Today was my trip to Toronto I love that city - there is so much energy and people with so many different interesting backgrounds! I had to go and do a buying trip for my store. I carefully packed my cooler and planned a long-awaited cheat meal! (woohoo!)
Here is what the day looked like:
M1: Ciabbatta toast, 1 tbs natural pb, 1 egg, pineapple
M2: HM trail mix, nuts and raisins
M3: 1/2 natural ww pita, grilled chicken breast, hm tzatziki (clean as whistle) carrots and grape tomatoes
M4: Kids meal at Licks Homeburgers.
I googled the nutritional info online and was pleasantly surprised. The beef they use is fairly lean. My kids meal burger, bun and all was 401 calories and 16 grams of fat. The regular one was over 540 with 22 grams of fat. A splurge but not dreadful I topped it with veggies too I was saddened to discover I no longer like french fries. This is me with a sad face - I used to love fries. But I could actually differentiate the taste of the grease from the taste of the potato. Yuck! So I only ate 6 of the fries and threw the rest away. I drank water. As far as a cheat goes, not too bad - less than half of what I would have had for a normal meal 2 weeks ago.
Anyone who has followed my story knows that I have had some serious issues with depression. My symptoms have diminished dramatically with the Clean Eating lifestyle. Well the epiphany is this: about 1/2 an hour after I ate that white bread bun, I started having issues. Not quite a full blown anxiety attack, but awfully close. Not about the food - I was fine with that - about everything else in the world. Everything that had been getting to me before that I would sit and stew over all came rushing back. My thoughts were racing, my head was pounding and I felt nauseous.
I am absolutely certain that in that meal there is some preservative or chemical to which I am extremely sensitive. I stopped and guzzled a couple of bottles of water. I stopped a half hour later to pee (of course) and have more water. I began to feel better and to be able to get a hold on my thoughts but no one will ever convince me there is no cause and effect here.
I think back to the horrible vicious circle I was in: feel depressed, binge on junk, feel worse, binge on more junk.....it was a never ending cycle.
Tonight, and every night, I will be thanking God for leading me this way. I am not overstating when I say: CLEAN EATING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE!
Back tomorrow with some recipes!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dec. 10, 2009 - Grocery Store Score!
Do you ever just want to do the happy dance at the grocery store? Tonight I went to the "cheap" grocery store because it was right beside where DD9 does gymnastics. I found:
all-natural ww pitas
inexpensive all natural crackers - grains, oil and sea salt
pineapples on sale
It takes me forever to shop now, what with all the label reading. People must thin I am obsessive and strange if they are watching me shop! haha - one day I will be fit and then who has the last laugh!?!
Todays eats were clean but low on the protein. I really noticed the lack of protein this morning. I have not really been satiated all day. I won't start my day like this again. I just wasn't hungry.
M1: Mixed grain oatmeal, applesauce, cinnamon, skim milk, chopped almonds (only ate half of it)
M2: Ciabatta toast with natural pb, 1/2 apple
M3: HM trail mix - raisins, almonds
M4: One turkey/spinach meatball, sauce, ww pasta
M5: Chicken chili, contained: chicken breast, hm broth, white beans, stewed tomatoes, peppers, onions, spices - I topped mine with jalepeno relish and had 4 triscuits. The kids had garlic bread but I was a ROCK!
M6: More trail mix
I am down 7 pounds now - this clean eating seriously works! And I feel great - the fog of depression is finally starting to lift. I think even if I was not losing weight, that would be enough reward to keep me eating clean.
Big challenge tomorrow - buying trip to Toronto. This will be the first time out of my comfort zone. I have planned a cheat meal. Wish me luck keeping on the straight and narrow.
all-natural ww pitas
inexpensive all natural crackers - grains, oil and sea salt
pineapples on sale
It takes me forever to shop now, what with all the label reading. People must thin I am obsessive and strange if they are watching me shop! haha - one day I will be fit and then who has the last laugh!?!
