Yesterday was a very stress filled day. It started early with a sick dog & not feeling so great myself. I left the house without my usual iced or hot coffee. Now that I know my favorite tall skinny cinnamon dolce latte is 14 grams of carbs, I avoid Starbucks! I opted to hit the grocery store instead of a drive thru. My 10 year old son was with me so I considered his likes as well. We chose some thin sliced ham & swiss cheese from the deli, some fruit punch MIO water enhancer & 2bottles of water. We rolled the ham & cheese together & made our own "on the go" meal.
Later in the day as the stress mounted I gave in & stopped for ice cream. I opted for the kiddie size cone & accepted the 8 carbs that went with it. It hit the spot & satisfied my emotional urge. A couple weeks ago I would not have considered the smaller option, I would have gotten the largest candy filled choice they had. I have always been an emotional eater. Whether upset, angry, or just bored. I am working on that. I am a constant work in progress. Undoing 47 years of damage doesn't happen overnight.
I had baked Trout for dinner with a small amount of a light lemon butter sauce. I also had a small salad. Overall for the day, I drank 2 bottles of water & a couple glasses of iced coffee. I kept my carb count below my goal of 39 grams so despite the stress involved I didn't make it worse!
Truth: I still have "dieter's guilt". That is so ingrained within me. I find it hard to break. I had ice cream = bad me = I failed myself. I counter that with size choice + not going over carb goal = good me, I made better choices!
Weight yesterday a.m. was 183lbs!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
CHICKEN CHEESE CASSEROLE
3-4 cups cooked chicken, chopped (I like a lot of chicken so I use 4 cups)
2 cups chopped baby asparagus, chopped (1 bunch, cut stalk down about 1/2 way)
2 cups baby Portabello Mushrooms, chopped (8oz pkg, I didn’t use stems)
2 tbls butter & 1 tbls olive oil
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¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
¼ cup onion, minced
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried Oregano
A pinch of black pepper
1 cup (8oz) Mozzarella cheese, grated
½ cup parmesan cheese (1/4 cup for sauce, ¼ cup for top)
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1 cup ricotta cheese (I sometimes mix in a little mozzarella &/or parmesan with it for extra flavor)
In large sauté pan heat butter & olive oil, add chopped asparagus & mushrooms. Saute on Medium High heat for about 4 minutes., set aside with cooked chicken.
In large saucepan melt ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick). Add ¼ flour, garlic & salt. Whisk until smooth. Let cook for a minute or two until bubbly. Add chicken broth & milk to pan, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Then add onion, basil, oregano, pepper, ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese, & the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Add chicken & vegetables to sauce. Stir well until everything is combined.
In a casserole dish (4 quart or 13 x 9 x 2) pour half of the mixture. Top with dollops of the ricotta cheese, try to distribute evenly but does not have to be perfect. Top with the rest of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese on top.
Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes until hot & bubbly. Let cool about 15 minutes before serving.
You can use any vegetables you want in this. Modify it to fit your preferences. I wanted to make a healthier version of a recipe I cook often for my famly & friends, Chicken Cheese Lasagna. I hope you enjoy it!
2 cups chopped baby asparagus, chopped (1 bunch, cut stalk down about 1/2 way)
2 cups baby Portabello Mushrooms, chopped (8oz pkg, I didn’t use stems)
2 tbls butter & 1 tbls olive oil
__________________________________________________________________
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
¼ cup onion, minced
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried Oregano
A pinch of black pepper
1 cup (8oz) Mozzarella cheese, grated
½ cup parmesan cheese (1/4 cup for sauce, ¼ cup for top)
___________________________________________________________________
1 cup ricotta cheese (I sometimes mix in a little mozzarella &/or parmesan with it for extra flavor)
In large sauté pan heat butter & olive oil, add chopped asparagus & mushrooms. Saute on Medium High heat for about 4 minutes., set aside with cooked chicken.
In large saucepan melt ¼ cup butter (1/2 stick). Add ¼ flour, garlic & salt. Whisk until smooth. Let cook for a minute or two until bubbly. Add chicken broth & milk to pan, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Then add onion, basil, oregano, pepper, ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese, & the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Add chicken & vegetables to sauce. Stir well until everything is combined.
In a casserole dish (4 quart or 13 x 9 x 2) pour half of the mixture. Top with dollops of the ricotta cheese, try to distribute evenly but does not have to be perfect. Top with the rest of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan cheese on top.
Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes until hot & bubbly. Let cool about 15 minutes before serving.
You can use any vegetables you want in this. Modify it to fit your preferences. I wanted to make a healthier version of a recipe I cook often for my famly & friends, Chicken Cheese Lasagna. I hope you enjoy it!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday Night Fever!
I had such a busy weekend! I would like to say I stayed on track, and I actually did on my food choices, but I failed miserably on my Carb Count! I went out with friends Saturday night & thought a drink or two wouldn't hurt. My drink of choice is Amaretto & 7-up.. they only had sprite so I had an Amaretto Sour.. 30 CARBS IN ONE DRINK!! I had two.. my bad! I had another party Sunday but I brought my iced coffee & drank no alcohol at all. I don't drink often so I have plenty of time to find a low carb alternative!
