It has again been a while since a posting. Hrm.
So...
Blood sugar has been high again lately, but then I lost my meter, so not able to check for almost the last week. I will find it this weekend, one way or another! It has (more or less) been determined that I have (or am developing) arthritis. I get it. My hands won't open or close for a bit in the mornings when I wake up, but eventually it goes away. I'm tired a lot, although I can't manage to sleep all the way through the night.
On the other hand, I am officially down to 205.6. I did, for a moment, see 203.6, but then it immediately went to 204.8 when I was trying to get photographic evidence. But, again...the number is going DOWN and always fluctuates a couple of pounds up. It was fluctuating up to 206.x, but it feels like we may be beyond that and down another bit.
I'm still hoping to be in "onederland" by New Year's. 6 months to lose 20 pounds. . . it should stay off, right? If it can keep doing down, then maybe I can be down to 180 by summer break.
I must say that I enjoy not having to unbutton pants anymore. These 2X shirts are fitting looser and looser. I can't quite get comfortably into an XL, but it's coming. I know I should ask for clothes for Christmas, possibly move down from a size 22 jeans to a size 20. (I am wearing a 22 in jeans and a 20 in other pants.) Next week, I need to dig out some out old size 18s and see if I can possibly get myself into them.
Wish me luck!
~RDP
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
10-14-13
Wt: 206.2
Yep. It's been a minute since I last posted. Still out here, still working on it. Still need to be more active. (Shame on me.) I skipped tap last week because I was oh-so-tired (and my knee has hurt tremendously for almost two weeks...bad enough that I have invested in a knee brace.
I had to take a moment and look back. At the beginning of June (when I wasn't posting...), I recall the scale said 222 or thereabouts. After going to Disney at the middle/end of June, 213. July 12, 215.
So...if we think back to beginning of summer, I'm down 16 pounds. I'm cool with that.
If we think since July 12, I'm down 9. And I'm cool with that, too.
I think it is entirely possible that I could see ONEDERLAND by the end of the year. And that's pretty damn awesome.
14 weeks for 9 pounds is pretty slow. 18-20 weeks for 16 is pretty slow, too.
But what's that they say: if it comes off slow and steady you are more likely to keep it off, which is the ultimate goal, is it not?
~RDP
Yep. It's been a minute since I last posted. Still out here, still working on it. Still need to be more active. (Shame on me.) I skipped tap last week because I was oh-so-tired (and my knee has hurt tremendously for almost two weeks...bad enough that I have invested in a knee brace.
I had to take a moment and look back. At the beginning of June (when I wasn't posting...), I recall the scale said 222 or thereabouts. After going to Disney at the middle/end of June, 213. July 12, 215.
So...if we think back to beginning of summer, I'm down 16 pounds. I'm cool with that.
If we think since July 12, I'm down 9. And I'm cool with that, too.
I think it is entirely possible that I could see ONEDERLAND by the end of the year. And that's pretty damn awesome.
14 weeks for 9 pounds is pretty slow. 18-20 weeks for 16 is pretty slow, too.
But what's that they say: if it comes off slow and steady you are more likely to keep it off, which is the ultimate goal, is it not?
~RDP
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Endo Tomorrow
I forsee that I will be fussed at for not keeping better records of my BG. Although, tonight, I have poured through this blog, writing into my calendar every notation of BG I have blogged.
In other news...
Weight: 210.2.
BG today: 192
210. That's an official 10 pounds since the start of summer. 5 since July 12. And it's still going down, but I feel like I can't eat anything, either. Everything has carbs.
In other news...
Weight: 210.2.
BG today: 192
210. That's an official 10 pounds since the start of summer. 5 since July 12. And it's still going down, but I feel like I can't eat anything, either. Everything has carbs.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Quick Update
BG: 206
Better than it has been on waking up. Still not great...but I succumbed to temptation and a handful of potato chips last night. Shame on someone else for the temptation, but it is really hard to give up everything. Okay, so it's not everything, but it feels like it.
Take the other evening for example. I'm walking around the store looking for ideas for sides for dinner.
Mmmm...fresh raspberries...wait. Can't have that, because fresh fruit has sugar and the sugar will raise my BG.
Ooh...haven't had noodles/pasta in a while... But...can't eat that either.
Rice sounds good...but...no...
The list goes on.
When we bought the chips and dip yesterday, the plan was for the afternoon. Or for lunch. I will have the chips for lunch. Yeah. That's the plan today...
Better than it has been on waking up. Still not great...but I succumbed to temptation and a handful of potato chips last night. Shame on someone else for the temptation, but it is really hard to give up everything. Okay, so it's not everything, but it feels like it.
Take the other evening for example. I'm walking around the store looking for ideas for sides for dinner.
Mmmm...fresh raspberries...wait. Can't have that, because fresh fruit has sugar and the sugar will raise my BG.
Ooh...haven't had noodles/pasta in a while... But...can't eat that either.
Rice sounds good...but...no...
The list goes on.
When we bought the chips and dip yesterday, the plan was for the afternoon. Or for lunch. I will have the chips for lunch. Yeah. That's the plan today...
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Back to Work...
...And the posts slow down when the work starts back.
BG has stayed high. I've woken up the last several mornings with it over 200. Today, it was 223. When I tested again, it was after having a cup of coffee with vanilla creamer. It was about 210. I didn't manage to test any more.
We went to a Chinese buffet for lunch today. I had egg drop soup, a custard bun, half of an egg roll, 2 steamed dumplings, boiled shrimp, and sushi/sashimi/whatever. The place has a hibachi grill, so I loaded up on veggies and beef and shrimp for the grill. Top off with sweet tea (the last time I got water from there, it tasted super weird. First glass was fine, but the second may have been Sprite or something instead of water in my half full glass of water. Otherwise, there was a serious problem with the water.) Hopefully, there was enough protein to balance out the carbs. I did not get rice or noodles (other than what was in the sushi).
Dinner was leftovers. Salmon and some Mexican-inspired taco filler-type stuff with chicken, diced tomatoes and green chiles, squash, zucchini, and cheese. (I'm really feeling like a snack right now, but while I'd like to have ice cream -- which we've bought in the 3 ounce serving cups, but I think I will get a piece of cheese instead.
On the upside, yesterday, the scale said 211. Baby steps in the right direction, and I'm okay with that. (And, if you are worried about my BG, I have an appointment with my endocrinologist Thursday.)
BG has stayed high. I've woken up the last several mornings with it over 200. Today, it was 223. When I tested again, it was after having a cup of coffee with vanilla creamer. It was about 210. I didn't manage to test any more.
We went to a Chinese buffet for lunch today. I had egg drop soup, a custard bun, half of an egg roll, 2 steamed dumplings, boiled shrimp, and sushi/sashimi/whatever. The place has a hibachi grill, so I loaded up on veggies and beef and shrimp for the grill. Top off with sweet tea (the last time I got water from there, it tasted super weird. First glass was fine, but the second may have been Sprite or something instead of water in my half full glass of water. Otherwise, there was a serious problem with the water.) Hopefully, there was enough protein to balance out the carbs. I did not get rice or noodles (other than what was in the sushi).
Dinner was leftovers. Salmon and some Mexican-inspired taco filler-type stuff with chicken, diced tomatoes and green chiles, squash, zucchini, and cheese. (I'm really feeling like a snack right now, but while I'd like to have ice cream -- which we've bought in the 3 ounce serving cups, but I think I will get a piece of cheese instead.
On the upside, yesterday, the scale said 211. Baby steps in the right direction, and I'm okay with that. (And, if you are worried about my BG, I have an appointment with my endocrinologist Thursday.)
Friday, August 16, 2013
For shame...
W: 212.6
BG: 242
I know, I know. It's been 11 days since I last blogged. My blood glucose has shot through the roof again, although I think this antibiotic I'm taking (last day today!) may be to blame. I woke up the other day with a seriously sore throat that just got worse as the week progressed instead of better.
I have to say that this was also inservice week, and I have not been as good as I should have been. I stuck to my breakfast (although I am out of turkey sausage, so it was ham and cheese instead), but I haven't been great with lunches.
Monday, we went to a local meat and three-type restaurant. I had beef tips with gravy over rice, a sweet potato, and green beans. I asked if the beef tips could be served over the sweet potato instead of the rice, but was told on the side only. Okay...no rice please. I still got rice. I didn't eat ALL the rice, but I still ate it. And a roll (although it was a small roll...) For dinner...uh...I think that's the day I came home and baked salmon (oh so yummy!), but I made cheesy hash browns and broccoli to go with it. We are out of broccoli and only had one bag then, so not so much of that. I only had one serving of the hash browns, though.
Tuesday, lunch was Subway. I got a chicken bacon (out of ranch) chopped salad made with spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and honey mustard, and it was yummy. I drank water all day (as I did the day before). Dinner, for me, was leftover salmon and spaghetti squash with a little broccoli. Again, super yummy. However...it was "open house" at my school, and I had said I would stay. I had an appointment in the larger town (nothing around here is a city like you would think of a city), so I made a stop for some ice cream. I mean, after sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day, you deserve some kind of a treat, right? Right.
Wednesday, I really let go of the low carb diet. At lunch, we had extra time, so we drove into town for one of the local BBQ joints. I had an open-faced roast beef sandwich. Bread. Home cut french fries. And someone at the table ordered fried pickles as an app (and I was starving!) Lemonade to drink. It was good, although I didn't eat all of it. (Still in the fridge, too.) That afternoon...and we're talking over 4 hours after that lunch, my blood sugar tested at 310. Of course, then I remembered that 30+ minutes before, I'd had two Snackwells cookies (half a package of 4). Maybe that's it. I went home, drank a little water, tested again. 294. Hrm. For dinner, I made taco soup (following the recipe here. Two TBS of flour and a can of black beans in the whole, which are supposed to be good carbs.
Thursday morning (that's yesterday, right?), I tested first thing. Still 294. I immediately fixed a glass of water and drank it and tested again. 260. Better, but still not great. Breakfast at 7, then tested again at 10 (because of the session we were in -- no break or anything until then) -- 160. Lunch was catered (thanks to our local National Guard recruiter!) -- Subway sandwiches, chips, soda. (I'll talk about soda in a minute, but it was Coke and Diet Coke.) I filled up my glass with ice and hit the water fountain in the hall, grabbed a bag of chips (brought them home for my daughter) and a couple of sandwiches (because they are always cut small for catering, and this was all I was getting to eat.) Added my tomatoes and cucumber slices, light mayo and mustard. (And later grabbed 2 Cokes from what was left over after the faculty meeting as well as another bag of BBQ potato chips -- and it all came home for family, completely unopened.) Sometime that afternoon (and the faculty meeting lasted at least 2 hours), I tested again at 240.
