Thursday, December 31, 2009

What I Ate: 12/31/2009

Backdated for future searching convenience. Posted January 18, 2010 at 7:14 PM.
  • More brussel sprouts, prepared with turkey bacon, onion, and blood orange (140 kcals, 13.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 2g fat).
  • 1 Believe Italian Cappucino, spread through the day as coffee creamer (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Chik-Fil-A grilled chicken filet (106 kcals, 21g protein, 2g carb, 1.5g fat)
  • 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs)
  • 10 large local shrimp, cooked with red pepper and other seasonings (75 kcals, 14.2g protein, 1g carbs, 1.3g fat)
  • Various artisanal cheeses from Whole Foods in Greenville - Morbier, Valdeon, Fourme D'Ambert, 3-Year Aged Gouda, Goat Gouda Hollandaise. I got these from the leftover bits basket in the cheese section, which makes having little WLS-sized portions really easy!
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in orange (10 kcals, 2g net carbs)
There are certain things I like to eat to celebrate New Year's. Cheese is at the top of the list! I love fancy artisanal cheeses to ring in the new year, and even though we were having a midnight breakfast at church, I brought along the food that I wanted to eat. I brought the shrimp, which were local shrimp I purchased from Whole Foods earlier in the day, for lowfat protein. But after the shrimp, I had cheese and it was awesome :-)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What I Ate: 12/30/2009

Backdated for future searching convenience. Posted January 18, 2010 at 6:45 PM.

Away from New Orleans and back to reality. :-(

  • 1 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder (132 kcals, 25g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat) in 4 oz. water with 1/2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa (5 kcals, 1g net carbs)
  • One packet of Delta Airlines peanuts (70 kcals, 3g protein, 3g net carbs, 6g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in coffee (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder with sugar-free vanilla syrup in a tall Starbucks iced decaf americano (115 kcals, 25g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 70 (!) pistachios. Yes, I binged. I really do think I’m going to have to swear off nuts unless they are part of a dish like a salad, where I won’t be tempted to compulsively eat them. (280 kcals, 7g protein, 7g net carbs, 21g fat)
  • 1 chestnut. I had no idea how carby they are! (23 kcals, 0.3g protein, 4.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat)
  • 1/2 cup brussel sprouts (20 kcals, 1.5g protein, 2.5g net carbs, 0g fat) with 4 slices Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (80 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 2g fat), 1/4 cup finely diced onion (16 kcals, 3g net carbs), and blood orange/pomegranate seed vinaigrette (about 24 kcals, 4g net carbs). Total - (140 kcals, 13.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 2g fat). This was an amazing, special dish. The vinaigrette contains supremes of blood orange (I just learned how to cut citrus supremes), freshly squeezed blood orange juice, pomegranate seeds, “natural” rice vinegar, DaVinci sweetening syrup (you could use sugar or Splenda instead, but you’ll need to add more vinegar or a bit of water), cayenne, and thyme. The brussel sprouts, bacon, and onion were cooked with a little Worcestershire sauce and Liquid Smoke, thyme, and caraway seeds.
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenge (16 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in orange (10 kcals, 2g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
836 kcals
74.8g protein
35.8% kcals from protein
40.6g net carbs
19.4% kcals from net carbs
31.2g fat
33.6% kcals from fat.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

What I Ate: 12/29/2009

Backdated for future searching convenience. Posted January 18, 2010 at 5:50 PM.
  • 1 bag Kay's Naturals protein cereal (100 kcals, 9g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • Inspire Caramel Latte shake (110 kcals, 30g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) in about 7 oz. water with Sbux VIA and 1/2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g carbs)(and Splenda). Total - (115 kcals, 30g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder (132 kcals, 25g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat) in 4 oz. water with 1/2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa (5 kcals, 1g net carb). Total - (137 kcals, 25g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 tbsp. skim milk in decaf coffee from Community Coffee Company, a local New Orleans outfit (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Jacques Imo’s: A few bites of shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake, 1 crab-stuffed shrimp (that was deep-fried, of course), 3 roasted shrimp, about 1/2 of a small spinach salad with a fried oyster on top, a side order of red beans (no rice), and I’d guess 2-3 oz. of grilled mahi mahi with pistachios and asparagus. I also had one bite of beets. This is a LOT of food – but I don’t think I stretched my reconfigured tummy too much, as this was eaten over the course of about three hours. Even so, by the time I ate the mahi, I was almost nauseous. I actually had to spit out 2-3 bites of food because I realized mid-chew that it just wasn’t happening.

Again, I'm not estimating the calories today because there's such uncertainty about what was in the Jacques-Imo's food. I did drink sugar-free drink mix and took my vitamins, so there are some carbs not listed here.

Jacques-Imo's is apparently a bigtime New Orleans restaurant, a pillar of the uptown Carrollton neighborhood and located on Oak Street, which was the site of some looting after Katrina. Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of the food. It was just too greasy and obviously unhealthy for my tastes. I probably had more calories at Jacques-Imo’s than I had at August, for an inferior meal. Nearly everything on the Jacques-Imo’s menu was fried or smothered in an obviously sugary sauce, including my mahi, which was sitting in a bowl of jarringly sweet sauce. On the other hand, the shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake deserves a shout-out. It was random, but magically delicious.

Also, I had a star-sighting this afternoon en route the coffee shop. Mos Def was walking through the French Quarter! He's shorter than I expected, lol.

Monday, December 28, 2009

What I Ate: 12/28/2009

Backdated for future searching convenience. Posted January 5, 2010 at 9:19 AM.

Monday, December 28 was my first full day back in New Orleans since I first visited back in April 2002 with a couple of college girlfriends. Maaaan . . . I adore that city! The culture is amazing. I could totally move there.

As you will see in a special forthcoming post, I also had one of the best meals of my life on December 28. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
  • 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein in decaf Starbucks via with Splenda (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in coffee (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 scoop Inspire chocolate peanut butter fudge protein mixed with 4 oz. water (127 kcals, 26g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 packet of pistachios (120 kcals, 5g protein, 4g net carbs, 9g fat)
  • Delicious food - seafood sabayon, beet salad, foie gras, sweetbreads, acorn squash ravioli - at Restaurant August, the flagship establishment of Besh Restaurant Group. Link to a special post forthcoming. Yes, you can still enjoy gourmet cuisine after weight loss surgery, as long as you're smart about it!
I have no idea how many calories were in my delicious August meal, so no totals for this day.

However, I did spend 50 minutes on the elliptical machine in the Ritz-Carlton's spa on Monday morning before activities got underway.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

What I Ate: 12/27/2009

Backdated for future searching convenience. Posted Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 9:09 AM.

  • 1 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (120 kcals, 6g protein, 0g net carbs, 8g fat), 1/4 cup egg substitute (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. canned crushed tomatoes (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 tsp. baking powder, and garlic powder, thyme, and oregano - with 1/4 cup egg substitute (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat). Total (190 kcals, 18.5g protein, 4g net carbs, 8g fat)
  • 1 packet of Starkist albacore tuna (90 kcals, 18g protein, 0g carbs, 2g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in coffee in the Atlanta airport (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Isopure dutch chocolate protein in a tall Starbucks iced decaf Americano in the Atlanta airport (115 kcals, 25g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 2 packets of Delta Airlines peanuts (140 kcals, 6g protein, 6g net carbs, 12g fat)
  • 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein in decaf Starbucks via with Splenda (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 bag Kay's honey almond protein cereal (100 kcals, 9g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (16 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in grape (15 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
832 kcals
107.5g protein
51.7% kcals from protein
41.5g net carbs
20.0% kcals from net carbs
25.5g fat
27.6% kcals from fat.

What I Ate: 12/26/2009

Today's the first day of Kwanzaa! It's all about imani (faith), baby.

