Day 22-One of Those Days (and weigh in too)

My weigh in was a bit disappointing.  I didn't lose anything this week.  Of course, I didn't gain either so I'll count that as a win.

Since I promised to be honest on this little blog, here's some truth.  I'm having one of those days.  You know the kind?  The day when everything is blah and you just don't want to do anything. 

I actually slept for 12 hours, which is definitely not my normal.  I'm a 7-8 hour a night kind of gal.  I noticed I was starting to feel a little down last night for no real reason.  Sure, we're got our problems but things are looking better.  I've got a new job with tons of opportunity and things are going smoothly for the most part.  I've had my dealings with depression over the years so I know what's up. 

I woke this morning just wanting to stay in and eat comfort food.  So, guess what?  I did just that.  Since I got up so late, I didn't eat breakfast.  I went straight to lunch and the ultimate comfort foods from my childhood, Springfield-Style cashew chicken and chocolate pie.

Cashew chicken was the ultimate treat when I was growing up.  My parents would bring it home occasionally from the Bamboo Inn on Friday nights.  Crispy fried chicken nuggets covered in a flavorful oyster sauce sprinkled with green onions and cashews.  This was served with a side of pork fried rice.  Definitely not real Chinese food but I loved it. 

Chocolate pie was my Grandmother Finley's specialty.  It's homey and comforting.  Eating it is like being enveloped in a great big chocolately hug.  Good for me?  Probably not so much physically but let me tell you, my spirit is satisfied to the nth degree!

Tomorrow is another day.  I'll be going to work for a few hours and hopefully, my blues will benefit from some social interactions.  Until then, I'm going to embrace my mood, go with the flow and just let myself be. 

Lunch was cashew chicken, rice and chocolate pie.

Dinner was pizza with black olives and onions. 

Eating the Rainbow today?  Didn't care.

Day 21-Finnagin Begin Again!

Been looking at the foods of the last few days and yes, I've been very slack on my veggie and fruit intake.  Chalking it up to being busy is nothing but an excuse.  Old bad habits are hard to kick.  So, today, back to the Rainbow counter!  I've also been slacking off on walking so I shall reset my counter to a big old ZERO and begin again. 

I could be beating myself up, telling myself how bad I am, blah blah blah.  But this time, I'm taking a different tact.  This time, I am going to learn from my set-backs because I'm human.  I will have set backs.  The key is to start over.  No matter what, I can always start over.  Finding the patterns to why I'm having trouble and then making a plan to overcome those issues is the key.

Part of my issues this past week was my job.  I wasn't prepared to pack my own lunches.  I also didn't get to pre-cook foods for dinner.  This lead to being too hungry, tired, &/or feeling rushed, none of which are good for following a healthy diet.  My plan is to have a few back-up meals in the freezer so if this happens, I can still have a delicious and nutritious dinner but not have to expend a ton of time or energy doing so. I will also have veggies pre-chopped and make pasta, rice and other grains and bag them up in the fridge.  Easy peasy. 

Breakfast today was an English muffin with butter and jam and black coffee.  I just wasn't very hungry this morning.

Lunch and dinner were rolled into one.  I was seriously craving Chinese food, specifically, Sweet & Sour Chicken, which is odd as it's not my usual go-to.  So, yes, I made Sweet & Sour chicken from scratch to sooth my cravings.  Ate it with a side of rice.  Delish! The nice thing about making it yourself, you can add more veggies! 

Evening snack was berry sorbet, made with blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. 

Happy to say, I ate the Rainbow today! WOOT!

Eating the Rainbow:
Red: Strawberries, raspberries
Orange: Carrots
Yellow: Pineapple
Green: Green peppers
Blue: Blueberries, blackberries
White: Onion, garlic

Day 20-The Dreaded Work Pot-Luck

So, it's here.  The work pot-luck.  Who knows what will show up.  I was convinced most of it will be convenient and not so great for me.  I took shortbread cookies.  I know they were made with real, simple ingredients, just butter, sugar, and flour.  No preservatives.  No chemicals. 100% real food.  

I was pleasantly surprised.  Several co-workers took the time to make some delicious from-scratch dishes.  We had dirty rice, homemade spaghetti sauce (who does that anymore!), BBQ chicken thighs, roasted potatoes with onions and peppers, and chicken enchiladas.  Delish!  Most of the dessert items were store-bought except mine, which by the way, everyone went ga-ga for!  All in all, I was impressed. 

Breakfast was scrambled eggs with chives (using 1 full egg and 2 egg whites) topped with ajvar, toast, butter, strawberry jam and coffee with a splash of milk. 

Lunch was pot luck.  See above.  No pictures.  Sorry.