Last night, we went to to the local Mexican place. I was just going to get water, but someone ordered the 20oz Texas Grande margarita (which, if you drink it, you won't care as much for other margaritas). I did get a ginormous glass of water to go with it. I had chips and salsa and cheese dip. I said I was going to be good and get the California Chicken Salad (which is a salad with lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, other good stuff, grilled chicken and a ranch/salsa dressing), but I wound up with flautas. I'm expecting this morning to wake up to outrageous blood sugar. And I get 242. (Yes, this is horrible. but it's not the near 300 I woke up to the last few days.)
It leaves me confused. I'll get over it, of course, but I don't understand why it's higher for this and not for that.
On sodas...because I can't remember if I've talked about this before...
A couple of years ago, I successfully gave up soda for Lent. If you aren't familiar with giving up things for Lent, it is 40 days of abstinence from something. The 40 days starts the day after Mardi Gras and lasts through Easter and does not count Sundays. It is supposed to be you giving up something and, through that, getting closer to God. There are some people who feel that, since Sundays aren't counted in the 40 days, you can "cheat" on Sundays. The first year I attempted to give up soda, I know I picked a Sunday about halfway through to have one soda, and I had one in the fridge waiting for me as soon as Lent was over.
But the year I really gave it up, with no cheater days... when I got that first post-Lent soda... it was awful. I have had the occasional soda since, but it really doesn't appeal to me anymore. I have a couple that I will drink if I "have" to. I still like sweet tea (hey...this IS the south), but I've (mostly) given it up this summer. Water, milk, and the occasional cup of coffee.
I should probably also throw in that I lost my BG meter again, and couldn't find it for the better part of the week, which is another reason I didn't post so much the last few days. I lost it..turned out it was in the box I bought to keep my medication in and found it when I had to refill my pill box. Then, lost it again the next day -- it was in my purse. (Oops...)
Last week, I got my hair permed. I've gotten lots of compliments on it (even from people who I am just baffled would even notice). I've also had a few people comment on my weight loss. The conversation yesterday with the secretary went something like this:
Secretary: So, how much weight have you lost this summer?
Me: About 10, give or take.
S: You must have lost in inches.
M: I think it's this hair style. It makes my face look thinner.
S: No. You look thinner everywhere. Face, hips, legs...
M: Maybe it's because you haven't seen me in 6 months? (She was out for a long time because of illness.)
S: No. I really think you have lost a lot. You look good.
I suppose I need to snap one of those Before shots. I must get back on track, though. (Although I'm proud that I haven't gained back huge amounts even with my slipping...)
Until next time...
RDP
BG: 242
I know, I know. It's been 11 days since I last blogged. My blood glucose has shot through the roof again, although I think this antibiotic I'm taking (last day today!) may be to blame. I woke up the other day with a seriously sore throat that just got worse as the week progressed instead of better.
I have to say that this was also inservice week, and I have not been as good as I should have been. I stuck to my breakfast (although I am out of turkey sausage, so it was ham and cheese instead), but I haven't been great with lunches.
Monday, we went to a local meat and three-type restaurant. I had beef tips with gravy over rice, a sweet potato, and green beans. I asked if the beef tips could be served over the sweet potato instead of the rice, but was told on the side only. Okay...no rice please. I still got rice. I didn't eat ALL the rice, but I still ate it. And a roll (although it was a small roll...) For dinner...uh...I think that's the day I came home and baked salmon (oh so yummy!), but I made cheesy hash browns and broccoli to go with it. We are out of broccoli and only had one bag then, so not so much of that. I only had one serving of the hash browns, though.
Tuesday, lunch was Subway. I got a chicken bacon (out of ranch) chopped salad made with spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and honey mustard, and it was yummy. I drank water all day (as I did the day before). Dinner, for me, was leftover salmon and spaghetti squash with a little broccoli. Again, super yummy. However...it was "open house" at my school, and I had said I would stay. I had an appointment in the larger town (nothing around here is a city like you would think of a city), so I made a stop for some ice cream. I mean, after sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day, you deserve some kind of a treat, right? Right.
Wednesday, I really let go of the low carb diet. At lunch, we had extra time, so we drove into town for one of the local BBQ joints. I had an open-faced roast beef sandwich. Bread. Home cut french fries. And someone at the table ordered fried pickles as an app (and I was starving!) Lemonade to drink. It was good, although I didn't eat all of it. (Still in the fridge, too.) That afternoon...and we're talking over 4 hours after that lunch, my blood sugar tested at 310. Of course, then I remembered that 30+ minutes before, I'd had two Snackwells cookies (half a package of 4). Maybe that's it. I went home, drank a little water, tested again. 294. Hrm. For dinner, I made taco soup (following the recipe here. Two TBS of flour and a can of black beans in the whole, which are supposed to be good carbs.
Thursday morning (that's yesterday, right?), I tested first thing. Still 294. I immediately fixed a glass of water and drank it and tested again. 260. Better, but still not great. Breakfast at 7, then tested again at 10 (because of the session we were in -- no break or anything until then) -- 160. Lunch was catered (thanks to our local National Guard recruiter!) -- Subway sandwiches, chips, soda. (I'll talk about soda in a minute, but it was Coke and Diet Coke.) I filled up my glass with ice and hit the water fountain in the hall, grabbed a bag of chips (brought them home for my daughter) and a couple of sandwiches (because they are always cut small for catering, and this was all I was getting to eat.) Added my tomatoes and cucumber slices, light mayo and mustard. (And later grabbed 2 Cokes from what was left over after the faculty meeting as well as another bag of BBQ potato chips -- and it all came home for family, completely unopened.) Sometime that afternoon (and the faculty meeting lasted at least 2 hours), I tested again at 240.
Last night, we went to to the local Mexican place. I was just going to get water, but someone ordered the 20oz Texas Grande margarita (which, if you drink it, you won't care as much for other margaritas). I did get a ginormous glass of water to go with it. I had chips and salsa and cheese dip. I said I was going to be good and get the California Chicken Salad (which is a salad with lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, other good stuff, grilled chicken and a ranch/salsa dressing), but I wound up with flautas. I'm expecting this morning to wake up to outrageous blood sugar. And I get 242. (Yes, this is horrible. but it's not the near 300 I woke up to the last few days.)
It leaves me confused. I'll get over it, of course, but I don't understand why it's higher for this and not for that.
On sodas...because I can't remember if I've talked about this before...
A couple of years ago, I successfully gave up soda for Lent. If you aren't familiar with giving up things for Lent, it is 40 days of abstinence from something. The 40 days starts the day after Mardi Gras and lasts through Easter and does not count Sundays. It is supposed to be you giving up something and, through that, getting closer to God. There are some people who feel that, since Sundays aren't counted in the 40 days, you can "cheat" on Sundays. The first year I attempted to give up soda, I know I picked a Sunday about halfway through to have one soda, and I had one in the fridge waiting for me as soon as Lent was over.
But the year I really gave it up, with no cheater days... when I got that first post-Lent soda... it was awful. I have had the occasional soda since, but it really doesn't appeal to me anymore. I have a couple that I will drink if I "have" to. I still like sweet tea (hey...this IS the south), but I've (mostly) given it up this summer. Water, milk, and the occasional cup of coffee.
I should probably also throw in that I lost my BG meter again, and couldn't find it for the better part of the week, which is another reason I didn't post so much the last few days. I lost it..turned out it was in the box I bought to keep my medication in and found it when I had to refill my pill box. Then, lost it again the next day -- it was in my purse. (Oops...)
Last week, I got my hair permed. I've gotten lots of compliments on it (even from people who I am just baffled would even notice). I've also had a few people comment on my weight loss. The conversation yesterday with the secretary went something like this:
Secretary: So, how much weight have you lost this summer?
Me: About 10, give or take.
S: You must have lost in inches.
M: I think it's this hair style. It makes my face look thinner.
S: No. You look thinner everywhere. Face, hips, legs...
M: Maybe it's because you haven't seen me in 6 months? (She was out for a long time because of illness.)
S: No. I really think you have lost a lot. You look good.
I suppose I need to snap one of those Before shots. I must get back on track, though. (Although I'm proud that I haven't gained back huge amounts even with my slipping...)
Until next time...
RDP
Monday, August 5, 2013
8-5-2013
W: 212.8
BG: ? (Can't find AGAIN...)
Pretty proud of my weight there. Had an off sort of weekend, meaning that Saturday was totally a junk day. Lunch was a Pretzel Bacon Dog at Sonic, then k had a fundraiser at a relatively local race track...nothing good for you to eat there. Our bake sale didn't sell too much, so I brought home cotton candy and rice crispy treats and cake and whatnot. Let me tell you though...that stuff was stale yesterday. What's worse than a stale rice crispy treat?
So, back to the "straight and narrow" today. Making a crock pot rotisserie chicken for dinner. No clue yet on the sides. but it'll come to me. I want to make moussaka again, but it requires time, which is something there just isn't a whole lot of right now.
Will say that I scored big the other day. I have new shoes (yay!), and I found pants that fit and aren't a mile too long (double yay!) Still could use a couple of new tops, though. It's amazing how if you can find one thing, then you can't find the other.
~RDP~
BG: ? (Can't find AGAIN...)
Pretty proud of my weight there. Had an off sort of weekend, meaning that Saturday was totally a junk day. Lunch was a Pretzel Bacon Dog at Sonic, then k had a fundraiser at a relatively local race track...nothing good for you to eat there. Our bake sale didn't sell too much, so I brought home cotton candy and rice crispy treats and cake and whatnot. Let me tell you though...that stuff was stale yesterday. What's worse than a stale rice crispy treat?
So, back to the "straight and narrow" today. Making a crock pot rotisserie chicken for dinner. No clue yet on the sides. but it'll come to me. I want to make moussaka again, but it requires time, which is something there just isn't a whole lot of right now.
Will say that I scored big the other day. I have new shoes (yay!), and I found pants that fit and aren't a mile too long (double yay!) Still could use a couple of new tops, though. It's amazing how if you can find one thing, then you can't find the other.
