The Revolving Diet

Marcus von Chipensburg

Mid morning I made my usual visit to the bathroom and on my walk back to my desk glanced towards Marcus'  direction looking for his warm brown eyes to be glancing up at me and this is what my eyes were met with. (Sign added at end of day)...

 

It was inevitable.  Marcus von Chipensburg is no longer with us. He has been replaced by a plethura of individually wrapped Life Savers.  Where were the Life Savers when Marcus needed to be saved?????  The poor, lonely, potentially stale cookie with the haunting chocolate chip eyes, hung in there just about 3 full weeks. 

Taking a good long look at the jar he was in, for argument sake, there had to be at least 26 cookies to start with.   With that the jar was filled on/about July 5^th, 25 cookies were eaten in 4 days.  If 25 cookies were eaten in 4 days – why the hell was (1) cookie left?  Did the full stomach meter hit and it was an absolute stop?  So you ate about 6 cookies per day but only (1) left and you couldn’t just pop it in your mouth and be done with it?  I will never be able to fully understand the logic in this.

 I did try to see if he was actually eaten or thrown out and unfortunately I have no true ending as the garbage was collected before I had a chance to do a visual glance through it .     My last resort is to post Missing Poster...what do you think?

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In honor of Marcus and all Chocolate Chip Cookies (that forbidden quick king of desserts).  You might of read this a long time ago but it is a cute story (and diet related):

 HE WAS ONLY A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE, BUT I LOVED HIM.

I met him at a party. There he was at the end of the buffet....a loner; the last one on the plate. He had a certain something...a sweetness, a sensuality. He was one hot cookie. I felt as if I'd always known him...hungered for him. When he looked at me with those warm brown eyes, I melted. Before I knew it, I had my hands on him, my mouth on him...in public. After that night, we were inseparable. With him I could be myself. he didn't seem to care what mood I was in, how I looked or even if I gained weight. Together we had the recipe for happiness. No one satisfied me like Chip.

THEN THINGS CHANGED

My friends said he was no good for me. They were not impressed by the fact that he was rich, too. They told me that he would eventually cost me both physically and financially, though I thought he satisfied all my physical and material needs. But then he started to give me heartburn. I was feeling sick, and I was definitely spending too much money just to have him. I felt crumby, but it had to end. Now we've gone our separate ways. I hardly think of him anymore. Oh, if I see a certain TV commercial, a particular magazine ad, a coupon for cents off...that old longing returns. And when we run into each other in the supermarket, we nod. We're friendly. But it's OVER!!

 

Day 189.2 ~ 7/28/11

Today is National Milk Chocolate Day....I thought with the sugary cravings of yesterday (into today) and all this dieting , my body has now gained super powers of detecting a day devoted to Milk Chocolate but sadly,  this was not the case. I got my answer on why I was craving sugary (mostly chocolate) yesterday into today - it's not diet related and I do not have super powers related to chocolate detection  - that time of the month...yippee for me  :o(  ... I did get some sugar in today (see EXTRA Snack)

Today's Meals: 

Breakfast: Chobani non-fat vanilla yogurt with 1/2 cup low fat granola, 1/2 cup white grapes

 EXTRA Snack: 4 Circus Peanuts, 1/3 piece of Cadbury Almond Mik Chcolate

Lunch: Vegetarian Salad: 2 cups salad greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, carrots, 1 ounce Cabot 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar, 2 tablespoons low fat italian dressing, 1/2 WW pita,

Dinner: Shrimp Scampi, 1/2 cup white rice, 1 cup steamed broccoli, 1 cup fat free milk

 Snack (after kickboxing) : 1 banana,  1 cup fat free milk

 I know I go off on the deep end sometimes and my recent feelings for a lone cookie seem over the top - but now I have friends sending emails with worry over Marcus von Chipensburg..even hubby asks daily if the cookie was still there (he's started calling me Mrs. von Chipensburg)....I reminded him "HIS NAME IS MARCUS"...I got a little defensive, someone's gotta stick up for the poor, most likely stale cookie!

