You know how seemingly impossible it is to start a diet??? Well, I don’t know if it’s because my mind was 100% convinced that NOW was the time for me to get my act together or maybe it was that I’ve told a ton of people and put myself out there, so I HAD to do this, but I’m feeling pretty good. It’s amazing how much better one can feel after only 6 days. Just reinforcing what we already know (though haven’t been using in a practical way): Junk in = junk out; healthy in = healthy out. It’s not always what we want to hear, but it’s reality.
I don’t really like following a strict diet/exercise plan, and I’m hoping to make that work in my favor in my post-menopausal quest to lose weight and keep it off. I know that it’s going to be harder to lose than it ever has been for me in the past (& it’s never been EASY). Hopefully my ever-evolving plan to change things up frequently will keep that metabolism on its toes! Hormones are such a pain sometimes. Sigh.
As of this morning, 8 pounds are gone to hopefully never return. Day 4’s recipe was the awesome and comforting Classic Tomato Soup from Love Real Food (page 93). The secret ingredient that made it super creamy without adding cream was pureed Great Northern Beans! Pretty cool, huh? Adds protein, and gives some depth to the soup. Genius! Sorry that I am not posting the recipes from the cookbook. I promise that I’m not affiliated with Kate or make any money off of her cookbook in any way, but I’m a true former English teacher, book loving, hater of plagiarizing other’s work!
I ate my first bowl of the tomato soup with a corn tortilla with leftover eggs from Day 3, as lunch the next day with a few cubes of cheese and some saltines spread with Mixed Nut Butter from Trader Joes. I confess to having a huge crush (can you have a crush on a grocery store???) on Trader Joes. I complain (to myself) about there not being a Trader Joes anywhere in the vicinity of my town fairly often especially now that I’m back to eating better. The Mixed Nut Butter is delicious (YES, you have to stir it, and NO, that’s not too much to ask for no added YUK). I’m going to have to find a good substitute when this jar is gone, or go on another road trip……
For my other Cookie and Kate recipe, I made her Chopped Greek Salad. This one is from the website, so I can share! Yay! This one is especially nice for those of you who like to meal prep because it makes enough for 8 side salads or 4 meal size salads. As long as it is stored separate from the vinaigrette it will stay good for several days. Love how easy that is! I added some pan roasted chickpeas and some chopped artichoke hearts for my second serving of this salad. Seriously delicious! Have you ever had roasted chickpeas?? GREAT source of protein for a snack and salad addition. I’m kind of addicted.
One morning after I went to the gym (!!!!), I scrambled 2 eggs with some chopped green onion added 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar and some salsa then that all went into a couple of warm corn tortillas. Most mornings I’ve been sticking with my tried and true smoothies. The basic recipe is to blend 1 1/2 cups frozen fruit, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 scoop Vanilla Spice Pure Protein Complete powder, 1 cup packed baby spinach, 2 oz. Ningxia Red, and 8 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Add a little water if it’s too thick. I also have been drinking at least one cup of fresh juice every day using a variety of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, celery, green apples, kale, and lemons. It’s really good, but it definitely tastes better (and is better for you) while it’s fresh!
My biggest challenge so far is overcoming the urge to eat late at night. I tend to stay up (too late) working or reading or writing, or wasting time on the internet, and overcoming the urge to graze during that time has been difficult…..I ate several servings of crackers one night and too many cashews, raisins, and wolfberries another. Focusing on the positive is important though, so one night I just chewed some gum, one night I drank sparkling water with a drop of grapefruit and a drop of lime essential oil, and one night I actually went to bed early! It’s a marathon not a sprint.