Todays eats were clean but low on the protein. I really noticed the lack of protein this morning. I have not really been satiated all day. I won't start my day like this again. I just wasn't hungry.
M1: Mixed grain oatmeal, applesauce, cinnamon, skim milk, chopped almonds (only ate half of it)
M2: Ciabatta toast with natural pb, 1/2 apple
M3: HM trail mix - raisins, almonds
M4: One turkey/spinach meatball, sauce, ww pasta
M5: Chicken chili, contained: chicken breast, hm broth, white beans, stewed tomatoes, peppers, onions, spices - I topped mine with jalepeno relish and had 4 triscuits. The kids had garlic bread but I was a ROCK!
M6: More trail mix
I am down 7 pounds now - this clean eating seriously works! And I feel great - the fog of depression is finally starting to lift. I think even if I was not losing weight, that would be enough reward to keep me eating clean.
Big challenge tomorrow - buying trip to Toronto. This will be the first time out of my comfort zone. I have planned a cheat meal. Wish me luck keeping on the straight and narrow.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Dec. 9, 2009 - Clean Eating Dollars & "Sense"
Have you ever noticed how, when you get one aspect of your life under control, that the others seem to fall into line also?
This morning, gasping for air on the couch after my workout, I was thinking about money. It triggered the urge to see what I was spending on fast food, candy and pop last month. Are you sitting down? $365 !!!! And that is just the amount I can track via my bank card. I know for a fact there were some Tim Horton's trips in which I paid cash for my fat and sugar laden iced cappuccino and pecan danish! I am guessing that the actual total is upwards of $400!
Many people are concerned with the cost involved in a Clean Eating lifestyle. However, if you have bad habits that are anything like mine were, you may find that purchasing organic and wholesome foods works out to actually be cheaper. Now my only food bill is groceries, not numerous stops for fast foods, iced coffees and soda pop. I am still in the initial stages of building my pantry, and I believe in a month or so, when I am simply replenishing every week, that the weekly grocery tab will drop dramatically.
This morning, gasping for air on the couch after my workout, I was thinking about money. It triggered the urge to see what I was spending on fast food, candy and pop last month. Are you sitting down? $365 !!!! And that is just the amount I can track via my bank card. I know for a fact there were some Tim Horton's trips in which I paid cash for my fat and sugar laden iced cappuccino and pecan danish! I am guessing that the actual total is upwards of $400!
Many people are concerned with the cost involved in a Clean Eating lifestyle. However, if you have bad habits that are anything like mine were, you may find that purchasing organic and wholesome foods works out to actually be cheaper. Now my only food bill is groceries, not numerous stops for fast foods, iced coffees and soda pop. I am still in the initial stages of building my pantry, and I believe in a month or so, when I am simply replenishing every week, that the weekly grocery tab will drop dramatically.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The food plan for today:
M1: WW Ciabbatta toast with natural peanut butter, small apple
M2: Clean guacamole (recipe below) with baked corn tortillas
M3: Chicken and green bean stir fry over small serving of quinoa pilaf
M4: Plain nonfat yogurt with applesauce and cinnamon
M5: (FEAST!!!) Clean marinara sauce, turkey and spinach meatballs, and whole grain pasta (1/2 cup of pasta, going heavy on the sauce)
I doubt after that heavenly dinner that I will want or need M6.
Clean Guacamole: (makes 2 servings)
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup of finely diced onion, bell pepper and tomato
juice of 1/2 lime
1 tbs of jalapeno relish or very finely diced jalapenos
Pinch of sea salt to taste
1/4 cup of plain, non fat yogurt
Mash the avocado in a non-stainless steel bowl with a fork. Add the other ingredients and mix.
If you don't like spicy food, leave out the jalapenos.
I use this instead of sour cream on tacos, etc. It also makes a nice spread for sandwiches and wraps or a nice dressing for a taco salad.
I hope you enjoy it!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The 3 Wise Men jumped in headfirst too!
