bicycling and I put in 15 minutes of light weight lifting to cover the rest of my time at the gym, I felt I was ahead of the game. This "subtracted" a minimum of 150 calories for my intake, so I felt safe in having a 10 calorie half cup of sugar free black cherry jello (also pre-made). I had eaten 636 calories that day and "used" an extra 150, So my net was 488. That doesn't really seem enough to me, so I will have to watch that.
On Tuesday, I had a meeting all morning, so I had to make sure I was "taken care of." Because my meetings at central office often go way beyond the plan, I needed to take two meals with me. I had a Strawberry Shake before I went and some Crystal Light sunrise orange. I bustled around my office getting ready to go and realized on the way I had forgotten my water. I almost turned around for it, but I knew there was a cooler there, that I could at least get some water from.
I get there: Surprise! Breakfast! Bagels, sweet rolls, bowls of cut fruit! Juices, and, THANK GOD, cold bottled water. I skip everything but the water. A couple of hours into the meeting I have an oatmeal raisin bar and more water. I have the "cookies" I had made from my oatmeal for lunch. I had packed these for the meeting, but was out by 12, so I ate them then.
I finished off the portion of pork tenderloin I had the day before with a big salad. Later I had chocolate pudding and a vanilla shake. I did succumb today to a small "treat." I was craving cheese, but I had thrown out most of mine and hadn't bought anymore. I did have a Laughing Cow Light Garlic and herb "wheel" so I ate one wedge of that (35 calories, 10 mg cholesterol,1g Carb, 2.5 g protein). It wasn't the worst thing I could eat, but I fretted about it a bit anyway.
Wednesday. Still stuck at 13 pounds lost. Had an Orange Shake, then Oatmeal with some caramel sugar free DaVinci syrup, Chicken Noodle Soup, half a pack of crackers, and a peanut butter bar. Went to Hartz for my second exercise day. This went a little better. Adrienne had contacted my heart doctor and she gave an upper limit for my heart rate as 130. It was good we checked because I thought it was 150. So, she "upped" my rigor on the bikes and added another quad exercise. The gym was relatively empty until about 5:15 so she stayed with me pretty constantly. At least talking to her while I exercised eliminated some of the boredom.
Went home and had meatballs and tomato "sauce," lettuce and cucumber salad, and eggplant. Had a medifast chocolate pudding later AND had a "snack" of celery and salsa. This time I added stretching to my calories expended so this was a subtract of nearly 200 calories (with the biking and weights). But, since I had eaten ground beef, I still had a net calorie of 786. I thought this was better than the first day.
New challenge for Thursday (will the scale PLEASE go down one more pound???)
I have meetings that run through 5:30 and the gym at 6:00. My lean and green meal must be moved up in the day and I have to have 4 other meals before I get home.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Another Consult; Another Challenge
Well, I reached the 10 pound mark and then got stuck there. On Thursday, I had my second PT consult. This time I met with Adrienne who weighed me, measured me in seven(!) places, and had me do some "tests." These included resting heart rate. Mine was 78, the lowest I've seen in a long time. I also had to do some strength and flexibility tests. I found out that I am stronger than 84 of 100 people my height, weight, and age! We spent some time setting goals and going over the medically adapted gym program. We set up two weeks' worth of appointments for me to come to the gym. She is going to call my doctor and get upper limits for my heart rate and then design a program for me. I'll start on Monday.
Okay, so I got ready for my two weekend challenges. The first was a dinner out at Bube's Brewery with 17 other people. I checked out their website on Thursday and saw they had three different menus for the various restaurants they house. I called to check if the one I thought it was was right and it was, so I checked it out and tried to decide what I could order. Most of the appetizers were fried or off limits, none of the sandwiches or "light fare" was within the plan, but I noticed I could get a small filet mignon and a salad. So, I settled on doing that.
I got through Thursday fine having Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal, an Orange Creme Shake (still loving these), Chicken and Rice soup with multigrain crackers (Medifast, of course-- not bad, but they had not salt on them). I went to the PT and forgot to eat my bar on the way, which was a mistake because although my appointment was for 4:30, I didn't get out of there until after 6:00. I ate a Lemon Meringue Bar on the way home (I have water with me all the time now). Luckily, I had my meals ready from my cook-a-thon last Sunday. I had Broccoli Chicken Dijon. This was very good. A couple hours later I had a Dutch Chocolate Shake and went to bed. If I take a sleeping pill, I can now sleep about 5 hours before I have to go to the bathroom. This is much better.
I was set for Friday. I had Peach oatmeal, a Banana Creme Shake, Chicken Noodle Soup, and a peanut butter bar. I left for the restaurant and remembered to take some of my own ( well, really Newman's Own) salad dressing with me.
When I got there everyone had a drink. Since they were all standing around socializing, it would be obvious I didn't have one. I debated whether to have a diet Pepsi (the ONLY diet drink they had) and decided against it. The waitress must have asked me six times if I wanted a drink before we sat down to dinner.
Well, talk about slow dinner service! Our reservation was for 6:45, but the first food didn't come out until after 8. I did order the filet which ended up being delicious and a salad and used my own dressing. I don't think anyone noticed this. It was hard to see people eating cheese and jalepeno poppers, hot wings, and nachos as appetizers (and being offered some!) especially since we were waiting so long for food. I grabbed one celery stick from a friend's wing dish and tried to be satisfied. When I left I was glad I had stayed on the plan. I had forgotten to bring another "meal" which I was going to eat on the way home in the car. So, I had a chocolate shake as soon as I came home. At 969 calories, this was my biggest day of eating so far, but it wasn't as much fat as eating the "real" scrambled eggs on Wednesday.
Saturday, I was hoping to see a lower number on the scale, but I was STILL stuck at a 10 pound loss. I thanked my stars I at least didn't gain weight from eating out and and set out to prepare myself for the day's challenge. I had thought things through and figured I could have some pork, fresh veggies and a salad if there was one. I would have to figure out how to have 4 of my six meals (including the pork) on the road and at the picnic since it was a two hour drive and we would spend 4-5 hours there. I tried the Cranberry Mango "drink" and it was pretty good, had some water so I would be sure to have at last one bathroom break before we set off. I decided I should make the mini muffins and cookies again to take along as they would be portable and wouldn't require me mixing something with water or cooking. I hadn't planned well and I was running late when I went to cook them. The cookies turned out fine, but I couldn't get the muffins to "set." I finally decided to scrape them out of the muffin pan and put them in a baggie. They were actually pretty well done when I left. As soon as I got in the car with Sue and mom, it was time for me to eat. So I ate the muffins and although they didn't hold together very well, they tasted good. This seemed like good timing (11:15) since we would get to the pig roast around one, and we were supposed to eat at 2.
As soon as we got there, I was faced with some challenges. I tucked my "supplies" out of the way and went out to the back yard. I had brought 5 bottles of water along with my food, just in case and decided I should bring a salad and dressing with me, also just in case. Both of these turned out to be smart moves.
Out back, there was a table full of potato chips and corn chips along with some salsa. There were lots of good looking mixed drinks (and beer, too). They had Yuengling Light, Nate, and some people were saying they never heard of Yuengling. I went inside to use the bathroom (of course) and the smell of macaroni and cheese filled the room.
I avoided most of this, but someone came beside me and left a plate of potato chips on the seat next to me and walked away for 10-15 minutes. These are one of my addictions. I lived through it (laugh).
And-- No roasting pig! I was going to have to re-adjust my plan. I hoped they were having some kind of plain meat I could eat.
Lunch was put off for an hour and it was getting tricky for me since it was time for me to eat. I decided to see if there were any veggies so I went to look at the food tables, which were inside. There were, so I took a few and then walked over to the chip table and got some salsa (this IS allowed on the plan). It was still tempting to see the chips, though.
