Day 14 on Bright Line Eating - It's Going Good!

Yesterday was our Day 14 and we weighed in:

I have released 2 pounds!

Brent gained 1 pound!

This is very strange to see Brent go up a pound. However, we've kept our lines bright and we know that his body will be releasing more weight as we continue forward. We are not discouraged by this. We had a good week as far as our meals were concerned.

We even went to a movie and did not have a single thing to eat there! No popcorn. Recently we had purchased the 2019 Megatub Popcorn bucket from Megaplex theaters. We missed this tub last year because they do sell out. After we bought it, we are emailed when to come in to the theater and pick it up.  Between the time that we bought it and the time that we were to pick it up, we heard about and started doing Bright Line Eating.

So here we were at the theater with no popcorn. And WE SURVIVED.  It actually wasn't that hard because we ate a meal before going and we already knew in our minds that we wouldn't be eating popcorn. So we didn't think about it or allow it to be in our minds. I'm proud of us! We are big movie buffs and for years we always have gotten popcorn. But getting thin, healthy and happy is more desirable to me right now.

Here are our meals for Week 2 of Bright Line Eating:

Week 2 - Day 1:

 BREAKFAST: Oatmeal, 8 oz Plain Greek Yogurt, 6 oz Berries. 

This was our first time trying yogurt on the plan. I didn't care for it, but Brent likes it.

 LUNCH: 2 oz Turkey, 2 oz Hummus, 6 0z Peppers, Carrots & Celery, Nectarine, and 1 Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge (inside the turkey roll)

This is a standard lunch that we switch on and off with. Brent has hot dogs instead of the turkey.

DINNER: Angus Beef Burger w/ Provolone Cheese on 2 Romaine Leaves with Sauteed Onions and Peppers, Tomatoes and Dill Pickle. 4 oz of Cauliflower Rice.

I was excited to try the cauliflower rice. I had made it the night before and it was stir fried with onions in it. However, it was okay. Not a favorite.

Week 2 - Day 2:

BREAKFAST: 2 Scrambled Eggs (3 for Brent), Oatmeal with Strawberries and Canteloupe

Just delicious and very satisfying!

LUNCH: Taco Salad using 4 oz. of Ground Turkey Taco Meat, with 6 oz Grapes and 1 oz Shredded Cheese. Another go to meal we love.

DINNER: Chicken Salad w/ Shredded Cheese on Top and Roasted Squash, Asparagus, Mushrooms and Onions. 

Week 2 - Day 3:

BREAKFAST: Oatmeal with Berries and 4 oz Cottage Cheese (I prefer cottage cheese over yogurt, although Brent had the yogurt)

 LUNCH: Turkey & Hummus, Nectarine, 6 oz Peppers and Celery, 1 oz Colby Jack Cheese

 DINNER: Salmon burger & Cheese, 10 oz Roasted Asparagus, Peppers, Mushrooms & Onions, and 4 oz Cauliflower Rice.

Brent has the same thing except he had 2 Veggie Burgers instead of the Salmon.

Week 2 - Day 4:

BREAKFAST:  4 oz Potatoes, 2 Scrambled Eggs (3 for Brent), 6 oz Cantaloupe.
A favorite breakfast!

 LUNCH: Taco Salad (4 oz. Ground Turkey Meat), 6 oz Strawberries and Cantaloupe, and my Dill Pickle (weighed as part of the salad)
I love getting my dill pickle in there - I have always eaten several dill pickles a day, and now I treat myself to one in one of my meals each day.

DINNER: 4 oz Rotisserie Chicken, 10 oz Sauteed Asparagus, Cabbage, Squash and Onions. 4 oz Salad with 1 oz Shredded Cheese. Yummy!

Week 2 - Day 5:

 BREAKFAST: 1 oz Triscuits (usually 7), 2 oz Cheddar Cheese, 6 oz Grapes.
I love this breakfast. We usually have this on Fridays and Sunday mornings because it's quick.

 LUNCH: Turkey & Hummus, Dill Pickle & Cucumbers, 6 oz Cantaloupe.
Brent had more cucumbers and no pickle and hot dogs instead of turkey.

DINNER: Taco Salad with Ground Turkey Meat and Dill Pickle, 4 oz Cauliflower Rice.

So Good!

Week 2 - Day 6:

 BREAKFAST: 4 oz Potatoes, 2 Scrambled Eggs (3 for Brent), Nectarine. SOOOO good!

 LUNCH:  Taco Salad with 4 oz Ground Turkey (6 oz for Brent), 6 oz Grapes.