  • Ham and asparagus omelet: 1/4 cup Egg Beaters (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), 8 stalks of asparagus, peeled and braised (30 kcals, 2.8g protein, 2.4g net carbs, 0.5g fat), 4 slices Hormel Natural Choice smoked ham (60 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carb, 1.5g fat) with 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) Total (145 kcals, 22.8g protein, 6.4g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 1/2 Believe Italian Cappucino, used as creamer through several cups of Starbucks decaf VIA and real Starbucks decaf from Barnes & Noble (60 kcals, 10g protein, 2.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Chik-fil-A chargrilled chicken filet (106 kcals, 21g protein, 2g carb, 1.5g fat)
  • 1 serving (about 3 oz.) of my mom's beef roast cooked in mushroom soup (I'm guessing 150 kcals, 24g protein, 3g net carbs, 6g fat because she thinks it was bottom round) and 5 okra pods, sauteed in Pam (20 kcals, 1g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 15 roasted and salted pistachios (60 kcals, 1.5g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • About 1 oz. smoked turkey leg that my mom had used to cook beans, just to taste (44 kcals, 5g protein, 0g carbs, 2g fat)
  • Giant protein eggnog: 1 whole Oh Yeah! vanilla with eggnog syrup over ice (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g net carbs, 9g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
THEN - I went crazy. I consumed about 200 calories' worth of pistachios and pecans, a large apple, and another Calcet chew, all after midnight. ARGH ARGH ARGH compulsive eating ARGH.

So, my totals for the day were over 1,000 calories for the first time since surgery. I'm not sure what came over me, but it was just like pre-op. I wasn't emotional; I just ate because I wanted to eat. I'm up early this morning and I still feel completely gross.

I did four "miles" of a Leslie Sansone workout today. It felt good to get back to my exercise regimen, even though I ruined it later with that insane eating spell.

What I Ate: 12/25/2009

  • 10 pecan halves (100 kcals, 1g protein, 0.8g net carbs, 10g fat)
  • Tuna and okra omelet: 1 packet albacore tuna (90 kcals, 18g protein, 0g net carbs, 2g fat), 1/4 cup egg substitute (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), 4 okra pods (15 kcals, 1g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) - Total (160 kcals, 29g protein, 5g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 1/3 cup winter fruit salad
  • 2 tbsp. fat-free half and half in 2 Starbucks decaf VIAs (20 kcals, 2g net carb)
  • 1/2 Believe Italian Cappucino in Starbucks decaf VIA (60 kcals, 10g protein, 2.5g net carbs, 0g fat) with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip
  • Cookies & cream cheesecake protein: 1 sample of Matrix cookies & cream protein (65 kcals, 12g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat) in 1/3 cup Fage nonfat Greek yogurt (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free dulce de leche and sugar-free cookie dough syrups, and 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free Jello cheesecake pudding (15 kcals, 4g net carbs) Total (120 kcals, 18.6g protein, 9g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 cup curried chicken salad
  • 1/2 cup winter fruit salad
  • Cookies & cream cheesecake protein again, with Free Cool Whip this time (135 kcals, 18.6g protein, 12g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 cup winter fruit salad
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
This was a VERY carby day due to the fruit salad and whipped cream. Posting this now (finally) for accountability, but I'll have to figure the approximate totals later.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

What I Ate: 12/24/2009

  • French toast and bacon: 1 pumpkin flaxseed microwave muffin - 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (120 kcals, 6g protein, 0g net carbs, 8g fat), 1/4 cup egg substitute (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 tsp. baking powder, and various sugar-free syrups and spices (about 5 kcals); 2 tbsp. Mrs. Butterworth's sugar-free pancake syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs); a sprinkle of Nature Sweet brown and powdered (10 kcals, 1g net carbs); with 1 slice Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat) - Total (195 kcals, 15.5g protein, 5g net carbs, 8.5g fat)
  • Believe Italian Cappucino, spread out over several hours, used as creamer in coffee from Starbucks and from "E-City Java" (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/2 cup curried chicken and cauliflower salad, leftover from Tuesday's luncheon (guessing 120 kcals, 10g protein, 10g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • Protein eggnog: 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink and a healthy glug of DaVinci sugar-free Eggnog syrup over ice. (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 1/2 cup winter fruit salad, leftover from Tuesday's luncheon (guessing 60 kcals, 2g protein, 7g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • Cookies & cream cheesecake protein: 1 sample of Matrix cookies & cream protein (65 kcals, 12g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat) in 1/3 cup Fage nonfat Greek yogurt (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free dulce de leche and sugar-free cookie dough syrups, 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free Jello cheesecake pudding (15 kcals, 4g net carbs), and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb). Total (135 kcals, 18.6g protein, 12g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenge (4 kcals, 1g net carbs)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)

Total:
849 kcals
82.1g protein
38.7% kcals from protein - TERRIBLE!
62g net carbs
29.2% kcals from net carbs
20.5g fat
21.7% kcals from fat.

When I was about to make my protein Fage I realized that I went and left ALL of the baggies of various protein powders and my vitamins in Columbia!!!! Argh; I'm so, so mad. I made up about 30 baggies of all kinds of protein powders and left them, along with my Snuggie and the bag of goodies I'd packed for my sister. Hmph. At least I have my Oh Yeah!s, Believe, a few samples of the Matrix cookies & cream, packets of the Pure unflavored protein, and an array of sugar-free syrups. I should definitely be able to make it through tomorrow, even if I don't have my favorite protein options.

What I Ate: 12/23/2009

  • "Pig in a blanket": 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat) and 1 98% fat free turkey hot dog (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, o.5g fat) - Total (93 kcals, 9g protein, 4g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
  • Thin mint shake: 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 0g protein, 1g net carb, 0.5g fat), mixed into about 2.5 oz. water and DaVinci sugar-free peppermint and Torani sugar-free chocolate syrups over ice. - Total (136 kcals, 30g protein, 3g net carbs, 0.5g fat). This is the best this shake has turned out so far. Reducing the amount of water makes the shake taste much richer. Also, I only added a couple drops of peppermint syrup this time - last time, I added more and the shake took on a sort of mouthwash flavor. I think the only slight improvement would come from adding some sugar-free vanilla syrup or just vanilla flavoring. Will continue to tweak . . .
  • Choconana protein shake: This is very simple! 1/2 bananas & cream Oh Yeah! and 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah!, sugar-free Torani chocolate syrup, and 1 tsp. unsweetened Hershey's cocoa. Easy and way yummy! :-) (about 130 kcals, 17g protein, 3g net carbs, 5g fat)
  • 8 peeled and braised stalks of asparagus (30 kcals, 2.8g protein, 2.4g net carbs, 0.5g fat) with rollups made of 4 slices Hormel Natural Choice roast beef (60 kcals, 11g protein, 0g carbs, 2g fat), 1/4 cup fat free ricotta (45 kcals, 6g protein, 4g net carbs, 0g fat), and seasonings (10 kcals, 1g net carbs) and 1 98% fat free turkey hot dog (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, o.5g fat) - Total (185 kcals, 24.8g protein, 10.4g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • About 2 tbsp. cup skim milk in 1 grande Starbucks decaf coffee (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free Jello cheesecake pudding (15 kcals, 4g net carbs), and sugar-free dulce de leche and cookie dough syrups. - Total (181 kcals, 36.6g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
Total:
837 kcals
118.4g protein
56.6% kcals from protein
51.9g net carbs
24.8% kcals from net carbs
13.5g fat
14.5% kcals from fat.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

What I Ate: 12/22/2009

  • "Pig in a blanket": 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat) and 1 98% fat free turkey hot dog (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, o.5g fat) - Total (93 kcals, 9g protein, 4g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
  • Protein eggnog: 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink and a healthy glug of DaVinci sugar-free Eggnog syrup over ice. (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) and a few tbsp. of the curried chicken salad and fruit salad (guessing 100 kcals, 10g protein, 5g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • Another protein eggnog! (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • More chicken salad and fruit salad (guessing 150 kcals, 10g protein, 10g net carbs, 7g fat)
  • About 1/4 cup skim milk in 2 grande Starbucks decaf coffees (20 kcals, 2g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free Jello cheesecake pudding (15 kcals, 4g net carbs), and sugar-free dulce de leche and cookie dough syrups. Yum yum! - Total (181 kcals, 36.6g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
Total (even rougher approximations than usual):
862 kcals
99.6g protein
46.2% kcals from protein
53.5g net carbs
24.8% kcals from net carbs
25g fat
26.1% kcals from fat

Well, I found out what happened to the gym. Apparently there was some flooding last Friday when we had bad weather and it impacted the gym in some way. The health people closed it down and put up a sign that said "Out of Order," but I guess because it was unclear WHY and HOW it was out of order, people used it anyway. The health people sent out a sharply worded email today letting everyone know not to use the gym until some future date (argh.) So I guess I'll be relying on Leslie Sansone for a while.

