Hello there! It's been a few days since last I was on here, and much has happened. Last Thursday I started my planned break at 133.9 pounds and went into P3 for 4 days, as I was heading to Edmonton for a conference. It was easier to take a break as I couldn't cook any meals while I was away. The past 4 days were absolutely heavenly! I enjoyed some foods that, after not having them for the past month, tasted so rich and delightful, I thought my taste buds would explode.
Over the course of the 4 days, I will say that I did gain a little bit back, but didn't go over the 2 pound mark. I don't blame this as much on the food that I was eating (I stayed true to the protocol), as I brought almost all my own food and ate very clean and healthy, but more on the fact that I didn't get enough water the entire time I was there. I didn't want to have to stop and pee every 20 minutes on the long drive, so I skimped on the water intake, and even whilst at the conference, didn't have near enough. I think this may have cause a bit of water retention. Not a good trial to see how food will affect me when I hit my real P3, but I think next time will look much different when I'm not travelling and can make my own meals and drink the required amount of water.
I did make one food that I could bring, which was a lifesaver to me and I owe the credit of this recipe to my friend Katie-Lee, was little flax seed "loafs". I made 3, one for each day I was away. Each one contains 1 egg, 1 tsp of butter, 1/2 tsp of baking powder (which I discovered I couldn't have because it has starch in it, so I substituted it with 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/8 cup of plain greek yogurt), 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of ground flax seed. Mix it together in a deep bowl and throw it into the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes and out comes a little delicious almost "muffin"! I then dipped it in unsweetened apple sauce and it was absolutely amazing. You feel like you're eating bread. Thanks KL!!!!
It was also fantastic eating avocado again. I had many salads with steak, red/yellow/orange peppers, avocado and a drizzle of oil/vinegar dressing that I made. yum yum yum!
Well, I knew this was going to be short lived as it was only a "break", so this morning, I weighed in and was at 135.7, but I have no fear that much of that will be gone tomorrow. I've had more then my daily dose of water today to try and wash it out of my system. But, needless to say, today was NOT an easy day. After having 4 days where I could eat so much more, going back to 500 calories was tougher this time then when I started. I'm hoping the last bit of back rolls (that's all I'm waiting for now) will dissipate within a day or two and then I can get back to P3 and then, onto real life again. I'm excited to incorporate a more sugar-free, gluten-free lifestyle into my life and am excited to try out so many recipes that look amazing. I didn't work this hard to revert back to my old self again, but I'm going to enjoy this new lifestyle to the fullest.
Thus, here I am, continuing on this journey for just a little while more. I can taste success….literally :)
till tomorrow!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D24
I made it!!! Even when surrounded by buttery popcorn today, I still held my ground and did not succumb. I made it through my round without cheating once! How exciting and wonderful. I feel really great. I know I'll have another week to go after this weekend, but this is still a day to celebrate, so I am!
This morning I was down .3 pounds. Feeling great, healthy and sexy indeed :) I'm looking forward to toning up after this and getting nice and hard.
Today I was hungry! I can tell the drops are almost out of my system now because I'm not being sustained anymore. By the time lunch came around I couldn't wait to get into my meal! I then had my snack about an hour and a half later because I was hungry again. After work I headed over to a friends for a quick visit and by the time I got home, at 5:00, I rushed to make supper because I was so hungry! I haven't felt this in a long time (well, a month anyway ;) ) so it's quite foreign. Tomorrow I'm able to up my calorie intake, which is going to be swell.
Hayden and I went grocery shopping tonight, picking up all sorts of fresh fruits, veggies, and other items (many found at the Bulk Barn) that I'm able to eat over the weekend and need to take with me. It's going to be interesting, that's all I can say. I'm going to be high maintenance this weekend.
With that said, after grocery shopping, I came home to eat an orange and piece of melba toast and cook up some shrimp for tomorrow's lunch. I'm going to have shrimp salad with some bell peppers and avocado. Oh I can't wait! I'll probably make a oil and vinegar dressing….maybe. I'm not a huge salad dressing person anyway.
So that's the long and short of it. I have successfully completed the first 2 phases for a total of 26 days, I'm going to have a lovely 4 day break where I move into P3, and then back to P2 for one more gun shot week and then into P3 for 3 weeks and then…..a changed lifestyle takes over. The possibilities are endless! I just now realize how much more expensive it is to eat healthy. But it's small price to pay in the long run, not having all the additives in everything I eat. I think I can handle that :)
I can already see that I'm going to be one of those moms who make my kids eat healthy snacks and make everything from scratch. My how the wheel of life has shifted.
till tomorrow!
This morning I was down .3 pounds. Feeling great, healthy and sexy indeed :) I'm looking forward to toning up after this and getting nice and hard.
Today I was hungry! I can tell the drops are almost out of my system now because I'm not being sustained anymore. By the time lunch came around I couldn't wait to get into my meal! I then had my snack about an hour and a half later because I was hungry again. After work I headed over to a friends for a quick visit and by the time I got home, at 5:00, I rushed to make supper because I was so hungry! I haven't felt this in a long time (well, a month anyway ;) ) so it's quite foreign. Tomorrow I'm able to up my calorie intake, which is going to be swell.
Hayden and I went grocery shopping tonight, picking up all sorts of fresh fruits, veggies, and other items (many found at the Bulk Barn) that I'm able to eat over the weekend and need to take with me. It's going to be interesting, that's all I can say. I'm going to be high maintenance this weekend.
With that said, after grocery shopping, I came home to eat an orange and piece of melba toast and cook up some shrimp for tomorrow's lunch. I'm going to have shrimp salad with some bell peppers and avocado. Oh I can't wait! I'll probably make a oil and vinegar dressing….maybe. I'm not a huge salad dressing person anyway.
So that's the long and short of it. I have successfully completed the first 2 phases for a total of 26 days, I'm going to have a lovely 4 day break where I move into P3, and then back to P2 for one more gun shot week and then into P3 for 3 weeks and then…..a changed lifestyle takes over. The possibilities are endless! I just now realize how much more expensive it is to eat healthy. But it's small price to pay in the long run, not having all the additives in everything I eat. I think I can handle that :)
I can already see that I'm going to be one of those moms who make my kids eat healthy snacks and make everything from scratch. My how the wheel of life has shifted.
till tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D23
Today was a whirlwind day and it's over before it felt like it really began. This morning I was down .9 pounds, which was nice. I headed into the day knowing that it was the last of 2 days until I get my "planned break" for the weekend. I'm quite excited and have to do up a weekend meal plan tomorrow so I can go shopping and prepare for my trip! Should be interesting, eating many cold meats, but hopefully not too bad. I think I'm going to bring my magic bullet so I can make protein shakes haha
For lunch I had 100g of steak, in my new favourite marinade, on a bed of cabbage. Still tasted just as good as ever!
Today is the last Tuesday of the month, so I headed to Nutters after work to get some products as it's all 20% off today! Love last Tuesdays! I got a big container of coconut oil which will be great for P3, as well as some clear stevia drops. Tomorrow I visit the Bulk Barn for many lovely items that I can use during this next phase. It should be fun! I also have 2 year old cheddar waiting for me in the fridge. Ooooo…..I'm looking forward to that!
One thing I'm wanting to try are pancakes. I make mine from scratch and I just made some for Hayden yesterday and I looked at the recipe and I can totally substitute ingredients to make them sugar-free/starch-free no problem. Whether or not they taste good, that is the question. But I am going to try it out!
For supper I cooked….you guessed it! Cabbage :) I then fried up 100g of chicken in a bit of water. I spritzed it with some Braggs, dashed on some oregano and rosemary and I was good to go. I wished I could've enjoyed it a bit more, but by the time I sat down to eat, it was 5:45 and I had to be at work at 6:00! So I didn't eat slowly tonight….I scarfed it down! I managed to taste it in the hurry, and what I tasted was delicious. So that's good.
And thus, here I am, at the end of my long Tuesday, satisfied, not hungry, and looking forward to tomorrow! One more day and then I get my long awaited break. Woohoo!!!
And with that, I'm now going to bed.
till tomorrow!
For lunch I had 100g of steak, in my new favourite marinade, on a bed of cabbage. Still tasted just as good as ever!
Today is the last Tuesday of the month, so I headed to Nutters after work to get some products as it's all 20% off today! Love last Tuesdays! I got a big container of coconut oil which will be great for P3, as well as some clear stevia drops. Tomorrow I visit the Bulk Barn for many lovely items that I can use during this next phase. It should be fun! I also have 2 year old cheddar waiting for me in the fridge. Ooooo…..I'm looking forward to that!
One thing I'm wanting to try are pancakes. I make mine from scratch and I just made some for Hayden yesterday and I looked at the recipe and I can totally substitute ingredients to make them sugar-free/starch-free no problem. Whether or not they taste good, that is the question. But I am going to try it out!
For supper I cooked….you guessed it! Cabbage :) I then fried up 100g of chicken in a bit of water. I spritzed it with some Braggs, dashed on some oregano and rosemary and I was good to go. I wished I could've enjoyed it a bit more, but by the time I sat down to eat, it was 5:45 and I had to be at work at 6:00! So I didn't eat slowly tonight….I scarfed it down! I managed to taste it in the hurry, and what I tasted was delicious. So that's good.
And thus, here I am, at the end of my long Tuesday, satisfied, not hungry, and looking forward to tomorrow! One more day and then I get my long awaited break. Woohoo!!!
And with that, I'm now going to bed.
till tomorrow!
Monday, January 24, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D22
Happy Monday!
Today was the absolute opposite that everything yesterday was. It was almost like night and day. Yesterday I struggled, today, not at all. It's strange how that can be. Our bodies are wonderful and mysterious indeed.
This morning I weighed in and was down .2 pounds. I'm in a bit of a crossroads right now, as I'm supposed to be finishing off this week, however, I feel I could do it for just a bit longer, maybe another week or so. I'm going to continue my original plan see how it goes, with today being my last day with drops. I'm going to finish this week and call this weekend a "planned break" by eating P3. By Sunday, I'll see how I'm feeling and if there's been further change and I'm completely happy with the results, I'll continue on with P3. If however there could be a little bit more improvement, then I will resume the drops next Monday and go for about another week or so, or until I run out of drops. We will see how it all plays out.
Today for lunch I had asparagus and some mahimahi cooked with spices. A simple lunch, however it did suffice. Supper was where I got more flavour. I really felt I needed red meat, so steak it was. I marinated it in a mixture I whipped up consisting of white wine vinegar, dash of salt, oregano, rosemary, and a few spritzes of Braggs. I then let it soak for a bit before dumping it all into the pan and frying it up. It was extremely yummy. I also cooked more cabbage then usual, so I had more to eat for supper, and it was just what I needed! So filling and delicious. I'm glad there's not a set limit on the veggies. They've definitely been a lifesaver.
I brought my orange and melba toast to Women's Bible Study tonight and wasn't even drawn to the snack they had laid out. It felt nice to not salivate over what I cannot have.
Well, that was my day in a quick nutshell. Nothing too exciting, but yet it is as this week holds new things for me, and that is exciting.
till tomorrow.
Today was the absolute opposite that everything yesterday was. It was almost like night and day. Yesterday I struggled, today, not at all. It's strange how that can be. Our bodies are wonderful and mysterious indeed.
This morning I weighed in and was down .2 pounds. I'm in a bit of a crossroads right now, as I'm supposed to be finishing off this week, however, I feel I could do it for just a bit longer, maybe another week or so. I'm going to continue my original plan see how it goes, with today being my last day with drops. I'm going to finish this week and call this weekend a "planned break" by eating P3. By Sunday, I'll see how I'm feeling and if there's been further change and I'm completely happy with the results, I'll continue on with P3. If however there could be a little bit more improvement, then I will resume the drops next Monday and go for about another week or so, or until I run out of drops. We will see how it all plays out.
Today for lunch I had asparagus and some mahimahi cooked with spices. A simple lunch, however it did suffice. Supper was where I got more flavour. I really felt I needed red meat, so steak it was. I marinated it in a mixture I whipped up consisting of white wine vinegar, dash of salt, oregano, rosemary, and a few spritzes of Braggs. I then let it soak for a bit before dumping it all into the pan and frying it up. It was extremely yummy. I also cooked more cabbage then usual, so I had more to eat for supper, and it was just what I needed! So filling and delicious. I'm glad there's not a set limit on the veggies. They've definitely been a lifesaver.
