Day 70 - July 22 - 5th Weigh In!

Who knew that I would be saying that I have been on this program for 10 weeks and have lost a total of 39 pounds!  I have never felt happier or better about what I am doing... it feels right!!  Today was my 5th weigh in at the Dr. Poon Clinic and I lost another 6 pounds in 2 weeks.  It simply gets easier and easier every day; with the support of family and friends, reaching my target weight is now in sight!!
However, a great challenge is coming my way and I still have to think about how I am going to confront it head on.  I am going on a road trip with a couple of friends and really need to think about my meals and snacks while on the trip.   It wont be difficult as long as I stay focused and plan in advanced.  Besides, my friends understand what I can and can't eat so I know they will back me up 100%.  So far, exercise continues to be a struggle, especially with this ridiculous heat wave... but I am swimming more which I guess is as good as its going to get in the outdoor exercise department!  Thinking about possibly joining a gym again............ I hate gyms, but this time might be different. (fingers crossed).  Well, I am going to end this blog with a quote: "Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work." H. L. Hungt


Of course, here are some pictures of some meals that I have made recently.

 <====== Chicken Breast and steamed broccoli

                       Pork, zucchini and asparagus. ==========>

<======== Zucchini "lasagna"  basically zucchini, mashed cauliflower, lean ground chicken and cheese... yum!

July 13 - Day 61 (2 months)

I just had to discuss my shopping experience today...  Today, I was able to purchase a pair of Jeans from the gap!!  Big deal - most would say, however this is really significant me because I can see the difference in my clothing size.  I am officially down 2 dress sizes and cannot wait for more to come off. 
My ideal size would be 8 to 10, but I have never never never been that small in my adult life, so we shall see if I can get my body there!!  :)
I cannot believe that two months have whizzed by and I am still fully enthralled in my healthy change.  I don't think that I have fully ever committed to a diet for this long, but I cannot even say this is a diet; it is a lifestyle change, which means for the rest of my life!  I am enjoying the changes in my body; mentally and physically, which is why I keep going!  On to day 62... :)

Here is a pic of some soup my mom made.  It is a version of a Portuguese soup called "calde verde". My mom modified it so that I could eat it!!  The real version has potatoes, my mom substituted cauliflower. She also didn't add any salt, which would normally accompany this soup.   It was really really good!  Thanks mom, you are the best~<3.

 

July 8th ... Weigh in day!

Hello all! Just had my weigh in at the Dr.Poon clinic in Mississauga.... I'm proud to say that I am down another 6.5 pounds!! I was really worried that I did not reach my goal of 6 pounds but alas I did!! Next goal - 8 pounds in the 2 weeks!! I'm so proud of my accomplishments; by the way, this is way way way harder than quitting smoking (and I know this because I quit 9 months ago) ... Just goes to show how hard work really can make you do anything! On to day 58.... Full force ahead!
Here are a couple of pictures of some recent meals:

<====  Broiled fish and veggies and salad.  I didn't particularly like this kind of fish, cannot recall the name of it right now.

 My array of spices and seasonings... ===>

<=====  Pork cutlets pan fried and veggies.  Delicious =)

July 2nd... Day 50!!

Day 50! Phew, I knew I would make it......
I am really excited to say that 50 days has passed since I decided to change my life and I haven't looked back!  Sure I miss the sweets and occasional big mac now and again, but just knowing that for my body those things are like poison, I continue on with my diet plan.  I know my goal is to lose 10 pounds by my next weigh in (July 8th), however I don't think I'm going to reach that 10...  I may need to adjust that goal and go for the 6 pounds, which is normal for this stage in the diet.  (Sorry Sue, but 6 pounds is the new goal)!! 
I've been walking everyday for at least 45 mins and hopefully that will make the difference when it comes to weigh in day.  Starting to look for new meals... Perhaps new spices and seasonings will make all the difference.  Any suggestions on seasonings with low/no sodium content will be much appreciated!  Well,  on to day 51 folks.... :)
Picture of my dinner tonight.  Grilled BBQ chicken breast, salad, grilled zucchini and asparagus and mashed cauliflower/broccoli medley. 

Day 49 - June 30

Hi everyone,
This is going to be a short but sweet post.  I am approaching week 7 of this new lifestyle and am feeling great!  Clothes are looser, people are starting to notice and life is just good...  On to Day 50 (wow, 50!!!!)!!
I wanted to post this Mashed Cauliflower recipe because it is one of my favourite new dishes that I have created lately...

Ingredients:
Half Cauliflower
1 tsp light BECEL margarine
1 tsp cream
pepper
Swiss cheese light (yes you can have it on phase one, just make sure your serving is the right size, I buy pre sliced cheese so I know exactly how much I can have).
parsley
garlic clove (optional)

Directions:
Boil cauliflower (and garlic clove) until well cooked. Drain. Put cauliflower and all other ingredients into a blender. Mix. Pour mixture into oven safe bake ware and bake for 20 - 30 mins at 400. Baking is important as it takes away most of the water. Serve and enjoy.

Here is a couple of pictures of some recent meals...

#1 - Chicken Wings/salad/veggies/mashed cauliflower
Mind you, chicken wings is not the best choice because of the fat from the skin, but this is what I consider my "cheat"... I make them myself on the BBQ and try to peel off the skin, but sometimes you just gotta have it! YUM YUM!

#2 - Lean Pork grilled on my George Foreman

Roasted Veggies and Mashed Cauliflower

June 24th - 3rd weigh in, day 42

Today my weigh in at Dr. Poon's clinic was both disappointing and satisfying - odd I know! I am a little disappointed because I only lost 5 pounds since last weigh in, but satisfied with my 27 pound total loss!! After six weeks I am proud to say that I am 27 pounds lighter because of  will power and determination!  I am very happy about this, but I know I could have done better!!   More water intake and more exercise will definitely help for the next weigh in.  Thanks to those who have already messaged me with congratulations and have offered to do more exercise with me - :)   I will be taking you guys up on it!!
Next weigh in is on July 8th - aiming for 13 pounds to make it an even 40!!! Challenge... yes indeed, but I'm up for it!
On to day 43, stay strong!
Funny Relevant Picture...

June 23rd - Day 41

Alright, almost 6 weeks in and I feel really good!! Tomorrow will mark the 3rd weigh in at the Dr. Poon office... I don't know if I reached my goal of 10 more pounds since the last weigh in, but I am optimistic about my results tomorrow.  Aside from overall feeling better, I am beginning to feel it in my clothes too, which is such an awesome bonus.  Even my rings seem too big and I assume that is because of the fact that I am not retaining as much water therefore the bloating has decreased...
Still having troubles with the exercise portion of this life change.  I figured; get the eating part down and then the exercise will naturally become more frequent, wrong!  Exercising requires effort and your mind is the first obstacle.  I'm going to do an experiment, after tomorrows weigh in, for the two weeks until my next weigh in I'm going to exercise for at least 30mins every day; then I will see if it makes a difference on the scale.  Mini challenge... :)
On to day 42 and 6 week milestone. 

As always, here is a pic of one of my meals.... pan fried veal, broiled veggies and salad.  The white sauce is SUMMER FRESH BRAND tzatziki sauce.  I am able to have this because it falls under the allowances for Dr. Poon's diet.   If you read the label, the serving size is for 2 tablespoons, on Dr. Poon's diet, I am able to have 1 tablespoon.  Being able to read the label correctly is an amazing thing...