~RDP~
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
I told you so...
W: 212.0
BG: 165
What?! So much to be excited about!
#1: I am NOT alone! YAY! I will celebrate by trying to remember to use a different font, so that maybe our posts will stand out as different people (plus, I suppose I need to remember to sign off, since now there are TWO of us posting again! Woo hoo!
#2: Do you see that BG? Do you SEE that? Yes, yes. I still know, waking up with it at 165 still isn't great, but, again, when a couple of weeks ago I was consistently waking up to it above 200....165...is....AWESOME! Only 45 more points down to be in the normal range!
To my partner incrime weight loss, I'm still not exactly sure what, ultimately will work as we journey towards seeing less of ourselves. Just remember that we're in this together. Yep...the last year has been super stressful for both of us (although in vastly different ways). That definitely makes it harder.
My mother and I both said this time last year (just like we said the year before and the year before that), "We want to lose weight before our next trip to Disney." It didn't happen. In some cases, we just put on MORE weight. (Her stress has topped mine, so I believe she has said she's gained 10 pounds in the last year where previously we actually were pretty close in weight.
Alright, for my daily recap...
For breakfast yesterday, as I have run out of cheese and turkey sausage (boo!), I had two slices of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a small (8 ounce) glass of milk. Naturally, two hours later, my blood sugar was through the roof, but nothing else in the house appeals to me as a low-carb breakfast. I suppose I need to do some research on that, so maybe I can find something appropriate that won't send my BG soaring. No eggs. (Yuk.)
Lunch was leftover "pizza" from the night before. I really got to see the bottom/crust (since I flipped it out of the container it was in), and it really does look like a pizza crust.
Last night, I really wanted to try this recipe for a refried/pinto bean dip. Really, I need to plan better when I try it, because I need to have healthy things on-hand to dip into the not-so-healthy dip. I mean, beans are carbs and tortilla chips are carbs...and together...well...you know where I'm going, right?
I texted Mom and asked her to bring home a bag of tortilla chips. She didn't check it until she had left, so no chips. Okay, okay...don't need them anyway, so NOW what?
I boiled a bag of cauliflower. Chopped an onion and tossed it in a pan with some melted butter and salt until it began to become translucent, then browned some ground beef in the pan. Seasoned this with garlic powder and pepper. When the cauliflower was tender enough, I drained and returned it to its pan so I could mash it a little with a potato masher. Next, I dumped the ground beef into the pan, added a little milk and some Velveeta (yes, I know...processed = bad). Green beans and freshly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side, and we called it dinner. I think Dad put his over toast. Mine was eaten with the fresh tomato (and, despite all the rain we've had, those tomatoes taste wonderful.)
Where does the "I told you so" come in? Well, when Mom fixed her plate, she was saying something to that effect. "All these years, I've told you that you needed to eat low carb, and you said NO..."
Okay. My BG was always good then. My weight wasn't horrible. But now I've decided that doing this is necessary. Even if I'm not even on-board with it every single day. I'm not sure if it is helping my parents any (I know it's doing nothing for my child, as most of the stuff she won't eat. More on her in a moment.)
Changes I've made: In the last month, I've quit drinking sweet tea. I'd more or less already quit drinking sodas. I gave them up for Lent one year, and they've tasted awful ever since. (Except an A&W Cream Soda...but that really takes my BG up! So sad, too, because they have started selling them in cans, and some days, it's hard to walk buy and not buy a case.) I am drinking about a glass of milk a day. I don't know why -- especially why I'd want chocolate milk out of any of it. I didn't have a glass yesterday because we're almost out of milk. Dad did go out to breakfast, though, so he's not having a bowl of cereal this morning, but that doesn't rule out Katy having one.
If I have to have rice (at home, anyway), it's brown. It may be a (technically) overcooked brown, but who likes chewy rice? How often do I get this? Maybe once a week. Maybe.
No pasta. Pasta is probably my favorite carb.
Potatoes are rare, too. Maybe once per week.
Carbs really need to be eaten at breakfast or lunch and not at night. :(
Okay...here's the skinny on my daughter. She's 9. She weighs about 60 pounds. She has consistently traveled up the lines at the doctor's office -- 50th percentile for her age/gender in height and 25th percentile in weight. She's tiny. She dances and moves pretty much all the time. Her doctor asked at her annual appointment this summer if she was eating healthful things -- fruits and veggies and whatnot. I told her that she (mostly) eats so little, as long as I can get it in her, we're good.
I know I should be teaching her healthy eating habits. I'm trying. We talk about eating fruits and veggies and such. I'm making her try the stuff I cook. But I don't expect her to eat it simply because if I say "this or nothing" and she doesn't like it, she won't eat. What makes me a worse parent -- forcing something on her that is healthy but she won't eat, so she'll go to bed without eating anything, or making sure she has something that she will eat, regardless of health value? She does eat raw carrots, broccoli, green beans, cooked onions, yogurt, and things like that, and mostly only drinks water, so there is some good in there with the not-so-good.
Okay, I have rambled on for long enough. :)
Happy Wednesday!
~RDP~
BG: 165
What?! So much to be excited about!
#1: I am NOT alone! YAY! I will celebrate by trying to remember to use a different font, so that maybe our posts will stand out as different people (plus, I suppose I need to remember to sign off, since now there are TWO of us posting again! Woo hoo!
#2: Do you see that BG? Do you SEE that? Yes, yes. I still know, waking up with it at 165 still isn't great, but, again, when a couple of weeks ago I was consistently waking up to it above 200....165...is....AWESOME! Only 45 more points down to be in the normal range!
To my partner in
My mother and I both said this time last year (just like we said the year before and the year before that), "We want to lose weight before our next trip to Disney." It didn't happen. In some cases, we just put on MORE weight. (Her stress has topped mine, so I believe she has said she's gained 10 pounds in the last year where previously we actually were pretty close in weight.
Alright, for my daily recap...
For breakfast yesterday, as I have run out of cheese and turkey sausage (boo!), I had two slices of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a small (8 ounce) glass of milk. Naturally, two hours later, my blood sugar was through the roof, but nothing else in the house appeals to me as a low-carb breakfast. I suppose I need to do some research on that, so maybe I can find something appropriate that won't send my BG soaring. No eggs. (Yuk.)
Lunch was leftover "pizza" from the night before. I really got to see the bottom/crust (since I flipped it out of the container it was in), and it really does look like a pizza crust.
Last night, I really wanted to try this recipe for a refried/pinto bean dip. Really, I need to plan better when I try it, because I need to have healthy things on-hand to dip into the not-so-healthy dip. I mean, beans are carbs and tortilla chips are carbs...and together...well...you know where I'm going, right?
I texted Mom and asked her to bring home a bag of tortilla chips. She didn't check it until she had left, so no chips. Okay, okay...don't need them anyway, so NOW what?
I boiled a bag of cauliflower. Chopped an onion and tossed it in a pan with some melted butter and salt until it began to become translucent, then browned some ground beef in the pan. Seasoned this with garlic powder and pepper. When the cauliflower was tender enough, I drained and returned it to its pan so I could mash it a little with a potato masher. Next, I dumped the ground beef into the pan, added a little milk and some Velveeta (yes, I know...processed = bad). Green beans and freshly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side, and we called it dinner. I think Dad put his over toast. Mine was eaten with the fresh tomato (and, despite all the rain we've had, those tomatoes taste wonderful.)
Where does the "I told you so" come in? Well, when Mom fixed her plate, she was saying something to that effect. "All these years, I've told you that you needed to eat low carb, and you said NO..."
Okay. My BG was always good then. My weight wasn't horrible. But now I've decided that doing this is necessary. Even if I'm not even on-board with it every single day. I'm not sure if it is helping my parents any (I know it's doing nothing for my child, as most of the stuff she won't eat. More on her in a moment.)
Changes I've made: In the last month, I've quit drinking sweet tea. I'd more or less already quit drinking sodas. I gave them up for Lent one year, and they've tasted awful ever since. (Except an A&W Cream Soda...but that really takes my BG up! So sad, too, because they have started selling them in cans, and some days, it's hard to walk buy and not buy a case.) I am drinking about a glass of milk a day. I don't know why -- especially why I'd want chocolate milk out of any of it. I didn't have a glass yesterday because we're almost out of milk. Dad did go out to breakfast, though, so he's not having a bowl of cereal this morning, but that doesn't rule out Katy having one.
If I have to have rice (at home, anyway), it's brown. It may be a (technically) overcooked brown, but who likes chewy rice? How often do I get this? Maybe once a week. Maybe.
No pasta. Pasta is probably my favorite carb.
Potatoes are rare, too. Maybe once per week.
Carbs really need to be eaten at breakfast or lunch and not at night. :(
Okay...here's the skinny on my daughter. She's 9. She weighs about 60 pounds. She has consistently traveled up the lines at the doctor's office -- 50th percentile for her age/gender in height and 25th percentile in weight. She's tiny. She dances and moves pretty much all the time. Her doctor asked at her annual appointment this summer if she was eating healthful things -- fruits and veggies and whatnot. I told her that she (mostly) eats so little, as long as I can get it in her, we're good.
I know I should be teaching her healthy eating habits. I'm trying. We talk about eating fruits and veggies and such. I'm making her try the stuff I cook. But I don't expect her to eat it simply because if I say "this or nothing" and she doesn't like it, she won't eat. What makes me a worse parent -- forcing something on her that is healthy but she won't eat, so she'll go to bed without eating anything, or making sure she has something that she will eat, regardless of health value? She does eat raw carrots, broccoli, green beans, cooked onions, yogurt, and things like that, and mostly only drinks water, so there is some good in there with the not-so-good.
Okay, I have rambled on for long enough. :)
Happy Wednesday!
~RDP~
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
This Time I Know What It Will Take
If you fall off a bicycle, get back on. Except, in my case, I fell off the bicycle and watched it roll down the hill and get smashed to bits by an 18-wheeler. I don't believe I have written anything regarding my weight loss efforts in over a year, if not longer. Sigh...
I am the heaviest I have been in my life! When I began this venture, I was around 280 + or -, and now I'm over 300 lbs. Sad, but true. So, I decided to set a reasonable goal to lose 1-2 pounds per week over the course of the next year and a half. So far, I have made my goal. I am not being ridiculous about what I eat and I have no qualms about being honest about the causes of my weight.