When the dishes were uncovered, oh my goodness-- there were LOTS of things I couldn't eat. But they did have some chicken breasts and sliced pork, so I went for those, trying to avoid looking at the potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, and other delicious smelling sides. I was able to take one deviled egg. Since they didn't have any salad, I got my own out and had that with the meat. Well, this day turned out to be a real challenge because the chicken seemed over cooked to me so it was not satisfying. The pork was tasteless so I stopped eating that after one bite. The egg was the best part! Because I wasn't feeling satisfied, I got one small link of sausage and peppers-- sausage is definitely NOT a lean meat. This tasted good and made me feel a little better and less deprived. It was tough to watch everyone eat food that looked good. Plus Aunt Flo brought a tray of homemade fudge around FOUR times, specifically offering it to me each time.
After a couple hours, I realized I had to eat one of my medifast meals. I chose a bag of "cheese puffs" which is a meal product I hadn't tried yet. Well, if I thought I was getting something anywhere near a real cheese puff, I was mistaken. These were the size of small croutons and tasted like cardboard with a little parmesan and not really even THAT good. So, it was a tough day as far as getting good food. During our two hour drive back, it was time for me to eat again, so I had a lemon meringue bar. When I got home I still needed one more meal, a dutch chocolate shake.
So, I got up Sunday wondering if I would still be at a 10 pound loss (or if even a small indiscretion like the sausage would send me backwards.) YEA! Another 2 pounds gone. I was relieved.
Sunday went well. I had the Medifast Chocolate Chip pancakes with a little sugar free, low carb syrup. I enjoyed these again. At 11, I decided to have my lean and green meal and I chose the flounder stuffed with crab meat. I made some zucchini and some cauliflower "mashed potatoes." This was a delicious meal. I went out to do some shopping and got home just in time to eat again! This time I had a fruit and nut bar. I followed this with a swiss mocha shake with caramel flavoring and chicken noddle soup (both Medifast). I topped this off with a Mint Chocolate Bar. On going to bed, I was planning how I would handle tomorrow's challenge: the district secretaries' luncheon! I might have to take some time to plan what to do if what they are having isn't on my plan.
Okay, so I got ready for my two weekend challenges. The first was a dinner out at Bube's Brewery with 17 other people. I checked out their website on Thursday and saw they had three different menus for the various restaurants they house. I called to check if the one I thought it was was right and it was, so I checked it out and tried to decide what I could order. Most of the appetizers were fried or off limits, none of the sandwiches or "light fare" was within the plan, but I noticed I could get a small filet mignon and a salad. So, I settled on doing that.
I got through Thursday fine having Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal, an Orange Creme Shake (still loving these), Chicken and Rice soup with multigrain crackers (Medifast, of course-- not bad, but they had not salt on them). I went to the PT and forgot to eat my bar on the way, which was a mistake because although my appointment was for 4:30, I didn't get out of there until after 6:00. I ate a Lemon Meringue Bar on the way home (I have water with me all the time now). Luckily, I had my meals ready from my cook-a-thon last Sunday. I had Broccoli Chicken Dijon. This was very good. A couple hours later I had a Dutch Chocolate Shake and went to bed. If I take a sleeping pill, I can now sleep about 5 hours before I have to go to the bathroom. This is much better.
I was set for Friday. I had Peach oatmeal, a Banana Creme Shake, Chicken Noodle Soup, and a peanut butter bar. I left for the restaurant and remembered to take some of my own ( well, really Newman's Own) salad dressing with me.
When I got there everyone had a drink. Since they were all standing around socializing, it would be obvious I didn't have one. I debated whether to have a diet Pepsi (the ONLY diet drink they had) and decided against it. The waitress must have asked me six times if I wanted a drink before we sat down to dinner.
Well, talk about slow dinner service! Our reservation was for 6:45, but the first food didn't come out until after 8. I did order the filet which ended up being delicious and a salad and used my own dressing. I don't think anyone noticed this. It was hard to see people eating cheese and jalepeno poppers, hot wings, and nachos as appetizers (and being offered some!) especially since we were waiting so long for food. I grabbed one celery stick from a friend's wing dish and tried to be satisfied. When I left I was glad I had stayed on the plan. I had forgotten to bring another "meal" which I was going to eat on the way home in the car. So, I had a chocolate shake as soon as I came home. At 969 calories, this was my biggest day of eating so far, but it wasn't as much fat as eating the "real" scrambled eggs on Wednesday.
Saturday, I was hoping to see a lower number on the scale, but I was STILL stuck at a 10 pound loss. I thanked my stars I at least didn't gain weight from eating out and and set out to prepare myself for the day's challenge. I had thought things through and figured I could have some pork, fresh veggies and a salad if there was one. I would have to figure out how to have 4 of my six meals (including the pork) on the road and at the picnic since it was a two hour drive and we would spend 4-5 hours there. I tried the Cranberry Mango "drink" and it was pretty good, had some water so I would be sure to have at last one bathroom break before we set off. I decided I should make the mini muffins and cookies again to take along as they would be portable and wouldn't require me mixing something with water or cooking. I hadn't planned well and I was running late when I went to cook them. The cookies turned out fine, but I couldn't get the muffins to "set." I finally decided to scrape them out of the muffin pan and put them in a baggie. They were actually pretty well done when I left. As soon as I got in the car with Sue and mom, it was time for me to eat. So I ate the muffins and although they didn't hold together very well, they tasted good. This seemed like good timing (11:15) since we would get to the pig roast around one, and we were supposed to eat at 2.
As soon as we got there, I was faced with some challenges. I tucked my "supplies" out of the way and went out to the back yard. I had brought 5 bottles of water along with my food, just in case and decided I should bring a salad and dressing with me, also just in case. Both of these turned out to be smart moves.
Out back, there was a table full of potato chips and corn chips along with some salsa. There were lots of good looking mixed drinks (and beer, too). They had Yuengling Light, Nate, and some people were saying they never heard of Yuengling. I went inside to use the bathroom (of course) and the smell of macaroni and cheese filled the room.
I avoided most of this, but someone came beside me and left a plate of potato chips on the seat next to me and walked away for 10-15 minutes. These are one of my addictions. I lived through it (laugh).
And-- No roasting pig! I was going to have to re-adjust my plan. I hoped they were having some kind of plain meat I could eat.
Lunch was put off for an hour and it was getting tricky for me since it was time for me to eat. I decided to see if there were any veggies so I went to look at the food tables, which were inside. There were, so I took a few and then walked over to the chip table and got some salsa (this IS allowed on the plan). It was still tempting to see the chips, though.
When the dishes were uncovered, oh my goodness-- there were LOTS of things I couldn't eat. But they did have some chicken breasts and sliced pork, so I went for those, trying to avoid looking at the potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, and other delicious smelling sides. I was able to take one deviled egg. Since they didn't have any salad, I got my own out and had that with the meat. Well, this day turned out to be a real challenge because the chicken seemed over cooked to me so it was not satisfying. The pork was tasteless so I stopped eating that after one bite. The egg was the best part! Because I wasn't feeling satisfied, I got one small link of sausage and peppers-- sausage is definitely NOT a lean meat. This tasted good and made me feel a little better and less deprived. It was tough to watch everyone eat food that looked good. Plus Aunt Flo brought a tray of homemade fudge around FOUR times, specifically offering it to me each time.
After a couple hours, I realized I had to eat one of my medifast meals. I chose a bag of "cheese puffs" which is a meal product I hadn't tried yet. Well, if I thought I was getting something anywhere near a real cheese puff, I was mistaken. These were the size of small croutons and tasted like cardboard with a little parmesan and not really even THAT good. So, it was a tough day as far as getting good food. During our two hour drive back, it was time for me to eat again, so I had a lemon meringue bar. When I got home I still needed one more meal, a dutch chocolate shake.
So, I got up Sunday wondering if I would still be at a 10 pound loss (or if even a small indiscretion like the sausage would send me backwards.) YEA! Another 2 pounds gone. I was relieved.
