Eat By Design: Day 24!!

wow!  I have done well (pat myself on the back)!

Well I didn't write yesterday.  It was a busy day.  I will say that I did Eat By Design all day long!

Today was a busy day too, except I got a late start to the day.  We slept in until 9:30am!  WOW!!  Hahaha. That was a nice treat.  Avery was up at 5:30am, but granny got up with her.  The downside is I missed crossfit (I didnt make it Friday night because we were still trying to get dinner made).  Oh well, there is always tomorrow.

I went shopping today.  It wasn't a great experience, but it wasn't horrible. I was hoping I would have lost some weight by the time I really needed to buy some clothes, but sadly I haven't.  I needed some decent clothes for work now that the winter seems to be setting in to I had to suck it up and buy clothes anyways.

What Did I Eat Today?
Breakfast - eggs, bacon, coffee
lunch - rotisserie chicken, plain green salad
dinner - spaghetti squash with my super sauce, roasted veggies
snacks - a few nuts
treats - red wine

How Do I Feel?
Pretty frustrated.  I've been eating well, exercising fairly regularly, and I am still not shedding the pounds.  It makes no sense.  Yes my arms and legs are toning up, but that is not my problem area.  I want my belly and love handles to disappear!!  I'm tempted to hang out with my soup diet for a few weeks.  At least I know I can kick of the lbs fast, then work on the maintenance aspect of it. BAH!  I hate being fat and I just dont understand why it just wont go away!! BAH

My Biggest Challenge Today
Eating lunch at the mall. LOL.  A day out with the family, and lunch time rolls around.  We ended up getting chicken from Swiss Chalet.  Seemed to be the most "by design" option available.

Tomorrow is a new day.  I will lose at least 10lbs before my husband returns from Nigeria!!!!

JoJo!!

Eat By Design: Day 22!!!

22 days and still going strong!!  Yup Yup!

What a long day!  I started with my chiropractor at 7:30am, I worked 2 grade 1 classes on the southside (Millwoods), I went to the office (Goldbar area), then to family programming at one of my schools (Claireview area), didn't reach home until 5:30pm!  Of course it was speedy dinner then off to try and sort out insurance for the car.

Why are insurance companies such butt heads.  I get my abstract from ICBC (who insured me based on my abstract from California), yet the still need me to collect more information from California.  Why are there no mutual agreements between provinces?  It makes no sense!! UGH!!

I am treating myself to a glass of wine this evening!

What did I eat today?
Breakfast - coffee, bacon, and my scramble
Lunch - roasted veggies and avocado
Dinner - roasted veggies and chicken
treats - wine and dark chocolate

How Do I Feel?
Other than the stress of my condo not selling, and the house we are trying to get having lots of action.... oh, and the stress and frustration of obtaining car insurance.... I am feeling pretty good!!!

My Biggest Challenge Today?
Managing my stress levels and not freaking out. I don't deal with stress very well.  Lucky for me I have an amazing husband who can handle my freak outs pretty well.  He is super calm.  I tend to be a little on the anxious side on a good day, so when I get stressed out, he is just the medicine I need!!

See you on day 23!!  Only 1 week to go until it is a lifestyle not a challenge!!

JoJo!!

Eat By Design: Day 21

Wooo Hoooo!!  I have a habit! LOL!  21 days!!

Nature is cruel.  Not only does the baby have a chest infection, but she is teething.  So in between the coughing, sneezing, and runny nose, the poor kiddo is pawing at her mouth and gums :-(  I think her fangs are coming in ;-)

Today was another day of sitting on my rear end in meetings.  One of my co-workers was asking me about my "diet"  I told her the bits I remember, and the next questions was "do you have allergies?" I said no,  "Well why are you doing it?"  I responded with "my health, I want to feel better, and I want to be able to run around and play with my grandchilden (someday)."  I got a really positive reaction!!  She said "good for your, I couldn't do it, but good for you for being strong."

