Day 88

208.8! pound down! Woo Hoo! That is 7.2 pounds for the month of March. Wanted 10 but 7.2 isn't bad.

SALMON, ASPARAGUS, AND ORZO SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL VINAIGRETTE

1 lb asparagus cut into 3 pieces
1 cup uncooked orzo
1 lb salmon fillet
salt & pepper
cooking spray 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion


Pre- heat boiler
Bring water to boil to steam asparagus as soon as it is steamed 3 to 5 minutes plunge into ice bath. Save steaming water add to it bring to boil add orzo cook to package directions
while orzo cooks spray salmon with cooking spray and salt and pepper ( i used lemon salt mix) broil 3 minute on each side. fake gently into pieces. combine all ingredients cook with lemon dill vinaigrette


Lemon_ dill Vinaigrette

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1T chopped fresh dill
3 T lemon juice
2 t olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Just stir to together well let sit.

This is lovely! and very light!

Day 87

209.8 OMG! just one more day in March! This year seems to be flying by at light speed.

yesterday i watched THE DOCTORS they finished their weight loss challenge. one of the guys lost 70 some pounds in 51 days and one of the ladies lost 52 pounds ( i think it was that 50 something any way) Made me feel bad I only lost 26 till I looked at them. They really had a lot to loose compared with me.....any way that is my story and I'm sticking to it!

It did inspire me to order the 17 day diet off Amazon to see what the hype is all about just incase there some "magic" secret I missed.... I probably just helped the economy! Oh plus enriched the publisher and the doctor that wrote it. Probably eat right get to the gym....

Which I screwed up this morning by waking up at 7:20 instead of 6:20. I just couldn't get moving this morning. So I decide to ENJOY my coffee. Eat my breakfast at a leisurely pace after waiting an hour for my thyroid pill ( like I'm supposed to do it, not 20 minutes). I'll go to the gym later maybe do night Zumba or just hop on the arc machine....

Any way I made myself a favorite treat straight from Jillian Michaels web site ( you know the mean lady trainer off Biggest loser). Light Ricotta cheese, walnuts and cinnamon ( I added Splenda to it sorry I like a little sweet) food process the walnut then add the rest, do it again. DONE! To me it taste like a really good cannoli filling. Jillian uses it as a snack for her food plan, but I use it any old time especially when I need a pick-me-up. WAY better than any yogurt. Oh and she uses the fat free ricotta (YUCK, tried it the texture is awful and the taste is so far off regular ricotta cheese, I don't know how they call it ricotta! ) I use the part skim ( much better) So I only use 1/2 c not a cup ( you lose protein this way so you might want to use the fat free maybe you'll find a better one than I did), I used more than the 2 tablespoons of walnuts more like 3 and I up the cinnamon from a 1/4 t to 1/2t and of course the Splenda 1 or 2 t.

This is my comfort food. I even made it when I wasn't watching my diet and eating healthy.

My butt really hurts from Total Body work out yesterday.... wow! Kimberlee! OUCH! Guess i'll do a little yoga and increase my flexibility....

Day 86

209.8 again. i took this recipe straight from PB2 site

Asian PB2 Chicken

Description
Light easy chicken dish that makes you look like a fabulous cook! Low calorie too. PB2 is wonderful in dipping sauce and marinade.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Low
Calories: 250

Ingredients

At a glance
Entrée
Serves4

4 Tbsp: PB2
2 tsp: Crushed fresh garlic
2 tsp: Grated fresh ginger
4 Tbsp: Light soy sauce
1/4 cup: Sliced scallions
1 cup: Water
1 Tbsp: Dijon mustard
2 tsp (to taste): Asian chili sauce or hot sauce
1 cup: Low-fat buttermilk
1/4 tsp: Pepper, salt
1 lb: Boneless skinless chick breast
1/4 cup: Fresh cilantro leaves
Methods/steps

Mix together first 8 ingredients to make dipping sauce and set aside. Put chicken, salt, pepper, buttermilk and a third of the dipping sauce into a resealable bag and shake to coat. Marinate in fridge for up to 6 hours. (Refrigerate the rest of the dipping sauce, too). Remove chicken from bag, shake off excess and grill in a very hot pan or on a grill, (sprayed with non-stick spray) for 5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with dipping sauce on the side. Add more or less chili sauce to the dipping sauce, depending on how spicy you like your food.

I served mine with whole grain brown rice and snow peas in pod. the sauce and rice ....YUM! I forgot the Cilantro. I don't think it mattered.

Quick to put to together took about 5 minutes the marinating time is about a day of work, so make in morning and ready to grill when you get home. We really liked it.