Sunday went well. I had the Medifast Chocolate Chip pancakes with a little sugar free, low carb syrup. I enjoyed these again. At 11, I decided to have my lean and green meal and I chose the flounder stuffed with crab meat. I made some zucchini and some cauliflower "mashed potatoes." This was a delicious meal. I went out to do some shopping and got home just in time to eat again! This time I had a fruit and nut bar. I followed this with a swiss mocha shake with caramel flavoring and chicken noddle soup (both Medifast). I topped this off with a Mint Chocolate Bar. On going to bed, I was planning how I would handle tomorrow's challenge: the district secretaries' luncheon! I might have to take some time to plan what to do if what they are having isn't on my plan.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
First Week Weigh In
Okay, so I know you want to know the results of the first weigh in (I just weigh myself) after I have been on the plan for a week, so I'll start with that, then go back and give you the low down from Monday to today.
Well, although I had some misgivings after the district breakfast I had to attend, I did end up losing 10 pounds. I am on my way to my next 10...
Tuesday, August 10
6:45 AM I'm ready to leave the house and grab my peach mini muffins that I made from the Medifast oatmeal. I plan on having these and filling my glass with Crystal Light Orange Sunrise. I am nervous, but feel I have a plan. I eat two muffins on the way. They are bite sized. When I get to Four Seasons where the breakfast is being catered, my custodians see me right away and lead me to a table. The breakfast is a thank you for our support staff. I'm glad they come get me because it means I won't have to sit with the other principals and explain why I am eating differently from everyone. However, there are no plates on the table because it is buffet. I need to get in line with my table to get a plate. I decide to have some of the scrambled eggs that are there since they look like they are made from real eggs. Eggs are on the diet, but I will have to adjust my "real meal" later in the day as they count as protein. I take an amount that seems within the limits and then see they have ham, not bacon. I take two small triangles, about 1" each side and very thin. I get out of line before I move past the french toast, etc.
At my seat, I pull out four mini muffins and add them to my plate. I was sitting beside one of our younger custodians who is rather shy, very nice, and is slightly "challenged" from a brain tumor when he was 15. He noticed the muffins and asked what they were. I said oatmeal muffins. He said, "Are you on a restricted diet?" I said yes and he said, "My mother is on a restricted diet. It's hard." BIG SIGH (from me). Everyone else heard and there were no more questions, just acceptance.
What I didn't remember until the night before, was that my challenges would just continue. We were to go right from the breakfast meeting to central office for Admin Meeting. This is usually a 3-4 hour meeting. I realized ahead of time that I would need another "meal" during this meeting. I brought a "S'mores" crunch bar and some water, which I kept refilling while we were meeting. Some others had brought a drink: water, soda, coffee. But I think I was the only one with a snack. I was the lucky one as the meeting lasted until after 12.
1:00 I head back to my building because it is time for me to eat again!! I have some of the Chicken Noodle Soup and am glad to find I still like it. I discover when I log my breakfast and lunch in my Lose It app that the breakfast was the most fat, calories, and sodium I have had all week! I think about skipping my lean and green later in the day and having one of the snack foods or meals instead.
5:00 I get home and I get on the scale just to see if I've done any real "damage." Guilt from this morning's "feast" at breakfast is getting to me. I am shocked when I get on (even though this is a "heavy" time of day for me.) I know when I weigh myself in the morning I will be a couple pounds lighter, but I began to worry that I had gained a pound or two back. I didn't want that. Even so, I decide I am too hungry to just have a snack, so I figure I will eat the "crab imperial" I made and have a salad because crab is very low calorie and fat, and I haven't had any veggies today. This was smart because I think I would have been starving. As it was, it wasn't really a FULL extra meal since I only ate half the crab (about 3 oz instead of the 7). The crab was really just some seasoned crabmeat with a tiny bit of eggbeaters to hold it together, but it is really good. I made some green beans (I had gotten some FRESH snap beans and you'd be surprised how long they last when you are only eating a half cup at a time.) I make them so they are still crisp. I have a small bowl of tomatoes and cucumbers.
8:00 I have a vanilla shake and add DaVinci Sugar Free Caramel Syrup.....mmmmm and eat the last two of my muffins with this.
9:30 Still not completely satisfied I have a Kemp's Sugar Free Lime Popsicle. I figured I could stand the 10 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, no sugar.
So I have a pretty restless night-- up a few times.
Wednesday I get up in the morning to "face the music" and am delighted that I have actually lost one more pound for a total of 10 pounds in one week!
Today I tried a new item-- Medifast Maryland Crab Soup. It was very good: nice and spicy. I may try the Peanut Butter soft serve tonight for my last meal. I'm going to heat up a serving of the meatballs and fresh tomato sauce with a green salad as my dinner. I'm getting hungry now-- well, for heaven's sake, I haven't eaten since 4:30 and it's almost 6 now.
Still two challenges this week: dinner out Friday night and the Pig Roast on Saturday. I will see some of you there on Saturday where you WILL see less of me than you saw the last time you saw me!
Well, although I had some misgivings after the district breakfast I had to attend, I did end up losing 10 pounds. I am on my way to my next 10...
Tuesday, August 10
6:45 AM I'm ready to leave the house and grab my peach mini muffins that I made from the Medifast oatmeal. I plan on having these and filling my glass with Crystal Light Orange Sunrise. I am nervous, but feel I have a plan. I eat two muffins on the way. They are bite sized. When I get to Four Seasons where the breakfast is being catered, my custodians see me right away and lead me to a table. The breakfast is a thank you for our support staff. I'm glad they come get me because it means I won't have to sit with the other principals and explain why I am eating differently from everyone. However, there are no plates on the table because it is buffet. I need to get in line with my table to get a plate. I decide to have some of the scrambled eggs that are there since they look like they are made from real eggs. Eggs are on the diet, but I will have to adjust my "real meal" later in the day as they count as protein. I take an amount that seems within the limits and then see they have ham, not bacon. I take two small triangles, about 1" each side and very thin. I get out of line before I move past the french toast, etc.
At my seat, I pull out four mini muffins and add them to my plate. I was sitting beside one of our younger custodians who is rather shy, very nice, and is slightly "challenged" from a brain tumor when he was 15. He noticed the muffins and asked what they were. I said oatmeal muffins. He said, "Are you on a restricted diet?" I said yes and he said, "My mother is on a restricted diet. It's hard." BIG SIGH (from me). Everyone else heard and there were no more questions, just acceptance.
What I didn't remember until the night before, was that my challenges would just continue. We were to go right from the breakfast meeting to central office for Admin Meeting. This is usually a 3-4 hour meeting. I realized ahead of time that I would need another "meal" during this meeting. I brought a "S'mores" crunch bar and some water, which I kept refilling while we were meeting. Some others had brought a drink: water, soda, coffee. But I think I was the only one with a snack. I was the lucky one as the meeting lasted until after 12.
1:00 I head back to my building because it is time for me to eat again!! I have some of the Chicken Noodle Soup and am glad to find I still like it. I discover when I log my breakfast and lunch in my Lose It app that the breakfast was the most fat, calories, and sodium I have had all week! I think about skipping my lean and green later in the day and having one of the snack foods or meals instead.
5:00 I get home and I get on the scale just to see if I've done any real "damage." Guilt from this morning's "feast" at breakfast is getting to me. I am shocked when I get on (even though this is a "heavy" time of day for me.) I know when I weigh myself in the morning I will be a couple pounds lighter, but I began to worry that I had gained a pound or two back. I didn't want that. Even so, I decide I am too hungry to just have a snack, so I figure I will eat the "crab imperial" I made and have a salad because crab is very low calorie and fat, and I haven't had any veggies today. This was smart because I think I would have been starving. As it was, it wasn't really a FULL extra meal since I only ate half the crab (about 3 oz instead of the 7). The crab was really just some seasoned crabmeat with a tiny bit of eggbeaters to hold it together, but it is really good. I made some green beans (I had gotten some FRESH snap beans and you'd be surprised how long they last when you are only eating a half cup at a time.) I make them so they are still crisp. I have a small bowl of tomatoes and cucumbers.
