Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What I Ate: June 30, 2010

I'm a little annoyed because my scale was up a whopping THREE POUNDS this morning. 175.6. WTH? Yesterday, I was within 4 pounds of my first goal, but now . . . ugh. I was really hoping I'd be able to make 169 by the next support group meeting on July 13, but now, I don't know if I'll make it.

Maybe the indiscretions of this past weekend are catching up with me. Or maybe I should have eaten some cashews today. Who knows? I'll see what the scale says tomorrow morning and figure it out from there.

  • About 3 oz. Whole Foods fat-free cheese (120 kcals, 24g protein, 3g carbs, 0g fat)
  • Mega-delicious chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), SF dulce de leche and Irish cream syrups, stevia. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6.5g net carbs, 0g fat). This was one of the best shakes I've ever had, and it was creamy and rich even without the pudding mix. I'm thinking it needs to be a regular part of my arsenal, and I may start trying to phase out the pudding mix altogether (?) It is just empty carbs.
  • Roasted veggies (cals based on raw measurements - final volume was small): 118 grams bell pepper (24 kcals, 1g protein, 3.5g net carbs, 0g fat), 145 grams zucchini (24 kcals, 1.8g protein, 3.4g net carbs, 0g fat), 80 grams red onion (32 kcals, 0.9g protein, 6.1g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (80 kcals, 3.7g protein, 13g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Probably around 2 servings of bourbon praline pecans that I got in Kentucky (about 240 kcals, 2g protein . . . I don't remember the rest of the label, but obviously carbs/sugar and fat are HIGH). I supposedly got these for my coworkers, but of course I opened them myself and ate several of them. They didn't even taste good - very strong and chemically - but I ate them anyway. I wound up tossing the leftovers. I believe that, in the back of my mind, I knew I was really buying them for myself and not for the office.
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 3 decaf coffees and in a grande iced Americano from Sbux (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat). It's Treat Receipt season, y'all!
  • Chocolate-mint protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (10 kcals, 1g carbs), SF peppermint syrup. Total - (140 kcals, 26.5g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat).
  • Mocha protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar cappuccino protein powder (45 kcals, 11.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. cocoa (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), SF syrups, 1 tbsp. FF/SF vanilla pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs). Total - (160 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
1,095 calories
141.2g protein
51.6% kcals from protein (great, considering the pecans)
38.5g net carbs PLUS the bourbon praline pecans
9g fat PLUS the bourbon praline pecans
On exercise, I was lazy in the morning, but managed to get in 3 miles of Leslie Sansone's 4 Fast & Firm Really Big Miles DVD in the evening. Not great, but much better than nothing.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

What I Ate: June 29, 2010

  • Caramel latte protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), and SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 30g protein, 5.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1.5 tbsp. half and half in a Sbux decaf coffee (1.5 tbsp. half and half (30 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1.2g carbs, 3.4g fat)
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 2 decaf coffees - but I later used the rest of it in a venti iced Americano from Sbux (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat). They accidentally gave me caffeinated espresso at Sbux! I got sooo jittery, plus I was scared about the acid in my pouch, so I came home and took a couple antacids. Argh.
  • 1 red velvet protein pancake (about 64 kcals, 10.6g protein, 1.8g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals) and 2 tbsp. SF Mrs. Butterworth's pancake syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). Total - (79 kcals, 10.6g protein, 3.8g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1 Chik-Fil-A grilled chicken filet (106 kcals, 21g protein, 2g carb, 1.5g fat) with lettuce and tomato (about 5 kcals, 0.5g net carb), 1 slice Kraft fat-free cheddar (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat) and 1 slice Applegate Farms turkey bacon (35 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat). Total - (171 kcals, 31g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • Weird concoction, almost like an Indian chili: 3 oz. ground chicken breast (80 kcals, 17g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat), 125 grams eggplant (30 kcals, 1.2g protein, 2.9g net carbs, 0.2g fat), 60 grams maitake mushrooms (about 15 cals, 1.8g protein, 1.2g net carbs, 0g fat), 38 grams red onion (15 kcals, 0.4g protein, 2.9g net carbs, 0g fat), all cooked together with water, vinegar, Stevia in the Raw, garam masala, fennel seeds, curry powder, and preserved lemon (10 kcals), and topped with 49 grams cucumber ribbons (8 kcals, 0.3g protein, 1.6g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (158 kcals, 20.7g protein, 12g net carbs, 1.2g fat). Again, cleaning out my fridge. I just had to toss out over 1/2 pack of turkey bacon and half an avocado, so I'm trying to be more on top of my food before it spoils. I might need to try some new strategies, like buying turkey bacon and separating it into smaller packets before I freeze it. Fortunately, this was the end of my eggplant and mushrooms, and almost the end of my cucumber.
  • Neapolitan ice cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello vanilla pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 1 tbsp. Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g net carbs), stevia, lotsa ice. Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g net carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free cheddar (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
1,001 calories
159.6g protein
63.8% kcals from protein
43g net carbs
17.9% kcals from net carbs
18.9g fat
17.0% kcals from fat.

I needed to sleep in a bit this morning, so I missed my morning workout time. Then I was working on my grad school statement of purpose after work. I know - excuses, excuses. I have yoga tomorrow AM, so I'll be forced to be at least a little back on track.

Monday, June 28, 2010

What I Ate: June 28, 2010

Oddly, after consuming almost 2,000 calories yesterday, the scale hit a new low this morning: 172.4. That's a meager 3.4 pounds from my first goal of 169, which is half of my highest measured weight of 338.

For some reason, insanely overeating nuts and avocados seems to trigger my weight loss, not stall it. Last weekend, I probably ate about the same number of calories on Sunday or perhaps less, but I'm guessing that because what I ate was relatively low in fat and high in carbs (albeit, mostly fiber), it had a different effect on me than the nuts did.

Weekend of June 5-6: I go to Charleston, where I binge on avocados and Blue Diamond cinnamon-brown sugar almonds. Have a few bites of banana pudding; nothing outrageous. Monday's scale reading? 173.something (a new low.)

Weekend of June 19-20: I go to Anderson, where I binge on watermelon and Nik's chocolate peanut butter fudge protein pie with Fiber One crust. Monday's scale reading? 180, up 6 pounds from Friday morning (yes, I know it wasn't all fat.)

Weekend of June 26-27: I'm in Kentucky, where I binge primarily on natural almonds and raw cashews. Monday's scale reading? 172.4 (a new low.)

Interesting outcomes, but I'm not going to read too much into it. The fact is, I need to stop overeating period. But, if I do overeat, I will try to focus on healthy fats.

Anyway, on to food:

  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello cheesecake pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 4 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • Another Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 4 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural walnuts & almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • 1 red velvet protein pancake (about 64 kcals, 10.6g protein, 1.8g net carbs, 0g fat) with 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals) and 2 tbsp. SF Mrs. Butterworth's pancake syrup (10 kcals, 2g net carbs). Total - (79 kcals, 10.6g protein, 3.8g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Very weird but very delicious salad: 2 oz. ground chicken breast (54 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0.5g fat), 2 strips Applegate Farms no nitrate added uncured turkey bacon (70 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat), 85 grams eggplant (20 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1.9g net carbs, 0.2g fat), 41 grams chopped red onion (15 kcals, 0.4g protein, 2.9g net carbs, 0g fat), all cooked together with vinegar, Stevia in the Raw, garam masala, preserved lemon, and fennel seeds (5 kcals) and served over 1.5 cups of arugula (10 kcals, 0.8g protein, 0.6g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (174 kcals, 30g protein, 7.4g net carbs, 3.7g fat)
  • Chocolate protein frosty with banana: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF chocolate Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), 22 grams frozen banana (20 kcals, 0.2g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 0.1g fat), SF dulce de leche, peanut butter, and toasted marshmallow syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (170 kcals, 26.7g protein, 14g net carbs, 0.1g fat).
Total:
1,013 calories
167.8g protein (a bit much)
66.3% kcals from protein
42.2g net carbs
16.7% kcals from net carbs
15.6g fat
13.9% kcals from fat.
Exercise was 35 minutes on the treadmill at a much higher-than-normal incline in the morning, then I went to yoga for 75 minutes right after work. It was a great class - I worked my inner thighs so hard that they were shaking afterwards. The instructor was a substitute that I really, really like because she tends to work people hard. The pace of the class was quick, even though it was a basic class.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

What I Ate: June 27, 2010

Last half-day in Kentucky. All but the last meal was either at the hotel, in the airport, or on the road.

