The Revolving Diet

Day 329.2 ~ 12/15/11

You know I have an arch-nemesis.  She has pretty much gone nuts.

 

As I told you the other day about the snacks that get delivered in abundance at our company and in turn shared with the employees (not like the cheap ass place I used to work at that actually took the gifts they received and then put employees names in a hat and re-gifted them)..not a lie, I am totally serious they did that...

 

 Anyway....we had these chocolate covered dried cherries delivered on Monday.  Easy for me to avoid as it's just not my thing but Marla Hooch (arch-nemesis, not real name, as you know) made a big deal of walking around office telling everyone these cherries where in kitchen.  More or less they disappeared during the day.

I had bought a cheap little red & green basket for the front reception area to put candy canes in for the holidays, I ran out at lunch yesterday to buy more to refill the basket and I go to refill the basket and there are these dried cherry things in the basket.  Not for nothing, but they are unwrapped, in an area that anyone, visitors and office staff can put thier hands on - NOT HEALTHY, NOT SANITARY.  It's not like this candy dish is sitting in your own home and you know who's grubby little hands are going in there.  So I removed all the unwrapped candies and proceeded to fill with candy canes. 

  

 Today she cornered me.  Asking if I threw out the chocolate that was in the basket.  I wasn't going to lie and I proceeded to explain why I threw them out.  She then stated  "that she put them there for a guy in our office", my first thought was, "then why didn't you give them directly to him, instead of in the reception area" and my second thought was "how did she know, did she dig her way through the basket to see they were missing"?? As I was lost in my own questions, she stated "they would have been fine there" and rolled her eyes at me!!!!!!!!!??!!  B*TCH ROLLED HER EYES AT ME!!!!

  

Then she proceed to tell the guy she put the candies in the basket for, that I threw them out and I was wrong....I sent him an email and told him I profusely apologize and I'll buy him a bag of chocolates....after she left today he came up to me and said "it's a joke right, you buying me chocolate" - "those cherry things sucked", I have no idea where she got that I liked them, because she was in the kitchen when I put one in my mouth and spit it out and said they sucked", then he pretty much verified she is nuts and that any candy left out in the office shoud be wrapped, especially in the reception area.

Sooooo.....it's on.  She has placed the next move to me.  I've got a great deal of (harmless...but satisfying) planning to do ....

As far as food....

Breakfast: Trader Joes Oatmeal, 1 small banana

Snack: 1/4 dry roasted pistachios, 1/2 cup natural applesauce

Lunch: 1/2 my leftover turkey club from dinner last ngiht, side of coleslaw

Dinner:  Chicken Braciole in tomato sauce, 2 cups streamed broccoli  

Sorry to talk your ear off tonight....I am just wound up from the day....if you have any harmless but good ideas to deal with my arch nemesis....Let Me Know!!

I hope you had a calm, stress free day!

 Have a WONDERFUL night!!

Day 187.2 ~ 7/26/11

 
Back on track as far as kickboxing class goes.  I only have a few more weeks before this session ends and I think there is another 3 week break before the next session starts.  Since my exercise has been lacking pretty much due to the heat - I refuse to walk at lunch because I become a red faced, sweating ball of flesh and it's just not attractive (and I am sure it's a co-worker repellent...not a bad idea) especially since I have tried it already, and the experience left me  sitting at my desk the rest of the day in almost 100% drenched in sweaty dressy clothing (underwear included in that equation).  It's different if you are sweating and you have a t-shirt and workout pants on and a shower is fairly close by, but when you are sitting at your desk in a nice outfit it takes being uncomfotable to a whole 'nother level and the possibilty of a shower is still another 4-5 hours away the aniticipation of said shower is almost too hard to bare.

 Today's Meals:

Breakfast: 1 Whole Wheat English Muffin with 2 teaspoons butter, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup Chobani vanilla fat free yogurt, 1 cup fat free milk

Lunch: Deli sandwich: 2 slices whole wheat bread with 2 ounces Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar (about 1/2 cup, 2 slices Boars Head low sodium turkey breast, 2 slices romaine lettuce, 2 thin slices avocado, 2 1 medium cucumber sliced

Snacks: 15 grapes, 5 whole wheat crackers, 1 cup celery sticks

Dinner: 4 ounces tilapia, spinach salad with chopped tomatoes,  shredded low fat cheddar cheese, 1cup fat free milk

 

Quick Marcus update (just enough time for me to load today's picture and head to kickboxing).... Marcus is still hanging in there.  His little chocolate eyes pleading for someone to love, hug and eat him.  It is just so bizzare that this little guy with all his chocolatey goodness is left to ponder what he did that was so wrong that no one will eat him.  I give him a little glance as I go by and a little knowing nod, letting him know that I am right there with him - he understands that I can not step over the line to eat him (you know the whole arch nemesis thing)...tomorrow I am going to try and do something for him....not sure what - but something...

Have an AWESOME NIGHT!

 Failure is just a dress rehearsal, success is the main event

 

Day 186.2 ~ 7/25/11

Going with a fairly safe, low sodium, healthy diet for 5 days, then onto a 4 Day diet (to be posted on Friday).

The DASH Diet (my little handy brochure) provided a detailed meal plan (see right side bar) along with a couple to recipes that I will include each day I use or make.

 Today’s Meals:

Breakfast: 1-1/2 cups Fiber One cereal (no sugar but aspartame)  with 1 cup fat free milk and 1 apple

Lunch: Super Salad: 4 cups salad greens with 4 ounces low-sodium water packed tuna, 1 sliced  medium tomato, 1/2 cup cucumbers, and 2 tablespoons low fat Italian salad dressing

Snacks:1-1/2 cups baby carrots with 2 tablespoons reduced fat ranch dressing, 3/4 cup Chobani Greek vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup cubed cantaloupe

Dinner: Chicken Enchiladas (see recipe below), 1 cup raw spinach with 1 tablespoon low fat Italian salad dressing

I cut down some of the sizes and took out the cheese as a snack along with the tortillas and salsa.  Meal plan as outlined is 1,800 calories, there is more than plenty of food and I was full.  I can not eat another bite!!  Odd fact though, my grocery store, where I picked up this diet carries Cabot Cheese and sour cream, but no yogurt...went with my preferred brand - Chobani.

 Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Makes 8 enchiladas (4 Servings)

 Cooking spray

1 (14.5 ounce) can “no salt added” peeled whole tomatoes (I used already diced tomatoes,no salt added)

1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

1 cups cooked, cubed or shredded, boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2-1/2 ounces Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated (about 2/3  cups)

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/3 cup refried beans

8 (6-inch) whole grain or flour tortillas

1/3 cup  No Fat Sour Cream or Light Sour Cream

1/4 cup green onion , white & tender green parts , sliced

3/4 ounce Cabot Chipotle or Extra Sharp Cheddar, grated (about 3 tablespoons)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat baking dish with cooking spray.

Drain tomatoes, chop well and place in medium bowl, add corn, chicken, 75% reduced fat cheddar, cilantro or parsley, cumin, oregano and mix well.  Spread each tortilla with about 2 teaspoons of refried beans, then place some chicken mixture down middle of each tortilla.  Roll tightly and place in a row down center of baking dish. 

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Chipotle  or Extra Sharp Cheddar. Top each enchilada with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with green onions.

Nutrition Analysis
Calories 344, Total Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 2.5g, Sodium 448mg, Carbohydrates 46g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Protein 25g, Calcium 217mg

As you know, Marcus (von Chipensburg), has been hanging on now going into the third week. I only started documenting his ongoing struggle to be eaten (or thrown out) since last week, since I truly can not wrap my head around how only one cookie can be left.  What is the purpose of NOT eating this cookie?  If she dropped it on the floor, then she should have thrown it out.  Is she keeping it, because she did drop it on the floor and is hoping someone she doesn’t like eats it and she gets a small satisfaction knowing that?

 There are other things on her desk – pretzels, hard candies and some kind of gummy things.  I guess the cookie could be an offset to the pretzels, something salty and something sweet.  But again, it’s only ONE cookie and the cookie is only about and inch and a half in diameter, so it’s not a big cookie.  It’s a mini bite.  I know I shouldn’t obsess about this,  but …I am on a diet.  We have no vending machines (a good thing) in our office, so unless you bring something in – there is no temptation .  My only form of entertainment is giving people in my office names, making up fantasy stories about their secret powers or finding odd things to focus on in the office.  I work with older people (nothing wrong with that) but we are not on the same wave length.  It’s like a secret club where you joined when you were young and now your older and want to keep the club alive so you have to bring younger people in.  I am one of maybe four younger people.  We are all doomed.