What I Ate: 12/21/2009

  • Thin mint shake: 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) mixed with 4 oz. water, over ice with 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 0g protein, 1g net carb, 0.5g fat) and DaVinci sugar-free peppermint and Torani sugar-free chocolate syrups. - Total (136 kcals, 30g protein, 3g net carbs, 0.5g fat).
  • "Pig in a blanket": 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat) and 1 98% fat free turkey hot dog (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, o.5g fat) - Total (93 kcals, 9g protein, 4g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
  • 8 stalks braised asparagus (30 kcals, 2.8g protein, 2.4g net carbs, 0.5g fat) wrapped in Hormel low-nitrate smoked ham slices (60 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carb, 1.5g fat) with 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) - Total (115 kcals, 16.8g protein, 5.4g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • Believe Italian Cappucino protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat) and 4 pecan halves (40 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • Chocolate gingerbread Fage: 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) in 1/3 cup Fage nonfat Greek yogurt (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free gingerbread syrup - Total (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Various samples of the food I cooked for the dinner party we're having at work tomorrow - curried chicken cauliflower salad and fruit salad. I have no idea the nutritional stats on this, but I know it was generally WLS-friendly. I used nonfat Fage to replace mayo in the chicken salad. The flavors in this food are bangin'! The chicken salad has chicken breast (obvi), cauliflower, onion, fennel fronds, caramelized fennel, raw fennel, golden raisins, blackcurrants, garlic, garam masala, curry powder, Splenda, cumin, coriander, mace, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lots of nonfat Fage yogurt and - some other stuff. It was 3 AM when I finished making it; I'm not sure what's in it exactly! The fruit salad's contents are even more ambiguous, but I know it has cherries, blueberries, golden raspberries, apples, persimmons, apricots, dried mission figs, golden raisins, blackcurrants, kumquat zest, fresh ginger, a few pomegranate seeds, and unsweetened coconut in a sauce made with cherry juice, tangerine juice, yuzu juice, tamarind paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, mace, Splenda, vanilla flavoring, maple flavoring, DaVinci butter rum syrup, brown Nature Sweet, and whatever else I had laying around the kitchen that seemed to be a good idea at the time. If I could do it over, I would axe the fresh apricots and use dried. I probably would have also bought orange segments to add to the salad. The biggest thing is that I would have added the golden raspberries last - by the time I mixed everything together, they had basically become part of the sauce. I should have known better. Let's hope my boss and co-workers enjoy the food . . .
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins, 1 in orange and 1 in NEW grape (13 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
Not sure, but around 900 kcals
At least 112.4g protein
At least 43.2g net carbs
(but probably a lot more because it took me a while to get the fruit salad right; I had to keep tasting it)
At least 11.5g fat.

I got up early and dragged out of the bed, leaving enough time for an hour-long cardio workout. I got to my office (where I usually work out) and the security gate is broken. Someone let me in another gate, but when I got to the gym entrance, the door was broken (???) So I just come to my office, change here into my regular clothes, and call it quits on the morning workout effort. I was so proud of myself for getting myself back in gear on the exercise front, but to no avail. I had to go to the grocery store after work and cooked until 3 AM, so there was no time to exercise after work.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

What I Ate: 12/20/2009

  • About 2.5 oz. rotisserie chicken breast (110 kcals, 17g protein, 1g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • Protein eggnog: 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink and a healthy glug of DaVinci sugar-free Eggnog syrup over ice with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. (125 kcals, 16g protein, 4.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 2 Oscar Meyer 98% fat-free turkey hot dogs (80 kcals, 10g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1/4 cup brussel sprouts with turkey bacon and onion (40 kcals, 2g protein, 3g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 10 roasted and salted pistachios (40 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • Thin Mint shake: 1 scoop Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) mixed with 4 oz. water, over ice with 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa (3 kcals), 1 tsp. sugar-free/fat-free chocolate fudge pudding mix (5 kcals), and a splash of DaVinci sugar-free peppermint and Torani sugar-free chocolate syrups. Total (134 kcals, 30g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 0g fat). This could stand some tweaking, but it was yummy.
  • 4 stalks asparagus (15 kcals, 1.4g protein, 1.2g net carbs, 0g fat) wrapped in 4 slices Hormel Natural Choice roast beef (60 kcals, 11g protein, 0g carbs, 2g fat) and stuffed with 2 tbsp. fat-free Sorrento ricotta (25 kcals, 3g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. crushed tomatoes (5 kcals, 1g carb), and 1 packet of Splenda (3 kcals) with oregano, cayenne, and garlic powder (maybe 5 kcals, 1g carb). Random combo, but shockingly extremely tasty!
  • 1 scoop Inspire caramel latte (110 kcals, 30g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) in 4 oz. Oikos nonfat Greek yogurt (70 kcals, 12g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free gingerbread syrup and topped with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb). Between this and the eggnog protein, it really tastes like the holiday season! - Total (195 kcals, 42g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (23 kcals, 6g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
942 kcals
133.4g protein
56.6% kcals from protein
55.7g net carbs (oops, a little high)
23.7% kcals from net carbs
18g fat
17.2% kcals from fat.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

What I Ate: 12/19/2009

  • 1 scoop Inspire caramel latte (110 kcals, 30g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) in 4 oz. Oikos nonfat Greek yogurt (70 kcals, 12g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free dulce de leche and sugar-free gingerbread syrup. - Total (180 kcals, 42g protein, 6g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural turkey slices (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1 wedge Laughing Cow light Swiss (35 kcals, 2.5g protein, 1g carb, 2g fat)
  • 1 Believe Italian Cappucino protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 12 pistachios (48 kcals, 1.2g protein, 1.2g net carbs, 3.6g fat) and 2 98% fat-free hot dogs (80 kcals, 10g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1/2 cup brussel sprouts, turkey bacon, and onions (80 kcals, 4g protein, 6g net carbs, 4g fat) and 1.5 tbsp. baby lima beans - my mom cooked them in olive oil, so I'm really not 100% sure on these stats (about 50 kcals, 4g net carbs, 1.5g protein, 4g fat)
  • Protein eggnog: 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink and a healthy glug of DaVinci sugar-free Eggnog syrup over ice. This time, I topped it with about 3 tbsp. Free Cool Whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. YUM. (132 kcals, 16g protein, 6g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 4 pecan halves (40 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
912 kcals
107.2g protein
47.0% kcals from protein
57g net carbs
25.0% kcals from net carbs
25.6g fat
25.3% kcals from fat

What I Ate: 12/18/2009

I sampled more of my new flavors proteins and sugar-free syrups today. Fun!

  • Protein eggnog: Just 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink and a healthy glug of DaVinci sugar-free Eggnog syrup over ice. Deeeelicious! Would have been even better with some Free Cool Whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg over the top, but it was delicious this way too. Maybe I'll have something eggnog-flavored every day until the new year! That's the only way I'm gonna get through this syrup while the flavor's still in season. (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 4 slices Hormel Natural Choice (no added nitrate) smoked ham (60 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carb, 1.5g fat) wrapped around 5 stalks of white asparagus (25 kcals, 2g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (85 kcals, 12g protein, 3g net carbs, 1.5g fat). Dang, this was good y'all. Really good.
  • 1/2 of a triple chocolate Powercrunch bar - free sample from Bariatric Eating. I don't get into the protein bar thing too much, at least not yet, because they tend to have so many calories and fat/carbs. This was quite tasty, but with that fat content I consider this a "fat bar," not a "protein bar"! (105 kcals, 6.5g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 6.5g fat).
  • Protein eggnog again (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) and 4 pecan halves (40 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • Believe Chai Tea (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in Starbucks decaf with sugar-free Irish cream syrup - I bring my own syrups to Sbux (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 scoop Inspire caramel latte (110 kcals, 30g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) in 4 oz. Oikos nonfat Greek yogurt (70 kcals, 12g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat) with sugar-free gingerbread syrup and topped with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb). Between this and the eggnog protein, it really tastes like the holiday season! - Total (195 kcals, 42g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural turkey slices (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (16 kcals, 4g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium citrate chewy bite (15 kcals, 3g carbs).
Total:
906 kcals
123.9g protein
54.7% kcals from protein
44.8g net carbs
19.8% kcals from net carbs
22g fat (made up for yesterday a bit . . .)
21.9% kcals from fat
I dragged myself out of bed this morning - an hour later than intended - but still with enough time to exercise. I went an hour on the elliptical for an alleged distance of 4.4 miles and an alleged calorie-burn of a little over 600 calories. It was a tough workout for me; my body had a hard time waking up. But I'm glad I did it. :-)

Friday, December 18, 2009

So I'm Reconsidering this Daily Weigh-In Idea . . .

