Oct 31, 2011

Weigh In - Week 22

I was a good girl this week and stuck to my diet and danced around my house for exercise.  I didn't do a lot of walking - only once did I get out of the house for a quick power walk. Luckily, my body is in weight-loss mode and I'm still dropping pounds.  The thing I'm finding most difficult right now is staying motivated to walk.  This summer, when I began this journey, my husband was home in the mornings with the kids and I could just walk out the door.  Now, its pitch dark at 7am and I've only got 30 minutes before we need to be heading out the door for work and school.  I'm hoping that when daylight savings begins at the end of this week, I'll have some early light to walk by.  But I know better than anyone... that is just an excuse.  Excuses, excuses.

Pounds lost this week: 1
Total pounds lost: 37



The "I Did It" List
adhered to a healthy eating plan
drank lots of water
bakes a batch of cake balls (52) for a party and only ate two
enjoyed a beautiful guilt-free dinner at a nice restaurant with my husband



Happy Halloween to everyone and 
I hope you have a safe and spooky holiday!

Oct 27, 2011

My bras don't fit...

...and I'm so happy!  

I've cinched the hook and eye closures one, two and then three times.  I've pulled the shoulder buckle tighter and tighter.  Now, the cup is starting to bag on top, leaving little scrunch lines under my shirt.  I wore all of these bras for the past four years, while pregnant and then while nursing two babies.  They have always fit and been very comfortable.  But now, 36 pounds lighter, I may require some new under-gear!  I'm so excited.  I haven't been bra shopping in a billion years.  Sure, I've bought a bra here and there, but I always just walk in and say "This is the size I need and this is the style I need."  I don't even try them on.  So, I'm saving my pennies for a few new bras.  Maybe I'll grab some pretty panties to go with them.


Oct 24, 2011

Weigh In - Week 21

This was a great week.  I tried out lots of new raw recipes and also got some good exercise by dancing in my home with my three-year-old.  I like hosting my own little 30 minutes discos.  The music is always good and there is plenty of room to move around.


Pounds lost this week: 3
Total pounds lost: 36



The "I Did It" List
Got more exercise than I usually do.
Substituted water for most beverages.
Tried out some new (more involved) raw recipes.
Enjoyed my anniversary without eating a lot of rich food (my usual habit.)
Helped a client deliver a healthy baby girl on Monday!
Got some good sleep.

Oct 21, 2011

Yoga - The Sun Salutation

This is by far my favorite EVER exercise!  It reinvigorates my mind and body, while giving my muscles a great stretch.  I repeat it as many times as I have time for.  If I want an extra strenuous workout, I slow it way down and move through the positions in slow motion.  Doing it out of doors in a park or in my back yard only improves the experience. Here is a quick depiction below:


Oct 20, 2011

Write it Down - Raw Recipes

My new quest is to convert all my favorite raw recipes to index cards. Every time I need a raw recipe, I end up digging through big bulky books. It's time to get serious and embrace the fact that if I'm going to be preparing raw food, I need to have the recipes at my fingertips. Today, I made this lovely creation.  It is so delicious.  I like to spread it on zucchini that has been cut into chip shapes.


Here is a photo of my finished product.  You really must give it a try!


Oct 19, 2011

Raw Dining on my Anniversary

Yesterday was my wedding anniversary!  Yay for us!  Instead of going out, we put the kids to bed and had a late raw meal all fancy-like in the dining room with music and candles.  My husband, Jack, is a meat and potatoes kind of man, which makes his participation in my raw diet all the more incredible.  So, to show him that I respect his roots, I prepared a meat and potatoes kind of meal from one of my favorite raw cook books, Ani's Raw Food Kitchen.

Here is the recipe - Portobello Steak with Brazil-Broccoli Mash and Mushroom Gravy.  It was so yummy, and pretty darn easy to prepare now that I have a blender that can process food as well.



Steak
4 portabello mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
1/3 c Nama Shoyo (raw soy sauce)
1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary

To make steaks, in a large bowl, coat mushrooms in oil, Nama Shoyu, and rosemary. Set aside for 2 hours or more to marinate and soften.

Brazil-Broccoli Mash
1/2 clove garlic
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1 c Brazil nuts
2 c broccoli (or more), chopped

Process the garlic, pepper, and salt into tiny pieces. Add Brazil nuts and process into a powder. Empty this powder into a bowl and set aside. Next, process the broccoli while slowly adding the Brazil nut powder back in.

Mushroom Gravy
1/3 c extra virgin olive oil
3/4 c mushrooms, you can use any kind but I like Shitake best
1/3 c water
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp sea salt

Blend olive oil, mushrooms, water, vinegar, garlic, and salt until smooth. Pour gravy into a bowl.
To serve, slice each mushroom into 4 or 5 thick strips and serve on top of a scoop of Brazil-Broccoli Mash. Drizzle with Mushroom Gravy, garnish with a sprig of rosemary before serving.
Will keep for one day. Store portobello steaks separately to keep for two days. Mash and gravy will keep for several days in the fridge when stored separately. Makes 4 servings.

Oct 17, 2011

Weigh In - Week 20

Wow.  I can't believe I've been at this for 20 weeks.  Amazing.  June first seems like a million years ago.  This week went pretty well.  I stuck to a mostly raw eating plan and did a some exercise as well.  My hope is that in the following weeks I'll be able to establish a more regular walking schedule.  Family life has been a little hairy and every time I put time aside for myself, it seems to get lost in the shuffle.  Here is the one bit of exercise I can always count on: dance party in my living room with my 3 year old.  Its a great 30 minute workout and lots of fun for both me and Walker!


Pounds lost this week: 1
Total pounds lost: 33




The "I Did It" List
made healthy food choices
danced until I dropped during my own living room dance party
tried some new raw food recipes
drank lots of water
stayed away from Starbucks



And just for fun, here is my new favorite dance tune by Swedish pop sensation, Robyn: