A little late...
2 more pounds down for a total of 9 pounds in 3 weeks. Down to 267, and that was with my "cheats" in Sesame Place. Hopefully an even better report Monday.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Product Reviews
Over these couple of weeks I have been trying desperately to find some products that will give me flexibility in cooking and eating. I figured I would give some "reviews" of some of the things I have found.
Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread
THUMBS UP!
With this "butter" I feel like I am eating the real thing. I have found with non-dairy products, almost all of them use soy to replace the milk they take out. This soy free spread does the trick. I have cooked with it, I have spread it on my rice bread, put it on veggies and I have no complaints! I wish they would make more products...
Rice Vegan Cheese Slices - Cheddar
THUMBS DOWN!
I was so excited to find a dairy free, soy free cheese. I went to Whole Foods to find another brand I found on the web, and when they didn't have it, I was disappointed til I found this. Unfortunately when I got it home I was still disappointed. The taste isn't bad...I actually think it is better than regular fat free cheese (which isn't really hard to do). But right on the package it says "made for melting" and nothing could be further from the truth. When I put it on my burger it wrinkled up and started to harden on the edges, and nothing happened in the middle. Melting it did not do. I also tried putting it in my scrambled eggs one morning. It still didn't melt well, but it was better than when I tried it on the grill. It also has an "off" taste to it, not like cheddar. I will continue to use it until the package is done, but I don't intend on buying it again.
Rice Vegan Cheese Slices - Mozzarella
THUMBS UP!
This is the same product as above, but different flavor and what a difference! This cheese tastes close to mozzarella, melts well, and is even "stringy" like real mozzarella. I also had this on a burger and it was a big difference from the cheddar. Yummy and melty. :) Next I have to try the American.
I will continue this over the next few days...this is fun :) If you follow a similar lifestyle and have some good products to recommend, I am all ears!
Earth Balance Soy Free Buttery Spread
With this "butter" I feel like I am eating the real thing. I have found with non-dairy products, almost all of them use soy to replace the milk they take out. This soy free spread does the trick. I have cooked with it, I have spread it on my rice bread, put it on veggies and I have no complaints! I wish they would make more products...
Rice Vegan Cheese Slices - Cheddar
I was so excited to find a dairy free, soy free cheese. I went to Whole Foods to find another brand I found on the web, and when they didn't have it, I was disappointed til I found this. Unfortunately when I got it home I was still disappointed. The taste isn't bad...I actually think it is better than regular fat free cheese (which isn't really hard to do). But right on the package it says "made for melting" and nothing could be further from the truth. When I put it on my burger it wrinkled up and started to harden on the edges, and nothing happened in the middle. Melting it did not do. I also tried putting it in my scrambled eggs one morning. It still didn't melt well, but it was better than when I tried it on the grill. It also has an "off" taste to it, not like cheddar. I will continue to use it until the package is done, but I don't intend on buying it again.
Rice Vegan Cheese Slices - Mozzarella
This is the same product as above, but different flavor and what a difference! This cheese tastes close to mozzarella, melts well, and is even "stringy" like real mozzarella. I also had this on a burger and it was a big difference from the cheddar. Yummy and melty. :) Next I have to try the American.
I will continue this over the next few days...this is fun :) If you follow a similar lifestyle and have some good products to recommend, I am all ears!
Happy Birthday
My birthday was last Wednesday, and with that brought the debate in my head "To have "real" cake or to stay on course?" A friend of mine had a birthday party a couple of years ago and the cake was really good, when we asked about it she told me it was a gluten free, dairy free cake. So off I go to Whole Foods.
Well I was disappointed because the bakery had nothing of the sort, so I am guessing it is something you need to order ahead of time. The baker took me to the frozen area and showed me the "cakes" there - definitely not what I would call birthday cakes. So I was getting frustrated, I decided to do the rest of my shopping, and was thinking I was going to have my regular ol ice cream cake and forget about it.
As I was walking around I came across Pamela's Classic Vanilla Cake Mix and Cherrybrook Kitchen Vanilla Frosting Mix . So I decided to try my hand at making my own birthday cake. Not my first choice, but probably the best choice in my situation.
Review: I liked the cake...it was a little dense, but I am finding that all gluten free baked goods have a similar dense quality. I also think it needs some kind on frosting or topping, because I don't think I would have liked it plain. The frosting on the other hand was a different story. It was way too sweet/oily/buttery. It was almost all confectioners sugar and you could tell it. I don't think I would get it again. It was ok in small amounts so I didn't have to eat the cake plain, but I couldn't take much more.
