Days 24-30 - Today is Day 30!

Well it has been 30 days since I started my diet -- or should I say diets. I have lost a total of 18# in 30 days. 
This past week was the hardest for me since I haven't been feeling well and work is really stressing me out!

  
Anyways, I have been trying the nutritionist suggestions and I am not sure if it is right for me.  I had more energy when I was doing the whey protein and more success.  I might try to tweak both to make my own.
I have had a lot of positive reinforcement from friends, coworkers and family members but I have also had some people who don't understand why I am dieting and see it as a waste.  It's funny when you try to do something for yourself and people take it personally -- Umm .. it has nothing to do with you -- People are selfish.

Anyways -- I am looking forward to this weekend .. summer is finally here!!  I am hoping to get away for a camping trip with my friend Joey!  I need a nice weekend away from everything -- bills, work, school, family, boys, boys, and boys.

Day 20, 21, 22 & 23 - A turn for the ?

On Friday I met with my Nutritionist -- she pissed me off cause she was 10 minutes late, but I let it slide.  So we went into her office and chatted .. First thing I noticed was her appearance -- earth crunchy, sandal wearing hippie --

She sat down and started asking me a bunch of questions about my eating habits.  A lot of which I already knew, I am emotional eater and I binge eat.  She said the Coffin diet was pretty much starving myself and that I needed more calories.  We came up with a menu for the week to try and see how it goes, she wants me to eat every 3 hours and to not let myself get hungry- This is one of the days:

  8:00 AM - Multi grain English Muffin with Cheese, 1 Egg & Healthy Choice Ham
10:30 AM - 1 oz of Cheddar Cheese & 7 Triscuts
12:00 PM - Grilled Chicken (Portion Size) Spinach Salad with Almonds, Goat Cheese, sprinkling of croutons and oil & vinegar for dressing
 3:00 PM  - 2 Chocolate Chip cookies (150 Calories) with a glass of skim milk
 6:00 PM - 93% Lean Beef Burger on a whole wheat roll with a side of vegetables
 9:00 PM - 2 Cups of home-popped Popcorn (I use a dash of peanut oil -- Delish!)

So that is what she suggested for me to eat in a day .. Seems like a ton of food, but it is all portioned controlled and isn't as many calories as you think.  So I am going to try this diet for the next 2 weeks and see how it goes, if I continue to lose weight then I will stick with it.

This weekend was rainy and I didn't really do much, I went grocery shopping and did some cleaning.  Very mellow weekend.  I did make it to the gym on Monday and I am going to aim for tomorrow morning, I think I am going to look this weekend for a little gym bag -- I have a lot of bags but I want one that has a zipper.  I like this Adidas bag $25.00 at JCP -- I have a $10 off coupon -- I might go scope it out!

I have been having the weirdest dreams lately - I had dreams it was raining snakes, I gave birth to baby chicks and I had amazing sex on an antique table inside a thrift store with some guy who I didn't even know.

I don't know if it is the food I am eating but my dreams have been whacked!  I hope to fulfill the last one though.. HAHAHA!

Day 19 - Yeah for Weekends!!

Friday

Finally the weekend has arrived, for some reason this week felt so long.  I got up this morning and went to the gym, 22 minutes on the treadmill and 8 on the elliptical (with the moving arms).  I feel great, I notice whenever I go to the gym I have so much energy and I am in a better mood.  Plus I am very excited cause today is the day that I am going to meet my nutritionist!!!  I have all my blood work and I made tons of spreadsheets, I think she might think I am a little crazy.  I made a spreadsheet of the vegetables, fruits, meats and snacks I like -- I also listed my 5 favorite foods - Chinese food, Steak, Mexican, Sushi & Seafood.  I hope that we can come up with a way for me to eat more food -- the Coffin Diet worked great for the past 3 weeks but I am having mad cravings and just want to eat everything in site -- weird cravings too!  My report back on Monday should be interesting. 

After my appointment I hope to go see my adorable nephew River.  I got him some cute teething bibs with monkeys and another with doggies.