I didn't weigh myself this morning. I'm not sure hopping on the scale every day is a good idea for me right now.

I wanted to pick up this habit because several studies indicate that formerly fat people maintain weight loss most effectively when they weigh in on a daily basis - see here, here, and here, for example. I'm convinced that a central reason I regained most of the weight I'd lost between 2002 and 2005, going from 209 in August 2005 back up to 307 in October 2008, is that I stopped using the scale to keep myself accountable.

Even so, I find it discouraging and distressing to be following the rules but gaining weight, even if in the back of my mind I know the gain has to be water retention. A few days ago when the upward pattern was becoming apparent, I even started doing research into revision surgeries. (If I fail my RNY, I'm getting duodenal switch, btw. Hopefully I'll be established enough by then to be able to afford the revision without insurance coverage.) But really - why am I already making a contingency plan?

Weighing daily hasn't had a positive effect on my mindset in the past, and it seems that hasn't changed yet. I do plan to weigh tomorrow morning though.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

What I Ate: 12/17/2009

  • 2 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium citrate chewy bites (30 kcals, 6g carbs). This was a mini-binge brought on by morning distress. :-( Yeah, yeah, yeah - 30 calories' worth of vitamins isn't a "binge." It wasn't part of my daily plan though.
  • Believe Italian Cappucino (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Boca patty (70 kcals, 13g protein, 2g net carb, 0.5g fat) with 1 strip Jennie-O lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) - Total (115 kcals, 20g protein, 4g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural turkey slices (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1 mini Babybel cheese round (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat)
  • Inspire caramel latte protein powder in iced Starbucks decaf Via with sugar-free chocolate and sugar-free gingerbread syrup - it was my first time having this protein. The taste was extremely delicious, but I had the same problem that usually occurs when I try to mix Inspire proteins the way I mix all other proteins: big, gummy lumps. For some reason, Inspire blends a lot more smoothly into Greek yogurt for me. All of the flavor factors were bangin', though. I definitely want to try this warm, maybe in some unsweetened almond milk! (115 kcals, 30g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat)
  • 3 slices Jennie-O lean turkey bacon (60 kcals, 9g protein, 0g carbs, 1.5g fat) stuffed with 2 stalks of white asparagus each (25 kcals, 2g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1/4 cup Sorrento fat-free ricotta mixed with thyme, oregano, and garlic (45 kcals, 6g protein, 4g net carbs, 0g fat) and topped with 2 tbsp. crushed tomato sauce (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) - Total (140 kcals, 17.5g protein, 8g net carbs, 1.5g fat) - messy, but yummy!
  • New Inspire dutch chocolate cake protein powder (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) in 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with a splash of DaVinci sugar-free butter rum syrup and topped with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) - Total (181 kcals, 36.6g protein, 8g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
859 kcals
140.1g protein (omg)
65.2% kcals from protein (yay)
46.5g net carbs
21.7% kcals from net carbs
6.5g fat (wow, extra-low. That's good!)
6.8% kcals from fat

I had issues getting out of the house this morning because, even though I woke up early, I lost my keytag to get into my workplace and spent over an hour looking for it. Thus, I worked out after work - 45 minute on the elliptical, allegedly burning a little over 475 calories and going about 3.3 miles.

Weight this morning: 199.7 (Yes, it CONTINUES to inexplicably move in the wrong direction. This is almost 5 pounds from my lowest weight and I have absolutely no idea why.)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

What I Ate: 12/16/2009

  • Turkey and cheese on a tomato-herb flaxseed muffin: 2 slices of Hormel Natural deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 1g net carbs, 0.5g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) on 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat). Total (112 kcals, 14.6g protein, 4g net carb, 3.5g fat).
  • Believe Italian Cappucino (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 oz. shrimp (90 kcals, 17g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat) cooked in Old Bay, garlic, and cayenne and 1 mini Babybel Light cheese round (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf (the new Starbucks decaf VIA!), SF vanilla and chocolate syrup, and Sweet and Low (112 kcals, 25g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat) and 4 pecan halves (40 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in Starbucks coffee (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Boca patty (70 kcals, 13g protein, 2g net carb, 0.5g fat) with 2 tbsp. crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and oregano (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) and 1/4 cup fat-free shredded mozzarella (45 kcals, 9g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) - like a pizza burger!
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 scoop Inspire chocolate peanut butter fudge protein powder (127 kcals, 26g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat), sugar-free caramel syrup, and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) - Total (182 kcals, 32.2g protein, 9g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (16 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins in NEW grape! (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
Total:
942 kcals
138.7g protein
58.9% kcals from protein
47.8g net carbs
20.3% kcals from net carbs
15.5g fat
14.8% kcals from fat

I'm trying some different things to jumpstart my weight loss - mainly going back to the sixth meal that I added last week during a time when I was feeling more munchy and adding more calories. I'm also moving toward varying my workouts a bit more.

This morning, I did the Leslie Sansone 30-minute walk and afterward, some calf raises, squats, and lunges. I know I need to mix things up, but I'm not sure how. I'm looking forward to retrieving my Walk/Kick and 5-Mile Walk dvds this weekend from my mom's house!

Weight this morning: 198.6 (and dude - last night I was getting numbers over 200 again! Really, WTF?)
Distance from next mini-goal: 10.6
Distance from ultimate goal: 44.6

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What I Ate: 12/15/2009

  • Egg and cheese on a flaxseed muffin: 1 hard-boiled egg (70 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carb, 4.5g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) on 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat). Total (148 kcals, 14g protein, 3g net carb, 7.5g fat).
  • 1 Believe Italian Cappucino protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Chik-fil-A chargrilled chicken filet (106 kcals, 21g protein, 2g carb, 1.5g fat)
  • Another shrimp/egg/nori creation: This time, I kept the shrimp separate from the nori and just rolled the egg in the nori and sliced it like little sushi rolls. Also, no salad this time - it was overly filling yesterday. 9 shrimp (60 kcals, 15g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 sheet of nori (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carb, 0g fat), 1/4 cup Publix EggStirs with soy sauce and sweetening syrup mixed in to mimic the egg they use to make tamago sushi (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) and a little dressing made with soy sauce, sweetening syrup, natural rice vinegar, powdered ginger, and a teensy bit of yuzu juice (5 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total (105 kcals, 22g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in Starbucks coffee with Splenda and Sweet and Low (about 20 kcals, 1g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Vanilla nut cheesecake protein Fage: 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 scoop Elite Gourmet Vanilla protein powder (114 kcals, 24g protein, 2g net carbs, 1.5g fat), 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 4g net carbs), sugar-free hazelnut syrup, and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) - Total (174 kcals, 30.6g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate multivitamins - one in orange and one in NEW grape! (13 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chewy bite (15 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 1 Laughing Cow light Swiss wedge (35 kcals, 2.5g protein, 1g carb, 2g fat)
Total:
823 kcals
111.1g protein
54.0% kcals from protein
52.5g net carbs
25.5% kcals from net carbs
14g fat
15.3% kcals from fat

I dragged myself out of bed this morning and got to the gym for a 50+-minute elliptical ride. I used a lot of resistance and supposedly went a little over 3.7 miles and allegedly burned about 515 calories. I also did my Ana Caban beginner pilates dvd tonight.