He is still there....I was too busy (I know it's a rare occurance where I work) to work on little props today so I only have a regular picture of Marcus....although after taking his picture I realized there was an Inspirational Thought a Day calendar right next to him and it got me thinking maybe he was a bad cookie and my arch nemesis was trying to turn him good before she ate him? 

 
 
I do not know about in your house, but in my house there is no such thing as something going past it’s shelf life, specifically anything that is remotely considered a dessert.  If it’s ice cream – I would be to blame if it’s gone.  If it’s cookies, it’s hubby (for the most part).

 While I much prefer to bake everything from scratch, allowing me to know what is put in my food and not enough preservatives to keep my  body intact for science in the year 3000 without the remote possibility of decay.  I do purchase the odd package of cookies/snacks for hubby and sometimes me (that time of month sometimes calls for a nibble).

 The facts about a package of cookies that makes it into my home:

Must have some sort of chocolate in it -or- be a super buttery shortbread type cookie

If I purchase a package of cookies, they are lucky to make it to the next day

The package may come in full, it will not leave until every morsel is gone – even if I buy a new brand, if we don’t like it, I feed the rest to the birds/deer/groundhog/rabbits, basically any creature that walks in my backyard

 There is NEVER the opportunity for the package to even make it into the cabinet

 Depending on the time of the month, it might be a fight to the end to see who gets the last cookie

There will N.E.V.E.R, E.V.E.R.,  be a straggler that gets left behind. 

 This is what makes poor Marcus an anomaly.  How can he still be hanging on so long and the temptation to eat him is not there.  I WANT TO EAT HIM, just to put him and me out of my misery!

I could go on and on about this - but I have kickboxing tonight and I have to eat before I go.

Have a WONDERFUL NIGHT!!

We all come across people that are different - BE KIND TO ALL!         Different is what makes us special!

 

 

When you believe in yourself, you have the first secret of success.

Day 188.2 ~ 7/27/11

 Diet is going well - same weight, no loss, no gain. I am full but having some sugar cravings.  Not climbing up the wall have to have it sugar cravings but lingering in the background and if someone offered me some chocolate...I would not turn it down.

Today's Meal's: 

Breakfast: 2 packets unflavored instant oatmeal , added cinnamon & 1/2 teaspoon xylitol, 1 cup fat free milk and 1 medium nectarine

Lunch: Power Pita: 3 ounces skinless chicken breast, 1 slice Cabot 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, 1 cup cubed cantaloupe & grapes mixed

Snacks: 6 walnut halves with 1/4 cup grapes , 2 cups baby carrots

Dinner: Mediterranean Turkey Roll-ups, 1-3/4 cup cooked whole wheat pasta,1 cup fat free milk, 1 small banana

Mediterranean Turkey Roll-Ups Recipe

Makes 8 servings

  ¼ chopped dehydrated sundried tomatoes
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
6 ounces Cabot 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup pine nuts (pignoli)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

8 turkey cutlets, pounded thin
All-Purpose Flour for dredging
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh or bottled lemon juice
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1. Soak sundried tomatoes in 1/2 cup of chicken broth for 10 minutes or until softened. Combine tomatoes and soaking broth in bowl with spinach, cheese, pine nuts and oregano.

2. Lay turkey cutlets on work surface. Place scant 1/2 cup of spinach mixture in center of each cutlet. Roll cutlets tightly up around filling and secure with toothpicks.

3. Place some flour in shallow dish and roll each cutlet in flour until well coated.

4. Set large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add oil and garlic. When oil is hot, add cutlets and cook, turning, until browned on all sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

5. Add remaining 1 cup chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine, capers and rosemary to skillet. Increase heat to high and cook until liquid is reduced by half, 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Return cutlets to skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes longer, turning occasionally, or until heated through. Remove toothpicks from cutlets and serve with sauce over barley, brown rice or whole-wheat or spinach linguine.