September 2012 will always burn on my brain as the month of Change. Simple. My mother went in for surgery on her arm on September 7th and died on September 20th. That was the most devastating experience for me because I was making arrangements for her to go to rehab for her health. She even let me know that the time had come for her to ride the Glory Train and I had to listen to her and promise to make her homegoing beautiful. I think I did.
Over the next months, I would cry without any provocation. Reading Ludell by Brenda Wilkinson aloud to my students, I broke down crying after reading the lines, "Ludell likes hers baked in a pan like that, but I prefer mine in a hoecake." The word 'hoecake' caused such a gush of tears that my students quietly allowed me to cry, some shared in tear shedding, before I resumed class. Afterwards, I was asked by the majority if I were okay. I assured them I was, but I wasn't. To stifle my tears, I gorged them with chocolate and other sweets. I felt myself swelling, but could not stop.
My pal has continued to faithfully write on this blog, and now I have to add my one cent to the pile. I admire her dedication and hope to update, at least once a week, regarding my progress. I am optimistic that the goal, which is attainable, will be reached and success will be attained.
Prior to "coming back", I had to make amends with our school counselor. She was a former overweight person, but she battled and conquered her obesity by losing nearly 150 lbs in a year and a half. Throughout her journey, I was viciously jealous. In the beginning, I was supportive, but when she opted to have a gastric sleeve in November 2012, I was absolutely mortified. She had already lost 80 lbs on her own sweat and dedication, but the desire to be in a single digit size outweighed her efforts to continue on her previous path. By the time the school year ended, she looked AMAZING! I looked HORRENDOUS!
Today, I think I look good. I know what I need to do. I have made peace with her (although she was clueless :) ) and embraced my water bottle.
This is dedicated to the loving memory of my mother...
Thank you Rainy Day Play for standing strong for me during my time of need.
I am the heaviest I have been in my life! When I began this venture, I was around 280 + or -, and now I'm over 300 lbs. Sad, but true. So, I decided to set a reasonable goal to lose 1-2 pounds per week over the course of the next year and a half. So far, I have made my goal. I am not being ridiculous about what I eat and I have no qualms about being honest about the causes of my weight.
September 2012 will always burn on my brain as the month of Change. Simple. My mother went in for surgery on her arm on September 7th and died on September 20th. That was the most devastating experience for me because I was making arrangements for her to go to rehab for her health. She even let me know that the time had come for her to ride the Glory Train and I had to listen to her and promise to make her homegoing beautiful. I think I did.
Over the next months, I would cry without any provocation. Reading Ludell by Brenda Wilkinson aloud to my students, I broke down crying after reading the lines, "Ludell likes hers baked in a pan like that, but I prefer mine in a hoecake." The word 'hoecake' caused such a gush of tears that my students quietly allowed me to cry, some shared in tear shedding, before I resumed class. Afterwards, I was asked by the majority if I were okay. I assured them I was, but I wasn't. To stifle my tears, I gorged them with chocolate and other sweets. I felt myself swelling, but could not stop.
My pal has continued to faithfully write on this blog, and now I have to add my one cent to the pile. I admire her dedication and hope to update, at least once a week, regarding my progress. I am optimistic that the goal, which is attainable, will be reached and success will be attained.
Prior to "coming back", I had to make amends with our school counselor. She was a former overweight person, but she battled and conquered her obesity by losing nearly 150 lbs in a year and a half. Throughout her journey, I was viciously jealous. In the beginning, I was supportive, but when she opted to have a gastric sleeve in November 2012, I was absolutely mortified. She had already lost 80 lbs on her own sweat and dedication, but the desire to be in a single digit size outweighed her efforts to continue on her previous path. By the time the school year ended, she looked AMAZING! I looked HORRENDOUS!
Today, I think I look good. I know what I need to do. I have made peace with her (although she was clueless :) ) and embraced my water bottle.
This is dedicated to the loving memory of my mother...
Thank you Rainy Day Play for standing strong for me during my time of need.
Aggravation
W: 214
BG: 173
I bet you can guess why the title is what it is. I'm not sure what's up with the weight gain. I had a few carbs over the weekend (although mostly good carbs). I had a sandwich yesterday. Didn't drink enough yesterday. My weigh-in was after breakfast because I couldn't get to the scale. (And, yes, I do know that there is about a 5 pound fluctuation in weight. But I can't stand to see the number go up right now.)
So last night, I had pizza.
Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. In a medium bowl, mix 1-8oz package cream cheese (softened), 2 eggs, garlic powder, pepper, and about 1/4 c grated Parmesan until well blended. Spread in the bottom of your pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 13 minutes. Take out and let cool for at least 10 minutes. Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle on cheese, and add your favorite pizza toppings. (I had onion, pepperoni, and bacon.) Bake for another 10 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted.
You won't be eating this pizza with your hands, but it has all the right flavors and the crust is relatively bread-like. Thin, but not crispy like a traditional thin crust. I did precook the onions, sauteing them until translucent. I thought about chopping up a tomato and putting it on top, but opted out.
I know I did some other low-carb things, but they are not coming to mind at the moment. I need payday to hurry up and be here (it's tomorrow) because I'm out of my usual breakfast items, and everything else in the house for breakfast is bread or cereal or sugary. :/
BG: 173
I bet you can guess why the title is what it is. I'm not sure what's up with the weight gain. I had a few carbs over the weekend (although mostly good carbs). I had a sandwich yesterday. Didn't drink enough yesterday. My weigh-in was after breakfast because I couldn't get to the scale. (And, yes, I do know that there is about a 5 pound fluctuation in weight. But I can't stand to see the number go up right now.)
So last night, I had pizza.
Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. In a medium bowl, mix 1-8oz package cream cheese (softened), 2 eggs, garlic powder, pepper, and about 1/4 c grated Parmesan until well blended. Spread in the bottom of your pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 13 minutes. Take out and let cool for at least 10 minutes. Spread pizza sauce, sprinkle on cheese, and add your favorite pizza toppings. (I had onion, pepperoni, and bacon.) Bake for another 10 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted.
You won't be eating this pizza with your hands, but it has all the right flavors and the crust is relatively bread-like. Thin, but not crispy like a traditional thin crust. I did precook the onions, sauteing them until translucent. I thought about chopping up a tomato and putting it on top, but opted out.
I know I did some other low-carb things, but they are not coming to mind at the moment. I need payday to hurry up and be here (it's tomorrow) because I'm out of my usual breakfast items, and everything else in the house for breakfast is bread or cereal or sugary. :/
Friday, July 26, 2013
The doctor's scale always reads differently.
W: ?
BG: 176
I haven't been able to access the scale just yet today...but maybe soon.
I went early to the doctor's office yesterday for fasting bloodwork, then returned about 4 hours later for the actual appointment. By the doctor's scale at roughly 1pm, I weighed in at 216.0. That is at least a 4 pound weight loss by their scales since my last visit. (The question there being...Which last visit are we talking about? You see, my endo and my GP are in the same office -- I just see each for different things. The neat thing about it is that I don't have to go from doc A to doc B and report what the other found...it's all on the same computer system. We should be talking since May, though.)
Okay, so Dr. A. said that my 4 pound weight loss was pretty remarkable. He said this with a positive tone of voice, but it still leaves me wondering. May...June...July... 2-3 months...4 pounds... Is that a bit sarcastic, because it really isn't much if "good" is 1-2 pounds per week. (If my last appointment in that office was at the end of May, then we are looking at 2 months...roughly 8 weeks, so it could be 8 - 16 pounds....) Was it just general encouragement -- whatever you are doing to lose 4 pounds, please keep doing it. Or is it remarkable because things like hypothyroidism makes it next to impossible to lose any weight?
We're going to lean towards positive.
My blood pressure was good (Something like 120/68). No recent problems with allergies and what not.
Triglycerides have gone UP, though, which is bad, and my good cholesterol has gone down a little (26). There will be a new med for that, but have to be tested more because there were slightly elevated liver enzymes in my blood, which is also bad.
I know the answer. I must become more active. I need encouragement to be active. I need a push.
I think the motivation is there. It is the follow through that is lacking.
So...
Yesterday, I got in a mile-long walk. Not much. But it was something.
There is a 5k coming up in October that I would like to participate in. I need to get moving so I can complete it and not feel wrung out. The next one at the end of December that I want to participate in. By then, I need to be able to JOG at least part of the route. (So does my sil.)
So, think positive thoughts to get me moooving!
- RDP
BG: 176
I haven't been able to access the scale just yet today...but maybe soon.
I went early to the doctor's office yesterday for fasting bloodwork, then returned about 4 hours later for the actual appointment. By the doctor's scale at roughly 1pm, I weighed in at 216.0. That is at least a 4 pound weight loss by their scales since my last visit. (The question there being...Which last visit are we talking about? You see, my endo and my GP are in the same office -- I just see each for different things. The neat thing about it is that I don't have to go from doc A to doc B and report what the other found...it's all on the same computer system. We should be talking since May, though.)
Okay, so Dr. A. said that my 4 pound weight loss was pretty remarkable. He said this with a positive tone of voice, but it still leaves me wondering. May...June...July... 2-3 months...4 pounds... Is that a bit sarcastic, because it really isn't much if "good" is 1-2 pounds per week. (If my last appointment in that office was at the end of May, then we are looking at 2 months...roughly 8 weeks, so it could be 8 - 16 pounds....) Was it just general encouragement -- whatever you are doing to lose 4 pounds, please keep doing it. Or is it remarkable because things like hypothyroidism makes it next to impossible to lose any weight?
We're going to lean towards positive.
My blood pressure was good (Something like 120/68). No recent problems with allergies and what not.
Triglycerides have gone UP, though, which is bad, and my good cholesterol has gone down a little (26). There will be a new med for that, but have to be tested more because there were slightly elevated liver enzymes in my blood, which is also bad.
I know the answer. I must become more active. I need encouragement to be active. I need a push.
I think the motivation is there. It is the follow through that is lacking.
So...
Yesterday, I got in a mile-long walk. Not much. But it was something.
There is a 5k coming up in October that I would like to participate in. I need to get moving so I can complete it and not feel wrung out. The next one at the end of December that I want to participate in. By then, I need to be able to JOG at least part of the route. (So does my sil.)
So, think positive thoughts to get me moooving!
- RDP
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
7-24-13 (All About Tuesday)
W: 212.0
BG: 173
When I tested my blood glucose this morning, I must not have been fully awake yet. My first thought was Why so high? Then I realized...that's down quite a bit from yesterday's starting BG! Maybe I am doing the right thing?