 

Back to Marcus… I take his picture at the end of the day hoping to turn the corner and see him gone (plus that’s when my arch nemesis is gone for the day) – but….

HE. IS. STILL. HERE.

Until tomorrow my lonely little cookie friend.

Have a WONDERFUL Night!!!

“I can’t do it” never yet accomplished anything; “I will try” has performed wonders.

 

 

Day 183.2 ~ 7/22/11

Happy HOT, HOT, HOT Friday to all of you.  I know you are scattered all over the world - but in New Jersey today we hit 103 degrees and it feels like 110!!  Coordinated (more like loaned out my mother in laws house) with all my sister in laws and family, for a afterwork BBQ and Pool party.  The best way I could think of to cool off and visit at one time!

Due to the heat - I went lighter for most of day!

Breakfast: WW Pita Pocket with 1 full egg, 1 egg white, 1 slice bacon, 1 slice low fat amerian cheese

Morning Snack: 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese

Lunch: WW Pita Pocket with Red Bean Salad (recipe from the other day-included again below)...WOW-O-WOW - this salad is AWESOME, the mix of flavors is wonderful.  Plus super filling!!!

Dinner:  BBQ Cheeseburger in a WW Pita with pickles and ketchup

Switched Snack: 2 slices watermelon (so I could have at BBQ)

 

Red Bean Salad

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

 1 1/2 quarts of salad, 6 servings

 Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained well
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 scallions, chopped, whites and greens
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup (a couple of handfuls) chopped flat-leaf parsley  (one comment someone use fresh cilantro – great idea!)
• 1 cup sweet red pepper relish
• 2 tablespoons (2 turns around the bowl in a thin stream) light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (2 splashes) white distilled vinegar
• Coarse salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss well; adjust seasonings.

 

Marcus Von Chipensburg.  This poor cookie has made it two weeks.  I had to name it.  I know you think to yourself – she is nuts, naming a cookie.  But I have sort of grown fond of the poor little guy, so lonely and sitting in a barely air tight container.  I pass him everyday, steal a glance and his poor little chocolate chip eyes glance towards me longing to be eaten but thinking he is destined to be left to slowly become stale and thrown away. Wondering why all his friends are gone and he is left to suffer unknown circumstances.  I want to hug the little guy, but his unknown delicate structure keeps me at hands length, plus he is not mine to hug or eat.  He will sit lonely in his little cookie jar prison until the rightful owner (my arch nemesis) eats him or throws him out.  I will continue to report the fate of poor lonely Marcus next week.  Sweet dreams little cookie – I hope they keep the air condition on in the building for you over the weekend at least you can be comfortable while you still ponder your fate.

I'm hoping your week went well, you made progress in your health, exercise and/or weight loss goals.

Be Happy and True to youself!!!

 

Day 181.2 ~ 7/20/11

Happy Hump Day!

Today totally back on track and I am trying a recipe idea off the Pocket Diet site: http://www.pocketdiet.com/recipes.shtml

Breakfast:  2 slices bacon , 1 slice low fat cheddar Cheese and tomato in a WW Pita Pocket

Morning Snack: 1 cup white grapes

Lunch: Grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, light ceasar dressing, sprinkle parmesan cheese

Afternoon Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese

Dinner: Turkey Sloppy Joe Pita

Breakfast Pita Pocket (Bacon, Tomato and CHeese)

2 oz. cheddar cheese; low fat (monterey jack, provolone, or swiss)
2 oz. canadian bacon or ham
2 tomato slices

Preparation

Heat meat in microwave for 10 seconds on high.

Layer cheese, tomato and meat in pocket.

Toast the filled pocket on med-high & serve

Note: All nutritional information for this recipe does NOT include the Pita Pocket since the quantity consumed varies by recipe and meal plan. A standard 6" pita pocket has approximately 80-90 calories each. Please refer to the food label on the pita packaging to get an accurate count. If you follow the Pocket Diet Meal Plan, you do not have to keep track of your calories as long as you stay within the plan's recommendations.

I have to tell you about Marla Hooch (lady at work, new arch nemisis). She has a jar (actually a few jars) with assorted junk food....pretzels, candies and cookies.  The jar of cookies - which is small - was full and slowly the cookies would disappear.  There has now been (1) - you read that right (1) cookie sitting in jar since all of last week. Now when I say all of last week - I mean the entire week (Monday through Friday).  I do not know about you - but one cookie sitting in a jar is not going to make it a week - especially since it's sitting on my desk staring at me and taunting me with...

