Weight Loss Status Update

I believe my weight is finally stabilizing in P3 as I have been not gaining or losing more than +/- 2 lbs. It took me a bit to get stabilized and the first few days were rough but I am doing well over the last week. I am only 1.6lbs more than my LIW (Last Injection Weight) and have been about there for the last 3-4 days. I think the key for my body has been to ensure I drink enough water each day, eat 1 to 1 1/2 apples a day, and eat plenty of protein while minimizing the sodium, fat and cholesterol. The apples and water help to reduce water retention. The protein is needed to keep me feeling full throughout the day and keep my metabolism going. I am not eating as much vegetables as I thought I would but still getting plenty. I find myself never feeling hungry enough to eat all the food/calories I should. I push through to at least get to 1200-1500 calories.

I also have been trying to work out everyday but ensure I do it at least 4 times a week. I have been using the Wii Fit to do Yoga, Cardio and some strength training. I also will take Lola for a walk. My goal is to reach at least 5,000 steps on my Fitbit. It can be a challenge when I work from home in front of a PC all day but I usually do it. Eventually, my goal will be 10,000 steps a day. I have been building my running endurance too! I am glad I dumped my monthly gym pass that I never used. I enjoy working out way more on the Wii Fit or walking/biking/hiking. And as the weather warms up, the pool is ready to go for swimming laps ;-)

My favorite breakfast is crunchy peanut butter on Melba toast with strawberry fruit spread (2 Tblsp PB, 1 Tblsp Strawberry Fruit Spread from Bionaturae, and 3 Melba Toasts).

My favorite snacks include: 

- Sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and Stevia

- Fage (Greek Yogurt), Spinach, Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries mixed in the blender for a shake

- Cheese (hmm all types!)

- Mixed berries with meringue (egg whites/Stevia)

- Peanut Butter on Celery (Almond Butter is a better alternative but I am not loving it as much)

- 1/4 cup of nuts

- A piece of fruit (Plum, Peach, Apple)

My favorite lunch is canned tuna (water, no salt added) mixed with mustard, green ripened olives (e.g. black olives without coloring), celery, black pepper, and pickles on Melba Toast. The mustards I use is a mixture of Spicy Brown Mustard from Fresh and Easy (no calories and gives it a kick) AND French Dijon mustard.

My favorite dinner is Filet Mignon with a side of steam veggies (Broccoli, Asparagus, Green Beans, etc). Louisiana Hot Sauce gives it that kick of spice!

Turkey-Cauli-Broccoli Cheesy Casserole

Thought I would get creative with a Mac and Cheese recipe and substitute the macaroni with veggies and White Shirataki noodles cut like rice/orzo. I started by getting a pre-cooked Turkey breast from Safeway and taking the meat off the bone in shredded pieces. Then I cut up Cauliflower and Broccoli, mixing it with the shredded turkey in the casserole dish. Now for the hard part, making that cheesy sauce. I started by putting half the amount of butter in the pot on the stove top. It called for 6 tablespoons...I did 3 tablespoons...and still think that was too much. Anyway, I let the butter melt over a low heat and then added a cup of milk. I slowly mixed 3 types of grated cheese into the pot. The three cheeses I chose were: Old English Cheddar, Gruyere, and 12 month aged Cheddar. I did a 1/2 cup of each. Now when making the sauce, the reciped called for adding onions but given we do not like onions in this household, I didn't include it. We didn't miss the onion. Once the sauce heated slowly and the cheese melted, I whisked it gently. Once done, I poured the sauce over the turkey and veggies. Then I added crushed Melba Toast crumbs to the top of the dish. I cooked at 350. It was tasty but not cheesy enough....more cheese next time!  I mixed it with the White Shirataki noodles that were shaped like rice/orzo but it would have been just as good without the noodles. Also, this dish was not Gluten Free given the Melba Toast was added. But remove them and you have a totally GF dish!

It's been awhile...

I know, I know...its been too long since I last blogged. I have been busy trying different recipes and concoctions during P3 (stabilization phase) and working out (4-5 times a week). P3 is nearly over -- in one week -- and then we'll try adding back gluten, starches and sugars back into our diet. I haven't really missed any of it besides the occasional want of bread and HUMMUS ;-)

I tried my go at gluten free pizza crust made out of Cauliflower and cheese. I tried the mixture with different spices and cheeses. Parmegan was a big hit with some of the guinea pigs in the kitchen but I wasn't a big fan. Mozarella was the best cheese used overall based on my conclusions, as well as the 3 guinea pigs in the kitchen :)

Here are some photos of the Cauli-Cheese crust and pizza:

The dough before it goes into the oven...

Its a cooking!

Mmmm, the end product looks and tastes great!