Valentine's Day Splurge

I don't know about you, but my Valentine's Day splurge calls for some major intervention. I must be honest, I'm a bit nervous about weigh-in this week, at which I'm trying to hit my 15lb. loss.

A friend and I went out for supper. I ordered a Turkey Club with a baked potato. Potatoes are my favourite - mashed, baked, fried - any way. Love me some potatoes! I was so excited about my baked potato that I forked it right to me and then only ate one of the quarters of my sandwich. However, if we're being honest here - I may have sampled one too many items from the sampler plate appetizer we also ordered. It was after all Valentine's Day, but we did decide not to pack up the left overs to come home and tempt us.

Did I add that this was technically Friday - and not yet Valentine's Day?! Which means the real Valentine's Day brought many of its own treats with it such as Cadbury and Reese's, chocolate dipped strawberries and more. Oh my!

The only thing that can make this worse is...Yup, you betcha - another snow day. We all know about the Snow Day rut, right? Netflix, sacking out on the couch and snacking. I fear we shall never recover.

So Clean Start Monday is vital! I could use all the support I can get to get back on track after this doozy. I'd like to do the same for you...Here are some of the successful recipes I've recently enjoyed:

Lunch of the Week - Wrapless Wrap (no link)
I had an excellent lunch this week. I drew inspiration from this photo on Pinterest, which did not lead to a recipe. I am calling it The Wrapless Wrap. I took a piece of turkey, spread a thin layer of mayo and stacked up my favourites - lettuce, onions, peppers and swiss cheese. Then I rolled it up, stabbed it with a toothpick and packed it up with a fork and knife. I only made one and paired it with a cup of grapes - which I did not need since the wrapless wrap was quite filling for only 150 calories.

Turnip Fries
I actually did not like this, but that doesn't mean you will not. I had never tried turnip, but most often I don't mind raw or slightly crisped vegetables so I thought I may like them in fry form - however, I did not. If you do like turnip, give it a try! If you search Turnip fries, there are a variety of seasoning ideas and you can find one to suit your personal preferences.

Coleslaw
We used this link for a mayo-less coleslaw. We did change up a few things - such as using honey opposed to Splenda. We also purchased a pre-made coleslaw package instead of going through the process of purchasing and cutting up the recommended vegetables. It was delicious and a nice change for a side dish. Since the vegetables are crispy, it stays well for a few days and is actually even better the following day once it sits.

Pizza Chicken Bake
What a treat! I only used 2 pepperoni's to cut down on sodium. We combined the chicken with 2 oz's of whole wheat spaghetti, which created a delicious supper that did not feel like "diet food" at all! You could top the chicken with whatever pizza toppings you enjoy - pineapple, ham, onions, peppers, etc. I also used a cast iron pan to sear the chicken so I could just pop it in the oven and cut back on dishes. Loved it!

Skinny Buffalo Chicken
This recipe was for Thursday Treat Night - still low in calories, sugars, sodium and carbs yet yummy! Definitely a pin win.

BEST RECIPE OF THE WEEK - Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Our Valentine's Day Supper certainly did NOT disappoint. Combined with a side of garlic green beans, it made for a 300 calorie supper. I can't even begin to express how good this chicken is. It really put a cramp in my need for Chinese - it was the best sweet and sour chicken I have ever had! We of course used honey opposed to sugar and all low-sodium items (ketchup, soy sauce, etc.)

Cauliflower Garlic Cheese Fingers
Another treat-night-recipe-that-did-not-seem-like-a-treat...No words. Sharing this recipe equally was a mere 52 calories. We even grabbed a Blue Menu marinara for dipping. We combined it with a Blue Menu tomoato and spinach pizza for another 300 calorie supper that seemed too good to be true!

If you feel yourself slipping and need a little treat to curve some temptations - then the last two recipes are for you! Now, start preparing for Clean Slate Monday...

Here's to Clean Slate Mondays!

So, most of us start a clean slate on Monday - you know it's true! Especially after Super Bowl Sunday. In honour of the I'll-start-my-diet-Monday-tradition, I decided it was a good time to share some recipes I have had the pleasure of coming across. 

1. CHICKEN CABBAGE STIR FRY found circulating FaceBook (posted below). 
MY recipe worked out to be 324 calories/serving - which was half of the recipe. 

I actually added some peppers and onions to the recipe - for some added umph and heartiness. 
3 chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 cup water
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions
1. Cut chicken breasts into strips.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan.
3. Add chicken strips and stir fry over medium-high heat, turning constantly until done.
4. Add cabbage and sauté 2 minutes until cabbage is crisp-tender.
5. Mix cornstarch and seasonings; add water and soy sauce, and mix until smooth.
6. Stir sauce into chicken/cabbage mixture.
7. Cook until sauce has thickened and chicken is coated, about 1 minute.

2. CRUNCHY BAKED ASPARAGUS FRIES from In Sock Monkey Slippers

MY recipe worked out to be 82 calories/serving. 