DINNER: Salmon Burger w/ Cheese (Veggie Burgers for Brent), 2 Dill Pickles, Roasted Squash, Asparagus, & Mushrooms and a Salad (equaling 14 oz of veggies)

Week 2 - Day 7:

 BREAKFAST: 7 Triscuits, 2 oz Cheddar Cheese, 6 oz Clementines & Strawberries. Great breakfast for fast Sunday mornings.

LUNCH: Turkey & Hummus, Nectarine, 6 oz Peppers, 1 Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge (rolled up inside turkey).
This is a fast after-church lunch.

DINNER (mine): 4 oz Rib Eye Steak, 9 oz Steamed Cabbage, 5 oz Sauteed Onions and Mushrooms.

This was a luxury Sunday night meal! First time I've cooked steak and I browned it in butter and finished it in a 350 degree oven. It was perfect medium well with just enough pink inside. I seasoned it with "Chicago Steak Seasoning" (no sugar) and it was perfect!  

DINNER (Brent's): 3 Eggs Scramble with Onions, Peppers, & Tomatoes and Steamed Cabbage. (All veggies came to 14 oz.)  Brent LOVED this scramble - so tasty. He puts hot sauce on everything now that he used to put ketchup on and he loves it. It helps him not miss ketchup. 

So far we are happy with our Bright Line Eating.  I bought a Meal Planner book off of Amazon (Link here - no affiliation). 

I like this book because it let's me plan my meals by the week.  I've been filling it out on Sunday night for the next week. I do it in pencil so I can adjust as needed. 

Then I just put an X on the side when I'm done with that day. I sometimes have to adjust my plans according to what food I have on hand. I allow myself to make these adjustments as long as I'm staying within my Bright Line Eating standards. :)

On a side note, we got a new puppy!  Little Licorish joined our family last week (we've been waiting for her to turn 8 weeks old) and she is such a spunky, sassy little SWEETHEART!!

 She is a Maltipoo and only 2 pounds 4 ounces right now. We are all in love with her. She joins our family with one other puppy - a 3 month old Cockapoo, and a cat.

She's been held and spoiled most every day of her life so she has a hard time being away from us. Sometimes I let her sit on my desk as I work. She is actually in-front of me right now chewing on a chew stick. If I don't have grand-babies yet, at least I can enjoy this adorable, soft little bug!

Carry on my friends!

Life is good!

~Margene xoxOOX

Day 7 on Bright Line Eating - We Have Results!

It's been a week of Bright Line Eating for me and Brent. I didn't stray even once. I didn't take any bites, licks or tastes while I prepared food and I didn't eat anything in between our three meals. Brent didn't stray either. I'm sure it helps that I am preparing all the food and all he does is sit down and eat. (He would do more if he could but the effects of his stroke make his left hand mostly unusable, and his balance isn't quite there.)

We talked to our doctor this week and he gave us the thumbs up for eliminating sugar and flour from our diets.

We both experienced hunger in between meals at times. But the hunger did not last for long and it wasn't bad. It helps knowing that we will eat again in a certain time frame so it's not like we need to fear hunger. Usually drinking some water and keeping busy is enough to have it go away.

The best thing is that the food is so delicious! Brent says that he loves every meal. He compliments the food all the time saying it the best he's ever had. If you've seen the movie "What About Bob" you might remember the scene where Bob is eating and savoring the food vocally in an exaggerated way showing how he loves it.  This is Brent when he's eating our Bright Line Meals. True Story.

Truth be told, I haven't cooked consistently so just having meals on a consistent basis is nice for both of us.

And... we weighed in this morning

I have RELEASED 7 POUNDS!!

Brent has RELEASED 6 POUNDS!!

That is a great start. Wahoo!

Breakfasts this week:

 Tuesday: 2 Scrambled Eggs, Nectarine, and Oatmeal

Scrambled eggs are my FAVORITE. I have them for dinner sometimes too. 

 Wednesday: Oatmeal (w/ Cinnamon), 4 oz Cottage Cheese,  6 oz of Berries and Pineapple

I'm not a fan of PB in my oatmeal, so this time I had cottage cheese on the side instead. 

 Thursday: Oatmeal, 2 Scrambled Eggs, 6 oz Blueberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries

So Yummy!

 Friday: 3 Rice Cakes, 2 oz Peanut Butter, 1 Banana

This was a fun break from oatmeal. Brent loved the PB, but I think next time I'll have cheese instead of PB. Yum.

 Saturday: 2 Scrambled Eggs, 4 oz Potatoes, 1 Pear

This was so delicious. Those potatoes are my own home-canned ones. Brent is in love with pears now.

Sunday: 1 oz Triscuits, 2 oz. Cheese, 1 Nectarine

This was perfect for Sunday and a quick breakfast before heading to church. I loved the crunch of the Triscuits, but I think I should limit this to once a week. 

