Amanda's Menu Planning Spectacular!

[sharoncity]

Amanda - too funny! I am going to MY MILs house today for niece and nephews BDay party!!! What a co-inky-dink! I think eating before you go is definitely a good plan. If there is the possibility that she'll take offense to you bringing veggies, then don't! Given all the other family type c**p you've had to deal with this week, you just don't need any more! Make it easy on yourself and just avoid it!
Sorry yesterday wasn't cheat free! I completely understand - I've had a bad attitude for the last 2 days and have not been cheat free either. Lets make a pact - you and I WILL be cheat free today!!! MILs or not, we ARE going to "just do it!" We need to get back on track so we meet our goals for the month!
So lets get out in the sun , go for a walk, do our exercise - all that great stuff before we go to MILs house. We will not sabotage ourselves! We will succeed today!
Oh, BTW, how did taxes turn out? Hope it was at least okay news if not great news!
Have a wonderful, relaxing Sunday Amanda!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[lulu201]

Hi, Amanda. How did things go at the birthday party? I hope that when you get home tonight, you remember to be good to yourself and to give yourself some legal treats. Family birthdays can be good or they can be stressful (unfortunately those that I have with my in-laws tend to be the latter. ).

Take care, honey,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

What a night. First off here are my top 10 reasons why I am counting today as cheat free. My MIL served cheese sticks, Fried Ravioli, potato skins, and chicken nuggets. My 3 year old nephew got to pick the menu and these are his favorites.

1. Drank water at dinner and through evening because no diet soda was available.

2. Spending any amount of time with my FIL drives me to drink. I've managed to stay away from alcoholic beverages. Although my sanity is at sake!

3. B=10 carbs, L= 2 carbs, S= 1 carbs - for the meals I had control in I stayed fairly low carb for the day.

4. Tried to stick to chicken nuggets hoping protein would fill me up.

5. Only had 1/2 a rice krispy treat - I did turn it down initially but my MIL insisted I have some. Rather then fight I just split it with DH. I don't even like Rice Krispy treasts that much.

6. Have I mentioned the stress with spending an evening with these peope? I'm surprised I didn't pick full fat and sugar ice cream on the way home!!!

7. I plan on working out 4 days this next week - surely I burn off the food.

8. Hardly any marinara sauce - stuck to cream cheese.

9. No veggies were to be found in the house - I looked. This might explain why my FIL is close to 300 lbs

10. Because I really did try my best and was faced with a situation that there was no good way of avoiding.

So I am counting today as cheat free. Some might not but I am because I think I deserve it.

~Amadna

 

[lulu201]

Yep, you're cheat free. No doubt about it.

Amanda, you did a great job of hanging in there and dealing with the situation. I had to laugh as I imagined you peeking into their refrigerator crisper looking for veggies! And what's up with your MIL??? Why would she insist that you have a rice krispie treat? Don't answer that, I'm sure it would take a professional to figure that one out!

Anyway, today is a new day. Move onward and make the most of it. You deserve to be happy, fit, and healthy!

Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Thank you Erin. I did that post right when I got home last night and if you couldn't tell I was unbelieveable aggravated.

I had a busy busy busy weekend! Our Taxes were done on Saturday and we are getting a nice refund! Which means we now have the start of our savings for a newer car. On Sunday we bought a new computer at Dell.com and went to Best Buy and got a Flat Screen LCD monitor 17" I ordred curtains for the family room and we bought some artwork for the living/kitchen area.

I am going to the dentist tonight because both DH and I are having some tooth pain. Our appointments is at 5pm so I'm not sure if I will get exercise in tonight.

B: Gouda cheese and Turkey Slices - 2 carbs
L: Tuna Salad - 2 carbs, Celery, and Sugar Free Jello = 2 cabs
D: Cheeseburger (no bun)
E: If it happens will be Total Sculpt from the Firm

~Amanda

 

[toystoryduo]

Amanda~
Good morning! Hope your visits to the dentist go well today. Great news on the tax return! Woohoo! Have a great day!