Apparently, the theme for the day was fat, fat, fat.
  • 1 sample pack of vanilla Unjury protein powder (100 kcals, 20g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/2 cup skim milk (45 kcals, 4g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat), dissolved into 1 Starbucks iced decaf Americano. Total - (145 kcals, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat).
  • 17 (one serving) turkey pepperoni "chips" (73 kcals, 9.3g protein, 0g carbs, 3.5g fat) with 1 mini Babybel Light cheese round (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat). Total - (123 kcals, 15.3g protein, 0g carbs, 6.5g fat).
  • Crazy random binge: 50 grams organic raw cashews (278 kcals, 9g protein, 15g net carbs, 22g fat), 26 (two servings) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (80 kcals, 10g protein, 6g net carbs, 0g fat), and 36 grams Blue Diamond natural almonds (204 kcals, 7.6g protein, 2.8g net carbs, 18g fat). Total - (562 kcals, 26.6g protein, 23.8g net carbs, 40g fat).
  • 2 oz. Jack Link's teriyaki beef jerky (160 kcals, 30g protein, 6g carbs, 1g fat), 2 mini Babybel Light cheese rounds (100 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 6g fat), 36 grams Blue Diamond natural almonds (204 kcals, 7.6g protein, 2.8g net carbs, 18g fat). Total - (464 kcals, 49.6g protein, 8.8g net carbs, 25g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. half and half (40 kcals, 1g protein, 1.6g carbs, 4.6g fat)
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).
  • 1 bag (2 servings) Sahale pomegranate + vanilla cashews - been wanting to try them for a while, and I figured today was a good day since I had a high-fat, high-calorie theme for the day as it was :-/ (300 kcals, 8g protein, 20g net carbs, 20g fat).
  • 39 (three servings) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (120 kcals, 15g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
1,922 calories
166g protein
34.5% kcals from protein
85.2g net carbs
17.7% kcals from net carbs
97.1g fat
45.5% kcals from fat.

Maybe I should say the theme was "Testing Gall Bladder Capacity and Level of Fat Malabsorption." Maybe I'll focus on jerky and Babybel cheese for my future travel foods. When I'm weak but relying on nuts, the above happens.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

What I Ate: June 26, 2010

Again, no totals for today. I estimated them for lunch based on online information, but I couldn't estimate the calories in the grilled veg salad at dinner because they were coated in some kind of vinaigrette.
  • 1 sample pack of vanilla Unjury protein powder (100 kcals, 20g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/2 cup skim milk (45 kcals, 4g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat), dissolved into 1 Starbucks iced decaf Americano. Total - (145 kcals, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat). This was delicious! Vanilla Unjury is actually quite tasty! I'd never tried it before due to rumors it tasted gross.
  • 25 grams organic raw cashews (139 kcals, 4.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 11g fat)
  • About 3.5 oz. deli meat, including turkey, ham, and 1 slice of roast beef (about 100 kcals, 15g protein, 2g carbs, 4g fat), 1 slice full fat cheddar cheese (113 kcals, 7g protein, 0.4g net carbs, 9.3g fat), 6 olives (about 40 kcals, 0g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 3g fat), 2 slices tomato (6 kcals, 1g net carbs), 2 lettuce leaves (2 kcals), 2 packets Gulden's spicy mustard (8 kcals). Total - (269 kcals, 22g protein, 3.9g net carbs, 16.3g fat).
  • 1 serving (1 oz.) Jack Link's teriyaki beef jerky (80 kcals, 15g protein, 3g carbs, 0.5g fat)
  • Dinner at Woodford Reserve, a bourbon distillery in Lexington, KY: Delicious grilled vegetables (mushrooms, carrots, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes), delicious steamed green beans with garlic, and relatively tasty grilled chicken breast. For dessert, I had 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). There was some kind of unappealing dessert of fudge with raspberries and bourbon sauce; I very slightly tasted it but ate less than half a bite. However, my big mistake was eating a ton of the vegetables! I wanted to have more room for them, so I ate the veggies first and saved the meat for the end - but that was dumb, because I still overate and couldn't get through the chicken.
  • 1 sample pack of chocolate Unjury protein powder (100 kcals, 20g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat) in 1/2 cup skim milk (45 kcals, 4g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (145 kcals, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat).
  • 18 grams Blue Diamond natural almonds (102 kcals, 3.8g protein, 1.9g net carbs, 9g fat)

For exercise, I did 40 minutes of treadmilling and 15 minutes of yoga on my nifty travel yoga mat. I played in the pool for about an hour in the afternoon, but I don't think that counts :-)

What I Ate: June 25, 2010

Yesterday was one of those days where I couldn't exactly calculate my calories. I'm at a conference, and I decided to participate in the meals and, unfortunately, the late night DORITOS (yes I'm apparently a "Dorito-eater" now) and BAKED LAYS as well :-( Hot mess, but I was granted a reprieve on the scale this morning. My cheapie scale read 173 or so this morning.

  • 1 chocolate About Time travel shake in iced decaf coffee (125 kcals, 30g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat)
  • 25 grams organic raw cashews (139 kcals, 4.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 11g fat)
  • Lunch: A little arugula salad with some kind of real vinaigrette, the insides of a roasted vegetable sandwich (roasted yellow bell pepper, a little zucchini, summer squash, portabella mushroom, some kind of herbed cream cheese), 1 mini Babybel Light cheese (50 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat), 18 grams Blue Diamond natural almonds (102 kcals, 3.8g protein, 1.9g net carbs, 9g fat), 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). I have no real way of knowing the caloric content of this, but I'm guesstimating - (322 kcals, 16.8g protein, 9g net carbs, 22g fat).
  • About 1.75 oz. full-fat cheese (about 200 kcals, 14g protein, 0.6g carbs, 18.8g fat) and 5 candied pecans (30 kcals, 0.3g protein, 2g net carbs, 2.3g fat). Total - (230 kcals, 14.3g protein, 2.6g net carbs, 21.1g fat).
  • Another 18-gram baggie of natural almonds (102 kcals, 3.8g protein, 1.9g net carbs, 9g fat)
  • Roughly 4 oz. salmon with some kind of sweet sauce on it (178 kcals?) and several thin stalks of roasted asparagus
  • 1 About Time to-go protein shake mixed with 1/2 cup skim milk (170 kcals, 35g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat)
  • Socially inspired binge: 25 grams organic raw cashews (139 kcals, 4.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 11g fat), 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), and a bunch of barbecue BAKED LAYS and CHEESE DORITOS.
Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill, about 5 minutes of yoga poses in the AM.

Friday, June 25, 2010

What I Ate: June 24, 2010

  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello cheesecake pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural walnuts & almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat) and 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (140 kcals, 9g protein, 5g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • 1 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme in 5 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat).
  • 11 grams raw cashews (61 kcals, 1.8g protein, 3.1g net carbs, 4.5g fat) and 15 grams "natural" almonds (86 kcals, 3.2g protein, 1.6g net carbs, 7.5g fat). Total - (147 kcals, 5g protein, 4.7g net carbs, 12g fat).
  • On-the-road tuna salad: 1 2.6-oz. packet Starkist Chunk Light tuna (80 kcals, 18g protein, 0g net carbs, 0.5g fat), 75 grams roma tomato (14 kcals, 0.8g protein, 2g net carbs, 0g fat), 45 grams diced cucumber (7 kcals, 1.4g net carbs), 3 sliced olives (15 kcals, 1.5g fat), and 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free cheddar (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat) over 2 handfuls of arugula (about 10 kcals, 1g net carbs) with homemade smoky "honey" mustard dressing (about 5 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total - (171 kcals, 26.8g protein, 6.4g net carbs, 2g fat).
  • 1.5 tbsp. half and half (30 kcals, 0.8g protein, 1.2g carbs, 3.4g fat) in an Sbux iced decaf Americano
  • 25 grams organic raw cashews (139 kcals, 4.5g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 11g fat) and 17 (one serving) turkey pepperoni "chips" (73 kcals, 9.3g protein, 0g carbs, 3.5g fat).
Total:
1,070 calories
113.9g protein
42.6% kcals from protein
36.8g net carbs
13.8% kcals from net carbs
50.7g fat
42.6% kcals from fat (!)

Morning exercise was treadmilling for an hour. I'm going to try to do more treadmill work to build my endurance and speed for walking/jogging.

I'm in Lexington, KY for a conference; flew out at 10:30 PM on Thursday, which is why my last meal wasn't one of my beloved protein frosties. :-)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

What I Ate: June 23, 2010

Well, happy yummy day! I went to yoga twice, plus got to work on my own stuff at work, so I'm very happy. Plus it's Top Chef night and I'm going out of town tomorrow. Good things all around.
  • Vaguely chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (130 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat).
  • Tuna and almonds: 1 2.6-oz. packet Starkist Chunk Light tuna (80 kcals, 18g protein, 0g net carbs, 0.5g fat) and 1 100-calorie pack natural walnuts & almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat). Total - (180 kcals, 22g protein, 2g net carbs, 9.5g fat).
  • 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 4 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Crazy omelet salad: 1/2 cup All Whites (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 54 grams summer squash (9 kcals, 0.6g protein, 1.3g net carbs, 0.1g fat), 2 strips Applegate Farms no nitrate added uncured turkey bacon (70 kcals, 12g protein, 0g carbs, 3g fat), 40 grams avocado (80 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 7.5g fat), a handful of arugula (about 10 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), a little apple cider vinegar, preserved lemon, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard (about 10 kcals, 1g net carb). Total - (239 kcals, 25.6g protein, 4.8g net carbs, 10.6g fat)
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).
  • 0.5 oz. fat-free mozzarella cheese (20 kcals, 4g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat)
Total:
947 calories
144.6g protein
61.1% kcals from protein
31.3g net carbs
13.2% kcals from net carbs
22.1g fat
21.0% kcals from fat.
As mentioned above, I went to yoga twice today, once in the morning ("warm and slow flow") and again in the evening (basic.) I did yoga for 2.5 hours today, which is pretty sweet.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

What I Ate: June 22, 2010

  • Chocolate Irish cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), SF Irish cream syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (130 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat). This was really yummy to be so straightforward.
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat)
  • 1 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme in 4 decaf coffees and 1 Starbucks iced decaf Americano with SF hazelnut syrup (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • 13 (one serving) Miss Meringue sugar-free chocolate meringue cookies (40 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Delicious salad: 2 oz. ground chicken breast (54 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 strip Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), 50 grams mushrooms, steam sauteed (13 kcals, 1g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 0g fat), 40 grams avocado (80 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 7.5g fat), 2 tsp. yellow mustard in mustard dressing (10 kcals, 1g carbs), 2 handfuls of baby arugula (about 10 kcals, 0.5g net carbs). Total - (187 kcals, 17g protein, 6g net carbs, 8.5g fat)
  • Banana pudding protein frosty: 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (180 kcals, 27.8g protein, 15.3g net carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
857 calories
112.3g protein
52.4% kcals from protein
35.3g net carbs
16.5% kcals from net carbs
26.5g fat
27.8% kcals from fat.
Work interfered with my exercise plans today. I was up and at the office at around 7, and I had weight loss surgery support group tonight after work, so no workout :(

What I Ate: June 21, 2010 (Fifth-Eleventh Recovery Edition)

It was that kind of a weekend. I went to Anderson, I cooked dinner for my mom this weekend (see photos and description here), I was surrounded by trigger foods, and to top it off, my "visitor" decided to arrive a few days early. I didn't have time to exercise either. It was the perfect storm to knock me off track. I'm not beating myself up. Sure, I wish I hadn't eaten like a crazy person, and I'm up a whopping SIX POUNDS from Saturday morning. But I dunno; I'm not worried yet. This doesn't feel like the beginning of downhill slide.

But I try to view every slip-up as a teachable moment, and here's what I learned from this one:

Lesson 1: I'm still a compulsive eater, and one of the most important tools for me to manage it is to avoid foods that set me off. Some foods, even "healthy" ones, are just not okay to keep in my house. Ever. No matter what anyone else tells me.

I thought I'd gotten better with controlling my compulsive eating. Aside from the extreme gluttony of this past weekend and the almonds from last weekend, I'd been so much better with that. Turns out that was not because I'm somehow less of a compulsive eater than I was before; I simply wasn't surrounding myself with my danger foods like Calcet chewable vitamins, Fiber One, or powdered peanut butters. This weekend, the latter two were part of a WLS-friendly dessert, and of course I ate an ungodly amount of them. No more chocolate peanut butter fudge pie for me!

Lesson 2: I need to exercise pretty much every day, even if I have cramps and feel like crap.

Even with the trigger food-fest, I think I would have been a lot better, especially on Sunday, if I hadn't missed three days of exercise. I messed up this morning before my workout with several sugar-free Hershey's chocolate bars, remnants of the weekend. I got to the gym and chocolate was smeared all over my workout shorts, and I didn't feel like working out AT ALL. But I forced myself to do it, and five minutes in, my whole outlook had changed. I know I wouldn't have eaten that chocolate if I'd exercised before eating.

At least based on Obesity Help, a lot of successful long-term post-ops don't need to exercise daily. But I've learned that I'm not like them. I have to, not just to burn calories, but mostly to get into a healthy mindset.

Okay. With all of that said, onto my Monday log:

  • Caramel latte protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), and SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 30g protein, 5.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 8 sugar-free Hershey's mini chocolate bars (256 kcals, 1.6g protein, 19.2g net carbs, 20g fat). Terrible stats, eh? They are even worse when you consider that they are full of sugar alcohols. The total carb count is 35, but I always subtract 1/2 of the sugar alcohol grams to get net carbs. But, oh well. I ate it, I wrote it, and I won't buy these again for a very long time.
  • 1 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme in 4 decaf coffees and 1 Starbucks iced decaf Americano with SF hazelnut syrup (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • 5 raw cashews (about 43 kcals, 1.3g protein, 2.2g net carbs, 3.3g fat)
  • Chicken and mozzarella omelet with salad: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat) with 3 oz. ground chicken breast (80 kcals, 17g protein, 3g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 oz. Whole Foods fat-free mozzarella (40 kcals, 8g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), a handful of arugula (5 kcals), and ginger-mustard dressing (10 kcals, 1g net carbs). Total - (195 kcals, 37g protein, 7g carbs, 0.5g fat). This was mega delicious and the protein numbers were awesome, but it was a little large for my pouch. I probably should have had half the chicken and/or half the egg beaters. It was tasty though!
  • Chocolate Irish cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF Irish cream syrup. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9.5g carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
999 calories
128.4g protein
51.4% kcals from protein
46.4g net carbs
18.6% kcals from net carbs
32.8g fat
29.5% kcals from fat.
Exercise was just 45 minutes on the elliptical. I really need to step it back up!

