Day 93 - August 14th

I cannot believe it has been already 3 months since I started this journey.  I was able to survive on my road trip to the USA and stick as close to my regimen as I possibly could.  During my trip, I brought a duffel bag full of goodies that I could eat so that part was easy.  But, dining out was more of a challenge, however I was able to find meals that I could eat and not feel too guilty.  It is easy to find meals in restaurants that are the healthier option, but controlling the sodium is the hardest part....  I have weighed myself at home and the scale shows no change.  So I didn't gain any weight on the trip which is what I was scared of!! This week I will be super strict to hopefully lose something before my weigh in on Friday, I know I can do it!
Here are some pictures of some of the meals that I had during my travels!!



Broccoli and chicken... it was on the low carb menu.... delish.

Steak Salad with asparagus.... sooooo good!!

Steak, zucchini and mashed cauliflower!  Yes, Ruby Tuesdays actually had mashed cauliflower as an option for a side.... it was soooooo good, that we went again the next night!

This time I had chicken, zucchini and mashed cauliflower....... yum.

Day 84 - Weigh In number 6

Time to switch gears.  Today's weigh in was just ok.  I lost 3 pounds (meh).  However, if we look at the big picture, I've lost 42 pounds... so that makes me feel much better!  I think I know why perhaps I didn't lose as much over these past two weeks: a) I didn't move my body enough and b) I wasn't as strict as I should be when it came to eating and drinking (way to many Coors lights)!   I now am seeing more and more the importance of including daily exercise into this lifestyle change.  As for the eating portion, I will be taking a road trip so the next week is going to be extremely difficult to stay on a focused diet, however when I get back, strict phase 1 just like the first week all over again, it must be done.  I don't think I could handle going to a weigh in and not losing any weight or putting weight on, that would be a tremendous blow.  Mentally though, I still feel amazing and nothing is better than that!  On to day 85 I go and off to NYC for a well deserved break!
Of course, here are some meal pics as usual.

<---- Sardines, Chicken and veggies.  I didn't eat the Sardines, I didn't like them BBQ'd/

Steak, broccoli and mashed cauliflower.  Yum Yum.

Day 76 - July 28

Hello everybody.... it is now day 76 and I cannot believe that I am still going strong.  I have come to the conclusion that the reason why this "diet" is finally working for me is because firstly I see the results.  That has got to be the biggest motivator by far.  The second reason is my friends and family that continue to walk this journey with me and only want to see me happiest... it truly is amazing.  Thirdly, all the extra things that has accompanied this life change is really helping me to stay on track; like writing this blog and going to my weigh ins every 2 weeks.  All of these elements combined is keeping me going!!  However, my will power is dwindling...... I love beer, always have, always will, this weekend that just passed, I did not do well at resisting the temptation to drink a cold one!  Granted I chose Coors light, which is probably one of the better choices, but I definitely drank too much of it... guess I'll have to work extra hard for the next weigh in!  Its the summer time BBQ's, patio night season and gathering of friends that makes it really hard to say no to a delicious beverage!  Feeling good is my motivator and I definitely feel GOOD!!  On to day 77...... with no beer! ;)
Of course, here are some recent meals....

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Extra Lean beef burgers on lettuce.  With the right seasonings, this is a really delicious meal!  

               

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Chicken Thighs broiled in the oven with steamed broccoli. I found a new spice, Jamaican  Curry, excellent on chicken.

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"breaded" chicken breast with broiled veggies.  I used the Dr.Poon approved bread to make bread crumbs, added some herbs and spices and voila, breaded chicken!  Really tasty.




Many people have asked my for recipes, however I have not taken the time to write down what I use in my foods, a lot of them comes from throwing a bunch of things together that I think will taste good and be flavorful.  I will make an effort to write down what I use and I will begin to post recipes for those that want to try them out! 

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.