Weight this morning: 198.9 (WTF? This better be water weight gain)
Distance from next mini-goal: 10.9
Distance from ultimate goal: 44.9

My Favorite Poem: If We Must Die

This has nothing to do with weight loss surgery (at least not in any way I can think of.) Anyway, after sharing "Invictus," I also wanted to share my favorite poem, Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay's "If We Must Die":

If we must die, let it not be like hogs
Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,
While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,
Making their mock at our accursed lot.
If we must die, O let us nobly die,
So that our precious blood may not be shed
In vain; then even the monsters we defy
Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!
O kinsmen! We must meet the common foe!
Though far outnumbered let us show us brave,
And for their thousand blows deal one deathblow!
What though before us lies the open grave?
Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack,
Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!


I love this poem's cadence and its message of triumph under desperate circumstances, specifically lynching in this case. It has a slightly androcentric feel ("Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack"), but it's such a great poem that I try to overlook that :-)

The ideals set forth in "If We Must Die" are different from those in "Invictus." "Invictus" idealizes stoicism, while "If We Must Die" advocates vigorous self-defense. One could imagine the protagonist of "Invictus" standing still and enduring the "thousand blows" with dignity, with head unbowed, but not necessarily retaliating. The protagonist of "If We Must Die," however, "deal[s] one deathblow" and "fight[s] back."

What's the preferred life philosophy, if any? I'm not sure.

Monday, December 14, 2009

What I Ate: 12/14/2009

  • Egg and cheese on a flaxseed muffin: 1 hard-boiled egg (70 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carb, 4.5g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat) on 1/3 tomato-herb flaxseed microwave muffin (53 kcals, 4g protein, 1g net carb, 3g fat). Total (148 kcals, 14g protein, 3g net carb, 7.5g fat). I divided a DELICIOUS tomato-herb flaxseed muffin into six slices to make breakfast sandwiches for three days of this week. I usually make pumpkin muffins, but instead of using 1 tbsp. pumpkin I used 1 tbsp. crushed tomatoes and added dried thyme and oregano to the mix. Mmm . . . yummy WLS-friendly tomato "bread"! :-)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf (the new Starbucks decaf VIA!), SF chocolate and hazelnut syrup, Truvia, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1/2 cup brussel sprouts (30 kcals, 2g protein, 4g net carbs, 0g fat) with 2 tbsp. chopped onion (10 kcals, 2g net carbs), 3 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (60 kcals, 9g protein, 0g carbs, 1.5g fat), and Worcestershire sauce, a little DaVinci sweetening syrup, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice - Total (105 kcals, 11g protein, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • Another nori/shrimp creation - this time I just tried deconstructing it. I think it went well even though I was in a hurry and wound up eating it too fast: 9 shrimp (60 kcals, 15g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 sheet of nori, ripped into pieces (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carb, 0g fat), 1/4 cup Publix EggStirs with soy sauce and sweetening syrup mixed in to mimic the egg they use to make tamago sushi (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), 1/2 cup green lettuce (10 kcals, 2g net carbs) and a little dressing made with soy sauce, sweetening syrup, natural rice vinegar, powdered ginger, and a teensy bit of yuzu juice (5 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total (115 kcals, 22g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • A couple bites of black bean/corn salad that I made for a lunch gathering at work tomorrow. I just tasted a bite to make sure the flavor was right. (about 15 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in my decaf americano at Starbucks (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Protein Fage again. 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Elite Gourmet Vanilla protein powder (57 kcals, 12g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat), 1 sample pack of Matrix cookies and cream protein (65 kcals, 12g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat), sugar-free cookie dough and hazelnut syrup, and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) Total - (177 kcals, 30.6g protein, 9g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
748 kcals
103.6g protein
55.4% kcals from protein
45g net carbs
24.1% kcals from net carbs
12g fat
14.4% kcals from fat.


Weight this morning: 197.1
Distance from next mini-goal: 9.1
Distance from goal: 43.1

(I'm adding a feature where I report on my weight daily. Now that I've gotten below 200, I'm noticing some motivation problems and I'm hoping that being really watchful about my weight for a while will help.)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

What I Ate: 12/13/2009

  • Pork omelet: 1/4 cup Publix EggStirs (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) stuffed with 2.5 oz. pork tenderloin (125 kcals, 21g protein, 3.7g fat), shredded and a little chopped onion (15 kcals, 3g net carb) Total (170 kcals, 27g protein, 4g net carb, 3.7g fat)
  • Tried a different kind of banana pudding shake: 4 oz. vanilla creme Oh Yeah! with 3 oz. bananas & cream Oh Yeah! (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 4.5g fat), with 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), SF vanilla and cookie dough syrups, and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) Total: (165 kcals, 22.6g protein, 7.5g net carb, 4.5g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. skim milk in my coffee at Starbucks (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Experimented with the nori again, but with a twist - I added egg substitute for more protein, almost like replacing the sushi rice with egg, reminiscent of tamago sushi. 9 medium shrimp cooked with garlic and ginger, chopped (60 kcals, 15g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), a few pieces of green lettuce (5 kcals, 0.5g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 0g fat), and 1/4 cup Publix EggStirs (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat) dressed with a combination of soy sauce, tamarind concentrate, mustard, natural rice vinegar, and DaVinci sweetening syrup(10 kcals, 1g net carbs) all wrapped in 1 sheet of nori (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carb, 0g fat). Total (115 kcals, 22.5g protein, 3.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Pumpkin protein mousse. 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (20 kcals, 1g protein, 2g net carbs, 0.3g fat), 1 scoop Elite Gourmet Vanilla protein powder (114 kcals, 24g protein, 2g net carbs, 1.5g fat), and maple flavoring, cinnamon, ginger, sugar-free vanilla and cookie dough syrups, 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 4g net carbs) and 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g net carb) Total - (204 kcals, 31.6g protein, 14g net carbs (!), 1.8g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate orange multivitamin (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chewy bite (15 kcals, 3g net carbs)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
727 kcals
104.7g protein
57.6% kcals from protein
45g net carbs
24.8% kcals from net carbs
10g fat
12.4% kcals from fat

I did 30 minutes on the elliptical at work today. I had a phone interview this morning and decided to do it at the office for a reliable connection. I worked out after I left the office, even though it was still a huge struggle to find the de

Invictus

Invictus is a new movie about the transition from apartheid in South Africa and . . . rugby. Weird combo, but still worth seeing. Morgan Freeman plays Mandela and Matt Damon plays Francois Pienaar, the captain of the South African rugby team.

One foundational "character" in the film is the 1875 William Ernest Henley poem for which the movie is titled:

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


I'd heard this poem before; it's pretty well known. It has more resonance with me now for some reason. I aspire to more closely embody the stoic, determined characteristics that "Invictus" describes.

This poem might be a bit sullied because Timothy McVeigh, of all people, used it as his final statement before his execution. :-/ (Thanks Wiki!) Even so, "Invictus" is a powerful piece of literary art with enduring significance.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

What I Ate: 12/12/2009

Today was a fantastic day!! Woo, I LOVE Saturdays! I bought a new coat today finally (size L, and I could fit into the M but wanted to make sure it wasn't too snug) and a size 14 denim skirt. I also bought a ton of GRE prep materials and spent most of the day studying at various Columbia coffee shops. I'm slooooooowly re-teaching myself the middle/high school math. I have the most difficulty with geometry (I've never been very spatially intelligent) and probability (I never took that class in high school - the "advanced" students took calculus and everyone else took probability/stats.) :-/