As for the weekend, I am going to get my car worked on Saturday morning -- it is making a squeaking noise .. my mom thinks it is the brakes.  Since I will be stranded with no car -- I am going to make Saturday a cleaning day .. I want to go thru and organize and clean everything, plus I have about 10 loads of laundry to do!! 

Sunday I am getting my eyebrows waxed in the morning and then going to relax for the day -- if I get all my cleaning done I am going to treat myself to a movie or maybe go for a walk in the State Forrest with the pup, if it isn't too hot.  My goal for next week is to go to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

I found this on the Internet -- It reminds me of my sisters vicious rabbit slippers -- This is for you Teenie!!

Day 17 & 18 - Help!!

Wednsday

For dinner on Tuesday night I had the Shrimp Alfredo .. BARF!!  It was watery and tasted gross, I give it 0 out of 5 stars.



I got up and went to the gym yesterday morning, it was refreshing ... for dinner I had the meat sauce and spaghetti, it was so good!  I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Thursday

I tried to get up and go to the gym again this morning but was unsuccessful.  I came into work an hour early to get stuff done.  I like it when no one is there, I am such a loner when it comes to working.  Yesterday one of my co-workers was jumping around telling me she had no work to do .. I wanted to punch her in her face, and scratch out her eyeballs.  I am a little over worked and stressed -- Can you tell?

Anyways, I am looking forward to my 1/2 day tomorrow and meeting with the nutritionist.  I am going to work on my list of questions and foods today!  Yeah!

Day 13, 14, 15 & 16 - Bad Bad Girl!!

Saturday

Yardsale day!!! I had a yardsale from 8 AM- 3 PM, I sold so many things that I loved but I am happy to get rid of. I am a bit of a clutter queen. I have an emotional attachment to everything I own, Yeah I am one of those people. Anyways I made out great $260.00!!! I took my mom out to dinner at Village Inn, one of our favorite restaurants. Yes, here comes the bad girl part -- I had fried clams. They didn't have them last time and I make it a point to have fried clams every summer ... I did say no to the fries, cole slaw and tartar sauce and went with a side salad w/vinegar & oil -- no croutons! They were the best clams I ever had in my life!!

Sunday

So I bargained with the guy about the buffet table and got him down to $175.00, I went and picked it up with my mom and we carried it up to the second floor of my place -- which nearly got us killed. It looks awesome and is the perfect piece for my dining-room! See ....

Market Basket is having a sale on lean cuisines 5/$10.00 .. What a deal! So I stocked up and tried the new steam bag ones -- For dinner I had the Chicken Pot Stickers (270 Calories) it was good, spicy .. which I liked! I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

Monday

I did not go to the gym this morning due to the fact that I was still sore from the yardsale. I am going to aim for Wednesday and Friday. I am really looking forward to meeting my nutritionist on Friday, I have been having a really hard time with cravings this week munching on carrots, cucumbers and mushrooms is not doing it for me. My dream meal would be a nice big juicy medium rare cheddar cheese burger on a buttery lightly toasted bun with a side of steak fries with a side of mayo for dipping with a large cherry coke. I want to bite into the burger and have the juices run down my face and all over my hands .... yes I have the ability to make a burger sound orgasmic.

Tuesday

I got up early this morning and went to the hospital to get my 3 month Thyroid levels checked. I know she is going to increase my medication. They say your Thyroid level should be between 0.34 - 5.6 -- This always varies depending on who you talk too. Well last time my Dr tested mine it was 74 .. yes .. SEVENTY FOUR .. She said "I don't know how you are functioning?" She said it was the 2nd highest levels she has ever seen. Unfortunately they make you start at the lowest dose and work yourself up to the correct does .. this takes so much time cause you have to wait 3 months to test your blood cause by then the new dosage is properly in your system. So we will see what it is this time. It's 10:51 AM and I am already debating on what I want to dinner. I might go with a Mexican meal tonight ... spice things up a bit - Arriba!

Day 11 & 12 - Finally!!

Thursday

I had the Tuscan Chicken (280 calories) for dinner on Wednesday, I must say it was one of the most filling dinners so far and very tasty!  I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.