Monday, June 21, 2010

What I Cooked! June 19, 2010

Since January, I've been preparing one meal a month for my mom. They are always multiple courses, but WLS-friendly. (Even though my mom is a non-op, I refuse to cook foods that I can't eat.)

This month, I sort of went with a summer solstice theme. Here's what I served:

Course 1: Watermelon Three Ways

Right: Frothy cucumber-watermelon gazpacho with lemon.

Center: Salad of baby arugula with caramelized watermelon, warm almond-crusted goat cheese medallions, and orange-infused balsamic reduction.

Left: Spicy watermelon salsa with thinly sliced summer squash. The salsa contains watermelon, jicama, tomato, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, basil, and a little salt, vinegar, sucralose, and red pepper flake.

Course 2: Biscuits & Jelly

Clockwise from the top: (1) Jalapeno-cheddar Carbquik biscuit; (2) Tomato gazpacho aspic with cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion; (3) "Candied" turkey bacon (made using Nature Sweet brown); and (4) Hard-boiled egg. This was sort of a deconstructed thing. It's designed that you take a little of each thing and eat it together. Both my plating and photography were particularly bad - sorry!

Course 3: Poached Halibut with Summer Bounty in Lemon-Chamomile Broth


"Summer Bounty" is just another word for summer vegetables, and this version contained asparagus tips, golden beets, kohlrabi, and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. The halibut is sprinkled with a few crushed pink peppercorns. Unfortunately, with all the craziness going on, I think my halibut was slightly overcooked. That was a practically criminal mistake considering how expensive it was!

Either way, I loved this dish. It really tasted like summer with the floral aroma of the chamomile, the brightness of the lemon, and the light feel of the entire dish.

Kohlrabi is a particularly welcome new discovery. Steamed simply with salt until fork tender, it tasted like potatoes - but check out these fabulous stats. This summer veggie could open up a whole new world of culinary possibilities.

I think this might be my best plating for any entree thus far. My entrees usually look like a mess, but I thought this one was quite beautiful.

Course 4: Red Velvet Pancakes and Reese's Cup Protein Pie

Top: Chocolate peanut butter fudge frozen protein pie. Check out the recipe from Bariatric Foodie. Unfortunately, I ate almost the entire pie by myself, so I don't think I'll be making it again unless it's for a party where lots of people will eat it. Very yummy! One small change I'd suggest is using much less crust than the recipe calls for. I'd cut the crust recipe by a full 2/3.

Bottom: Red velvet protein pancakes with (sugar-free, fat-free) cream cheese sauce and toasted chopped pecans. This was so, so, so, so good. Mom gobbled it right up. The cream cheese sauce made all the difference.

I followed the basic protein pancake recipe from Maria Health blog, but used chocolate protein and cocoa instead of vanilla, tripled the amount of baking powder, and of course, added red food coloring.

I had fun. It sent me on a bit of an eating spree, but it is always fun to brainstorm and prepare these meals.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

What I Ate: June 17, 2010

  • Caramel latte protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), and SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 30g protein, 5.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 5 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • Avocado, bacon & tomato salad: 90 grams avocado (150 kcals, 3g protein, 3g net carbs, 15g fat), 2 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (40 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat), juice and zest of one lime, roasted tomatoes (15 kcals, 0.5g protein, 1.7g net carbs, 0g fat), 60 grams green tomatoes (15 kcals, 0.7g protein, 2.6g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 handful of arugula (5 kcals). Total - (225 kcals, 10.2g protein, 7.3g net carbs, 16g fat).
  • Banana pudding protein frosty: 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (180 kcals, 27.8g protein, 15.3g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1 zucchini - mostly failed attempt at zucchini chips (40 kcals, 2.4g protein, 4.4g net carbs, 0.4g fat)
  • 2 tbsp. PB2 (45 kcals, 5g protein, 3g net carbs, 1.5g fat) and 4 tbsp. chocolate PB2 (90 kcals, 8g protein, 10g net carbs, 2g fat). Total - (135 kcals, 13g protein, 13g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
Total:
1,064 calories
133.3g protein
50.1% kcals from protein
57.7g net carbs
21.7% kcals from net carbs
31.2g fat
26.4% kcals from fat.

Nothing exciting for exercise today: Elliptical, 45 minutes, this morning.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What I Ate: June 16, 2010

  • Caramel latte protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), a pinch of kosher salt, and SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 30g protein, 5.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 5 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • Salad: 106 grams portabella mushrooms (30 kcals, 2g protein, 3g net carbs, 0g fat), 80 grams green tomato slices (20 kcals, 0.8g protein, 3.2g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 oz. diced chicken breast (40 kcals, 8g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 oz. fat-free feta (35 kcals, 7g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), dill infused "honey" mustard vinaigrette (10 kcals, 2g net carbs) over a handful of arugula (5 kcals). Total - (140 kcals, 17.8g protein, 9.2g net carbs, 0.5g fat)
  • Banana pudding protein frosty: 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (180 kcals, 27.8g protein, 15.3g net carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
904 calories
129.5g protein
57.3% kcals from protein
42.2g net carbs
18.7% kcals from net carbs
21g fat
20.9% kcals from fat.
I didn't get any cardio today - had to get to work early this morning. But I went to a 75-minute yoga class this evening. I miss my old instructor, who is on maternity leave - she worked us a little harder than the current teacher.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

What I Ate: The Ides of June (June 15, 2010)

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), SF chocolate and peppermint syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6.5g carbs, 0g fat).
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • Banana pudding non-protein frosty: 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (128 kcals, 15.3g protein, 15.3g net carbs, 0g fat). This is better with the protein, for sure.
  • The best salad I've ever made: A napoleon made with 50 grams sauteed green tomato (15 kcals, 0.5g protein, 2.4g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 oz. diced chicken breast (40 kcals, 8g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), and an almond-crusted fat-free feta medallion (115 kcals, 11g protein, 2g carbs, 6g fat), served over a handful of baby arugula (5 kcals) and topped with lemon-turkey bacon vinaigrette (45 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat). Total - (220 kcals, 25.5g protein, 5.4g net carbs, 6.5g fat). Y'all. Y'all. This was so good! Not to be overly self-congratulatory (okay, maybe I am), but this is one of the best dishes I've created post-op. The coolest thing was the feta medallion, which I made by mixing a little Egg Beaters with 1 oz. of fat-free feta, plus some seasonings. I shaped this into a patty and froze it. Then, when I was ready to cook it, I removed it from the freezer, dipped it in a little more Egg Beaters, and coated it with 10 almonds that I'd toasted and sliced. I baked it in the oven for about 7 minutes at 450 degrees, until it was warm but not falling apart. Yay!
  • Cookies & cream cheesecake protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (160 kcals, 26.5g protein, 10g carbs, 1g fat).
  • 3/4 cup fresh blueberries (60 kcals, 0.7g protein, 12g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/2 Flatout Light Italian (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat) with 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (95 kcals, 11.3g protein, 9.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat).
Total:
1,147 calories
155.7g protein
54.3% kcals from protein
70.9g net carbs
24.7% kcals from net carbs
20.8g fat
16.3% kcals from fat.


Exercise was 40 minutes on the elliptical in the AM.

