Amazed and Enthused

I posted last week about how frustrated I was with my weight while on vacation. Weighing yourself everyday is not the most ideal thing especially because there are so many factors one needs to take into consideration. So, I decided to only weigh myself on Monday and then move  on. Stepped on the scale a week ago and bam, 2 lbs down. Then I stepped on the scale this morning and bam another 2 lbs down. That means in the two weeks I was away I lost a grand total of 4 lbs. 

This surprises the heck out of me because I did not stick to my meal plan  to the T especially when measuring out my food a few times during the week, I would feel nauseous after eating because I ate too much and some of the food was heavier as far as ingredients. Also, not drinking as much water as I should have been throughout the week put a wrench in things. However, those 1 1/2 hour beach walks during the week seemed to do its job along with being more active than I am at home.

All in all, not such a bad two weeks in Cape May. I am officially down 20 lbs and looking forward to continue my winning streak with my weight!

☼Ashley☼

Vacation Blues

This past week I spent time at a retreat center in Cape May. As of right now, I will be spending another full week here and am very much looking forward to it. It was a struggle to stay on task with my eating and it is frustrating at times. Right now though, it is fun to put clothes on and realize how large they are and when I get home they are going to be donated. I was given a shirt at the retreat center and that is even large for me which is exciting. I look forward to the day when I am able to wear it as a night shirt and it be much looser than it currently is. Continuing through the week, I will be working on eating better especially because I have been feeling nauseous all week right after meals and it often does not go away. This in addition to me overeating is not helping, I am still having trouble with eye balling portions because I am used to eating more than I do now.

Something that I did not anticipate or expect was a mental check of sorts. Life brings about many challenges, of which there are just some you can not control no matter the situation. This week really tested what I know to be wrong and overcoming my fears to better who I am as a person. My faith life and belief that there are no such things as coincidences led to wonderful friendships and someone who finally understands ME and the circumstances/challenges I have been through. It has been a wonderful blessing and I was sad for it to come to an end this morning. Another struggle for me is saying good-bye. Those words in my mind tend to mean forever because it has occurred time and time again. 

This week has been amazing, so I wonder what next week will bring!

☼Ashley☼

Dry Ounces and a Recipe!

Before I get on to today's topic, I would just like to say wow. I attended a baby shower for a close friend of mine on Saturday and was nervous about going because I am trying not to go out for meals, and instead cook at home. So in the morning I prepared myself, made sure that I had about 1,000 calories saved for lunch since it was an Italian place and then burned off 1,000 calories at the gym. I still had enough for breakfast, dinner and some snacks in between. When I got to the baby shower there was candy everywhere. I did not break and refrained from the candy. Lunch was chicken in a lemon sauce and pasta with a sauce and peas in it. The chicken, I took two pieces and estimated it to about 3 oz., the pasta I took about 1/4 cup and I also ate two small rolls. When I say small, they were tiny, but they were fresh and hot. Prior to lunch, I had about 6 glasses of water to prepare myself. Ready for desert? I had a mini canoli, a mini brownie, a small piece of chocolate cake AND a sliver of cheesecake with cherry sauce. I felt pretty good because all of the things I ate were relatively small. I jumped on the scale Sunday morning and the results? .4 lb loss. GO ME!!

On a note about weight loss, I upped my calorie intake to match my BMR more closely. I found I was eating 200 calories UNDER where I should be. So, I adjusted my numbers on 
LoseIt and the weight is falling off. As of this morning I am down 13.8 lbs!

So this morning, I would like to address dry ounces. Thank you Amy for giving me the idea and I will provide a recipe for you as well. I spoke about the difference between dry ounces and using a measuring cup for dry food. So below, I have red grapes. The picture on the left is how many red grapes you would  have if you measured with a 3/4 cup measuring cup. On the right is the computation into dry ounces. 3/4 cup = 5.04 ounces. Do you see the difference? There are more grapes in the dry ounces than using the cup. I know the dry ounces is more accurate than the measure cups. Whats more is 6.00 fluid ounces=5.04 dry ounces.

Pizza

The pizza that I made is white broccoli, delicious and feeds only one person. The nice thing is you can make it for the family and if you are the only one dieting, that works because everyone can put on whatever toppings they want.

Ingredients:

1 Pocket thins, flatbread, 8 grain = 100 calories

1/2 cup 5 Italian cheese, shredded 180 calories

1/3 cup Fat free Ricotta = 80 calories

1/2 cup Broccoli = 15 calories

1/4 tbls garlic powder =7 calories

Total calories = 382

Directions:

1. Take pocket thin and break it open so you have two pieces. Lay it on a baking tray so you have a circle like picture below.

2. Put Ricotta on top of pocket thin, smearing it across the two pieces.

3. Sprinkle garlic powder on both pieces of the pocket thin.

4. Break broccoli into small pieces after weighing and place on Ricotta.

5. Spread the cheese on top.

6. Bake in the over on 400 for about 5 minutes.

Here are the ingredients for bacon pizza.

1 Pocket thins, flatbread, 8 grain = 100 calories
1/2 cup 5 Italian cheese, shredded 180 calories

4 slices turkey bacon= 60 calories
1/4 cup tomato sauce = 20 calories
1/4 tbls garlic powder = 7 calories
Total calories= 367 calories

These are my quick fixes and honestly, I think they taste better than going out and ordering a pizza. The crust has much more flavor and the best part? It is healthy and you know what is on it. :)

☼Ashley☼