 "Come On, you know you want to eat me, I'm the last one"

"Here I am, just waiting to give your mouth happiness"

"You ate all my friends, please put me out of my misery"

"COOOOOME OOOOOON, COME ON, COME ON, COME ON.....EAT ME ALREADY"

"Dammit woman, eat me, I am a crunchy delicious cookie"

Since I was out Monday & Tuesday of this week I thought for sure the cookie would be gone - but coming around corner from ladies room today, I see the jar sitting on her desk with the (1) cookie still in it.  I am going to bring my camera into work tomorrow and start documenting the LONE COOKIE and see how long it actually can make it. STAY TUNED !!

Day went well, using Whole Wheat Pita's so far not to bad, not as bad as the taste of Whole Wheat bread (not so fibery).

I hope you are feeling great and your day went well!  Keep Hydrated! 

It's a HOT on out there...only to get HOTTER!! Friday in NJ to get up to 103 degrees!!

Do not compare yourself to others - we are individuals with our own hopes, dreams and goals. Be true to yourself and you will shine! 

 

 

Day 26 ~ 2/14/2010

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!

I hope today you find yourself covered in love....Valentines Day doesn't mean you need another person to make your day special, you can make it special for yourself! 

"G" and I have no plans....All I wanted was a card.  I got an e-card that he made himself...SWEET!!

I got him a card (about 2 months ago when they first put them on the shelves....I love card stores - I could stay in them for hours) and chocolate...check it out....

 
Kinda like a gift of chocolate that I get to keep...(ha,ha,ha)

I did actually get 1-1/2 peices of this .......

Breakfast: 1 Cup TJ'S Steelcut Oatmeal, latte, 220 Calories

Mid-Morning Snack: SEE BELOW

Lunch: 3 Egg Whites, 1 cup Grapefruit Juice, 195 Calories

Mid-Afternoon Snack: SEE BELOW

Dinner: 5 ounces Filet Mignon, String Beans, 280 Calories

Evening Snack: NONE

Snack Calories:  Since I did snack on a few things today I have to guess-ti-mate on how much....the 1-1/2 peices of chocolate, 6 Chocolate Meringue Cookies, 2 tablespoons of turket chili (I was cooking and tasting).....approximate 250 calories

Total Caloires for day: 945

Not too bad.....still under the recommended 1,200

I had meant to fill you in on our "obnoxious mail woman". She has been added to the arch nemisis list.  I let her slide for the last couple of months on not bringing ALL packages to the door, even though she persisted on cramming everything in it - granted we have a long driveway (not that her fat ass didn't need the walk) but I let her slide.  But then she started this crap with not closing my mailbox door.  I am on a rural road (you wouldn't know it if you saw all the traffic that comes through) ANYWAY...this is something new and it really was starting to tick me off (I discussed with my sister who works for the USPS and she advised me not to give her a "holiday tip"....too late - it's February).  I have found my mail blowing down the road and having to track it down wearing my leopard pajama's is not attractive at 2:00 in the afternoon, I am sure th people that see me wonder what kind of deranged person walks around in their pj's in the afternoon....(I have been unemployeed for quite sometime - I got comfy, sue me) especially since my plan was just to run out and grab mail and return to the house...

WELL....now she is really on the LIST!  We had over 20 inches of snow and shoveled over 4 hours over 2 days to just clear our driveway and she had the balls...yes, balls to leave a notice in our mailbox on the first day of the snowstorm stating that she couldn't get to mail box (again, all she needed to do was get out of her car)......then the next day left same notice (pre-printed form) but wrote SNOW in the area where a picture of a mailbox was.

IT

IS

SO

ON

I am buying a throw carpet (or cheap towel) in the color RED....and placing it like "THE RED CARPET" at fancy celebrity events from my mailbox out to the road (since I have now shoveled it out (cursing her the entire time) and I am putting her (2nd) note back in my mailbox with a "NO SHIT SHERLOCK" written under her "SNOW" comment ( I am sooooo 12 right now) ...then I am putting a note in my box (tapping it of course to the inside of my mailbox) to advise her that we require that ALL packages be brought to our door and that she MUST close our damn mailbox door.

I am glad I vented AGAIN...."G" heard the rant for over 4 days......

I am better now.......and calmer.......

Hope your Valentine's Day was SUPER!!!!