What I Ate: June 14, 2010

  • Yummy mint-chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 tbsp. Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), SF chocolate and peppermint syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6.5g carbs, 0g fat).
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 4 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • Mega-delish omelet: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 1 strip Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), 2 oz. diced chicken breast (80 kcals, 16g protein, 0.5g carbs, 1g fat), 40 grams onion, sauteed with a little thyme and preserved lemon (20 kcals, 3.5g net carbs), 20 grams sliced tomato mixed with spicy mustard and Truvia vinaigrette (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 1 slice Kraft FF Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (215 kcals, 35g protein, 7g net carbs, 1.5g fat).
  • Green beans (30 kcals, 2g protein, 4g net carbs)
  • Banana pudding protein frosty: 68 grams banana (60 kcals, 0.5g protein, 13.5g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (207 kcals, 28g protein, 21.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
986 calories
148.4g protein
60.2% kcals from protein
53.2g net carbs
21.6% kcals from net carbs
14g fat
12.8% kcals from fat.
Hopped on the elliptical for 40 minutes this morning. I didn't have a lot of time, so I cranked up the resistance and wound up getting a really good

What I Ate: June 12-13, 2010

It was a travel weekend, and I was with other people, so of course I didn't track as well as I should have. However, with the exception of banana pudding on Saturday - a planned deviation from the norm - I made good food choices.

Saturday was a trip to Edisto Beach and a subsequent trip to Charleston. We attended a barbecue in Edisto where they roasted a whole pig. In Charleston, we went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I spent the night in Charleston.

Oddly, even after the banana pudding and lots and lots of almonds and avocados, the scale hit a new low on Monday morning - 173.9. Apparently, my body likes healthy fats. Yay.

Saturday, June 12:
  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake
  • 1 oz. original Jack Link's beef jerky and 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds
  • Substantial amount of roasted pork with a tiny bit of South Carolina mustard-based BBQ sauce and real banana pudding (yum! I ate a tiny bit too much of it, but in general it was worth the calories/carbs)
  • Cinnamon-brown sugar almonds
  • From downtown Charleston's Taco Boy: A mega delicious HUGE salad with grilled flank steak (a little past the temperature I requested, but it was still tasty and wasn't dry so I didn't complain), roasted corn, avocado (an entire 1/2 avocado, and yes I ate all of it), and roasted red peppers. It also came with queso fresco and tortilla strips but I ordered it without the tortillas and had the cheese on the side. I also ordered the roasted poblano vinaigrette, which was delicious, on the side. The salad was huge. I wound up eating all of the "good stuff" and left most of the romaine. I also had some guacamole (not as good as mine) and two chips.
  • Unfortunately, more cinnamon-brown sugar almonds. A LOT more.
Saturday's exercise was a 3-mile brisk walk first thing in the morning, before getting on the road to Charleston.

Sunday, June 13:
  • At 4 AM - cinnamon-brown sugar almonds
  • 1/2 bananas & cream Oh Yeah! over ice with 1 tsp. cocoa, a squirt of light whipped topping, and 4 chunks of canteloupe
  • Moe's: Had a salad with grilled chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, olives, onions, mushrooms, and salsa (both regular and corn-tomato). Like yesterday, I focused on eating "the good stuff," particularly the chicken and black beans, and I discarded pretty much all the lettuce. No, it doesn't have many calories, but I wanted to use my pouch space for the nutritious stuff and not the filler.
  • 1/2 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in a Starbucks iced decaf Americano. Tres tasty.
  • The rest of the cinnamon-brown sugar almonds. I didn't even like these that much, but they nonetheless beckoned to me while I was driving back from Charleston. Not good, but it could be worse. I was kinda craving French fries, so having nuts was a great move. Another back up plan to avoid the fries is drying green beans in the oven, but I will save that strategy for another day.
  • Coffee cheesecake protein frosty.
  • More of my tamarind-yuzu glazed cherries. They are starting to go bad - I wish I'd frozen them :-(
  • Irish creme coffee cheesecake protein frosty.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

What I Ate: June 11, 2010

Catching up. Mostly written on Friday.
  • Chocolate-marshmallow protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), SF chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (130 kcals, 26.5g protein, 6g carbs, 0g fat). I tend to use the same SF syrups repeatedly - dulce, cookie dough, white chocolate, French vanilla, etc. Then there are those I love but use more sparingly, either because of their strength or because they are more special occasion flavors (butter rum, egg nog, gingerbread, Irish cream). And finally, there are those taste fine but that I sort of wish I didn't have (peanut butter, praline, toasted marshmallow, peppermint). I'm trying to use more flavors from that last category. I hope to streamline my SF syrup collection before I move to DC.
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • 1 vanilla creme Oh Yeah! in 5 decaf coffees (220 kcals, 32g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat)
  • Post-yoga treat: 18 Blue Diamond cinnamon-brown sugar almonds (120 kcals, 4.5g protein, 3g net carbs, 10.5g fat), chopped and mixed with 75 grams tamarind-yuzu glazed cherries (47 kcals, 10.5g net carbs). Total - (167 kcals, 4.5g protein, 13.5g net carbs, 10.5g fat).
  • Bacon, kale, tomato, onion, and feta omelet: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 2 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (40 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat), 40 grams sliced tomato (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 40 grams onion (17 kcals, 3.5g net carbs), 10 grams kale (5 kcals, 0.7g net carbs), 1 oz. FF feta cheese (35 kcals, 7g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals). Total - (172 kcals, 25g protein, 7.7g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • Reese's shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder (66 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello cheesecake pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), 1 tbsp. Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), Torani and DaVinci SF chocolate and peanut butter syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (176 kcals, 27.5g protein, 10g carbs, 0.5g fat).
Total:
994 kcals
133.4g protein
53.7% kcals from protein
49.4g net carbs
19.9% kcals from net carbs
23.5g fat
21.3% kcals from fat.
On Friday, my exercise was hot yoga. It was not as vigorous as usual because my instructor was concerned about overheating us, given that it was 100+ degrees outside. I love warm weather, but the weather we're having now is a little ridiculous.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

What I Ate: June 10, 2010

  • Caramel cream protein shake: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), a pinch of kosher salt, and SF dulce de leche and French vanilla syrups. Total - (135 kcals, 30g protein, 5.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (129 kcals, 17.9g protein, 9.2g carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • All but 3 oz. of a Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 3 decaf coffees (124 kcals, 25g protein, 2.2g net carbs, 0.7g fat). I ran out of time at work to use the whole thing. :-/
  • 24 Blue Diamond cinnamon-brown sugar almonds (160 kcals, 6g protein, 4g net carbs, 14g fat).
  • Chicken, bacon, mushroom, tomato omelet: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 1 strip Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (20 kcals, 3g protein, 0g carbs, 0.5g fat), 2 oz. diced chicken breast (80 kcals, 16g protein, 0.5g carbs, 1g fat), 28 grams sliced tomato (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), 1 slice Kraft FF American cheese (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 100 grams mushrooms (23 kcals, 3g protein, 2g net carbs, 0.3g fat). Total - (213 kcals, 38g protein, 7g net carbs, 1.8g fat).
  • 1 can of green beans I'd turned into chips (70 kcals, 3.5g protein, 7g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 75 grams tamarind-yuzu glazed cherries (47 kcals, 10.5g net carbs)
  • Banana pudding protein frosty: 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF French vanilla and dulce de leche syrups. Total - (180 kcals, 27.8g protein, 15.3g net carbs, 0g fat). So, so incredibly, magically delicious! This really did taste like my grandmother's banana pudding. This is a great nighttime shake :-)
Total:
1,058 calories
148.2g protein
56.0% kcals from protein
60.7g net carbs
22.9% kcals from net carbs
19g fat
16.2% kcals from fat.