I cooked for the party on Sunday. I made a caesar type salad but used a non caesar dressing. I made a simple sausage dip:
Cook 1 package of bulk country pork sausage. Drain fat off.
add 2 pkgs cream cheese, cubed.
add 1 can Rotel Tomatoes with green chiles, I use mild.
Let heat through.
Carbivores can eat it with corn chips. I am trying to think of ways to make it more low carb but still yummy. Maybe do without the tomatoes & use veggie sticks to dip with.
I also made Chicken Cheese Lasagna for everyone else. I took some of the ingredients to create a low carb alternative. I am going to make it as a full recipe tonight & will post it when I have the amounts tweaked. The sample I made for myself was very good!
Truth: I weighed 183.5 this morning. Probably would have done better without the alcohol!
I cooked for the party on Sunday. I made a caesar type salad but used a non caesar dressing. I made a simple sausage dip:
Cook 1 package of bulk country pork sausage. Drain fat off.
add 2 pkgs cream cheese, cubed.
add 1 can Rotel Tomatoes with green chiles, I use mild.
Let heat through.
Carbivores can eat it with corn chips. I am trying to think of ways to make it more low carb but still yummy. Maybe do without the tomatoes & use veggie sticks to dip with.
I also made Chicken Cheese Lasagna for everyone else. I took some of the ingredients to create a low carb alternative. I am going to make it as a full recipe tonight & will post it when I have the amounts tweaked. The sample I made for myself was very good!
Truth: I weighed 183.5 this morning. Probably would have done better without the alcohol!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Beef with Snow Peas via The Pioneer Woman
I made this tonight. It was quick, simple, & very delicious! She breaks down each step, but it is quite easy to make this yourself.
Modifications I made to suit my needs;
I used Splenda Brown Sugar Blend in place of regular brown sugar. It has half the carbs & you use half as much.
I did not use the pepper flakes, that is just my personal preference.
I made the rice for my hsband, but I did not have any. It was delicious & filling for me without it.
I will post more recipes as I go & will almost always modify them to suit me. Enjoy!
(You'll have to copy & paste into your web browser, won't show up as a direct link!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/beef-with-snow-peas/
Modifications I made to suit my needs;
I used Splenda Brown Sugar Blend in place of regular brown sugar. It has half the carbs & you use half as much.
I did not use the pepper flakes, that is just my personal preference.
I made the rice for my hsband, but I did not have any. It was delicious & filling for me without it.
I will post more recipes as I go & will almost always modify them to suit me. Enjoy!
(You'll have to copy & paste into your web browser, won't show up as a direct link!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/beef-with-snow-peas/
Modify your mind!
The past couple days got away from me! Went to Orlando for some summer fun then had a friend come in from out of town. I managed to stay on track throughout. I have started using a new smartphone App.. Calorie Counter by Fatsecret.. it is FREE! It counts calories, carbs, etc. It has a food log, an exercise log, a weight tracker & a large database of foods. It even has the option to scan barcodes. I now have no excuse for not knowing the carbs BEFORE I eat something & it helps me keep track of it all.
I ate alot of salad in Orlando. That is my fallback when my options are limited. I drank alot of water.. with my MIO liquid water enhancer, of course! I got alot of sun & alot of exercise. It was alot of fun!
I made Philly Cheesesteaks for my family last night & ate mine without the bread. It was soooo good! Steak-ums with mushrooms, onions, peppers.. provolone cheese.. I did add a teaspoon of steaksauce for some added flavor & moisture. I find dry meats don't do well with me. Very few carbs, very filling & very good! I did not miss the bread at all.
I can modify anything to a better choice for myself. The hardest part is modifying my mind!! I found this recipe for iced coffee..
(You'll have to copy & paste into your web browser, won't show up as a direct link!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/
I DO NOT use the sweetened condensed milk, or refined sugar, or half & half.. I use sugar free flavored syrup, Splenda if I want it sweeter, & regular milk. My way 12 ounces with ice is 1.68 carbs!! What a great alternative!! This recipe makes almost 8quarts.. alot.. but I am sure I will use it all.. I may even take a pitcher of it to a party this weekend. The Starbucks near me may go out of business without me buying it from them!! The difference in flavor from putting "old" coffee over ice is huge. I will add things as I find what works for me. I hope it helps others in some way. I have a new recipe to try tonight. I will post it later if it is as good as it looks!
This process was quite overwhelming for me for several months. I had tools to use & didn't use them. I had all the guidelines right in front of me & didn't follow them. There is no good reason why. Old hang ups, fear of failure, clinging to my carb addicted habits.. all of the above. I find it easier every day to reform my ideas & lifestyle. I know I will still make choices from time to time that are not the best for me.. but I also know I have come this far & with each step forward, one step at a time..I am becoming a better ME!
Truth: This morning I weighed 184 lbs!
I ate alot of salad in Orlando. That is my fallback when my options are limited. I drank alot of water.. with my MIO liquid water enhancer, of course! I got alot of sun & alot of exercise. It was alot of fun!