8:00 I have a vanilla shake and add DaVinci Sugar Free Caramel Syrup.....mmmmm and eat the last two of my muffins with this.
9:30 Still not completely satisfied I have a Kemp's Sugar Free Lime Popsicle. I figured I could stand the 10 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, no sugar.
So I have a pretty restless night-- up a few times.
Wednesday I get up in the morning to "face the music" and am delighted that I have actually lost one more pound for a total of 10 pounds in one week!
Today I tried a new item-- Medifast Maryland Crab Soup. It was very good: nice and spicy. I may try the Peanut Butter soft serve tonight for my last meal. I'm going to heat up a serving of the meatballs and fresh tomato sauce with a green salad as my dinner. I'm getting hungry now-- well, for heaven's sake, I haven't eaten since 4:30 and it's almost 6 now.
Still two challenges this week: dinner out Friday night and the Pig Roast on Saturday. I will see some of you there on Saturday where you WILL see less of me than you saw the last time you saw me!
Monday, August 9, 2010
My First PT Consult
So, I get up (after getting up 3 times at night) and weigh myself. 9 lbs gone! I had tried a sleeping pill AND my C PaP (which I used to use faithfully, but which has bothered me a lot in the past 6 months-- I'm trying to "re-train" myself).
7:OO AM I make a Crystal Light Sunrise drink and drink it on the way to work. I grab my "oatmeal cookies" for breakfast. When I sat down to eat them, they were great! The mix had made seven cookies about the size of a half dollar. This was PLENTY! Start my water!!
I plan to have a shake at 10 AM, but a teacher comes in to talk to me with a concern and to "catch up" about 9:45 and before I know it, it is nearly 10:45.
I hear a familiar voice in the outer room, but I head into the office kitchen to make my Mocha Shake. In my hurry, I put in too much peppermint extract (to kill the "mocha") and I end up having a REALLY refreshing drink (laugh). I carry this with me as I go out to talk to my old boss (whose job I now have) who stopped in just to catch up with everyone. I am busy working on the schedule for the new year, but I go out and talk for a few minutes. He invites us all out to lunch and while they consider where to go, they decide to order in. I say, "Good, because I couldn't go any way. With my secretaries talking to him, I sneak back into my office to work.
One of the secretaries goes out to pick up their lunch while the other gets back to work. He comes in and visits me while he waits for lunch. After about 15 minutes, she comes back with a pizza! OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was a little too much for me. I decide I can't eat with them, as this would be too much temptation. I busy myself with my work and try to ignore the fact that they are right outside my office door enjoying pizza. If I look up, I can see them.
Once their lunch was over, my former boss leaves and I head in to make MY lunch. I THOUGHT I was having soup, but to my surprise, there is no soup in my pre-packed baggie. So I have Vanilla Pudding. This is pretty good, with a slight "french vanilla" flavor.
3:45, my health coach calls and tells me she left a referral form at the physical therapist for my appointment and also a "goodie bag."
4:10
I eat a Strawberry Crunch Bar in the car on the way to my appointment. I also am prepared with bottled water! I arrive for my appointment at 4:20 and the receptionist welcomes me by name, even though we've never met. She hands me a small bag with some Medifast samples for me to try that Gretchen left for me -- mango soft serve, crackers, fruit drinks, Maryland crab soup and more! It's funny how excited you can get about something like this-- more choices! And she has left a LOT of recipes for me that are made from Medifast products. OH MY GOD! The first item is BREAD!
After filling out a long form, I go into the waiting room to meet the PT. This place provides physical therapy and is a M.A.G.-- a medically adapted gym. The PT is pleasant and friendly and asks me lots of questions. I mention some lower back pain that keeps me from enjoying walking and even standing. He asks me to stand up and bend down and touch my toes. He is surprised I can touch not only my toes, but the floor. I bend back, stand on my toes, on my heels (did I mention I've had two fake knees for 5 years?)I get on the exam table and we do a number of leg bending and stretching moves. I am happy to discover that he doesn't think I need surgery or have a disc problem. He finds this out when he presses, hard, on my left upper buttock and I have nearly excruciating pain. He says this is a muscle problem, tells me I can skip the physical therapy part and go right to MAG. I leave with some muscle stretching exercises and advice on how to stand.
I make an appointment for two days later with the person in charge of the gym part of the program. She will design a routine for me that will help me in the weight loss, take shape plan.
6:30 I get home and decide my leftover shrimp cocktail and a big salad are just what I need. They were great!
8:30 I have the Mango soft serve! This was very good. A different treat. A little runny, so I may have added too much water or ice! Nevertheless, I ate it all.
10:10-- feeling a little hungry. I check my iPhone app and see that I still have only consumed 700 calories, so I go ahead and cave and have a snack. I decide on sugar free lemon jello, which I have made and have ready ahead of time. I do my stretches and go to bed.
7:OO AM I make a Crystal Light Sunrise drink and drink it on the way to work. I grab my "oatmeal cookies" for breakfast. When I sat down to eat them, they were great! The mix had made seven cookies about the size of a half dollar. This was PLENTY! Start my water!!
I plan to have a shake at 10 AM, but a teacher comes in to talk to me with a concern and to "catch up" about 9:45 and before I know it, it is nearly 10:45.
I hear a familiar voice in the outer room, but I head into the office kitchen to make my Mocha Shake. In my hurry, I put in too much peppermint extract (to kill the "mocha") and I end up having a REALLY refreshing drink (laugh). I carry this with me as I go out to talk to my old boss (whose job I now have) who stopped in just to catch up with everyone. I am busy working on the schedule for the new year, but I go out and talk for a few minutes. He invites us all out to lunch and while they consider where to go, they decide to order in. I say, "Good, because I couldn't go any way. With my secretaries talking to him, I sneak back into my office to work.
One of the secretaries goes out to pick up their lunch while the other gets back to work. He comes in and visits me while he waits for lunch. After about 15 minutes, she comes back with a pizza! OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was a little too much for me. I decide I can't eat with them, as this would be too much temptation. I busy myself with my work and try to ignore the fact that they are right outside my office door enjoying pizza. If I look up, I can see them.
Once their lunch was over, my former boss leaves and I head in to make MY lunch. I THOUGHT I was having soup, but to my surprise, there is no soup in my pre-packed baggie. So I have Vanilla Pudding. This is pretty good, with a slight "french vanilla" flavor.
3:45, my health coach calls and tells me she left a referral form at the physical therapist for my appointment and also a "goodie bag."
4:10
I eat a Strawberry Crunch Bar in the car on the way to my appointment. I also am prepared with bottled water! I arrive for my appointment at 4:20 and the receptionist welcomes me by name, even though we've never met. She hands me a small bag with some Medifast samples for me to try that Gretchen left for me -- mango soft serve, crackers, fruit drinks, Maryland crab soup and more! It's funny how excited you can get about something like this-- more choices! And she has left a LOT of recipes for me that are made from Medifast products. OH MY GOD! The first item is BREAD!
After filling out a long form, I go into the waiting room to meet the PT. This place provides physical therapy and is a M.A.G.-- a medically adapted gym. The PT is pleasant and friendly and asks me lots of questions. I mention some lower back pain that keeps me from enjoying walking and even standing. He asks me to stand up and bend down and touch my toes. He is surprised I can touch not only my toes, but the floor. I bend back, stand on my toes, on my heels (did I mention I've had two fake knees for 5 years?)I get on the exam table and we do a number of leg bending and stretching moves. I am happy to discover that he doesn't think I need surgery or have a disc problem. He finds this out when he presses, hard, on my left upper buttock and I have nearly excruciating pain. He says this is a muscle problem, tells me I can skip the physical therapy part and go right to MAG. I leave with some muscle stretching exercises and advice on how to stand.
I make an appointment for two days later with the person in charge of the gym part of the program. She will design a routine for me that will help me in the weight loss, take shape plan.
