bilrus (Defense)

[DonRocks]

53 pounds to go. You can do it, Bill!

[bilrus]

Like most people who have been on Weight Watchers I have had my best success when I "journal" or write down everything I eat. The nutritionist that I am working with has me provide her with a three day journal each week so she can do a nutritional analysis. It has become apparent to me that I stick with the plan when I am journaling and tend to either cheat a little or a lot when I'm not. Of course, I'm only fooling myself when I do this.

I was a little disappointed that I only lost 2.4 last week. I normally drop pretty quickly the first few weeks I am "on" the diet.

So, inspired by Porcupine, I'm going to journal here EVERY DAY, along with some stream of consciousness thoughts about what I eat, some pictures and some recipes. It will probably be boring, but it might help me and if anyone bothers to read it, you might get some ideas of what to do and what not to do.

Sunday, January 14th

• 1.5 cups All Bran cereal, .5 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup craisins
  
• 2 roast beef sandwiches (5 ozs deli roast beef, 4 slices "double fiber" bread, pickles, 2 tbs horseradish sauce)
  
• 2 smoked chicken sandwiches with mustard bbq sauce and slaw made with low fat mayo, light buns.
  
• 2 100 calorie pacakges of cookies
  

I really don't mind some of the low fat and light things (although some of them are pretty revolting) The low fat mayo, especially for things like this slaw is one that I find pretty easy to swap out. And the giant light buns are actaully pretty good, Not nearly as arid as some of the other brands out there.

I smoked two chickens. More of the meat is going to show up in a salad in a few days. Despite its association with fatty pulled pork, smoking is a light-friendly technique that brings a lot of flavor to the food.

[jm chen]

So, inspired by Porcupine, I'm going to journal here EVERY DAY, along with some stream of consciousness thoughts about what I eat, some pictures and some recipes. It will probably be boring, but it might help me and if anyone bothers to read it, you might get some ideas of what to do and what not to do.

Bring it on! I know I'll swing by the thread frequently to check out your gorgeous food photos, at the very least. Mmm, smoked chicken.

[laniloa]

So, inspired by Porcupine, I'm going to journal here EVERY DAY, along with some stream of consciousness thoughts about what I eat, some pictures and some recipes. It will probably be boring, but it might help me and if anyone bothers to read it, you might get some ideas of what to do and what not to do.

Not boring at all. I tried a lot of delicious new dishes based on the photos and recipes you posted on egullet. You had some lovely platings as well. And 2.4 is nothing to sneeze at.

[porcupine]

I'm going to journal here EVERY DAY, along with some stream of consciousness thoughts about what I eat, some pictures and some recipes. It will probably be boring, but it might help me and if anyone bothers to read it, you might get some ideas of what to do and what not to do.

I'll read it, and I'll be cheering for you. Go, bilrus, go! whoo-hoo!

[Barbara]

Can I add a woo-hoo, too? You really have a fan club here who want you to succeed. (That all of seem to be vocal women, well ....)

[bilrus]

Thanks to the "fan club".

Yesterday was a strange day. Due to some errands I needed to run and things I was working on at home, I ended up not eating a bite of food until 5pm, so although I didn't eat that much, my system was a bit off. So here's what I did yesterday:

Monday, January 15th

• Large Pho with eye of round
  
• summer roll with a little dipping sauce
  
• 1.5 cups All Bran cereal, .5 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup craisins
  
• 2 100 calorie pacakges of cookies
  
• 1 Yoplait no-fat yogurt
  

This is the first day that I have felt like my pants fit a little bit better. This is a good sign, since although pho is a pretty good light meal, the sodium tends to be pretty high, so I am doing OK despite some possible water retention.

One of my challenges in losing weight is that I always want to know how I am progressing. But as you probably know, most bathroom and even doctor's scales only weigh up to a certain point, lower than where I am. So for the time being, I can only weigh myself every other week at my nutritionist. That makes signposts like holes on my belt or how my jeans feel or how my ring feels on my finger even more important.

[JLK]

Go Bill, Go! I'll be cheering you on.

[Anna Blume]

Interesting that you could forget about eating for almost an entire day.

How do you feel about fruits and vegetables, Bill?

I noticed that you regretted the fact that RW falls during the Challenge rather than right before.

Are there any memorable salads, vegetable soups, roasts, purees, sauces or other sources of inspiration you've had while dining out that you might incorporate into your weekly diet?

[bilrus]

Interesting that you could forget about eating for almost an entire day.

How do you feel about fruits and vegetables, Bill?

I noticed that you regretted the fact that RW falls during the Challenge rather than right before.

Are there any memorable salads, vegetable soups, roasts, purees, sauces or other sources of inspiration you've had while dining out that you might incorporate into your weekly diet?

I actually didn't forget, I just wasn't hungry and kept thinking to myself - Eh, I'll just eat something when I am done with this. And this would lead to that. And by then it was early evening. Just a different routine because of the holiday yesterday. It does show that that eating sometimes comes more from habit than hunger. I always need something to eat on a regular weekday in the morning, but weekends and holidays I can take or leave breakfast and even early lunch.

I've been remiss lately in buying fruit. It seems that lately it has been going to waste, especially since I haven't been eating it in the morning, having replaced it with more protein-based stuff. I need to get back at it though because it would fit into my need for a post-dinner, watching TV snack instead of small bags of cookies or a bowl of cereal.

I've never cooked the types of meals that have a vegetable as a side dish. My vegs normally come as part of the main course or in a salad or soup.

[bilrus]

So today was more normal - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack. One habit that I have gotten myself into over the years is that I absolutely HAVE to have lunch out of my office. On all but the busiest days I get out for 45 minutes to an hour, eat lunch and read the paper, most of the time at a restaurant. This poses me two challenges - 1) when I go to a restaurant, I need to choose wisely - not always easy in the chain world of the suburbs. 2) Make a lunch that I can eat in the car (or in a park, if the weather is particualry nice) - so that means nothing that needs re-heating. (I've already made my lunch for tomorrow to eat in the car.)

Today was a restaurnat day. I try to go with Salads at the chain places as they are the least hard to do and in fact are sometimes pretty good. But they can also be huge fat and calorie wastes. Today I had a fajita salad at On the Border, hold the sour cream and salsa for the dressing. Probably a little more oil than I'd be looking for, but other than that, not too bad. And I gave back the chips that I asked them not to bring, but they did anyway (big step here).

I will post this in the main thread too, but if you are looking for nutrition (and WW points) info for almost any chain restaurant, you can get it at Dotti's Weight Loss Zone - a pretty good resource. Much better than the WW books.

Tuesday, January 16th

• 1 mini bagel with 1 slice canadian bacon
  
• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• Fajita Salad w/ 4 ozs chicken, 1 oz cheese, sauteed onions
  
• 4 cups Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup from Cooking Light (I add some chicken broth to make this recipe into a hearty soup). See below for a slightly blurry pic.
  
• Slice of toasted bread
  
• Romaine with mostly vinegar vinagrette
  
• 1.5 cups All Bran cereal, .5 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup craisins
  
• 1 Yoplait no-fat yogurt
  

[laniloa]

And I gave back the chips that I asked them not to bring, but they did anyway (big step here).

Now that is impressive willpower!

[Monica Bhide]

Go Bill!! You have all my prayers and support!

[bilrus]

Nothing special to report today - made my lunch finally, which really eases the pressure in terms of calorie and fat intake. So much more control.

Dinner wasn't light, but lighter than it could have been. I made a Fettucini Alfredo from Cooking Light. Not everyone likes this type of recipe where you substitute and cut back on the original to make it lower in fat. But this one works for me. Every once in a while I need something rich and creamy and at least this way I'm not going way "off program".

Biggest food news for me is that I had a new JennAire range installed this morning - very nice 16,000 BTU burner and the grill module. I think this will get me cooking even more - hopefully a good thing.

Wednesday January 17th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1/2 oz deli ham
  
• 2 ham sandwiches (4 oz ham, 4 slices double fiber bread, honey mustard)
  
• 15 Kaashi TLC crackers
  
• 20 cornichons
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• 2 cups of fettucini alfredo
  
• 1 slice grilled bread
  
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
  

[DonRocks]

[*]20 cornichons

!

Glad it wasn't 20 Cornish hens!

[Scott Johnston]

Bill,

Looking over your blog, you may want to try to encorporate more veggies and fruit. maybe bring some carrots and some fruit with you to work. I stop every monday at the fruit stand and pick up what ever looks good for my desk for the week. I also stock cut, clean veggies at home so i can grab and go.

[bilrus]

Bill,

Looking over your blog, you may want to try to encorporate more veggies and fruit. maybe bring some carrots and some fruit with you to work. I stop every monday at the fruit stand and pick up what ever looks good for my desk for the week. I also stock cut, clean veggies at home so i can grab and go.

This is definitely jumping out at me too. I did buy several different fruits to eat at night instead of more carb-y things. I'm not much of a snacker during the day though. I need to work things into meals.

[DanielK]

This is definitely jumping out at me too. I did buy several different fruits to eat at night instead of more carb-y things. I'm not much of a snacker during the day though. I need to work things into meals.

Having those between-meal healthy snacks can really help with portion control at mealtime. It's actually really good for your metabolism, too.

[bilrus]

I work in a small office - only five people right now. But three have birthdays in January. And tradition holds that we go out to lunch as a group for birthdays. Right as I am always starting a diet. Just like Restaurant Week.

Today was birthday number three and the birthday girl chose On the Border. Again. And I had the fajita salad. Again. And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

And then I had salad for dinner. Again.

Thursday January 18th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1/2 oz deli ham
  
• Fajita Salad w/ 4 ozs chicken, 1 oz cheese, sauteed onions
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies (I know - I've got to not buy any more of these)
  
• Salad with 4 oz smoked chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, 1 oz shredded Cabot 75% light cheddar (pretty good), 3 tbs french fried onions, 2 tbs bbq sauce, 3 tbs light ranch dressing
  
• 1.5 cups All Bran cereal, .5 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup craisins
  

[DonRocks]

Today was birthday number three and the birthday girl chose On the Border. Again. And I had the fajita salad. Again. And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

And then I had salad for dinner. Again.

All these "Agains" are indications of bulk frustration and caloric need. Amp up the quantity for a day - tomorrow night eat two 8-ounce patties of ground beef with salt and mustard (yes, a pound of hamburger), and a big double-sized baked potato with nothing but lowfat cottage cheese. No bread. One Mary Jane or Hershey's Kiss for dessert to finish with a sweet.

[laniloa]

And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

Wow. Chips are a serious weakness for me. They're salty, crunchy, fatty...what's not to love? If I'm not around them I don't want them but if you put them in front of me I'd have a really hard time.

I have my brother's wedding this weekend and it seems as if we are going from one food gathering to another. I'll be thinking of you passing up the chips as I try and muster the willpower to do the same.

[Barbara]

I work in a small office - only five people right now. But three have birthdays in January. And tradition holds that we go out to lunch as a group for birthdays. Right as I am always starting a diet. Just like Restaurant Week.

Today was birthday number three and the birthday girl chose On the Border. Again. And I had the fajita salad. Again. And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

And then I had salad for dinner. Again.

Thursday January 18th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1/2 oz deli ham
  
• Fajita Salad w/ 4 ozs chicken, 1 oz cheese, sauteed onions
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies (I know - I've got to not buy any more of these)
  
• Salad with 4 oz smoked chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, 1 oz shredded Cabot 75% light cheddar (pretty good), 3 tbs french fried onions, 2 tbs bbq sauce, 3 tbs light ranch dressing
  
• 1.5 cups All Bran cereal, .5 cup 1% milk, 1/3 cup craisins
  

Always ask yourself: Is this worth the calories? I avoid a whole lotta stuff because it just isn't wonderful enough to bother with, much less to have to worry about trying to get rid of it. (I'd say this works for me except that I need to lose weight, too. . Still, I haven't eaten a Twinkie in more years than I can count.)

[Anna Blume]

Today was birthday number three and the birthday girl chose On the Border. Again. And I had the fajita salad. Again. And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

And then I had salad for dinner. Again.

Deconstructing Signs and Signifiers Sited in the Repetitious Usage of the Word "Again" While a Crew from WJLA Channel 7 ABC Sets Up a Shot, Idling 5-6 Yards Away from Bedroom Windows at 5:30 AM to Do a Story on Tolling Cars

Weariness and boredom come across in addition to frustration.

I wonder if your standard fare has gotten monotonous and when it includes salads, they're less than inspired.

I know that one thing I dislike about diet plans or cookbooks on healthful eating is that there is an utter lack of creativity when it comes to promoting produce.

Since you're spending time at eGullet looking at the WW thread, why not make a habit of looking at the Dinner thread regularly, too? That is, if you enjoy cooking or grocery shopping. The photographs often feature beautifully fatty, rare meat, oozing cheese and the like. Nonetheless, there are some very talented home cooks whose plated, tossed, stuffed or steaming colorful vegetables might give you some new ideas.

I know your principal goal is to lose weight, yet everyone seems to be stressing the importance of changing one's approach to food. It seems equally beneficial to try incorporating new dishes into your repertoire, ones based on produce you don't normally buy. I would recommend purchasing Deborah Madison's Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone which has lots of simple, unfussy recipes that might inspire you to try new things.

Since you said you prefer vegetables incorporated into your main dish as opposed to side dishes, you'd discover lots of alternatives to a meal centered around a piece of meat. Novelty, color and variety quell boredom and might help you develop different appetites.

[bilrus]

I think everyone misinterpreted my repeated use of the word "again". It was mainly that I was disappointed that I had to go back to On the Border having been there two days later, on the same day I had planned on having my BBQ chicken salad.

Big salads are actually a favorite meal of mine, whether I am dieting or not. A lot of times I would choose that over what most would consider a "regular" dinner. Jenrus likes tham a little less than I do, so I try to work them into my weekly dinner plan one time a week.

Aside from the admitted need to work in more fruits and vegetables and give up on the 100 calorie packs of cookies, I couldn't be happier and more confident about how things are going.

[DanielK]

Aside from the admitted need to work in more fruits and vegetables and give up on the 100 calorie packs of cookies, I couldn't be happier and more confident about how things are going.

Adding in the fruits and vegetables is a good goal, but I don't think you SHOULD give up the cookies. As long as you aren't knocking back 4 packs at a time, or having them twice a day.

We've all discussed elsewhere how completely removing things you enjoy is a path to failure, as the cravings may eventually force you to binge, drop the diet, or add them back in later and see the weight come back. I think the 100-calorie packs are brilliant - you get a taste of the food you love, and it's an easily measurable, small indulgence.

[Scott Johnston]

And I had the fajita salad. Again. And I refused to eat the chips that sat in front of me for an hour and a half. Again.

And then I had salad for dinner. Again.

Couple of ideas

1) Send the chips back or mash them up into a unsightly mess.

2) Order some tortillas or better yet corn tortillas and a plate of refried beads and salsa ask for no cheese. This is a great low fat apt. Most refried beans have no added oil in them (the days of lard are long gone)

3) Order vegetarian fajitas. Skip the sour cream, limit the cheese and avocado.

4) Make like Tony Soprano and just eat the salsa like soup with a spoon!

[bilrus]

Pretty painless day today.

Friday January 19th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1/2 oz deli ham
  
• 2 california rolls
  
• Minced Chicken with vegetables in Lettuce Cups
  
• 2 100 calorie packages of cookies
  
• 1 yoplait nonfat yogurt
  

[bilrus]

I think I mentioned somewhere that I have actually been more successful at losing when I allow myself one day a week of not journaling and not really following "the plan", whatever plan that is. This day is typically Saturday, as that is the day I used to weigh in when I was on Weight Watchers. But I also use it at times when I know I am going to be having a meal out that doesn't fit neatly into the diet. Of course then I will stick to it on that Saturday.

That's why I didn't post anything here on Saturday. I allowed myself to be "bad" - Eamonn's bad. Of course, since I had it planned, it didn't constitute "falling off the wagon". And since I have been working hard at things for the last two weeks, 1 piece of fish and a handful of fries and two dough balls was enough. A light dinner of some Thai grilled beef and an order of dumplings made for a good day of eating.

Like most of you, I don't want to have to completely give up ALL the things I like. If I can't give myself a few indulgences I'll ultimately give up and fail. If that one day a week will keep me "on" for the other six, then it is worth it.

Sundays are typically my days to cook, especially during the winter. I try to make a little more elaborate dinner and at least one soup to have for an easy dinner during the week. Yesterday it was two soups that you will see pop up here in the next few days and a beef curry with onions recipe from Mangoes and Curry Leaves - the Indian (and Bangladeshi and Pakistani, etc) book from the writers of Hot Sour Salty and Sweet. These are both beautiful cookbooks with interesting recipes. Unfortunately, they can be hit or miss. This one had great flavor and yielded some of the toughest beef I've ever eaten. And it was nasty looking enough that I will spare you all from having to look at a picture of it.

Sunday, January 20th

• 3 fat free hot dogs on light buns with various sauces
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• 1 100 calorie pack of crackers
  
• 2 slices of ham
  
• 8 ozs of beef curry
  
• Yoplait fat free yogurt
  

[Tweaked]

I applaude all the DRers efforts...but fat free hot dogs

[bilrus]

I applaude all the DRers efforts...but fat free hot dogs

I was waiting for someone to finally comment on my use of various fat-free or low fat items. Not everyone will like this stuff, and I can't say that I wouldn't rather have three kick-ass artisan sausages, but three of those kick-ass artisan sausages would probably be about 900 calories and 60 grams of fat or even 540 calories and 48 grams of fat for three regular Ball Park Franks, as opposed to 165 calories and 0 grams of fat for the dogs I had.

They really serve as a condiment delivery device. And the Ball Park Fat Free Beef Franks aren't bad if cooked on the grill long enough to get a little char.

I couldn't live on the fat-free stuff full time, and some of it is truly nasty to me. But some of it is OK and if it allows me to eat a little more of something "real" that I really do like, then it is worth the tradeoff. I'd rather splurge on Eamonn's than a hot dog.

[jparrott]

They really serve as a condiment delivery device. And the Ball Park Fat Free Beef Franks aren't bad if cooked on the grill long enough to get a little char.

Any thoughts on value-added (but not calorie-added) condiments?

[bilrus]

Any thoughts on value-added (but not calorie-added) condiments?

Mustards are your friend here. It is tough to avoid any calories with your condiments, but there are lower cal and fat options.

My Frankfuters Three Ways yesterday included a Ramp Mustard I bought at a farmers market this summer, some of my leftover homemade BBQ sauce from last weekend and Woeber's Sandwich Pal Horseradish Sauce, which has 15 calies and 1.5 grams of fat per tsp (a little goes a pretty long way).

I also like doing this with Tony Packo's Mustard Relish. And making Chicago Dogs with all the fixins really hides the fact that you are eating a fat free dog.

[bilrus]

Monday, January 21st

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• Ham Sandwiches - 3 oz Kurabota Ham (trimmed of excess fat), 4 slices double fiber bread, 1 tsp honey mustard, 2 tsp horseradish sauce
  
• 15 cornichons
  
• 1 100 calorie pack of crackers
  
• 1 cup of grapes
  
• 3 egg omelette w/ 1 tbs butter, muhrooms and 1 oz goat cheese
  
• Baby Romaine with dijon vinagrette (light on the oil)
  
• 1 100 calorie pack of cookies
  
• 2 cups grapes
  

[smokey]

Bill, I'm totally with you on the lower fat hot dog as condiment delivery device. I've got some great French mustard that tastes divine and really livens up an otherwise (at best) so-so product.

On a related note, have you considered cutting down on the yolks in your omelette as another means of reducing calories? I know everybody feels differently about where they cut things, and what is fine to one is anathema to another (e.g. skim milk). But I've found an omelette made with one whole egg plus three whites is really pretty good (particularly when spinach, garlic, and a bit of parmesan are added!). But there are a lot of veggies you can add that are zero point (to put it in WW terms), so keep the omelette reasonably bulky and filling, but still delivering the pleasure of eggs.

Sounds like you're doing a great job--congratulations!

[bilrus]

On a related note, have you considered cutting down on the yolks in your omelette as another means of reducing calories?

I never have done this, but I should try. It isn't like the yolks in an omelette put it over the top for me. Now poached or fried, you better leave my yolks alone.

[bilrus]

Tuesday, Janurary 23

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 6 garlic shrimp
  
• 1 cup sauteed mushrooms
  
• 3 slices bread w/ 1 tbs olive oil
  
• 1 order Chicken Tikka
  
• 1/2 cup basmati rice
  
• 1/2 round garlic naan
  
• 1 100 calorie granola bar
  
• 1 cup grapes
  

Not exactly a good day, but it could have been worse considering both lunch and dinner were from restuarants. Too much olive oil at lunch. At least I had the regular chicken tikka and not chicken tikka masala like I really wanted. And I held back from eating that last half of naan.

