One dish at a time...

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

2009-10-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

I have come to the end of my initial goal of setting up healthy habits again. I rarely eat out, and cook for myself almost everyday. I am now in my exercise phase of my plan, and trying to find new ways to add more activity in my life.

Wednesday, September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

For lunch, I made an Alaskan Salmon Fillet with some home made purple cabbage slaw, some spinach, and a whole wheat toasted pita bread.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

2009-09-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

This meal was positively heavenly. I sautted some wild shrimp, caramelized some onions, toasted a whole wheat pita, and sprinkled non-fat feta cheese. All the flaors belnded in perfectly together.. umm umm good!

Monday, September 21, 2009

2009-09-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I am in love with these small pits breads. I put them in the freezer, and then pop them in the toaster when I am ready to eat one. I scrambled one egg with veggies, and ate one of my home made super fiber muffins. I also had coffee.

While at Whole Foods, I was interested in buffalo meat. I felt like eating some tacos, so I made myself some buffalo tacos w/ spinach, tomatoes, and non-fat feta cheese.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

2009-09-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

This was a bad day. I was feeling hormonal, irritable, and moody. I couldn't use the kitchen that day, so I made a run to McDonald's. I regretted this meal, because it just added to my mood. It was full of grease, and didn't really taste good at all.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

2009-09-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tuna is so easy. I had some left over so I made myself a tuna sandwhich with 100% whole wheat bread (100 calories for 2 slices) Orowheat Slices. I also had a few tomato slices, and some strawberries.

For breakfast, I made myself my normal veggie scramble.

Friday, September 18, 2009

2009-09-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks, I have been obsessed about cooking and find myself in constant search for new recipes. I look for easy meals that I can prepare in 20 - 30 minutes or less. I also try to use some of the same ingredients over and over, and have also fallen in love with eating according to the seasons.

I feel like I am closer to the end of my phase 1, because I consistently walk my dog and eating well has become my new lifestyle. I have also changed my relationship with food. I have heard the term several times before, but this time it makes sense. Before I had gastric bypass, I used to have a bad relationship with food. I loved to eat, but food was the enemy, because it made me gain weight. I hated diets, and still do. They are terrible, they deprive us of our natural inclination to eat, and enjoy food. Food is meant to be pleasurable, it is one of life’s pleasures, to restrict the enjoyment food gives us is unnatural. Making the transition to healthy food wasn’t hard for me, because I am fortunate enough to work from home so I can prepare my meals, and for the most part, I love to eat a variety of foods. I made some simple changes in the quality of food I eat, and changed the way I view food. I see food now as medicine and essential to the vitality of our minds, bodies, and souls.

One very small change that I made was the plates I was using. Chef MD said once that we also eat with our eyes, so I make sure presentation if there when I eat. I bought a few fancy plates, mugs, and water glasses for myself. I think that every meal should be a celebration, so why not fully enjoy that experience?

Today, I didn’t want to invest a lot of time in cooking, and it was hot outside today, so I had a can of light tuna in my cabinet. I removed the water from the tuna, added horseradish and stone-ground mustard, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage pieces, spices, and baby spinach. I also two small toasted pita breads that I stuff the salad into later, along with a medium plum with a teaspoon of Trader Joe’s peanut butter.

For breakfast, I had my bran muffin, a few strawberries, and coffee.

Wed & Thurs, September 16 - 17th, 2009

2009-09-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

For the past two days, I have been busy, so I had the exact same meals for 2 days. I made some fantastic shrimp tacos, and I had to repeat the receipe. It was just so good for my body, mind, and soul.

Snacking.. I don't eat dinner much, or at least I don't eat anything heavy. I often have soem crackers, with goat cheese, basil, tomatoes, and herb. I may have some fruit as well.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

2009-09-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Since I have been at this for a little while now, and I am a creature of habit, I am going to concentrate on lunch. This is the meal that I spend time making, and the meal I need the most variety in. For breakfast, on my work days, I have a pre-made home made muffin, and on my days off I make my veggie scramble. Not much to see there. However, when lunchtime comes around I need a burst of energy to keep me going for the rest of the day, and this is where I need the most bang for my tastebuds.

Since today, is my weekly shopping day, I needed something fulfilling, yet light. I drive from store to store to get the things I need, and I cannot get tired, since I only have one day to do so. So, today, I bought a Chilean Sea Bass from Whole Foods, and marinated it in extra virgin olive oil and ll types of spices, and topped it with wild mushrooms. I also made 1/3 cup of brown rice along with a side salad (not in picture).