A couple thousand years ago, three guys saw a really bright star. For some reason they felt compelled to follow that star. So they hopped on their camels, traveled all over the place and arrived at the birthplace of Jesus. I would imagine when they told friends and family, "Hey, you see that star over there? We're gonna follow it - it just seems like the thing to do!" that the friends and family members asked them if they had completely lost their minds. Wouldn't you bet that people thought they were crazy? And now we call them The Three Wise Men.
Over the years, if I have learned one thing, it is how to be led. It is how to listen to that little voice that makes suggestions in your mind. Some call it the Voice of God, some call it the subconscious and others call it The Universe. Whatever you call it, don't be afraid to listen to it actively, no matter what other people say. People may think you are impulsive (I get that a lot) and when things all work out in the end, they will say you are just lucky. I prefer to feel that I have been blessed with a gift for listening.
I'm applying this philosophy to my new healthy lifestyle. I know things have got to change, so I am trying to be as receptive as possible and just plunge off the cliff headfirst. Yet again, people think I'm nuts, and when I am super fit in 6 months they'll think I'm lucky. But I will just smile to myself like I always do, and be happy I jumped in like I have!
Over the years, if I have learned one thing, it is how to be led. It is how to listen to that little voice that makes suggestions in your mind. Some call it the Voice of God, some call it the subconscious and others call it The Universe. Whatever you call it, don't be afraid to listen to it actively, no matter what other people say. People may think you are impulsive (I get that a lot) and when things all work out in the end, they will say you are just lucky. I prefer to feel that I have been blessed with a gift for listening.
I'm applying this philosophy to my new healthy lifestyle. I know things have got to change, so I am trying to be as receptive as possible and just plunge off the cliff headfirst. Yet again, people think I'm nuts, and when I am super fit in 6 months they'll think I'm lucky. But I will just smile to myself like I always do, and be happy I jumped in like I have!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dec. 7 - first slip up
Well, yesterday I had the BEST plans, but you know what they say about that - the best laid plans of mice and men, blaa, blaa, blaa.
It started when we got out of church late and went straight to the mall instead of home to eat lunch first. I grabbed an apple off a food cart but there was no clean protein to go with it. When we had lunch, I got a greek salad with grilled chicken and tszatziki instead of dressing and turned down that spectacular butter dipped fresh grilled pita. (My DD9 was absolutely astonished she said "Mommy, that's BREAD - this is taking over your LIFE!!!) I don't think she meant it as a compliment but in a way it is, since I am embracing CE as a lifestyle, not a diet.
My afternoon snack was not much better than the morning one. I had a Kashi bar stashed in my purse. It warded off starvation, but again, no protein. I made a delicious stir fry for dinner with green beans and sirloin steak. I had it with brown rice. At this point I was feeling pretty smug. However an hour and a half later I was ravenous and I finished off the stir fry. All in all between M5 and M6 I probably ate a half pound of steak!
The lesson in all this? DON'T SKIP PROTEIN SERVINGS!!!! I'm convinced that is why I was so hungry last night and NOT for something light.
I felt better this morning when I stripped down and weighed in with no weight gained or lost. I'll take it!
So the tally for week one of the CE Lifestyle?
I lost 5 pounds, dropped my BMI by .3, and feel a whole lot better. I am happier and more focused, stress seems to not affect me quite like it was, and my kids are getting on board.
My goals for week two?
1.) Stick with the eating plan
2.) Start exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day
I started the exercise program this morning. I found a Cardio Bootcamp Workout on TV and managed to stagger and flail through the entire half hour. (Note to self: CLOSE CURTAINS BEFORE DOING CARDIO!) At one point, while I was doing abs, my dog seemed concerned for me and added her 22 pounds of resistance to my chest during crunches, also cheerfully sharing her doggy breath. I think she thought there was something wrong with me, grunting and groaning on the floor.
Anyhow, success. Once I am able to move, I will pry myself off the couch, do some housework and prep some food.
One step better today than I was yesterday!
