week 13 - and more kabobs!

Week 13 - I'm down 3 pounds for a total of 52 pounds gone.

I hit the 50 pound loss mark! WOO HOO! My man stayed the same this week so he is steady at 55 pounds gone. (He's had a very stressful week at work - and he says he's NOT discouraged about not losing any this week, he says it doesn't phase him and that he knew this would happen at times.)

In fact, My man had a "Father & Son" campout this last weekend, and as he was heading down to the beach, he actually heard from our younger son "Wait up, Dad." Those were sweet words since it has usually been the other way around.

Another fun thing with my youngest for me was the other day he was giving me a hug before school and he suddenly pulled away and said, "Mom, you are getting skinnier! I usually feel your tummy way more out to here!" I love those little affirmations when we don't always see it ourselves, ya know?

I made a TON of muffins this week and have tried different variation of the basic recipe (*See muffin recipe on side panel). I make them 1 meal per muffin now so they are bigger and fluffier.

Here is what I've tried:

1. Maple & Brown sugar Oatmeal + Chocolate pudding + Sugar free chocolate chip cookie doe Syrup. (yum)

2. Apple & Cinnamon Oatmeal + Vanilla pudding + Sugar free Caramel syrup.

3 Apple & Cinnamon Oatmeal + Chocolate pudding + Sugar free Peanut Butter syrup. (My hubby's FAVORITE - he loves peanut butter)

I'm not a huge fan of the regular Boca or Morningstar farms burgers, BUT I found one I really LOVED. This is the Morningstar Pizza style/flavor burger. It is a bit more calories and carbs than the regular, but not compared to the Boca speciality burgers which are WAY more.

My man had two of these burgers with his salad and I had two with these vegetables stir fried in the left over sauce from my pork kabobs (see recipe in previous post). This was SO delish! I couldn't find the Morningstar Pizza burgers (I also like their mushroom lovers) at Win-co or Fred Meyer but I did find them at Trader Joes.

And now for a NEW and FANTASTIC recipe I tried:

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs (found on line & had great reviews)

1/2 cup olive oil [I actually use only 1/2 of this and used the other 1/2 rice vinegar]

1/2 cup ranch (I used Bolthouse which is way lower fat & cal)

3 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. Minced fresh Rosemary

2 t. Salt

1 t. lemon juice

1 t. white vinegar

1/4 t. ground black pepper (or to taste)

1 T. white sugar (optional) - [I used a couple spenda packets]

5 skinless, boneless Chicken breat halves - cut into 1" cubes

In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar/spenda. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes [I marinated the chicken for a whole day]

Pre-heat grill for med-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. (If they are wooden skewers than soak them in water for 5-10 minutes beforehand) Lightly oil the grill grate and grill skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side (so about 10 minutes total).

Here they are all grilled and they were SO tender and juice and tasty. I like these even better than the pork kabobs I did (and I loved those). I didn't even baste them while cooking, but I did baste the veggie kabobs (I made extra marinade and kept it separate to baste and use as a dip)

I tried grilling these on a George Foreman grill, but I think I cooked them too long because although they were tasty, they weren't as tender. The next night, we did them on our outside grill and I did them 4-5 minutes then turned them, than another 4-5 minutes and they were SO YUMMY and TENDER. (okay, I get excited about food, especially my lean and greens)

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. :)

Week 10 - Started First Workout!

I lost 2 pounds last week and my guy lost 3. Week 10 brings me to a total of 42 pounds lighter, and my guy to a total of 48 pounds lighter. :) I STILL say that it's hardly noticeable with me. I saw some pics of myself this weekend and I look exactly the same (to me). That just goes to show how easily I gained the weight without looking drastically different. I am SO anxious to really BE thinner!!

Here is my FAVORITE medifast lunch!! Chicken Noodle Soup with crackers. I never tire of this, it's so yummy!

My honey LOVES my muffins with the Walden Farms jelly (sugar free/fat free/ calorie free).

This week I made stuffed peppers!!!

We really enjoyed them. I even made them again for my whole family!

I browned my 1 pound of ground lean turkey and 1 pound ground lean beef and drained it. Then I added one pack of ground up medifast crackers, 1 cup egg beaters, 2 T. Italian seasonings, and approx. 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. This meat mixture makes a bunch - as you can tell, I always double recipes so I can have it later too.

I filled the peppers and put a little water in the bottom of the pan just to cover it. Bake at 350 for about 18 minutes or until pepper is tender. I sprinkled a little cheese on top the last 2 min. of baking.

It was delicious. I didn't need any salsa or added flavoring for mine.

My man enjoyed his with his hot salsa.

We also ate out at Applebees again. This time I had the weight watchers steak and grilled shrimp. I asked for no oils or butters when baking... but I wonder if they did because it tasted SO good! I want to be able to make shrimp skewers as yummy as these!

This week we also WORKED OUT for the first time since we started this lifestyle change. Now, the last time I went on the treadmill like 6 months ago, I could only get up to 30 minutes. And the most I've gotten up to is like 40 minutes. So for not going in months, I was astounded with myself...