This recipe can be a bit time consuming, especially if you're cooking for a large crowd, as you have to roll each spear individually. I would not plan to have this on a busy evening. There is a sauce recipe available to go with the asparagus, which I did not use.  Since the side requires some prep time, keep the main part of your dish simple. I paired it with the recipe below. 

3. CROCKPOT BEER CHICKEN from Laa Loosh

MY recipe worked out to be approximately 165 calories/piece of chicken. 

Simple yet delicious! The chicken is very moist and flavourful. Best part, it is a crock pot recipe - throw it on and leave it be. 

4. BALSAMIC GLAZED STEAK ROLLS from Picture the Recipe

With a side of brown rice, one roll made for a 500 calorie supper. 

Little high on calories, however - it will vary depending on steak size. It's definitely worth it - for a special occasion or treat night. I didn't bother with the shallots. I would also be careful with some of the higher sodium ingredients and either cut back on them or cut them out. For example - instead of beef broth, I used Blue Menu Chicken Broth which I purchase at The Super Store, as it is very low in sodium. 

5. CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN WITH ZUCCHINI NOODLES from Mouth Watering Foods
MY recipe worked out to be 200 calories/serving. 
For this recipe, I didn't have hot peppers - it was just fine without them. I also did not have any special gadgets so I just cut my zucchini thin.  














6. SMOTHERED CHICKEN from She Knows 
MY recipe worked out to be 141 calories per serving 
Yum! Especially if you like dijon mustard. If you do not, as it does have a strong flavour, I would cut back on that ingredient. I ate this on its own, but you may want to pair it with some rice or another side. 



Hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have...
Happy Clean Slate Monday! 

Face the Scale!

I think my commitment really showed tonight, as I dug my car out of the snow trenches in order to get to my TOPS meeting. Because darn it, I was getting there! When the snow shoveling endeavour started to seem like it may not be successful in the time frame I had, I must admit I was rather sulky. Becca and I did managed to get the cars out in the nick of time. Ultimately, since the road conditions were rather poor, I ended up hitching a ride with my Mum in her 4-wheel drive vehicle, just in case. But it is the fact that I was going to do what I had to do to get there, that counts.

I had absolutely no other reason to leave the comfort of my home - but I needed to face the scale after my Boston weekend, accept the number and move forward - whether I gained or not. That's just what you need to do when you worry that you had a bad week, you went on vacation, had a girls night, let yourself splurge just a little too much or any of the other 100 scenarios that make you worry about weigh-in. Accept and move forward.

I know that this theory is easier said than done. It has always been a downfall for me as well. I usually get frustrated and give in entirely. I have vowed that I will not do this anymore. If you feel like something is not working or that you're at stand still, take some time to look for new exercises, new meals, new ideas, new whatever it is that you feel is sabotaging your success (which is usually myself).

I'm constantly online reading other weight loss blog posts for motivation and browsing Pinterest for tips and tricks. One thing I constantly come across are - smoothies.

Now, I've mentioned before how terribly fussy I am, and the frustration it can create when trying to eat well. I have tried smoothies over and over and just can't tolerate them. After much thought, I've summed this up to one main ingredient - yogurt. I do not like yogurt at all - no matter the flavour. After some Pinterest Browsing, I discovered that many non yogurt people, such as myself are using Sprite Zero or Diet 7Up to make smoothies and decided to give it a try.

I took a look at several pins and blogs and it seems like you can substitute the yogurt like so in almost any basic smoothie recipe.

I decided to try a classic...
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
1 cup of strawberries
1-2 bananas (depending on how you like it, cut up)
1 cup ice
1/2 cup Sprite Zero

Add to the blender and grind.
Pour and enjoy for 150 calories!

Delicious...low calorie...yet satisfying. Since it was missing yogurt - a very filling component of a smoothie...I decided to throw back a glass of water beforehand. I'm not sure if that was necessary or not, but I definitely didn't have an issue holding over until supper. If I had of had some ground flax seed on hand, I would have thrown that in as well.

The best part about this smoothie is that you can freeze it for an on the fly breakfast, lunch or snack. I ration the mix into baggies to throw into the freezer at school for the week. About 9:30am, I take it out and it's ready to go at my 10am break. They tell you not to drink your calories - but if you're going to drink your breakfast or your lunch, as I do for weigh-in day, check out Stilettos & Legos. She offers a great list of creative zero or low calorie drinks - including this intriguing Pineapple Amaretto Smoothie for treat night.

Speaking of treat night...or treat weekend! I have very little regrets from my trip to Boston. I did really well overall. I'm not saying I did not splurge - or veer off course a bit, because I sure did. I had some bagel breakfasts, even though I'm cutting back on carbs. I also ordered Pepsi (twice!) even though I'm cutting that out altogether. Not to mention, the martini. But I figured I had all day to walk the streets of Boston and work it off. However, I drank a lot of water as well and ordered caesar salads for sides. Cautious, but not crazy. Still gotta live, right?

