Days 10 & 11& 12: Seeing the Light at the End of the Tunnel!

I've decided I don't like doing the Shred in the evening. Exercise in the evening just plain sucks. 

I am trying hard to remember what yesterday and the day before were like lol. This isn't quite turning out the way that expected. I know I committed to writing this blog, but the closer that the two week period looms, the less I want anything to do with it all. 

I wasn't expecting a miraculous change in myself during the two week "DT" period, but I did expect to see something. And except for a couple of days that I wasn't sleepy during the afternoon,  there was no epiphany (right GP? lol), no clear headed-ness, no energy change, nothing. I feel the same as I did two weeks ago basically. 

GP and I have decided to finish the 2 weeks (ends tomorrow at midnight) and then stop the rest of the process. I know that some will say to stick with it longer and then I will see results, but this has been hard, and I am just not willing to take it farther. I've decided that if there was going to be a major change that would affect me, then I would have seen it by now. I don't regret one second of doing this though, no matter how hard. I've learned some good stuff, and I have also decided that there are a few things that I will keep doing on a regular basis.  I am also pretty happy that I made it through one goal. And that I didn't cheat, I didn't give in and I managed as best as I could. There were sooo many tempting times though. Times when saying no to something was extremely difficult. And I nearly caved a few of those times. If GP hadn't been doing this with me, I would have definitely given in, and quit. She motivates me, and I really love it. Thanks babe! 

As for meals the last few days, it's been basically the same as all my other posts. I haven't tried anything new, been way to busy to actually cook anything, so a lot was grabbing fresh stuff on the run. One thing that I have learned, and that I miss, and that I am counting the hours to being able to have, is cheese. OMG I miss cheese. Any types. Cream cheese, gouda, brie,  cheddar, parm, feta. I swear, really nothing, not other dairy, not chocolate, not bread, not chips, not even butter, that I missed or feel deprived of...but cheese is apparently my kryptonite! 

To celebrate our determination to  see this through 2 weeks, we're planning a small feast of lasagna and pizza and drinks lol. I cannot wait! A child free, food laden, fest....mmmmm. 

So what have I learned from this? Well, I know now that I can manage waaay smaller meals. I don't need to snack a lot or over eat. There is a feeling just before you are full that (at first) feels like you are starving to death, but then you learn to deal with it, and even look forward to it because you know that your body is satisfied and you won't be going around for hours feeling like you're going to puke because you ate too much. I've learned that there are healthier, and tastier alternatives to food and baking, and that they hit the spot that you really needed to be hit. And yes, these ingredients sometimes cost more....however, that is a great reason to not make as much as often, and just use it as a "blue moon" treat.
I've learned that you can hide food IN food and never tell the difference. I've tricked hubby AND kids, and they had absolutely no idea. Score! 
I've learned to read labels! I thought that I was a fairly good reader of labels, but when I had to watch everything,  I realized I knew next to nothing. There are so many hidden things in the food we eat and it is our responsibility as adults, people, parents, whatever, to be aware of what we are eating. You may still choose to eat it, but at least you're aware....( and no, I won't be turning down a hot dog at the next bbq lol). 
I've learned that fad diets, media blitz "super foods" and trends are all shit. I knew this before, but as I was doing this ED, I thought to myself that gluten was something I had never even heard of until this past year, and 90% of the population has managed to live just fine never knowing what it was....suddenly there's a "fad" and now everyone has a gluten problem. All we have to do is listen to our bodies, pay attention to what we feel and think, and we will naturally make good choices. Your body will tell you if it needs something. That's just basic Human 101. Listen to it. Like babies, and animals, and other people, your body has a different language that you need to learn. It takes time, but once you recognize what it is saying, you'll be healthier and happier. I didn't need to take all this stuff out of my diet. I just needed to do what I have always known. Little to no deep fried foods, little to no sugar, small amounts of alcohol. Am I going to over indulge at some point?...Of course! That too, is basic Human 101. Am I going to regret it? Yep, but I know that I will avoid those foods for the most part, and be prepared for the consequence that comes with eating it.  