Yesterday was a snacky kind of day, too. Just had that feeling all day that I was hungry. Nothing seemed to satisfy that feeling.
Breakfast was standard (turkey sausage and cheddar cheese, in case you've forgotten...or not read that far back...) I was fine until lunch, when I had a ham and cheese sandwich and a pickle. Before, I'd have a handful of potato chips with the sandwich -- not that we have any chips, anyway. Now, I was a little worried about eating two slices of bread. I wound up later eating a handful of mixed nuts (pistachio-heavy blend). It seems like there may have been something else, but I'm not sure.
For dinner, salmon. My, was it delicious! I covered a cookie/baking sheet with foil, then brushed melted butter on the foil (which, btw, did nothing to help keep the fish from sticking to it!) Filets of salmon were placed on the melted butter then had melted butter brushed over the top. On that went some of Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Salmon Seasoning. Into a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, and done!
With this, I mixed up a cheese sauce and poured it over some lightly steamed broccoli, then shredded cheese and a light sprinkling of bread crumbs on top, and it went in the oven with the salmon for the same amount of time. (A broccoli au gratin, if you will.)
Dinner was yummy, simply put. Finished it off with a glass of chocolate milk. You know, I'm not much of a chocolate person, but I'm getting to where I am loving the chocolate milk. Maybe because it's my treat every day. I will be glad when the Hershey's syrup is gone, though. I want to clean out the bottle and make my own syrup that won't have any HFCS.
I have a doctor appointment in the morning. This is with my GP, not with my Endo. (Last time, my overall cholesterol was good, but my good cholesterol was low and triglycerides were high. Also, my Vitamin D was also critically low. I've been taking 50,000 IUs once a week for about 3 months. Can't get out in the sun much because it has been nothing but rain for the last month.) I will have to go early to have blood drawn, then the actual appointment is in the afternoon. I'll visit with my sister-in-law, so there is not telling when I will get home or when I will get to update.
BG: 173
When I tested my blood glucose this morning, I must not have been fully awake yet. My first thought was Why so high? Then I realized...that's down quite a bit from yesterday's starting BG! Maybe I am doing the right thing?
Yesterday was a snacky kind of day, too. Just had that feeling all day that I was hungry. Nothing seemed to satisfy that feeling.
Breakfast was standard (turkey sausage and cheddar cheese, in case you've forgotten...or not read that far back...) I was fine until lunch, when I had a ham and cheese sandwich and a pickle. Before, I'd have a handful of potato chips with the sandwich -- not that we have any chips, anyway. Now, I was a little worried about eating two slices of bread. I wound up later eating a handful of mixed nuts (pistachio-heavy blend). It seems like there may have been something else, but I'm not sure.
For dinner, salmon. My, was it delicious! I covered a cookie/baking sheet with foil, then brushed melted butter on the foil (which, btw, did nothing to help keep the fish from sticking to it!) Filets of salmon were placed on the melted butter then had melted butter brushed over the top. On that went some of Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Salmon Seasoning. Into a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, and done!
With this, I mixed up a cheese sauce and poured it over some lightly steamed broccoli, then shredded cheese and a light sprinkling of bread crumbs on top, and it went in the oven with the salmon for the same amount of time. (A broccoli au gratin, if you will.)
Dinner was yummy, simply put. Finished it off with a glass of chocolate milk. You know, I'm not much of a chocolate person, but I'm getting to where I am loving the chocolate milk. Maybe because it's my treat every day. I will be glad when the Hershey's syrup is gone, though. I want to clean out the bottle and make my own syrup that won't have any HFCS.
I have a doctor appointment in the morning. This is with my GP, not with my Endo. (Last time, my overall cholesterol was good, but my good cholesterol was low and triglycerides were high. Also, my Vitamin D was also critically low. I've been taking 50,000 IUs once a week for about 3 months. Can't get out in the sun much because it has been nothing but rain for the last month.) I will have to go early to have blood drawn, then the actual appointment is in the afternoon. I'll visit with my sister-in-law, so there is not telling when I will get home or when I will get to update.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Monday Recap
Today's Stats:
W: 212.2
BG: 184
Went to a buffet for lunch yesterday, but they had baked chicken, turnips, cabbage, rutabagas, and black-eyed peas. And a small salad bar.
For dinner, I made beef stroganoff with cauliflower instead of rice, potatoes or pasta. I thinned out the sauce a little too much, so I did serve it over a piece of toast. I wish I'd done twice as much cauliflower instead of the toast -- but the toast was yummy.
The best part about dinner last night was that k really likes Hamburger Helper potatoes stroganoff. I told her that I was making (from scratch!) the same thing, it would just be different because I was making it myself. When I fixed her plate, I told her it was different. She looked at it and said, "Yeah, I know; you just cut it up."
And. She. Ate. It. And asked for more! Usually with this sort of thing, I have to either fight her to try it or fix her something else. Let me tell you -- if I say this or nothing...she'll eat nothing. And not complain. So for me to get something homemade and yummy and with extra veggies she wouldn't otherwise eat into her tummy -- that is a massive WIN.
Today, I'm cruising for a new recipe. Or at least something I can have fun modifying. :)
W: 212.2
BG: 184
Went to a buffet for lunch yesterday, but they had baked chicken, turnips, cabbage, rutabagas, and black-eyed peas. And a small salad bar.
For dinner, I made beef stroganoff with cauliflower instead of rice, potatoes or pasta. I thinned out the sauce a little too much, so I did serve it over a piece of toast. I wish I'd done twice as much cauliflower instead of the toast -- but the toast was yummy.
The best part about dinner last night was that k really likes Hamburger Helper potatoes stroganoff. I told her that I was making (from scratch!) the same thing, it would just be different because I was making it myself. When I fixed her plate, I told her it was different. She looked at it and said, "Yeah, I know; you just cut it up."
And. She. Ate. It. And asked for more! Usually with this sort of thing, I have to either fight her to try it or fix her something else. Let me tell you -- if I say this or nothing...she'll eat nothing. And not complain. So for me to get something homemade and yummy and with extra veggies she wouldn't otherwise eat into her tummy -- that is a massive WIN.
Today, I'm cruising for a new recipe. Or at least something I can have fun modifying. :)
Monday, July 22, 2013
7-22-13 -- Weekend update -- includes a couple low-carb recipes!
Weight: 212.6
BG: ? (I've misplaced my meter. Must find it today...)
I didn't post over the weekend, but it's more difficult to keep up with some things over the weekend. For example, I can't always get to the scale on the weekends first thing, so that eliminates being able to do the daily weigh in. Things got moved, so I'm missing my BG meter. Then I gave in to a little temptation.
Thursday, I went out with my daughter, my brother, and his wife (and their nephew). Before reaching our intended destination, we went to the local Waffle King for brunch. I am not a breakfast food eater (I don't eat eggs and would rather skip things right now like waffles and pancakes), so I got a patty melt. My daughter (little K, or k) ordered chili (she's not much for too many breakfast foods either, plus it was almost lunch time anyway). She wanted fries, so I got fries with my sandwich and split them with her. So, there's bread and potatoes. We went swimming until it was almost time for her dance class. Everyone (else) was hungry, so we stopped at Sonic. I was going to get their pretzel cheese & bacon dog, but they are out of pretzel rolls, so I just got the peanut butter bacon shake (small). (Really, it should just be called a peanut butter shake. I mean, there was bacon bits in there, but it really didn't impact the flavor or anything.) Sugar (although paired with some protein.) Dinner was at a local restaurant -- grilled & blackened grouper with a baked potato and a salad. Again...potatoes.
Point being, I went way past any level of carbs I should have had.
Friday, the usual breakfast. We went for Chinese for lunch. Instead of eating off the buffet, we got carry out. Soup (Wanton for k and egg drop for me), steamed dumplings (I had a couple, so, some carbs there), and chicken and broccoli (with a little steamed rice -- again...carbs).
Dinner, though... I made an zucchini lasagna. I knew k wouldn't eat it, so I bought some whole wheat penne and made a baked penne for her.
Recipe for Zucchini Lasagna (please note that I'm a "to taste" person and not an exact measurer or "chemist cook." If you are interested in this, feel free to modify. I should note you can also used thinly sliced eggplant, but I would lightly fry the slices until they are slightly brown because it helps make sure the eggplant is well cooked.)
2-3 zucchini
spaghetti sauce of your choice (Mine was semi-homemade Gia Russa -- see below for what I did!)
Ricotta cheese
1 egg
Italian seasonings
Italian cheese, shredded
Slice your zucchini lengthwise into thin slices. For uniformity, a mandolin is pretty useful, here. In a large bowl, mix the Ricotta, egg, seasonings, and some shredded cheese together. To your 9 x 12 pan, put a layer of your sauce down. Then layer your zucchini. (If it's really thin, you might want to put down a double layer, especially if, like me, you really sliced up 5 or so zucchini.) On top of the zucchini goes the Ricotta mixture, then a layer of sauce, some shredded cheese, and repeat. Get a few layers in, but the top should be sauce and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and turn up to 350 for the last 15 minutes.
For my sauce, I started with a little evoo and/or butter in a pot. I added chopped onion, salt, and garlic powder and sauteed until the onions began to get translucent. Brown a pound or so of ground beef (I generally use either ground round or ground chuck. If I were cooking just for me, I would use ground turkey instead.) When the meat has browned, drain and return to pot. If I had some dry red wine (I prefer burgundy, but it can be difficult to find), add some now. Let it cook down for a moment or two, then add your diced tomatoes, jar of favorite sauce, and appropriate Italian seasonings. (I add basil, oregano, and garlic, but a general Italian seasoning blend will do). Let your sauce simmer until it is well heated through.
Notes:
Sauce a little thin? Add in some tomato paste. Note that tomatoes are acidic, so adding in extra tomato generally requires a little extra seasoning. Go for salt to break up the acidity instead of sugar. Once or twice, I have added sugar, and it gets kind of a fake taste -- or a Chef Boyardee taste. If you love the Chef, add a couple spoonfuls of sugar. If you've graduated past Chef, steer clear of sugar. (Whoa...didn't you know that Chef actually adds hfcs...because the sweet taste gets the kids addicted to it?)
