Often as I write I'm so excited to report what I have lost and gained, I haven't mentioned what I notice physically. Besides the number on the scale and glucometer, I have gone down one size in pants. I'm not just trying to downsize my bod, but my closet as well (Tom will be happy about that). I'm not a vane person but it will be nice to be smaller than the average size, offering a more diverse wardrobe (and of course more shopping, which will not make Tom happy).
Another thing I have ignored is the fact that I have converted some favorite recipes to my new way of thinking. Not to say that I have found a low carb, low calorie cake with flavor (lets be realistic) butI have converted a recipe given to me by a high school friend for taste of home loose meat sandwiches (you know what I mean if you are from the QC's and if you aren't trust me you need to try this). It really wasn't that difficult to make it work, turkey tends to be a bit less flavorful that ground beef so season as needed but the recipe works for a nice flavorful lunch. I have it on a whole wheat bun with a salad and whole grain cheese Pringles (not exactly fries and an infamous chocolate shake but hey, I'm trying to be healthy).
Also, I have tried to love diet soda, I really have, but that aftertaste just stays with me and I don't care for it. This said, for now iced tea or water with lemon is my drink of choice. I have also discovered Mio. (I'm sure it has artificial sweetener in it but it doesn't leave the aftertaste) Mio offers some variety and the little container snaps tight and I can throw it in my bag. If I don't have my usual amount of water I can tell the difference so I drink what all I want during the day. I read that often thirst is mistaken for hunger, consequentially, if I feel hungry I drink a glass of water and typically it fills me up. Of course a cup of coffee in the morning with my regular creamer (now I measure it so that I can record it) remains part of my morning routine.
At first I ignored the advise of two small 100 calorie snacks, but now they are like a religion for me. An apple, banana, frozen grapes are refreshing this time of year, and of course my beloved Pringles. These small snacks prevent afternoon lulls and I'm not ravished by dinner time. It allows me to take my time making dinner and cuts down on after work snacking.
Planning meals has become a valuable use of time. Knowing what we are having for dinner helps me carefully plan lunch and breakfast.
I realize that I am not breaking any records on a speedy loss, but often slow and steady wins a race. As I said when I started the journey, I want to become a student and that doesnt happen over night. I take suggestions from my mentor and I read all I can about what may help me reach this goal. I'm always willing to try something new (except maybe skydiving which has nothing to do with weight loss).
Following is my healthy alternative to the famous loose meat sandwich that I spoke of earlier. if you want to "kick it old school" use lean ground beef and you can even rinse it before you add the ingredients.
You will need:
1 pound ground lean ground turkey
2T apple cider vinegar
1t salt
2T prepared mustard
2T ketchup
2T onion flakes (or less if you desire)
1 1/2 cups of boiling vegetable broth
Lightly brown the turkey breaking it up as you go. I boil the broth at the same time and add the onion flakes to the broth to soften them. Add the vinegar, salt, mustard and ketchup to the turkey then add the broth. Simmer until tender and moisture is absorbed, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick.
I have it on a whole wheat bun with dill pickles, a slice of American cheese if you prefer and mustard (no ketchup is a tradition with this sandwich).
Let me know if you try this, and Id like to thank my HS classmate Tammy for the original recipe a couple of years ago. We have used it often.
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