[porcupine]

At least I had the regular chicken tikka and not chicken tikka masala like I really wanted. And I held back from eating that last half of naan.

This is exactly how I started several years ago, when I lost a lot of weight: eat only half of something on the plate, choose a lower fat (but still tasty!) option... Eventually my appetite grew smaller and I was able to feel satisfied on less food. It took a long time to lose the weight, but it was sustainable (well, until joining this group ). So keep up the good work. Little changes are easier to make and lead to bigger changes.

[bilrus]

Wednesday January 24th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• Salad with 2 oz chicken, 2 oz ham, 2 oz feta, 1 oz bacon, 2 tbs regular dressing
  
• 4 cups vegetable chili w 1oz low fat cheese, 2 tbs low fat sour cream
  
• 1 100 calorie pack cookies
  
• 1 no- fat Yoplai Yogurt
  

My big achievement yesterday was not getting popcorn at the movie theater. I looked up the nutritional info for even a kids size serving - almost 400 calories and 40 grams of fat. Yikes.

[Anna Blume]

My big achievement yesterday was not getting popcorn at the movie theater. I looked up the nutritional info for even a kids size serving - almost 400 calories and 40 grams of fat. Yikes.

Good for you!

I confess to sneaking in fresh fruit or other low-calorie snacks such as a very small number of raw almonds. Peel or slice the fruit before you go to avoid disturbing others. It's a good way to get in more fiber, Vitamin C or...

[bilrus]

Thursday January 25th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• bowl of crab vegetable soup
  
• 6 ozs blackened catfish
  
• 1/2 cup polenta
  
• 2 slices bread
  
• 3 cups Tuscan chickpea soup
  
• small salad with vinagrette (light on the oil) and grating of parmeggiano
  
• 1 100 calorie granola bar
  
• 1 Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich
  

I finally got a chance to weigh in this morning at my nutritionist's office. It had been driving me crazy because I felt that I was doing well but that intitial 2.4 loss from the first week was all I had to show for it. But this was a shot in the arm - down 10 over the last 2 weeks for a total of 12.4. I actually though it was going to be a little more than that, but I can't complain.

[Barbara]

Way to go, Ace!

[cucas87]

Bill, your progress is keeping me motivated!

[porcupine]

But this was a shot in the arm - down 10 over the last 2 weeks for a total of 12.4. I actually though it was going to be a little more than that, but I can't complain.

Day-um. Good job! BTW I am intrigued by these no-fat smoothies. Are they tasty?

[bilrus]

Day-um. Good job! BTW I am intrigued by these no-fat smoothies. Are they tasty?

They actually are very good. My nutritionist encouraged me to try yougurt and smoothies as a way of either replacing ice cream as a snack in the evening or to get more protein in in the morning. I have tried several varieties of both the yogurts and the smoothies. Stonyfield Farms has a policy about no artificial sweeteners, so it uses sugar. 130 calories and 3 grams of fiber for a 10 ounce bottle. I like their smoothies better than any of the others - I dare anyone to say they miss the fat in these. And the extra 30 calories over the yoplait version is more than worth it.

Interestingly though, I prefer the Yoplait fat-free yogurts to any of the other brands.

The nutritionist is always amazed that I can tell such differences in foods (one brand vs. another, fat-free vs. full fat, etc.). I look at her and think "that is probably why I look the way I do and she looks the way she does".

[cjsadler]

At least I had the regular chicken tikka and not chicken tikka masala like I really wanted.

Good choice. Chicken tikka masala used to be a favorite of mine, but it's one of those dishes that I can't bring myself to order anymore after I found out what goes into it. I'd been trying to make it at home, but it wasn't really coming out like you get at a restaurant. Then I got a recipe from an Indian chef. He was using nearly equal parts butter and tomato puree! I tried it, and copious butter (and some cream) is definitely the key to restaurant style chicken tikka masala. A serving must have a billion calories.

[bilrus]

Good choice. Chicken tikka masala used to be a favorite of mine, but it's one of those dishes that I can't bring myself to order anymore after I found out what goes into it. I'd been trying to make it at home, but it wasn't really coming out like you get at a restaurant. Then I got a recipe from an Indian chef. He was using nearly equal parts butter and tomato puree! I tried it, and copious butter (and some cream) is definitely the key to restaurant style chicken tikka masala. A serving must have a billion calories.

I can certainly still bring myself to ordering it. It is way up there on my "favorite foods" list. But that is certainly a splurge that I can't take right now.

[baczkowski]

I can certainly still bring myself to ordering it. It is way up there on my "favorite foods" list. But that is certainly a splurge that I can't take right now.

Though it's frozen food, I actually eat the Lean Cuisine Chicken Tikka Masala quite often and I like it. Quick and tasty lunch. There's another one I get from Giant (I think it has "Ethnic" in the brand name; red box near the Amy's brand). The tough thing about Lean Cuisine's, though, is that their serving sizes are TOO small (Consumer Reports even confirmed this about a year or two ago) and you need to have something else in order to ward off hunger.

I hope you all don't feel as though I'm "snooping," but I have to say how impressed I am with everyone's positivity, progress and supportive nature!

Pax,

Brian

[bilrus]

Though it's frozen food, I actually eat the Lean Cuisine Chicken Tikka Masala quite often and I like it. ... I hope you all don't feel as though I'm "snooping," but I have to say how impressed I am with everyone's positivity, progress and supportive nature!

Snoopers are welcome, as long as they bring along encouragement and don't brag about the fact that they can eat 8,000 calories a day and not gain a pound.

I've never seen the Lean Cuisine CTM, but I'll need to search it out.

CTM IS jenrus's favorite food and she does eat those frozen dinners from time to time when I'm not around to cook for her. If not, her diet would be mostly cereal and air-popped popcorn.

[smokey]

Way to go, bilrus! I'm so psyched for you.

I agree, I definitely have preferences among the non-fat plain yogurts that I eat. I recently tried butterworths (or some such) farm for the first time. Dang, that's tart. I like it to taste yogurt-y, but this is a bit much. Note to self, return to one of my other nonfat plain yogurts before buying butterworks again.

[Anna Blume]

Wow.

Wow.

Yes, that does seem to explain, in part, why so many recipes written by medical and nutritional experts are less than appealing.

Nonetheless, I think it's great you're consulting a professional during this process and it seems as if you're getting encouragement as well as sound advice.

* * *

Not practical for carting or hurried mornings, but there's a way to make really good smoothies without any added sweetners.

I never use sugar, honey, etc., but rely on bananas. I buy a large bag of over-ripe ones when I can, slice them and divide them into portions before freezing.

Take what you need out of the freezer and blend with favorite plain yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit that you wish to provide the flavor, and fresh mint, lemon zest or gingerroot if complementary.

[bilrus]

* *

Not practical for carting or hurried mornings, but there's a way to make really good smoothies without any added sweetners.

I never use sugar, honey, etc., but rely on bananas. I buy a large bag of over-ripe ones when I can, slice them and divide them into portions before freezing.