6:30 I get home and decide my leftover shrimp cocktail and a big salad are just what I need. They were great!
8:30 I have the Mango soft serve! This was very good. A different treat. A little runny, so I may have added too much water or ice! Nevertheless, I ate it all.
10:10-- feeling a little hungry. I check my iPhone app and see that I still have only consumed 700 calories, so I go ahead and cave and have a snack. I decide on sugar free lemon jello, which I have made and have ready ahead of time. I do my stretches and go to bed.
A Weekend Challenge
Well, things did not go quite as I planned. I had to make some adjustments in the plan to accommodate my hunger. This was the first time I really had an issue with it. I think it might have been because I was at home, not at work.
1:30 I had a Mocha Shake which I "doctored" with almond extract.
About 3:00 I had a Strawberry Shake to which I add some Torani Sugar Free Raspberry syrup. This make a richer shake.
By 4:00 I was really hungry. I had been planning to have my "Lean and Green" meal at 5:30, but I couldn't wait. I contemplated what to do and decided since I was thinking about "surf and turf" anyway, why not eat the "surf" now? So, I weigh out 3 oz of steamed shrimp and am surprised this is 12 medium shrimp! I use a little cocktail sauce and feel like I'm being decadent.
I was able to wait until 6:30 for my dinner. I had 3 oz of London broil which I re-heated in a very small amount of beef broth with some mushrooms. I also had green beans (fresh!) with a little butter spray and Mrs. Dash. With this I had a salad with romaine, iceberg, spinach, some tomatoes, and Newman's Own dressing.
9:00 I tried the Banana Pudding. THIS time, I knew how to use the shaker jar and I didn't make a mess. This did not appeal to me. The flavor just wasn't right. Still drinking my 64 oz of water!
Went to bed about 11 and took an Ambien. I still got up 3 times to go to the bathroom!
8:00 AM Sunday Had a chocolate shake while I read the paper and started the NYT Crossword. I had decided that I would pre-make some Lean and Green meal proteins. My health coach had given me some recipes and I decided to make Broccoli Chicken Divan and Meatballs and Sauce from those she gave me. I also decided to make a crock pot pork tenderloin, and since I had bought an (expensive) pound of crabmeat, crab imperial and flounder stuffed with crabmeat. I got started on some of this and-- you guessed it-- it was time to eat again!
11:00 I had the Blueberry Oatmeal. This was "okay" but I was disappointed in the flavor. I continued my culinary excursion. The "sauce" for the meatballs was made from fresh tomatoes. The cooking time was only 10-15 minutes. This was really too short to make a real sauce. So, I took the cooked tomatoes and seasoning and pureed them. I split this up among the pound and a quarter of 96% lean ground beef. I had 4 portions of regular sized meatballs, 4 and a half in each portion!
I found a flounder/crab recipe online and adapted it to Take Shape for Life requirements-- no bread crumbs! Instead, to hold the crab together, I used some eggbeaters. And of course no lump of butter on the top! But, with butter flavor Pam on the bottom of the baking dish and some spray butter on top, this dish turned out delicious! I had four portions and froze three for future use.
3:30 I had the flounder I had just made as a lean and green meal. Along with this I had some green beans and a nice salad mix. This was A LOT of food. I decided since I had a messy kitchen now, I might as well try two Medifast recipes. I used the Peach oatmeal to make mini muffins. I thought I could take these in a baggie to my breakfast meeting. They looked pretty good and the one packet made 8 mini muffins. But, I probably didn't fill up the cups enough. I think next time I'll make 6. I then used the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal to make cookies. This just needed some baking powder and a little extra spice. The cookies turned out soft and I liked that about them.
6:00 I realize I have to get in THREE more meals today! I had some Chicken Noodle Soup and tried to set some timelines for the other two meals.
8:00 MMMMMM another Orange Creme Shake. This is quickly turning into my favorite. But the problem is it is already 8:30 when I am done and I need to get to bed by 10-10:30 since I have work tomorrow! I decide to take my Peanut Butter Crunch Bar upstairs with me (along with a 16 oz water) and eat it the last thing I do after I get ready for bed.
10:30-- I try the Peanut Butter Bar. Pretty good. I was a little concerned about drinking water so late, but c'est la vie!
1:30 I had a Mocha Shake which I "doctored" with almond extract.
About 3:00 I had a Strawberry Shake to which I add some Torani Sugar Free Raspberry syrup. This make a richer shake.
By 4:00 I was really hungry. I had been planning to have my "Lean and Green" meal at 5:30, but I couldn't wait. I contemplated what to do and decided since I was thinking about "surf and turf" anyway, why not eat the "surf" now? So, I weigh out 3 oz of steamed shrimp and am surprised this is 12 medium shrimp! I use a little cocktail sauce and feel like I'm being decadent.
I was able to wait until 6:30 for my dinner. I had 3 oz of London broil which I re-heated in a very small amount of beef broth with some mushrooms. I also had green beans (fresh!) with a little butter spray and Mrs. Dash. With this I had a salad with romaine, iceberg, spinach, some tomatoes, and Newman's Own dressing.
9:00 I tried the Banana Pudding. THIS time, I knew how to use the shaker jar and I didn't make a mess. This did not appeal to me. The flavor just wasn't right. Still drinking my 64 oz of water!
Went to bed about 11 and took an Ambien. I still got up 3 times to go to the bathroom!
8:00 AM Sunday Had a chocolate shake while I read the paper and started the NYT Crossword. I had decided that I would pre-make some Lean and Green meal proteins. My health coach had given me some recipes and I decided to make Broccoli Chicken Divan and Meatballs and Sauce from those she gave me. I also decided to make a crock pot pork tenderloin, and since I had bought an (expensive) pound of crabmeat, crab imperial and flounder stuffed with crabmeat. I got started on some of this and-- you guessed it-- it was time to eat again!
11:00 I had the Blueberry Oatmeal. This was "okay" but I was disappointed in the flavor. I continued my culinary excursion. The "sauce" for the meatballs was made from fresh tomatoes. The cooking time was only 10-15 minutes. This was really too short to make a real sauce. So, I took the cooked tomatoes and seasoning and pureed them. I split this up among the pound and a quarter of 96% lean ground beef. I had 4 portions of regular sized meatballs, 4 and a half in each portion!
I found a flounder/crab recipe online and adapted it to Take Shape for Life requirements-- no bread crumbs! Instead, to hold the crab together, I used some eggbeaters. And of course no lump of butter on the top! But, with butter flavor Pam on the bottom of the baking dish and some spray butter on top, this dish turned out delicious! I had four portions and froze three for future use.
3:30 I had the flounder I had just made as a lean and green meal. Along with this I had some green beans and a nice salad mix. This was A LOT of food. I decided since I had a messy kitchen now, I might as well try two Medifast recipes. I used the Peach oatmeal to make mini muffins. I thought I could take these in a baggie to my breakfast meeting. They looked pretty good and the one packet made 8 mini muffins. But, I probably didn't fill up the cups enough. I think next time I'll make 6. I then used the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal to make cookies. This just needed some baking powder and a little extra spice. The cookies turned out soft and I liked that about them.
6:00 I realize I have to get in THREE more meals today! I had some Chicken Noodle Soup and tried to set some timelines for the other two meals.
8:00 MMMMMM another Orange Creme Shake. This is quickly turning into my favorite. But the problem is it is already 8:30 when I am done and I need to get to bed by 10-10:30 since I have work tomorrow! I decide to take my Peanut Butter Crunch Bar upstairs with me (along with a 16 oz water) and eat it the last thing I do after I get ready for bed.
10:30-- I try the Peanut Butter Bar. Pretty good. I was a little concerned about drinking water so late, but c'est la vie!
