The Revolving Diet

Day 125 ~ Summary of Bread For Life Diet

Loss for week......4.6 pounds! 

I had gained 6.6 pounds on vacation - still have 2 more to go ~ but overall The Bread for Life Diet I would say is a success!!

Carbs were a welcome change from some of the previous diets. I think it was a nice segway back into other diets especially after being away on vacation, eating just about everything under the sun and then coming home to be back on the straight and narrow.

Being able to eat 8-12 slices daily (I tried to stay between 8-9 slices daily, 12 just seemed to be too much for me) - with a variety of options to have with the bread or taste was great!

You all know I really like Hummus now.  My favorites were the garlic, sun-dried tomato and cucumber dill.  I did pick up a guacamole hummus at Trader Joe's this past weekend (kinda forgetting I wouldn't be eating it next week). Maybe I'll get a little taste at a BBQ this weekend (we will see).

Even with having the carbs, diet seemed pretty balanced to me.  I didn't feel sluggish. I actually had a little more energy (that could just be the great weather we are having, or the exercise I added in during my lunch break). I had the obvious carbs (bread.toast), protein~chicken, eggs, fish, low fat cheese, fruit and yogurt. I ate every few hours and was never hungry.

It is suggested you stay on Stage One for 1-2 weeks then move onto Stage Two.

Stage Two still relies on what you ate in Stage One - but with some more flexibility.  You can substitute 2 slices of bread for 1 cup cooked legumes, 2/3 -1 cup rice (no white rice), 1 cup pasta (whole wheat), 2/3-1 cup grains (pearl barley, millet, oats buckwheat), 1 medium sweet potato, 1 medium potato(occasionally), 1 ear corn (or 2/3 cup kernels or 2 cups popped), Breakfast cereal 4-5 tablespoons (occasionally and can not contain sugar), Granola or Muesli (1-2 tablespoons)(occasionally - but rarely), Crackers (pretzels, rice cakes, etc) 2-3 pieces (rule of thumb for every 35-45 calories substitute for 1 slice of bread), Dairy (you can add another yogurt and low fat hard or soft cheese cheese). Alcohol - Men are permitted up to 5 drinks a week, Woman are permitted up to 3 drinks per week...a drink is equivalent to:

4 ounces wine

One 12 ounce bottle of beer (not malt beer as it contains alot of sugar)

1 ounce hard liquor with non-calories mixer like club soda, diet soda.

Desserts - up to 2 ounces artificially sweetened low fat ice cream(without cone), pudding, sugar free freezer pops, sugar free jello.

This diet seems to let you have what you crave (CARBS) and keeps letting you have them.

Would I do this diet again??  Oh, YEAH!!  CARBS BABY, CARBS!!!

I lost weight and not hungry.  Not a bad option and personally one of the better ones I have tried.

***  ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY DIET  ***

Day 124 ~ 5/23/10

Happy Sunday!!! .....gloomy and rainy in the NE today. Slept a little late - but got the outline of next week's diet done (Check out right side bar)  It will be the Hot Latin Diet....

Down another .6 today!  Diet is working - at least it is helping me shed what I gained on vacation.  I might not get it all by tomorrow - but I am close. 

Hopeful prediction for next week ~ I will be back on track & under what I was before vacation interruption! (That means more than a loss of 20 pounds!!!)

Todays Meals:

Breakfast (Meal 1 -9:20am): 3 Slices toast with 2 scrambled eggs,

Snack (Meal 2 - 11:25am) 1 vanilla non-fat yogurt, 1 small apple

Lunch(Meal 3 - 2:45pm): 2 Slices bread with 2 oz sliced chicken breast, thin layer of garlic hummus, tomato, lettuce

Snack (Meal 4 - 3:30pm): 2 slices toast with  thin layer peanut butter

Dinner (Meal 5 - 6:25pm): 3 ounces broiled chicken breast, small side salad with tomatoes, lettuce & a drizzle balsamic vinegar

Snack (Meal 6 - 8:40pm): 1 slice toast with cottage cheese, cinnamon & a pinch Sweet & Low

Bedtime: 11:00pm 

I was a bit over zealous when I purchased the Hummus.  I now have 4-5 open containers and since only used a thin layer here and there...lots left!  I am going to probably end up making a nice spread for Memorial day of Hummus piles with pita chips just so it doesn't go bad.  I will be known at this coming weekend BBQ as the HUMMUS QUEEN (not really, but it would be nice to be the queen of something)....I am pretty sure no one on hubbys side of the family has tried Hummus so it might be a nice change for them (It was for me - I liked it!!)