I'm not preaching, or at least not meaning to. But for the majority of us, we don't need doctors, or specialist's or books, or tv programs, or other people to diagnose some mythical problem. There's NOTHING WRONG WITH US! Sure, try some different tactics, but don't overdo it...don't get obsessed over it. You're short changing yourself out of a tons of amazing foods that you don't need to. 

Anyhow, all in all, it really hasn't been bad. 2 weeks out of my whole life is negligible. There are 28 hrs left until this is over, and though it seems like the longest wait in history, it'll be over before I know it, and it will be something that I can look back on and laugh about. I'll be keeping up with the Shred though. For the most part, I enjoy working out....I just need to start, and the rest comes easy lol.  

I'm sure I will be back to write some more blog, about something at some point. Maybe to get myself through the kitchen renos I am hoping to start in the new year.....AH!!  

Day 9- A Better Day Ahead

Hmmmmmm....I certainly didn't do a good job of presenting myself yesterday. I guess all I can say is that at least it was honest lol.  Everyone has a bad day, and I'll take that one as mine. 

I slept in this morning a bit, and let the hubby do the whole kids-off-to-school routine. When I got up, I wanted those pancakes again lol. It satisfies the craving for carbs and sugar. You don't realize that it is gf flour, and my homemade real maple syrup def gives me the sweet factor. I didn't need much, and it was great.....great enough that I made a double batch and ate them for lunch too!! 

No work today, I ended taking my oldest gal to the hospital just to get her foot that she injured a week ago looked at. We didn't have it done sooner because it had been feeling better, then she did her dance class and it has gotten progressively worse over the last few days. Turns out it is her tendons, and all she can do is take it easy and work through it. So a morning in the city, came home, got a call from my dentist to go right in and have my mouth looked at where they pulled the tooth. The pain changed and hasn't been going away and I was worried it might be infected. It's not, yay! But she said it is "dry socket", so she packed it in with a clove and eucalyptus mix and I feel sooo much better! Then by the time I got home, it was suppertime, then had to get hubby and my son out the door for basketball practice. Haven't had time to do the Shred that I missed yesterday, and honestly, I have been batting back and forth the idea to just skip it again. But I won't. I am going to do it right after I am done here. 

For supper tonight, I did  roasted veggies with pork chops. Super duper easy. 

• 4 --1" thick pork chops
• 2-3 large carrots
• 2 parsnips
• 1 med apple
• 2 leeks, light green and white, halved length wise and then halved again
• Evoo
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh rosemary

Chop up all the veggies into bite sized pieces, slice apples (leave skin on). Put in roaster, drizzle oil over, season with salt and pepper, mix well. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.  Season pork chops with salt and pepper, Nestle in the veggies. Add a couple more sprigs of rosemary on top of the pork.

 

Cover and cook on 400 for 45 mins or until veggies are done and meat cooked through:

Then just dish up and serve. No muss, no fuss. You can switch out the meat for chicken, and also add rice along side if you like. 

And just an FYI, all these veggies are from my garden, even the rosemary :) That's super satisfying in itself!!


Ok, that's it for Day 9. I am off to tuck in my girls and hit the Shred, and kick back for the rest of the evening till my boys come home. It's been a better day :)

 

Day 8 - The Wall

I thought that I had this ED under control. Thought I had by passed the "rough" bit. I was so wrong. I have hit the don't-give-a-fuck wall today. 

I'm cranky, tired, hungry and craving. I feel like mother bitch is settling in. 

I ate GP's granola with almond milk this morning for breakfast, had a smoothie for lunch, and hit my serious wall at supper time. I am just tired of having to think outside the box, tired of trying to make everything fit under the ED guidelines. Tired of being back to work , tired of having to exercise...blah blah blah...whine whine whine. I know. I'm even tired of hearing myself complain. 

For supper, I nearly didn't eat anything, just didn't care. At last minute, I pulled up the socks, shut the hell up and made some Applesauce Pancakes. I have no pics, but recipe as follows:

•   1/2 cup gf flour

•   1/2 tsp baking powder

•   1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 4 Tbsp applesauce (unsweetened)
• Cinnamon to taste

Mix in a bowl and cook like regular pancakes. I ate mine with my homemade maple syrup.  