I brought my orange and melba toast to Women's Bible Study tonight and wasn't even drawn to the snack they had laid out. It felt nice to not salivate over what I cannot have.
Well, that was my day in a quick nutshell. Nothing too exciting, but yet it is as this week holds new things for me, and that is exciting.
till tomorrow.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D21
Today was a hard day. As I'm nearing the end of this diet it's getting harder and harder to stay true to it and not cheat. Boy did I want to cheat today. Starting from the beginning, I weighed in this morning and was down .3 pounds. I have 4 more days and hope that they produce some good loss so that my starting maintenance weight is a bit lower. :)
I was on the worship team this morning, which made for an early rise and a harder, longer morning before I got lunch. It's hard to be able to sit with some coffee to help hold you over till lunch when you are playing the piano and singing. I wasn't able to get home and make lunch till 1pm and by then I was so hungry! So hungry, in fact, that I also had a hard time eating slowly, just because I needed the food. I ended up having my snack earlier then usual today, just because I needed it. For lunch I cooked up some shrimp in garlic and lemon and had cabbage with it. Easy and painless really :)
I drank heaps and heaps, which does help, but sometimes, you just want a nice big glass of milk, or juice! The afternoon fared nicely as we had some dear friends over for a visit, which is always a pleasure. By the time they left it was time to make some supper. I made the same thing for supper as I had for lunch, only I added a few different spices. I went to oregano and allowed it to calm me :) I was able to eat supper much slower, which did allow for a fuller feeling afterwards. That's when the trouble started….
We went to our friends' engagement party tonight….at the groom-to-be's parents meat and sausage store! Well, not "in" the store, but right next to it. They brought out the most delicious smelling appetizers, plates filled with chocolate and candy, brownies, pretzels, etc etc. All the things you would find at a party. Thank goodness I brought my orange and melba toast, but it just didn't suffice tonight. I'm really hungry right now too, and there's nothing I can do about it but drink some more water. I look at all that food, and because I'm so close to the end, I just wonder how much it really matters anymore. I know it does, but something in me actually wanted to give in, even just a little. I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't, cause I would have regretted it for sure.
Also, the past few days have been filled with much back pain for me. It's almost like, now that I don't have a cushion of fat anymore, everything is groaning haha.
Well, regardless, this is the week!!! I can do it! I can finish! I see the prize at the finish line and it's wonderful :)
Now I must go and try and coax my lovely husband to give me a massage (a slight perk to having the pain) and go to sleep and be ready for tomorrow.
till tomorrow.
I was on the worship team this morning, which made for an early rise and a harder, longer morning before I got lunch. It's hard to be able to sit with some coffee to help hold you over till lunch when you are playing the piano and singing. I wasn't able to get home and make lunch till 1pm and by then I was so hungry! So hungry, in fact, that I also had a hard time eating slowly, just because I needed the food. I ended up having my snack earlier then usual today, just because I needed it. For lunch I cooked up some shrimp in garlic and lemon and had cabbage with it. Easy and painless really :)
I drank heaps and heaps, which does help, but sometimes, you just want a nice big glass of milk, or juice! The afternoon fared nicely as we had some dear friends over for a visit, which is always a pleasure. By the time they left it was time to make some supper. I made the same thing for supper as I had for lunch, only I added a few different spices. I went to oregano and allowed it to calm me :) I was able to eat supper much slower, which did allow for a fuller feeling afterwards. That's when the trouble started….
We went to our friends' engagement party tonight….at the groom-to-be's parents meat and sausage store! Well, not "in" the store, but right next to it. They brought out the most delicious smelling appetizers, plates filled with chocolate and candy, brownies, pretzels, etc etc. All the things you would find at a party. Thank goodness I brought my orange and melba toast, but it just didn't suffice tonight. I'm really hungry right now too, and there's nothing I can do about it but drink some more water. I look at all that food, and because I'm so close to the end, I just wonder how much it really matters anymore. I know it does, but something in me actually wanted to give in, even just a little. I didn't, and I'm glad I didn't, cause I would have regretted it for sure.
Also, the past few days have been filled with much back pain for me. It's almost like, now that I don't have a cushion of fat anymore, everything is groaning haha.
Well, regardless, this is the week!!! I can do it! I can finish! I see the prize at the finish line and it's wonderful :)
Now I must go and try and coax my lovely husband to give me a massage (a slight perk to having the pain) and go to sleep and be ready for tomorrow.
till tomorrow.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D20
Today I was up quite early, just after 7, so that we could go and get my new tires put on my car. It was exciting, but boy was I tired….and still am! :) I weighed in this morning and was up .1 pound, but am certain that will be gone by tomorrow. Now that I understand the process, I'm not bothered by this at all.
Today for lunch I again chose quiche because again, there's nothing quite like breakfast food on Saturday…and I like my breakfast food. Today I also took more time looking at recipes for the next phase and excitement grew as I get to experiment and try out some lovely ideas. 5 more days to go!
This afternoon was occupied at the pottery studio. It felt good to get back into making items and it was a very productive day. In my couple of hours there I made 4 bowls (3 sizes), one long dish and 3 wall hangings with quotes on them. I used up the last bit of my clay, so now it's to Plainsmen to pick some more up this week. One box sure makes a lot of pieces and lasts a long time. This was only just the end of my first box and I bought it in August. Not bad.
Tonight Hayden and I decided to try a new fish, mahimahi. We had it when we were in Kona and loved it, so we were both excited to give it a go tonight. I was going to make the same glaze for Hayden as I made for myself, but in the end, he decided to make his own version. I look forward to trying it for myself in the next phase, as he used all ingredients that will be safe for me. He crushed up cashews to make a covering for his fish and then fried it in some avocado/lemon oil and a bit of butter. My fish, on the other hand, was a bit different. I decided to make a glaze for it. I found the recipe online and tweaked it so I could use safe ingredients for myself. I used 1 Tbsp of Braggs, 1Tbsp of white wine vinegar, roughly half a tsp of fresh grated ginger, 1 clove of garlic minced, and a few drops of stevia to sweeten it up as I couldn't use honey. I marinated my fish in that for a while while I cooked up my celery. I then fried the fish in some water and the glaze. It tasted pretty good. I would love to try the normal recipe sometime as it uses honey, balsamic vinegar and real soy sauce. But this was really good for now.
Today for lunch I again chose quiche because again, there's nothing quite like breakfast food on Saturday…and I like my breakfast food. Today I also took more time looking at recipes for the next phase and excitement grew as I get to experiment and try out some lovely ideas. 5 more days to go!
This afternoon was occupied at the pottery studio. It felt good to get back into making items and it was a very productive day. In my couple of hours there I made 4 bowls (3 sizes), one long dish and 3 wall hangings with quotes on them. I used up the last bit of my clay, so now it's to Plainsmen to pick some more up this week. One box sure makes a lot of pieces and lasts a long time. This was only just the end of my first box and I bought it in August. Not bad.
Tonight Hayden and I decided to try a new fish, mahimahi. We had it when we were in Kona and loved it, so we were both excited to give it a go tonight. I was going to make the same glaze for Hayden as I made for myself, but in the end, he decided to make his own version. I look forward to trying it for myself in the next phase, as he used all ingredients that will be safe for me. He crushed up cashews to make a covering for his fish and then fried it in some avocado/lemon oil and a bit of butter. My fish, on the other hand, was a bit different. I decided to make a glaze for it. I found the recipe online and tweaked it so I could use safe ingredients for myself. I used 1 Tbsp of Braggs, 1Tbsp of white wine vinegar, roughly half a tsp of fresh grated ginger, 1 clove of garlic minced, and a few drops of stevia to sweeten it up as I couldn't use honey. I marinated my fish in that for a while while I cooked up my celery. I then fried the fish in some water and the glaze. It tasted pretty good. I would love to try the normal recipe sometime as it uses honey, balsamic vinegar and real soy sauce. But this was really good for now.
My delicious supper
Spooning a bit more of the glaze onto my fish and surrounding celery
So all in all, today was good day. Looking forward to starting a new day tomorrow and continuing my journey for just a little longer.
Till tomorrow!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D19
This morning brought great joy when I weighed in and saw that I was down 1 pound today. I think my body was just retaining a bit of water in those empty cells, which weighs more then fat, and now it's back to normal.
Today, work was quick and wonderful. I had many comments on how delicious my lunch smelled (same meal as last night) and I was delighted by this. It tasted just as good today as it did last night. Friday's are also early days, which was great as I came home and had a couple hours of absolute quiet before it was time to start supper. I figured Hayden needed a cooked meal today as he was at The Hive all day with his art.
I made Hayden the same meal as mine tonight, fried chicken with oregano, rosemary and garlic. I cooked his in butter, mine in water, and I cooked rice for Hayden and asparagus for myself. Not only did I think it tasted wonderful, but Hayden thought so too. :) Mission accomplished!
Today was also a fun day as I started looking ahead and can see the end of the Phase 2 road and the beginning of Phase 3. I'm looking at what foods I'm allowed to introduce and the increase in calories. I'm most excited and have made quite an extensive grocery list and looked at recipes and am getting ready. My only hurdle is that the first 3 days of Phase 3, I'm away in Edmonton at a conference. That makes things slightly more difficult, but not impossible. I will just have to find easy travel food solutions that will get me through those first 3 days. I'm quite excited! I get to eat olives soon! Boy do I love olives. haha. The simple pleasures that one takes for granted most of the time. I don't want to take food for granted ever again, but enjoy, savour, and have fun with it, finding healthier alternatives to all the junk that is out there. :) It can be done, it just takes a bit more time and creativity.
Well, this is short and sweet, but that's all for today! Looking forward to another weekend and hopefully getting into the pottery studio tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
till tomorrow!
Today, work was quick and wonderful. I had many comments on how delicious my lunch smelled (same meal as last night) and I was delighted by this. It tasted just as good today as it did last night. Friday's are also early days, which was great as I came home and had a couple hours of absolute quiet before it was time to start supper. I figured Hayden needed a cooked meal today as he was at The Hive all day with his art.
I made Hayden the same meal as mine tonight, fried chicken with oregano, rosemary and garlic. I cooked his in butter, mine in water, and I cooked rice for Hayden and asparagus for myself. Not only did I think it tasted wonderful, but Hayden thought so too. :) Mission accomplished!
Today was also a fun day as I started looking ahead and can see the end of the Phase 2 road and the beginning of Phase 3. I'm looking at what foods I'm allowed to introduce and the increase in calories. I'm most excited and have made quite an extensive grocery list and looked at recipes and am getting ready. My only hurdle is that the first 3 days of Phase 3, I'm away in Edmonton at a conference. That makes things slightly more difficult, but not impossible. I will just have to find easy travel food solutions that will get me through those first 3 days. I'm quite excited! I get to eat olives soon! Boy do I love olives. haha. The simple pleasures that one takes for granted most of the time. I don't want to take food for granted ever again, but enjoy, savour, and have fun with it, finding healthier alternatives to all the junk that is out there. :) It can be done, it just takes a bit more time and creativity.
Well, this is short and sweet, but that's all for today! Looking forward to another weekend and hopefully getting into the pottery studio tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
till tomorrow!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D18
This morning I weighed in and to my surprise I was up .5 pounds! This was definitely not what I was expecting and I racked my brain, going thoroughly through yesterday, wondering what I could have done that would have caused this. After checking in with a few others, it may have been a couple reasons. One, I didn't eat my orange and melba toast yesterday, which could have caused my body to hang on to a bit of fat as a reserve because I didn't eat enough, or, I could be retaining a bit of water and toxins that had found a home in the newly made fat-free cells. Either way, I hope to see an improvement tomorrow as I made sure to eat both pieces of fruit today. No matter what, my body still seems to be slimming down and I felt really great today. No hunger issues at all.
It was hot lunch day at school today, so the fragrance of Panago pizza wafted through the halls. It smelt amazing and there was a slight longing for a slice of ooey-gooey cheese pizza, but with a goal in mind, it's so much easier to say no. I was content with my celery and fish.
The day proceeded and I had an enjoyable afternoon doing my first one-on-one art lesson with a friends 6 year old daughter. It was awesome as she is such a joy and I look forward to continuing this endeavour each week and creating new things with her. By the time I got home, it was supper time! I decided to steam up some cabbage and fry up some extra lean ground beef. I added some oregano, rosemary, a dash of sea salt, a bit of garlic powder and the aroma jumped through my nose and into my stomach. I was so excited to eat this new creation. Plus it smelt like pizza :P
And I wasn't disappointed! It was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend this one. I think I will continue to use it in times to come. It would be a good base for spaghetti sauce, too.