Dinner was waffles with peanut butter and sausage. 

Day 19-Is it Summer?

Yet another beautiful day in Oklahoma.  Our high will be in the upper 60s again today!  Makes me wonder what this summer is going to be like. 

We're having a pot luck at school tomorrow, so I made cookies.  If I can keep Hubs out of them, I'm sure my co-workers will love them.  Basic shortbread, some with strawberry jam, some with peach preserves and some with chocolate frosting.  Yes, I indulged and had one strawberry and one chocolate.  Pretty tasty, if I do say so myself!

Breakfast was French toast with pecans, sausage and black coffee.  Homemade bread sure makes for some delicious French toast!

Lunch was special pimento and cheese (recipe coming later), olives, crackers, and pickles.

Dinner was probably the best roast chicken I ever made, carrots, onions, potatoes with sour cream and salad with French dressing. 

And just in case you were wondering, I typically drink water with my meals.  Occasionally I'll have iced tea but usually, it's just plain ole water.

Day 18-Saturday in the Sun

It's another beautiful day in OKC.  Today's high is supposed to be 62.  Tomorrow is supposed to be almost 70! Unbelievable!  I've got the day to myself.  Hubs and Son are visiting the grandparents for the day and won't be home until supper time.  Yes, I'm enjoying the quiet.

Breakfast was odd.  I have a ton of leftovers in the fridge and spied a few things rooting around in the kitchen.  I had Chili 5-Way which consisted of spaghetti, chili with beans, onions, and cheese.  I know it's kinda weird for breakfast but I've eaten chili for breakfast since I was two years old.  My mom figured it was full of protein and healthy so why not?  It's been a favorite breakfast since.

Lunch was veggie skettie.  I sautéed some squash, onions, green peppers, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, added garlic and spices, then threw in a cup of angle hair pasta and a squeeze of Ranch dressing, and topped with a bit of parmesan cheese. 

Dinner was eggplant parmesan sandwiches and French fries.  I forgot to take pictures.  Sorry.

I stayed up very late and ended up having some popcorn and one those Mexican T.V dinners.  Fortunately, they are pretty small so it wasn't too much damage.  Guess I was hungry.

It looks like I'm eating a lot but I have been paying more attention to portion sizes.  My pasta servings were 1 cup of cooked pasta.  Before, I'd eat at least twice that if not more.  I'm eating what I want but less of it.  I'm going to continue that to see how it affects things.

Day 17-Pot Luck and Such

The school where I am working has a nice tradition. When a class is on their final day, they have a pot luck.  I like the idea.  It's a great way to celebrate and have some fun after weeks of hard work.  So yes, today was Pot Luck day.

I suggested we have a baked potato bar and everyone liked the idea.  It turned out very well.  Lots of good toppings and lots of camaraderie.  Good times had by all. 

This evening, Hubs decided to provide dinner.  He said he was getting a chicken but came home with something completely different.  You'll see.

Breakfast was a fried egg, English muffin with butter and jam, a couple biscotti and black coffee.

Lunch was big ole spud with chili, cheese, sour cream, bacon bits and green onions, salad with a bit of ranch dressing...

...and a piece of very decedent chocolate cake.

Dinner was a Mexican T.V dinner, chips and some CRAZY hot ghost pepper salsa.  I added some salad to try to salvage it a bit.  I know this seems like a really weird meal but let me explain.  Growing up in a rural Missouri in the 60s-early 80s, Mexican food was not to be had.  We were 60 miles from Springfield so we had to improvise.  My mom would make tacos but sometimes, she'd buy cheapie Patio T.V. dinners just for me.  It was such a treat at the time. Yes, they are awful but I love them just the same. I did then and I still do.  Hubs knew I was tired and would want comfort food.  He was being very sweet when he brought this home.  He was thinking from his heart and that is the reason I married him.  So, yes, I ate and relished every single bite. 

All in all, a very weird day of meals. 

Day 16-Thankful Thursday!

It's a tradition in the Dever household to honor Thursdays.  Hubs & I met on a Thursday and got married on a Thursday.  It's a special day for us.  So I am always thankful for at least one thing every, single Thursday.  My sweet Hubs!  We're going on five years of marriage now and I love him more than ever.  Yup, I got me a keeper!

Meals have been a little weird this week.  I wasn't expecting to be working so I didn't plan for my work meals.  It's been sorta bits of this and that.  But, I'm trying to be somewhat healthy.

Breakfast today was a fried egg with toast and jam and a café mocha.

Lunch was a homemade burrito from leftovers and a little Baby Ruth.  I also had a mini Twix because I volunteered to let the CNA class practice drawing blood.  Yup, I let them poke me.