I am doing my measurements in a bit. Will post the on my "Details" page. 

I did not get the Shred done today. Tomorrow is my make up day, and I will hopefully do better. 

  

Another Twofer....Days 6 & 7.....I am Dropping the Blog Ball!!

I *really* meant to write yesterday, I sat down to do it, Hubby turned on the tv, annnnd I forgot lol. I was crawling into bed when I realized that I didn't get it done. Grr! 

Yesterday (Day 6) wasn't too bad. I did my Shred in the morning, and I have to admit that it felt really good. I managed to get through the pushups without stopping, which I was super happy about!  I struggled in the last 10 minutes, but between making it through those pushups and also the crunches feeling really good, I didn't mind . 

I had smoothie in the morning for breakfast and one of my orange cranberry muffins. Dropped over to GP's for tea and a chat, and took a look through some cookbooks. Even though we see each other often, and text a lot, it was a nice little ED confidence boost that I think that we both needed. 

Took my youngest and her friend to the park in the afternoon, and then took my oldest girl to dance class and then went for a walk with a friend. Another 2.5 km one as we were both short on time, but it was nice to get out. Usually on Monday nights, I also go to an adult dance class (hip hop, jazz, swing, etc) but I am finding life just a little overwhelming and busy right now, so I decided to stop going. I feel bad, I really loved going, but after hauling kids around all day the last thing I want to do is make another trip into town and do my own dance class. 

I had leftover gumbo for lunch, and for supper, just a baked salmon with lemon and some roasted potatoes. Easy, simple, yummy. 

Day 7 brought me to my first real day of struggle. The thought of having to even have breakfast was irritating and I was miserable as I downed my smoothie. Yes, I could have had something else, but I really, really didn't want to have anything at all. To be fair, I have never been a big breakfast eater, so having to regularly eat breakfast is not normal for me. Anyhow, I went out on the farm to work for a few hours and had left over salmon for lunch. Just a piece of salmon. Nothing else. I was really hating food today. I didn't want to eat it, make it or see it. I sort of felt like I was drowning in the task I have taken on with the ED, and was literally an inch away from giving in. My daughter had some marble cheese at lunch time...yes the same freakin cheese I talked about last time. I am missing it!! Anyhow, I saw it on the plate. Thought, wtf, I just want one bite. Annnnnnnd then I didn't. I didn't, and I am glad. It was so hard. But I didn't.

Still, by the time suppertime same, I had no plan, no thought and no want to make anything. I really was considering just skipping it all together. Yet again, I knew I had to do something. I had to make the effort. If I fail this, I swear I am never trying another goal again. I have never seen a goal through and I really want this to be it. 

So, I knew I really wanted to make my Vermicelli. But had no idea what in the world to make with it as I have never made it at home before. So I looked up a few things, and mixed some stuff together. It turned out a-m-a-z-i-n-g. No joke, not kidding. And again, the family loved it and chowed it down. In fact there are NO left overs for tomorrow. Darn.  My recipe is as follows :

Pineapple Curry Chicken on Vermicelli

4 Tbsp - all purpose, Gluten Free flour
1 1/2 tsp -kosher salt
1/2 tsp- cayenne powder
2 large- chicken breast, chopped into small pieces
Evoo
1 Tbsp- curry powder
1- med onion, diced
2 -cloves garlic, minced
2 cups- chicken stock
2 Tbsp- tomato paste
1 14oz (398 ml)- can pineapple tidbits, drained
1/2 lbs - rice vermicelli

In a ziploc bag, mix flour, salt and cayenne powder. Chop chicken into small bite sized pieces and add to flour mixture. Toss to coat. 

Heat oil in pan on med-high and add chicken. Cook until golden brown: 

 

When browned, add in curry powder:

 

Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add more oil if needed.  Reduce heat to low, add garlic, pineapple and onion to pan. Cook for 2 mins :

Add in tomato paste:

 

Mix it up:

 Add in the chicken and cover. Let sauce heat through and thicken, about 5 minutes:

 Cook Vermicelli and top with chicken and pineapple sauce:

Super yummy and super easy. All in all, really glad I decided to make something. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day :)

 

 

Days 4 & 5.....A Two For One Deal.