I hope your upcoming weekend holiday planning is underway.....!!

Have a great night.....and we start tomorrow on THE HOT LATIN DIET!!!

Day 123 ~ 5/22/10

Slept in a little late this morning...combined breakfast & snack (Meal 1 & 2).  Down another .6 - so I am left with trying to lose 3 more pounds of vacation weight....doing alot of housework today so I hope to burn a few extra calories....

Breakfast (Meal 1 & Meal 2 - 10:00am): 2 Slices toast with 1 scrambled egg, 1 slice low fat swiss cheese...Meal 2 - Snack) 1 non-fat yogurt

Lunch(Meal 3 - 12:05pm): 2 Slices bread with a thin layer of peanut butter, 1 small apple

Snack (Meal 4 - 3:30pm): 2 slices toast with lettuce, tomato, 1 slice low fat swiss cheese & thin layer mayo

Dinner (Meal 5 - 6:25pm): 4 ounces broiled Tilapia (fish), small side salad with tomatoes, lettuce & a drizzle balsamic vinegar

Snack (Meal 6 - 8:30pm): 1 slice toast with cottage cheese, cinnamon & a pinch Sweet & Low

Bedtime - 11:30pm(approx - depends on who is on SNL tonight)

So far this week has gone pretty good.  I feel good and not as bloated as when I first got back from vacation, I think the added exercise (even though not alot) really helped get me back on track.  Having the carbs to ease my way back into dieting also helped.

Short update tonight, I am a bit tired and I want to start working on the outline for next weeks diet!

Have a STUPENDOUS night!!

 

Day 122 ~ 5/21/10

Running late this morning and realized that I was out of my regular non-fat Greek yogurt…Needed a snack and I grabbed one of hubby’s Trader Joes Chocolate (Yes, Chocolate) yogurt

Why I have never tried one of these yogurts before is beyond me.  Being it’s CHOCOLATE…… It is low-fat (130 calories, 20 calories from fat/2g), Potassium 350mg, Carbs a little high @ 20g, Protein 8g . But the flavor was pretty good!  I am going to Trader Joes again this weekend and I am buying more and going to freeze (a nice dessert option!!)

The day went well – I am really liking the Hummus. I know I said this yesterday – if you are not familiar with Hummus (as I was not until I took a chance and tried it) it’s a mixture of chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) tahini (which is a mix of sesame seeds and vegetable order) all blended together to create a paste.  Then flavors are added.  The grocery store had about (3) different brands in about 10-12 flavor varieties.  Usually it is served with flatbread or pita slices….the toast is working fine for me on this.

 

Got a little (15 minute walk in at lunch today, got a bit sweaty under boobs, but I exercised and that is all that matters!!!) who cares if I might have been slightly red faced (a nice healthy glow) and out of breath (opening up my lungs)....I am working towards a smaller me!!!

 

Breakfast (Meal 1 - 7:50am): 1 low fat Traders Joes Chocolate Yogurt (Sorry for blurry pic above)

Snack (Meal 2 - 11:00am): 2 Slices toast with cucumber dill hummus, lettuce, tomatoes

Lunch(Meal 3 - 2:25pm): 1 Slice  toast with 1 ounce low fat swiss cheese, 2 oz thin sliced chicjen breast & a thin layer of light mayo, 1 small apple

Snack (Meal 4 - 5:30pm): 2 slices bread with really thin layer peanut butter

Dinner (Meal 5 - 8:45pm): 1 cup low fat/low sodium vegetable soup (had to eat the rest of can left over from yesterday) , 2 slices toast, another really thin layer of peanut butter

Snack (Meal 6 - 11:30pm): 2 slices toast with 1 slice low fat swiss cheese melted in toaster over

Bedtime - 1:00am

I was reading an article today that stated the number one reason for weight gain is attributed to STRESS. Someone you know (or me for instance)  We are all friends here USE ME  -  As an overworking, nervous crazy hyperventalating wreck of a soul....going in two million directions everyday (running late for work, making lunches, dinners, cleaning the cat box, doing laundry, grocery shopping...we are all on the same page here).  Per the article Stress shuts down the bodies ability to metabolize food. Stress makes you hyper..how is it we are doing something all day long and get nothing done (I'll answer this one - I do a little bit of everything and nothing gets completely done).  When we are "pre-occupied" with everything in our lives we eat.  While on the phone, on the computer even just watching TV....we are looking for that oral fixation. 

When in fact what we should be doing is cutting out a little niche in the day for us to decompress.

A quick Cat Nap, soaking our feet, taking a bath going for a quick 5 minute walk....something that helps clear our minds!!

It's nice to know that life (as hard as it is and with all the beauty in it)...It is what makes us fat :0)

Don't Worry, Be Happy.....(blast from the 1988 past)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHFDa9efCQU

(betcha won't be able to get this song out of your head tonight!!)

Have a great night!!

P.S.  Booby says "Hi"

Day 121 ~ 5/20/10

Another good day today!!! 

 

Tried Hummus yesterday and today went out and bought more flavors...consistency sort of like baby food (a little more grainy though)....but great selection of flavors!!

 

Todays Meals:

Breakfast (Meal 1 - 7:40am): 2 Slices Toast with (approx) 2 Tablespoons sugar free peanut butter (I really like this for breakfast - so I am not changing up!!)

Snack (Meal 2 - 10:20am): 2 slices of toast with cucumber dill hummus , lettuce & tomato

Lunch(Meal 3 - 1:00pm): 1 vanilla non-fat yogurt, 1 cup low fat/low salt vegetable soup

Snack (Meal 4 - 3:30pm): 1/2 cup raw carrots, 2 slices bread with sugar free peanut butter

Dinner (Meal 5 - 7:30pm): 3 ounces sauteed chicken breast, 1 cup green beans, 1 slice bread

Snack (Meal 6 - 9:20pm): 2 slices toast with thin layer cottage cheese, light sprinkle Sweet & Low and cinnamon (my version of a dessert) - sticking with this for a dessert....it fills my need for dessert...

Bedtime - 11:30pm

I have been noting the times as you need to eat every 3-4 hours and it just helps me to keep track of what & when I am eating so that I do not miss a meal or eat too early/late.

 

As you are aware I gained just about 7 pounds on vacation.  The required clothing we all must wear (or in my case) to prevent others from staring and risking blindness (also to hold bits and pieces in place), were a little tighter after the cruise.

Hubby was fortunate only to gain 2 pounds (what is up with that?)  He goes back to his usual dress shirt and pants for work….woman do SO MUCH MORE.

In order to be comfortable prior to dropping some pounds and now after gaining a few…..I try to find clothing that is thinning and comfortable.  SInce I have every size up to about 14/16 (I did keep a couple of 18/20's that ran smaller). Fortunately & unfortunately – comfortable clothes help you forget the actual size of your body and leave plenty of room for that extra piece of cake (or bowl of ice cream, pie, cupcake…you get my drift).    I wear black the majority of the time intermingled with other colors.  Black is thinning but it doesn’t have to be the end all of the wardrobe.  If you are thinking that black is the only color to go to when you are heavy or gain weight – it’s a load of crap.    Why dress somber if you don’t need to?  There are loads of colors out there that are made for heavy men and woman.  It’s all how you wear it.