Day 85

209.8!!!!! Down a whole pound! It took 11 days.... not too thrilled about that, BUT my body is pretty use the work outs i do, and I am gaining muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, and my body is re-shaping I'm losing inches. AS long as I use more calories than i eat i'll slowly lose weight. It just won't come off as fast as it did in the beginning unless I really amp up my work outs.

OK March 1st i was 216 today 209.8. 6.2 pounds lost in 28 days not bad, not great, was hoping for 10 by the end of the month. In 3 days not looking too good for that out come but 7 or 8 maybe??? PRETTY PLEASE!

Day 84

No change( I hate plateaus ) 210.8 period starting

This is PB2 powdered peanut butter. It has 45 calories per 2 Tablespoons, where regular smooth peanut butter has 190 per 2 Tablespoons.

I tested it on toast this morning. a little different texture, but I liked it WAY better than the so called natural peanut butters. Way less calories too.

The only negative I can find is the protein is a bit less 5g to regular 8g. The sodium level was way less 94mg compared to 150 mg in regular. Same dietary fiber. The fat was 1.5g compared to 16g Regular having 3g saturated fat. Carbs are about the same.

I'm trying a recipe using it in peanut sauce today. I'll let you know if it is any good.

Here is the web site http://www.bellplantation.com/

Day 82 &83

No change......

http://www.wsmv.com/video/27309966/index.html my 15 seconds of fame as a back up Zumba dancer...LOL!

Day 81

PMS enough said.....I forced myself to the gym to do Andi's Total Body Work Out. My ass hurts already....I do feel better than when I first woke up. I still have a headache between my eyes. I HATE the change in the weather, 20 degrees cooler. what's up with that?

Bourbon- sugar glazed salmon

2T Bourbon
2T sugar
2T Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t Cinnamon
salt & pepper to taste

marinate salmon in in mixture for 10 to 20 minutes. Heat grill to about 400. grill 3 minutes each side of salmon baste with marinate.

Day 80

210.8 OK so it hasn't gone down....but it was WAY up that's what I get for eating baby back ribs..... OR.... May have been water weight too. OR it just my cycle.... I go way down, then bounce up again, then go back, then bounce down again. I probably should not weigh myself the next day after a big weight loss i.e. a pound or more....

I didn't make it to Zumba this morning....SHAME ON ME.... i will go either do the arc in cardio theater, lift, or do both maybe go to the evening Zumba. I'm thinking Zumba with Jammy. I LOVE her classes the best. Any way some form of exercise will be part of my day even if it me doing the treadmill in the bonus room or a work out DVD.

Katie and I did subway lunch. nice mommy / daughter time.

Yesterday was gorgeous and i enjoyed a hour of sun worship by the pool WITH my sunblock on thick. I did miss a few small spots right by my arm pits. A little pink but not bad. I figures i got a good dose of vitamin D! I sat out for 1/2 hour this morning reading till the storm blew in the rain has not started yet but it got very windy and the skies are very dark. I did enjoy what little sun there was to be had today.

Last night was date night! Sports Grill ( I had ahi tuna salad, better choice than baby back ribs...) The Preds game was fun! Always fun when they WIN! Yesterday was just a delicious day!

Day 78 & 79

MUSHROOM-MARSALA CHICKEN

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 t cornstarch
4 oz chicken breasts
cooking spray
1/4 t salt
1/4 pepper
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1 8oz package sliced mushrooms
2 T minced shallots ( or onions)
1/4 cup Marsala (wine)
1 T light butter

combine chicken broth and cornstarch , set aside

pound chicken till flat with mallet. Coat with cooking spray and sprinkle with breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. heat skillet add chicken cook on each side approximately 3 minutes.remove from pan, keep warm. spray pan add mushrooms and shallots cook for a 3 to 4 minute till tender add wine cook a minute add chicken broth mixtures cook till thickened add melted butter stir. Serve over chicken!

YUM!!!

Day 76 & 77

SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN

2 T sugar
2 T bourbon
2T Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t cinnamon
pork tenderloin
1/4 t salt
1/4 ground pepper
cooking spray


combine all ingredient in a large zip lock and marinate for at least ten minutes. grill! takes about 20 minutes at 400. make sure inner temp is 160 at least.

THIS RECIPE IS THE BOMB! TASTY!

Day 75

Soy sauce is the enemy, enough said... Puff the magic dragon.... will be eating asparagus ( natural diuretic)

So yesterday I bought a tape measure. My old one went of to parts unknown and has never returned. So with my new measuring tape in hand I started measuring myself. To say I'm in shock is putting it mildly. I'm very glad I didn't have one two months ago. I might have die of shock. It's BAD, really BAD, and I've lost 25 pounds.