At night, when I wind down, I either have soup and fruit, or something really light. Rainbow has instant soups, that are very rich, healthy, and very delicious. For example, I have a black bean soup and sprinkle non-fat feta cheese on it, or gree pea soup. Sometimes, I mix both together, and it tastes good as well. I also use the evening to try different teas.

Monday, September 14, 2009

2009-09-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

For Breakfast, I ran out of my little muffins, and I didn't realize how much my little muffins actually help my day. They are quick, and keep me full because of the whole wheat longer, than actually eating a quick breakfast like eggs. I suppose it is because of the lack of fiber in this meal.

For Lunch, after a 30 min walk with my dog Moe, I made a steak salad with toasted pita bread. My nutrionist told me that gastric bypass patients should eat bread toasted, so I toasted the pita.

Tomorrow is my grocery shoping day, so I will load my grocery list for week 4. For week 3, I purchased my seafood from Lucky's and is was not good. It was actually yucky. I learned my lesson, I cannot be cheap with seafood. I will go with my old faithful Whole Foods to buy my meat.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

2009-09-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

For the last few days, I haven't loaded any new pictures, because I have been eating the same thing over and over again. In an attempt to save money, I bought my seafood from Lucky's. This was a huge mistake, because I normally buy my seafood from Whole Foods. Yes, I did save money, but I was dissapointed at the quality.
So, for the last few days, since I was a little sick of my nromal eggs, I made a dozen muffins. (see receipe 09/09/09 blog. These little muffins with coffee give me a good jump start in the morning. It helps me have bowl movements after every meal (which is ideal).

For Lunch, on lazy days, I have a tuna sandwhich, made with no mayo, just light tuna and horseradish mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, and 100 calorie Orowheat sandwhich bread.

For Dinner, I have Split Pea Soup with lentils, and light feta cheese as a garnish. If I am in the mood for something sweet, I eat another one of my home made muffins.

Looking at the overall picture, I am lacking vegetables once again. I have noticed I need to eat more to lose weight. My body holds on to my fat if I don't eat more.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

2009-09-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

I have been a little busy these past few days, so I wasn't able to take pictures of my food. I ate well, but not on schedule. I still battle with organizing my meals, nevertheless, the show must go on.

Today, I only had two meals, which is not the best, but since I was grocery shopping all day, it is not teh worst.

For breakfast, I had my normal veggie scramble. However, this time I used 1 whole egg, and 1 cup of Cage Free Trader Joe's 100% egg whites to redue my calorie intake. This week, I am trying Ritual Roaster's Ethiopia Blend Coffee. I really like African coffee's (no sugar or milk) they have a naturally sweet taste.

For Lunch/Dinner, when I got home from shopping and running all my errands, I made Fresh Mussels in Fire Roasted Tomato Garlic White WIne Sauce, and 1 slice of sourdough bread. Total time 20 mins

http://www.chefmd.com/

My like my sauce thicker, so I made the sauce thicker than the recipe indicates.

Later in the evening, I was in the mood to bake, and sometimes when I am on the run, I want a sweet treat. Since I am watching what I eat, I prefer making my own muffins. I made 12 muffins, and had one as a snack with some coffee. Here is the receipe.

Vanilla Whole Wheat Steel Cut Oats Raisin Muffin Recipe

1 cup Baker Josef's 100% Whole Wheat All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Sweet Tree Palm Sugar *
1/4 cup of Brown Rice Syrup**
2 tablespoons of Flaxseed Meal
1 cup of Organic Canola Oil (Or oil of your choice)
1 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 cup of Steel Cut Quick Oats
1 cup of Thompson's Raisins
1 cup of Vanilla Soymilk (you can use milk of your choice)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 whole egg
1/2 boiling water

Pre heat oven at 375 degrees. Spray muffin tray with non-stick spray. Mix all items, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Bake for 20 minutes.

*Sweet-Tree Palm Sugar is produced from the sun-kissed sweet juices of tropical coconut palm blossoms. Traditional sugar farmers climb high into the canopy of swaying coconuts and harvest the sweet nectar by gently slicing the flowers. Once collected, the nectar is kettle boiled into a thick caramel and ground to a fine crystal.

Evaporated Palm Nectar has been called the “most sustainable sweetener” by the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

With an average Glycemic Index of 35, SweetTree Palm Sugar is one of the lowest GI sweeteners in the world... even lower than Agave syrup!