When choosing a jarred spaghetti sauce, I try to find one that does not have added sugar. Gia Russa is a little more expensive, but I love their Cherry Tomato sauce. (For the above, I used 2 jars, and I had 1 Cherry Tomato and 1 Alla Vodka sauce, so I mixed them.)
I had way too much zucchini, so I tossed the rest in a pan with a little oil (evoo/butter) and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic and cooked until tender.
I didn't use all the ricotta or all the sauce. I boiled a box of whole wheat penne according to package directions, then drained the pasta. The pasta went in the bowl with the leftover ricotta. I mixed pasta and ricotta until the pasta was well-coated, the dumped into a casserole dish that was big enough to hold it all. On top of this went the leftover sauce and a layer of shredded cheese. I put in in the oven for at least 20 minutes at 350 -- pasta was already cooked, so all it needed was to heat through and melt the cheese. The adults all preferred the zucchini, but k wouldn't try it. Yes, there was more of that than what she could eat, but portions were frozen and will be great on nights when whatever I cook is something she refuses to eat. (And I really should do more things like that and buy less Chef...)
Moving on...
Saturday, I had my normal breakfast. Saturday is our errand day...so we're out and generally guaranteed to eat out. We decided on Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits (which pretty much means there will be carbs in that meal). There are no options beyond fried on the local menu, so chicken tenders (and spicy chicken with spicy dipping sauce means I only ate 2 of the 3 tenders.) Can't go to Popeye's and not get red beans & rice (small side) and a biscuit. I know my BG had to be through the roof after that. For dinner? I think we heated leftovers, so more zucchini lasagna for me!
Sunday...normal breakfast. For lunch, there were boiled peanuts in the house...and I know I had something else, but it alludes me for now. For dinner, I picked up a rotisserie chicken, heated up some frozen green beans, and cooked a spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash Skillet
Pierce 1 spaghetti squash and microwave. Start at 7-8 minutes, then add 5, then 2 minute increments until the squash gives a little when you squeeze it. (So much easier to cut! Plus, it is steam - cooked from its own water.) Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Use a fork to scrape out the flesh (this will give it that spaghetti appearance). Heat a pan over medium heat with a bit of butter in it. Add in squash and toss in melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Once well heated, add some shredded cheese and toss. Serve when cheese is melted.
Want to kick it up a notch? Use Swiss and add some chopped bacon or pancetta.
Okay. This has been super long. I've got to start taking pictures to accompany all this, especially the recipes and other food references.
Have a great day!
BG: ? (I've misplaced my meter. Must find it today...)
I didn't post over the weekend, but it's more difficult to keep up with some things over the weekend. For example, I can't always get to the scale on the weekends first thing, so that eliminates being able to do the daily weigh in. Things got moved, so I'm missing my BG meter. Then I gave in to a little temptation.
Thursday, I went out with my daughter, my brother, and his wife (and their nephew). Before reaching our intended destination, we went to the local Waffle King for brunch. I am not a breakfast food eater (I don't eat eggs and would rather skip things right now like waffles and pancakes), so I got a patty melt. My daughter (little K, or k) ordered chili (she's not much for too many breakfast foods either, plus it was almost lunch time anyway). She wanted fries, so I got fries with my sandwich and split them with her. So, there's bread and potatoes. We went swimming until it was almost time for her dance class. Everyone (else) was hungry, so we stopped at Sonic. I was going to get their pretzel cheese & bacon dog, but they are out of pretzel rolls, so I just got the peanut butter bacon shake (small). (Really, it should just be called a peanut butter shake. I mean, there was bacon bits in there, but it really didn't impact the flavor or anything.) Sugar (although paired with some protein.) Dinner was at a local restaurant -- grilled & blackened grouper with a baked potato and a salad. Again...potatoes.
Point being, I went way past any level of carbs I should have had.
Friday, the usual breakfast. We went for Chinese for lunch. Instead of eating off the buffet, we got carry out. Soup (Wanton for k and egg drop for me), steamed dumplings (I had a couple, so, some carbs there), and chicken and broccoli (with a little steamed rice -- again...carbs).
Dinner, though... I made an zucchini lasagna. I knew k wouldn't eat it, so I bought some whole wheat penne and made a baked penne for her.
Recipe for Zucchini Lasagna (please note that I'm a "to taste" person and not an exact measurer or "chemist cook." If you are interested in this, feel free to modify. I should note you can also used thinly sliced eggplant, but I would lightly fry the slices until they are slightly brown because it helps make sure the eggplant is well cooked.)
2-3 zucchini
spaghetti sauce of your choice (Mine was semi-homemade Gia Russa -- see below for what I did!)
Ricotta cheese
1 egg
Italian seasonings
Italian cheese, shredded
Slice your zucchini lengthwise into thin slices. For uniformity, a mandolin is pretty useful, here. In a large bowl, mix the Ricotta, egg, seasonings, and some shredded cheese together. To your 9 x 12 pan, put a layer of your sauce down. Then layer your zucchini. (If it's really thin, you might want to put down a double layer, especially if, like me, you really sliced up 5 or so zucchini.) On top of the zucchini goes the Ricotta mixture, then a layer of sauce, some shredded cheese, and repeat. Get a few layers in, but the top should be sauce and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and turn up to 350 for the last 15 minutes.
For my sauce, I started with a little evoo and/or butter in a pot. I added chopped onion, salt, and garlic powder and sauteed until the onions began to get translucent. Brown a pound or so of ground beef (I generally use either ground round or ground chuck. If I were cooking just for me, I would use ground turkey instead.) When the meat has browned, drain and return to pot. If I had some dry red wine (I prefer burgundy, but it can be difficult to find), add some now. Let it cook down for a moment or two, then add your diced tomatoes, jar of favorite sauce, and appropriate Italian seasonings. (I add basil, oregano, and garlic, but a general Italian seasoning blend will do). Let your sauce simmer until it is well heated through.
Notes:
Sauce a little thin? Add in some tomato paste. Note that tomatoes are acidic, so adding in extra tomato generally requires a little extra seasoning. Go for salt to break up the acidity instead of sugar. Once or twice, I have added sugar, and it gets kind of a fake taste -- or a Chef Boyardee taste. If you love the Chef, add a couple spoonfuls of sugar. If you've graduated past Chef, steer clear of sugar. (Whoa...didn't you know that Chef actually adds hfcs...because the sweet taste gets the kids addicted to it?)
When choosing a jarred spaghetti sauce, I try to find one that does not have added sugar. Gia Russa is a little more expensive, but I love their Cherry Tomato sauce. (For the above, I used 2 jars, and I had 1 Cherry Tomato and 1 Alla Vodka sauce, so I mixed them.)
I had way too much zucchini, so I tossed the rest in a pan with a little oil (evoo/butter) and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic and cooked until tender.
I didn't use all the ricotta or all the sauce. I boiled a box of whole wheat penne according to package directions, then drained the pasta. The pasta went in the bowl with the leftover ricotta. I mixed pasta and ricotta until the pasta was well-coated, the dumped into a casserole dish that was big enough to hold it all. On top of this went the leftover sauce and a layer of shredded cheese. I put in in the oven for at least 20 minutes at 350 -- pasta was already cooked, so all it needed was to heat through and melt the cheese. The adults all preferred the zucchini, but k wouldn't try it. Yes, there was more of that than what she could eat, but portions were frozen and will be great on nights when whatever I cook is something she refuses to eat. (And I really should do more things like that and buy less Chef...)
Moving on...
Saturday, I had my normal breakfast. Saturday is our errand day...so we're out and generally guaranteed to eat out. We decided on Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits (which pretty much means there will be carbs in that meal). There are no options beyond fried on the local menu, so chicken tenders (and spicy chicken with spicy dipping sauce means I only ate 2 of the 3 tenders.) Can't go to Popeye's and not get red beans & rice (small side) and a biscuit. I know my BG had to be through the roof after that. For dinner? I think we heated leftovers, so more zucchini lasagna for me!
Sunday...normal breakfast. For lunch, there were boiled peanuts in the house...and I know I had something else, but it alludes me for now. For dinner, I picked up a rotisserie chicken, heated up some frozen green beans, and cooked a spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash Skillet
Pierce 1 spaghetti squash and microwave. Start at 7-8 minutes, then add 5, then 2 minute increments until the squash gives a little when you squeeze it. (So much easier to cut! Plus, it is steam - cooked from its own water.) Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds. Use a fork to scrape out the flesh (this will give it that spaghetti appearance). Heat a pan over medium heat with a bit of butter in it. Add in squash and toss in melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic. Once well heated, add some shredded cheese and toss. Serve when cheese is melted.
Want to kick it up a notch? Use Swiss and add some chopped bacon or pancetta.
Okay. This has been super long. I've got to start taking pictures to accompany all this, especially the recipes and other food references.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
7-17-13
Gee, I need to be a little more creative with my post titles, huh?
Weight: 212.2
Fasting BG: 182
I made a fettuccine alfredo with the Miracle Noodles last night. Um. The sauce was great. The noodles fully absorbed the flavor of the sauce.
However...
They were firm. If you made regular pasta and it was this firm, it would crunch a little. At least it didn't do that, I suppose. I had a moment when I just gagged. I don't know if you've ever experienced that sort of moment before, but I have. It's not a "this food is really awful, and if you don't eject it right now, you are going to regret it" sort of gagging, but a "okay, I've had enough of this and I'm not swallowing anymore."
I think I could get used to it. Maybe. I think I agree with one review I read on the product, which said that the angel hair was a little more palatable because it's so much thinner than the fettuccine and the uber-firm texture isn't as noticeable. Unfortunately, where I thought I was opening both packages of the fettuccine noodles, I opened 1 fettuccine and 1 angel hair. Of course, next time, I will get some gluten free or other supposedly carb-friendlier pasta and cook both (separately), so that if it makes me gag again, I can still eat something.
I also have 2 packages of rice. The rice looks weird. The first thing you are supposed to do is drain it, and the size of the "grain" is roughly half -- or less! -- the size of a real short grain rice. I suppose I should start taking pictures with some of these posts.
Tonight is will be meal with carbs. Meatballs and gravy over rice with a side of green beans. I will cook some white rice for the rest of the family, but brown rice for myself. (No, I am NOT ready to try the Miracle Rice. Maybe next week.)
I had hoped for a beach trip tomorrow, but my daughter has dance class, so that's that. We might hit the local water park, though. I need some sun. And some water. I miss the beach.