Lunches this week:

 Tuesday: Taco Salad (4 oz Chicken Taco Meat, 6 oz Spinach, Romaine, Peppers, & Cucumbers), 1 T Bolthouse Dressing, 6 oz. Grapes.

This was a WINNER. I love taco salad and will be making more. 

 Wednesday: 6 oz Salad w/ 1 oz. Shredded Cheese, 6 oz Pinto Bean (I put in the salad), 1 Pear

We weren't big fans of the beans, but it was still delicious.

 Thursday: 2 oz. Hummus, 2 oz. Turkey, 6 oz. Peppers, 6 oz. Grapes, 1 Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge.

For us this is great variety. Brent had the same thing but instead of turkey, he had 3 oz all beef hot dogs.

 Friday: Taco Salad (4 oz Taco Chicken Meat, 6 oz Lettuce, Cucumbers and Peppers, 1 oz Cheese), 1 Nectarine.

An awesome lunch!!

 Saturday: 2 oz Hummus and 2 oz Turkey, 6 oz Carrots and Celery, 6 oz Pineapple and Strawberries,  and Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge

Sunday: Taco Salad like Friday's lunch, with 2 plums

Dinners this week:

 Tuesday: 4 oz Rotisserie Chicken, 13 oz Roasted Veggies (Broccoli, Asparagus, Yellow Squash, Onions, and Carrots), 1 oz Cucumber.
The hubs LOVES roasted veggies and said I can make them anytime. I added a little olive oil and some seasonings. They were so delish!

Wednesday: 2 Scrambled Eggs w/ 1 oz Cheese, 14 oz Sauteed Veggies (Yellow Squash, Cabbage, Peppers, and Onions) I used Pam spray to saute them in.
Such a scrumptious dinner!

 Thursday: 4 oz Rotisserie Chicken, 14 oz. Roasted Veggies (Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Asparagus), 1 oz Cheese.
It feels like we're eating better than any restaurant!

Friday:  2 Veggie Burgers (4 oz total), 9 oz Salad, 5 oz Sauteed Mushrooms and Peppers, 1 oz Bolthouse Dressing.
Brent loves the veggie burgers. This was another tasty meal.

Saturday:  4 oz Grilled Angus Beef Burger, 1 oz cheese melted on top, 6 oz total of Steamed Asparagus, Red Pepper, Red Onion, Tomato Slices
We tried using the pepper like the "bun" for the burger but it fit awkwardly. So we ended up just eating it however we could. We needed lots of napkin but it was so tasty!

Sunday: 2 Scrambled Eggs w/ 1 oz. Cheese, 14 oz Sauted Veggies: Cabbage, Onions, and Mushrooms.
A great final meal for the week. Very satisfying. I still love the eggs the most.

We are both very pleased with this first week. I'm amazed how quickly I've gotten used to eating at specific times and NOT snacking. Even at Costco, I don't go near the tasting tables. It feels good that we are doing something for our health. I don't let my mind go off on thinking about food and that helps. I have so much to do to take care of Brent, my family while also being the main bread winner right now. How my life has changed could be a completely other blog altogether. 

Believe me, I have my food obsessions and bad habits. I don't want to talk about them or list them because I'm keeping my mind on different things - like all the food I am now making! So I'm truly thankful that changing our eating so far seems to be a smooth transition. 7 pounds released and just 105 pounds to go.  

Life is good!!

~Margene

XoX

Four Years Later – Starting Over

It’s been over four years since my last blog post and so much has happened.

Sadly, both Brent and I slowly gained a lot of  our weight back these last five years… ☹  I’ve been dreading writing in my blog here because I’ve been so disappointed with myself. Many many times I tried going back on the Medifast plan that helped me lose that 145 lbs. originally, but I could not stay on plan for more than a few weeks.

For a while, back in 2014 we got into juicing and did lose some weight, but we couldn’t live off juicing and eventually we were back in our same boat. I jumped on several other bandwagons including Plexus drink and supplements and Pruvit Ketone drinks. I don’t want to even confess how much money I threw at these programs (money we don’t have) and it just didn’t pay off for us. I’m glad they are effective for some people, just not for our needs.

BIG SCARE & MIRACLE

Then last March something happened that changed everything.  Brent suffered from a cerebral stroke (actually two). It came out of the blue. It originally seemed like vertigo because he was losing his balance and tossing his cookies all that morning. It wasn’t until he stopped being able to talk coherently that I realized it was something more serious than vertigo. He ended up being rushed into emergency surgery to stop the swelling of his brain. 