 Nutrition Analysis
Calories 220, Total Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 3g, Sodium 311mg, Carbohydrates 8g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 21g, Calcium 200mg

Marcus, the Lonely Cokkie, still hanging in there - I couldn't get a new picture tonight (or set-up little props I made) because my arch nemesis stayed late to catch up on something....will have to update more tomorrow 

Have a SUPER NIGHT!!!!

Difficult things take a long time, impossible things a little longer

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 184.2 ~ 7/23/11

Last night afterwork 103 degree BBQ and pool cool off get togehter was wonderful.  Everyone pitched in and brought a plethura of food, good moods and lots of laughs - a very good night. 

Best of all a poll was taken regarding the fate of one remaining cookie, which turned into a discussion regarding my arch nemesis and Marcus von Chipensburg.  Poll taken from a mix of (5) men and (5) women and (1) teenager. Unanimously agreed that the cookie wouldn't have made it a day without being eaten. 

A few thoughts thrown out as to why Marcus von Chipensburg is still in his glass prison: She licked it and put him back in there for someone to take, She refuses to be the person that eats the last cookie, She is holding it for someone, She has started a diet and is using her will power to see how long she can hold out eating the last cookie, She is onto my documentation of Marcus and has turned the tables to see if I break down and eat it - going back to; She licked the cookie and is waiting for me to take it. 

The discussion tuned to weird people at others places of business and questions on why people do the things they do then back to Marcus and now everyone is wondering what his fate will be.  Only time will tell!

Today another HOT one (only 101 degrees) and another pool day!

Breakfast: Latte, WW Pita with 1 scrambled egg and 1 slice swiss cheese

Mid Morning Snack: 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese

Lunch: WW Pita with 2 BBQ grilled Hot Dogs wtih mustard

Mid Afternoon Snack:  1-1/2 cups mixed fruit (grapes, watermelon, cantalope

Dinner: WW Pita with Red Bean Salad

I hope you stayed cool and are taking advantage of not doing anything that requires extensive movement!  Sometimes you have to let the weather dictate what exercise and activities you can or will do!

Have a SUPER night!

Success is getting and achieving what you want. Happiness is wanting and being content with what you get. 

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 182.2 ~ 7/21/11

So far Pocket Diet satisfying.  Between the five spaced out regular meals, the Whole Wheat Pita's and the satisfying fillings I have not had any hunger pangs.  Other than my dip into all things cool and yummy on Tuesday, things are going well.

 Breakfast:  WW Pita Pocket, 2 slices bacon , 1 slice low fat cheddar Cheese and tomato  (same as yesterday)

Morning Snack: 1/2 cup cottage cheese

Lunch: Peanut Butter & Low sugar grape jelly in a WW Pita Pocket

Dinner: Chicken Fajitas (Chicken breast strips, peppers onions, fajita seasonings) in a WW Pita Pocket

(After Kickboxing) Snack: 1-1/2 cups cubed watermelon & cantalope

The SAGA of the LONE COOKIE.  It's still there.  Sitting by itself in a jar on a desk.  I just can not see how this is not driving her crazy.  She has a bucket load of snacks...but how can you eat all the cookies and leave one??

 

 And it's like the cookie has eyes, just staring, staring.  That would make me uncomfortable.  More uncomfortable that it's probably chocolate chip and come on - EVERYONE has chocolate cravings about 3:00 in the afternoon, if it was on my desk - diet or no diet, that cookie would of been gone with the others...the SAGA continues tomorrow.  How long can the LONE COOKIE last??

Super HOT one today.  Kickboxing is going to be brutal tonight.  Good thing is, at least I'll sweat more and hopefully burn more calories!

 Gotta go and get to class....have a wonderful COOL night!!!

  Choosing a goal and sticking to it changes everything.

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!