Still Trying to Adjust
Well, I have made it through the first three days of Medifast without too many issues. My natural "klutzyness" seems to be the biggest problem. I got on the scale this morning and had lost 7 pounds ( remember I just started on Wednesday). I realize most if not all of this is water weight, but it is a start and is motivating and encouraging. I shared my first two days of meals already and I'll let you know the other things I tried yesterday and today. I should point out that I have had less than 900 each day. I have been keeping track of what I eat on my iPhone in an app called Lose It. I log my food and it tells me how many calories, how much protein, carbs, sodium, sugar, fat, cholesterol, and fiber I eat for each meal, for each day, and on average for the week. I also can log my weight in there. On Thursday I only ate 814 calories and that was the day I felt a bit lightheaded, so that may be the reason.
So here is what I've had on Friday and so far today.
7:00 AM Scrambled Eggs (Medifast powdered egg mix made with butter flavored Pam sprayed in a pan and some seasoning) These were not as bad as most powdered eggs. They seemed moister and this made them seem more like the real thing. Orange Sunrise Crystal Light, 16 0z. Starting drinking plain water to get a start on my 64 oz requirement.
9:30 AM Strawberry shake, made in my "Magic Bullet" with ice. This was okay, but not my favorite shake so far. More water.
1:00 PM Creamy Broccoli Soup. A little thin, but good flavor made better with a little seasoning. I read later that I could have added some extra steamed broccoli to this. Maybe I'll try this next time. Had some carbonated tropical fruit flavored water. Still drinking the plain water.
4:30PM Oatmeal Raisin bar. Surprisingly good, since it had a touch of cinnamon. The bars, by the way, are coated in a sweet, candy-like glaze. This one was white, others are dark chocolate. The bars have the consistency, but not the stickiness of Rice Krispie treats. Like I said before, they are "dense" but they are kind of small, about 3 inches.
6:00 Getting hungry. So I decide to start making my dinner. Today I decided to again have tilapia since I had made a bunch on the grill and seasoned different portions differently. I reheated it in a tiny bit of low sodium chicken broth and this let the flavor of grilling come through, but kept the fish moist. I was allowed to have 7 oz of this, and I must say it was a lot to eat-- my problem with eating the same flavor and texture. I made a salad again and had light balsamic dressing (Newman's Own has very low carb light dressings). I used chopped Spring Mix as my lettuce and added a total of 1/2 c of tomato and cucumber. One of my teachers stopped in today with fresh tomatoes from her garden and I used one of those--excellent! I also had some asparagus I had made on the grill earlier. I found out yesterday from my coach that I could "split up" my Lean and Green meal when I told her I was anxious to try the Medifast crackers, ground up, with crab meat to make a crab cake. The crackers are a "meal" and the crab would be a "meal," so I would have to split them up into two meals, which actually would be great. That way I could also have a salad at lunch, with a shake or something and the protein and one vegetable later, if I wanted. This makes the plan much more flexible. (note: I found out later this was a mistake. The crackers are a snack, not a meal. So, again more flexibility).
8:30 Getting hungry again, I have chocolate pudding (Medifast) to try as my 6th meal. I decided to try the Medifast "shaker cup" that came with my first batch of food (I guess they don't mind giving you a free $2 cup when you buy $300.00 worth of product). Well, you KNOW I had a disaster. I put in the water, then added the pudding powder, spilling some of it on the counter. I scooped up what I could, because I want ALL the calories I am allowed to have. I put the lid on. I didn't know you have to PUSH it DOWN, so liquidy brown stuff started to fly. I couldn't believe how it got some many places with one shake! So, sad to say, I lost about 1/8 of my one cup of pudding. I figured out how to close the cup. I used VERY cold water from the fridge so the pudding was ready in no time. I would say it didn't seem as smooth as what you might think a pudding would be, but it had a bit of the consistency of a mousse. But the flavor was very good and it was really filling. More water!!
Another night of getting up to pee 3 times!
8:00AM Chocolate chip pancakes (Medifast, of course). The mix made 3 3-4 inch kind of thin pancakes. This was good because I don't like think ones! I used the butter flavor Pam spray again and had sugar free low carb very lightly maple flavored syrup-- just a couple teaspoons. I like this syrup because it isn't overwhelmingly maple. It's just called Vermont Sugar Free. The pancakes were good and it was nice to eat a Medifast meal with a fork!
Went grocery shopping to Costco and Oregon Dairy--kind of odd, because there are whole sections of the stores you don't need to go to. Most of them, in fact. Gearing up for the week ahead, I got shrimp and crabmeat, flounder, and pork tenderloin. Oddly, neither store had the 99% fat free ground turkey or 96% FF ground beef. I'll have to try Giant or Stauffer's later today. I got a TON (laugh) of lettuce--romaine,iceberg, boston, spinach. I also got cauliflower and eggplant as well as some condiments and butter spray.
11:00 Time for another meal! I just made it home to do this. But I had my "bar" with me just in case. I am going to have to try to plan my days a little better in shorter segments. Today I tried a Fruit and Nut Crunch Bar. Also good. The sweetness this time was not a coating, but the fruit in the bar.
I still have 4 more meals to go today. I wanted to pace them so I had more food for the end of the day or I thought I might have a problem with hunger. I have 2 shakes and a vanilla pudding plus my real food meal. I think I will do shrimp today with a salad and another vegetable. Gretchen also told me I could have two DIFFERENT proteins as long as I followed the guidelines, so I COULD have a bit of surf and turf today since I also grilled a London Broil. So, I could have 3-4 oz of shrimp and 3 oz. beef. I'll see what I feel hungry for.
So, not too bad so far. And getting results sure helps. The week ahead will present several challenges. I have a district breakfast to go to where nothing will be "acceptable" except maybe the eggs-- it's catered by Enck's and they usually use powdered eggs. BUT they are not as good as the Medifast ones and I don't know if I want to waste my whole protein on something not so good.They'll have many temptations like bacon and sausage, french toast and syrup, FRUIT, sweet roles and donuts, juices, and warm sticky buns. I'll tell you how I handle that.
Also, I have a birthday celebration dinner for one of my bosses. As long as they have it somewhere where I can order a salad, seafood, and/or plain vegetables, I'll be okay, I think. The big problem will be when everyone is ordering wine or beer and I cannot. Same goes for any dessert (birthday cake???)
And then Saturday is a pig roast at Ideal. Again, I will be able to eat the pork, but I will probably have to bring along salad and dressing, and maybe some veggies for myself. I am sure there won't be ANYTHING else that looks appetizing at a picnic! Might as well get used to these situations now, as this is typically my life!
So here is what I've had on Friday and so far today.
7:00 AM Scrambled Eggs (Medifast powdered egg mix made with butter flavored Pam sprayed in a pan and some seasoning) These were not as bad as most powdered eggs. They seemed moister and this made them seem more like the real thing. Orange Sunrise Crystal Light, 16 0z. Starting drinking plain water to get a start on my 64 oz requirement.
9:30 AM Strawberry shake, made in my "Magic Bullet" with ice. This was okay, but not my favorite shake so far. More water.
1:00 PM Creamy Broccoli Soup. A little thin, but good flavor made better with a little seasoning. I read later that I could have added some extra steamed broccoli to this. Maybe I'll try this next time. Had some carbonated tropical fruit flavored water. Still drinking the plain water.
4:30PM Oatmeal Raisin bar. Surprisingly good, since it had a touch of cinnamon. The bars, by the way, are coated in a sweet, candy-like glaze. This one was white, others are dark chocolate. The bars have the consistency, but not the stickiness of Rice Krispie treats. Like I said before, they are "dense" but they are kind of small, about 3 inches.