Sadly enough - my struggle this week was not my weekend getaway...It is working out. I am having a difficult time working it into my schedule or finding the life to do it at the end of my day. Again, thanks to the wonderful world wide web, I found a little help.

Most things I have read say it takes about 21 days to create a habit. I decided to use this theory. If I find a way to try to stick to something for 21 days, I figure, even if it doesn't naturally create a habit by that point...I should have that feel good feeling and just want to keep going, right? Let's hope! So how do I find a way to stick to it for 21 days?

Dunt, dunt, dut dah! Post-It Page Markers to the rescue! I placed 30 page markers in a very public and evident place in my house, that I would need to walk by and stare at daily. I decided to go with 30 - just in case 21 did not cut it for a stubborn soul such as myself. I'm going to create a schedule, rotating cardio and strength and when I complete a work out, I can remove a marker. Hopefully in 30 days, a work out regimen will be born.

I also decided it was time to take my measurements - oh boy, we'll save that for a later date! But on the bright side, I braved the elements, made it to TOPS and lost 2.6 lbs.

Miss Rice is 7.8 lbs smaller in two weeks, and right on schedule for my goal!

Weigh-In Wednesday

It's Weigh-In Wednesday! Hopefully I am always this eager to check in. Although - I do have one struggle from this past week...I have been sick the entire time! I couldn't decide whether that was going to work in my favour or not.This did help curb my appetite, but working out was out of the question.

Regardless, I still have positives from the week - I accomplished a lot in terms of goals I was hoping to complete. I have evaluated the things I am involved in and determined what needs to be a priority and what I can cut out (even though it make me feel terribly guilty).

In terms of my weight loss baby steps (this week being to modify my beverages). I did extremely well. Pepsi has been cut out. As for coffee - this is a work in progress...I love coffee - I love trashy coffee, the trashier the better - meaning lots and lots of sugary delicious creamer. I love me some trashy coffee. Drinking black coffee is not going to cut it. I have tried making clean eating creamers, I tried almond milk, honey, other sweeteners. None of it is doing it for me. None of them suit me, therefore I know none of these alternatives will stick. So - unless I magically come across a miracle alternative that I equally enjoy - coffee may just have to be a Saturday/Sunday treat, and that is going to take some will power!

So let's talk about water. Another goal, this week. I am trying to ensure I drink the daily requirement of water.  Except - how much is that? Some of the research says 64 oz, some say 91 oz. But since this is a new concept to me, I decided to start with 64 oz.

Which leads me to my fabulous find of the week!! I am not a drinker. I could go all day and drink from one glass. I can sit and eat a meal without a liquid of any sort. Drinking this amount of water is going to be a full-time job! If you have similar issues - pay attention...

I bought a bottle, like above. I filled it and kept it refrigerated so the water is nice and cold AND, most importantly - measured out for you. You know how much water you have managed to drink and how much you have left. I also carried around a smaller water bottle to fill and actually drink from - instead of lugging around the large container.

I try to consistently drink from it and of course, the goal is that it's gone at the end of the day. In the beginning, I felt so water logged. I was literally choking it down the first few days - forcing myself to finish, but it's getting easier. One thing I find that helps is to mark the large jug, like in the photos below.

The next piece of the "dieting" puzzle is to make modifications to my meals and snacks. This seems like a multi-step process - and that's because it is! This week I want to ensure I continue to keep a food diary - like my TOPS leader says - If you bite it, write it! Some areas I want to begin to watch and work on are cutting down on carbs, watching my sugar and sodium levels, and...drum roll please....portion control!

This is going to take a few weeks to work out. My biggest concern is what a fussy eater I am. It really limits my options. I have already started to work on this - and I will not lie, I spent countless amounts of time planning for this past week. It's not easy. I spent hours online looking for recipes, making shopping lists and preparing meals. It seems like such a waste of time - as I could be doing some kick ass cardio or a kettle bell work out, but it really is as equally important.

I managed to find a whole week worth of low-carb, low calorie meals that were enjoyable and filling (again...it took me a LONG time to do this). But, to help you all out - I am going to share another fabulous find, and hopefully help cut out some of the time consuming planning for you.

Check out Stuffed Peppers from Kayln's Kitchen. Many stuffed pepper recipes include beans and many things I am just not going to eat. This recipe was great. The only change we made was to use turkey burger opposed to turkey sausage and add a little bit of spice to make up for the missing flavour from the sausage. Our peppers worked out to be 390 calories each. One pepper was more than enough! Becca and I even shared a pepper for lunch the next day, which made an UNDER 200 CALORIE LUNCH that was filling and nutritious. Perfection!

So, now for the moment of truth - after weigh-in this week I am 4.8lbs. smaller! I feel great about my weigh-in, I think this is a good start and I'm taking things slow enough that it should be sustainable for the rest of my days, not just the next 218!