  • Steak and eggs: 1.75 oz. sliced eye of round steak (84 kcals, 14.3g protein, 0g carbs, 2.5g fat), 1/4 cup Publix EggStirs (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat), and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carb, 0g fat), with a few spices - Total (139 kcals, 24.3g protein, 3g net carbs, 2.5g fat)
  • 10 unsalted roasted pistachios (40 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 Believe Mocha Latte protein "frappucino" (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Fake sushi DELICIOUSNESS: 9 medium shrimp cooked with garlic and ginger, chopped (60 kcals, 15g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 cup green lettuce, chopped (5 kcals, 0.5g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 0g fat) dressed with a combination of soy sauce, tamarind concentrate, mustard, natural* rice vinegar, and DaVinci sweetening syrup - I didn't eat very much of this and have some left over for tomorrow (10 kcals, 1g net carbs) all wrapped in 1 sheet of nori (10 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carb, 0g fat). Total (85 kcals, 16.5g protein, 2.5g carbs, 0g fat). The nori was a completely random purchase at Fresh Market. I'd stopped there to get pistachios but realized, once in the store, that I didn't have any cash. I felt strange using a credit card to buy less than $1 worth of merchandise, so I shopped around for something else. I was intrigued by the nori, having recently watched an episode of Chopped where nori was one of the appetizer ingredients. This creation turned out to be magically delicious. It was a little clumsy to eat because I didn't handle the nori exactly right, but even so, the flavors were amazing. This experiment opens up a new world of WLS-friendly dishes!
  • Bananas foster shake: 1/2 cup vanilla creme Oh Yeah! and 3 oz. bananas & cream Oh Yeah! (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 4.5g fat), 1/2 scoop Elite Gourmet Vanilla protein (57 kcals, 12g protein, 1g net carb, 0.8g fat) with 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free cheesecake pudding mix for texture (15 kcals, 4g carbs), sugar-free butter rum syrup to taste and topped with 2 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (15 kcals, 3g carbs) - Total (197 kcals, 28g protein, 9.5g net carbs, 5.3g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (6 kcals, 1.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate orange multivitamins (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
627 kcals
89.8g protein
57.3% kcals from protein
32g net carbs
20.4% kcals from net carbs
10.8g fat
15.5% kcals from fat

I was out and about today and didn't get in a big workout. However, I did at least do a mini Leslie Sansone workout - Muscle Mile One. It was extremely short and tame and I didn't even sweat, but it burned a few calories.

*"natural" in this context means they didn't add sugar to it. Regular rice vinegar has 20 calories per tbsp. while "natural" rice vinegar has 0.

Friday, December 11, 2009

What I Ate: 12/11/2009

Things are looking up! Today was a good day - mostly because I just decided it was going to be a good day despite yesterday's unexpected exile from what I had perceived to be my primary source of WLS support. The fact that it's Friday doesn't hurt :-) But I was a little crampy today, so I had the nibbles . . .

  • 1/3 cup Fage 0% (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire chocolate peanut butter fudge protein (127 kcals, 26g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat) Total - (167 kcals, 32.6g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat). Mixed things up - started the day with my Fage. The yogurt is SO filling in the morning!
  • 1/2 chocolate Oh Yeah! protein drink (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) and 3 pecan halves (30 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.2g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1 hard-boiled egg (70 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 4.5g fat), 1 bag Kay's Naturals honey almond cereal (100 kcals, 9g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.5g fat), and 4 pecan halves (40 kcals, 0.4g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 4g fat) - Today, you can just call me BOTTOMLESS POUCH. All this food made me hurt a little, but at least it kept me full for several hours :-(
  • 3 oz. pork tenderloin with a sweet mustard vinaigrette over a cup of salad greens (160 kcals, 24g protein, 3g net carbs, 4.1g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (9 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chew (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
Total:
791 kcals
98.4g protein
49.8% kcals from protein
39.5g net carbs
20.0% kcals from net carbs
23.6g fat
26.9% kcals from fat.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

What I Ate: 12/10/2009

It's been a really aggravating day. I'll just say I've learned why combining business and "friendship" or support isn't the best idea. I'm thinking that not being so into online support communities is probably a positive change; maybe I'll be more focused at work.

  • Believe Chai Tea protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1 hard-boiled egg (70 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 1 serving cheesy cauliflower TVP bake - I had kind of a taste aversion to this because I had my gallbladder attack the evening after I had this, but it's very tasty! (75 kcals, 9.4g protein, 3.8g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf (the new Starbucks decaf VIA!), SF chocolate and hazelnut syrup, Truvia, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 3 oz. eye of round steak (143 kcals, 24.6g protein, 0g carbs, 4.2g fat) seasoned with 2 tbsp. crushed tomatoes (10 kcals, 2g net carbs), 1/4 cup onions (16 kcals, 0.5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), thyme, a little garlic, sweetening syrup, red wine vinegar - Total - (about 175 kcals, 25.1g protein, 5g net carbs, 4.2g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder mixed in (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and various SF syrups (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (9 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chews (30 kcals, 8g net carbs)
Total:
861 kcals
132.1g protein
61.4% kcals from protein
45.3g net carbs
21.0% kcals from net carbs
12.7g fat
13.3% kcals from fat.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Weight Update, or "Welcome to One-derland!"

Just a quick update on my weight! For about a week now, I've been weighing in below 200 (!) This is strange, very strange. The lowest I've gotten is 196.5. If I think optimistically and consider 196.5 my current weight, that's a loss of 141.5 pounds from my highest measured weight of 338 in 2002 and 107.5 from my pre-surgery weight of 304. Not bad for just under eight months, though I know some lose faster.

Wow. This surgery is a whirlwind. I think the last time I weighed below 200 pounds, I was in 5th or 6th grade! I've been celebrating by shopping without buying much. Fortunately, I don't feel ashamed trying lots of stuff on and putting it all back. However, I did buy a very cute shirt at Ann Taylor LOFT (!) this weekend that I'm going to wear in my upcoming "One-derland" professional photos. It's a size Medium. Again - insanity!!!!! (I'm still in plus sizes on the bottom. Don't let my disproportionately small top half fool you.)

I've decided that my final weight goal will be 154, the weight at which I would have a normal body mass index ("BMI"). I may stall out higher than that; I may shoot for lower than that once I get there, but that's my goal for now.

My next mini-goal on the scale is 188, the weight at which my BMI will move from "obese" to "overweight." May not seem like anything exciting to you, but we formerly morbidly obese people relish these minor thrills. :-)

What I Ate: 12/9/2009

  • Believe Mocha Latte protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 container Rachel's Cottage Cheese, red pepper flavor. Very yummy, but I was really hungry 2 hours later (120 kcals, 14g protein, 6g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) and 1 hard-boiled egg (70 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 5 pecans (49 kcals, 0.6g protein, 0.3g net carbs, 5.1g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a Starbucks tall iced decaf americano (115 kcals, 25g protein, 2g carbs, 0.5g fat)
  • 2.3 oz. curry-crusted and garlic stuffed eye of round steak (130 kcals, 18.8g protein, 2g net carbs, 3.2g fat) with 1/3 cup brussel sprouts (20 kcals, 1g protein, 1.8g net carbs, 0g fat) cooked with 2 tbsp. chopped onion (10 kcals, 0.2g protein, 1.4g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 strip Jennie-O lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), and various seasonings including garlic, apple cider vinegar, thyme, DaVinci sweetening syrup, and Worcestershire sauce (adding about 10 kcals and 2 net carbs for that stuff) - I overate argh!!!! Total - (190 kcals, 23g protein, 7.2g net carbs, 3.7g fat)
  • My LAST Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat) - I guess I need to make an irate call to BE tomorrow to find out where my order is. I already called two days ago and they said the order would be shipped that day, but I still haven't received an email to that effect. I placed the order on December 1! I'm running low on all of my calcium and have 3 more Believe protein drinks left . . . :-( I usually get my orders quickly so this time is disappointing.
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
811 kcals
98.6g protein
48.6% kcals from protein
40g net carbs
19.7% kcals from net carbs
18.3g fat
20.3% kcals from fat
I finally got myself to the gym again - woot! About 55 minutes on the elliptical. I had a crummy day, but it started off well with the workout.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What I Ate: 12/8/2009

I was in a weird state of mind today where all I wanted to do was eat. I think it was out of boredom. I need to get myself together, big time!
  • "English muffin" sandwich: I took my leftover slice of flaxseed muffin from Sunday's French toast, sliced it in half again (55 kcals, 4g protein, 0.5g net carb, 3g fat) and made a sandwich that had 2 slices of Hormel Natural deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 1g net carbs, 0.5g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (114 kcals, 14.6g protein, 3.5g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
  • 1 bag of Kay's Natural Honey Almond protein cereal (100 kcals, 9g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 1 mini Babybel Light cheese round (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat)
  • Believe Chai Tea (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 6 toasted pecan halves - couldn't resist eating them, but of course they made my pouch freak out. No more, no more. I have a hard time resisting nuts because they should be okay, you know? But I guess not really, since so many of their calories are from fat. Hope I don't wind up having another gallbladder attack tonight . . . (59 kcals, 0.8g protein, 0.4g net carbs, 6g fat)
  • 3 oz. pork tenderloin with a couple pieces of onion that had cooked with the pork (155 kcals, 24g protein, 3g net carbs, 4.1g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder mixed in (132 kcals, 25g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat) and SF butter rum syrup. (172 kcals, 31.6g protein, 4g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
863 kcals
106g protein
49.1% kcals from protein
46.4g net carbs
21.5% kcals from net carbs
20.6g fat
21.5% kcals from fat

Today's activity was another morning of Leslie Sansone and pilates stretches.

