Our Quest to change our lives began in Feb. 2010 and we lost 224 lbs. We slowly gained a lot of that weight back and we're now on another journey for weight loss and better health using Bright Line Eating. This is the story of our continuing Journey. .
(For the fullest effect, begin at the beginning in Feb. 2010 using our Blog Archive on sidebar)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Week 12 ~ Pork Kabobs!

This week I'm down 3 pounds for a total of 49 pounds!
My guy is down 4 pounds for a total of 55 pound!

I had a pap smear appointment this week (don't worry, I won't share any details) but I was excited for the doctor to notice my weight loss. What ensued was probably the most positive doctor visit I've ever had. I DIDN'T feel GUILTY because I AM EATING better and doing something about my health. It changed the whole feel of the exam and my visit with the doctor (she was female). I feel so good that I am taking better care of myself now. I even got my blood drawn for a baseline... which I should have done before I started but I'm happy it's done now. With my brothers heart attack lingering on my mind... I really need to be aware of how my cholesterol is.

This week I had a Costco size portion of pork chops that were defrosted so I decided to make some Pork Kabobs. I found this recipe on line and LOVED it. I did the veggies on different kabobs than the pork since they don't need to cook as long. For veggies, I used yellow squash, mushrooms, peppers and cherrie tomatoes. Here is the recipe:

BBQ Teriyaki Pork Kabobs
Marinade 1 lb raw pork (cut up into 1"cubes) for at least 3 hours in:
3 T. low sodium soy sauce
2 T. Olive Oil
2 T. Rice Vinegar
1 Clove Garlic minced

Remaining Ingredients:
1 can low sodium beef broth
2 T. cornstarch
2 T. low sodium soy sauce
1 T. brown sugar (or 2 T. Splenda - which is what I used)
2 Cloves garlic minced
1/4 t. ground ginger

Veggies for kabobs:
3 portobello mushrooms, cut into squares (I used white mushrooms)
1 large green pepper cut into chunks
12 cherry tomatoes
12 chunks fresh pineapple (I did NOT use fruit... not on my plan yet)
1 yellow summer squash cut into cubes (I added this veggie)

Directions:
1. In sauce pan, combine beef broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar/spenda, garlic and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
2. Preheat your outdoor grill for high heat (I suggest Med to High) and lightly oil grate. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, alternating with veggies... or do separate skewers for veggies.
3. Cook on grill for 15 minutes (We timed them and cooked them about 6 minutes each side), or until meat is cooked through. Turn skewers and baste often with sauce during cooking.
As you can see, I always make double/triple recipes... enough for an army!!
We basted the pork and the veggies every few minutes. The sauce was really good. Even my kids really liked that sauce!
Pork all done. Oooh... good!
This was my plate. I didn't weigh the pork, but I suspect it was over the 5 ounce amount for pork... but I really needed extra protein for that night especially! :)

I took them off their skewers and dug in. I must have sounded like Bob in "What about Bob" the way I was eating! I liked the way the squash tasted with the sauce glaze grilled on it. So yummy!

One thing I am very grateful for with my new lifestyle is how I don't have the cravings like I used to. I smell a fast food place and I may briefly think about it, but the pull on me is minimal. I crave much more healthy foods. The thought of eating french fries almost makes me feel sick when I think about it, even though I have loved them. This is the FIRST diet/lifestyle change that I have felt that I CAN stick to and enjoy it. I don't feel deprived and I really enjoy the food I eat. I have my favorite medifast foods too, and look forward to what I will choose. I love the variety. I just need to start a regular exercise program now that is consistent. Can you believe I've lost 49 pounds WITHOUT exercising????? I LOVE that this program is not based on killing yourself at the gym. I want to go to the gym because I want to and not out of forcing myself.

I'm SO thankful for the positive support I've received too. I've shared this blog on the TSFL support boards, yet only with a with a couple people who actually know me... because it is so personal, but I want to help and support others who are in my same boat. Loosing weight and changing your lifestyle is a HUGE task and we all need to be supportive of each other no matter where on that path we are. :)

3 comments:

lynnss1 said...

Margene:

I love the picture of the quality time you and hubby were having at the grill! The pork kabobs sound delicious. I made chicken tenders from BJs on the grill yesterday with a sesame ginger marinade. Added some veggies and the family loved it.

I've come to the conclusion that people who smile look thinner. Tell hubby that I see that young handsome guy in the picture from 20 years ago peaking through in his smile... I know you see him, too!

I agree about the fast food... no cravings. I do crave meat sometimes... there's a grille near our grocery store that smells so good. But when I crave a steak, I crave a salad or veggies to go with it, not fries or a baked potato! I've become addicted to the mandarin chicken salad from a local shop... I cheat a bit and eat the mandarin orange slices but have them leave the off the craisins... and dressing is on the side, of course. I'd really forgotten that healthy food tastes great!

You two are such an inspiration!

Lynn

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

Lynn - I crave meat too. My hubby doesn't tho... he's not a big meat eater so that can create a challenge (and has on most diets we've done).

I want to get good at making all kinds of delicious food! Your chicken tenders with sesame ginger marinade sounds yummy.

Last night I made just plain chicken with sauteed mushrooms and added a Tai Peanut sauce (the same brand I use for my Teriyaki and Orange sauce) and it was very tasty.

Thanks again for your comments and positive uplifts!! Take care.
~Margene

kay said...

Just gotta say that you two are looking so great!! Way to go!! :)