I personally like leggings (best thing ever invented, especially around the holidays)….would I wear pepto bismol pink leggings, not on your life.  But I would wear black leggings and a nice bright pepto bismol pink top as a highlight with cute matching ballet flats.  You’ll look less depressed wearing a colorful palate and  those colors will bring out confidence.  Do not limit yourself….and this goes for the guys too!  I think guys that have dark hair look great in lavender and teals…..while blonds look great in rich greens and burgundy…..Don’t go clingy and don’t go too big!! Whether you are a guy or gal….no matter what color you wear a bright sunshine yellow to black – clingy highlights the bumps and bulges, too big just makes you look fatter than you are……AND do not shop with thin friends!!!  Go on your own (even if you are not buying) try on different types of clothing even things you don’t think would look good on you….I opened up my world by trying on clothing I thought would look hideous an turned out looked pretty good!! 

 

Go out of the norm!!

 

LIVE BETTER ~ LOVE BETTER ~ DON'T GO HALFWAY !!

 

Have a GREAT Night!!!!

Day 120 ~ 5/19/10

Water weight already coming off!! Down 1.6 pounds this morning....I told you I peed like crazy yesterday!  Today no different - I made sure to increase water intake.

Bread diet is agreeing with me!  I am full and eating the carbs every 3-4 hours is keeping me from eating bad (sweets, junk - all the things I had last week on vacation)

Breakfast (Meal 1 - 7:00am): 2 Slices Toast with (approx) 2 Tablespoons sugar free peanut butter

Snack (Meal 2 - 10:10am): 1 cup non fat yogurt, 1 small apple

Lunch(Meal 3 - 1:00pm): 2 Slices toast with 1 ounce low fat swiss cheese, lettuce & a thin layer of light mayo

Snack (Meal 4 - 4:30pm): 2 slices bread with thin layer sun dried tomato hummus

Dinner (Meal 5 - 7:00pm): 2 ounces thin cliced chicken breast, 2 slices toast, tomatoes, lettuce thin layer of low fat mayo

Snack (Meal 6 - 9:00pm): 1 slice toast with thin layer cottage cheese, light sprinkle Sweet & Low and cinnamon (my version of a dessert) - it was pretty good last night, thought I'd do again!!

Bedtime - 10:30pm

I feel good and hope to sleep well - got some exercise in today (I have read that getting exercise in helps you to sleep more soundly at night) and plan on bringing sneakers to work tomorrow and start walking at lunch now that the weather is starting to get nicer!

I hope the nice weather has you thinking of getting your plan on track (if you have one).  If you don't ~ don't stress, sometimes it takes a little while to get motivated! Take it as it comes!!

I hope to get the Summary of Week up for the Baby Food Diet tomorrow sometime during the early afternoon tomorrow (still catching up from vacation)

Have a FANTASTIC night!!!

 

Day 119 ~ 5/18/2010 (Last Week's Summary & Start of Bread For Life Diet)

Summary of my week's vacation & today's start of the Bread or Life Diet.

Let's just start by getting the obvious out of the way......I GAINED 6.6 pounds on the Floating Buffet that was a 5 Day Royal Caribbean Cruise, with the added bonus weight of 4 Days in Disney.  I'm giving the cruise 5 pounds and Disney 1.6 pounds.

I am sure (really hoping here) that at least 4 pounds is water weight.  The rich, salty and double portions served are a large contributor to the weight gain.    I had little (very, VERY,  little restraint). 

 The food was AWESOME.

The breakfast buffet was okay....nothing that jumps out at you, but the dinners more than made up for it!!  All dinners start with a choice of 4-5 appetizers, then your choice of 4-5 main meals and again 4-5 dessert choices.  Our head waiter brought over extra plates of what we didn't order just for us to try.  I am not a big drinker, I like an occasional glass of wine at dinner and I had 1-2 glasses every night.  In addition I found that Blue Martguerita's are a new favorite!  They were YUMMY!!!

I can not even fathom a guess to the amount of calories I had daily. I can say that I ate and I ate well.  Not keeping any sort of log last week (which I had hoped to do) did not help me keep even the slightest bit on track.

    **************************************************************************************************

Now...........BACK TO REAL LIFE!!

The Bread For Life Diet!