Source: http://www.bigtreebali.com/sweetevaporated.html

** Brown Rice Syrup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_rice_syrup

Week 3 Shopping List

2009-09-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

Some people think I eat extreme, but since I have been eating this way for so long, it is beyond normal for me. At the beginning of the week, I make a list of the things I need at each store. Each store offers something different, and offer items at different values.

Grocery List Week 3

Rainbow Groceries
1745 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415)863-0620
http://www.rainbow.coop/

Italian Gorgonzola Cheese/$2.64
Horseradish Mustard /$1.59**
Sweet Tree Palm Sugar /$3.49**
Ritual Ethiopia Coffee 1.43 lbs /$4.44
Brown Basmati Rice 0.65 lbs /$1.73
Instant Vegetarian Chicken Broth 0.13 lbs /$0.66
Instant Potato Flakes 0.26 lbs /$0.44
Instant Green Pea Soup 0.29 lbs /$1.11
Instant Curry Lentil Soup 0.44 lbs /$1.23
Organic Canola Oil /$1.95**

Total (not including Ca Tax) = $19.28

Casa Lucas
2934 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415)826-4334

Red Cabbage 2.5 lbs/ $1.54
1 bunch of Radishes $0.50
Broccoli 2.97 lbs/ $0.99
Cabbage 0.68 lb/ $0.99
3 Large Carrots $0.34
Mexican Spring Onion $0.50
Pear Squash $0.50
Italian Globe Squash $0.17
1 Fuji Apple $1.00
1 Golden Apple $0.50
2 Red Bell pepper $1.86
1 Green Bell Pepper $0.73
Fennel $1.19
1 Grapefruit $0.50
1 White Corn $0.50
Valencia Oranges $0.71
Jicama $0.38
Red Onion $0.54
Nectarine $0.63
1 Gala Apple $0.66
Hungaro Chile $0.42
Bagged Garlic $1.19
2 Platano/Plaintain $1.08

Sub Total (not including tax) $17.42

Trader Joe's
301 McLellan Ave
SSF, CA 94080
(650)583-6401

Baker Josef's 100% Whole Wheat Flour $2.99**
Double Rainbow Mango/Tangerine Sorbet $2.49
1 can of Tomatoes Organic Diced No Salt $1.49
Charles Shaw Sauv Blanc (for a recipe) $1.99**
Extra Virgin Olive Oil TJ Brand $3.49**
Thompson Raisins $1.99
Frozen Edamame Soybean Pods $1.69
White Large Eggs 1 dozen $1.49
Organic Tea Herb Garden $7.99**
(Stevia, Peppermint, Lemon) *

Sub Total = $25.61 (not including tax)

Lucky's
1515 Sloat Blvd
San Francisco, CA

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda $0.79**
1 Chicken Breast $1.23
1/2 lbs shrimp $1.52
Atlantic Salmon Fillet $3.52
Fresh Farm Raised Mussels $2.11
1 Tilapia Fillet $1.33

Sub Total $10.50
______________
Total $72.81
*Stevia is a 0 calorie natural sweetener.
** Occasional purchases/ Bill higher than normal
This week $22.33 was occasional pruchases, normal weekly costs approx $50.48 plus tax

Sunday, September 6, 2009

2009-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

For Breakfast, I had my normal 2 egg veggie scramble with light Feta Cheese. A pear and a Kiwi. Going forward for next week, I think I may use just one egg, and just egg whites.I may even try tofu.

For Lunch, I made myself a 3oz Halibut Fish Fillet Soup with various vegetables in chicken broth. 5PM

As a snack, I had some celery with Trader Joe's Peanut Butter, and an Asian Pear. 6PM

I must admit, I am craving something sweet today. I want an almond crossaint and a hotcoffee, or somehting else rich. However, I will try to stay on schedule today, and eat more veggies if I get hungry later.