I have been wanted an antique buffet table for my dining room, I contacted a guy on Craigslist and I went to take a look one.  It is really pretty and the picture doesn't do it justice but it's $200, which was over my budget.  I am going to try and work out a price with him today and see if I can seal a deal!

For dinner on Thursday night I had the Asian style pot stickers (260 Calories).  I have been craving Chinese food this week, this was a good substitute for the cream cheese filled crab rangoon, hot & sour soup and peking raviolis -- which are my 3 favorite things!  I can't wait to go out and get some more of these, the rice was meh .. but the sauce was really good the the pot stickers were delicious.  I give this one a rating of 5 out of 5 starts!  YUMMY!

My mentor Matt called me from the road on his way to Colorado, it was so good to hear his voice and see how he was doing.  He was calling to check in and see how things were going, I told him I haven't cheated yet ... which is the truth!!  Looking forward to hearing from him again.  :-)

Friday

Yeah!!  I finally did, I made it to the gym this morning.  I felt so out of place with all the "in-shape" people.  One girl was flying on the elliptical for 45 minutes!!  I did the treadmill for 15 minutes and the elliptical for 10 minutes both at a good steady pace, heart rate was up and enough to break a sweat.  I know that doesn't sound like much of a workout, but I burned 120 calories.  I know I will start to work up to longer times and faster paces.

Day 10 - I am a Failure!

Last night I went home, did an hour of cleaning, went grocery shopping and made dinner.  For dinner I had a healthy choice meal, it was not very good  - except the dessert.  I didn't workout figuring I would be going this morning --- Well I overslept and didnt' make it to the gym, I am so mad at myself!  I am going to try again tomorrow.  Plus I hit a chipmunk on my way to work ... I was a mess .. I stopped and put him on the side of the road so he doesn't become road pizza.  God Bless you little chipmunk.

Day 6, 7, 8 & 9 - I Love 3-Day Weekends!!

Friday -

Friday night I went shopping with Teenie to Target and Christmas Tree Shop (2 of my favorite places!). After my mini-shopping spree I got home had a Grilled Chicken Caesar Lean Cuisine, which was gross (1 out of 5). Then I headed to Rhode Island for the weekend to see my mentor Matt.

Saturday -

I had a lot of temptations, the delicious bakery and I had my first restaurant meal. I wanted a cheeseburger, fries and a coke but instead I got grilled salmon with a side salad, no dressing. The salmon was delicious!

Matt & I spend part of the day touring the mansions in Newport, it was my first time going and I was amazed by the sites. The houses were so beautiful and the detail was so precise! Here are some pics I snapped:

The Breakers

The Elms

Sunday -

Matt is moving to Colorado, so I helped his clear out some things. I was happy to help since he helped me get on the right track with my weight. I am a little upset that I didn't let myself enjoy the weekend to the fullest, I was quite reserved due to my dreading of goodbyes. I made my trek back home and relaxed for the rest of the evening and enjoy a delicious my delicious Lean Cuisine- Chicken and Lasagna Rollatini (4 out of 5).

Monday -
I did a few things around the house, played with my kitties, unloaded my car and put in my AC. I had a spur of the moment date with a gentleman named Greg. He seemed like a nice guy, he doesn't live with his parents, he has a job and a car -- which is a big step-up from what I am used too!! We went to the State Park and walked around, I brought Sookie. Things went well, I felt comfortable talking with him and we agreed to go on a second date. So .. we will see!!!

Day 5 - I'm Gonna Pump YOU up!

This morning I went to check out the gym, the older man at the counter was super nice and kept calling sweetheart. I got a tour by some red headed kid with a cold sore ... EWWWW ... anyways he took me around the gym and showed me all the different rooms. With my membership, $39 start-up fee and $10 a month, I have unlimited access to the gym and to training classes. I can meet with a trainer for free to help me design a routine that works for me and once I find the routine isn't working for me anymore I can meet with him/her again. I am signing up on-line today and starting Tuesday morning!!