   I am going to Day 4 and 5 all in one tonight, because quite honestly, I am zonked. It's been a long, but great, weekend. However, I am looking forward to the week beginning and the school routine going back in place!! 

  Yesterday (Sat, Day 4), was a super busy day. I started out with breakfast quinoa...:) 

                                Cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, fresh apple, quinoa

On top of hot quinoa, I put 2 Tbsp applesauce, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, half of the apple cut into chunks, and drizzled about 1tsp of maple syrup on top. Yum!

I will admit that the texture was strange given that I am used to an oatmeal, but it was still really good...:) 

During the day, GP and I went for a walk. Not a long one, but it was a good one. There were a few hills, and then when there wasn't, there was kid needing a piggy back lol. We hoofed it nearly 2 1/2 kms, and I was sweating while I did it, so it counts. 

Sat evening brought on my first "challenge" since beginning the ED. A wedding. The food, the alcohol, the cake. The candy bar! Add on top of all of this, my first run in with a "downer". Ya know, that person who thinks that what you are trying to accomplish, is foolish, and should be forgotten...or in the very least given up for one night to "enjoy" the festivities. One who literally stuck her drink under. my. nose. and said to me, "One sip, just one little taste. It won't hurt, and it doesn't count."

Um, what? First of all, if it isn't going to matter, and it doesn't count, then why bother doing it at all?  Secondly, I don't think you realize that the past 4 days have been really difficult. Between learning what to eat, what not to eat, acclimating to having things cut OUT of my diet, and everything else, what I didn't need was you,  criticizing me in front of others, and trying to sabotage me. Thanks for the support. Asshole. 

Despite it all, I made it through..:) I was prepared, brought a few muffins and some homemade granola that GP made (omg. so good.). During the buffet meal, I had some baked ham, and fresh veggies. Then during cake, I had my granola. I actually didn't want any of the other food, and I was full and satisfied all night. Oh, and fyi, I didn't drink ;) Thanks for the determination boost, Sabotager. 

On to today (Sunday, Day5), I decided that I liked my apple cinnamon quinoa enough to repeat!  I also worked out on the farm today, so lunch was a bit rushed, and I had a smoothie and a berry muffin. 

The bathroom seemed to be my pal today. I cannot even begin to count how many times I went to pee. I swear it never ended. Yeah, it's supposed to be a good thing, but who has the time!?!?!? Lol. 

BUT, around 4 pm this afternoon, I had a small revelation..:) I wasn't tired. Not sleepy, not drug out and useless feeling. I was stoked to realize it! Even though last night I didn't sleep well, and I was out working all day, I still had the energy that normal people have by that time. YAY! I know it is only 5 days in, but this was a big one for me, and I don't expect it to be like that every day, in fact, I know there will be days that I nap anyhow, (who doesn't love a good nap). but I won't NEED to, just to make it through.

I actually came in after an 8 hr work day, 11 hr day from time up to time in the house, made a homecooked meal, and baked some muffins, got the kids showered, fed and in bed by 8pm. That feels good. And for supper? A Curry Chickpea Gumbo. On quinoa. Only because I had to use up what I had made a couple days ago.  The recipe base comes from this site:

http://thehealthyapple.com/2013/09/23/gluten-free-vegan-chickpea-gumbo/ 

As always, I changed it up. 

• I did not add okra
• I didn't have chili powder or seafood seasoning
• I added probably 4 Tbsp curry powder

I followed the rest of the recipe/directions, and it was really yummy! 

And again, the kids and hubby ate it right up..:) I am two for two with these supper recipes.

The muffins that I made were Orange Cranberry. Base recipe from here:
oneishungry.com/2011/12/12/hello-and-a-muffin/ 
 

Changed it according to what I had, and what I wanted. Here's what I used:

• 2 cups all purpose GF flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 5 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup pure orange juice
• 3 Tbsp applesauce
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries

Now, I know that this makes a pretty wet muffin batter, and that they didn't rise as the should have. But they are really super tasty and I am super happy with them! 