6:00 Getting hungry. So I decide to start making my dinner. Today I decided to again have tilapia since I had made a bunch on the grill and seasoned different portions differently. I reheated it in a tiny bit of low sodium chicken broth and this let the flavor of grilling come through, but kept the fish moist. I was allowed to have 7 oz of this, and I must say it was a lot to eat-- my problem with eating the same flavor and texture. I made a salad again and had light balsamic dressing (Newman's Own has very low carb light dressings). I used chopped Spring Mix as my lettuce and added a total of 1/2 c of tomato and cucumber. One of my teachers stopped in today with fresh tomatoes from her garden and I used one of those--excellent! I also had some asparagus I had made on the grill earlier. I found out yesterday from my coach that I could "split up" my Lean and Green meal when I told her I was anxious to try the Medifast crackers, ground up, with crab meat to make a crab cake. The crackers are a "meal" and the crab would be a "meal," so I would have to split them up into two meals, which actually would be great. That way I could also have a salad at lunch, with a shake or something and the protein and one vegetable later, if I wanted. This makes the plan much more flexible. (note: I found out later this was a mistake. The crackers are a snack, not a meal. So, again more flexibility).
8:30 Getting hungry again, I have chocolate pudding (Medifast) to try as my 6th meal. I decided to try the Medifast "shaker cup" that came with my first batch of food (I guess they don't mind giving you a free $2 cup when you buy $300.00 worth of product). Well, you KNOW I had a disaster. I put in the water, then added the pudding powder, spilling some of it on the counter. I scooped up what I could, because I want ALL the calories I am allowed to have. I put the lid on. I didn't know you have to PUSH it DOWN, so liquidy brown stuff started to fly. I couldn't believe how it got some many places with one shake! So, sad to say, I lost about 1/8 of my one cup of pudding. I figured out how to close the cup. I used VERY cold water from the fridge so the pudding was ready in no time. I would say it didn't seem as smooth as what you might think a pudding would be, but it had a bit of the consistency of a mousse. But the flavor was very good and it was really filling. More water!!
Another night of getting up to pee 3 times!
8:00AM Chocolate chip pancakes (Medifast, of course). The mix made 3 3-4 inch kind of thin pancakes. This was good because I don't like think ones! I used the butter flavor Pam spray again and had sugar free low carb very lightly maple flavored syrup-- just a couple teaspoons. I like this syrup because it isn't overwhelmingly maple. It's just called Vermont Sugar Free. The pancakes were good and it was nice to eat a Medifast meal with a fork!
Went grocery shopping to Costco and Oregon Dairy--kind of odd, because there are whole sections of the stores you don't need to go to. Most of them, in fact. Gearing up for the week ahead, I got shrimp and crabmeat, flounder, and pork tenderloin. Oddly, neither store had the 99% fat free ground turkey or 96% FF ground beef. I'll have to try Giant or Stauffer's later today. I got a TON (laugh) of lettuce--romaine,iceberg, boston, spinach. I also got cauliflower and eggplant as well as some condiments and butter spray.
11:00 Time for another meal! I just made it home to do this. But I had my "bar" with me just in case. I am going to have to try to plan my days a little better in shorter segments. Today I tried a Fruit and Nut Crunch Bar. Also good. The sweetness this time was not a coating, but the fruit in the bar.
I still have 4 more meals to go today. I wanted to pace them so I had more food for the end of the day or I thought I might have a problem with hunger. I have 2 shakes and a vanilla pudding plus my real food meal. I think I will do shrimp today with a salad and another vegetable. Gretchen also told me I could have two DIFFERENT proteins as long as I followed the guidelines, so I COULD have a bit of surf and turf today since I also grilled a London Broil. So, I could have 3-4 oz of shrimp and 3 oz. beef. I'll see what I feel hungry for.
So, not too bad so far. And getting results sure helps. The week ahead will present several challenges. I have a district breakfast to go to where nothing will be "acceptable" except maybe the eggs-- it's catered by Enck's and they usually use powdered eggs. BUT they are not as good as the Medifast ones and I don't know if I want to waste my whole protein on something not so good.They'll have many temptations like bacon and sausage, french toast and syrup, FRUIT, sweet roles and donuts, juices, and warm sticky buns. I'll tell you how I handle that.
Also, I have a birthday celebration dinner for one of my bosses. As long as they have it somewhere where I can order a salad, seafood, and/or plain vegetables, I'll be okay, I think. The big problem will be when everyone is ordering wine or beer and I cannot. Same goes for any dessert (birthday cake???)
And then Saturday is a pig roast at Ideal. Again, I will be able to eat the pork, but I will probably have to bring along salad and dressing, and maybe some veggies for myself. I am sure there won't be ANYTHING else that looks appetizing at a picnic! Might as well get used to these situations now, as this is typically my life!
My First Two Days
Well, I have been on my Medifast meals for two days now. I thought I'd let you know what I ate and how I liked it. I thought you might be curious.
So, Day 1 ( Wednesday) I went to work with my baggie full of my products.
7:30 -
I ate my first "meal"-- it was a French Vanilla "shake." I have that in quotes, because it was closer to the consistency of milk than a milk shake. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't taste bad. It had good flavor, but maybe a SLIGHTLY chalky after taste. I also started on my 64 oz. water requirement.
9:30--
Time for my second meal. I had a meeting at 9:45, but figured I had plenty of time to microwave oatmeal. I was wrong. The cleaning crew just so happened to choose that morning to clean the office kitchen, so I couldn't get at the microwave. Not to be deterred, I walked down to the Home Ec room. I tried two different microwaves, but they were too "high tech" for me. So I now head off to the faculty room where the ancient microwave is more my speed. I heat up the oatmeal with no problem, except I am just about late for my meeting. I took a taste-- it was Peach flavored and pretty good. BUT, since I'm late for a meeting in another building, I decide to take it with me. It was in a mug, so I thought it might be okay. Well, when I got there my boss was a little late, so I ate a bit more oatmeal-- still good. In he comes. We go into his office and I take another bite, but since this is a meeting for my annual evaluation, I don't feel comfortable eating during it. The meeting is over at 11:15. I have a few errands to do in that building and had some things in my car to take in. I decide to try to finish the oatmeal while I'm at my car. This was a mistake. I was eating too quickly and started gagging. So, I stop eating, complete my tasks and go back to my building where I finally finish this (ONE CUP) of oatmeal at 12:05. My next meal was SUPPOSED to be at 12:30! Still drinking water.
1:30
Delayed my lunch and had Chicken Noodle Soup. I thought it would be an easy task to microwave this since the cleaning crew was now gone. Well, I should have read the directions first. It actually takes nearly 10 minutes to do it. Two and a half minutes on high. Take out and stir. Let sit one minute. One minute on high. Stir. Cover. Let sit @5 minutes. That wasn't the only thing. The office microwave is a super-cooker! The soup kept boiling over and I was upset that I was "losing" entire teaspoonfuls of my precious one cup portion! However, the soup was surprisingly good. Instead of being a clear chicken broth it was slightly creamy. A bit bland, but pepper is a condiment I can have and a dash worked wonders. Had Crystal Light lemonade too. I was behind on my water!!!
4:00--
On the way home I start feeling hungry so I decide it is time for my next "meal." I have a Lemon Meringue Crunch Bar with me and this seems the perfect time to try it. I take the first bite and the flavor is good, but it is so "dense" that I am sorry I don't have a bottle of water within reach. So, I decide after the second bite to wait to finish it until I get home and get water. I did this and I have to admit, I was sorry to get to the end of the bar.
6:30-
Time for my "Lean and Green" meal-- the "real" food of the day. I had grilled tilapia (7 oz.) with blanched and seasoned fresh green beans and a salad with romaine, a touch of collard greens, a little tomato and mushroom and a dash of Newman's Own Sun Dried Tomato dressing. It all tasted pretty good, but 7 oz of protein is a lot to get through. It felt pretty much like I was eating the same thing bite after bite. This was the only meal of the day that didn't "stay" with me, also. Still drinking water.
6:45-
My health coach called to see how I did and if I had any questions.
8:00-- A little early for my last meal, but I felt hungry so I had a Banana Creme shake. This was very good. I could have had a snack-- 1/2 cup of sugar free jello, 3 celery stalks ( WOW!) or 2 dill pickle spears, but I decided to do without the snack.