Here it is:
Well I was disappointed because the bakery had nothing of the sort, so I am guessing it is something you need to order ahead of time. The baker took me to the frozen area and showed me the "cakes" there - definitely not what I would call birthday cakes. So I was getting frustrated, I decided to do the rest of my shopping, and was thinking I was going to have my regular ol ice cream cake and forget about it.
As I was walking around I came across Pamela's Classic Vanilla Cake Mix and Cherrybrook Kitchen Vanilla Frosting Mix . So I decided to try my hand at making my own birthday cake. Not my first choice, but probably the best choice in my situation.
Review: I liked the cake...it was a little dense, but I am finding that all gluten free baked goods have a similar dense quality. I also think it needs some kind on frosting or topping, because I don't think I would have liked it plain. The frosting on the other hand was a different story. It was way too sweet/oily/buttery. It was almost all confectioners sugar and you could tell it. I don't think I would get it again. It was ok in small amounts so I didn't have to eat the cake plain, but I couldn't take much more.
Here it is:
Week 2 Weigh In
I lost another 3 pounds for a total of 7 pounds in 2 weeks...269 from 276...I'll take it. I think I was expecting more of a loss each week, but I have to remind myself that this isn't bad at all! I really have to get into some kind of exercise though...that's the next hurdle.
Ugh!
This is exactly why I hesitated in starting a blog. I am always so bad in keeping up with journals of any kind. I am sorry! I will be home most of the day tomorrow and I plan on catching up...promise to do better :)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Family Night
Well all, today was a challenge. It was more a challenge in time than food, but one affected the other. I woke up late, which isn't much of a big deal, except that now since I can't eat 30 min before or 2 hours after eating, it affects meals, and water intake, which is honestly a pain in the rear. There is definitely a domino effect...I didn't get my powdered supplement in, because it goes in my water, which I didn't get all in.
Then we had company and because of the way my water was, I couldn't eat before they got there, and therefore couldn't eat until after they left, which resulted in a hungry Michelle and dinner after 10 pm. Because of the late dinner I would have had to wait until almost 1 am to finish my water/supplements, and that just wasn't happening, I was pooped!
The other thing I am coming to hate is that powdered supplement itself. I don't like the way it tastes and no matter how much water I use and no matter how much I stir it, the last sip always has a nasty, vitamin tasting residue that literally makes me gag. After some internet research I have found out that the same exact thing comes in a pill form rather than a powder, so I will be emailing my doc to find out if I can replace it.
Without further ado....
Hummus with Terra chips
Hot dog with mustard
Then we had company and because of the way my water was, I couldn't eat before they got there, and therefore couldn't eat until after they left, which resulted in a hungry Michelle and dinner after 10 pm. Because of the late dinner I would have had to wait until almost 1 am to finish my water/supplements, and that just wasn't happening, I was pooped!
The other thing I am coming to hate is that powdered supplement itself. I don't like the way it tastes and no matter how much water I use and no matter how much I stir it, the last sip always has a nasty, vitamin tasting residue that literally makes me gag. After some internet research I have found out that the same exact thing comes in a pill form rather than a powder, so I will be emailing my doc to find out if I can replace it.
Without further ado....
BREAKFAST
Watermelon (was STARVING before lunch, wasn't enough)LUNCH
4 slices rice/almond bread with butter substituteHummus with Terra chips
DINNER
Chicken breast with fresh salsaHot dog with mustard
SNACK
None
Monday, August 2, 2010
Semi Normal Day
Today was the first day that I felt like I wasn't scrambling. I felt like I had somewhat of a plan, and I was able to actually follow through. I got all my water in for the first time (yay!) and I took my supplements. I had 3 meals (for lack of a better term) and a snack.
I am hoping to get to WF soon to make some purchases, and I am trying a new recipe for the 1st time tomorrow. I am looking forward to something other than a salad or grilled chicken. This whole dinner thing is still stymieing me. Tonight it was macaroni and cheese for Connor, chicken casserole with rice for my dad, and grilled chicken with tomato/cucumber salad for me. Takes too much time and makes too many dishes!