Back in the day I had measurement of 36-24-34 classic hour glass figure pretty much. Yup, I had a rocking body. Now it is leaning toward pear. 46-39-50 YIKES! I've been delusional I was thinking my waist wasn't that big ( well next to my HIPS it isn't) I'm freaked out my hips have never been that BIG. It's frightening my hips are taking over the world!

I do believe I see a group power class in my future this morning, then zumba. I really need to sculpt my muscle! I see a lot more lunges and long walks in my future. Because, YES, MY ASS IS THAT BIG! It just might eat New York...Nashville because it is closer...

Doctor visit

So here it is. Since December I've lost gone from 238 pounds to 213 according to doctor office scale. 25 POUNDS! my thyroid is still a bit low. Dr. Scott adjusted my meds up 25 mg, basically doubled the mg. My blood pressure is fantastic. My glucose level is down still a tad high but went from 125 to 115. So not too bad. Cholesterol level is good my good cholesterol level could be bumped up some 45 better if it was 55. My vitamin B12 went up but could use more. I think that will just take time and supplements to get it up. I was having some weird trouble for a bit swallowing the pills. I've seem to master that so probably by the time Dr. Scott sees me again it will be fine. Unless I have major complications I won't see him till September.

I went to Massage Envy today and had a hour, well 50 minute, massage. It was heaven! I signed up as a member. So at least one massage a month for a year. With all the working out I am doing my muscles need it. Plus its a great reward for a mini goal complete!

SO IF YOU GO TO MASSAGE ENVY TELL THEM KATE CHILDERS SENT YOU!!!!
(You get extra minutes and massage for referrals)

Day 74

210.8

I have a my appointment with Dr. Scott this morning. I'll see how much I've lost on his scale since December. I'm really wondering about the lab results.

i dragged myself to Zumba yesterday. I'm so glad I did. I felt so much better after a good sweat! plus we did some of my favorite "dances", " routines" what ever you call them. It made me smile. Love doing the Charleston and cha-cha. Seeing the other ladies too. laughing at our mistakes. great work out! Just what I need!

I booked a massage for today at Massage Envy. I deserve some pampering. I've worked really hard to get this weight off and my muscles need some tending too. Plus I won't feel so much like the great white whale on the table any more. Still obese. Still a lot of weight to lose left, but I'm getting there. I hope I actually develop habits this time that I stick too. I think when I start struggling I will go see the a therapist so I don't sabotage myself again. Losing is actually easy. You get rewarded by the scale every week, maintaining is HARD.

I think today I'm going to walk instead of the gym. I feel a little guilty not going to total body work out this morning but my appointment is at 9:45 it would be cutting it a bit close. I could go to another class like group power later or just go in to lift on the circuit .... we'll see.

Right now I'm sincerely enjoying my coffee and the gorgeous sunshine!

Day 73

211.2 ( wow a whole 2 ounces down) I know at least it is going down.... i just would really like it to go faster.

I feel off today. Not completely lousy just off. I ache some from the work out yesterday and a headache. I'm feeling exhausted like I did before I got thyroid medication. I'm now wondering if the steroids have something to do with the way I feel. Like they messed up my hormones. I felt fantastic when I was on the first doses, then not so much. WHINE....

I've been eating extremely healthy. Most days meeting or surpassing daily goals for vitamins, fiber, protein, iron, calcium, etc... plus taking multi-vitamin, fish oil, extra C, extra B12. That why the way i feel right now is such a mystery to me. I might be trying to come down with something.

Sorry such a Whiney baby today.... I will be better when the sun decides to burn through... the weather people keep saying it is going to happen. i'm waiting with baited breath! I'm wanting to absorb some vitamin D by the pool!

Well, a hot shower should make life better....

Day 72

211.4 ( OK it can go down any time now)BANANA WALNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP CUPCAKES/MUFFINS

This is a good tasting healthy dessert

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Splenda
1/4 brown sugar
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup skim milk
2 bananas smashed
1 egg or 3 tbsp egg white
1/2 cup walnuts chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together well. scoop into mini cupcake tin filled with papers. Bake at 350 for 14 minutes.

I topped with chocolate ganache'

Day 71

211.4 and holding..... No work outs yesterday or Saturday so wan't expecting anything. Did about 15 of yoga. Cookie was in my face the whole time not exactly Zen... had to rest my feet. The steroids really helped at first to take down the swelling, but Saturday after just walking around the mall for an hour my right ankle was swollen. Looked like I had a golf ball for an ankle bone. i iced it and it went down, but I'm not sure what to do to make it better. My friend Donna said she saw an acupuncturist. She said it helped her a great deal.