I was pretty tired, so I decided to try to sleep without a sleeping pill. This was a mistake. I was up 4 times during the night going to the bathroom. This wasn't good as one of the early issues in going on this diet is feeling tired. But, surprisingly I got through the day okay, even though I had a lot of detailed computer work to do on the schedule. My health coach, Gretchen, stopped in today to review some more of the program. She gave me some recipes and helped me with the online website. She took my weight and some "before" pictures. We set up my initial consultation with the physical therapist for Monday after work. She asked a couple of times how I was feeling. This just reinforced the idea that it takes your body a couple of days to adjust to this. She mentioned headaches, but I haven't really had that yet. I did feel a little light headed, but that could have been the lack of sleep. The only thing I really seem to be doing is burping.
Today's food preparation went a lot better. No silly gaffes or problems.
7:30-
I made Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal at work. This was good, but the Peach was better. Starting the water!
10:30
Forgot I was supposed to eat again and am just making a Mocha Chocolate Shake when Gretchen comes. You know I don't really like coffee, so after the first sip, I added a 1/8 tsp of peppermint extract and it is really pretty good.
12:30
I have Chicken and Wild Rice soup. This was also good, but I liked the Chicken Noodle better. (Hmmmm am I just getting more discerning?) More Crystal Light lemonade and water.
4:00
Time for a meal bar-- this time Mint Chocolate Crunch. This is very good and I have my water handy this time.
6:30
My "real meal" tonight was 6 oz grilled mustard tarragon turkey tenderloin, 1/2 cup seasoned zucchini, and 1 cup romaine lettuce with a combined 1/2 c tomato and cucumber.
8:00-
Orange Creme Shake. mmmmm this was delicious.
I was a little hungry going to bed last night, and I think I will be again tonight, but I am going to try to do without the "snack."
My challenges today were at one meeting there were three large containers of candy and nuts in the middle of the table. Then, when I stopped at a store to pick up some sugar free mints (to stave off that halitosis my sister told me is a side effect of low carb diets) I completely forgot I would have to go to the candy section. I was eying the red licorice but resisted.
So, one or two more days to see how I adjust. So far, so good, I guess. It's only been 2 days and already I have had 10 of the 70 products available and some of those are specific for diabetes and other things, so they really don't count. I can see it could get boring!
So, Day 1 ( Wednesday) I went to work with my baggie full of my products.
7:30 -
I ate my first "meal"-- it was a French Vanilla "shake." I have that in quotes, because it was closer to the consistency of milk than a milk shake. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't taste bad. It had good flavor, but maybe a SLIGHTLY chalky after taste. I also started on my 64 oz. water requirement.
9:30--
Time for my second meal. I had a meeting at 9:45, but figured I had plenty of time to microwave oatmeal. I was wrong. The cleaning crew just so happened to choose that morning to clean the office kitchen, so I couldn't get at the microwave. Not to be deterred, I walked down to the Home Ec room. I tried two different microwaves, but they were too "high tech" for me. So I now head off to the faculty room where the ancient microwave is more my speed. I heat up the oatmeal with no problem, except I am just about late for my meeting. I took a taste-- it was Peach flavored and pretty good. BUT, since I'm late for a meeting in another building, I decide to take it with me. It was in a mug, so I thought it might be okay. Well, when I got there my boss was a little late, so I ate a bit more oatmeal-- still good. In he comes. We go into his office and I take another bite, but since this is a meeting for my annual evaluation, I don't feel comfortable eating during it. The meeting is over at 11:15. I have a few errands to do in that building and had some things in my car to take in. I decide to try to finish the oatmeal while I'm at my car. This was a mistake. I was eating too quickly and started gagging. So, I stop eating, complete my tasks and go back to my building where I finally finish this (ONE CUP) of oatmeal at 12:05. My next meal was SUPPOSED to be at 12:30! Still drinking water.
1:30
Delayed my lunch and had Chicken Noodle Soup. I thought it would be an easy task to microwave this since the cleaning crew was now gone. Well, I should have read the directions first. It actually takes nearly 10 minutes to do it. Two and a half minutes on high. Take out and stir. Let sit one minute. One minute on high. Stir. Cover. Let sit @5 minutes. That wasn't the only thing. The office microwave is a super-cooker! The soup kept boiling over and I was upset that I was "losing" entire teaspoonfuls of my precious one cup portion! However, the soup was surprisingly good. Instead of being a clear chicken broth it was slightly creamy. A bit bland, but pepper is a condiment I can have and a dash worked wonders. Had Crystal Light lemonade too. I was behind on my water!!!
4:00--
On the way home I start feeling hungry so I decide it is time for my next "meal." I have a Lemon Meringue Crunch Bar with me and this seems the perfect time to try it. I take the first bite and the flavor is good, but it is so "dense" that I am sorry I don't have a bottle of water within reach. So, I decide after the second bite to wait to finish it until I get home and get water. I did this and I have to admit, I was sorry to get to the end of the bar.
6:30-
Time for my "Lean and Green" meal-- the "real" food of the day. I had grilled tilapia (7 oz.) with blanched and seasoned fresh green beans and a salad with romaine, a touch of collard greens, a little tomato and mushroom and a dash of Newman's Own Sun Dried Tomato dressing. It all tasted pretty good, but 7 oz of protein is a lot to get through. It felt pretty much like I was eating the same thing bite after bite. This was the only meal of the day that didn't "stay" with me, also. Still drinking water.
6:45-
My health coach called to see how I did and if I had any questions.
8:00-- A little early for my last meal, but I felt hungry so I had a Banana Creme shake. This was very good. I could have had a snack-- 1/2 cup of sugar free jello, 3 celery stalks ( WOW!) or 2 dill pickle spears, but I decided to do without the snack.
I was pretty tired, so I decided to try to sleep without a sleeping pill. This was a mistake. I was up 4 times during the night going to the bathroom. This wasn't good as one of the early issues in going on this diet is feeling tired. But, surprisingly I got through the day okay, even though I had a lot of detailed computer work to do on the schedule. My health coach, Gretchen, stopped in today to review some more of the program. She gave me some recipes and helped me with the online website. She took my weight and some "before" pictures. We set up my initial consultation with the physical therapist for Monday after work. She asked a couple of times how I was feeling. This just reinforced the idea that it takes your body a couple of days to adjust to this. She mentioned headaches, but I haven't really had that yet. I did feel a little light headed, but that could have been the lack of sleep. The only thing I really seem to be doing is burping.
Today's food preparation went a lot better. No silly gaffes or problems.
7:30-
I made Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal at work. This was good, but the Peach was better. Starting the water!
10:30
Forgot I was supposed to eat again and am just making a Mocha Chocolate Shake when Gretchen comes. You know I don't really like coffee, so after the first sip, I added a 1/8 tsp of peppermint extract and it is really pretty good.
12:30
I have Chicken and Wild Rice soup. This was also good, but I liked the Chicken Noodle better. (Hmmmm am I just getting more discerning?) More Crystal Light lemonade and water.
4:00
Time for a meal bar-- this time Mint Chocolate Crunch. This is very good and I have my water handy this time.
6:30
My "real meal" tonight was 6 oz grilled mustard tarragon turkey tenderloin, 1/2 cup seasoned zucchini, and 1 cup romaine lettuce with a combined 1/2 c tomato and cucumber.
8:00-
Orange Creme Shake. mmmmm this was delicious.
I was a little hungry going to bed last night, and I think I will be again tonight, but I am going to try to do without the "snack."
My challenges today were at one meeting there were three large containers of candy and nuts in the middle of the table. Then, when I stopped at a store to pick up some sugar free mints (to stave off that halitosis my sister told me is a side effect of low carb diets) I completely forgot I would have to go to the candy section. I was eying the red licorice but resisted.
So, one or two more days to see how I adjust. So far, so good, I guess. It's only been 2 days and already I have had 10 of the 70 products available and some of those are specific for diabetes and other things, so they really don't count. I can see it could get boring!
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