Take what you need out of the freezer and blend with favorite plain yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit that you wish to provide the flavor, and fresh mint, lemon zest or gingerroot if complementary.

It is a good idea in theory.

But I am one of the few people in the world who HATE bananas. HATE. HATE. HATE. The texture, the flavor, the smell. Everything about them. Even if they were covered in a pound of chocolate and served with a side of bacon.

Can you tell I have a thing about bananas?

[Anna Blume]

Ummmm, yes.

Actually, you're not one of a few and it's funny how something that I find disgusting at room temperature, I like frozen when masked by other flavors. There are certain Odwalla drinks I would not buy back when I didn't care about calories simply because they contained bananas and tasted of bananas.

[laniloa]

The nutritionist is always amazed that I can tell such differences in foods (one brand vs. another, fat-free vs. full fat, etc.). I look at her and think "that is probably why I look the way I do and she looks the way she does".

I've had this same discussion with a very thin friend of mine who eats like she has been on a diet since birth. I came to the same conclusion.

Keep up the great work!

[bilrus]

It occurred to me that I have been a lttle lax in journaling (at least in this thread) the last few days, so here is my catch up.

Friday Janurary 26th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• chicken kabob salad (6 ozs grilled chicken, 4 tbs yogurt dressing)
  
• 1/2 flatbread
  
• 1 order Singapore noodles w/ chicken
  

Saturday Janurary 27th

• My non-journal day for the week. I succumbed to having popcorn at the theater tonight. Oh well.
  

Sunday January 28th

• 1 100 calorie package chex mix
  
• 3 fat free Chicago style hot dogs w/ light buns
  
• 10 oz grilled salmon kaprow
  
• 3/4 cup jasmine rice
  
• 1 cup kaprow green beans
  
• 1 fat free yogurt w/ strawberries
  

And yesterday I made the big step of joining a boxing gym. This is either going to help with the weight loss or I am going to be writing tomorrow about my visit to the emergency room and the cast on my wrist.

[bilrus]

Monday January 29th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• 1 Turkey sandwich on wheat from Potbelly w/ no cheese and a light smear of mayo
  
• 2 large deli pickles
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• 1.5 cups of megadarra w/ 3 tbs onions
  
• 1.5 cups Optimum Slim cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

Today I had my first boxing workout. It went pretty well. The trainer at the gym wanted me to start slow so he could evaluate me and my fitness and skill level. He said I did better than he expected (whatever that means ) and that I punch a hell of a lot harder than most people at the gym. But I'm not sure I am going to be ready for the full classes yet. It is more fun than sitting on my bike watching tv though. I do know that my shoulders are going to SCREAMING tomorrow morning.

I've attached more photos of meals from the last few days, including, yes, the fat free hot dogs.

[bilrus]

OK, I am still a little sore from working out yesterday, but I actually wanted to go back tonight. I didn't (mainly because I don't want to burn myself out too quickly). But that is still a good sign

Tuesday January 30th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• Roast beef sandwich (4 oz of meat) w/ horseradish sauce on wheat roll
  
• 1.5 cups chicken noodle soup
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• Vietnamese green apple salad with grilled beef (8 oz beef)
  
• 1.5 cups Optimum Slim cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

[DonRocks]

OK, I am still a little sore from working out yesterday, but I actually wanted to go back tonight. I didn't (mainly because I don't want to burn myself out too quickly). But that is still a good sign

Tuesday January 30th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• Roast beef sandwich (4 oz of meat) w/ horseradish sauce on wheat roll
  
• 1.5 cups chicken noodle soup
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• Vietnamese green apple salad with grilled beef (8 oz beef)
  
• 1.5 cups Optimum Slim cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

No way you're not losing weight.

[ScotteeM]

Billrus,

For muscle soreness: Go to your local health food store or Whole Foods and pick up a little blue tube of Arnica Montana 30c. Pop a couple of pellets in your mouth when you haven't had food for about 15-20 minutes, and wait the same amount of time after before eating or drinking. That should help with the muscle soreness. They're sugar pellets, but it's not that much sugar.

You can also get Arnica gel or cream to rub on sore muscles. Works like a charm.

You Go!

[smokey]

[*]Vietnamese green apple salad with grilled beef (8 oz beef)

Mmmmm, you wanna share the recipe for that green apple salad? It's looking might tasty!

[bilrus]

Mmmmm, you wanna share the recipe for that green apple salad? It's looking might tasty!

It is very good and it looks good too, that picture makes me wish I had leftovers for lunch. I love it every time I make it, but for some reason I only seem to pull the recipe out like once a year. It came from Gourmet a few years back. The apples take the place of green papayas, which they say would be more traditional. And amazingly, the recipe as written has no added oil or fat in either the dressing or the marinade. I add a dash of sesame oil to the marinade, but it is still very "light."

I tried finding it online so I could link to it but couldn't. I'll type it up tonight.

[TedE]

It is a good idea in theory.

But I am one of the few people in the world who HATE bananas. HATE. HATE. HATE. The texture, the flavor, the smell. Everything about them. Even if they were covered in a pound of chocolate and served with a side of bacon.

Can you tell I have a thing about bananas?

I used to buy frozen mango chunks (Trader Joe's usually had them cheap) for when I ran out of frozen bananas. Used them the same way with yogurt, some milk to thin it out, other frozen fruits, and sometimes soy or whey powder if it was a real meal replacement in the morning. I also slice up overripe avocados and freeze them (which happens more often than not when I buy them). They add a great texture if done in moderation. Most people I know don't agree with me, though.

[bilrus]

I used to buy frozen mango chunks (Trader Joe's usually had them cheap)

Now, mangoes I could do.

[bilrus]

No way you're not losing weight.

Only one f'ing pound this week?!?!?!

[bilrus]

Mmmmm, you wanna share the recipe for that green apple salad? It's looking might tasty!

Green Apple Salad with Grilled Beef

Beef and Marinade

1 lb flank steak

1/4 cup minced fresh lemongrass

1 tbs minced shallot

4 tsp fish sauce

2 tsp soy sauce

2 tsp sugar

Dressing

3 tbs lime juice

1/4 lime pulp

3 tbs water

3 tbs sugar

3 tbs fish sauce

1 garlic clove

1/2 to 1 tsp serrano chile

Salad

4 granny smith apples

1/2 cup basil leaves

1/4 cup cliantro leaves

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Cut beef into 1/4 inch slices. Marinate. Grill for a minute or two per side.

Combine dressing ingredients and puree.

Cut apple into matchsticks using mandoline or knife. Toss apples, basil, cilantro and peantus with 3/4 of the dressing.

Mound with beef on top. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

[smokey]

Thanks, Bill! How many would you estimate that serves? I'm thinking 4, but they might be small portions?

[bilrus]

Thanks, Bill! How many would you estimate that serves? I'm thinking 4, but they might be small portions?

The recipe says four, but I'd say it is somewhere between 2 and 4.

[JLK]

Re: boxing, good for you, Bill! I have boxed a little and really enjoyed it. It did great things for my upper body strength, but not enough for my hips and thighs (less of a concern for men, of course). Just yesterday a friend roped me into attending her kickboxing class. I asked if I should bring my wraps and she just looked at me. Turns out it was more of a tae bo class. I survived, although I thought I might have a heart attack, and today I'm pleasantly sore.