 

 

Now excuse me, as I have to strangle my husband who just sat down right next to me with a handful of marble cheese.....I miss cheese. Shit. 

Day 3 - Hoping It Isn't A False Start.

    Today was much better than yesterday....hurray! Though I have a low grade craving for something sweet, it is pretty easily ignored, and that is a small step in the right direction for me :) 

    I had my smoothie for breakfast. Seriously, I will have something else at some point, but for now, they are satisfying and filling for me. Pretty much the same deal, 1 cup Almond Milk (or Almond coconut), 1 banana, 1 kiwi skin on (sometimes I only do half), a handful of frozen berries or cherries. If I am having one at lunch or supper time, I will throw in half an avocado as well. 

   I did some shopping today for some more "high tech" ingredients ;) I bought some all purpose GF flour (Bob's Red Mill), coconut oil, kale, applesauce (for baking), chickpeas, gluten free, organic vegetable broth, almond milk, and coconut "yogurt".
 I am not sold on the fakey yogurt yet, and honestly not sure what I will use in it as the texture is strange, and I don't think I can get past that. I've never seen or used coconut oil before (though I have obviously heard about it), but I bought some, and just opened it to use in my muffins, and O.M.G. Love at first smell. Love love love it. 
   I bought the kale to throw in the smoothies, and the chickpeas for a Gumbo that sounds sooo yummy! All in all, I am set up pretty well for a few days, so I am a happy gal!

Muffins. The thing that I am hoping will be my holy grail to the ED. I found this recipe:

http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/2011/08/knee-slappin-good-blueberry-muffins/ 

As per usual, I did not follow the recipe to a T. I always change a recipe, no matter how good the author or comments say it is......it's a thing lol.

Here's what I changed:

• I used 2 cups of the all purpose, gluten free flour
• I did not add baking powder as I realized it has cornstarch in it (?!?)
• Instead of Agave Nectar, I used maple syrup. My own pure maple syrup. (We make our own every year!)
• I did not use eggs, or the chia seed egg replacing tip. 
• I used my pure vanilla extract, then read the bottle and GAH! It has added sugar!?!?! Well, I used it, and I will be watching out for some proper stuffs. 
• Instead of just blueberries, I added a mixed frozen berry. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.  

                                                           Baked for 25 mins at 350.

They smell really good, so here's hoping!   *10 min later update*- couldn't wait any longer, so had to scarf one down. SO. FREAKIN. GOOD. Seriously. Good.


Lunchtime I ate up the rest of the Chicken Squash Soup from last night, and it was even better today....I am definitely keeping that one as a go-to. 

Tonight for supper I am having some baked home fries and maybe another smoothie. Am not overly hungry, and still kinda hurting from the dental work, so keeping it still simple but yummy.

                                          Chopped up some potatoes ( from our garden this year!)

                    Tossed with some Evoo, sea salt, pepper, and rosemary. Spread out on shallow pan.

           Bake on 425 for about 30 mins. Do not open oven or flip potatoes. Just let em do their thing..:)
I totally made the kids smoothies tonight too and snuck in avocado and kale....even hubs drank it and loved it. Suckers ;)

Today was also my second 30 Day Shred. I was a hurting unit in the legs!!! I used my weights (the ones that the 4 yr old hid on me) lol. She's a little monster for sure. But she's cute, so she gets a pass..:) 

Ha. My son (the oldest) jut walked in, said that he wanted to try one of the muffins, I told him what they were, he took a small bite, declared them "Meh, ok", then shoved the rest in his mouth. Bugger. 

Here's to an even better day tomorrow!

Day 2- Today's Cravings were Brought to you by the Letter "C". :(

   Big, bad me thought that I would be sailing through this till about day 4, when I would be then really hurting for some cookies, chips, cake, chocolate.....hahahahahahahahahahaha, hahahahahahaha. Wrong. 