Monday, December 7, 2009

What I Ate: 12/7/2009

  • Believe Mocha Latte protein "frappucino" (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • I had unexpected lunch plans at work, a goodbye lunch for the intern. It would have been nice for them to warn me, but we went to Miyo's so I did well anyway. I had about 9 small steamed shrimp (63 kcals, 12g protein, 0.5g carbs, 1g fat) and about 1.5 ounces of steamed chicken (60 kcals, 12g protein, 0.5g carbs, 1g fat). After I ate the protein, I had 3 broccoli florets, a couple snowpeas, 1 sliver of carrot, and 3-4 mushroom pieces (altogether I'm estimating 35 kcals, 2g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (158 kcals, 26g protein, 4g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 1 bag Revival Soy barbecue protein chips (105 kcals, 7g protein, 13g net carbs, 3g fat) - last bag, hooray! I love these but think I'll hold off on buying more till I'm closer to goal. Very carby.
  • 3 oz. pork tenderloin that I roasted last night (140 kcals, 24g protein, 1g net carbs, 4.1g fat) over a green leafy salad and a few pieces of onion (about 20 kcals, 0g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). Total (160 kcals, 24g protein, 4g net carbs, 4.1g fat). This was SO good! The pork was juicy, flavorful, and tender.
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder mixed in (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and SF Irish cream syrup. Last night I had the butter rum; that was good, but this is better! (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 more ounce of pork (47 kcals, 8g protein, 1g net carbs, 1.4g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 3 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chew (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
Total:
864 kcals
121.6g protein
56.3% kcals from protein
54.5g net carbs
25.2% kcals from net carbs
12g fat
12.5% kcals from fat

I did the Leslie Sansone 30-minute walk dvd this morning and also did some pilates moves to loosen my back, mostly.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

What I Ate: 12/6/2009

  • 1 slice Hormel Natural deli turkey with 1 slice Mt. Olive no-sugar-added sweet pickle (20 kcals, 3.3g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat)
  • "French toast" and eggs! This was the perfect Sunday brunch item. I made another pumpkin flaxseed "muffin," sliced it into thirds, but served only two-thirds of it because my stomach capacity isn't large enough for the entire muffin plus the egg. (110 kcals, 8.5g protein, 1g net carb, 6g fat). I then griddled the two muffin pieces in a little nonstick spray. Instead of a whole egg, I griddled 1/4 cup of egg substitute. (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g net carb, 0g fat). I served this with 2 tbsp. sugar-free Mrs. Butterworth's pancake syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). This meal was terrific because it gave me the feeling of a decadent brunch while being very WLS-friendly. The flaxseed muffin alone means that this meal contains almost as much fat than I usually consume in an entire day, but it's all flax oil, which is rich in Omega-3 and other essential fatty acids. People even take flax oil supplements, so I'm cool with my fat grams being a touch higher for eating the real thing. Total - (150 kcals, 14.5g protein, 4g net carb, 6g fat)
  • 1 Believe Italian Cappucino protein "frappucino" (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate protein powder in a Starbucks grande iced decaf Americano with 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa and SF vanilla syrup (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 2.5 oz. pork chop (137 kcals, 22g protein, 0g carbs, 4.8g fat) with 1/4 cup brussel sprouts (17 kcals, 1.4g protein, 1.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat) cooked with the juice of one lemon wedge and 1 tsp. minced garlic (5 kcals, 1g net carb), 1 strip Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), and thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and DaVinci sweetening syrup. Total - (179 kcals, 26.4g protein, 2.6g net carbs, 5.5g fat). I nixed the onions today but added the lemon and garlic.
  • 7 almonds. Unfortunately I found these in the bottom of my bag, left over from the last time I bought almonds. I wound up throwing about 7/8 of the bag away after they became really tempting, but when I saw these I thought, "Oh, it's just a few!" and then I ate them and, as usual, my tummy didn't enjoy them. This blog is all about accountability . . . (49 kcals, 2.1g protein, 1.4g net carbs, 4.2g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder mixed in (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and various SF syrups (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
862 kcals
127.9g protein
59.4% kcals from protein
37.5g net carbs
17.4% kcals from net carbs
16.2g fat
16.9% kcals from fat

More fat than I probably should have had given my likely gallbladder issues, but oh well. As long as I don't have an attack tonight, I'm cool with this.

Anyway, I FINALLY did my 5-mile walk again today! I attempted the walk twice yesterday but was deterred by the icy cold wind. The sun was gorgeous this morning, so I went anyway despite the chilly wind. Unfortunately I was freezing with numb fingers and a runny nose by the time the walk was over, so I need to think of another weekend workout that will feel like a treat. Maybe I'll try a trainer?

What I Ate: 12/5/2009

  • 1 medium granny smith apple. It's not good to eat fruit without protein post-WLS, especially in the losing phase, but I made this mistake and have to be accountable for it. (80 kcals, 0g protein, 17g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/2 pumpkin shake that I made with a different protein this time: Lean Dessert fresh cinnamon roll. I hate this protein when it's just mixed with water, but I liked it when I tasted it pre-op. I think what bothers me about it is the thick, slimy consistency. I've heard that your tastes change frequently after surgery, so figured I'd give this protein another go. Apparently, my tastes are exactly the same as they were seven months ago. I liked the effect of the Lean Dessert on the thickness of the pumpkin shake; it was thick enough to eat with a spoon without having the slimy consistency. However, it still made me feel gross, so I only had about half of it. 1/2 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 1.5g fat), with 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1/2 scoop Lean Dessert fresh cinnamon roll (65 kcals, 20g protein, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat). Total for what I drank - (93 kcals, 13.2g protein, 4.3g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • I still needed more protein, so I made up for the Lean Dessert mistake by eating some deli slices - 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g carb, 1g fat)
  • 1 Chik-Fil-A chargrilled chicken filet (110 kcals, 21g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 Chai Tea Believe protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2.5 oz. pork chop (137 kcals, 22g protein, 0g carbs, 4.8g fat) with 1/4 cup brussel sprouts (17 kcals, 1.4g protein, 1.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat) cooked with 1/4 cup diced onions (16 kcals, 0.5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 strip Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), about 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (5 kcals, 1g net carb), and thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and DaVinci sweetening syrup. Total - (195 kcals, 26.9g protein, 5.6g net carbs, 5.5g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder mixed in (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and various SF syrups (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Bariatric Advantage chocolate calcium chew (15 kcals, 4g net carbs)
Total:
886 kcals
127.7g protein
57.7% kcals from protein
55.4g net carbs
25.0% kcals from net carbs
9g fat
9.1% kcals from fat

Lately, I've been really struggling to motivate myself to exercise. Today, I eventually got a little workout in with Leslie Sansone's "Walk Strong" 30-minute aerobics dvd.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