Day 70

211.4 well 4 ounces is better than nothing...right?
New recipe!BAKED CHICKEN WITH GARLIC AND SUN DRIED TOMATOES

1 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless cut 4zo portions
1 Tbsp olive oil
20 cloves garlic
1 medium onion sliced thin
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 to 3/4 cup chicken stock or broth
1 tsp dried oregano
pepper to taste

preheat oven to 325
heat oil place 2 cloves of garlic in pan put chicken on top toss rest of garlic let cook about 8 minutes remove chicken add rest of ingredients except stock then deglaze with stock add chicken back in put lid on frying pan put in oven for 30 minutes.


THIS IS THE BOMB!

Day 69

Ate way too much at Bunco last night :( First major cheat night in 69 days, so I'm not too mad at myself. I had one light beer. The spinach dip is what killled me though, i love that stuff. At least it has good for you stuff in it.... Like my rationalization?
Steroids make things a bit complicated with weight loss, but tomorrow is my last day to take them.

Day 68

So I went and got stuck with needles today to get my blood sucked out to test. I have a doctor's appointment next week. He can tell me how my thyroid, B12, iron, and glucose levels are doing. I know my thyroid has to be better or I wouldn't be feeling as well as I am or dropping weight. I am wondering about the B12 and iron. I've been watching like a hawk what I eat, and taking supplements. Multi-vitamin, Fish oil, vitamin C, B12 (when I can stand the pill. I have troubles swallowing it for some reason). Tried Evening Primrose for bloating. I don't think it works at all for me, but maybe I didn't give it enough time. Too many pills though and I hate them. I guess I'll see what Dr. Scott has to say....

New Recipe I got off The Doctor's web site.

Kale Chips

1 large bunch of kale
3Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp agave nectar for sweetness ( you could substitute honey)
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
any of your favorite spices

oven at 350. whisk all ingredients together except kale. Then toss kale with it to coat. Spread kale on large baking sheet bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Katie, Jim and I liked it, Courtney didn't.... i suggest to cut it into smaller pieces because it is chewy. Maybe bake a taf longer than 10 if you want it more crispy.

I made salmon patties and sliced tomatoes and called it dinner.

Sweet potato, spinach Salad

Ingredients
1 sweet potato, chopped
Mushrooms
Baby spinach
Olive oil
Cayenne pepper
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Raisins
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Directions
Place sweet potato and mushrooms in microwave-safe bowl. Season to taste with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Place bowl in microwave on high for three to three and half minutes. Add spinach to bowl and season to taste with cayenne pepper. remove and enjoy!

My twist on the recipe seen on Dr Oz. The original version wasn't so good adding the raisins and light dressing is HUGE improvement. And cooking the potatoes longer 2 minutes wasn't enough. I think dried cranberries would be yummy too.

Day 67

Raining and disgusting. At least the Steroids have taken most of my aches and pains away. I could really use some sunshine for my mood. As happy as I was yesterday morning today I feel like mole woman. Maybe working out with the evil demon...I mean wonderful Andi will brighten my day....doubtful. She'll kick my butt no doubt.

Not hoping on the scale today. Because every time I have a big weight loss it bounces up the next day or stays the same. Either out come isn't what I want.

Tomorrow I go in for blood work so nothing by mouth after 9PM except water. Since now I do that most nights it shouldn't be hard. This is kind of funny. I'm dying to see the doctor to find out what the results are to all this healthy eating and exercise. I've never been dying to see a doctor ever, well maybe for Katie's ultra-sound ( when she was in me) BUT it's been a long time! I know I've lost a bunch of weight. We'll see how it translates into results with glucose levels, iron levels, B12. I feel healthier. I have more jump usually lately, this morning I'm a bit on the un-perky side. I don't feel bad physically, so maybe just seeing my gym friends will brighten up the day for me.

Shopping in my closet

So I've been trying things on for about 1 1/2 hours in my closet. I'm now firmly in a size 18. Some variation in size in my 18s but I could go out of the house and not be too horrible embarrassed in any of them. Spanx with my dress pants just because jeans hold you in better. I can pull up and even button 16s but I would NOT wear them in public. oh except for the BRAND NEW dress pants I bought for court they are 16s. The sizing has changed a lot!

I've found I have so many size 14s! Holy cow! I must have had fun shopping at that size. I hope again!

I found some clothes from the 1990's why I was hanging on to them I have no earthly idea. Goodwill here they come!