As you can see, I skipped the veggies tonight to satisfy my sweet tooth. I made the loaf of bread from Gluten Free Corn Bread Mix, Vanilla Soy Milk, Brown Sugar, Organic Unsalted Butter (2/6 of a stick), Flax Seed Meal, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 eggs, Maple Syrup, and Corn on the Cob. 11pm

To drink today, I had 1 Diet Hansen's Calorie Free, Sodium Free, Caffine Free, Carb Free, and Aspartame Free Pomegranate Soda. It has a very very light bubbly feeling, so my stomach can tolerate it.I also joined http://www.fitnesscoach.com/. If you are a Kaiser member, you get a free subscription to the website, that offers great info about weight loss, and you can even formulate your own weight loss plan.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

2009-09-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

For Breakfast, I had my normal 2 egg veggie scramble with a few slices of orange and some hot coffee.9am

For Lunch, I marinated some lean chicken in light soy sauce and evoo with spices. I also steamed some veggies and had a hard boiled egg. I also had tea. 2PM

For Dinner, I was hungry, so I made myself I veggie soup in chicken broth with veggie shells. I also had a raving for something sweet, so I toasted 2 Wheat free waffles about 2 hours later with some maple syrup.

Friday, September 4, 2009

2009-09-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

For Breakfast: I ate 2 toasted Gluten Free Waffles from Trader Joe's with Brown Rice Syrup, one hard boiled egg, Cafe'

For Lunch: I ate Cajun Shrimp Salad, with 1 egg, tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and line juice. I also had watermelon slices, and Mojito Style Iced Tea. (no sugar or alcohol)

Although I had a fabulous lunch., I am craving sugar. Not becuase I am physically hungry, but I want to emotionally eat. However, I need to find distractions to help me get through the day.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

2009-09-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

For breakfast , I had some lean pork left over from the night before, so I mixed it in with my veggie scramble. 2 eggs w/ green beans, onions, garlic, and etc. Few slices of mango and Cafe'

For Lunch/Dinner: I fried a small Quail in extra virgin olive oil with herbs and spices, had a fruit salad, and veggie shells, with a side salad.

In the evening, I just had some Sweet & Spicy Tea.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day overall. My current BMI is 32.1. (8 lbs lost)

For Breakfast: I had my normal veggie scramble (green beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, 2 eggs) topped with Goat's milk Feta cheese. And of course, my morning coffee. (11AM)

Since it was a very hot day today, I craved something sweet and cold. I had a small cup of vanilla non-fat yogurt. (2PM)

For Lunch/Dinner: When I got back home after running errands, I marinated Top Sirloin Center Cutchop Boneless Pork 2oz in light soy sauce (& reduced sodium), red peer flakes, onions, bell peppers. I also had a small salad with 1 roma tomato and sprinked feta cheese. (5PM)

What's your BMI/BMR?

2009-09-01T23:27:00.000-07:00

When I started changing my diet August 23, 2009, I only took pictures, so I didn't really blog about it. You can see the pictures in my photo section. Since I lost 8 pounds in the first week, I am now motivated to take it to next level. In the first week, I made time in my life to cook. Now that I am in the second week, I am learning new foods, receipes, and taking note of my BMI and BMR.

During the first week, my BMI was 33.63, and now that I lost 8lbs, my BMI is 32.1. My BMR is 1530.8, which means I need to eat less calories to lose weight.

To lose approximately 1 lb. a week:

You should take in about 1200 calories/day.

To maintain your weight you should take in approximately 1851 calories/day.

Resources:
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/toolkit/caloriecalculator/index.aspx

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

2009-09-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

I woke up really early this morning, and while I was getting ready for my day, I weighed myself. I am down to 170 pounds, from 178 pounds, that is great. I just started blogging again, but technically this is my second week. The meals were healthy, delicious, and my body never felt hungry. However, I learned that my meals need organization.

Since today is my grocery shopping day, I need a list of things I need. I also need to plan some sort of the weekly menu. I normally shop at Rainbow Groceries, becuase it is cost efficient. I don't spend alot of money, and I get good, whole, and healthy foods. I also buy things in bulk, because I pay for only what I need. Since Rainbow Groceries doesn't sell meat, I buy my meat at Whole Foods. It is a little more expensive, but their meat is hormone free among other benefits.

Where's the bread?
I am trying to stay away from bread. I have not elimintated it from my diet, I just save it for a once a week treat. I have noticed that my body doesn't respond well to bread in general. I feel tired, mentaly cloudy, and I often gain weight, so bread is not going to be in my daily meals.

Breakfast: I love eggs, fruit, and coffee in the morning. Quick, simple,and delicious!

Lunch: After grocery shopping, I was hungry, so I bought a chicken leg from Whole Foods for $2, and fried it in extra virgin olive oil with fresh thyme, basil, 1 small potato, smoked paprika, onlins, garlic, cinnamon, and other spices. (Per Moroccan Chicken Chef MD receipe. I also made a fresh basil salad with roma tomato slices, Goat's milk feta cheese, and a Valencia orange. I drank coconut juice as well. This will be repeated, because it was sooooo good!