I made Philly Cheesesteaks for my family last night & ate mine without the bread. It was soooo good! Steak-ums with mushrooms, onions, peppers.. provolone cheese.. I did add a teaspoon of steaksauce for some added flavor & moisture. I find dry meats don't do well with me. Very few carbs, very filling & very good! I did not miss the bread at all.
I can modify anything to a better choice for myself. The hardest part is modifying my mind!! I found this recipe for iced coffee..
(You'll have to copy & paste into your web browser, won't show up as a direct link!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/
I DO NOT use the sweetened condensed milk, or refined sugar, or half & half.. I use sugar free flavored syrup, Splenda if I want it sweeter, & regular milk. My way 12 ounces with ice is 1.68 carbs!! What a great alternative!! This recipe makes almost 8quarts.. alot.. but I am sure I will use it all.. I may even take a pitcher of it to a party this weekend. The Starbucks near me may go out of business without me buying it from them!! The difference in flavor from putting "old" coffee over ice is huge. I will add things as I find what works for me. I hope it helps others in some way. I have a new recipe to try tonight. I will post it later if it is as good as it looks!
This process was quite overwhelming for me for several months. I had tools to use & didn't use them. I had all the guidelines right in front of me & didn't follow them. There is no good reason why. Old hang ups, fear of failure, clinging to my carb addicted habits.. all of the above. I find it easier every day to reform my ideas & lifestyle. I know I will still make choices from time to time that are not the best for me.. but I also know I have come this far & with each step forward, one step at a time..I am becoming a better ME!
Truth: This morning I weighed 184 lbs!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sweating at Seaworld!
I just opened my 3rd bottle of water for today! (Although it is almost midnight so this will post as "tomorrow".)I spent the day sweating like crazy at Seaworld. I brought my MIO with me so I drank water instead of lemonade or soda. Lunch was a Caesar wannabe salad but it didn't go down well at all. I think it needed more dressing, it was kind of dry. I usually do okay with salads. Dinner was at Carrabas since we had a gift card. I did have a small bite of bread with oil, just one! I ate their house side salad & a cup of their Sicilian Chicken Soup. normally that has pasta in it, but the waitress said they add that before serving so I could get it without the pasta! It was very good. All in all a good day of choices.
Truth: I started the day at Seaworld eating a corner bite of a chocolate dipped rice crispy treat!! That was definitely an emotional act. My oldest son, who is in Afghanistan, always got them. When my younger son got one, I HAD to taste it.. it brought back good memories & made me miss my son even more! It is a slippery slope!
Truth: I started the day at Seaworld eating a corner bite of a chocolate dipped rice crispy treat!! That was definitely an emotional act. My oldest son, who is in Afghanistan, always got them. When my younger son got one, I HAD to taste it.. it brought back good memories & made me miss my son even more! It is a slippery slope!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Eating Out..
Today I ate out twice.. once at the mall food court, then later at Applebee's for dinner. Lunch was a huge disappointment. I had a "Lo Carb Combo" at one of the oriental places. It had chicken & vegetables. The chicken was full of fat & gristle. The vegetables were bland & undercooked. I won't eat there again! I would have been better off with a Salad at Subway, which will be my choice next time.
For dinner I took the kiddos to Applebee's. I had an extra kid in tow & we were right there anyway to meet my daughter to pick up my grandson. I had their Spinach & Shrimp Salad. You can get a half portion which is still a good amount. Only 4.5 Carbs in the half portion & that is all in the hot bacon dressing. I have them go light with it or put it on the side & I mix what I want.
Other than a big chunk of burnt "char" from the grill, the salad was great. (They took it off my bill & gave me a fresh salad to go.)It has fresh baby spinach, grilled shrimp, roasted red peppers, almonds, & red onion (I omit the onion).
Found some tea I like at Teavana which I posted earlier. I drank my 1 bottle of water so far today & may get another bottle in before my day is done thanks to the MIO water enhancer. A good day!
Truth: About 1:00am this morning I ate a Chips Deluxe Peanut Butter Cup Cookie.. 9.5 Carbs, for one! They have been there all week so I am OK that I ate just the one.
For dinner I took the kiddos to Applebee's. I had an extra kid in tow & we were right there anyway to meet my daughter to pick up my grandson. I had their Spinach & Shrimp Salad. You can get a half portion which is still a good amount. Only 4.5 Carbs in the half portion & that is all in the hot bacon dressing. I have them go light with it or put it on the side & I mix what I want.
Other than a big chunk of burnt "char" from the grill, the salad was great. (They took it off my bill & gave me a fresh salad to go.)It has fresh baby spinach, grilled shrimp, roasted red peppers, almonds, & red onion (I omit the onion).
Found some tea I like at Teavana which I posted earlier. I drank my 1 bottle of water so far today & may get another bottle in before my day is done thanks to the MIO water enhancer. A good day!
Truth: About 1:00am this morning I ate a Chips Deluxe Peanut Butter Cup Cookie.. 9.5 Carbs, for one! They have been there all week so I am OK that I ate just the one.
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