  I think it is probably inadvisable and illegal to state what it is that I would do for one itty bitty taste of the chocolate chip cookies my daughter just made. Omg. I am drooling from the smell, and weeping tears of pity. 

  I think that it was probably worse today because I am still really not feeling good from having dental work done and because of it, my food options are limited, even more limited than I've already made them with the diet. And I when I am "sick", what I get, is hungry. I always feel like I am starving when the option of eating is taken away. Mind over matter maybe, blah blah blah. 

   I started this morning with some Advil and the same smoothie I had for breakfast on Day 1. I really do love them. I had a pear for a snack, and some ham (Pillar's Simply Free) and another smoothie for lunch. This one was the same as before, BUT with the addition of half an avocado. I was hesitant to add the avocado, (even though I love them), because I wasn't sure of how well it would mix with everything else. I was stoked to find out that not only could I NOT  taste it at all, but that I figured out a new way to add in some filling, nutrient food that I would be able to sneak past my kids...:) I knew though, that I was going to need something a little more hearty and satisfying tonight for supper. I did a google search and found this gem.

Chicken stew with butternut squash and quinoa:
http://www.cookincanuck.com/2011/11/hearty-chicken-stew-with-butternut-squash-quinoa-recipe/

 

I changed few things in the recipe, which is pretty much what I always do. Here's what I did:

• Used red pepper instead of tomatoes. 
• Did not add olives
• Did not use parsley (had none)
• Made my own broth by boiling my frozen b/s chicken breasts in water with onion and celery. 
• Simmered the squash in about an inch of water, then took out half the squash (as per recipe instructions), and blitzed the rest in the water with my immersion blender and let that simmer down for about 10 minutes to thicken instead of mashing with a fork. 

The website has some beauty pics, kudos to the author..:) I took a few of my own though.

                                    Onions, garlic, oregano and salt (used same pot that I simmered squash in.

                                                 Tossed in diced squash and red peppers.

                                     Added shredded chicken, blitzed squash, quinoa and stock.

                      Finished product :) 5/6 people in the house ate it right up, so I call it success!!

    Besides some work on the farm, which pretty much equaled to standing in one spot, I took it really easy today.  I hope my mouth is much better tomorrow so I can bake up some muffins or snacks to eat!!! At least tonight, I'm not going to bed hungry lol.

Day 1-Made Easy by the Dentist!

    So yesterday was Day 1 of the ED. I have to say that all in all, it went pretty well. But then, I knew that Day 1 would be fine....in fact I think that Day 2 and 3 will be good too....but I am dreading Day 4 lol. That is apparently when the DT's will start? Bring it on. 

   To add into the first day of the ED, I also started the 30 day Shred. Oh, and I can feel that in my legs today. On top of THAT, I also had a dentist appt in the afternoon to have a tooth pulled. It sucked. There are just no words that could have made it any better. So today, Advil and ice are my best friends and I don't foresee me eating anything solid till at least tomorrow......so smoothies, it is! 

  Yesterday I started with a smoothie for breakfast, just super simple, and yummy. I think that there are some things like flax, or chia seeds that I can add for a boost of nutrition, but I haven't researched that yet. 

I used:

• 1 cup Almond Coconut Milk
• Half a kiwi, skin left on
• Whole banana, split in chunks
•  A handful of frozen cherries

Just throw it in a wide bottom cup (or blender) and blitz it up...:) It makes a 2 cup smoothie, and it really is good! (excuse my picture taking...lol)

I did the Shred around 10 am while my youngest was in preschool. I didn't use the free weights because I couldn't find them.....courtesy of said youngest. However, found them where she had them stashed, in my bedroom lol, and will use them tomorrow. We (GP) and I aren't doing the Shred everyday, I think though that it is recommended(?). Not sure. Anyway, we aren't. Thank goodness, because today, my thighs are sore! I'm going to need that day of rest lol. 

For lunch, I again kept it really simple, and easy. 