Exercise today was a cool 35 minutes on the elliptical. Good, not great, but holding steady.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What I Ate: June 9, 2010

After an interesting support group meeting where we talked about the ridiculousness of ultra-low carbs, I felt encouraged to add in a few more fruits, especially considering that I was coming up low on calories. I had very little fat today; the new carbs basically replaced my fats. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but having the fruit was really nice. Honestly, I kind of miss being a vegetarian.

  • Irish Creme Coffee protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar cappuccino protein powder (45 kcals, 11.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), SF Irish Creme and chocolate syrups. Total - (125 kcals, 26.5g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat). I've decided to axe the pudding mix for a bit, at least in the morning shake. I adore the super-rich protein frosties, but that pudding mix makes them so thick and traps the air so well that it kind of hurts to eat it all. I can of course wait and eat it more slowly, but it takes a really long time. By the time my stomach can really handle the entire thick shake, the ice melts a bit and it doesn't taste as good. Maybe one day, I'll figure out how to make one that's about half the volume(they wouldn't freeze very well.)
  • Homemade Lunchables: 1/2 Flatout Light Italian toasted into crackers (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat), 2 slices Kraft FF cheese (1 Swiss, 1 American) (50 kcals, 8g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat), 3 slices Hormel Natural Choice turkey sliced into small triangles (50 kcals, 10g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat). Total - (145 kcals, 21.3g protein, 9.5g carbs, 1.8g fat). This was fun to eat. Believe I'll do it more often.
  • Protein decaf coffees using Lean Body on-the-go chocolate ice cream RTD (180 kcals, 25g protein, 0g net carbs, 7g fat).
  • Omelet: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 3 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (60 kcals, 9g protein, 0g carbs, 1.5g fat), 40 grams tomato with preserved lemon (10 kcals, 1g net carbs), 0.5 oz. fat-free feta (18 kcals, 3.5g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 slice Kraft FF Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 50 grams wilted kale (25 kcals, 1.6g protein, 4g net carbs, 0.5g fat), 20 grams onion (8 kcals, 0.2g protein, 1.4g net carbs, 0g fat), 60 grams mushrooms (13 kcals, 1.8g protein, 1.4g net carbs, 0g fat). Total - (219 kcals, 32.1g protein, 12.3g net carbs, 2g fat).
  • 150 grams tamarind-cinnamon glazed fresh cherries - yum! (94 kcals, 1.4g protein, 21g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • Chocolate monkey protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 tbsp. cocoa (5 kcals, 0.5g carbs), 37 grams banana (33 kcals, 0.3g protein, 7.3g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs). Total - (188 kcals, 26.8g protein, 17.3g net carbs, 0g fat). Interestingly, the addition of half a banana made this a little less thick, so I didn't have the pouch-busting effect of my usual protein frosties. That is a good thing.
Total:
951 calories
133.1g protein
56.0% kcals from protein
55.1g net carbs
23.2% kcals from net carbs
10.8g fat
10.2% kcals from fat.
Exercise today was an hour on the elliptical in the morning and a 75-minute yoga class at night. Back up to my preferred level of activity. Yay.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

What I Ate: June 8, 2010

  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello cheesecake pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • 1/2 Flatout Light Italian (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat) with 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals), a tiny bit of habanero salsa verde (3 kcals), 1 slice Kraft FF Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), and 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (112 kcals, 13.9g protein, 7.2g net carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • About 1/2 Lean Body chocolate ice cream RTD in decaf coffees (90 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 3.5g fat).
  • 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 2 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • Big ole delicious slider food high-calorie omelet: 1/2 cup Egg Beaters (60 kcals, 12g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), 2 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (40 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat), 2.5 oz. diced chicken breast (100 kcals, 20g protein, 2g carbs, 1.5g fat), 1 slice tomato (5 kcals, 1g net carbs), 60 grams avocado mixed with preserved lemon (100 kcals, 2g protein, 2g net carbs, 10g fat). Total - (305 kcals, 40g protein, 7g net carbs, 12.5g fat).
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).
Total:
995 calories
154.4g protein
62.1% kcals from protein
38.2g net carbs
15.4% kcals from net carbs
21.3g fat
19.3% kcals from fat.
Exercise today was meager again. I just couldn't drag myself out of bed so well. But I did something: Sansone 30-minute walk DVD.

I also went to support group tonight. It was a good meeting; we talked about "taming the beast of emotional eating." Anyone who reads this blog knows I'll take all the help I can get with that.

So, we go around the room at the beginning of the meeting, introduce ourselves, tell where we are in our "journey," and share how much weight we've lost. There was a new woman there who'd had LapBand surgery in 2008, but has only lost 35 pounds. It was her first time ever attending support group after almost 2 years. She seemed ashamed, disappointed, and sad. I saw her eyes well up when the group leader asked her about her most recent fill. She was in a vulnerable place, and I don't think anyone said anything out of line, but I'm still a bit worried that she didn't feel fully supported. I hope she returns. Support is crucial.

My heart went out to her. It's a "there, but for the grace of God, go I" type of situation.

Monday, June 7, 2010

What I Ate: June 7, 2010

Ugh. Monday. And up a few pounds. I swear, you'd think I sprang from Poseidon the way I attract water weight. Ba-da-ching!
  • Caramel cinnamon latte protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Great Value (Wal-Mart) pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), pinch of cinnamon, and SF dulce de leche syrup. Total - (150 kcals, 30g protein, 8.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1/2 Flatout Light Italian (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat) with 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals), 1 slice tomato (3 kcals), 1 slice Kraft FF Swiss (25 kcals, 4g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat), and 2 slices Hormel Natural Choice deli turkey (34 kcals, 6.6g protein, 0.7g carbs, 0.7g fat). Total - (112 kcals, 13.9g protein, 7.2g net carbs, 2.5g fat).
  • Protein coffees: 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 2 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat).
  • Delicious-but-random concoction: 1/4 cup Egg Beaters (30 kcals, 6g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 2 strips Jennie-O extra lean turkey bacon (40 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat), 2 oz. diced chicken breast (80 kcals, 16g protein, 1g carbs, 1g fat), 1 slices tomato (5 kcals, 1g net carbs), 55 grams avocado mixed with preserved lemon, sweetening syrup, and apple cider vinegar to make a spectacular vinaigrette (100 kcals, 2g protein, 2g net carbs, 10g fat). Total - (255 kcals, 30g protein, 5g net carbs, 12g fat).
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (8 kcals, 2g carbs). Total - (168 kcals, 26.5g protein, 12g carbs, 1g fat).
  • Red velvet protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), ice, water, SF chocolate syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
1,000 calories (on the button!)
161.9g protein
64.8% kcals from protein
44.7g net carbs
17.9% kcals from net carbs
16.5g fat
14.9% kcals from fat.

Exercise was minimal today: Just the 30-minute Walk Strong Leslie Sansone DVD. Tomorrow I'm planning to really hit the gym hard in the am.

What I Ate: June 6, 2010

Backtracking - wrote most of this on Sunday.
  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello white chocolate pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • Irish Creme Coffee protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar cappuccino protein powder (45 kcals, 11.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), ice, water, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 8.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1 100-calorie pack cocoa-roasted almonds (100 kcals, 3g protein, 2g net carbs, 8g fat).
  • About 1 serving Jack Link's BBQ beef jerky (100 kcals, 15g protein, 8g carbs, 1g fat).
  • Buttery cinnamon roll shake: 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein powder (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF dulce de leche syrup, cinnamon. (147 kcals, 27.5g protein, 8g net carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1 fortune cookie (30 kcals, 0.3g protein, 6.6g net carbs, 0.2g fat)
  • Steamed vegetables left over from M Cafe night.
  • Chocolate PB protein frosty: 1/2 scoop Inspire chocolate peanut butter fudge shake (64 kcals, 13g protein, 1.5g net carbs, 0.5g fat), 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. white chocolate SF/FF Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), DaVinci SF peanut butter syrup (159 kcals, 28g protein, 9.5g net carbs, 0.5g fat)
  • About 3 oz. chicken breast (120 kcals, 24g protein, 2g carbs, 2g fat) and one lettuce leaf.
No exercise! Argh.