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Amanda!

I hope you don't mind me checking on you to see how you are doing. I am so glad you were able to stay cheat free at the party. I would have been as frustrated as you with the lack of choices but you did good girl! You should be proud.

Can you give me your recipe for the cauliflower? I would like to try it. Thanks!

I hope you have a good day and that you were able to get your work out in. I love cardio sculpt, it's my favorite work out and Allie is my favorite instructor. Take care!

 

[DoeWDW]

Amanda, you did a great job staying cheat free at your MILs!!! You did the best you could with what was available - definitely a cheat free day in my book!! Why is it that we get so stressed out over these family things?? I do the same thing with certain members of my family and the in-laws! You did a great job though!!

Glad to hear about the taxes - and thanks for the reminder to get my tax stuff put together! Gotta get that done!!

Hope you have a bright and Monday!!

 

[septbride2002]

Well I had a cavity filled this afternoon - one word - OW! Dh is grilling me a cheeseburger right now and I am going to warm up some of my fauxtatoes. Dessert will be some fresh strawberries! Which I had some whip cream for them.

Today will be wonderfully cheat free:
B: 2 carbs
L: 2 carbs
S: Minature Snickers - 12 carbs
D: Cheeseburger - 3 carbs (no bun) Fautatoes - 2 carbs
S: Strawberries and whip cream - carb count ??? But it will be way less then the 55 I am allowed a day.

I had the minature snickers to avoid the Dzone Rollercoaster ride I could feel myself on. I figured to give in to the temptation early and get it over with and then get through the rest of the day. And it worked!!! After the mini Snickers I didn't feel the urge for chocolate or flavored coffee any more.

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Sunshine for your Tuesday, Amanda. I hope your tooth is feeling better. I liked your chocolate strategy--face those cravings with a plan in mind! You go, girl!

Have a good one,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Thanks Erin!

I was so excited last night when I got home because I sold my first item on ebay! It was a book a friend gave me a long time ago so all of it is profit since I didn't have to pay anything for the book! Yeah!

I am feeling bright and this morning. Much more like a then I have been lately. I think the funk has finally moved on!

I was very disorganized this morning so I didn't set out anything for dinner so I'm not real sure what we are going to be doing. Something simple probably.

B: Gouda Cheese and Turkey slices (2 carbs and oh so yummy!)
L: Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Wrap - 8 carbs, 3/4 cup fresh strawberries with Splenda - 6 carbs = 14 carbs
S: Natural Peanut Butter and celery sticks (4 )
D: ?? I may grill up some fish (0) and then fry some Zucchini and Mushrooms (3) to go with it. Actually not that I'm thinking about it that is exactly what I am going to do! YUM! = 3 carbs
S: Sugar Free jello - 0

Total Carb count - 23 carbs which leaves me plenty of room for an extra snack should I need some.

Exercise - after work I will be doing Total Scuplt with Jen from the Firm. I tried to wake up early this morning but it didn't happen.

Water - Trying to get in 48 oz. today - and when I work out it usually isn't a problem.

~Amanda

PS...I read this great book and I reccomend that everyone take the time to read it. It is one of those books that could change your life for the better. It is called The Choice by Og Mandino. It is a very heart warming book and an easy read. I also suggest The Greatest Miracle in the World by the same author.
**************************************8
Thisis going to be a long journal entry. I've been doing some lurking at lowcarbfriends.com and I think I have realized something about myself - I need to get rid of the low carb products. Like the ice cream. Seems more people stall on this and that may be why I am losing and gaining the same 3 lbs for the past 2 weeks. I've been eating Low Carb Ice Cream almost every night. I am going to try to stick with snacks I can make from whole foods.