Well, all in all, it was a great day. It ended with Hayden and I purchasing 4 new winter tires for my car and watching Mater's Tall Tales from Pixar! How lovely :)
Enjoy this chinook we seem to be having and the warmer weather it brings, because it will end up freezing again and then, look out! At least I'll have my new tires.
till tomorrow!
It was hot lunch day at school today, so the fragrance of Panago pizza wafted through the halls. It smelt amazing and there was a slight longing for a slice of ooey-gooey cheese pizza, but with a goal in mind, it's so much easier to say no. I was content with my celery and fish.
The day proceeded and I had an enjoyable afternoon doing my first one-on-one art lesson with a friends 6 year old daughter. It was awesome as she is such a joy and I look forward to continuing this endeavour each week and creating new things with her. By the time I got home, it was supper time! I decided to steam up some cabbage and fry up some extra lean ground beef. I added some oregano, rosemary, a dash of sea salt, a bit of garlic powder and the aroma jumped through my nose and into my stomach. I was so excited to eat this new creation. Plus it smelt like pizza :P
And I wasn't disappointed! It was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend this one. I think I will continue to use it in times to come. It would be a good base for spaghetti sauce, too.
Well, all in all, it was a great day. It ended with Hayden and I purchasing 4 new winter tires for my car and watching Mater's Tall Tales from Pixar! How lovely :)
Enjoy this chinook we seem to be having and the warmer weather it brings, because it will end up freezing again and then, look out! At least I'll have my new tires.
till tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D17
This day was quite superior to the last in many ways. 1: it was not snowing 2: I did not get stuck 3: I wasn't freezing cold at school 4: I wasn't ravishingly hungry throughout the day 5: I was not ridiculously tired, and 6: I have an amazing husband, but that's everyday :) I didn't even have my final piece of fruit and melba toast because I just wasn't hungry! That's a first.
I weighed in this morning and was down another .5 pounds. It's coming off, little bit by little bit. Today I noticed my first big change in appearance, and in clothing too. A shirt I had purchased which fit snug and tight, was not hanging on me. It was nice, except I've barely been able to wear it much, but I think I still will, regardless of the lack of tightness. I don't really mind actually.
Lunch was shrimp, cooked in a bit of lemon and garlic, on a bed of fresh spinach leaves, followed by a melba toast. I had precious few moments in the afternoon, just as my kindergartens were arriving back to school, so in that time I quickly scarfed down an apple. I had just purchased them yesterday and they are so amazingly delicious! I'm looking forward to my apple tomorrow again for sure! :)
After work, I came home and was able to have a bit of much-needed downtime. This week has been so busy and crazy and is only continuing to be so. I need to take some things out of my life, but am not sure where to start or what to cut. As supper time drew near, I cooked up another quiche. It's so quick and easy, and today that's what I needed. I changed up the spices a bit though. I added some oregano (which smells like pizza. I love it!) and a couple spritzes of Braggs. It was surprisingly good! I was impressed with myself, to say the least.
Then it was time to be off once more for worship practice tonight, where I drank water, but the time didn't allow me the chance to get hungry again. I don't really mind :) I now find myself home, my lunch is done for tomorrow, my kitchen is clean, and my bed is calling me, along with a much needed massage from my husband. :)
Till tomorrow!
I weighed in this morning and was down another .5 pounds. It's coming off, little bit by little bit. Today I noticed my first big change in appearance, and in clothing too. A shirt I had purchased which fit snug and tight, was not hanging on me. It was nice, except I've barely been able to wear it much, but I think I still will, regardless of the lack of tightness. I don't really mind actually.
Lunch was shrimp, cooked in a bit of lemon and garlic, on a bed of fresh spinach leaves, followed by a melba toast. I had precious few moments in the afternoon, just as my kindergartens were arriving back to school, so in that time I quickly scarfed down an apple. I had just purchased them yesterday and they are so amazingly delicious! I'm looking forward to my apple tomorrow again for sure! :)
After work, I came home and was able to have a bit of much-needed downtime. This week has been so busy and crazy and is only continuing to be so. I need to take some things out of my life, but am not sure where to start or what to cut. As supper time drew near, I cooked up another quiche. It's so quick and easy, and today that's what I needed. I changed up the spices a bit though. I added some oregano (which smells like pizza. I love it!) and a couple spritzes of Braggs. It was surprisingly good! I was impressed with myself, to say the least.
Then it was time to be off once more for worship practice tonight, where I drank water, but the time didn't allow me the chance to get hungry again. I don't really mind :) I now find myself home, my lunch is done for tomorrow, my kitchen is clean, and my bed is calling me, along with a much needed massage from my husband. :)
Till tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D16
This morning I woke up tired. I think this had more to do with the fact that my life has gotten incessantly busy over the past while, mixed with continual weather changes, then anything else. It was hard pulling myself from my bed and my warm covers. It was rewarding, however, as I weighed in and found I was down another .7 pounds. We're getting there!
I seem, in the past couple of days, to not be able to get enough water. I'm drinking way over my required amount, but I'm just needing more. It's crazy how, when our body changes, so do the requirements for keeping it functioning at a high capacity. It also helps take the edge off any hunger issues that may ensue. My lunch was chicken and cabbage. Had I known the craziness the afternoon would bring, I would have eaten my apple and melba toast right then and there as well. But I didn't, and I paid for it later. How was I to know?
A grocery shop was a dire need today, as I had eaten up all the veggies and had nothing for supper. Tuesdays are a crazy day anyway as I work at the Library in the evening, so I hurried through the store as fast as I could so that I could at least a few minutes peace before I was off and running again. Because of this extra stop before getting home, I didn't get to have my apple and melba toast and I felt absolutely famished. The first thing on the list when I got home was make supper, stat! The easiest and fastest was to steam up some celery, spritz it with some Braggs, and fry up some lemon-garlic shrimp. It was a lovely meal for the quickness of it and I felt so much better after it was done.
I then had about 20 minutes to sit and then it was time to go, only, my car was stuck. There is almost nothing more frustrating then getting your car stuck in front of your house in only about 3 1/2 inches of snow. This should not happen. And what was worse, I needed 4 men to help push me out because of the ice underneath as well. My tires are fried and definitely not doing their job. Yuck! Time for some new ones it appears.
Thus I found myself a bit agitated at the start of work tonight. Thankfully it was a quiet night and I had time to work silently and pray while I did it, process the day, and put a smile back on my face. I'm thankful for that.
Well, it's been a tiring, draining day, so I need to go make my lunch for tomorrow and lay in bed and recoup and sleep.
Till tomorrow
I seem, in the past couple of days, to not be able to get enough water. I'm drinking way over my required amount, but I'm just needing more. It's crazy how, when our body changes, so do the requirements for keeping it functioning at a high capacity. It also helps take the edge off any hunger issues that may ensue. My lunch was chicken and cabbage. Had I known the craziness the afternoon would bring, I would have eaten my apple and melba toast right then and there as well. But I didn't, and I paid for it later. How was I to know?
A grocery shop was a dire need today, as I had eaten up all the veggies and had nothing for supper. Tuesdays are a crazy day anyway as I work at the Library in the evening, so I hurried through the store as fast as I could so that I could at least a few minutes peace before I was off and running again. Because of this extra stop before getting home, I didn't get to have my apple and melba toast and I felt absolutely famished. The first thing on the list when I got home was make supper, stat! The easiest and fastest was to steam up some celery, spritz it with some Braggs, and fry up some lemon-garlic shrimp. It was a lovely meal for the quickness of it and I felt so much better after it was done.
I then had about 20 minutes to sit and then it was time to go, only, my car was stuck. There is almost nothing more frustrating then getting your car stuck in front of your house in only about 3 1/2 inches of snow. This should not happen. And what was worse, I needed 4 men to help push me out because of the ice underneath as well. My tires are fried and definitely not doing their job. Yuck! Time for some new ones it appears.
Thus I found myself a bit agitated at the start of work tonight. Thankfully it was a quiet night and I had time to work silently and pray while I did it, process the day, and put a smile back on my face. I'm thankful for that.
Well, it's been a tiring, draining day, so I need to go make my lunch for tomorrow and lay in bed and recoup and sleep.
Till tomorrow
Monday, January 17, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D15
Today I woke up quite hungry for the first time since starting. I haven't been hungry in so long that I had almost forgotten what it felt like, and believe me, I did not enjoy the recall. This could be owing to the fact that I was abruptly awakened quite early as my husband was called into work. I jumped out of bed to help get him ready and it may have thrown me for a loop. I made it through the morning drinking exuberant amounts of water, which did the trick. When I weighed in this morning I found I was down .6 pounds. It was nice to see, but all I could think about was how much I really wanted a thick slice of toast, smothered with crunchy peanut butter and honey. Oh, that will be the day when I am able to enjoy just that again :) Regardless of this incessant want, I held out for lunch and that did the trick. I enjoyed every morsel that was in front of me. Today I was glad for the routine of splitting up my meals and my fruit, as that gave me something to munch on once I arrived home as well.
That past few days have been really great, not thinking about food, just living life and enjoying it, feeling great, but today I longed for this to be over. I'm hoping everything will be back to normal tomorrow. I'm almost there and I am determined to make it without cheating!
For supper I fried up some Haddock with cilantro and basil and steamed some asparagus. A simple meal which I've had before, but it was just as delicious this time round as it was the first time.
I had Bible Study tonight, so brought along my orange and melba toast. Boy am I glad I did! After the study they brought out the most decadent looking desserts and the smell of chocolate wafted around me in enticing swirls. I could almost see the fingers as they tried to draw me near. I stayed away, far, far away! As much as I wanted a piece of that chocolate cake, I didn't! Instead, I looked to my orange and savoured the juicy sweetness for all it was worth. I also thought about the recipes I've discovered which will allow me to enjoy some yummy items without the starch and sugar, which I'm not allowed to have in the next phase. All I need to do is hang in there for 9 more days! That's nothing.
So my day has ended with me feeling tired, but proud of myself and looking forward to closing my eyes to yet another day. I feel like I've been doing this forever, but the reward is almost here. I can smell it :)
Till tomorrow!
That past few days have been really great, not thinking about food, just living life and enjoying it, feeling great, but today I longed for this to be over. I'm hoping everything will be back to normal tomorrow. I'm almost there and I am determined to make it without cheating!
For supper I fried up some Haddock with cilantro and basil and steamed some asparagus. A simple meal which I've had before, but it was just as delicious this time round as it was the first time.
I had Bible Study tonight, so brought along my orange and melba toast. Boy am I glad I did! After the study they brought out the most decadent looking desserts and the smell of chocolate wafted around me in enticing swirls. I could almost see the fingers as they tried to draw me near. I stayed away, far, far away! As much as I wanted a piece of that chocolate cake, I didn't! Instead, I looked to my orange and savoured the juicy sweetness for all it was worth. I also thought about the recipes I've discovered which will allow me to enjoy some yummy items without the starch and sugar, which I'm not allowed to have in the next phase. All I need to do is hang in there for 9 more days! That's nothing.
So my day has ended with me feeling tired, but proud of myself and looking forward to closing my eyes to yet another day. I feel like I've been doing this forever, but the reward is almost here. I can smell it :)
Till tomorrow!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
the Transformation: R1P2D14
Today tested my self-restraint for the first time in regards to eating with others. Hayden and I were invited over for lunch by some friends today after church. I brought my own lunch, which was fine, but boy, did the food on the table look tantalizing, smell scrumptious, and all around taunted me. But, I did not succumb! I savoured my cilantro covered chicken and cabbage and was satisfied. I did, however, enjoy the sideways glances of the kids as they eyed my strange looking purple cabbage.
This morning I weighed in and am down another .5 pounds. I'm still feeling great and have loads of energy throughout my day, although, today I did take a nap. This is only because I was up so early this morning and needed just a bit more sleep to carry me through the evening, as were heading out again after supper to hang with some more friends.
For supper I decided that steak was the way to go. I marinated it again with 1T of vinegar, 1T water, a few cloves of pressed garlic, a pinch of sea salt and the last of my rosemary. I'm going to have to pick some more up as I do love the flavour. I also steamed asparagus and had myself a lovely tasting supper which filled me to satisfactory.
That's about all for today. I know it's short and sweet, but bed is calling my name as I have an early start tomorrow. Stay warm!
till tomorrow
This morning I weighed in and am down another .5 pounds. I'm still feeling great and have loads of energy throughout my day, although, today I did take a nap. This is only because I was up so early this morning and needed just a bit more sleep to carry me through the evening, as were heading out again after supper to hang with some more friends.