I walked for over 53 minutes and over 2 and a half miles!!! Some of it I even had on an incline! Wow!! I guess being 40 pounds less has helped me be able to walk longer and handle more on the treadmill. I wasn't even overly tired or TOO sore the next day (just a little sore). I am SO excited about that!

Here I am feeling happy about my walking.

I am having some much appreciated success. But it isn't without many struggles. I have struggled this weekend with a heartbreak from my past. I am amazed at how powerful this trial has been over me. It brings me SO much sorrow and I fight the feelings and thoughts with all my energy and many prayers. I realize that things may not be how they seem to me and I am trying to TRUST IN THE LORD that one day I will have understanding and peace about this trial and that it will all turn out for the best in the end. Waiting until then has been a struggle, yet I know my Savior is aware of my trials and the longings of my heart and I will Trust in Him. I am truly blessed, too, and thankful for the strength the Lord gives me and for my wonderful family!!

Week 9 Results... and how to be COOL!

I lost 5 pounds this week!! That's a total of 40 pounds lost! (I almost can't believe this!)

My man is down 3 pounds for a total of 45 pounds lost!

I tried a new veggie recipe this week! I found this in a mag at the Dr. office and it looked good.

(This is actually double the recipe - you can half this to try it on a smaller scale)

Sauteed Cauliflower & Grape Tomatoes:

4 T. real bacon bits

4 T. extra virgin olive oil (divided)

1 medium head cauliflower CHOPPED (about 8 cups)

4 T. water

4 T. red-wine vinegar

2 Cups grape tomatoes, halved

4 T. chopped fresh parsley

2 T minced garlic

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. freshly ground pepper

Add 2 T oil to pan & heat up on medium heat. Add cauliflower, cover and cook stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes. Add water and vinegar, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender and the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes more.

Add the remaining 2 T oil, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is soft, about 3 minutes more. Serve the sauteed cauliflower with the bacon bits on top.

Each cup of this is: 124 calories, 9 g. fat, 4 g. protein, & 3 g. fiber.

The cauliflower dish is quite tasty. The tomatoes give it a "zing". My hubby enjoyed them too. A nice change from the salads. I had it with chicken and the next night with Boca burger and some Ranch dressing on top.

My coach clued me onto this dish using the pre-cooked beef strips from Costco and fresh broccoli. You heat up the strips over the stove and add some "Newmans own low-fat sesame ginger" dressing. I also mixed my broccoli in the dressing after I steamed them, for a delicious Beef and Broccoli dinner!

HOW TO BE COOL!!

Okay, I noticed right away at a Medifast convention I went to with my man and my coach before we started that everyone and their dog had a water bottle! (That is if they had a dog, it would have had a water bottle too!)

I learned pretty quickly that carrying a water bottle everywhere is COOL! Healthy, active, happy people seem to have water bottles and drink from them all the time. So I got on the band wagon right away.

We have shied away from buying the plastic water bottles and have converted several "Sobe" glass drink bottles into our "at home" water bottles. The glass is easy to stick in the DW after a couple uses so they're easier to keep clean. We have a whole shelf in our fridge just for all our glass water bottles!! (Our kids use them too).

And I LOVE these plastic ones from Costco. There is no lid to unscrew, you can just pull the trigger and the spout opens and you drink! It doesn't leak (which other water bottles I bought have) and it has a clip on it. Total winner for us. We bought two packs of them (3 come in a pack) so we can always have one ready to grab and my hubby keeps one in his car and one at work.

Meet Gloria.... Gloria is my purse! Yes, I name my purses... mostly because I started once with my kids and now whenever I get a new purse they require me to name it. It makes it easy to ask them to "get Gloria for me", or "hold on to Gloria please".

Anyway... I picked Gloria out at Fred Meyer when I was shopping with a friend. I was going to pick a pink version of this purse, but my friend (who knew about my upcoming lifestyle change) said I should pick orange because it's "NEW" like the NEW ME I am creating! I LOVE that!! And the orange made it look glorious (thus she became Gloria).

And I was THRILLED to see how my water bottle fit in Gloria's pocket... the clip perfectly at the right size to snap into the o-ring of the handle. Sweetness! I makes it SO easy to take my water everywhere!! (Now, I can be cool too!)

I want to end this post with just a quick SHOUT OUT for my coach! My hubby's medifast order got damaged on it's route to our house and thus his food shipment was put off for another week. We were running out of bars. When I told this to my SUPER COOL and FABULOUS coach, she immediately ran over some boxes of bars from her own food supply! That meant SO much to us. She also gives me so many food ideas and is just SO positive. Besides the fact that she is my coach, she is also the kindest friend who is so encouraging and generous! I feel SO THANKFUL that I saw her when I did (having lost her 100+ pounds) and was introduced to this program that is changing me and my husbands lives! You will always have my love and admiration, Latrease!!!