My turkey and cheese didn't stay with me for very long this morning. I was hungry again by 11a.m. I am usually more hungry though the week before my TOM so that might explain it. Lunch was good but I wish I would have thought to bring some veggies with me. And the Strawberries are a great treat! YUM!

I've had 16 oz of water so far and I am about to start another 16 oz. I think a friend and I are going to go and get a little coffee this afternoon. It is a slow day here at work. I think I'll try adding some sugar free hot chocolate mix to it to kick it up a notch.

~Amanda

*****************************************
9pm
I'm ready to make a small snack and then go to bed. Carb count for today:
B: 2 carbs
L: 14 carbs
S: 5 carbs
D: 4 carbs
S: 6 carbs

31 carbs. My snack tonight is a mock danish that I will hopefully like since it sounds like something easy I can make for breakfast in the morning.

Tomorrow I get to come home for lunch (yeah!) I've been taking short lunches at work to make up some time. And there is nothing worse then eating at your desk.

~Amanda

 

[septbride2002]

"Because I got to cut loose - Foot Loose! Pick up my Sunday Shoes! We! Whoee!"

I am in a GREAT mood today! Official weigh in day and the scale says 153 lbs! Yeah! I love it! Next week I hope to be at 150lbs! This just gives me such motivation! Plus I've got on a shirt today that usually was a little tight - not uncomfortable just snug and now it is big with lots of room in it. So much more comfortable. And my pants are about an inch to big - I think I may have to go shopping soon!

I really think sticking to whole foods and cutting out the low carb products is going to help. Last night I made Mock Danish and it was pretty good and perfectly legal.

B: Cheese and Strawberries (all I'm missing is the wine) 2+5 = 7 carbs
L: Going home for lunch and I'm thinking either cheeseburger or fish fillets, grilled mushrooms and zucchini = 6 carbs (estimate I'll have to look at actuals when I get home)
D: Chicken - I'm thinking of making hot wing tenders. Not sure on carbs I'll have to again take a look.
E: Today it is Complete Aerobics and weight Training.
Water: Lots of it! I'm feeling a little dehydrated today.


~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Why, Amanda, in addition to that lovely shirt you're wearing, do I also see a lovely new clippie?? Are you finally claiming it??

YAY!! NEW CLIPPIE PARTY!!!

You GO, girlfriend!!! You are makin' it happen!! Loose clothes, healthy and yummy foods, FIRMing exercises - WOW!! What's not to love??!!

I totally agree with you on getting back to basic real foods! You really can't go wrong with them. All that fake stuff is great to get you through a rough patch, but on a daily basis it can DEFINITELY slow your losses. If you really need ice cream, there are some great recipes that you can make with cream, splenda, etc. They are a bit of work, which means that you won't overdo them but if you NEED ice cream, they are a healthy option. Let me know if you need a recipe & I'll try to find one.

You seem so much sunnier and I'm glad! Those occasional funks really can get you down, but I think it helps us appreciate the truly good days when we feel on top of the world!

"Lose your blues, everybody get footloose!!"

Have I ever told you how much I LOVE Kenny Loggins??

 

[sharoncity]

A new clippee!! A new clippee!!! Yeah! I love new clippee parties!
That is so great Amanda! You are just MAKING it happen! I so admire you for that!
Keep up the excellent work and wear your big shirt with pride!!!
TTFN-
Sharon

 

[lulu201]

YAHOO! YAHOO! YAHOO! Quick, everyone, it's PICTURE TIME! Everybody circle around Amanda--she's the skinny girl in the cute shirt and the baggy pants!

Amanda, I would give. . . wait, let me think. Oh, I know. I would give a couple of inches of my thighs to be at 153!!!I am green with jealousy , but happy as can be for you, my friend. Congratulations!

Thank you for making me laugh today. Your words of encouragement helped lead me to success!

Have a good night,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Another day down and another day to go tomorrow. My goal is to wake up early and do the Firm before work since I might have a dinner to go to after work. I have to smoosh some big wigs.