I really want some Zumba clothes! I might try again to get some.... Next mini goal! If they still don't fix they can go back or wait for a bit....

Day 66

211.8 YIPPEE!

WOW! I kind love these steroids! NO PAIN! I jumped out of bed before I thought about it (had to pee). I didn't stretch, and I didn't scream out in pain either. I did do some stretching as soon as I realized I had not done so. WOW still no pain! So I came downstairs and took my steroids. I feel fantastic! Heel, arch, ankle. knee or hip pain. It is raining and gross out, and I don't hurt!
MAGIC!

Zumba! Some one is going to have to hold me down. I'm not supposed to do full impact....

Well, going to do the rest of my foot exercises. WONDERFUL DAY!

Day 65

Wet rain gross I had to talk myself into going to the MAC for Total body work out.

Well, Dr Wright confirm my diagnosis of plantar fasciltis. My poor feet are horribly inflamed. I guess the ultrasound was a bit shocking to the nurse that did it. She kept saying I'm so sorry while press on my heel. It didn't hurt. She sure though it should though....Proscribed steroids because they need to take the swelling down. Yippee. just what I want to take trying to lose weight...

I took my first STEROIDS today. I hope it doesn't mess up my weight loss too much. I only take them 6 days. Six the first day then 5 and so on till they are gone.

Day 64

BLAH! Cold wet and unattractive out doors.... period started still bloated up like a puff toad. In a foul mood. Was bad yesterday all i did was read no gym. Today i have a doctor's appointment for my poor feet. I will go lift today and maybe take the night zumba class. I'm sure that will help with the puffy.

Going to try the advice of Dr Oz and load up on fatty fish ( salmon, tuna, sardines...) and vitamin C. It is supposed to bust belly fat so for the the rest of the month I'm going to eat fish three days a week.take my fish oil supplements and vitamin C supplements, eat a ton of C baring fruit and juices.

Tonight we are having salmon! So new recipe to share!

Day 62 & 63

Saturday I did my usual zumba class then tried a hip-hop class. Just call me cardio queen!

I bought a new cook book. Will be trying out some new recipes!

Trying to talk myself into going to gym to do some weight training.... Sounds repulsive.... I better do it....

Day 61

Swollen like a puffer fish....not even going any where near a scale. it would just be torture and it is ALL water weight. My fingers look like little sausages. That Evening primrose that I saw on Dr Oz. Does NOT work at least for me so far. I'll take till the the bottle is gone but I doubt I'll re-invest in it.

My diet guide keeps saying I'm getting too much sodium. yesterday I ate all 5 processed foods my instant oatmeal, braunschweiger (liver worst need iron), Thomas' bagel thin, skinny cow ice cream bar, and sauerkraut. Everything else was fruit or prepared by me with no or very little salt. I am at a loss for cutting down salt any more. Everything i buy now is supposedly low sodium. i drank my 8, probably more cup of water. Yesterday I didn't work out at all. I had a dermatologist appointment ( got the ugly age spot blasted by liquid nitrogen, now I have ugly blister, BUT in a week there should be no ugly age spot!) and an order for cake and cupcakes due today. Wouldn't have been so time consuming if I didn't have to make gum paste roses. I really need to charge more.... LOL! Any way really zero time for my work out. I probably needed a break. Any way I didn't sweat off my sodium....

Will weigh after my period begins.....

January to March compare pictures of weight loss

Day 60

Picture day! january to March two months.


This has been pretty good month I went from 224 January 31 to 213.6 March 2. That is 10.4 pounds in a month ( since Feb only 28 days this year and all other months are at least 30). That is supposed to be sensible responsible weight loss... I'd still like it to be doubled...LOL!

Today is my visit with the dermatologist. Hopefully he finds NO skin cancer and can get rid of this age spot i hate.

Day 59

213.6 OMG! HOLY COW! YIPPEE! I'm stunned, HAPPY, but stunned. I needed the boost because I was leaning toward skipping zumba this morning. NO WAY! Almost 3 pounds over night. WEll, I better get my butt to zumba!

FLAMINGO CAKE

KATIE WITH HER CAKE

Day 58

216 WOO HOO!

So I finally made an appointment to see the podiatrist about the foot and ankle pain I've been experiencing. During yoga class there was no way I could go from downward dog to upward dog. it wasn't because I didn't have the muscle strength. It was the pain in my ankles and toes it was more like whimpering dog. That showed me i need a some professional help.

Katie's Birthday dinner at Maple Street grill was AWESOME! I ate like a hog and still lost weight.


Trying to talk myself into get my butt to Total Body work out....