BREAKFAST
Peach
Banana
Watermelon
"Safe" french dressing
Hummus and cucumber
Tomato and Cucumber salad
SNACK
Rice Krispies with rice milk
I am hoping to get to WF soon to make some purchases, and I am trying a new recipe for the 1st time tomorrow. I am looking forward to something other than a salad or grilled chicken. This whole dinner thing is still stymieing me. Tonight it was macaroni and cheese for Connor, chicken casserole with rice for my dad, and grilled chicken with tomato/cucumber salad for me. Takes too much time and makes too many dishes!
BREAKFAST
Peach
Banana
Watermelon
LUNCH
Salad with tuna and seeds (sunflower, sesame and pumpkin - all raw)"Safe" french dressing
Hummus and cucumber
DINNER
Grilled chickenTomato and Cucumber salad
SNACK
Rice Krispies with rice milk
Week 1 Weigh In
Got on the scale today...down 4 pounds to 272. I was a little disappointed, but then again my "friend" is visiting (sorry male readers!) and I am hoping that is tacking on a few.
No big changes in mood, energy, overall feeling that I can notice. I can say that I haven't had a migraine, which I usually get at this time of the month. (Hope I didn't jinx it!) I will always take a migraine free week :)
On to week 2!
No big changes in mood, energy, overall feeling that I can notice. I can say that I haven't had a migraine, which I usually get at this time of the month. (Hope I didn't jinx it!) I will always take a migraine free week :)
On to week 2!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Breaking Down the Weekend
Sorry for the delay everyone, I know you anxiously await my posts every day (ha ha ha). I am going to try to summarize my meals and activities for the past 4 days as best as I can remember.
THURSDAY
I spent a large part of the late morning/early afternoon at an appointment I had. I wish I had planned ahead for snacks or lunch. It isn't good to get too hungry, and I definitely have to get into the habit of carrying water with me. I actually am having a hard time remembering what I DID eat throughout the day...so this report may be a little sketchy.
Breakfast
Peach
Banana
Lunch
Hummus with rice crackers
Almond butter and all fruit jelly on rice bread (the jelly was strawberry, and I'm not supposed to have strawberry...have to get new jelly!)
Dinner
I am racking my brain trying to remember what I had and I just cant...if it comes to me I will come edit...
Snack
Hummus and veggie chips
Rice Dreams ice cream
FRIDAY
We spent the day at Land of Make Believe. After the fiasco of bringing my food to the beach, I decided to make the best of what I could find there.
Breakfast
2 bananas
2 little boxes of raisins
Lunch
2 hot dogs, no buns, dipped in mustard (not quite gourmet dining...and not exactly low in fat)
Dinner
Salad with turkey and roast beef, with homemade garlic dill dressing
Snack
Not positive, maybe Rice Dreams and nuts
SATURDAY
Went to the Mets game, we left late morning, so dinner was at the park. I did find out that Citifield has a gluten free stand, so I was looking forward to checking that out. I didn't make it to the Montclair Farmers Market. I actually forgot about it until it was too late.
Breakfast
Rice Krispies with rice milk
Lunch
If I had lunch I can't remember...I think breakfast was late (isn't that horrible! lol can't remember yesterday!)
Dinner
2 hot dogs at the stadium on gluten free rolls....one with peppers and onions, one mustard
**As far as the buns go, they were very dense and not great...I think next time I would rather spend less and just not eat the regular bun...or get a grilled chicken salad, which I saw after buying the dogs
No Snack
SUNDAY (TODAY)
I was looking forward to relaxing after church today. It was a whirlwind week. I stopped at the Nutley Farmers Market on the way home, but I went there specifically to get eggs from Ken (Havenwood Farms) and he was sold out! I have to get to Terra Tea in Montclair to pick some up. I have also been working on grocery shopping since Friday.
This is the most frustrating thing for me with all this. I can't find recipes for things I can have, let alone recipes that I can have that I can also adapt for my father so I don't have to make 3 meals every night. I vented a little earlier, so I wont go into it again, but I just need to stress that I need MEALS. I feel like I have been nibbling and snacking my way through the day, and I can't continue like that, and I know I won't stay with this if it continues, so I just keep researching....
Breakfast
Peach
Lunch - which on Sundays is dinner in an Italian house!
London Broil
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Dinner/Snack
Terra chips with fresh salsa
Rice Dreams ice cream
Rice bread with butter substitute
Almonds
I found a great butter substitute...Earth Balance soy free butter spread. If anyone is looking for something to replace butter, I highly recommend it!