What I Ate: June 5, 2010

(Backtracking - wrote most of this on Saturday)

Took the GRE this morning. Surprisingly, it went pretty well! Thank God. I'd actually taken it before without much studying, and my math score was unattractive, to say the least. Verbal was fine, not awesome but definitely acceptable. This time, both scores increased pretty significantly: Oddly, I got the same score on both. I actually did better on the GRE than the SAT. So, I'm thrilled. I won't know for a few weeks how I did on the writing part, but I did well last time, so I think they'd count that score, no matter what.

  • Chocolate Irish Creme protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1 serving (1 oz.) Jack Link's teriyaki beef jerky (80 kcals, 15g protein, 3g carbs, 0.5g fat)
  • Irish Creme Coffee protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar cappuccino protein powder (45 kcals, 11.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), ice, water, Hershey's SF chocolate syrup (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 8.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds (100 kcals, 4g protein, 2g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • Pure Protein cookies & creme RTD in Starbucks decaf coffees (120 kcals, 23g protein, 2g net carbs, 1.5g fat) and 4 LaNouba sugar-free marshmallows (54 kcals, 0.8g protein, 10.4g net carbs). Total - (174 kcals, 23.8g protein, 12.4g net carbs, 1.5g fat).
  • Dinner from M Cafe (to celebrate taking the GRE for the last time): STUFFED - I ate a little too much (but not enough to make myself sick, thank goodness.) They gave me a reediculous amount of food. I ordered chicken/pepper/water chestnut lettuce wraps and steamed shrimp with vegetables. I stuffed down a lot of the filling from the lettuce wraps (which I ordered cooked with no oil.) This was delicious. I ate 2 bites of the veggies and 3-4 small shrimp. That was it for me. This meal totally reminded me that I had RNY
  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello white chocolate pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • More of my Miyo's chicken and vegetables

Saturday exercise was a 3-mile walk at the park. It wasn't very strenuous, but at least I did something.

Friday, June 4, 2010

What I Ate: June 4, 2010

Last day of all-protein supplement diet, but I ultimately gave in and had some real food in the evening. My body seemed to need it. This morning, I weighed 176! Man, if I'd stuck to my guns in Missouri, I could be at revised goal by now. But anyway, I'm now 7 pounds away from that goal, so can't complain.

GRE in the morning. As they say in church, "If you know a word of prayer, please pray for me." Seriously, I'm scared.
  • Vaguely chocolate protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (145 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat). So yums.
  • About 1/2 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme RTD in 3 decaf coffees (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat) with SF chocolate syrup and 4 LaNouba SF marshmallows melted in (53 kcals, 10.7g net carbs)
  • About 1/2 Lean Body chocolate ice cream RTD in decaf coffees (90 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g net carbs, 3.5g fat)
  • Caramel cinnamon protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire cinnamon cappuccino protein (55 kcals, 15g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. French vanilla SF/FF Great Value (Wal-Mart) pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1 tbsp. fat-free I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (5 kcals), pinch of cinnamon, pinch of salt, and SF dulce de leche syrup. Total - (155 kcals, 30g protein, 8.5g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • 3 slices fat-free cheese (75 kcals, 12g protein, 6g net carbs, 0g fat), 5 olives (25 kcals, 2.5g fat), 2 slices Jennie-O extra-lean turkey bacon (40 kcals, 6g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat), and 1 slice tomato (5 kcals). Total - (145 kcals, 18g protein, 6g net carbs, 3.5g fat).
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (165 kcals, 26.5g protein, 10g carbs, 1g fat).
Total:
863 calories
111.5g protein
51.7% kcals from protein
45.7g net carbs
21.2% kcals from net carbs
12.5g fat
13.0% kcals from fat.

Exercise today was 1 hour on the elliptical in the morning. I was drenched in sweat afterward; it was terrific.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

What I Ate: June 3, 2010

Good news! The scale was back down to 179 this morning. Five more pounds to lose to get off my chocolate chip pancake/ice cream/peanut butter cookie weight. Hopefully I'll be able to take off at least 5 more after that, which would allow me to hit my revised goal of 169.
  • Strawberries and white chocolate protein shake: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Matrix strawberry cream protein powder (55 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0.8g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello white chocolate pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), SF white chocolate syrup, lotsa ice. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.8g fat).
  • Protein coffees: 1 Pure Protein frosty chocolate shake in 3 decaf coffees (170 kcals, 35g protein, 3g net carbs, 1g fat) with 3 LaNouba sugar-free marshmallows (40 kcals, 8g net carbs)
  • About 1/2 Oh Yeah! vanilla creme RTD in 2 decaf coffees (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • Reese's Cup protein frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire peanut butter cookie protein powder (66 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0.5g carbs, 0.5g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF Jello cheesecake pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals), 1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder (5 kcals, 0.5g net carbs), Torani and DaVinci SF chocolate and peanut butter syrups, lotsa ice. Total - (171 kcals, 27.5g protein, 9g carbs, 0.5g fat). This was really good! I didn't know I could produce a good shake in this flavor without the caloric investment of PB2, but apparently it's possible.
  • Cookies & cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat) and 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1/2 scoop Matrix Cookies & Cream protein powder (65 kcals, 11.5g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat), ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (160 kcals, 26.5g protein, 10g carbs, 1g fat).
Total:
801 calories
131.5g protein
65.7% kcals from protein
40.5g net carbs
20.2% kcals from net carbs
7.8g fat
8.8% kcals from fat.
Exercise today was 43 minutes on the elliptical. I was having such a good time I could have gone for twice as long, but work beckoned.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

What I Ate: June 2, 2010

Gosh, so glad May is over! What a crazy month that was.

After about 5 days of no-holds-barred decadence, I'm back on the wagon. Scale was back up to 182 this morning, so 8 pounds up from last week's low of 174. :-( It's okay. I expect it to come right back off. What's important is not how many times we fall, but that we get back up again.

I'm doing the liquid protein diet Wednesday-Friday, for a couple reasons. First, I haven't had time to get my food in order for the week, and with the GRE coming up on Saturday, I don't have time to cook now either. Also, after last week and this weekend, I think this will hit my mental reset button in addition to getting the high-carb stuff out of my system.

So, the eats:
  • Cookie dough ice cream protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Inspire ice cream sandwich protein powder (63 kcals, 15g protein, 1g net carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs) ice, water, SF cookie dough syrup. Total - (158 kcals, 30g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • About 1/2 vanilla cream Oh Yeah! in 3 decaf coffees (110 kcals, 16g protein, 1.5g carbs, 4.5g fat)
  • 1 Pure Protein Cookies-n-Creme RTD shake (120 kcals, 23g protein, 2g net carbs, 1g fat) in 2 decaf coffees with 3 LaNouba sugar-free marshmallows (40 kcals, 8g net carbs)
  • Irish cream/butter rum protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop Nectar chocolate truffle protein powder (50 kcals, 11.5g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), 1 tbsp. fat-free ICBINB (5 kcals), ice, water, SF butter rum and Irish Cream syrups. Total - (150 kcals, 26.5g protein, 9g net carbs, 0g fat).
  • Eggnog protein frosty: 1/2 cup cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 1/2 scoop About Time birthday cake protein (52 kcals, 12.5g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat), 1 tbsp. SF/FF white chocolate Jello instant pudding mix (15 kcals, 3g carbs), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lots of SF eggnog syrup left over from winter (about 5 kcals). Total - (152 kcals, 27.5g protein, 8g net carbs, 0g fat).
Total:
730 calories
123g protein
67.4% kcals from protein
37.5g net carbs
20.5% kcals from net carbs
5.5g fat
6.8% kcals from fat.