What did I eat today?
Breakfast - coffee, tomato, banana pepper and mushroom scramble
snack - pumpkin muffin (my co-workers were having cobbs cinnamon rolls)
lunch - roasted veggies with avocado, apple
snack - muffin
dinner - roasted veggies, salmon

How Do I feel?
Its Hump day, its my tired day of the week, but I worked, had an adjustment and went to crossfit, so I am feeling not too bad!  (definitely ready for bed though)

My Biggest Challenge Today?
It may not be a challenge today, but something I have seemed to notice throughout the challenge.  I think I am snacking out of habit (something I have done a lot longer than 21 days) rather than snacking because I am hungry.

Until Tomorrow!!

JoJo!!

Eat By Design: Day 20

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit... Almost there!!!!!

Today was a pretty typical day... well maybe not.  I had MDT (multi-disciplinaryteam) meetings all day.  Sooooo, that meant sitting on my butt for 6 hours straight discussing the needs of the kiddos with their teachers.  I took some of my "paleo pumpkin muffins" for everyone, and they were a HUGE hit.  My co-workers were impressed with how moist the muffins were, and how tasty they were without using any of the traditional ingredients!  Yay me!

My co-workers often comment on how delicious my lunches look and smell.  That is usually followed up with comments along the lines of "i couldn't give up bread", or "I love dessert too much."  One meal at a time I say.  Make one small substitution and see how it goes.  It's really not bad, I love my  meals, and I am not really missing any particular food.  UNLESS, it is right under my nose. LOL

What Did I Eat Today?
Breakfast - coffee, and my famous scramble
snack - blackberry square
lunch - roasted veggies
snack - mixed nuts
dinner - roasted veggies with sun-dried tomatoes with shrimp

How Do I Feel?
Today I feel pretty good.  It was a rough night with the baby, but I am still feeling ok physically.  I wish I could have stayed home with my little girl today.  She has not been feeling well the past few days, and last night was a bad night.  All she wanted was to cuddle with mommy and daddy, and I had to try and sleep as much as possible so I could get to work today.  Daddy took her to the Dr, and gave her all the cuddles she needed. Boo to working full time.

What was my biggest challenge?
Today it was not being able to be with my baby when I knew she needed me, or rather, I needed to be with her. I miss her so much, and even more so when she is not well.

Until day 21, where eating by design will be a habit ;-)

JoJo!!

Eat By Design: Day 19

Yep! 19 days and counting!!  

 
I made a commitment that I would go to Crossfit this evening and I did!!  Every inch of my body feels it, and not one inch of me regrets it!! 

It was honestly a tough choice to make!  My BFF invited me to a movie premiere, that sounded like fun!  My mom went, so I am sure she will fill me in.  After dinner I was tired and got in the "I'm tired funk."  Today My hubby was very supportive and told me to just go and do the best I can. I'm so happy he pushed me to go.  I loved my time there, and feel great for going!!

What Did I Eat Today?
Probably a few too many treats, but I am so enjoying them I'm over treating myself! LOL
Breakfast - coffee, salsa, mushroom, egg scramble
snack - blackberry squares, mixed nuts
Lunch - butter chicken with spaghetti squash
Snack - apple
Dinner - roasted veggies, spicy chicken sausage
Snack - blackberry squares, nuts, chocolate.

When I look back at what I ate today, I sure did eat a LOT!  I will not eat this much tomorrow!!

How Do I Feel?
A little bloated today, but I have eaten a lot of nuts and they tend to do that to me.  There is almond flour in some of the treats, so that is something I am going to have to keep an eye on.

My Biggest Challenge?
Obviously managing how many treats I am eating!  I went a little overboard today.  I have been so long without treats, I think I may have over indulged, but it is  ok.  I will find a balance!

Today after Crossfit I had a chat with some of my fellow crossfitters who are also doing the challenge.  It was nice to chat to some people who are going through the challenge.  They shared some of the blogs they read, some of the recipes that they like, and some of the challenges they have.

I must get ready for my day tomorrow and rest!!

JoJo!!