What I Ate: 12/4/2009

  • 3 slices Hormel Natural turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat) with 1/4 cup Kraft fat-free shredded mozzarella to which I added black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano (45 kcals, 9g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and 1/5 no-sugar-added sweet pickle slices (5 kcals, 0g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat) Total - (100 kcals, 19g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 bag Revival Soy jalapeno cheddar chips (110 kcals, 7g protein, 13g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf, SF vanilla and hazelnut syrup, Sweet & Low, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • Believe Chai Tea Latte protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Fake Veal Parmesan: 2 oz. veal cutlet (80 kcals, 12.7g protein, 0g carbs, 2.8g fat) covered with 2 tbsp. makeshift tomato sauce made with low-sodium canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar, DaVinci sweetening syrup, and a pinch of cayenne (15 kcals, 0.5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1/4 cup Kraft fat-free shredded mozzarella mixed with dried thyme, oregano, and black pepper (45 kcals, 9g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) total - (140 kcals, 22.2g protein, 5g carbs, 2.8g fat)
  • 1/3 cup Fage (40 kcals, 6.6g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder mixed in (126 kcals, 30g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and various SF syrups for flavor and texture (166 kcals, 36.6g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (8 kcals, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
850 kcals
129.8g protein
61.1% kcals from protein
53.5g net carbs
25.2% kcals from net carbs
9.3g fat
9.8% kcals from fat

Thursday, December 3, 2009

What I Ate: 12/3/2009

  • Believe Chai Tea Latte protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 bag Revival Soy jalapeno cheddar protein chips (110 kcals, 7g protein, 13g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 Chik-Fil-A chargrilled chicken patty (110 kcals, 21g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf, SF vanilla and hazelnut syrup, Truvia, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 3 oz. veal cutlet (95 kcals, 16.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 2.5g fat) stuffed and rolled with 2 tsp. mustard, 1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley, and 2 tbsp. fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese (35 kcals, 4.5g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) and wrapped in 1 slice Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat). Total - (150 kcals, 24g protein, 2g net carbs, 3g fat). Even with all of that tasty manipulation, I didn't love the veal. It's really expensive to be so flavorless. I will give it one more try, probably tomorrow night, but then I'm going back to more standard meats. I suppose I'm getting what I deserve for eating VEAL!
  • 1/4 cup Fage 0% (30 kcals, 5g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 scoop Inspire chocolate peanut butter fudge protein (127 kcals, 26g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat) with 1 tbsp. Free Cool Whip (10 kcals, 0g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (167 kcals, 31g protein, 7.3g net carbs, 1g fat). As Rach would say, "Yumm-o!"
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
875 kcals
128g protein
58.5% kcals from protein
52.8g net carbs
24.1% kcals from net carbs
10.5g fat
10.8% kcals from fat

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

What I Ate: 12/2/2009

  • Believe Mocha Latte protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Turkey-pickle roll-ups: 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) with 1.5 Mt. Olive no-sugar-added "bread and butter" pickle slices (about 5 kcals, 0g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (80 kcals, 14g protein, 4g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • 1 bag Revival Soy jalapeno cheddar protein chips (110 kcals, 7g protein, 13g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf, SF vanilla and hazelnut syrup, Sweet & Low, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • 3 oz. veal cutlet with 1/8 oz. smoked sundried tomatoes, fresh parsley, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne, and a little soy sauce, oregano, and balsamic vinaigrette. This was pretty good, but I overcooked the thin cutlets unfortunately. (135 kcals, 19g protein, 3g net carbs, 4g fat)
  • Tried something a little different with today's Fage. I want to cut out the stuff like whipped cream and pudding mix, at least when I'm not treating myself. I'd prefer my standard fare to have fewer empty calories/carbs. So my new mix for tonight was - 1/4 cup Fage 0% (30 kcals, 5g protein, 2.3g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein (132 kcals, 25g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) with a little of various sugar-free syrups. Total - (162 kcals, 30g protein, 3.3g net carbs, 1g fat). My old mix was 1/2 cup Fage, 1/2 scoop protein powder, and 1 tbsp. sugar-free/fat-free pudding mix plus the sugar-free syrups. The main benefit is cutting out a lot of the lactose in the yogurt. The new mix is slightly smaller volume, but not oppressively so. I was satisfied with the portion size.
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 4 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (12 kcals, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
825 kcals
115g protein
55.8% kcals from protein
52.8g net carbs
25.6% kcals from net carbs
11.5g fat
12.5% kcals from fat
I finally, after three days of not working out at all, went back to the gym today. However, I didn't go in the morning like I was supposed to. I forced myself to go for a little 35-minute elliptical ride after work at about 6:45 PM. Hopefully I will get myself together for tomorrow morning - I don't like working out at night! I just want to go home!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What I Ate: 12/1/2009

Since I probably have a gallbladder issue in which I need to be even more careful about fat intake, I'm going to try tracking fat grams in addition to calories, protein, and net carbs for the next few weeks. Tracking fat is probably unnecessary because my fat intake is generally low, but I see no harm in trying it for a while. If it gets overwhelming, I'll stop.

  • Believe Italian Cappucino protein drink (120 kcals, 20g protein, 5g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Turkey-pickle "tacos": 3 slices Hormel Natural deli turkey (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g net carbs, 1g fat) with 3 Mt. Olive no-sugar-added "bread and butter" pickle slices (about 10 kcals, 0g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (85 kcals, 14g protein, 4g net carbs, 1g fat). The three slices of turkey made 3 "turkey tacos." I almost certainly should have only had two of these. I was really full after eating all three of them. I had the slight feeling of fullness that's supposed to be a signal to stop after two. I wanted to eat the whole serving for the protein. Next time I may adjust the stuffing so I'll get all the protein I want through two "tacos." (By the way, I call them "tacos" because I fold the meat in half and fill it with the cheese and pickle. They don't roll closed, so I call them "tacos" instead of "roll-ups." It's all head games.)
  • 1 bag Revival Soy barbecue protein chips (105 kcals, 7g protein, 13g net carbs, 3g fat)
  • 1 scoop Isopure dutch chocolate with iced decaf, SF vanilla and hazelnut syrup, Truvia, Sweet & Low, and 1 tsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (121 kcals, 25g protein, 6g net carbs, 1g fat)
  • Pumpkin pie shake - 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! protein drink (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 1.5g fat), 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree (10 kcals, 0.5g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Elite Gourmet Vanilla protein (57 kcals, 12g protein, 1g net carbs, 0.8g fat), cinnamon, maple extract, and just a drop of sugar-free vanilla syrup (177 kcals, 28.5g protein, 3.5g net carbs, 2.3g fat). I spilled some of this! It was horrible! I think I lost about 1/6 of the shake, so (148 kcals, 23.7g protein, 3g net carbs, 2g fat)
  • 2.5 oz. pork tenderloin with a sweet mustard glaze (147 kcals, 22.1g protein, 1g net carbs, 4.8g fat) and 1 slice Kraft fat-free Swiss cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Calcet calcium citrate lemon creamy bite (40 kcals, 6g net carbs, 1.5g fat)
  • 2 Bariatric Advantage calcium lozenges (4 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 2 Celebrate orange multivitamins (10 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 Celebrate grape iron + c (5 kcals, 1g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 3 pouches of sugar-free drink mix (30 kcals, 7.5g net carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
840 kcals
115.8g protein
55.1% kcals from protein
50.5g net carbs
24.0% kcals from net carbs
13.3g fat
14.3% kcals from fat

I got new sneakers tonight after work, so back to the gym tomorrow morning! I seem to have permanently misplaced one of my old shoes. :-(

Weight Update: On the Cusp of Greatness

The title is perhaps an overstatement. I mean, I am on the cusp of greatness, but not for any reason related to my weight ;-) Anyway . . .

I've continued my general pattern of losing lots of weight for a few weeks, then stalling or losing very slowly for a few weeks. Yet, even though I'm in one of my slow-loss cycles, I'm still making progress. This morning, the scale said 200.1. That means I am just two-tenths of a pound away from "Onederland" (aka being under 200 pounds.)

Me being under 200 pounds will be nothing short of a miracle. Me??!!! I used to be 338, and probably was even more than that at my highest weight. I'm wearing shirts in sizes Medium and Large, and skirts in anything ranging from 14-20 (wide range due to flabby belly. Not that you needed to know about that, but hey, I'm keeping it real. Future plastic surgery is likely.)

This whole speedy weight loss thing is insane in the most positive way.

When I make it below 200, I'm getting professional photos made by a colleague from one of the WLS message boards. I obviously will need to get more photos made when I reach "goal," whatever that is, but getting under 200 will be such a milestone that I want to commemorate it.