Day 34 - Making Groceries

Yesterday it took me almost 2 hours to complete my grocery shopping. I made a list at home and sorted everything by category. I used my WW points calculator to determine value before putting an item into the basket. Several items were discarded after I calculated the points value. :)  I am really amazed by the
"new"items on my grocery list. Satsumas, soy meat, veggie cheese, tofu and Swiss chard. Can you imagine? My basket was filled with all sorts of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Tip: It is really fun to browse the international section of the produce area. You will find interesting choices like cactus pears and California figs.  Try lean roast beef when you are craving a sandwich. It has a low points value. You can mix a 1/4 tsp each of horseradish and Dijon mustard to create a yummie sandwich spread. I added red onions and lettuce for filler. My sandwich was under 4 points when I used extra lean turkey pastrami.

Challenge: Get 8 hours sleep. This is a hard one.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 33 - What am I going to eat for lunch? Soup or not to Soup?

A cup of soup can set you back. I have learned the HARD WAY about the sodium content in soup. Please read the label carefully before you open a can or package of soup. One cup of soup may be loaded with sodium. Use low sodium broth, evaporated milk and buttermilk instead of higher calorie ingredients.

Idea:  Try Butternut Squash Fritter Fries. Cut a 2 1bs squash into halves and remove the seeds. Cut the halves into french fry shapes to equal 14 oz. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss the squash in an egg mixture. The egg mixture should consist of 1/3 cup egg substitute and 1/2 tsp of vanilla. Shake off excess egg substitute. Coat fries with a mixture of 1 cup Fiber One bran cereal, 1/4 cup Splenda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp salt. Lay fries on baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes and carefully flip fritters. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the outsides are crispy and the inside is tender. Use 1/2 cup sugar free pancake syrup for dipping sauce. Yields 3 servings at a value of 2 points per serving on WW.

Challenge:  Park on perimeter of the parking lot.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 33 - Get Creative with Pumpkin

Happy Sunday,

Pumpkins are high in protein and packed with nutrients. Pumpkins are also a full of free radical scavenging manganese, iron, phosphorus, and tryptophan.  George Mateljan, author of The World's Healthiest Foods says that pumpkin seeds also reduce the inflammatory symptoms of arthritis.  Go munch on some pumpkin seeds.

Tip:  Try almond butter. It is full of good4u.

Challenge: Go for Whole grain breads because the wheat flour milled to make the bread includes the entire grain which contains lots of fiber, vitamins and nutrients.

Have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 32 - Learning something new everydayc

Hello Everyone,

I had an interesting conversation yesterday with my friend JR. We talked about belly fat v bottom half fat. Belly fat is visceral fat, a type that grows under the muscle layer around the internal organs. Bottom half fat is call subcutaneous fat, a type that forms under the skin above the muscle layer.  To learn more read Marie Savard's book Apples and Pears (Atria).

Challenge:  Eat a potato do not Be a potato. Get off the couch this weekend and take a long walk.

Tip: Pom seeds are so wonderful. I sliced open a pom last night and ate 1/2 cup of seeds and put the rest in the fridge. Yummlicious. Get  POMMED up today.

Love and Hugs and have a Veggie Good Day,
FitandSlim4ever

Month 2 - Day 31 / The Grapes of Wrath

Funny thing happened yesterday. I went to a wonderful event featuring a talented landscape artist named Pearl Fryar. After the event I was faced with the dreaded food table and champagne bar. My friend handed me a glass of champagne. I panicked. Should I drink the whole thing. How many  points are in champagne. It won't hurt to do it just this once. Well, I took 2 sips and carried my glass around for about 15 minutes. Finally, I set it down on a table and walked away. I managed to munch on some grapes and avoid the delicious looking pasta, cheese and DESSERT.

Whew!!! I made it through the grape vine. I can survive without sucking down the bubbly. I went home and fixed a tasty veggie burger and treated myself to a glass (or 2) of chardonnay. LOL.

Lesson learned:  Stay focused on a goal. Remind yourself of all the hard work and SWEAT equity you have invested in the past 30 days. I was tempted to eat at the reception but instead I pictured my JEANS. You remember my jean story from the first week. I WILL WEAR THOSE JEANS THIS CHRISTMAS.

Finally, I wish all of you a happy weekend. Sleep well and pray with all of your heart for peace and prosperity in our world.

Have a Veggie good night,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 30 - ONE MONTH ON WW

Celebrate good times come on .... da dum da dum da da da - Ya Hoo!!! :)

I set a goal on day ONE. I promised to ride my bike to WW and Curves. Today I rode to WW and Curves. WHEW!!!! It was a journey. I am really proud of myself.

Special shout out to my WW partner GW. You are such an inspiration. Our leader said that our group is an amazing bunch of folks. I agree. Cheers to the WW morning gang. You all keep me going.

So, 30 days down - Years to go. Lifestyle changes are 4ever. FitandSlim4ever - no return - no surrender.

We can do it.  Hello to V for joining the bulge battle. We can do it.

So Finish Strong and Stay focused on FAITH, HOPE AND COURAGE.

Celebrating 1 month,
FitandSlim4ever

Day 29 - The slightest little thing can get you off track

Today our WW leader told us to never use the word DIET. We are not dieting. We are making lifestyle changes. Make a note.

Today I issued a SOS because of my allergy sneezemare. I was so under the weather that it was hard to breathe. I was so tempted to skip my workout. My good sense prevailed and I headed for Curves. You should always use an SOS when you feel tempted to skip your "me time." Call a family member or friend and ask for support. Yesterday, my brother was my lifeline.

Today - I tried soy nuggets. THEY DO NOT TASTE LIKE CHICKEN. A woman in the store told me that they were so good...blah blah blah. She must be kidding. Soy Nuggets taste like peanut butter patties rolled in flour and fried. Get the picture?

blessings to all,

FitandSlim4ever