Last night I had the Lean Cuisine Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti (310 Calories), it was quite tasty & filling ! Overall I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

I am looking forward to the long Memorial Day weekend, Saturday I am heading down to Rhode Island to spend the day with my mentor (Matt). The rest of the weekend will consist of lots of laundry, cleaning and relaxing - I want to enjoy every moment of my weekend!!

Day 4 - I Think I Need Another Freezer

I went to Wally-World and stocked up on some more Lean Cusinese, I bought 20 of them. For dinner I went with the the Sweddish meatballs and noodles (290 Calories). It was VERY good, I give it a 5/5 Stars!

Friday morning I am going to check out the local gym. I am sad it doesn't have a pool cause swimming is one of my favorite activities. The gym I am looking at is only $10 a month, can't beat the price! I just hope it isn't crowded when I go and I don't want it to look like this ....

Day 3 - My First Temptation

Last night I went to the movies to see Bridesmaids with my friend Marsha. My old movie routine would be to whip out a big bag and stuff it with goodies to sneak in, like ginger-ale and candy (Something Sweet & Something Sour)and once at the theatre I would buy a LARGE bag of popcorn and have them drench it with butter. I wouldn't eat the entire bag at the movies but I would take it home and eat it for breakfast the next day! This time I packed a bottle of water and brought sugar-free gum. Once we got there Marsha ordered a coffee ice-cream shake, which she kindly offered me a taste -- which I declined. We got in the theatre and picked out our seats (which I am super picky about -- I am a Middle Row - Middle Seat girl!). At first I was tempted by the popcorn smell, but got into watching the movie. It was such a funny movie and I could so relate to it. By the end of the movie Marsha and I were crying so hard from laughing -- It was great!

I ate dinner before the going to the movies, this time I tried the steak tips with portabello mushrooms and broccoli (160 Calories). I rate it a 2 out of 5. I found it wasn't as filling or tasty as my meal the night before, yet it was less calories.

Day 2 - Dinner for One

I made Lean Cuisine's Stuffed Cabbage and Mashed potatoes (210 Calories) for dinner. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars. I was surprised it was super tasty, not bland at all, I had some sliced zucchini to accompany it. I put on my timer and did an hour of housework, chatted with my friend Amy for 2 hours and headed to bed. Overall -- Great Day!! :-)

Day 2 - Rain Rain, Go Away!

Woke up this morning an hour earlier then usual to find it raining outside. That put a damper on my day, but I still went on with my scheduled morning walk. I grabbed my sneaks and my pup and we headed out and around the block. It was peaceful and refreshing, I will admit the last leg of our walk was tiresome for me. I think my puppy could tell cause she started getting excited and was hopping around, it was like she was saying, "Come on Mom -- You can do it!" So I slowly (and I DO mean slowly) jogged the last street until we arrived home.

Day 1 - The Last Supper

I treated my mother to dinner last night and treated myself to my last meal. We went to one our favorite local restaurants. We walked in and right there on the specials board was one of my favorites, "Fried Clams," I was so excited!! I haven't had clams since my day trip to Maine last year. We sat down and the waitress came over to take our order, I went to place my order and she informed me that they just ran out of clams -- I must have gave her the look of death. Anyways, I ended up getting the surf and turf, even though it wasn't clams it was still really good!

Day 1 - Purging

Today was the day before I start my new life!  I went thru my cabinets, fridge and refrigerator and  got rid of all the foods I no longer want in my house.  I threw out 2 bags of food (mostly expired) and donated 4 bags of food to my mom and the local food pantry.

Then I went to the grocery store, my normal trip to the store takes a good hour going up and down each isle but this time I went straight to the produce isle.  I got some cucumbers, zucchini, yellow/orange peppers, celery, onions and carrots. 

Then I made my way to the frozen foods and I picked up some frozen Tilapia and Haddock.  I decided to go with lean cuisines because they seem tastier then the healthy choice meals plus they had coupons taped to the box for $1 off 5 meals and if you know anything about me you know I am a coupon queen!  I was a little greedy and ripped 6 coupons off other boxes for future purchases .. haha!