Paleo Blackberry Bars

I have been on a mission to find some fun recipes that I can bake and still indulge in once in a while.  I thought it was about time that I shared some recipes with everyone!

Today I made blackberry squares.  I must say, they are pretty tasty.  The texture is not what you would expect, but that is the coconut.  They tasted like banana, coconut, blackberry squares to me.  Nevertheless, they are yummy!! (yes I couldn't resist taking a bite before I took the picture).  My hubby enjoyed his sample (minus the fruit of course) The true test will be with Avery tomorrow!!

 

• 1 cup coconut flour (shredded coconut blended into powder) i bought my flour
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut i put too much in my measuring cup and couldnt be bothered to put it back, so I used about 3/4 of a cup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup NuNaturals Baking Blend (or sugar, agave, maple syrup, honey, whatever you’d like) i used natural honey
• 2 bananas (about 1 cup)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (may use olive oil) coconut oil for me
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2-1 cup almond milk i put in most of the cup, i figured i had added extra coconut so i should add all the almond milk
• 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen (or berry of choice)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8×8 baking pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the coconut flour, shredded coconut, cinnamon, baking powder and soda, and salt. Add in the NuNaturals Baking Blend or sugar sub, if using, mixing again.
I
n the same bowl, add in the bananas, eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup almond milk. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated, adding in more almond milk, as needed for mixing.  

Amount of almond milk varies as coconut flour does soak up liquids quickly, and using more or less coconut flour or shredded coconut will change the absorption of liquids. Add in enough almond milk so the batter is the consistency of cookie batter (but will probably be slightly drier).  my mix was "wetter" than cookie batter.... my squares are a little heavy, but i like them

Fold in the blackberries and spoon the batter into the greased pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until the sides are golden.

Remove from oven and cool. Cut into about 16 squares. they take a while to cool, i tasted mine scorching hot. lol

I got the recipe on Pinterest, and it is pinned from:
http://www.whatrunslori.com/2011/08/the-story-of-paleo-blackberry-bars/# 

Happy Gluten-Grain-Dairy free baking!!

JoJo!! 

Eat By Design: Day 18

Yep, that's right!  Day 18!!

 Yes, peek inside my 18th day of eating by design!  What did I do today?  Well, we went to Hawrelak park to play, we went to the dollar store (riviting I know ;-)), we did a drive by to stalk the house we have the offer on, and we took Avery to the park at the splash park.  It was a good day.  The fresh air did Avery the world of good!

Much better than our night!  Avery had a very very high fever 38.5C.  That's hot!  I got some tylenol in her and the fever finally broke.  At about 11pm she woke up upset, i brought her out of bed, and she puked EVERYWHERE!! Several times, it was disgusting, and I was covered in it.  Poor baby.  It seemed to turn things around for her though.  I had a rough night though, I slept on the couch with the baby monitor so I could be closer to her just in case.  (she sleeps downstairs)  couch sleeping is never fun!

What did I eat today? - deliciousness all day long!!
Breakfast - coffee, pumpkin muffins
Lunch - butter chicken and spaghetti squash (I made lots so I have lots of left overs)
Dinner - butter chicken, spagetti squash and spicy chicken sausage
Snacks - handful of mixed nuts
Treats - Paleo blackberry squares (made with coconut flour, coconut and almond milk)

How do I feel?
Great!  Well obviously tired after a rough night, but not so tired I cannot function.  My belly feels good, I'm loving my meals, and now I have discovered baking?!?!  LOL.  I love to bake, so testing out some of these recipes is a lot of fun for me.  I am very surprised at the results too!!

What is my biggest challenge?
Exercise seems to be my biggest challenge right now!  I have not been to Crossfit in over a week!!  Life gets in the way and then you lose the routine.  Tomorrow I plan on getting back into the groove. My mom is here to help our with the baby, so it is easier to get out of the house.  I need to get back to at least 3 days a week.  I love goings, so I have no excuses for not getting my butt there!!

Hold me accountable.... Crossfit tomorrow evening 7pm!!

JoJo!!