For supper I decided that steak was the way to go. I marinated it again with 1T of vinegar, 1T water, a few cloves of pressed garlic, a pinch of sea salt and the last of my rosemary. I'm going to have to pick some more up as I do love the flavour. I also steamed asparagus and had myself a lovely tasting supper which filled me to satisfactory.
That's about all for today. I know it's short and sweet, but bed is calling my name as I have an early start tomorrow. Stay warm!
till tomorrow
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D13
I loved today. I considered it my "snow day" and didn't go anywhere, nor did I feel the need to. I slept in, stayed in my pj's till almost noon, and lazed around the house, ending it watching several episodes of Smallville with my handsome husband. It was great to just "be". This morning I was down .1 pounds and feel great! After my shower, I decided to try on a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear almost since the time I bought them. Lo and behold, they fit, and fit nicely at that. I wore them all day and they've sat most comfortably on me, not digging into my stomach or hips. What a nice feeling.
I had my chocolate stevia in my coffee this morning, and it was like drinking a mocha, to a certain extent :) For lunch I made quiche again. It was an easy choice as I had slept in, and so, it was like having eggs for brunch. I very much enjoyed it indeed.
Supper I ventured out into the celery realm again. I haven't eaten it since that fateful day when I added a bit of lemon, leaving a vile tasting celery in my mouth. No lemons today! I chopped up the celery into bite sized chunks and steamed them. As they were steaming I spritzed them with some Bragg's, not knowing what this would do to my delicate celery. It was a gamble that I am happy to say I won. I also fried up 100g of lean ground beef and added some cilantro, rosemary, and bit of garlic powder. The aroma filling my kitchen was divine. I then poured both celery and beef into a bowl and enjoyed a tasty meal that turned out just dandy.
Needless to say, my mouth and stomach were happy with the outcome. I'm actually enjoying my inventiveness, for the most part. At least, I'm getting better with each day. Any of the recipes that I've tried I will definitely do again (minus the lemon on celery), and could even do in bigger proportion and feed it to my husband as well. But for now, I'll leave the experimenting to my food only, so if something doesn't turn out quite so well, he won't have to stomach it.
That's all for today.
Till tomorrow…
I had my chocolate stevia in my coffee this morning, and it was like drinking a mocha, to a certain extent :) For lunch I made quiche again. It was an easy choice as I had slept in, and so, it was like having eggs for brunch. I very much enjoyed it indeed.
Supper I ventured out into the celery realm again. I haven't eaten it since that fateful day when I added a bit of lemon, leaving a vile tasting celery in my mouth. No lemons today! I chopped up the celery into bite sized chunks and steamed them. As they were steaming I spritzed them with some Bragg's, not knowing what this would do to my delicate celery. It was a gamble that I am happy to say I won. I also fried up 100g of lean ground beef and added some cilantro, rosemary, and bit of garlic powder. The aroma filling my kitchen was divine. I then poured both celery and beef into a bowl and enjoyed a tasty meal that turned out just dandy.
Needless to say, my mouth and stomach were happy with the outcome. I'm actually enjoying my inventiveness, for the most part. At least, I'm getting better with each day. Any of the recipes that I've tried I will definitely do again (minus the lemon on celery), and could even do in bigger proportion and feed it to my husband as well. But for now, I'll leave the experimenting to my food only, so if something doesn't turn out quite so well, he won't have to stomach it.
That's all for today.
Till tomorrow…
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D12
Today has been a really great day, all around. With a changed attitude, it's amazing how an entire day can be altered. I weighed in this morning and was down another .5 pounds. My skin is clearing up, but my lips are so dry. I even have a cold sore starting. Not fun, so hopefully I can kill it quickly and be done with it!
Today sparked a desire to try something new and be creative, and in some ways, a bit inventive. Lunch consisted of some lovely haddock fried with a bit of sea salt and cilantro. I absolutely love cilantro, and as Hayden doesn't enjoy it, I'm going to use it as much as I can while I'm eating separate meals then him. I ate my haddock on a bed of spinach leaves and it was quite refreshing.
Supper is where I became a bit more inventive. I decided that I wanted teriyaki shrimp. I hadn't looked at a specific recipe in a while, but remembered I needed Braggs Liquid Aminos to do the job. It's a type of soya sauce, but without all the extra ingredients. It's basically just soybeans and water. So, on the way home I stopped by the store and picked up a small bottle of it. I also purchased a bottle of dark chocolate flavoured Stevia as well, to mix it up. I'm getting a little tired of having french vanilla everyday.
When I got home, I decided I would have cabbage with my shrimp. I found a teriyaki recipe and decided to make my own measurements and try it out. I weighed out my 100g of shrimp and in a separate bowl I added 2 Tbsp of Braggs, 3 Tbsp of water, 2 cloves of garlic, pressed with a garlic press, and a small chunk of ginger, grated. I then added about 10 drops of my french vanilla stevia, to give a bit of sweetness to the sauce. A quick taste told me it wasn't bad! I mixed the ingredients together and then put my shrimp in the liquid and let it sit for a little while, to gently marinate. I then cut up my shrimp in small chunks (it goes farther that way I find) and heated up my frying pan. I poured in the shrimp and sauce and sauteed the contents together. I then had my shrimp on my cabbage and let me tell you, it was delicious!
I am so impressed with my new found inventive ability! I had absolutely no cooking ingenuity before I started HCG, and now I'm well on my way to continuing the search for new and wonderful ideas, well after I'm done. I cooked spaghetti for Hayden at the same time tonight, and was very pleased with my self-restraint. I didn't even taste his sauce, so hopefully it was alright :)
The night ended with my delicious orange and piece of melba toast and now I go to get warm and cozy under my covers and read for a while before falling off to sleep. This weekend may be a homebound one as the snow continues to fly. I don't really mind that in the least.
Stay warm and drive safe
Till next time!
Today sparked a desire to try something new and be creative, and in some ways, a bit inventive. Lunch consisted of some lovely haddock fried with a bit of sea salt and cilantro. I absolutely love cilantro, and as Hayden doesn't enjoy it, I'm going to use it as much as I can while I'm eating separate meals then him. I ate my haddock on a bed of spinach leaves and it was quite refreshing.
Supper is where I became a bit more inventive. I decided that I wanted teriyaki shrimp. I hadn't looked at a specific recipe in a while, but remembered I needed Braggs Liquid Aminos to do the job. It's a type of soya sauce, but without all the extra ingredients. It's basically just soybeans and water. So, on the way home I stopped by the store and picked up a small bottle of it. I also purchased a bottle of dark chocolate flavoured Stevia as well, to mix it up. I'm getting a little tired of having french vanilla everyday.
When I got home, I decided I would have cabbage with my shrimp. I found a teriyaki recipe and decided to make my own measurements and try it out. I weighed out my 100g of shrimp and in a separate bowl I added 2 Tbsp of Braggs, 3 Tbsp of water, 2 cloves of garlic, pressed with a garlic press, and a small chunk of ginger, grated. I then added about 10 drops of my french vanilla stevia, to give a bit of sweetness to the sauce. A quick taste told me it wasn't bad! I mixed the ingredients together and then put my shrimp in the liquid and let it sit for a little while, to gently marinate. I then cut up my shrimp in small chunks (it goes farther that way I find) and heated up my frying pan. I poured in the shrimp and sauce and sauteed the contents together. I then had my shrimp on my cabbage and let me tell you, it was delicious!
I am so impressed with my new found inventive ability! I had absolutely no cooking ingenuity before I started HCG, and now I'm well on my way to continuing the search for new and wonderful ideas, well after I'm done. I cooked spaghetti for Hayden at the same time tonight, and was very pleased with my self-restraint. I didn't even taste his sauce, so hopefully it was alright :)
The night ended with my delicious orange and piece of melba toast and now I go to get warm and cozy under my covers and read for a while before falling off to sleep. This weekend may be a homebound one as the snow continues to fly. I don't really mind that in the least.
Stay warm and drive safe
Till next time!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D11
Here we are, half way through, only 2 weeks to go. The finish line is close! This morning I was down another .7 pounds making my total thus far 10.5 pounds. I'm feeling great, getting heaps of sleep, drinking uber (yes, I just used that word) amounts of water and making myself despise the word "fish" haha. I think, one of the best habits that will come from this, is the drinking of absurd amounts of fluids, which is supposed to be normal anyway. Before I started, I hardly drank any water through-out the day, which is never a good thing, but now, I feel great having my system flushed out and feeling like all the toxins that were stored up inside me wiped clean. Hopefully it's not just a feeling, but an actuality.
I had an awesome friend give me a good reality check today concerning this journey. I realized, that I had become so focused on my bodily results, that it had begun to consume me, even if in the smallest measure. Something I had never wished to ever do in my life. I lived each day thinking constantly about what I would eat next, how much I've lost, and what my body looks like, that I've missed some very key elements to this whole journey. It's the health factor, and in some ways, the spiritual factor. This is great for my health in that I am flushing my body of those harmful toxins and other such things that I've carelessly put into my body in the past. I'm eating clean foods, keeping or lowering, things like my blood sugar level and cholesterol. This is so important to do now and have a better life when I'm older, then neglecting the body I have and reaping the percussions of my bad choices later in life.
This has also become a spiritual journey for me, as I learn more about myself and who I am in God's eye. How does He see me in all this and would He be pleased with my consumed distraction that takes me away from Him? Not at all. I need to be absolutely consumed with Him, and after that, all else falls into place. He is my strength, He is my portion. The Bible talks about our bodies being temples of God, that we are to take care of them. At first this diet was almost a selfish decision because I wanted to look good in a bikini and thought that by losing weight I would feel more sexy for my husband and feel better about myself in every way. This couldn't be farther from the truth. I have a husband who loved me just as much before this journey began as he does now, and I have many who love me, no matter what shape. I have a great life, with so much joy surrounding me, and if I can't feel great about myself now, then it will never happen after I lose weight. So now, I turn my focus to God on this journey, to make my body a healthy and holy temple for Him to reside. This is the main goal, and not to fall back into gluttony or ill care of myself, but to maintain that which I have gained from the loss, and so keep myself at a healthy place always. Thank you my friend. :)
After all this, is seems a bit odd to talk about my yummy supper, however, the main reason I do this is to also help give ideas to those reading this who are also on this diet, and to those who just want to try and eat clean.
Supper was lovely. I had 100g of Haddock which I fried up in fresh garlic and fresh grated ginger. I heated the pan with some water first and added the garlic and ginger to urge their flavours to burst.
I then laid the fish on top of the cooking garlic and ginger and steamed it.
I boiled some cabbage, which you can tell is now a new favourite. I drained the cabbage and poured it into a bowl and then placed the fish on top.
I crushed up the fish and mixed it into my cabbage so I had both in every bite. It was quite satisfactory and pleasant.
Well, this has been a bit to chew, so I'm going to sign off now for tonight.
till tomorrow...
I had an awesome friend give me a good reality check today concerning this journey. I realized, that I had become so focused on my bodily results, that it had begun to consume me, even if in the smallest measure. Something I had never wished to ever do in my life. I lived each day thinking constantly about what I would eat next, how much I've lost, and what my body looks like, that I've missed some very key elements to this whole journey. It's the health factor, and in some ways, the spiritual factor. This is great for my health in that I am flushing my body of those harmful toxins and other such things that I've carelessly put into my body in the past. I'm eating clean foods, keeping or lowering, things like my blood sugar level and cholesterol. This is so important to do now and have a better life when I'm older, then neglecting the body I have and reaping the percussions of my bad choices later in life.
This has also become a spiritual journey for me, as I learn more about myself and who I am in God's eye. How does He see me in all this and would He be pleased with my consumed distraction that takes me away from Him? Not at all. I need to be absolutely consumed with Him, and after that, all else falls into place. He is my strength, He is my portion. The Bible talks about our bodies being temples of God, that we are to take care of them. At first this diet was almost a selfish decision because I wanted to look good in a bikini and thought that by losing weight I would feel more sexy for my husband and feel better about myself in every way. This couldn't be farther from the truth. I have a husband who loved me just as much before this journey began as he does now, and I have many who love me, no matter what shape. I have a great life, with so much joy surrounding me, and if I can't feel great about myself now, then it will never happen after I lose weight. So now, I turn my focus to God on this journey, to make my body a healthy and holy temple for Him to reside. This is the main goal, and not to fall back into gluttony or ill care of myself, but to maintain that which I have gained from the loss, and so keep myself at a healthy place always. Thank you my friend. :)
After all this, is seems a bit odd to talk about my yummy supper, however, the main reason I do this is to also help give ideas to those reading this who are also on this diet, and to those who just want to try and eat clean.