[bilrus]

Has it really been since last Tuesday that I journaled? Nice commitment there, bilrus.

Monday February 5th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• Chicken Kabob Salad - 6 oz grilled chicken, 4 tbs yogurt dressing
  
• 1/2 round of flatbread
  
• 1 orange
  
• 1 100 calorie package Chex Mix
  
• 3 cups spaghetti
  
• 1 cup tomato sauce w/ 1/2 tbs olive oil
  
• 1.5 cups Optimum Slim cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

[DonRocks]

Has it really been since last Tuesday that I journaled? Nice commitment there, bilrus.

Hey, 39 pounds sounds like a LOT less than 53.

[bilrus]

Tuesday February 6th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 slice Canadian Bacon
  
• 5 oz roasted Turkey
  
• 1 cup mashed potatoes w/ gravy
  
• 1/2 cup roasted apples
  
• 1 piece cornbread
  
• 6 oz serving Thai grilled steak
  
• 1/2 cup rice
  
• 1 100 calorie package chex mix
  

[cucas87]

I'm still trying to find the non-fat smoothies you've written about. So far I've only seen the regular (not light) smoothies. Are you buying these anywhere in particular?

[bilrus]

I'm still trying to find the non-fat smoothies you've written about. So far I've only seen the regular (not light) smoothies. Are you buying these anywhere in particular?

I've gotten them at Giant and Wegman's.

[bilrus]

During my trip to the nutritionist today I started to feel like I needed a therapist more than a nutritionist. And in some ways that isn't far from the truth. I mean, I know what I am supposed to eat and not eat. And I know when I am doing well and when I'm not. The problem I have is WHY do I do well and WHY do I not do well? It is

The last ten days or so have been pretty bad for me. I was sick for two days last week and probably longer without realizing it. I've been run down and not feeling like cooking when I get home in the evenings. I hurt my wrist boxing last week and haven't been since last Wednesday. Work has been a drag. I've been hungrier lately - a real physical, stomach acid rising hunger - not just wanting to eat a little more. And I've hit the point - five or six weeks in - where many previous diets have failed me. And, oh yeah, dinner at Cityzen on Saturday wasn't exactly spa food.

That's a long list of issues that all culminated in me eating more, eating easier, less healthy food and exercising less. The only logical result of that is gaining 3.6 pounds over the last two weeks.

The nutritionist is well intentioned but like I said, I'm not sure it is what I need. I need to get my head straight and motivated. I about flew off the handle today when I was explaining that this six week point is where a lot of previous diets have gone off the rails and she tried to remind me that it is a "lifestyle change' and not a "diet". And that the difference is that this is a change for the rest of my life and not a short term thing. Now first of all, the semantics are just a bunch of bullshit - what I call it isn't going to motivate me. And second of all, the fact that it is a lifelong permanent change is not a motivating factor. It makes it even harder to come to terms with and makes me more likely to slide into bad habits. My problem isn't knowledge, it is willpower.

And another thing - I about walked out of her office when she said something about the fact that I had lost "only" ten pounds. This was hard enough to do without belittling it.

OK - end of rant. I'm back at it today.

See, I really do need a therapist more than a nutritionist.

[porcupine]

During my trip to the nutritionist today I started to feel like I needed a therapist more than a nutritionist.

I'm totally with you on this. Makes me think of the friend who once said "just eat less". Well, yeah, of course it's that simple... but it isn't. If it were that simple, we'd all be thin. There are times when controlling your appetite is damn near impossible. I wish I had an answer for you, Bill. All I can offer is my empathy. It's been this way for me, too, the last few weeks.

[Barbara]

See, I really do need a therapist more than a nutritionist.

Maybe you need to change your nutritionist. You certainly don't need any lectures from her.

As you know, I am looking at this whole project as a life-changing method; I'm uninterested in "diets" per se. It's too easy to yo-yo otherwise.

I also believe that the whole point in joining the challenge is to help one another with information, encouragement, advice or whatever any of us needs from the group. You wanna vent? By all means.

I get my exercise by walking outdoors and the past two days have been almost completely sedentary. I finally got out this afternoon to get stuff for dinner and I am not going out again until the rich folk in those $1M condos find a way to shovel the sidewalks in front of their buildings. And, it warms up.

[DonRocks]

she tried to remind me that it is a "lifestyle change' and not a "diet". And that the difference is that this is a change for the rest of my life and not a short term thing. Now first of all, the semantics are just a bunch of bullshit - what I call it isn't going to motivate me. And second of all, the fact that it is a lifelong permanent change is not a motivating factor. It makes it even harder to come to terms with and makes me more likely to slide into bad habits. My problem isn't knowledge, it is willpower.

It's a "permanent lifestyle change" in that you should be on a program and always be aware of what you're doing.

But it's not a permanent lifestyle change in terms of the weightloss. If you continue to lose 50 pounds every six months, you'll weigh 123 pounds in four years, so you are absolutely attempting something above-and-beyond a permanent change in habits.

It's like trying to get out of debt - the lifestyle change involves coming up with a plan and budget, and exercising some sort of thought and discipline about your spending habits, but it doesn't mean you can't go out and buy anything ever again or go to a movie. And if one day you pack up the family and go skiing, you'll probably go to sleep with less money than you woke up with. Not a big deal.

So I think you need to avoid confusing "permanent lifestyle change" with "losing weight." The second may follow from the first, but they do not go hand-in-hand.

That will be ten dollars.

[Barbara]

It's a "permanent lifestyle change" in that you should be on a program and always be aware of what you're doing.

But it's not a permanent lifestyle change in terms of the weightloss. If you continue to lose 50 pounds every six months, you'll weigh 123 pounds in four years, so you are absolutely attempting something above-and-beyond a permanent change in habits.

It's like trying to get out of debt - the lifestyle change involves coming up with a plan and budget, and exercising some sort of thought and discipline about your spending habits, but it doesn't mean you can't go out and buy anything ever again or go to a movie. And if one day you pack up the family and go skiing, you'll probably go to sleep with less money than you woke up with. Not a big deal.

So I think you need to avoid confusing "permanent lifestyle change" with "losing weight." The second may follow from the first, but they do not go hand-in-hand.

That will be ten dollars.

Nicely put. Maybe I should clarify that I am looking not only to lose weight but also make sure I don't wind up again as a chubbette. That's the life-changing part.

[bookluvingbabe]

Maybe you need to change your nutritionist. You certainly don't need any lectures from her.

As you know, I am looking at this whole project as a life-changing method; I'm uninterested in "diets" per se. It's too easy to yo-yo otherwise.

I also believe that the whole point in joining the challenge is to help one another with information, encouragement, advice or whatever any of us needs from the group. You wanna vent? By all means.

I get my exercise by walking outdoors and the past two days have been almost completely sedentary. I finally got out this afternoon to get stuff for dinner and I am not going out again until the rich folk in those $1M condos find a way to shovel the sidewalks in front of their buildings. And, it warms up.

Barbara-- Time to call the city hotline and get them ticketed. It's been 24 hours so they need to get the damn sidewalk cleared.

Bill--I have long been the sounding board for my friend on WW. At one point she was down about 160 pounds but she gained back about 30 in the last year (all while attending weekly meetings...) This has been a 7+ year journey for her. A good WW group (and there are some out there) can act at times like group therapy to deal with your food and motivation issues. Barring that, a therapist can't hurt! A nutrionist who really works with you can be a huge help too. Clearly this woman isn't the right one for you.

And continue to vent here! We're good listeners! (Or at least readers....)

[laniloa]

I'm also voting for getting a new nutritionist. A nutritionist who has been successful with a variety of clients who had substantial amounts of weight to lose (not just 20-30-40 pounds) would have to be part therapist. Even have training in that department. Would definitely have to have learned to be a good listener and not drop insensitive comments. Or drop the idea of a nutritionist and find a therapist. Try that and see how you do.

It might be worth finding a personal chef too. While I know you enjoy cooking and make wonderful looking meals, it might be nice to know you have a go to person for when you have rough patches (injury, illness, work, blahs) that will take care of you and make it easier to stay on track.

[Barbara]

I'm also voting for getting a new nutritionist.

I've actually given this subject quite a bit of thought over the years. I mean "Who needs a nutritionist?" other than people trying to lose weight, of course. Well, there are all kinds of people. Models--who need to remain thin, but don't want to die of starvation; Cancer patients--who don't want to eat, but need to; Diabetics--who need to monitor what they eat down to the tiniest nanomolecule (that's not real, I know that) to minimize the worst aspects of that disease. So, I have come to the conclusion that nutritionists are also specialists, just like doctors.

Bilrus needs to find one who specializes in PERMANENT weight loss and doesn't blame his/her clients for his/her situation. Personally, from my own life-long observations, it all has to do with energy levels. I've known a couple of women who never gained a pound throughout their lives, whether they had children or not. But, they were also the MOST energetic women ever. This was something innate in both of them. Into their eighties, they could both run me ragged. Just sayin'

So, what do those of us do whose metabolism rates aren't so good and whose energy levels just aren't very high?

[bilrus]

So, what do those of us do whose metabolism rates aren't so good and whose energy levels just aren't very high?

I guess we keep busting ass, eating right and exercising trying to boost our metabolism. Unfortunately it ain't easy.

I think my plan is to get back to my primary care who recommended the nutritionist as part of my plan and see what he thinks. I think she has been good in terms of putting an eating plan in place for me and is worlds better than the one I went to a few years back who basically gave me a copy of the Food Pyramid and said "Here ya go." That said, I may want to look for someone as Barbara suggested who specializes in patients with significant amounts to lose.

As for today, first step is to get back to journaling so here goes:

Thursday February 15th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 2 cups Italian Wedding Soup
  
• 3 cups Shrimp and Snow Peas
  
• 1 cup white rice
  
• 1 100 calorie pack or crackers
  
• 1.5 cups Kaashi Wheat cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  
• 1 100 calorie pack of cookies
  
• 1.5 cups 1% milk
  

This is from a great recipe from the Post a few years back when they did a year long cooking school in the Food section.

[cjsadler]

This is from a great recipe from the Post a few years back when they did a year long cooking school in the Food section.

That looks excellent, Bill. Can you share the recipe?

[clayrae]

"My problem isn't knowledge, it is willpower."

Amen to that.

I haven't posted anything in regards to my progress lately because there has been no progress. It hit the skids at the end of January for my birthday and has continued to skid right through the February doldrums.

In a particular fit of madness the other night, with an overwhelming desire to stuff anything and everything I could get my hands on, into my mouth, I called my mom and demanded "WHY DO I NEED TO BE THIN??" In her infinite mom wisdom she quickly retorted that I did not really need to be thin, but I really needed to be physically fit. Ok, ok, ok, I know that, thinness has never been my goal, fitness has. (Thinness being a not unpleasant side effect.)

So then I need a therapist as well, as I am more than fully aware of exactly what it takes to be fit, a balanced diet and regular exercise, and yet putting this into practice remains my biggest challenge. I complete hundreds of complicated tasks every day barely lifting a finger and THIS is what brings me down?!

It's late, I'm rambling. I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring too. I sympathize and empathize. These days I try not to beat myself up about it. They say life is a marathon, not a sprint. The sun will rise in the morning and I will try again. *sigh*

[Anna Blume]

Bill, I just noticed your lament today and see that you've already gotten good advice, support and affirmation. I am sorry it's been so tough.

Don Rock's solid math and rational observations are precisely what I've been trying to tell myself: these kinds of limitations are temporary---but they are something that many of us are going to be dealing with for quite some time. I've only begun to really lose any weight, and this week found myself go up again, and down again, again. But the fact is that we all know this is how it goes and that the weight is going to continue dropping as long as you persist.

Only ten pounds in six weeks? Man, that could be 90 pounds a year from now! 90 pounds! That is a lot of weight!!! Be proud of yourself.

I know that if I reach my target weight by May 29, I still have the same amount to continue losing, twice, so I plan to keep going. I imagine you'll have more than enough company to continue beyond the conclusion of this challenge once your motivation returns. It will.

Some say that first pounds come off easy and quick. Wish that were true for all of us. It's hard. It's even harder to keep going despite days like today.

You're doing the right things, though. You're monitoring what you eat. You're not being totally ascetic and rigid, but you are being disciplined. You're getting exercise and I see you're incorporating more foods that are naturally low in calories (fruits and vegetables) into your meals and being creative in the things you prepare yourself. (I noticed some of your contributions to the Asian Noodle Soup Cook-Off over at the other site, BTW. You'd be a shoe-in for the soup cult many of us seem to have joined.)

Just do what happy vegetarians do: don't make do with substitutes for the things your diet denies you. Instead, focus on eating things you really like and discovering new ones you've never tried before to keep your interest up. Same with exercise which doesn't have to be inside a gym or a ring--as you know.

Regarding what Don said about math, one thing that has helped me is finding a site where you calculate BMI (Body Mass Index). I like the ones that ask you how much exercise you get. Once you plug in the honest truth about your current state of being and it tells you how many calories you ought to eat to lose or maintain weight, start plugging in lower figures and higher levels of physical activity. Plug in your ideal weight along with different degrees of exercise and see what you'll be entitled to as you're striving to reach your goals. It doesn't seem so bad, then. (Hope this doesn't sound too preachy or like your nutrionist.)

One thing that might work is writing the name of your nutritionist twelve times on a piece of white paper in bright red ink, each time in the same place, freely, without methodically tracing your first effort even if it ends up as illegible scrawl. Fold it in half. Again. Again, creasing the edges sharply. Find a purple candle and wait until midnight. Turn off the lights. Light the candle. Start chanting whatever the hell you want and hold the paper steadily over the flame. Watch it burn. She won't suffer, I assure you, but if you're in touch with your feminine side and have anything remotely like your 14-year old self still left inside you, it will make you feel so much better.