Dinner: A few hours after lunch, I took my dog for a long walk, and when I cam back home I was hungry (6pm). I made 2 fresh sardines, with a side salad (lettuce, tomato, & feta cheese), watermelon slices, kiwi slices, and Yogi tea.

Today was a good day. I ate well, slowly, and on schedule.

Monday, August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

This morning started out ok, but I lost balance for the rest of the day mainly because of disorganization. For breakfast, I had 2 scrabled eggs with salsa, 1 small apple with peanut butter, and a cup of coffee. Then, my boyfriend came over with a McDonald's big breakfast meal, and my day was over. I didn't actually eat the meal, I only ate the egg part for lunch, but since I didn't have enough fresh food in my fridge, and I walk during my lunch hour, I didn't cook. So, the rest of my day was not bad, but not good.

For example, when I came back from my lunchtime walk, I ate six pieces of taffy candy (that's it). Then by 6pm, I was starving. I made myself some split pea instant soup from Rainbow Groceries, and 2 corn tortillas with pepper jack cheese (shown above). This may not seem like alot of food, but when I don't eat enough or well balanced, I feel bloated, tired, and I end up gaining weight.

What is the lesson here? I learned that a weekley menu is essential to keep myself on track. It wasn't that I cannot enjoy my social life, because of the "Big Breakfast" from McDonald's. It didn't go to waste, I gave it to my sister. The part of my day that threw me off track is that I didn't prepare my lunch and dinner meals in advance. I was goign to wing it today, and see what's the fridge. I thought I purchased enough food for the week, but I actually didn't purchase enough fruits and vegetables. Wow!! Lesson leanred!

Grocery List/ Week 2

2009-08-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

Grocery List For Week 2

Meat
1 Chicken Breast 2oz (White Meat)
1 Halibut Fillet (2oz)
Canned Wild Salmon (sockeyed)
Canned Tuna
Scallops
Top Sirloin Beef 2oz

Vegetables
Frozen shelled edamame beans
Black eyes peas
Red onion
Garlic
Fennel Bulb
Tomatoes
Lemon
Limes
1 Red Pepper
Basil
Romaine Lettuce
Leeks
Carrots
Potatoes
Green Beans

Fruit
Small seedless watermelon
2 Plums
2 oranges
1 Grapefruit
1 orange
1 Mango

Bulk
Navy Beans
Red Pepper Flakes

Spices
Ground Cumin
Smoked Paprika
Ground Coriander
Fresh Thyme leaves
Fresh mint leaves

Nuts
Pine nuts

Dairy
Feta Cheese
2 cartons of eggs
2 Non-Fat Yogurts

Miscellanous
Olive Oil Cooking Spray
Lime Juice
Canola Oil (small amt)
Kalamata Pitted Onions (3)
Capers (5)
Vegetable Broth

Dining Out?

2009-08-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

I prefer to cook my own food, because I know exactly what I am putting into my body, and I get the added benefit of learning about food. However, I do understand that eating out is a part of our culture, and post gastric bypass you can still eat out, but you have to careful. I will periodically post reviews about restaurants that are gastrc bypass ready.

Recent reviews by Ana S.

What's this?

Sunday, August 30, 2009

2009-08-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

9AM:For breakfast, I sauteed 1 small Roma tomato with onions and green beans in extra virgin olive oil with 2 eggs, topped it with fresh salsa, 1/4 of an avocado, 1 small granny smith apple, and I cut up carrots/celery, and paired it with a dollip of peanut butter. To drink, I had a cup of coffee, no sugar, no milk.

This may seem like alot of food, but I eat very slow, and it took me 4 hours to finish this meal.

2PM: I prepared lunch in advance. I bought 2oz of lemon and herb salmon, browned the salmon in a skillet, and top it over the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, 1 hard boiled egg, garbanzo beans, pepper jack cheese, and poured some lemon juice for flavor. I also added a beet, 2 finger tomatoes, and a small cauliflower with green beans.

8PM: By the time the evening came, I was feeling a little down with normal life issues, and I was hungry. My first thought was to drive to McDonald's, since it is only down the block and get a small coffee with 2 apple pies. However, I didn't go. I boiled 2 hard boild eggs for the protein and fried one plantain in extra virgin olive oil, and paired it with hot tea.