I was STARVING when I got off work. I mean tummy-rumbling, hands-shaking hungry.  I picked up some chicken strips at the grocery store while I was there.  It helped a lot.  I need to prepare for that in the future.

Dinner was eggplant parmesan and pasta, all except the past was made from scratch.  Even the breadcrumbs.  I was tired and that was all that was made.

Day 15-Another One Bites the Dust!

Happy to report that I lost another pound.  This week's weigh-in is....drum roll please...335.8!  That's  loss of another pound!  WOOHOO! 

As I said before, I just want to lose something every week, so I am very pleased with a one-pound loss.  I'm in no particular hurry.  I just want to become healthier.  I'm eating real, good, nutritious foods and my body will benefit from it.  I'm walking and my body will change from that as well.  Patience and persistence are the keys here. 

I was running a bit late so I treated myself to a fast-food breakfast.  I know.  I said I'm not eating fast food but once a month is ok by my rule book. 

Breakfast today was an egg McMuffin and a non-fat iced mocha.  Honestly, I do like my homemade versions of both much better.  Lesson learned.

Lunch was chili, crackers and an apple. 

Afternoon snack was Ajvar, a few black olives, a few slices of hard salami, and toast.  If you like pimentos, you will love ajvar.  It's absolutely delicious!

Dinner was baked battered fish with a dab of homemade tarter sauce, homemade chicken rice-a-roni, and mixed veggies. Not pictured: 1/2 slice garlic toast & yes, it was homemade too. ;)

Day 14-New Beginnings!

I started my new job today.  It's only part-time at the moment but that's OK.  Full-time is just around the corner.  I am very excited to be back to the fields I love, teaching and medical.  I've floundered for the past few years and am so grateful this opportunity came my way. 

I really enjoyed my new students.  This is their last week so it's just a lot of review.  I think I did pretty well today considering I had very little notice and time to actually check out the curriculum.  Thank goodness it's stuff I taught in the past. 

Breakfast was a breakfast sandwich with ham, egg & Monterey jack cheese with onions, peppers and cilantro on an English muffin.

Lunch was a piece of pizza, 1/2 a tangelo and a chocolate chip cookie.

Dinner was steamed sweet & sour tilapia with shrimp fried rice. 

For dessert, I had 1/2 a Mexican pastry.

I decided I was still hungry and had leftover potatoes with red chili sauce (made with dried chilies), salsa, onions, jalapenos, Monterey jack cheese and cilantro.  I am now officially full.  Guess it was a hungry day.

 
Eating the Rainbow:
Red: Salsa, tomato
Orange: Tangelo
Yellow: Corn
Green: Jalapenos, cilantro, Anaheim peppers, peas, lime
Blue:  :(
White: Onions, potatoes

Day 13-Good News Monday!

The first good news is that it's another sunny day here in OK.  Guess we've got a week of sunshine and 50s.  I'll take it!  Of course, I know it won't last but for now, I'm going to enjoy every sunny second!

The second good news is, I have new job! I'll be working as a substitute instructor at a local technical college & I start tomorrow!  It will become full-time in about 6 to 8 weeks.  So I am finally back in my beloved career field!  WOOHOO! 

My shoulders are a little sore from cleaning yesterday.  Not complaining.  Just recognizing areas of my body that I don't use enough.  I tell ya, regular old outdoor chores are really good exercise.  Maybe I'll get industrious and start raking up the leaves we've accumulated the past few months.  Maybe.  ~snicker~

Breakfast was two soft breakfast tacos loaded with one egg (split it), salsa, onions, jalapenos and cilantro, 1/2 a very large tangelo, and café mocha.  I wanted to have the mango but alas, when I cut into it, it had gone bad near the pit. 

Lunch was assorted dim sum with spicy vinegar dipping sauce.  Ahhh the things I find in my freezer!

Afternoon snack was a cup of very strong black coffee and two mini chocolate-dipped almond biscotti. 

Dinner was pork schnitzel sandwiches with steak fries. I loaded my sandwich with tons of  onions, Anaheim peppers, and cilantro with a schemer of honey mustard. For the fries, I stirred a bit of Sriracha sauce into some ketchup.  It adds a bit of zip to the meal.  Try it if you like spicy foods.  You'll thank me.  I am happy to say, I ended up leaving about 1/3 of the sandwich on my plate.  Pretty sure there won't be an evening snack tonight!
   
Eating the Rainbow:
Red: Salsa, ketchup
Orange: Tangelo
Yellow: :(
Green: Jalapenos, cilantro, Anaheim peppers, pickles
Blue: 
White: Onions, potatoes

Day 12-Another Lovely Morning

It's almost 50 degrees outside this morning.  Looks like our high is estimated at 70!  WOW!  Definitely going to be spending the day outside, enjoying this beautiful weather. 