Supper was lovely. I had 100g of Haddock which I fried up in fresh garlic and fresh grated ginger. I heated the pan with some water first and added the garlic and ginger to urge their flavours to burst.
I then laid the fish on top of the cooking garlic and ginger and steamed it.
I boiled some cabbage, which you can tell is now a new favourite. I drained the cabbage and poured it into a bowl and then placed the fish on top.
I crushed up the fish and mixed it into my cabbage so I had both in every bite. It was quite satisfactory and pleasant.
Well, this has been a bit to chew, so I'm going to sign off now for tonight.
till tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D10
I woke up absolutely hungry today! This is the first time since I started that I can remember waking up hungry. It was almost a strange feeling to me as it happens so rarely these days. Today I weighed in and was down .3 pounds. Not as much as I was hoping, but at least I wasn't still in a stall. I just don't know what my body is going to do and how it needs to adjust itself. As it's been said "patience is a virtue".
It was a mentally challenging morning, however, with the little change of the last couple days and that number on the scale eluding and taunting me. I just want to get below the number I'm on, but feel like it won't give in to me that easily. I have to remember, it's just a number on a scale. The other mental challenge of the day was one of those struggles where you can almost feel "what's the point?!" and perhaps this is as good as it's going to get, so why continue? I've heard this is normal for this point in the game, so pushed through those first initial feelings. The thing that's so hard to believe, is that I might actually be without back rolls at the end of this. That reason may sound crazy to you, but I've had them since I was 11 and no matter what I've done or how well I've eaten or how often or how hard I worked out, they never budged, much to my absolute frustration. So to think they might disappear is, right now, almost the same as believing in a fairytale. It's just too good to be true. But stick to this I will, and I have faith that it will be worth it in the end.
I'm so thankful for work, as it sure helps the days pass by a bit more quickly. I'm almost at the half way mark and am excited about these last couple of weeks. I'm also thankful for all of you out there who are so amazing in your encouragement during this time. One can always use it.
After such a start that today was, it ended rather nicely with a new change to my menu. For lunch I had made up chicken and cabbage the night before, but then found out that I could add a bit of egg to my plan in substitute for my meat. Loving eggs, I ventured out and made a most delicious asparagus quiche! A friend has posted the recipe, so I tweaked it a bit to my tastes. I steamed two cups of chopped up asparagus and then in a separate bowl I whisked 1 egg + 3 whites together. I added some fresh garlic and some basil to my eggs. When my asparagus was done, I drained it and poured it into a small oven-safe dish and covered the bottom. I then poured the egg mixture on top and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. I have a picture as I would like to start adding a bit more then mere words to my blog, for my sanity and yours :)
It was a mentally challenging morning, however, with the little change of the last couple days and that number on the scale eluding and taunting me. I just want to get below the number I'm on, but feel like it won't give in to me that easily. I have to remember, it's just a number on a scale. The other mental challenge of the day was one of those struggles where you can almost feel "what's the point?!" and perhaps this is as good as it's going to get, so why continue? I've heard this is normal for this point in the game, so pushed through those first initial feelings. The thing that's so hard to believe, is that I might actually be without back rolls at the end of this. That reason may sound crazy to you, but I've had them since I was 11 and no matter what I've done or how well I've eaten or how often or how hard I worked out, they never budged, much to my absolute frustration. So to think they might disappear is, right now, almost the same as believing in a fairytale. It's just too good to be true. But stick to this I will, and I have faith that it will be worth it in the end.
I'm so thankful for work, as it sure helps the days pass by a bit more quickly. I'm almost at the half way mark and am excited about these last couple of weeks. I'm also thankful for all of you out there who are so amazing in your encouragement during this time. One can always use it.
After such a start that today was, it ended rather nicely with a new change to my menu. For lunch I had made up chicken and cabbage the night before, but then found out that I could add a bit of egg to my plan in substitute for my meat. Loving eggs, I ventured out and made a most delicious asparagus quiche! A friend has posted the recipe, so I tweaked it a bit to my tastes. I steamed two cups of chopped up asparagus and then in a separate bowl I whisked 1 egg + 3 whites together. I added some fresh garlic and some basil to my eggs. When my asparagus was done, I drained it and poured it into a small oven-safe dish and covered the bottom. I then poured the egg mixture on top and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. I have a picture as I would like to start adding a bit more then mere words to my blog, for my sanity and yours :)
My yummy (and quite filling) quiche
Thus, my day ended with something new in my stomach, a new determination to beat this mental block, and a rebirth of excitement for what tomorrow may come. Thank you for walking with me on this journey. It's not quite like anything I've ever been on or done before.
Till tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D9
As I weighed in this morning, this day was unlike the rest. The scale hadn't moved at all! No loss….however, no gain either, and that's a very good sign. I didn't worry or panic at all, as this is quite normal in women who are on HCG. We hit plateau's throughout our regime and it's not anything to worry about. It could last a day or two, but then the weight catches and up and "Whoosh!", you're losing again and right on track. I drank more liquids today, to possibly help the plateau flush itself out of my system. I do hope that works as I'm not really interested, nor looking forward to having to go through an "apple day". This is where all I eat all day, are six apples. I'm sure it will be just fine :) Tomorrow will tell!
Regardless of this absence in loss according to the scale, my body continues to show me signs that it's losing the fat. Slowly but surely the rolls are shrinking, if ever so slightly. I still have over 2 weeks left, so I'm hoping that in the latter stages of the month is when the physical signs are blatant and the rolls just melt off completely! I don't want any signs of them when this is through. Then, after this is all done, it's back to the gym to tone up again and possibly start training for another triathlon.
Today has no real tid bits, struggles, or even anything new to describe menu wise. I ate chicken and cabbage for both lunch and supper, without regret and with much delight, but should probably mix it up tomorrow for supper and try something new. I'll have to see what else I can find that I may not have tried yet. The possibilities seem endless at times!
Well, this is short and sweet, but that's all for tonight! I hope you're all staying warm, wherever you are.
till next time!
Regardless of this absence in loss according to the scale, my body continues to show me signs that it's losing the fat. Slowly but surely the rolls are shrinking, if ever so slightly. I still have over 2 weeks left, so I'm hoping that in the latter stages of the month is when the physical signs are blatant and the rolls just melt off completely! I don't want any signs of them when this is through. Then, after this is all done, it's back to the gym to tone up again and possibly start training for another triathlon.
Today has no real tid bits, struggles, or even anything new to describe menu wise. I ate chicken and cabbage for both lunch and supper, without regret and with much delight, but should probably mix it up tomorrow for supper and try something new. I'll have to see what else I can find that I may not have tried yet. The possibilities seem endless at times!
Well, this is short and sweet, but that's all for tonight! I hope you're all staying warm, wherever you are.
till next time!
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D8
This will be a short one as it's already quite late. The Banff Film Festival took up my evening which is always a great excuse to get out. This morning I weighed in and found I was down down another .8 pounds. Thankfully my little drop mess-up yesterday didn't alter anything that I could see, anyway. This brings my total loss to 9.5 pounds….in a week! That is really something. I had to laugh today, because I saw an ad on the front of a magazine that said "Lose 10 pounds in 2 months! Find out the secrets". Well, I lost almost that in a week! That made my day for sure.
Today was also a day of discovering the delight that is cabbage. I picked up a head of purple cabbage to give it a go and add a bit of variety to my life. Apparently variety only exists in food these days :) Lunch was the same as supper last night, asparagus and 100g of marinated steak. Having sat overnight, the taste was stronger but still just as great.
Supper, however, was going to be something new. I cut about a 3/4 inch slice of cabbage and shopped it all up into small bits and then boiled it until it was very tender and close to becoming mush, but not quite. I grilled up 100g of chicken in, you guessed it, garlic and rosemary. I then put half the cooked cabbage into a bowl (the other half is for lunch tomorrow) and poured the chicken on top. The cabbage resembled the texture of rice, so it was like have a rice bowl, only cabbage instead. And it has a naturally sweet flavour, which is a nice change. Needless to say, I am hooked and hope to use cabbage as my veggie more often now. Lunch tomorrow will look identical to my supper tonight, as it's much easier to cook 2 of everything the night before then try to cook in the morning. That's the last thing I want to do as soon as I start a new day :)
I snuck in my orange and melba toast for a snack during the film festival and I even took all my peels home with me :)
All in all, today was a good day. I started to feel a cold coming on this morning, but have battled it out and that feeling has fled, thank goodness.
Till next time!
Today was also a day of discovering the delight that is cabbage. I picked up a head of purple cabbage to give it a go and add a bit of variety to my life. Apparently variety only exists in food these days :) Lunch was the same as supper last night, asparagus and 100g of marinated steak. Having sat overnight, the taste was stronger but still just as great.
Supper, however, was going to be something new. I cut about a 3/4 inch slice of cabbage and shopped it all up into small bits and then boiled it until it was very tender and close to becoming mush, but not quite. I grilled up 100g of chicken in, you guessed it, garlic and rosemary. I then put half the cooked cabbage into a bowl (the other half is for lunch tomorrow) and poured the chicken on top. The cabbage resembled the texture of rice, so it was like have a rice bowl, only cabbage instead. And it has a naturally sweet flavour, which is a nice change. Needless to say, I am hooked and hope to use cabbage as my veggie more often now. Lunch tomorrow will look identical to my supper tonight, as it's much easier to cook 2 of everything the night before then try to cook in the morning. That's the last thing I want to do as soon as I start a new day :)
I snuck in my orange and melba toast for a snack during the film festival and I even took all my peels home with me :)
All in all, today was a good day. I started to feel a cold coming on this morning, but have battled it out and that feeling has fled, thank goodness.
Till next time!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Transformation: R1P2D7
Today was a....different day, shall I say? It consisted of new discoveries and also a moment of memory lapse causing much fret and a tinge of worry, readily consoled by my dear husband through his gift of humour. It started the same, waking up and weighing myself. I was down another .5 pounds. It didn't seem like much, but it was still something, and that is always a good thing. I too easily beat myself up over things like this, wondering if I could done something different yesterday to have changed this number, but I very quickly nipped that one and told myself to cool it. Losing is losing and that's what matters. I don't have heaps of weight to lose, and I still have over 2 weeks left. I'm just fine.
After this early morning mind struggle, I then noticed something that I'd not noticed up to this point. My body looked different. Just slightly, but still, to my scrutinizing eyes, observable. Until now I'd noticed no improvement in the loss of rolls or the slendering of my shape, even with the weight loss....until today. It was ever so slight, but my hips seemed a bit smaller, my back seemed a bit flatter, as did my stomach. It was a neat thing to experience. I realized then, even more, it's not the number of the scale that matters so much, it's how I feel and look afterwards. Up until I started this diet, I never weighed myself at all. I didn't care. As long as my clothes fit, I was happy. I avoided it because I knew, with my personality, I ran the risk of becoming obsessed. This was something I never wanted to be in anyway, so to start this diet and have to weigh myself everyday was a scary notion. But I know my husband will keep me in check and keep from becoming that obsessed being. Perhaps that's why I never found this diet until now, because I needed his support, assurance, encouragement and accountability. Thus said, the morning started out better then I anticipated and I've felt great all day. I haven't felt the slow feeling of compression of the body that usually occurs during the day. This is something new.
The other thing I realized, just tonight, is the amount of energy I have. Normally I'm always tired and have a hard time getting out of bed. I yawn all day and feel like I'm dragging my feet, never getting quite enough sleep....or so I thought. I realized that with each passing day, getting up has been less of a chore and more a joy. It's gotten, dare I say, easier? Also, I'm not tired during the day anymore. I hardly ever yawn and I am wide awake, even now, not feeling the need to go to sleep yet. I even forgo my normal Sunday afternoon nap. I simply did not need it. This is a bizarre and fantastic new discovery which I am enjoying thoroughly and look forward to continuing.
We had a potluck after church today, and I brought my own lunch. I had made it last night, so it was the same as my supper. I had 100g of grilled chicken with garlic and dill and ate it on a bed of spinach with a bit of chopped up celery for the crunchy factor. I wasn't even tempted, nor did I desire, the pots full of chilli, cornbread or spread of decadent desserts. They didn't even call my name.
This afternoon is when I had cause of my worry and fret. Hayden and I had to go out to do some grocery shopping and run a few errands. It wasn't until we were on our way home, at 5:30, that I looked at my phone and realized, to my horror, that I had missed my alarm to take my drops at 3:30!!! I've been so good at taking them at exactly the same time daily, so this almost caused a breakdown of epic proportions, which was quickly dissipated by sound reason and soft words by Hayden. How I love that man. It was my first accident, and I'm hoping that it won't effect my results horribly, if at all. I'll find out in the morning. I will definitely be more careful next time!
Needless to say, because I took my drops 2 hours later then intended, by the time supper time came I was overtaken with hunger. I was going to experiment with cabbage tonight, but decided against it as I just needed to eat, and eat as soon as possible. So asparagus it was....with some delicious steak marinated in my little concoction I had created a few days ago consisting of white wine vinegar, Mrs. Dash, minced garlic and a dash of salt and pepper. I was soon completely satisfied and full after my meal and feeling quite content.
After dinner, as a treat with my apple and melba toast, I made a cup of delicious tea I purchased today. Earl grey chocolate flavored tea! Oh my gosh! It was close to heaven in a cup. It wasn't overpowering, it wasn't sweet, but the flavors captured in that tiny little tea bag were exquisite and just what I needed for the end of today. And with that, this day is coming to an end and I best get to bed as I have work in the morning. Hopefully the roads will cooperate with my little car.
till next time....stay warm out there!
After this early morning mind struggle, I then noticed something that I'd not noticed up to this point. My body looked different. Just slightly, but still, to my scrutinizing eyes, observable. Until now I'd noticed no improvement in the loss of rolls or the slendering of my shape, even with the weight loss....until today. It was ever so slight, but my hips seemed a bit smaller, my back seemed a bit flatter, as did my stomach. It was a neat thing to experience. I realized then, even more, it's not the number of the scale that matters so much, it's how I feel and look afterwards. Up until I started this diet, I never weighed myself at all. I didn't care. As long as my clothes fit, I was happy. I avoided it because I knew, with my personality, I ran the risk of becoming obsessed. This was something I never wanted to be in anyway, so to start this diet and have to weigh myself everyday was a scary notion. But I know my husband will keep me in check and keep from becoming that obsessed being. Perhaps that's why I never found this diet until now, because I needed his support, assurance, encouragement and accountability. Thus said, the morning started out better then I anticipated and I've felt great all day. I haven't felt the slow feeling of compression of the body that usually occurs during the day. This is something new.
The other thing I realized, just tonight, is the amount of energy I have. Normally I'm always tired and have a hard time getting out of bed. I yawn all day and feel like I'm dragging my feet, never getting quite enough sleep....or so I thought. I realized that with each passing day, getting up has been less of a chore and more a joy. It's gotten, dare I say, easier? Also, I'm not tired during the day anymore. I hardly ever yawn and I am wide awake, even now, not feeling the need to go to sleep yet. I even forgo my normal Sunday afternoon nap. I simply did not need it. This is a bizarre and fantastic new discovery which I am enjoying thoroughly and look forward to continuing.
We had a potluck after church today, and I brought my own lunch. I had made it last night, so it was the same as my supper. I had 100g of grilled chicken with garlic and dill and ate it on a bed of spinach with a bit of chopped up celery for the crunchy factor. I wasn't even tempted, nor did I desire, the pots full of chilli, cornbread or spread of decadent desserts. They didn't even call my name.
This afternoon is when I had cause of my worry and fret. Hayden and I had to go out to do some grocery shopping and run a few errands. It wasn't until we were on our way home, at 5:30, that I looked at my phone and realized, to my horror, that I had missed my alarm to take my drops at 3:30!!! I've been so good at taking them at exactly the same time daily, so this almost caused a breakdown of epic proportions, which was quickly dissipated by sound reason and soft words by Hayden. How I love that man. It was my first accident, and I'm hoping that it won't effect my results horribly, if at all. I'll find out in the morning. I will definitely be more careful next time!
Needless to say, because I took my drops 2 hours later then intended, by the time supper time came I was overtaken with hunger. I was going to experiment with cabbage tonight, but decided against it as I just needed to eat, and eat as soon as possible. So asparagus it was....with some delicious steak marinated in my little concoction I had created a few days ago consisting of white wine vinegar, Mrs. Dash, minced garlic and a dash of salt and pepper. I was soon completely satisfied and full after my meal and feeling quite content.
After dinner, as a treat with my apple and melba toast, I made a cup of delicious tea I purchased today. Earl grey chocolate flavored tea! Oh my gosh! It was close to heaven in a cup. It wasn't overpowering, it wasn't sweet, but the flavors captured in that tiny little tea bag were exquisite and just what I needed for the end of today. And with that, this day is coming to an end and I best get to bed as I have work in the morning. Hopefully the roads will cooperate with my little car.
till next time....stay warm out there!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Transformation: Day 8 or R1P2D6
Today was great to know I could get up, do my drops and my weigh, and then go back to bed and sleep some more. I love those days, especially when it's gusty and snowy outside. There's nothing more lovely then staying in bed when the weather outside is cold. I am happy to report that I have lost another 1.2 pounds. That's 8.2 in total now and at the start of Day 6 (D6) Phase 2 (P2), that's pretty good. In case you are wondering why I days it's D6 when my blog title says D8, is because the first two days are P1 of the diet and are gorging days. You don't lost weight at all during those 2 days, so P2 is what counts.
Today I was given some lovely ideas about my chocolate cravings, so tomorrow I'm hopefully going to be able to get some Yerba Matte chocolatte tea! Either that or some chocolate stevia! yum! This will be quite exciting for me :) It doesn't take much these days I suppose haha. It is quite fascinating, however, how much my fruit almost tastes like candy now. After getting rid of all other sugars, those natural ones stand out like quills on a porcupine. The rich flavours which are lost with todays "quick fixes", filled with high sugars and sodium, are now coming back to delight my mouth at every turn.
I must say, I do look forward to, and enjoy thoroughly, my morning giant mug of coffee with French Vanilla stevia. It's truly a fantastic way to start my day. I thought I would miss breakfast, of all meals, as it's my favorite, but not so. Don't get me wrong, it will be nice to be able to have it again, but for now, I'm alright with just my coffee, and it gets me through till lunch.
For lunch I had 100g of Haddock again. It was sitting in the fridge, unthawed, so it was an easy choice. I fried it up with a bit of lemon juice and some salt and pepper and rosemary (which is fast becoming a favorite spice), and then broke it up into small chucks and made it into a salad with fresh spinach leaves and 1 stalk of celery chopped up. I was a bit timid at first of mixing veggies, as some protocols say not to and others say it's alright. I'm sticking to one veggie per meal, for the most part, but in small moderation have allowed a few exceptions and it hasn't effected my loss thus far. I'm not really willing to push the limit or risk it too much, but a little is ok I think.
The day passed with little to no cravings, little to no hunger, but a couple times I felt myself wanting the "bored munchies". I wouldn't say it's craving, as it never is, it's just, "I'm bored so I may as well eat something". Thankfully with this diet, you can't! So that will be good to get over, because bored eating is very dangerous. I was helping a friend with Chemistry homework for a bit this afternoon as well, which also helps pass the time a bit more quickly. And of course, there's nothing like a challenging Sudoku puzzle to entertain the mind for a while. I love lazy Saturdays :)
Supper had chicken on the menu. I had thawed it out all day, so it was ready and waiting for me. I also cooked Hayden's on the side, but used two different flippers this time, so no accidental mistakes. I heated up my pan, added a few Tbsp of water, some fresh minced garlic and added my chicken, which were chunked up. I find I prefer my meats in smaller bits. It seems to last me longer that way. I then added a dash of dill and steamed/fried it up! I also steamed some asparagus (which I'm just loving!) and had a lovely and most delicious meal. The beauty of garlic for me, is I absolutely love it and could eat it everyday, on every meal, and not get sick of it. I have a feeling I'll be using it quite often during this month.
I then ended the day watching Smallville with my handsome husband, eating an orange and my melba toast and then playing a game of Settlers. All in all, it was a great day.
I've prepared my lunch for tomorrow as it's a pot-luck at church. We'll see how that goes for me. Don't worry, no cheating will happen :)
Till next time!
Today I was given some lovely ideas about my chocolate cravings, so tomorrow I'm hopefully going to be able to get some Yerba Matte chocolatte tea! Either that or some chocolate stevia! yum! This will be quite exciting for me :) It doesn't take much these days I suppose haha. It is quite fascinating, however, how much my fruit almost tastes like candy now. After getting rid of all other sugars, those natural ones stand out like quills on a porcupine. The rich flavours which are lost with todays "quick fixes", filled with high sugars and sodium, are now coming back to delight my mouth at every turn.
I must say, I do look forward to, and enjoy thoroughly, my morning giant mug of coffee with French Vanilla stevia. It's truly a fantastic way to start my day. I thought I would miss breakfast, of all meals, as it's my favorite, but not so. Don't get me wrong, it will be nice to be able to have it again, but for now, I'm alright with just my coffee, and it gets me through till lunch.
For lunch I had 100g of Haddock again. It was sitting in the fridge, unthawed, so it was an easy choice. I fried it up with a bit of lemon juice and some salt and pepper and rosemary (which is fast becoming a favorite spice), and then broke it up into small chucks and made it into a salad with fresh spinach leaves and 1 stalk of celery chopped up. I was a bit timid at first of mixing veggies, as some protocols say not to and others say it's alright. I'm sticking to one veggie per meal, for the most part, but in small moderation have allowed a few exceptions and it hasn't effected my loss thus far. I'm not really willing to push the limit or risk it too much, but a little is ok I think.
The day passed with little to no cravings, little to no hunger, but a couple times I felt myself wanting the "bored munchies". I wouldn't say it's craving, as it never is, it's just, "I'm bored so I may as well eat something". Thankfully with this diet, you can't! So that will be good to get over, because bored eating is very dangerous. I was helping a friend with Chemistry homework for a bit this afternoon as well, which also helps pass the time a bit more quickly. And of course, there's nothing like a challenging Sudoku puzzle to entertain the mind for a while. I love lazy Saturdays :)
Supper had chicken on the menu. I had thawed it out all day, so it was ready and waiting for me. I also cooked Hayden's on the side, but used two different flippers this time, so no accidental mistakes. I heated up my pan, added a few Tbsp of water, some fresh minced garlic and added my chicken, which were chunked up. I find I prefer my meats in smaller bits. It seems to last me longer that way. I then added a dash of dill and steamed/fried it up! I also steamed some asparagus (which I'm just loving!) and had a lovely and most delicious meal. The beauty of garlic for me, is I absolutely love it and could eat it everyday, on every meal, and not get sick of it. I have a feeling I'll be using it quite often during this month.
I then ended the day watching Smallville with my handsome husband, eating an orange and my melba toast and then playing a game of Settlers. All in all, it was a great day.
I've prepared my lunch for tomorrow as it's a pot-luck at church. We'll see how that goes for me. Don't worry, no cheating will happen :)
Till next time!
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Transformation: Day 7
Today started a bit earlier then normal, as this is the earliest I've had to work since before Christmas. Rough, I know. I still found myself pushing the limit, as is a normal habit for me, but finally unwrapped myself from the warm layers of my bed and arose. I weighed myself and found myself down another 0.7 pounds. This brings the total loss to 7 pounds exactly. Not bad for 4 days. Every little bit counts. I'm excited to see what my improvement will be over the course of this day. Tomorrow morning shall tell.
Today was a bit harder in the fact that for the first time, I really had some strong cravings. But weirdly enough, when I saw that which I craved, I did not desire it. Sugar was a big thing today. I felt a bit like a junkie needing a fix. All I could think about was chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. It called, but I did not succumb. I resisted. The other thing I was craving today was banana's. This is extremely weird for me as I don't even like banana's. I avoid them at all cost usually. I'm thinking my potassium levels might be a bit lower then usual, which would explain this unnatural craving. Other then that, I did fairly well today. I had a great amount of energy and no crazy hunger pangs (except for right before supper, but that was most likely due to the aromatic smell it my supper produced).