Hopefully you had the chance to read the right side bar information about the diet.  How can I go wrong?  I get to eat carbs (not like I didn't last week) ~ I go to start today thinking about all the possibilities to work 8-12 slices of bread into the days diet.

I bought the low calories Pepperidge Farm Oatmeal Bread (3 slices = 140 calories) Bread alone will only be 560 calories(for 12 slices)!! 

Meals today were quiet easy to outline and I really tried to mix it up!

Breakfast (Meal 1 - 7:30am): 2 Slices Toast with (approx) 2 Tablespoons sugar free peanut butter

Snack (Meal 2 - 10:30am): 1 slice bread 2 oz low fat swiss cheese, 1 small apple

Lunch(Meal 3 - 1:15pm): 2 Slices toast w/ tomatoes & lettuce along with a thin layer of light mayo

Snack (Meal 4 - 4:45pm): 1 cup non-fat yogurt

Dinner (Meal 5 - 7:30pm): 3 ounces lean roasted turkey, 2 slice toast, thin layer of low cal mustard

Snack (Meal 6 - 9:20pm): 2 slices toast with thin layer cottage cheese, light sprinkle Sweet & Low and cinnamon (my version of a dessert)

Bedtime - 11:00pm

I used toast mainly because I like crunchy texture and toppings I used go well with toast.  Eating every 3 hours kept me full and on my toes.  Eating so much bread was a big change from the previous diets done so far.  I also peed my brains out today.  Either my body is getting rid of the vacation water weight (I have my wishful thinking going again) or the increase in water intake just had me in the bathroom a good portion of day.  Either way I am back on track and not letting a few pounds slow me down!!!

.....I want to discuss the cruise more.....

I had a wonderful time and it was a very much needed vacation.  Being on a diet these last couple of months brought me to a nice weight loss (over 20 pounds) and I definitely felt slimmer (no where near where I want to be) but I was feeling better about myself and my appearance.  Having that accomplishment did not stop me from looking at other woman and their bodies.  I always look at shoes and then clothes....but I really looked at other woman (and men) - not just their outfits. 

There were really thin women that looked great in their slinky gowns and bathing suits but there were also woman that could of lost a few pounds - but none of the men or woman seemed unhappy in their own skin. Maybe because they are on vacation and they did their diets ahead of time in anticipation of the cruise - or maybe they felt (like me) I am never going to see these people again and who cares what they think. 

Maybe it's just me, I do not look to judge anyone on what their physical ability or inabilities are - I compare myself to them.  Not in the "am I better" or "are they better", more like what can I do to look nicer in an outfit and feel sexier.  I listened to what my sister pointed out (she is thinner than me) and she mostly looked at other womens outfits and then complained that her clothes were a little tighter than she would have liked them to be.  Hubby made comments on a certain shirt another guy had on or how a guy had styled his facial hair/sideburns.  I listened in on others conversations   (a little voyeuristic on my end)   most   comments   were   positive   some were like  "I wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit" then I got a glimpse of who said and and thought - Honey you would never be able to fit into that outfit, then thought about it and maybe that person said it because they really want to be able to wear that type of an outfit but do not have the will power to stick to a diet.

There are so many reasons why people diet and why they do not stick to diets.  My dieting has to do with feeling good and looking better than I have in years.  Going on vacation is sort of a push that reminds me that we are all shapes and sizes and if I want to get to my own goal I have to push harder. Some are happy the way they are and some have grander plans - It's what we want individually.

If you have taken a break and need a "REFRESHER" on what your goals are - look around at others, flip through magazines with their summer advertisements and people in shorts and lighter clothes, clean out the refrigerator and stock the good healthy stuff.  Get a full length mirror and pull out those tight summer clothes from last year - but get yourself on the healthy track!!  On vacation you can always say "You'll never see these people again" but around home - you see those people everyday!!  If you want to give them something to talk about - let hem talk about how healthy you have become!! Just eating healthier will make your skin glow and your confidence soar - it does for me!!

I have had a REFRESHER and I am back on track!!!

Have a  WONDERFUL Night!!!