Overall, I think I am doing pretty good, and having a little bit of my culture's comfort food doesn't seem too bad. Tomorrow I will once again be back on track with the guidelines.

My dog is getting in on the action..

2009-08-30T14:55:00.001-07:00

When I started the new eating plan, I weighed 178 pounds at 5"1. I don't want to go back to my original weight pre-gastric bypass of 236. So, as you can imagine, I have to get back to business, and develop a reasonable way to eat.

As of today, I am glad to say I lost 8 pounds, so I am down to 170 in the first week. Great for me! However, I want to take a moment here and reflect on the lesson. What did I do different this week, and what did I learn this week?

I learned that healthy food can be delicious, and that my body needs structure to let go of weight. It takes a little more time out of my day to cook, and I have to constantly think of new ways to keep exciting my taste buds, but bottom line, this is a new lifestyle I can live with for the rest of my life.

I am putting together a grocery list, and a list for what’s on the menu next week. I will post that list soon.

p.s. Even my dog is getting in on the action.

My Tastebuds Are Going To Be Happy!

2009-08-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

My initial start day was actually 8/23/09, although it seems like I have been on diet eternally for almost all my life. This time I decided to take a different approach to eating. I am going in with the idea of going back to basics, reorganizing my life, and starting anew with my eating habits.

Since the surgery, I am not an overeater for the most part. I gained some weight, because I slipped back into my old habits. I started overeating bread, sweets, and all the good quick bad stuff around. Although I could only eat small portions, I was still out of balance, and my body responded accordingly.

I asked myself, how do I learn? I know that I learn best through a combination of things, and visual is one of them, so why not take pictures of what I eat.

Whenever I make an appointment to see a nutritionist, they ask me to describe a typical day. I don’t know what I wore last week, let alone what I ate. In good faith, I may describe a day, but leave out details, and possibly forget to mention sinful sweets. So, I am taking pictures of my personal eating plan. I am going to take recipes from different sources, and apply them to my own taste buds. I want to explore new foods, and learn to love food once again, rather than letting it be my #1 enemy. A diet should be a compliment to your life, not an extreme uncomfortable alteration of your life. It is no wonder why I constantly fail, I was setting myself for failure. You can have delicious healthy food while staying within the parameters of the "Healthy Plate" guidelines.

I will also make routine periodic appointments with a nutritionist to make suggestions or to tweak my plan to make sure I am getting all the nutrients my body needs post gastric bypass.

New Day..New Diet. "The fountain of youth starts in the kitchen," John La Puma. Chef MD

2009-08-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Since having gastric bypass in 2006, I lost about 100 pounds, and approximately gained 15 pounds back over the course of 2 years. Going into the surgery, I knew that it was no quick fix, and my weight would be a life long battle. As expected due to lack of exercise and life balance, I gained some weight back, and find myself going back to basics. The surgery is probably one of the best choices I made, because although I gained a few pounds back, my tool is still with me. I just have to reorganize myself once again, and go back to basics to lose more weight and find the alignment I need in my life.

I signed up for sessions with a nutritionist, and am going to seek out support groups once again. During my first session, I told the nutritionist that I think I may have an eating disorder. She appropriately said, “I don’t think you have an eating disorder, I think you eat disorderly.” This is brilliant... because I was, and although I don’t eat much, hardly eat out, I have great cholesterol, blood sugar, and etc, but I eat sparingly and disorganized. So, my weight loss will be divided into multiple phases. During phase 1, I will focus on portion control, finding the right balance of foods, and walking my dog at least one hour a day. I don’t know what phase 2 is, but I will find out

It all starts with fresh food right?? Ok , so I have to eat at least 3 different vegetables for lunch and dinner along with the right mix of protein, dairy, and carbs, fruits and veggies. .. So far I am a fan of Trader Joe's, Rainbow Groceries, and Whole Foods. This food journal is for me, and for my nutritionist to see, but others are welcomed to view it.

Guide to Healthy Livinggreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Pictures Before & After

2009-08-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Looking at these pictures, I never want to go back the way I was. Although I wore a smile on my face, I was extremely unhappy inside. Clothes didn;t fit well, and I had severe acne on my face, because of my diet. I used to eat fast food all the time, and ate very sporadically. I ate my feelings, and my body and face showed it.

Now, although I am still working on losing the rest of my weight, I feel more self confident in myself, and my face has cleared up.

Vitamin Wheel

2009-08-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Vitamin Wheelgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Meals

2009-07-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

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