For lunch I had lemon & pepper Haddock and steamed asparagus. It was delicious. If anything, after this is all over, I'll have become quite the cook :) Never before have I experimented so often, and now, I look forward to seeing what I can create! I'm finding the best way to eat is with extreme slowness. This way I fill up faster and feel more full for longer after I'm done, and also, it feels like I have more on my plate to eat then if I scarf it all down quickly. Plus, with all my experimenting, I want to thoroughly experience these new tastes and allow my mouth to enjoy them. Unless of course it's lemon on celery.
For supper I decided it was time to try some steak. I had taken it out the night before, so it was unthawed and waiting in the fridge. I created a marinade for it using 1 T of white wine vinegar, 5-6 minced garlic cloves, a dash of sea salt, a dash of pepper and a bit of Mrs. Dash. I mixed it together and poured it into the baggie that held my steak chunks. I let it sit for the next hour or so (overnight would have been better, but this was fine). I then poured all the contents into a frying pan and fried it up, adding spinach to the pan as the meat neared the end of cooking. I cooked the spinach as well and then poured all the contents into a bowl and enjoyed. The meat and spinach combo tasted quite excellent, if I do say so myself. Not bad for a first :) I even spared a small piece of meat so Hayden could try it.
Now yet another day has ended and bed is calling my name. It's fun going to sleep as I have great anticipation of what my loss will be the next morning. It's almost like having Christmas every morning.....only not :S
till next time...
Today was a bit harder in the fact that for the first time, I really had some strong cravings. But weirdly enough, when I saw that which I craved, I did not desire it. Sugar was a big thing today. I felt a bit like a junkie needing a fix. All I could think about was chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. It called, but I did not succumb. I resisted. The other thing I was craving today was banana's. This is extremely weird for me as I don't even like banana's. I avoid them at all cost usually. I'm thinking my potassium levels might be a bit lower then usual, which would explain this unnatural craving. Other then that, I did fairly well today. I had a great amount of energy and no crazy hunger pangs (except for right before supper, but that was most likely due to the aromatic smell it my supper produced).
For lunch I had lemon & pepper Haddock and steamed asparagus. It was delicious. If anything, after this is all over, I'll have become quite the cook :) Never before have I experimented so often, and now, I look forward to seeing what I can create! I'm finding the best way to eat is with extreme slowness. This way I fill up faster and feel more full for longer after I'm done, and also, it feels like I have more on my plate to eat then if I scarf it all down quickly. Plus, with all my experimenting, I want to thoroughly experience these new tastes and allow my mouth to enjoy them. Unless of course it's lemon on celery.
For supper I decided it was time to try some steak. I had taken it out the night before, so it was unthawed and waiting in the fridge. I created a marinade for it using 1 T of white wine vinegar, 5-6 minced garlic cloves, a dash of sea salt, a dash of pepper and a bit of Mrs. Dash. I mixed it together and poured it into the baggie that held my steak chunks. I let it sit for the next hour or so (overnight would have been better, but this was fine). I then poured all the contents into a frying pan and fried it up, adding spinach to the pan as the meat neared the end of cooking. I cooked the spinach as well and then poured all the contents into a bowl and enjoyed. The meat and spinach combo tasted quite excellent, if I do say so myself. Not bad for a first :) I even spared a small piece of meat so Hayden could try it.
Now yet another day has ended and bed is calling my name. It's fun going to sleep as I have great anticipation of what my loss will be the next morning. It's almost like having Christmas every morning.....only not :S
till next time...
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Transformation: Day 6
This morning was my best morning yet, I think, for awaking from my slumber and not feeling horribly tired. I jumped on the scale and am happy to say I lost another 1.5 pounds. That means that in the first 3 days of phase 2, I've lost 6.3 pounds! That's so exciting! I feel great, I feel healthy, and whether it's phycological or not, I do feel smaller and lighter. :) It's true when they say that it gets easier with each passing day. I find I'm feeling fuller faster, that I'm sustained for longer, and don't really have too many cravings, if any, at all! This is a huge thing for me, as I ALWAYS have cravings for chocolate, but I've been around it almost all day (everywhere I turn, someones eating it or selling it) and haven't been interested. That in itself is a miracle.
Lunch was funny as I tried to eat my two patties I had prepared yesterday, wrapped up in my floppy lettuce. One of the teachers laughed and said to me "haven't you heard of a bun?" I was amused, to say the least, but I agree, buns sure do taste better then lettuce. But regardless of that thought, I haven't craved bread at all either, which was, a mere week ago, a staple in my diet (probably not great anyway).
I made it through school with energy to boot, a smile on my face, and an apple waiting for me when I got home. It was delicious! I never thought I would enjoy and savour an apple so much :)
Shortly after I arrived home it was time to start thinking of supper. What could I make? I thought it was time to have some shrimp, as I do enjoy my shrimp. I unthawed the rest of the package that we had open, as I knew Hayden would want this for supper too. I decided on curry shrimp. I weighed out my 100g of raw shrimp and in a separate little bowl I mixed together about 4-5 squeezed garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp of curry powder and 1/8 c of water. I heated up my pan, placed my shrimp in it and then poured this yummy liquid over it. The smell was divine! I did the same for Hayden, but I cooked his shrimp in butter as well as the curry mixture. The only little mistake I made at the end was accidentally using the same flipper to flip my shrimp and his. Hopefully this won't effect my results tomorrow. I also steamed up some asparagus to go along with my shrimp. As the smell had predicted, the taste of my shrimp was quite divine. Hayden enjoyed his shrimp too, which is always a good sign of a good meal.
Now, as the day is almost done, I'm munching slowly away at my melba toast and handful of strawberries, cut up small so as to last longer. They are a refreshing end to the day. Now I think it's time to sit in bed and read for a while before my last set of drops for the day, then off to sweet dreams. I end this day with a sigh of contentment and a feeling of pleasure at what I have already accomplished in such a short time.
till tomorrow!
Lunch was funny as I tried to eat my two patties I had prepared yesterday, wrapped up in my floppy lettuce. One of the teachers laughed and said to me "haven't you heard of a bun?" I was amused, to say the least, but I agree, buns sure do taste better then lettuce. But regardless of that thought, I haven't craved bread at all either, which was, a mere week ago, a staple in my diet (probably not great anyway).
I made it through school with energy to boot, a smile on my face, and an apple waiting for me when I got home. It was delicious! I never thought I would enjoy and savour an apple so much :)
Shortly after I arrived home it was time to start thinking of supper. What could I make? I thought it was time to have some shrimp, as I do enjoy my shrimp. I unthawed the rest of the package that we had open, as I knew Hayden would want this for supper too. I decided on curry shrimp. I weighed out my 100g of raw shrimp and in a separate little bowl I mixed together about 4-5 squeezed garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp of curry powder and 1/8 c of water. I heated up my pan, placed my shrimp in it and then poured this yummy liquid over it. The smell was divine! I did the same for Hayden, but I cooked his shrimp in butter as well as the curry mixture. The only little mistake I made at the end was accidentally using the same flipper to flip my shrimp and his. Hopefully this won't effect my results tomorrow. I also steamed up some asparagus to go along with my shrimp. As the smell had predicted, the taste of my shrimp was quite divine. Hayden enjoyed his shrimp too, which is always a good sign of a good meal.
Now, as the day is almost done, I'm munching slowly away at my melba toast and handful of strawberries, cut up small so as to last longer. They are a refreshing end to the day. Now I think it's time to sit in bed and read for a while before my last set of drops for the day, then off to sweet dreams. I end this day with a sigh of contentment and a feeling of pleasure at what I have already accomplished in such a short time.
till tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Transformation: Day 5
Today finally dawned....after a fitful night of dreaming of food I couldn't have. The worst was that I knew I couldn't have it, even in my dream, and when I asked if there was steak, I was relieved to hear a "yes", only to be crushed moments later as that steak would cost me $64. This saddened me as I knew I couldn't eat anything at all! Good thing it was only a mere dream and not reality. Needless to say, I awoke and was delighted to see that I had lost another 1.8 pounds. This time, however, I did not go back to sleep, but got ready for work as, alas, holidays were officially over.
Today was so much better! I was hardly hungry at all! It may have helped that I had work to keep my mind pre-occupied, but whatever it was, I didn't mind in the least. I thoroughly enjoyed my garlic/dill chicken and asparagus that I munched slowly away at for lunch and I saved my orange and melba toast for a snack later on. I was excited to get home, as my friend, Katie-Lee, had given me a website with fantastic recipes, specifically for this diet! I was elated that I would not get board with my menu, and to say the least, somewhat relieved. After work, I went over to Superstore to pick up a few more menu items. On the list were, fresh garlic, fresh ginger, spinach leaves, lettuce, extra-lean ground beef and a pack of lean sirloin steaks. I was so excited to get home and try out a new recipe, with a bit of my own twist! Who would have ever thought that I, Aryn Werezak, would be EXCITED about cooking? Not I, that's for sure.
Supper was extraordinary! I used 100g of the ground beef, 1/2 an onion chopped up finely, rosemary, Mrs. Dash, fresh garlic, a dash of sea salt and a dash of pepper, and 1 melba toast crushed up. I mixed it all together to create a couple of small burger patties! I fried these up in a non-stick pan with a bit of water. The smell was heavenly. I then wrapped each patty between two lettuce leaves which acted as my "bun" and voila! I had my very own burgers! I fried up a couple for my lunch tomorrow and am excited to eat them! This supper no only tasted amazing, but also sufficiently filled me up. I haven't even had my final fruit yet, but it's calling my name. A handful of tasty strawberries just waiting to be eaten :)
After supper, I pre-portioned the rest of my ground beef and 4 of the 6 steaks (had to leave a couple for Hayden to enjoy) into individual small baggies, ready to grab for an upcoming meal. This will save me time. So, needless to say, I have 19 meals of protein ready at my fingertips, as well as a freezer full of Haddock and a box of shrimp. I think I should be good for a while. I might need to get some more chicken, however, as I think I only have a couple more in the freezer.
The beautiful thing that I'm finding, is that I'm now discovering recipes and ways of eating that I will probably continue after this is all done. It feels amazing to be so healthy. I've had over my daily dose of 2 litres of water as well, though I'm not having to visit the washroom as often as I was on Day 3 :)
I feel like I've gotten over a little hump and now I'm on the upward road to success!
Day 6 here I come!
till next time!
Today was so much better! I was hardly hungry at all! It may have helped that I had work to keep my mind pre-occupied, but whatever it was, I didn't mind in the least. I thoroughly enjoyed my garlic/dill chicken and asparagus that I munched slowly away at for lunch and I saved my orange and melba toast for a snack later on. I was excited to get home, as my friend, Katie-Lee, had given me a website with fantastic recipes, specifically for this diet! I was elated that I would not get board with my menu, and to say the least, somewhat relieved. After work, I went over to Superstore to pick up a few more menu items. On the list were, fresh garlic, fresh ginger, spinach leaves, lettuce, extra-lean ground beef and a pack of lean sirloin steaks. I was so excited to get home and try out a new recipe, with a bit of my own twist! Who would have ever thought that I, Aryn Werezak, would be EXCITED about cooking? Not I, that's for sure.
Supper was extraordinary! I used 100g of the ground beef, 1/2 an onion chopped up finely, rosemary, Mrs. Dash, fresh garlic, a dash of sea salt and a dash of pepper, and 1 melba toast crushed up. I mixed it all together to create a couple of small burger patties! I fried these up in a non-stick pan with a bit of water. The smell was heavenly. I then wrapped each patty between two lettuce leaves which acted as my "bun" and voila! I had my very own burgers! I fried up a couple for my lunch tomorrow and am excited to eat them! This supper no only tasted amazing, but also sufficiently filled me up. I haven't even had my final fruit yet, but it's calling my name. A handful of tasty strawberries just waiting to be eaten :)
After supper, I pre-portioned the rest of my ground beef and 4 of the 6 steaks (had to leave a couple for Hayden to enjoy) into individual small baggies, ready to grab for an upcoming meal. This will save me time. So, needless to say, I have 19 meals of protein ready at my fingertips, as well as a freezer full of Haddock and a box of shrimp. I think I should be good for a while. I might need to get some more chicken, however, as I think I only have a couple more in the freezer.
The beautiful thing that I'm finding, is that I'm now discovering recipes and ways of eating that I will probably continue after this is all done. It feels amazing to be so healthy. I've had over my daily dose of 2 litres of water as well, though I'm not having to visit the washroom as often as I was on Day 3 :)
I feel like I've gotten over a little hump and now I'm on the upward road to success!