Almost midnight...time to get some zzzzzzzzzzs!
THURSDAY
I spent a large part of the late morning/early afternoon at an appointment I had. I wish I had planned ahead for snacks or lunch. It isn't good to get too hungry, and I definitely have to get into the habit of carrying water with me. I actually am having a hard time remembering what I DID eat throughout the day...so this report may be a little sketchy.
Breakfast
Peach
Banana
Lunch
Hummus with rice crackers
Almond butter and all fruit jelly on rice bread (the jelly was strawberry, and I'm not supposed to have strawberry...have to get new jelly!)
Dinner
I am racking my brain trying to remember what I had and I just cant...if it comes to me I will come edit...
Snack
Hummus and veggie chips
Rice Dreams ice cream
FRIDAY
We spent the day at Land of Make Believe. After the fiasco of bringing my food to the beach, I decided to make the best of what I could find there.
Breakfast
2 bananas
2 little boxes of raisins
Lunch
2 hot dogs, no buns, dipped in mustard (not quite gourmet dining...and not exactly low in fat)
Dinner
Salad with turkey and roast beef, with homemade garlic dill dressing
Snack
Not positive, maybe Rice Dreams and nuts
SATURDAY
Went to the Mets game, we left late morning, so dinner was at the park. I did find out that Citifield has a gluten free stand, so I was looking forward to checking that out. I didn't make it to the Montclair Farmers Market. I actually forgot about it until it was too late.
Breakfast
Rice Krispies with rice milk
Lunch
If I had lunch I can't remember...I think breakfast was late (isn't that horrible! lol can't remember yesterday!)
Dinner
2 hot dogs at the stadium on gluten free rolls....one with peppers and onions, one mustard
**As far as the buns go, they were very dense and not great...I think next time I would rather spend less and just not eat the regular bun...or get a grilled chicken salad, which I saw after buying the dogs
No Snack
SUNDAY (TODAY)
I was looking forward to relaxing after church today. It was a whirlwind week. I stopped at the Nutley Farmers Market on the way home, but I went there specifically to get eggs from Ken (Havenwood Farms) and he was sold out! I have to get to Terra Tea in Montclair to pick some up. I have also been working on grocery shopping since Friday.
This is the most frustrating thing for me with all this. I can't find recipes for things I can have, let alone recipes that I can have that I can also adapt for my father so I don't have to make 3 meals every night. I vented a little earlier, so I wont go into it again, but I just need to stress that I need MEALS. I feel like I have been nibbling and snacking my way through the day, and I can't continue like that, and I know I won't stay with this if it continues, so I just keep researching....
Breakfast
Peach
Lunch - which on Sundays is dinner in an Italian house!
London Broil
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Dinner/Snack
Terra chips with fresh salsa
Rice Dreams ice cream
Rice bread with butter substitute
Almonds
I found a great butter substitute...Earth Balance soy free butter spread. If anyone is looking for something to replace butter, I highly recommend it!
Almost midnight...time to get some zzzzzzzzzzs!
I'm Here
I haven't dropped off the face of the earth! These past few days have been non stop! Baseball games, amusement parks, doctors appointments....either haven't had time or energy to post at night.
I have been staying on plan and doing what I am supposed to. I hope it pays off because it isn't easy.
Right now I just came to vent a little. I am almost in tears with frustration and confusion in trying to find recipes, figure out products I can have, and then where I can buy them. I am feeling like a hamster on a wheel, getting lots of information and not knowing how to process or use it to the best of my ability. I look things up on the internet and feel like I get nowhere. I find something...a product or a recipe that looks good...I scroll through the ingredients and BAM, inevitably there there is something I can't have (coconut and soy most commonly) and I am back to square one.
OK, vent over, I am tired and need a nap :)
I have been staying on plan and doing what I am supposed to. I hope it pays off because it isn't easy.
Right now I just came to vent a little. I am almost in tears with frustration and confusion in trying to find recipes, figure out products I can have, and then where I can buy them. I am feeling like a hamster on a wheel, getting lots of information and not knowing how to process or use it to the best of my ability. I look things up on the internet and feel like I get nowhere. I find something...a product or a recipe that looks good...I scroll through the ingredients and BAM, inevitably there there is something I can't have (coconut and soy most commonly) and I am back to square one.
OK, vent over, I am tired and need a nap :)
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