 I had:

• 3 slices of Pillar's Simply Free Black Forest Ham. This is all natural and free of all gluten, egg, soy, dairy, nuts, etc. 
• Half an avocado
• A big handful of raspberries
• A whole banana

I drank about 4 cups of water yesterday, but I figured that with the smoothie I had for breakfast and the one I ended up having for supper, that it counted as liquid intake for the day. Also, anytime I was hungry or snacky, I grabbed fruit. An orange, a pear. I really wasn't hungry through the day, but it was definitely a different feeling then the "super full" one I am used to.  

Due to frozen mouth, the smoothie I drank for supper was pretty much the same as the breakfast one except no banana and added a handful of frozen mixed berries. I really despise the dentist.......

Oh! And I took my "before" pics.....ugh. Will upload those on my "Details" page later. Will also write my Day 2 post later on. Have to get my butt in gear for the day ahead. Which includes working......double ugh. Lol. 

 

 

My Details

As promised: my details. I find that I do better knowing the specs and being able to follow them.


Before Pics:

The constants:

• 30 yr old female
• 5'8
• Married (nearly 10yrs)
• 4 children (1 B, 3G, aged 11, 9, 7, 4..oldest is boy)
• Live in a house, on a farm
• Part stay-at-home-mom, part farm laborer
• Own 1 dog, female mix pom/terrier/poodle, named Chai
• Kids are involved in (in no particular order) : dance (5 forms), basketball, band, cross country running, drama. 
• I have been in an adult dance class for 3 yrs
• Though I may tip in at about 10-15 lbs overweight, my husband and children are very fit, lean and healthy. 

The variables (Oct 15th 2013):

• Weight: 163 lbs
• Measurements are: chest-40inches

                                              waist- 33 1/4 inches
                                               hips - 40 1/2 inches
                                               butt - 41 inches
                                            thigh(r)- 24 1/2 inches
                                                 arm- 12 inches

• Size 10 pants, usually a med , sometimes a lrg in shirts. Bra is a 38 D. Shoe size (though I expect that to stay the same) is between a 6.5 and 7.

• Am on day 2 of cycle. Fun shit right there. However, it plays to measurements and how I feel right now. 
• Mood: Exhausted, headache, defeated. (it's also now 10pm) 
• Exercise: None today. Regime starts tomorrow.  

Variable Update (Oct 23, 2013):

• Weight: 162 (though this may not be accurate, see *)
• Measurements -Chest- 39 1/2 inches

                                      - waist- 32 1/2
                                      -hips- 40 
                                      -butt- 40 1/2 
                                      - thigh (r)- 24
                                      - arm- 12
* I really don't know what my weight is this week as the batteries in my scale are gone. I weighed myself on Gp's and got 162, 3 days ago. But am not sure how her scale weighs.
According to my measurements this week, I've lost 2 1/4 inches ( I think my math is right)....I am not positive that I did that right either. I don't see the change.....we'll see a week from now, I guess!!! 

 

ED....My New Bestie.

Oct 15th, 2013 8:25pm

       At the stroke of midnight tonight Cinderella's Pumpkin is going to look like a pretty good deal to me lol. As of Wednesday, Oct 16th, I'm going to drop the chocolate, lose the cheese and try my damnedest to avoid the following things: Dairy, Soy, Refined Sugar, Gluten, Egg, Fats and Alcohol. Take pity on me. This isn't going to be pretty in 4 or 5 days. So why am I doing it?

      Well, I'm going to call it my experiment. And I am not taking credit for coming up with the idea to try this out. My very close friend GP had this brainwave, and she planted the seed in my mind until about a week after the sowing (so to speak), I thought it was a great idea. Oh boy. An Elimination Diet, officially. Confusing doesn't even begin to explain this thing. If you Google ED's, you'll come up with a million different versions of how to begin, what to eat, what NOT to eat, etc. The rules seem to be very customized to each person. We've decided to do it the following way: Strict but Simple. Cut out all the processed, refined, fatty foods, and eat fresh, whole and lean. We are not cutting all meats, but sticking with chicken breasts, lean beef and fish. (Some ED's cut all meat and fish). All fresh veggies and fruits are allowed (some ED's cut nightshade veggies and citrus fruits). Whole grains, i.e quinoa, wild rice, red rice, brown rice, are all ok as long as they are Gluten Free (GF). Sweeteners like honey, or agave nectar, are good. No eggs, or egg products. No dairy or soy, which means Almond Milk, which I have never had before and am a little nervous to try. When it comes to oils, ONLY cold pressed EVOO is for me. No junk or fast food. No snacking on the kids school treats. No cheating at parties or midnights. No excuses. Oh, and did I mention we are throwing in the 30 Day Shred to top it all off? Eek!  Actually, I really don't think that *what* I can or can't eat will be a problem. Except for the Almond Milk, I eat all these other things.  What I think will be the biggest issue, will be getting through the DT'ing of sugars and fats. My family and I generally eat well, and I am very much into fresh, homemade, from scratch foods. I am choosing to believe this will give me a good start hahaha,