Day 6 here I come!
till next time!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Transformation: Day 4
The day began well. I lost 3 pounds since yesterday and that is always a happy idea to wake up to. I got up at my designated time, weighed myself, took my drops, and went back to bed. I figured, this is my last day of Christmas holidays, I'm going to take as much advantage of it as I possibly can. This was a nice start, as I'm not allowed to eat breakfast, so it helped get me closer to lunch.
Lunch....what a failure! A word of the wise, never mix lemon juice and celery....ever!!! It is the most disgusting taste I think I have encountered in a long time, so needless to say, I couldn't even finish my meagre lunch which was quite sad to me. Next time, I will cook my fish and vegetable separately. I held off as long as I could, but today was experiencing some hunger issues, not surprisingly, until I ate my piece of fruit and melba toast.
Supper was much more successful as I thoroughly enjoy asparagus (cooked separately :P) and I had some delicious chicken, sautéed in water, with garlic, a dash of pepper and some dill. It was amazingly good! I actually made that for my lunch tomorrow as well. I'm looking forward to it. I saved my fruit and melba toast till my break at work. It's a good thing I was at work, as it helped not to think of food, at least a little bit.
I'm going to be in need of some variety here, as I don't enjoy some of the vegetables on my limited list, and I don't want to get sick of the few that I do. If anyone has any ideas of good and yummy ways to season and cook asparagus, celery, spinach, chard, white fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef that only includes spices (no sauces or dressings) and water, I would be greatly appreciative if you shared it with me. I'm going to need all the help I can get to make it through this month! But I am looking forward to the outcome. That's what keeps me going. Listen to me....and it's only day 4. Yikes!
Now it's to bed to read, drink some tea and sleep and get ready for my first day back at work tomorrow. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for coming along on my journey with me!
Till tomorrow...
Lunch....what a failure! A word of the wise, never mix lemon juice and celery....ever!!! It is the most disgusting taste I think I have encountered in a long time, so needless to say, I couldn't even finish my meagre lunch which was quite sad to me. Next time, I will cook my fish and vegetable separately. I held off as long as I could, but today was experiencing some hunger issues, not surprisingly, until I ate my piece of fruit and melba toast.
Supper was much more successful as I thoroughly enjoy asparagus (cooked separately :P) and I had some delicious chicken, sautéed in water, with garlic, a dash of pepper and some dill. It was amazingly good! I actually made that for my lunch tomorrow as well. I'm looking forward to it. I saved my fruit and melba toast till my break at work. It's a good thing I was at work, as it helped not to think of food, at least a little bit.
I'm going to be in need of some variety here, as I don't enjoy some of the vegetables on my limited list, and I don't want to get sick of the few that I do. If anyone has any ideas of good and yummy ways to season and cook asparagus, celery, spinach, chard, white fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef that only includes spices (no sauces or dressings) and water, I would be greatly appreciative if you shared it with me. I'm going to need all the help I can get to make it through this month! But I am looking forward to the outcome. That's what keeps me going. Listen to me....and it's only day 4. Yikes!
Now it's to bed to read, drink some tea and sleep and get ready for my first day back at work tomorrow. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for coming along on my journey with me!
Till tomorrow...
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Transformation Begins: Days 1-3
Many people start off a new year with a New Years Resolution! I am generally not one of those people :) I believe that change and resolutions should be all the time, not just at the beginning of a new year, however, there is one thing that I am doing at the beginning of this year which I felt fitting. It's a body transformation! Many of you who know me may be telling yourself "Aryn? Lose weight? What weight?" Yes, it may be apparent that I do not need to lose anything, however, there are layers which are well hidden by the right shirt and pair of jeans that you know nothing of. It is the dormant layer of fat which, no matter how hard I've tried over the years, have never been able to get rid of and have always bothered me. Even when I was training for my triathlon, working out 6 times a week and eating well, those terrible rolls didn't budge.
Thanks to my great friend Christy, who brought me to a Women in Business conference, I came across O.B.C.D. gone, also known as the HCG diet. Some of you may have heard of this diet before, but for those who don't, what you do is take the HCG hormone three times daily, with a very restrictive eating regime for 27 days. This causes those abnormal fat reserves, that lay locked away and untouchable, to unlock and be used up without touching your normal fat reserves, thus causing the disappearance of those pesty rolls and inches that can't be rid of by normal dieting and exercise.
Thus, I wanted to share my journey with you as I aim to finally achieve my long sought after goal.
January 1st was my Day 1. I began it by weighing myself and recording it. The first two days of the HCG diet are seemingly fantastic, as you are required to "gorge", eating as much as you can of the worst possible foods that you can. It was Day 1 that caused me to realize how much I despise fast food and can't handle it. Here I was, allowed to eat anything all day long, and after one meal at McDonalds I could barely eat anything else I was so full! I did manage, however, to eat a bowl of my mother's famous Christmas dessert but could only eat a small bowl of clam chowder at supper. I did manage to eat bits of chocolate throughout the day however.
Day 2: I got up, weighed myself and then I ate a big bowl of granola, at which Hayden laughed at me because here I was, allowed to eat unhealthy food, but my parents didn't have any junk cereal, so I ate healthy granola. Oh well :) I succeeded more on Day 2 then on Day 1 as I then had A&W, some mini cinnamon buns, pizza pops and a triple chocolate doughnut. I think one of the points of gorging is so you will be so sick of food that you don't care to see it for the rest of the month. At any point, I succeeded in making myself feel like a stuffed pig, all the while taking my drops when I was supposed to.
Day 3: Today dawned and I felt ready to take on my challenge. I weighed myself and had my morning coffee with 1 Tbsp of milk and some liquid stevia. Hayden took my "before" pictures today, which I will not post until I have my "after" pictures to compare them too. Lunch was 100g of steamed Haddock with garlic and a couple stocks of steamed celery with garlic powder, an apple and a piece of melba toast. Supper looks to be the same, though maybe some asparagus instead of celery :) I currently am drinking water like a thirsty camel in a hot desert, and I think I need some tea as my limbs are feeling a bit frosty. Other then that, I'm feeling pretty good for my first day of "real" dieting. I'm not too hungry right now, which is nice and my thoughts reside on the end of this time, when I will be bikini ready for our trip to Hawaii!
Let's see how the rest of the day pans out and what tomorrow will bring! I think it will be a challenging, yet very rewarding endeavour.
till next time!
Thanks to my great friend Christy, who brought me to a Women in Business conference, I came across O.B.C.D. gone, also known as the HCG diet. Some of you may have heard of this diet before, but for those who don't, what you do is take the HCG hormone three times daily, with a very restrictive eating regime for 27 days. This causes those abnormal fat reserves, that lay locked away and untouchable, to unlock and be used up without touching your normal fat reserves, thus causing the disappearance of those pesty rolls and inches that can't be rid of by normal dieting and exercise.
Thus, I wanted to share my journey with you as I aim to finally achieve my long sought after goal.
January 1st was my Day 1. I began it by weighing myself and recording it. The first two days of the HCG diet are seemingly fantastic, as you are required to "gorge", eating as much as you can of the worst possible foods that you can. It was Day 1 that caused me to realize how much I despise fast food and can't handle it. Here I was, allowed to eat anything all day long, and after one meal at McDonalds I could barely eat anything else I was so full! I did manage, however, to eat a bowl of my mother's famous Christmas dessert but could only eat a small bowl of clam chowder at supper. I did manage to eat bits of chocolate throughout the day however.
Day 2: I got up, weighed myself and then I ate a big bowl of granola, at which Hayden laughed at me because here I was, allowed to eat unhealthy food, but my parents didn't have any junk cereal, so I ate healthy granola. Oh well :) I succeeded more on Day 2 then on Day 1 as I then had A&W, some mini cinnamon buns, pizza pops and a triple chocolate doughnut. I think one of the points of gorging is so you will be so sick of food that you don't care to see it for the rest of the month. At any point, I succeeded in making myself feel like a stuffed pig, all the while taking my drops when I was supposed to.
Day 3: Today dawned and I felt ready to take on my challenge. I weighed myself and had my morning coffee with 1 Tbsp of milk and some liquid stevia. Hayden took my "before" pictures today, which I will not post until I have my "after" pictures to compare them too. Lunch was 100g of steamed Haddock with garlic and a couple stocks of steamed celery with garlic powder, an apple and a piece of melba toast. Supper looks to be the same, though maybe some asparagus instead of celery :) I currently am drinking water like a thirsty camel in a hot desert, and I think I need some tea as my limbs are feeling a bit frosty. Other then that, I'm feeling pretty good for my first day of "real" dieting. I'm not too hungry right now, which is nice and my thoughts reside on the end of this time, when I will be bikini ready for our trip to Hawaii!
Let's see how the rest of the day pans out and what tomorrow will bring! I think it will be a challenging, yet very rewarding endeavour.
till next time!
Looking Back
As I sit and ponder 2010 I realize that it was quite a year, full of joy and tears, laughter and frustration, high highs and low lows, trials and accomplishments, restraining and branching out. 2010 was, I believe, by far the toughest, yet most rewarding year I've had yet. I went from having one of the most stressful, frustrating, and emotional jobs I've ever known, not wanting to get out of bed for fear of what the day may bring, to the absolute best job I've ever had, where I cannot wait to get to work and enjoy my day with every fibre of my being. I went from a dark recession of absolute creativelessness, to forming a new business and almost selling out completely of my first wave of pottery creations. I went from writers block to creating a blog and sharing my heart and life with whomever would choose to stop and read. I went from musical apathy to engaging in playing and singing on worship, strengthening my vocal skills, playing my piano more and purchasing a cello to expand my musical ability and knowledge. I also succeeded in training for and completing my first ever triathlon, but hopefully not my last. This was a HUGE accomplishment for me and one that I am proud of indeed. A shining moment amidst much turmoil at that time.
From the bleak, meagre beginnings of 2010, the year ended with a shining dawn on the horizon. A dawn with hope for what this next year will bring. I now have an established, though baby, business that I am able to build on with fervour and passion, with orders waiting to be filled and ideas flying around that I'm excited to put to the test. I have my job to continue for at least the rest of this school year, which is bound to be filled with much laughter and delight as I continue working with a most amazing staff and students. I have a family vacation to Hawaii to look forward to, finally being able to show my parents where I lived and where Hayden and I were engaged, and all the fun bits in between. Also, being able to be together as a complete family for about 9 days will be so wonderful.
Then there is the possibility of heading out West at the beginning of summer to do an art show in Kamloops on July 1st (depending on the costs involved). I also am becoming an auntie around the end of June, so it would be fun to see Hayden's brother and sister-in-law and our little niece/nephew. What next fall will bring is still unforeseen. Will we still be in Medicine Hat or will the time to move be upon us? Is this the year to begin a family? What will work look like after the summer? How will our art take off and proceed? These are the unanswerable questions. The questions that bring about the excitement of the unknown. The things I have to look forward to as the days progress. I mean, if we knew everything, there would be no adventure in life....right?
So here's to saying good-bye to 2010 and hello to 2011. May this year bring you happiness in great measure, a new adventure of vast proportion, and delights at every new turn.
from my family to yours, Happy New Year.
never forget to stop, Hear the Whisper, Taste the Sun
From the bleak, meagre beginnings of 2010, the year ended with a shining dawn on the horizon. A dawn with hope for what this next year will bring. I now have an established, though baby, business that I am able to build on with fervour and passion, with orders waiting to be filled and ideas flying around that I'm excited to put to the test. I have my job to continue for at least the rest of this school year, which is bound to be filled with much laughter and delight as I continue working with a most amazing staff and students. I have a family vacation to Hawaii to look forward to, finally being able to show my parents where I lived and where Hayden and I were engaged, and all the fun bits in between. Also, being able to be together as a complete family for about 9 days will be so wonderful.
Then there is the possibility of heading out West at the beginning of summer to do an art show in Kamloops on July 1st (depending on the costs involved). I also am becoming an auntie around the end of June, so it would be fun to see Hayden's brother and sister-in-law and our little niece/nephew. What next fall will bring is still unforeseen. Will we still be in Medicine Hat or will the time to move be upon us? Is this the year to begin a family? What will work look like after the summer? How will our art take off and proceed? These are the unanswerable questions. The questions that bring about the excitement of the unknown. The things I have to look forward to as the days progress. I mean, if we knew everything, there would be no adventure in life....right?
So here's to saying good-bye to 2010 and hello to 2011. May this year bring you happiness in great measure, a new adventure of vast proportion, and delights at every new turn.
from my family to yours, Happy New Year.
never forget to stop, Hear the Whisper, Taste the Sun
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