Exercise today was minimal, but it happened: Just a 75-minute basic yoga class. The most annoying thing was that the instructor kept telling me to straighten my arms even though they were already straight. My abundant excess arm skin distorts my arms and makes it look like I'm bending them when I'm actually just fat. :-/

What I Ate: May 22 - June 1, 2010 (or, The Temptation of a Food Addict)

Umm, so welcome back? :-)

I was on vacation last week doing the camp counselor thing at a leadership event. It was awesome, but exhausting, and a terrible, terrible place for a food addict. Immediately before that, I was in my hometown celebrating my grandmother's 90th birthday.

I started my vacation time pretty solidly. For example, here was Saturday, May 22:
  • Cookie dough protein frosty
  • WLS-Friendly egg beater and fat-free cheese breakfast Carbquik biscuit
  • 1 100-calorie pack cocoa-roasted almonds
  • Cracker Barrel meal with my grandma and family: I ordered the Grilled Steak Salad from the low-carb menu with no blue cheese and fat-free ranch. I ate the steak, 1/2 the dressing, the hard-boiled egg, and most of the tomato pieces. I also took a tiny taste of my mom's meatloaf (pretty good) and one of my sister's fried shrimp (so salty you couldn't taste the shrimp).
  • Super-proteiny chocolate protein frosty
  • NIGHT NOSH with mom: Several handfuls Fiber One cereal, about 3/4 handful cocoa-roasted almonds, and a LOT of peanut butter. I'd done great all day, but past midnight hanging out with my mom is a diet disaster waiting to happen!

Is this great? No - of course, the night nosh was a bad idea. But it wasn't catastrophic.

Sunday, May 23 was also okay, though I can't remember what I ate after the Flatout with peanut butter. I know there was something else, but I can't recall what it was.

  • "Tan velvet" protein frosty
  • WLS-friendly chicken biscuit: Carbquik paprika biscuit (90 kcals, 6g protein, 2g net carbs, 6g fat), 2 tbsp. ICBINB (10 kcals), and about 2 oz. Italian dressing-marinated chicken breast (about 80 kcals, 16g protein, 1g carb, 3g fat). Total - (180 kcals, 22g protein, 3g net carbs, 9g fat).
  • 1 serving original Jack Link's beef jerky (80 kcals, 15g protein, 3g carbs, 1g fat) and 1/2 original Flatout Light, toasted (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat). Total - (135 kcals, 18.3g protein, 7.5g net carbs, 2.8g fat)
  • Chocolatey cheesecake frosty: 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese (80 kcals, 15g protein, 5g carbs, 0g fat), 2 tbsp. SF/FF cheesecake Jello pudding mix (30 kcals, 6g carbs), 1 tbsp. FF ICBINB (5 kcals), Torani SF chocolate syrup, Splenda. Total - (115 kcals, 15g protein, 11g carbs, 0g fat)
  • 1/2 original Flatout Light, toasted (45 kcals, 3.3g protein, 4.5g net carbs, 1.8g fat) with 1 tbsp. peanut butter (95 kcals, 4g protein, 2.5g net carbs, 8g fat) and 1 tbsp. fat-free I Can't Believe It's Not Butter (5 kcals). Total (145 kcals, 7.3g protein, 7g net carbs, 9.8g fat)

Not great; not horrendous. I also worked out with a new (to me) Leslie Sansone "Walk Slim" video.

Monday-Wednesday, May 24-26 were also acceptable. I had finally gotten to Missouri, where every meal spread includes MEGA carbs (bread, potatoes, pasta - always around), ice cream, cake, cookies, etc. I made several mistakes, but I was still relatively strong for a food addict in that environment. My main vice was tropical trail mix. I was mostly eating off the salad bar, and I was working out every morning. The scale hit 174 on both Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Monday:

  • Ungodly amount of peanut butter at 3:30/4:00 AM (pre-drive to Atlanta airport)
  • Beef jerky
  • 1 egg white, 1.5 tbsp. black beans, 1/2 tbsp. shredded Cheddar cheese, and 1/2 Flatout
  • About Time mocha mint shake and go bottle
  • Bravo Italiano: (1) mushrooms, onion, and tomato from a piece of bruschetta, (2) most of the toppings from an "insalata rustica" (pears, pancetta, dried cranberries), (3) most of a piece of bread :-(, (4) filet, shrimp, and 3 sauteed green beans
  • 4-5 banana chips, 3 cashews, 2 pieces dried coconut
  • 1 100-calorie pack cocoa-roasted almonds

Tuesday:

  • 1 shake-and-go About Time cinnamon swirl shake (125 kcals, 31g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat) with 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze (40 kcals, 1g protein, 1g net carbs, 3g fat).
  • About 1/2 to 3/4 cup scrambled eggs sprinkled with deli ham and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
  • 3.5 banana chips, 3.5 cashews, and 3 dried cranberries from a bowl of tropical trail mix, then tuna, crackers.
  • About 1/3 chocolate Oh Yeah! in decaf
  • 1 serving original Jack Link's beef jerky, 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds, very large serving of canned, apparently unsalted green beans
  • The other 2/3 of my chocolate Oh Yeah! in 2 decaf coffees; 1 handful tropical trail mix
  • 1 100-calorie pack natural almonds

Wednesday:

  • About Time strawberry shake-and-go with 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze (145 kcals, 31.5g protein, 0.5g net carbs, 1.5g fat).
  • Huge plate of scrambled eggs and too much tropical trail mix
  • Lunch: Green beans and a small salad with spinach, about 2 egg whites, black beans, olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and lite ranch dressing
  • About 1/3 Lean Body chocolate ice cream protein drink in decaf coffee
  • Dinner (where it all fell apart): 1/2 Flatout, small serving of kidney beans, 1 serving teriyaki beef jerky, 4 mini-tubs of peanut butter
  • A few bites of ice cream
  • 1 100-calorie pack cocoa-roasted almonds, sugar-free marshmallows, 1 Flatout

You see that by Wednesday's end, my resolve had already been compromised. First was a little ice cream. Then came the random binge on almonds, sugar-free marshmallows, and toasted Flatout.

By Thursday, I was too ashamed of myself to keep tracking. I know neither what I ate nor when I ate it. All I know is, by Sunday, I'd eaten LOTS of ice cream (so much I made myself sick Saturday night), vanilla cake with chocolate frosting, Reese's cups, Oreo crumbles, potato chips, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake with graham cracker crust, and my crowning achievement, a chocolate chip pancake. Yes, you read that correctly. (All the while, I was still exercising - the only day I missed was Sunday.)

I just didn't have the strength to make it through an entire week of constant exposure to that kind of food. I couldn't skip cafeteria meal- and snack-times because I was being paid to hang out with the students and chat with them over mealtimes and late at night. So I caved - badly. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I was allowing myself to screw up because I knew the situation was only temporary. Chocolate chip pancakes and peanut butter cookies are never going to become a regular part of my repertoire.

So, I didn't beat myself up about it. I'm back on plan. I had a very, very special time in Missouri, and I won't let my food addiction and concomitant guilt sully great memories. But I also won't let the trip precipitate a downward health spiral.