      A couple years ago, I began to notice that I was feeling gross pretty much all the time, very nauseous and tired. After a long time, I finally got an answer that seemed to fit for what was going on. The ubiquitous gall bladder. It seems to me, that there are a lot of people out there that have issues ranging from very mild to very severe in GB problems. Mine, thankfully, are very mild. Nothing showed on tests, so I guess you could call it an undiagnosed condition. However, I did as my doc suggested, cut the fats and alcohol and though it took a while (about a week), I did start to feel a lot better. I paid close attention to how I felt when I added back in something fatty or alcoholic and realized quickly that these foods have a crazy impact on my body. However, it's just reality that with a busy life, comes bad food choices and though I certainly don't eat junk the way I used to, I like my treats. Not only that, but I am what I would honestly all a "big eater". I love food. I love well prepared food. I might eat a Mc'D burger once a month, maybe. But give me a beautiful goat cheese ravioli in cream sauce, or a grilled, blue rare striploin with parm risotto next to it, and I am in feasting glory.  Those are seriously 2 examples of food that I make at home for my family 5 out of every 7 nights. the other 2 are sometimes a "fend for yourself" thing or a "eat out" thing.  We eat big, hearty and well....and it's catching up with me. Between that and the brain fog, poor sleeping habits, memory issues and lack of energy, ( I swear that by 1 pm, I am passing out wherever I am. Every. Single. Day.), I am ready for a change.

   So anyway, the point to the ED, is that for 2 weeks, you take away all the "bad" foods, then on day 15, add in ONE, only one, trigger food. So say on day 15, I decide I want my eggs back. Well, I will probably poach one in the morn, have an omelet at lunch and maybe try to incorporate something in for supper. Eat it in the purest form I can, at each main meal. Then STOP. Do not eat it again. Monitor and record how you feel on days 16 and 17, and maybe even 18 as it can take up to 3 days for a food to take it's full effect on you.   Then on day 20, add back in the next thing. Maybe dairy. Have milk, and yogurt and cheese throughout the day. Then STOP. Monitor what happens on days 21-23. So on and so forth. The end result being that you can know how these foods affect your body and if it is a good or a bad thing. When you have added back in all the trigger foods and your eliminations are over, then you can be more aware of what you are eating, and what the consequences really are if you eat something that you know is adverse to your body. It isn't about never having cheesecake again, but about recognizing that you may pay for it (and sometimes, it's gonna be worth it lol). 

   My goal in this is not weight loss, (though please, would I really argue if I dropped a few pounds?!?!), it's just about getting to know the inside me just a little better. I will be recording all recipes and food that I eat, all exercise I do or don't do, and update on how I feel throughout this whole process I'll add in some info on how GP is doing as well, just to liven it up some :) . I may get a little too graphic (i.e periods and poops), but it's of a whole and it's definitely all going to be affected. I will also probably add pictures. Before and after body shots, food, etc. (nothing graphic there though, I swear). 

  Now if anyone out there is actually reading this, and you are anything like me, you like to know details. All details, so that you can gauge the failures and triumphs, and also know how relatable this all is to you. I will post all this in another blog just titled "My Details". I will also update that as I go along. Maybe at every 7 day interval. I am hoping this will keep me on track. I have started many things like this before, and have never, ever seen one through. Ugh, I am frustrating to myself. 

  Wish me luck.