[bilrus]

That looks excellent, Bill. Can you share the recipe?

No problem. Here it is.

Stir-fried Shrimp and Snow Peas

Makes 2 good sized servings

2 cups low sodium chicken stock or broth

1 tbs peanut or vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic minced

2 tbs soy sauce

1 tbs toasted sesame oil

1 tbs oyster sauce

1/2 tsp sugar

1 tsp white wine, mirin, sherry or marsala

1/2 tsp cornstarch

1 lb large shrimp

4 cups snow peas (or sugar snap peas)

salt and pepper

Simmer the stock or broth over medium heat until reduced to 1/3 of a cup. Reserve. (I've omitted the reduction step when in a time pinch and it works fine. This just gives the sauce a little more viscosity and intensifies the flavor a bit.)

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, wine and garlic. Slowly add cornstarch until no lumps remain.

Heat wok over high heat. Add oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Coat sides of wok with oil. Add shrimp to wok and cook untouched for 10 seconds. Quickly turn shrimp and then stir fry for 1 minute or until shirmp are pink but not cooked through.

Add snow peas and stir fry for 20 seconds. Stir in reserved sauce for 10 seconds. Add 5 tbs of reduced stock or broth and stir to coat. Remove from wok. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with white or brown rice.

Nutritional info for 1 serving: 216 calories, 27 gm protein, 9 gm carbs, 7 gm fat, 1 gm saturated fat, 837 mg sodium, 2 gm fiber.

[laniloa]

As for today, first step is to get back to journaling so here goes:

Excellent rebound!

[DonRocks]

As for today, first step is to get back to journaling so here goes

And? And??

[Barbara]

Bill: Thanks for that Shrimp and Snow Pea recipe. I made it for our dinner last night and it is certainly a keeper. Because Dame Edna is the one who makes stir-frys around these parts, there was a bottle of Oyster Sauce in the fridge. I only needed to get some snow peas (which I blanched in some salted water first), some lettuce to make an accompanying salad, and a bottle of wine. I added too much chicken stock and threw in some hot pepper paste (Hey! Heat is a good thing around our house), but this is a recipe that can be tweaked ad inifinitum. That it all came together very quickly is a side issue.

[bilrus]

And? And??

And here are Friday and Monday...

Friday February 16th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 2 sushi rolls
  
• 1 cup miso soup
  
• 1/2 small St. Louis style pizza
  
• small salad w/ 2 tbs dressing and grating of parm cheese
  
• 1 100 calorie pack of cookies
  
• 1.5 cups 1% milk
  

Monday February 19th

• 1 can Goya black bean soup
  
• 3 cups "Gumbo-style" soup (w/ shrimp, chicken and andouille but no roux)
  
• 1 cup white rice
  
• 1 100 calorie package of cookies
  
• 1.5 cups Kaashi Wheat cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

As for the weekend, well, lunch at Tacqueria Poblano (damn the duck tacos are good) and my first visit to Cheestique were both not exactly Challenge-friendly, but other than that, not too bad.

Tonight is going to be my first day back at boxing, so hopefully I reap the benefits of exercise again.

[bilrus]

Tuesday February 20th

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1 small order of pho (5 cups ?) with eye of round
  
• 2 summer rolls
  
• 8 oz Easy Chicken Tikka from Monica Bhide's recipe in the Post a few weeks ago. Served on Flat Out brand flat bread (only 100 calories for a piece large enough for two sandwiches) and low-fat tamarind mayonnaise
  
• 1.5 cups Kaashi Wheat cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  

I also got back into the gym for the first time in about two weeks yesterday and it was like starting from scratch. My arms are burning a bit this morning. Unfortunately, my wrist bothered me as soon as I started hitting the bag so I need to lay of fhtat for a while. I guess it's more shadow boxing and cardio for another week or two.

[DonRocks]

Don't you dare use a wrist injury as an excuse not to go to the gym unless your hand is dangling by a tendon!

[bilrus]

Don't you dare use a wrist injury as an excuse not to go to the gym unless your hand is dangling by a tendon!

No, that excuse only lasted the first couple days when I couldn't bend my wrist at all and was taking vicodins. After that my excuse was that I can occasionally be prone to inertia.

What I meant to say is that I was laying off hitting the heavy bag for a while and focusing on technique and cardio which makes for a pretty good workout. Hitting the bag just adds a little extra resistance.

[laniloa]

What I meant to say is that I was laying off hitting the heavy bag for a while and focusing on technique and cardio which makes for a pretty good workout. Hitting the bag just adds a little extra resistance.

Or you can get a workout smacking Rocks for missing your comment about shadow boxing and cardio!

I find having to exercise around injuries sucks the motivation right out of me. Good for you for keeping going!

How are things going with the nutritionist? Have things improved?

[DonRocks]

I find having to exercise around injuries sucks the motivation right out of me. Good for you for keeping going!

Upper-body injury is the perfect time to work on lower-body flexibility.

Also: Remember that when you shovel snow from your driveway, you should make sure to leave a 1/4-inch layer to maintain that pretty winter appearance.

I'm such a realist,

Martha Stewart.

[laniloa]

Also: Remember that when you shovel snow from your driveway, you should make sure to leave a 1/4-inch layer to maintain that pretty winter appearance.

I'm such a realist,

Martha Stewart.

And stand guard against the neighborhood dogs who think themselves the next Pollock.

[bilrus]

How are things going with the nutritionist? Have things improved?

I go this evening - we'll see. I've been researching other nutritionists but haven't found anything that jumps out at me yet.

[bilrus]

Wednesday February 21st

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• Salad with grilled onions, 4 ozs grilled chicken, 2 tbs regular dressing, 1 tbs sour cream, 1 oz cheddar cheese
  
• 1 100 calorie package crackers
  
• 2 cups pasta w/ 1 cup marinara sauce
  
• 1 100 calorie package cookies
  

[bilrus]

I go this evening - we'll see. I've been researching other nutritionists but haven't found anything that jumps out at me yet.

Well, I got out of work late and didn't make the appointment. Now I wait until next week. But I did get an early start on the gym and my wrist felt fine today.

Thursday February 22nd

• 1 Stonyfield Farms no-fat smoothie
  
• 1/2 Cuban Sandwich and 1 cup vegetarian black beans
  
• 6 ozs Shaking Beef
  
• 3/4 cup jasmine rice
  
• 1.5 cups Kaashi Wheat cereal and .5 cups 1% milk
  
• 1 100 calorie package cookies
  
• 2 cups 1% milk
  

The Shaking Beef is a recipe from the Slanted Door, a vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. I didn't really like the restaurant all that much, but this dish was a standout - in fact the only one. I use a lot less oil than the recipe calls for and I used a low-fat Danish butter that I found at wegman's. Pretty good for cooking with and a lot less calories and fat. Much better than any domestic low-fat 'butter' I've tried.

[DonRocks]

Bill, I look forward to your journal each day (good days and bad days), but they've been falling off. Can you redouble your efforts?

And remember: It's never too late in the day to write poetry.

[Heather]

Agreed Bill. You're an inspiration.