After 3 weeks in the intensive care and another 12+ weeks in the hospital and rehab, he was able to come home. That was just over two months ago. He is still in recovery, and needs some assistance to walk, but he’s come a long way and he is a living miracle!  He is only 50. We just dodged a bullet. I am forever grateful that the Lord saved his life and he's still with me. :)

He did loose over 30 pounds while he was in the hospital, so that was a perk.

Again… it is time to get our health under better control. We both want to be around for grandkids when we eventually get some!  I have a married child now so grandparenthood is on the horizon! 😊

BELIEVING AGAIN

I had a good friend on Facebook post all these success stories of people using Bright Line Eating. So I contacted her to learn more about it. I felt so good about it as she shared it with me.

First off, I liked that someone wasn’t trying to get me in their network business.  Yes, I did TSFL Medifast (now Optavia) for several years myself – being a “health coach” and helping clients that bought from me. But I’ve never personally been motivated by making money from something like this.  And I just don’t like being bombarded by programs where financial gain is the main drive. (Yes, they say it’s to help people, but take the money out of it and usually they don’t talk to you anymore).

I know every program is pretty much set up to make money, but I don’t want to lose weight by having to spend hundreds of dollars each month on products! That’s a huge reason why it’s so hard to maintain weight after losing it on programs like Optavia and others… because eventually you have to transition off the product and maintain a healthy eating lifestyle. Then you mess up and must go back on the product. And really, do they mind getting more of your money?

What I liked about Bright Line Eating is that you START OFF making your own meals to help you lose weight. You are not locked into products. And I have no “upline” person hounding me to get clients or sell product. The success rate seems much greater than other programs I’ve tried and researched like the Atkins diet, South Beach diet, Paleo diet, and yes, even Medifast/Optavia. 

So I bought the book: Bright Line Eating and I read most of the book in one night. I was sold.  Here is what I like about BLE (Bright Line Eating).

• ·         No Food Products to buy
• ·         No “Upline” to buy membership into
• ·         Program scientifically grounded – all detailed in her book
• ·         Huge online support system
• ·         Huge rate of people maintaining weight loss for years
• ·         Helps me better understand Will Power and Sugar/Flour addictions
• ·         Makes the most sense to me!

What is Bright Line Eating?:

In a nutshell, it is a program that teaches you a process for breaking food addictions in your brain. “Bright Lines” represent firm standards of eating:

• ·         No Sugar (or sugar substitutes).
• ·         No Flour.
• ·         Eat 3 Meals a day - No Snacking in-between.
• ·         Eat at a table, at a specified time, with measured portions.

Seem rigid? I certainly thought so when I first heard it. But as I read her book, I saw how smart this program is and I started to BELIEVE IT’S POSSIBLE once again that I can lose this weight and keep it off.  

STARTING OVER WITH NEW FOUND HOPE

I got my digital food scale, researched recipes I want to make, connected with some online support and TODAY Brent and I started this new path!

MY GOAL: 145 lbs           HIS GOAL: 170 lbs

Okay, I'm laying it all out there! It's embarrassing to show these pictures but I'm being real. I hate that I got this big again... but I'm moving forward now. 

Here are our FIRST BLE meals today:

Breakfast: (1 Protein, 1 Grain, 1 Fruit)

P= Peanut butter (2 T in Oatmeal)

G= Oatmeal (1 oz before adding water) cooked

F= Strawberries and Blueberries (6 oz)

Lunch: (1 Protein, 6 oz Vegetables, 1 Fruit, 1 Fat)

P= Turkey & Hummus

V= Sugar snap peas & Carrots (6 oz)

F= Pineapple & Banana (6 oz)

F= Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge

My Dinner: (1 Protein, 6 oz vegetables, 8 oz Salad, 1 Fat)

P= Rotisserie Chicken

V & S= Sauteed Squash, Asparagus, Pepper, Mushrooms, & Onions (14 oz)

F= Olive oil (for the cooking)

Brent's Dinner: (1 Protein, 6 oz vegetables, 8 oz Salad, 1 Fat)

P= All beef natural hot dogs (made sure that no kind of sugar was in the first 3 ingred)

V= Sauteed Squash, Asparagus, Pepper, Mushrooms, & Onions (10 oz)

S= Cucumbers (4 oz)

F= Olive oil (for the cooking)

So far, each meal felt very satisfying and we both felt full. Knowing that I've lost a significant amount of weight before by being committed to a plan helps me KNOW I can stick to this. I know what it takes to stick to a program, and now I feel like I've found one that will enable us to attain a healthy weight!

SHARE IN OUR JOURNEY

I welcome you to follow our journey. If you are on your own journey, I’d love to follow and support you as well. If you have a BLE blog please let me know in the comments and I’d love to follow it. I can use all the ideas I can get for meals and staying focused.

Life is Good!

XOX ~Margene