Weight: 212.2
Fasting BG: 182
I made a fettuccine alfredo with the Miracle Noodles last night. Um. The sauce was great. The noodles fully absorbed the flavor of the sauce.
However...
They were firm. If you made regular pasta and it was this firm, it would crunch a little. At least it didn't do that, I suppose. I had a moment when I just gagged. I don't know if you've ever experienced that sort of moment before, but I have. It's not a "this food is really awful, and if you don't eject it right now, you are going to regret it" sort of gagging, but a "okay, I've had enough of this and I'm not swallowing anymore."
I think I could get used to it. Maybe. I think I agree with one review I read on the product, which said that the angel hair was a little more palatable because it's so much thinner than the fettuccine and the uber-firm texture isn't as noticeable. Unfortunately, where I thought I was opening both packages of the fettuccine noodles, I opened 1 fettuccine and 1 angel hair. Of course, next time, I will get some gluten free or other supposedly carb-friendlier pasta and cook both (separately), so that if it makes me gag again, I can still eat something.
I also have 2 packages of rice. The rice looks weird. The first thing you are supposed to do is drain it, and the size of the "grain" is roughly half -- or less! -- the size of a real short grain rice. I suppose I should start taking pictures with some of these posts.
Tonight is will be meal with carbs. Meatballs and gravy over rice with a side of green beans. I will cook some white rice for the rest of the family, but brown rice for myself. (No, I am NOT ready to try the Miracle Rice. Maybe next week.)
I had hoped for a beach trip tomorrow, but my daughter has dance class, so that's that. We might hit the local water park, though. I need some sun. And some water. I miss the beach.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
7-16-13
Today's Weight: 212.4
Waking (Fasting) Blood Glucose: 180
Numbers are going down, and I like it! :) Every time I tested my BG yesterday after the initial test, it was below 150, even getting down to 130 once. Again, not where it needs to be, but way better than it has been.
Lunch yesterday, I had a few slices of ham, a tomato, and 1/2 c of fat free cottage cheese. For dinner, I made a tomato pie, which would have had the largest amount of carbs of anything I ate yesterday, just simply for the pie crust. Also had something I can't remember what the recipe called, but it was like a low carb, homemade hamburger helper.
For the tomato pie, I lined a pie plate with a refrigerated, pre-made pie crust. Next, I sliced up 3 or 4 tomatoes (I sliced as I went). One layer of tomatoes in the crust, then seasoned with a little salt, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano, a light sprinkle of cheese, then repeat until the pie crust is pretty full. A mixture of shredded cheese and mayonnaise goes on top. Cover the pie with foil, bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and let it bake for about another 30 minutes (the top will be brown).
I think next time I might add some bacon, but, even with out it, totally a yum dish. There are places close to here that will sell what they call "canning tomatoes" but really are just the tomatoes that aren't as pretty. You can buy a box (and I mean like the size box that a case of paper is in) for around $10, maybe a little more. (Where we got these, one type was $10, and another was $15.) It's taken about 3 weeks to go through all those tomatoes -- and, yes, we've had to throw some out -- but they are finally gone...and it makes me kinda sad. :(
For the other dish, I started by boiling a bag of cauliflower. I probably let this cook a little too long, but you cook it until it is at least fork tender. While that was cooking, I put a little butter in a pan and chopped an onion. After letting that cook down for a few minutes, I put in a pound of hamburger and browned it. Seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. When the cauliflower was done, I drained it, then returned it to the pan and mashed it up a little (I didn't want the big pieces in my dish). When the hamburger was finished, I tossed in the cauliflower, seasoned it a little more, the added cheese.
This was a little different. I liked it, but I think the rest of my family just tolerated it. By that, I mean that they ate it and didn't complain, because at least they didn't have to come home and cook anything. There wasn't huge amounts left, which means I can break out some leftovers for my lunch. (And I'm looking at that hamburger/cauliflower mixture and some stewed squash from a couple of nights ago....)
I should note that I don't do a whole lot of low-fat or no-fat things. Mayonnaise is "real" (although I'm not a huge consumer of mayo), and cheese is full-fat. If I drink a soda, I usually do not drink diet. Low/no-fat products tend to have sugar and other things added to keep them tasting decent enough for people to buy them. Aspartame can make my face break out. The low-cal sparkling flavored water we have in the house (Sparkling Ice, I think) is sweetened with sucralose (Splenda), and I'm drinking one of those every few days. I'm in the South. I will miss my sweet tea, but I'm mostly drinking water, and that's really as it should be, right? I know I need to up my water intake, but so do most of us. I do drink milk (1%), and I'm trying to get at least some of the processed stuff out of my diet.
Right now, while I am home and can cook, it's not so bad, although it can be tough to be home. It's easy to get "bored" and to think you are hungry because you have nothing to do. And to eat while you have nothing to do. I've got a can of mixed nuts. If I'm hungry, I take a handful of them. Just a handful -- I'm not letting myself go back for a second or third handful. There's some fruit, but have to throw in a protein with the fruit -- check out the link and balance diet.
Thursday will be a challenge. My daughter and I are going to the beach with my brother and his wife. Just a day trip, but we need to make sure we eat breakfast before we go, and I will pack a lunch and a couple of snacks for us. A challenge, but I think I'm up for it. :)
Waking (Fasting) Blood Glucose: 180
Numbers are going down, and I like it! :) Every time I tested my BG yesterday after the initial test, it was below 150, even getting down to 130 once. Again, not where it needs to be, but way better than it has been.
Lunch yesterday, I had a few slices of ham, a tomato, and 1/2 c of fat free cottage cheese. For dinner, I made a tomato pie, which would have had the largest amount of carbs of anything I ate yesterday, just simply for the pie crust. Also had something I can't remember what the recipe called, but it was like a low carb, homemade hamburger helper.
For the tomato pie, I lined a pie plate with a refrigerated, pre-made pie crust. Next, I sliced up 3 or 4 tomatoes (I sliced as I went). One layer of tomatoes in the crust, then seasoned with a little salt, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano, a light sprinkle of cheese, then repeat until the pie crust is pretty full. A mixture of shredded cheese and mayonnaise goes on top. Cover the pie with foil, bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and let it bake for about another 30 minutes (the top will be brown).
I think next time I might add some bacon, but, even with out it, totally a yum dish. There are places close to here that will sell what they call "canning tomatoes" but really are just the tomatoes that aren't as pretty. You can buy a box (and I mean like the size box that a case of paper is in) for around $10, maybe a little more. (Where we got these, one type was $10, and another was $15.) It's taken about 3 weeks to go through all those tomatoes -- and, yes, we've had to throw some out -- but they are finally gone...and it makes me kinda sad. :(
For the other dish, I started by boiling a bag of cauliflower. I probably let this cook a little too long, but you cook it until it is at least fork tender. While that was cooking, I put a little butter in a pan and chopped an onion. After letting that cook down for a few minutes, I put in a pound of hamburger and browned it. Seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. When the cauliflower was done, I drained it, then returned it to the pan and mashed it up a little (I didn't want the big pieces in my dish). When the hamburger was finished, I tossed in the cauliflower, seasoned it a little more, the added cheese.
This was a little different. I liked it, but I think the rest of my family just tolerated it. By that, I mean that they ate it and didn't complain, because at least they didn't have to come home and cook anything. There wasn't huge amounts left, which means I can break out some leftovers for my lunch. (And I'm looking at that hamburger/cauliflower mixture and some stewed squash from a couple of nights ago....)
I should note that I don't do a whole lot of low-fat or no-fat things. Mayonnaise is "real" (although I'm not a huge consumer of mayo), and cheese is full-fat. If I drink a soda, I usually do not drink diet. Low/no-fat products tend to have sugar and other things added to keep them tasting decent enough for people to buy them. Aspartame can make my face break out. The low-cal sparkling flavored water we have in the house (Sparkling Ice, I think) is sweetened with sucralose (Splenda), and I'm drinking one of those every few days. I'm in the South. I will miss my sweet tea, but I'm mostly drinking water, and that's really as it should be, right? I know I need to up my water intake, but so do most of us. I do drink milk (1%), and I'm trying to get at least some of the processed stuff out of my diet.
Right now, while I am home and can cook, it's not so bad, although it can be tough to be home. It's easy to get "bored" and to think you are hungry because you have nothing to do. And to eat while you have nothing to do. I've got a can of mixed nuts. If I'm hungry, I take a handful of them. Just a handful -- I'm not letting myself go back for a second or third handful. There's some fruit, but have to throw in a protein with the fruit -- check out the link and balance diet.
Thursday will be a challenge. My daughter and I are going to the beach with my brother and his wife. Just a day trip, but we need to make sure we eat breakfast before we go, and I will pack a lunch and a couple of snacks for us. A challenge, but I think I'm up for it. :)
Monday, July 15, 2013
7-15-13 Update
Yesterday was a kind of tough day. It's been a year since my grandfather passed. I feel guilty, to an extent, because I was the last family member to be with him, and it was only 30 minutes or so after I left that my brother called to say that the sitter had called 911 because he was not breathing and unresponsive. I arrived at the same time as paramedics, watched them try to revive him, and all the other ensuing chaos as other family arrived and we had to deal with the end.
There are other things that have resulted from his passing. My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's (or at least some vascular dementia), lives on. Everyone promised Granddad she wouldn't go into a nursing home, so she, although on Hospice care and now bedridden and unable to care for herself, lives at her house. We have to hire sitters (which can be an ordeal in itself) to stay with her 24-7. (Fortunately, we seem to have found some good people, especially for the over-night shift.) The person who is the most stressed over this is Mom, because she's the one they trusted the most to take care of everything. Even so, we're all stressed, and stress doesn't help in the weight loss process, and it makes other, mundane stresses worse. (And, trust me, there's plenty of other stress.)
I should have gone to church yesterday, but I didn't. (Although I did listen to the 11 am service on the radio, which is the service that Granddad preferred to go to anyway.) I should have visited his grave, but I didn't. I will make that attempt today, at least.
What I did do yesterday, though, was take my child to the doctor. She probably sprained her wrist, but it was red and swollen and she couldn't feel two of her fingers on the side that was swollen. So, off we went, spending 3 hours between the doctor's office and the hospital (for x-rays). I think what's helped the most is getting her a wrist wrap to help immobilize it. (Because, of course, she can still move it around...which says it *probably* isn't broken...)
Anyway, on to the weight loss journey...