To celebrate the beautiful day, I got out the broom and swept & cleaned the cob webs, dirt, and leaves off the front porch, house eaves, and garage doors.  They were looking a bit shabby.  It definitely makes a huge difference and I'm sure my neighbors appreciated it. 

Breakfast was a Continental Breakfast. A pastry, berries and black coffee.  The pastry was from the Mercado and like most Mexican pastries, it wasn't very sweet.  It was mostly just puff pastry with a bit of strawberry jam in the very center.  It was tasty though.

Lunch was a bit of ham, mac & cheese, and broccoli.

Afternoon snack was a piece of homemade bread fresh out of the bread maker with some butter and strawberry jam.  Nothing like hot, fresh bread.

Dinner was homemade pizza with onions, peppers and black olives. 
Guess I was hungry.  I had a bowl of Rice Krispies for a late night snack.

Eating the Rainbow:
Red: Strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes
Orange: :(
Yellow: :(
Green: Broccoli, green peppers
Blue:  Blueberries, blackberries, olives
White: Onion, garlic

Day 11-A Beautiful Break in the Weather

OKC was beautiful today.  Sunny & warm and a well deserved break after the last cold front.  I hope the folks further north and east get some of this soon.  I know it's been really rough for them.

Not a whole lot to talk about today.  Went grocery shopping and ran errands.  I did end up going to the local Mercado, which is always fun.  They have the lowest prices for produce and they always have something exotic available.  Well, exotic to me anyway.  I picked up a juicy mango and some tangelos today.  A nice break from the typical bananas, apples, and frozen berries of winter. 

Breakfast today was small piece of ham, fried egg, toast with peach preserves (seemed summery) and black coffee.

Lunch was baked beans, turkey hot dogs, garlic sautéed spinach and one of those tangelos.

Afternoon snack was one chocolate chip cookie.

Dinner was bean and ground turkey tostadas and Mexican rice.  I only ate two and was stuffed!  Dessert was 1/2 of a Mexican pastry.

Eating the Rainbow:
Red: Tomatoes
Orange: Tangelo
Yellow: Does peach preserves count?  hehe
Green: Spinach, cilantro
Blue:  Nope!
White: Onions

Day 10-It's Froggy Outside!

Looks like OKC is wrapped in a nice shroud of fog this.  It's dark and dreary out there.  My friends and I call this a "Donna Day" as she loves this sort of weather. To be honest, I like it too.  As I said, I tend towards cooler weather.  Guess it's that Celtic/Scandinavian blood in me.  I've never been one for the sultry Southern summer nights.  OK, I do like a dip in the pool but only because my pool tends to stay very cool because of those oak trees I told you about.  The warmest it got last summer in the 100+ weather was 87 degrees.  Let me tell you, it feels very brisk & refreshing when it's a 113 degree day!  Yes, we get 100+ weather in Oklahoma for weeks at a time.  Weeks at a time people! 

Speaking of summer, this came in the mail yesterday.  Now I'm dreaming of my beautiful garden, bursting with fresh veggies.  There is nothing like picking a ripe juicy tomato fresh off the vine and serving it up with some homemade mozzarella, fresh basil with a splash balsamic vinegar.  Ahhh...the joys of summer!  Of course, this also means it's time to really start planning that garden.  There is a lot to do.  This Spring I'm building all my raised beds.  It's quite a project but will be well worth the time and effort.  I'm also taking out some useless trees and planning some fruit trees.  Basically, 1/3 of my backyard will be designated food production.  Healthy?  You bet!

Breakfast was a waffle with peanut butter & syrup and a cuppa black coffee.

Lunch was leftover chicken 'n noodles and a banana.

For supper tonight we had ham, mac & cheese, and sautéed spinach.  Oh yeah, and I had some cookies today.  Five to be exact.  I am happy to say that I didn't go back for seconds on any of my meals today.  That's a first in a very long time!  Oh yeah, and I did walk my 15 minutes as well! WOOHOO!

Low veggie count today. Oh well, it all evens out. 

Eating the Rainbow:
Red: :(
Orange: :(
Yellow: Banana
Green: Spinach
Blue:  :(
White: :(

More Storybook Ranches

Yes, this is how I occupy my mind while I'm walking to keep it off my burning calves!  This batch is from a different street.  Sorry for the photo quality.  I used my cell 'cause I forgot the camera.  More Storybooks! 

My big question is this:  I live in a Storybook house so where are the chipmunks and birds and why aren't they cleaning my house?