It started when we got out of church late and went straight to the mall instead of home to eat lunch first. I grabbed an apple off a food cart but there was no clean protein to go with it. When we had lunch, I got a greek salad with grilled chicken and tszatziki instead of dressing and turned down that spectacular butter dipped fresh grilled pita. (My DD9 was absolutely astonished she said "Mommy, that's BREAD - this is taking over your LIFE!!!) I don't think she meant it as a compliment but in a way it is, since I am embracing CE as a lifestyle, not a diet.
My afternoon snack was not much better than the morning one. I had a Kashi bar stashed in my purse. It warded off starvation, but again, no protein. I made a delicious stir fry for dinner with green beans and sirloin steak. I had it with brown rice. At this point I was feeling pretty smug. However an hour and a half later I was ravenous and I finished off the stir fry. All in all between M5 and M6 I probably ate a half pound of steak!
The lesson in all this? DON'T SKIP PROTEIN SERVINGS!!!! I'm convinced that is why I was so hungry last night and NOT for something light.
I felt better this morning when I stripped down and weighed in with no weight gained or lost. I'll take it!
So the tally for week one of the CE Lifestyle?
I lost 5 pounds, dropped my BMI by .3, and feel a whole lot better. I am happier and more focused, stress seems to not affect me quite like it was, and my kids are getting on board.
My goals for week two?
1.) Stick with the eating plan
2.) Start exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day
I started the exercise program this morning. I found a Cardio Bootcamp Workout on TV and managed to stagger and flail through the entire half hour. (Note to self: CLOSE CURTAINS BEFORE DOING CARDIO!) At one point, while I was doing abs, my dog seemed concerned for me and added her 22 pounds of resistance to my chest during crunches, also cheerfully sharing her doggy breath. I think she thought there was something wrong with me, grunting and groaning on the floor.
Anyhow, success. Once I am able to move, I will pry myself off the couch, do some housework and prep some food.
One step better today than I was yesterday!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Dec. 6
Why, when I have the chance to sleep in, do I wake up a 6:00 AM, unable to get back to sleep. I'm sleepy, just can't sleep. Alternatively, on weekdays I could sleep til 10, no problem. Alas.....
Here is the plan for today - it is just Rachel and me - Chloe is gone for the day doing community hours for school. First of all is church - today is the Hanging of the Greens for Advent. We'll come home and eat and then we will do a little Christmas shopping after church to get a gift from Rachel to Chloe. I was thinking about getting food while we are out today, but I'm going to plan my menu as though I am eating at home. Gotta think on my feet!
M1: WW ciabbatta toast, natural peanut butter
M2: Apple and almonds
M3: Chicken and veggie stir fry with honey garlic sauce, rice
M4: Kashi bar, apple at the mall
M5: Homemade soup: Homemade chicken stock, veggies(green beans, carrots, corn, onion, garlic, spinach), chicken, brown and wild rice, white beans; ciabbatta toast with roasted garlic
I need to stop at the grocery store YET again. We need more fruit, milk and ciabbatta bread. I'm also brainstorming my clean spice mixes for the Bulk Barn stop.
Wish me luck walking through the food court!
Here is the plan for today - it is just Rachel and me - Chloe is gone for the day doing community hours for school. First of all is church - today is the Hanging of the Greens for Advent. We'll come home and eat and then we will do a little Christmas shopping after church to get a gift from Rachel to Chloe. I was thinking about getting food while we are out today, but I'm going to plan my menu as though I am eating at home. Gotta think on my feet!
M1: WW ciabbatta toast, natural peanut butter
M2: Apple and almonds
M3: Chicken and veggie stir fry with honey garlic sauce, rice
M4: Kashi bar, apple at the mall
M5: Homemade soup: Homemade chicken stock, veggies(green beans, carrots, corn, onion, garlic, spinach), chicken, brown and wild rice, white beans; ciabbatta toast with roasted garlic
I need to stop at the grocery store YET again. We need more fruit, milk and ciabbatta bread. I'm also brainstorming my clean spice mixes for the Bulk Barn stop.
Wish me luck walking through the food court!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)