I think I did alright this weekend, food wise. I'm trying to think what I had Saturday... I believe I did my usual breakfast of sausage and cheese, although it was link sausage Saturday instead of turkey sausage. For lunch, we went to Panera Bread. I had their Spinach Power salad (which, I would have ordered a different salad if I'd have known it had egg and mushroom, but, eating around that the best I could, it was otherwise tasty) and a cup of black bean soup (their pick 2 deal). I did eat the bread that came with the soup and I mixed 2/3 unsweet tea with 1/3 sweet tea. Dinner was a turkey burger patty cooked with onions and gravy (like a turkey hamburger steak, I suppose) with broccoli, sliced tomatoes, and a small amount of rice. Yesterday, turkey sausage and cheddar cheese for breakfast, a bread-less sandwich (ham wrapped up in romaine lettuce) and a peach for lunch, then a peanut butter frozen yogurt for a snack (because my baby felt bad and wanted ice cream...), then a salad with grilled steak and a baked potato for dinner. Okay, a couple of places where there were too many carbs that I shouldn't have eaten, but, so far, I have survived.
This morning, my fasting blood sugar was 193. Definitely an improvement, although it's like yesterday. My blood sugar at one point was 147, and I cheered. Mom was quick to remind me that 147 was not good. Okay....but when you've had a few days when you haven't tested at less than 200, 147 seems pretty darn awesome. Same with the 193. I have had very few mornings lately in which my waking blood sugar was less than 200, so if today it's 193, then at least it is going in the RIGHT direction. Tomorrow, I hope for less.
This morning, I have had turkey sausage and cheddar cheese. I've also fixed a cup of coffee with some stevia and half and half. 250 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 2 carbs. Maybe not the best for the fat content, but lunch will likely be tomatoes, ham, lettuce, and a bit of cottage cheese. (Not 100% sure there.) I'm contemplating a tomato pie for dinner, but not sure what else. Still got to get some exercise done today, too.
Weight this morning: 214.2.
In other news, I heard about No Oodles or Miracle Noodle brands over the weekend. Noodles with no carbs and no calories? Sounds too good to be true, right? I've ordered a sampler pack from Amazon. It has fettuccine, angel hair, and rice. The deal with this is that it is vacuum sealed in water and has no flavor, but it will take on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. Texture is also something that takes some getting used to, according to reviews, because it like pasta on the slightly overcooked side. It should be here Wednesday, so expect a report by the end of the week.
There are other things that have resulted from his passing. My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's (or at least some vascular dementia), lives on. Everyone promised Granddad she wouldn't go into a nursing home, so she, although on Hospice care and now bedridden and unable to care for herself, lives at her house. We have to hire sitters (which can be an ordeal in itself) to stay with her 24-7. (Fortunately, we seem to have found some good people, especially for the over-night shift.) The person who is the most stressed over this is Mom, because she's the one they trusted the most to take care of everything. Even so, we're all stressed, and stress doesn't help in the weight loss process, and it makes other, mundane stresses worse. (And, trust me, there's plenty of other stress.)
I should have gone to church yesterday, but I didn't. (Although I did listen to the 11 am service on the radio, which is the service that Granddad preferred to go to anyway.) I should have visited his grave, but I didn't. I will make that attempt today, at least.
What I did do yesterday, though, was take my child to the doctor. She probably sprained her wrist, but it was red and swollen and she couldn't feel two of her fingers on the side that was swollen. So, off we went, spending 3 hours between the doctor's office and the hospital (for x-rays). I think what's helped the most is getting her a wrist wrap to help immobilize it. (Because, of course, she can still move it around...which says it *probably* isn't broken...)
Anyway, on to the weight loss journey...
I think I did alright this weekend, food wise. I'm trying to think what I had Saturday... I believe I did my usual breakfast of sausage and cheese, although it was link sausage Saturday instead of turkey sausage. For lunch, we went to Panera Bread. I had their Spinach Power salad (which, I would have ordered a different salad if I'd have known it had egg and mushroom, but, eating around that the best I could, it was otherwise tasty) and a cup of black bean soup (their pick 2 deal). I did eat the bread that came with the soup and I mixed 2/3 unsweet tea with 1/3 sweet tea. Dinner was a turkey burger patty cooked with onions and gravy (like a turkey hamburger steak, I suppose) with broccoli, sliced tomatoes, and a small amount of rice. Yesterday, turkey sausage and cheddar cheese for breakfast, a bread-less sandwich (ham wrapped up in romaine lettuce) and a peach for lunch, then a peanut butter frozen yogurt for a snack (because my baby felt bad and wanted ice cream...), then a salad with grilled steak and a baked potato for dinner. Okay, a couple of places where there were too many carbs that I shouldn't have eaten, but, so far, I have survived.
This morning, my fasting blood sugar was 193. Definitely an improvement, although it's like yesterday. My blood sugar at one point was 147, and I cheered. Mom was quick to remind me that 147 was not good. Okay....but when you've had a few days when you haven't tested at less than 200, 147 seems pretty darn awesome. Same with the 193. I have had very few mornings lately in which my waking blood sugar was less than 200, so if today it's 193, then at least it is going in the RIGHT direction. Tomorrow, I hope for less.
This morning, I have had turkey sausage and cheddar cheese. I've also fixed a cup of coffee with some stevia and half and half. 250 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 2 carbs. Maybe not the best for the fat content, but lunch will likely be tomatoes, ham, lettuce, and a bit of cottage cheese. (Not 100% sure there.) I'm contemplating a tomato pie for dinner, but not sure what else. Still got to get some exercise done today, too.
Weight this morning: 214.2.
In other news, I heard about No Oodles or Miracle Noodle brands over the weekend. Noodles with no carbs and no calories? Sounds too good to be true, right? I've ordered a sampler pack from Amazon. It has fettuccine, angel hair, and rice. The deal with this is that it is vacuum sealed in water and has no flavor, but it will take on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. Texture is also something that takes some getting used to, according to reviews, because it like pasta on the slightly overcooked side. It should be here Wednesday, so expect a report by the end of the week.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Today is the first day of the rest of your life....
None of us have posted for a while, but, for at least ONE of us, that has to come to a halt.
In September, I was told I am prediabetic. I was put on medication that, at first, was helping. Then I get into moments where my blood sugar gets worse, and I get more medication. This summer, I have restricted carbs, mostly cutting out "bad carbs" while still consuming a few "good" carbs. And yet, my blood sugar continues to rise.
I think I know the ultimate solution, especially if I want to get off the medicine. I must lose weight. To add in to that, I must exercise.
I went to Disney World at the end of June. There was a lot of food -- and, yes, a lot of it was NOT good for me. But, with the massive amount of walking done, my weight was down from around 220 to 213 when we returned. I am eating less at home than I was, fresh foods (especially fruits and veggies -- yay for summer!), but I'm not doing all the walking. So far, 215.4.
I have trouble with weight, yes. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which makes my thyroid underproduce and makes it extremely difficult to lose weight with a diet and helps to kill energy levels. I have sleep apnea, which doesn't help either -- and even worse, my allergies this year have been so incredibly awful that I couldn't use my cpap. Talk about being tired and unmotivated!
But this morning, my blood glucose reading when I woke up was 295.
Sure, I could blame other things. I could blame that there is quite a bit of stress around the house. I could blame that I've been sick recently. But I think the blame is in the weight.
So, starting Monday, I will begin a new diet/exercise program: Richard Simmons' Project HOPE.
Why Monday? Because you always HAVE to prepare for these things. There is a list of things you are allowed to eat, and you have to stock up and make sure you are prepared for this. So, I'm giving myself three days to get prepared. I may lean towards a detox these three days, too, although the first week will kind of do it on its own.
Background on the program: Project HOPE is a 90 day challenge. It comes with an exercise regimen that is not just the old Sweatin' to the Oldies-style cardio but also has toning exercises worked in. It has a food plan, of course, and the old Foodmover has become electronic.
But, the biggest thing with ANY exercise, diet, whatever program is that you have to use it.
I need motivation and encouragement. I will weigh in on Monday morning, then once again every Monday morning after that. I will attempt to post here daily.
And if you stumble across my blog and can be positive and motivational...I invite you to stay.
This is the first day of the rest of my life, and I have a plan. Now, to set it in motion.
In September, I was told I am prediabetic. I was put on medication that, at first, was helping. Then I get into moments where my blood sugar gets worse, and I get more medication. This summer, I have restricted carbs, mostly cutting out "bad carbs" while still consuming a few "good" carbs. And yet, my blood sugar continues to rise.
I think I know the ultimate solution, especially if I want to get off the medicine. I must lose weight. To add in to that, I must exercise.
I went to Disney World at the end of June. There was a lot of food -- and, yes, a lot of it was NOT good for me. But, with the massive amount of walking done, my weight was down from around 220 to 213 when we returned. I am eating less at home than I was, fresh foods (especially fruits and veggies -- yay for summer!), but I'm not doing all the walking. So far, 215.4.
I have trouble with weight, yes. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which makes my thyroid underproduce and makes it extremely difficult to lose weight with a diet and helps to kill energy levels. I have sleep apnea, which doesn't help either -- and even worse, my allergies this year have been so incredibly awful that I couldn't use my cpap. Talk about being tired and unmotivated!
But this morning, my blood glucose reading when I woke up was 295.
Sure, I could blame other things. I could blame that there is quite a bit of stress around the house. I could blame that I've been sick recently. But I think the blame is in the weight.
So, starting Monday, I will begin a new diet/exercise program: Richard Simmons' Project HOPE.
Why Monday? Because you always HAVE to prepare for these things. There is a list of things you are allowed to eat, and you have to stock up and make sure you are prepared for this. So, I'm giving myself three days to get prepared. I may lean towards a detox these three days, too, although the first week will kind of do it on its own.
Background on the program: Project HOPE is a 90 day challenge. It comes with an exercise regimen that is not just the old Sweatin' to the Oldies-style cardio but also has toning exercises worked in. It has a food plan, of course, and the old Foodmover has become electronic.
But, the biggest thing with ANY exercise, diet, whatever program is that you have to use it.
I need motivation and encouragement. I will weigh in on Monday morning, then once again every Monday morning after that. I will attempt to post here daily.
And if you stumble across my blog and can be positive and motivational...I invite you to stay.
This is the first day of the rest of my life, and I have a plan. Now, to set it in motion.
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