Carb breakdown for today:

B: 7 carbs
L: 6 carbs
S: 0 carbs
D: 6 carbs
S: 3 carbs

22 carbs for the day. WOW! Under 30 carbs and not even trying.

Made a great snack tonight! For those that don't like to bake cheesecake I though this was pretty good.

1 8 oz package of cream cheese
1/2 cup of natural Peanut Butter
1/4 cup of Splenda
1/4 tsp of Cinnamon
1/4 tsp of Vanilla
1/2 cup of Pecans/peanuts/almonds - crushed.

Mix everything but nuts and put in fridge for 30 minutes. After that roll into 3/4" balls and then roll in nuts to coat. Per the ingredients I used the total carb count came to 33 carbs and I got 21 balls out of t hem so 1.5 carbs per ball. They are really yummy and I think are really going to help me get through the Dzone. ALSO - all made with natural whole food ingredients and that is a very good thing!

I didn't get in as much water as I would have liked to today - but that is okay. I haven't figured out my plan for tomorrow yet but it is on my list of things to do. Thank you to Doe, Sharon, and Erin for stopping by and congratulating me! It really was a great day!

~Amanda

 

[Samandmom]

Amanda, Congrats on the new clippie!!! Keep up the great work!

 

[DoeWDW]

Amanda, that recipe sounds so DELISH!!! I'll have to try it!!

Glad you're enjoying the book. Sending it to you inspired me to re-read it myself and it's reminding me of so much great information! When I realize how my body works (i.e. insulin and glucagon) and the many benefits to my health of keeping my insulin low and my glucagon up, it's much easier for me to pass up temptations.

I did check the library for the books by Og Mandino. They are at other branches. Since I already have a request in for the book Erin is reading, I decided to wait until that book comes in. Then I'll put in requests for the 2 books you mentioned. Are they pretty thin?

There are also copies of Dana Carpender's 15 minute low-carb recipes at other branches of my library so I'll get around to that one too!

Good luck schmoozing the big wigs this evening! Hope it's at least a little fun and not all work.

Have a great day!

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning! Doe - yes the Og Mandino books are thin. No more then 100 pages.

I only managed to drag myself out of bed 30 minutes before my scheduled workout time and my tape is an hour long so I didn't get to workout this morning. I am hoping that I won't have to go out to eat tonight so I can get my tape in. I'm telling you these gapes are working out fabulous! The cellulite around my knees is completely gone, my thighs are starting to shape and I checked the top back of my thighs this morning (ya know that saggy area righ below your butt?) and the cellulite is less noticeable there as well! WHOO HOO! Talk about motivation to keep up the tapes. My goal is to do them 3 to 4 times a week Mon - Sun.

Okay plan for today:
B: Turkey Slice (1) and Cheese (2 carbs) = 3 carbs
L: If I go home it will be grilled fish (1) with broccoli (5) or cauliflower (3).
S: 3/4 cup Strawberries (5)
D: ????? This is going to be up in the air tonight. If I go home I found a great Lasagna recipe using slices of turkey as the noodles. Should be good!
E: Complete Aerobics and Weight Training
Water: 64 oz is the goal.

~Amanda

 

[marsh0013]

hey amanda, i just got to catch up with your journal! you're doing such a great job, and you really are sounding so positive, and i love it

i think your plan to stay away from "low carb" products is a good idea. i hope it helps you to smash right through that mini plateau you're at

that peanut butter/cream cheese recipe sounds similar to a pie type deal my brother used to make. i don't know what else was in it, but i know those 2 things were, and it would go in a crust, then in the freezer...ooh, it was good! so yeah, sounds similar, i bet the ones you made are just delish

and look at you go girl, not only down to 153, but clothes fitting looser, and saggy cellulite disappearing, definitely a reason to celebrate , and also great motivation! you are doing such a great job, just keep plugging along, you're going to get to 150 by next weigh in, i can just feel it

hope you have a great day!!